Latest In Beauty - September 2020

I'm a little late with my review of the September selection and box review from Latest In Beauty but thankfully a few of the items are still available in the October selection (as I'm writing this post on the 10th October) so you may still be able to choose them for your October box. I'm very lucky to review the boxes each month but my opinions are my own. If you want a sneak peek of my blogger mail and upcoming posts, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Latest In Beauty - September 2020 

The September selection was the 'backstage beauty edit' and featured so many fantastic products. I opted for a few of the more unusual items for my box as well as a couple of everyday essentials. One of my favourites things about the Latest In Beauty boxes is the very wide range of products included, from toiletries and makeup to skincare, haircare, beauty tools and much more. They also always have a fantastic variety of brands to choose from such as higher end brands including: Molton Brown, Nars and Laura Mercier, to name a few. 

*KVD Tattoo Liner 

I'll start with my favourite product from the September selection, the KVD (Kat Von D) tattoo liner which is arguably the most famous and well loved product from the brand. I've tried the liner from a previous Latest In Beauty box and loved it so I had to choose it again as mine was finally drying out. The liner is incredibly black, long wearing and it has a thin tip so it is easy to create a sharp line and flick. I think it would be an amazing liquid liner for beginners especially as it is very quick and easy to use - I cannot recommend it enough! 

*Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Heat Protection Mist 

Next up a heat protection spray form Lee Stafford which is a brand I've continuously loved since my teens and I am still finding new products of theirs that I love. The heat protection mist can help to protect the hair from the damaging effects of heated tools up to 220 degrees celsius. It also contains coconut and agave essence to detangle, condition and nourish the hair. 

*Sunday Rain Watermelon and Acai Berry Soap Gem 

One of the more unusual products I chose was the cutest bar of soap from Sunday Rain. It not only looks like a gemstone or crystal but it also contains contains flecks of shimmer. The soap is cruelty free, vegan friendly, gluten free, sulphate free and it smells heavenly - what more could you ask for! The Sunday Rain soap as well as the Masque Bar sheet mask, reviewed below, are still on the Latest In Beauty selection. 

*Gold Collagen Vegan

I have wanted to try this famous collagen drink supplement for a while, as well as others like it, but unfortunately they all seem to contain fish (the ingredient they obtain the collagen from) so I haven't been able to try any...until now. When I noticed a vegan version of their collagen drink, I had to add it to my box immediately. The drink claims to help promote healthy skin and hair, support collagen formation and improve general wellbeing. The drink flavour itself is very sweet and fruity which I did like but I think it won't be to everyones taste. As I only tried one drink I didn't notice any effects but I am interested to see if long term use could have any noticeable benefits. 

*Masque Bar Rose Gold Foil Sheet Mask 

Since the beginning of the year I've fallen in love with sheet masks, especially Korean masks, so I'm always happy to try another. The mask contains soybean extract, mushroom extract and witch hazel water to nourish and hydrate the skin. I haven't been able to try the mask yet as it states to avoid using the mask on irritated skin or blemishes which I am annoyingly experiencing currently but I'll hopefully be able to use it soon. 

*Waken Mouthwash - Spearmint 

Last but not least is the most beautifully packaged mouthwash I've ever seen! Naturally I had to add it to my basket as I was not only out of mouthwash but I also couldn't pass up that packaging - I do fall for beautiful or minimal packaging unfortunately. The mouthwash doesn't contain alcohol so it is a much more gentle option. I find that most mouthwash brands I've tried are very strong so much so that it can burn or cause sensitivity but thankfully this one isn't overly minty or too strong for my sensitive teeth. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

Read More

Autumn Favourites ft. HD Mirrors

Autumn is my favourite season as it is filled with cosiness, candles, comfort food and of course, halloween! However, I also love autumn for the richer skincare I reach for, the makeup trends and the pre-christmas beauty sets. I've already switched up my skincare and makeup for the new season (which is something I do for each season) and I've rediscovered a few fantastic favourites. I've also found so many amazing new products that I've been very kindly sent over the past month or so that I wanted to review and recommend. 

*HD Mirrors - Malibu (£34.99)

The first product I'm loving and cannot recommend enough is my new makeup mirror and desk addition. I was very kindly sent the Malibu mirror from HD Mirrors which is a light-up, lightweight and easily portable makeup mirror that is not only ideal for keeping in a drawer at your desk but also for travelling so you don't have to rely on awkwardly placed mirrors and horrendous lighting! 

