Introduction to Antipodes - Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser and Divine Face Oil Review

Antipodes is a scientifically validated organic skincare brand from New Zealand. It’s a brand I’ve heard lots about through the blogging community but until now I hadn’t tried anything from them.

I think a good cleanser and facial oil are staples in a skincare routine. Antipodes kindly sent me their Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser and Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip to test out. I’ve been using both products for a few months now and wanted to share my thoughts.

First up the Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser. It has the most beautiful thick cream consistency that melts away makeup and is gentle enough to use as both your first and second cleanse without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling tight. I believe it would be suitable for all skin types, even oily skin.

Unlike plastic bottles, the metal tube packaging of the cleanser means you can squeeze out every drop of the product, meaning less waste!

The Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip makes my skin glow! Even if you have oily skin, I would 100% recommend using an oil such as this, it stops your skin from overproducing its own oils which can sometimes lead to spots.

The Antipodes oil wasn’t sticky and didn’t leave me feeling overly greasy. I apply a few drops at night after cleansing, the Rosehip ingredient that helps to soothe my skin when it’s dry or inflamed. Plus the dropper makes the product more hygienic!

I adore the packaging of both the Antipodes Grace Gentle Cleanser and the Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip, they look great on your bathroom shelf. The scent of both products reflects the organic origin of the ingredients, I would describe it as an herbal fragrance. Some may be sensitive to this, but I wouldn’t say it’s a heavy scent that lingers all day.

I’m dying to try their face masks next. Have you tried any Antipodes products?

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Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, Congested Skin Serum and Instant Lift Primer Review

Balance Me is a brand that doesn’t get enough love and attention in the beauty community as it should! I think lots of people will have seen the brand through beauty boxes which tend to contain their gorgeous hand creams and body washes but Balance Me has a beautiful skincare range waiting to be discovered.

They offered to send me a selection of their products and I picked out the Congested Skin Serum, Gradual Tanning Drops, and Instant Lift Primer. I’ve been trialing them for over a month now and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you.

First up, the Gradual Tanning Drops. I bring these out when I want to fake tan as I can’t use my body tan on my face. The pipette makes it easy to dispense a few drops into your normal moisturiser on the back of your hand. Simply mix and then apply an even layer onto your face and leave overnight. I woke up with a subtle golden colour to my face, it’s a winning product for me, I love it! You can increase or decrease your drops to achieve the depth of colour you require.

Lots of people have mentioned the Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops, they are a bit of a marmite product, some people love them, and some have ended up with orange, blotchy skin. If you are looking for an alternative to the Isle of Paradise Drops, I highly recommend the Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops.

The Congested Skin Serum was right up my street, I suffer from breakouts, blocked pores, and blackheads, as you might know, I’ve struggled with acne for years. The serum has a light-weight cream texture which has a wonderfully cooling sensation, I think this comes from the eucalyptus ingredient in the formula. It has helped soothe angry breakouts, hasn’t dried out my skin and works well under my moisturiser and makeup.

The Instant Lift Primer is designed to smooth over fine lines and texture, which I can confirm it does. It minimised the appearance of my pores, especially on my nose. I think this formula is more suited to a dry or mature skin, as it didn’t keep my makeup on as long as my usual primer.

I’m so impressed with the quality of Balance Me’s skincare line. No fancy gimmicks or marketing bumf, the products do what they say on the tin. Have you tried any products from Balance Me?

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Summer 2018 'It' Bag Designer Dupes for Under £25!

I really enjoy putting together fashion dupe posts. It would be amazing if I could afford the latest 'It' bag but for now, I'll settle for affordable dupes. With Summer just around the corner, I've searched high and low for the best S/S '18 designer dupes to save you some dollar! Happy shopping!

The Staud Moreau Bucket Bag is well loved by fashion bloggers, but for those who don't want to splash the cash on a trend piece, I have a dupe linked below!

Real Staud Moreau Bucket Bag

Staud Moreau Bucket Bag Dupe 1

Staud Moreau Bucket Bag Dupe 2 

When Lydia Millen showcased her Cult Gaia Ark bag last year, I wasn't sure on the style at first and now I love it! I found a dupe which will save you £££!

Real Cult Gaia Ark Bag

Cult Gaia Ark Dupe 1

Cult Gaia Ark Dupe 2

Ever since I saw Lorna Luxe with the Cult Gaia Luna bag I haven't stopped thinking about it. Luckily I found this dupe which is a tenth of the designer price!

Real Cult Gaia Luna Bag

Cult Gaia Luna Dupe 1

Cult Gaia Luna Dupe 2

While browsing for dupes I also found a number of straw bags that looked very on trend! They are even more affordable than what the high street has to offer.

Straw Basket Bag 1

Straw Basket Bag 2

Circle straw bags are huge at the moment, I found some that were even cheaper than Topshop's versions.

Circle Straw Bags

I adore this straw beach bag, it's a bargain too!

Straw Beach Bag

Which style is your favourite?

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Summer and Holiday Wardrobe Additions with Tobi

The British weather has been so depressing lately, bar that one week of sun in April. I've been optimistically looking for summer pieces to add to my wardrobe, praying that summer is just around the corner.

Tobi got in touch and asked they could send me a few summer pieces so I thought I would show you what they gifted. I find laying out my clothes and taking photos helps when packing for a summer holiday so you can see what pairs well together and which of your accessories work best.

First up was this long sleeve off the shoulder top and check buttoned skirt. These work so well together. The top gives boho vibes but the skirt ticks all the trend boxes for S/S '18.

They also gifted me three mini dresses, which can be dressed up or down. I'd 100% pack these items for holiday! First up is a slinky black halterneck backless dress which is incredibly sexy! There was also a body-con red dress that would be ideal for summer nights out. For something a little cuter and daytime appropriate I picked out this red spotted off the shoulder dress, I love it!

I'd love to know what you have been buying ready for summer!

*PR sample