I have been an avid lover of beauty products, tips and tricks and devices for many years. Over the past year I have played around with it even more. I am by no means an expert in this field, but there are a few standout products and tips that I have come across which made a real difference to me. I hope that you will find this post useful and find some new things that work for you too. (Not sponsored or gifted at all - just my genuine opinion)
1. Favourite cheap find
This year I tried face masks for the first time and I seriously love them so much! This mask is super hydrating and my skin feels so rejuvenated after using it. Face masks are a real game-changer and the Garnier masks are at such a cheap price (about 2.99) which makes treating yourself to this a no brainer!
2. Favourite luxe product
Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - This feels like stretchy silk. What I most love about this product is that even though it is pricey it feels really good value for money. Encased in a sleek soft pink container, Moisture Surge is richly moisturising and can act as a natural highlighter. A little of this product goes a long way and it sinks into the skin quickly. Every morning when I apply this I feel that I am super pampering myself and it is the highlight of my morning (pun intended).
3. Favourite new beauty hack
Coconut oil. Say no more. There are so many benefits to this incredible organic product. It is really moisturising and can do so many wondrous things for your hair, nails, skin etc. I personally have been using it for shaving and found it works an absolute dream, the razor glides so easily through it and you can see what you're doing better, because it's so clear. My legs feel so nourished and soft after using this. Plus it is super affordable which makes this product an absolute go to for me.
4. Favourite random beauty find
Collagen tablets - I started taking this as an experiment. It didn't work for what I intended it to, but it did make such a difference to the thickness and growth of my hair that I had to mention it. Even when I just take one of these I see a noticeable difference in my hair growth. There are so many baby hairs and areas of my hair that have thickened because of this product. There are also great skin, bone and nail benefits to eating collagen everyday, but the biggest difference for me was with my hair.
5. Favourite free new technique
Facial massage - A random find, but I was watching Alexa Chung's Franglais video series and chanced upon some great facial massage techniques (at 13.46 mins through her video, 'Alexa Chung Learns How To Grow Older The French Way'). The methods taught in this video are super easy and instantly calming. I don't know if I'm doing it 100% right but it does feel like my skin looks brighter and more energised after I do these techniques. It works as a nice pick me up in the morning, helps your serum sink in more and it's a great way to add some more mindfulness and care to your morning skincare routine.
6. Favourite new routine
Intense pulsed light therapy - IPLs are revolutionary. They help reduce hair growth almost painlessly and smooth your skin. I have been using an IPL for about 10 months (with a 4 month intermission) and it has been a complete game changer for me. I won't go into excessive depth, but I have used it pretty extensively in many areas and seen a noticeable hair reduction, way less ingrown hairs and my Keratosis Pilaris disappearing. I now would say that I can go a week without shaving my arms, or legs without much growth. My sister who lived with me was really staggered by the difference that it made for me, she craved one of her own. So for her birthday we bought her one. Her device, ‘ Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device’ is definitely better than mine, it is stronger and I can see working more effectively. My device was faulty initially and I had to reorder a second (redesigned) device. I had some problems due to COVID with the delivery of it. In light of that I couldn't give it a 100% fair review on it, or recommend it entirely. Whereas with the Philips device I feel that is a really great investment and will really provide you with great results quickly. It is a pricey product but an investment on time and money on hair removal in the long run. If you can spare the cash, or can save up, don't hesitate.
7. Favourite Fashion & Beauty Influencer -
Freddy My Love - Without a doubt one of the loveliest people to watch on Youtube. There is something so wondrously, sugary- addictive about Freddy that is irresistible to me. Her light humour and fashion tips are so spot on and she has truly inspired me this year to play around with my own style. She has really made me feel comforted with her regular videos and I always look forward to her videos as a nice pick me up in the week. Her recommendations are always fabulous and I have found so many amazing products that have genuinely enhanced my life for the better because of her. She is such a beautiful person to watch, in every sense. If you are looking for a pick me up, fun, fashion and beauty advice she is the person to watch. My favourite youtube video of hers is her blindfolded outfit challenge which she does with her sister. It is so funny and I love her impressions of different characters in this video. Also, her Burlesque I am a good girl is an incredible TikTok that is really worth watching.
I hope you enjoyed this post and you treat a loved one, or yourself to some extra pampering.
Much Love
Naomi Leila
P.s. If you try anything out from here please let me know, I'd love to hear your opinion on it.
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