REN PRODUCTS

The STAR- REN 

I have been wanting to try REN products for a long time now, but it does sway into the slightly pricey side of things. But hey we all need a little TLC on the skincare department time to time. What was better was that I actually invested in the travel pack range which gave me the best of both worlds.

REN believe in the 5 principles, and I like principles, I'm a principle type of girl. The 5 principles some up REN.

1. Right Science- "We aim to pioneer new ways of applying the latest discoveries in bio active technology to produce groundbreaking formulations that are Clean, effective and a joy to use"

2. Right product experiences - "We believe gorgeous skincare can just make the world a slightly nicer place to be and make us feel a little nicer being here"

3. Right environmental impact - "minimise our use of the world’s limited natural resources...donate a minimum of 2.5% of our profits to campaigns that promote a better environment and a better life for those less fortunate than ourselves"

4. Right attitude - "believe we reap what we sow"

5. Right ingredients - "Clean Products that are free from skin-unfriendly ingredients including: Synthetic fragrance, pore-blocking petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, animal ingredients and parabens..."

REN have there own blog which gives you a good inkling of there new  UPCOMING SOON products and have a super fab website too. 

My experience of REN was an extremely pleasant one. I purchased a REN Sensitive Kit from John Lewis at about £13.00 for 4 different skincare products. You can also purchase different kits to suit your skin type, other kits that are available include - Combination Skin Kit and Normal Skin Kit. In the sensitive kit I received a Hydra-Calm Cleansing Gel (25ml), Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream (15ml), Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum (10ml) and a F10 Smooth and Renew Peel Mask (15ml). The Cleansing gel felt absolutely amazing on the skin and smelt fresh and revitalizing and all those amazing things you feel. I was able to get really good use out of this because it seemed to have lasted a much longer time then I had expected. Out of the entire kit this was by far my most loved product and I will defo be buying the larger version. I however do need to mention the serum and face mask. I was not a great fan and hence why there still have not run out. But I will be given them another go because I felt I have not used them enough to give them the official thumbs down. 

Please believe me when I say if you have not used REN products or experienced there joy then go out and try it and you don't even have an excuse now because you can by the kit (CHEAP AND CHEERFUL) :)

Also on the REN website there do free UK delivery with orders over £15 and a free sample, valid until the 30th of September so be quick!! 

♥
Karin 

  

Botanics THE POWER OF PLANTS 

Botanics All Bright Gentle Cleansing Cream, 250ml - £3.99

Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner, 250ml - £3.99

When it comes to cleansing and toning I am the most laziest creature and then I complain about how horrendous my skin is, but in actual fact my skin is actually pretty well behaved.  However I am determined to change. My latest choice has been Boots Botanics. I know that Botanics have changed there package and I much prefer the look too, the packaging and has done the product justice. 

Botanics have a really large range of products that include facial skincare, hair, bath and body, aromatherapy and even a men's selection woohoo. In there skincare specifically there have six ranges as follows;

 ALL BRIGHT- which brightens all skin types 

RADIANT YOUTH- provides protection for all skin types 

ORGANIC- which nourishes all skin types 

ULTRA CALM- soothes sensitive skin 

SHINE AWAY- which mattifies oily skin

HANDS & BODY- enhances intensive moisture 

Because I have been having really dull skin I selected the ALL BRIGHT range. It's not an organic product, so the ingredients are not highly condemning, but the product have been kind to my skin. Both the cleanser and toner were such a joy on my skin that I would invite them back any day. It has a refreshing scent that isn't too over powering and just really feels amazing on my skin. My skin defo feels cleansed. All I need is to sweep over my face and neck using cotton wool and wipe away gently. This is certainly made me feel more confident about the outcomes of cleansing and toning and most definitely a favorite product in my skincare routine so far. 

Happy Days 

  

♥

Karin

Organix Moroccon Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been trying to look for a new shampoo and conditioner to fulfill the miracle hair effect. For a long while now there has been a big rave up for moroccon argon oil. Argon oil is a moisturizing oil that is beneficial for flaking of the skin and nourishing of the hair. Great, exactly what I need. I just did not want to spend a fortune on something I wasn't certain that would work so I naturally opted for the cheap and cheerful option. I purchased Organix Moroccon Oil Shampoo 385ml for £6.99 and Conditioner 385ml for £6.99 from Boots. 

"unique precious blend of Moroccon oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while helping to strengthen and create soft, seductive, silky perfection"

It has a sweet scent that is pleasant and not to over powering (I personally get slightly agitated with really strong scents). The bottle of shampoo lasted me 6-7 washes which I was pleased with because the bottle looked really small. I enjoyed using the brand Organix it left my hair feeling really light and smooth immediately after the wash. However because of my hair type which is very tough, dry and pretty damaged it did not work well for my hair type. After a whole month of using it i still remained to feel that my hair was dry and not so nourished...so unfortunately I'm still searching for my miracle shampoo. 

What do you use? Any recommendations for my awkward hair? 

Karin 

Dr.Stuart's Extraordinary Good Teas - Skin Purify naturally caffeine free tea 

I love herbal Tea, that may sound slightly grandma-ish but its true. My everyday tea that I often grab for is usually Green Tea. 

I was browsing around and fancied the look of Dr.Stuart's Extraordinary tea and the large header "SKIN PURIFY". I've got pretty bad skin which is still on a recovery so I thought I'd give it go. I brought mine from Being Content online, however I'm pretty sure you can purchase it from supermarkets like Waitrose for instance. Brought for £2.09 for 15 tea bags.  

"This beautifying herbal infusion includes red clover, nettle leaves and dandelion leaves with a natural lemon flavour, to purify and soothe your skin. Great for those prone to acne or monthly spots."

I've been drinking it now a couple of days and I honestly am seriously impressed. My skin has actually improved and is clearing out. My skin may have improved due to other factors thou, but I would like to think that the tea has helped. 

Other flavours or medicinal effects are as follows;

Detox Tea

Tranquility Tea

Slim Plus Tea

Liver detox Herbal tea 

♥

Karin 

ESSIE VIRGINITY BROKEN 

I got trapped in Boots and the hype of Essie (a leading professional nail colour brand). Kid you not but I was there for ages the colour range in boots was so diverse. I came out with a pretty pink colour, STATUS SYMBOL 26. After using it I understand why its such a popular nail brand. The brush was wide and easy to use and the drying time was quick which was impressive. I will surely be buying more to add to my collection :) 
I would like to check out   a few colours from the new Essie collection, Mirror Metallics which has recently been launched. 

 I top coated my nails with Sally Hansen's Anti-Chip Top Coat- just to last a little longer 

I purchased it from Boots at £7.99 for 13.5ml, which was slightly pricey compared to the other nail colour brands but it was something that I personally wanted to try out.  

Have you tried Essie nail colours? What do you think? Any particular nail colors that you recommend?

Please leave a comment below :)

♥

Karin

LUSH- HIT & MISS

Just a few pieces from LUSH that I have been trying out over the past month. I had a horrible breakout of rashes on the face caused by several factors, one my parents decided to renovate the house which is involving several broken walls and plenty of dust and second I'm still recovering from the stress levels of my exams and slowly but surely breaking away from the bad eating habits. Not only that but i feel as though this year its taking my skin longer to adjust to the weather change. I'm not rolling in the money so i needed to be slightly wise. I popped into Lush before work and thought I would pick a few miracles. 

1) OatiFix Fresh Face Mask- for dry skin

£5.75/75g
I have extremely dry skin and when I saw "dry skin" on the packaging I jumped at it. The main ingredients oatmeal is beneficial in the following forms;

• contains anti-inflammatory properties
• suitable for most skin types and sensitive skin
• contains cleansing agents-
• provides moisture
• helps remove dead skin cells
• can help with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea and rashes 
• help relieve symptoms of skin ageing  

I have used this Face Mask on two occasions now, and have not finished the tub and I will not be jumping with excitement again. When applying on the face I didn't feel glamorous, it has a grain like texture, its cold on the face which is fairly normal, however it has to be said it smells lovely of almonds and vanilla. It was easy to wash of the face however it didn't leave my face feeling brilliant it started reacting with my skin. So i won't be purchasing it again. However this hasn't put me off Lush I would like to try the Love lettuce. If you have tried  the love lettuce Face Mask leave a comment. 

2) Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion 
I have had this dream cream for a while now and i have just neglected it and not given the glory that it deserves. It has a pretty strong smell but i love it. I have been applying it after coming out of the shower been using when i have dry skin during the day too. Truly and honestly it is a "life partner to sensitive skin". It contains ingredients like rose water, oat milk, tea tree oil and lavender oil, all my favourite in one really. Highly recommended and I will be buying it again. 

3) Breath of Fresh Air- Toner Water 

£3.75/100g
I watched a video by essie from essiebutton and she recommended the Eau Roma Water toner. I thought I would check it out and kinda preferred the sound of the Breath of Fresh Air. Its so fresh and gives you a right little boost. I spray it on my face and remove the excess with a cotton pad in the morning and a night and then apply a moisturizer. My skin doesn't feel awkward or tight or even sore it just feels fresh.  I was frightened that it would dry out my skin but surprise surprise it didn't do that either. Its a good toner for normal/dry skin and sensitive skin. 

4) Grease Lightening- spot treatment 

£5.65/45g
Its been great for my spots and out bursts. It wasn't a miracle overnight but it does work and it didn't react with my skin unlike other spot treatments. However i would like to try out the Origins super spot remover which is more expensive thou. 

Have you guys tried any of these Lush products? Whats your favourite Lush products?
♥
Karin

Strawberry Summer Face Mask SUPER EASY TO MAKE 

When I think of summer I think of all these beautiful and delicious fruits that I usually neglect during the winter but when it comes to summer I just tend to gobble them up. But this summer I have been also applying it on my face, yes you heard it right, ON THE FACE :/ 

As much as I love THE BODY SHOP, I thought if Body Shop can do it then so can I. So I set a task to make a beautiful smelling and hopefully looking, Strawberry Summer Face Mask. 

The Strawberry face mask would be beneficial for people who have acne because strawberries contain Salicylic Acid. Salicyclic Acid is commonly found in a range of acne treatments and applications. This doesn't imply that this face mask has the same outcome on the skin or that it will completely heal acne. Yogurt the other ingredient found in the face mask contains cooling properties and therefore makes it ideal for the warm summers. Yogurt is also inexpensive and favorable for those who are sun burnt. This face mask is suitable for all skin types, however is you are allergic to any of the two ingredients then it is strongly not advised. Please, please try the face mask on a small section on your skin before trying it out on your face if you have sensitive skin.  

INGREDIENTS;

3 average size strawberries (juicy ones are better :)) 

1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream

EQUIPMENT:

Blender or a fork 

Good sized bowl 

Container 

Knife

old make up brush or cotton pad  

Labels or tags and a pen

INSTRUCTIONS:

step 1 Take 3 average sized strawberries, wash and cut them up, put into a clean blender or bowl ready to mix







step 2 Measure out 1/4 cup of yogurt or sour cream and add to the strawberries 

step 3 Mix the two ingredients together using a fork or blender 

step 4 The face mask is ready to use, apply on face for 10-15 minutes with an old make up brush or a cotton pad and then wash off

step 5 Once you have applied the face mask, you can put the remainder of the mask into a container, you may wish to put a label or tag on the container mentioning the date you made it and what it is, then place in fridge and use within two days. 

If you love a strawberry scent, then try out the strawberry body butter from The Body Shop or the strawberry body shower. The Body Shop have also brought out a new beautifying oil in many different scents including strawberry. 

Try it out, and tell me about your experience. What face masks do you use? I'm open to all suggestions, love to here from you. 

♥

Karin