Why Xmas is the Time to Treat Yourself (& how Sakare can Help)

I don't know about you but I'm burnt out. On top of my usually jam-packed schedule I've had to single handedly prepare to host Christmas at my house (for the first time) and buy presents for everyone that will make this year the best year ever. Let's just say it's not easy and juggling that with trying to ensure that my two boys are having the magical festive time that they deserve is almost impossible. Today after completing almost all of my missions before the big day I decided that it's time for some me time.

Mums at this time of year function on overdrive simply because they have to. Christmas parties, trips to visit Santa, present buying, food planning, decoration perfecting...it all gets too much at some point and now is the time to let it all go!

Focus on taking a breath, a moment of quiet for your brain and body to melt away the stress and actually enable yourself to start to enjoy these precious family moments. My top tip for relaxation is to treat yourself to a luxurious bath product and soak your troubles away (with a glass of wine, of course). Light candles, send the kids (and husband) away, whatever you need to do to find a real moment of peace in this busy time.

If you're going to do a bath properly then you absolutely have to use Sakare Soothing Shower Oil. Although the name suggests that it's only for use in the shower this is misleading as it is actually the best bath oil I have ever come across.

Add to a hot bath and be amazed as the water turns silky smooth with the most relaxing smell. It can't be described you just simply need to experience it for yourself! This product is extremely luxurious but at the same time extremely practical...it's a bath oil, body wash, and moisturiser all in one. Not forgetting that it can also be used for your daily shower even if you aren't taking a time-out bath. 

This is one present that you shouldn't wait until Christmas to unwrap...go and treat yourself to something a bit early...you deserve it and trust me, it will help you get through what's to come!

Good luck to all of you out there hosting your first ever Xmas dinner (me included), and to all others...hope you have a fantastic Christmas with lots of magical moments!! 

Sakare Bath & Body - The Ideal Xmas Gift

If you're stuck for what to buy this year then look no further than the bath & body range at Sakare. There is something for everyone whether your grandmother, sister, neighbour, cousin, manicurist or doctor.

Everyone loves some pampering body treats at Christmas time, especially those with a luxury tag on them. After testing out their products over and over I can safely say that Sakare is up there with the top names in luxury beauty products from all over the world.

Not sure what someone's preferences are when it comes to their beauty regime? Stick to these 3 foolproof products and you will be sure to impress them this year...

Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub - Most people exfoliate occasionally and even if your gift receiver doesn't they will love how soft and refreshed their skin feels after this scrub. Rich in minerals and almond oil which nourish skin leaving a healthy glow.

Soothing Shower Oil - This product is the equivalent of a luxury massage although at home in your shower! High concentration of Vitamin E helps your skin to repair itself and injects moisture meaning that you won't need to use any additional lotions afterwards. Lather up in the shower or use as a bath oil for ultimate pampering. 

Luxuriating Body Butter - A good quality body butter is an essential that every woman should have in the bathroom cabinet. This butter is extremely moisturising but also easily absorbed by skin and will leave you feeling silky smooth for at least 24 hours. Works well with all skin types, including dry and sensitive.

If you want to see someone's face light up this Christmas then you know where to go.... Stick to these 3 top gift ideas and you won't go wrong.

Why I Decided Against Botox

As a middle-aged woman with natural lines and wrinkles I would be lying if I said I hadn't seriously considered botox at least a few times in recent years. I've always taken care of my skin, using quality products and sticking to a skincare regime, but there's only so far that can go. Genetics play a huge part in how your skin ages and unfortunately for me I have inherited pronounced wrinkles from both sides of the family tree.

After making enquiries at various different clinics about Botox, I decided that it just wasn't for me...injecting strange chemicals into your delicate facial skin just seemed a bit extreme and I felt that there must be some other way. Another aspect that I was keen to avoid was the "plastic" look, the tell tale signs that you've been under the knife in some way or another.

Searching the internet for alternatives only brought up loads of gimmicky products with high price tags and absolutely no guarantee that they would actually work. Stumbling upon an online forum with real women asking real questions and getting real answers for all their beauty dilemmas I decided to pose my burning question. Some of the replies I received suggested using the BOTANOX range from SAKARE. Now, as you may know, I'm not a stranger to the Sakare products (I basically live for them and can't shut up about them) but I had never tried this range before, naively thinking that it would not be able to replicate the results that I would get from plastic surgery.

