Currently Loving | The Golden Hour Edit

In between the torrential downpours that we've been having here in the UK (hello Climate Change), there have been these odd little glimpses of sunlight peaking through now and then. As we approach the end of July, I wanted to share a few products that I've been loving lately to celebrate those precious Golden Hour moments and to help brighten your mood if you've been feeling like it'll never stop raining!

The Fruity SPF Lip Balm | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango* (10g, £4.99, link)

A delightfully cheap and cheerful lip balm with SPF 50+ protection, Bondi Sands has really hit the ball out of the park with this range. Ideal for dreamy beach days and al fresco picnics with friends, these hydrating lip balms soothe dry lips and come in several different flavours. My current fave is Tropical Mango and I'm also quite fond of the Juicy Watermelon. An absolute bargain for only a fiver.

The Perfume Rollerball | Farryn Amber Perfume Oil Roll On in Floral Oud (10ml, RRP £18)

I'm a huge fan of perfume rollerballs and feel that they truly come into their own during the summer months when you want something small and convenient to throw into your carry-on or beach bag. This one from Farryn Amber is a gorgeous heady floral scent with plenty of musky Oud thrown into the mix.

The Luxury Aromatherapy Treat | Prismologie Rose Quartz + Manganese Comforting Meridian Balm (75ml, prices vary)

I came across this Prismologie aromatherapy treat whilst browsing the beauty section of TK Maxx (a great place to find a whole host of bargains from big and niche brands) and I instantly fell in love with the box packaging. Upon opening it at home, I was delighted to be greeted by the beautiful scent of fresh roses. combined in a chunky twist-up balm stick. This multi-purpose balm wand glides onto the skin and is infused with Rosehip Oil to gently moisturise whilst delivering aromatherapy benefits. A lovely treat for less than a tenner and they had plenty of others to choose from if you're not a fan of Rose.

The Glowy Bronzer/Highlighter | Iconic London Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow in Date Night (5g, £25, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose product and I fell head over heels for this much-hyped newbie from Iconic London. Yes, this was definitely one of those 'Instagram made me do it' moments and I have no regrets! These Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glows are insanely beautiful and I had a hard time choosing a favourite. In the end, I opted for Date Night which is the most perfect glowy bronzer-meets-highlighter for olive skin tones. This baby really pops against a summer tan! The powder compact is buttery soft and super blendable so you can apply a light dusting or go to town and layer it up for a more intense glow.

The It-Girl Aviators | Versace Aviator Sunglasses (gift from a friend)

Despite my ever-growing collection of sunglasses, I didn't actually own a pair of aviators until one of my good friends kindly gifted me this pair of Versace Aviator Sunglasses for my birthday last month. Since then, I've been wearing them all the time and I love how they go with pretty much every summer outfit imaginable. Smart and chic, they are one of those classics that never goes out of style so I know I'll be wearing these every summer until the end of time.

The Vintage Summer Bag | Jane Shilton Round Bag (charity shop find)

Quick confession, every year I hate the trend of those straw/wicker bags, mainly because I dislike the feel of them so much. Instead, I was on the hunt for a light-coloured small bag and found this beautiful vintage Jane Shilton bag in a local Oxfam charity shop for the bargain price of £6.99. The soft woven texture gives off beach vibes and the long strap can be worn across the body. One of my favourite purchases of the year so far!

What products are you currently loving?

Read more

Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

Read more

Summer Beauty | Bondi Sands Face Tinted SPF 50+ & Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ review

It might not feel very warm outside right now, but the UV is already hitting those medium levels here in the UK.  It's time to slap on that sunscreen if you haven't been doing so already! Why not try these two from Bondi Sands?

You may be more familiar with Bondi Sands' excellent self-tanning range (I'm a big fan of their self-tanning foams in particular), however, everyone's favourite Aussie brand also does sunscreen products which makes absolute sense when you think about it! 

Did you also know that Australia has much stricter regulations when it comes to producing sunscreen formulas? Again, this makes a lot of sense given their sunny proximity on the globe, and is perhaps one of the reasons why so many skincare gurus highly recommend using Australian-made sunscreen products.

