My Current Bath Products

After a long day, there's nothing I crave more than a warm, relaxing bubble bath. The bathroom is my zen, happy place where I can lock the door and unwind. I grab a refreshing drink, pop on some music and a few candles, dim the lights low and take off the day. 

It's so easy to get overwhelmed with day to day life, I usually manage to get a pamper in at the weekend and one mid-week where possible. Even just having 30 minutes or so to myself of an evening really helps me to de-stress, clear my mind and re-focus. Dog walking is great for this also!

Tonight, I lit a few of my Aveda 'Light The Way' candles. If you've ever visited an Aveda salon, you'll get an idea to what these might smell like. I've been loving these gorgeous bath salts from Botanicals, another of my favourite organic skincare brands. Not only do these Sandalwood & Sweet Orange Mineral Crystals smell like HEAVEN in a tub, they also contain over 80 essential minerals. They revive tired and aching muscles and turn my bathroom into a spa. I sprinkle a scoop into my bath once it's run and allow them to infuse for atleast 5 minutes before getting in. I can't get enough!

And it's not a proper bath without a Lush bath bomb, right? Tisty Totsy is one of my all time favourites, studded with real rose buds and scented with floral orris root powder, rose and lemon. Guaranteed to lift your spirits!

I also recently picked up this Cafe de Bain Indulgent Bath Creme in Sweet Vanilla Madeleine from my local Waitrose. The cute packaging caught my eye, but the smell is incredible. If you prefer your sweet scents, this one is for you. An all time favourite is the Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, an indulgent and aromatic concentrated cleansing treatment (the body oil from this range is beautiful too). 

For tonight's pre-bath skincare, I tried a new eye make up remover - Lancome's Bi Facil. I always go for the bi-phase formulas and this one is actually oil free. First impression is that it took my make up off effortlessly and didn't sting my eyes! I'm near the end of this Lancome Gel Eclat cleanser and even though it leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, I wouldn't repurchase it. You have to really lather it in your hands with water before you apply it to your face, it's a foamy consistency (which I try to avoid usually) and you can't use it near your eyes (tried it, regretted it instantly). I then followed up with the Sanctuary Spa Radiance Exfoliator which I really recommend, great for complexion refreshing and revealing a more radiant skin. Lastly I covered my face in Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, a gorgeous deep cleansing Amazonian white clay mask.

Before I get into the bath, I always use my body brush. I don't want this blog post to be too long, so let me know if you'd like a separate post on how and why I use this. Tonight I tried a new product, the DIRTEA Green Tea Scrub. Another natural and organic brand, you wet your skin, apply the scrub and using circular motions especially around problem areas. Leave it to dry for five minutes and then rinse. This is definitely one to use when you have more time but it's so worth it, you'll feel like a new woman (or man!). It also claims to help with any scarring, stretch marks, cellulite, eczema etc. The body wash I'm currently using is good 'ol Soap & Glory's Clean On Me. I've got through so many of these!

By now, you might be thinking 'Wow Katie, this is ALOT of products...' But our skin is our bodies largest organ and no matter how busy I am, I'l make time to look after it. If you feel like you don't have time, make time! Ditch Eastenders or aimless Facebook scrolling one night a week, it will make you feel good.

Now I'm out of the bath, I smother myself in creams and oils. Tonight I went for my Clarin's Moisture Rich Body Lotion (contains shea butter - ultra nourishing) and a little Dove Purely Pampering Body Oil in Pistachio & Magnolia. Like all my skincare, I switch these up depending on how my skin is feeling. I always finish off with a light mist of one of my Victoria Secret's body spray's. Yes, I'm only getting into my pyjamas but it's the perfect finishing touch, it will linger with you all evening. Tonight I didn't have time, but I'l sometimes give myself a little pedicure too.

For my post-bath skincare tonight, I started with the Pixi Glow Tonic (A new game changer to my routine, feeling a separate blog post coming on), Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate (an oldie but a goodie) and First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Lip Therapy. Finally, I like to spritz my bedding with a pillow spray. I'm currently using TempleSpa's Quietude and it really does help to give you a feeling of peace and calm to help you sleep.

Time for a brew, nail paint and a good book (or blog)! What are your favourite bath products?

BeautyBay Haul

I’ve enjoyed BeautyBay for quite a few years now. It’s great for those luxury beauty brands that you as readily available from your local retailers with an added bonus of free delivery.