Six months down the line I am sitting here writing this post with different skin to what I had before I discovered the amazing range. Even after two weeks of using the Botanox Serum every night before bed I noticed a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles that I thought only possible through more extreme measures. You may remember that I exclaimed my love for this product in a previous post, but never had I before announced just how far I had come to going under the knife for the sake of beauty. It's not worth it and there are alternatives!

All of the products from the Sakare Botanox range are created to get serious results and are crafted by leading scientific skincare analysts that really know their stuff (hence the slightly higher price tag). Invest in this range and you most definitely won't be disappointed. You're welcome for the tip!

Halloween Treats for the Kids (and Mums)

Autumn is well and truly here and while I don't look forward to the short, dreary days I do love celebrating all of the winter festivities! If you have kids it's a great excuse to go all out on Halloween....costumes, decorations, homemade sweet treats...the works.

This year I'm trying to cut down on my two boys' sugar intake but still make it fun and spooky for them. Instead of doing the usual Trick or Treat rounds I've decided to throw a haunted house party at our house complete with games, surprises, goodie bags, and of course...a costume competition. This time, however, I won't be handing over endless supplies of sweeties and chocolates as I have decided to go down a healthier route. Think fruit carved into scary creatures, sugar free jelly, frozen yoghurt apples etc. Here's to hoping that it will be a success and that healthy will win over the usual sugar saturation!

As a general principle I like to try and give out small presents at Halloween instead of just sweeties...it's more personal and healthier. For little girls (like my nieces) I found cute little witches cauldrons complete with spell ingredients and a wand. Fires up imagination and also doubles as part of a costume. For my boys I got them a Halloween themed video game that they can play at the party with their friends.

This year I decided to extend my gift giving to the mums in the school-run group. Let's face it...if anyone really deserves a gift it's the mums that run here there and everywhere after their children while balancing work and running a house at the same time. I gave a Luxuriating Body Butter by my favourite luxury brand, Sakare to each of the mums and made them promise me that they would take some time to themselves that night to relax in the bath and apply the lotion.

The next day I was thanked over and over by mums that hadn't even realised that they weren't taking time for themselves. They all loved the body butter and were impressed by how nourishing and beautifully smelling it is. I have definitely earned my space in the good books for the next few months...I doubt anyone will be looking at me to host a bake sale anytime soon!

The Ultimate London Guide: What to See & Do

If you are planning on a trip to London or live in London and want to take family and friends on a less touristy, more enjoyable tour then follow this guide!

From my experience people want to do 3 things: sightseeing, sampling the culture (including the food), and shopping!

First of all I take them on a tour of the most famous central places. I find that walking is the best way to get around and enables you to take in more of the beautiful London streets and buildings. For the sightseeing part of the trip I find that it is important to cover these main places or your guests might start to question whether they are really visiting the British capital: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Leicester Sq, Green Park, Trafalgar Sq, The Strand..it goes on. Zones 1-2 can be walked around easily and even if you don't know where you are going you are bound to stumble on some pretty famous places.

For sights such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard, take a trip along the Southbank in the evening or during the day. A beautiful walk along the Thames hits all these sightseeing nails on the head and there are loads of nice places to stop for eating and drinking along the way.

And so this leads me to the next stage...sampling the culture. British pub culture is a must see...whether for a traditional fish & chip dinner or just a pint. There are so many to choose from, pop into a few in the central area and see what quaint establishments you can find.

Another huge part of London culture is the musicals showing in the West End. Whether looking for something funny, theatrical, serious or tear-jerking there is something for everyone. If you aren't sure then you can't go wrong with a classic like Phantom of the Opera, or the Lion King.

If you have time a trip to South Kensington is well worth it for the museums. The V&A, the Natural History, and the Science Museum are all not to be missed. Depends on how much time you have and what your interests are of course.

You can't come to London without going shopping! A trip along Oxford Street and Bond Street are the cherry on top of the tour. Try to avoid Saturdays as it will be absolutely mobbed and not even enjoyable. Don't waste all of your time going into every single shop...I would recommend hitting 3 main stores....Topshop, Sakare, and of course, Selfridges.