Both of the Bondi Sands sunscreens below are certified cruelty-free, reef-friendly, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin types. They are also broad-spectrum sunscreens meaning that they fully protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Tinted* (75ml, £8.99)

Facial sunscreens are something that I wear all year round, regardless of how sunny it is outside, and this is mainly because sunscreens are the best form of anti-aging protection. You can use a million different types of expensive serums and fancy face maks, but if you're not wearing sunscreen, you're not properly protecting your skin!

Bondi Sands has a great range of facial sunscreens to choose from and my go-to is their SPF 50+ Tinted version. I personally find most facial sunscreens to be very 'white' for my skin tone, so a tinted version erases this issue and layers so much nicer underneath my foundation/base product. Plus on days when I don't want to wear a full face of makeup, it adds a little colour to my complexion. Not only is this a budget-friendly steal at less than £10, but it blends in easily and feels hydrating too without any stickiness.

Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ (150ml, £10.99)

For the body, there's the Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ which I've recommended countless times to friends and family. Usually, I prefer a classic tropical/coconut-scented sunscreen to use on my body, but this one is a fantastic fragrance-free alternative and comes in really handy if I'm experiencing an eczema flare-up and can't use any scented products. 

It features a 4-hour water-resistant formula with a plant-based hydration complex with ethically sourced algae which is a godsend for dry skin. Once applied to the skin, it sinks in quickly and is invisible, whilst also being non-greasy. A real winner! 

Bondi Sands is available from numerous stockists including Boots where it's currently on a buy one, get one half price offer.

What are your favourite sunscreens?

Read more

Bring Sunshine To Your Bathroom with Sol de Janeiro | Bom Dia Bright, Brazillian 4-Play & Coco Cabana Body Washes review

The weather may be horrible outside, but you can beat the winter blues with these sunny delights from Sol de Janeiro. Bursting with summery, uplifting fragrances, you can daydream of your next holiday in the sunshine whilst you're in the shower!

Everywhere I look on my socials, there's always someone mentioning Sol de Janeiro lately, and truth be told, I hadn't really explored much from the brand until now. I've used their bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream on and off for years and have enjoyed that gorgeous signature scent (which you really must try if you haven't already) so it was definitely time to see what else was on offer.

Although Sol de Janeiro isn't an entirely natural brand, they are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and have a transparent 'clean philosophy' which means that they have banned over 100 'nasties' from all of its formulas. These include parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, microplastics, aluminum salts, talc, and oxybenzone to name just a few. 

In addition, all of their sunscreens are certified reef safe, they don't use cyclic silicones (the ones linked to buildup on the hair and in our water systems), and the preservative phenoxyethanol is only present in clinically safe amounts (less than 1% of total formula). You can read more about their clean philosophy here.

With this in mind, I was keen to try some of their bestselling Body Washes which a friend recently raved about to me, and with their delicious summery scents, I couldn't say no. I picked up the smaller travel-size bottles as they were on offer when I was in Boots but larger sizes are available. They are pricey but mighty!

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

Bom Dia Bright is a newbie to the Sol de Janeiro range and is a clarifying Coconut based sulfate-free body wash that's packed full of fruit-derived AHAs, vegan Lactic Acid, and Salicyclic Acid. This combination packs a punch when it comes to gently exfoliating your body, visibly brightening and smoothing it. If you suffer from ingrown hairs, this is perfect as it'll get rid of any congested lumps and bumps. Bom Dia Bright is delicately scented with the sunny Cheirosa 40 fragrance which is wonderfully warm, energizing, and floral. Best used 2-3 times a week.

Sol de Janeiro Brazillian 4-Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel

If you love the scent of Sol's bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream, then you'll automatically love this cheekily named Brazillian 4-Play Shower Cream as it has the same iconic fragrance with notes of Pistachio, Jasmine, and Salted Caramel. The product itself has an interesting shower cream-gel texture which lathers up beautifully and feels so silky and rich on the skin thanks to moisturising ingredients such Coconut Oil, Cupuaçu Butter, and Açaí Oil. 

Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser

For an even more moisturising shower experience, dry skin will drink up the delectable Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser. Super luxurious and even richer in texture than the Brazillian 4-Play, Coco Cabana shares many of the same skin-friendly ingredients as the above but is enriched further with a unique CocoSugar blend of nourishing Coconut Oil and fermented Sugar that helps to draw more moisture to your skin. And the scent of course is coconut heaven! Think juicy, creamy young Coconuts mixed with tropical Orchids and toasted Praline; a pure sunny paradise fragrance.

Sol de Janeiro Body Washes come in various sizes with refills available for the bigger bottles. Travel sizes, 90ml, are around £10 each. Available from various stockists including Boots and Look Fantastic.

Which one sounds the best to you?

Read more

Summer Skincare: Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 review

 

The queen of all sunscreens, Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 has a cult following and it's easy to see why! 

A famous name in the skincare world, Dr. Babara Sturm is a world-renowned aesthetics skin doctor who specialises in anti-inflammatory treatments, so much so, that many call her a 'pioneer' in this field. 

Needless to say, her award-winning range of skincare emphasizes this passion, and her GMO-free products are made with a strong ethos of innovation, but without the use of common toxic, harmful, or aggressive ingredients. It's not a 'clean' beauty line, however, it does provide some pretty impressive results for those who have tricky to manage skin conditions, so I was keen to try her number one summer skin bestseller; the Sun Drops SPF 50 as a lot of facial sunscreens break me out.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 are housed in a sleek glass bottle and comes with a pipette applicator which some may love, and others may dislike. Personally, I'm a fan because I can apply the drops easily to my palms and then massage them into my skin - it's also useful for getting the quantity that's needed to adequately protect my face right too as you want to apply your sunscreen liberally - it's better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes!

This sunscreen feels a little heavy and sticky at first, yet once applied, it's a lovely lightweight texture that quickly sinks into the skin and feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. This SPF 50 protection safeguards against both UVA and UVB rays so that you're fully covered, and features a unique complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Beta Glucan, and Purslane for additional anti-ageing protection. There are also no harmful to the marine environment ingredients in this formula so you can swim in the sea safely without damaging the local flora and fauna  (just make sure to reapply when you're back on land to keep your SPF topped up).

I've been using Sun Drops for the past month and it's protected my skin well incredibly well against the sometimes vicious Mediterranean sun, and guess what, it hasn't broken me out once! Sadly, it does come with a pretty hefty price tag to match such good results, but as sunscreen is the number one anti-ageing defense in your skincare routine, if you can afford it, why not?

Dr. Barabara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50* (30ml, £100) is available from Skinstation.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Dr. Barbara Sturm before?

Read more

Summer Living: 3 Things to Consider When Buying Outdoor Festoon Lights

 

Summer’s coming, and with it, the chance to enjoy evenings outside. And, thanks to warmer nights, the good times don’t have to end when the sun goes down. Buying outdoor festoon lights can help make back gardens and other spaces more welcoming after dark. Here are three things to think about when shopping for them.

1- Your physical needs

Save time and effort by looking at the space you want to fill with lights before you start shopping. This is because certain physical requirements dictate where you can install them.

The most important of these needs is the distance the lights will run from your power supply. For many, festoon lights are perfect for outdoor installations. This is because their garland design means you don’t have to settle for long, unsightly, and potentially dangerous, extension cables. Instead, festoon lighting allows you to fill the space between the plug and the last light with beautiful lighting.

And, for people with bigger gardens or spaces to fill, their chain design means you can connect lights together to make long runs.

Another thing to think about is the British weather. If you want to install outdoor lighting, you will have to consider how waterproof or splashproof lights, cords, and strings are. There are different ratings depending on what customers require. Helpfully, manufacturers use a standard Ingress/ International Protection (or IP) Code set by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Buyers often look for IP44 or higher ratings. If you are unsure, speak to a reputable retailer to make sure you get adequate protection for your needs.

