All My Must-Have Picks in One Place: Follow Me on LTK

Welcome back

Today's post is a shameless plug, I was going to apologise for this but then, if I don't plug my own things, who will? So, this is a shameless plug post about my LTK account. 

LTK stands for Like To Know It, and it's an app and a website where I and lots of other creators (I hate that word almost as much as influencer) share the links from videos, blog posts, or social media posts where we share certain items with you, such as clothing, beauty products, and homeware. Basically, anything I share with you will be on my LTK account.

For example, I post a haul on my Instagram account and put the links to the things I've shared in that haul on my LTK account. I also share other things, such as outfit ideas, gift guides and gift ideas, favourites, and lots more. I share beauty, fashion, homeware, pet supplies, and much more with a direct link to the products. 

Below are two examples of a couple of posts I have on my LTK account, these are festive outfit ideas. So, if you like the red jumper in the first photo, you can click the image below the main image, and it'll take you directly to that jumper, so you can buy it if you like. LTK is an affiliate programme, meaning if you do buy anything from my links, I will make a few pence in commission, but it is only pence, I'm not about to become rich from this account. 

So, that is my LTK account and what it's all about, I have so many different posts on there, and I share lots of things there that I don't share on any of my other platforms. You can follow me on there too, and if you would like to, that would be very kind and much appreciated. It is hard to build a following on LTK, and I am 10 followers away from 100, so it means a lot to me when I get a new follower. 

And all that's left for me to say is, if you would like to check out my LTK account, you can find it HERE and thank you so much in advance if you do. 

If you're reading this and already follow me on LTK, thank you so much. 

Thanks for reading, 

Zoë x

 

StriVectin Double Fix™ for Lips Plumping & Vertical Line Treatment - An Honest Review

Welcome back, 

In today's post, I have a review of the Strivectin Double Fix™ for Lips Plumping & Vertical Line Treatment, being a bit of a skincare geek, and getting older too, I am often on the lookout for products for certain areas of my face. 

The last few years, I have been more aware of my skin ageing and I have been looking into products targeted at the ageing process, one thing I have been concious of, is not wanting to have a lot of lines around my lips, particularly my top lip,  so I went on the hunt for the perfect skincare product to try and help with this. 

I had been researching for a few weeks and reading online reviews for a few different products, and one product that kept coming up whilst I was doing my research was the StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Double Fix For Lips Plumping & Vertical Line Treatment, this is a double ended treatment with a lip gloss at one end and a cream at the other end, lots of people recommended this in online reviews and many of the blog/influencer reviews and reviews on Instagram and other social media posts I read only had great things to say about it. 

It seemed like a no brainer after reading so many good reviews, but the price put me off, £30.00 is a lot to spend on one item. But luck was on my side because as I was browsing the Boots £10 Tuesday a couple of days later,  the StriVectin Double Fix was in it, I couldn't believe my luck, I never have things happen like that usually and I was so pleased. 

What Is Boots £10 Tuesday?:

If you aren't aware of the Boots £10 Tuesday deals, I shall explain. Every Tuesday Boots has a range of products that are all priced at £10.00, some of the items are usually much more expensive and there are some amazing deals to have. Items included in the £10 Tuesday can be anything from makeup to baby clothes and everything in between and it really is worth a look. I have saved a lot of money from purchasing things from the £10 Tuesday and I always check it out each week, it really is one not to miss. 

Click ME for this weeks £10 deals, after a Bank Holiday the deals are available on Wednesday and not Tuesday so you can grab yourself a bargain today. 

The Strivectin Double Fix was on the Boots website priced at £29.99 at the time, meaning I would save £19.99, so, if ever there was a time to try a product, this was it, an almost twenty pounds saving, thank you Boots, it went straight in my basket! 

What StriVectin Says About The Product:

An innovative 2-in-1 treatment for lips and the delicate skin around the lip line, infuses new life into lips! On one side, the Plumping Treatment enhances lip volume to visibly plump and smooth. This non-drying, no-sting formula leaves behind a sophisticated glossy finish, perfect over lipstick or on its own. On the other side, the Vertical Line Treatment helps improve elasticity and firmness around the lip line, reducing the appearance of stubborn vertical lines in just 4 weeks and restoring lip contour.

