The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen Review

Saturday 25 June 2022

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 *This post contains gifted items.

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen* (£31.00 for 50ml) is a little bit special. This Sunscreen comes in a baby pink bottle, smells gently of watermelon, has SPF50 protection and contains Niacinamide to smooth the skin.

Glow Recipe have fused antioxidant-rich Niacinamide, the number one hydrating hero that is Hyaluronic Acid and skin-soothing, Vitamin-rich Aloe Vera together to create a beautiful sunscreen that helps rid the skin of dark spots and enlarged pores. Banishing dullness and dehydration with its chemical and mineral hybrid formula, this Sunscreen restores a healthy-looking radiant complexion and helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

The formula is ultra lightweight, incredibly moisturising and this creamy dream unites ultimate sun protection with blendable benefits that your skin will thank you for. There is no white cast, stickiness or greasy residue left behind and the cream sinks into the skin instantly, so you only have to wait a short time before applying makeup, or you can of course, go bare faced.

It is always recommended to apply your sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine, and 15 minutes before going out into the sun. It is best to reapply at least every 2 hours, and this handy sized bottle will fit in the majority of handbags easily. If you are reapplying over makeup, apply little dots and pat in gentle with your fingertips or a sponge.

Due to the healthy skincare ingredients, the skin looks fresh and glowy after application, which is great for those who don't always want to wear makeup. I love how this also treats my skin as well as protecting it from the sun's rays with its powerful SPF50 protection. 

You can find the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen online at Cult Beauty here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer & Bronzing Brush Review + Swatches

Friday 24 June 2022

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 *This post contains gifted items.

Over the past year or so, cream bronzers have often taken precedent over powder bronzers for me, as they just blend into the skin so well and are super easy to use, looking more natural on the skin. One new release I was super excited for is the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer, as anything Charlotte Tilbury creates is always outstanding!

The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer* (£42.00 for 21g) is a cream bronzer that is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and sunshine Provitamin D3 to give the skin a sun-kissed, healthy-looking glow in just seconds. The Glow Bronzer is available in four shades - Fair, Medium, Tan and Deep and here I have the shade Fair as I have fair to light skin colouring. The Bronzer is packaged in a beautiful rose gold and brown art deco style compact complete with a large mirror on the inside of the lid.

This is Charlotte Tilbury's first ever cream bronzer and it blurs, hydrates and adds a wash of sun-kissed colour to the complexion, whilst also improving the look of your skin every time you wear it. As soon as you apply it, your skin feels hydrated and not at all dry and within just a month of continued wear, your skin will look smoother and healthier. Once applied onto the skin, the Bronzer lasts for up to 16 hours and is sweat and humidity proof, so it is the perfect summer product.

Key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate the skin and lock in moisture for smoother, hydrated looking skin, Sunshine Provitamin D3 which converts to Vitamin D on exposure to sunlight for an even sun-kissed glow, Finely Milled Pearls that reflect the light for an illuminating bronzed glow and healthy looking skin, Elastomer Polymer for a glow-glide texture that gives the complexion a second-skin effect, Soft-Focusing Silica to smooth the appearance and feel of the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and Film-Forming Resin to seal in the skincare benefits to improve the look of the skin instantly and over time.

After applying your foundation, lightly buff the bronzer onto the skin in circular motions, focusing on areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the cheekbones, forehead, nose and jawline. Blend the cream formula using light brush strokes to diffuse the bronzer for that second-skin finish. I would start with a small amount of the bronzer, as it is absolutely buildable, so if you want more, you can keep adding as much as you like. As the compact is so big, I also like to take the bronzer over my shoulders, collarbone and arms for a super duper sun-kissed look!

To go with this beautiful bronzer, you can also get the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Bronzing Brush* (£35.00). This is an expert, fine art-inspired bronzing brush that makes applying the Beautiful Skin Bronzer effortless, or of course, any other bronzers you regularly use. It is a must-have to apply cream texture formulas for instantly sun-kissed skin. The Bronzing Brush comes with a rose gold handle and densely packed bristles that pick up the perfect amount of product, and silky smooth fibres that effortlessly fan over the face and body.

