One + Two Month Update: Love My Skin Laser Hair Remover

I have now used this laser hair remover for the past month or so, you can check out my first post about the *Love My Skin Laser Hair Remover (£299) which includes an explantation of how it works and my initial impressions. I have actually noticed some positive results already! I have used the device on my underarms and legs twice so far. I haven't experienced any pain or discomfort while using it so far which I'm very happy about as the other devices I used previously did cause some discomfort.

I have noticed that on my underarms, I have one small patch which no hair growth, it's about the size of a 5p piece - it's amazing (sorry if this grosses any of you out!). I didn't expect to see any progress as soon as I have but I'm not complaining as it's fantastic. I haven't experienced much of a difference on my legs but it's a much larger area so I didn't expect to be able to see small changes straight away but so far so good and I'll definitely continue to use it and you never know, I might notice the full results before my holiday to Norway at the end of august!

For my two month update, I've noticed a little more progress but not as much as the first month. I have noticed that maybe the regrowth is slower and finer which is positive and I can't wait to keep using it and see more progress as it's been great so far! One thing I'm struggling with is making sure that I'm getting to every area which isn't easy and I need to keep track of when I use it too as I keep forgetting but so far so good!

Have you tried any laser hair removal devices? 

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DegustaBox: Summer 2017

Back in 2014 I tried the September Degusta subscription box which is a monthly food and snack box (£12.99) and loved it so I'm happy to be working with DegustaBox again! Each months box contains between 10 to 15 food, drink and snack items which I think is fantastic considering the low price and if you use the discount code KVAA2 it will make the box only £5.99 instead of £12.99.

I have the summer themed box and it contains nine separate items but I'm very lucky in that as I'm a brand ambassador I get to receive and try extra items too! The products within the summer box range from cereal and snacks to drinks and cooking ingredients with prices varying between £4.99 to 99p. The item total for this box is over £20 which is much more than the price of the box, especially if you use the discount code above!

*Thor Dry Apple Spritz Sparkling Drinks

I'm visiting Norway next month so it was a strange coincidence that I received two delicious drinks named after a norse god! I adore the packaging and even though I don't usually drink sparkling and carbonated drinks very often, I loved these! They are both so refreshing and perfect for summer. I've been drinking them both in the garden while the weather has been so sunny and warm. I think the mint flavour is my favourite of the two but they are both definitely worth looking out for.

*OLOVES Healthy Olive Snacks (99p each) 

I'm a sucker for packaging and these look amazing! I'm actually not a fan of olives but my mum loves them so she has taken these to work as a snack at lunchtime as working in a school and running after children is very tiring! She really liked these, they taste great and they are a perfect size to add into your bag or a lunch box! They are a perfect low calorie, healthy snack and they're suitable for vegans.

*Maille Dijon Original Mustard (£1.99)

The leaflet that explains all of the items in the box also has a couple of recipe ideas too and one of which involves this product (I love that there are recipe ideas using products from the box!) and while it isn't vegetarian, I know my dad would love to try the recipe. I don't like mustard on anything but within cheese pie - my auntie makes a delicious and probably extremely calorific cheese pie and she always adds mustard to I'm going to attempt to make my own with this and I think it would be amazing!

*Ryvita Thins - Three Cheese Flatbreads (£1.89)

Most of the items in this box would be great snacks or ingredients to make up a summer picnic and these flatbread crackers would be perfect on their own or with a dip. I've been eating them with my vegan ranch dip (cashew cream, fresh dill, oat milk, garlic, salt/pepper and apple cider vinegar) and they are so good. The flatbread crackers are so moreish and cheesy but they are surprisingly low in calories and contain a good amount of fibre.

*Rowntree's Randoms Sweets (£1.29) - product of the month

I really wanted to try these but they contain gelatine which I can't eat as I'm a vegetarian but myself and two friends went on a mini road trip to Chester a couple of days ago (which you will have seen on my Instagram Stories if you follow me there - you'll have also seen this DegustaBox unboxing too) so they ate these sweets and loved them.

*Weetabox Additions Coconut & Raisin (£2.99)

I used to have Weetabix regularly growing up but recently I've been opting for less healthy carb heavy breakfasts which aren't the best option so I was very glad to find this new and healthy breakfast cereal in the summer box. Now, coconut and raisin sounds like a very odd combination but actually I love it! I've been topping two of the Weetabix blocks with oat milk, maple syrup, banana and cinnamon dusted seeds for breakfast and I'm loving it so much!

*Frylight Cooking Spray with Avocado Oil (£2.99)

We were actually using the olive oil version before this one arrived and now I've switched to this new option. They are one calorie cooking sprays that are quick and easy to use; they make me use far less oil while cooking than a traditional bottle of olive oil. They're well worth buying as a healthier and easier option especially as one bottle lasts for ages.