You can't not take a trip into the biggest store in the world...Topshop. Be aware though, you will get lost and you will lose phone signal so agree a meeting place and time! My next stop is always Sakare on Bond Street....the most luxurious and exclusive street in London. Sakare offers beautiful cosmetic products at decent prices and the experience of looking around this store is not to be missed. Finish off by looking around the prestigious Selfridges department store, with everything you could dream of buying in one place. End the day with a glass of champagne in the food hall....you will probably need it by this point!

Make sure you plan your days ahead of time so that you don't miss anything out but most importantly....enjoy!

Visiting Family & Successful Sakare Goodies

If ever stuck for ideas for gifts I always run straight to Sakare. They have something for everyone and the quality is so high that they make impressive gifts for even the toughest to impress.

That's why as soon as I planned a short visit home to visit my family in Manchester I headed first of all to pick up some treats for my loved ones from Sakare. I never return home empty handed. When you don't see your extended family for long stretches of time you somehow feel that you need to make up for it, and for me this is expressed through gift giving.

So here's what I bought and how much they loved it:

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum for my Mother

Mum always comes first. After everything she has done for me over the years she really deserves a treat. Not one to spoil herself, it's always left up to me to do it. Probably the best product that Sakare have to offer, the anti-wrinkle eye serum is truly amazing and I would urge every ageing woman (or man) to go out and purchase some. After using for just a week my mother even noticed a difference in the fine lines around her eyes. Safe to say I was definitely the favourite child after that!

Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub for my Sister

This scrub is a foolproof option for almost everyone. You can really tell that the ingredients are pure salt from the dead sea and not much else. Not a watered down scrub that won't get rid of dry skin, this one means business and is perfect for problem areas. My sister, Julie struggles with dry skin and so I thought this treatment would be great for her. It is excellent for exfoliating impurities off the skin surface and then restoring moisture all in one go. Julie has since called me in London to ask if I can bring her more pots of the scrub next time I am up....

Nail Kits for my Nieces

Young girls just never seem to get over the thrill of giving each other manicures do they? Well my nieces don't anyway. I just knew they would go crazy for the nail kit. As soon as I gave them the present they ripped it open and set up a mini-salon in the front room, bringing over a range of nail varnishes and asking me what I wanted. They especially loved the buffer because they thought it was simply magical how shiny it can make your nails. A perfect gift for youngsters but don't be put off buying it for grown adults either, the quality is true to the Sakare name and is not only practical but luxurious.

Back to School Routine - Easy Bath-time with Sakare

Sakare Shower Oil is perfect for kids and mums alike!

So my little munchkins headed back to school today, bags packed, sparkling new uniform on (won't stay like that for long), eyes wide open and ready for another year of learning and more importantly, fun. After all of the preparations last night I slumped into bed not long after them, anxious about how their fist day was going to go.

Bath-time can often be a stressful part of my everyday life as a mother. One can't wait to get in the tub while the other hides anywhere possible in order to avoid it. One is sensitive to almost all bath products, while the other constantly demands the biggest, brightest bubbles possible. Over the years I have tried a range of different products but not managed to find something that works for everyone.

That was until my youngest grabbed my bottle of Sakare Shower Oil and started pouring it into the bath. My immediate reaction was to grab it..."that's mummy's special stuff" (and mummy paid enough for it that she should be able to use it exclusively), but it was too late, a decent amount had already been added to the tub. Great, I thought, now I'll have to deal with all sorts of rashes and irritations.

A few days later and we're still all clear...in fact the kids' skin was soft and perfectly clean. Even my most sensitive little flower was completely fine. I decided to let them use it again and haven't gone back since. They love the bubbles and it washes even the muddiest marks off, leaving skin hydrated without having to apply any kind of cream post-wash.

I personally swear by the stuff myself, perfect for baths or showers and doesn't fail to leave you feeling pampered. Now if we go on a family trip I only need to take one bath-time product and we're sorted. Amazing! Thank's Sakare.

