Mybeautywaxstash

Month: May 2022

  • May Review Round Up. What Products Did I Use?

    Another month has zoomed by! I say this every month, but where is the time going? It didn’t seem that long ago when I wrote my April Review Round Up post and now I’m doing it for May! But here we are again. Another month, another collection of products I’ve used and reviewed. So what were they in May?

    Products used in May
    Primark’s PS Guava Peach Bath Fizzer

    At a cost of £1.50, this massive bath fizzer might satisfy those who love baths and love low prices too. But for those who are after quality AND quantity, spend your money on something that will provide fizz and not fizzle out!

    Primark’s PS Guava & Peach Bath Fizzer
    Maui Moisture’s Coconut Coffee Body Scrub & Wash

    This was a bargain find! 99p for a 577ml shower product. Although Maui Moisture’s Coconut Coffee Body Scrub & Wash is marketed as a 2 in 1 product, it isn’t in my opinion. Just call it a good quality, great smelling body wash and appreciate it for just that.

    Maui Moisture’s Coconut Coffee Body Scrub Wash
    Aldi’s Lacura Moisturising Hand Cream

    A highly moisturising hand cream containing glycerin and oatmeal. Such a great quality product at a bargain price. Would appeal to those who uses and loves Aveeno products because of their similar ingredients.

    Aldi’s Lacura Moisturising Hand Cream
    Primark’s PS Hydrating Coconut Cream Mask

    A great priced mask but for me, lacked the hydration factor my skin needed. Such a shame, as I wanted something nourishing but what I got was something similar to a clay mask so did the opposite.

    Primark’s PS Hydrating Coconut Cream Mask
    Momento’s Salt On My Skin Eau de Toilette

    A slightly hidden brand as I’ve never heard of it before! Available from Boots. This has such a beautiful scent. The problem I had was not how it smelt, but it’s strength and longevity. Is this proof if you want quality you have to pay a bit more for it?

    Momento’s Salt On My Skin Eau de Toilette
    Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask

    This mask has made me realise how picky my skin has been recently. Always remember that skin is an individual thing which never stays in exactly the same condition all of the time. Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask, because of the quality of it’s ingredients, will be loved by many. But yet again my thirsty skin remained thirsty after using this so not my personal go to mask at the moment.

    Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask

    So, as you can read, May was a month that mixed things up a little bit when it comes to the products I used. A little skincare thanks to the use of masks, fragrance via an eau de toilette and some pampering times in the bath and shower courtesy of a bath fizzer and body wash. Is there anyway we can indulge in more products and keep costs down as low as possible? Check out this post for some tips – How To Save Money On Skincare/Beauty Purchases, and I will see you on the next product review!x

  • Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask

    I’m really getting into face masks at the moment. My skin has been all over the place the last few months, and I’ve been slotting skincare masks to see if they can help provide a temporary quick fix solution. I’ve used a few different masks including Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask. This came in a set, but individually this costs £8.00 for 50ml.

    Beauty Kitchen’s Abyssinian Oil 5 Minute Miracle Mask
    Why did I use this?

    I’ve used different products from this range and enjoyed quite a few of them. I thought my skin might appreciate using something on a regular basis rather than a one off product (e.g tissue skincare masks), to help with hydration and hopefully improve the condition of my skin.

    What is this supposed to do?

    Suitable for all skin types, this is designed to hydrate, give the skin a more youthful appearance and also draw out pollutants and dirt from the skin.

    Packaging

    This skincare mask is housed in a plastic tube with a pump top to release the mask. What I like about this packaging is the amount you use is measured. One pump, two, three, however much or little you use is up to you. It’s hygienic, no fingers being stuck in pots and air isn’t getting into the product. Appearance and colouring of the label makes me think this is quite an earthy, natural product. So how this is presented stands out.

    Texture

    When this comes out of the pump, it looks quite rich. I would compare it to a body lotion which isn’t as liquid and as fluid as a typical lotion, because it has hold to it. Off white in colour with a slightly waxy feel to it.

