Algenist Kiss and Wink Collection

The Algenist Kiss and Wink Collection... I had a chance to buy some stuff on Sephora, and decided I would pick this one up, as the price point was very, very good. I am an absolute bummer for sets, I love buying and receiving makeup and skincare in sets as usually they are a very good deal - more for the price of one item.

And it was interesting, as I read reviews online some people found it a little bit to "oily" for their taste. For that I suspect they have used too much product. I would suggest that both the eye balm and the lip balm which are part of this pack, they both need exceedingly sparing use. You need just a very tiny amount.

I found the lip balm to be very hydrating, and there was certainly an almost plumping effect though not all lines on my lip were resolved. The lips felt so soft to touch and smooth, totally resolving a patch of dryness that I usually get when in contact with harsh cleansers. I also noticed that this effect seemed to last for days - in that when my lip should be getting more thirsty, the lip balm kept them more or less in a better condition.

The eye balm was divine and thoroughly balmy. It went over my lids with a luxuriant feel and sank in immediately. It felt pampering to just sweep it on with my fingers.

For the lip balm, I recommend squeezing a very tiny amount out of the tube, then you need to actually warm it with your fingers and lightly sweep the product on your lips. It will be a tiny miniscule amount, but definitely it will have an effect on your lips. Mine aren't very chapped, so I can't vouch for very dry or damaged lips, but for those who have mildly dry lips, this is a very enjoyable process of moisturizing your lips.

The eye balm needs just a light dab with a tiny amount of product. I do not recommending using more than a tiny amount as some users had problems with millia or breakouts under the eyes with this product. Again, probably need to use very, very much less. Application is twice a day, as recommended.

Even with this tiny pot of eye balm and a small tube of lip balm, I don't expect to go through this entire product before expiry. I totally expect this to expire first. For just a little product you see results. Eyes are more hydrated. I have not noticed dark circles lightening yet, though.

The lip balm tube and the eye balm pot are packaged in a very "apothecary" style - which is fun and interesting, and adds to the appeal of the product. Note, you cannot apply the lip balm direct, as there is no applicator tip. In fact, I don't even usually use the applicator tip if it's there one. I am one of those, who use my fingers to pick product off the applicator tip, so this makes no difference to me.

I really enjoyed using this product. It just feels so pampering, like you're taking care of your lips and lids. And I love kissing my son, especially when my lips are so hydrated. It just feels perfect to do that.

You can read more about this collection on the Algenist page: click here.  

This Kiss & Wink Collection offers two iconic anti-aging treatments formulated with patented Alguronic Acid and Microalgae Oil to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly restore firmness, soothe, hydrate and nourish eyes and lips.
Includes: 

• Lip Renewal Balm SPF 15 0.23 US fl. oz. / 7 ml
• Complete Eye Renewal Balm 0.23 US fl. oz. / 7 ml

Lip Renewal Balm SPF 15 
Active Ingredients:
Avobenzone 3.00%, Sunscreen
Octinoxate 7.50%, Sunscreen

Inactive Ingredients:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Polybutene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Chlorella Protothecoides Oil, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Dictyopteris Membranacea Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Tribehenin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Water (Aqua, Eau), Lactic Acid, BHT, Citric Acid. 
 
Complete Eye Renewal Balm
Water/Eau (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Isopropyl Isostearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Algae Exopolysacharides, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Tetrapeptide-21, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Inula Crithmoide Extract, Phospholipids, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Steareth-20, Ceteareth-20, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. 

I can't make full sense of this cacophony of ingredients, but I would suggest that you screen out any which cause allergies. I had no reactions to both products. Hope you enjoyed reading my blog, let me know any comments or questions on this product, and I would be happy to oblige answering them for you. Happy reading xoxo.

Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint

These last few days I have been experimenting in my beauty cabinet and I am currently a fan of products that are what you might say, highly pigmented, and need just a tiny amount to make a great deal of difference to your skin. One such lovely product is the Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint and I received mine from Lip Monthly's February bag in the shade of Cherry Cream.

It says to dot on lips and cheeks and then dab or tap your finger to press the colour in. 

Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint can be overdone!

I have to admit that the first time using it, I literally ended up completely red-faced as I had used too much product. 

You need just a very tiny amount, tiny little dots of the lovely product that is Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint. And I'm not a fan of the red siren look, as I prefer nude lips and cheeks, but was pleasantly surprised by the effect and beauty of this product.

It was never vampy and looked so perfectly soft and feminine. I would say if you love vegan products, you must try this one. It's vegan, not tested on animals and non GMO. 

44.8 percent natural

Vegan

No mineral oil

No parabens

No phthlates

Gluten free

Hypoallergenic

Non-comedogenic

It says it is a dream to apply. I agree on that one, absolutely luxurious and easy. Great colour and effect. Let me know your thoughts if you had tried this too.

So tell me if you love Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint, and whether it works well for you. Looking forward to your comments and thoughts on this lovely product that will last you ages as it is so highly pigmented.

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

I love this sumptuous, yet softly silken cleansing butter that you need to scrape off a beautiful silver tin. It's a really lovely product and you can get it in Body Shop stores around the world, I believe - it's the lovely - The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

The scent is sweet, floral and relaxing. Formula is stated to be suitable for all skin types. I use this to remove my moderate makeup. Never tried this on heavy makeup as I have never used that.


