Testing Luxury Skincare ¦ Aurelia

Testing Luxury Skincare ¦ Aurelia

Comment   

After so many years of neglecting my skin, I have decided to branch out and explore the wonderful world of skincare. I'm not saying I never used any skin products before, but all of them were drugstore brands. That isn't necessarily wrong, but I seemed to follow the crowd and buy products that weren't beneficial to my skin type. Over the years, I have developed really dry skin; probably due to my lack of consistency when it comes to a skin care regime. However, I've come to terms with my skin type - very dry on the lower cheeks, normal-oily in the T Zone as well as suffering redness and dark eye circles. I am yet to find a perfect eye cream to soothe the discolouration under my eyes but I think I've finally found the products that are progressively improving my skin...

Aurelia Skincare is a British company that thrive to manufacture probiotic products for women to feel better, and confident, naturally. Their probiotic technology is combined with bioorganic botanical formulations to create a luxurious, and natural, feel on the skin. Aurelia conjures incredibly scented formulations that help to reduce levels of skin inflammation to create a perfect balance within the skin. With that being said, I was so excited to test out samples from their range, as my skin becomes red easily. I was happy to put their claims to the test..here goes... 

Oh and the products are all animal-cruelty free! BONUS!!

Arrival

First and foremost, the lovely women I spoke to via their email service was incredibly helpful. She advised products that would help with my dry and dull skin, offering me knowledge into what I should use to improve my skin's impurities. On arrival, my luxurious packaged samples were placed in a classy black box (which I'm now using for storage - practical!!). The products were encased in several layers of tissue paper and pretty brand-imprinted ribbons; I love when brands make that extra effort the please their customers. It simply shows pride and care in their brand. Also, the delivery took only 2 days to arrive - so if you are struggling to grasp something to save your skin, I would totally recommend popping your desired product for Aurelia into your basket.

Miracle Cleanser - The chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary and bergamot infused cleanser sinks, and soothes, into my dry skin. Over the two weeks of using this to remove makeup and generally cleanse my face in the day and night, I have honestly (HAND ON HEART) felt a gigantic improvement. Not only does it remove dirt and bacteria that builds up in your skin throughout the day, it moisturizes and hydrates my face, making it feel soft and replenished. The scent is light with its floral feminine undertones, making it a pleasure to apply to my face morning and night.

Refine and Polish Miracle Balm - A product responsible for benefiting my dull, red skin. The ingredients combined in this balm formula aid balance and protection of the skin, whilst brightening my overall complexion. The same scent is used from the product mentioned above, making me more keen to pick this up and use it at the end of the day, rather than being lazy like I usually am! Aurelia advise their balm buyers to gently massage the formula into their skin - this helps to boost circulation and reveal a brighter and clearer appearance. I've also used this product as a mask, as well as exfoliant, once a week. This helps to target dead/dry cells that may surface on the skin. Unlike my past exfoliants, this balm doesn't force you to tug on the skin - the formula glides on and off whilst removing dirt.

Accompanying my cleanser and balm, was this adorably wrapped muslin cloth. You are able to buy a set of 7 bamboo muslin cloths here - one for each day of the week! The smooth, organic material is soft, also aiding no tugging at the skin which can cause irritation. They are also antibacterial so will be no harm to the skin - I gently remove the cleanser with this muslin cloth in small circular motions over my face. The bacteria and other nasties will be lifted from the skin onto the material - this can they be easily washed to become fresh again.

Revitalise & Glow Serum - One of the top products the kind lady at Aurelia recommended was this serum. I didn't know much about serums until I read some articles on them after receiving and the description that accompanies the product. 'A lightweight and easily absorbed potent age prevention fluid.Concentrated BioOrganic 100% pure botanicals include Baobab which is rich in precious Omega 3, 6 & 9 to revitalise the skin, soothing and firming Kigelia Africana and Hibiscus to fight oxidative stress, combined with a powerful dose of vitamin E.  this addictive serum works to hydrate and soothe dull and dehydrated skin promoting a luminous, dewy and radiant glow whilst helping to prevent skin ageing.' After two weeks of regular use, my skin has started to become slightly more radiant than usual, making me excited to use this further to ensure dull skin is no longer a problem for me!!!