Double duty performance:

 

• Reduces the appearance of fine vertical lines and wrinkles around the mouth
• Instantly plumps and hydrates lips
• Hydrates & enhances natural lip colour

As you can see from the photographs above, the Double Fix treatment is a pen style packaging with the line treatment at one end and the plumping lip gloss at the other end. 

The lip gloss comes with a doe foot style applicator. 

The line treatment comes with a brush applicator. 

I incorporated the treatment into my skincare routine and applied the lip treatment around my lips morning and evening after cleansing my skin. The gloss I wore alone or over my lipstick depending on the day, and I always added some after my evening skincare routine, so I did use it twice a day, everyday. 

The line treatment is a white quite thin lotion type product, to apply I brushed it around my lips and mouth area using the applicator it came with. It doesn't have a scent as such and dried quickly into the skin, it felt nice and moisturising and was easy to use. The lip gloss didn't feel tingly like some plumping glosses do, but it did feel nice and hydrating and left my lips feeling soft and nourished. The gloss doesn't have a colour to it as such,  so I could wear it over any of my lipsticks, or alone for a bit of something on no makeup days. 

The Results:

I used the StriVectin Double Fix treatment for around 4/5 weeks, which was basically how long it lasted before running out. There really isn't much product in it at all and I was disappointed by this, especially as this isn't a budget product and is what I would class as an expensive skincare item and although I paid £10.00 for it on offer, I have to review it for what it is, which is a £30.00 skincare product. 

I had high hopes for this product and even took before photographs so I could share my results with you all. I was that convinced it would work and I would have the most amazing result photographs to share with you, but sadly there was absolutely no difference and after using the whole product, my skin looked exactly the same, which meant there is no before and after reveal photographs I'm afraid. 

I am so glad I didn't pay full price for it and I hate to write negative reviews, but I saw so many brilliant reviews and claims of amazing results on social media posts and blog post reviews, and that is what made me want to try and eventually buy it. 

If you're a long time reader of my blog, you'll know, I'm always 100% honest about a product regardless of it being a PR sample or something I've bought it myself, and I am sorry that this review isn't more positive, but I am and always will be honest and write an honest and genuine review. 

Hopefully my next product review will be more positive.

Should you still want to try the StriVectin Double Fix for Lips Plumping & Vertical Line Treatment, you can find it at Boots stores online HERE. 

Thank you for reading 

Zoë x

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Glowing Affordability: Garnier's Gentle Cleansing Range Expands for Radiant Skin on a Budget!

 

Post contains PR samples

Welcome back, 

Today I have some exciting skin care news for you, and the exciting news all started with an unexpected parcel in the new year. 

When I received a parcel at the very beginning of January I was confused, I hadn't ordered anything and certainly wasn't expecting anything. So when I opened the parcel and saw the Garnier logo, I was very excited to see what was inside. 

New Product Launches: What's Included

Following the successful launch of the Hydrating Cleanser last year, Garnier is extending their gentle and affordable cleansing range this January 2024, all are approved by the British Skin Foundation and are cruelty-free and the best thing is I got to have a sneak peek and I'm going to share them with you.

Cleansing:

There are two new cleansers in the range,  Soothing Cream Cleanser Hyaluronic Aloe and Brightening Cream Cleanser Vitamin C . 

I have the Soothing Cream Cleanser for dehydrated skin.

What Garnier Says:

"Garner Hyaluronic Aloe Cream Cleanser is a soothing cleanser which deeply cleanses, hydrates, and replumps for a soothed and refined skin texture. Gently removes make-up & and impurities, while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid known to hydrate, Aloe Vera known as a natural ingredient to soothe and refresh skin and Glycerin known as a humectant from natural origin to deeply moisturise and protect skin barrier. Gentle Formula: A gentle formula that’s microbiome-friendly and sulphate-free. Formula is pH-neutral to the skin and dermatologically tested".

Vegan Formula.

The other cleanser in the range is the Brightening Vitamin C Cleanser which also sounds amazing, it cleanses, hydrates and brightens for even and glowing skin. The cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities whilst maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier. It's enriched with vitamin Cg2 known as a dermatological active that brightens boosts glow and enhances skin radiance. Glycerin known as humectant from its natural origin deeply hydrates and protects skin barrier. The cleanser has a gentle formula which is pH-friendly and sulphate free, it is dermatologically tested and is a vegan formula. 

