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?

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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?

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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?

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October Beauty Favourites

Another month has flown by so it's time to reflect on some beauty favourites! This edit showcases the products that I've been reaching for the most often during October. Spot any of your own faves here?

 Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam in Dark* (200ml, £14.99, link)

Summer is sadly over, so if you still want a gorgeous bronzed tan, it's time to hit the bottle! Regular readers will already know that I'm a huge fan of the Australian brand, Bondi Sands, and their Self-Tanning Foam in Dark is by far the best formula in their range. It's easy to use, doesn't streak or go patchy when you're applying it, and it has a yummy coconut scent. Whenever I use this, I find that I can usually get about 5-7 days worth of tanning goodness before I need to re-apply, and the colour is incredibly realistic and natural looking - no hints of orange at all! Highly recommended for anyone who is new to fake tanning or who just wants something easy and foolproof to use.

 Botanicals Gentle Cleanse Melt* (30g travel size shown, full size is £26, link)

Cleansing balms are a staple in my skincare routine but they really come into their own when the cold weather starts, as I always find that my skin needs something 'extra' at this time of the year than just a gel or light cleanser. The Gentle Cleanse Melt from Botanicals contains a simple but effective blend of natural and certified organic ingredients such as Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which effortlessly removes all traces of makeup and daily grime in one sweep. I love the semi-solid consistency because it melts quickly when massaged into the skin and it doesn't leave any greasy residue afterwards. Lovely stuff and suitable for vegans too.

Ultrasonic Beauty Algae Peel Off Mask with Spiriluna* (200g, £23, link) 

Featuring two of the year's big superfood ingredients, Algae and Spiriluna, this peel-off mask comes in a powder format that you mix with water to create a thick paste. Now, usually I find these kinds of masks a bit of a faff, but I've been pleasantly surprised by this one because the consistency is just right each time and it's easy to apply with a face brush or mask spatula. Once on the skin, it begins to harden and after 20 minutes, it's ready to be peeled off. This mask is brilliant for anyone who has dry, dehydrated and/or skin that's showing the first signs of ageing, as it helps to firm everything up (albeit temporarily), and makes you look instantly more glowy and revitalised. A good one to use if you have a hangover or have had a busy week and need a quick fix!

Leighton Denny Modern Bohemia in Vintage Chic & Bohemian Spirit* (12ml, £12 each, link)

For nails, I've been enjoying embracing all of the quintessential Autumnal shades, and Leighton Denny's new A/W18 Modern Bohemia collection is simply stunning. Two of my personal faves from the range are Vintage Chic, a dark purple-red that's beautifully rich and glossy, and Bohemian Spirit, a very chic muted lavender-grey that goes with everything. The formula is fantastic and long-wearing with plenty of shine - definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for some new nail polishes.

Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in Asteroid* (4.15g, £20, link)

Lastly, I just had to include Illamasqua's Antimatter Lipstick in the shade Asteroid, which I've been smitten with ever since I discovered it in last month's Cohorted beauty box. Not only is Asteroid the most beautiful, wearable mid-toned vampy red that I have in my makeup collection, but the brand's Antimatter formula is one of my favourites for when I want a longer lasting semi-matte finish. Super pigmented, it goes on creamy and it doesn't dry out my lips - win, win!

What beauty products have you been loving lately?

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January Favourites

January is finally over - hooray! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the brighter days of Spring already. Before then, let's have a quick recap of the beauty faves that I've been loving last month.

Lorac Riesling Romance Eyeshadow Palette

I'm painfully late to the Lorac palette party, but I've finally discovered how amazing they are and their Riesling Romance Eyeshadow Palette has been my go-to for eyes over the past few weeks. This palette is just heavenly for anyone who loves their neutrals and it's so easy to blend and work with. Perfect for when you're in a rush in the morning and need to get ready in 5 mins.

Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick in Set Sail (£20, link)

Another blogger favourite brand that I haven't explored much of until recently is Tarte. Not only am I obssessed with the blue marble-esque packaging of this lipstick, but this shade Set Sail is the ideal pop of nude pink for me as it's a little darker than most of the lip colours that I already own in this neutrals family. I really like how it pulls everything together, no matter what kind of makeup I'm wearing at the time! I also love the moisturising formula which definitely comes in handy if your lips are feeling dry due to the cold weather. The only problem now is that I want more shades of these!

B. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover* (100ml, £7.99, link)

I always get excited whenever I see a new product launch from B. (the cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, budget-friendly brand that's exclusive to Superdrug). Their latest newbie to hit the shelves is a superb Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, which really is kind to even the most sensitive eyes and suitable for all skin types to use. It contains Cucumber extract, Niacinamide and Allatoin, so it feels very gentle and makes short work of even waterproof mascara.

Akar Skin Ruby Tint Lip Butter

I discovered this brand via Roccabox recently and have kept this mini Lip Butter in my handbag ever since. Akar Skin are an all-natural, Tibetan inspired beauty brand that has a range of mainly skincare and a couple of cosmetics under its belt. This lip butter is 100% natural, free from petroleum and mineral oil, and contains 100% organic and wild-harvested ingredients. It has a gorgeous bright red tint to it and feels super moisturising - a brilliant new find.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam* (270ml, £12.99, link)

My body hasn't seen a decent amount of sunlight in months, so I've been alternating using a gradual tanner with my body moisturisers to give me a hint of golden colour. Bondi Sands are one of my favourite tanning brands and their Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam is basically a foam version of their Everyday Gradual Tanning Body Milk Moisturiser which I've used numerous times over the years. The foam however is much quicker to apply, but gives me the same subtle wash of colour that I'm craving, without the maintenance issues. I just slap this on after a shower and I'm good to go - plus it smells like coconuts!

What are your current beauty favourites?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

After last month's gigantic Empties post, October's stash seems rather small in comparison! That said, I think it's still a pretty decent bunch, so let's get stuck in. Here's everything that I've managed to use up throughout the month, my overall thoughts and whether I'll be repurchasing them or not.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Body Lotion

I finished this last night and decided to sneak it into this post, rather than saving it for next month - there's probably a tiny amount left when I cut open the tube, but I'd say it's 99% done! Geranium & Orange is one of my all-time favourite scents from Neal's Yard and I've used up a couple of these over the years. The lotion itself is very moisturising, non-greasy, and sinks in nicely, and that gorgeous scent lingers for a few hours after applying - heavenly! Repurchase? Yes. 

Our Tiny Bees Lip Balm

I repurchased this back in April earlier this year - you may remember it from my Minimalist Beauty Essentials post (here), so it's lasted me a good couple of months. I love the simple, all-natural formula as it's made from just three ingredients; Almond Oil, Beeswax and Honey, and it does a fantastic job of keeping chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? I want to finish some of my other lip balms off first, but I'll definitely buy this again at some point.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream*

Oh my - the scent of Joyful is literally pampering heaven goals! It's upliftingly fresh, strongly floral, and I find it very comforting and relaxing. The cream is light but nourishing, and feels incredibly velvety on the skin. You can use it as a body or hand cream, and it works well both ways. A real 'me time / self-care' treat when you want to feel good about yourself. Repurchase? Yes.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque* 

I have a lot of hair masks in my bathroom as my hair is notoriously fussy and dry, so it's taken me some time to get through this huge pot from Shea Moisture which I featured back in my January Beauty Favourites (here). It's one of my favourite budget beauty buys and I always reach for this when my hair is feeling particularly dry and frazzled. Works a charm! Repurchase? Already have!

Ihana Arctic Facial Toning Mist*

This hydrating toner was one of my favourite skincare products that I used throughout Summer (previously reviewed here), and I'm very sad to see it finished up! It's great for sensitive skin and really helps to calm down and soothe any irritation or redness. Repurchase? I have lots of other toners on the go at the moment, but I will definitely buy this again when I run out!

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil*

I'm a big fan of REN's Vita Mineral range and this serum-meets-oil hybrid is a wonderfully nourishing boost for the skin, so much so that I think most skin types will get on well with it. It's high in Omega 3 to help support healthy skin renewal and it's a great product to try if you're starting to see the first signs of ageing. Repurchase? Yes. 

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil

This multi-purpose oil seems to be a favourite in GWPs and beauty boxes, as I've managed to use up a fair few of these mini bottles. You can use it on face, body and hair, and I tend to keep it on hand as a smoothing finishing oil to help de-frizz my dry hair, though it's lovely to use as a pampering body oil too. Repurchase? Still have one or two more samples left!

