Danielle's Beauty Blog

Happy Halloween! It’s that time again, and, as usual, I have quite a few to get through so lets get to it! 

 

Haircare

Schwarzkopf got2b Dry Shampoo

My dry shampoo go to, this features in every other empties post as it's affordable, smells fresh and mops up grease without leaving a white cast! Gives me an extra day out of my hair and I already have a backup!

 

Nature Lab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub (aff 10% off with DANIELLE10)

My favourite scalp scrub that I have tried! It contains sugar crystals to exfoliate and does a great job getting rid of build-up and making my scalp feel invigorated. I find with some scalp scrubs I can’t even seem to get it worked into my scalp but this is a brilliant formula – it’s sulphate free however lathers up well and it’s really easy to get it worked into the scalp! It leaves my hair shiny and feeling hydrated but not weighed down. Will repurchase once I finish another scalp scrub I have! Read more here!

 

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector

The best hair treatment there is! I love this stuff and notice a huge difference in the strength of my hair when I use it! Have already repurchased and you can read more here in this Haircare Essentials post!

 

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Nice but I wasn’t blown away by  this – probably due to the size and me only getting a couple if uses out of it – I would be inclined to purchase a full size and try this properly though considering how much I love No.3!

 

Living Proof Intense Moisture Mask

A nice softening mask but nothing special making me want to repurchase! Again, might just be because of the size though! Not a repurchase!

 

Paradox Repair 3-in-1 Conditioner

Nicely softening but I did not love the scent – very herbal. I like their sustainable packaging though so this would be a brand I will maybe explore more in the future! 

 

Skincare

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

Hands down my favourite cleanser! Super luxurious formula and scent, this is a joy to use! Removed my makeup easily and doesn’t irritate my eyes or leave a film behind and it feels hydrating! Pricy but worth it and it’s always on offer! Will repurchase when I finish a few more cleansers and you can read more about it here!

 

Jordan Samuel Skin The After Show Cleanser

This is a thick, gel to oil formula and feels and smells very luxurious with it’s citrus scent. It made easy work of removing my makeup and my face felt clean and hydrated after use but there are other cleansers I prefer so this isn’t a repurchase for me! Read more here!

 

Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

I loved the OG hydrating cleanser so picked this up to try but for me it isn’t on the same level! They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid but the OG feels more hydrating to me. Nice to try the cream to foam but I will stick with the hydrating in the future! Read more here!

 

BeautyBio The Nightly Serum*

Oops, I didn’t realise I’d had this for so long! This contains deep-release retinol (though I can’t find any information on strength) peptides and hyaluronic acid. Don’t get me wrong, it is a nice product, I didn’t experience any sensitivity and my skin felt and looked plump the next day but for the price (£105) I was not blown away by it and felt like I saw similar results with products 10% of the price! Full review here!

 

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment*

Another one I am embarrassed to admit I’ve had for so long! I’m putting this down to being on Roaccutane earlier in the year and not being able to use retinols or exfoliants so they got forgotten about! This is a 10% AHA and BHA serum and tingled on application for me but the effects were brilliant, it brough clogged pores to the surface and made my skin smooth! I ended up using the end of the bottle on the back of my arms as I realised how old it was and it did a great job of helping with KP too! Would repurchase! Read more about Good Molecules here!

 

Lanolips Face Base The Aussie Flyer Recovery Mask

Really enjoyed this overnight mask, as well as lanolin, it also contains coffee to reboot dull skin and mint oil to restore radiance. It's not recommended for sensitive skin but I personally haven't had any reaction to it! It leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated and I don’t bother tissuing off the excess after 10 minutes, I just leave it on and sometimes put some oil on top as well right before bed! I do have other overnight masks I prefer so probably not a repurchase for me! Read more about Lanolips here!

Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30%* via Face the Future

One of the best Vitamin C serums I have used to date! I struggle with formulations suitable for daytime i.e., not oily, don’t pill and this was a lightweight, creamy serum that rubbed in easily and sat so well with the rest of my skincare and makeup. It contains THD Ascorbate, Q10, Vitamin E and squalane and did a great job brightening my complexion as well as minimising fine lines. The price is eye watering however so this won’t be a repurchase right away for me as I have some others to use up! Read more here!

