Spring Beauty Edit | 5 Products To Take You Into Spring & Beyond

Let's face it, most of us don't need an excuse to have a little splurge and treat ourselves to some shiny new beauty products, but a new season is always a good excuse anyway! Believe it or not, there are practical elements to swapping out and adding in a few different products as well, as we (hopefully) move into the warmer and sunnier months ahead.

Here are five beauty products to take you into Spring and beyond.

Treat Your Skin To A Facial Massage | PMD Gua Sha RQ* (£32, link)

If you haven't tried Gua Sha yet, make Spring the time to give it a go! Gua Sha is the ancient traditional Chinese practice of using a tool, usually a shaped stone, to 'scrape' the skin or body to help stimulate new blood flow to the area, thus boosting cellular repair and collagen production. It may sound a little strange at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to stop doing it, and many people say it helps to lift the contours of the face so it's a good one to try if you want a more naturally sculpted look.

All you need to practice Gua Sha at home is your favourite facial oil and a tool such as the new PMD Gua Sha RQ. Start by adding a few drops of face oil to your skin to provide lubrication and then gently scrape the tool against your face in upward and outward sweeping motions, applying more pressure as you get used to it. There are loads of tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. I particularly like the PMD Gua Sha RQ as it's made from Rose Quartz and has five unique points, edges, and curves to really get a good deep massage into the skin. The rubberised grip in the center is also very well-thought-out to make the tool much easier to use so it's a great choice for beginners.

Swap Your Cleansing Balm For An Oil | Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil* (100ml, £4.99, link)

As the season changes and especially as the weather starts to (slowly) warm-up, you may find that your skin becomes less dry and more oily. This is especially true if you have a combination skin type, and I can usually start to see and feel my complexion begin to change around this time of the year. If you've been using a thick cleansing balm over winter, why not try swapping it for a much lighter cleansing oil? Most skin types will enjoy the change and if you've always been concerned about using an oil-based product because your skin is oily, don't skip this; it's a common misconception and can actually improve your skin instead - win-win!

A fantastic budget-friendly option is Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil which you can pick up on the high street from places such as Boots. This cruelty-free cleanser transforms from an oil into a lightweight milk once you add water, removing all traces of impurities and makeup along the way. The pro-collagen formula contains active Vitamin C to visibly brighten your complexion and the blend of Olive, Grapeseed, and Rosehip Oils ensures that skin is left nourished and not stripped.

Embrace The Relaxing Powers Of CBD Into Your Bathroom | KLORIS CBD Bath Block Melt in Recharge* (140g, £15, link)

These days you'll find CBD in virtually everything from skincare to health drinks, such are its revered natural abilities to help us stressed human beings relax and recover from our busy lives. It's no surprise then to see CBD popping up as a key ingredient in many luxury bath products and these Bath Block Melts from KLORIS are so popular that they frequently sell out as soon as a new fresh batch is released.

Substantially chunky just like a brick, these bad boys are like a supersized bath bomb and are available in a range of different blends such as Recharge, Revive, Relax and Restore. I've had the pleasure of trying all of them and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Recharge one. Infused with two of my all-time fave essential oils, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, each block also contains a whopping 100mg of premium CBD oil and a super luxurious cocktail of Hemp Oil, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter to soften your whole body. Add to a warm bath, watch it fizz, and indulge in some me-time for at least an hour for the full benefits. Pure bliss.

Swap Powder Blush For Cream | Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Petal Poppin (3g, £21, link)

One of the easiest makeup swaps for Spring is to replace your powder blush with a cream one instead. Why? In bright sunlight, powder blush can look a little too harsh and even glowy ones can start to look a little cakey, whilst cream formulas tend to look much fresher and more youthful. I've always been one to steer mainly clear of cream blushers as most don't tend to last very long on my combination skin, however, after reading a string of positive reviews about the Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blushers, I felt compelled to pick one up to try out.

I opted for the shade Petal Poppin which is the most gorgeous medium pink shade with a warm undertone that I feel would work really well for a range of skin tones. I love everything about this blush. From the super cute compact to the ultra-lightweight cream formula that blends like a dream, you can't go wrong with the sheer buildable pop of colour that it offers. Non-sticky, non-greasy, and lasts on my skin a good 6-8 hours before a little touchup is required.