*Merchant Gourmet Simply Cooked Red & White Quinoa (£1.99)

I am a big fan of quinoa but it is a pain to cook as it needs rinsing multiple times and cooking for a while; also I find I always overcook it so it's mushy and no one wants that! A pre-cooked packet of quinoa is a great addition to this box as it's so easy to add into anything from salads to a soup or as a replacement for rice or cous cous. I've added mine to salads with green beans, asparagus, rocket and lots of vegetarian parmesan *drools*.

*Blossom Hill Spritz Raspberry & Blackcurrant (£4.99)

I may be in my early to mid twenties but I don't actually drink often - I only tend to drink at blogger events or celebrations and even then only minimally so I will be saving this for a girls night in with friends or for a couple of birthdays that I have coming up this summer. It sounds like something I'd like as I love anything containing raspberries! This product is included in the alcohol version of the DegustaBox only and there are two flavours that you could receive.

*Crafted Mango and Passionfruit Drink (£1.80)

When I think of summer in terms of food and drink, I think of picnics in the sun (with bees flying around everywhere), salads, fresh smoothies and chilled fruit drinks. Mango and passionfruit are two of my favourite summer fruits so this juice drink is perfect! It's so delicious, summery, refreshing and the perfect drink while read in the garden or to add into a smoothie.

This is my first DegustaBox for a long time and I'm so impressed, not just with a amount of items and value for money but the quality, range of products and recipe ideas and discount codes included. This summer box was perfect especially with the lovely weather we've been having recently and I cannot recommend it enough!

Don't forget to use the discount code: KVAA2 to make the box only £5.99 instead of £12.99! 

Have you received any of the DegustaBox subscription boxes? Have you tried any of the products? 

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New In Skincare + Summer Skincare Routine

I always change up my skincare to fit with the seasons and summer as well as winter is a season that has the most changes. I have dry, sensitive skin but during the hot summer months, it has become much more normal to oily so most of my existing skincare doesn't suit my skin, thankfully the lovely people at Hello Skin, Glamglow, T-Zone and Frezyderm have come to the rescue!

*T-Zone Charcoal Black Peel Off Mask

In my teens, I used peel off masks constantly as they were so incredibly cheap and they were fun to use! I now mainly use cream and wash off masks but this one has been a real blast from the past. It contains activated charcoal to unclog pores, peel away blackheads and soften the skin. I've only used it a couple of times as this range is a new addition to my skincare routine but I like it so far.

It can't be applied with a blush as it's so sticky which makes it a little more messy and it does take a while to dry as it needs upwards of 20 minutes to fully dry on the skin but I do feel as though it deeply cleans my skin. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*Frezyderm Active Block SPF25 (£17.50)

I'm luckily going away twice this summer so SPF is definitely needed and this one is perfect! Firstly, I love the packaging and the pump dispenser but it also has anti-aging ingredients as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. It's suitable for all skin types and ages around 25 to 45.

I've been using it regularly since I received and I'm so glad to say that it doesn't irritate my skin as some products with SPF can. It doesn't really have a scent, the texture is so smooth and it absorbs quickly. I always forget to use SPF but having this product with my current skincare stash means that I'm reading for it more and as it is hydrating and smoothing it can act almost as a primer before makeup too. So far I can't recommend it enough! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

*Dr Botanicals Cocoa Noir Light Facial Moisturiser (£19.99 - SALE)

As you know, I'm a Dr Botanicals brand ambassador so I get to try their lovely products and review them each month and today I'm bringing you a review of the Cocoa Noir Light Moisturiser which I've been using so much as it is much lighter than some of my other regular moisturisers which have been too heavy during the very hot days we've been having in Manchester.

It's a light but hydrating cream that smells incredible and I've been using it with the Dr Botanicals Cocoa Noir Time Reverse Facial Serum (£19.99 - SALE) which is equally as gorgeous and smells incredible too. It's a rich serum that is great for the drier and colder days! Speaking of colder days, I've also been loving the Rio Rosa Mosqueta Facial Oil on the drier area of my skin and it's been working wonders. Dr Botanicals have a sale on lots of products so check out their website. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

*GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Mask 

I have wanted to try a Glamglow mask for so long but they are really quite pricey, in my opinion so I've never purchased one so I was excited when this arrived in the post from Glamglow to try! I've managed to get three uses out of this sample as I only use it on my congested t-zone and after the initial slight redness (not irritation) from the first use, it's been working so well. It really cleanses my skin and it feels quite luxe to use too. The only negative for me is the price but now I definitely want to try the thirstymud mask. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water (£6.99, 150ml)

The heatwave last month and throughout July has been ridiculous in Manchester as we don't usually see the sun, never mind having such hot and humid temperatures and the only items that has been helping are facial water sprays. I think they are quite overlooked and thought of as quite gimmicky and I thought the same until I stated using them.

