Vitamin C Serums

I love Vitamin C! The star ingredient is everywhere and does almost everything. It brightens, protects, tackles uneven skintone etc etc

Ideally you want your vitamin c product to be between 8 to 20% for effectiveness. Anything higher will risk irritation although effective but anything lower will produce unimpressive results if any

Pure Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid is what you want however it is very unstable and there are many derivatives of vitamin c available that are more stable and equally as effective

Note- it is important to reduce exposure to light and air with Vitamin C as it can make it oxidise quicker. When your vitamin C goes darker or turns brown- it is a sign of oxidation- it is no longer effective and should be thrown out! For this reason, I do not like to store Vitamin C serums for too long and I never buy backups for this reason.

This is a really basic overview of Vitamin C, for more information visit Paula’s Choice, The Ordinary

Now for the fun part, PRODUCTS

I’ve tried many vitamin c serums, these are my all-time favourites. I tend to use mine in the AM for extra protection in addition to sunscreen. I will frequently update this list as I try new Vitamin C serums:

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright

Timeless Vitamin C

The Inkey List Vitamin C (this is high content 30% Vitamin C so I do not recommend for sensitive skin or beginners. I always mixed mine with Q10 serum also from the brand)

Indeed Labs Vitamin C24

Beauty Pie Double Vitamin C & E capsules

Beauty Pie Superdose C

Peter Thomas Roth Potent C

Medik8 Super C30

The Ordinary MAP- currently out of stock L

Roc Revive & Glow Capsules

Hyperpigmentation Products

Hyperpigmentation is the bane of my existence! My skin is SO prone to it too, the tiniest spot will leave a dark spot that will take weeks or months to fade. It is the reason why I am always shouting about sunscreen lol because it’s one of the ways to protect and prevent it from getting worst.

I’ve tried a TON of products for hyperpigmentation and I have learnt whilst it’s important to fade the dark spots, it’s more important to prevent them from happening (triggers that are in my control) and skin barrier health is also important.

I do want to start getting clinic treatments soon but for now, I’m happy with treating it at home

A word- hyperpigmentation is difficult to treat so please do not get frustrated if it seems nothing is working. Almost everything is a trigger: heat, sun, acne, inflammation etc, so be patient!

Key to hyperpigmentation is sunscreen! Finding your triggers and prevention (this is above my pay grade lol please go to a professional) but I can share products/ingredients I have used that have helped mine

I have a separate list for sunscreens- view this here

This will be a growing list so keep checking for more

Paula’s Choice Treatment serum

The Body Shop Brightening Drops

Roc Revive & Glow Capsules

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective

Medki8 Crystal Retinal 10 (I found 20 to be more effective but this is on professional advice only & in clinic. You also have to build tolerance to it! Please don’t start on retinal 10 if you have never used retinol before)

Good Molecules Discoloration serum

Good Molecules Daily brightening serum

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin

Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Serum

All about Serums: the main star of a routine

So you have a routine but how to pick a serum?! The serum will be the main attraction to your routine, it is this product that would target any issues you want to address. They say if you are going to splurge on any part of your routine, it should be a serum ( and SPF).

The key to success is picking one for YOUR skin concerns instead of what your fav tiktoker uses. What works for them, may not work for you. There are general ingredients everyone can benefit from, but if you have more specific concerns please choose a serum especially for that

I love serums and I have tried a lot! Most target hyperpigmentation as that is my main skin concern.  I have also used a lot of general/ skin barrier support ones.

This list will be updated frequently and I will do a separate post on hyperpigmentation products

Check out my favourite serums here

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair– my all-time favourite serum and repurchased several times

L’Oreal Midnight serum– the closest drugstore dupe to the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair- I recently bought this and I LOVE IT

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Ampoules

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating serum– by far the best serum under £5 I have used for simply hydrating and softening the skin

Shisedio Power Infusing Concentrate

Medik8 Super C30

The Ordinary amino acids serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide serum

Your Good Skin Balancing Skin concentrate

The Inkey List Q10

Ren Glow & Protect

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

All about Moisturisers: Lock in Moisture!

Do you use a moisturiser in your routine? I love a good moisturiser to lock in all the hydration I have layered on but I have also gone many times without it.

The key to getting a good moisturiser to getting one that works for your skin type: too heavy and it will feel oily and too light and your skin feels parched.

