Drunk Elephant Trunk 3.0 Holidays Collection 2019

 Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 Holiday Christmas

Are you ready for possibly one of the most exciting Christmas gifts of 2019? If you love skincare (and who doesn’t) then the arrival of the Drunk Elephant Trunk 3.0 for the Holiday season 2019 will have you writing your letter to Santa Claus a little earlier than usual.

Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 Holiday Christmas
Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 Holiday Christmas

Now I must warn you that I don’t know the exact UK price point nor retailer as of yet but in the U.S it will launch early October online and costs $450, so hopefully that can serve as some sort of indicator. Yes admittedly it is pricey but disregarding the mini fridge, the contents alone tally up to over £500 so even going for a straight dollar to pound exchange rate, you would be saving over £150 which is pretty impressive.

Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 Holiday Christmas

So alongside the cute lilac and neon orange mini fridge, the Drunk Elephant 3.0 trunk contains:

Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 Holiday Christmas

All of the above are indeed full size products which I’m guessing you would expect given the imagined retail cost. As weird as it may sound, the Drunk Elephant Trunk 3.0 is far more impressive in person; the fridge doesn’t really translate half as pretty on camera nor does the fact that the gift set pretty much contains a full skin care routine for just about all skin types, right down to a daily SPF. If I was to be hyper critical, it would have been nice to have seen an inclusion of their lip balm (Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm) and maybe the ever elusive Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial in lieu of a face mask but otherwise it is beautiful and very well thought out.
Despite being one of the more pricey beauty gifts heading our way, I do imagine the Drunk Elephant Fridge Trunk 3.0 will sell out pretty quickly. 
I will update this post as soon as I have any additional information, until then you can find all the contents individually via Space.NK – link.

Drunk Elephant Trunk 3.0 Holidays Collection 2019 syndicated from The Sunday Girl
October 4, 2019 at 10:27AM

Can This Miracle Toner Really Transform Your Skin In 30 Days?

some by mi aha BHA PHA 30 days miracle tonersome by mi aha BHA PHA 30 days miracle toner

Have you been to the Skin Library?

It’s an UK-based online shop that curates the best Korean skincare has to offer to help you glow and go. Before you ask, yes, they ship worldwide.

I can’t deny it. Skin Library had me at the name. I spend hours in libraries looking for my next read and now I can do my skincare shopping in one, too? Sign me up!

(Just to be clear, Skin Library doesn’t sell books. But the name still gets me excited. 🙂 )

The first Korean skincare product I’ve checked out from the Skin Library is Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. Here’s all you need to know about it:

Key Ingredients In Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

AHA + BHA + PHA To Exfoliate Skin

You’ll find three types of acids in skincare: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHAs). Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner uses them all.

Let’s start with what they have in common. They all dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath.

But each family of acids has its own specific superpower:

  • AHAs: They hydrate skin by drawing water from the environment into the skin. This toner uses citric acid, one of the gentlest members of this family.
  • BHA: A.k.a. salicylic acid, it gets inside the pores, removing all the gunk that’s clogging them up and giving you pimples.
  • PHA: They have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals. This toner uses Lactobionic Acid.

The catch? Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner contains only a few drops of each acid. That’s why it takes 30 days to see some significant results.

If you have sensitive skin that doesn’t tolerate high concentrations of acids well, this could be a good option for you to try.

Related: AHAs VS BHA: What’s The Difference And Which One Should You Use?

Niacinamide To… Well, Everything

A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is one of my fave ingredients. Why? It does everything you ask it to do:

It doesn’t matter what your skin type is or what problems it has, it’s always a good idea to add some niacinamide to your skincare routine.

Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It

Tea Tree Oil To Treat Acne

Derived from the Australian plant melaleuca alternifolia, Tea Tree Oil is a natural acne remedy.

Tea Tree Oil is an antimicrobial agent that kills P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Plus, it reduces inflammation. Guess what acne is? An inflammatory disease.

The catch? All the studies I’ve found used 5% Tea Tree. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner uses considerably less.

Does that mean it’s useless? Not necessarily. But it does mean it works more slowly. Again, there’s a reason why it’s called “30 Days Miracle Toner” and not “3 Days Miracle Toner.”

Related: Is Tea Tree Oil An Effective Treatment For Acne?

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Don’t let the name fool you. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner has such a small amount of exfoliating acids, it won’t sting or burn your skin, like Glossier Solution does. Phew!