Vitamin C Daily UV SPF 50+

There are two types of Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid, one is Glow which has a tint to it so would be great for a very light base, or on no makeup, makeup days, and the other one is Invisible, which has no colour to it.  I have the Invisible UV Fluid from the range. 

What Garnier Says:

 

Invisible UV Fluid: 

"Garnier’s Daily UV Fluid combines a very high protection SPF50+ (UVA, UVB & long UVA) to help prevent dark spots, with Vitamin C2 known for its efficacy on boosting brightness and improving complexion.

It also contains peptides known to smooth skin and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate with an invisible lightweight

formula. Perfectly blends with different skin types and tones without leaving white traces. Non-greasy, non-sticky.

Easy to apply every morning as a moisturiser, or on top of your dav cream before your makeup routine. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested for all skin types and tones".

My Thoughts:

I have been using both the cleanser and the UV fluid for the past week and both are lovely products, the cleanser has a lovely fresh scent which isn't too strong or overbearing and is very easy to use, I apply it all over my damp face and then rub in and finish by wiping my face clean with a face cloth which I run under the hot tap. The cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated without leaving a residue on my skin.  It removes all traces of makeup and SPF and even makes light work of my waterproof mascara. 

I have dry and dehydrated skin and since having our house renovations done, I have to admit, my skincare routine has slipped a lot, getting back into it was my New Year promise to myself and I have been enjoying using the cleanser as part of my morning and evening skincare routine, it's lovely when I have been wearing makeup or for my morning cleanse, I always double cleanse in the evening to remove any makeup if I've worn it, but also to remove SPF as I wear that daily, even if I don't leave the house, as skincare goddess Caroline Hirons says, if it's light enough to read a book indoors, you need to wear SPF. 

I have been using the UV Fluid as the last step in my morning skincare routine as my SPF, being SPF 50+ it is ideal and it doesn't leave any white cast on the skin, nor does it leave my skin feeling greasy. It doesn't have much of a scent, if any and is quite runny in texture, not ridiculously but more so than say a moisturising cream, it's definitely a fluid type texture and it applies beautifully and rubs into the skin effortlessly, disappearing quickly and leaving a lovely base for makeup should I be applying any, but if not, it leaves my skin looking and feeling glowy and feeling soft. 

Having only been using the products for a week, I can't give an in-depth review of the effects the products have had on my skin or any skincare benefits I have noticed as it's too soon to say, but on first impressions, both the cleanser and the UV fluid are lovely products and ones I am enjoying using and will continue to use. Once I am running low on the cleanser I will be trying the brightening cleanser and I will definitely pick up the glow UV fluid too,  I like the sound of the tinted SPF, and I think having both in my collection would be good then I could choose depending on if I want to wear makeup or not, or just to pep my skin up a little. 

Where Can I Buy?

If you would like to try the new launches from Garnier, you can find them in Boots stores or online now. The cleansers have an RRP of £9.99 and the UV Fluids have an RRP of £12.99. If you would like to purchase online, you can find the Hydrating cleanser HERE and you can find the Invisible UV Fluid HERE and the Brightening cleanser HERE and the Glow UV Fluid HERE.

Will you be picking up any of the new Garnier skincare launches? Please let me know your thoughts if you do. 

Thank you for reading

Zoë x

Trying New Skincare From Hada Labo - My Thoughts

 

 

It's true to say that I'm a bit of a lot of a skincare geek and love trying new skincare brands and their products and I often use the internet to research skincare, especially if there's a product I've heard a lot about. I especially love Japanese skincare and had recently been researching the brand Hada Labo Tokyo after seeing it pop up in the blogging world, and being very interested in their anti ageing range. So I was extremely delighted when I received an email asking if I would like to try some of their products. I, of course, said "yes please" and have been trying out some products for the last few weeks, today I am going to let you know my thoughts. 

Who Are Hada Labo Tokyo?

Hada Labo was created in Japan by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. under the concept of “Perfect and Simple,” which promises highly effective skincare while eliminating all unnecessary ingredients and additives. Since its introduction in Japan in 2004, the Hada Labo brand has grown to more than 60 different products and expanded its success to several Asian countries. Hada Labo Tokyo™ is the first Japanese skincare line to launch at U.S. mass retailers.

All products are paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and mineral oil-free.

Hada Labo Tokyo™ is an essential, rehydrating skin care line with everything your skin needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Radiant and youthful skin.

The Products I Received

The products I received were:

Anti Ageing Super Hydrator - £17.45 

Anti Ageing Sheet Mask - £2.99

Moisturising Sheet Mask - £2.99

Hada Labo Anti Ageing Super Hydrator

"This Anti-Aging Lotion - Super Hydrator is an easily absorbed, rejuvenating facial lotion with 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen & Retinol. The unique formulation helps to hydrate dry and dehydrated skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles." 

I have dry and sometimes dehydrated skin and my skin would be considered "mature" I always look for certain ingredients when choosing skincare, Hyaluronic Acid is always on the list of things I look for and since I've gotten older and noticed fine lines, I like to include retinol/acids into my skincare routine too. 

When I saw the Super Hydrator was included in my package from Hada Labo, I was thrilled, and I did something I don't normally do, and know most bloggers won't do either, which was, using the product before it had been photographed. I never do that but I wanted to try the product and I had cleansed my face and it was looking at me from the box of PR products that were waiting to be photographed, so I had to use it, I mean, it would be rude not to wouldn't it? 

The consistency of the Super Hydrator is runny and water like with a subtle fresh scent and is colourless. I pumped two pumps into the palm of my hand then put my hands together and patted the product into my skin, including my neck and décolletage, it felt a little sticky when I first applied it but that soon disappeared and my skin felt lovely, soft, refreshed and had a lovely glow. I follow with a moisturiser and my skin feels soft and hydrated all day and the glow I have is unreal, I love it. 

Hada Labo Sheet Masks

Hada Labo Moisturizing Sheet Mask

"This sheet mask deeply moisturises the skin due to the multi molecular HA included.

Fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin"

Since I loved the Super Hydrator so much I couldn't wait to try the masks out too and the first one I tried was the Moisturizing Facial Sheet Mask, the mask was pretty easy to put on and once I'd positioned the eyes, nose and mouth openings in the right place, I pressed the mask into my skin and left it on for 15 minutes. Once I removed the mask, my skin still had product on it so I massaged that into my face and neck and left it to dry. 

My skin felt so soft and plump after using the mask and felt hydrated for days, it hasn't felt that good for a very long time, if ever! It looked lovely too and that isn't a word I'd ever usually use when speaking about my skin. I had much better results using the mask than when I used high end brand sheet masks in the past, which were 10 times the price. 

Hada Labo Anti Ageing Facial Sheet Mask

"This anti wrinkle sheet mask deeply moisturises the skin due to the multi molecular HA included. The collagen and retinol also help firm and rejuvenate the skin.

Fragrance free, suitable for sensitive skin and contains 4 types of HA. 

Contains collagen and retinol"

Because the Moisturising Sheet Mask left my skin feeling and looking so well, I felt I didn't need to try the Anti Ageing Sheet Mask for a couple of weeks. I applied it in exactly the same way as the moisturising mask and again left it on for 15 minutes, once I'd removed the mask, I massaged the rest of the product that was left on my face into my face and neck. 

Once again I was blown away with the results, my skin was glowing, hydrated, smooth and looked amazing, so much so that when it came to makeup I only used minimum products and I never do that, usually, I am trying my best to add some glow with highlight and blush and hating how my skin looks. 

My Overall Thoughts On Hada Labo 

I think it's fair to say, I am absolutely blown away with the results I got from using the Hada Labo products, I have already re-purchased all three products so I have a backup of the Super Hydrator because I am still using the original bottle around 8 weeks after starting it, a little really does go a very long way. I have also purchased 3 each of the masks. 

I have continued to use the Super Hydrator daily and I still love it just as much. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated, soft, plump and looking extra glowy. Usually, I have to use quite a rich moisturiser, even during the summer months but I haven't needed to since using the Super Hydrator, I have been able to use a much lighter one which is a first for me. And the way my skin looked and felt after using the sheet masks is the best it has looked and felt, it was glowing and felt hydrated for the longest time, I am still blown away by the results, I had read very good reviews before trying the products but now I can completely understand why this brand has such rave reviews. 

I would highly recommend all three products, they are all incredible. I have the driest skin on the planet so to get results like I have, is absolutely amazing. 

If you would like to try any of the Hada Labo products, and I definitely recommend you do, you need to run, not walk and find the Super Hydrator HERE or HERE for £17.45, the Moisturising Sheet Mask HERE for £2.99 and the Anti Ageing Sheet Mask HERE for £2.99 and if you would like to check out the full range of Hada Labo products, you can find them on the Superdrug website HERE or on Amazon HERE. 

