KIKO 24h Cream

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well!

It has been a while, but I am back! This year has just been complete madness, I have now finished university and will be graduating next week with a 2:1! I decided that I needed to put my blog on hold for a little bit to allow myself time to focus on getting my work done which has definitely paid off, I am so pleased with my final grade. I want to thank you for your patience whilst I've been away and what better way to kick-start my blog again than with a review of my current favourite moisturiser...

I was initially given this moisturiser as a sample and fell it love with it straight away! I loved it so much I decided to go out and buy it and I have been using it ever since. KIKO 24h Cream makes my face feel super smooth and the best thing about it... it doesn't break me out!

KIKO 24h Cream 50ml - £11.90 (more info)

If you haven't heard of this brand before or want to know more about it then head over to their website: kikocosmetics.co.uk.

"KIKO MILANO is a leading Italian brand of cosmetics, make-up and skin care products. KIKO MILANO offers safe and effective beauty products as well as face and body treatments of the highest quality, created to satisfy women of all ages."

This product by KIKO is a moisturising and energising cream that is recommended for normal to dry skin, however, you are all aware that I have combination to oily skin and this product works amazingly well for me. I use this as my night-time moisturiser rather than during the day, I prefer to wear something lighter and more mattifying during the day. I use this before bed after I've cleansed my face and I allow it time to soak in - if I was to use this product as my day moisturiser then I would look super shiny by lunch time! For those of you who have dryer skin though, this product could work brilliantly as both a day and night-time moisturiser.

Directions

I use this product after cleansing in the evening and apply it to my face, neck and neck line.


Summary

(Pictures taken with Nikon D3100)

I have noticed such a big improvement in the texture and look of my skin. My makeup seems to glide on much more smoothly than it did before.

Pros

• Smells lovely
• Feels nice on the skin
• Very moisturising
• Contains SPF15
• Hypoallergenic (formulated to ensure minimum instance of allergic reactions)
• Non comedogenic (doesn't clog pores)
• Paraben free
• Simple, clean-looking packaging

Cons

• Might be slightly too heavy for oilier complexions (Personally I like the consistency of this moisturiser because it's exactly what I look for in a night cream)

If you haven't tried any products by KIKO yet, then I suggest you do! I have a feeling this won't be the last post involving this brand!

What is your current favourite moisturiser? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin'

Follow me on Instagram @prettylittlelives

Be good to your skin with Astral!

Hello everyone, I hope you are well!

Today I'm going to be sharing a review of 2 moisturisers that I have been loving over the past month.

The moisturisers are by Astral, a brand which I know is quite popular among people with mature skin (like my Grandma) however I think these moisturisers are brilliant and it's never too early (or late) to start looking after your skin!

Here are the moisturisers I am going to be reviewing:-  

Astral Original Moisturising Cream 200ml* - £4.48 (more info) 

This original formula is a rich hydrating moisturiser that is mainly aimed at protecting mature skin, it is suitable for use all over which means it can be used on your hands, body and face. I do have to mention here that I don't use multi-purpose moisturisers on my face as my skin is oily and sometimes sensitive but if you have very dry skin, this product can be used as a makeup remover too! I find this product is perfect for the extremely dry parts of my body such as my legs, feet and elbows.

I really love how my skin feels after using this moisturiser it is just beautiful, it absorbs instantly into my skin and isn't in the slightest bit greasy or oily, which has been a problem for me in the past with other intensely hydrating moisturisers. You don't have spend too much time standing (in my case dancing) around in the nude waiting for it to dry.

This product has quite a 'soapy' scent to it, which some of you might not be keen on but personally I don't think it's too bad although I do usually prefer a more subtle scent.

Pros

• Creamy
• Hydrating
• Absorbs quickly
• Good value for money

Cons

• Could be slightly heavy for oily skin types 
• Slightly 'soapy' fragrance

Astral Light & Creamy Moisturiser 200ml* - £4.28 (more info)

(Pictures taken with Nikon D3100)

Astral say this formula helps to prevent skin aging however I do think it greatly benefits younger skin similar to mine and those of us who are not yet too worried about wrinkles and skin aging. This formula is much lighter than the original and it is enriched with the benefits of Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. 

Vitamin E: helps reduce the appearance of age spots, fade scars and stretch marks, and helps maintain skin’s natural moisture levels.