It feels SO amazingly soft and silky against the face, with absolutely zero pulling or tugging on our gentle skin. The Brush is 100% cruelty free, skilfully handmade with ultra-soft synthetic fibres and those soft, smooth fibres are also perfect for those with sensitive skin. The short, ergonomic handle is easy to use on the go, and perfect for a precise application. As the brush is a good size, you can use it on both the face and body, for an all-over sun-kissed, glowy look.

You can find Charlotte Tilbury online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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My Essence Summer Essentials

Thursday 23 June 2022

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 *This post contains gifted items.

If you come here often, you will know that Essence is one of my all-time favourite brands, and what's more, they are super affordable! I have put together some of my must-have Essence products for the Summer months...

Let's begin with skincare, and the Essence Daily Drop Of Energy Ampoule Face Serum* (£3.95 for 15ml), a skin-revitalising serum, specially formulated to renew and brighten dull and grey complexions. The serum is enriched with 2% Vitamin C for a smooth and radiant complexion and has an invigorating fresh citrus scent to it. You simply apply a few drops of the serum to the face, neck and décolleté before applying your moisturiser in the morning for the ultimate energy kick for a perfect start to the day.

This is actually the second tube of the Essence Hydro Hero Under Eye Stick* (£2.75 for 4.5g) I have owned as I am obsessed with it as I get very tired eyes in a morning and this works wonders. This is a skin-nourishing undereye stick, which has been enriched with Panthenol, Niacinamide and Aloe Vera for an intensely hydrating, nourishing effect. It comes in a practical stick, and the transparent texture is easy to apply, and can be used both morning or evening. I find this instantly refreshing and it really helps to lessen the bags under my eyes.

I tend to wear a lighter foundation or tinted moisturiser in the warmer months and the Essence Hydro Hero 24H Hydrating Tinted Cream* (£3.95 for 30ml) is an excellent option! It combines foundation, moisturiser and sunscreen in one product, providing buildable light to medium coverage without clogging pores. This BB Cream creates an even complexion with a fresh, natural finish with hydration that lasts up to 24 hours. It is formulated with an SPF15 filter for protection from UV rays, and the weightless, oil-free texture comprises 88% natural ingredients, and has been enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to keep the complexion hydrated. It comes in a squeezy tube with a push down applicator and as it is a tinted moisturiser, there are just three shades to choose from as you don't need to be exact.

You may have seen the Essence Kissed By The Light Illuminating Powder* (£3.79 for 10g) on one of my other Essence blog posts, but this one is a different shade - the shade 02 Sun Kissed, a brown-toned shimmer. This product combines highlighter, bronzer and blush in a single product, giving the complexion a unique all-over glow or setting individual highlights above the cheekbones, under the eyebrows or above the Cupid's bow of the lips. I chose this shade because it is warmer and so is better for me when I have more of a tan thanks to the sunshine. I do love a multi-use product, and this can also be used on the eyelids too for a wash of shimmer.

Ever worried about your eyebrows washing off in the pool? Fear no more! The Essence Brow Like A Boss Ink Brow Gel* (£3.79 for 4ml) lasts for up to 72 hours and has a waterproof formula! This Brow Gel provides the brows with fullness, density and a natural long-lasting finish. It is easy to apply accurately with the angled brush it comes with, and the lightweight texture is comfortable to wear, smudge proof and waterproof - hurrah! There are four shades to choose from - Blonde, Brown, Dark Brown and Ash Brown, so there is one to suit the majority of hair tones.

In Summer, I tend to change from black eyeliners to brown, as it gives a much more natural look, yet still defines the eyes. The Essence The Dip Eyeliner* (£2.45 for 2.5ml) in brown and is also another waterproof product, so there is no smudging or budging throughout the heat. This creates ultra-precise eyeliner looks and perfectly curved lines with its fine, firm tip. The colour intense texture is long-lasting and waterproof, ensuring your eyeliner is on point all day long. As the tip is so fine, it is also entirely suitable for eyeliner novices.

I have worn contact lenses for years, and sometimes mascaras can be a little irritating on my lashes, and so the Essence Sensitive But Wow! Volume Mascara* (£3.49 for 8.5ml) is a wonderful option. This mascara has been ophthalmologically tested and confirmed as suitable for use on sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This caring mascara provides the lashes with natural volume and nourishment from ingredients such as Calendula and Chamomile Blossom Water. What's more, is that this mascara can be easily removed without eye makeup remover - warm water is all you need, so there is no pulling or tugging at the lashes.

