Tag: sarahfynn

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.

Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin

Face SPF

La Roche Posay Shaka Fluid

A superb SPF.  Invisible on the skin with  semi matte finish. Works well under makeup

La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50

A thicker SPF cream but 100% invisible on the skin. This one is a dewier finishand I can use it with or without moisturiser underneath.  This one pills sometimes depending on how much I use and what I use underneath so I’m still trying to find the perfect combo

Body SPF

Nivea Protect & Refresh SPF50

A lightweight spray that leaves 0 cast and no piling. I love this particular one because it has a cooling effect on the skin and a subtle sunscreen scent

SPF Top Up

For SPF top ups or on the go, there’s only 2 I’ve come across.

Kate Sommervile Uncomplicated SPF50 mist is amazing!

Amazing lemongrass scent and virtually invisible on the skin

For a cheaper alternative try the Fresh Mist from La Roche Posay

Finally for those that want an SPF and moisturiser combo I have 2 amazing options

Fenty Hydravizor SPF30 is super light and moisturising with a dewy finish that isnt too shiny. Your Good Skin SPF30 is a great drugstore alternative I have been using for years and highly recommended 👌🏾

Rooftop vibes

In my last post (check it out here), I mentioned a few activities you worth visiting but if drinks and food are your fav past time then this post is for you.

London doesn’t have a lot of rooftops but there are some great ones to visit, these are the few I’ve been too, and advance booking is essential

Alto, Selfridges

This place is tucked in Selfridges Oxford Street and gets quite busy.  I love everything about this place: food, drinks( the moscato is my favourite) and of course location. It’s one of the good ones for walk in a although there will be a wait. For walk ins, just get your name on the list and go about your shopping!

Rooftop St James

Probably the place I wanted to visit for the longest and when I finally went it was so worth it. The food, the views are excellent! The service was a bit slow when I went but in all honestly it was a really hot day and they were super busy. Its a small place so booking is essential.

LSQ rooftop

This is a new entry on my bar list but worth checking out. You get amazing views of London with the location been right in Leicester square. A bit grim to find (tbh I was just hungry that day lool) but the service was good. The drinks were amazing, the food? average

Jin Bo Law

Heading to city now, Jin Bo Law rooftop is for dressier occasions and celebrations. Its been a while since I went there but the views are stunning. Booking essential

View from The Shard

Amazing London views plus drinks are always a good combo! The View from the Shard open deck bar is a good place to have a drink if you’re already there! To be totally honest, I thought the drinks would be much pricer (seeing that its the Shard) but drinks start from £12 ( still pricer than your average cocktail in a bar but good for THE SHARD)

Other places worth visit

Madisons

601 Queens Road

Bar Elba

Summer Activities in London

Hello guys, I hope all is well! It’s been a while my last post, I took a break from blogging with everything that has been going on lately, I wasn’t in the right space to talk about anything really.

I’m in a much better place now so I’m back to blogging and I’m quite excited! With a lot still going on, if you feel up for it, here are some activities you can safely enjoy in and around London!

Swinger’s Crazy Golf

I’ve become somewhat obsessed with crazy golf, using the lockdown period to research almost every mini gold venue in London and updating ‘my to visit list’. I went to Swinger’s (City) and its one of the good ones! There’s food and drink in the same spot and 3 courses to choose from.

Summer by the river

Head to South Bank for open food, drinks and activities all summer! Summer by the river started from 10th June and will be there for 3 months for us to enjoy. If you’re not super comfortable with indoor activities yet, this one would be great to check out.

Roofeast

This is my next place to visit! Rooftop vibes with food, drinks and games?  Roofeast is very popular and very busy so booking a game in advance is essential (unlike me who tried to get crazy gold tickets 1 day before a warm Saturday!)

Ballie Ballerson

Another must do activity for me this summer, a huge ball pit, lots of pizza and drinks I can see why Ballie Ballerson is super popular. Again advance booking is essential

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram for more inspiration on beauty, restaurants and things to do in London

Instagram –Sarahfynn

I will be doing a tour of crazy golf venues and bottomless brunch this summer- stay tuned

Nivea Q10 plus Vitamin C Skin Sleep Cream Review

Nivea’s ionic Q10 range got an upgrade last year! The new Q10 plus C range has the same benefits of Q10 now with added pure Vitamin C. Q10 is a naturally occurring coenzyme in the skin that aids in regeneration and repair. It is an antioxidant that combats oxidative stress which results in healthier looking skin. Adding pure Vitamin C then, another powerhouse antioxidant known for skin brightening and antioxidant properties means a match made in heaven.

