Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Box Haul

When I tell you that my love for Charlotte Tilbury is growing, I am not joking. I don't think I have fallen in love with a brand as fast as this -EVER. Everything I have tried from her I have loved and nothing has left me feeling disappointed. Before clicking buy on the mystery box last week, I debated for a long time but to tell you the truth I am so glad that I did. The box was a mystery and contained products that I don't own from the brand already...coming in a future post for sure! 

Here is what was inside...

            

                                     

My Smile Direct Journey

When I was 13 I had the wonderful joy of having braces or train tracks but they didn't work wonders. My teeth moved and aligned but the orthro's weren't able to make them perfectly straight and wonderful due to overcrowding and there not being enough space in my mouth - they wanted me to have jaw surgery and crack my jaw which to this day terrifies me and it was a straight no. I decided to live with the crooked and unaligned teeth as they didn't bother me. That was until last year, when I decided that I really wanted to get them sorted and splurge to have them done. That is where Smile Direct came in, I kept seeing adverts and decided to just bite the bullet and go for it. About 7 months later, I am as happy as can be and literally can't stop smiling. 

THE PROCESS

Scans/Impressions

Back in December I ordered a smile kit from SD to complete impressions of my teeth at home. If you've experienced having impressions of your teeth done before, you'll know what I mean when I say - yuk. It is just so uncomfortable but I managed to do it and sent them off back to the lab. A few weeks after I got an email to say that they'd like me to visit one of their shops to have scans done as the impressions weren't clear enough. 

Going to the shop (Leeds), was hassle free. I booked an appointment, went to the shop and had digital scans done instead of impressions, which was so much nicer and not as disgusting. It was also really cool to see the scans and the images of my teeth. 

                                                                                 

Waiting Game

After about a month, I finally heard from SD and an account was created for me on their website. On here, I was able to see the process of my teeth after going on a personalised smile journey. They also informed me that they wouldn't be able to help me with my bottom teeth as I needed my jaw cracking - similar story to what dentists have told me previously. To be honest, I hardly show my bottom teeth and they don't make me feel insecure. I loved the look of the final way my teeth would turn out and signed up straight away.

Finance

When it comes to getting any procedures done, money is obviously a huge factor. This was a big commitment alongside other things that I pay for too. In the end, I went with paying for the treatment monthly - its about £65 a month and I'll be paying that for 18 months. This price includes the treatment, any adjustments that might need doing and guarantee of an end result that may need to be pushed back if my teeth don't respond fast enough as they hoped.

Process

After agreeing finance it took about 6-8 weeks for my retainers to arrive. I watched so many videos in this time to see how others found the experience and the results that they had from the company. When your retainers get delivered, they arrive in this huge purple box. Inside, there are retainers for the entire treatment. This means you then don't have to visit the dentist for check ups and get a new one, wait for a new one to arrive in the post or anything like that. You track your wearing of each one and they do the same from their end. 

• The box also contains a case, mints to help adjust the retainers, removal tools and some whitening things
• Smile Direct give you an account/portal where you can see when you have to switch retainers/aligners- they also send out emails/texts to remind you.
• If any at any point you fall behind or haven't worn them for as long as you should, you can change the date on the portal and they adjust the others accordingly
• Every so often they will ask for photos to keep an eye on everything

Issues

I have to say, their customer service is incredible! My treatment plan changed from 4 months to six because my teeth just weren't moving as fast as they'd hope which is completely normal. When the box all arrived my first set was too big! So I contacted the dental team who sent me new ones within two weeks and they were perfect. It was around the 2 month mark when I contacted them again and said that my next aligner is too small/doesn't fit because  my teeth haven't moved that much. They were extremely kind and helpful - arranged a video call with me and took pictures to see what the issue was and sent me out new ones for an extra month before going back to the last few that I was sent originally. I can't believe how efficient and amazing their service is for a company that is based in the US.  