The mirror is very lightweight, thin and easily stored so it would be fantastic for a number of uses; however I use mine mainly in my home office to apply my makeup each morning. The light in my office is great overall but with darker mornings and grey weather, it isn't the best for makeup application so the mirror comes in very handy! 

There are two features of the mirror that I particularly love: the rechargeable battery so there aren't any wires or a plug needed while using the mirror and the full surround lighting which allows me to apply my makeup easily and quickly even during a rainy autumn morning in Manchester. The mirror saves space on my desk too as it can be easily stored away in a drawer which is something my previously bulky makeup mirror couldn't do. I couldn't be happier with my Malibu mirror from HD Mirrors and while I love it as a makeup and desk mirror, I think it would be absolutely perfect for travelling, whether you are travelling abroad (safely!) or going on a UK staycation. 

*Green People Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£27)

I typically apply the final steps on my skincare at my desk and just before I start applying my makeup so the Malibu mirror from HD Mirrors is a staple on my desk each morning! One of my favourite brands has released a new skincare range focused on the scandi staples of simplicity, functionality and clean ingredients. 

Hyaluronic acid as well as squalane are both fantastic ingredients for deeply hydrating the skin and they are included in this fantastic serum (they are derived from plant based sources). If you suffer with dry, tight or uncomfortable skin then you cannot go wrong with this wonder serum! It leaves my skin deeply hydrated, soft and smoothe which is everything I want from a serum and it works perfectly with the apple complex moisturiser. 

*Green People Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser (£25)

The new moisturiser from the Nordic Roots collection has been my go-to daily moisturiser for the past three or so weeks. It is packed with eco-friendly, cruelty free and vegan ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin which I think is especially important during the colder months when the temperature and weather can negatively affect the skin making it dry, tight and uncomfortable. The moisturiser is fast absorbing, gentle but effective and it leaves my skin feeling nourished, moisturised and ready for makeup. 

Lastly I wanted to highlight a few other skincare products I have been loving recently and that I think would be perfect for autumn! My go-to cleanser for the past few weeks has been the amazing *Temple Spa Be Gone Kind-Hearted Cleansing Creme which is the best cleanser I can recommend for those with dry and sensitive skin as it is very gentle, silky smooth and leaves my skin feeling cleansed but moisturised and smoothe. 

I've also been loving the *L'aves Skin Riches Extreme Performance Toner which is a category of skincare I didn't use previously very often but I like the step of using a toner especially one that is so lovely to use and has some of the nicest skincare packaging I've ever seen! As well as the toner, I've been using the *L'aves Skin Riches Facial Elixir as part of my evening skincare routine when my skin is particularly dry which seems to be constantly since the start of autumn. It leaves my skin feeling comfortable and very nourished and as part of my evening skincare routine, it has quickly become a staple product. 

Have you tried any of the products I've featured?

Read More

Personalised Gifts with ASDA Photo

It is coming up to that time of the year...Christmas! It might be a little early to start thinking about Christmas but it is fast approaching and I think we all want to add some festive cheer into our lives amongst all of the coronavirus chaos! I will be starting my Christmas gift guides this month as well as gift ideas posts so stay tuned. If you want to see my unboxings, PR mail and sneak peeks of upcoming posts then follow me on Instagram or Twitter (@ofbeautyand). 

*ASDA Photo Blanket 28" x 28" (£28) 

Today's post will be featuring an personalised gift idea that would not only be perfect for Christmas but also autumn and winter birthdays too. I've been lucky enough to work with ASDA Photo previously by reviewing their photo books and calendars (both of which I'd highly recommend) so I was very happy to make another of their fantastic and extra special photo gifts. 

I was very kindly sent one of their photo blankets which I was able to create; I made a 28" by 28" full photo blanket with a white background and a photograph of one of my favourite places on earth...Norway. I adored visiting Norway a few years ago and I am so happy with all of the photographs I was able to take there, especially around the fjords so I wanted to add it to my blanket. 

There are so many options to customise and personalised your photo blanket gift, from the photograph added, background colour, size or whether you'd like multiple photographs as a collage or a full photograph. I opted to use one of my large landscape photographs of the beautiful village of Olden in Norway as I think you can get the best detail and impact with a larger, more detailed photograph. 

