Ringana Sample Boxes & Skincare Review

 

I was very excited to receive the Ringana products in the post, as I have reviewed the Austrian brand before and absolutely loved how it worked for my skin. However, what I love the most, like all their loyal customers, is their ethos on using fresh ingredients and being high on sustainability.

Every product is ‘fresh’. You will not find any chemical nasties, preservatives etc and for this reason, the products do have a shelf life (use by date) which is individual according to the product (so you will need to check this when purchasing). 

This year I have been sent some of the ‘Sample Boxes’, these are, as the name suggests, contemporary boxes filled with travel sized treats so you can take on holiday, festivals or just to sample the products before purchasing full size. I have also been sent some of the skincare.

The skincare is designed to be gentle enough for all skin types, especially sensitive but also to give radiance to dull skin. 

The ingredients are the best quality. Take for example the Fresh Scrub, ideal for both men and women the Fresh Scrub contains:-

• Citrus Sinensis Fruit Water - helps aid in the healing of acne, calms inflammation and redness, is clarifying so skin looks rejuvenated. 
• Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil - Sesame Seed Oil full of Omega 6 fatty acids that help nourish and provide a barrier to the skin, protecting it from pollution etc. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil - Sweet Almond Oil, full of anti-oxidants that help reduce the appearance of scarring and wrinkles.
• Xylitol - a natural sugar that is antiseptic and anti-bacterial, it also replenishes moisture loss.
• Bambus Arundinacea Stem Extract - aka Bamboo, this gives skin radiance and luminosity, banishes dull looking skin by detoxifying and clarifying. 
• Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil - helps reduce sebum (oil), so prevents breakouts. 

The Fresh Enzyme Mask is ‘Illuminating’, again for those who feel their skin is looking a little tired and sallow. It has in it nourishing and anti-inflammatory Shea Butter for a base, as well as fruit acids such Kiwi and Papaya, both natural and gentle exfoliants that have a high potency of vitamin C, that leave the skin looking brighter and more radiant. This Mask has so many beneficial ingredients that it is impossible to list them all however, every one of them works to brighten the skin complexion. 

The Fresh Cleansing Water, gently removes all traces of makeup and impurities with cooling Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and other cleansing agents such as:-

• Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract - aka Pepperberry and rich in anti-oxidants that help protect and repair the skin. Also helps with dark circles under the eyes. 
• Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract - anti-inflammatory ideal for sensitive and hormonal skin. Protects the skin from harsh weather elements and environmental stressors. 
• Equisetum Arvense Extract - acts as an astringent so helps tightens pores, reduces the look of large pores and also gives skin that natural glow.
• Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract - often used to help balance hormones, this is otherwise known as St John’s Wort. On the skin, it has an abundance of effects including protecting the skin from bacteria, is anti-inflammatory and can also aid in the healing of scars. 

Ringana also provide Sample Boxes however, at time of writing these are currently out of stock (with more coming in). It’s no wonder they’re so popular as each ‘Box’ contains travel sized products so you can get a good two weeks worth, to sample before you buy the full sizes.

The one pictured is the Sample Box Wash which is perfect for not just holidays but also festivals. Indeed it contains Body Wash, Shampoo, Stay Fresh Intimate Gel, Deodorant and Tooth Oil.  Other Sample Boxes include ‘Face Medium’ and ‘Body’, again these include everything you need to get a trial of how the products work for your skin. 

Prices on the website start from under £10 and I would urge you to have a browse and trial out the products yourself. If you look at the customer feedback you can see for yourself the 5 star reviews. The products are all vegan and hold the FSC stamp, so you can be sure that everything is sustainably sourced.

It’s a unique brand, and is shipped worldwide. You can find out more of the company and also if you are interested in becoming a ‘Partner’, by visiting www.Ringana.com or clicking the link HERE

So…? Escapes Gift Set Bali Breeze RRP £8.99

 

I do love a gift set at Christmas as the value for money is so good and definitely worth stocking (pun intended), on all year round for birthdays, teachers presents etc.

This set by So…? Fragrances contains 1 x 200ml Body Mist, 1 x 50ml Body Mist and 1 x 50ml Body Butter, all deliciously boxed (it really does smell deliciously sweet) in tropical packaging.

The scent is sweet, juicy and definitely fruity. Pineapple, Coconut and Orange give this the Hawaiian (or Bali), tropical, punch fragrance that is surprisingly long lasting. Usually these scents only last an hour or so on me however, this one is definitely lingering a few hours on. Base notes, I am detecting (although not certain), a vanilla base, rather creamy, soft and nurturing. 

It not only contains a full sized Body Mist but also a travel sized one, ideal for work, gym bag or in your flight bag. 

It also contains a 50ml Body Butter, ideal for dry, dehydrated skin and definitely a must for keeping legs smooth, especially if you’re showing off your pins in a Christmas dress! The Body Butter also contains nourishing Shea Butter, hydrating Cocoa Seed Butter, Avocado Fruit Butter and Mango Seed Butter. These rich, moisturising ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that also help with red, irritated skin, as well as anti-oxidants that help protect the skin from harsh weather elements such as wind, rain and the sun.