2- Aesthetics

After thinking about practicalities, you get to turn your attention to more fun things like the colour of cables, lamp style, size, light bulb colour, and degrees Kelvin (known as ‘K’) rating. The light’s K rating matters because it is a universal standard designed to help buyers create the right effect. It grades the light appearance (or “temperature”) of the light. Warmer, softer lights tend to have lower ratings of 2000k to 3000k and give off an orange or yellow glow. Daylight brightness is simulated between 4500K to 6500K with a blue-white light. Cool white lights are found in between these ratings.

3- Retail experience

The first two points can help you decide what you need and want. But, for many, these choices can also help you decide what kind of retail experience will help you get your desired result.

Some things to look for are: if you prefer shopping online or in-person, paying shipping costs or having free shipping included, any warranty or after-sale service, trade or domestic use, the seller’s returns policy, the extent of expert help you need, future lighting installation expansion, and ease of replacing parts and bulbs.

The internet is a great resource to start your research, but so is speaking to a professional. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of free resources like sales staff at expert retailers. Sometimes a quick call can save you hours of time online.

Read more

Spring Ready with Wilkinson Sword: Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor and Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors review

 

If you choose to remove your body hair, these two razors from Wilkinson Sword will have you Spring ready in no time at all!

When it comes to body hair removal, choices are generally pinpointed on a spectrum of pain; from epilators and waxing, to dissolving creams and razors, I have always tended to opt for the latter which is generally pain-free :D

That said, as we continue to actively choose more and more sustainable products in our beauty routines, where do razors fit in? Well, they're never going to be zero waste, but there are some brands that are definitely improving what they're doing for the environment, such as Wilkinson Sword.

Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor* (£9.99, link)

Lightweight and super-easy to use, the reusable Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor is a dual-sided beauty tool that's ultra-convenient. On one end, you have the waterproof Bikini Trimmer (operated by an AAA battery) which features four different trim lengths to style your bikini area however you desire. The adjustable comb lets you get to hard-to-reach areas for the perfect finish and the head is detachable for easy cleaning afterward.

The other end has a five-blade razor with a skin-protect bar of gel that contains Hyaluronic Acid for the smoothest and most comfortable shave possible. Best of all, the razor head is replaceable and can be switched for any refills from Wilkinson Sword's Intuition Complete and Sensitive Touch ranges. I was also pleased that the inner packaging is cardboard instead of plastic - well done WS!

Wilkinson Sword Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors (price varies, link)

I'll be honest here, disposable razors are best to be avoided where possible. However, there are occasions where they come in handy for the purposes of travelling, so if you're stocking up for your next holiday, I'd recommend the Wilkinson Sword Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors. 

Each razor has a handle which is made from 95% recycled plastic, and after use, the handle can be recycled again (just detach the razor head before recycling). In addition, all of the outer packaging is made from FSC certified sources that's made from over 90% recycled paper.

These razors are really, really good and feature three flexible blades that follows the contours of your body for a very close and precise shave. There are also two lubricating strips formulated with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect from skin irritation and the handle feels comfortable to grip and use.

What's your preferred method of hair removal?

Read more

Summer Skincare with Nourish London: 4 Favourites To Try

 

Nourish London are one of my favourite British natural and organic skincare brands and they have a whole host of products that could be included in a Summer Skincare feature. It was so hard to put this little edit together, but here are my top four to try.

If haven't heard of Nourish London before, check out my previous reviews here and all of their products are certified cruelty-free and vegan.

The Repairing Facial Treatment: Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £23.50, link)

With lockdown restrictions lifting and socialising back on the cards, you may be finding yourself spending a lot more time than usual out and about enjoying the sun and running errands in your favourite city. This is the time of the year when a facial treatment like Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask comes in really handy to keep your skin protected against environmental aggressors such as pollution and free radicals.

Packed full of beneficial nutrients and minerals that have been formulated to make this face mask from a rather clever probiotic fermentation process, this repairing treatment does just that. It helps to boost collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore firmness, for healthier, more supple skin. Key actives include Magnesium, Lavender and Damask Rose, with optimised Zinc, Copper and Iron all playing their part in this award-winning face mask.