I first came across the range at a PR event and instantly I was interested. I was gifted a few products from the range and including the Q10 plus C Anti-Wrinkle + Energy Skin Sleep Cream. The cream targets tired skin and fine lines. It promises a fresher complexion that is radiant and smooth.

Experience

I have been using this as a night cream for the last few months, I’m just about to finish the tube ( I have a backup). I use it every night and I’m sure it’s been a good 2 or 3 months now.

This is a lightweight cream that feels moisturising on the skin with no oily residue or feeling. It doesn’t have any particular strong scent, its pleasant and smoothes easily over the skin. It layers well over serums and under oil, I have experienced no pilling or irritation.

Does it work? YES. My skin has been more radiant and healthier looking. It also looks more even-toned. I still have pigmented spots but the overall appearance of my complexion is much healthier. As for targeting wrinkles, I don’t have any so I can’t comment on that. For tired-looking skin, I would say my skin looks fresher. Ignore my dark circles and bags, this is my skin after my AM routine after using the sleep cream at night. I have no makeup on!

Verdict

I am really really surprised by this little drugstore sleep cream. It is well formulated and well packaged to protect the Vitamin in C as vitamin c is quite unstable. I can see where the vitamin c has oxidised as it has been exposed to air (in the cap and its orange).  The sleep cream comes in a metal tube with a narrow nozzle. I’ve also been using this on my hands (excess after my PM routine and my hands have been looking fresh, PS use any excess products on your hands, chest etc)

Will I recommend? YES if you want an easy and inexpensive way to introduce Q10 and Vitamin C in your routine I would definitely recommend. I always suggest antioxidants in your routine, the more the better and especially in the morning as they will work with your SPF to protect from pollution and environmental aggressors.  I have combined the sleep cream with oils, acids and I have had no issues with it.

My only wish is that they state the percentage of Vitamin C in the cream however looking at the ingredient list, Ascorbic acid is the 5th ingredient and the list isn’t too long. This means it is in there at a good conc to be effective and I can definitely tell!

Nivea Q10 plus Vitamin C Skin Sleep Cream is £12.99 at Boots

September Empties and Reviews

My empties for September! This month went by so quickly, right? I managed to finish quite a few things so I am really happy about that. check out my thoughts and reviews below

Haircare

I really love the EcoStyler Olive hair gel for slick buns. This is the 2nd tub I have finished this year and I have already repurchased. Nunaat Hydration plus Conditioner– I mainly used this conditioner for my wigs and it works well for the texture. I have also used it on my natural hair a few times, it was ok. Got2b blasting freeze spray– we all know the deal with this. I used it for my wigs but mostly as a holding spray when I curl them too. ORS Monoi Oil Conditioner– full review here.  Tsaka Black Magic Hair Mask (gifted)– this mask was not impressive. It has a loose runny consistency and it provides enough slip for detangling. I feel like it doesn’t do much, it does condition my hair but my hair has felt better before

Skincare/makeup

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Mud Mask– this was great but it’s not impressive. It’s a nice mask but I have definitely used better. BodyShop Strawberry Smoothing face mist– these BodyShop face mists were released sometime last year and promises to leave the skin smoother and velvet to touch. It is makeup friendly. I have been using this as a mist over my makeup or to dampen my makeup sponges. I really like the Strawberry mist. It smells lovely and leaves my skin looking healthier and glowing. The mist is suitable for powder and liquid foundations: I have used it for both and it didn’t disturb makeup. It sprays in a fine mist so it’s very easy to use and even layer on the skin. It does leave the skin glowing so I won’t recommend for oily skin types. As for reducing texture, I haven’t used it as a skincare mist but over makeup, it helps to leave the skin looking smoother. DHC Astaxanthin Collagen gel (gifted) – this is a lovely textured gel cream. It does hydrate the skin although it not long-lasting. I didn’t think it did much to my skin over time so I used it very intermittently. Towards the end I think I used it more as a body moisturiser. Another bottle of The Ordinary Salicylic acid which I love so much for treating spots and texture. Beauty Pie purifying clay cleanser– I have a full review here. Missha Sun gel SPF 50– full review here. Seahorse Plankton Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser (gifted) – this is actually a great moisturiser with a luxurious texture. It moisturises the skin without leaving it oily. What I don’t like about it is the scent. I am not a big fan of frankincense and this moisturiser smells quite strongly of it. If you don’t mind that then this is a good moisturiser. Another bottle of my fav top coat Barry M Plumpy topcoat. Burt’s Bee lip balm (gifted)– full review here.