Discover A Fresh New Scent | Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist (90ml, £22, link)

My fifth and final top pick for Spring is of course, a fresh new fragrance because who doesn't love changing up their perfume to fit with a new season?! You've no doubt seen this one all over social media so I'll keep this bit relatively short. Since reviewing Sol de Janeiro's Body Washes last month, several people on Instagram recommended their Perfume Mists to me so I obviously had to try one out. 

There are about five or six different fragrances to choose from and the one that I was attracted to the most was the Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist which is popular as it has some strong Baccarat Rouge vibes (and I really don't hate that). It's a sweet and sexy floral fragrance that reminds me of sunny days with notes of Brazillian Jasmine, Hibiscus, Pink Dragonfruit, Lychee, and creamy Vanilla. 

What's on your Spring beauty shopping list?

Read more

Currently Loving: Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower, Complete Me Charge Up Supplements & PMD Kiss

 

November has been a month of personal highs and lows, but focussing on the positives, I've been enjoying some lovely new releases from the likes of Nourish London, Complete Me, and PMD. Let's jump straight to it, shall we?

Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower* (300ml, £16, link)

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've been pretty ill for most of November thanks to a combination of flu which then developed into pneumonia. Let me tell you, having pneumonia is NOT fun! My whole body has been aching all over so it's been the ideal time to test out this newbie from Nourish London which launched last month - talk about a silver lining, eh?

Their new Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower has been a godsend for my weary muscles thanks to a revitalising formula of Epsom Salts, extracts of warming Turmeric and Ginger, and specially selected essential oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Pine, and Juniper. I'm not exaggerating when I describe this product as heavenly because it does such a great job of making you feel relaxed and renewed. As the name suggests, you can use this in both the bath and the shower, but I strongly recommend the bath for the best spa-like experience. Perfect for the end of a busy week or after doing sports. 

It's cruelty-free, 100% natural, SLS-free and vegan-friendly, plus the recyclable bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.

Complete Me Charge Up Energising Supplements* (30 capsules, £19.99, link)

Having been impressed with Complete Me's Sleeping Beauty blend last month (reviewed here), I was excited to try more from the brand and after such a long period of illness, the Charge Up supplements were definitely calling my name!

If you've been feeling run down and tired, these are for you. Each capsule contains 200mg of Vitamin C, 5mg of Thiamine (B1), 5mg of Riboflavin (B2), 5mg of Niacin, 200mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, and 50mg of CoEnzyme Q10. Designed to give you an all-natural boost when you require it the most, the combination of the key vitamins C, B2, and B3 work together to help you combat tiredness and fatigue, whilst B1 supports and regulates healthy energy levels. The addition of antioxidants ALA and CoEnzyme Q10 further support a healthy metabolism and help the body to turn enzymes into energy.

These are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from artificial colours and preservatives.

PMD Kiss Anti-Aging Lip Enhancing Treatment* (£129, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the latest release from PMD who has just brought out some new additions to their bestselling PMD Kiss System just in time for the upcoming festive season. Now available in soft blush pink (as pictured above) and teal green shades, the PMD Kiss is a smart anti-aging lip enhancing and plumping device that uses a pain-free and non-invasive form of pulsating vacuum technology to create the appearance of fuller and smoother lips.

I've found this is quite different from other similar products that I've trialed in the past as it also helps to smooth out lip lines and wrinkles, hence the anti-aging tagline, so if these have always bothered you, definitely give this a try as it's much safer than using injectables. Each kit comes with a specially formulated lip serum, lip sheet masks, a USB charging cord, and a one-year warranty.

Do you have any beauty favourites to share?

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

Read more

Treat Yourself: Luxury Smart Cleansing Devices from PMD - Clean Body & Clean Pro Jade review + Instagram Giveaway worth £165!

Summer is on its way so it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some smart cleansing devices from PMD! I've been testing out two of their newbies, the Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade, to see what all the fuss is about.

I've been a fan of PMD for several years now, having used many of their bestselling products such as the Personal Microderm, PMD Kiss, PMD Clean, PMD Clean Pro RQ, and the PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro. They are an amazing, innovative brand that specialises in smart cleansing devices and it's always exciting to see what they launch next.