The gift is great value for money, you could even split it and gift the larger bottle and twin both the smaller sized samples. It makes a great Secret Santa or stocking gift, and with the lively, fruity scent it’s ideal for younger adults.

You can purchase online at So…? Fragrances or by clicking the link HERE

Adaptogenic Apothecary Freedom Supplement Review £36 1 months supply

 

Being full on menopausal (I went through my menopause over 5 years ago), and not being able to take HRT, I am all for trying supplements that help with the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is something that I have found at times, very difficult to contend with however, I have now accepted.  My hot flushes thankfully are now far and few between, the stomach weight gain is something I’ve had to deal with however, the joint pain especially as I suffer with bad joints anyway I’ve struggled with. Exercise and eating healthily has helped, as has reducing sugar, stopping caffeine and limiting alcohol. Both limiting alcohol and stopping caffeine seems to be the crux for reducing anxiety. So I was all for testing the new Freedom supplement clinically proven to help reduce peri menopause and menopause symptoms.

Unfortunately, as I was just sent a few sachets, it is impossible to get any indication of how this may work, as often these supplements need taking for a month to see results. However, I have listed below the ingredients.

• Lion’s Mane Extract - helps with brain fogginess, tiredness and stops you putting your keys in the fridge. 
• Raw Cacao - an antioxidant that has magnesium so can help with restless legs and cramping. 
• Coconut Milk (Tapioca) - has minerals such as iron and potassium.
• Cordyceps Extract - helps revive loss libido and gives energy.
• Inulin from Agave - acts as a prebiotic to help with good gut bacteria. 
• Beetroot - lowers blood pressure and helps liver function.
• Rosehip - anti-inflammatory so good for aching joints. 
• Goji Berry - high in vitamin C, is good for the skin and also helps with sexual dysfunction. 
• Ashwangandha - helps with anxiety and depression. 
• Maitake Extract - helps keep weight gain in balance. 
• Cinnamon - helps with stomach and digestive disorders as well as keeping blood sugar levels down. 
• Affron® - reduces anxiety, helps with aching joints.

There are a number of ways you can included the supplement into your diet, such as mixing with yoghurt, granola and fruit (as I have done here) - it does need mixing well and it definitely needs something sweet.

Or you can use it in drinks, sprinkled on other foods, in smoothies etc. You can also use it alongside HRT however, you must consult your GP if you are taking any medications. 

To view the full range and the 5 star reviews from loyal customers (check out their 5 out of 5 Trustpilot reviews), you can visit Adaptogenic Apothecary online or by clicking the link HERE

The Body Shop Christmas Gifts Review 2023

 

I know I’ve said this before but I love this time of the year, reviewing Christmas gifts makes writing unpaid all the worth while, especially when it comes to The Body Shop. Literally spoilt for choice there is a gift for everyone and, whilst some of the gifts are similar to the previous year, reviewing them always makes me smile!

I’ll delve straight in and show you the best of this year’s selection. Word of warning - many of these are limited edition so snap them up early!

Cherries & Cheer Shower Gel 250ml £8 / Body Butter 200ml £19 Lip Butter 10ml £6

If you love your Bakewell Tarts then you will love this range. There is no better way to describe the fragrance as biting into a cherry and almond cake, it is simply scrumptious. The Body Butter is filled with nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter that not only help moisturise your skin but also contain anti-oxidants and help protect the skin. Likewise the Lip Butter is formulated to help not only repair cracked, dry lips but also protect them from harsh weather, central heating etc. 

Pears & Share Shower Gel 250ml £8 Cream Body Scrub 240ml £19

This sweetly fragranced Shower Gel, is delicately refreshing. It contains Aloe Vera Juice Powder and so is very good for inflammation and if you suffer with redness or irritated skin. The Body Exfoliator is gritty with finely milled Walnut Shell Powder, but has a creamy base of Shea Butter, Brazil Nut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil amongst other nourishing ingredients. These work together to give optimum skin protection and will leave the skin smooth and feeling soft.

Sweets & Treats Pear & Cherry Essentials Gift Set £18

If you can’t choose between the Pears & Share or Cherries & Cheer, then this Gift Set covers all your dilemmas. 

It contains decent travel sizes of both Shower Gel and Body Butters. It makes a great present, but you can also split the gift and make 2 separate gifts out of the box! Each Shower Gel is 60ml so will last a good couple of weeks, and the Body Butters are 50ml, perfect travel size for your holiday or gym bag. 

Unwind & Rest Sleep Intro Gift Set £34

I often gift out products that I review to my family however, this one I am firmly keeping. I suffer with bad nerve, pins and needles at night due to a spinal disease I’m registered disabled with. Sleep is a luxury most nights and so I am always on the look out for products to aid a nights rest. However, this set is not just for sleep, it contains products to help you throughout the day and cope with stressful situations, such as:-

• Sleep Relaxing Hair & Body Wash 200ml - Filled with Community Fair Trade Organic Olive Oil, this lavender infused wash will not only leave you feeling relaxed, but also your skin and hair soft and nourished. It’s ideal to use not just in the evening but also after a swim or gym, to instantly relax tired muscles.
• Sleep Essential Oil 9ml - this shoulder drop pulse points oil has essential oils of Lavender and Vetiver. Apply a little to your temples, wrists to ease off the stresses of the day. 
• Sleep Bedtime Balm 30g - Not just for use before bed, this balm is ideal to apply before exams, when you’re feeling anxious, at any time of the day when you just need to de-stress. 

