Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
Did you know that Balance Active Formula is available to buy in Home Bargains?!
The budget skincare brand offers a variety of products that are ingredients-led, focusing on high levels of actives that provide a targeted solution to different skin types!
It’s never been easier to educate yourself and gain an understanding into what you’re really smothering your face with, plus the formulations are backed up by science and that’s always a relief!
To begin with I started with the AHA + BHA Retexturising 10% + BHA 2% Serum (£4.99) which is formulated with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to deeply exfoliate, brighten and improve skin texture!
It’s the perfect way to strip things back and start afresh!
Colloidal Gold is a hero ingredient which is known for its healing properties and leaves you with a radiant glow whilst Marine Collagen helps to smooth and protect skin structure, so with that in mind I decided to follow the eye and lip masks with the matching Gold + Marine Collagen Rejuvenating Serum (£4.99), going for gold as it were.
Other benefits include…
Firmer looking skin.
A glowing, smoother looking complexion.
Reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles!
However, with a serum for every skincare concern you can’t go wrong. I was also sent the Vitamin C Brightening Serum (£4.99) which is lightweight and non-greasy with a radiant finish. It contains two forms of stabilised Vitamin C that will help to reduce the appearance of age spots and leave you with a more even-looking skin tone!
On the other hand, you could always go with the Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum (£4.99). This water-based formulation with can be used every day to help reduce blemishes, improve skin texture and encourage a healthy complexion. I found Niacinamide an absolute lifesaver through lockdown and constant mask wearing so it’s absolutely worth it’s weight in gold to me!
And just like that, skincare on a budget has never been so easy.
The Bondi Babe purifying clay mask detoxifies skin for a clearer complexion.
It’s enriched with Blue Spirulina Extract, Bentonite Clay and Matcha to reduce redness and draw out impurities so you’re left with firm and glowing skin!
I’m ashamed to say that as a self confessed oily gal I actually used to avoid moisturisers. YIKES!
Ignorance certainly isn’t always bliss guys!
The Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser is a super nourishing treat that provides up to 72 hours of hydration. So if you want plump, perky skin, this one is for you as it is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Wild Hibiscus Flower and Algae for all of the moisture you could ever want.
I’m so pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to tests out these beauties by Bondi Sands and will definitely be looking to get my hands on some more of their products!
Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
I’m getting married in three months and I want you to come on a skincare journey with me!
Everyone is different but the things I’d like to focus on in the lead up to my wedding are blemishes and breakouts, brightening and hydration.
So let’s jump into it!
Blemishes & Breakouts
Each product contains either salicylic acid or tranexamic acid which are which are amazing for breakouts, blemishes and brightening any dark spots you might have.
Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
I actually cringe when I think about the years I actively avoided wearing SPF, it’s a bit sickening to accept that I was quite happy to behave in way that was hazardous to my health all in the name of beauty.
I’m in my 30s now and so pleased to say I have put that toxic mindset behind me. Now I’m focusing on treating my skin in the way it deserves, and that includes slapping on the SPF like I’m making up for all of those years of stupidity
Thankfully, I’ve got Revolution Skincare at hand to make it super easy!
The new SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser and SPF30 Lip Balm have become staples in my routine and to be honest, the difference is massively noticeable!
Promising ‘Hybrid hydration’ and vital sun protection that will simplify your routine, the SPF Duo are an easy way of getting the things you need into your skincare routine without the stress!
Some of the benefits include…
– SPF protection – Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide – A nourishing blend of oils (coconut oil, castor seed oil and sunflower oil) and butters (shea butter and cocoa butter) – Suitable for all skin types – Vegan and cruelty-free (of course!)
100% worth the investment (affordable as they are!), they have revolutionised the way I see and approach my skincare routine!
Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
Revolution Skincare has just released their brand new Ceramide5 range and this is why it should be on your radar…
Ceramides are fatty acids that make up around 50% of the skins composition. They help to build structure and are like a glue that holds the skin together.
The Ceramide5 range includes five ceramides that will become essential within your skin care routine. With a choice of three cleansers, a cream and a lotion you really can’t go wrong.
Each product contains hyaluronic acid which is a super hydrator and great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The range is not only cruelty free and vegan (which is exactly what we like to see!) but also dermatologist approved.
It’ll leave your skin feeling soft supple protected and moisturised as it’s basically 24 hour moisturiseration in a bottle.
You might have noticed that the range includes both a cream and a lotion…
Creams are traditionally thicker in consistency so provide a really good barrier to the skin to lock in that moisture and keep it ultra hydrated.
