Author: Sarah Fynn

Hello there and welcome to my blog! My name is Sarah Fynn and I am the creator of this blog. So a bit about me, I LOVE travelling, all things hair and beaut. I love LOVE science! This blog came about as I began to transition to natural hair way back in 2011(Well it isn’t that long ago really lol). This blog will focus on 4 main areas Natural Hair. This area will have a diverse range of topics e.g. product reviews and recommendations, tips, advice and virgin hair review (my go to protective style) Lifestyle. This area is mainly poetry, inspiration and anything that doesn’t quite fit the other 3 areas Events. This is self-explanatory really. I will be covering events for my blog about natural hair, beauty and fashion or the odd event I find interesting Travel. Of course I will be bringing you posts on my adventures around the world! One of my goals is go to every single country! My travel posts may not be as regular as I would like (money problems lol) so in the meantime I will be talking about how to budget/plan and organise a trip! With any area, my aim is to INSPIRE you to either travel or go to an event even if it’s you alone, or to let you know your natural hair journey CAN BE SIMPLE! (Eek! I will try my bestest with that part)! Here you will find simple and straight forward information without the technical jargon or wooh-tah (seriously don’t you just hate that?) So don’t be a stranger and SUBSCRIBE its free. I make sure I post regularly unless I have had a very stressful week/month. Leave any comments or drop me an email to say hi, I would love to hear from you. If you’re a company/blogger and you’re interested in working with me, believe I want to too! Drop me an email if I don’t get to you first lol (I hope that doesn’t sound creepy) Email- sarah_fynn@hotmail.com Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day. Love Sarah.

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

Virgin Experience Days: Top Experiences Part 2

In Part 1 of my post I spoke about how much I have enjoyed using Virgin experience days so far. Here are a few more experiences I have booked with them.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving for Two

I bought this because I promised myself skydiving before my 25th birthday but I didn’t lmao. Indoor skydiving was great ad our instructor was amazing. I highly, very highly recommend this experience.

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Courthouse Hotel, London

My friend wanted a taste of British and what’s more British than afternoon tea? The price is for 2 people so it’s the more affordable option I have seen so far around. It was really good (apart from the weather that day). Again no confusion on what to pay for at the end.

Visit to The View from The Shard with Signature Cocktail and Souvenir Photos for Two

My husband and I enjoyed this  activity before heading off to dinner. This offer is also available via The Shard’s website so if you were to book this via Virgin Experience days with a discount code, you would be saving some coins for the same thing!

There are so many experiences available sometimes the hardest part is choosing who to go with and what to do! I will keep trying different ones: I have my eyes on a few hotel short breaks next! Check back for more reviews and as always my instagram for more updates

Catch you soon!

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

Bodycare

Did you catch the bathing/showering debate on twitter? Last year it was ‘not washing your legs because the water from the upper body trickles down’, this year it’s ‘not showering until you see dirt on the skin’.

We don’t do that here lol, we shower, wash our legs and use lotion!

Here are some of the stuff I use to take care of my skin below

Body scrubs

Ive tested a lot of scrubs in my day 3 products stick out: Sanctuary Salt Scrub, Soap &Glory Scrub of your life and a recent favourite Boots Ingredients Glycolic body peel

Body lotions &SPF

The only one I’ve been sticking to for the last year or 2 is the Nivea Vitamin C plus Q10 lotion. Its lightweight and non greasy plus vitamin skin to help brighten the skin. Other good body moisturisers are the Superdrug Vitamin E cream and Garnier body lotions.

Of course if the skin’s out the SPF is a must, I love the Nivea Protect &Refresh SPF50 mist

Body sponges

I use the African sponge in my daily shower routine. It gently exfoliates and leaves my skin feels super smooth. If that’s too harsh or can’t get access to them, try the exfoliation gloves or puffy sponges

Footcare

For a pedicure at home, I have the Emoji micropedi which helps to smooth and heels and remove hard skin. I also love foot masks for an additional boost of moisture. The poundland foot sock masks are actually very good.

Body Masks

For an extra dose of pampering, I use a body mask the day after using a body scrub. I tend to use natural clays like bentonite or rhassoul clay.