Sakare Cosmetics Product Review: Nail Buffer

WOW, is all I can say....this product is amazing. I've never been one for faffing around with my nails too much but this tiny tool gives you beautiful, shiny, healthy nails in just seconds!

All you have to do is rub the SAKARE BUFFER over your nail vigorously for a few seconds and then stand back and admire the shine.

It works by releasing enriching oils deep into the nail, and at the same time smooths out the surface of the nail to remove any unsightly bumps or unevenness.

You have to try it to believe it...the shine you get is amazing and lasts around 3 weeks! It makes you look like you have perfectly manicured with just 2 seconds of maintenance.

Perfect base for then applying polish but I tend to skip that as I prefer the natural, healthy, glowing look it gives to my nails.

Best part about this product is that it is completely natural and works in harmony with your body, not like many other chemical filled products out there. 

Sakare has brought the buffer back to relevance with this amazing invention. What's best is that it is inexpensive and will last for years and years. Thank you Sakare! This is my new 'take-it-everywhere' product.

Post Workout Survival Kit (& Sakare Product Review)

Sakare products are not just made for pampering...they are also perfect for everyday efficiency. Whether run off your feet on the school run, dashing to an important meeting, or  getting in a killer workout at the gym, there are still ways to enjoy the amazing benefits of this luxury brand.

Recently I have started going to Xtend Barre classes and I absolutely love it. The gym always feels like a chore to me but I have finally found a method of exercise that I actually enjoy! Anyone can join a class but don't underestimate it...you will come out sweating and rather worse for wear.

I often have to run straight to my next venture and so a post workout survival kit is imperative. Here's what I take with me for instant refreshment:

Apres Super Absorbent Towel

Unbelievably compact and amazingly absorbent...everything you need for your post workout shower without having to carry around a bulky towel with you all day. Also perfect for a mid workout sweat pat down.

Sakare Soothing Shower Oil

When rushing out to the gym you don't want to have to stuff a range of products in your bag but at the same time you don't want to compromise on your usual beauty regime. Make sure you have this Shower Oil and you will be set...it cleanses and moisturises at the same time and is even gentle enough to be used on your face. Fuss free, time efficient and still leaves you feeling like a smooth goddess! Just what you need after all that sweating.

Sakare Anti Wrinkle Eye Serum

After all that perspiration and then the hot shower your pores are left open. Slapping on moisturiser and loads of makeup to hide the redness is actually really bad for your skin as you can be rubbing dirt into your complexion. I find that applying a small amount of serum just to the eye area helps me look more awake and diminishes any puffiness. Perfect for those morning classes where your body may have woken up but your face is telling a different story.

TOP TIP: Make sure to drink plenty of water to restore hydration levels and eat a small protein-rich snack straight after your session. This will help to refuel your body and in turn restore your complexion to pre-workout appearance!

Body Butter Haul: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins (Review)

My latest haul of beauty products was of body butters from three of the leading skincare names out there: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins.

Although I'm a bit of a crazy Sakare fan (I probably have all of their products at home) I do like to shop around and keep on top of all the latest and best products on the market.

I decided to compare body butters as they are an everyday beauty staple for most women (and some men) and finding the right one can be tricky. Here's what I thought:

Soap&Glory - THE RIGHTEOUS BUTTER

A popular choice among younger girls due to the Original Pink fragrance that Soap&Glory are known for. Moisturising and not too difficult to rub in, this one is a foolproof choice. Price is very purse-friendly too. Does the job but don't expect anything more.

Sakare - ENRICHING SHEA BUTTER

If you suffer from dry skin then look no further, this is your remedy. This is the highest concentration of real butter extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree you will find in any body butter out there. Full of proteins to help nourish and repair damaged skin. Great alternative to medicated creams or for those problem areas that everyone suffers from. Not as easy on the purse-friendly aspect but you really do get what you pay for with this one...it's quality stuff.

Origins - GINGER SOUFFLE WHIPPED BODY CREAM

The mixture of oils involved in this product create a very creamy butter that is easy to apply and dries relatively quickly. Beautiful citrus scent that will wake you up in the morning no matter how early it is. Good for day to day moisturising but for those winter months or problem areas you may need something more concentrated.

Shopping Experience Comparison: L'Occitane vs Sakare

Today I am pitching Sakare (my new favourite beauty care brand) against L'Occitane (an old time favourite) in terms of shopping experience. I am taking into consideration speed and quality of service, layout of store and value for money. Check out my verdict:

Customer Service 

Sakare - As soon as you even walk past this store there are people outside welcoming you in and offering you demonstrations of the products. The staff are not simply trying to get you to spend a fortune in the store, they genuinely understand the customer and offer them products specifically. For example they know that as a beauty blogger, I am always looking to try the very top end range of anti-ageing products, but they realise that that isn't what everyone is looking for. All staff are highly trained on the ingredients and can offer expertise knowledge as to what will work best with your skin. I have never once walked into the shop and been ignored by the staff. They straight away welcome you and help you to find what you are looking for. Some people find this a bit overpowering but as a mystery shopper with years of experience I know that this is the benchmark for good customer service.

L'Occitane - While staff are not generally out in the street to engage customers, I have always been welcomed on entrance to L'Occitane. They pretty much operate with the same procedure as Sakare...asking how you are and how they can help. Staff are knowledgable about the products but sometimes if they don't have what I am looking for then they don't offer a similar product which is a bit frustrating.

Layout

Sakare - Window displays are always immaculate and representative of the brand...luxurious and opulent. Inside the products are displayed simply and in keeping with the style of the widow displays. There is a feel of 1940s cruise liner glamour that transports you to another world.

L'Occitane - As soon as you walk in you feel as if you are in a French beauty boutique of the finest handmade products. Countryside feel with a touch of luxury. Slight overload of products for the eye which I find very off-putting.

Value For Money

Sakare - No top end luxury brand with use of the latest research is going to be cheap. By taking a look at the website you could say that Sakare cosmetics are expensive, although the trick is to strike a deal with the staff as they are usually willing to do you a discount or special offer if you ask. Considering the quality of the products the prices are good value.

L'Occitane - French luxury and cheap will never be found in the same sentence together. If you decide you want a L'Occitane bathroom then it is going to cost you. Don't think of trying to strike a deal in this store as that just won't fly. Prices are not always readily displayed...'if you have to ask it's too expensive' comes to mind.

My Winner: Sakare - just shows that it is possible for new brands to break into the luxury beauty product market which is so often set in it's ways.

Regenerating Peeling Mask from Sakare – Amazing “Lifting” Effect

This mask will not let you down. Whether you wish to achieve a more youthful, firm complexion or simply want to rejuvenate your skin with a regenerating treatment that will leave it looking its best, you won’t be disappointed.

Often people head straight for the bestselling Intensive Nourishment Mud Mask from the Sakare range (no wonder – it’s really something) and always overlook this under-stated gem of a skin treatment.

How do you use it?

This mask takes just two minutes to get to work. Then simply rub it in circular motions into the skin before rinsing off with warm water. No fuss, no mess, you don’t even need to take more than 3 minutes out of your busy day to treat yourself to a high class product that will give you real results.

What does it do?

So, what does it promise to achieve and what did I really see after using this mask once a week for a month? As expected I did see a firmness and lift that wasn’t previously there. I didn’t notice anything straightaway but after the four weeks I was getting comments from friends about looking “fresh” and that I must have been getting loads of sleep recently! I noticed the difference myself when I was applying make up and my skin didn’t seem crepe-y or too delicate. It appeared more elastic and strong but still soft. Literally a face-lift in a bottle! If you are considering any sort of surgery please try this first as I think you will be surprised at what a mask can achieve.

How does it work?

How is this amazing “lifting” effect achieved? It’s all down to Kendi – an organic, eco-certified Indonesian nut oil that so far has not been used widespread. It not only strengthens the skin with firmness and elasticity, but removes all impurities and refines pores for a flawless complexion.

 Who is it for?

Absolutely anyone and everyone! All skin types and ages will find the benefit in using this Sakare product now and then (once a week is ideal).

Great Gift Idea - Sakare Nail Treatment

Since discovering Sakare I waste no chance to introduce others to the products. Every time I need to buy someone a gift I look to Sakare first. Everyone can do with a bit more luxury in their lives and even though the range isn't huge, I feel that there is something for everyone (yes guys included).