But that means it doesn’t work as quickly. For the Koreans, it’s a good trade-off. While we Westerners layer all kinds of acids like there’s no tomorrow (and then wonder why our skin is so dry all of a sudden), the Koreans prefer a gentler approach that minimises irritation – even if it means it takes longer to see results.

Which approach is better? It depends on what your skin can take. If it’s resistant, you can up your acid load without issues. Sensitive? Take the gentler Korean route.

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner has a lightweight, watery texture that sinks in immediately. I apply it with a cotton pad straight after cleansing.

After the first application, my skin already felt more hydrated. A week later, I started noticing an improvement in its texture. It felt smoother and looked a little brighter, too. Fast forward a couple of weeks and other people were complimenting me on it, too.

I don’t have any acne, so I can’t vouch for how well the tea tree oil works for that. But if I did, I’d probably keep my sulfur mask at hand to give this toner a helping hand.

One more thing: this toner contains a few drops of peppermint oil, which can be irritating for sensitive skin. If you know your skin doesn’t like it, this isn’t for you.

Available at: $16.00/£17.00 at Skin Library, Soko Glam and Yes Style

Have you tried Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner? Share your experience in the comments below.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Swiflet Nest Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fructan, Allantoin, Adenosine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Xylitol, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Can This Miracle Toner Really Transform Your Skin In 30 Days? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 4, 2019 at 08:20AM

Yankee Candle’s Cooler Little Sibling

Kringle Candle Daylights Review UK Autumn

I left the house at 6am today and not only was it positively dark outside but it was beyond chilly. If I had the energy to deeply exhale, I’m all but sure my frosty breath would have surrounded the air around me. Sure the arrival of Autumn means extra layers, gloves and walking with trepidation on the now slippery pavements but on the plus side, burning candles all day and night feels far more justified – as does going to bed that little earlier to read a book and generally eating soup. For those looking for something a little different to add both scent and ambience to their home – and without skipping a mortgage payment at that – may I recommend a brand that is seldom spoke about here in the UK? Let me share a few recent Kringle Candle purchases and finds.

Kringle Candle Daylights Review UK Autumn

So you may or may not be aware but Kringle Candle is actually owned (and created) by the son of Yankee Candle which does mean there are some similarities between the brands: familiar packaging, scent themes/families and in general the price point. The main difference is that Yankee Candle is everywhere and of course far more known and yet still lacks smaller in size candle options.

If you are anything like me you bore easily and flit between several candles a week which quickly mounts up and of course depletes your home of storage, you may be looking for something a little less cumbersome than a huge glass jar. Tealights are great and all but have you ever experienced a Kringle Candle Daylight? Compact yet mighty; around twice the size of a regular tealight candles (burning for up to 12 hours), affordable and available in a whole rainbow of colours and fragrances, that deceptively scent an entire room.

Kringle Candle Daylights Review UK Autumn

I realise upon typing this out that noting the Kringle Candle Daylights stack really well, probably doesn’t rank all that highly on the average person’s checklist but if you are tight on storage space, every little bit helps. That or I really should consider going out more…

Kringle Candle Daylights Review UK Autumn

As the weather has shifted, my Kringle Candle order was positively influenced by the cooler temperatures of Autumn. Here’s a quick break down of the scents I purchased this time around:

Apple Cider Donut – sweet yet savoury with a strong note of cinnamon. Very reminiscent of a few Bath and Body Works fragrances (think Leaves et al). Easily my favourite of the bunch.

Oak & Fig – clean, fresh and fruity. Reminds me of Diptyque Figulier. If you enjoy fig bases scents this one is for you.

Comfy Sweater – one for those who gravitate towards "fabric softener" type fragrances, not my personal favourite.

Cozy Cabin – Smoky yet sweet, if you like toasted marshmallow notes, this is the one to stock up on.

Lumberjack – such an odd scent; half floral, half musky. Pleasant enough but peculiar all the same.

Touch of Autumn – A Cinnamon led, spice heavy, warming fragrant. Perfect for this time of the year.

Kringle Candle Daylights Review UK Autumn

I have of course began narrowing down my Winter/Christmas fragrances but let’s give it a few weeks shall we?

You can find the entire range here – link.