Naturally, I was thrilled when I received their new Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade devices over a month ago, as it's been a lot of fun to put them through their paces!

PMD Clean Body in Berry* (£145, link)

Clean Body is the ultimate multipurpose luxury pampering device! Made from ultra-hygienic silicone which is 100% waterproof, the device has a clever ergonomic design that makes it super easy and comfortable to handle and use. It has a rechargeable battery and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

SonicGlow Cleansing Head

On one side, there's a permanent silicone brush head that uses the brand's patented SonicGlow technology to deliver up to 7,000 vibrations per minute which allows the Clean Body to operate at the perfect frequency to lift, firm and tone. There are also four customisable modes (two cleansing vibrations and two massage pulsation speeds) to explore for seriously beautiful cleansed skin.

Flip the Clean Body over and you'll find a magnetic side where you can effortlessly attach three different interchangeable heads for even more pampering and body care options. These attachments are included when you purchase the Clean Body device and replacements are also available to buy separately as and when you require them.

Silverscrub Silver Infused Loofah

This isn't any ordinary loofah! Silverscrub is infused with real silver particles for its antibacterial properties which means that it can cleanse your skin without spreading bacteria around or harbouring any nasties after you're done in the shower. This is brilliant for an everyday gentle exfoliation and works well with your favourite shower gels and body washes.

Aluminium Oxdide Exfoliator

Next up, there's a circular disc which is made from Aluminium Oxide. Again, this is known for its antibacterial properties and it does a great job of buffing away rough calloused skin for smoother results. I love using this on my feet to keep them soft and supple, especially with Summer coming up.

Relax Body Massager

My favourite attachment is the Relax Body Massager and if you buy your Clean Body device in either the Blush or Berry shades, the body massager comes in a gorgeous rose gold colour. Perfect for soothing everyday body aches, you really feel the full benefits of PMD's SonicGlow technology as it works into the muscles for instant relief. You can use it in the shower or with your favourite moisturiser or body oil for a full-on pampering experience at home.

PMD Clean Pro Jade* (£165, link)

I'm really happy to see PMD expanding its luxury gemstone cleansing device range as I enjoy using their Clean Pro RQ which features Rose Quartz, so of course, I couldn't wait to test out the new Clean Pro Jade. 

First things first, the Clean Pro Jade has the same soft silicone bristle head as the rest of the range, and this is great for helping to reduce the appearance of blackheads, eliminating excess oil and sebum congestion, and delivering a real deep cleanse sensation. It's much more gentle than the harsher Clarisonic's so better suited for sensitive skin, and you can reap the benefits of the SonicGlow technology at the same time. The device itself is also waterproof, has different settings to suit your needs, and as it's made from silicone, it's hygienic and easy to keep clean. I'm a big fan!

Jade Stone

The dual side head features an inbuilt, real Jade stone, and Jade has been used for centuries in Eastern skincare rituals thanks to its natural calming properties. One of the best things about Jade is that it stays cold for a long time which you can use in your skincare routine as a way to improve your skin's circulation and remove toxins via lymphatic drainage massage. The coldness of the stone also soothes any inflammation, irritation or redness for happier, more comfortable skin.

Switch on the ActiveWarmth button and this will gently heat up the Jade stone so that you can use it for a pampering facial massage which helps to improve elasticity, stimulate collagen production, lift and tone the skin, open up the pores and allow your skincare products to absorb better.

Fancy trying the PMD Clean Pro Jade for yourself? Enter my competition to win one over on my Instagram!

Are you a fan of skincare devices?

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

Read more

Currently Loving: New Skincare & Bodycare Favourites from NeuroSkinFeeds, Beauty Cleanse, PMD & Nourish London

I don't know about you, but this lockdown has felt like the longest one yet! Luckily, I've been able to test out many new and exciting beauty releases to keep myself occupied and my skin glowing - here's my latest favourites round-up to celebrate these new kids on the beauty block!