I’m almost out of my ALL time fave, holy grail skincare product, Alpha H Liquid Gold. I've been using this little 'facial in a bottle' for years. Fantastic for any uneven skin tone or scarring, blemishes or signs of ageing. This stuff is strong sh*t and I only use it twice a week tops. I personally use it as an intensive overnight treatment, by sweeping a small amount on a cotton pad across freshly cleansed skin and just leaving it solo to do it's work (no moisturisers, serums etc after application). 

The next morning my skin looks clearer, more radiant and plumped. I always use it before an occasion/big event or if my skin is looking tired and dull. It contains liquorice extract to purify and boost vibrancy, the glycolic acid is great for anti-ageing and silk proteins tighten and firm the skin. It stings a little when you first apply it (too harsh to use on the daily) and I can't help but find that incredibly satisfying.

Obviously, one couldn’t resist adding a couple other gems into the basket…

I’ve been loving the Makeup Geek eyeshadows this year and had to try the new contour pan’s to add to my Z-Palette. I got the shade ‘BreakUp’ and it’s the perfect cool toned shade for me. It’s buttery soft and super pigmented, just like the eyeshadows. For the £7.95 price tag, it’s up there with the £35 Kevyn Aucoin Sclupting Powder. I also picked up the Full SpectrumEyeliner from Makeup Geek in black, again incredible opaque colour pay off and super soft on the delicate eye area. Really impressed.

I keep hearing all the YouTube gurus talk about Morphe brushes. I’ve been reaching for my Zoeva brushes of recent but fancied giving these a go (ps.on the subject of Zoeva, I NEED to get my mits on the Cocoa Blend palette!). So far I’m really enjoying them! The quality looks and feels like my higher end brushes, but these won’t break the bank. I picked up the M335 Chubby Blending Buffer brush for concealer (works a treat under the eyes), the M528 Pointed Contour brush for cheekbone contour and the M438 Pointed Contour brush (thinner than the M528, amazing for delicately setting under eyes with powder). I’l be interested to see if they wash up well, so far I haven’t experienced any shedding.

They also threw in a sample of the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser which I have been wanting to give a go. I’m currently using a Detol soap bar (it’s antibacterial and it works!) but I’ve heard great things about the original Beauty Blender cleanser.

http://www.beautybay.com

Origins Mask Marvels

Origins is a brand that I’ve enjoyed for many years now. I’ve always got at least one product in my skincare routine. I like that they are more natural and earth-friendly yet still being results driven. No matter what my skin care need, I can always find a suitable product that will work for me. I thought I would give my three favourite Origins masks a quick mention today.

Clear Improvement mask £23 (100ml)

An activated charcoal mask, great for when my skin is looking congested or if I have any breakouts. Charcoal works like a magnet to draw out impurities from clogged pores. The mask dries hard and feels itchy if you leave it on for too long. Once removed with a warm damp flannel, my skin feels super clean and fresh.

Drink Up Intensive mask £23 (100ml)

This intense moisturising mask has Avocado Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil to deeply nourish the skin. Japanese Seaweed repairs the skin’s barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing. I love leaving a light layer of this on overnight, my skin wakes up feeling replenished and smooth to touch. Super hydrating and smells gorgeous too.

Out of Trouble 10 Minute mask £23 (100ml)

My little rescue remedy! I grab this mask when my skins texture isn’t at it’s best or I’m looking a little dull. Great for after a long day or a late night or you feel like you might break out. Ideal for a combination skin. The consistency is thick, but spreads easily and feels calming and refreshing when applied. The smell is very herbal like, which I personally quite like but I know isn't to everyones taste. Top marks from me though!

Top to bottom: Clear Improvement, Drink Up Intensive, Out Of Trouble.

I try to use face masks twice a week, I find it makes a real difference to the overall condition of my skin. I usually apply two or three at the same time, in the areas that need it. For example, I usually use a deep cleansing mask on my t-zone area and a brightening or moisturising mask everywhere else. All depending on my skin needs at the time. I really want to get my hands on the Maskimizer Mask Primer, have you tried it?

Brand review: Urban Veda

If you look at the ingredients of your current skincare products, how many of the words can you actually pronounce? I’ve learnt from working in beauty over the years that marketing is clever and brands such as Simple (sorry to name drop), really aren't that... simple. I wanted to simplify my beauty routine with less harsh chemicals to see if it made a difference to the overall appearance of my skin. I came across Urban Veda when researching natural skincare brands and I’ve been lucky enough to trial both the soothing and radiance collections over the past few months.

