Running Leggings for Women: My Top Recommendations After Years of Running

Categories
Couch to 5k Fitness

As the season changes and we’re heading into colder days and nights, I reached towards the back of my workout drawer to find my trusted full-length running leggings from Acai Outdoorwear. I’ve not written about my favourite pieces before, but that’s changing! A little context… I’ve run for over 20 years, on and off. My […]

Verve Greens Powder – my honest review of the Benefits, Taste and Morning Routine

Categories
Fitness Health Wellbeing Mini Beauty Buzz

Verve (or VaVaVerve, as they’re commonly known) is a UK-based brand that sells an 80-ingredient greens drink backed by science. Verve is FDA-approved. The greens powder is free from allergens and vegan/vegetarian safe. They kindly sent me their V80 kit, which includes a large greens pouch, glass water bottle, refillable stainless steel storage tin, and […]

How do you run when you have a 9-5?

Categories
Couch to 5k Fitness

How do you fit in a weekday run when you work 9-5, aren’t a morning person and have a busy 5-9? Welcome to my life. Here is my plan on how to successfully have a 30-minute lunchtime run midweek and be back in time for those afternoon Teams calls. If you get an hour’s lunch […]

Dermatica Skincare discounts and offers in 2024

Categories
Skincare

Ready to take the plunge in personalised skincare but don’t want the £24.99 monthly fee? I don’t blame you. With my discount code, you can get your: That gives you over 8 weeks to test the product to see if it’s right for you. To make it last even longer, I’d suggest using less product […]

Bronzer That’s Fungal Acne Safe (and great for fair skin)

Categories
Skincare

If you’re suffering from fungal acne but want to look like a bronzed goddess without the acne, look no further. I’ve been using one from Amazon, which I’ll tell you about below. I’ve suffered from fungal acne for around a year. Finding products I want to use that are safe and won’t bring me out […]

Is Il Makiage foundation and concealer non-comedogenic?

Categories
Beauty Products

If you need products that won’t clog your pores, using non-comedogenic products can help. Ingredients such as cocoa butter, and coconut oil will be your worst nightmare! I’ve been using several Il Makiage products for years now – including foundation, primer, and concealer – and decided to review them all, as I’ve got oily skin […]

Top 10 Tips to Prepare For a First Time Cruise

Categories
Travel

If you’re going on a cruise for the first time and want some tips on how you can make it that little bit easier, read my tips below. I’ve been on 4 cruises with P&O Cruises now. From 2 weeks in the Caribbean to a week in the Mediterranean. Over this time I’ve added small […]

How does Tretinoin in Dermatica work and how does it help acne?

Categories
Skincare

Tretinoin is in the cream I’m getting in my personalised Dermatica subscription to fight hyperpigmentation/melasma on my forehead. It’s strong stuff, so I’ve researched it and thought I’d share my findings. [Tretinoin is used for] Topical preparation to reduce hyperpigmentation of skin,such as persistent freckles, dark marks (lentigines) ormelasma. Tretinoin works by increasing the skin […]

Shokz OpenFit Review after using for 2 months

Categories
Fitness

I bought Shokz OpenFit for myself as a birthday present back in July. I figured it was about time I did a thorough review of how I’m using them, what I like, what I dislike and suggestions if you’re not sure about purchasing. First of all, they’re very unique headphones built with certain features, including: […]

Dermatica Prescription Skincare Review for Melasma with Tretinoin

Categories
Skincare

After returning from holiday, I had full-blown melasma/hyperpigmentation from sun damage across my forehead and down the sides of my face. This was entirely new for me, so I had to do some investigating. I’d always had a slight discolouration on my forehead after getting burnt a few years ago, but going on holiday in […]

How To Dermaplane Easy At Home in 5 Simple Steps

Categories
Skincare

I’ve dermaplaned my skin for years and I love it! Not only does it remove dead skin cells to make skin appear brighter, it also removes hair, so anything you put on your face, like make-up, smoothes on better and stays on for longer. Here’s how I use Estrid Dermaplaning Kit to get smooth skin. […]

FUL Intense Moisture Hair Mask Treatment Review

Categories
Skincare

Why do you need a hair mask and how is it different from regular conditioner I hear you ask? Well, the FUL hair mask is different. It includes a pH-balanced formula to deeply condition your hair with super nourishing ingredients including shea butter and coconut oil. If like me you use coconut oil after being […]

What are the top 10 benefits to Cordyceps in Mushroom Coffee?