The New Luxury Oil Cleanser: Beauty Cleanse Cabbage + Cranberry + Hemp Anti-Pollution Deep Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover* (100ml, £26, link)

OK, so this cleanser might have one of the longest names in skincare history, but don't let that put you off because it's a dream to use! This is the second product release from the natural London based indie brand Beauty Cleanse, and after I tried their amazing multi-purpose Serum-In-Oil Drops late last year (read my review here if you missed it), I couldn't wait to test this newbie out as soon as it arrived.

Packaged in a sleek square glass bottle, this wonderfully inclusive Anti-Pollution Deep Cleansing Oil is 100% natural, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and it can be used by all skin types and genders. It's also very eco-friendly thanks to the innovative upcycling of superfood Hemp and Cranberry Seeds which usually go to the waste as by-products of the food industry. Here, they're given a new lease of life in a beautiful oil cleanser formula which emulsifies into a light milky texture when it comes into contact with water. 

The result is a fragrance-free, lightweight, silky-feeling cleanser that effortlessly removes all traces of everyday dirt, pollution, impurities, SPF and make-up. I'd recommend it for anyone who lives or works in a city as it's brilliant for stressed-out skin and helps to combat blemishes too.

The New Home Beauty Treatment Device: PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro* (£269, link)

What's this I hear you cry? A brand new Personal Microderm device from PMD? Yes, please! With spa days, beauty salon trips and facialist appointments all off the cards until this lockdown lifts, now really is the best time to splash your cash and invest in a high-tech beauty device for those essential home skin care treatments. 

Specially developed to deliver results that are on a par with those professional in-office treatments, the PMD Microderm Elite Pro is one of the most customisable microdermabrasion devices currently available on the market. This allows you to choose from a range of carefully crafted discs to cater for all your exfoliation needs, starting with ultra-sensitive to very intense. 

I first reviewed the original PMD Microderm Classic back in 2015 (check out my review here) and have enjoyed using that for many years, however, I did feel like I wanted something with a couple more bells and whistles, which is why I love this new Elite Pro version so much.

The Elite Pro has three speed settings instead of one which makes it a lot easier to control and customise to your treatment needs, plus a much wider range of exfoliating discs with new luxe Face, Body and Blackhead caps. It also comes with its own case to keep all the accessories tidy, a charger and a 1-year warranty. 

If you haven't tried microdermabrasion before, it's amazing for helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving the overall appearance of blemishes and large pores. I try to do a home treatment session once or twice a month as part of my anti-ageing skincare routine and always recommend following up with a moisturising face mask. Give it a go!

The New Luxury Body Lotion: NSF NeuroSkinFeeds The MicroMilk* (250ml, £33, link)

For those who are in the market for a seriously luxurious and ultra-pampering body lotion to help their skin be the softest its ever been, look no further. This exciting new second product release from NeuroSkinFeeds is called the MicroMilk and it's simply the antidote to dry and scaly winter skin. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin types to use too. 

MicroMilk has an interesting holistic formula that features Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil with 1% CBD which is ideal for nourishing and regenerating sensitive skin thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. The CBD element assists in providing soothing benefits for the mind, whilst Aloe Vera Gel helps to hydrate and reduce any feelings of itchiness, and Shea Butter instantly softens, tones and conditions the skin. A must-try for anyone who is feeling stressed and has dry skin.

Nourish London Skincare Essentials Kit in Balance* (£29, link)

I often get asked what the best brands and products are to switch to when someone wants to make the change to the world of green beauty, and one brand that I recommend a lot are Nourish London. They have recently launched a range of Skincare Essentials Kits which makes testing out and compiling a new skincare routine super easy!

Each kit features a travel size of the four main products that every great skincare routine should have; a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser. There are currently five different kits to try to suit a wide range of skin types and concerns, so naturally I was drawn to the 'Balance' kit which is for oily and combination skin.

This kit includes Nourish's Balance Detoxifying Cleanser (50ml), Balance Refining Toning Mist (50ml, Balance Nutritious Peptide Serum (15ml) and Balance Essential Moisturiser (15ml). It's vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, made in the UK and comes packaged in a fair-trade cotton zip bag. Worth £38, you save yourself a neat £9 - bargain!

What are you loving at the moment?

