In a market that’s oversaturated with similar products, brands that follow gimmicky social media trends, and firms that overpromise and underdeliver on their product claims, it can be hard to find skincare brands that truly make a difference. It feels like nowadays every brand is pushing out a constant wave of products, all promising to make your skin look and feel amazing. And it can be exhausting.

Dr. Idriss stood out to me as a brand with an authentic identity. Its product line is well thought-out, rooted in science, and uncomplicated. Founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, Dr. Idriss focuses on evidence-based and effective formulations that are clinically tested, non-irritating, and free from fragrance.

In this review, I share my honest experience of using Dr. Idriss and whether the products have made any noticeable difference to my skin after testing them for the last 6 weeks.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Products in this review

3 Dr. Idriss products are featured in this review:

1. The Depuffer Roll-On Serum
2. Major Fade Flash Mask
3. Barrier Baste Lip Baste

Below, I review each product individually before sharing my overall thoughts on this skincare brand.

1. Dr. Idriss The Depuffer

£39 for 40ml

About the product

The Depuffer Roll-On Serum is a cooling, lightweight gel designed to help calm visible puffiness and redness. You can use the metal roller applicator under the eyes or on any area that feels warm, irritated, or swollen. It claims to be suitable for all skin types. The roller design delivers a cooling sensation on application.

Key ingredients include niacinamide, which can help improve the look of uneven tone and support the skin’s barrier; centella asiatica, often used to support barrier repair and soothe irritation; and arnica, which helps reduce the look of swelling.

Use it after cleansing and before moisturiser — twist to the “on” position to dispense a small amount, roll over the skin, then pat in any leftover gel.

In an independent clinical and consumer perception study of 28 subjects after 5 minutes and 4 weeks using The Depuffer, 92% of users said it soothed irritation, 92% said their skin felt refreshed, and 88% reported a reduction in signs of redness.

The Depuffer has won multiple awards, including: Allure Best of Beauty 2023, Marie Claire Skin and Hair Award 2024, and Refinery29 Beauty Innovator 2023.

Review

I’m a fan of The Depuffer.

Let’s start with the packaging and application. The roller design makes it easy to smooth the product across your face, and it has a lovely cooling and soothing sensation when you apply it, which is exactly what you want if your skin feels inflamed, red, or puffy. Beyond using the serum when I have a rosacea flare-up or if my skin feels aggravated, this would be an amazing summer skincare product for keeping your skin cool and fresh when it’s hot. However, I could see the roller getting messy over time, as it dispenses quite a lot of product, so you’d need to keep on top of cleaning it to ensure it doesn’t get gross.

This roll-on serum does a great job of relieving irritation, reducing puffiness, and calming redness within an hour. I don’t typically get puffy undereyes, but when I do, this helps calm them quickly.

While this serum doesn’t treat rosacea, I use it if my rosacea flares up or after a workout when my skin is warm and red for fast-acting relief. It’s also a fantastic choice if you’ve aggravated your skin barrier as a soothing, skin-friendly option.

This formula is kind to my combination, sensitive skin. The serum looks tinted but turns invisible once you’ve massaged it into your skin.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This is a great serum to have on hand for when your skin is red or irritated.

2. Dr. Idriss Major Fade

£50 for 50ml

About the product

The Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask is an exfoliating mask meant to brighten dull skin and smooth texture. It’s formulated to be used a few times a week in the evening as a rinse-off step. This exfoliator claims to be suitable for all skin types, improve uneven skin tone, and reduce redness.

This mask incorporates glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps remove dead surface skin cells to improve texture and tone; lactic acid, another AHA that gently exfoliates and can also help boost hydration; and tranexamic acid, which been shown to help fade visible discolouration and reduce the look of redness. Glycerin is included to attract and retain moisture while exfoliating.

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse off. It’s designed to work with the rest of your routine rather than replace your usual cleanser or moisturiser.

In an independent clinical and consumer perception study of 29 subjects after 8 weeks using the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Solution System, 100% of users reported brighter and more radiant skin, 97% reported a more even skin tone, and 90% reported a reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Major Fade has won multiple awards, including the Allure Best of Beauty 2025 and Byrdie Beauty Award 2024.

Review

I love the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask.

The squeezy tube means you can dispense the product onto your fingertips and control the amount you apply to your skin. The texture is gel-like and smooths over the skin easily. It feels a little tacky once applied and as it dries down, but this is common with these types of masks.

I feel a tingling sensation when I’ve applied this mask. However, Dr. Idriss states that this is normal, and it didn’t feel irritating. The mask rinses off effortlessly, leaving no greasy residue behind.

As someone with rosacea and sensitive skin, I’m cautious not to overdo it with exfoliators, as overuse can damage my skin barrier and cause redness. I typically use an exfoliating product once or twice a week. For this mask, I used it once every other week in the evening.

There has been a noticeable immediate and long-term improvement in my skin since using this mask.

When I rinse the mask off, my skin instantly looks more radiant with a smooth and even complexion. It gives my skin an undeniable healthy glow. My skin doesn’t feel aggravated or look red after using this either, which is sometimes the case when I use exfoliating products. In the longer-term, this mask has made my skin tone more even. I think it’s helped reduce some redness in my skin overall as well.

Rating: 5 stars

I’m a massive fan of this gentle exfoliating face mask. It’s been a great option to implement into my skincare routine without making my rosacea flare up.

3. Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Baste

£24 for 10ml

About the product

The Barrier Baste Lip Baste is a rich lip treatment designed to help support and protect the lip skin’s natural barrier while providing hydration. The texture is balm-like but still comfortable rather than heavy, making it handy for daily use or overnight. This balm claims to be the solution to sore, dry, and chapped lips.

The formula includes squalane, a lightweight emollient that helps smooth and hydrate; ceramides, which help reinforce barrier function and retain moisture; oat oil/extract, known for antioxidant and soothing effects; and shea butter, an emollient that helps soften dry skin.

Just squeeze a small amount from the tube and smooth it over your lips. You can wear it on its own, under lip colour, or as a thicker layer at night.

In an independent clinical and consumer perception study of 34 subjects who used the Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Basting Duo, 100% of users reported relief in discomfort caused by dryness and flakiness, 100% reported immediate protection and nourishment, and 94% said the duo immediately helps heal dry, damaged lips.

Review

I really like the Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste.

This has a thick, rich, and sticky consistency. It squeezes out of the tube as a gloopy formula, but it smooths over the lips seamlessly. As this does stay tacky on the lips, I’d only use it as a protective, overnight nourishing treatment. Otherwise, if I’m outside, I know my hair will get stuck in the sticky formula. Gross.

I frequently suffer from dry lips. It feels like I constantly have to apply lip balm to keep them feeling comfortable. The Barrier Baste does a great job at instantly moisturising, soothing, and softening my lips. It provides immediate relief, alongside a noticeable improvement in the morning, as my lips feel nourished, repaired, and protected.

Since using this balm, my lips feel less dry and chapped overall, and they’re more comfortable day-to-day. This is a heavy-duty formula that will work wonders at restoring your lips to a comfortable, soft, and hydrated condition.