Gallinée La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser

I first used up a bottle of this sometime last year, and decided to buy it again when I'd gotten through some of my other cleansers. I don't know why, but I just haven't been loving it this time around and I don't believe that they've changed the formula or anything like that. It seems to now make my skin feel a bit stripped and dry - weird! Repurchase? No.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk Body Moisturiser

Regular readers will know that I'm a massive fan of Bondi Sands and this Everday Gradual Tanning Milk is hands down the best gradual tan body moisturiser that I've ever tried. It's completely foolproof to use (applies just like a regular body moisturiser so no need to worry about streaks or anything like that) and develops into a gorgeous, natural looking light tan within 1-2 days. It's really good to use as a 'top up' for maintaining fake tan as well. Repurchase? Definitely!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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June Beauty Favourites

Can you believe it's July already?! I think it's time for my June Favourites then - here's a roundup of everything that I've been loving in the world of beauty this past month.

 Image Skincare I Masks - Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask* & Anti-Aging Radiance Mask* (£9 each, link)

Regular readers will know that I'm obsessed with sheet masks, so I was very excited to try out these new I Masks from Image Skincare when they dropped through my letterbox a couple of weeks ago. These masks have been formulated with the latest German skincare technology and feature a new, patented 'next-generation' hydrogel material that's derived from Red Algae and Carob Tree which allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin better. It feels like a second-skin when you put it on and fits really well. 

The Hydrating Recovery Mask is infused with mineral charged Volcanic Water, Ginseng Root Extract, Amino Acids and Antioxidants to deeply hydrate the skin, whilst offering anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits at the same time. I particularly love this one - after 30 minutes, my face feels so plump and soft and I noticed that the results lasted for around 2-3 days. The Anti-Aging Radiance Mask, on the other hand, is a fantastic mask for anyone who is starting to see the first signs of ageing and has dull skin. It's packed full of Peptides, Amino Acids and active Botanicals to help give the skin a real boost of radiance - a lovely pampering treat! I was lucky enough to win some more samples of these recently, so I can't wait to use them again for a special occasion.

 Rio Rosa Mosqueta Antioxidant Facial Oil* (30ml, £24.99, link)

A new face oil that I've been loving all month long has been from a natural and organic brand called Rio Rosa Moqueta. Their Antioxidant Facial Oil is one of the best new oils that I've tried this year and I can imagine most skin types getting on well with it. This oil features an interesting Cityshield Anti-Pollution Complex to protect the skin from ageing free radicals and environmental aggressors, so it's perfect for anyone who works in a city or travels frequently. Some of the key ingredients include Cranberry Seed Oil, Rosa Mosqueta Seed Oil, Sacha Inchi Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, so you get a really powerful blend of several multi-functioning natural oils in just one bottle! 

It also contains Vitamin E and Vitamin A, and I love how light and easily absorbed this oil is. I've mainly been using it as the last step in my morning skincare routine as it sits so well underneath makeup. So if you're in the market for a new facial oil, be sure to give this one a go.  

Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Creme in Antique Pink* (£20, link)

This was my favourite product in last month's Love Lula beauty box and I've been wearing it almost every day since it arrived. Antique Pink is one of those beautiful, easy to wear shades - I can just apply this in the morning and I'm good to go. It dries down to a matte finish but doesn't feel drying, and the colour stays put throughout most of the day (sometimes needs a little touch up after drinking, but holds up well throughout meals!). 

Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser* (200ml, £14.99, link)

Given the sheer boom of new self-tanning formulas that have exploded onto the market in the past couple of years, it seems long overdue for a brand to launch a proper self-tan eraser, as we all know that removing self-tan or fixing any mistakes can be a bit of a pain in the ass, to say the least. Described as a 'world first', one of my holy grail tanning brands Bondi Sands, has finally come up with a product that will put an end to harsh scrubbing and dodgy DIY methods that never seemed to work. Meet the Self Tan Eraser, a rather nifty foam that will remove any self-tan within just 5 minutes!

I must admit that I was slightly sceptical when I first saw this product, but thankfully it does work. To use it, you just pump out some of the foam, apply to dry skin and massage it in. No scrubbing or exfoliating mitt needed. The formula then gets to work and 5 minutes later, all traces of self-tan are gone with a quick wipe. Best of all, it doesn't feel drying or stripping on the skin and instead leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Genius! 

Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF 30* (200ml, £22 - full review here)

We've had some pretty intense heatwaves here in the UK recently and with another one planned for this week, it's more important than ever to remember to slap on your sunscreen! This fragrance-free sun lotion from Green People is great for anyone who has sensitive skin, and it offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't feel greasy or sticky, so it's ideal for anyone who hates that 'thick' feeling of sunscreen on their skin.