Last Stretch

Before I knew it, June came around and I was ending my journey. My top teeth look incredible and I feel so much happier with them. As I mentioned before, to the normal human eye my teeth probably don't look that bad but up close they weren't even or straight and its bothered me for years. I hope to get my bottom ones fixed in the near future but for now these are perfect.

Top Tips

If you're considering using Smile Direct or even another company here are some useful hints..

• You will find yourself having to brush your teeth so many times during the day. Anytime after you eat or drink anything that isn't water - brush brush! I carried a toothbrush with me everywhere and the little case for the retainers too. 
• Take your own progress photos, its really useful to keep and a great motivator
• Stick it out. At times it can get really frustrating wearing retainers e.g a slight lisp, not being able to eat/drink anything but its worth it
• Shop around. I looked at a couple of places including my own dentist before going with Smile Direct, but choose the company you feel comfortable with. I have a referral (not affiliated) with SD if you fancy it, just here. It will take off £75 from your first set of aligners. 

I am so happy with my final result and the journey with Smile Direct has been so smooth and amazing. I can't recommend them enough! 

       

Temple Spa Most Revealing Glowing Skin Oxygen Peel Review

For the next few blog posts you can just expect lots of reviews! I've found so many new gems in my beauty routine that I need to share and shout about. Today we are starting with the  Temple Spa Most Revealing Glowing Skin Oxygen Peel*. I very kindly received this in PR a few months back and have been low key obsessed. It was briefly mentioned in my currently loving post the other week but the love I have for it is unreal. 

                                                                                                                                                                           

Pixi Beauty On The Glow Blush Review

   If there is one product in makeup that really scares me, its blush! I am always too afraid of putting on too much. Anything cream base scares me too, I've got more into cream contouring and naturally blush is the next thing. When the Pixi On the Glow Blushes arrived on my doorstep, I couldn't contain my excitement! 

The Pixi Beauty On the Glow Blush tinted moisture stick collection comes in 3 different shades - Juicy (deep orange), Ruby (red) and Fleur (pink). These tinted moisture sticks come in a beautiful compact design, which makes them easier to carry with you whenever you may need to. I love this compared to a traditional compact, as that always breaks.

These blush sticks are packed full of goodness.

• Ginseng which balances and restores your skin.
• Aloe vera has the ability to soothe the skin
• Glycolic Acid which will hydrate and rejuvinate your skin.
• Vitamins which nourish the skin.

                                           

                                             

As you can see from the swatches, all the blushes are highly pigmented and full of hydration. They are very glossy on the skin.  The blush formula is so silky and smooth which makes the application really easy. I prefer applying some to the back of my hand and stippling on to the cheeks. I've seen videos where people apply straight to their face but when I tried that, all my makeup started moving around and it wasn't pleasant. 

With my oily skin, these don't last well unless I set them with a powder blush on top. The hydrating and silky formula is like butter which sinks into my skin and gives me a colourful lift of colour but doesn't last long. I believe you can use these on your eyelids and lips too, which makes all the shades really versatile. 

I wouldn’t be able to choose a blush shade from the Pixi collection as my favourite, as they are incredible.

I didn’t expect to love the apricot shade Juicy as much as I did. I knew I would love the shades Fleur (soft pink) and Ruby (crimson red) but Juicy is the one! 

Have you tried cream blushes before?

 

Is CBD good for your skin? EthicaCBD Review

                                                                                         

                                       

Heimish All Clean Range Review

When it comes to innovative and life changing skincare, Korean beauty is where it is at! They have the widest range of products and there is something for every one and every different style of skin type. I've been tests the All Clean range* from Heimish for the past month and I have some thoughts...                             

Garnier Shampoo Bars Review

                                                                                         

A brand that always seems to be innovative with haircare is Garnier, after recently announcing that they were now Cruelty Free, the brand has been coming out with so many amazing new launches. I love their Ultimate Blends range and when the new shampoo bars landed on my doorstep I couldn't wait to give them a go. My hair is in desperate need of a cut, its so thick and gets tangled so easily! Anything to help me wash it and help it by infusing it with lovely products is good for me. 