Rating: 5 stars

I’m very impressed with this formula.

Overall Dr. Idriss review

Dr. Idriss is a brand that cuts through the noise of an overcrowded and often unoriginal skincare market. All of the products are effective, meet their claims, are clearly designed to target and treat a specific skin concern, and feel unique and authentic.

It’s obvious that these formulas have been created by an experienced dermatologist, as they truly work for skin and fill a gap in the market. They’re not gimmicky, and they have a purpose.

All 3 products in this review have improved the look and feel of my skin, both in the short and long term. I’d happily purchase them with my own money, and I look forward to trying more products from Dr. Idriss.

The post How good is Dr. Idriss skincare? Honest review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

So when I saw the Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 go viral on TikTok, I knew I had to pick it up. It was on sale for under £10 at the time – an offer that was too good to refuse! Content creators praised the SPF for delivering a ‘your skin but better’ effect, with videos showing the product evening out complexions and leaving a gorgeous glow.

But does the Beauty of Joseon tinted sunscreen live up to the hype? In this review, I share my honest experience of using it, along with before and after photos.

Get 20% off Beauty of Joseon at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30

The Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 is a mineral SPF designed to provide sheer skin-like coverage. It promises to be lightweight, hydrating, and silky.

The sunscreen combines the benefits of skincare, sun protection, and a skin tint for a hassle-free and quick complexion step. It’s non-streaky, leaves skin fresh and luminous, and buildable. It comes in 12 shades that promise to adapt to different skin tones, from light to deep.

Some of the key ingredients include:

• Zinc oxide: broad-spectrum mineral UV filter
• Butyloctyl salicylate: softens skin
• Isopropyl myristate: softens and soothes skin
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: helps skin resist water loss
• Propanediol: makes skin look smooth and dewy

The Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 costs just £13.43 for 50ml at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here!

Before and after: 8-hour wear test

Below are 3 before-and-after photos: 1 without the tinted SPF, 1 taken immediately after applying the SPF, and 1 after 8 hours of wear. These photos were taken on the same day and in the same room. I applied the tinted sunscreen directly over my usual morning skincare routine.

The tinted SPF evens out my complexion, as some of the redness around my nose and cheeks is minimised. It also gives my skin a nice glow, and it doesn’t look greasy, patchy, or streaky.

After 8 hours, the product wears exceptionally well. There was very little fading, and my complexion still looked even, fresh, and luminous. From applying the product immediately to 8 hours later, there’s hardly any difference! I love that my skin still looks like skin.

Honest Beauty of Joseon tinted SPF review

I’m impressed with the Beauty of Joseon tinted mineral sunscreen!

The thin nozzle makes it easy to squeeze out the right amount of SPF. I always use the 2-finger rule when applying sunscreen, but this is the sort of formula where you can apply more product if necessary, and it’ll never pill, go streaky, or feel heavy on the skin.

As you apply the formula, it feels silky smooth, blends seamlessly, and applies flexible and sheer coverage. This is very much a ‘your skin but better’ product. It makes my complexion more even and glowy, but it still looks natural. I got the shade LN110, and it’s a perfect match for my skin tone.

I also like that this tinted sunscreen feels hydrating.

Mineral SPFs are known for often being heavy, leaving a white cast, or looking greasy on the skin, as mineral UV filters are typically thicker than their chemical UV counterparts. Thankfully, the Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 feels lightweight, non-sticky, and provides a nice skin-like tint.

The only downside to this tinted sunscreen is that it doesn’t dry down fully. If you blow your nose or touch your face, for example, the product will transfer. I don’t think this is a big deal, as you can reapply the SPF without any worry of it looking patchy or feeling gross on your skin. However, it’s something to be mindful of, as I can imagine in warmer weather, oilier skin may find this formula to be a bit too wet.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Overall, I think the Beauty of Joseon tinted SPF provides lightweight, natural, and buildable coverage while feeling hydrating and protecting your skin from UV rays. It’s a fantastic low-maintenance complexion product that you can wear alone or with makeup. I’d happily repurchase.

Get 20% off Beauty of Joseon at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here!

The post I tried this TikTok-viral tinted SPF for under £10, but is it worth the hype? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

The Perricone MD Face Finishing & Firming Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is one of the brand’s most iconic and best-selling products. This popular tinted moisturiser offers broad-spectrum UV ray protection, gives skin a luminous and bronzed tint, and claims to be lightweight and hydrating.

Typically, I’m not a fan of tinted moisturisers, as I find a lot of them pill or get patchy around my hairline. A lot of the ones containing SPF tend to sit heavily on my skin or irritate my rosacea.

So just how good is Perricone MD’s tinted moisturiser? In this honest review, I share my experience of using this product.

Get 20% off Perricone MD with PMD20. Shop here!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Perricone MD tinted moisturiser

The Perricone MD Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is a mineral-based sunscreen housed in a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser. It claims to be oil-free, non-tacky, fast-absorbing, and suitable for all skin types.

This moisturiser contains pigment-filled capsules that slowly release upon application for a subtle bronzed and glowy finish. It promises to leave skin protected, silky smooth, soft, and nourished.

Something to be mindful of is that this moisturiser contains perfume. It has a soft velvety rose scent that doesn’t linger on the skin once applied. I personally like fragranced skincare and haven’t had any issues with it thus far, but it’s something to be cautious of if you have sensitive skin.

Some of the key ingredients include:

• Titanium dioxide: a sensitive skin-friendly mineral-based filter that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Glycerin: hydrates skin
• Hydrogenated lecithin: conditions and restores the skin
• Bisabolol: soothes skin
• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate: a stable form of vitamin C offering excellent antioxidant protection
• Alpha lipoic acid ( thioctic acid): a great antioxidant

The Perricone MD tinted moisturiser costs £64 for 59ml. However, with the discount code PMD20, you can get the moisturiser for just £51.20. Shop here.

Honest Perricone MD Face Finishing & Firming Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 review

I like the Perricone MD Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30.

This moisturiser is quite thick, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and absorbs quickly. Many mineral SPF formulas have a thick and sticky consistency, which isn’t pleasant, but this one is lightweight. Thanks to this, you can layer this moisturiser as much as you want without it pilling, going tacky, or feeling greasy.

I’m a big fan of the tinted element of this moisturiser. It immediately makes my skin look bronzed and radiant but still natural. It also doesn’t aggravate my rosacea, which I often experience with SPFs, especially inherently heavier ones.

Here’s what the tinted moisturiser looks like as soon as I’ve applied it to my skin:

On the negative side, I don’t like that this tinted moisturiser collects around the hairline throughout the day; it ends up looking patchy, so I avoid applying it near my hairline as best as I can.

As for the moisturising element of this cream, it’s decent but nothing special. It hydrates my skin and keeps it protected throughout the day. Without the mineral SPF part of this cream, it’s not worth £64, as the feeling of the moisturiser on my skin doesn’t have that luxurious, silky sensation.

Rating: 4 stars

Overall, this is a good tinted moisturiser. The tinted mineral SPF element to this cream is surprisingly lightweight and leaves my skin luminous, non-greasy, and bronzed. I wouldn’t describe this as a ‘must have’ product, but more of a ‘nice to have’ product.

The post Perricone MD Face Finishing & Firming Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I’m always on the hunt for interesting beauty brands. From innovative independent skincare brands and female-founded brands to viral products and trendy new items, if something looks exciting to me, I’m willing to spend money on it.

I stumbled across LIHA Beauty online. This black-owned and female-founded brand harnesses the power of African beauty secrets to create an array of products that smell amazing, nourish the skin, and contain high-quality ingredients. The brand is cruelty-free and celebrates the founders’, Abi and Liha, Yoruba and British heritage.

The brand’s beautiful message really stood out to me. Plus, after LIHA Beauty appeared on Dragons’ Den, I knew I had to purchase a selection of products. Despite not securing an investment from the Dragons, I was intrigued, especially as the Dragons all noted how great the products are.

In this honest review, I share my thoughts on whether LIHA Beauty is worth it, with a closer look at the products’ ingredients, textures, and efficacy.

Products in this review

4 LIHA Beauty products are featured in this review:

1. Oju Omi Mud Cleanser
2. Idan Oil
3. Orinrin Cleansing Balm
4. Osé Gidi Black Soap

Below, I review each product individually before sharing my overall thoughts on this black-owned beauty brand.

1. Oju Omi Mud Cleanser

£34 for 50ml

The LIHA Beauty Oju Omi Mud Cleanser can be used as either a cleanser or a face mask. As a daily cleanser, it has a fun mud-to-milk formula that promises to deeply cleanse the skin, without stripping, irritating, or drying it out. As a mud mask, apply it to dry skin, leave it for 10-20 minutes, and then rinse it off. The result from either method is hydrated, balanced, clean, and smooth skin.

Key ingredients include:

• Agave syrup: nourishes skin
• Kaolin: a clay mineral with absorbent properties that help reduce excess oil on the skin
• Moroccan lava clay: exfoliates the skin but can be a bit abrasive
• Marula oil: moisturises skin
• Molasses: LIHA Beauty says molasses is hydrating, gently exfoliating, and calms redness

This mud cleanser has a thick, creamy, and slightly gritty texture. It feels rich and luxurious. It has an earthy scent, but it’s fragrance-free. I love the consistency and smell of this cleanser; it gives spa day vibes.

As a cleanser, I initially used this as a second cleanse. However, it’s rich, exfoliating, and leaves a slightly oily residue, so I think it performs better as the first cleanse in your evening skincare routine.

The mud-to-milk formula is satisfying, as it effortlessly rinses off once emulsified. This performs more like a physical exfoliator, as there are some small particles that scrub your skin. I find this a bit abrasive. While the cleanser doesn’t cause redness in my skin, it does leave it feeling a bit stripped. Although this leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, and smooth, I still prefer using a traditional cleanser formula, such as a gel, oil, or balm.

This product works better as an exfoliating mud mask. After using it, my skin feels less oily, smoother, and hydrated, while also appearing brighter. It feels as though it’s really working to unclog my pores, helps get rid of stubborn blackheads, and leaves my skin in great condition. However, dry skin might find the mask too drying, due to the clays.

Rating: 4 stars

While I’ve used other cleansers that I prefer, I think this is an excellent face mask, especially for oily skin.

2. Idan Oil

£42 for 100ml

The LIHA Beauty Idan Oil is designed to deeply nourish and soften skin, while giving it a gorgeous glow. This innovative oil starts off as a solid balm at room temperature, but it transforms into a liquid when warmed. You can warm the oil up by rinsing the bottle (with the cap on) in warm/hot water. This multi-purpose oil can be used on the skin and hair.

Key ingredients include:

• Coconut oil: moisturises skin
• Tuberose: offers a sensual, warm, and floral scent
• Cinnamal: imparts the gorgeous spicy and sweet aroma of cinnamon

When warmed up, this oil is quite runny, non-greasy, and feels lightweight. It absorbs quickly, within a couple of minutes. I’m obsessed with the scent of this oil. It’s sweet, slightly spiced, floral, and romantic. Every time I use it, I smell absolutely amazing. Although this oil is fragranced, so that’s something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to perfumed products.

And the results are fantastic. I use this as a body oil to hydrate and soften skin. I apply the oil overnight, and by morning, my skin is soft, smooth, nourished. Any dryness on my skin, such as on my feet, is significantly improved. With consistent use, the Idan Oil easily gets rid of dead, rough, or dry skin.

I’ve not used this as a hair oil, as I’ve already got a greasy scalp, so this might be a bit too rich. However, for dry ends or scalps, I think this would be a fantastic hair oil to moisturise and smooth frizz.

Rating: 5 stars

I love this oil and look forward to using it.

3. Orinrin Cleansing Balm

£32 for 50ml

The LIHA Beauty Orinrin Cleansing Balm claims to effortlessly dissolve makeup, SPF, and daily grime, while delivering nourishment that lingers long after rinsing. The balm transforms into a milk when in contact with water, allowing you to easily wash it off after massaging the product into your skin.

Key ingredients:

• Sweet almond oil: softens skin and helps the skin retain moisture
• Mango seed butter: hydrates and soothes skin
• Cocoa seed butter: locks in hydration and calms sensitive skin
• Sunflower seed oil: replenishes and strengthens skin
• Rice bran oil: has barrier-repairing properties

This cleansing balm has a rich, thick, and creamy consistency. A grape-sized amount of product is enough to massage into dry skin and thoroughly cleanse it. The balm features fragrant components that give it a mildly sweet and citrusy aroma. Again, something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to perfumed skincare.

I quite like this cleansing balm, but it’s not my favourite. It smells and feels luxurious, thanks to a gorgeous fragrance profile and sumptuous texture.

As a first cleanse in my evening skincare routine, it easily lifts any lingering dirt, SPF, or oil on the skin. The balm rinses off easily when emulsified with water. But I’ve used cleansing balms and oils that take less work and are more effective at dissolving makeup.

While this cleansing balm makes my skin soft, clean, and moisturised, it unfortunately leaves a slightly greasy and tacky residue. I need to pair this with a powerful cleansing gel or foam that removes this residue, as it could otherwise lead to breakouts on my skin. Ultimately, I prefer cleansing balms or oils that feel more compatible with my combination skin and are easier to use.

Rating: 4 stars

This cleansing balm is nice, but I think this would be better for people with dry skin.

4. Osé Gidi Black Soap

£16 for 120g

The LIHA Beauty Osé Gidi Black Soap is supposed to deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin, without stripping it. The soap works into a creamy lather that leaves skin hydrated, soft, and luminous. It can be used on the face and body.

Key ingredients:

• Sodium shea butterate: cleanses the skin
• Sodium cocoate: cleanses the skin but can be drying
• Glycerin: hydrates skin
• Molasses extract: hydrates, gently exfoliates, and calms redness

This cleanser has a soft, smooth, and slightly grainy texture. It glides over skin effortlessly with no resistance. Multiple fragrant components, including bergamot, benzoin, and palmarosa, give the soap a calming and mildly citrusy aroma. Again, if you’re sensitive or dislike fragranced skincare, this might be one to avoid.