Autumn and Winter are the cosiest seasons of the year so a cosy, super soft blanket is a must for everyone. The blankets are made of fleece which is incredible soft - ideal for a Christmas gift or as part of a cosy home hamper. As well as the super soft material, I also love the attention to detail in the traditional edge stitching around the sides of the blanket which make it seem almost handmade. 

I think any of the photo gifts from ASDA would make fantastic birthday or Christmas gifts but the blanket and photo books are probably my favourites! However, they also have a range of calendars, mugs, prints, cards, planners, cushions and homeware items too, all of which can be personalised and customised to suit your special gift recipient. Additionally, they've also released an option for full photo face masks too which could make a cute, funny or a somewhat macabre stocking filler or gift!

Will you be checking out the range of photo gifts on ASDA Photo? 

Read More

DegustaBox - September 2020

It's that time of the month again, my DegustaBox review! I'm lucky enough to be a DegustaBox ambassador so I receive their boxes each month to review, although all of my opinions are my own. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand), then you'll get a sneak peek of all the items within each box on my stories. 

*DegustaBox - September 2020

As always, each box has a theme and the theme for the September box is 'family sharing and home cooking' which is the perfect autumnal theme. The items range from soup, cider and energy drinks to healthy snacks, sweet treats and more. There were so many great items in the September box, including one item that I've already purchased multiples of because I loved it so much - read on to find out which it is!

*Rhythm 108 Sweet 'n' Salty Almond Bar (£1.49)

I always start with the sweet treats so let's begin with a vegan snack bar that I can't wait to try. The bar is gluten free, organic and vegan as well as being high in fibre and lower in sugar. I love the combination of oats, chocolate and almonds so this bar sounds utterly delicious and I can't wait to try this snack bar. 

*Nakd Drizzled Chocolish Bars Multipack (£3)

Nakd is a brand that I've loved for years and I think I've tried pretty much every single flavour of their original bars as well as a couple of their other products (my favourite flavour is lemon drizzle!). The new bars combine chocolate, fruit and nuts within one bar. They are 100% natural and they don't contain added sugar so they are great for reducing your sweet cravings in a healthier way. 

*McVitie's V.I.Bs (£1.79)

A new product in the box is a pack of biscuits from McVitie's but it isn't any old biscuit, it is a very important biscuit (hence, V.I.B). There are three flavours available but I received the caramel option; however blood orange and chocolate hazelnut could have been within your box instead. 

*Whitworths Chocolate Biscuit & Hazelnut Treat Mix (£2)

Another sweet but healthy(ish) snack in the September box is a sharing pack of the new chocolate biscuit and hazelnut mix from Whitworths. The brand has been included in a couple of previous boxes and my mum has loved all of their products so I'm sure she will love these too! 

*FulFil Chocolate Hazelnut Whip Bar (£2)

The penultimate sweet treat snack is another snack bar but sadly this one isn't vegan unfortunately as it sounds amazing! It is a snack bar filled with vitamins E, C, B1, B6, B12, folic acid and more - each bar contains 30% of your daily requirement of each vitamin!

*Hartley's Jelly Pots (£1.65, for 3 pots) 

Lastly, a sweet pot of jelly that is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans...at least I don't think so. It seems that the brand is mainly non-vegetarian but this one is according to the pot. I love raspberry as a flavour and jelly is such a sweet, low calorie nostalgic treat so I'll have to research further before trying this snack. 

*Peter's Yard Original Sourdough Crispbread

For the past couple of months, within each box a little gift item has been included and this month is no different. The gift within the September box is a mini packet of sourdough crispbread which are handbaked in small batches using natural ingredients. The crispbreads are award winning and sound completely delicious. 

*St Lawrence Gold Canadian Maple Syrup (£1)

Another mini product is an adorable pot of maple syrup which is something I'm always happy to receive! The syrup is made in Canada and it 'Grade A amber colour' and I can't wait to use it although I won't be pouring it on pancakes as I love to make savoury pancakes. Maple syrup is amazing when combined with porridge, cinnamon and apples! 