Lotions have a higher water content so tend to be more lightweight (which is something I really love about this range in general actually, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin at all) and non-greasy.
Both of these products are ideal for dry skin (but can be used on all skin types) and also contain hyaluronic acid. You really can’t go wrong with either, it’s all down to personal preference.
I’ve really been loving this release. The market is so saturated right now but I can still appreciate a good staple when I see it. My favourite combo is the Foaming Cleanser followed by the Moisture Lotion which feels like a great duo for oily, breakout prone skin.
I’m a sucker for trying new brands and I’ve found with age that skincare has become a particular obsession of mine.
The Inkey List is the perfect mix of beautifully formulated products and reasonable prices. One of the reasons I find this brand so interesting is that they break down each step down so simply. Honestly, anyone can do it!
KNOWLEDGE
Built on a belief that better information drives better decisions, knowledge is at the heart of everything we do.
INGREDIENTS
We stand for transparency and innovative ingredients. Every ingredient is Tried, Tested and True.
PLANET
Making our packaging as easily recyclable as possible and reducing our climate impact to carbon net zero through action and offsetting.
This combination of products is perfect for my oily, blemish prone skin. It feels light and refreshing whilst still getting the job done and I’m just kind of here for it to be honest!
In regards to my before bed habits the following has been my go to…
It’s a nice balance to be honestly and feels really lightweight on the skin. The blemish treatment can be skipped of you don’t suffer from random isolated breakouts like I do (but it’s honestly a little gem!).
I also have some hair products that I am yet to try but will be back at a later date to let you know my thoughts.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the beauty industry is saturated. Which is great for the obsessed such as I but can be a tad overwhelming when it comes to shopping for a loved one or stocking up on essentials (treats!). I
’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite retailers that are the *chef’s kiss* of all things beauty.
If heart is what you’re after then Beauty Bay is the one for you. Boasting trending brands and products as well as on point tutorials and no holds barred information on EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know (yep, even the sexy stuff), BB is a power house not to be reckoned with.
How could I forget By Beauty Bay! That’s enough reason all in itself!
BEAUTY BAY’s mantra is to share our beauty obsessions with the world. Founded by two of life’s rebels who had no formal training, just a tonne of passion, we started out as a fragrance retailer and quickly discovered a whole universe of beauty just waiting to be unleashed.
We source the hard-to-find brands and products you can’t find elsewhere in order to bring our customers the best, first.
Hi! We’re Justmylook, one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty retailers. Since launching in early 2015, we have rapidly grown and now proudly present a range of over 7,000 products from 300+ prestige brands, including industry icons such as ghd to cult brands like The Ordinary.
From salon-exclusive hair care ranges to on-trend cosmetics, we’re trusted by hundreds of thousands of beauty lovers to deliver cutting-edge products directly to their doors.
A comprehensive collection of big name brands to satisfy even the biggest hoarder. Covering everything from skincare to beauty basics and tools to luxury brands, you’re set with Just My Look and their reliable service which guarantees satisfaction.
Cult Beauty to me just screams guilty pleasure, decadence and sleek glamour. With a huge selection of both luxury and affordable brands it’s no wonder the retailer lives up to its name.
Is your bathroom brimming with legions of barely-used lotions and potions that neither delight nor deliver? Are you bewildered by the marketing hyperbole (and unpronounceable ingredients) you come across while browsing never-ending beauty aisles?
Cult Beauty was born when two skin care obsessives grew frustrated by the all-too-often condescending messaging (and underwhelming offerings) they came across throughout the beauty industry. Having invested in innumerable ineffective creams and disappointing serums, Jess and Lex both vowed to boycott bathroom cabinets full of hollow promises (and wasted pounds).
Super fast shipping (so great for those last minute shoppers!) and a huge array of beautiful brands to try. Look Fantastic is an absolute staple.
As Europe’s number one online premium beauty retailer, LOOKFANTASTIC® is the ultimate destination for all your beauty needs. Carrying over 22,000 products with complimentary worldwide shipping to over 200 countries, we have become the online partner of choice for many leading brands including MAC, Kérastase and Yves Saint Laurent.
As we continue to build our luxury portfolio of partners, we are constantly adapting to and welcoming new trends in the industry. With more clean, vegan and organic beauty brands than ever before across skin, hair and body care, we have everything onsite to suit every individual beauty need and concern.
