The Skincare Benefits of CBD

CBD (also referred to as cannabidiol) is a naturally-occurring chemical compound found in cannabis plants. It's one of the two primary active ingredients of cannabis, the other one being THC (the chemical that gets you high!). In recent years it has become a popular skincare ingredient due to its many skincare benefits.

News | Paula's Choice Launch 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

The Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum has landed in the UK.

Review | VOTARY Night Star Serum

The new VOTARY Night Star Serum is more than just a cute addition to your well-curated beauty shelf. It is clinically proven to elevate hydration levels by 19% and diminish wrinkles by a noteworthy 12% in just six weeks. The serum boasts an advanced Meta Active Complex - a trifecta that comprises three brightening, nine age-defying, and 12 hydrating ingredients, meticulously engineered to rejuvenate skin from the inside out.

Review | Teoxane RHA® Vit C Serum

Teoxane has always been a firm favourite amongst skincare obsessives, so I was excited to try the cosmeceutical brand's new RHA Vit C Serum.

What The F**k is Glycerin?

Glycerin is a hugely popular skincare ingredient that is found in almost too many beauty products to mention. It is a colourless and odourless substance that is typically derived from vegetable oils and animal fats (it can also be synthetically produced). Its benefit? This unassuming ingredient is a powerhouse in maintaining skin's moisture levels.

Beauty Myth | Drinking Water Hydrates Skin

Although it may shock you, the idea that drinking water hydrates the skin is completely false! There is absolutely no medical or scientific evidence to suggest that drinking water directly hydrates the skin. Now drinking water is incredibly important for overall health, so keep sipping! Just don't be fooled into thinking any of those eight glasses a day are going straight to your skin.

Best New Serums of 2023

Serums make up a huge part of my skincare obsession. They have a light, fluid texture that enables them to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum benefit. It's why they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, acids, peptides, and vitamins.

Luckily for all us serum addicts out there, 2023 has delivered a number of serum launches (and it's only March!). Here are my top picks...

Review | Dr. Levy Intense Stem Cell Booster Serum

Dr. Levy Switzerland’s Intense Stem Cell Booster Serum is an anti-aging powerhouse designed to firm, plump, and hydrate the skin, whilst also improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Review | Wishful Thirst Trap Juice Serum

Wishful's Thirst Trap Juice is a highly hydrating serum that was born from the brand's already popular Cocoon Mask.

Review | Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Collection

Murad has just released the new and improved Retinol Youth Renewal Collection, which is great news for those seeking eternal looking youth, without the need for injectables...

Review: Murad Revitalixir™ Recovery Serum

When it comes to skincare products, if I see the world 'recovery' imma be interested. Skin health is always a top priority and, now spring is in full effect, if I want to go makeup free, I need a little complexion confidence.

Sadly, there are too many things that effect skin health; sun exposure, hormones, pollution, weather, aesthetic treatments, and (always surprisingly) stress. So I believe that having a few skin healers in your beauty cabinet couldn't be more important. One of the newest(ish) on the market is the Murad Revitalixir™ Recovery Serum...

What The F*** Is Bakuchiol?!

You may have heard of bakuchiol. Dubbed the natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is a relatively new compound that has fast become the new star in skincare...

Got wood!? A skincare ingredient that'll get you going...

For years we’ve looked to plants to protect, repair, and improve our skin – utilising flowers, leaves, and fruits for their various beauty benefits. But there is one part of a plant that rarely gets the attention it deserves… bark.

What The f**k Are Probiotics?

In super simple terms, probiotics are strains of friendly bacteria that are naturally found in the body. Although probiotics are found naturally, they are also found in certain foods and supplements. They are celebrated for their ability to maintain great gut health and a strong immune system. Now, you will often hear the word prebiotic alongside probiotics - making the whole thing even more confusing. However, prebiotics are just carbohydrates (mostly fibre) that feed probiotics, enabling them to go about their business and keep your body healthy AF. I will do a post on prebiotic skincare soon, don't worry, girl...

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.

Ask TBI: Looking After Oily But Dehydrated Skin

Question: Could you please recommend a skin care regime or even just a cleanser and moisturiser for oily but dehydrated skin? I have spent a small fortune searching for the right products without much luck! Some cleansers can be too harsh and some moisturisers too rich - Sinead.

Ask TBI: Dark Patches On My Face During Pregnancy

Question: I am four months pregnant and have just started developing dark patches under my eyes and around my mouth. What are they? How can I remove them? - Hannah, Belfast.

Answer: I think what you're describing is chloasma, a skin discolouration that is very common during pregnancy. The symptoms of chloasma are exactly as you described; patches of darkened skin that can appear on the face.

Review: Neomist Face Formula Cream-Serum

The Price: £135.00 50ml

The Stockist: Selfridges

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types

The Application: The Neomist Cream-Serum is formulated with argan oil, shea butter, wheat ceramides extracts and a revolutionary wpe® technology. Neomist's wpe® technology (water plant emulsion) is a patented micro-emulsion procedure that enables the highly concentrated active ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin - making their anti-ageing properties even more effective.

Review: Indeed Labs' Fillume Volumising Serum

The Promise: "Fillume volumising serum is a unique formula of 5 clinically proven peptides designed to work on the skin’s matrix, helping to improve the appearance of skin aging"

The Price: £29.99 30ml

The Stockist: Boots

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types

The Key Ingredients: Uplevity™, Matrixyl Synthe'6, Syn®-Hycan and PatcH20

The Application: Fillume has a thick, gel-like consistency with an ultra-smooth texture. It applies well, however absorbs so quickly that you have to do a speedy application to ensure an even application. Not only does it absorb almost instantly - which is amazing - it also feels soft on the skin with absolutely no tackiness or feeling of heaviness.

The Beauty Myth: Oil Should Not Be Used On Oily Skin

Verdict: False

The idea that oil is bad for oily skin is a complete myth. The absolute key to controlling oil is to use oil based products. This is a homeopathic approach whereby ‘like treats like’, therefore if you use products with a similar makeup to your own sebum, then you naturally produce less oils and your skin is healthier and more balanced. So, if you suffer from oily skin, give a face oil a try. I would recommend applying face oils in the evening if you're a little nervous about using them.

One of the best face oils available is the Perricone MD Chia Serum 30ml (£62.00 Selfridges / $75.00 Sephora). It is an antioxidant-rich face oil that is packed with - you guessed it - chia oil. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the skin cell membrane of the epidermis and improve the texture and quality of the skin. This has been my staple face oil for the past three months and I am absolutely obsessed. I don't know how my skin would cope without it!