Yankee Candle’s Cooler Little Sibling syndicated from The Sunday Girl
October 3, 2019 at 10:57AM

The Best Face Masks For Every Skin Type And Need

best face masksbest face masks

What are the best face masks out there?

FYI, I don’t believe everyone needs a face mask. If you’ve got your skincare routine nailed, your skin’ll be soft and supple without the need of this extra step.

(The exception? Oily skin. I still recommend a clay mask to keep shine at bay for you.)

But that doesn’t mean you should never use a face mask. I like to use one as a pampering treat when I need to relax at the end of a tiring day, as a much-needed pick-me-up after a poor night’s sleep, and as an instant fix before a friend’s wedding.

Whatever the reason, if you choose to use a face mask, opt for the best (cos your skin doesn’t deserve anything less).

Here are the best face masks I turn to time and time again:

Best Sleeping Mask: Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask ($18.00)

Don’t use face masks because you don’t have 20 minutes to wait around while they work their magic? Let me introduce you to sleeping masks: they’re hydrating concoctions you leave on your skin overnight. That’s right. No need to rinse off. My fave is Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. Infused with moisturising natural oils, its lightweight texture deeply hydrates your skin while you sleep, leaving it softer and plumper. It also has a big dollop of niacinamide, a multitasker that hydrates skin, brightens the complexion and even soothes irritations.

Available at: Dermstore, iHerb, Look Fantastic, Soko Glam, Ulta and Yes Style

Related: What’s The Best Type Of Mask For Your Skin Type?

Best Face Mask For Oily Skin: Niod Flavanone Mud (£29.00)

If you can take the sting (this stuff makes your skin tingle a little), Niod Flavanone Mud is a game-changer. It’s the only clay mask I’ve tried that doesn’t leave a muddy mess all over my bathroom sink. It has kaolin and montmorillonite clays to absorb every last bit of excess oil, so it won’t clog your pores or turn your forehead into a greasy BigMac. Plus, it’s loaded with powerful antioxidants that help you fight premature wrinkles and soothe irritations. With regular use, it makes your softer, brighter and blemish-free.

Available at: Beauty Bay,Cult Beauty, Escentual and Feel Unique

Related: My Full Review Of Niod Flavanone Mud

Best For Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Rehydrating Moisture Mask ($30.00)

Paula’s Choice Rehydrating Moisture Mask is loaded to the brim with moisturizing natural oils and fatty acids that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, keeping moisture into the skin. The result? Your face’s softer, suppler and a little brighter for hours on end. Plus, the mask has its fair share of antioxidants to help fight premature wrinkles. The rich, creamy texture feels luxurious on and is easy to rinse-off.

Available at: Look Fantastic and Paula’s Choice

Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Best Face Mask For Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask ($24.00)

Did you know oats are one of the most soothing things on this earth? They have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness, irritations, sunburns… You name it. They’re a godsend for sensitive skin that throws a tantrum every time you try something new. In First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask, they’re joined by licorice, feverfew and other natural extracts to make it even more soothing. Plus, it has natural oils to gently moisturise skin.

Available at: Asos, Dermstore, Feel Unique, Look Fantastic, Sephora and Ulta

Related: Why Colloidal Oatmeal Is A Godsend For Sensitive Skin

Best Sheet Mask: StarSkin The Gold Mask™ VIP Revitalizing Luxury Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask (£12.50)

StarSkin The Gold Mask™ VIP Revitalizing Luxury Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask isn’t the cheapest sheet mask out there, but it has everything your skin needs: natural oils to deeply moisturise skin, antioxidants like licorice to fight off free radicals before they give you wrinkles and dark spots, and anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile to reduce redness and irritations. Not to mention, a generous dose of niacinamide to… well, everything. Niacinamide hydrates, soothes, brightens and even helps treat acne. This mask is a pampering treat that’ll leave your skin softer, suppler and brighter… even after a poor night’s sleep or a long-haul flight.

Available at: Feel Unique and Look Fantastic

Related: Why You Need Niacinamide In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type

What do you think is the best face mask, in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

The Best Face Masks For Every Skin Type And Need syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 2, 2019 at 08:21AM

The Cosmetics Company Store Comes to Scotland!

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

– Sponsored Content – A few weeks ago I had the upmost pleasure in popping along to the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village for the grand opening of their latest shop – The Cosmetics Company Store. This was both a pinch me moment and a dream come true all wrapped into one pretty package; for years I have hoped for a The Cosmetics Company Store to pop up closer to home (my first experience was in Florida so not exactly economically sound) and here I was invited to the opening just a train ride away.

