Hey guys, I hope you are all well! I wanted to share with you some early Cyber Week and Black Friday Deals. I will be updating these on the daily, Enjoy! (*Affiliate Links) Also, don't forget to follow me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it App for more Gift Inspiration here*
ELEMIS 30% off, plus a FREE 5-Piece Day or Night Gift when you spend £100 after discount.* Choose your gift at checkout and use code: SPECTACULAR * - https://rstyle.me/+Q6yiKHuj_4ut1yypPzsb7w
GLOSSIER 25% off Everything and up to 35% off Sets* - https://rstyle.me/+0vjzXSHv3KYosM-VWtzNbQ
Hey guys, I hope you're all well! Today I'm sharing with you my updated Skincare Collection and what's inside my skincare cupboard for January/February 2019. I love trying out and testing new products with you guys and have many reviews here on the PPB Blog and on the PPB Instagram of most of the products I mention, as well as some exciting new skincare reviews coming up this month!
In the meantime feel free to check out my Skincare Week series on the PPB YouTube Channel here.
Hey guys, today I am sharing with you what's in the 2018 Marks and Spencer Advent Beauty Calendar, I cannot believe how quick this year has gone and that we are nearly in December already!
The calendar is full of 4 and 5 star rated products on the M&S Website & this is a £250 value Beauty Advent Calendar for only £35. I explain more about this in the video below but if you would just like to see the contents of the calendar then you can skip to 4.27 in the video.
Also if you would like to see the past few year's Advent Calendars then you'll find 2016 here and 2017 here.
Now that It Cosmetics* is available within the UK, hooray! I thought it would be an appropriate time to share you with you my thoughts on one of their most iconic and best-selling products the It Cosmetics CC Cream. I actually bought this last year in New York and I've only just got around to really putting it to the test over the past couple of months. So here are my thoughts and everything you need to know...
Price
Here in the UK, this retails for £30 for 32ml of product. There is also 7 shades to choose from including, Fair Light Medium Medium Tan Tan Rich Deep
I picked this up in Fair.
Currently, It Cosmetics is available directly from their website here* as well as Boots, Selfridges* and QVCUK.
Packaging
The CC Cream comes in a very informative box with everything you need to know on how to use this as well as plenty of additional details about the cream itself on the side of the box.
Inside the CC cream comes in a very handy tube with a pump applicator which I especially love as this type of packaging it so easy to travel with.
Application
I love the concept of this CC Cream as it has so many benefits to it including the fact that its Full Coverage, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, an Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum and BONUS it has an SPF 50 in it! Yes, 50 that makes my heart sing as you guys know how much I value an SPF!
Upon application, this has a stunning lightweight creamy consistency to it which makes it a dream to apply! I tested the cream out with both a damp sponge and a foundation brush and I have to say I do prefer using this with a Beauty Blender, but nevertheless both give an even, full and flawless coverage, that still looks natural on the skin.
I find one and a half to two pumps is ample to cover my whole face evenly but you can build this up around certain problem areas if required. Overall this is a wonderful CC Cream that really does even out my skin tone perfectly.
Also if you want to see how this applies in a live demo, then I have an Insta Video sharing with you how I use the Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighters, but it additionally shows me applying the foundation so you can get a better feel of how it looks overall. Watch it here.
Longevity
This lasted well and still looked flawless and natural looking even after a solid eight hours of wear, however, if you are using this as your sunscreen it is advised on the box that you apply this 15 minutes before going out in the Sun and then you re-apply this every two hours thereafter.
Overall Thoughts
Firstly I have to be honest with you guys and admit that when I first applied this, I really couldn't work out what all the fuss was about, however... I think sometimes it takes a few tries of something before you can decide if you really and truly love it! Thankfully I've become really fond of this a lot because of the fact it does have an SPF 50 included which speaks volumes to me; really you've sold me there and then with that aspect alone! But additionally what I really love about this color-correcting cream is that it covers everything you need it too without masking the skin completely, it just makes your skin look like yours but better, even after a full day of wear. Furthermore, I adore the creamy yet lightweight texture as it helps it apply easily and flawlessly.
Yes, this is on the pricier side but you do get a good amount for your money and the benefits and pro's to this CC Cream are endless! So if you're after a natural full coverage creamy foundation that evens out the complexion and can be worn alone without the need for an additional SPF, then this magic tube is definitely for you!
