ORIGINS LEG LIFTS - POST WORKOUT ESSENTIAL

This was an impulse purchase when I dangerously went into Boots after going to the gym one evening. Origins is one of my favourite brands, so I'm always looking for products which I haven't tried before. This is the perfect product to use after the gym and is obviously how my legs were feeling that day when I popped into Boots. Leg Lifts is an invigorating lightweight gel formula which tingles tired thighs and calves to help relax muscles and cool any aches or pains. The formulation contains Menthol, Cypress, Peppermint and Cedarwood. I really like the minty, natural, cooling scent on my skin. But if you are not a fan of such a strong minty scent this product isn't for you, I know my Mum can't stand it. I apply this by gently massaging in upward strokes from the ankles to mid-thigh. The gel is light, quickly absorbs and is best for all skin types. I do suffer sometimes from restless legs at night and find this product really refreshing and soothing on my tense calves. You could even use this product on other tired, heavy areas. It is also really moisturising on my legs as they feel lovely and smooth after use. It also relieves muscle soreness. I like to use this product in conjunction with other soothing products, I like to have a bath with Mio Skincare Liquid Yoga Bath Soak and use Nip & Fab Post Workout Fix straight out of the gym. Another way I like to use it, is applying it to my feet and then pulling over socks to soften tired feet. This product is really long lasting on my skin and it makes me feel more comfortable after using it. I really prefer a gel type formula as it’s not greasy at all on my skin. It is also formulated without Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin, DEA, synthetic colour, synthetic fragrance and animal ingredients, which is good if you are trying to avoid these nasties. I still like to use other moisturisers whilst still using this. I most likely use this product in the evenings, after I have been to the gym. I hadn't read or seen any reviews before purchasing this product, but I would definitely recommend it if you are into your exercise, it really does rev up tired legs. Leg Lifts is priced at £22.00 for 150ml, you only need a small amount so I can see this tube lasting me a fair amount of time. 

What are your favourite Origins products?

you can also find me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin or pinterest

CURRENT TRANSITIONAL SKIN SAVIOURS - BODYCARE

Over the colder months the weather causes my skin to become drier, duller and higher maintenance. Skin and hair should be taken care of according to the season. When Winter comes, the cold weather outside destroys the lipid layer that protects the skin against dryness. As we transition into Spring I like to carry on with this routine to help my skin prepare for the Summer months. I still like to exfoliate in the Winter months to pep up my skin and always moisturise my feet and hands before I go to sleep. There are a few products I like to use to ensure my skin keeps in it's best shape as we step into Spring.

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Smoothing Body Cream, 300ml £10.50 – My favourite bath and body brand has to be Soap & Glory. I have tried all the different scents and haven't found one I didn't like. The fruitigo fragrance is more of a summery, fruity scent but I can't get enough of the fragrance. The formula is thick, moisturising and hydrating and it sinks into the skin really nicely. You can smell the scent for hours after applying. This scent is lovely as we are coming into Spring, as it's so fresh and gorgeous. I will always repurchase one of the Soap & Glory body butters as you can't go wrong for the price. You definitely get your moneys worth as a pot lasts a long time and I use it all over my body.

Soap & Glory Sit Tight Saddlebags+, 85ml £16.50 – This is a great product to use after the gym. You can use it on targeted areas like the tops of the arms and legs. This serum is formulated to help visibly firm and tighten skin, smooth stubborn areas, rehydrate and reduce skin roughness. The product is really easy to use, you squeeze the product out on to the roller and massage gently over the skin. You let the product absorb into the skin and you can feel a little tingle sensation which makes me feel like something is working. If I use the product regularly I notice that my skin tightens and tones a little in certain areas. I have written a full blog post about this product here.

Nip & Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment, 100ml £16.29 – I have been using this product for quite a while now, it’s not something I use every day, but I do notice a difference when I do use it. The formula is a light serum which visually plumps, smoothes and firms skin around the chest area. It is quite pricey for a high street cream but they always have deals on in Boots. As you are only using this in one area, this tube has lasted me so long that they have changed the packaging. This works great on stretch marks, the only downside is that it doesn't have a lovely scent. It absorbs nicely and leaves no residue. 

This Works Perfect Heels Rescue Balm, 75ml £16.00 – I like to use a balm product on areas I feel need a little more moisturising, my feet probably need the most attention. This balm is a really thick texture that helps to prevent and repair cracked heels and dry feet. The formula is made with cotton thistle extract, refreshing lemon oil and soothing lavender, which makes for a really relaxing scent. It absorbs really easily into the skin and makes my feet feel so much better if I’ve had a long day. I must admit I probably wouldn't repurchase it at £16.00, I'm a big fan of the Soap & Glory Heels Genius which is a third of the price at £5.50 and you probably get similar results.

Origins Make a Difference Hand Treatment, full-size 75ml £19.00 – I have raved about this hand treatment before, it’s probably the best hand cream I've tried. It’s not sticky or greasy like other creams. You only need to apply a little amount onto your hands and the scent is lovely. It’s great on dry areas and I also like to rub it into my cuticles. The formulation is thick and creamy and it really helps to moisturise and protect my hands. It is quite pricey for a hand cream but I like to pick up these smaller sized tubes in Christmas gift sets.

Margaret Dabbs Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum, 15ml £12.00 – I like to use this product before giving myself a pedicure, It’s a really lightweight cream. I received this product in one of my beauty boxes and had never heard of this brand before. It helps to strengthen, protect and hydrate nails and cuticles. I like that the bottle comes with an easy to use pump and it's small enough to use on the go.

What are your Bodycare recommendations which you have been using recently?

you can also find me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin or pinterest

NO7 BOOTS ADVENT CALENDAR 2014 - 25 DAYS OF BEAUTY

I know what your thinking, yes I know it's only November, but it's important to get your advent ready for the 1st of December. Last year, Boots did their own Advent Calendar, which was a huge success and contained lots of different brands and products available in-store. I was a little disappointed they didn't bring it back this year, but they have just released a N07 Advent Calendar (be warned the contents is shown on the website). The N07 beauty calendar is priced at £35.00 and has a value of £135.00. It contains N07's Bestselling products behind every one of it's 25 doors. That's even a present for Christmas Day! The products range from make-up to skincare to bodycare, so there is something for everyone. Some of the products are full-sized and some of them are minatures. I won't spoil the whole contents, but my favourite products have to be the high shine lip crayons and the skin illuminator radiance boosting beauty fluid and I don't think there is a product I wouldn't use! It's perfect to try products you haven't tried before and minis are also great for travelling. The calendar also includes a beauty quote behind every door, which is also a nice touch. I also really like the packaging as it opens like a book and the pink and gold colours looks really luxe together. I am very impressed with the contents of this Advent and I feel like it's one of the more affordable ones this year. I feel advent calendars have definitely shot up in price and I'd be more happy to have more choice around the £30.00 mark. This would make a great early Christmas present or even a gift to yourself to make you feel more festive! I'm sure a whole range of women will be eager to get their hands on this, bring on December! No7 also have some gorgeous gifts this year, including their Christmas Cracker Collection and their Best of the Best Beauty Collection.

Which advent calendar will you be buying this year?