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review

I wouldn't say that I am a mascara expert - but I do love trying different ones. In my lifetime, I've mainly stuck to Maybelline mascaras (remember great lash?), tried a few Benefit ones, Climax from Nars and a Pixi one in-between all of them. Maybelline is a brand that I will come back to time and time again. Their Lash Sensational was all the rave a few years back and I still love it. Recently I have trying out the Sky High mascara that has blown up on social media..                               

Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquid Review

Deviant Skincare is a brand I am constantly seeing pop up on instagram. After the queen that is -Caroline Hirons, mentioned them once on her socials and included them in her kits - they became ever so popular and very hard to get hold of their products. Luckily, during their promotion with CH, I managed to bag a very good discount and purchased the liquid and oil. Today's post is all about the Gentle Resurfacing Liquid aka GRL.                                        

What is Gentle Resurfacing Liquid? A liquid exfoliant/acid toner. What does it do exactly? Exfoliate the skin using AHAs, BHAs and PHAs. What on earth does that mean? It helps with teh reduction in blemishes and the appearance of pores, lines & wrinkles plus gives the skin a much smoother and more even complexion and skin tone. 

Described as an exfoliating formula combining a unique cocktail of AHA’s (Mandelic, Lactic, Glycolic, Malic and Citric), BHA (Salicylic Acid) and PHA (Gluconolactone) to gently dissolve the bonds binding dull, dead cells to skin’s surface.

The ingredients are incredible and if you were to spend time researching each one, you would learn that they are all key to getting the best out of your skin. I've been using this about 3 times a week since the back end of October and my oily, spot prone skin bloody loves it. 

Using acids in my skincare routine is a big step for me, just buying one this expensive (£35) made me die a little inside. However, to help with my scaring, uneven skin tone and texture I knew it was something I needed to start adding into my routine. What is so unique about the GRL is that the unique blend of the different ingredients makes it very mild for the skin. I use it 3 times a week (as suggested by the brand) and  think this is more than enough. Anymore than this for me, or anyone with normal skin would probably be too much and not give the result of that glowy, smooth skin. With consistent use of this, I've noticed a significant difference to my overall skin. Its looking a lot more even, smooth and most of all its helping with my stubborn scars. I can't fault it all. The tingle you get when applying at first, goes away and doesn't burn or irritate the skin. I haven't fallen out of love with it once and can't praise the product enough.

As a newbie to the world of AHA's, BHA's ect, this has been a great addition to my routine and I can't wait to see what the long term effects will be. Its actually encouraged me to use more acid based products like serums and cleansers (reviews coming soon) because I'm in awe at the difference it makes to my skin. 

If you are interested in this or any of the other Deviant Skincare line, then please do check them out. As of this week, the GRL is still out of stock, but is due back this month as well as some other amazing products. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation Review

Early last month, I was very lucky to receive some amazing PR from It Cosmetics. A brand that I've not really tried much from but always heard such wonderful things. Initially, I thought it was just to try their newest launch the 'Your Skin But Better Foundation'. However, a whole bunch of goodies arrived at the doorstep and I am still working my way through each one. For today's post, I am going to give you my overall views and feedback on their newest launch and to tell you all the details about how it wore, looked and lasted on my oily skin! 

Everyday Makeup

The products that I use on a daily basis, have their own place in my makeup dresser. They sort of just sit together, so I can grab them at any point in the morning, without having to worry or look for them. I honestly thought this year would be the year I experiment more with the products I use and change them in rotation but I can't help but just use the same things over and over again - I only use these because they are what I trust.                                              

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

Sleep. The one thing that we can never have too much of or too less of. Last week, I got the amazing chance to jump on a Zoom call with Dermalogica and a bunch of other bloggers to learn about sleep and their fabulous Sound Sleep Cocoon* cream. Did you know that as humans, we spend a 1/3 of our life sleeping? Crazy right!