Just as much in Winter, my lips dry out in the warmer months and I have been loving the Essence Cranberry Lip Oil* (£2.50 for 4ml). This Lip Oil glides effortlessly over the lips to give them a glossy finish and provides moisture due to the Cranberry Oil and Vitamin E the formula contains to leave the lips feeling soft and nourished. The formula reacts to the natural, individual pH value of the lips and intensifies the colour, so you will get a shade that is meant for your skin tone. Magic! Even though it is a lip oil, it doesn't feel oily on the lips and there is no greasy residue left behind.

Another super cool product is the Essence Electric Glow Colour Changing Lipstick* (£2.99 for 3.2g), which comes in a transparent neon green case. This Lipstick nourishes the lips while giving them a natural, radiant finish complete with a delicate rose shimmer. Enhanced with glitter particles, the texture reacts to the individual pH value of the lips and changes colour as a result, creating a unique, individual look. It is a very comfortable formula to wear and I find the lipstick mesmerising to look at, with its jelly-looking formula and glitter suspended in it.

As someone with fine lips, I sometimes struggle with matte lipsticks, but the Essence Hydro Matte Lipstick* (£2.45 for 3.5g) is a gamechanger for me. This is a long-lasting lipstick, enriched with moisturising Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil and a vitamin complex, so there is no drying out of the lips, and they are super comfortable and moisturised. This texture creates a creamy matte finish and gives excellent colour pay-off. There are eight shades to choose from, and here I have 401 Mauve-ment, a beautiful mauve shade and I am obsessed with the neon pink packaging!

I love to have nice nails, but as I am not working at the moment due to waiting for my surgery, I can't afford to go to the nail salon. The Essence Nails In Style* (£2.79) are an excellent alternative. For a perfect fit, you get 12 artificial nails in six sizes and as they are clear, you can paint them any colour your heart desires! They come with adhesive tabs too, so there is no messy glue that can damage your nails. You can get the perfect manicured nails in just a few minutes and they are so easy to apply!

You can find Essence online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The Lano Vanilla & Lanolin Hand Cream Intense Review

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 *This post contains gifted items.

Who doesn't love and appreciate a good hand cream? The Lano Vanilla & Lanolin Hand Cream Intense* (£8.99 for 50ml) was recently released by the creators of Lanolips, and oh my goodness, it is the yummiest smelling hand cream - it reminds me of vanilla ice cream and I cannot stop applying it!

The Hand Cream comes in a plastic squeezy tube for easy and quick application and has been created using key ingredients to transform your hands and nails from very dry to super soft. Infused with rich natural Vanilla, this sweet and creamy scent will remind you of eating ice cream along the beachfront. One of the key ingredients, as suggested by the name of the brand, is Lanolin, and this time it is Triple Lanolin, to pack a punch of moisture to transform even the driest of hands and brittlest of nails for super soft, deeply and truly hydrated hands and nails.

The molecular structure of Lanolin mimics human oils, so this hand cream leaves a silky veil on your skin for continual moisture and let me tell you, that it sinks straight into the skin and there is absolutely not even a speck of greasiness or residue left behind. Other key ingredients include anti-oxidant hero Vitamin E and Shea Butter, a great skin conditioner that is super creamy and rich.

As there is zero oiliness left behind, this hand cream is perfect for use all day long, but you can always apply a thicker layer of the product just before bedtime, massaging into the nail beds, cuticles and skin for extra hydrated and moisturised hands in the morning.

You can find the Lano Vanilla & Lanolin Hand Cream Intense online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Collection Review + Swatches

Wednesday 22 June 2022

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 Relove By Revolution is an even more affordable brand than Revolution itself, and they recently released the Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Collection, which I was excited to try out. You can get all five of these products for just £18.00!

The Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Colour Correcting Primer (£4.00 for 12ml) is perfect for those of us who suffer with redness on the skin. This Primer is infused with Tea Tree and helps to soothe and hydrate the skin while keeping your makeup in place throughout the day. The formula is moisturising, and not at all drying, and helps to colour correct the redness on your skin and keep the skin calm. The Primer comes in a glass bottle with an easy-to-use push down applicator and you simply use in place of your regular primer.