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

Read more

New In Beauty: PMD Clean Pro RQ - Smart Facial Cleansing Device review

Looking to invest in a facial cleansing device, but don't know which one to pick? Skip past the harsh electrical cleansing brushes and treat your skin to a much more hygienic, gentler and sustainable product instead - meet the new PMD Clean Pro RQ.

Long-time readers will know that I'm not a fan of the Clarisonic or the millions of similar versions that have spawned from it over the years. I used to have one when they were all the rage, but it was way too harsh for my skin and caused more problems than it was worth - never again!

Needless to say, I'm pretty fussy with facial cleansing tools these days but one type that has stood out for me is the, in my opinion, much better range of silicone-based devices that are now readily available on the market. Last year, I reviewed the excellent PMD Clean (read here) which has been my main skincare crush, and now PMD has launched the PMD Clean Pro RQ and it's even better.

What is the PMD Clean Pro RQ?

This is a free-standing 'smart facial cleansing device' that's made mostly from silicone and charged via a USB cable. It uses two types of technology; SonicGlow and ActiveWarmth to deliver beneficial results to your skin. The front of the device features a head which is made from soft silicone bristles and these are used in conjunction with the SonicGlow tech to break down dirt, oil and impurities deep down in the pores at 7,000 vibrations per minute. This frequency also helps to lift, firm and tone the skin and there are two vibration settings to try out; Gentle and Intense.

Flip the PMD Clean Pro RQ over and you'll discover an embedded smooth piece of real Rose Quartz stone. This side offers the anti-ageing benefits thanks to the ActiveWarmth tech which also has the two massaging settings of Gentle and Intense. Rose Quartz is often used in facials as it helps to reduce inflammation and tension and many say that it has properties of Magnesium, Iron and Oxygen.

How Do I Use It & How Often?

How often you use it depends on your own skincare concerns but to give you an example, I have been using the brush side just once a week to give my skin a deep down exfoliation (I have oily/combination skin that can sometimes be sensitive so I don't like to overdo it), and I've been using the Rose Quartz side 2-4 times a week in the evenings for a facial massage.

You can apply any kind of liquid cleanser to the brush side and you can use your favourite face oil or serum with the Rose Quartz side. However, I prefer to apply the product directly to my face first, and then go in with the PMD Clean Pro RQ, though that's just my personal preference.

Which should I buy - the PMD Clean or the PMD Clean Pro RQ?

As you can see from my review of the PMD Clean here, these two products are very similar with the main differences being the new addition of the ActiveWarmth tech and the Rose Quartz stone, and the fact that the PMD Clean Pro RQ has a rechargeable battery rather than relying on AA batteries as the PMD Clean does. The size and feel of both devices are otherwise the same and you definitely don't need to buy both!

If you want the anti-ageing benefits of the ActiveWarmth tech, the luxurious facial massage that the Rose Quartz side has to offer and the convenience of having essentially what is a two-in-one product, then the PMD Clean Pro RQ is definitely something to consider investing in. However, if you're younger or on a budget, save your cash and go for the PMD Clean instead.

Overall thoughts?

I have been absolutely loving the PMD Clean Pro RQ! The ActiveWarmth Rose Quartz facial massage is a sheer delight to use and I already knew that I'd enjoy the deep exfoliation that the brush side delivers. This device fits in perfectly alongside my existing skincare routine and I feel that my skin tone has improved since using it on a regular basis for the past 6-8 weeks. The silicone material makes this device super easy to clean as it's anti-bacterial and odour-resistant, and you don't need to ever replace the head which makes the PMD Clean Pro RQ a far more hygienic and sustainable purchase than a Clarisonic-style product. Highly recommended!

PMD Clean Pro RQ* retails for £165 (link)

Do you use a facial cleansing device?

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

Read more

New In Beauty: PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device review #SkincareRoutine

Skincare fans listen up! There's a brand new facial cleansing gadget in town, but is it worth the money? Let's meet the latest innovation from PMD and put it to the test.

Whilst I'm utterly addicted to trying out new skincare products, I don't have quite the same enthusiasm for skincare gadgets. Why? When all the hype around the Clarisonic saturated the blogosphere several years ago, I rushed out and bought one along with everyone else, hoping that it would somehow magically transform my skin. Want to know what happened next?

I ended up selling the damn thing on eBay less than three months later because it ruined my skin. The combination of too-harsh bristles and over-exfoliation was too much for my poor complexion to handle, and I was left dealing with more breakouts than I've ever had in my whole life. Needless to say, I avoided all facial cleansing gadgets for a long time afterwards until a facialist friend of mine used a Foreo Luna on me, and my skin loved it. I've been eyeing up buying one for a while now, but when I received this package from PMD for their latest launch called the PMD Clean last month, I think I changed my mind.

At first glance, the new PMD Clean looks suspiciously similar to the Foreo Luna in that it vibrates and is made from silicone, but that's about as far as the comparisons go. When I was playing with the Foreo Luna, I thought it was rather fiddly to hold and it's only since using this that I realised how satisfying it is to hold something that has an actual handle, especially when your hands are wet.

The PMD Clean uses 'SonicGlow' technology' which basically means that it vibrates over 7,000 times per minute. This allows the device to really break down any embedded dirt and impurities trapped within the pores, thus giving the skin a deep down clean and leaving it feeling much softer and smoother afterwards. The vibrations/pulsations also allow you to indulge in a nice anti-ageing facial massage, so it's one to look into if you're after a cleansing device that can also help to tone and boost the overall circulation of the skin. 

Looking closely at the head, you can clearly see that there are two types of bristles, all of which are short, but one section has chunkier and bigger bristles than the other. This section can be used to target more troublesome areas like the chin and jawline, though I found it worked just as well when I used it in circular motions all over my face.

This device has four settings so that you can change the speeds according to your skin's needs. I've mainly been using the first mode at it's the gentlest, so I'd recommend starting with that one, especially if you have sensitive skin, and then working your way up to the more intense mode two.  Flip the head over and you'll see three wider ridges (see the first selfie photo above). These can be used with the modes three and four to massage in serums and moisturisers after exfoliating, and they have more of a 'pulsing' sensation, rather than a vibrating one.

As the PMD Clean is made from silicone, it's waterproof, anti-bacterial and far more hygienic than the bristles that you'll find on the Clarisonic. It's also much easier to clean, plus you don't ever need to replace the head so it's more cost-effective in the long run.

Overall thoughts?

Having tested out the PMD Clean for about six weeks now, I can say that it's something that I can imagine myself continuing to use on a regular basis in my skincare routine. As I have combination/ sensitive skin, I've only been using it once or twice a week, but it's been doing a great job of blitzing some stubborn blackheads and helping to make my skin look and feel a lot less congested. The ease of using it and how gentle the silicone is has really won me over, and for hygiene freaks like me, I much prefer using something that I know I can clean properly after every use!

It's certainly an investment, but it's not as hideously expensive as similar cleansing devices on the market, so if you're looking for an effective, relatively budget-friendly option, the PMD Clean may just be what you're after.

PMD Clean* is available in three colours and retails for £89 (link)

Do you use a facial cleansing device?

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

Read more

August Beauty Favourites

Can you believe that it's September tomorrow?! The time is flying by! Which is why I need to press pause for a moment and reflect on my August Beauty Favourites before another month rushes past. This favourites edit includes an awesome foundation and concealer, a frizzy hair fighter, a self-tanning facial product that won't make you look like Donald Trump, a fab new lip plumping gadget, and an incredible budget skin care dupe. Phew!

PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System* (£125, link)

If you like the look of fuller lips, but are way too squeamish to get anything as extreme as lip injections or fillers done, PMD's Kiss Lip Plumping System is the best alternative for those who are after a bigger pout without the needles. This clever, new-to-the-beauty-market gadget uses a 'pulsating vacuum' in conjunction with a topical serum (that's included), to plump up the lips in a painless and non-invasive way. To use it, you simply charge the PMD Kiss beforehand, apply the minty serum to clean and dry lips, choose the setting you want (there are two; a quick one and a longer one) and then place the device over your lips in sections. It's easy to do, doesn't hurt at all, takes less than 5 minutes and it's safe to use as often as you like.

I was sceptical about this at first because the device wasn't pulling on my lips as much as I thought it would be (you do feel some suction of course, but it's certainly not as strong as I imagined), but looking in the mirror afterwards, I did see a noticeable difference, especially with my thinner top lip. The results lasted for about 3-4 hours for me, and PMD say that with daily use, you can achieve longer lasting results.