 

Garden of Wisdom C-Deep Vitamin C Serum

Another great Vitamin C option however I could only use this one in the PM as it’s oil based. I woke up to a hydrated, bright and plump complexion! Have some more Vitamin C in my stash so not a repurchase for now but I may go back to it if I can’t find a morning one I am happy with the price and effects of!

 

Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier* via Face the Future

This was a lovely thick hyaluronic acid serum that helped plump my skin and improve the look of fine lines and texture. I loved the consistency of this – it felt so luxurious - and it did a great job hydrating my skin (I apply to slightly damp skin). It didn’t wow me anymore than my usual go to, NIOD MMHC, which, although still pricey, isn’t as pricey as this so it’s not a repurchase for me! Read more here!

 

Cerave Eye Repair Cream

I’ve been through a couple of these and you really can’t go wrong – it’s a simple, lightweight, hydrating cream that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid and it’s great for puffiness and dark circles and sits under makeup very well too. Will repurchase in the future! Read more about it and some other budget eye creams here!

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream for Face

This was a lovely lightweight cream – I used all over the face not just eyes – and it was perfect for daytime as it sat well under makeup. Maybe a little too lightweight for me overnight as I prefer thicker creams but I would repurchase this for summer! Check it out in this post!

 

Lumene Nordic-C Arctic Berry Oil Cocktail*

This was a lovely hydrating product! It’s a super lightweight oil/serum that brightened and hydrated my skin and I was impressed with how well it sat under my makeup so I think anyone with dry skin would love this! Would consider a repurchase in the future but I have plenty of similar products I am working my way through right now! Full review here!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss lip butter

I think this has overtaken Burt’s Bees as my favourite lip balm! This is my second tube, it’s huge and leaves a gorgeous hydrating sheen behind and it lasts so long between top ups leaving my lips super soft! Same scent as the Bum Bum cream but much more subtle! Will repurchase soon! Full review here!

 

Bodycare

Vaseline Essential Healing Body lotion

A classic moisturiser that I have repurchased countless times and will continue to do so! Love the fresh scent and it moisturises my body well. Will repurchase!

 

Nivea Crème Care Shower Cream

Another classic – love the fresh, clean scent and it's £1, can’t go wrong, already repurchased!

 

Nivea Soft moisturising cream

Another affordable body care love, like the shower gel this smells fresh and clean and sinks into my skin quickly! Will repurchase soon!

 

Rituals Ritual of Jing mild body scrub* via Look Fantastic

Enjoyed this scrub, it was gritty but gentle and rubbed in easily and the scent was quite masculine which was nice!  Plenty of other scrubs to get through so not a repurchase!

 

ESPA Body lotion

Felt very lightweight and moisturised well but I didn’t love the scent – not a repurchase!

 

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath

This was lovely – my skin felt so soft and nourished after the bath and it had a subtle, powdery scent. Not a crazy amount of bubbles but I would repurchase this for sure if I took baths more often!

 

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Shower Gel

Again, scented like Bum Bum cream but more subtle, this is a lovely shower gel! A bit pricy to purchase but I love when these are in Christmas sets and I plan to repurchase soon!

 

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Cream

Didn’t love this scent unfortunately but it did moisturise and smooth my KP really well! Not a repurchase for me though! 

 

Makeup

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear foundation in 150

Been through a couple of bottles of this now and I love it. It’s full coverage, matte and lasts really well all day on me especially now my skin is more on the normal side of things. When I was oily I found my chin would wear away throughout the day. Will repurchase in the future! Full review here! 

 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation in 150

Picked this up late last year when I was on Roaccutane and I ended up loving it too! It’s medium to full coverage and it really brings the glow! I found it didn’t fully set even when I powdered so it transfers a bit but it really did work well for me while my skin was dry/more dehydrated. My skin is more normal now so I will stick to the matte version now! Full review here!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 2N1 Desert Beige

My holy grail foundation and one I will never be without in my makeup collection. It’s my go to if I need to look my best and I trust it 100% to stay on all day, cover all my imperfections and magically, this seems to look better as the day goes on. Already have a back up! Read more about why I love it here!

 

Pat McGrath Sheer Colour Lip Balm in Blow Up

Really enjoyed this lip balm and tinted lip balms are all I have been wearing the last 2 years! This was a gorgeous colour and though not the longest lasting tinted lip balm I have tried I still loved it. Gave a great sheer wash of colour and felt nicely hydrating. There was so much extra product in the tube too, I scraped it all out with a cotton bud! Would repurchase! Read more about the Pat McGrath balms here!