Suffer from blemishes and want something quick and easy to use? The Relove by Revolution High Key Tea Tree Anti Blemish Stick (£4.00) will be your new best friend! Prevent pimples, stop spots and banish breakouts with this spot treatment which is infused with skin-loving Tea Tree and Salicylic Acid. It comes in a handbag friendly tube with an antibacterial aluminium ball to help soothe angry skin in seconds. For best results, roll the ball over any blemishes and leave on the skin overnight to let it work its magic. I don't get a lot of spots but I do get the odd one, so it is nice to have something so compact on hand.

Another great option for those with oilier, blemish-prone skin is the Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Pressed Powder (£3.00 for 6g), which is a translucent shade so it will work on all skin tones. Infused with Tea Tree, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, this is the perfect powder to keep makeup in place. Simply use a fluffy powder brush or makeup sponge to apply the powder on the areas of your face that get the most shiny or oily to prevent makeup sliding off throughout the day.

To set all of your makeup in place, we have the Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Fix Mist (£4.00 for 50ml). This setting spray is of course, infused with Tea Tree to provide hydration into the skin and calm down any redness, also working to increase the longevity of your makeup. After applying your makeup, simply give it a good shake and spritz onto the skin to keep your makeup in place all day long. As it is such a handy size, it is also great for popping in your handbag to freshen up your skin during the day.

The final item in the collection is the Relove By Revolution High Key Eyeshadow Palette (£3.00). This sweet palette comes in the funky neon green packaging that all the collection does and features two large eyeshadow pans and four smaller ones. You get a matte creamy white, a matte lime green, a matte chocolate brown, a shimmery forest green, a shimmery light green and a shimmery gold and the pigment on these are amazing, even more so for the tiny price! They blend beautifully and I really like the colour selection as it is something different to most palettes out there.

You can find the Relove By Revolution High Key Tea Tree Collection online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The Forte_Forte Loves Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto Di Panarea Eau De Toilette Review

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 Have you ever judged a beauty product entirely on the packaging? That's what happened when I bought the Forte_Forte Loves Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Eau De Toilette. I fell head over heels in love with the packaging - from the mint green and purple case to the matching glass bottle and even the bracelet that's included with it. I have never really bought a luxury perfume of this level, and yet I was just drawn to it!

This fragrance is inspired by Panarea, an island suspended in time, and is an ode to the wild spirit of the Mediterranean shrub. This Limited Edition bottle features a wonderful sensory celebration of prints, colours, textures and of course the scent itself. Adorned with flutters of butterflies and flowers, a crochet emblem and the playful bracelet, this all-Italian collaborative edition is a joyous experience of rebirth and freedom.

At the heart of this 100ml Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette, it expresses a fragrance where the aromatic warmth of Myrtle is combined with Basil and sparkling Citrus accents of Lemon and Calabrian Bergamot. Sea Breeze accents and fresh Juniper notes meet Jasmine and Rose, bringing a feeling of calm and harmony. Notes of Mastic and Juniper along with Cedarwood and Amber complete the fragrance and give it an intense close. 

Surrounded by an infinity of butterflies and dragonflies brilliantly captured in a kaleidoscopic print of emotions that adorn Acqua di Parma's signature cylinder box and the fragrance bottle, the Italian sun shines as a Sole crochet centrepiece radiating warmth and light to the vivid and luminous atmosphere of Panarea. The fragrance itself is an aromatic citrus that is perfect for Summer or all year round to remind you of those warm Summer evenings and certainly like nothing else I have in my collection. A little goes a long way, even though this is an Eau de Toilette rather than a stronger Eau de Parfum, and I personally find the fragrance to last throughout the day without having to respray.

Top Notes: Myrtle, Basil, Italian Lemon, Italian Bergamot
Heart Notes: Marine Breeze, Jasmine Absolute, Damask Rose Absolute
Base Notes: Lentisc Absolute, Juniper, Virginian Cedarwood, Amber

The Forte_Forte Loves Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Eau De Toilette retails at £124.00 for 100ml, and you can find it online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The Axis-Y Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream Review

Tuesday 21 June 2022

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 *This post contains gifted items.