Personally, I wouldn’t use this as a facial cleanser, as the exfoliating particles would be a bit too abrasive for my skin.

As a body soap, though, this does an excellent job of cleansing my skin, while leaving it feeling nourished and removing dead, dry, or rough skin. It smooths over my skin easily and lathers effortlessly, without ever leaving my skin feeling stripped, tight, or dry. The combination of nourishment, gorgeous scent, and gentle exfoliation makes this soap feel expensive and high-quality.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I’m a big fan of this body soap.

Overall LIHA Beauty review

Overall, I think LIHA Beauty has some fantastic products that smell amazing, feature some interesting and innovative ingredients, and boast luxurious textures. These products are effective, meet their claims, and are excellent at moisturising, smoothing, and softening skin.

I love LIHA Beauty’s brand story, and the combination of the founders’ British and African heritage really comes through in their products. They’re packaged beautifully, foreground excellent Yoruba ingredients and Yoruba culture, and feel authentic.

I’m impressed with LIHA Beauty and would particularly recommend these products for people with dry skin.

The post This black-owned beauty brand featured on Dragons’ Den… but is it any good? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser is a cult classic among skincare enthusiasts. This clinically-backed foaming cleanser combines a face wash and exfoliator in one to leave your skin fresh, smooth, and radiant.

In this honest review, I share whether the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser lived up to my high expectations, whether it improved the appearance and texture of my skin, and whether it’s worth checking out.

Get 15% off Kate Somerville at Sephora UK with SARAHSSPH. Shop here!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser contains exfoliating acids to reveal a soft, fresh, and glowing complexion. This gentle cleanser is designed to get rid of skin debris without leaving the skin feeling stripped, tight, or dry. It also claims to visibly improve skin texture and pore size.

It can be used in the morning and the evening. You can use it as a first or second cleanse in your evening skincare routine, as the cleanser is designed to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup. Apply a small amount to a wet face and neck, and massage gently for 30 seconds. Rinse and gently pat dry.

In an independent clinical study of 34 people, 94% reported that the cleanser thoroughly cleanses dirt, oil and makeup after 1 use. 94% said it leaves skin soft and refreshed after 1 use. 94% reported pores feel thoroughly clean and purified after 7 days.

Notably, the cleanser features the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) glycolic acid and lactic acid. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates to renew the skin’s surface — improving texture, tone, fine lines and pigmentation — while also boosting hydration, resilience, and potentially helping protect against UV damage. Lactic acid helps gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells, while also hydrating, brightening, improving texture and tone, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing pigmentation.

The cleanser costs £41 for 120ml. My code SARAHSSPH will get you this cleanser for just £34.85. Shop here.

Honest review

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser has absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Firstly, this cleanser has a lovely, subtle fruity scent. It’s not overpowering and disappears once washed off. I love fragranced skincare and have never had sensitivity issues, but this cleanser contains some natural fragrant components, so that’s something to be mindful of if you’re not a fan of scented skincare or are sensitive to it. Although it’s worth noting that because you wash a cleanser off your skin, it’s not as sensitising.

I’m a big fan of the texture. It’s thick, creamy, and smooth. When activated with water, the cleanser works into a gentle, creamy lather that’s not drying at all. A grape-sized amount of product is more than enough to cover your entire face.

But most importantly, this cleanser delivers excellent results.

As a cleanser, it’s hydrating, doesn’t strip the skin, and leaves skin feeling fresh. I use this as the second cleanse in my evening skincare routine and look forward to using it each evening.

As an exfoliator, this product gently exfoliates to reveal brighter, smoother, and more radiant skin. Since using this cleanser, my skin texture is more even, and my pores appear smaller in size.

Rating: 5 stars

Overall, this is a fantastic exfoliating cleanser that helps make skin soft, bright, smooth, and clean. It’s definitely one of my fave cleansers, and I’ll happily repurchase it. This is 100% worth checking out.

Get 15% off Kate Somerville at Sephora UK with SARAHSSPH. Shop here!

The post Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

In recent years, there’s been a massive boom in beauty supplements. Whether they come in the form of a powder, drink, or tablet, these popular products promise to make your skin glow, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthen your nails and hair.

However, not all supplements are created equally, and there are plenty that fall short of their grandiose claims.

I’ve been testing Raw Beauty Lab’s Vegan Collagen Luxe powder for the last 30 days to see whether it’s worth checking out.

This vegan collagen supplement contains Raw Beauty Lab’s proprietary Vollagen® blend, a scientifically studied plant-derived complex providing the exact 18 amino acids found in human collagen, promising a true, effective vegan alternative. The supplement also boasts 10x better absorption than marine collagen and visible results in 28 days.

Could the Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe supplement be the secret to glowing skin? I share everything you need to know in this honest review, including the difference between plant-based collagen and traditional collagen, my experience with the supplement, and how this formula compares to another collagen drink I’ve tried.  

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Plant-based collagen vs traditional collagen: What’s the difference?

Traditional collagen is derived from animal tissues, meat, bones, and skin. In food, collagen is only naturally found in animals and fish that contain connective tissue. Most collagen is sourced from cows (bovine collagen), fish (marine collagen), and pigs (porcine collagen) in products.

Collagen is not naturally found in plants. Instead, vegan collagen focuses on plant-derived amino acids that match human collagen and are designed for enhanced absorption. Vegan collagen formulas work by giving your body what it needs to boost your own collagen production. Sources include tofu, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, yeast, oranges, broccoli, and certain bacteria.

Of course, the most notable benefits of vegan collagen are that it’s more ethical to source and is more environmentally friendly than animal-derived collagen.

About the Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe

The Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe is a cruelty-free supplement that is designed to improve skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and radiance. It also claims to strengthen hair and nails and encourage quicker growth. It costs £39.95 for 30 servings.

Raw Beauty Lab’s Vollagen® complex features the 18 exact amino acids found in human collagen, which include glycine, valine, proline, lysine, hydroxyproline, and glutamic acid.

“This is achieved through a specialised fermentation and microencapsulation process using non-GMO corn. Unlike animal sources, this method yields readily isolated amino acids, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilised by your body without needing complex breakdown first. This targeted approach delivers precisely what your skin needs for collagen synthesis.” – Raw Beauty Lab

Other ingredients in the collagen powder include strawberry, raspberry, inulin, carrot, camu camu, baobab, and pomegranate.

Using this supplement is very straightforward. Add 1 level teaspoon and blend into smoothies, yoghurt bowls, or juices for the best taste and texture experience. For best results, Raw Beauty Lab suggests consuming 1 serving consistently each day.

Honest Vegan Collagen Luxe review

First, let’s start with taste, as collagen drinks are notorious for tasting horrible. This vegan drink tastes OK. It’s tolerable. It’s got a weak plant and slightly fruity flavour with a bitter aftertaste.

However, when you blend this collagen powder into a smoothie, there’s no issue with flavour. It blended excellently and didn’t interfere with the flavour of any smoothies I made. It also didn’t alter the texture of the smoothie, as it wasn’t gritty or grainy. Instead, you get your collagen fix easily with no horrible taste or texture!