Aloe Vera: renowned for its intensely soothing and moisturising properties and perfect for sensitive skin, it also helps improve skin tone and has the unique ability to stimulate cell renewal.

I feel this formula works like a dream on my face, as it is a much lighter moisturiser and works better with my oily skin. Very similar to the original formula, this can be used anywhere on the body and face.

I have used this cream to remove my foundation and it works very well! I have avoided using this around my eye area though as I am very fussy about what creams a lotions I use on my eyes. The moisturiser is hydrating and soothing on the skin and I feel that it leaves a gorgeous glow to my skin. It is definitely one of those products that I get excited about using when I've showered, to me it feels like a luxurious product without the expensive price tag!

Pros

• No residue
• Absorbs quickly
• Light texture
• Light, fresh fragrance 
• Contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

Cons 

• I honestly can't think of any for this product!

Overall I really love these moisturisers but if I had to pick a favourite it would definitely be the Light & Creamy formula! I would highly recommend this moisturiser to anyone who is wanting to try something different. I was slightly sceptical about this product at first as I initially associated it with my Grandma but I have to say, she's got great taste!

These moisturisers are available in Boots and Superdrug as well as UK supermarkets and chemists.

Have you ever tried Astral or anything similar? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin' / Pinterest

Follow me on Instagram @prettylittlelives

*Disclaimer PR sample - My opinions are still 100% honest

Mini Haul

Whenever I go shopping I can never help myself popping into Boots or looking down the beauty aisles in the supermarket which means I always end up spending money that I don't have!

Today I'm going to share a few products that I have recently purchased that I am excited to try out!

(Taken with Canon A3300is)

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment 200ml £7.99

I have used this treatment mask a few times but I still am yet to finish this tub!

This is one of my favourite hair treatment masks but I always end up forgetting I have it and end up using my other ones as I have lots and lots of hair treatment masks because I use heat on my hair quite often and anyway you can never have to many in my opinion!
I'm thinking of doing a full review on this product, if you would be interested in a reading a review then let me know!

VO5 Give Me Moisture Conditioner (Dry Hair) 250ml £1.00 on offer

I have heard many positive things about this range of VO5 hair products so I thought I would purchase a smaller bottle to try out. I am really excited to see what all the fuss is about!

Clean & Clear Morning Energy Shine Control Daily Scrub 150ml £3.99

I don't often use Clean & Clear products the only products I have tried before are from the Morning Energy range is the Skin Energising Scrub and the Brightening Scrub, many people like these two facial scrubs so I thought I would try out the Shine Control one to see if it lives up to the others! Fingers crossed!

Clean & Clear Fast Action Spot Treatment Gel 15ml £2.00 on offer

I am a sucker for purchasing products that claim to be 'fast acting spot removers' whenever I see a label that states my spots will be gone overnight I have to buy it!! (I am still waiting for that product to come along) maybe this could be the answer to my prayers?!

Nivea Oil-free Moisturising Day Cream 50ml £3.99

I know a lot of people who use this moisturiser as part of their everyday skincare routine! I purchased this after seeing it in one of Leanne Woodfull's YouTube videos. Hopefully this works well for me it would definitely be a cheaper alternative to the Liz Earle Light Moisturiser! 

Please share your thoughts! Have you tried any of these products? 

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton

Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser - Review

Hello everyone!

Today I'm going to be reviewing the Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser 100ml*.

I have heard many mixed views about this product but in my opinion I honestly don't have a bad word to say about it!

It retails at £7.99 which I think is a reasonable price for the quality that you are getting and it is very easily accessible too! It can be purchased from Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Tesco.

As well as being a moisturiser this product can also be used as a makeup primer too which I like. As I have quite oily skin I don't like to use too many products on my face before applying my foundation as I feel like too many products clog up my pores! 
This is a quick and easy step which leaves my face moisturised giving me a perfect base for my foundation. It feels light on my skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It also smells gorgeous! 

(Taken with Canon A3300is)

Beauty Boosting Superfruit Ingredients:

• Blackcurrant - This is a great source of vitamin C and is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Goji Berry - This too has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to keep skin energised.

Free from:

• Parabens
• Mineral oils, 
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate
• Animal ingredients

 Meaning it's vegan and vegetarian friendly too!

*Disclaimer PR samples - My opinions are still 100% honest.

Have you tried any of the Good Things range?

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton