The Skincare Benefits of Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is an edible oil pressed from the fruit of an avocado (persea americana). And for those unsure of what an avocado is - it's that green fruit that likely dominates your IG feed. People really, really like it.

Avocado oil is a nutrient-packed, clinically-proven skin moisturiser and conditioner. It is packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, and D - plus the powerhouse antioxidants vitamin E and chlorophyll, which help mitigate skin damage and unwanted ageing. These antioxidants work together to collect and neutralise free radicals (AKA highly reactive molecules or unstable compounds that can destroy skin cells and DNA, leading to skin damage and unwanted ageing).

Review | Lush Beauty Sleep

Lush's Beauty Sleep is a face and body mask designed to calm the skin and deliver deep hydration.

The clay mask contains three key ingredients - flaxseed, honey, and coconut - which work together to hydrate, clarify, and protect the skin, whilst reducing inflammation, and improving barrier function. Ground Aduki Beans are included to gently exfoliate, while a dollop of Lush's much-loved Gorgeous moisturiser is added to provide nourishment.

Review | Ole Henriksen Phat Glow Facial

If there is one type of skincare product I love, it's the type that contains chemical exfoliators. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for physical exfoliators that scrub away all your skin sins, however chemical exfoliators are just less messy and much more convenient. These things may not seem to matter all that much, however speed is key when you work and look after a little one.

Review | Beached State of Hydrate

State of Hydrate is a new mask from Beached. It is designed for those with dehydrated skin... so I obviously had to review it (for those that don't know, my skin is forever thirsty). 

The (skin) Problem with Face Masks

Credit: Audere Beaute

News of face masks being made compulsory in shops, to fight coronavirus (COVID-19), has raised many questions. The one I'm hearing a lot is whether face masks can cause any skin problems. Luckily I got the opportunity to speak with Dr Tiina Meder - dermatologist, doctor, and founder of Meder Beauty Science - to get some the answers. Spoiler alert, wearing a face mask can cause breakouts, redness, and irritation...

Review | Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial

Biossance is a clean beauty brand that launched in the UK earlier this year. I recently got my hands on the brand's Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial to review. Spoiler alert... I love it.

Ingredients 101 | Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (aka the 'wonder plant'), is a short-stemmed shrub that produces two substances, gel and latex. It is cultivated all over the world, largely in the Caribbean and Southern USA.

Aloe vera has been used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century, thanks to its healing properties. It is also a popular skincare ingredient - named Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract - because it's able to treat a multitude of skin issues, ranging from dry skin to sunburn.

The Beauty Myth: Lemon Juice Lightens Skin

True. The humble lemon is one of nature's greatest ingredients and it has been employed cosmetically for centuries. It is packed with antioxidants, has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is high in Vitamin C. However it is the alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon juice that lighten and brighten the skin and hair. The alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon juice have mild exfoliative effects which gently peel off the upper layer of skin, removing or lightening some age spots.

Review: Lucia Magnani Retexturizing Radiance Mask

Earlier this year I got my hands on the new Lucia Magnani Retexturizing Radiance Mask and it was my first introduction to the luxury Italian skincare brand. The packaging is v. glam however, speaking honestly, my first thought was "this is some style over substance bullshit" however I was oh-so-wrong. This is some highly effective skincare.

Hydrate Like A Hero

Dehydration is a skin problem that most girls suffer with and it only gets worse in the summer months. Luckily there are ways of treating this bullshit, both inside and out...

Review: Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

The Promise: "This fast-acting, easy-to-remove masque rescues tired, lackluster or dull skin"

The Price: £38.00 / $46.00 75ml

The Stockist: liberty.co.uk / dermstore.com

The Application: The Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque applies surprisingly easily for a clay mask. It doubles as an exfoliator, so it feels a little gritty against the skin during application and even more so when it's being removed! It dries a few minutes after making contact with the skin and, once fully dried, skin is left frozen and tight in that classic clay mask way. However it doesn't crack, flake or feel anywhere near as uncomfortable as other clay masks; a big fucking bonus if you ask me.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Melting Mask Balm

The Promise: "Intensely nourishing, silky-smooth balm instantly melts into skin. Luxe, lightweight formula deeply conditions to restore comfort and radiance. Skin feels delightfully supple, soft".

The Price: £26.00 100ml

The Stockist: clinique.co.uk

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types but great for those with dry skin

The Application: The Moisture Surge Melting Mask Balm has a solid consistency that turns buttery smooth the second it comes into contact with the skin. Once melted, it applies quickly, gliding over the skin effortlessly. Unlike other masks, it absorbs into the skin almost completely and doesn't need to be rinsed off; you just remove any excess product with a tissue.