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

As a Glaswegian, I am pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to retail opportunities but even the bright lights of the city, can’t offer a shopping experience quite like Gretna Gateway Outlet Village let alone anything close to the beauty haven that is the Cosmetic Company Store. The good news is that the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village is fairly easily accessible by car, train or bus – I took the train down and it couldn’t have been easier, the area is sign posted so you can’t get lost and it is a 10 minute, straight walk, directly into the village. I’m easily lost and rely heavily on Google Maps so if I can do it anyone can. Here’s some extra info on how to visit with ease -link.

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

If you aren’t familiar with The Cosmetics Company Store concept then you are in for a treat, essentially it is a one-stop for all your beauty needs be that skincare, make-up, haircare, fragrance or gifts and by all your favourite, well known brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Tom Ford and more. Now on paper this won’t seem all that impressive as it is on par with a department store, however unlike shops of this nature The Cosmetics Company Store offer all year round discounts (up to 30% with occasional promotional offers too) all day, all year round.

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

I’m sure most of us associate The Cosmetics Company Store with end of line beauty products and seasonal launches – which is somewhat true and handy should you run out of your favourite limited edition lipstick or blush – however it is here that you will find brand staple and core items, with said applied discount. As much as I love a glittery festive gift set, I will be visiting the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village branch of The Cosmetics Company Store to stock up on my skincare (and beauty) favourites at least twice a year. I’m not sure I can afford to pass up on such deals!

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

As wonderful as the US models of this store happen to be, I can safely say that the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village, The Cosmetics Company Store is far superior and given that I’ve visited at least 5 states, I like to think my opinion counts for something. The layout of the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village, The Cosmetics Company Store makes shopping a breeze; everything is organised by brand and product type, gone are the days of scrambling around in the hopes of finding a particular product. I recommend browsing each of the many stands as there truly is something for everyone and every whim. There is even a dedicated area within the store to stock up on travel sized beauty items which happen to be part of an ongoing 3 for 2 offer. It would also be an absolute injustice to not mention the wonderful staff of the store, each person I meet with was beyond kind and utterly knowledgeable (what they don’t know isn’t worth knowing), making the entire experience so much more enjoyable.

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Review

I’m already counting down the days in which I can go back and snag a few more beauty bargains and hope you’ll visit too!

You can read more about the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village – here

The Cosmetics Company Store Comes to Scotland! syndicated from The Sunday Girl
October 2, 2019 at 07:06AM

Calling All Brassy Blondes…

Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo Masque Review

Going forth I’m going to make more than a conscious effort to ditch the terms "obsessed" and "the best" in regards to beauty products. Although in the heat of the moment, I do indeed mean what I say, it can however be deceptive when in a few months time said "best ever shampoo" is replaced with something bigger and better – or perhaps of the same standing but more affordable. Rather from here on out, I’m simply going to provide you with thorough reviews and how you personally rate such product is entirely at your own discretion. Cool? Cool.

This leads me to the new Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo and Masque that has more than impressed me. As a blonde both naturally and at the hands of a skilled colourist (I get a lot of bleach highlights), I’m no stranger to the magic that is a purple based hair care routine. At the risk of sounding dramatic, much to my great disparity, my hair has a tendency to turn brassy and quickly too. I’ve trialled several products aimed at this issue with varying degrees of success but outwith the salon very few offered long lasting results. Sure most left my hair clean but as for their toning properties, well let’s just say on the most part it was questionable.

Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo Masque Review

Provoke Touch Of Silver gets the job done in a pinch; cheap, cheerful but a little on the drying side. Another great budget offering is that L’Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Purple Shampoo which I find works best when used regularly (as in every wash) but isn’t as intense as I need it to be, especially if it has been months in-between salon visits. Up until the launch of  Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo and Masque, I would regularly rate and recommend Osmo Super Silver range – a slightly tricky brand to track down on the highstreet but easily found on Amazon. Again affordable with a fairly extensive range of products but admittedly the shampoo isn’t the best at cleansing the hair, requiring excessive amounts to get the job done.

Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo Masque Review

Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster range features a deep violet shampoo and a silver-ising hair masque – spoiler, although the conditioner is wonderful, the shampoo is the real star of the show. From the first wash, Pure Blonde instantly pairs back yellow tones without stripping the hair of moisture using micro-pigments and is almost (and I do say almost) as effective as an at home hair toner.
Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo Masque Review

The sheer brilliance of Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo is that a little goes a long way and as it is so concentrated you only have to use the shampoo once a week. There’s purple shampoo’s and then there is Philip Kingsley Shampoo; a product so souped up that if your hair is porous and very recently bleached, I recommend rinsing off almost immediately to prevent staining. For those like myself who perhaps skip touching up their roots more frequently than they should, this will quickly have pride of place within your shower. As for the Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Hair Masque, it is light yet highly moisturising and does offer a small toning quality; in all truthfulness I have yet to find a "purple" conditioner that lives up to my expectations so going forth, I will more than likely only repurchase the Pure Blonde shampoo.


Someone once told me that you can’t preserve £150 highlights with a £2 shampoo, which I thought with utter nonsense but given how quickly this resolved my yellowing locks, I guess I’m willing to be proven wrong.
You can find the entire Pure Blonde range here – link.

Calling All Brassy Blondes… syndicated from The Sunday Girl
October 1, 2019 at 11:33AM

I’ve Used An All-Natural Vitamin C Serum And This Is What Happened

nana everyday glow serumnana everyday glow serum

My skincare motto? Less is more.

I can’t be bothered to layer 10+ products on my skin to try and fit every IT ingredient in – especially when a lot of these IT ingredients don’t even work!

I want a handful of products packed to the brim with powerful actives, in high enough concentrations for them to work their magic on my skin. It’s not too much to ask, is it?

Naya comes to the rescue. The founder, Sarah Zimmer, has my same philosophy: “I wanted a performance driven skincare line formulated with fewer premier ingredients at higher concentration. Products that I could feel good about for their ‘botanical science’, proven effectiveness and seed to skin life-cycle.”

The icing on the cake? Naya uses only plant-based ingredients that have been proven to work. Bonus points, they’re sustainable, too.

I’ve had the chance to try their Everyday Glow Serum, a plant-based vitamin C serum that promises to make your skin glow. Does it deliver?

Key Ingredients In Naya Everyday Glow Serum

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) To Fight Wrinkles + Acne

Naya Everyday Glow Serum uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), a derivative of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA), the pure form of Vitamin C.

LAA is an anti-aging powerhouse proven to:

Good news: SAP does convert into LAA in the skin, so you’re getting all its benefits. The catch? It probably works a little less well. So why would you use SAP instead than LAA?

  • Longer shelf life: LAA is famous for being unstable. It goes bad when exposed to light, heat and air. Even when you buy a freshly-made LAA serum that’s properly preserved to prolong its shelf-life, it usually lasts only a few short weeks. SAP is way stabler and lasts you for many months.
  • Less irritation: High concentrations of LAA can irritate skin, especially if it’s sensitive. SAP is way gentler. All skin types can tolerate it.
  • Acne-fighter: Unlike SAP, LAA can’t fight acne. Studies show SAP reduces sebum oxidation (a main cause of acne and inflammation) by up to 40%! It’s also more effective than 5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% differin.

If you have acne, sensitive skin or are simply tired of wasting a small fortune on vitamin C serums that go bad after a month, switching to Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate makes sense.

P.S. SAP is the 3rd ingredient in Naya Everyday Glow Serum, so there’s more than enough to do the job here.

Related: Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate The Best Form Of Vitamin C For Acne-Prone Skin?

Cacay Oil To Moisturize Skin

Cacay oil is the new darling of the natural skincare world. For a reason.

Cold-pressed from the nuts of the Amazonian cacay tree, this non-greasy and fast-absorbing oil is loaded with moisturizing fatty acids and antioxidants.

For starters, cacay oil contains more than 70% linoleic acid, a multi-tasking fatty acid that moisturises skin, soothes redness and irritation and helps treat acne.

Plus, it’s also a source of Vitamins A and E, two powerful antioxidants that can neutralise free radicals before they give you wrinkles.

P.S. Cacay oil isn’t the only natural moisturizer in Naya Everyday Glow Serum. This baby also contains sunflower oil and mango seed butter. They create a barrier on the skin that keeps it soft and hydrated for hours on end.

Related: How Linoleic Acid Helps You Fight Acne

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

You can tell Naya Everyday Glow Serum is plant-based. It’s green (it takes its colour from chlorophyll). How cool is that?

