Mid-Week Pamper Treat: Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask for Normal Skin + Cotton Facial Mask review #PlasticFree

 

Face masks are a pampering staple for me and I love trying out different formulas and formats. Back when I started blogging (many years ago now!), I used to use a lot of sheet masks as the K-Beauty trend was gaining ground in the UK then and everyone who was anyone was promoting them on YouTube and Instagram.

Oh, how times have changed! As we learn more about our impact on the environment and visibly see the pollution around us, the idea of using a single-use sheet mask these days just seems so wasteful and unnecessary. Yet they still pop up in many beauty subscription boxes and are increasingly popular amongst younger skincare fans who are all too keen to show off a Sunday selfie pic on Instagram.

So what are the alternatives to sheet masks?

Well, there are three clear options that I can see. Firstly, you could choose not to use any at all and instead stick to traditional face masks, either ready-made in recyclable packaging or try out your own DIY face mask recipes. Secondly, you could explore the emergence of 'eco-friendly' sheet masks which are made from 100% biodegradable natural materials such as bamboo. They're not perfect of course as they are still single-use, but they are a better option than using the mainstream plastic-based sheet masks. 

Or thirdly, you could try a reusable cotton sheet mask which is what I've been testing out for the past month.

The Mask

I picked up this Fair Squared Cotton Facial Mask* (£6.95, 1 mask) from LoveLula after searching online for a plastic-free alternative to sheet masks. I was pleased to see that not only is this mask made from 100% organic cotton, but it's also certified fair trade so you know that the cotton farmers are being paid a proper living wage for their work and that the extra fairtrade supplement helps them to invest in their local farms and communities.

The cotton mask feels soft, durable and can, of course, be reused time and time again - simply pop it into the washing machine afterwards and it comes up good as new. When it eventually wears out after potentially a few years of usage, it can be easily recycled with other textiles.

The 'Juice'

To use with the Cotton Facial Mask, I also picked up the Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask* (100ml, £9.95, link) which is a ready-made liquid formula packaged completely plastic-free in a glass jar with an aluminium lid and a paper label. Fair Squared have two liquid masks of this nature on offer, an Argan based formula for dry skin and this Apricot mask which is suitable for normal and combination skin types. 

This vegan-friendly Apricot mask fluid has a beautiful silky soft texture thanks to a base blend of Apricot Kernel Oil and Olive Oil and it feels amazing on the skin. Not only is it nourishing and hydrating, but it also helps to reduce any redness or inflammation as it contains Chamomile extract and Vitamin E, so it's great for soothing flare-ups and sensitive areas. 

How To Use

Combining the two is incredibly easy, you'll just need a bowl! After cleansing your face, pour some of the mask fluid (or you can use your own DIY liquid formula) into a bowl and let the Cotton Facial Mask soak in it for a few minutes. If needed, you can add some more of the fluid if you feel it's not saturated enough. This part is a bit trial and error, but I found that 25-30ml of fluid was an adequate amount for each application.

Once the Cotton Facial Mask is saturated, apply it to the face, making sure to press it down firmly onto the skin to help it to have the most contact possible. Relax and leave on for 10-15 minutes, remove the mask and massage in any excess. You can then follow up with your usual moisturiser or face oil to finish.

Overall Thoughts

Using a reusable cotton mask like this definitely has many positives for both the environment and your bank balance, but there are a couple of differences that I feel I need to point out. 

• A cotton mask is a much thicker material than the cellulose sheet masks so it doesn't adhere to the skin in the same way unless you use a lot of the mask fluid. My top tip is to ensure the cotton mask is thoroughly saturated before applying, and to use it on a cleansed face that's still wet or damp.

• As it doesn't adhere in the same way, I would recommend using a cotton facial mask whilst you're lying down so that it stays in place better - it's the perfect opportunity to switch off and relax!

• The fit of the Fair Squared Cotton Facial Mask isn't great in my honest opinion as the eye holes are too far apart and I would say I have a 'normal' sized face. The mask did shrink a little after the first use which improved the fit slightly but the eye spacing is still way off as you can see in the photos above (the first photo was taken after the first washing, and the second after the fourth washing).

All in all though, I must admit that I was very impressed with the formula of the Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask fluid and I'd happily purchase this again. However, I will be on the lookout for a better fitting reusable cotton mask or should I just cut out bigger eye holes in this one?! 

Have you tried any great plastic-free alternatives recently?