The Tuesday Tip: Toner Face Mask

If your skin is ever in desperate need of a pick-me-up but there is no face mask in sight, fear not! A toner and a few cotton pads make the perfect alternative!

All you need to do is tear four cotton pads apart into thin sheets and saturate them with your favourite toner. Then place the pads all over your face and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.

The Tuesday Tip: Facial Mist Mask

If your skin is in desperate need of a pick-me-up but there is no face mask in sight, fear not! You can always create a facial mist mask! All you need is a facial mist (or toner) and a few cotton pads!

To make your facial mist mask, just tear four cotton pads apart into thin sheets and saturate them with your favourite mist or toner. Then place the pads all over your face and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.

The Tuesday Tip: Achieve Maximum Benefits From A Face Mask

Whether my skin is dull, dehydrated or breaking out, I will raid my face mask drawer for a quick skin fix. Quality face masks are great at treating specific skin concerns, however did you know that a mask can be even more effective if the skin is prepped properly before use? Well it can, and exfoliation is key.

Angela Kell, a Skin Therapist from the Dermalogica Skin Centre in Soho, NYC, explains that exfoliating your skin before using a mask is essential, as it removes both the dirt and dead skin cells blocking your pores. Once your skin is fully unblocked, a face mask can properly get to work, penetrating the skin much deeper to help deliver maximum benefits.

One of my favourite exfoliators is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (£41.75 dermalogica.co.uk / $54.00 ULTA). It is a rice-based powder exfoliator that requires water to activate it. It is the perfect exfoliator to use before applying a face mask, as it deeply - but gently - cleanses the skin.

Weekly Worship: Dermalogica, Environ & Illuminum

Price: £100.00 / $150.00 100ml

Stockist: illuminumfragrance.com / amazon.com 

I am obsessed with fragrances. I own a million perfumes that I've collected over the years and I struggle to part with every one of them. Researching unique fragrance brands is one of my favourite pastimes and, up until recently, Illuminum was a brand that went undiscovered. It is a British fragrance brand that launched four years and is most famous for creating Kate Middleton's wedding day scent, White Gardenia Petal.

I recently got hold of the brand's Rajamusk scent and I have fallen in love with it. Containing the perfect blend of fruits and flowers, Rajamusk features top notes of pear blossom and redcurrant, middle notes of lily of the valley and violet petals and base notes of white patchouli and musk. The scent is weightless and feminine and contains a mixture of sweetness and spice.

Review: Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins™ Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask

The Promise: "This Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask helps restore translucency and diminishes the appearance of dark spots while you sleep. Skin awakens radiant and refreshed"

The Price: £48.00 / $74.40 75ml

The Stockist: Selfridges / feelunique.com

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin-types

The Key Ingredients: Rosa Roxburghii, Molasses, Mulberry and Vitamin C and Chestnut Seed Extract

The Application: The Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask has such a creamy and interesting texture, that it doesn't really feel like a mask at all, more like a moisturiser.

It has a medium, smooth consistency which glides on to the skin easily. I find myself using a little more product than I do with other masks because my skin absorbs it very quickly. Psychosomatic or not, I've always felt the need to have my skin slathered in a mask when I wear one.

When on the skin, this face mask feels weightless; it is easy to forgot you have it on. That's a great thing considering you don't actually remove this mask. I usually apply it an hour before bed and by this time the mask is fully absorbed, leaving absolutely no marks or stickiness on my pillow.

Now, a moment of silence for the scent. This face mask smells absolutely amazing; fresh, fruity and fabulous! I'm always five seconds away from eating it!

The Results: The results of this face mask are quite instant, showing themselves the next morning. Skin is softer and noticeably more radiant. Post-spot redness also gets lightened, making your spot history less obvious - hurrah!

Now, the results aren't permanent, they go by the following day. However due to the consistency of the product, you could get away with wearing this as a night cream every evening. Failing that you could apply it every other night, or just apply it the night before a special event.

The Pro: Feels weightless on the skin and makes skin instantly more radiant

The Con: The Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask is expensive, so it might not cater for everyone's budget

PR sample

Review: Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque

The Promise: "A gentle yet thorough deep-cleansing treatment that extracts impurities clogging the pores, to smooth and refresh the skin"

The Price: £27.00 / $39.00 60ml

The Stockist: aesop.com / Barneys

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin-types

The Key Ingredients: Parsley Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Kaolin Clay, Lavender and Evening Primrose

The Application: This face mask applies very easily. It has a medium creamy consistency that spreads easily across the skin. Like with many Aesop products, the Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque has a strong scent - mainly of lavender.

