Mybeautywaxstash

Author: mybeautywaxstash

  • The Winter Collection of Reed Diffusers From Cristalinas

    Reed diffusers are a great way to fragrance rooms in the home. Not everyone can or wants to use candles, wax melts or plug ins. Reed diffusers don’t need tea lights or need to be powered by electricity. So they can be put in various places and rooms. I like the fact that lots of reed diffusers actually look quite nice and can add something aesthetic to an area. One reed diffuser I’ve used and liked is by Cristalinas. There’s a variety of different fragrances available in Home Bargains. So what’s available, what are they like and how much do they cost?

    The Winter Collection of Reed Diffusers From Cristalinas
    Packaging

    Each reed diffuser comes boxed. Vibrantly coloured with images on the box depicting the fragrance it comes in. What I like the most about how these are presented, which is good, is the fact it makes a note of how intense the strength is from 1 to 5. You can also get an idea on what the fragrance is like because there’s a section you can smell close to the reeds to get the scent the diffuser is in.

    The reed diffuser itself comes in a small, clear and labelled bottled with reed diffusers separately packaged in the box.

    Cosy Apple & Cinnamon Reed Diffuser
    Fragrances available

    Candy Canes, Mistletoe & Pine, Cosy Apple & Cinnamon (all part of the Winter Collection), Salted Caramel Mocha, Spiced Vanilla Latte and Warm Pear Crackling Cider Fall Collection).

    Candy Canes Reed Diffuser
    Have I used any of these?

    I actually have! I’ve bought Salted Caramel Mocha TWICE. I used this in my small downstairs toilet. I didn’t think it would perform so well because it’s small. But it actually performed well and made this area smell gorgeous, almost bakery like. One day I went into my son’s bedroom and thought…oh it smells nice in here. Only to find he took this from the toilet and moved it into his room! Considering his room is a lot bigger than our downstairs toilet, this was quite strong and lasted for ages. When it ran out I had to buy him another one! So scent and performance was this one was great! I’ve also got the Spiced Vanilla Latte reed diffuser but not used it.

    Mistletoe & Pine Reed Diffuser
    Size & prize

    25ml and only £1.99. I say ‘only’ because I’ve seen these diffusers priced much higher in supermarkets, so £1.99 is a good price.

    Recommended?

    Packaging wise these look like a good quality reed diffuser. The fragrances are ideal for the different seasons they are themed as and having varied strengths, makes these tailor made for what you need. And the scents I’ve smelt have been so good, its hard not to want to buy them all. The price is budget friendly so an affordable purchase. So if you see these in your local Home Bargains, give them a try, you might like these reed diffusers as much as I do!

  • Why I’m Taking Collagen Powder In 2026

    Ageing is inevitable. If you’re lucky to see another year, and another and another, ageing hits us all. I’m grateful to get older. I’ve had the privilege of being on this planet for 40plus years. Some people unfortunately don’t get that chance. But with all the benefits of getting older e.g wisdom, experience, there are downsides too. And this is why I’m taking supplements, including collagen powder. So what am I taking and what is it supposed to do?

    Collagen powder supplement
    What’s the importance of collagen?

    Collagen is a form of protein that can be found in our body. Its job is to help provide strength, support and elasticity areas such as bones, joints and skin. From mid 20’s, the amount of collagen in our bodies decreases. And the older you get the more it rapidly gets lower. Although it doesn’t seem to make a massive difference straight away for many of us, over time it really can take a hold on our bodies e.g thinner skin, lines, wrinkles, dry skin. Bones can become brittle, less strong and we can experience aches and pains. So if our bodies naturally are not producing collagen at the same rate it used to, you can understand why many people want to try and ‘boost’ their supply!

    Why am I taking collagen?

    I’m in my mid 40s. My skin isn’t as flawless as it used to be in regards to tone. Structure wise it’s not in bad shape! I’m not suffering from lines and wrinkles and I would like to keep them at bay for as long as I can. The skin on my body seems thinner. A knock or scratch takes longer to heal. I have a few aches and pains in particular areas that are annoying, so I’m definitely not feeling and looking like someone half my age!

    What collagen am I taking?

    I’m taking Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder bought from Amazon. 165g in weight, provides 30 servings and in strawberry & raspberry flavour. Mix one scoop with 100-200ml of water, ideally take in the morning after exercise.

    Key ingredients

    This contains hydrolysed collagen. Hydrolysed means its been made smaller so its easier for the body to absorb it. Vitamin C helps to combat free radicals and boost immune system. Hyaluronic acid helps to provide hydration in the skin. Biotin helps hair and skin to be healthy.

    How easy is this to drink and what does it taste like?

    I mix this up in a water bottle half filled with water. I pop the cap on and give this a really good shake so the collagen powder totally disappears. The taste of this is actually half decent. Yes, it has a strawberry-esq taste to it. It’s not full of flavour like you’re drinking a cordial. It’s there, subtle but pleasant, so easy to drink. Regardless of how much this cost or why I bought it, if it tasted disgusting I promise I wouldn’t use it but this I happily drink every morning.

    How long have I been taking this?

    I’m currently on tub number 3. But after my first one I didn’t repurchase and use for at least another month or so. But the last 2 tubs I’ve used consistently and I’ve been taking this everyday for around 6-8 weeks.

    My current mix of supplements and a hyperpigmentation skincare product
    Have I noticed any changes?

    Aches and pain wise no. Skin wise? Now this is an interesting one. I’ve been suffering from hyperpigmentation (brown marks on the skin caused by inflammation, spots, cuts or bites) on and off for a while now (caused by spots). Over the last week or so I’ve noticed my skin looks more even in tone. I would love to say it’s the The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment I’ve been using but I’ve been very inconsistent using it. The only other thing I’ve changed skincare wise is using a hot cloth cleanser, but I can’t see that changing the tone of my skin. So do I think it’s Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder? Let’s just say I’m happy to keep using this for the foreseeable future! My skin looks slightly better and it actually tastes ok!

    Applied Nutrition Collage Powder is available in not only in Strawberry & Raspberry flavour, but Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical and Unflavoured.

    Sizes of this product vary from 165g to 300g, with starts at around £10.00 up to £20.00.

  • My Beauty Goals For 2026

    I’m not a fan of New Years Resolutions. As human beings we set ourselves up for immediate failure with huge lists of what we’re going to do for the next year. But what I do like is to make promises to myself. Where I want to see improvements on what I already have, even if that improvement is small. So when it comes to the area of beauty, there are a few things I want to focus and improve on, which hopefully will mean looking and feeling better. So what are these things I’m going to focus on and why?

    2026 Beauty Goals
    Not buying too many new products

    I used to be awful buying products. Being tempted by creams, gels and serums I haven’t used before. Products at great prices or on promotions, promising to do xyz, I couldn’t help myself and I would buy them! But the last few years I’ve been more selective when it comes to what I buy and I ask myself ‘do I need this?’. It’s a very simple and basic thing to do but has saved me a small fortune and I’m going to continue to think like this.

    Only buying what my skin needs and being specific

    There’s zero point buying products the skin on my face or body doesn’t actually need. If my skin has specific problems I need products that are designed to target those issues. This makes purchasing, and using products, more simple and less complicated when it comes to my skin and body care routine.

    Keeping skin and body care simple and irritation free
    Keeping it simple but not?

    This is a contradiction I know! My current skincare routine is simple. I try to avoid certain things such as fragrance and colour in my products, especially for the face. Sometimes this is with body, bath and shower products I use (not always, but sometimes when my skin is irritable). I don’t want to use products with a trillion ingredients in it or ingredient names I can’t pronounce, BUT is some of my products too simple? I’m convinced as a woman of over 40 I need products that have some active ingredients, just to give my skin a little jolt and to help target problems and issues. Is the £1.19 Aldi’s Lacura Moisturising Face Wash enough for me right now or do I need something more specific and less generic? Watch this space, I’m going to think about this one!

    And the most important thing I’m focusing on is…….

    Nutrition and supplements! Yes, of course food will come into the equation. You are what you eat! But going back to the age thing I feel that my body, skin and hair need additional help in the form of supplements. I’m currently taking collagen powder, turmeric tablets and a Vitamin B complex tablet. I feel like my bones and skin need to be stronger and be better at withstanding general life, so I’m going to look into what I need to add into my daily supplement collection.

    My current supplements

    So these are my beauty goals for 2026. Nothing complicated, hard work and hopefully not expensive. Being intentional with what I buy and use will hopefully create improvements for the inside and the outside of my body.

  • Lotions & Potions December Pamper Box, What Was In It?

    In August, I signed up for a Lotions & Potions December Pamper Box. I’ve bought and used many products from this business before, and one of my favourite things to purchase is one of their monthly boxes. Each month, a new box is released filled with various products e.g haircare, body care, skincare or bath and shower. The thing is, you never know exactly what you will get. But what you will know is it will contain A LOT of products, all great quality and all great value. So what did I get in December’s Pamper Box?

    Lotions & Potions December Pamper Box
    Winter Warmer Sugar Scrub

    Fragrance wise, you can imagine with it’s name, this will be perfect for the time of year. Cinnamon, cloves and orange, if this doesn’t scream winter nothing else will! This scrub is jam packed with sugar particles, squashed in a pampering and thick formulation, which should exfoliate and moisturise the body at the same time.

    Winter Warmer Sugar Scrub
    Frankincense, Gold & Myrrh Jumbo Bath Bomb

    Round, quite weighty and baby blue in colour, this bath bomb is seasonally scented with an almost perfume like fragrance to it. Sweet, citrusy, comforting and warming. Plain in look, but I think this will create a great bath time experience.

    Frankincense, Gold & Myrrh Jumbo Bath Bomb
    Cosy Winters Night Whipped Soap

    A bright and rich looking whipped soap lightly sprinkled with star decorations and a touch of glitter. This is going to be ideal for those who need and want a richer product to wash their body with. Dry skin should love this, and those who like richer textures of body products like me will too!

    Cosy Winters Night Whipped Soap
    Winter Warmer Soap Sponge

    A soap sponge is an easy and quick way to wash the body. Already infused with soap and fragrance, literally grab, place on damp skin and wash away! Winter Warmer Soap Sponge smells amazing and a great partner to the Winter Warmer Sugar Scrub scent wise. This smells spicy and uplifting. The cinnamon in this has a fiery kick to it which I enjoy.

    Winter Warmer Soap Sponge
    Cedar, Black Pepper & Patchouli Gold Shimmer Body Wash

    100ml of body wash that can be used in the bath or shower, housed in a pump action bottle. You can see the fine gold shimmer in the body wash, which is fun. The fragrance will probably appeal to men more as it’s very woody and masculine, and still very fresh and clean.

    Cedar, Black Pepper & Patchouli Gold Shimmer Body Wash
    Spiced Whisper Body Wash

    Spiced Whisper Body Wash has a spicy citrus scent to it. Quite different to the other body wash, and may appeal to more people as its less specific. Another 100ml product housed in a pump action bottle, which makes using and leaving in the bathroom practical and easy on the eye.

    Spiced Whisper Body Wash
    Cleansing Face Balm

    Perfect product to cleanse the face if you want the richest and thickest form of cleanser. Very typical balm like consistency, which is solid, almost Vaseline like and will melt on skin or in fingertips.

    Cleansing Face Balm
    Glittering Hydration Mask

    This mask is very unusual in its texture. Almost jelly like and full of glitter giving it a copper coloured look. If you want a fun mask but one that’s designed to hydrate the skin, this could be the one!

    Glittering Hydration Mask
    Cookie Dough Lip Butter

    Hydrating and in a fun, yummy flavour/fragrance, this lip butter is a lip balm which contains various oils and butters to keep lips supple and smooth.

    Cookie Dough Lip Butter
    Fame Perfume Balm

    A balm formulation that is highly fragranced and a different way to wear fragrance compared to a spray or oil. Great for the pulse points, moisturising on the skin while giving fragrance without drying it out. The heat from the skin will help the balm melt and allow the fragrance to really come alive and travel.

    Fame Perfume Balm
    Extras!

    It’s not a Lotions & Potions box without extras! December’s Pamper Box included: individually wrapped fudge (yum!), 80g panettone (waistline GONE!), socks, gloves and a super cute little worry bear.

    Cost

    £35.00 including postage and packaging.

    First impressions?

    This is A LOT of product for £35.00! All hand made and hand packaged which i incredibly impressive. The theming is spot on for December e.g scents, textures etc. A great mix of different products which covers the face, body and bath and shower. All nicely packaged, generous sizes and will keep me going for months! 9 full sized products with extras for £35.00? As usual, exceptional value! So as you can tell, my first impression on this box is wow!

    This box is a one off for December. Never to be repeated again in this configuration. But these products are available individually on the website * website currently being updated so watch this space!