I'm From Essences and Toner Review

Korean skincare is everywhere and I've always been a huge fan. A site that I always seen pop up on Instagram is Tonic15, everyone seems to be talking about them and I decided to order a couple of bits that people talk about to try. I went with buying three mini essences from the brand ''I'm From'', they come as a set of three, but you can buy each mini on its own and the larger sizes are available too. I love mini products as they give you a chance to try before you buy and see whether they work well or not.

                                                                                             

                                                                              

I'm From Rice Toner /// Created with organic rice grown free from pesticides, this toner moisturizes and brightens skin. While gently getting rid of skin impurities and excess oils, this rice toner effectively rebalances and instantly rejuvenates dry, dull and irritated skin.

This is a toner and the other two are essences, but for a toner it has the same consistency and liquidity as the other two. Rice in skincare is definitely going to take off one day, it has amazing properties - such as, preventing wrinkles, keeping skin supple and its full of antioxidants. I've been using all three of these products in rotation, so I'm not sure which one has made the biggest difference ... but what I am sure of, is that all three are best friends with my skin. They've calmed redness, breakouts and improves the hydration. I personally, love using the rice toner in the morning. Its great at giving my skin that fresh, nourished and clean feeling before applying makeup on top. It definitely has helped with the texture as makeup looks smooth. 

Fig Boosting Essence /// When skin seems a little lacklustre or looks and feels congested, turn to the I’m From Fig Boosting Essence. Formulated with 62.7% Fig Extract, its lightweight texture is quickly absorbed to effectively hydrated skin. Using the power of BHAs, it gently exfoliates and smooths skin, while also prepping it for the subsequent steps of your skincare regime. With added anti-ageing and antioxidant effects from Polyphenols it helps to unveil a rested, more youthful appearance.

If you follow anyone on instagram and loves their skincare, I am sure at some point they've posted about this essence or the cleansing balm that is part of the same range. I want the balm next and is on my payday wish list for next month. This essence in combination with the one I'll come to has helped my skin in so many ways! Its hydrated it, firmed it up, helped with breakouts and calmed the skin but most of all the exfoilating properties has given my skin this subtle yet gorgeous glow and I  love the way my skin looks after using. 

Mugwort Essence // Formulated with 100% mugwort extract harvest from Ganghwa County in Korea this Mugwort Essence harnesses Mugwort’s natural detoxifying properties, in Korea it is used in a similar way to Tea Tree Oil. It treats skin problems and creates a clear and glowing complexion in just five minutes.

 I have to say, Mugwort is not an ingredient I had ever heard over - it just sounds so odd. In combination with the fig boosting essence and the rice toner, they have just changed and I mean changed my skin. So much smoother, less texture around my chin and cheek area, it looks healthy and feels incredible. I go to sleep feeling so happy with the way my skin is looking and wake up the next day with it looking even better. I went through a spell the other week where my skin was horrific. So many hormonal spots, it was angry and horrible. These essences helped a ton, this Mugwort one in particular really calmed it down and has helped with the mess that is left over ... I'm a picker... I know I shouldn't but I can't help it. This is perfect for post picking! 

Overall, I am very very impressed with these and will definitely be buying the full size versions of them all as soon as I get through the mini's. You do only need a tiny amount of product though...so I may just repurchase this little set again! Have you tried any of these? Or anything else from I'm From...

       

Antipodes Honey Range + Discount Code

 Antipodes are one of the many brands that I have discovered through blogging. A brand that I have always loved and never been disappointed with. I have pretty much reviewed their whole range of products, which you can read about and dive into ... but today, we are focused on their famous and clean 'honey' range. I have been using the day cream, eye cream and mask for some time now and all three are incredible! 