Sunday Riley CEO moisturiser– this was part of the SR box from Glossybox. I have fallen in love with this moisturiser. It’s creamy and feels lux plus it leaves the skin looking brighter and feeling moisturised. I definitely like it better than the SR CO Vitamin C Serum. Full review of the serum here. Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing gel– full review here. Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray– I will have a full review of this up soon.  Simply Pure Refreshing toner– this is a very simple basic toner to use. It doesn’t do much but does hydrate after cleansing – not that its enough though. I like it because it’s easy to add to any routine and can be used with so many other products. Nivea Moisture lock SPF 30– this is a great SPF for dark skin. It has both UVA/UVB protection and its 100% invisible on dark skin. 2x DIY sheet mask. B makeup primer (gifted) – full review here. 2x Primark wipes and 1x Cucumber cooling mask. Nivea Q10 SPF 50– this is a lovely lightweight lotion that feels moisturising on the skin. it is 100% invisible on dark skin. my only con with this is that it tends to pill if you use too much of it and for someone like me who likes to slaughter on SPF you will experience a lot of this. Use a smaller amount  and you won’t have this issue. this is the only reason why i would recommend the SPF mousse over this one. In terms of the Anti pigments benefits, I do not think I noticed any improvements or benefits. its an excellent SPF from the drugstore and one that works well for dark skin. Superfacialist Vitamin C Glow Boost serum– this is my 2nd vitamin c product from Superfacialist and again I am very disappointed in it. It has a slight shimmer and did not add any benefits to my skin. I used it everyday morning for at least 4 weeks but benefits. IT Cosmetics Transforming Moisturising Super Cream– oh this is a very luxurious non-greasy cream that moisturises the skin! The texture is thick and so creamy and just skins into the skin with ease! Benefit Porefessional primer– this is an ok primer. I don’t think it’s worth the hype though. I don’t have large pores but even with that, this doesn’t completely minimise them. It is good for keeping the skin semi-matte during the day and works well with powder foundation. Becca Glow Elixir– whilst I didn’t have enough to get a good impression of this, the glow elixir didn’t do anything special. It’s a shimmer serum which I hate and I didn’t add any hydration to my skin. I’m so glad it was super small. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief– this is a lovely gel crème texture that hydrates the skin and leaves it glowing. This is my 2nd and product from the Moisture Surge range and honestly, I am loving it so far.

Murad Hydra-Glow Aqua Peelx2– this came in a Murad gift set I got from Debenhams. I was really excited to try this because I have known about this product for a while and it’s been on my list. It’s a 2 part mask- 1st you use the acid swab all over the face then  the moisture sheet mask to lock in moisture. As much as I love acids, the swab in this mask was unimpressive. It doesn’t say the conc of acids in it but it’s formulated with lactic and glycolic acids. It’s a large cotton swap I used all over my face- I didn’t experience any irritation. The Moisture Infusion Mask was much better. It hydrated my skin and left it glowing. It fits well and stays on. If you’re interested, I got the ‘Drenched in Moisture Set’ which also comes with a cleanser ( I have a full review on this), serum and gel moisturiser.

 

Bodycare

Derma Organics Facial Scrub (gifted) – this is a face scrub but I used I as a body scrub because it felt so abrasive on the skin. This has a similar texture to brown sugar and I definitely was not going to use it on my face. This as a body scrub was amazing! It left my skin so soft and smooth and the oil in it left my skin glowing. It is also great to use on my feet, around my heel area to remove dry dead skin. I really don’t think this is suitable for the face because of the texture. It smells amazing too. Missguided Babe power– this perfume is amazing as an everyday scent and I go so many compliments. Its has vanilla notes which I super love and best of all its very affordable. Sure deodorant. Divine and Handmade hazelnut oil (gifted) I used this in my oil mixes. It’s a very lightweight oil and doesn’t have a nutty smell. Holika Holika Aloe 99– great aloe vera gel to use in my oil and butter mixes.

Total this month- 39 total so far- 295/400

This month I am also retiring two products. I haven’t included them in my empties because they are not empty but I am just not getting on well with them/ bored lol. (I think I will make this a series)

Sunday Riley Blue Moon- I will have a full review on this but I managed to use it for a week before I gave up on it. I do not like the texture – it has grit which doesn’t dissolve easily and it doesn’t work well with a makeup removal cloth. The cleansing power is mediocre at best.

