Hada Labo Anti-aging Super Hydrator Lotion Review

*Post contains PR products & affiliate links.

I've been using Hada Labo's Anti-aging Super Hydrating Lotion for a while now so I thought it was about time for a proper review! If you've not heard of Hada Labo before - they're Japan's number one skincare brand! Their products were previously a bit of a pain to get hold of in the UK because you could only get them from sites like Yesstyle which aren't always translated very well so you had to guess with what you were getting. Well now Hada Labo are easily available in the UK from Amazon! They have different packaging printed in English and are fully EU compliant. 

There are two versions of their cult classic Hydrating Lotion - one is for hydration only or there's the one I've got which has anti-aging ingredients as well. The serum contains 4 types of Hyaluronic acid. Each type has a different molecular size meaning it hydrates different layers of your skin. It also contains a gentle form of Retinol (Retinyl Palmitate), Collagen and a Peptide (Tetrapeptide-5). 

The serum itself is a clear, thin, runny, silky liquid. It absorbs quickly and easily into your skin. There's no stickiness or tacky feeling at all. You can visibly see how it plumps and hydrates skin. I really rely on a hydrating serum as I have oily / combination skin, so I have parts of my skin that get easily dehydrated and parts that get really oily. Oily skin can often be the skins reaction to it being dehydrated. It produces more oil to avoid tightness. I definitely find my skin is less oily if I keep it well hydrated. This serum does that brilliantly for me. I've been using it after having professional peel facials too. As it's very light and runny, it's perfect to apply more than one layer. After my peels, I've applied 4, even 5 layers of this serum to really hydrate my skin. It doesn't sting either if my skin is sensitive, like some other Hyaluronic acid serums I've tried. 

All in all, it's a fantastic hyaluronic acid serum! Plus it's amazing value at £16.95 for a huge 150ml bottle. When you think that most serums are usually 30ml - it's an absolute steal!

Hada Labo Anti-aging Super Hydrator Lotion is available HERE.  

Huda Beauty Light Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

*Post contains affiliate links.

Huda Beauty's eyeshadow palettes have been on my wish list for a while after her palettes kept getting rave reviews. So when I saw the new Nude Obsessions range - I knew I had to have one! There are three palettes in the range - Light, Medium and Rich.

I picked Light as I'm a sucker for pinks and lilac! As you can see you get a mix of 9 neutral mattes and gorgeous shimmer / glitter shades. The palette is slim and has a built in mirror, making it perfect for travel.

The eyeshadows themselves are absolutely stunning! The formula is wonderful too - it's very buttery / creamy meaning they blend brilliantly. The mattes are smooth to apply and are very pigmented - not patchy or chalky at all. The shimmer shades are like nothing else I've tried! They are insanely glittery but it's such a fine glitter - they give the most amazing sparkly finish. There's minimal fall out too. I found that all the eyeshadow wore really well too. They lasted all day without creasing or fading. Are you ready to see some swatches?

Gorgeous aren't they? I think the mix of shades is well balanced. You can create a decent amount of looks with it. Needless to say I'm impressed! I'm considering getting the Medium one next...

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Palettes are available from Cult Beauty HERE for £27. 

Algenist AA Barrier Serum Review

*This post contains PR products and affiliate links.

I've been using Algenist's AA Barrier serum for a while now so thought it was time for a review! This serum is designed to protect your skin from pollution, strengthen your skin barrier as well as having anti-aging benefits. It contains Algenist's patented anti-aging ingredient - Algeronic Acid. This is a compound found in algae that has regenerative and protective properties. The serum is packed with antioxidants like Vitamin B3, Ergothioneine which is found in mushrooms and phloretin. These all help to protect and fortify your skin whilst combating dullness and uneven skin tone.

The serum itself is a thick gel consistency that melts instantly into skin. It has a slight chemical scent when first applied but it's very faint and dissipates instantly. Skin is instantly visibly plumped and hydrated. I've been using the serum in my PM routine but it would work just as well in a morning too. I've had no pilling issues with it at all, even when applying an oil after.