Have you tried anything from Hada Labo? Or would you like to try any of the products I have shared my thoughts on today? Chat with me in the comments. 

Zoë x

Products featured on my blog are PR samples unless otherwise stated.

The links used are affiliate links.

The All About You Limited Edition Skincare Box From Face The Future - A Must Have Gift For Any Skincare Lover

 

PR Gifted - Links Affiliate

Todays Christmas gift idea is a more expensive gift idea than the others I have shared, but despite it being more expensive, it is also really good value for money. The gift idea I have to share with you today is a beauty box from Face The Future, the box contains some amazing skincare products and is a must for all skincare lovers, like myself. 

The All About You Limited Edition Skincare Box - £129.99

Worth over £400, Face The Future’s first limited-edition skincare box includes an edit of 9 full size products for the ultimate self-care routine that puts you first. Curated to give you indulgent moments of calm and super flawless skin, treat yourself to this curated box of skin smoothers and soul soothers – all with a combined saving of 68%! This self-care edit also makes a super thoughtful gift if you’re looking to encourage a loved one to take more time out for themselves for a true pamper.

Edited by our skin experts, this limited-edition skincare box includes 9 full size products from OSKIA, Avant Skincare, Mesoestetic, Votary, Weleda, Unlike, Proto-col, Image Skincare, and Ultrasun.

The All About You Skincare Box contains:

• OSKIA Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum, 30ml (RRP £92): Combats advanced signs of ageing with their iconic MSM complex.
• Avant Skincare Supreme Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Oxidising Duo Moisturiser, 50ml (RRP £100): Restore a natural glow with Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil and Avocado Oil.
• Mesoestetic Pollution Defense Ampoules, 10 x 2ml (RRP £60.00): Long-lasting hydration with Niacinamide & Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid.
• Votary Rose Geranium Cleansing Oil, 100ml (RRP £45): Made with nourishing, 100% natural Apricot and Jojoba pure plant oils.
• Weleda Firming Pomegranate Eye Cream, 10ml (RRP £30.50): Organically-grown pomegranate & golden millet aids cell regeneration.
• Unlike Daily Cream, 30ml (RRP £34.99): Contains natural antioxidants and vitamins to calm your senses.
• Proto-col Pure Collagen Capsules, 2500mg (120) (RRP £34.95): Clinically proven to help improve skin elasticity as well as reduce wrinkles.
• Image Skincare Hydrogel Mask (RRP £9.99): A potent blend of botanicals, peptides and antioxidants to rejuvenate skin.
• Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF30, 4.8g (RRP £8): Formulated with Shea Butter, Argan Oil and Vitamin E to nourish lips.

I was absolutely blown away when I saw the contents of the skincare box, and when I read the enclosed card showing what products are inside the box, and how much each product retails at, I was seriously impressed. Beauty boxes I have had in the past have mostly (not all) included one full size product and then a couple of travel sized products, plus lots of samples that can only be used once. The All About You box is packed with full size products from great brands. 

The contents of the box add up to £415.43 so the price of £129.99 is fantastic, and there are products in the box that I have wanted to try for a while such as the Votary cleansing oil, Oskia serum and Weleda eye cream, so I was really pleased to see those inside the box, but all the products sound brilliant and I am looking forward to trying everything out. 

Usually I like to use everything I am sent to feature in my Christmas gift guides so I can let you know my thoughts, but with skincare it's a little harder as I like to use skincare products for a few weeks before I can let you know what I think and if the product performs well and gives the results it claims to. I can't try a skincare product for a couple of weeks and say if it's worked for me or not, so I am going to be writing separate reviews of the products included in the box as and when I have tried them for long enough, so if there is a product or products you would like to see a review of please keep an eye out on my blog. 

Overall Thoughts

I honestly cannot recommend this box enough, the value for money is excellent, and the products inside all look and sound amazing too. If you don't like the sound of everything in the box, but do like some of the products, you could maybe split the cost of the box with someone you know and share the products out between yourselves, then you can both try the products you want to at a more affordable price. 

If you would like to try the All About You limited edition skincare box, you can find it on the Face The Future website HERE for £129.99 (box worth £415.43).

Do you like beauty boxes? And are you a skincare lover? If so, which products would you like to try from the box?