Although it’s loaded with oils and butters, the texture is very lightweight, spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind.

I use it in the morning right before sunscreen. Vitamin C can help boost its sun protection and I want to take full advantage of that.

The serum adds some extra moisture to my skin, leaving it softer, hydrated and silky smooth. But it didn’t give me too much of a glow. I guess that’s cos I’m used to 20% LAA serums and this is gentler than that.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a downside. Not everyone can tolerate LAA. Or wants to splurge on a serum that will go bad in a few weeks. Or likes to use serums that aren’t all natural.

Naya Everyday Glow Serum is more suitable for people with sensitive/acne-prone skin that are looking for a natural alternative to traditional Vitamin C serums. As the serum helps treat acne (which I don’t have), they will see better results. But every skin type can use it.

A note on the packaging: the bottle is made of glass, while the pump dispenser is plastic. Both can be recycled. Please, do so and tag Naya on Instagram with the hashtag #NAYAempties. You’ll get 15% off your next order.

Available at: £64.00 at Wolf & Badger

Have you tried Naya Everyday Glow Serum? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Aqua, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol (plant-based) , Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate (plant-based), Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Propanediol (plant-based), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Capparis Spinosa Bud Extract, Morus Nigra Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Chlorophyll

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

I’ve Used An All-Natural Vitamin C Serum And This Is What Happened syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 1, 2019 at 08:21AM

Katy Perry, Before and After

"I’ve never had any plastic surgery," says Katy Perry. "Not a nose, not a chin, not a cheek, not a tit. So my messages of self-empowerment are truly coming from an au naturel product," she told GQ in 2014. But that hasn’t stopped rumours from following the 34-year-old singer and American Idol judge …

Continue reading

Katy Perry, Before and After syndicated from The Skincare Edit
October 1, 2019 at 02:31AM

Bath and Body Works Candles in the UK!

Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino

Forget "Hot Girl Summer" it’s about to become "Sweater Weather" and that means it’s time to scent every corner of your home with a flickering candle or two. Now like most people of a basic disposition (I wear it as a badge of honour), I am more than partial to a Bath and Body Works Candle or ten. I kid you not, one year I visited the States with my extended family and persuaded each and every member to allow me to stash at least three candles in their suitcases for the journey home. It’s a problem what can I say? The good news is that a problem shared is a problem halved and to enable us all in our quest for fragrant perfection, I have found a UK supplier for Bath and Body Works Candles.

Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino

Not any old supplier nor a Facebook selling group (which apparently can be brilliant so no shade here) but a fairly big store, that stocks bountiful options both in candle scents and sizes – all of which are delivered within a few days too. I don’t know if you are familiar with Notino but it is a somewhat hidden gem that I’ve quickly become enamoured with due to the range of lesser know and slight more tricky to source brands. I won’t pretend that the Bath and Body Works Candles are cheap but realistically without coupons but they work out around £3 more expensive than purchasing from Bath and Body Works – an option most of us don’t have.

Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino

For my first order and to test the waters, is settled on three large candles, admittedly I was swayed by the packaging more than the scent descriptions but fortunately it all worked out. In my experience as long as you steer away from scents and notes that you know you don’t enjoy, it is very hard to go wrong with Bath and Body Works fragrances in general. Safe might not be the most exciting descriptor but it rings true for the vast majority of Bath and Body Works launches and as such it is one of the few companies that I will blind buy from.

Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino
Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino
Bath and Body Works Candles UK Notino

So a quick run down of my selections:

Bath and Body Works/ White Barn Banana Cabana (£27.59) – extremely sweet with a slight warmth, the banana note does veer a tad artificial (think of those banana foam sweets) but is somewhat saved by the addition of vanilla. Not my favourite fragrance but pleasant enough nonetheless.

Bath and Body Works Garden Greenery (£27.59) – initially this was my wild card, I don’t typically purchase "green" fragrances and yet this has quickly become my new favourite. It’s floral yet flushed with green notes of basil and mint, beautifully coupled with a hint of apricot. It somehow manages to be fresh, fruity and botanical, all wrapped in easily one of the most beautiful candle jars around.

Bath and Body Works Georgia Peach (£27.59) – a cult favourite and for good reason. I’ve bought this ripe and juicy scented candle several times over the years and never bore of eye delicate yet bright peach fragrance. Again the packaging is divine and definitely a great choice for all that like fruity concoctions to brighten up dull and rainy days.