Some of the products tend to be a bit more of a let's say...investment rather than a spontaneous purchase and so I realise that it's not such an accessible option for every occasion. Therefore I wanted to share with you my favourite go-to gift for those times when you are trying to hold onto those purse strings!

Sakare Nail Treatment

The complete nail kit is a great option as it includes everything needed for a home manicure. Isn't age sensitive...old and young alike will love it and it is assumable that most people take care of their hands and nails in some form or another. £45 is s pretty good deal considering that you get a nail file, buffer, full sized hand cream and the amazing cuticle oil.

If you are looking to spend less you can still treat that special person! 

A single bottle of hand cream is a great idea....needed all year round and will only cost you £15 for a full sized bottle! Choose from 3 different fragrances to suit the receiver.

The cuticle oil or nail buffer are also a great options for just £15 each and can be purchased separately. The buffer really does work magic and the shine it gives lasts for weeks. 

Sakare is a very affluent brand with high level products but that doesn't mean it's exclusive. They will even give you great deals when buying a few products at a time (don't say I told you so!) 

Everyone that I have treated to Sakare gifts have so far loved them. Don't be caught short again and don't panic buy the first thing you see! 

Sakare Product Review: Luxuriating Body Butter

Body butter is every woman's staple product. Before bed, after shower, first thing in the morning...most women work it into their daily routine somehow.

Personally I have been searching a huge proportion of my life for the perfect body butter but have never been successful. They always seem to be either too thick, too fragranced, too greasy, or take too long to dry.

Now I have found the perfect body butter! Sakare have got the best combination of moisture, fragrance and consistency. Thick but not too thick, it doesn't take hours to dry and won't leave you feeling oily. Choose from 3 different fragrances which are all beautiful and most importantly, not overpowering.

Luxuriating Body Butter from Sakare

Leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth for a whole 24 hours. Not only that but your skin is given a boost by the rich concentration of vitamin E and anti-oxidants. This cream actually helps your skin to repair itself naturally...pretty cool!

With the millions of brands and products out there it is almost impossible to find the ones that are so good we stick with them for life. Luxuriating Body Butter by Sakare is one of those products that you won't regret investing in.

Sakare Botanox Serum...a Miracle in a Bottle

With all the serums and lotions available out there to combat the unfortunate effects of ageing it's no wonder we often get confused. Is it really going to work like it says it will? Is it really worth that much money? Am I barking up the wrong tree completely and just need to get surgery?

Don't despair! I always like to believe that there are alternatives to surgery no matter what your age and state of skin. Ageing is a natural, beautiful thing, but we do need little helping hand to ensure that it is a graceful process.

I recently discovered Sakare Botanox Serum, and I have decided to dub it 'my little miracle in a bottle'.  I am a huge fan of all the Sakare anti ageing products but I hadn't tried any of the Botanox range. To be honest I thought that it might be a gimmick and not worth the money but oh how I was wrong.

The ground breaking Botanox complex is full of peptides and collagen which penetrate deep into your skin to restore that youthful plumpness. Skin is hydrated and completely rejuvenated by minerals, aloe vera, jojoba seed extracts and bounds of vitamin E. The high concentration of anti-oxidants gives your skin that extra boost it needs to repair itself and defend against those approaching wrinkles.

I have noticed such a difference in my skin after just 2 weeks using this serum. Even my most pronounced wrinkles have evened out significantly and in general my complexion is more youthful. Dark circles are no longer bringing my confidence down as they have been lightened.

This serum is the best I have ever tried and I would go as far to say that it is the best anti ageing treatment out there. Yes you may want to hide the receipt from your husband but trust me that you won't regret investing in this miracle serum! If you are considering surgery then please try this first before you go under the knife...you will be surprised at how happy you will be with the results.

Best Skin Brightening Treatments

With so many anti ageing/anti wrinkle treatments and products out there we can get so caught up on straightening out those pesky lines. Ageing is a natural part of life and doing it gracefully is the best way to go. It has taken me some time to come to terms with my wrinkles but now I am learning to embrace them. Yes I use eye serum every night but I believe that natural methods are the way forward and not plastic surgery. Recently I discovered that in order for our skin to appear more youthful and healthy we need to focus on care in general for our skin and not just on getting rid of a specific line or flaw. With a good skin care regime your skin will have a healthy glow. If you have tried this and feel your skin needs an extra helping hand then there are loads of brightening treatments you can try! They introduce that youthful glow that you had before things started to do downhill, disguising other signs of ageing such as wrinkles and lines. Here are some of my favourites....