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New In Beauty: bubu Skincare - Sheet Masks review + Black Friday Offer

Newly launched on PrettyLittleThing, bubu Skincare's range of cruelty-free, paraben-free and vegan-friendly sheet masks are both fun and effective to use!

bubu, which stands for 'be you, be unique' is a brand that's successfully adding a sense of playfulness  (their sheet masks contain eco-friendly 'glitterati') to the self-care/self-love movement, and their products have been designed to help boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself and your skin.

With four face masks and a lip mask to choose from, these colourful metallic packets of sheet masks are destined to become a new favourite amongst those who want to give their skin a weekly 10-15 minute pampering treat. So naturally, when a selection of them arrived through my letterbox recently, I couldn't wait to test them out!

The bubu Sheet Masks have a two-layer design (a top and a bottom part) and they fitted relatively well on my face without sliding off during the treatment time. Each mask is infused with its individual serum-like formula, but unlike some sheet masks which are literally dripping with serum when you take them out the packet, these ones are just wet enough to be applied without any mess, and they have a comfortable silky cellulose feel which makes them really pleasurable to wear.

bubu Skincare #soakmewet Hydrating Sheet Mask*

Keeping your skin hydrated throughout Winter is a must as the colder weather and central heating can cause your complexion to become a lot drier than usual, so this handy Soak Me Wet Hydrating Sheet Mask can help to give it a real moisture boost! Key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid and Licorice Root to keep your skin hydrated and happier for longer - I really enjoyed this one and it left my skin feeling much plumper and softer immediately afterwards. Suitable for all skin types.

bubu Skincare #t-spot Blemish Busting Sheet Mask*

Breakouts and blemishes are a bugbear of mine thanks to my difficult oily/combination skin, so I was eager to try out the T-Spot Blemish Busting Sheet Mask. Infused with Niacinamide, Pro-Vitamin B6 and a powerful combination of plant-based extracts, it sounded very promising, but honestly, after just one use, I didn't see any difference. Perhaps it's one to try as more of a regular weekly treatment?

bubu Skincare #feelingdirty Pollution Busting Sheet Mask*

We're all aware now that air pollution is one of the leading causes of premature ageing, alongside drinking and smoking, so those living and working in a city may want to consider taking extra care of their skin. This Feeling Dirty Pollution Busting Sheet Mask helps to protect the skin's natural barrier against free radical damage, daily dirt and city grime, thanks to a clever multi-vitamin, Marine based Antioxidant Complex. It feels similar to the Hydrating Sheet Mask above, but left my skin looking clearer and feeling cleaner than before which is always a good sign!

Shop the full range of bubu Skincare at bubuskincare.com & PrettyLittleThing.com - PLT currently has them in their special Black Friday Offer with 20% off (RRP £7 each), so now's a great time to try them out for yourselves!

Are you a sheet mask fan?

P.S: Recycle your sheet mask packaging with TerraCycle - find out more here.

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New In Beauty: Alex Steinherr X Primark Skincare review

Launched last month, Alex Steinherr's collaboration with Primark has caused a big buzz in both skincare guru circles and amongst budget-conscious beauty shoppers. But is it any good and which products are worth trying?

Alex Steinherr is a well-known beauty journalist, and many of you will know her from her former job as Glamour's Beauty Editor. She has amassed over 184k followers on Instagram alone, and I had the pleasure of meeting her at a blogger event a few years ago (she was so nice!). This woman loves her skincare and even back then, lots of people were talking about whether she was going to bring out any of her own products in the future.

Well, after two years of research and development, Alex has created a skincare range with Primark which I must admit surprised me, as she's better known for creating sponsored ads for luxury brands such as La Mer and Elizabeth Arden. Although it seems like a strange fit at first, Alex wanted to create a high street skincare range which was affordable and accessible to everyone. In addition, all of the products are fragrance-free, cruelty-free and don't contain any animal derived ingredients, so they're suitable for vegans to use as well - nice one Alex!

The 20 piece skincare collection features some of Alex's favourite active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene and Niacinamide, and instead of focusing on traditional skin types, the collab is split into five different ranges based on your skin's 'needs' instead, such as Maximum Moisture, Pore Balance, and Plump & Glow etc. This allows you to mix and match everything to create your own skincare routine and with prices starting from £3, with nothing over a fiver, I was keen to see what they were like. I managed to get my hands on five products to try out, so here are my thoughts.

 Alex Steinherr Primark Sleep Spa Sleeping Face Mask* (50ml, £5)

With the weather turning colder, I've been reaching for a lot more moisturising products to use in the evenings, and the Sleep Spa Sleeping Face Mask caught my eager eye. Although it's described as a face mask, think of it more as a hydrating cream/treatment that you leave on overnight. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Willowherb and Chamomile extract to moisturise and revive tired and stressed skin, but there's also Dimethicone which is higher up in the ingredients list, and I strongly suspect it's this that gives the mask its silky feel on the skin. I also sadly suspect that it may be the cause of a lot of clogged pores that I started to get after using this mask just twice a week, as I generally avoid silicones in my skincare, so if you're the same, you may want to give this one a miss. 

 Alex Steinherr Primark Pore Balance Super Detox Clay Mousse Face Mask* (100ml, £5)

The Pore Balance range is an interesting one that my fellow oily/combo skin ladies will enjoy, and I'm happy to say that I got on with the Super Detox Clay Mousse Face Mask a lot more than the Sleep Mask above. Enriched with Kaolin Clay, Charcoal, Niacinamide and Raspberry Leaf, it promises to purify and balance the skin, whilst also unclogging pores and helping to prevent future breakouts. The pump dispenses a greyish-green coloured mousse that feels much lighter than traditional clay-based masks and was easier to spread onto the skin (2-3 pumps was enough for my whole face). It was fully set within around 20 minutes and wasn't a hassle to remove. My skin felt very clean afterwards with no redness or irritation, though I did notice that it wasn't as powerful at drawing out impurities as some other masks that I use, it still did a great job for this price point.

Alex Steinherr Primark Pollution Solution Daily Skin Starter* (34ml, £5)

Daily Skin Starter from the Pollution Solution range is a primer that contains AHA (Lactic Acid), Peach Flower and Lychee extracts, and these work together to create a brightening, smooth and supple canvas for makeup to adhere to. It also has something called 'an anti-pollution active', but it doesn't go any further to mention what this actually is on the packaging? Anyhow, as a makeup primer it works very well and kept my makeup looking fresher for longer, so if you're in the market for a budget-friendly primer, Daily Skin Starter is definitely one to check out - it's a real bargain at just £5.

Alex Steinherr Primark Plump & Glow Plumping Lip Gloss* (4.3g, £5)

For an enviable pout just like Alex's, the Plump & Glow Plumping Lip Gloss is a quick and easy way to subtly achieve bigger lips. Formulated with key ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Cactus Flower and Dragon Fruit extracts, this gloss glides on smoothly and has a gorgeous tinted sheen to it which makes the lips look younger, fuller and juicier! It does have a tingling sensation when you first apply like like most lip glosses of this nature, but I didn't find it irritating or bothersome, and I loved the overall effect.

Alex Steinherr Maximum Moisture Supreme Sheet Mask* (1 mask, £3)

Last but not least, I was very keen to try the Maximum Moisture Supreme Sheet Mask because it's been hyped as the 'jewel' of the whole collection, and is apparently Alex's personal favourite product. The mask features 'a potent blend of humectants that help to increase hydration levels in the skin', which sounds great, but the ingredients are a bit disappointing with silicones cropping up again. There are some good ones though such as Glycerin, Amino Acids, Red Algae and Lotus Flower extracts, and I liked how the mask was completely soaked in essence as some cheaper brands can be on the dry side. My main bugbear though? It just didn't really do anything for me. My skin felt very soft immediately after I removed it and massaged in the rest of the essence, but 30 minutes or so later, it reverted back to its original state and it felt like I hadn't used anything at all. Strange!

Overall thoughts?

From the products I've tried above, I've found some hits and misses, as is often expected from such a large budget-friendly skincare collection. I love the fact that it's cruelty-free, fragrance-free and suitable for vegans, but I was hoping that some of the formulas would have slightly better ingredients for general skin health. However, if you fancy trying out some of the products, everything is cheap as chips so if something doesn't work for you, it's not the end of the world (or your bank balance!). 

Find Alex Steinherr's collection exclusively in selected Primark stores.

Will you be buying Alex's collection?

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New In Beauty: 4 Products To Buy & Try This Month

Looking for some beauty shopping inspo? Here are four products that you should treat yourself to this month. This edit includes a bit of skincare, body care, makeup and some very realistic temporary tattoos, so there's something for everyone! 

Dry skin? Try Hempz Milk & Honey Herbal Body Moisturiser* (500ml, £23.99, link)

Hempz have recently launched their brand new Milk & Honey range which is just as delicious as it sounds! Comprising of four products (a Body Wash, Exfoliating Body Whip, Hand & Foot Creme and a Herbal Body Moisturiser), the range features the brand's famous 100% natural Hemp Seed Oil and combines this with ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Seed Oil, Oat Extract, Avocado Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil, for a softening and hydrating body moisturiser that you can use as often as needed to keep dry skin at bay.