Categories
Health Wellbeing

I’ve replaced my morning coffee with London Nootropics who sell 3 coffee flavours; one of which contains Cordyceps and Ginseng. It’s called ‘MOJO’ and has SO MANY amazing benefits I wanted to write about my experience with it. What are Cordyceps? Cordyceps are a fungus, thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate […]

London Nootropics Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee review: My Top 10 Favourite Benefits

Categories
Health Wellbeing

After buying 8 large boxes since February 2022, I’ve got a thing or two to say about London Nootropics mushroom coffee! One of the biggest changes is how it’s replaced my morning filter coffee – my favourite thing. I now have ‘Flow’ which is one of the flavours available from the brand. Changing coffee to […]

My Top 10 Favourite Things About Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Foundation

Categories
Make up

Imagine a foundation that not only flawlessly matches your skin tone but also delivers long-lasting coverage and a natural matte finish. EVEN on oily and acne-prone skin (like mine). I’ve tried and tested Il Makiage’s Woke Up Like This foundation so you don’t have to. From its cruelty-free and vegan formula to its skin-friendly ingredients, […]

Facetheory Skincare to the rescue after painful acne – my honest review

Categories
Skincare

Facetheory is a UK-based skincare brand; Leaping Bunny & PETA approved. I’ve been using them for years, as being a bit lazy, I love it when a website makes it super easy to choose products right for you. I go for products to support with oily skin, acne and hyperpigmentation. They have a ‘routine builder’ […]

London Nootropics discount voucher codes to get money off coffee

Categories
Health Wellbeing

Calling all coffee enthusiasts and brain-boosting aficionados! If you’re on the lookout for a unique and invigorating coffee experience, London Nootropics has got you covered. Imagine sipping on a cup of coffee that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also enhances your cognitive abilities, focus, and mental clarity. With their cutting-edge blend of nootropics, […]

Best nootropic natural coffee | Brain focus, anxiety & calm with CBD, Ashwaganda – my review of London Nootropics Zen 

Categories
Health Wellbeing

After trying London Nooptropics earlier this year after seeing the 2 owners on Dragons Den, I’ve decided to review one of their coffees, ‘Zen’, which is described as: Adaptogenic coffee with CBD & Ashwagandha for balancing effects, peace and feelings of calm. Following on from a stressful time, I decided to focus on my health. […]

Il Makiage Exfoliating Power Polish | My honest review

Categories
Make up Skincare

I’m always nervous at trying a new exfoliator. They either break me out in spots because they’re too harsh, or make my oily skin worse. What I like about this Il Makiage exfoliator is that you can be as soft or as hard as you like with the scrubbing, depending on your skin. The tiny […]

Replacing my morning coffee review with London Nootropics adaptogenic coffee

Categories
Health Wellbeing

I saw these guys on Dragon’s Den in Feb 2022 and as they got backing from 2 dragons, I was keen to follow their nootropics coffee journey. I liked them as well – very passionate and knowledgable about the product. I also love coffee which got my attention. London Nootropics sell coffee that comes in […]

My Skin Cycling Routine to help my oily, acne-prone skin

Categories
Skincare

I’ve incorporated skin cycling as my routine for a few months now. I decided to do a big skincare reset after getting home from my holiday in December where I experienced painful acne, caused (I’m 99% sure) by Elemis cleansing balm which triggered fungal-acne (although I haven’t been properly diagnosed). My skin was red raw […]

Malezia Moisturiser Fungal Acne Safe | My full honest review

Categories
Skincare

When I was on holiday towards the end of 2022, I had painful, sore acne. Acne I’ve never had before. It was very sore, all over my face, with painful small-to-large bumps that didn’t have a head. I haven’t been diagnosed properly by a doctor, but I’m pretty sure I had fungal acne caused by […]

BEIS Sport Sling Crossbody Bag in Beige – my full review

Categories
Fitness

After buying the expandable backpack in September 2022, I’d been keeping my eye out for the sling to be available, as it’s currently out of stock everywhere. Little did I know my eagle-eyed husband signed up to receive stock updates on Revolve.com, and managed to snag one in the days it was in stock. It’s […]

Il Makiage Concealer Shade 2.5 and Blending Brush 140 Review

Categories
Make up

I’ve been using Il Makiage for nearly 2 years now and still keep going back to it. I’ve tried a few other concealers, including Estee Lauder ‘stay in place’ and Mac ‘Pro longwear’, but I still go back to Il Makiage. On the Il Makiage website, the ‘F**K I’m Flawless concealer‘ is described as: long-wear, […]

Il Makiage Foundation Blending Brush #100 – my full review

Categories
Make up

I’ve been using Il Makiage’s foundation and concealer for over a year so I decided to treat myself and purchase the rest of the set – including the foundation brush. It’s £38, so it’s a premium brush, up there with others such as IT Cosmetics (Heavenly Luxe is £36), Bobbie Brown Brush (full coverage, £36) […]

Lacura Aldi Pink Clay Mask to detox for clean skin – my review

Categories
Skincare

After using Sand and Sky’s Australian pink clay for some time (which is around £36 per 60ml – see my blog here) I decided to give this a try after spotting it in Aldi for £2.99 for 60ml. I’ve recently been suffering with fungal acne (I think – not properly diagnosed) on my forehead and […]

How does Il Makiage Foundation Shade 35 look on a lighter skin tone – Before after photos and full review

Categories
Beauty Products Make up

What shades are available from Il Makiage, and how do you pick the right one for you? After completing their tool, POWERMATCH, I was matched to 35, which is one of the light colours. Shade 35 is for lighter skin tones. I tested it on my acne-prone skin, dark circles, oily forehead, and hyperpigmentation! They […]

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask on my acne-prone oily skin- my honest review

Categories
Skincare

I wanted to share my thoughts around this clay because it’s one of my staple products I’ve consistently used for years (although I only use a couple of times a month due to the price). What does sand and sky pink clay mask do? I bought it because I wanted something to help with my […]

9 tips on how to reduce acne and take care of your oily, hormonal skin

Categories
Skincare

For the past few years I’ve started getting a lot of spots the week before my period is due – bigger spots around my face and smaller ones across my forehead. Not only that, I also get spots throughout the month – on the sides of my forehead, my cheeks and my chin. After a […]

Beauty Pie Luxury Beauty Subscription Including Popular Makeup Products – My honest review

Categories
Skincare

Beauty Pie sell luxury beauty products at a fraction of the price of high-end products on the market. I first saw them on Facebook as I was targeted with one of their ads. I didn’t buy straight away but kept a note of their brand and decided to try them once I’d run out of […]

Aurelia Natural Probiotic Skin Care – Deodorant, Moisturiser & Miracle Balm – My honest review

Categories
Skincare

I’d never heard of Aurelia before, until I saw Emma Watson in a live Insta video showing the contents of her bag (don’t judge me). She said how much she loved the deodorant so I decided to look myself. I hadn’t been looking for a new deodorant but getting pretty tired of having to wait […]

Function of Beauty – Personalised Vegan and Cruelty-Free Subscription Hair Care – My honest review

Categories
Skincare

I saw this advertised on Instagram and was immediately drawn to it. You put in your hair care problems and they send you personalised shampoo and conditioner that helps sort those problems. They are called Function of Beauty and they are based in New York. What I like is how everything is personalised and tailored […]

Removing make up with Chloe Morello’s Face Halo reusable face pad – honest review

Categories
Make up Skincare

I’ve followed Chloe Morello for a while and noticed her promotions for Face Halo makeup remover that you can use only with water. They are kind on skin as they are made of white fibre strands, “100 times finer than human hair to remove and trap makeup”. Around the edge they have a black rim […]

What is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free makeup?

Categories
Crafting

There’s a difference in Vegan and Cruelty-Free products: Vegan is when a product doesn’t contain any animal ingredients Cruelty-free is when the product hasn’t been tested on animals Facts about China With the amazing efforts of the Humaine Society International, China changed their laws in 2014 to the following: Foreign imported ordinary cosmetics – still require […]

How I protected and nourished my hair on the beach with coconut oil

Categories
Skincare

Did you know coconut oil can do wonders for your hair, especially if it’s dry? No, me neither! I only found out on holiday when I used it to keep my hair smooth and sleek in between swims in the sea.  Being in the sea so much, it causes my hair to go extremely dry […]

Mabel + Meg Lumilixir Serum review

Categories
Skincare

I first found Mabel + Meg Lumilixir Serum through a beauty blogger on Instagram. She put a few blobs on her makeup brush, along with her foundation, and began sweeping it across her face. It blended perfectly and gave her a dewy glow.  Now I’m not sure about you, but I always think…. “do you […]