I award the It Cosmetics CC Cream a 4.9 out of 5 SHOP THE POST
Superdrug's own brand skin care is one of those really underrated and not talked about enough brands. Did you know Superdrug actually has many own brand lines within their skincare aisle's as well as all of the well-known drugstore brands they stock within their stores and online.
Their own brand skincare lines include...
- Naturally Radiant
- Tea Tree
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- BB
- Optimum
- Simply Pure
- B. (Not by Superdrug but sold in Superdrug Stores Exclusively)
Today I wanted to share with you five of Superdrug's own brand skincare products that I truly adore and have re-purchased time and time again, including one new discovery that I had to share with you guys also!
1. Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser£5.99
This is another wonderful Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish dupe and a bargain if you're on a budget, it's also even more of a steal if you can get it on offer! And when I can't get my hands on the Aldi Hot Cloth Cleanser then this is my go-to instead.
This cream cleanser not only cleanses the face but it removes makeup and comes with a muslin cloth too. What more can I say other then this 100ml cleanser is a drugstore cleansing dream!
2. Vitamin E Hydrating Mist £2.99
I'm obsessed with this mist, plain and simple! I use it day and night as a hydrating toner step within my routine. At night I even do two or three mists of the face with this because it is so hydrating, in-offensive and wonderful value for money.
3. B Refreshed Essence Lotion £6.99
This is actually a new step I've incorporated into my routine and B is one of the very few brands within the drugstore market that does an Essence. (Side note: I'm not entirely sure B are an own brand of Superdrug's but they are exclusive to Superdrug).
Now, what is an Essence I hear you say!? It actually originates from Korea and is essentially like a watered down serum which hydrates and replenishes the skin, very much like a toner actually consistency wise. I love this B version as it really does give me that added boost of hydration.
I use this after I've cleansed and done my glycolic step and before I've toned in the evening.
4. Optimum Instant Anti-Wrinkle Swiss Ice Wine Eye Cream £12.99
This has been a firm favourite of mine since last year. The Optimum range is a little more expensive than some of the other Superdrug own brands, but they really do have some fantastic products within this collection including the Swiss Ice Wine Eye Cream.
I love this because first of all, it has this metal applicator to apply the eye cream which makes it really cooling to apply around the eye area and second of all this is a wonderfully delicate and moisturising eye cream that doesn't irritate my eye area at all.
5. Optimum Glycolic Overnight Peel £12.99 - In Superdrug Stores
Finally this Glycolic Overnight Peel has a slightly different take on the conventional Glycolic Pads/Toners you're probably familiar with. This is actually a great one if you like the sound of a Glycolic product but you're not keen on the toner or pads forms and you want something that's not as harsh.
I like this because it is has a lightweight gel texture that sinks into the skin straight away. I also love using this in replace of my moisturisers and serums at night when I'm short for time but I want something that's going to help my skin feel glowy and refined when I wake up the next day.
The Naturally Radiant Collection also does a Glycolic Overnight Peel which I've linked here.
This year there has been an explosion of Drugstore Sheet Masks coming to the market from Poundland to Primark, Simple to Aldi. So today in the 3rd post from my #drugstoreskincareweek series I'm sharing with you 7 New Drugstore Sheet Masks that are all under £5!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sheet Mask Review
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Recovery Mask £3.50
The Hydrogel Recovery Mask is a two-piece gel mask which you leave on for 15-30 minutes. It claims to be an intensely hydrating and cooling mask that is infused with Hyaluronic Acid.
This was actually really easy to apply because it came in two parts and while on the face it felt comfortable, cooling and hydrating. Afterwards, my skin felt smooth and refreshed, however, I didn't feel this was an overly hydrating mask as per the claims. I left this on for 15 minutes but I think I would probably try this one again and leave it on for the maximum 30 minute time limit to see if it was any more hydrating. Nevertheless, this is an affordable and convenient pick me up mask.
Garnier SkinActive Charcoal Sheet Mask Review
2. Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Black Tissue Mask£2.99*
This Black Charcoal mask is well saturated and infused with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Black Algae Extract and LHA. The SkinActive Mask is supposed to be pore-tightening, purifying and hydrating and to me, it certainly felt hydrating and refreshing while it was working its magic. I left this on for the required 15 minutes and afterwards my skin felt slightly taught, glowy and hydrated. I much preferred this to the Blue Garnier Moisture Bomb version I reviewed last year and I have to say this was one out of three favourites.
Primark Holler and Glow Sheet Mask Review
3. Primark Holler and Glow Holler Back £3
If you've seen this fun brand at Primark then you'll know there are endless interesting looking sheet masks to choose from to target different concerns. This gold holographic mask is aimed to hydrate the skin and I have to say this was my favourite visually, however, I did feel this felt the most papery compared to the others I tested. Nevertheless, this was still very saturated and it smelt pleasant too. On the skin I found this to be hydrating and refreshing and although I did have a bit of trouble with it sticking to my lip and chin area, overall this definitely made my skin feel and look hydrated.
Aldi Sheet Mask Review
4. Aldi Lacura Moisture Complex Sheet Mask with Green Tea Extract £1.99 for 2
The new Lacura Moisture Complex Masks come in 3 different scents including Green Tea Extract, Chamomile and Pomegranate and the best part is you get two for £1.99! The Green Tea Mask includes Hyaluronic Acid and Moisturising Serum and aims to intensely moisturise and refresh the skin as well as help it feel balanced and pure.
Again this is a well-saturated sheet mask that you leave on for 15 minutes. Initially I found this a little harder to apply as there were no slits to help it fit your face snugly and I have to say this did smell a bit odd too, but afterwards, my skin felt balanced, hydrated and moisturised which is always a bonus.
Poundland Sheet Mask Review
5. Poundland Derma V10 Hydrating Vitamin E Woven Face Mask £1
Poundland do sheet masks I hear you say! Oh yes and spoiler alert this was one of my favourites! The Derma V10 Mask is a hydrating Vitamin E Mask infused with Aloe Vera that claims to hydrate, moisturise and improves the skin's texture.
Upon application the mask is well saturated and super soft to the touch, it's also lightly scented. I left this on for 15 minutes but you can leave it on for up to 20 minutes. On the skin, it felt beautifully refreshing and hydrating and after I had removed the mask my skin felt so smooth and moisturised.
Simple Rich Moistue Sheet Mask
6. Simple Rich Moisture Sheet Mask £2.99
This kind to skin mask has no harsh chemicals, artificial perfumes or colour and helps condition dry and dehydrated skin. When applying the mask I do advise taking extra care as it is very delicate to the touch and can stretch a little because it is so thin. However, this mask is divinely soft to the touch, refreshing and felt just like a second skin! I left this on for the required time of 15 minutes and afterwards my skin felt nourished, soft and smooth and this was definitely another one of my firm favourites!
Masque Bar Rose Gold Sheet Mask Review
7. Masque Bar Rose Gold Foil Sheet Mask £4.98*
The most expensive of the bunch this foil sheet mask claims to nourish and hydrate the skin and contains Witch Hazel Water, Soy Bean Extract and Mushroom Extract.
I did love the fact this was Rose Gold, however, this was quite a rigid mask to apply and consequently, I found it hard to shape around the face. The mask was drenched in a very watery liquid and smelt a bit chemically which I think was due to the Witch Hazel, but while on the face it did feel hydrating despite it not sticking to my chin! I left this on for the maximum time of 20 minutes and I have to say my skin did feel and look smooth refined and glowy afterwards.
Let's talk about Aldi Skin Care, I discovered Aldi's Lacura line properly at the start of the year and I've been hooked ever since! So today in this second #drugstoreskincareweek post, I wanted to share with you my Pamper Night Time Routine using skincare products all from the Lacura brand. I'll also be testing out two products from Primark's K Pop Collection which I shared with you in my Primark Beauty Haul Video here.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
1. ALDI LACURA CAVIAR FACIAL CLEANSING WIPES - First off I removed the majority of my eye makeup with the Aldi Caviar Wipes, then I went in with my favourite Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser over the eyes just to make sure I had got rid of everything properly. I then gently wiped away the cleanser with a warm flannel.
Aldi Caviar Facial Wipes
2. ALDI LACURA MUD TO FOAM CLEANSER - Next I used the Charcoal Mud to Foam Cleanser that I did a First Impression on a few months back here. I adore using this to remove my face makeup as it's wonderful at really deep cleaning the skin.