I hope this helps tide everyone over until Bath and Body Works see sense and finally open a few stores in the U.K. I’m already planning my festive order.
You can find the Notino website here – link.

Bath and Body Works Candles in the UK! syndicated from The Sunday Girl
September 30, 2019 at 10:48AM

Her Skincare Secrets: An Interview With Stefanie Parks Of DermWarehouse

Stefanie Parks skincare interviewStefanie Parks skincare interview

Have you heard of DermWarehouse?

It’s an dermatologist-owned and operated online beauty store that sells professional-strength skincare, makeup and haircare. In other words, products with a high enough concentration of active ingredients to do what they say on the tin.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Alan J. Parks founded the store and then brought his family on board to help out. His wife Robin  is in charge of the shipping and logistics. Their son, Jason, is the digital marketing guru. Daughter Stefanie handles vendor relations and the day-to-day operations.

I’ve had the pleasure to talk to Stefanie about her own skincare routine. With access to literally thousands of the best products on the market, what does she use on her skin? Let’s find out:

1. When did you become interested in skincare?

My dad is a dermatologist, so I’ve been surrounded by skin care my entire life. I don’t think I realized how lucky I was to always have so many products available to me. Once my family started DermWarehouse and I really started learning a lot more about the products we’re carrying and also talking to customers and seeing what an improvement these products made in their lives, my interest shot to a whole different level. Now, I would say I’m obsessed!

2. What’s your skincare routine like?

We carry almost 100 different skin care brands on our website so I like to try a lot of different products so that I can discuss and make recommendations to our customers. On a regular basis, I use about 5 products each morning and night. Cleanser, Growth Factor, Eye Cream, Moisturizer, Sunscreen in the morning and Retinol in the evening. 

3. If you could only use three skincare products for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Oh, that’s a tough one! I would say the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face CleanserSkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34. If I’m not using a good cleanser, my face feels terrible, so I definitely need to include that in my top three.

I’ve tried a ton of different cleansers and the Jan Marini product is one of my absolute favorites. The SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum has two chambers, each with a different product. One chamber has their growth factor product, which pretty much teaches the skin to act younger. The other chamber contains their APS Corrective Complex, which has antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners. It improves fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone & texture.

I love the SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair. It’s more than a sunscreen, it’s a superscreen that goes beyond UV protection to defend agains harmful infrared rays while supporting the skin’s ability to restore itself.

4. What are your fave skincare brands and why?

SkinMedica, Jan Marini, iS Clinical, Neocutis. These are all professional skin care lines that use high quality ingredients. They also do clinical testing to prove that the products actually work. I can’t stress the importance of using professional skin care lines. The level of active ingredients in over the counter products is not high enough to change the skin. If you’re someone who never uses any skin care products and you buy an OTC moisturizer, you’re going to see a difference. However, products like this aren’t going to change your skin. The professional strength products will actually change your skin and this is what you want. 

5. What are your top 3 skincare tips to take care of your skin?

Wear Sunscreen, wear sunscreen, wear sunscreen. 

Honestly, there’s nothing more important. 90% of skin aging comes from the sun and that’s not to mention that it will also protect you from skin cancer. You can spend thousands of dollars on skin care products and procedures, but if wearing sunscreen on a daily basis (even in the winter and when it’s cloudy) is not part of your routine, then you’re wasting your money.

6. What skincare treatments do you regularly have done?

Dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and occasional chemical peels. 

7. What lifestyle habits do you have that keep your skin in top shape?

I wear sunscreen every day, I use professional skin care lines, and I follow my regimen consistently. Skin care is something you need to commit to. If you’re only going to use your products once in a while, you can’t expect them to do what they’re supposed to do. I also try to drink a lot of water and get enough sleep. 

8. What’s in your makeup bag?

I love Colorescience. All of their products contain sunscreen and make my skin feel like silk! My favorites are their Tint du Soleil and Skin Perfector Bronzing Primer.

Thank you, Stefanie!

Don’t forget to check out DermWarehouse. You can get your hands on all of Stefanie’s fave products there. Which ones are you gonna get?

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Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

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Her Skincare Secrets: An Interview With Stefanie Parks Of DermWarehouse syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
September 30, 2019 at 08:19AM