What to Expect, SmoothSkin Bare: Product Review

I was lucky enough to be sent this device to test out after meeting a few of the girls at the #BloggersBall (thank you SmoothSkin Bare) and I am so excited to let you know what I thought. 

SmoothSkin Bare is an ultrafast Intense Pulse Light (IPL) hair removal device, it is designed to break the hair cycle and prevent regrowth. 

It's easy, fast and you can see up to a 92% hair reduction after just four weeks of treatment. How does it work? Hair grows in three distinct and consecutive phases, IPL treatment is only effective in one of those phases, the Anagen 'growth phase', which is why you should use the device until you see the results you want. The more you use (I'd say once/twice a week) the more you will see a difference in the amount of hair that grows. The device puts out 100 flashes per minute, this light energy is absorbed by the hair follicle which heat up and stops them from growing back. 

I have always wanted to try laser hair removal but have been put off by the price of the sessions... SmoothSkin Bare is the perfect alternative and you can treat your whole body in just 10 minutes and you don't even have to leave the house. 

So, does it work? I definitely recommend this product, I have been using the device for six weeks now and use it once or twice a week. It involves shaving the areas beforehand and then pressing the device on to your skin and simply pressing the button. It doesn't hurt, however, you can feel a slight warmth which can cause discomfort but that surpasses after a few seconds. There is nothing I can fault. It's great to start using before a holiday- no one wants to worry about shaving whilst relaxing on a beach! 

Things to remember- Always do a patch test! You need to make sure you can continue to use the device safely! It takes two seconds- just shave an area of your skin and use the device only on that area, then wait 24 hours before using it all over.

More info - 

SmoothSkin Bare 

Relax with the Sweet Lullaby Range, Lola's Apothecary

Turn your bath into a sensory experience with indulgent fragrances from Lola's Apothecary. Honestly, the smell of the Sweet Lullaby collection is so intensely beautiful you could be standing in a field of lavender if you shut your eyes!

Free from synthetic fragrance, mineral oils, sulphates, parabens and other undesirable chemicals all their products are hand-crafted and formulated in their kitchen residing in the English countryside. Freshness and quality are at the forefront of the brand as they make micro batches to ensure they "encapsulate a miracle of nature: naturally active ingredients and potent botanical extracts are ethically sourced and thoughtfully blended to promote deep healing and radiance" (Lola's Apothecary).

Take a moment to unwind and relax with these products, especially the Sweet Lullaby scent. Designed to do exactly as the name suggests, run a warm bath add a few drops of the Soothing Bath Oil, close your eyes and switch off and forget about everything.

After using the bath oil for the first time my skin felt and smelt sensational, the aroma lingers long after your bath, which made for a lovely nights sleep. The oil can also be used whilst your in the shower acting as a deeper moisturiser with a more intense fragrance.

As for the Body & Massage Oil, need I say more? Even the name suggests its sensual and luxurious nature. This product really is the epitome of relaxing. Not to be applied if you are in a rush, you should take the time to apply and really allow the aroma to flood your room.

Not only are these skin care products so beautiful in nature, the packaging is equally amazing and luxurious and completely Instagramable, not to mention they look lovely displayed on the side of your bath!


Sweet Lullaby Soothing Body & Massage Oil
Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil

Two Scents to Wear to Work

It's hot and you're stuck in a stuffy office staring out the window at endless possibilities, that you long to be doing but can't...because it's 3pm on Monday. Sound like you?

Stuffy offices are rare in England (it always rains), but when it does reach 30 degrees we have no idea how to cope! Heat means sweat, and sweat can lead to bad smelling odours, not terrible because hopefully you've showered and are wearing deodorant! If you are worried though, I have the solution which doesn't include wasting all your expensive perfume.

Zara's in-house fragrance collection is completely under-rated. They all smell delicious, with some great designer dupes which match up to the real deal. I picked these two out from the extensive range because they both have more summery notes to them.

The Oriental scent compared to the Floral is definitely more of a grown up and sophisticated scent, with a musky feel.

The Floral scent can be characterised as more playful and 'girly,' leaving you smelling fresh all day.

These fragrances are strong when you put them on at first but don't be alarmed they do level out during the day, only needing a top up towards the end of the day. Perfect for those days when you're stuck in a stuffy office and are worried about odour. The best thing about these scents is that they cost under a tenner and come in a rollerball option if these are too heavy to carry to work, absolutely perfect.


Scents Linked Below |

Oriental by Zara
Floral by Zara

Body Faves

Moisturising day and night is a habit I picked up in my early teens. It's become a part of my daily routine and for me, it's a way to pamper and relax...unless of course I've managed to sleep through my alarm and I'm late for work, then it's more of an annoying habit!

It's an absolute must in the Winter, your skin is exposed to internal heating which can dehydrate the skin, leading to irritation in some parts. Moisturiser is the best thing you can do in helping to protect your skin from the elements.

There are a lot of myths surrounding moisturiser and whether your skin can become dependent on it, however, I believe you need to do what works for your skin. I have extremely dry skin so I tend to moisturise day and night to keep it hydrated. 

I just feel my skin looks healthier, softer and it adds an element of underlying scent which will last all day. I've tried a few too many and have never found myself repeat buying any in particular until I found these two products. Since it's bank holiday weekend, you've got time to pamper and relax so I thought I'd give you a little review on my fave skincare products for your body! 

The Body Shop, Spa of the World range is incredible from the packaging to the luxurious and enticing names. It's just amazing! I use the Hawaiian scent, it's not too overpowering but lingers long enough to make you feel relaxed. 

The actual consistency is smooth like butter. I like to keep mine at room temperature to make for an easy application. Don't be put off by the slight greasy appearance in the pot, as it's not greasy when applied. However, it is a super thick, heavy duty moisturiser that spreads across skin easily. 

Compared to the others in the range this one leaves the skin feeling supple and soft to the touch, with all creams in the range sinking into the skin fast, allowing you to get dressed soon after applied. 

The price is justified through the amount you get in one pot compared to how little you use in one application. Mine so far has lasted me two months which is so good considering I use it every morning. 

This is my ULTIMATE find...and it's from H&M. This mega affordable multi use oil is great for dry skin. I brought the scent named 'Relaxing' and it does just that, which is why I tend to use this in the evening. It doesn't sink in as quickly as normal cream moisturisers do, but I feel it works a lot better in terms of keeping the skin hydrated overnight. Also, the scent takes you into a spa-like atmosphere, as it's quite strong when applying. 

The product is multi-use, and the company suggests you can add some to a bath or even to your hair to reduce frizz, so for £7.99 how can you go wrong really? It's the perfect product to take on holiday, adding a healthy glow to your tan for the evening or taming that unwanted frizz the hotter climate has decided to give your hair. 

Product Linked Below |

Hawaiian Kukui Cream, The Body Shop

Multi- use Oil, H&M 

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S U N D A Y

Sundays, the best day of the week. The only day of the week where you can sleep in, have breakfast at Bill's till 1pm and end the day surrounded by blankets, chocolate wrappers and the TV remote. 

Chunky knitwear is one of my essentials for a lazy Sunday. I picked this one up from Zara, the sleeves are flared and mega inconvient at times, but it's soft and ultra cosy so I feel it's worth the awkwardenss. Plus if you're like me and spend the majority of Sunday in bed then the sleeves are not even a problem. 

Fairy Dust from Lush (linked similar), is a new favourite. It's pink and glittery and smells of flowers, everthing you expect from a product named Fairy Dust. It's a dusting powder so you can use it on your hair and body but I use it on my sheets. Sprinkle it over your bed linen and lightly rub in and it'll have your bed smelling so good, until you wash them again. 

Candles, fresh smelling sheets and a chunky knit are my Sunday essentials, especially to help me relax before Monday. 

Outfit Linked Below  | 

Jumper Zara

Jeans Topshop 

Samantha x

Products to beat January

January is one of the worst months. I mean they've even named 16th January as 'Blue Monday,' the saddest day of the year.

I've picked up some products that I've been using non-stop in recent months that have helped pick me up when hit with that January feeling. They've helped brighten and rejuvenate my skin and hair after being exposed to all weather types.