I have normal to combo skin so this allows me to try a lot of different textures, here are a few of my favourites, I will frequently update this list so keep coming back for more

Note: I haven’t included SPF moisturisers! Check out my Dark Skin sunscreens here

Nivea Q10 Night Cream

Clinique Dramatically different lotion

First aid beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Superdrug Vitamin E night cream

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Moisturiser

All about Cleansers- The first step to a routine

Cleansing is an important first step in any skincare routine for all skintypes!

Cleansing not only helps with a clean slate for your skincare, but also gets rid of excess oil, dirt and makeup! I’ve used many cleansers so this post will be updated frequently with any new ones I fall in love with

Double Cleansing- basically cleansing your face twice. You don’t have to do this every time you wash your face but it is recommended if you are wearing a lot of makeup, reapplied SPF several times and have been out in about in the sun etc.

The first cleanse is usually an oil or balm which breaks down makeup and dirt easily and the second cleanse is your usual face wash. You can also use the same face wash twice if you prefer or micelle water as the first cleanse (it doesn’t have to be fancy!)

Olay Foaming Cleansing Jelly Review

Here are my all-time favourite cleansers:

Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam

Fenty Total Cleanser

Your Good Skin Refreshing Cleanser

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Gel Cleanser

Farmacy Green Clean

Junco Clean 10 Balm

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam

Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser

Evening routine with Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Collection

Hi everyone, I hope all is well and making use of the bout of sunshine we are having in the UK at the moment.

Today’s post will be my full evening routine featuring the new Anti-Dark Spot collection from Nivea (gifted).  For full details on the collection & claims, read my previous post here

My evening routine is easy and straight forward:

I start with cleansing with – Roc Skincare Vitamin c cleanser (gifted) (I do a double cleanse if I’m wearing a lot of sunscreen/makeup) then its layering my serums. I’ve started using the Boots Polyglutamic serum which I am really loving so far and pleasantly surprised with. Then it’s my trusted Lancôme Advanced Genifique serum then the Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Serum, I have listed these in order of application. I finish off with Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Even Tone Night cream.  My skin has been feeling a little dry lately so I have been using the Clinique 72hr Moisture surge OR Sleep mask right before I sleep for extra hydration. I also intermittently use the Estee Lauder ANR Ampoules which I absolutely adore.

Then voila, that’s it

This has been my routine for the last 2 weeks and the Nivea products were very easy to add to my routine. I will bring a full review on the products after 4-6 weeks!

See you later!

Some affiliate links used

Check out my morning routine here

Morning routine with Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Collection

Hi everyone,

Today’s post will be my current morning routine with the new Nivea Luminous 630 products. Check out my previous post for introduction to the new collection.

This has been my routine for the last week and half, and the products were super easy to add to my existing routine.

My AM routine is super quick and easy to do. After cleansing with – Roc Skincare Vitamin c cleanser (gifted ), I go in with the Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark circle Eye cream,  I then pat gently pat on my serums in: Inkey List Q10, Ole Henriksen Banana Bright and the Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Serum, I have listed these in order of application. The Nivea serum has a powdery smell and feels great on the skin. It doesn’t pill (my full review will come after 4 weeks of use)

Next is the most important part- sunscreen! I work from home however I sit close to a window so I make sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen daily. I switch between the Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot SPF50 OR Supergoop SPF50. The Nivea SPF has a matte finish, at the moment my skin needs more moisture hence why I reach for the Supergoop sunscreen which I absolutely adore.

That’s it! After this I just go about my day until it’s time to take it all off (current evening routine coming soon)

My quick and easy routine feature the brand new Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Spot collection. My full review on the collection will be after 4 weeks when I have had enough time to test it

See you soon.

Some Affiliate links used

New Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Collection

Hello everyone

I hope all is well. Today’s post will be on the new Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Collection that promises a lot! Read all about it and details on my new challenge

The new Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Collection features Nivea’s patented luminous 630 complex that promises visible results in 4 weeks. The complex works by lightening old dark spots and prevents new dark spots from forming. It also promises

-Visible results in dark spots in 4 weeks

-50% reduction in dark spots in 8 weeks

The collection features 5 main products:

-an SPF50 day moisturiser

-treatment serum

-Eye treatment cream

-Evening moisturiser

-Handcream

About my skin

I am very excited to test these products out. I will be testing everything except the hand cream for now.

I have normal to combination oily skin which is prone to hyperpigmentation. I get breakouts occasionally and no matter what I do, it leaves a dark spot which sometimes take months to treat. I mainly get spots on my cheeks, so this is where my pigmentation issues are concentrated.

In my next post, I will share my full routine using the products, it’s been a week so far and I have had no issues

For more information on the whole routine, check out Nivea’s website

Cantu GrapeSeed Shampoo and Conditioner Review

The Cantu brand has a special place in every black girl’s hair product collection. I’ve known of Cantu even from my relaxed days and I have used many of their products.

The new Grapeseed collection features 7 products in total and I received 5. For this wash day, I decided to add the new shampoo and conditioner to my routine.

Conditioner

My hair has been in braids for 4 weeks prior so I wanted to start with detangling first. The conditioner is light and runny and has enough slip. I used a good amount on each section of my hair, using a wide tooth comb from the ends to the roots of hair. The conditioner smells great and does a good job of detangling. Since I was using this just for detangling, I didn’t leave it on my hair too long but after I washed it out, my hair felt softer

Shampoo

The shampoo lathers up well and felt gentle on the scalp.  It’s formulated with shea butter and grapeseed oil. I loved it. It rinses out easily too. I always go in with 2 washes and it didn’t dry out my hair. The lather is produces was ok for finger detangling.

Verdict

This collection is for curly, coily and wavy hair and it worked really well for my 4c hair. It’s a good shampoo and conditioner if you are looking to try some new ones. I’ve had no issues with it. I love the scent and the performance did not disappoint me

Cantu GrapeSeed Shampoo is £7.99 on lookfantastic

Cantu GrapeSeed Conditioner is £7.99 on lookfantastic

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 Review

Have you tried Fenty Skincare? Today’s post will be a review and demo on the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30.

The SPF 30 moisturiser promises invisibility on all skin tones, non-greasy finish and no pilling. It also promises to brighten skin, hydrate the skin and its oil free

Experience

As always SPF is the last step in the morning routine. As it’s an SPF moisturiser, I use this on top f my serums. The moisturiser feels lightweight on the skin and I have experienced any irritation from it.

I love this SPF! It is invisible on my skin, leaves a dewy/glowing finish and doesn’t pill on me! It’s also a great base for makeup

Watch my demo of this on Instagram below

Verdict

This is a great SPF moisturiser. If the full size is out f your budget, you can also get it in a travel size set ( with the face wash and toner). If you do purchase the full size, you are able to get refill cartridges.  The moisturiser is heavily scented so if you don’t like fragrance in skincare, you have to give this a miss!

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor is available in Boots

Catch you later!

Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser SPF 30 review

Hello everyone, I hope all is well. I’m talking about yet another sunscreen, the Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser Spf30. This brand is new to me, I never heard of them but it was on sale and I was happy to give it a try

Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser Spf30 is a lightweight lotion that promises broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun damage and ageing to the skin. Its hydrating and fragrance free. It also offers blue light and pollution protection

Experience

The brand recommends 5 pumps for your face and neck however I found that, that many pumps pills on me. I find 3 pumps sufficient and no piling. It is a very lightweight lotion and disappears into my skin with ease.  I love the finish of the SPF as well and of course its 100% invisible on the skin

See me try it on in my demo below

Hello Sunday SPF Try on

Verdict- it’s a good broad-spectrum SPF that is quite affordable-under £20. The brand actually has a few different types of SPF so I will be happy to try another product from them

Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser Spf30 is £16.00 on BeautyBay*

*affiliate link

Revolution Skincare Protecting Boost SPF30 Review

I’ve been trying to find more affordable sunscreens this year so that people have no excuse to not use SPF! This led me to the Revolution Skincare Protecting Boost SPF30. I have many thoughts on this so let’s get started

Revolution Skincare Protecting Boost SPF30 is a cream formula and chemical based SPF. It has niacinamide and shea butter to protect and moisturise the skin.

Experience

As usual, I use SPF as the last step in my AM routine. I do not like this SPF at all! The only good thing about this is the fact that its 100% invisible on dark skin. So here are my issues with it:

  • It’s supposed to be moisturising but I find that it actually makes my skin feel dry. I have used it with and without a moisturiser underneath and it’s still the same. I have the one for normal to oily skintypes which is my skin type!
  • It’s a matte finish and I usually prefer dewy/luminous/glowy finish
  • It’s a bit difficult to blend around the hairline. In my demo, you can see some white patches around my hairline even though I’m trying to blend it in.
  • For an SPF, I find the jar packaging a bit odd. It’s going to be exposed to air and light so much that I wonder if it will still be effective after a while.
  • The SPF doesn’t state if it’s broad-spectrum but after looking at the ingredients it does protect against both UVA & UVB- THIS SHOULD BE ON THE PACKAGING!
  • They call this a protecting boost but I’m not sure why? Apart from niacinamide I don’t see any other special ingredients?

View my demo below

Revolution Skincare SPF Try on

Verdict

I am happy that its invisible on dark skin but in terms of everything else – I’m disappointed. I was hoping to find another good SPF for under a tenner but I guess not!

I wouldn’t recommend this as I have used much better SPFs under £10!

Revolution Skincare Protecting Boost SPF30 is £10 in Boots

Catch you later!

affiliate link used

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion Review

You know by now I’m your SPF auntie. I’m that friend always telling people to put on sunscreen lol. Lately I’ve been focused on demoing sunscreens on Instagram and really trying to find more affordable options from Boots/Superdrug so that there is no excuse!

The above quest lead me to Bondi Sands and let me just say I am so glad!

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion is a chemical based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. It’s also fragrance free and promises moisture, water resistance and a non-greasy finish.

Experience

I could not contain my excitement with this SPF! It is 100% invisible on dark skin and leaves a nice dewy finish. It feels light and comfortable on and for such a high SPF it’s non-greasy! To see how it looks and me demoing this product, check out my video below

Bondi Sands SPF Try on

Verdict- this is one of the best SPFs I have tried UNDER £10! And from now on I will be recommending it! For oiler skin types, this may not work for you in the summer- depending on the type of finish you like but it’s still worth a try. I used this without any moisturiser underneath- I don’t think you need one!

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion is £7.99 on BeautyBay*

*affiliate link

Catch you later

Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel Review

Hello everyone, I hope all is well! It’s been a while since I updated my blog because I have been focusing more on creating video content for Instagram. I don’t want to abandon my blog as I still love to blog about stuff so I promise to update it more regularly this year!

Today’s post is a review and demo on a product I really love, the Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel. This is a gentle exfoliant that promises fresher and smoother skin.

Experience

I’ve many used many little tubes of this over the past years. By the way, this isn’t the full size, I have been collecting mine in PTR gift sets for a while (they do the best gift sets) and these deluxe travel sizes last a while too.

This is an exfoliating product designed to be used on a clean dry face. I use a generous amount and massage in circular motions all over my face and neck. It’s satisfying to watch it transform into tiny white balls as it lifts dead skin off the face.

The result is smoother and softer skin! Check out my demo below

PTR FirmX Peeling Gel Demo

In summary- this is a good product for those that can’t quite stand acids and don’t want to use scrubs. It’s a good half way point. It’s pricey so either collect in gift sets to determine if you want to invest or there are good k beauty dupes for peeling gels.

Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling gel is £40 on LookFantastic*

Catch you later!

*affiliate link

Sunu Skincare Review

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is keeping safe and well. Today’s I’m talking about my bodycare routine featuring products I received from Sunu Skincare. This is a UK based natural skincare brand that reached out to me on Instagram. I received their Ylang Ylang Body Butter and the Evening Primrose Oil Scrub.

Evening Primrose Oil Scrub

I love a good bodyscrub and I have tried quite a few from Boots. This is a coffee based scrub (the scent is amazing!) that is very gritty. I have used this alone and mixed in with shower gel, both ways leave my skin very soft. It simply works. It’s a bit messy (no surprise) but it rinses off very easily and leaves no oily mess! You can use this for the face and body but I prefer to use gritty scrubs like this on my body only.