It's not as natural as I was hoping it to be, but I've been enjoying slathering on this Body Moisturiser after baths and showers and it makes my skin feel so soft and comforted afterwards. The Milk & Honey scent is fresh and not too sweet which I just love. For those curious, there's no actual milk or honey in the formula (it's just fragranced that way) so it can be used by vegans and is also free from gluten and parabens.

 Luxury sheet mask fan? Try STARSKIN 100% Camellia Nourishing & Anti-Wrinkle 2-Step Oil Sheet Mask* (£9, link)

If your complexion is in need of a luxury pampering treat, STARSKIN's 100% Camellia Nourishing & Anti-Wrinkle 2-Step Oil Sheet Mask will not disappoint. Featuring a two-step complete skincare treatment, it has a capsule of 100% Camellia Oil as the first step which is packed full of natural antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids to nourish and soften the skin. The second step is then the Benitsubaki Sheet Mask itself which is soaked in a rich essence that contains Hyaluronic Acid, Arginine and Amino Acids to transform dull and dry skin. 

It also has a temporary effect to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful and glowy finish. Definitely one to try for a special occasion or night out when you want to be looking your best!

Need new eyeliners? Try Esqido Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencils in Black & Brown* (0.5g, $16 each, link)

Whether you wear eyeliner on a daily basis or just like to have a high-quality waterproof one on hand for those occasions where you want some extra definition to your look, these Gel Eyeliners from Esqido are amazing! I wasn't expecting them to be anywhere near this good because the brand are better known for their gorgeous false lashes (check out my review on those here), but these have really hit the ball out of the park and impressed me!

The twist-up white pencils look very chic in your makeup bag and the waterproof gel formulas are intensely pigmented and apply like a dream; they are so easy to use and really nice and creamy. Once on, they don't smudge or fade for at least 8-10 hours, so if you're looking to invest in some new eyeliners, why not try these?

Tattooed Now! Realistic Temporary Tattoos (various prices from £2.60, link)

Aside from golden glitter tattoos for festivals, I usually steer clear of most temporary tattoos because, to be frankly honest, they look a bit naff and often peel or flake off when you least expect it - not a good look. However, I like to be open-minded, so when I was introduced to Tattooed Now! I was curious to try them out as they're made by Hollywood makeup artists and are a million times more realistic looking than any temporary tattoos that I've ever seen before. So much so, that A-list actors like Gerard Butler, Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek have happily worn custom designs by Tattooed Now! and the brand's work have been featured in everything from Game of Thrones to Cloud Atlas and Black Sails. 

Tattooed Now! are certainly a completely different level of temporary tattoo, and I've managed to trick friends with both their Sphynx Cat and Skull Butterfly designs recently. I appreciate that they may not be to everyone's personal tastes, but if you are looking to experiment with body art and want something temporary (or even just to try out a design to see if you like the placing of it before getting properly inked), Tattooed Now! are well worth checking out.

What beauty products have you bought this month?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - July 2018 review

This month's LoveLula beauty box is an absolute corker and my favourite box from them this year so far! Worth £53, it features a fantastic selection of organic and natural skincare and haircare. 

Here's what's inside:-

CHOBS Aloe Sheet Mask (RRP £4.10)

I love a sheet mask every now and then for an indulgent pampering session, and I was pleased to come across this new skincare brand called CHOBS when they recently launched on LoveLula. They're one of the few properly natural and organic Korean beauty brands that I've come across and their sheet masks are amazing! This Aloe one is incredibly soothing and ideal for sensitive or irritated skin as it helps to calm down any redness, and makes your skin feel really soft and smooth afterwards.

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Hemp Oil (RRP £19)

Ooh! are a regular brand that features in the LoveLula beauty boxes and they have a great range of all-natural facial oils, many of which I've tried in the past and enjoyed using. Their Hemp Oil is a new one to me and although I've only been testing it out for a week, I'm really liking it so far. It contains just 100% pure hemp oil which is packed full of natural fatty acids but maintains an ultra-low comedogenic index, so it's a good choice for acne and oily skin types. Nicely balancing, it gives the skin a good dose of hydration without going overboard and won't clog pores.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Hair & Body Wash (30ml travel size)

Next up, I found a travel size bottle from Apple & Bears and this is their Bergamot & Green Tea Hair & Body Wash. It has a lovely citrusy fragrance which smells very fresh and summery to me, and although I usually like to keep my shampoos and body washes separate, I could definitely see myself using this on a weekend trip away to save space in my hand luggage.

Infuse My Haircare Colour Treat Conditioner (RRP £18)  

I've had my eye on this conditioner since I tried out the Infuse My Colour Washes (read my review on those here), so I was was very happy to see a full-size bottle included in this month's box! Specially formulated for colour treated hair, this conditioner has a unique vegan, silicone-free formula which helps to protect your hair colour from fading, and also adds nourishment and essential hydration. It gives my hair a lot of bounce and shine too so it definitely gets a thumbs up from me!

Balm Balm Face Balm (RRP £8.95)

Another full-size product is the wonderfully multi-purpose Balm Balm Face Balm and you can use this in so many different ways. It's great for any extra dry areas that need some TLC like cuticles,  nails, heels and elbows, as well as doubling up as an intensive lip balm and taming unruly eyebrows. A little goes a long way with this super thick formula so this tube will last you ages.

Finally, there are two sample sachets and I've seen a variety of these on different blogs. In my box, I received the D'Alchemy Age Cancellation Booster and John Masters Organics Rosemary & Arnica Body Milk - both of which have gone straight into my travel bag!

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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March Empties: Products I've Used Up

I'm a little late with my March Empties due to the Bank Holiday, but here they are! A short but sweet collection of beauty products that I've used up recently.

Weleda Skin Food

This iconic green tube really needs no introduction on this blog and it's been featured in countless Empties posts for a good number of years now. But! If you are new to the wonders of Skin Food, it's a brilliant, super thick, multi-purpose cream that you can use everywhere and anywhere that's dry and needs some TLC. It's been a proper must-have during all of those freezing Beast from the East days! Repurchase? Already have another tube on the go.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

I finished off this little travel size during the Easter break and had forgotten how much I loved it. Packed full of probiotics and peptides, it's a rich and creamy cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and gives the skin a really good clean, whilst leaving it feeling nourished and soft. I love using this as a second cleanse. Repurchase? I have a few more of these travel sizes from various GWPs - yay!

Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator*

If you enjoy using a physical exfoliator but are looking for one that can be used on sensitive skin, Reincarnation is one of the most gentle that I've ever tried. The exfoliator itself is like a thick cream and the scrubby bits are composed of natural Jojoba beads; these are really tiny, but they do an excellent job of polishing away dull, dead skin cells for instantly brighter and smoother skin. Repurchase? I was kindly sent another tube by the brand recently, so thank you Antipodes :)

JASON Nourishing Cocoa Butter Moisturising Creme 

My skin has been horribly dry these past couple of weeks due to the cold weather, so I've been slathering on body lotions like nobody's business! This one from JASON was from a recent FB swap box and I really loved the thick texture and how quickly it absorbed. However, the Cocoa scent is very sweet, almost to the point where it's a bit cloying, so I'm going to see if there are some other flavours of this available to try next. Repurchase? Yes if I can find it in a different scent.   

S5 Illuminate Serum*

Specially formulated for hyperpigmentation, I used this serum a lot last year to help tackle some dark spots, but for some reason, I stopped using it, moved onto other products and ended up forgetting about it. I had a little clear out last month and noticed that it was nearing its expiry date so I decided to finish the rest of it up. Whilst it does the job, there are just a lot of other serums in my stash that I prefer over it.  Repurchase? No. 

STARSKIN Dreamkiss Lip Mask*

I used this when my lips were feeling cracked when I had the flu a few weeks ago, and it really helped to rehydrate and smooth them out again. I also like using these for special occasions and nights out as an intensive lip primer treatment, especially if I'm wearing a matte liquid lipstick. Repurchase? Still have some left in the box. 

Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Cream Mask

A great sample to do a one mask treatment - brilliant for giving the skin an intense shot of moisture when it needs it the most. Leaves it feeling hydrated, plumped up and super soft afterwards. Repurchase? Would definitely buy the full size! 

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

Despite being the shortest month of the year, I've somehow managed to use up a ton of products recently, and there are some seriously good products in this empties stash. So without further ado, here are my February Empties.

Botanicals Hands & Nails Replenishing Serum*

I featured this in my November Favourites last year, and I've used it on a regular basis since then to give you an idea of how long it's lasted. It's been an absolute godsend for my nails during this colder weather and has definitely helped to strengthen them, whilst keeping my cuticles in good shape as well. Repurchase? Yes.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

A staple in my skincare routine for years, I always seem to use up a bottle, use something else, and then come back to this! If you haven't tried this iconic beauty before, it's basically a thick cream cleanser that removes makeup in seconds and is nice to use as a quick morning cleanser when it's cold outside. Repurchase? I'm currently trying out a popular high street dupe for this (review on that coming soon!), but I have no doubt that I'll be buying this again at some point.

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

Regular readers will have spotted this pink tub in my previous Empties, and it's still one of my favourite hair masks that's affordable and always gives me great results. If you have dry, coloured or damaged hair, I highly recommend it. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some of my other hair masks.

Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm

Can you tell it's been Winter lately with all the moisturising products that I've used up?! Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm is definitely a saviour for anyone who has dry and irritated skin, anywhere on their face and body. It instantly hydrates, soothes and locks in moisture to keep your skin healthy and happy. A little goes a long way! Repurchase? Yes - it's since been re-packaged in a smaller tube.

Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser*

Another Antipodes favourite of mine, and I think this is my second jar, is their Grapeseed Butter Cleanser which is amazing for destroying makeup and feels so nourishing on the skin. This thick balm cleanser is also brilliant for dry skin and ideal to use as either a first or second cleanser in the evenings to remove all traces of pollution, dirt and impurities for a really deep clean. Repurchase? Yes.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask

These ultra-hydrating sheet masks contain Hyaluronic Acid and are a really good quick fix if your skin is dehydrated, dull, stressed or if you're just feeling under the weather and need a skincare boost. Gets to work in just 15 minutes. Repurchase? Already have some more in my stash.

Superdrug Simply Pure Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

My favourite basic eye makeup remover that actually works on waterproof mascara - I've gone through a few bottles of these in the past. Cheap as chips as it's usually on offer for about £1.50, and as it's from Superdrug's own brand range, it's also cruelty-free. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray*

Many of you will know that I have a lot of problems sleeping, so I love using products like this to help, and this one really does work! Lost count of how many bottles I've used of this now. Repurchase? I'm testing out some other brands of pillow sprays at the moment, but I have a feeling I'll be going back to this one.

S.W Basics Makeup Remover

Despite having used this in the past, I'm still not convinced by it as I always feel like it leaves a slightly greasy film on my skin, even after rinsing thoroughly. I've never had any breakout issues as a result luckily, but there are lots of other oil-based makeup removers that I definitely prefer over this one. Repurchase? No.

S.W Basics Cinnamon Lip Balm

I have a tiny, tiny bit of this still left that I'll dig out of the tube later, but I wanted to include it as I know it'll be done by the end of the week. Made from just five natural ingredients, this is a lovely lip balm that gets the job done, and if you like cinnamon, you'll love it even more. Repurchase? Yes.

Batiste 2-in-1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner

I picked this up as an 'emergency' when I ran out of dry shampoo whilst staying at my sister's over Christmas, and I have to admit that this stuff is just terrible! It did absolutely nothing for my hair and left lots of residue and build up instead. Repurchase? No!

JOIK White Chocolate Bath Truffle*

I've mentioned these chocolate bath truffles from JOIK before, and they are so nice to use when your skin is dry and it's freezing cold outside. Rich in cocoa butter, they always leave my whole body feeling so soft and pampered afterwards. Repurchase? Already have some more in my bathroom.

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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Mid-Week Pamper Treat: STARSKIN The Master Cleanser Detoxing Sea Kelp Leaf Face Mask review

I don't know why, but it's been one of those weeks where my skin has just been feeling and looking dull and crappy, and we've still got time to kill until the weekend arrives. It's time for an intervention, so it's over to you, STARSKIN The Master Cleanser!

I've tried and tested a lot of sheet masks in my time as a beauty blogger, but this one from STARSKIN perhaps holds the crown for the longest name and is one of the strangest that I've ever used. All of the sheet masks that I've tried from STARSKIN in the past have been this amazing bio-cellulose type of material which feels like a second skin and helps to lock in all that serum goodness. 

The Master Cleanser, however, is completely different as the 'sheet' is made from 100% organic Kelp Leaves. Yes, you heard that right, brown algae Seaweed! This makes a lot of sense when you think about it because Kelp is packed full of minerals and vitamins, and Seaweed wraps are used in treatments in countless spas up and down the country. Add to this a super serum cocktail of skin-boosting ingredients, and you're onto a potential skincare winner!

What's in it?

Aside from the base composition of Kelp Leaves, this mask is infused with 25ml of serum that contains 90.37% organic botanical extracts and features the key ingredients of Licorice Root, Molasses, Probiotic Lactobacillus, Camelia Oil, Centella Asiatica, Bamboo, Fermented Soybeans, Fermented Chlorella, Fenugreek and Phytosterols. 

Full inci: Laminaria Japonica, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Molasses, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Fatty Acids, Dong Quai Angelica Keiskei Extract Powder, Fenugreek Seeds Extract Powder, Fermented Chlorella Extract, Lactobacillus, Glycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Citrus Junos, Dioscorea Opposite, Lyophilized Royal Jelly Powder, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Adenosine, Phytosterols, Centella Asiatica, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Polyglutamic Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Linalool, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem, Avena Sativa, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem, Plantago Asiatica, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, D-Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Phenoxyethanol.

What does it claim to do & who can use it?

The Master Cleanser is described as a "rejuvenating treatment sheet mask which refreshes and purifies the stressed and tired skin". It helps to brighten, soften, hydrate (including clinically proven 72-hour moisture), reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase elasticity.  It's ideal for all skin types, though STARSKIN recommends that sensitive skin should only wear the mask for 5 minutes, so make sure to do a patch test first if that applies to you.

How do I use it?

After using your regular cleanser, pat skin dry and open the packet. The mask is in two pieces, so peel these away from the plastic carefully and apply the bottom half first, and then overlap the top half. Leave on for 15 minutes (or 5 if you have sensitive skin) and wipe away any excess serum with a damp flannel. You can then follow up with your normal moisturiser.

First impressions?

This mask is INCREDIBLY wet, to the point where it felt very slimey. The serum was literally dripping out of the packet when I opened it, so I'd suggest using it over a sink or in the bathtub to avoid any drips on your floor. There's an immediately strong scent of seaweed which was a little nauseating at first, but soon dissipated as time went on. As the mask is so wet, applying it was a tricky task, especially as it's in two parts - it took me a good few minutes to get it on and it's almost impossible to smooth out properly. 

Once on, I felt a slight tingling sensation like it was 'working', but it wasn't irritating or anything like that and I didn't experience any redness, although I can see why they suggest that sensitive skin types should only use it for 5 minutes. It was difficult to keep the mask on for the full 15 minutes though, as it kept sliding around, but once the time was up, I removed it and my skin felt very sticky/tacky to the touch. I used a damp washcloth and removed the remaining serum (there was still a lot of it!), and my skin was much happier. In the mirror, I noticed that my face looked visibly brighter and less tired, and I could feel that it was very plumped up and super smooth. 

There's no way to make this mask look good lol!

Overall thoughts?

I used this mask in the morning and my makeup applied perfectly afterwards, so it's definitely something that I would recommend using before a night out or special occasion. The moisturising effects lasted for a good 48 hours and I loved the instant brightening/plumping results. However, the fit wasn't the greatest, it was very slippy/slimey, and I'm not sure if I saw all of the benefits of the mask being made from Kelp, so I definitely prefer the bio-cellulose material of STARSKIN's other masks over this one. A little hit and miss for me!

STARSKIN The Master Cleanser Detoxing Sea Kelp Leaf Face Mask* (1 mask, £12.50) is available from various stockists including BeautyBay.com

 Have you tried a face mask like this before?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2017: The Last Minute Edit (Online & Highstreet)

Still on the hunt for some Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers? Forgot someone's Secret Santa? It's not too late! Here's my handy Last Minute Edit filled with beauty treats and featuring a wide range of brands and stockists.

 MasqueBAR Pretty Animalz Reindeer Calming Sheet Mask* (£4, link) & iN.gredients Cream Masks* (£3 each, link)

For a super cute stocking filler, MasqueBAR have released a range of festive Animalz Sheet Masks which feature the animal printed onto the mask itself for the ultimate Christmas skincare selfie! Each one has a different purpose and this Reindeer mask is perfect for hydrating and soothing. Available online from ASOS or from your local House Of Fraser. Also available from ASOS are the festive-themed face masks from MasqueBAR's iN.gredients range which include the delicious Hot Cocoa (hydrating), Candy Cane (purifying), and Egg Nog (anti-ageing). These are all cream masks that smell exactly like their names!

 Skin79 Golden Snail 24k Hydro Gel Mask* (£5.90, link) & Venetian Carnival Shiny Star Mask* (£3.90, link)

If you're looking for a sheet mask stocking filler that's more luxurious, cult Korean brand Skin79 have a massive range of different masks for all skin types and concerns. Two of my favourites are the Golden Snail 24k Hydro Gel Mask which is fantastic for anti-ageing and extra radiance, and the Venetian Carnival Shiny Star Mask that's a great pre-party mask for a gorgeous hydrating glow. Both available online from HQ Hair. 

 KISS Looks So Natural Iconic Lashes* (£4.99, link), Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive* (£4.99, link), Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails* (£6.99, link) & imPRESS Press-On Manicure* (£7.99, link)

Popping into Superdrug or Boots? Head straight to the KISS stand and pick up some of their beautiful lashes and nail kits. I love their Looks So Natural Lashes for a pretty, fluttery, easy-to-wear style and a tube of their Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive would make a fab stocking filler for any girlie girl who is always wearing fake lashes! Their Gel Fantasy and imPRESS nail kits are also a must-buy for DIY mani-fans with lots of shades and styles to choose from.

 Brushworks HD Midi Sponge Set* (£9.99, link) & HD Oval Brush Set* (£12, link)

Makeup accessories and tools are huge Christmas gifts this year and Brushworks have something for everyone. Their HD Midi Sponge Set contains four high-quality, latex-free blending sponges that can be used with a variety of liquid and cream based products, whilst the HD Oval Brush Set is a brilliant affordable dupe of the popular Artis brushes that have dominated Youtube tutorials this year. Best of all? These sets and much more are currently in the 3 for 2 offer online at Feel Unique - win win!

 MUA Matte Supreme & Cashmere Collective Eyeshadow Palettes* (£8 each, link)

Eyeshadow palettes are also insanely popular this year and MUA's latest 25 Shade Eyeshadow Palettes are a budget-friendly way to gift the makeup lover in your life with a whole bunch of new colours! There are several colourways to choose from, but my personal favourites are Matte Supreme (this really is the ultimate neutral matte palette) and Cashmere Collective (a selection of beautiful matte and shimmery, neutral and smokey shades). Available online from MUA direct and Superdrug. 

Joan Collins I Am Woman Eau De Parfum* (12ml, £15, link) & Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré* (£15, link)

Some stocking filler ideas that I think mums/aunties/older female relatives and friends will enjoy, include Joan Collins' popular I Am Woman fragrance (a classic feminine scent with citrusy top notes layered over a woody and musky base with hints of floral), and the French skincare guru's favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which is an ultra-rich multi-purpose cream that's perfect for Winter and currently available in a ready-to-gift, Limited Edition Paris design.

 Know Cosmetics No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner* and No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer* (£12.50 each, link) & Carmex Skinny Dip Limited Edition Lip Balm* (£3.95, link)

Your local Lloyds Chemist might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts, but my local one is a great place to find some beauty bargains from bestselling brands. If your local stocks Know Cosmetics, look out for the No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner (a clear lip liner that can be used with any lipstick) and No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer (a cheeky YSL Touche Eclat dupe that provides more coverage for pesky dark circles). 

If you need a cutesy little stocking filler for a teen or young daughter, I think they'd love the new Limited Edition Carmex collab with Skinny Dip which has been given a festive twist with a yummy Sugar Plum flavour, and it features a unicorn! Available from Superdrug.

 Superdrug Studio London Metal Hair Accessories* (£2.99 each, link)

Also from Superdrug, you'll find these new, on-trend metal hair accessories from their Studio London range which make brilliant stocking fillers, especially if you have teens or young girls to buy for. Plus they're in the current buy one, get the second half-price offer on Superdrug hair essentials so now's the time to stock up! 

Clipper Snore & Peace Gift Caddy* (£10, link)

Tea lovers will adore this beautifully presented and reusable Gift Caddy that contains Clipper's bestselling Snore & Peace blend in 30 enveloped tea bags. This relaxing infusion of Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Lavender will help to send your recipient off to the land of nod so that they can get a restful night's sleep during the busy festive season. Certified organic by the Soil Association and available from Amazon.

US ONLY! Image Skincare Forever Young Gift Set* (link)

Lastly, as I've had some requests from a few of my American followers for gift recommendations, I wanted to include the Forever Young Gift Set from Image Skincare. Available in the US only, this set contains a great travel-size selection from Image's Vital C range (Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Anti-Ageing Serum, Repair Creme and Moisturiser), alongside a gorgeous Silk Eye Mask designed by DANNIJO. 

What last minute Christmas gifts are you buying this year?

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