B U R T S  B E E S - Original and Pink Grapefruit 

I am obsessed and have been for a while now with Burts Bees, especially their lip balm. It nourishes and leaves my lips feeling soft and notiably reduces the dryness. I find the original also leaves a tingling feeling after application, which has left my lips looking slightly fuller. The pink grapefruit flavour smells divine, the strong smell isn't overpowering but doesn't fade as soon as you've applied. 

Burts Bees is my favourite brand of lip balm, after trying a few different brands I find these last the longest, smell amazing and there is such a variety of flavours to try. Most impotantly they are all 100% natural flavourings. 

Buy Burts Bees from Boots and FeelUnique 

Find out more 

O R I G I N S - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask 

I have to admit I am not an avid skincare collector. I'm actually quite lazy when it comes to looking after my skin, which I'm definitely hoping to improve. Looking after your skin is so important as we're exposed to so much during our day to day routine and lifestyle. I seeked something that was going to give my skin some well derserved TLC and attention. I wanted a facemask for those chilled Sunday evenings, and was recommended this charcoal based mask from one of the Origins team in Boots.

Charcoal is a natual element which helps clear and unclog pores making them less visable, leaving the skin feeling fresh. Something that stood out for me was the fact that it can help reduce the unwanted oil from the skin leaving it feeling smooth. So I one hundred percent suggest this mask to anyone with oily skin, as it noticibly reduced the oil.

Before applying I'll wet a cloth with hot water to get my face damp to open pores. I'll then apply a generous amount to the skin. After application I'll relax in the bath or in bed with a book, while I wait for the mask to dry completely. Before wetting the cloth again with hot water to remove the mask, gently, as to not pull the skin. To finish I'll splash cold water on my face to close pores. 

Buy Origins from Boots, FeelUnique and House of Fraser (The 100ml bottle is shown in the photo above, which lasts a good few months depending on usage. I normally use this every Sunday.)

Find out more

Z A R A - Pear & White Flower Fragrance

Zara isn't normally my first call when seeking out a new scent. However, I'm so happy I found this as it smells so amazing, not too overpowering but lasts all day with a few top ups during the day.

 It's fresh and floral, a definite dupe for Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche but without the designer price tag. At only £15.99 for the larger one and £3.99 for the small travel size bottle, so its perfect for everyday use.

Somthing that I love about the travel size is that it has a roller applicator, which is quick and easy to apply, so there is no chance of spilling it or it leaking in your handbag.

Buy Zara Fragrances either in store or online

L 'O R E A L  P A R I S -  Elvive Fibrology Air Root- Lifting Dry Shampoo

This is perfect handbag size. I'm constantly touching and playing with my hair, which is one of the main reasons for the build up of grease. So for this to fit in my handbag is so handy when I need to freshen up my roots and add a bit of volume throughout the day.

Fibrology air is a new formula which is clear and light, helping to uplift and give volume to hair that feels flat and weighed down. In the range is a shampoo and conditioner (which is a clear liquid) and the dry shampoo, pictured above.

I've not tried the shampoo and conditioner yet but I'm intrigued as to see if it works and helps my hair appear weightless. Another reason to try these products is that they smell so fresh and lovely, it's not fruity and too girly which I find most are.

L'oreal Paris brought out Elvive Fibrology to help give volume and give the hair that thickness and lush look. Something that my hair begins to lack throughout the day. I feel like this product definitely freshens up my hair and gives it more volume but it doesn't last and I apply a few top ups throughout.

Buy L'oreal at all high street drug stores Boots and Superdrug

Find out more

These products have definitely helped me update my hair and skin care routine. With most being on the go products that can be applied quickly and easily to freshen up.

Samantha x
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The New Year

January is a time to reinvent, be inspired and start fresh. Although that sounds extremely cringe, it's true, I feel like I can hit the refresh button. I'm happy to leave 2015 behind and begin a new year, although 2016 will be one of the scariest years for me, as I finish university in July. Becoming a fully fledged adult with adult problems and an adult job...

Blogging is always something that's interested me, I constantly read blogs for outfit inspiration and just general life advice. So, I thought what better way to start the new year than to do something I've always wanted to do and try out! However nervous it makes me, juggling this and uni work will definitely be difficult. So I've printed a calendar got myself a cute notebook and I'm getting organised for 2016...I'm not calling it a new years resolution as lets be honest no one keeps those!

Happy New Year.