The mask is nude in colour when first applied however, as it dries, it turns light and ashy. The mask absorbs into some areas of the face quicker than others, indicating areas of dryness. Once fully absorbed, the face becomes stiff (as expected with any clay mask), however unlike other clay masks this one isn't uncomfortable to wear and doesn't crack or cause any mess. I leave it on for a minimum of 15 minutes, however if my skin is in need of some serious TLC, I may leave it on for an hour.

The mask can be removed easily, which is one of its many great qualities. When I use a muslin cloth, the mask wipes away quickly and cleanly, leaving no residue behind.

The Results: The Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque makes good on its promise. It cleanses the skin deeply without causing a breakout and, when I am suffering from a breakout, this bad boy calms the skin and reduces any swelling. It also cleanses the skin without drying it out or leaving it tight and uncomfortable, which is a huge benefit. Now, although this mask is designed for all skin-types, it is ideal for those with combination or blemish-prone skin.

It also does wonders for my complexion. When the mask is removed, my skin is noticeably brighter and softer. I love it!

The Pro: This mask is the perfect quick fix for treating tired and/or damaged skin

The Con: The scent is a little too powerful for me

PR sample

Ingredients 101: Dragon’s Blood

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Dragon's blood is a resin that is extracted from the Croton lechleri tree. It got the name dragon's blood because it is bright red in colour.

Location: Dragon's blood is sourced across the world, in many tropical and subtropical climates.

Beauty Benefits: Dragon's Blood is a powerful healing ingredient that has been used by various tribes for centuries. It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and contains healing properties that repair and protect the skin. It is able to help treat everything from cuts, bruises and burns, to eczema, rashes and acne.

In addition to repairing the skin, dragon's blood creates a protective shield that helps to prevent environmental damage. This antioxidant-rich ingredient also helps to fight ageing, through assisting in the formation of collagen and regenerating skin cells.

Warnings: Dragon's blood is safe to use topically. However, if you are pregnant, I would advise talking to your doctor before using it.

Found in: The Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Mask 50ml (£14.95 nipandfab.com / $29.00 ASOS). This is a hydrating gel mask that plumps and brightens the skin. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this miracle mask contains salicylic acid and TEGO Cosmo C250, which work together to exfoliate the skin and correct pigmentation.

Weekly Worship: Rituals, Shu Uemura and MasqueBar

Price: £19.50 / $29.00

Stockist: House of Fraser / us.rituals.com

The Rituals Hammam Secret Candle has quickly snatched the starring role in my weekday evenings routine - I light this little piece of heaven the second I get home. It combines refreshing eucalyptus with rosemary, which creates a relaxing and warming atmosphere. Oh, and the scent? Absolutely gorgeous!

The candle burns for 50 hours and the scent it produces is pretty powerful, filling the room long after it's been put out. The sooner Rituals make a three wick version of this the better!

Price: £20.00 / $20.00

Stockist: Selfridges / shuuemura-usa.com

Shu Uemura is the brand behind the world's most loved eyelash curler. Known simply as the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, this multi-award winning beauty tool takes lashes from flat to flutteringly fabulous in a matter of seconds.

Shu Uemura recently launched a limited edition version of the curler for Shupette, the brand's 2014 holiday collection. This new, limited edition curler is exactly the same as its predecessor, however it comes equipped with a cute Choupette charm - hello collector's item!

Now I cannot stress this enough, the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is just  amazing. It is super easy to use, grabs on to all of your lashes in one go and, unlike some curlers out there, does not pinch the skin or damage the lashes in any way.

Price: £9.99 / $9.99

Stockist: Boots / Target

MasqueBar is a Korean face mask brand that recently launched in the UK. I've been trying (and loving!) the Anti-Wrinkle Sheet Mask, which comes in a pack of three. It is almost identical to those luxury face mask sheets sold by the likes of SK-II, however this one is much  more affordable.

The mask feels cold on the skin when first applied, which provides a lovely refreshing sensation. It stays on the face relatively well and even when it's removed, a lot of product remains on skin. I always rub this excess in for added omph!

Now speaking honestly, this mask doesn't work anti-ageing miracles. However it does deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it plump and free of some fine lines. Whether it is a serious anti-ageing product or not, I really love it. It feels amazing on the skin, it's affordable and it deeply hydrates the skin. What's not to love?