Cell Repair Night Oil - Never owning a luxury night oil is something that has definitely negatively impacted me regarding my current skin situation. This stuff has never made my skin feel better - my favourite product of all received. I've applied this to my face most nights (I accidentally forgot 2 oops!) and when I wake up, my skin feels awakened and hydrated. This was a huge deal for me - I usually wake up and want to scream at my dull, dry skin when I look in the mirror. However, consistent use of night oil has helped revitalise my skin into the best state it ever has been. So so happy with the outcome of this product!

Aromatic Repair and Brighten Hand Cream - Testing a luxury hand cream had never really came to mind - I always stuck with a mini moisturizer as a handbag essential and didn't think much of it. I always like to keep a hand cream/sanitizer in my bag in case my hands feel dry (EVERYDAY!!) or I've been touching lots of bacteria prone surfaces. By the way, I'm not one of those crazy clean freaks, I've just recently seen so many videos on bacteria gathering in areas you never even thought were an issue and it kind of freaked me out... Anyway, my hands are easily super clammy or excessively dry so I'm hoping this can help me to achieve the perfect balance. The formula is creamy and works its way into the skin to achieve a moisturized finish. Aurelia states that this helps to nail strength - another exciting factor as my nails are super brittle. Will let you all know how I get on with this!

You can purchase Aurelia Skincare online or stockists such as Space NK. If you would like to see a skin care routine using my favourite products from Aurelia's range, leave a comment below and I will be sure to make a Youtube Video when I start up my channel. SUBSCRIBE HERE to be the first to see when I start it up in the next month. 

What's your favourite skincare brand?

Lots of love

------------------------------------------------------------

This post is in collaboration with Aurelia; however, all opinions are honest and my own.

Ombre Matte Lips ¦ Cailyn Cosmetics

Ombre Matte Lips ¦ Cailyn Cosmetics

Comment   

Ombre lips have become an ongoing, increasingly popular trend over the past two years. Being a beauty fanatic, I quite disappointed in myself that I hadn't indulged in this trend sooner as I'm a huge fan of the outcome. I absolutely love the gradient effect as one colour merges into another; bright colours always look incredible. They make your lips pop and give that plumped effect, giving the illusion your lips are bigger than they actually are.

Cailyn Cosmetics are a beauty brand that specialize in cosmetics and skin care. They offer non animal-testing products and the majority do not contain harmful ingredients, like phthalates and petrochemicals. This company derived from the United States and ship internationally. When the people at Cailyn Cosmetics contacted me, I was more than thrilled to receive one of their infamous lip contour kits! Read more to find out how I achieved this ombre lip look and a little insight into the 3 shades...

Bright colours are the 'go' this season so I had no other choice than to opt for the beautiful 'Purple Lilac Trio' from the 8 Blossoms range. Wrapped in a double layer of brand-printed tissue paper, I was excited to see the three different colours and how they complimented each other. Each liquid lipstick is held in a sleek plastic tube with a mirrored lid - the packaging is simplistic which I think gives the brand an appearance of sophistication.

When it comes to the application, the thin doe-foot applicators are easy to use; it took me a while to get used to them, as I had never owned a lipstick/gloss with a flexible wand, but I got the hang of it after a couple of practices. The formula is a huge winner for me! After applying the product, you have to wait 1-2 minutes, which really isn't long at all, for the formula to dry and set. A matte effect is swiftly created, leaving the product feeling secure on the lips. Therefore, the lasting power exceeded my expectations; I have eaten and drank with this lipstick on and nothing moves. Not even a glimpse of purple on the side of my glass. I was impressed that it survived a whole day without budging, although it took a hell of a lot to come off. It took 3-4 cotton pads with cleansing water to take off, which left my lips slightly sore. However, finding a product that lasts on the lips for an entire day without budging is impossible so really, this isn't a negative downfall. 