AXIS-Y create clean, natural skincare and their products are paraben-free, artificial oil, mineral oil, artificial fragrance-free and are derived from natural ingredients. They are committed to using the safest and most natural ingredients to provide their customers with the highest quality clean beauty. I have recently been trying out the AXIS-Y Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream* ($20.00 for 60ml) and wanted to share my thoughts with you all.

The Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream is a lightweight gel-type calming cream made with Heartleaf and Centella Asiatica to soothe irritated and dehydrated skin and its unique lightweight formulation is perfect for layering and adding a light finishing touch to the skin.

Stress, hormones, diet and climate are all factors that cause our skin to be dehydrated, which leads to skin sensitivity and other problems. For this reason, the AXIS-Y team set out to create new products that hydrate and moisturise the skin according to your unique needs. The Water Your Skin project was inspired by the brand's focus on providing the most basic yet essential moisture care and after ten months of research and testing, the products were released, including this gem.

The Calming Cream is suitable for any skin type and is most perfect for those with sensitive and/or dehydrated skin. Base ingredients include Centella Asiatica, which boosts the skin's natural healing process, Sage to soothe irritation and regulate sebum production, Allantoin to stimulate cell proliferation and encourage new tissue growth, Liquorice to deliver antioxidants to calm and protect the skin, Sorghum to give a skin brightening effect, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and support the development of new skin, and Aspergillus Ferment, to help improve and maintain a healthy skin texture. The core ingredient used in the Calming Cream is Heartleaf, as the name suggests, which is an ingredient rich in antioxidants, is anti-bacterial and has anti-inflammatory properties, moisturising and soothing the skin.

The Effective Technology included in the formula is Antoxyl_S II, which safely extracts and ferments Sorghum into Antoxyl_S II using Aspergillus Fermentation, which helps to protect the skin. To use the Calming Cream, simply apply as you would your regular moisturiser, both morning and night after cleansing and toning the skin. The Cream helps to hydrate the skin, locking in moisture and sealing all the goodness into the skin while creating a protective barrier against environmental pollutants.

You can find the AXIS-Y Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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The XX Revolution Botanical Collection Review + Swatches

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 As soon as I saw the new XX Revolution Botanical Collection, I knew I had to have it! The products are beautiful, and of course with them being a part of Revolution Beauty, they are super affordable! Here is what I chose from the collection...

Firstly, the XX Revolution Botanical Accessories Set (£6.00) is just gorgeous! You get a pink mesh bag which contains 2 x Floral Hair Scrunchies, 2 x Floral Hair Clips with dried flowers inside and a Nail Sticker Sheet full of pretty blooms. I would have quite happily paid the £6.00 for the hair slides alone, as they are so pretty and I have been wanting some floral nail decals for a while. Maybe Revolution will start bringing out more accessories like this, as I would certainly buy them as they are really good quality too.

We then have the XX Revolution Botanical Wallflower Cream Blusher (£8.00 for 6.5g) which is available in three beautiful shades, of which I chose Foxhole Lane, a bright orange coral shade which is unique to other blush products I own. If you tend to stay away from cream blushers, then this one will be great for you as it dries down matte and so it isn't too sticky or hard to apply. The formula contains Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Macadamia and Argan Oil to keep the skin hydrated. You could also use this on the eyelids and lips too for a monochrome feel.

For the lips, there is the XX Revolution Botanical Lip Oil (£5.00 for 3.5ml), a clear lip oil that has a rollerball applicator and and actual pink flowers inside! This nourishing lip oil has a sweet berry scent to it and also contains Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Macadamia to keep the lips nourished and healthy looking. Even though it is an oil, it doesn't feel greasy on the lips and is very comfortable to wear, whether you want to wear it alone or over the top of a lipstick.

Finally for the eyes, you can pick up the XX Revolution Botanical Picnic Liquid Shadow Stick (£5.00 for 4ml), which come in clear tubes with pink dried flowers in the top of the cap. The applicator is a double sided flat sponge which makes it super easy to apply to the eyelids and there are three shades to choose from - Barley, a light nude, Fern, a baby blue and Flora, a pastel pink. All three give a lovely wash of colour to the eyelids and last on the lids throughout the day. The formula has a Fresh Meadow scent to it, which isn't overpowering and also contains those three key ingredients to nourish the lids - Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Macadamia and Shea Butter.

You can find the XX Revolution Botanical Collection online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx

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