It's not going to give you ridiculous Kylie Jenner style lips (cus we ALL know those are fake!), but it certainly helps to plump them up which is great if your lips are uneven or you have very thin lips to begin with. This device also helps to boost collagen production with long term use, as well as helping to smooth out lip lines, so it can be useful for older women who are want to get back some of the fullness that can be lost through ageing. It's certainly not cheap, but if you fancy a splurge, it's one of the best pain-free lip plumpers that I've tried so far.   

 Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic* (100ml, £5.99, link)

I've been a big fan of Superdrug's own brand skin care ranges for a long time now, mainly because they work incredibly well, are super affordable, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. But they've really hit the ball straight out of the park with an amazing new dupe for one of my favourite skincare products, the infamous PIXI Glow Tonic. 

Superdrug's version contains the same magical ingredient of 5% Glycolic Acid that's in the PIXI Glow Tonic and also has extra natural botanical extracts in it to further boost the skin. It's a brilliant liquid exfoliating toner to add to your skincare routine if you don't already use one, or simply pick it up to try out and compare if you're a PIXI Glow fan. An absolute steal at just £5.99 and one of the best beauty bargains that I've come across all year.

Tropic Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum* (30ml, £22, link)

Facial self-tanners can be really hit and miss and I've used my fair share of 'duds' over the years. The problem seems to lie in how they work as some can turn the skin too dark or with a hideous orange tone, and there are some that I've tried which don't give any colour to the skin at all! My go-to has always been James Read's Sleep Mask Tan, but this product from Tropic has been giving it a run for its money over the past month.

Tropic's Sun Drops look very scary and dark in the bottle, but they're designed to be added to your regular daily facial moisturiser for a streak-free and natural looking glow. As you're essentially mixing a gradual tanner pigment into your moisturiser, you can easily control how dark you want to go - add 2-3 drops for a light and subtle colour, whereas 4-6 drops will give you a more tanned and sunkissed glow. The colour will continue to develop over a couple of hours, and you can use more in the evening if you want a darker result. I've really been enjoying using this serum and it smells great!

Joan Collins First Base Foundation* (30ml, £25, link) & Fade To Perfect Concealer* (5ml, £17, link)

Joan Collins' makeup line continues to impress me after I fell in love with her gorgeous lipsticks earlier this year, so I've been keen to try out some more products from her brand. I decided to test out the First Base Foundation after seeing only positive reviews online and I love it! It comes packaged in a luxurious glass bottle with a gold coloured pump, and I have the shade Warm Medium which is a perfect match for my post-Summer skin tone right now. This foundation has a lightweight and silky feel to it, blends easily and offers light to medium coverage with a very natural looking finish. One pump is usually all I need for a nice and even base, and it does a great job of blurring imperfections and any fine lines, without clinging to dry areas.

To compliment the foundation, I tried the Fade To Perfect Concealer which is like a love child of YSL's Touche Eclat and NARS Creamy Concealer. It has the consistency and light reflecting power of the former, yet provides more coverage to help cover up dark circles. It goes on smoothly, stays put all day and doesn't settle into fine lines, plus the packaging feels really high-end and luxury.

Swell Ultimate Protect & Renew Serum* (50ml, £20, link)

As I've probably mentioned a million times, my hair is naturally very dry and frizzy, so I rely on a range of styling products to keep it in check. I've been particularly loving this Ultimate Protect & Renew Serum from Swell recently because it really helps to tame frizz during hot and humid weather. It's a lightweight serum that isn't sticky, and it doesn't weigh down my fine hair either (the whole Swell range is designed for fine hair so it's a good brand to look into if you have the same hair type). In addition to its frizz-taming abilities, it also protects hair from heat styling, adds shine and helps to keep dry hair hydrated for longer. This serum is 97% natural, free from silicones, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly too which is brilliant!

What are your beauty faves this month?

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

Read more

Review: PMD Personal Microderm - At Home Microdermabrasion

For the past month I've been testing out this nifty skincare gadget from PMD which allows you to do microdermabrasion at home.  Here's how I got on!

Read more