Not only are facial water sprays great as emergency toners and refreshing facial water sprays during very hot and humid summer days but they are great to refresh my makeup and cool down. I've tried quite a lot and they are all great including this cheaper option from La Roche Posay which is one of my favourite French skincare brands as well as Avene and Bioderma. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*T-Zone Charcoal and Bamboo Nose Strips

Again, another blast from the past as I used nose strips once a week as a teenager and I loved them! Until these arrived in the post, I hadn't tried any for around ten years but I'm glad I have some again as they are so satisfying to use. They are quick and easy to use, they do actually remove grossness from pores and I will be using them so much now! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*T-Zone Charcoal and Bamboo Deep Cleansing Face Scrub

Last but not least in this quite nostalgic skincare range is a facial scrub! I use face scrubs once a week to deeply exfoliate my skin instead of using mild acid treatments and they are so effective, especially as my skin can be very dry in places and to smooth everything out, you can't beat  good old face scrub. I like this one as it has a pleasant scent and it isn't too abrasive on my sensitive skin. I think this new charcoal and bamboo range is well worth checking out. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream (£11.99, 50ml)

Eucerin is a brand I've tried a couple of products from as they are well known for their sensitive skincare so I was excited to try a couple more products from them via the lovely people at Hello Skin who have so many brands aimed at sensitive skin so if you suffer with sensitive skin or a skin condition scthen check them out!

I've been using the AtoControl cream as my day cream on the days when my skin feels extra sensitive or if I have had a mini eczema flareup as it is moisturising, smoothing and it is so gentle on the skin - it doesn't irritate at all. I have had a couple of little eczema flareups and this cream as well as the cream mentioned below have recalled helped to keep my skin feeling more comfortable and less irritated. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Eucerin AtoControl Face Cream (£9.69, 40ml)

On the days when my skin is extra sensitive or irritated, I use my regular day cream then this cream on the more irritated, eczema prone areas to help soothing and add extra moisture. It contains a skin calming complex and both products in this range really do help to calm my skin and reduce the feeling of irritation that eczema can cause. I'm so glad I was able to try these products as they have been helping to much and they are so gentle; if you have sensitive skin then I cannot recommend these products enough as they've been kind of a game changer for me and a wonderful new addition to my skincare routine. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any of these products or brands? What are your favourite summer skincare products?

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Redecorating + The Psychology Of Colour

Image from House Beautiful via Pinterest

If you've been following my blog or social for the past few months then you will know that we've recently going through a complete kitchen redesign and we are currently redecorating the living room and along the stairs - I have a couple of redecorating posts on my blog if you want to have a read!

I personally love a simple and natural colour palette of greys, beige or cream, white, dusky pinks and browns as that's just my style which is shown in my bedroom, home office and the kitchen. I find that certain colours in a room can not only make it look new, fresher or brighter but they can affect your mood too.

For me clean, crisp colours like cream, pink and grey as well as gunmetal and black in bathrooms can make me feel fresher, organised and less distracted! With our home office (which is where I spend 90% of my time) it's cream, white and rose gold colours are just so perfect, fresh and brightening particularly as it's the smallest room of the house and I feel as though I can be productive and organised...most of the time.

Thomas Sanderson have created a guide all about the psychology of colour as well as interior design and redecorating tips based around colour. They suggest that colours affect a lot of what we do, even if we don't realise it! For example, purple supposedly elicits feelings of relaxation and comfort so it might be best to use it in the living room. Black and white might be a good colour scheme to use in the bathroom to give feeling of cleanliness and luxury.

Also one colour that has an effect on me is definitely the colour blue! While I don't know if I want a blue room or wall, it is a colour that makes me think of relaxing holidays and it is a very calming colour. Whereas red is apparently perfect for the kitchen as it's a stimulating and energising colour!

I do have a BSc Hons degree in psychology and while we didn't study anything to do with colour, it definitely has a unconscious impact on our lives from packaging and branding to our moods and emotions!

Do you think that colours have an affect on your mood? Are you redecorating your home? What are your favourite colour palettes? 

*This is a sponsored post
*Images from Pinterest and Thomas Sanderson

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Quirky Wedding Gift Ideas

Next spring I'm going to be a bridesmaid for the first time which is equally very exciting and touching but at the same times it's also very nerve wracking! This is the first wedding I'll have gone to as an adult, the previous wedding was one of my cousin's weddings when I was around 16 or 17 which seems like a lifetime ago!

Since this is the first wedding I've needed to buy gifts for, I was little lost with what I was supposed to purchase. I know what my friend will love to receive as a present but I think wedding gifts are a little different as they are more for the couple and the home. Thankfully PrezzyBox has so many amazing and quirky wedding gifts to choose from and I was kindly sent these gorgeous gifts so thank you PrezzyBox!

