Testing Luxury Skincare ¦ Aurelia

Testing Luxury Skincare ¦ Aurelia

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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

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

Brand Focus : Butter London

Brand Focus : Butter London

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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

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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

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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. 

Crobar Review ¦ Fitness

Crobar Review ¦ Fitness

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Today's post incorporates two of my New Year's resolutions - becoming healthier/fitter and trying new foods. I am honestly one of the fussiest people when it comes to food - if it looks gross, then I won't be eating it. However, I've been trying lots of new foods and have 90% liked those that I've eaten. 

Protein bars are something I've never really delved into before, despite wanting to know what they taste like and if they work effectively. I am in no way a fitness expert but believe protein bars to be either a healthy snack or a fitness stimulant prior to exercise, helping to gain muscle. Recently, I've discovered Crobar - a brand that has created an obscure protein bar (containing cricket flour!) in which is more economically friendly to the environment, as well as helping you to achieve your goals.

INGREDIENTS

PEANUT & CRICKET FLOUR - Peanuts, Sultanas, Dates, Sunflower Seeds and Cricket Flour (182 calories per 40g bar)

CACAO & CRICKET FLOUR - Cashews, Sunflowers Seeds, Sultanas, Dates, Chia Seeds, Cricket Flour, Cacao Powder, Goji Berries, Cacao Nibs and Natural Flavouring (183 calories per 40g bar)

As the bars are sourced from animal protein, they ensure all 9 essential amino acids enter the body. Also, iron levels are extremely high - surprisingly, crickets hold twice as much iron as spinach do! Moreover, Gathr Food's Crobars aid efficient use of animal feed, less water and air pollution, reduce food waste and enhance better animal welfare. 

TASTE

For myself, I would describe this to have an acquired taste - something in which I am not familiar with. Unfortunately, I cannot compare this to an alternative protein bar as I haven't ventured out to try out yet. The taste, personally, was quite bitter and I personally didn't enjoy them; however, if you love the taste of dates and sultanas you will probably be very pleased. 

Have you ever tried protein bars before? What do you think of them?

Lots of love

London Bound ¦ April 16

London Bound ¦ April 16

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London is one of my happy places. It honestly excites me so much when I have day trips there, whether is be sightseeing, visiting one of their attractions or my favourite - shopping. This time, my family were travelling to Angle Islington to watch my friends in 'In - Nocentes' by the National Youth Dance Company. Going to watch my friend perform was very important for me as I'm auditioning for a place in the company this year...super exciting! 

However, before stopping at Angel, we had a couple hours to spare. This is where I struggled to restrain myself from the beautiful shops on Oxford Circus and Regent Street; my bank account is honestly crying at the minute so I wasn't able to go crazy. I did buy a couple makeup items in Boots, with the help of a good ol' voucher and my mum kindly treated me to a gorgeous playsuit from Forever 21. 

Selfridges is always my favourite place to shop/look in London. I literally want to buy all the designer bags and shoes; there were so many Kurt Geiger clutches I was lusting over it was ridiculous! The beauty floor is obviously my primary place to go - the Charlotte Tilbury stand always looks incredible with their spotlight display. 

My rust-orange, patterned playsuit was from Forever 21. The material is super lightweight so will be perfect in the summer (maybe not in England but..) and the style is super flattering because of the ruched-detailing at the stomach. Additionally, the deep V neck allows you to glam-up the outfit with a statement necklace if you were to wear it out in the evening. 

In Boots, I had two gift cards to utilise; I decided to go to the drugstore side of Boots as I hadn't purchased anything from there in a while. L'Oreal have always been one of my favourite drugstore brands so I decided to purchase some needed products from the stand - the Lumi Magique highlighting concealer and the Superstar Super Liner. Fortunately, there was a '3 for 2' offer on the counter so I managed to pick up one of their new matte lip products in 'Oops I Pink It Again'. After swatching it on my lips last night I am already impressed - the sponge end allows precise and smooth application to the lips. 

For my evening makeup, I ventured for a purple/grey smoky eye look with a nude lip.

Products used : 

~ Nars Sheer Glow ~ Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ~ Rimmel Stay Matte Powder ~ Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ~ Benefit Rockateur ~ The Balm Mary Lou Manizer ~ Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate ~ Urban Decay Smoky Palette & Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette ~ Maybelline Gel Liner ~ Revlon Lash Potion ~ Model's Own Liner (waterline) ~ Charlotte Tilbury Bond Girl ~

The performance was honestly breath-taking - I love contemporary dance and it has been my passion for the last couple of years. I cannot wait to audition for the company in the Summer! My evening was successfully completed with a Mango & Passionfruit cooler from Costa alongside a triple chocolate muffin. Mmmmmm.....

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

Lots of love

Personalise your Phone Case ¦ CaseApp

Personalise your Phone Case ¦ CaseApp

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Personalisation is something that can make someone's day. I think personalised gifts are the key to a loved one's heart - whether is be something sentimental like a necklace or framed photograph, something creative like a scrapbook or something practical like a phonecase or mug. 

CaseApp are a brand that specialises in personalised phone/laptop cases; you are able to chose from a pre-made design, like my 'Perfect White Marble' one, or insert your own image. After seeing marble-print invading all my social media, I just had to go for this design!

Rather than overloading my masterpiece with tons of emojis, photos and text, I decided to keep it basic - simplicity is key for me. I thought bombarding the case with excess material would take away from the beautiful marble design. Thus, in pretty, elegant font I typed 'Char Emily' (my Instagram name) along with a cute black love heart, to the bottom of my design. 

On arrival, I was delighted to receive an immaculate-printed, good quality case that has already withstood a few falls. Being clumsy I always drop my phone and end up damaging ever single case I purchase; however, there is not a single mark after a couple of weeks! Also, I am in love with the smooth, matte finish - this is very aesthetically pleasing and sets aside from my other phone covers that hold 21940832487 sequins and gems.

If you are struggling for a gift idea, I highly recommend personalised ones. With swift delivery and phenomenal quality, you cannot go wrong with CaseApp. Don't forget to check out their designs!

GET 20% off your own custom phone case with this code : FHMPZT

Lots of love

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This post was in collaboration with CaseApp, however all opinions are honest and my own.