At 30 years old, I don’t have any wrinkles or sagging. My skin is still pretty firm. I have a few fine lines and combination skin.

Since trialling the Vegan Collagen Luxe, my skin looks more radiant and feels more hydrated. I’d describe my skin as looking healthy, and I’m noticing that makeup sits on top of my skin well.

However, I’ve not noticed a difference in the elasticity, fine lines, or smoothness of my skin since using the supplement. There’s also been no change in my nail or hair strength or growth.

Rating: 4 stars

While I’ve not noticed a major transformation in my skin since taking this supplement, I do think it contributes to healthy, youthful skin. It’s good to start topically applying collagen or taking collagen supplements at around 25, as that’s when collagen production in your skin begins to decline.

Healthy skin is all about prevention and maintenance, so there’s not really a drawback to taking a collagen supplement. Not all benefits are instantly noticeable, and some benefits of collagen supplements come from keeping your skin in good condition.

I’m overall pleased with the Raw Beauty Lab collagen drink.

Raw Beauty Lab vs Revive Collagen: How do they compare?

I previously tried Revive Collagen’s original collagen drink and enhanced formula. Neither of Revive Collagen’s drinks are vegan, as the collagen is sourced from fish.

I’ve seen more results since using Raw Beauty Lab compared to Revive Collagen. Raw Beauty Lab’s collagen supplement tastes better, is more sustainable, and made my skin more radiant and hydrated.

The post Could this plant-based collagen be the secret to glowing skin? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I’ve tested loads of sunscreens over the years. From lightweight, invisible SPFs to gloopy consistencies that leave a white cast, there’s a massive variation in the quality, formula, and feel of sunscreens on the market. There are loads of excellent absorbent sun creams, but there are also loads of undesirable ones.

The brand-new ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection and is designed to provide soft-focus luminosity. It claims to be breathable, lightweight, hydrating, and leave no white cast.

But is the new ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 truly a luxurious formula worth £50? I share my thoughts in this honest review.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50

The ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 is a lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen that is designed to protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, including UV rays, blue light, and pollution. The broad-spectrum sun cream helps prevent sun damage, pigmentation, and early signs of ageing.

ESPA promises that the formula is breathable, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast. It claims to deliver a smooth, dewy finish with a subtle blurring effect. It hydrates, soothes, brightens the skin, making it ideal for daily use.

The sunscreen can be worn by itself, on top of skincare, or underneath makeup. Apply it as the last step in your skincare routine but before any makeup.

ESPA says the sunscreen is a hybrid SPF and moisturiser that allows you to skip your moisturiser, so the brand recommends allowing enough time for any previous skincare steps to fully absorb before applying it. You may also need to apply less of other skincare products in your routine as the SPF is moisturising.

The SPF claims to be suitable for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin. It retails for £50 for 50ml. Get 10% off the ESPA SPF at LookFantastic by clicking this link.

Honest ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 review

I love the design of the ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 tube. It has a long and thin nozzle with a small hole at the top so you can easily squeeze out the right amount of product.

This sunscreen contains fragrance. It has a lovely citrus and slightly floral scent that’s reminiscent of a fresh summer’s day. I love the scent, and I don’t find perfumed skincare products irritating. Plus, I hate that horrible clinical smell that some sun creams have; this one actually smells nice when I apply it. But the fragrance is something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to it or prefer unscented products.

The formula is lovely. It’s creamy, nourishing, and definitely makes my skin look glowy. I agree that this provides soft-focus luminosity – it makes my skin look healthy and not dull, unlike some sunscreens.

This one feels lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast. It feels like a moisturiser and SPF in one, which I adore.

Unfortunately, this SPF pills and isn’t the most absorbent formula I’ve tried. I applied this sunscreen on top of my usual skincare routine – toner, eye cream, serum, and moisturiser – and it pilled. I also tried it on top of just a moisturiser to see if it would pill, and it still did. This sun cream also takes around 30 seconds of massaging it into the skin for it to fully sink in.

Thankfully, when I applied the sunscreen on my bare skin, without any other skincare products, it didn’t pill. I’ve got combination skin, and I find the SPF to be perfectly hydrating. It still took a bit of massaging into the skin, but once it had fully absorbed, my skin felt smooth, looked dewy, and was nourished all day long.

I think this SPF would be particularly great for days by the pool, enjoying the sunshine outside, or at the beach where you’re needing to reapply sunscreen more regularly. It reapplies like a dream (when you’re not wearing other skincare products) and keeps skin wonderfully hydrated and protected.

Rating: 4 stars

This ultra-nourishing, non-sticky, and invisible SPF is ideal when you want a fuss-free skincare routine that just consists of one protective product. The ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 definitely feels like a luxurious formula and is worth it for those just wanting to apply a hydrating sunscreen with a luminous finish.

But if you want a sunscreen that layers over other skincare products and absorbs instantly, there may be better options out there.

If you’re looking to buy other ESPA products, you can get 20% off with the code SHOPESPA (excludes SPF). Shop here. I’d highly recommend the Optimal Skin Pro Serum – it’s still one of my fave serums ever.

The post Honest ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 review + 10% off appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Retinol products are the gold standard in skincare. This powerhouse ingredient, which is also known as vitamin A, reduces fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. Retinol can also fade dark spots and improve uneven skin texture.

Vitamin A is undisputedly the best anti-ageing ingredient, as it’s the only one that can help reverse the signs of ageing.

While it’s not essential to spend lots of money to get effective skincare products, if you’re going to spend money in any area of your skincare routine, it should be on active ingredients, like retinol or vitamin C, and targeted formulas. Investing extra money into science-backed and clinically proven formulas guarantee you’ll see benefits.

Perricone MD’s triple retinol range has been proven in clinical studies to increase hydration, reduce dark circles and under-eye puffiness, reduce rough texture, improve skin’s elasticity and radiance, and smooth the skin.

In this review, I share my honest thoughts on Perricone MD’s retinol products, whether I’ve seen any improvement in my skin, and if they’re worth the money.

Get 20% off select Perricone MD products with my code PMD20. Shop here!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Products in this review

I’ve tried the following products around 3 times a week for the last month for a fair test:

1. High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum
2. High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum
3. High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer

Below, I review each product individually before sharing my overall thoughts on Perricone MD’s retinol range.

1. Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum

£64 for 15ml

About the product

The Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum is designed to reduce under-eye puffiness, fine lines, and uneven texture while improving firmness and smoothness. It also targets dark circles and discolouration with the help of antioxidants, aiming to create a brighter, more refreshed appearance. It’s fragrance-free.

The eye serum features Perricone MD’s proprietary triple retinol blend: a unique blend of encapsulated retinol, retinol ester, and phyto-retinol. Retinyl linoleate is a milder, gentler retinoid that increases hydration, encourages cell turnover, and decreases fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol smooths wrinkles, refines pores, and firms skin. Beta-carotene is a good antioxidant.