    Fragrance

    There’s a plant like scent to this with the smallest hint of floral and a citrus element to it e.g lemongrass oil type fragrance. It’s not a heavy fragrance or strong, quite comforting in fact. If you’re a fan of aromatherapy type fragrances you would probably be quite fond of this.

    How To Apply

    Onto clean skin, apply a thin layer of mask over the face and neck area. Leave on between 5 to 15 minutes then remove with warmed, damp cloth or sponge.

    On the skin

    I’ve used this skincare mask on many occasions. I use a thin layer of this on my face and neck which applies very easily. I leave it on for around 10-15 minutes, and by this point it’s nearly all sucked up into my skin! Comfortable on the skin, but I did have to check the packaging as this felt as if it dried out slightly like a clay mask. And it does include clay! This doesn’t give the full clay, frozen face feel that heavily clay based products leave on the skin. But it wasn’t what I was looking for in a mask.

    Taking this off was no problem with a warmed, damp face cloth. No residue left, and my skin felt and looked quite fresh and clean. I would have liked this to have left my face feeling more moisturised if I’m honest. It felt a touch too clean, even a little tight? I wouldn’t say my face looked and felt amazing, but what I would say is it felt slightly improved.

    Recommended?

    Overall I thought this mask was ok. Packaged nicely, texture and fragrance was enjoyable. My skin felt a little perked up, but my constant thing at the moment is I need my face to feel hydrated and plump. This didn’t hit that sweet spot for my skin. I’m finding masks containing clay are not my best friend or what my skin needs right now. So this mask isn’t my favourite mask of all time because it just isn’t right for my skin, at least not right now.

    It’s not one I would repeat purchase but could see this being useful if my skin was oily and, prone to break outs and/or younger. For now, this will be kept on the shelf and brought out on the odd occasions this works better for me.

    If this sounds like a mask your skin would like, the best price I’ve found this mask for is £6.00 at Holland and Barratt if you want to give this a whirl.

  • Momento’s Salt On My Skin Eau de Toilette

    Who doesn’t love a designer fragrance? I understand why they are desirable, but the price point isn’t appealing to me! So I love trying out fragrances that aren’t well known, hopefully they smell nice AND be kind to my credit card. I purchased a few gift sets from Boots online ages ago including one that contained Momento’s Salt On My Skin Eau de Toilette. The gift set was half price and cost me £15.00. On it’s own it’s £12.00 for 50ml.

    Momento’s Salt On My Skin Eau De Toilette
    Why did I buy this?

    I look at less known brands for a few reasons. I like scents that aren’t instantly recognisable and not the norm scent wise and they are more affordable compared to designer fragrances. This is why I bought this, along with other sets, when Boots had an online sale.

    Packaging

    This fragrance comes in a clear, glass, rectangular bottle. The lid is small, cylinder shaped, but rather than it being smooth all around it’s faceted. What I like about this is it’s simplicity. You can’t go wrong with a fragrance that’s presented in a basic, simple and crisp way.

    How Does This Smell?

    When I first smelt this I immediately liked it! The best way I can describe this smells is it’s a clean, fresh, floral with a touch of salt. The floral mixed in with delicate fruity undertones puts this into a pretty, feminine catchment.

    Strength & Longevity

    I apply this directly onto my uniform in the morning, and I never get the chance to reapply this during the day.This isn’t strong, or at least not on me. I find this to be very soft in strength although lovely on the nose. This fragrance wasn’t noticeable much as I wore it during the day. Longevity wise it’s hard to comment on if the fragrance wasn’t that noticeable in the first place! So for me, strength and longevity are quite low. How this behaves if on the skin I don’t know unfortunately.

    Momento’s Salt On My Skin Gift Set
    Recommended?

    I wanted to LOVE this fragrance! The actual smell of this is great and slightly unusual, so stands out for me. Although some people love subtle fragrances strength wise this was just too soft for my nose and how I like my fragrances to be. I’ve layered this with other fragrances which has created some great scent combos, and worn this on it’s own. But it just doesn’t pack enough of a punch! Considering this is an EDT and not a body mist, I’m a little disappointed. So I wouldn’t recommend this if you need your fragrance to be obvious. If you like the sound of how this smells try out their body mist as it’s half the price of this so save yourself some money.

