What The f**k Are Peptides?

In super simple terms, peptides are small chains of amino acids - the building blocks of the proteins within your skin. Peptides are present in every living cell and they play a crucial role in the physiological and biochemical functions of life.

The Beauty Myth: Toning Is The Second Step In Cleansing

False. This myth is so common that some of y'all may not believe it's a whole bunch of bullshit. Many people believe that toners are intended for removing any dirt left behind after cleansing. But let me be clear, there should never be any dirt or makeup left behind after cleansing. If there is, you better get your ass back in the bathroom and cleanse some more.

Review: Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil

The Promise: "Superstar contains a superior blend of organic oils that reduce pore size, target fine lines and even out your skin tone and texture"

The Price: £63.00 / $110.00 30ml

The Stockist: pestleandmortar.com/uk / pestleandmortar.com/us

The Application: Before I go into Superstar's application, it's important I give you a little background info on this bad boy. Its hero ingredient is HydroxyPinacolone Retinoate (HPR), the next generation of retinoid. HPR is a potent ester of retinoic acid that works similarly to prescriptive Tretinoin (Retin-A) but without the irritation. The powerful cell-communicating ingredient is formulated with Retinyl Palmitate to supercharge its beauty benefits.

Review: Pestle & Mortar Hydrate + Giveaway!

Promise: "Blended with a mixture of patented peptides, this anti-ageing cream dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Naturally moisturising ingredients, including jojoba and squalane will instantly make your skin softer and firmer while powerful antioxidants pomegranate, green tea and vitamin E help fight free radicals".

Price: £38.00 50ml

Stockist: pestleandmortarcosmetics.com

Application: Before I even get into applying the cream, I need to discuss Hydrate's amazing packaging. Pestle & Mortar's latest skin saviour comes in an airless container and is dispensed by pushing down on the top of it; clean and oh-so-simple. You only have to push the top down once to dispense the required amount of cream, no more and no less.

Ask TBI: Affordable Spa Breaks

Question: I have a friend's birthday coming up and would love to treat her to a spa break, however they are crazy expensive! Do you have any advice on how to do this on a budget? - Kelsey, Charlotte, NC.

Answer: A spa day itself is expensive, let alone a spa break! However there are many ways you can cut costs, so don't worry!

The first thing to do is avoid planning a weekend spa break, as spa breaks are always more expensive between Friday and Sunday. Weekly spa breaks are the most affordable.

The next thing to do is discount hunt. Sign up to sites like Groupon and Wowcher to receive regular emails about the latest spa break offers and discounts. You should also proactively look for discounts online, as sites like lastminute.com (UK) and spaweek.com (US) offer big discounts on both spa days and spa breaks nationwide. A great tip is to call spas directly; they are normally prepared to negotiate their rates, as booking customers directly avoids paying commission to booking agents or discount sites.

Ingredients 101: Hyaluronic Acid

Natural or Synthetic: Both

The Science: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that is found in humans and animals. It plays a key role in cushioning and lubricating the body and is abundant in the eyes, joints and heart valves. Babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid and that is why their skin is so plump and soft.

The Source: Hyaluronic acid is either extracted from rooster combs or made synthetically through bacterial fermentation.

Beauty Benefits: Now the fact that it has 'acid' in the name may make you think hyaluronic acid is harsh on skin, however this couldn't be further from the truth. Hyaluronic acid actually provides a large number of benefits to the skin. Hyaluronic acid's main benefit is its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water - making it one of the most powerful natural moisturising ingredients known to science. It is also popular for its ability to deeply penetrate the skin. In addition, when applied topically, hyaluronic acid improves elasticity, decreases wrinkles and helps to repair environmental damage.

Hyaluronic Acid is such a powerful ingredient that many people have hyaluronic acid injections. Hyaluronic acid injections - Restylane being the most popular - are a type of dermal filler administered by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to support facial structures and tissues that have lost volume or elasticity due to ageing. They also bring water to the surface of skin to keep it looking supple and fresh.

Warnings: Hyaluronic acid is safe to use topically

Found in: The Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum (£33.00 pestleandmortarcosmetics.com). This serum is a hydrating power house! It glides on the skin easily, absorbs incredibly quickly and, unlike some hyaluronic acid-based products, isn't at all sticky. It plumps and soothes the skin and does a great job at reducing fine lines.

News: Pestle & Mortar Launch In The UK

Pestle & Mortar is a new Irish beauty brand that, after massive success in the Emerald Isle, has finally landed in the UK.

Founded by Sonia Deasy in 2014, Pestle & Mortar was born out of the need for the finest quality, skin enhancing, affordable beauty and health products that are customised to work wonders for your skin.

Pestle & Mortar are launching to the UK with hero product Pure Hyaluronic Serum 30ml (£33.00 pestleandmortarcosmetics.com). This hyaluronic acid-packed serum has been proven to hydrate and soothe even the most sensitive skin, while also smoothing fine lines, boosting radiance and restoring youthful elasticity.

As you know, I am obsessed with products that contain hyaluronic acid, so I can't wait to get my hands on this hero hydrater!