LOOKFANTASTIC® is driven by a desire to create brilliant customer experiences, which are built from the insight and data executed through our integrated technology and expertise. Widening access to premium beauty and empowering men and women all over the world, we are leading the online beauty movement. Dedicated to delivering the very best in beauty, we also have an onsite blog led by our team of experts. Whatever your beauty concern or question, we have a bank of educational content to help you look and feel fantastic.
Luxury brands galore is what Feel Unique has to offer. From Benefit to Olaplex and Chanel to Dior what more could you possibly want?
Beauty that’s more than skin deep..
Founded in 2005, Feelunique is Europe’s leading online beauty retailer. From must-have palettes to game-changing skincare, there’s over 30,000 products at your fingertips.
Our philosophy is simple: beauty is more than skin deep. That’s why we’re as independent and inclusive as possible; providing trustworthy reviews and expert insights, so you can explore trends, find new favourites and discover the products that make you feel like you.
I know the idea of putting anything acidic ANYWHERE near your skin might seem terrifying but here me out!
Glycolic Acid (which is a chemical exfoliant known as an alpha hydroxy acid AKA ‘AHA’) is your go to skincare ingredient to tackle breakouts, pigmentation and texture. It’s not a magic potion (but pretty damn close!).
First and foremost, Glycolic Acid is your guy if you want to exfoliate away dead skin cells to reveal a brand new, brighter you!
A naturally occuring ingredient you’ll find in the likes of pineapple, sugar cane and cantaloupe that is just the ticket if you suffer with a dull complexion. Hello mum life! Lack of sleep and constant stress. This is just the pick up you need.
Glycolic Acid is the strongest AHA as well as being absolutely tiny meaning that it can penetrate the skin on a deeper level and really get to work. Those small molecules really know their stuff!
By stimulating collagen production you skin will feel firmer, plumper and more youthful! Not to mention smoother and overall more radiant. A major advantage of glycolic acid is that it can help you tackle signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles, which lets be honest it’s the be all and end all but sure is a nice touch?
Glycolic Acid is best used as part of your evening skincare routine as it has a tendency to make the skin sensitive to sunlight. I’d still recommend applying SPF in the AM though. It should always be a permanent fixture in your routine, regardless of the season, SPF is a must!
I’ve spoken about my love for Beauty Bay and their By Beauty Bay range before and I’m sure there is really no doubt that I adore just about everything they do.
Winter is in full swing right now and I don’t know about you guys but boy is my skin suffering! I’m both oily and blemish prone as well as living on very little sleep so I really could use all the help I can get!
I’ve cultivated a routine using solely By Beauty Bay products and it seems to be working a treat so thought I’d share it with you all in the hopes it’ll help someone else too!
AM…
As much as I wish I could just roll out of bed looking like a glowing Greek Goddess alas that is just not the hand I was dealt.
This 4 step/5 product morning routine is my fool proof formula to leaving the house feeling and looking refreshed.
Mix the Day One Moisturiser together with SkinHit Protecting Serum (or any SkinHit serum for that matter!) for a customised formula to suit your specific needs.
Head this way for perfect skin with the Acid Trip Exfoliating Toner with AHA and PHA from the Skincare By BEAUTY BAY range. This exfoliating toner combines multiple forms of acid-based exfoliants, which target different layers of the skin. A blend of AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid work to refine, brighten, and even skin tone, whilst PHA (gluconolactone) helps to promote softer and smoother skin. Pores will be cleared and cellular turnover will be increased, which all results in a decongested, smoother, and brighter looking complexion.
Put your best face forward with the By BEAUTY BAY SkinHit Hyperpigmentation Serum with Tranexamic Acid and Alpha Arbutin. Enriched with brightening tranexamic acid plus alpha arbutin to even out skin tone, this brightening serum is a name to know for reducing the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots, scarring and dullness.
This is your new skincare go-to. The Day One Moisturiser with Ginseng and Squalane from the Skincare By BEAUTY BAY range is a lightweight gel-cream moisturiser that helps to protect and hydrate the skin. Enriched with Indian ginseng to shield against screen-emitted light and olive squalane which helps to hydrate the skin. The moisturising and skin conditioning actives make this moisturiser a great makeup primer to lock your look in place all day long.
Protect your skin from whatever daily life throws at you with the SkinHit Protecting Serum with Anti-Pollution and Blue Light Actives from Skincare By BEAUTY BAY. Rich in antioxidants, this is the serum you need to shield your skin from environmental nasties that can lead to dullness and upset complexions. Formulated with an anti-pollution active that helps to protect the skin from external aggressors and free radicals, as well as a blue light active that shields your skin from screen-emitted light, whilst also helping to brighten and restore radiance. This is the ultimate everyday serum for your skin.