  • How To Save Money On Skincare/Beauty Purchases

    Are you being more careful about what you spend your money on these days? Essential purchases only? Yep, me too. But there are things I make an exception to. Some things I buy because they make me feel relaxed, happy and keep my mind and body in a good place. These items are things for the bath, body and skin. I spend so much of my money on day to day living e.g food, utilities etc, that I need something just for me. So how is it possible to treat your skin without killing your budget?

    Sales

    No surprise with this one, right? It’s not rocket science, but try and time your purchases right and you could save yourself a pound of two. The key times sales crop up (in the UK) are around Bank Holidays, the end and/or beginning of seasons and AFTER special events e.g Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas etc.

    Social Media

    I’ve made many purchases on social media thanks to seeing companies mention a flash sale, a certain percentage off or free products in each order sent out. This can be dangerous but if you have your eye on particular items or brands, this can be very useful.

    Purchases made via social media posts
    Emails & Newsletters

    Many companies will offer an incentive (normally a percentage or money off your first order) if you sign up to their email list or make a purchase for the first time. Great way to take advantage and get the cost of the product/s lowered and not pay full price.

    Cashback Sites

    Depending on where and who you intend to make your purchase with, it’s always a good idea to see if they are listed with a cashback site. You select the website you are buying through the cashback site, make your purchase as normal and you receive a small percentage of that purchase amount. Online stores such as Look Fantastic and Feel Unique sell a multitude of brands under one ‘roof’, as do traditional stores such as Boots or Superdrug. My favourite cashback site is Quidco, but there are others around. It’s worthwhile checking different ones as they may have different payouts and companies under their scheme. So not only can you earn money from these purchases, if bought when on offer, get them cheaper too!

    Gift Sets

    Gift sets can be better value than buying each item individually. I find this many times with fragrances, skincare and bath and body products. Don’t be ashamed to split these up to gift to other people if you want to be that little more frugal.

    Loyality Cards

    I’m currently eyeing up some skincare products which are not the cheapest. But I can get half the cost covered by using the points built up from my loyalty card from the store I’m going to buy it from. I’ve noticed Boots are doing similar styled promotions that the supermarket Tesco do. If you have their loyalty card and use it while buying certain products you get it at a special price. And I’ve seen some REALLY good offers recently that made particular products cheaper than I have ever seen!

    Loyalty cards points to help with purchases
    3 for 2 or Buy One Get One Free

    I love these kinds of deals! Firstly, I have to want the products under this deal. Secondly, I will work out if this actually is a good deal because sometimes it really isn’t. This not only helps quench my thirst for products but also help me buy future gifts for my nearest and dearest too to shove in my gift cupboard for birthday’s and Christmas.

    Dupes

    This suggestion is a controversial one! There are many companies and brands that bring out their own ‘version’ of products that are ‘inspired’ by other brands and products. Some people think this is ripping off the originals, some applaud this move. What does this mean for the consumer? The ‘inspired’ products are much cheaper!

    As an example, Aldi’s Lacura Luxury Bath Float seems very similar to Sanctuary Spa Luxury Bath Float. Not only in name, but packaging, the actual product and scent. Aldi are notorious for this. I know, I’ve tried quite a few of these products! Are they identical? No idea, as I’ve never compared the formulation of the products against each other. But if you’re ok with this idea, this would be something to consider.

    Spot the similarities? Aldi’s V Sanctuary Spa
    Supermarket/Store Own Brands

    We’ve been advised for years to downshift when it comes to our branded food. You can do the same with things for the bath, body, face and fragrances.Supermarkets have their own ranges competing for your cash, as do other high street stores. I’ve used lots of Superdrug’s own branded products and honestly loved many of them, and paid good prices for them too.

    So, if you’re wanting to still make these types of purchases, you can do this without paying full price. You just have to time your purchases well, be clear about what you want and try and get the best value you can when possible.