Sweetness & Sunshine Mango Essentials Gift £25

My 20 year old daughter claimed this for her Christmas stocking before I even opened it. The Body Shop Mango range (especially the Yogurt as she told me), is her absolute favourite product (and, as a Beauty Editor for a mum, she’s had her fair share to choose from)! 

New for this year, the set comprises everything you need to cleanse and moisturiser your hands and body, leaving you smelling like a tropical punch. Inside you’ll find:-

• Mango Shower Gel 250ml - again the Shower Gel contains Aloe Vera so is good for sensitive skin types, it’s soothing and doesn’t irritate and ideal if you suffer from inflammation.
• Mango Body Yogurt 200ml - you’ll want to eat this (but don’t), this yogurt has a light gel consistency and smells amazing. It sinks into the skin immediately, leaves skin moisturised for 48 hours and protects it from environmental aggressors. It’s repairs dry, flaky skin types and for extra absorption apply whilst skin is still damp.
• Mango Hand Balm 30ml - filled with ingredients to protect your hands from harsh winter elements and also promote healthy nail growth. This balm is the perfect travel size to keep in your car, bag, next to your desk etc. 
• Body Puff - make the most of your shower gel, by applying a small amount to this body puff - it creates a lather that will cover your whole body in bubbles!

Slather & Glow Face Mask Gift Set £25

A great way to sample different face masks, this gift set contains a mask to cover every skin type and condition. 

Inside you will find:-

• Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow 15ml - ideal for problematic skin types, those who suffer with blackheads, especially boys, teenage skin and oily skin. Leaves skin feeling deeply cleansed and glowing.
• British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask 15ml - if your skin is looking sallow, drawn and a little saggy then this will hydrate your skin, leaving it looking healthier. Ingredients are nourishing and help give skin more elasticity. Ideal before a night out, to give a perfect surface for makeup.
• Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask 15ml - this will make your skin glow, it’s ideal for sluggish skin types, especially if you have been unwell and your skin looks sallow. It gently exfoliates the skin to leave it looking smooth and hydrated.

Calming & Soothing Aloe Skincare Gift

This skincare set is for those suffering with sensitive skin, whether from illness, stress or hormones, sometimes our skin needs an extra gentle touch. It’s suitable if you have been out in the sun, skiing or in the wind and harsh weather elements. The Aloe will soothe redness, calm inflammation and relieve your skin of tightness and discomfort. Inside you will find everything you need to aid your skin health.

• Aloe Cream Cleanser 125ml - a creamy cleanser that not only gets rid of dirt, grime and makeup, but leaves your skin feeling soothed and moisturised. It doesn’t dry the skin out like some cleansers can do and it helps improve moisture retention. Apply just a small amount and remove with a damp cotton pad or water. 
• Aloe Day Cream 50ml - A very gentle moisturiser that is ideal if you suffer from redness, rosacea, eczema etc. It is gentle, non scented and helps all skin conditions that have discomfort from inflammation. It has nourishing Coconut Oil and Sesame Seed Oil which, not only hydrates but also has anti-bacterial and skin healing properties.
• Aloe Sheet Mask 18ml - a quick fix sheet mask that instantly hydrates and soothes the skin. If you’ve been in the sun or your skin is irritated, this mask delivers an injection of calming Aloe to help reduce puffiness. Ideal to take on holiday.

The Body Shop Gifting range is available in stores and online, or by clicking the link HERE

Miami Glow JLo Eau de Toilette 100ml Sample Review RRP £49.99

 

Having reviewed the other 2 fragrances by Jennifer Lopez recently, it was only fitting that I reviewed the last in the ‘Glow’ range, Miami Glow.

Firstly let’s just talk packaging. I loved the cute packaging so much that I did a live TikTok (sometimes you need to see the product live rather than just in photo format)!

Epitomising the beach vibes of Miami, the bottle has a holiday bracelet adoring the neck of the bottle with the cutest pair of gold flip flops. Use it as a bracelet, key ring or as a decoration for your holiday bag. It’s just the cutest, gimmicky addition I’ve seen in a while and gives the recipient an introduction to what the perfume notes may hold.

The fragrance itself lends to fruity notes with an obvious top note of Coconut Water, giving it that sunny, holiday vibe.  Also included are top notes of Passionfruit and Pink Grapefruit, which at first gives it a juicy, sparkling scent. Middle notes of  Orange Blossom, Cyclamen and Heliotrope, give it a sweet almond scent merging Mediterranean, lush greenery into the bouquet. Base notes of Amber, Musk and Vanilla leave the skin softly scented with nurturing, creamy and softly sophisticated balm. 

If you love your sunny scents then this one is for you. It’s available to purchase from Superdrug and The Perfume Shop or by clicking the link HERE