Other key ingredients include the antioxidant and soothing caffeine, niacinamide which helps visibly reduce enlarged pores and strengthens the skin’s barrier, ceramide NP to strengthen the skin’s barrier, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

In a clinical study of 34 women, 100% showed significant improvement in skin hydration immediately after application, 91% showed a significant reduction in under-eye dark circles, 88% showed a significant reduction in under-eye puffiness, and the participants showed a statistically significant reduction in fine lines and crow’s feet.

Review

I think the Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum is good.

The texture is a lightweight gel-cream that absorbs instantly and feels cooling. Tapping this product into the skin is quick and easy. I don’t find the eye serum sensitising.

The eye serum is instantly hydrating. Some retinol products can aggravate sensitive skin or be quite drying, but I find the formula very tolerable, even for my sensitive/combination skin. It feels wonderfully refreshing on application.

At 29, I don’t have wrinkles or crow’s feet around my eyes. I do, however, have some fine lines under my eyes. The retinol has already improved my fine lines. My under-eye area looks a bit smoother since using the serum. With continued and long-term usage, I think there would be a very noticeable improvement.  

My dark circles are never too bad, but the serum makes my eyes appear more radiant, especially if I’ve had a bad night’s sleep (or a few!). It helps to wake my eyes up, so to speak, and makes me look fresher.

This serum hasn’t made a difference to any under-eye puffiness or improved my skin’s texture.

Rating: 4 stars

So far, I’m impressed with this eye serum. I think more mature skin would really notice reduced fine lines and wrinkles under their eyes if they purchased this. But it’s a good idea to introduce retinoids from around 25 onwards, when your skin’s collagen levels begin to decline, as a preventative measure.

2. Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum

£83 for 59ml

About the product

The Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum is lightweight, fragrance-free, and uses the brand’s proprietary triple retinol blend to support skin renewal and improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity. It targets fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness, while antioxidants help promote a more even, radiant complexion.

It features the same triple retinol blend as the Perricone MD eye serum. Other key ingredients include the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 which helps improve signs of ageing, nourishing squalane, exfoliating citric acid, and soothing aloe vera.

In a clinical study of 37 women, 78% showed significant improvement in the feel of rough skin texture; 76% showed significant improvement in skin elasticity, resiliency, and radiance; and 76% showed a significant reduction in fine lines on the cheek and in age and sun spots.

Review

I think the Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum is excellent.

The texture is a gel-cream that absorbs instantly with no pilling. It plays well with other skincare products. It feels weightless once applied and doesn’t feel drying, sensitising, or harsh like some retinol products can. I find it hydrating.

I don’t have any wrinkles on my skin (yet…). I’m also lucky to not have any fine lines except for one on my forehead. But I can tell that this fine line has decreased a bit since using the Perricone MD retinol serum. I’m confident that with longer-term use the fine line would continue to fade.

My skin is fairly firm, and I’ve not noticed any change in the elasticity of my skin thus far.

One of my favourite things about this serum is the impact it has had on excess oil and any skin texture. During the summer, my combination skin can become a bit oilier, which leads to more breakouts and blackheads. While I never suffer with dry patches, sometimes my skin can feel a bit bumpy.

Since using the serum, my skin feels smoother and more even. It means fewer spots, a brighter complexion, and makeup sits on top of my skin better. I’ve also noticed a reduction in excess oil, which is a massive plus.

Rating: 5 stars

This is easily one of the best retinol serums I’ve tried so far. I love that it’s a versatile product, as it’s great for preventative ageing as well as improving uneven skin texture.

3. Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer

£82 for 59ml

About the product

The Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer combines the brand’s proprietary three forms of retinol with deep hydration to support the skin’s natural renewal process. It targets fine lines, dryness, and uneven texture while helping to strengthen the moisture barrier for a smoother, firmer appearance by morning.  

Other key ingredients include dewy propanediol, nourishing jojoba oil, replenishing sunflower seed oil, and moisturising hydrogenated soybean oil.

In a clinical study of 30 women, 93% showed significant improvement in skin hydration for 12 hours, 93% showed significant improvement in skin barrier function for 12 hours, 80% showed significant improvement in skin brightness and radiance, and participants showed a significant improvement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity.

Review

I’ve tried the Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer before, and my thoughts on the retinol cream remain the same.

The texture is creamy, but it still massages into my skin quickly and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. The moisturiser has a delicate rose fragrance that disappears once the product is applied. I like fragranced skincare, but for people who are sensitive to or dislike perfumed skincare products, this is something to be mindful of.

I really enjoy using this night cream. It’s lightweight yet nourishing, and my skin feels soft and looks radiant by morning.

As I mentioned previously, I don’t have many fine lines, so I don’t see dramatic results from retinol creams, which, in my experience, are generally milder than serums. That’s true for the Perricone MD moisturiser as well; I haven’t noticed changes in the few faint lines I have, but I wouldn’t expect to at this stage. Still, I believe it could be more visibly effective on mature skin, given the quality of the formula.

The cream noticeably improves my skin’s hydration throughout the day, and the retinol helps even out both my skin’s texture and tone. For me, a more even complexion is the biggest benefit of good retinol moisturisers at my age, and this one definitely delivers on that front.

Rating: 4 stars

I really like the night cream. However, I think I’d see more benefits if I had more fine lines and wrinkles, where the price would be more justifiable. I’d highly recommend this for more mature skin.

Overall review of the Perricone MD triple retinol range

I’m very impressed with the Perricone MD’s triple retinol range. While these products are on the pricier side, you’re paying for high-quality formulas that have been demonstrated to show improvements in people’s skin in clinical studies.

The retinol trio has led to my skin being more even, smoother, and brighter, all while being delivered in hydrating, non-irritating formulas. I’ve noticed a reduction in excess oil and faded fine lines.

Get 20% off select Perricone MD products with my code PMD20. Shop here!

The post These Perricone MD retinol products are proven in clinical studies to brighten, firm, and smooth skin appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Founded in 1860, Napiers is Scotland’s oldest herbal apothecary. This well-established brand meticulously crafts and carefully sources botanicals and extracts from across the globe.

Napiers prides itself in offering the best of health and wellbeing through the use of herbal medicine and other natural therapies. From immune-boosting supplements and relaxing aromatherapy oils to nourishing moisturisers and soothing throat sprays, there is a huge range of natural health and wellbeing solutions available.

I review 3 products from Napiers in this post: an anti-ageing night cream, a restorative hair mask, and a refreshing hand and body wash. Are these botanical products worth checking out? This post tells you everything you need to know!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Products in this review

To see whether Napiers is worthwhile, I tested 3 products for around 3 weeks:

1. Scottish Speedwell Ageless Night Cream
2. Meadowsweet & Marigold Hand and Body Wash
3. Herbstrong Hair Conditioning Mask

Below, I review each product individually before sharing my overall thoughts on Napiers.

1. Napiers Scottish Speedwell Ageless Night Cream

£25.99 for 60ml

About the product

The Napiers Scottish Speedwell Ageless Night Cream is described as a rich night cream with powerful anti-wrinkle properties and rich natural oils to rejuvenate the skin. The moisturiser claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, soften the skin, and shed dead skin cells.