*Wild Olive Handmade Soap Collection (£9.99) 

I've tried a few products from Wild Olive in the past so you can check out my reviews if you want and I think this cute handmade soap collection would make a great gift - not just as a wedding gift. I think for my friends wedding I'm going to make up a wedding gift hamper of various items for the couple and for her specifically.

The soap collection isn't only presented so nicely but I think handmade gifts are extra special and you all know that I love to give practical presents too so this ticks all the boxes. The collection contains nine little squares of soap all of which are made using natural ingredients and each soap has a different scent, for example: victorian rose soap, oatmeal scrub, herb garden soap, strawberry and cream scrub and so many more. They all smell incredible!

*Personalised Candle Holder (£4.99 - SALE)

Personalised gifts are so special and for a wedding I think they are quite safe gifts to give but this one is a little more unique as it's a cute candle holder! It has my friends initials on it which I know she'll love. The size of the candle holder is perfect for a single tea light or for a sampler candle (e.g.: the Yankee Candle samplers). I love the design, it's a practical but personal gift that's so inexpensive!

*Poleroid String Lights (£9.99)

Last but not least is my favourite item of the three, although they are all fantastic and it's a set of string fairylights with little pegs attached so you can hang photos from the pegs! The set also contains little photos wallets to add in your polaroid photos (or you could cut up regular photos to fit). I think it's such a cute and unique gift, I haven't seen this idea before and it would be great to hang up wedding photos. You could also hang up other items if they are lightweight too because of the plastic pegs attached to the string lights.

It uses two AA batteries so they can be placed anywhere, they are easy to set up and even though the light isn't very bright, it's still noticeable and adds such a nice homely feeling to any room - I love fairylights! I think they are a really unique way to display photographs or other light items!

Here are a few other personalised and adorable wedding gift ideas from PrezzyBox:

What do you think of these wedding gifts? What would you buy as a wedding gift? 

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Makeup Dupes ft. Beauty Base

Back in the early days of blogging there were certain posts that everyone published including monthly favourites, OOTDs, empties, week in photographs posts and of course, dupe posts. If you don't know, a dupe is a product that is similar to another (in terms of shade, formula, packaging etc) but dupes are usually cheaper. I haven't seen any dupes posts for so long and I also haven't seen many favourites posts but I'll be bringing you both this month!

Today's post is all about three dupes that I've found recently via Beauty Base who kindly sent me these products to try out. Beauty Base has a great range of makeup from brands such as Milani, LA Girl, Eylure (which is a brand you already know that I adore) and many others, all at great prices.

*Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme (£9.95)

I have tried one of these before and liked it but this one is even better! I have the shade '10 adorable' which is a perfect 90's nude shade that's great of everyday. I have tried a lot of liquid lipsticks from Crown Brushes, TheBalm, Colorpop, The Body Shop and so many other brands and it can be very hit or miss. Some can be flaky, dry and very matte and others can be sticky, patchy or oily feeling but this one is fantastic.

The shade is gorgeous, it applies like a dream and it lasts really well so I can't recommend it enough. I think it's better than the The Body Shop options, in my opinion. I didn't like the other shade I tried as it was flaky but the shade '10 adorable's is perfection. I also think that even though they are cheaper, they are comparable to TheBalm liquid lipsticks too.

*W7 Mighty Mattes Palette (£6.99 - sale)

I've tried a couple of products from W7 previously and I liked them for the price but this palette has to be my favourite product from W7! I'm all about matte eyeshadows, I don't like shimmery shades or metallic shades so an all matte palette is just perfect. I like the packaging as it isn't cardboard, it's a metal tin and the shades aren't too dark - there are a lot of lighter shades.

I have quite a few matte palettes and while I adore them all, particularly TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Ador and TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Nude palettes (they are definitely worth checking out), I think this palette is almost just as good! The pigmentation is fantastic, they apply well and for less than £10, you really can't go wrong!

*Milani Prep + Set + Go Powder (£12.95)

We all know how much I love the Vichy Dermablend Powder and don't get me wrong I still do and I'll continue to use it but I find it being a loose powder a bit annoying so this Milani pressed powder is a great dupe. It has the same mattifying and setting abilities as the Vichy powder but it is in a pressed powder compact which makes it easier and quicker to use! I do think the Vichy powder is a little better but for the convenience of the Milani powder, I'll be using it more and it's cheaper too.

I cannot recommend these products enough, they were all fantastic and turned out to be very similar and great dupes for some more expensive or harder to find products! Now onto my quick video which features swatches of all of the products from Beauty Base and a mini tutorial for a quick, everyday makeup look.

Have you tried any of these products or brands? Do you have any great dupes? 

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