Schwarzkopf got2b Fresh It Up Dry Shampoo in Dark Brown* (200ml, £2 in Primark)

With the warmer weather, I've been using dry shampoo a lot more than usual to freshen up my hair and I've been particularly enjoying using this new one from Schwarzkopf's popular got2b range. There are lots of different ones available, but Dark Brown suits my hair the best as it doesn't leave any telltale white cast or residue, and you can use it to cover up any root growth if desired. It's a really good dry shampoo for sucking up any excess oil or dirt and only costs £2 for a big can in Primark - bargain!

What are your current beauty favourites?

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5 Vegan Beauty & Lifestyle Products to Take You Into Spring

I've had a lot of requests recently to feature more vegan-friendly beauty and lifestyle products, so here's a special edit to prepare you all for Spring and the (hopefully!) warmer months ahead. There's such an amazing range available now that you probably didn't even know these were vegan in the first place!

The Coffee Bean Body Scrub: Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub in Coconut* (220g, £14.95, link)

These coffee bean scrubs have been popping up everywhere and I've had the pleasure of testing out a bunch of different brands to see what all the hype's about. Bean Body are one of my faves because their scrubs are made with more oil based ingredients, rather than just receiving a bag of coffee bean granules like some of the others offer. The ingredients are still pure and natural though, but I love the extra skin softening benefits of using a scrub that's infused with the likes of Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. They're a little messy I must admit, though that's part of the fun of using them! Available in several different flavours/scents, the Coconut one smells oh-so-good and you can pick them up from Holland & Barrett. 

 The New Way to Self-Tan: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry Oil* (150ml, £14.99, link)

If you're looking forward to getting your legs out when Spring arrives and you want to have a play with a different kind of tanning product, try this clever self-tanning dry oil from Bondi Sands. I used it a lot last year when it first launched and it always gives me the most beautiful, natural looking tan - no scary orange tones and no streaks! It's easy to use as it comes out as a light spray and the oil absorbs relatively quickly, without feeling too sticky or uncomfortable afterwards. Once it's developed, you're left with a gorgeous bronzed finish that looks like you've had a week's holiday in the sun. I often get lots of compliments whenever I've used it and best of all, it has a lovely coconut scent so it's definitely one to try if you hate that traditional fake tan smell!

 The Celebrity Sheet Mask: STARSKIN Close-Up Firming Bio-Cellulose Face Mask* (1 sheet mask, £8.50, link)

For those extra special occasions, I like to treat myself to a luxury face mask, and my obsession with sheet masks, in particular, shows no signs of stopping anytime soon! I've tried a lot of masks from STARSKIN and they've all been amazing, however, my favourite is this Close-Up mask because it offers both firming and moisturising benefits. This mask seriously plumps up the skin as it's infused with a whole bottle's worth (30ml) of serum, so it's a great one to try if your skin has been left feeling dry and looking dull after Winter. My skin feels soft, smooth, tighter, more refreshed and revitalised afterwards, and I can still see the benefits after two days which is really impressive.

The 5-Free 'Breathable' Nail Polish: Nailberry Nail Lacquer in Love You Very Matcha* (15ml, £14.50, link)

Despite many brands pushing forwards with 'nasties-free' nail polishes, a lot of them still include animal ingredients, but Nailberry's range is all vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and made without Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Synthetic Camphor, and Ethanol. They've also developed an innovative 'breathable' formula which allows air and moisture to pass through to the nail, resulting in healthier, less damaged nails. Pretty neat! As the brand are aimed at the luxury side of the market, their shade range is full of classic and on-trend colours, as well as some more unusual ones that you don't find everyday. This shade, Love You Very Matcha, is a stunning khaki green with a greyish undertone - a chic way to wear something different.

The New Accessories: KITSCH Vegan Leather Patch Sticks* (prices from £6.54 each, link)

If you're looking for some cool new vegan leather accessories to show off at College / Uni / Work, have a cheeky browse through KITSCH's online shop. They have some awesome hair accessories available, as well as these easy to use patch sticks which can be adhered to bags, folders, phones, laptops, iPads etc for a quick-fix, style update for Spring.

Have you spotted any new vegan-friendly beauty or lifestyle products recently?

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