As night rolls round once again and all you want to do is jump into bed it’s important to make sure your skin gets what it needs.
Assuming you’ve already taken off your make up (for which I recommend the Butter Cup Cleansing Balm) then you can jump right into this quick PM routine before you get some well deserved rest.
Refresh your skin with the Super Jelly Cleansing Gel with Prebiotic and Avocado from the Skincare By BEAUTY BAY range. This non-foaming, non-stripping cleansing gel supports balanced and healthy-looking skin that feels fresh, cleansed, and revitalised. Formulated with prebiotics, a hero skincare ingredient that helps to support the skin’s barrier, as well as avocado oil which helps to gently cleanse and moisturise the skin. Leave your skin feeling clean but comfortable.
Quench your skin’s thirst with the Make It Rain Face Mist with Mineral and Super Berry Blend from the Skincare By BEAUTY BAY range. This hydrating face mist rains down onto skin to energise and refresh the complexion. This mist has been formulated with a blend of minerals that hydrate and energise the skin, and a trio of nourishing Australian berries which encourage a radiant and healthy-looking glow. Use before makeup, after makeup, or as a refreshing top-up during the day to give your skin a refresh.
For skin that is hydrated, smooth and clear, make an appointment with the By BEAUTY BAY SkinHit 0.2% Retinol Complex Serum with Retinol and Peptides. This skin-loving serum helps to improve the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the 0.2% retinol complex while added peptides infuse the skin with moisture, helping to improve the skin’s clarity. Perfect for first time retinol users, this serum is soon to be your new BFF.
Your beauty sleep is about to get an upgrade with By BEAUTY BAY’s 2% BHA Overnight Mask with Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid. The targeted overnight face mask works to gently exfoliate and refresh the skin, all while soothing, brightening, and helping the appearance of pores. 2% BHA salicylic acid helps to gently exfoliate and condition blemish prone skin, while azelaic acid helps to soothe the skin and reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, all while you sleep!
Meet your next go-to skincare treatment: By BEAUTY BAY’s 30% AHA 2% BHA Peeling Solution Drops with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. The targeted solution has been designed to help exfoliate away dead and dull skin, unclog pores, and reduce excess oil on all skin types. With a red colour for easy application and removal, the treatment has been formulated with glycolic and lactic acid (AHA 30%) to help clear and improve the skin’s texture through exfoliation, plus refreshing aloe vera and salicylic acid (BHA 2%) to exfoliate, for clearer looking skin.
Banish breakouts for good with the Dot-A-Spot Glow In The Dark Blemish Stickers from Skincare By BEAUTY BAY. These super-cute, fun shaped, glow in the dark hydrocolloid patches are designed to help you tackle breakouts. Each moon and cloud shaped hydrocolloid-infused patch works to draw out pus and other impurities from developing blemishes, as well as reducing the size of already present spots. Use these stickers (that are clear in daylight) to dot your way to clearer skin.
To be able to get the most out of your brand new skincare routine then you’re going to need the right tools! Not only will it elevate things to another level of luxury but you’ll also be surprised at what a difference they make to your products!
Here to help you relax and unwind is the BEAUTY BAY The Rose Quartz Facial Roller. Inspired by ancient Chinese rituals, this dual-ended facial massage tool is the game changer that your beauty routine needs. Made from 100% rose quartz, this facial roller helps to reduce facial tension, aid lymphatic drainage, and increase the absorption of your favourite skincare formulas. Traditionally known to represent self-love, peace, and inner healing, this rose quartz tool will help to restore a sense of calm and tranquillity at the end of a long day. Healthy skin = happy skin.
Here to help you relax and unwind is the BEAUTY BAY The Rose Quartz Gua Sha. Inspired by ancient Chinese rituals, this heart-shaped facial massage tool is the edition that your beauty routine needs. Made from 100% rose quartz, this gua sha helps to reduce facial tension, aid lymphatic drainage, and increase the absorption of your favourite skincare formulas. Traditionally known to represent self-love, peace, and inner healing, this rose quartz tool will help to restore a sense of wellbeing and tranquillity at the end of a long day. Healthy skin = happy skin.
Black Friday (or is it week? month? I dunno, I’ve lost track now!) is upon us once again and you I’ve hand picked some of my most coveted goodies from the Beauty Bay sale!
Dreadfully Kelly 