I found that the serum feels instantly nourishing. I've been loving using it after my peels or when I use my retinol serum. It feels comforting on sensitised skin and doesn't aggravate it at all. The main thing that I've noticed since using this serum is that my skin just looks better all round in general. It feels in better condition. It looks firmer and brighter, more glowy! My cheeks usually have red, blotchy patches - even they seem to have decreased. I'd definitely say my skin looks and feels healthier since using this serum. I'm very impressed. It just goes to show what a difference it can make when you give your skin barrier that extra bit of love!

Algenist AA Barrier serum is available from Space NK HERE and Look Fantastic HERE for £80.

A. Florence Skincare Skin Rehab Light Review

*This post contains gifted items.

 

I can't believe I'm only just getting round to reviewing this amazing cream! I'm sure you all know how much I adore A. Florence Skincare (if not, read my review HERE). I've loved literally every single product that this brand has brought out and this cream is no exception! 

Let me start by saying that there are two versions of Skin Rehab - Light and Rich. They're as their names suggest. I use Light as I'm acne prone and mostly prefer a lighter cream. The Rich version is aimed at those with drier skin. However it's all down to personal preference really! I know some people use Light in summer and Rich in winter.

So what does it promise? Skin Rehab Light is designed to repair and protect sensitised skin. It's perfect for using alongside acids and retinol. It's ingredients are all designed to strengthen your skin barrier whilst calming redness. It also helps hydrate skin too. Sounds amazing, right?

Ingredients wise, it's very impressive! It contains:

• Ceramides to strengthen and protect,
• Beta-glucan to hydrate,
• Omega 3 & 6 to nourish,
• Glycerin to lock hydration in,
• Squalane to soften and soothe,
• Centella to promote healing and calm redness,
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer to hydrate & lock moisture in,
• MSM to support healthy skin,
• Plus a whole host of other ingredients designed to protect and strengthen skin.

The moisturiser has a light lotion texture that seems to melt upon contact with skin. It absorbs beautifully and completely. There's no greasiness or shine from it. It visibly hydrates skin. There's no added fragrance, however it does have a very subtle scent from the ingredients but it's barely noticeable. I find it works brilliantly used either AM or PM. It's fine to be used under makeup - there's no pilling at all which is always a selling point for me.

I've found it to be prefect to use whilst I've been increasing my retinol use. It definitely helps reduce sensitivity and keeps skin nourished. I've found you rarely find a moisturiser to be as good as this at repairing and protecting skin, without it being heavy and greasy. This really is a perfect cream for acne prone skin like mine! This moisturiser is a firm favourite in my routine and will be a regular re-purchase. I'm on bottle number 2 already!

Skin Rehab Light is available HERE for £27 for 50ml.

September Empties 2019

*This post contains PR and affiliate links.

September is over, Autumn is in full swing now! It'll soon be Christmas! Anyway here's my empties from September.

Evy Technology Daily UV Face Mousse SPF 30 (PR, available HERE for £25 or save 15% using my affiliate code TORIA15, also available from Space NK) - I'm sure you all know by now that this is my all time favourite SPF. It's super light, hydrating, not sticky, non-comedonic, great protection and works brilliantly under makeup - no pilling at all! I use this exclusively now when I wear makeup because it's the only one that doesn't cause pilling issues. I save my other SPF's for no-makeup days. This must be my 4th bottle now.

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes to everyone!

Will I repurchase? Yes, always!

Beauty Pie Japanfusion Hydra Prep Lotion (bought myself, available HERE for £6.83 for Beauty Pie members) - If you're not familiar with Beauty Pie - read my blog post HERE which explains is all. As you can see, I've not finished this. It's getting passed on to a friend. It's a lovely hydrating toner but I'm not keen on the fragrance. It feels a bit rich for my acne prone skin too.

