GlamGlow BubbleSheet Mask

by lovesandluxuriesJanuary 22, 2018

If you haven’t already heard of GlamGlow, let me fill you in.

Glam Glow was designed specifically for A Listers who were in need of a product that would make them instantly camera ready. It was soon used by most of Hollywood and eventually was available for retail in 2011. Their Super Mud treatment became a success in retail and earned plenty of beauty awards. GlamGlow have continued to grow their brand adding more treatments which has had just as much success.

When this first popped up on GlamGlow Instagram account I couldn’t wait to try it. A quick and easy sheet mask promising to detox my face in 3 mins… Take my money!

As tempting as it is to try their other new products I really have enough to get through at the moment. Beside, every purchase comes with 2 free samples so that’s enough to keep my skincare addiction going for now.

So what is this new bubblesheet?

oxygenating deep cleanse mask with green tea works to reveal glowing, deeply purified skin in just three minutes. Upon application, this bamboo charcoal-infused sheet mask activates an oxygenating and tingling 3D bubbling experience that instantly invigorates, detoxifies, and removes face makeup.

So the instructions are to dampen face then apply, smoothing it down. Leave for about 3 mins. After you have removed the mask, massage in the remaining bubbles. Rinse and pat dry face. Easy enough.

The mask was a little tingly while it was on. Not uncomfortable and its not like its on long. There wasn’t really a smell to it. Its a creamy foam texture so was nice to massage in. Its a quick and easy face detox with no mess.

My face feels like its had a good clean. I wouldn’t say it was glowing but I do think it would be really good for oily skin types as my skin feels a bit matte. I would still use a moisturiser as my skin is a bit dehydrated generally – just not straight away. Maybe leave for about 20mins to breath a little. If your wanting to apply make up make sure you use a primer. Im sure it will give you a nice smooth base to apply products too.

For £7 its not a terrible price. Im not sure I love it enough for it to become an essential part of my skincare routine every week but, its something I would use again. Its one of my favourite detoxifying sheet mask’s. And I have used a few…

The Ordinary

by lovesandluxuriesJanuary 14, 2018

The Ordinary are part of a larger company, Deciem- Focusing on advanced functional beauty. The brand come together to create effective, honest skincare at honourable prices. Their prices start at £3.90 for a primer and go up to around £15 – something for everyone’s budget.

They first become popular with the launch of their Retinoids, mainly because of it’s price £4.20 – £11.90 for 30ml . They quickly sold out and left many beauty addicts desperate to get their hands on some. But the brand took it in their stride, completed the ever increasing pre-orders and continued to increase their brand.

They don’t waste their time and money on fancy sounding additives to make it smell nice or useless ingredients to maker it sound more innovative. They continue to believe in CLINICAL FORMULATIONS WITH INTEGRITY meaning, they produce affordable, proven skincare with honest chemistry proven to work.

On each page on their site they clearly display whats not in it ie no Parabens no Silicone etc complete transparency with their ingredients and cost’s. They also do not test on animals. Which, is why they do not sell in china as sadly in order to qualify for selling they insist on their own testing which involves testing on animals. – good on you Deciem!

A quick run down of the products I have been using

100% Plant Derived Squalane

£5.90

30ml

Is a non – comedogenic hydrator suitable for all skin types.

For me this was the first product I had used. I liked everything about it. Since the first time using it my skin was instantly more hydrated. No dry itchy, flakey skin, just healthy, glowing skin. It is easily absorbed into skin so doesn’t feel too greasy. I was a little concerned about my make up slipping but with a primer I found it was no problem at all.

Its also the only thing I really use on my hair. It helps to protect hair from heat and breakage, making it super soft and shiny. I will be honest.. I Don’t really use it on my face as much now, If I do, its more likely to be in the evening but that really is as I am now using the Hyaluronic Acid

Caffeine Solution 5% +EGCG

5.80

30ml

I have not stopped using this since I got it. Both AM and PM I honestly think it reduces under eye puffiness. Its no miracle cure and it doesn’t do much for the darkness under eye but concealer can fix that.