 

Beauty Blender

The original and still the best makeup sponge in my opinion – I already have a backup and about 3 more as I bought a couple of Christmas sets on sale last year!

 

Miscellaneous

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

I couldn’t fit this in the main picture but wanted to mention it again as its technically a beauty supplement. I love taking this every day and the main difference I notice is that my joints are a lot more supple. Dissolves really well too. Already using my back up!

 

I reckon I will have one more empties right at the end of the year and I am trying to be more considered with my purchases and what PR I accept recently so that has really helped me concentrate on getting products finished! Have you tried anything I’ve mentioned? Let me know what you thought!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

A couple of months ago, I got an email asking if I wanted to try some products targeted towards my skincare concerns (dehydration, pigmentation and early signs of aging) from Face the Future and I jumped at the chance! They sent me the most generous bundle of products they had picked out for me and I thought today I would do a roundup now I’ve used them for a while (and in some cases finished them!). 

 

Face the Future is an online skincare and beauty retailer that stocks so many amazing brands! As well as the ones I am going to go through in this post, they sell a selection of brands I have had my eye on for ages including Bioeffect, Environ, Evy, Codex, Image, iS Clinical, Medik8, Pestle and Mortar, Verso and Zelens. They also have a great section on their website offering recommendations when you do a short quiz if you are in the market for some new products! 

 

I loved the routine they sent me including cleanser, toner, serums and SPF and I have a couple of standout products that I know will be repurchases! First up, the Venn Moisture-Balance All-in-One Face Cleanser* RRP £55 and boy does this do what it says on the tin! It has a beautiful gel/oil/milk hybrid formula and is perfect for both a first cleanse as it easily removes makeup but also for a second or morning cleanse as it’s so hydrating and doesn’t leave behind a film! It contains niacinamide, panthenol, centella asiatica and PHA and fruit enzymes to name a few ingredients so is gently exfoliating as well as hydrating. I rub onto dry skin then add water to emulsify and either remove makeup with a wash cloth or rinse off if using as a second/morning cleanse! My skin never feels dry or tight after and though this is pricey, it’s love and I want to try more from this K Beauty brand now! Read more in this post here!

 

The Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner* RRP £20.10 was the only product I had tried before and it has featured a couple of times on my blog already as it’s a firm favourite! Perfect for dehydrated skin, it’s a gel like toner formulated with hyaluronic acid as well as centella Asiatica and amino acids so as well as being hydrating, it is cooling and anti-inflammatory. Like the name suggests, it preps skin well for my next skincare steps leaving it plump and calmed. I like to use with a reusable cotton pad but you can put a few drops in your palms and pat into your skin if you like as well! 

 

Next up, the Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30% RRP £132 for 30ml. I really struggle with Vitamin C formulations that are too oily for daytime use or pill so this was a revelation to me! It’s a lightweight creamy serum that rubbed in easily and sat so well with the rest of my skincare and makeup. As well as THD Ascorbate, it contains Q10, Vitamin E and squalane and did a great job brightening my complexion as well as minimising fine lines. The price is eye watering however so while I enjoyed it, I will be looking at a few other Vitamin C options now but if money wasn’t an option I would like to try this again in the future!

 

Skinceuticals is a brand I hear nothing but good things about so I was excited to see this in my kit having never tried their products before and being a fan of boujie hyaluronic acid formulations! The Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier* RRP £90 for 30ml is a thick serum containing (obviously) hyaluronic acid that helps plump skin and improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and texture. I love the consistency of this – it feels so luxurious - and it did a great job hydrating my skin (I apply to slightly damp skin). My skin looked and felt more plump, lines look filled out and it gave me a great base for the rest of my skincare and makeup but it didn’t wow me anymore than my usual go to, NIOD MMHC, which, while still pricey, isn’t as pricey as this so not a repurchase for me!

 

Last up, the La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50* RRP £25 which has swiftly risen to the top of my favourite SPF’s list! This is formulated for sensitive skin and also packed full of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so while protecting it works to target pigmentation too! Like Vitamin C, I struggle finding SPF formulations I like and I was concerned when I saw how thick this looked when I pumped it out but I needn’t have worried – it spreads easily across my face and neck leaving no white cast (I have fair skin for reference) and there is no pilling with this either! It doesn’t quite set or mattify but isn’t too glowy either and is a dream under makeup - I am so impressed, it will 100% be a repurchase for me! I talked about it more briefly in this post!

