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?

Read more

The Weekend Post | The Best Skincare Treatments 2023 | AD

With summer just around the corner, many people are looking for ways to improve their skin's appearance and health. Fortunately, there are a variety of skin care treatments available that can help achieve just that. In this article, we will explore three of the best skin care treatments available before summer 2023; HydraFacial, Dermalux LED light therapy, and microneedling.

HydraFacial

The HydraFacial is a popular treatment that involves a combination of exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. It is a non-invasive procedure that is suitable for all skin types and is highly effective at removing impurities, unclogging pores, and improving overall skin texture and appearance.

The treatment involves using a special device that uses suction to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the skin's surface. It then infuses the skin with a customised blend of serums that contain antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The result is deeply hydrated, glowing skin that looks and feels revitalised.

One of the biggest advantages of the HydraFacial is that it is a quick and painless treatment that requires no downtime. It is perfect for those who want to improve their skin's appearance but don't have the time or inclination for more invasive treatments.

Dermalux LED Light Therapy

Dermalux LED light therapy is another highly effective skin care treatment that can help improve the appearance of the skin before summer. The treatment involves using a special device that emits a series of LED lights of different wavelengths to penetrate the skin at different levels. This helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin.

The different wavelengths of light can also help to reduce inflammation, soothe redness and irritation, and promote healing. This makes it an ideal treatment for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

The treatment is painless and requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. It can be used on its own or in combination with other skin care treatments for even better results.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a skin care treatment that involves using a device with tiny needles to create microscopic channels in the skin's surface. This stimulates the body's natural healing response, promoting the production of collagen and elastin and improving the skin's texture and appearance.

The treatment is highly effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as acne scars and other types of scars. It can also be used to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant.

While microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, it does require some downtime as the skin needs time to heal. However, the results are well worth it, with many people reporting significant improvements in their skin's appearance after just one treatment.

Conclusion

Before summer 2023, there are a variety of skin care treatments available that can help improve the appearance and health of your skin. Three of the best options are HydraFacial, Dermalux LED light therapy, and microneedling.

HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that is quick, painless, and highly effective at removing impurities and improving overall skin texture and appearance. Dermalux LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce inflammation, making it an ideal treatment for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Microneedling in Manchester is growing in popularity due to its impeccable results. By creating microscopic channels in the skin's surface, it is stimulating the body's natural healing response and improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.

Each of these treatments has its own unique benefits, and they can all be used in combination for even better results. Whether you're looking to rejuvenate your skin before summer or just refresh a dull complexion after a long British winter, the best aesthetic clinic in Manchester has to be The Medika Clinic.

Be sure to pop by and pay them a visit before the summer season hits. Don’t forget to check them out on Instagram first - @medika.health

Read more

Foodie Friday | Lazy Day Rocky Road & Salted Caramel Crispies review | Vegan & Gluten Free Treats

TGIF anyone?! It feels like it's been such a long week, so it's no wonder that I've been craving a little sweet treat to kickstart the weekend with. These vegan and gluten-free goodies from Lazy Day have arrived at just the right time!

Whether you have specific food allergies or a certain intolerance to a common ingredient such as milk or gluten, you can rest assured that Lazy Day has got your back. Hand-baked with love in their very own dedicated allergen-friendly bakery, Lazy Day is one of the most trusted brands on the free from market when you want a delicious treat.

Lazy Day's yummy baked delights are gluten-free, egg-free, milk-free, vegan-friendly, and produced in a nut-free site. I was delighted to try out two of their popular tray-bake style bites; Rocky Road and Salted Caramel Crispies.

Lazy Day Rocky Road* (150g, 5 slices, £2.65)

Rocky Road is such a childhood classic snack of mine, and it's something that I enjoy making myself when I have a free Saturday morning. However, as life has been super busy lately, it's been so convenient to find a tasty ready-made version that I can easily pick up from the supermarket - win-win! 

Lazy Day's Rocky Road is an indulgent treat that's made with a luscious Belgian dark chocolate ganache base. It features the classic chunky pieces of shortbread that you'd expect, coupled together with crispy puffed rice which adds an interesting texture, and topped with squishy pink mini marshmallows. Yum! This is a great little snack to have with a cup of tea or coffee.

Lazy Day Salted Caramel Crispies* (150g, 5 slices, £2.65)

I'm a big fan of anything that's Salted Caramel flavoured and I just love crispy rice squares so naturally, I knew that I was going to enjoy these moreish Salted Caramel Crispies when I saw the box. Like the Rocky Road, you'll find five individually portioned slices/pieces inside which keep well in an airtight container if you're not sharing them out in the office. Coincidentally, if you are bringing these to the office, you're going to need a couple of packs minimum, just saying!

These have a bit of a Millionaire vibe going on, but instead of shortbread at the bottom, there's a crunchy base of sticky rice crispies which I love. On top of that is a thick layer of gooey caramel, followed by a generous coating of real dark Belgian chocolate to finish it off. I found these to be very, very sweet so one piece was plenty to satisfy my sweet tooth, but they are incredibly moreish and addictive.

Available from various stockists including Sainsbury's and Waitrose. Shop the full range at lazydayfoods.com

Have you tried any of the vegan and gluten-free sweet snacks from Lazy Day?

Read more

Health & Lifestyle | Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection review

Freshen up your home this Spring with a delightful set of 100% natural essential oils from Clarity Blend, which you can use in your diffuser or burner. 

Using essential oils in your home is one of the easiest ways to explore the exciting world of aromatherapy and its many benefits. I particularly enjoy using different blends in different rooms to create a particular atmosphere, or to simply help change my mood. 

If you're new to aromatherapy, Clarity Blend's Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection offers the perfect introduction with a set of five essential oil blends that covers all bases.

It's always a good sign when you first open a boxed set like this and you can immediately smell a strong natural fragrance of all the oils; you know you have purchased something that's high quality and potent!

Clarity Blend was recommended to me by an aromatherapist friend who uses their products a lot for her personal and professional work. Handcrafted in Berkshire, this lovely English natural brand was founded by a wife and husband team who have an immense passion for reconnecting with nature, and capturing its essence in bottles so that everyone can benefit from its properties.

All of Clarity Blend's products adhere to strict practices as outlined in the Good Manufacturing Guide and there is a strong focus on sustainability too; the brand do not use any essential oils that are from endangered or vulnerable plant species such as sandalwood or rosewood, and everything is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and SLS. 

The Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection comprises of five essential oil blends.

Try These In The Bedroom

Sweet Dreams will help you to get a restful night's sleep with its calming blend of crisp, organic French Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Geranium. Heart Chakra is another good choice for the bedroom and can aid in setting the mood for love thanks to an exciting blend of exotic spices such as Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit.

For The Home Office

If you need help finding your focus again try Active Life which has an uplifting and invigorating selection of essential oils which features Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Grapefruit (this is also an excellent choice if you're feeling under the weather). I personally love Energy Boost when I have a deadline to meet as the combination of Rosemary, Sweet Orange, and Peppermint instantly awakens the senses which helps with my concentration.

Relaxing Living Spaces

To de-stress and relax, you can't go wrong with adding a few drops of Mind Spa to your diffuser or burner, so this one's ideal for use in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. The blend of Blue-Gem Eucalyptus with Patchouli and Bergamot feels very grounding and calming so that you can take a step back and just appreciate being in the moment.

Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection* retails for £29.99 and is available from various stockists including clarityblend.com

Do you use aromatherapy in your home?

Read more