Best of all, you only need 5 minutes to use it for a quick and easy pick-me-up or leave it on overnight for a more restorative treatment once a week.

The Supercharged Calming Mist: Nourish London Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (100ml, £22, link)

There's nothing better than a refreshing toner to spritz liberally all over the face when it's a hot and sticky day, so why not choose one hydrates, brightens, protects and calms your complexion at the same time? This Antioxidant Peptide Mist is a real hidden gem in Nourish's range and contains antioxidants such as Turmeric, Probiotic minerals, Hyaluronic Acid and plenty of anti-ageing Peptides to make a real difference to look and feel of your skin (with regular use of course!).

There's also a beautiful soothing blend of essential oils included in the mix to instantly help to calm both skin and the mind when you're having a busy or stressful day. Use day and night to enjoy the benefits.

The Glow Getter: Nourish London Illuminating Face Shimmer* (30ml, £18, link)

Gorgeous glowy skin can still be difficult to achieve during the summer months, but help is on hand with Nourish's Illuminating Face Shimmer which is one of my absolute summer-must-haves - I simply love this! Now newly packaged with a nifty self-locking smart pump that eliminates the need for a plastic cap, the Illuminating Face Shimmer is a versatile cream-based liquid highlighter. 

With a moisturising and collagen-boosting base of Hyaluronic Acid, Tripeptides, Argan Oil, extract of Tonka Bean and Shea Butter, this shimmer gets its name from the golden mineral particles which are suspended within the cream. To use it, simply dab a little onto fingertips and apply directly to the high points of the face to add light and luminosity, or you can apply it all over before or after your moisturiser for a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

The Multi-Tasking Hero: Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (50ml, £32, link)

Whilst Summer is undoubtedly my favourite season, sometimes it doesn't like me all that much! Too much sun can lead to dryness or sunburn, and spending lots of time in busy cities with a lot of pollution can cause clogged skin and breakouts. Not to worry! You just need a huge pot of this amazing Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm in your skincare arsenal.

Made from a pure and natural potent blend of omega-rich plant oils and carefully chosen anti-ageing extracts like Marine Algae, this Super Balm really does work wonders on the skin and can be used in so many different ways. My favourites are as a rich balm cleanser to give a really deep clean; as a moisturising post-sun mask (leave on for around 20 minutes, then wipe away), and as a TLC balm for any particularly dry areas such as sunburn, chapped lips, rough feet and dry cuticles.

Shop the full range of products at nourishskinrange.com

What are your favourite natural summer skincare products?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Currently Loving: Summer Beauty Favourites from Bloomtown, RMS Beauty, John Masters Organics & The Organic Pharmacy

I think it's finally safe to say that Summer is perhaps here to stay now in the UK, so before the sun goes in and it starts raining, I thought I'd put together a little edit of some of my current Summer Beauty Favourites.

Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (50g, £10, link)

If you're looking to make the switch to a natural deodorant, these Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bars are a great place to start. I'm a huge fan of this lovely British brand and find that their natural deos are seriously underrated! With absolutely no aluminum, baking soda or parabens, they're ideal for sensitive skin to try out and currently come in two scents, a floral Lavender and Rose Geranium, and a fresh Lemongrass & Peppermint. I opted for the latter and love the uplifting fragrance! I found this worked well for for everyday wear and effectively kept the body odour at bay which is what you want a deodorant to do!

Just a heads up if you're new to these - natural deodorants are not antiperspirants so they won't stop you from sweating. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to use antiperspirants all the time as blocking your natural perspiration function isn't healthy in my view, so be prepared for a bit of 'wetness' during the summer months or if you're exercising etc when using these.