 

 

I was also sent some samples and minis from one of my favourite brands, Dermalogica as well as a gorgeous beach bag from Image Skincare and I really can’t fault the selection of brands and products available on the website – definitely check it out if you are in need of a skincare shake up or want some targeted skincare advice and recommendations! Have you tried any of these products or shopped with Face the Future before?

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time for some recent favourites this week and a little mix of makeup, skincare and bodycare – most of which I have been lucky enough to been sent – which I’ll be honest, makes my recent spending low buy much easier! On to the reviews!

 

The Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush in Love Glow RRP £30 is not new in my collection, in fact I think I’ve had it for almost a year now, but I haven’t put it down over the last couple of weeks so though it deserved a mention! I ummed and ahhed for ages first of all on whether to get one at all as they are expensive and then because I couldn’t decide on a shade! I remember swatching these years ago in Sephora too and leaving empty handed as I just wasn’t completely sold on them. I finally picked one up last year when there was 20% off and have fallen in love! Love Glow is a pearlescent pink – it’s recommend to “swish” the outer shade then “pop” the middle shade on the apples of your cheek but I just mix both and go from there! The result is a beautiful, even, healthy glow that lasts all day on my skin which is normal at the minute! It’s easily buildable which is my favourite type of formula as I can be a bit heavy handed and I’d love to know if you have any other shades and what your recommendations are as I might want to add another one to my collection soon! 

 

Next up, the Cetraben Natural Oatmeal Cream* RRP £8.99 which I have been reaching for intermittently since I got it a few months ago and I know is going to be a staple when we go into winter which is when my skin tends to play up the most. This is perfect for eczema prone skin and works a treat on dry patches I get on my legs! It is so soothing and lasts overnight keeping the area moisturised and stopping me from itching! I am kicking myself for not including this in my post last week about the products I use to repair my skin barrier! I had a reaction a while back to some aloe vera gel I was using with my NuFace which made my skin super red, hot and irritated and after I washed it off I put some of this oatmeal cream on and it instantly calmed it down and was back to normal the next day! Can’t recommend enough if you need a do it all body/face cream for any emergency skin situations! 

 

I recently finished my Bali Body Dark tan and they kindly asked if I wanted a top up so I decided to try the Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse* RRP £26.95. So far, I have to say I prefer this to the dark! I find it lasts better throughout the week on me particularly on my neck and chest where most tans fade quickest! It’s super easy to use with the guide colour so staying streak free isn't an issue and I only need one layer. It dries quickly and overnight it develops into a natural looking tan – though if you are new to fake tanning you may want to start with a lighter or gradual tan. I personally stay out of the sun but love having a healthy glow so fake tan is a weekly ritual for me and this makes me feel like I have spent a relaxing week in the sun without any added damage! It also smells pretty fresh for a fake tan! Over the course of the week, it fades very evenly and doesn’t look patchy or mottled at all! I’m going to cheat a little here and also mention a sixth product I am loving – the Luxe Tanning Mitt* RRP £12.95 as the two go hand in hand! It feels so soft and velvety and is so much more luxurious than the foam ones you can get! I love the space for your thumb and find it makes it much easier to be precise with application as I have better grip and it’s streak free every time. It’s definitely worth the higher price tag in my opinion as they last so much longer with proper care and they wash really well too!

 

Good Molecules is one of my favourite affordable skincare brands and they have impressed yet again with their new Glycolic Exfoliating Toner* RRP $14. It’s a 3.5% glycolic concentration so super gentle but somehow manages to still be effective and my skin has been feeling smooth and even with continued use. I love that Good Molecules provide full details of the percentage of ingredients on their outer packaging and this also contains galactomyces ferment which helps retain skin barrier function and moisture level as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe help to hydrate and soothe skin. I haven’t felt the need to use higher percentages of glycolic acid since I’ve been using this one and it could be one to try if you have found sensitivity to other glycolic acid toners!

Finally, I need to mention the Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturizer* RRP £59 as it’s been a firm favourite throughout the last couple of months! It’s a lightweight gel moisturiser and my skin looks instantly brighter when I use it. As well as Vitamin C, it contains five types of hyaluronic acid and squalane so keeps my skin hydrated and leaves a glowy finish! I love using this in the morning as my makeup sits so well underneath and it’s got a subtle citrusy scent that doesn’t last on the skin! Love this formula and it’s become one of my favourite Dermalogica products! 