Urban Veda’s products are uniquely formulated to help maintain the skin's natural balance. Using only natural and pure ingredients, the award winning brand is based on the therapeutic properties of plants. These plants are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients. The range has been formulated using natural ingredients and claims to ‘pollution proof’ skin, leaving it less vulnerable to the environment. Not to mention they are also free of SLS, nasty parabens and GM ingredients. Not impressed yet? Well, Urban Veda is also a vegan and cruelty free brand and all of the packaging is completely recyclable too!

The skincare is split into four ranges aimed at different skin types:

Purifying (neem +botanics) – Aimed at congested/oil prone skin types.

Soothing (sandalwood +botanics) – Targeted towards sensitive skin types.

Radiance (turmeric +botanics) – Great for revitalising dull skin to restore a natural glow.

Reviving (rose +botanics) – Gives a plumping effect to tired and mature skin.

 The first range I tried was the soothing (sandalwood + botanics) range. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. To read a breakdown of the impressive ingredients list, click here. 

The first thing I noticed with about this collection was the smell, ugh. I love sandalwood and the plant scent that comes from these products is so relaxing and uplifting. I treat myself to a pamper night weekly, so I lined up all my new products on the side of the bath. I started off with the facial wash which is a gel type consistency. It left my skin feeling deeply cleansed, but refreshed rather than stripped. However, I have still been opting for a separate oil-based eye make up remover and keeping this for my second cleanse. I then got into the shower and moved onto my body products. You can really feel the scrub taking off all those nasty dead skin cells, but it doesn’t feel harsh like other scrubs I’m used to. I think the key ingredients of aloe vera and ylang ylang are to thank for that. I used the facial polish for my face and neck area, again this isn’t abrasive at all but the tiny grains really buff away at the skin. By the time I was lathering up the body wash, my bathroom smelt like a spa retreat! Patting my skin dry with a warm fluffy towel, I then massaged in the body lotion using circular motions (always in the direction of the heart). I usually stick to a body butter, but for a more light weight option, I found the lotion really nourishing and quick absorbing. Lastly, I swept a generous amount of the hydrating toner to my face on a cotton pad, following up with the night cream. I honestly felt completely pampered and renewed, my skin felt like silk. I think this is the first time I've ever used the same brand and line of products all together and it was so refreshing. By layering the products, the scent really lingered through until the morning.

 The other range I was lucky enough to trial was the radiance (turmeric +botanics) collection. Great for revitalising a dull complexion or a skin lacking in moisture to restore that ‘Victoria’s Secret’ glow. For another powerful list of plant ingredients, click here.

I tried this line a week later later, in exactly the same order. Because I enjoyed the soothing line so much, I was really looking forward to my pamper night to test the radiance line. Once again, from the minute I got into these products, I was overwhelmed by the scent. To be honest, I do love a strong scent, especially when it comes to body products. You get a really good hit of patchouli with this collection, and Urban Veda… If you’re reading this, PLEASE add some kind of body spray/fragrance to this line! If you’re near a Holland and Barrett, you need to pop in and get a wiff of this to really appreciate it. Half way through my pamper routine, I’m back in at my little at home retreat. Texture wise, all the products feel practically identical to the soothing range. My skin felt equally revitalised and radiant. Even though I really enjoyed both lines, I have nearly used up all of my radiance collection and have already re-purchased the body products I’ve run out of. I have also found when I have used the radiance body products in the morning, I haven't felt the need to follow up with a perfume.

The day and night creams are nourishing and rich, yet easily absorbed and have kept my skin glowing. Admittedly, I do prefer my facial skin care to be a little more active and results driven. I also prefer the night cream, over the day. I think this is because the scents give me that feeling of wanting to ‘wind down’. I also find myself avoiding the day cream on make up days as I just find it a little heavy for under foundation.

I love the brands philosophy and I’m really impressed with the quality of the products. I think they are fantastic value for money and I really do now look forward to my pamper routine. If you would like to see more of a breakdown and detailed review of any particular products from the brand, I’d be more than happy to do so. 

The website also includes a short questionnaire to find out which range is most suitable for you. Top marks from me (& George)! http://www.urbanveda.co.uk