Aldi Mud to Foam Cleanser
3. ALDI LACURA HOT CLOTH CLEANSER- Once I've rinsed off the Charcoal Cleanser I then go back in with the Hot Cloth Cleaner all over my face. You can just use your fingers to massage the product in for a few minutes but if you've seen my recent Morning and Evening Skincare Routine herethen you'll know I love using the Lidl Silvercrest Cleansing Brush as it really does help my skin feel super clean and smooth.
Aldi Hot Cloth Cleanser
4. ALDI LACURA CHARCOAL CLEARING MUDMASK - When I'm having a pamper night I love to do a clay mask, I used the Lacura Charcoal Mudmask which was also in my First Impressions Video that I've linked above. To apply this I used one of the Primark Mask Brushes which came in a set with a spatula, this is such a wonderfully affordable and hygienic set if you're not a fan of dipping your hands into pots. Speaking of Primark I also decided to try out the KPop Cooling Gerbera Eye Pads too, I kept the eye pads in the fridge beforehand so they were nice and cool when I went to use them.
UPDATE: I've been through several packs of these Eye Pads since I used them in this video and I'm obsessed! I've been using them every morning when I wake up while I meditate to de-puff and awaken my eyes. The pads are actually soaked in this beautiful serum that really hydrates and brightens the eye area and the best part is their only £1.50 for 3 sets!
Aldi Glamglow Dupe
5. PRIMARK KPOP DREAMY LIPS SCRUB AND MASK - After 10 minutes I washed off the mask and I decided I would test out the Primark KPOP Lip Treatment also. This is a Two-Step treatment. Step One is the exfoliating part which I used before I went in with all my other skincare products.
6. ALDI LACURA DAILY CLEANSING PADS - Next I ran one of the Lacura Glycolic Pads all over my face and neck, I've mentioned this before but these are a great dupe for the Nip & Fab ones.
7. ALDI LACURA MIDNIGHT POWER EYE CREAM - After this, I applied the Lacura Midnight Power Eye Cream all around the eye area.
8. ALDI LACURA GREEN TEA SHEET MASK - I then went in with one of Aldi's newest products the Lacura Green Tea Sheet Mask. There are actually 3 different scents to choose from and all of them come in a duo pack. I left the mask on for 15 minutes and afterwards, I massaged the remaining serum from the mask into my face and neck.
Aldi Sheet Masks
9. ALDI LACURA CAVIAR NIGHT CREAM - Once the serum had sunk into the skin I wanted to add an additional cream on top to sandwich in the moisture. I decided to use the Caviar Night Cream which I have a review on coming up on the blog next week.
Aldi Caviar Day and Night Cream
10.ALDI LACURA MIRACLE CREAM - Finally to finish I applied the Step 2 Part Lip Mask from the Primark K POP Sachet onto my lips and then I added a little of the Lacura Miracle Cream to a few blemishes I had.
Last week over on the PPB YouTube Channel I dedicated a whole week of videos to Drugstore Skincare. You guys know how much I'm already obsessed with anything skincare whether it be high end or drugstore, however, the drugstore has come a long way since the days of your basic Cleanser, Toner and Moisturiser, that's why I wanted to share with you some of the best finds and new products available from the drugstore. So without further ado let's kick this series of posts off with a good old Primark Beauty Haul!
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
1. PRIMARK ROUND COSMETIC PADS 50p
2. PRIMARK ARGAN OIL OVAL COTTON PADS 90p
3. PRIMARK 2PK HAIR WRAPS £1.50
4. PRIMARK TRAVEL BOTTLE SET £2
5. PRIMARK EXFOLIATING CHARCOAL GLOVES £1.50
6. PRIMARK GEL EYE MASK £1.50
7. PRIMARK 2 PK FACIAL MASK SET £3
8. PRIMARK 7th HEAVEN OVERNIGHT MOISTURE MASK 90p
9. PRIMARK BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL K POP COOLING GERBERA EYE PADS £1.50
10. PRIMARK FOAMING BUBBLE MASK WITH PEACH AND GREEN TEA 80p
11. K POP DREAMY LIPS 2 STEP LIP SCRUB AND MASK £1.50