                                           Countertime Enlightening Treatment Pads

These are great time savers simply because they are in ready-to-go pad form. Think you don't have time for a skin brightener? Well you do with Countertime. Fruit acid complex gives your skin a shot of anti oxidants, brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of pores and imperfections.

Sakare 24k Gold Serum

This serum is simply amazing. It is saturated with tiny pieces of real gold that give an unrivalled level of skin brightening. Elasticity is brought back to the skin with the high concentration of argan oil,  nyamplung oil and vitamin E. Extremely light and extremely potent. Will also get to work on those tough wrinkles at the same time. Works well on all skin types.

Arcona Gentle Solution

This is one for all the sensitive skin sufferers out there. A nighttime treatment that helps your skin repair itself overnight for optimal results. Great for dry/damaged skin. Repairs the skin by encouraging cell renewal meaning you wake up every day looking like you have had the best sleep of your life. 

Sakare Soothing Shower Oil Review

I'm not a shower girl...I need to feel relaxed and pampered and not in a rush. Bath time is my favourite time of the day and I always make time for it. Bubbles, music, candles, sometimes wine. I know, I'm a cliche, but that's me. My friend Joanna was recently raving to me about how amazing the Sakare Soothing Shower Oil is and that I should try it out a couple of times a week and try to be a bit more environmentally friendly by saving water. Unwillingly. I gave in to the peer pressure and here is what I thought:

The shower oil felt really silky soft when I rubbed it into my skin. Lathering slightly you do feel that it is doing a good job of cleansing as well as moisturising. Although it might not be as relaxing as lying in amidst the bubbles there was something rather luxurious about it.

When I came out of the shower and dried off I realised that my skin had still retained the moisture from the oil and so I didn't need to spend any time rubbing in moisturiser like I usually do.

The oil has a gentle yet beautiful aroma which stayed with me even after I had dried and dressed.

In order to try and inject some more luxury into my shower I made sure the water was extra hot and lit some candles for a relaxing atmosphere. I saved so much time and still felt pampered thanks to the help of Sakare. Not sure I will be converted to a shower girl just yet but a couple of times a week I am now taking the quicker option.

If you swear by a quick shower then you will just love this product. It's a time saver's dream!

The New Intensive High-Speed Skincare Products

This latest trend that I have recently cottoned on to is all about getting long term results in an incredibly short space of time. Those wrinkles that you thought only a facelift could ease are now treatable with serums and creams....and you don't have to wait months or years to see a difference. I put a few to the test and compared the results to what is promised on the bottle. Here are my insights....

1. Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream 

Time Frame: Promises results in just 2 weeks

Power Ingredient: Anogeissus...bark of a tree native to South Asia

Verdict: Promises to work actively on 4 different signs of eye-ageing. Plumped my eyes up so the lid skin was less crepe-y but didn't really tackle dark circles. A good base for eye makeup. I saw results after a week but wasn't the full coverage that I expected.

Best For: If eyes are your problem area

2. Sakare Fortifying Facial Serum

Time Frame: Doesn't specify

Power Ingredient: Birch Sap Extract...has medicinal properties and was traditionally used to treat skin conditions

Verdict: This luxury option can be used all over the face and is excellent at smoothing complexion. Strong natural ingredients are key here...they give the skin a natural lift and glow. I smoothed a few drops over my skin before bed and saw results immediately the next morning!

Best For: Uneven skin tone

3. Olay Regenerist Luminous Skin Tone Perfecting Serum

Time Frame: 3 weeks

Power Ingredients: Green tea & aloe vera

Verdict: After around 2 weeks I started to notice that my skin was always well hydrated and had a more youthful appearance. Great for calming and regenerating skin but doesn't really make the cut in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Best For: Dry Skin

Have you used these products? Let me know what you thought! It's always interesting to see how different products work on different skins.