You only need 1 drop under each eye and is quickly absorbed into skin. For 30 ml this will last a long time

Argireline Soluition 10%

£5.50

30ml

Light weight serum to ease fine lines on forehead and around eyes. Apply a couple of drops both AM and PM. So I find this works OK. Its not my fav product from the ordinary but I do still continue to use it.. Maybe I need to be using it longer to see more results. I paid £5.50 and based on my experience of their other products I am more then happy to continue to use it. If this is something you are using let me know what you think.

Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5

£5.90

30ml

I wrote bout this amazing little product in my last blog post What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Lactic Acid 5%+HA

£5.50

30ml

For very mild exfoliation. But, not to be used on sensitive or peeling skin. The Ordinary suggest you don’t use indirect forms of skin exfoliation while using this product.

You use it daily, ideally at night as it can leave skin UV sensitive due to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid – limit sun exposure for a week after using. Which can make it ideal for winter skincare routine. You can add it to other skin care until skin builds a tolerance.

So if i’m honest, I have only used this once. I really didn’t like the smell of it. Although I don’t think it would put me off from using it , I just haven’t fully committed to it as I still continue to use other exfoliating products. Will keep you updated when I do decide to try it.

High Adherence Silicone Primer

£3.90

30ml

This essential uses advanced adaptive silicones to act as a matte, hydrating, blurring primer for makeup that looks higher in definition and adheres for longer.

I have not used another primer since. It feels lovely to put on and instantly smooths and blurs. £3.90 is so cheap, you can afford to try it without it making a dent in your bank balance. I don’t really have anything else to say except YOU NEED TO TRY THIS… did I mention the price!

Niacinamide 10%+Zinc 1%

£5

30ml

High strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula. This is not going to magically make your acne disappear but what it will do is maintain skin to help with congestion and help to balance skins sebum. As soon as you use it skin instantly becomes matte.

I think generally my skin has been looking clearer and brighter since using The Ordinary products. If you find you have oily skin this is going to be the product for you. I don’t use it every day now, probably every other day as my skin is more dehydrated then congested.

As I mentioned earlier. My skin has been looking better since using these products. They are a little hard to understand initially but the site does have a Regime guide so its worth spending a few moments looking at it to see what your skin would benefit from. I also have seen great customer service on their social media accounts. Any questions posted quickly come with a educational response from the company. Any question, head to their Instagram page and comment.

Have you used any of the products and what do you think?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

by lovesandluxuriesJanuary 7, 2018January 7, 2018

No doubt this is a question you have been asking for a while now as it is being used in more skincare products and its doing the rounds on social media. But What is it? What does it do? and should you be using it?

I will keep it short but, Firstly, its not as scary as it sounds. I think the word acid makes it a little daunting. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a substance found naturally in our bodies. It has mainly be used to help skin heal from wounds, burns and skin ulcers. However the beauty industry quickly adopted it and starting using it as lip fillers. Now its integrating its way into our daily skincare routine.

It is claimed it can help fight signs of aging – over time fine lines and wrinkles will become less visable. Skin is said to be more hydrated, plumper and youthful.

Many products claim to help with hydration but they are usually made with less then 1% HA and the molecule its self is too large to be absorbed into the skin. Rather then hydrating and working its magic, the product is just sitting on the surface of the skin and drawing out the moisture.

So, to sum it up, HA is a product that will hydrate and plum up skin. It is very much worth adding as part of your skincare but you really do need to find a good one

I would 100% recommend

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5

£5.90

30ml

This Formula uses three forms of HA with crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration & visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin

Look at the price again £5.90 – and delivers results. Its very concentrated so you only need 1-2 drops. Use in the morning and evening before heavier creams. Or, add to other formulations or water.