"High Voltage Colour + Perfectly Matte + Waterproof"

The lightest shade I received was the shade 19 - a blue-toned 'barbie pink' that appears true to the colour in the tube on the lips. This is probably the most wearable of the three shades, if you would prefer to wear them individually for easy, day time use. Although 19 is the lightest shade of the three, the colour is opaque on the lips, only one swipe of product is needed to achieve a single layer. This is such a fun summer shade for those wanting to create a bold look or want to match a vibrant outfit to your makeup. Also, this colour works the best with the lighter purple, as seen in the ombre look above. These two cooperate to form a wearable ombre effect on the lips, without feeling too self conscious.

Out of the trio, this definitely has to be my favourite shade. The deep indigo-purple complements my dark hair and cool complexion. Shade 14 will be perfect for an intense evening look or even to go bold at a festival. This shade is very well-loved already and I know this will be on my lips all summer. Although bright colours are usually a Summer thing, I totally think this can work all seasons!

The darkest shade is this extremely deep purple with navy blue undertones; however, when applied to the lips this can look almost black. All shades are cool-toned so work in favour of one another when applied all together. The purple arises after the formula dries on the lips. If I were to solely wear Shade 16 on its own, I would definitely rock it at a halloween party. I think it will look incredible with a dark purple eye and thick lashes. Despite the dark colour, it is not any more difficult to get off than the other colours.

Above are swatches of all the colours mentioned in order. Let me know in the comments which is your favourite. Overall, my ultimate impression is very high. The formula is impressive with its ability to turn matte after 2 minutes - a lot of companies 'catfish' and say their lipsticks are matte but still have that glossy sheen left on the surface. Additionally, I love how the three colours work together - you are able to pair two colours up, wear them individually or all together. Now, I would absolutely love to try one of the nude sets because I'm yet to try a nude lipstick that stays matte for an entire day.

Are you a fan of the ombre lip trend? Which colour of the Purple Lilac Trio was your favourite?!

Lots of love

----------------------------------------------------------------------

This post is in collaboration with Cailyn Cosmetics. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Brand Focus : Butter London

Brand Focus : Butter London

Comment   

Vibrancy and intensity are always summer 'thing' but this year companies are going crazy to compete for the best, unique range of summer perfect products. For some reason, the sun energizes me and gives me more confidence in my skin and my general being. I'm not sure exactly why that is but I'm sure that there is a scientific reason for it - everyone associates the sun with positivity after all...

Butter London is a brand I'm sure most of you have heard of - they are a company who are infamously known for their buttery, opaque nail polishes. Being rather slow in the grips of social media, I never really knew they sold other makeup products so when I got the opportunity to give some of their cosmetics a test, I was more than merrier to do so. Personally, I'm a huge fan of glossy, bright lips in the summer - moisture is key and I cannot stand matte lipsticks sinking into the crevices of my lips. NO THANK YOU. Instead, I opted for some very 'out there' liquid lipsticks that leave a glossy shine.

Fortunately, Butter London ever so kindly wrapped up two nail polishes to accompany my requested liquid lipsticks. I was thrilled to see varnishes that matched the seasonal colour scheme - bright oranges and yellows are incredibly eye-catching and on the nails, they can add extra warmth to a Summer's day outfit. The two shades I received were CHUFFED and CHEEKY CHOPS. Chuffed is a stunning orange glitter with golden flecks of glitter running throughout. The glitters would complement a gorgeous golden cheekbone highlight - matching nail colour to makeup can really help to enhance your favourite features. As this polish is a glitter, application requires two thin coats to achieve a full opaque coverage. Cheeky chops is bright yellow; it is slightly toned down which makes it more wearable for those not brave enough to rock a crazy fluorescent number. This shade achieves opaque perfection with a single light coat, leaving a glossy finish. Butter London nail varnishes contain vitamins that aid nail strength - something I definitely need with my poor stubby excuses for nails! They also provide a consistent, smooth layer on the nail.  