It’s enriched with Scottish Speedwell, which Napiers says is a unique plant extract that has been proven to visibly reduce wrinkles when used for 4 weeks. Other key ingredients nourishing shea butter, hydrating hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant Hedbridean seaweed extract, and exfoliating salicylic acid.

Review

I really like this nighttime moisturiser.

Firstly, this has a strong botanical scent. It contains 2 fragrant plant oils – orange peel oil and jasmine essential oil – for a distinctive herbal fragrance. Natural fragrances can still be sensitising, so just be mindful if you’ve got sensitive skin or find fragrance irritating in skincare formulas. I have no issues with fragranced skincare. I don’t mind the scent of this night cream, but it’s very strong. However, once massaged into the skin, the scent disappears.

I love the consistency of this night cream. It’s thick, rich, and sumptuous. This makes it feel luxurious and expensive. Because of this, the moisturiser isn’t particularly absorbent. It takes a fair bit of massaging to get the cream to melt into the skin. Without a bit of work, the cream will just sit on your skin.

Once massaged into the skin, the cream doesn’t feel greasy, which is perfect for my combination skin. This makes your skin feel instantly firmer and tight – in a good way. By the morning, my skin feels softer, smoother, and rejuvenated.

As it contains salicylic acid along with loads of nourishing plant oils, the exfoliating element of this moisturiser is gentle. It contributes to a more even, radiant, and smooth complexion without any redness. With consistent use, this will improve the tone and appearance of your skin.

This night cream is good value for money. The INCI list contains some fantastic ingredients and the tub is pretty big for £25.99. A little bit of product goes a long way too.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I enjoy this rejuvenating night cream. It takes a little work to rub in, but once it’s been applied, it works beautifully.

2. Napiers Meadowsweet & Marigold Hand and Body Wash

£4.99 for 50ml or £15.99 for 300ml

About the product

The Napiers Meadowsweet & Marigold Hand and Body Wash claims to be an invigorating and naturally-foaming hand and body wash. It’s supposed to be hydrating, soothing, and softening.

This hand and body wash contains soothing calendula extract, skin-softening wheat germ extract, hydrating glycerin, and skin-smoothing glycine soja oil.

Review

I’ve been using the Meadowsweet & Marigold Hand and Body Wash as a hand wash and really like it.

This hand wash isn’t drying or stripping. Instead, my hands feel fresh and hydrated after using it. It’s not the most nourishing hand wash I’ve ever tried, but it’s certainly gentle.

It smells citrusy, so it’s wonderfully invigorating and refreshing. The scent doesn’t stay on your hands afterwards, though.

1 pump of this hand wash works into a foamy lather quickly. It’s not like some hand washes, where you have to use multiple pumps to effectively wash your hands.

300ml is quite a big bottle too. While it’s not the cheapest hand wash, it certainly feels higher quality than a drugstore alternative.

Rating: 4 stars

This is a decent, refreshing hand wash that has a lovely spring scent.

3. Napiers Herbstrong Hair Conditioning Mask

£14.99 for 100ml

About the product

The Napiers Herbstrong Hair Conditioning Mask claims to deeply condition and rejuvenate the scalp and hair. It’s designed to support a healthy scalp and hair by reducing tangles, increasing strength, and delivering marvellous shine.

The formula is enriched with nourishing coconut oil, protective peach kernel oil, softening propanediol, and green tea extract to reduce scalp irritation and prevent hair loss.

Review

As someone with oily, fine, and sleek hair, I’m always cautious of any hair products that are deeply nourishing. They typically are too heavy for my hair and leave my scalp as a greasy, weighed-down mess. But I also understand the importance of conditioning and looking after your scalp, so it’s a difficult balancing act.

That’s why I’m so impressed with the Herbstrong Hair Conditioning Mask.

I use it after shampoo and apply it to damp hair, from my scalp down to my ends. I leave it for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off. The mask moisturises my hair and scalp without leaving it feeling oily, heavy, or weighed down. The result? Healthy, shiny, and happy hair.

This has a similar scent to the night cream – it’s distinctly botanical. However, the natural fragrance isn’t quite as strong as the night cream and rinses away.

I think this restorative hair mask is excellent value for money. 100ml for a high-quality product that actually works for my hair type when so many others don’t is an absolute steal! Plus, I don’t need to apply much product to make my scalp feel conditioned, so this tub will last me for a while.

As my hair is naturally quite sleek and smooth, I don’t need to regularly apply hair masks, as my hair is in good condition. However, when my hair is in need of some TLC or I want to give my scalp a health boost, this mask will be my go-to.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This hair-conditioning mask is great.

Overall Napiers review

Napiers impressed me more than I was expecting! These formulas are fairly priced, contain great ingredients, and overall deliver on their claims. All of the products I tried were gentle and hydrating, and they made my skin, hair, and body feel rejuvenated.

This botanical brand isn’t just a gimmick; these natural-led formulas are clearly well thought-out, researched, and deliver genuine results. I’d love to try some more products from Napiers!

The post I tried 3 products from Napiers | Honest review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I’m 30 in August (scary, I know!), which means I should start adapting my skincare routine for my skin’s changing needs.

ARK Skincare offers a dedicated skincare line for your 30s and 40s called Age Defend. The products in this range are designed to boost the skin’s natural collagen production and minimise redness for a calm, supple complexion.

I’ve previously tried quite a lot of ARK Skincare products and was overall impressed with the vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, but the ranges are well thought-out so that building a skincare routine that works for you is uncomplicated.

This review will tell you what your skincare routine should look like in your 30s and how effective the ARK Skincare Age Defend range is.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What should your skincare routine look like in your 30s?

Collagen production starts declining at around the age of 25 at a rate of around 1-2% a year, according to skin health expert Kate Somerville. This is around the time that the skin starts to show signs of ageing – i.e. fine lines and wrinkles.

Levels of elastin and hyaluronic acid also slowly start to decrease, which means your skin may feel drier or more sensitive and begin to lose its elasticity, plumpness, and smoothness.

For these reasons, your skincare routine as you hit your 30s and beyond should incorporate several key products and ingredients:

• Retinol (aka vitamin A): helps to visibly reverse signs of ageing.
• SPF: to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun damage also quickly ages the skin. Although, SPF should be worn every day, without fail, before your 30s!
• Hydrating products: look for moisturisers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to lock in nourishment.
• Anti-redness products: to help relieve your skin from any irritation it may be experiencing. Niacinamide and azelaic acid are brilliant ingredients for reducing redness.
• Exfoliate: to offset the skin’s cellular turnover slowing down as we get older to keep skin looking youthful, radiant, and smooth.

Products in this review

To see whether the ARK Skincare Age Defend range is worthwhile, I tested 4 products for around a month.

3 products are from the Age Defend line, and 1 is from the Skin Perfector line which provides a targeted treatment for all ages.

1. Age Defend Regenerating Night Cream Treatment
2. Skin Perfector Anti-Redness Serum
3. Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
4. Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser

Below, I review each product individually before sharing my overall thoughts on the ARK Skincare Age Defend line.