Marks out of 10: 5/10

Do I recommend it? Yes, this would suit those with dry skin.

Will I repurchase? No.

Instytutum Resurfacing Glow Toner (won in a giveaway, available HERE for £47) - Another product that I'm passing on. Theoretically I should have loved this as it contains Niacinamide and Glycolic acid but I just didn't find myself reaching for it. It's a very thick essence - I think that's what I wasn't keen on - I prefer a water consistency toner. It did leave my skin soft and radiant though.

Marks out of 10: 6/10 purely personal preference though!

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No.

VEN Effect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment (sample, available HERE for £68) - This is the second time I've had a sample of this and I absolutely love it! As you can see, I've cut the packaging open to get every last bit out. It's a rich cream that sinks into lips beautifully. I really nourishes and moisturises like nothing else. You only need the smallest amount too so I think a full pot would last ages!

Mark out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase it? It's definitely on my wish list.

Tula Kefir Ultimate Recovery Mask (bought myself, available HERE for £35) - This is such a lush, nourishing mask. It's a thick cream that smells of apples and vanilla. Most of it absorbs into your skin. It leaves skin super soft and calmed.

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No because I ever so slightly prefer REN Evercalm mask so will always by that instead. But if there was a good deal on this one, then most definitely!

Clinique All About Eyes (won in a giveaway, available HERE for £27.50) - This is a gorgeous, rich eye cream. It's really gentle and soothing. I occasionally become sensitive around my eye area because of retinol. This was perfect to use then - it would nourish without stinging. Love it! I wouldn't say it does anything for dark circles or fine lines though, other than plumping due to hydration.

Marks out of 10: 8/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes certainly in the future.

Zitsticka Pimple Patches (PR, available HERE for £26.99 for 8) - You can read my full review of these HERE - but to re-cap - these are pimple patches with a state of the art difference! They have microdarts which pierce your spot and dissolve, depositing zit shrinking ingredients right where you need them. They work brilliantly, especially for those deep under the skin spots that would never come to a head.

Marks out of 10: 8/10 purely marked down as they're expensive!

Do I recommend them? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes

Beauty Pie Flawless Foundation Blending Sponge (bought myself, £4.85 for 2) - I've used a number of these now and love them! They're just as good as Beauty Blender or Real Techniques and are much cheaper!

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend them? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel (bought myself as part of a beauty box, available HERE for £88 for 16) - This is a pre-soaked pad that contains Retinol, Ferulic and a mix of acids. It leaves skin super smooth and refined. They're designed to be used 2-3 times a week. As good as they are, I think they're too expensive. Great for travelling though.

Marks out of 10: 8/10

Do I recommend them? Yes

Will I repurchase? No on their own. If they're in a beauty box again, then definitely!

The next few are samples so obviously I can't comment on long term effects - these are purely first impressions.

Paula's Choice Peptide Booster serum (sample, available from numerous retailers including Paula's Choice, Skin City, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic for £48 - however there's usually an offer on somewhere so shop around!) - This was thicker than I expected, it's a traditional serum consistency. I expected it to be watery like the Niacinamide and C15 boosters! It absorbed well and hydrated my skin nicely.

Marks out of 10: 7/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I purchase it? Maybe.

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Cleanser (sample, available HERE for £16) - This is a gel cleanser that is aimed at blemish prone skin like mine. It contains salicylic acid. It was nice enough, it did the job. My skin was left feeling soft and clean. It wasn't bad but it didn't wow me. 

Marks out of 10: 6/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I buy it? No

Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C serum (sample, available HERE for £60) - I was looking forward to trying this. It's a standard serum consistency. I found it left my skin a bit sticky afterwards, which is a huge no no for me. 

Marks out of 10: 5/10

Do I recommend it? I'd suggest trying a sample.