The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter is made from Community Fair Trade ingredients

It is stated on the tin that the camomile is from England, and the product is made in the United Kingdom. Community Fair Trade and against animal testing - another two hallmarks of this product and The Body Shop in general.

I would give The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter a thumbs up for ease of use and general quality. The Body Shop products have seen some improvement with a new spa products range which I haven't tried yet by the way. On the whole, The Body Shop has some catching up to do on the standard of its products and associated scents are not very sophisticated. Nonetheless, this is one of the more pleasing products from The Body Shop.

Have you tried The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter yet? Is it effective in cleansing your face? Do you find the process easy, and are there any problems... Looking forward to your sharing. 

Yes to Coconut Hand & Cuticle Cream

This smells oh so divine coconuts. Sweet vanilla hints with lots of rustic coconut milk scents. It's lovely and relaxing.

It's an excellent go-to cream when your hands are parched. You can feel your skin drinking up this nourishing formula. It has virgin coconut oil and shea butter. Absolutely divine and lovely! Made in USA.

Extract from website:

A non-greasy yet super moisturizing hand and cuticle skin protectant cream. 

This hand and cuticle saver, helps to smooth and restore dry, cracked and chapped skin. Formulated with Virgin Coconut Oil, which is rich in Vitamins A, C and E and provides nutrients that keep hands and cuticles protected. Keep one at your desk and another in your purse... to keep those hands soft (you never know when you'll be hand-holding!)

• 97% Natural
• Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
• Cruelty-free

Tell me what you think you like about this cream.

Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Moisturiser

This one is a really good moisturiser. It has a citrusy, zesty, lemony scent. At 220 ml, the tube has lots of content to it, nonetheless, it is a concentrated formula, so only a little is needed on each application.

Love Malin + Goetz's Bergamot body wash as well, as it is so moisturising to use in the shower.

This cream works very well on my severely dry and dehydrated calves. The only cream that I use that heals in an instant and improves the look of the skin tone. 

It's lightweight so not to worry. Although the cream is thick, it applies very evenly and sinks in immediately. 

Highly recommended for dry areas. One of my favourite creams. Though a little pricey, but well worth the expense. 

Have you tried this Vitamin B5 moisturiser yet?

Extracted from the Malin + Goetz website...

Our intensive and luxurious best-selling cream is both oil-free and residue-free.  This nourishing treatment scientifically synthesizes provitamin b5 and soothing bergamot extract with absorbent fatty acids for instant performance and results.  Non-greasy formula does not leave a false sense of moisture, and there is no wait-time before dressing. Naturally hydrates and ph balances all skin types. Natural fragrance and color.

Vitamin b5 and shea butter nourish and moisturize.  Sodium pca and glycerin hydrate.  Honey soothes.

After cleansing, apply a small amount of concentrated, quickly absorbent moisturizer onto body. Reapply as often as necessary throughout the day. Especially effective for hands and feet before bed.

Hope that helps! I just love this cream. Made in the USA and not tested on animals.

Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill Body Lotion

Post Christmas, Crabtree & Evelyn had a massive sale and discounted their Christmas Gift Sets by 50 percent and Hand Cream sets by 30 percent.

It was an excellent opportunity to stock up on some favourites like La Source and the Jojoba ranges. I had some pretty decent buys, and I would encourage you to target these sales post Christmas for some really good deals.

The lotion I am reviewing is Summer Hill. It's a very traditional, old English type of scent. Something our grandmas might have put on themselves. Powdery and floral. I kinda liked applying these on my shoulders and arms for the scent to linger and waft to my nose.

I'm not sure if this is what you might call a heavy duty moisturiser but it is a fun application and scent. It might not do a very good job at moisturising, but it does an excellent job at pampering.

The lotion sinks in quickly without exfoliation needed. Applying it on dry uncleansed skin does not make it icky or sticky, but remember don't overdo the application!

Made in USA and in a 200 ml bottle. A great way to relax and unwind with a little me-time. What do you say? Hope you agree, leave your comments for me.

Balm Balm Organic Frankincense Hydrosol

I do think Balm Balm products are of a certain standard and quality having used a couple before.

This hydrosol, which is made in England, is what you might call a face spritzer in the likes of Evian sprays, La Roche Posay sprays, Avene sprays... you get my drift.

However, on that note, this hydrosol is not exactly carry-on-your-handbag friendly, as the bottle is pretty large at 100 ml and is made of glass! Don't fancy that breaking in my handbag.

Nonetheless, it's the kind of apothecary type of spritzer you might want to keep on your dressing room table or office desk for a quick pick me up. The bottle's directions do say however to use on cleansed skin.

The product is made from frankincense (which is supposed to be really good for skin) hydrosol which is the "soothing, meditative by-product from the steam distillation of frankincense essential oil". How cool is that?

This product is also very delicate and needs to be heat and sunlight for the best results.

To be honest, I was too excited to cleanse my face first before spritzing it on. It has a light feel on the skin and does not itch the lips. I needed to tissue off. Wasn't expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised to find my face soft and smooth after application, almost as if I had scrubbed and moisturised my face. What a fast and efficient worker!

Not too bad a product, I kind of like this. Think it will last me ages. This product was in the December Lovelula subscription box. Have you tried Balm Balm products before? Let me know what you think.