E.L.F UK Haul

 My E.L.F primer last month has been such a popular post, I'm still gasping a the views it has got - thank you so much! I've fallen in love with the primer so much, it made me want to try more from the brand. Superdrug & Boots don't stock much in-store so I headed to their website and ended up spending £20 but receiving two freebies, which is a great deal. 

                                                     

YSL All Hours Oily Skin Review

 You know when you find THE foundation, well I think that's what has happened with me. I love my current foundations and I am still using them on a daily basis but there was something about the YSL All Hours that has captured my heart. Its fast become my go to 'full coverage, flawless' base and for some great reasons too.                                             

Summer Skin At Home

 With summer in full swing, its time to get my skin ready for the days out in the sunshine and evening strolls. I have been working a lot on my skin recently, its oily but dehydrated with lots of pigmentation issues and large pores. Everyday I do a simple yet effective skincare routine but, on a weekend, I like to have a full pamper and a facial. Its nothing fancy or elaborate, but a nice way to make my skin feel and look good.

Huda Beauty Mystery Bag

When it comes to brands like Huda Beauty, I always wait for reviews and videos until I buy any of her products. In the past, I've tried her mini sized lip products and mini eye palettes but nothing else, that was until I saw her mystery bag deal appear...

She was offering 2 different deals, a small bag and a large bag. I went with the small that cost me £33, then £35 including taxes. I paid no shipping charges and wasn't charged when it came over from Dubai too - which is just amazing! The bag cost me £33 but the total of the products is much more and they're all full sized! 

                                                                               

Summer Work Makeup

I've gone from wearing a full face of makeup everyday to wearing it once in a while, my skin is loving it but my makeup filled heart is hating it. I have however, started to go into work a lot more now, to get things ready for September and to look after key worker children...its been the perfect excuse to put some on and have a play. This is a post all about my 'summer work makeup', its medium coverage, lightweight and completely sweat proof! 

Top 3 Pixi Milky Products

Pixi are one of many brands that I love. Their skincare and makeup is incredible and I am very lucky to be on their blogger PR list, its a dream. Everything I have tried from them, can be found under the Pixi tag, my love for them is indescribable. A few months ago, they very kindly sent me their Milky range, I thought instead of doing a round up post, I would share the 3 products that I have fallen head over heels for. 

                                                                         

 3. Hydrating Milky Peel

This is a great at home peel for anyone who loves giving their skin some serious exfoliation. It retails for £24, which is cheaper than any peel you can have professionally.  The peel has a very cream like feel to it and is very easy to use and feels gentle yet clearing on the skin. It gets rid of dead skin cells, brightens the skin whilst not stripping the skins natural oils and drying the skin out.
I have sensitive skin, which is prone to breaking out. This peel hasn't (thus far) irritated my skin in the slighest. It gets a little red which is understandable but it makes it feel so soft and looks glowy after using. I tend to use this weekly.


2. Milky Tonic

Tonics are incredible for the skin and the Pixi ones are just out of this world. This tonic is infused with oat extract that helps to balance out irritated and angry skin. It smells incredible, but doesn't anger the skin and leaves my skin feeling nourished. I love using it after cleansing in the morning and patting it in to the skin as opposed to using a cotton pad. The tonic comes out of the bottle slightly cold, which made me start putting it in the fridge...not sure if you're meant to do this but I've had no issues so far with it. The cool, refreshing feeling of this liquid on my skin is amazing.

1. Hydrating Milky Serum

Serums are a product that I can't live without, I am seriously considering doing a whole post on my favourite ones because I love so many!
They are a great way of giving the skin some boost, and this one does just that. The white liquid seeps straight into the skin and makes the skin feel bouncy and supple. Its perfect if you have dehydrated skin, my skin has been so dry since being indoors for so many weeks and this serum has been the perfect addition to my routine to bring some life back. For me, this works much better at hydrating my skin than hyaluronic acid is.


I love this milky range and these three products have really sold me, I now need to try and see if I get along with the rest of the products...Have you tried this range?