Will I buy it? No.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel (GWP, available HERE for £18 for 5, £87 for 30 & £146 for 60) - I've used quite a few of these now and love them! You get 2 pre-soaked pads - one containing a mix of AHA and BHA acids and the other to neutralise the acids. It leaves skin super soft and smooth. The only downside is the price. I think they're very expensive. I get similar results for exfoliating serums so would always pick those instead as they're more cost effective. These are fab for travelling though.

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend them? Yes

Will I repurchase? Probably not because of the price. 

Veneffect Anti-Aging Eye Treatment (sample, available from Space NK & Cult Beauty for £90) - This was a rich, nourishing cream. It was nice but it didn't wow me enough to justify purchasing it. 

Marks out of 10: 7/10

Do I recommend it? Yes but I'd say you could probably get something similar for much less money.

Will I but it? No.

Jordan Samuel Skin The Matinee Cleanser (sample, available HERE for $28) - This is a traditional gel cleanser. It's very gentle and leaves skin soft and clean. I find it a bit boring though, to be honest but that's purely personal taste.

Marks out of 10: 6/10

Do I recommend it: Yes

Will I buy it? No.

Starpowa Gummie Supplements (bought myself, available HERE for £39.99 however they're often on offer for £19.99, Holland and Barratt sell them too and they're usually included in one of their offers) - These tasted great but I didn't see any difference in my skin or hair. 

Marks out of 10: 2/10

Do I recommend them? No

Will I repurchase? No.

Wow You Beauty Sugar Lips Coconut Lip Scrub (GWP, available HERE for £8) - This is a fab lip scrub. The sugar helps exfoliate dead skin off your lips whilst hydrating and nourishing them with oil. Plus it tastes nice! Haha. It works brilliantly.

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes

Wow You Beauty Macaron Lip Butter in Coconut (GWP, available HERE for £7) - Also a brilliant lip product - this balm is packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients. It leaves lips super soft.

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? I've already got another one.

Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm (bought myself, available HERE for £10.50) - Sadly this didn't work for me. I found it too thick and waxy rather than being hydrating. I liked that it stayed on my lips overnight but didn't feel like it nourished them. It also developed crystals in it quite quickly too. I think this is from the honey and is natural but I didn't like it. 

Marks out of 10: 3/10

Do I recommend it? No

Will I repurchase it? No.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector (bought myself, available HERE for £21) - Before I started using Drunk Elephant C-Tango eye cream, I really suffered with dark under eyes that I struggled to cover with concealer alone. This was my solution! It's available in two shades one for Light - Medium skin tones and one for Medium - Dark. I've obviously got the light version. It's a super thick pale pink cream that instantly brightens the eye area. It covers dark circles like nothing else. I could actually wear it alone as it matches my skin tone fairly well but I always applied concealer over the top. To say how thick it is, it's not cakey, it doesn't crease or crack. It's amazing! However thanks to C-Tango, my dark circles are pretty much non-existent and are easily covered with my concealer alone. So I've not used this for ages and now it's definitely past its best.

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Hopefully I won't need to!

A. Florence Balm To Milk Cleanser (PR, available HERE for £32. The packaging has changed since I got this, you now get 120ml not 100ml!) - I'm sure you know by now that this is my holy grail cleanser. It's the most heavenly cleansing balm. It has a gorgeous orangey / zesty scent, it melts makeup instantly. You can use it round the eye area without it stinging eyes (I can anyway). I gives a brilliant slip for massaging your face too. I love everything about it - it feels like a treat every time I use it! 

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes to everyone!

Will I repurchase? Always!

A. Florence Super Serum (bought myself previously has as PR, available HERE for £33) - Another favourite of mine! This serum certainly lives up to it's name. It's a beautiful, silky emulsion packed with amazing ingredients including Vitamin C. It a perfect choice if you struggle with Vitamin C due to the type used - it's less irritating. Excuse the zoomed in photo - I forgot to take a proper one!

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Not at the moment as I've got another Vitamin C serum to try out but I will again in the future.