Ylang Ylang Body Butter

The Ylang Ylang Body Butter is shea butter based but also has mango butter as well as some nourishing oils like avocado and coconut oil. What I like about this? It’s not super greasy and easily spreads on the skin once I’ve warmed it up in my hands. The butter has also been whipped well because it has stayed soft ( if you have ever made shea butter body butter you would know that if it’s not whipped properly, it will harden over a few days!). Since its getting colder, I actually like using this on top of my body lotion to seal in moisture and it works really well. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin even when used on top of the lotion. The only con I have and its personal- I’m not a huge fan of ylang ylang scent but of course if this is your fav essential oil then you will love this. The scent lingers for a while but it won’t last the all day. I don’t hate the scent I just prefer other scents. Luckily they also have this butter in lemongrass and sandalwood( I know I would love this scent)

Conclusion

These are very easy products to add to any bodycare routine. If you love natural bodycare/skincare then Sunu skincare is worth checking out.

Sunu skincare

Gifted products

Autumn Winter Activities

I really like the awesome winter activities available in London. In addition to Christmas lights, there are so many other activities to enjoy. Wrap up warm and head out to experience something new

  • Backyard cinema– the Winter Garden and Snow Kingdom are back this winter! I’ve always missed out on them due to conflicting schedules but this year I am determined to go!
  • Winter wonderland– Winter wonderland is back! The cold weather favourite is the perfect meeting place for a catch up! This year though, you have to prebook tickets (£5). I’ve already booked mine- have you?
  • Syon Park Enchanted Woodland– I went to this 3 years ago and had a good time. It’s a walk in the dark past illuminated trees and illustrations. Highly recommended
  • Christmas at Kew – Christmas at Kew is back! I went to this previously and the light show at the end is awesome. I have a feeling the prices have increased but I definitely recommend it
  • Lightopia Crystal Palace Park– this one is quite local to me so I will make an effort to visit. I think its similar to Syon Park Enchanted Woodland.
  • Winterland at Neverland – open food and drink destination complete with igloos! Pre booking is essential. I’ve never been here but definitely hoping to visit this year!

In addition to these activities, there will be food markets, Christmas lights and markets! The return of igloos comes with the cold weather too (I have never been successful in booking one lol) and most of them have a ridiculous minimum spend

You can also check out Virgin Experience Days for new experiences to try out!

Catch you later

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser Review

I like to use gel/lotion textured moisturisers in the spring and summer when my skins becomes oilier. I decided to try the L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser this year as it was one of the more affordable drugstore and popular drugstore option. I have the one for normal to combo skin but it is also available for normal to dry & sensitive skin types.

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser promises

Instantly Refreshes:
Immediately absorbed, the water-like texture rehydrates and reinvigorates the skin.

Instantly Locks in Moisture:
The formula penetrates deeply for a healthy-looking glow

72hr Recharge
It releases continuous hydration and drenches the skin with moisture for up to 72 hours.

Experience

I have been using this moisturizer in my routine (AM & PM) since March. This is probably the lightest moisturiser I have used. It has a pleasant fresh scent, feels slightly cooling on the skin and sinks into the skin beautifully and easily. There’s no oily residue or stickiness. I have experienced no irritation with this.

This moisturiser layers quite well with other serums I haven’t experienced any pilling. It leaves the skin hydrated with no heavy feeling. I really like the packaging too

Verdict

I absolutely love this moisturiser and will happily buy it again next year. For extremely oily skin that needs a lightweight non greasy moisturiser this would be excellent! I have actually carried on using it into fall and it still works well.  I’m almost out of it!

L’Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser is currently on sale for £6.66 (RRP-£9.99) in Boots

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum Review

For the last 2 years, I have always used a Vitamin C serum in the mornings. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin as well as boost sunscreen protection. I have used a lot of vitamin c serums and the latest one is the Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum promises to brighten, diminish the look of dark spots and visibly firm skin. In addition to Vitamin C, it also has Tri-Peptide, Licorice Root Extract and Glycerin

Experience

I’ve been using this serum every morning from August this year and I’ve just run out. The serum has an orange soda scent and feels very light on the skin. I’ve experienced no irritation from it. It pairs well with other products with no piling: I use this under a 2nd serum (currently using Inkey List Niacinamide), moisturiser and then SPF.

The serum uses 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which is a vitamin c derivative. This form is more stable in water and oil and less irritating than pure Vitamin C but it still has brightening and protection benefits. Whilst I haven’t noticed a huge reduction in hyperpigmentation from the serum, my skin overall looks radiant. The serum also adds some hydration to the skin. My skin looks plump and healthy.