Dr Organic Snail Eye Serum- this one I like but slightly bored with it. I have retired it for now as I am trying out the new eye cream from The Inkey list.

That’s it for September! I’ve been really busy lately so I haven’t been working on posts for the blog but I should get up and running soon! Watch out for more reviews and recommendations!

Catch you later

 

 

The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution Review

The 30% AHA and 2% BHA peeling solution from the Ordinary offers a mild chemical peel at home. The combined acids is 32% and offer exfoliation for brighter, smoother and even more appearance to the skin. BHA offers deeper exfoliation and fights blemishes and reduced pores. I love the salicylic 2% solution and I have reviewed that here. I also love their glycolic toning solution which I have reviewed here.

Unlike the other acids, this is a wash off mask which you are only directed to use 2-3 times a week and leave on for only 10 mins. The bloody appearance of the mask is thanks to the Tasmanian pepperberry derivative that they have added to help reduce irritation.

Experience

I have had this mask for a while because I use it very rarely. This would be the highest acid concentration I have used. It does sting so I only use it after a hydrating or gel textured face wash. I would not recommend a scrub. I also only leave this on for 10 mins or less, and recommend you do the same. The mask is very fluid but applies well with a foundation brush.

This mask does exactly what it says, it offers exfoliation and leaves my skin very smooth.  It does sting as I mentioned earlier and I use it no more than 2 a week if needed but with days apart. I also like to follow this mask with a hydrating soothing mask.

Verdict

I really loved using this mask. People have hailed this as a dupe to the Drunk Elephant Baby facial. They are almost the same thing. It can leave my skin a bit sensitive to touch which is why I like to follow with a hydrating and soothing mask.  I also avoid other acids when I use this mask i.e I swap my usual acid toner in the evenings for my morning toner which is more hydrating. I will also add more hydration in the form of an essence or mist then a light serum.

I have finished my bottle and I will repurchase.  This is a mild at home ‘chemical peel’ which makes the skin very smooth.

Caution- this is a high acid content product. Please use with caution. If you have very sensitive skin please do not buy this. Please use SPF during the day even in the winter when you use it (you should use SPF all year). Please do not buy this just for the ‘hype’ or because it’s cheap. If you do not need this then give it a pass. I see so many people buy things for hype even though it is clear you do not need it or it is not for your skintype.

Finally always follow the instructions!

The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution is £6.30 on BeautyBay*

*affiliate link used. If you decide to make a purchase through my link, I will earn a small commission which goes towards the upkeep of the blog (and allows me to keep bringing you excellent content) but the price remains the same

Aunt Jackie’s Oh so Clean, Moisturising & Softening Shampoo Review

 

Aunt Jackie’s is a natural hair care brand that has been around for some time. They are more known in the US than here in the UK and I came across them when I attended an event a few years back. I have used their Anti-Poof Moisturising and Softening conditioner previously and I thought it was ok. I preferred more as a Cowash (can be used as so) than a moisturising conditioner and I remember it has a good amount of slip.

This post will be a full review on the Oh so Clean, moisturising & softening shampoo. The shampoo has been enriched with coconut and extra virgin olive oils and shea butter to soften the hair. It also promises detangling hair bath to help you detangle.

Experience

The shampoo has a pleasant scent and it’s thick and very slimy. Overall my experience with that was a bit of an anti-climax.

The shampoo promises to add moisture and soften the hair. I was eager to use this as with 4c natural hair my hair can get very dry quickly. The shampoo was ok but I have definitely used better. It doesn’t strip my hair/scalp of its natural oils but I was expecting so much more from the ‘hair bath’. It does a good job of cleansing. In terms of detangling, the shampoo lathers up really well even with a fair amount and helps to finger detangle. It isn’t the most detangling shampoo I have used but it helps

Verdict

I wish the hole dispenser was smaller. As the shampoo is very slimy, a lot comes out when dispensed and you really only need a small amount. The hole isn’t very big but I think a smaller hole would have been better. I think the Aunt Jackie’s shampoo is an ok shampoo for natural hair. I was expecting more from this but I was a bit let down by its performance. It cleanses well and some moisture and softens the hair but for me, I have used better which is why I think I am very critical of the shampoo.

Aunt Jackie’s Oh so Clean, moisturising & softening shampoo is £6.99 and available on Amazon

Other shampoo reviews

Palmer’s Olive Oil Shampoo