Emily Veg Thins (79p each)

I have tried a few vegetable crisps from this brand and I loved all of them - these are no different. I love crisps and savoury snacks and these are the perfect quick, easy and delicious desk or on the go snack but they are still healthy. They contain peas, black beans, red lentils and corn to make a wholesome and very moreish alternative to crisps. I will be buying these in the future!

*Naked Five Minute Noodles (£1)

The final couple of food items are savoury lunch options, the first is an instant noodle packet that I would have loved, if it was vegan! It can be consumed as a snack on its own or add in vegetables to make a more substantial meal. 

*Amy's Kitchen Organic Vegetable Barley Soup (£1.89)

This unassuming tin of vegan soup has to be my favourite item from not only this months box but from all of the boxes this year! I have loved a few products from this brand but I hadn't tried their range of soup until this one. It is the most comforting, nourishing and warming soup that is ideal for cold autumn days. It is also low in calories and I have already purchased four tins of it...and finished them all. I will continue to buy this soup for the rest of autumn and winter! 

*Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider (£5.50, per four pack) 

Last but not least are the two drinks included in the September box, the first is a tin of cloudy lemon cider from Thatchers. I don't drink very often, apart from the occasional glass of wine or cider, but this one sounds so delicious. I adore anything lemon flavoured so I will be trying this very soon. 

*Lucozade Revive (£1.49)

The final item is another delicious drink but it is a new soft drink from Lucozade. There are two flavours available but I received the orange and passionfruit flavour which is very summery and moreish. I don't typically drink carbonated or fizzy drinks (I've never really liked them) but I may purchase this flavour in the future. 

Don't forget to use the code: DTPL4 to get your first box for only £9.99!

Have you tried any of these products? 

Read More

Top 5 Books I've Read During Lockdown

2020 has been an awful year for everyone but the one benefit for me, has been the extra time for reading and the wonderful escapism and relaxation it provides. I reached my 50 book goal a few months ago and I recently reached my updated target of 100 books so I'm very happy with my reading progress for the year; however despite the number of books I've read, I don't have too many stand out favourites unfortunately. 

Hopefully the last few months of 2020 will include a few great books but for today's post I'll be sharing my top five books during the lockdown period (we're still in lockdown in Manchester and have been for most of the year) which ranges between April to September for myself and my fellow Mancunians. If you want to know what I'm reading, make sure you follow me on GoodReads!

Best Books 

Skincare by Caroline Hirons: a fantastic guide to skincare from the queen of skincare ★★★★★

The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos: a magical book series with dangerous powers, family deities and mysteries galore ★★★★

The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi: an absorbing (and graphic!) LGBT gritty historical fiction ★★★★

Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach: a macabrely interesting book that everyone needs to read ★★★★★

City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker: a non-fiction read of a salacious and dangerous period of French history that reads like an incredible historical drama ★★★★

Honourable Mentions 

Blood Work by Holly Tucker: a gruesome but interesting look at the history of blood transfusions (aware of graphic animal abuse) ★★★★

The Passenger: Japan: a collection of essays on various aspects of Japanese culture that is interesting, eye opening and heart breaking at times ★★★★

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: a humorous, lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable LGBT contemporary romance ★★★ (3.75)

A Burning Sea by Theodore Brun: an adventure filled series with battles, norse myths and friendship ★★★ (3.75)

Passport Ready by Anne Malambo: an essential guide to travel especially for women travelling alone ★★★★

If I had to recommend only one fiction and one non-fiction book from lockdown I think I would have to choose The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos and City of Light by Holly Tucker. I always receive  comments on my monthly wrap-up posts and social media about how many books I read so here are a few tips: 

• Always take a book with you
• Try audiobooks or e-books
• DNF books you aren't enjoying
• Manage your time to include reading
• Try a book subscription (such as BookBeat or Scribd)
• Set a goal of read X books per month 
• Read shorter books, novellas or graphic novels
• Buddy read with a friend or family member 
• Join a book club or GoodReads 

Have you read any of these books? What have you been reading during lockdown? 

Read More

September Beauty Favourites 2020

I have found so many fantastic new products over the past couple of months so I wanted to share my recent beauty favourites today which includes skincare, hair removal and an absolutely adorable advent calendar! If you've been following my social media (@ofbeautyand) then you'll have had a sneak peek of these products over the past month. Stay tuned for more favourites posts as well as my summer empties post which will be filled with mini product reviews!