Verdict

I bought this on a whim because it was on sale and I had just run out of my serum. it’s a nice enough serum and I would recommend and repurchase it. I’m doing a ‘tour’ of Vitamin C serums so I won’t repurchase for now.

It’s a gentle enough vitamin c to try and the additional beneficial ingredients means you are getting a well-rounded serum.  

Bliss Bright Idea Serum is £13.33 in Boots

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum Review

Farmacy skincare is finally more readily available in the UK, they are now stocked in Boots! I have loved this brand since I tried their Green Clean cleansing balm (which is amazing btw) and the Honeydrop moisturizer.

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum is an acid serum with AHA/BHA/gentle flower acids (14%) that promises to resurfaces, hydrates and clarifies dull skin for a healthy natural glow

Experience

I use the serum in my evening routine, after toning and before my treatment serum ( for pigmentation). The serum is very lightweight and pairs well with other products. I did not experience any irritation with it. It has a woody scent which I found pleasant. The scent lingers for a while.

14% acid serum was the highest acid serum I used at the time so I did experience a little stinging at first use. The stinging didn’t last long and a quick spritz of a hydrating mist helped soothe my skin. It did not go red. After a week, my skin built tolerance so I was able to use it every night.

The serum helps to retexturise the skin, and leaves it smoother and healthier. I love this serum! It leaves my skin glowing. For an acid serum, it’s also hydrating because of the added hyaluronic acid.  I loved it so much that after using it for a few weeks I bought another bottle! I have finished my first bottle now and will start using the next one soon.

Verdict

In conclusion, this is well formulated acid serum! If you are new to acids I would advise to start slow- once a week for a few weeks. Also keep a hydrating mist nearby. Do not combine with other acids or retinols and PLEASE use sunscreen.

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow simply delivers on its promises and I highly recommend it. If you are not ready to get the full size, you can get deluxe sample sizes in gift sets, try the beehive gift set on BeautyBay

If you are already convinced then the full size is available on Boots

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Peel Review

Algenist is the luxury skincare brand who makes the very popular Genius Liquid Collagen.

The Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Peel is one of their latest products and promises to ‘correct the appearance of unwanted pigmentation for a smoother-looking rejuvenated end result’  I was very interested in this product because hyperpigmentation is one of my main skin issues.

Experience

I was drawn to the product because of its claims and ingredients. Its formulated with ingredients known to help fight pigmentation and texture like acids( AHA/BHA/PHA) and Vitamin C. I got the deluxe 12ml size in a gift set from cult beauty as it was perfect for testing before the full (and expensive) product. The 12ml size actually lasted longer than I expected. I didn’t use it every week but when I did it was at least twice a week as directed and left on for 20 mins.

There’s no stinging or irritation for me. The peel is a lightweight gel with a scent but it’s not lingering or that noticeable. It spreads and washes off easily. Immediately my skin feels smoother. I haven’t seen any long term benefits. My pigmented spots don’t look improved.

Verdict

For me it’s an ok product, not that impressionable.  I wouldn’t spend on £80 on the full size but don’t mind getting the gift sets to have the smaller version. I recommend getting the gift set for half the cost plus other samples to test out first before deciding if you want the full size.

The full size (45ml) is sold on Lookfantastic for £80

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate Review

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum is really popular with skincare lovers. It’s expensive but worth the results. I call it the perfect ‘all-rounder’ serum: hydrates, brightens, repairs, etc. I really love the serum so when they came out with the Intense Reset Concentrate I was very interested to testing it out.

The Intense Reset version is basically the grown up version of the original. It contains more hyaluronic acid as well as the original ingredients. You are to use this one once in a while to boost your skincare as needed whilst the original serum is used every night

What I think

I have been using this serum for months now. I have used it with the original serum, alone and with other serums. With the original serum I didn’t really notice a huge difference in my skin but I also didn’t need an additional boost. I actually prefer to use the serum without the original and with my Farmacy Honeymoon glow serum which is an aha/bha serum. Using it with the acid serum leaves my skin hydrated and glowing. My skin has never been more radiant and healthier!