 

So that’s my current favourites! I’d love to know if you see any of yours here! Let me know what you’ve been loving recently!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

This is a post I have been meaning to do for the longest time now but then something else always comes up that I want to review or I don’t take my photos in time! I got there in the end though and today I want to talk about some of my favourite products I use to look after and strengthen my skin barrier which also work a treat if you have broken it too!

 

Your skin barrier can become damaged by a lot of things, for me it’s usually something like over exfoliation or dehydration and I experienced it right at the start of my course of Roaccutane too. It could also be due to things like sun exposure or too much tretinoin and you will be able to tell because your skin will probably feel rough and itchy and might look red or feel dry and sensitive too!

 

First things first, simplify your skincare routine and step away from actives like AHA’s, BHA’s and retinol. Cleanser wise, if I am removing makeup, I like something hydrating and balmy like the Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm. This feels so comforting and rich and never drags the skin, I use a soft, damp muslin or wash cloth to remove being careful not to tug my skin too much. For a second or morning cleanse I love the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. This is a really simple gel formula containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid and my skin never feels dry or tight after use! See more about both cleansers in this dedicated post! 

 

For toner, the most gentle, hydrating formulas I have found tend to be K Beauty ones and you can’t go wrong with the Klairs Supple Preparation facial toner* (via Face the Future). It’s gel like, cooling and contains hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica so it nourishes and is anti-inflammatory too! Full review here! I love a spritz and the most gentle one I have thus far is the La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 – it’s specially formulated for sensitive skin and it works to soothe and repair skin's barrier and relieve uncomfortable itching, burning and redness. More on this here!

 

 

Hyaluronic acid is a staple in my routine even when my skin isn’t feeling in need of repair and the Vichy Mineral 89* is a great option. It’s a gel texture and I apply to damp skin and it feels immediately hydrated as it gets to work plumping my skin and the feeling lasts all day! Read more here! Serum wise, Dermalogica Smart Response Serum* has been a beautiful addition to my skincare routine and one I confess I stopped using recently so I could save some for winter as that's when my skin tends to play up more. It responds to your skins changing needs to hydrate, firm, brighten and soothe depending on what it feels you require. It contains glycerin and niacinamide and instantly calms skin while feeling hydrating enough that sometimes I don’t even feel the need for moisturiser after! More on this serum here!   

 

Earlier this year, I fell in love with NIOD’s Survival 0* - an antioxidant and reparative formulation that targets damage from pollution and blue light and Modulating Glucosides*, an emulsion specifically for sensitive, irritated skin that instantly helps destress it and repair the barrier. These supported my skin so well while I was on Roaccutane and I have a full review here! On the topic of serums, I also have to mention my long term favourite Copper Amino Isolate Serum*, now on its third formula update, it’s one of my most repurchased serums and is such a good all-rounder to keep skin looking and feeling healthy, even and radiant. I am obsessed and you can read more here! 

 

Moving onto moisturisers and I really don’t think you can beat Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream. It contains five ceramides and hyaluronic acid and the cream manages to be both lightweight (so perfect under makeup) as well as rich enough for overnight! My skin drinks this stuff up and I always go back to it! It’s hydrating, soothing and restoring! A must have! If I want a little something extra I’ll add an oil on top and my current favourite is the Scientia Dusk Elixir*. It’s a mix of 23 oils, antioxidants and fatty acids and works overnight to support skin repair and recovery while plumping and hydrating! More info here! It also goes without saying that SPF is an essential for daytime protection and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50* (via Face the Future) is formulated for sensitive skin and also packed full of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so while protecting it works to target pigmentation too! No white cast or pilling with this either – I am so impressed!

 

Lastly, I want to mention a couple of extras I have in my routine for as and when I need them. The I’m From Mugwort Essence and mask are firm favourites and were lifesavers again when I was on Roaccutane! Mugwort is full of antioxidants, vitamin and minerals and ideal for irritated skin! They are both so calming and hydrating and I can’t recommend them enough - read more here! And, I can’t forget lips - Lanolips for me has been a constant recently and the 101 ointment is amazing, especially for overnight hydration! 

 

As you can see - I could talk about my favourite products for targeting sensitised skin all day! I would love to know what your go to products are if you have damaged your skin barrier?

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter