Mybeautywaxstash

Tag: pampering

  • Skin Republic’s Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

    If you use skincare, is there one Holy Grail product you always search for? Mine is the perfect eye product. The problem I find with eye products is they are the hardest to get right. Or better still, it’s hard to get one that works the way I want it to. So I accept the fact some products for this area may only provide a temporary fix, which is ok with me. And that’s where under eye patches can be very handy. I’ve decided to try out Skin Republic’s Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches. I bought these in a collection some time ago. These retail for £5.99 per pack for 3 sets of patches.

    Skin Republic’s Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

    Why did I buy these?

    At the time I had never used this brand before. The collection I purchased consisted of various masks and eye patches which I really wanted to try. What made this even more appealing was the fact the set was half price. But the reason why I decided to use these recently was I fell in love with a tissue mask from this brand, so I was gagging to see if this was just as good. And I needed a pamper! Who doesn’t? Tired, running on empty and eyes looking sad and lifeless. This was much needed so I gave it whirl.

    What are these supposed to do?

    These eye patches are designed to make the under eye appear younger. Helping to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, reduce puffiness and dark circles. Basically to make this area look more alive and healthier!

    What’s my eye area like?

    Up at 4.30am during the week, 2 kids, work, blog….tired! They can look occasionally a little puffy and slightly dark but in all honesty I think it’s something I notice more than anyone else. But general life does show itself in this area, and I’ve kindly been told on a few occasions how knackered I look!

    What do you get?

    Within this packet (typical packaging for eye masks and sheets masks like this), there were 3 pairs of eye patches. Each pair should only be used once and aren’t reusable.

    How to use.

    Skin should be cleansed before using these patches. Apply each patch under eyes and leave on for 30 minutes. Remove and do not wash off.

    It does say on the packaging that to get the best results you should use these twice a week for a full month so keep this in mind.

    The Patches.

    On one side of the patches it looked similar in appearance and feel to the same material facial sheet masks are made off. On the other side, which is attached to plastic it sits on before you remove to use it, it’s sticky and smooth almost jelly/plastic like. This is the side you apply to your undereye. These are fragranced. Not too heavily but there is something there. It’s a nice scent, a little floral but not strong.

    In Use.

    These suckered themselves to under my eyes no problem. They felt quite thick so it didn’t feel natural or comfortable wearing them for 30 minutes. The plus side was there was no way these bad boys were coming off. I’ve tried using these without putting them in the fridge and from the fridge for added coolness, and in all honesty I felt no difference. They did feel a little cooling regardless but I guess that’s due to the material the patches are made from.

    And the result?

    Nothing noticeable. Under my eyes didn’t look or feel any different. But I only used what was contained in the packaging spread over 2/3 weeks, so I wasn’t consistent with them as suggested.

    Recommended?

    Tricky one to answer yes or no. When I bought these I didn’t realise it was suggested you needed to use these quite regularly to see some form of change. Most facial tissues/eye masks I’ve used before are designed to give an instant lift or result, not needing to use them all the time. So because I didn’t use them like this I can’t judge them fairly. But what I can say is what I liked and didn’t like about them..

    I liked the fact you got 3 sets of eye patches. Each pair individually wrapped so no drying out or spoiling of the product. What I didn’t like was how thick they were. It made that area feel very rigid and to wear them for 30 minutes seemed 15 minutes too long. I would have liked these to have been more moisturising immediately which I didn’t get, and if placed in the fridge more coolness would have been beneficial. And of course, an instant effect would have been brilliant. If I wanted or needed to see improvements over time surely I would opt for an eye cream or serum instead? That would be more cost effective. To try these out for a month you would need 3 packets, which if not on offer would cost £18.00. That’s not expensive but compared to an eye cream it is!

    These may not be what I had hoped for, but these maybe right for others out there. Available from many places such as Superdrug, picking these up shouldn’t be difficult. I would try these out when on offer such as half price or 3 for 2 deal if possible to see if these work for you and your peepholes.

  • Bubble Up Sail Away With Me Bath Bar

    One of the things I look forward to late afternoon or evening time is having a bath. Especially if the day has dragged, the weather is rubbish and it’s been a hard day at work. Do I have a favourite bath product? I like lots of different ones but which one ends up in the bath is dependant on my mood and skin needs. I decided to use an item I have tried before but in a different fragrance. Bubble Up Sail Away With Me Bath Bar was the most recent item of choice. I bought this from my local ASDA store ages ago for less than a pound!

    Bubble Up’s Sail Away With Me Bath Bar

    Why did I choose this?

    I bought this originally because I tried another fragrance in this bath bar and absolutely loved it! The fact that this was scented differently to my first purchase and super cheap, seemed a sign from above to buy it so I did. But choosing to use this was because I hoped for something fresher and cleaner in scent. I also wanted an extra hit of moisture to my body since my skin really needed it.

    Packaging.

    This bath bar comes in a small cardboard box. Green, white and black in colouring. Very simple and does remind me a little of a certain high street brand that sells bath bombs! What I like is there is a clear window at the front where you can see the bar, so you have an idea of what you are going to get.

    How the bath bar looks.

    Rectangular in shape and quite long, roughly 9cm. 5cm in width and 2 cm in depth. So size wise chunky, generous and you could easily get two baths out of this bad boy! This is made up of two colours which is mint green and an aqua blue. These are in stripes going across, but each section of colour is slightly rounded at each end giving it an interesting look. Besides that, it’s flat on the other 4 remaining sides. A little chalky in texture as a bath bomb, but not as much.

    Fragrance.

    It’s not very strong when sniffing this straight out of the packaging. But it definitely has a fresh and clean scent to it. Delicately earthy in a plant type way but is a little sweet too. Swimming in a salty lagoon, filled with plants on the bottom of it. Having fully opened flowers close to land with it’s scent being carried by a wind close to wear you are floating. All of these elements hit the nose. THAT is what I think of while getting this scent. Very pleasant and exactly what I had hoped this would smell like.

    How to use.

    Crumble some of this under warm running water and off you go!

    In the bath.

    I didn’t use all of this I snapped it in half, which was surprisingly easy to do considering it’s thickness. As the hot water tap ran, I popped this under it holding it at first, then I released it so it could enjoy it’s new home. You could see the bar itself froth a little, but the most noticeable thing was the foam it produced. There was a really good amount in the bath tub. White, fluffy foam and underneath it the water turned into a beautiful shade of blue.

    Fragrance wise it was delicate but more obvious when the bar was used. The scent was the same and incredibly pleasant and relaxing to experience while I sat in the middle of my very own froth covered sea. The strength was actually perfect because it was soothing and in the background rather than full and heavy on the nose.

    This bath bar on the skin was so moisturising! I know this sounds crazy when you are sat in water but even between the hands I could feel this contained something like a butter or oil. It left my hands feeling soft and nourished.That’s how my whole body felt while using this. The foam, the fragrance, the colour and the hydration made me enjoy this bath so much! So much so I got out having to get one kid from after school club, left the bath, and hopped back in on my return to continue loving it!

    Recommended?

    This range reminds me not judge a book by it’s cover! I remember seeing these products in my local ASDA thinking they probably weren’t the best. I took a chance purely because they were so heavily discounted and only then after use did I realise how good the first bath bar was. The look of this is appealing. The size is generous considering I only used half of this. The fragrance was lovely. Foam created was a great amount AND this was soft, gentle and moisturising to the skin.

    If whoever is reading this gets a chance to buy this, please do! This is recommended 110% It’s a shame ASDA appear not to stock this anymore. But fear not! I’ve found this and a decent selection of bath goodies from Bubble Up available from The Perfume Shop. This bath bar is available for £4.49 and can be found here. If you are a lover of a good bath bomb, I doubt you wouldn’t love this! Enjoy and happy shopping.

  • Aldi’s Lacura Spa Foaming Bath Soak & Luxury Bath Float

    We all have our weaknesses in life, but I fall hook, line and sinker for products designed to go into the bath. It’s my happy place! I read a book, scroll through my phone, sit back and relax. So having good and enjoyable products to use during this time is an essential part of my life. So imagine when I found out that Aldi’s Lacura range had brought out new bath products. Less than 24hrs later I roamed the aisles to find and purchase their Foaming Bath Soak and Luxury Bath Float. Both £1.79 and both 500ml.

    Aldi’s Lacura Spa Foaming Bath Soak and Luxury Bath Float

    Why did I buy these?

    I saw these products on social media and of course with them being new and for the bath, my interest had peaked. But I couldn’t help noticing the packaging, how they looked and comments made about these being dupes of a particular brand. A brand available on the high street and one I have used before….

    What are the differences between the Bath Soak and the Bath Float?

    The Bath Soak look wise makes me think of a bath milk or bath cream . It’s creamy in colour, opaque with a decent thickness to it. But a touch more runnier than a traditional foaming bath. The Bath Float is quite golden in colour, transparent, same consistency as the Bath Soak. The ingredients are slightly different too so not identical and possibly have different benefits or trying to create different benefits per product.

    Packaging.

    Both the bath soak and bath float are packaged in the same tall cylinder shaped plastic bottles. Bottles are clear with soft gold coloured screw top lids. The labels on the front have random patterns on them, almost free style loose swirls coloured the same as the lids. With each label appearing to be almost frosted in effect rather than totally transparent.

    Fragrance.

    Both products are identical in fragrance. They smell beautiful! This is definitely floral based but probably more so on the oriental floral side. There’s depth to this, it’s quite warming thanks to having some slightly woody, musky notes to it. Possibly a hint of citrus in this? It has an almost zesty quality to it that’s faint in the background. But all elements are very well balanced It has quite a fresh feel to it, very relaxing with feminine charm to it but fragrance that would appeal to anyone.

    In the bath.

    Under warm running water, both of these foamed up quickly and well. Created was plenty of white fluffy bubbles while the water underneath remained clear. The foam was present for ages which was nice to see. The fragrance was there, obvious, and I thoroughly enjoyed.

    These didn’t dry out my skin, no irritation and mixes beautifully with anything vanilla based. I know this because I couldn’t help but add some of my Vanilla fragranced Body Shop bath product in as a form of mixology!

    Any difference between the Bath Soak and Bath Float in the bath or on the skin?

    No difference! I expected the Bath Soak to provide a more luxurious bath, even a touch on the milky side. I also thought it would be more moisturising on the skin. But in all honesty, unless I was half asleep,these were both the same. Same scent, same foam, same coloured water and same effect on the skin.

    What are these dupes of?

    The Sanctuary Spa range. The design of the labels from the colouring and patterns on it as you can see below are very similar. Even the colouring of the product itself. But it’s the smell that does it for me. Does it smell the same? Let’s put it this way, if there is a difference in scent between the two it’s small! Incredibly similar and the Lacura version fragrance way is of a fantastic quality 100%!

    Sanctuary Spa VS Lacura Spa

    Could these be improved?

    I would have liked two different bathing experiences from these products. The Bath Soak I think should have been more hydrating on the skin. And would have been great if it was more of a bath milk. But for the price and the amount you get I won’t complain!

    Recommended?

    For £1.79 you get 500ml of a foaming bath product. They smell great, both created foam which lasted a good amount of time and packaging wise these are easy on the eye. So of course I would recommend this! If you are someone who likes the scent of the Sanctuary Spa range then you will like this of course because of it’s similarities. If on a budget these would make great gifts or good for the family to use on a daily basis. What they need to do next is create a home fragrance range connected o these products and they will get even more money from me!

    Available instore dependant on availability of stock. I expected these to be in the middle aisles but found them in the same sections for the normal, everyday bath and body products. So if you can’t find them under Special Buys, look for them there.

  • Give Me The Ultimate Face Fix Sheet Mask

    The last few days have finally felt more Autumnal in the UK. Not only are their physical signs all around but also on me too! Skincare experts say that seasonal changes mean a need to shake up the products we use on our skin. Why? What our skin goes through is different per season and how it behaves can be different too. What may work during the Summer may not be as effective in the Winter. I suspect a skincare overhaul will be coming very soon for me as my skin now isn’t what it was a month ago. Recently, I wanted an easy to use and quick treat for my face. So this week I chose Give Me The Ultimate Face Fix Sheet Mask. No idea who gave this to me (birthday, Christmas, one of those), but it retails for around £6.00.

    Give Me The Ultimate Face Fix Sheet Mask

    Why did I grab this one?

    Although my skin doesn’t look or feel dry, I feel it’s lacking something. It just doesn’t seem to feel plump and hydrated as it could be. So for a skincare band aide, I thought I would use a mask that would provide an instant hit of moisture which this mask claims to do, just to tide me over.

    What is this supposed to do?

    Provide hydration to the skin, improve the elasticity of the skin along with it’s overall strength.

    How to use.

    Apply to clean and dry skin. Leave on for 20-30minutes and remove.

    On the face.

    The mask itself was good in regards to quality. It had a good thickness to it and was drenched in plenty of solution. Placing it on my face wasn’t hard although needed a little smoothing out. Usual structure and look as most sheet masks have e.g. eyes, nose and mouth holes visible. One thing I did feel was the holes for the eye areas were too small on my face. No matter how much adjusting of the mask, they came too close to my eyes which they didn’t like.

    I couldn’t detect a fragrance while I was wearing the sheet mask, but when I opened the packet initially it reminded me of a faint mix of cucumber and lemon. Fresh, clean, quite neutral and pleasant.

    This was very cooling on the skin, which made me wish I had put this in the fridge before I used it.This would have added to the experience and really wake up my skin.

    I was expecting to have this on for the full 30 minutes but I took it off after about 10 minutes. The mask itself stopped adhering to my face and it became annoying trying to adjust it constantly. I think my skin zapped the serum out of it super quick and there was little left to keep the mask on.

    My skin after use.

    No visible differences. It felt a little more hydrated but not massively. I didn’t need to follow up with a moisturiser or serum or anything like that which meant it did enough. I’ve been concerned about the appearance of stubborn spots lately and it was nice to see this caused no negative issues with my skin, including spots or general irritations or dryness.

    Recommended?

    I thought the sheet mask was ok. To say it helps with skin strength and elasticity seems a bit far fetched in my opinion, but it will give a hit of moisture. I would have no problems using this again but I don’t think this delivered what my skin needed at this moment of time. And to buy it for £6.00 or £8.00 for two off the website? Probably not. I could get another type of mask cheaper that would provide the same sort of results and save me a few pennies. But would I recommend this for someone else to buy? If you can get this at a good price, maybe in a bundle of other products, why not? Is it the best or cheapest mask I’ve ever used? No. Worth a go if priced well but not for me.

    There are other skin care products I would like to try from this range. I think this wasn’t the best fit for me but completely open minded to trying others out. If you want to check this mask out it’s available direct from Give Me Cosmetics here.