1. ARK Skincare Age Defend Regenerating Night Cream Treatment

£42 for 50ml

About the product

The ARK Skincare Age Defend Regenerating Night Cream Treatment is a night cream that’s designed to combat the signs of everyday stress, boost hydration and elasticity, soothe the skin, and reduce sensitivity.

It’s enriched with retinyl palmitate to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, nourishing shea butter, skin-soothing maracuja oil, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and Persian silk tree bark extract for antioxidant benefits.

This nighttime moisturiser contains fragrance.

Review

I really like the ARK Skincare Age Defend Regenerating Night Cream Treatment.

This night cream is rich and thick, but it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. In fact, it’s surprisingly absorbent and plays well with other products. I’ve got combination skin, and this isn’t too heavy for me.

I love the fragrance in this moisturiser. It smells a bit like marzipan, and I adore gourmand scents. Of course, if you’re sensitive to perfumed skincare, this is one to miss.

It’s a shame that this night cream contains fragrance. Perfume is a known potential irritant to the skin, and the Age Defend line is marketed as being good for reducing redness. I don’t experience any irritation with this product and enjoy the scent, but the fragrance may put people off buying it, especially if they’ve got sensitive skin.

As for the benefits, this cream is wonderfully nourishing. By the morning, my skin feels so soft and smooth. The retinol in this moisturiser didn’t irritate my skin at all. As it’s in a night cream formula, vitamin A is typically more tolerable anyway. It didn’t aggravate my rosacea.

I think this night cream does a great job of making my skin look youthful. I don’t have many fine lines, but I think this cream has slightly reduced their appearance anyway. There’s no change in the sensitivity of my skin after using this cream.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I like the ARK Skincare Age Defend Regenerating Night Cream Treatment and think it’s worth the price.

2. ARK Skincare Skin Perfector Anti-Redness Serum

£48 for 30ml

About this product

The ARK Skincare Skin Perfector Anti-Redness Serum claims to calm sensitive and irritated skin. This serum reduces redness, itching, and inflammation while boosting moisture levels and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier.

It features sweet almond oil which helps the skin retain moisture, echium plantagineum seed oil to repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier, and soothing sunflower seed oil and balloon vine extract.

This serum contains fragrance.

Review

I think the ARK Skincare Skin Perfector Anti-Redness Serum is pretty effective, but it’s not the most effective product I’ve tried for reducing redness or soothing my rosacea.

This is thicker than a standard serum but not oily whatsoever. It doesn’t pill and absorbs after gently patting it into the skin. I find it a little drying. But if I apply a hydrating toner beforehand, this offsets any dryness. I also think you can feel this product sitting on your skin for about 10 minutes before the sensation disappears. This doesn’t bother me, but it’s something I noticed.

I feel the same way about the perfume in this serum as I do about the night cream. It’s also particularly interesting that this serum is targeted at those with sensitive skin despite being fragranced. However, the serum doesn’t have a strong scent at all – or it’s not distinguishable at least.

This serum is effective at easing redness. While it doesn’t completely get rid of a rosy flush, within about 30 minutes, I can see that any redness on my skin has reduced. This is useful for when I have a rosacea flare-up. Despite this, I’ve used products that ease any irritation or redness on my skin more effectively.

I also wish this serum felt calming on the skin. I’ve used products in the past that provide instant relief for any sensitivity I may be experiencing. This doesn’t feel soothing on application.

Rating: 4 stars

This serum is good but not a standout. For the price, I’d probably opt for a different anti-redness product.

3. ARK Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

£26 for 200ml

About this product

The ARK Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser is supposed to effectively remove makeup, dirt, SPF, and grease from the skin. It gently exfoliates, leaves skin clean and moisturised, doesn’t strip the skin, and calms any redness.

It’s formulated with moringa oleifera seed oil to calm the skin, retinyl palmitate to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrating glycerin, and mild cleansing agent olive oil PEG-7 esters.

This cleanser contains fragrance.

Review

I like the ARK Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser.

I use this cleanser as the first cleanse as part of my evening skincare routine. The formula is like a thick gel, which lends itself well to being gently massaged onto dry skin and then rinsed off with water. This cleanser has to work a bit harder than others I’ve tried to break down makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF.

Fragrance in cleansers isn’t as problematic as fragrance in other skincare products, as the product is washed off your skin. I don’t think this cleanser has a particularly strong scent either.

This cleanser is pretty gentle and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped. But I don’t find that my skin feels particularly nourished, soothed, or soft afterwards either. I also don’t think it makes any difference to redness on the skin. It does the job but doesn’t provide any other noticeable skin benefits.

I also prefer a typical cleansing balm or cleansing oil consistency, as they leave my skin feeling more nourished. Those consistencies also emulsify better with water, which makes them easier to rinse off.

Rating: 4 stars

This cleanser is decent and reasonably priced for the size, but I’ve tried others that are more effective.

4. ARK Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser

£41 for 55ml

About the product

The ARK Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser claims to hydrate the skin, boost elasticity and plumpness, and diminish signs of ageing. It promises to smooth the skin and make it appear firmer, more toned, and fresh.

It’s enriched with nourishing shea butter, peptides to make skin firmer and plumper, hydrating glycerin, skin-softening ethylhexyl palmitate, and retinyl palmitate to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This moisturiser contains fragrance.

Review

I think the ARK Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser is good.

This is marketed as a daytime moisturiser – or, more specifically, it’s not labelled as a night cream. This is interesting and a bit misleading because it contains retinol, which you’re not supposed to apply during the day, as it increases your sensitivity to the sun. With this in mind, this formula is best used as a nighttime moisturiser.

I have the same comments regarding the fragrance as I do for the night treatment in that it could be an issue for sensitive skin, which is a shame. I actually think the perfume in this one is reminiscent of French pharmacy skincare brands, as it has a slightly sweet yet clinical scent.

Although the Replenishing Moisturiser doesn’t seem as rich or thick as the Regenerating Night Cream Treatment, it’s actually less absorbent. I find it takes a fair bit of rubbing it into the skin before it melts in. Once it’s finally massaged in, it doesn’t feel oily, greasy, or heavy, though.

This moisturiser is nourishing, smoothing, and gives skin some noticeable plumpness and radiance. After using it, my skin feels softer and conditioned.

But seeing as both moisturisers in this review contain retinyl palmitate and thus warrant nighttime use, I prefer the Regenerating Night Cream Treatment to this one. It’s just that bit more sumptuous, luxurious, and absorbent.

Rating: 4 stars

This is a good moisturiser but not my fave.

Overall ARK Skincare Age Defend review

I think the ARK Skincare Age Defend range is effective and worth checking out overall. I love that the brand is vegan and cruelty-free.

It’s a shame that the products all feature perfume, as these can be unviable for those with sensitive skin. Interestingly, all of the products in this post are marketed as working for those with sensitive skin. While I’m fine with perfumed skincare, this can be a barrier for some people.

Despite this, all of the products work well and provide some great ingredients as my skin transitions into its 30s. ARK Skincare offers useful tips about skincare in your 30s and 40s in its product descriptions, which is very handy for consumers.

The post I tried a dedicated skincare range for your 30s | ARK Skincare Age Defend review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.