I was lucky enough to get this as a free gift with purchase last year (or the year before lol). Its expensive for the amount you get. Between the original serum and this version: I would choose the original serum because you get more for your money. If you are a skincare lover and love things all Estee Lauder then I recommend both. I absolutely love this serum

Estee Advanced Night Repair Treatment Intense Reset Concentrate is £60 on Boots

Virgin Experience Days: Top Experiences Part 1

If you have ever thought about getting a Virgin Experience days voucher but thought it was a ‘scam’, you won’t be a lone. I was the same. I used to think they were too good to be true and perhaps the service won’t be the same if you went without a voucher. I finally took the plunge last year and got a voucher for friend’s birthday and I haven’t looked back since!

Before I tell you what I have done so far with Virgin Experience Days, I should dispel my earlier thoughts: they are excellent value for money vouchers and the services I had received so far are amazing. I also did some double checking and some of the vouchers are actually just offers from the individual service providers: most, are the same prices( or double for 2 people) so no they are not ‘too good to be true’!

Tip: Always search for a discount code: there’s always one (sign up for their newsletters) they also offer student discounts. There’s also sales most of the time

How it works

  1. Buy your chosen experience
  2. Activate your voucher following instructions in your email confirmation
  3. Book your experience following instructions once your voucher has been activate
  4. Enjoy your experience and go back and look for more!

Below are some of the experiences I have done so far with Virgin Experience days vouchers, all paid for myself:

The View from The Shard and a Three Course Meal for Two at Marco Pierre White’s London Steakhouse Co

The first experience I booked! It went well and there was no confusion/issues with any of them. This one takes some coordination especially if you wanted to book both experiences in one day. The service at the MPW’s Steakhouse was impeccable. There was no confusion on payment at the end. (note they will still add service charge so depending on whether you ordered any extras (we did) you will have a very affordable bill at the end)

Tapas Style Afternoon Tea with Free Flowing Cocktails and Prosecco for Two at MAP Maison

This was so worth it and truly a free flowing experience for the duration of your slot. Our glasses were not empty and there was a good selection of cocktails to choose from. The afternoon tea/tapas were delicious too and quite filling. You will definitely leave slightly tipsy

Tropical Cocktail Masterclass for Two at Laki Kane

This one really is for cocktail lovers. For snippet of what went down. Check out my instagram reel here

There’s a few more experiences have done! Watch out for more in a second blog post.

Catch you later

La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka SPF50 Review

If you’ve been using sunscreens for a while, I’m pretty confident you would have heard of the La Roche Posay Shaka fluid and probably even tried it. La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50+ Shaka fluid is one of the best mid-range SPFs in the market. Its broad-spectrum, high PA rating and has antioxidant protection.

Experience

This would be my 2nd tube of the Shaka Fluid SPF. The texture is very fluid and it feels light on the skin. It has a sunscreen scent but no more than the others I have tried. Shaka fluid has a semi matte finish and it’s non-perfumed.

For me, I’m not the biggest fan of this SPF. Its 100% invisible on dark skin but I find it takes a while to fully dry on my skin. Because of the finish, I prefer to use this in the spring/summer when my skin is oiler. Also because of the ball inside it, it makes it slightly harder to get the last bits of the sunscreen out. Sometimes it pills

Watch my demo of this product in my insta reels below:

Verdict

I would still recommend the sunscreen. If you prefer a semi matte finish this is a good one. It also has high PA rating and a high SPF.  It doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It’s mid-range priced at £18 but it does go on sale often on LookFantastic. Shaka fluid also has a tinted version so you may prefer that (the tinted version may not invisible on dark skin). The Anthelios range in general have some good sunscreen products

La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka SPF50 is £18 on LookFantastic

*affiliate link

Catch you later!

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Review

Hello everyone, it’s been a while but I have a new sunscreen review for you!

Today we are talking about the Supergoop Play SPF50 Everyday Lotion. This is a chemical based suncream.



Experience

The first thing I look for in an SPF is invisibility on dark skin and this one is completely invisible on dark skin! The lotion is lightweight, feels good and comfortable on the skin and doesn’t sting my eyes. The finish is non greasy and doesn’t pill on the skin

It feels moisturising on and has a dewy finish. I can’t recommend this enough.

See the demo of this suncream on my Instagram below



Verdict- I’ve been wanting to try Supergoop’s range of SPFs for a while so I am very happy to finally try it and love it! They have a few different ones so I will be happy to try them all later!

Supergoop SPF is available on CultBeauty