Paula's Choice Essential Glow Moisturiser SPF 30 (bought myself, available from Paula's Choice, Cult Beauty, Skin City & Look Fantastic for £30 - shop around, there's usually offers on!) - This was a nice. light gel / cream moisturiser. It didn't wow me but it did the job.

Marks out of 10: 7/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm (bought myself, available HERE for £32) - This is a fairly unique product. It's a twist up balm that helps cool and de-puff the eye area. It felt nice to apply but wasn't hydrating enough for me. I don't suffer with puffy eyes too often either.

Marks out of 10: 7/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No.

Paula's Choice Antioxidant Pore Purifier serum (bought myself, available for £31 from the same retailer as linked for the moisturiser) - This is a runny traditional style serum. It absorbed quickly and easily. It contains salicylic acid to clear pores and antioxidants to prevent signs of aging. I need a higher strength than this of salicylic acid to really help with my acne.

Marks out of 10: 6/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase it? No

Paula's Choice Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser (bought myself, available from the above linked retailers for £20) - This was nice enough but a bit boring for me. It's a clear gel that emulsifies to a cream when rubbed onto damp skin. It left my skin clean and soft. I prefer something more sensory with a cleanser though so it's not for me. For those that like unscented cleansers - it's a great option!

Marks out of 10: 6/10 purely personal preference

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No

Formula Hydrating Face Mask (PR, was from Marks and Spencer however I can't find it on the website now so may be discontinued) - This was a lovely cooling gel mask that left skin soft and hydrated. It had a rose scent which I liked but may put others off. It was nice but nothing amazing. 

Marks out of 10: 6/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No

Beauty Pie Juju Daily Cleanser (bought myself, available HERE for £9.46 for members) - This is a cream cleansers that loosens down into a milk when massaged into skin. I felt like it was similar to the Japanfusion cleanser which I adore but just not quite as nice. Theoretically I should like this one more as it has a lovely, light fragrance whereas the Japanfusion is unscented, but I don't! No idea why LOL. I think this made a nice second cleanse. It was effective as a first cleanse too. 

Marks out of 10: 7/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? No 

Now the next few I forgot to take separate photos of but I've got a group shot of them here...

Clarks Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask (GWP, available HERE for £58) - This has to be one of my all time favourite hydrating masks. It's a thick cream that smells insanely good - like vanilla and jasmine. It's intensely nourishing and leaves skin super plump. Love it!
Marks out of 10: 10/10
Do I recommend it? Yes
Will I repurchase it? Yes definitely

Sjo Skin Happy Honey Mask (bought myself, available HERE for £42) - This is a wonderful mask. It really does do it all - hydrates, calms, exfoliates, clarifies. It feels like a thick clay mask, it's slightly warming which is lovely. 

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase it? Yes  

NYK1 Lash Force Serum (PR, available HERE for £34.95, you can save an extra 10% using my affiliate code TORIA10) - You can read my full review of this HERE  which includes before and after photos - but to re-cap, this stuff is amazing! I saw results after about 4 weeks and my lashes have been getting longer and longer ever since. Highly recommend.

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Always!

Wow You Beauty Sea Hydrate (PR, available HERE for £17) - This is a brilliant hyaluronic acid serum. It's a silky, water consistency that skin just drinks up. It helps keep skill well hydrated.

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes

Medik8 Hydr8 serum (Gifted, available HERE for £33) - This has to be the best hyaluronic acid serum I've tried! It's incredibly hydrating and super silky. Love it.

Marks out of 10: 10/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes

Freshly Cosmetics Golden Radiance Body Oil (PR, available HERE for £23) - This is a gorgeous body oil. It's intensely nourishing and smells amazing, like passion fruit! l loved applying in to still damp skin after a shower to lock moisture in. 

Marks out of 10: 9/10

Do I recommend it? Yes

Will I repurchase? Yes.

And that's it for this month! Thanks for reading.