RMS Beauty Back2Brow Brow Powder in Dark* (3.5g, £21, link)

I was looking for a new brow product and I always opt for a powder when the weather gets warmer because they seem to be able to stick around for a lot longer throughout the day. This Back2Brow Brow Powder from RMS Beauty is exactly what I was looking for. Within the compact square is a finely milled powder, rich in natural pigment and minerals that's super easy to blend and work with. It gives a good dimensional look to the brows which helps them to look instantly thicker and fuller, as well as much more natural, and the Dark shade suited me perfectly. A fabulous find!

John Masters Organics Hair Milk* (118ml, £29, link) & Lip Calm Pomegranate* (4g, £7, link)

Throughout the pandemic, I have to admit that I haven't been paying much attention to my hair thanks to WFH life, and it's been in some dire need of TLC. I've used this John Masters Organics Hair Milk in the past and felt it was time to step up to the full size as it's such a useful product to have in your beauty stash, plus it lasts forever! If you haven't heard of it before, it's basically a lightweight leave-in conditioner and styling treatment. Free from silicones, it's a good one to pick up if you have fine and very dry hair like mine as it won't weigh it down or make it look greasy, but it will deliver all the essential moisture that your hair needs to look its best. Perfect for adding shine and making your locks sleek and frizz-free.

Whilst I'm mentioning JMO, I thought I'd sneak in a cheeky shoutout for their brilliant Lip Calm Pomegranate which is a new release and based on their bestselling, original Lip Calm formula. I actually like this one more as I love the Pomegranate flavour which adds a fruity twist to their classic balm!

The Organic Pharmacy Luminous Perfecting Concealer in Medium* (5ml, £19, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention is the incredible Luminous Perfecting Concealer from The Organic Pharmacy. This Medium shade that you can see above is the perfect salmony pink colour for counteracting and brightening up dark circles. A really lovely hydrating formula that doesn't settle into those pesky fine lines and can be easily set matte with a light touch of banana powder. I'd definitely recommend this concealer more for the undereyes, rather than for concealing blemishes as it's not quite heavy duty enough to cover acne etc, so do bear that in mind, but it's OK for the odd spot here and there if you did want to double up.

What are your summer beauty favourites this year?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

5 Natural & Cruelty-Free Fragrances To Try This Summer

The sun has finally come out to play and Summer definitely feels like it's on its way! As the new season approaches, I thought I'd put together an edit of some of my favourite cruelty-free, natural fragrances for the Summer months ahead.

Try If You Like Sensual & Exotic Scents: Balm Balm Single Note Ylang Ylang Eau de Parfum* (33ml, £22, link)

Regular readers will know that I'm obsessed with all things Ylang Ylang so this natural perfume from Balm Balm had to be my number one pick. If you haven't tried these Balm Balm Single Note Eau de Parfums yet, you're truly missing out! Made from simply essential oil and pure grain alcohol, these fragrances are 100% vegan, natural and organic (certified by the Soil Association) and feature just a single essential oil for the purest outcome. Ylang Ylang is a bold and sensual perfume and can be worn on its own or layered with other single-note fragrances from the Balm Balm range. 

Try If You Like Happy & Uplifting Scents: Kathleen Natural Citrus Cheer Roll On Perfume* (10ml, £18.40, link)

For those who prefer an alcohol-free fragrance, you can't go wrong with these lovely Kathleen Natural rollerball perfumes. 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, my favourite is called Citrus Cheer which sums up this scent so well! This essential oil blend has top notes of Lemon and a heart of Rosewood which is layered over a base of Geranium. Happy and uplifting, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Try If You Like Fruity & Fresh Scents: Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Roll-On Perfume* (10ml, £12.99, link)

With its slim and chic design, it's easy to see why the Pacifica Roll-On Perfumes are so popular and I've tried out various scents from this range over the years. The one that I keep repurchasing on a yearly basis though is the Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume which marries together juicy Blood Orange with zesty Italian Mandarin, plus lovely sparkling Raspberry and Strawberry notes to keep the Summer vibes going strong all season long. Natural, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

Try If You Like Sweet & Comforting Scents: Bloomtown The Café Roll-On Infused Oil* (10ml, £6, link)

If you're on a budget, I highly recommend the Roll-On Infused Oils from the British natural brand Bloomtown. Handmade in Truro, Cornwall, these are seriously underrated and they are an absolute steal at just £6! The range is certified cruelty-free, vegan, and palm-oil-free, and they have six signature scents to choose from. I love The Café which is a sublime blend of Hazelnut, Vanilla, Coffee and Chocolate for a sweet and cosy fragrance. Not only that, but these double up as nourishing oils for your skin and hair too and can be used to hydrate dry skin areas, as well as smoothing split ends - pretty clever indeed!