Liquid lipsticks are an evergrowing trend among the beauty lovers out there; I am a huge fan of this trend - who wouldn't want moisturized, opaque lips in the simple swipe of an applicator? The two shades I received are La Moss and Primrose Hill Picnic. La Moss is a burgundy, red-wine - the coverage lays between an opaque matte lipstick and a lipgloss with a formula rich in shea butter, creating a beautiful moisturized feel on the lips. Primrose Hill Picnic is a tropical pink - I'd say it is in between a fuschia and 'Barbie' pink. The underlying blue tones allow the product to compliment my cool skin tone, which is always a bonus on vibrant colours you are a bit tentative to wear in public. This shade would look insane on holiday - it reminds me all the tropical flowers you would see on a secluded, exotic island. You can tell I've got eternal holiday blues!!!

Don't forget to head over to Butter London to check out all their cosmetics range, as well are their very-loved varnishes. Let me know what you think of them.

Which lip colour is your favourite? Do you own any products from Butter London?

Lots of love

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This post is in collaboration with Butter London, however all opinions are honest and my own.

Hair Care Saviours ¦ Richard Ward Chelsea Collection

Hair Care Saviours ¦ Richard Ward Chelsea Collection

Comment   

Being your lazy typical teenager, I've grown up completely neglecting my hair. Don't worry, I'm not saying that I don't wash it on a regular basis, I'm talking going that extra length to ensure that my hair remains healthy, smooth and shiny. Due to complete lack of care, my hair sometimes becomes coarse and dry only a day or two after washing my hair. This simply gave me a wake up call to try something different - something that was going to recover the damage and save my brunette locks.

Luckily, I've discovered Richard Ward's Keratin Restore Collection consisting of a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask treatment. I was super excited to try the hair mask specifically because 'surprise, surprise', I had never tried one before. Also, this range is part of the Chelsea Collection - Richard Ward is hairdresser to the beautiful Kate Middleton and some of the 'Made In Chelsea' cast. By hearing celebrities and hair stylists talk about these products, I knew I was in for a right treat...

Keratin Restore Shampoo & Conditioner (RRP £5.99)

Keratin is your hair's natural proteins; it binds to the roots of your hair and works to re-build natural fibres and protect your scalp. This hero hair ingredient strives to protect vital cells from damage and excess stress. Many scientists have claimed that by exposing you hair to more keratin than it naturally produces, you can increase the thickness, health and growth of your hair. Additionally, the chicory extract and yucca vera contained in the products cooperate to produce a lustrous finish - the chicory invigorates strength of the hair, reducing hair loss, and the yucca vera revives suppleness and natural shine. 

After replacing my old hair products to the side, it was time for the real test. Over the past two weeks, I have been using these products in my regular routine (the shampoo and conditioner every other day and the hair mask once a week). The texture of both is balmy and the formulation appears to lather quickly and easily. Both products complimented each other in trying to revive my dull locks; the shampoo leaving my hair feeling extremely clean and the conditioner adding to the restoration and shine of the finished look. The only minor downfall was that the scent wasn't as strong as I would have liked; a very soft fruity essence that didn't quite fulfill my needs. Oh well, as long as the product is working efficiently, eh? 

Keratin Rehab Conditioning Treatment (RRP £5.99)

Hair masks are always something I've wanted to give a go. All I ever see over social media, regarding hair care, is masks - there are always those on Pinterest creating their own mask using tonnes of exotic, qwerky ingredients to formulate a beautiful remedy or Vloggers expressing their profound love for coconut oil. Finally, I've been introduced to one and now I don't think I can stop. 

This conditioning treatment is enriched with vitamins and silk proteins to revitalize and rehydrate dry hair. My hair becomes super damaged from blow-drying so a conditioning treatment that aids restoration of dryness makes applying this hair mask a treat! This most certainly will become a part of my pamper evening routine which I get round to doing once every 1/2 weeks. The silk protein leaves my hair feeling voluminous, yet sleek, with no frizz after blow-drying - another issue I have to endure. Fifteen minutes after appliance, the mask didn't leave a greasy residue after washing it out - the formula was extremely silky so I was a almost certain it was going to give leave a greasy finish but boy, was I wrong! What a great first impression on hair masks this has given me :)

If you wish to try out some of Richard Ward's nourishing collections, visit the range online at Waitrose or in stores.