It is a little tacky when you first apply but don’t worry. Its absorbs into the skin after a few mins and leaves your skin soft, plump and brighter. Since I have been using this I have noticed how much more hydrated my skin is. It doesn’t feel tight and itchy like it normally does and I haven’t had any dry flakey skin patches on my nose or cheeks. If i’m honest I haven’t noticed much difference in my fine lines. But I will be paying more attention so, fingers crossed

Its alcohol,oil, silicone, nut and cruelty free. And, suitable for vegans.

I cant say enough good things about this company and their products but don’t worry, that will all be in the next blog post. But this is a great place to start with The Ordinary products or just a new updated addition to your daily skincare routine.

Lush Cosmetics Review

by lovesandluxuriesSeptember 10, 2017September 12, 2017

Its not easy to resist going in lush when you walk past. well, that is unless you are coughing uncontrollably fighting for breath before you even see the shop sign. I am one of those people who can’t resist. It’s crammed full of natural, cruelty free handmade cosmetics for every part of your body from your scalp to your feet. The staff are super friendly and full of knowledge. The only problem I have is deciding what to get.

I love love love the fresh face masks and have done a blog on them before (use this link to read it.) so, this time I wanted to try a few different products. After god knows how long smelling and testing everything this is what I got …

Jason And The Argan Oil Shampoo Bar

£6.95

Argan Oil – Repairing and Antioxidant

Organic Rose – Balancing and Restoring

Sicilian Lemon Oil – Uplifting and Cleansing

Geranium Oil – Balancing and Toning

As soon as the lush lady said it had rose in it I was sold, It smells amazing. She continued to promise it would strengthen and add shine to my hair but if im honest I decided I would love it just for the smell.

So the idea with bars are you can either lather up in your hands then apply to hair or just use the bar straight on the scalp. They are a little like soap bars. You want to keep them dry after use though. The water kind of activates them so the water will eat away at the bar. I got one of the lush tins to keep it in (£2.50) Not only to keep it dry but to keep it clean and is perfect for if your travelling.

I found the best way to use it was in the shower. I would soak my hair then turn the shower off and use the bar. It foams up quickly and smells amazing!! After a good scrub, I put the bar back in the tin and rinsed off. If you have short hair you could use the bar straight on your scalp. For longer hair I would recommend lathering up on your hands then using on roots and ends. You are causing less friction which helps to prevent breakage.

I have a dry scalp and find a lot of products can dry my skin out even more , making it feel tight and itchy. I found with this shampoo bar my scalp didn’t feel tight or itchy at all. My hair felt amazing when I was drying it off. silky soft shiny hair. It felt really clean and I have noticed since using this shampoo bar my hair can go an extra day without washing it! The only down side was I couldn’t really smell it on my hair after. Other then that I really like this. Would I buy it again? Im really not sure if im honest. Not that I didn’t like it, I just like to try other products. But I would definitely recommend it. Looking forwards to trying the other Lush shampoo bars.

Seanik Shampoo Bar

£6.25

Nori Seaweed – Nutrient Rich

Iris Moss Gel – Softening and Soothing

Lemon Oil – Cleansing and Uplifting

Fine Sea Salt – Mineral Rich

So.. I didn’t buy this for me. Just as well because my scalp HATED it. It was itchy straight after I washed it. One tiny little scratch and my hairline looked like a snow storm. Back in the shower…

But as I said I didn’t buy it for me. The lady in the shop recommended it for Dreadlocks. Well, you have to get your other half something right? It helps to soften the blow when you tell them how much you spent.

He prefers natural, organic products that don’t leave any residue. We’ve ticked all those boxes by just buying from Lush. He used the bar straight on his scalp and a little down the length on the dreads, Good scrub and a long, long rinse.

The first thing we both noticed was how clear and hydrated his scalp was! It had already made a difference. His hair was fresh and clean without any sticky residue left on the dreads. What else is there to say. I hated it, he LOVED it!

Damaged Hot Oil Treatment

£6.50

Organic Avocado – Rich and Conditioning

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Moisturising and Protecting

So who hasn’t damaged their hair through excessive bleaching and use of heat with straighteners and tongs. My hair really does need all the help it can get. This treatment promises to moisturise and help to strengthen.

Its a one use pre-shampoo product that you need to activate with water. All you need to do is add hot water and stir.

Wait for it to cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to dry hair.

After about 20 mins shampoo and condition hair. I didn’t use all the product so I put the lid on and it will keep for up to 4 weeks.

It was really easy to rinse out of my hair. I noticed while I was drying it how soft it was. It was a lot less tangled on my more damaged bits of hair then it is usually is.

My hair felt Amazing.. I could not stop touching it all day. It had a faint smell to it and was super soft and shiny.. soo shiny. My scalp feels good. Its not tight and itchy. Even after a few washes it felt really soft.

I really liked this. I would get it again and use after I have had it coloured. Cant wait to try their other treatments

Foot Soak And Fancy Free

£3.95

Sea Salt – Rich in Minerals

Irish Moss Powder – Conditioning and Softening.

French Lavender oil – Calming and softening.

There is nothing worse then wearing pretty shoes that show hard skin build up on your heels. I hate it. So its essential you have regular pedicures to keep feet looking their best.

Find a bowl that will fit both your feet in then add water. You want the water to be at a temperature you can relax in. Find a good vlog/programme you can watch then add the foot soak. I broke it up so it would dissolve quicker.

Its definitely relaxing. Perfect excuse to do nothing.

After about 5 mins take out one foot at a time and use a foot file on areas that need it. Put feet back in for as long as the water is warm. Once finished pat feet dry.

My feet are so soft! Im not saying its going to magically remove your hard skin build up but it will help by softening the skin making it easier to remove.

Its a good product for a bit of home pampering and it does everything it promises. I wouldn’t say it would be a new essential to my beauty treatment collection but well worth trying.

Golden Handshake Hand Treatment

£2.95

Organic Avocado – Rich and Conditioning

Rosewood Oil – Anti septic and Up Lifting

Murumuru Butter – Protective and Moisturising

Argan Oil – Repairing and a Antioxident

This is another water activated treatment product. Designed to hydrated dry, hard working hands. I don’t really look after my hands. so they could do with a little pampering.

Find a bowl big enough to fit both hands, add enough hot water to cover the product and stir until its a smooth, thick and creamy consistency. Like with the other products wait until its cooled to a comfortable temperature then sit back and relax…

Before you rinse off massage into hands.

My hands felt lovely and soft and stayed like it for a few days.

So This was my least favourite product. It was nice enough and my hands did feel lovely but, Im just not sure its a product I would use again.

Bunny Moon – Jelly face mask

£6.95

Honey – Antiseptic and Moisturising

Rose oil – To Balance and Restore

As I mentioned before I love the fresh face masks So im really looking forward to trying one of the jelly masks. I picked bunny moon as this one softens and moisturises.

Take a little product and work a little with your fingers to a paste. Apply to face and leave for 10 mins.

The first time I used this I wet my hands first. BIG mistake!

Its got a nice subtle smell of Turkish delight. Once you’ve worked it a little it becomes a smooth thick paste which is easy to apply. Because its a thick paste you need a face cloth to take it off with.

My face is really soft and hydrated. This is really good for dehydrated skin. My dry, patches of skin on my cheeks and nose have gone. I use it a least once a week and the patches havn’t come back since. I wouldn’t say its my favourite Lush mask but there are so many . Just not sure which one to try next…

So thats what I thought. Any recomendations? let me know if you’ve tried any and what you think of them

Loves and Luxuries

beauty product reviews

GlamGlow BubbleSheet Mask

The Ordinary

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Lush Cosmetics Review