*FFS Shaving Kit (from £9.95 per month)

I have reviewed a few products from FFS (formerly Friction Free Shaving) on my blog previously but I'm still loving their razors and natural deodorant. I love the rose gold handle (particularly with the personalised engraving) but I think that I like their new Iris handle even more! The Iris handle includes the same ergonomic, easy to use design and engraving option but the handle features a gunmetal and lavender colour combination which is just gorgeous! 

I love the razor design, colours and how sharp the blades are as it gives the most smooth and close shave without the irritation I've experienced from cheaper disposable razors. The kit can be purchased as a monthly subscription (or every two months) and you can add extras to your kit such as a natural deodorant, body scrub, body balm, wax strips or a shaving cream. I've tried the balm, deodorant and now the shaving cream; all three have been gentle but effective. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly shaving option, check out FFS. 

*Temple Spa BeCalm Soothing Face Mask (£28, 65ml)

Another brand that I've loved for a while is Temple Spa; I reviewed a few of their pampering and body care products back in 2017 and loved everything. I also adored their concealer and I'd highly recommend it as a brightening concealer, particularly for those with dry skin. Until recently I hadn't tried any of their skincare and I'm glad I have because, once again, I've fallen in love! 

The soothing face mask contains a blend of Mediterranean botanicals, aubergine, liquorice and apricot along with probiotics to soothe and nourish sensitive skin. I've been using it for around the past couple of weeks and I've noticed that after every use, my skin feels more comfortable, moisturised and softer. I'll definitely be using this mask often throughout the colder months when my skin needs a little more moisture and TLC. 

*Temple Spa Glowcolic (£20, 150ml)

Another product that would be ideal for the colder months is their new glycolic acid toner which is designed to resurface, exfoliate and renew the skin. I've tried quite a few glycolic acid toners, I think this is probably the fifth I've tried over the past year and so far, so good. The toner comes in a handy pump bottle, it hasn't irritated my skin and the result so far have all been positive. 

Since using the toner every other day (as I used to have sensitive skin and I don't want to potential irritate it by using too much), I've noticed an improvement in the texture and clarity of my skin. If you are new to acid toners and you're looking to start with an effective but gentle option from a brand that has won 'best luxury skincare brand for 2020' then definitely check out the Temple Spa Glowcolic toner. 

*Temple Spa Be Gone Kind-Hearted Cleansing Creme (£21, 150ml)

My favourite product from the three I was very kindly sent is their cleansing creme which I was surprised by as not only do cleansers not excite me in the way that new acid toners or treatments do but it also looks a little nondescript. However do not be fooled, this cleansing creme is a superhero in disguise! The creme contains vitamins A and E, probiotics and the Temple Spa Calmaderm complex which is designed for those with sensitive skin. 

The cleansing creme has the most unusual but incredibly smooth and silky texture that glides over the skin effortlessly so there's no scrubbing or irritation while cleansing. Not only does it feel wonderful on the skin but it leaves it feeling incredible too. Since lockdown my skin has gone a little haywire and since using this cleanser my skin has calmed down, it feels much more comfortable and the dryness I was experiencing over my breakouts has reduced. If you have normal to dry or sensitive skin then this little unassuming cleansing creme will be your best friend during the upcoming colder months and I know that I'll be purchasing it in the future - it is a magic in a tub! I'll be including this wonder product alongside my other current skincare favourites as part of my upcoming autumn skincare routine and favourites so stay tuned. 

*Bomb Cosmetics Bathe, Sleep, Be Merry and Repeat Advent Calendar (£19.99)

Last but definitely not least is my first advent calendar of the year and it has to be one of the cutest I've ever bought or received! I'm lucky enough to be a Bomb Cosmetics ambassador so I was very kindly sent this adorable advent calendar and I couldn't be happier with it. It contains 24 mini products to try including handmade soap, bath blasters, bath mallows and bath creamers, all of which smell divine. I have been using some of the products over the past couple of weeks and my favourites so far have to be the pink pamper soap and rose bath creamer (which looks so beautiful) but I can't wait to try the others. Make sure you are following me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand) for more sneak peeks into the advent calendar as well as reviews.

Have you tried any of these products? Will you be picking up a beauty advent calendar this year?

Read More