Try If You Like Contemporary & Fun Scents: Flaya Island Eau de Parfum* (10ml, £12.99, link)

Flaya is a new brand discovery for me and I was delighted to come across their natural, organic and vegan-friendly perfumes when I was browsing LoveLula one evening. This small, family-run business specialises in fragrances that are created from only natural and plant-based ingredients. Each perfume is handmade, hand-bottled and hand-packed in the UK, and the brand is proud to have several certifications from a range of ethical companies including the Vegan Society and the Ethical Consumer Best Buy label. I decided to try their Island fragrance recently and I've been smitten with it ever since. It's a warm, fun and modern scent with happy fresh Citrus notes combined with sensual undertones of Ylang Ylang. 

What are your favourite Summer fragrances?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Summer Beauty: NUORI Sun Repair Serum & Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 review + 10% Reader Discount Code

Summer isn't over just yet, and with this week's heatwave arriving in the UK, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to feature a new luxury clean skincare brand which has been popping up my beauty radar. Meet NUORI.

NUORI is a Danish high-end, clean and non-toxic skincare brand whose products are formulated with 100% naturally derived ingredients which work in harmony with the latest generation of bioengineered actives. It's one of those brands that I just love because it marries together nature and science for the best possible results, whilst sticking to their clean skincare ethics. 

In addition, it's worth noting that all of NUORI's products are created in small batches every 10-12 weeks in Denmark to ensure maximum freshness and potency, and all of their packaging comes clearly marked with batch numbers and expiry dates which is even more important when it comes to suncare as out-of-date products aren't going to protect your skin properly!

I was invited to join in with NUORI's current Sun Defence Duo campaign to help promote the brand's suncare. I'm hugely passionate about encouraging everyone to wear SPF when they go outside, even in the Winter months, so I couldn't wait to try out this duo which will see you through the end of Summer and beyond.

NUORI Sun Repair Serum* (30ml, €58, link)

Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, Sun Repair Serum is a fragrance-free serum which deeply hydrates, soothes and repairs skin that's been exposed to sunlight. With an innovative antioxidant-rich complex, it helps to neutralize damaging free radicals which cause premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, whilst also inhibiting the production of melanin for a more even skin tone and texture. 

If you find that your skin becomes very sensitive, red or irritated when you're in the sun, this serum could become your new BFF as it basically offers an extra layer of protection that you can wear underneath your regular facial sunscreen. The serum has a lovely lightweight and non-sticky feeling so it works well underneath makeup too, and the hydrating properties will keep your skin comfortably moisturised throughout the day.

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30* (50ml, €49, link)

Sunscreen is, of course, your main shield of defence against those harmful UVA and UVB rays and the aptly named Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 delivers essential broad-spectrum protection in a convenient and all-natural formula. Created without any nasties such as nanoparticles, chemical sun filters and titanium dioxide, it instead utilises a new generation of non-nano Zinc Oxide which means that this sunscreen won't harm your skin or marine species and the environment as it's both ocean and reef-safe. 

I love the texture of this sunscreen as it's very light, untinted and is quickly absorbed when applied to the face without any white cast or stickiness/greasy problems. The fragrance-free formula also means that it's suitable for sensitive skin types and when removed properly with a double cleanse at the end of the day, you shouldn't experience any issues with breakouts which are more common when using chemical sunscreens. 

Try the NUORI Sun Defence Duo with 10% off with my special reader discount code - just add beautywolfgirl10 at the checkout and enjoy! Discount code expires on 30th October 2020 and is limited to one use per customer - shop here at Nuori.

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more