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It's been a while since I shared a round-up on some brands and products I've been trying out so I've put together this handy post to dive in with what's been new on my beauty shelves. As I'm coming towards the end of my pregnancy I've been at home more so it has given me the chance to really go through what I'm using on my skin, swap out some products for some new releases and of course, give everything in this post a test run before I give you the lowdown.
I have skincare and haircare pieces to show you all of which are available to order online now or grab in-stores.
It's been a hot minute since I've explored more from The Konjac Sponge Co - I've used the original sponges on and off for years but they've expanded so much since I first discovered the brand in 2014.
They're now winners of over 40 international awards and have a huge UK fanbase. The original Konjac Sponges are made with pure Konjac fibre and nourishing mineral-rich extracts. Each of the sponges deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates while leaving skin more refined and refreshed. The sponges are great for even the most sensitive of skin, including children and babies.
The products are made exclusively in South Korea and never use chemicals to speed up the manufacturing process so you'll never find artificial ingredients or chemicals are used in the production process.
I've been reaching for the Mandala Jeju Scoria Face Sponge (£9.99) which is perfect for deeply cleansing and rejuvenating tired skin especially if it's oily or tired. It has a newer, slim round shape which makes it super easy to use and with each of the sponges on a string, it makes them easy to dry between uses.
If you want something a little different to cleanse your skin and body with, Konjac Sponge really is a great place to start and we can't wait to use them on new bubba too, the Baby & Child Bath Sponge (£11.99) is such a great addition to the range.
Have you come across Organii before? We first discovered the brand in 2017 when we used the nappy cream with our son but the brand has come on quite a bit product-wise since then. Organii is a sustainable family care brand featuring a collection of clean, effective, organic, and vegan products specially formulated for your skin's health. In prep for baby number two, we have a couple more of their products to hand - the Fresh Scented Water and the Softening Dry Baby Oil.
Having so far won three awards, the Fresh Scented Water (£8.95) is a great product for babies and children. The scented water helps to keep skin fresh without exposing it to alcohol as it contains organic extracts of mallow to soothe skin, organic calendula to calm, organic marshmallow to help to reduce skin irritations, and cornflower to reduce redness. It has a really beautiful, subtle scent and you can re-use the spray action bottle too!
The Softening Dry Baby Oil (£9.95) is one of their newer products and has been specially formulated to use on children. It contains organic Sweet Almond Oil, organic Sunflower Seed Oil, and organic Calendula extract making it ideal for sensitive skin. I've only used it on my arms so far but the unique dry-oil formulation is fast drying, leaving skin softened but not greasy - it would be perfect for baby massage!
French biological pharmacist and cell specialist, Jean-Noël Thorel, is behind many investigations into skin bio-ecology as well as being the founder of the Institut Esthederm, Bioderma and Etat Pur brands and their sun lotions have been my go-to this summer!
The Institut Esthederm Sun Intolerance Body Spray (£48.00) has been the suncare I've been reaching for the most and this particular spray is a dream to use. The Sun intolerance Body Spray has a beautifully creamy texture which helps to protect cell DNA, the visible signs of photo-ageing, and optimise the cells’ energy environment. The high protection formula is rich in anti-inflammatory active ingredients and stimulates the skin's adaptation capacities, helping to reduce the sensitivity of hyper-reactive skin and ensure optimal tolerance to the sun.
Once you're finished with your day in the sun, just reach for the Institut Esthederm Tan-Prolonging After Sun Body Lotion (£42.00). The comforting formula contains a soothing complex, designed to calm burning sensations and help to normalise the skin's reactivity after being exposed to the sun. The lotion thoroughly moisturises the skin for a longer-lasting tan that will fade gradually. Plus, it smells like summer in The Med in a bottle!
Institut Esthederm has a great range of suncare products, I've been using a face one as well which I've loved - they're pricey but oh so worth it.
The lightweight, cooling spray helps to revitalise and refresh, whilst delivering a natural-looking glow to all skin tones. Infused with Pure Rose Water, the tanning mist provides anti-ageing benefits, whilst vitamins and minerals hydrate, restore and rejuvenate skin. It's ultra fast-drying and easy-to-use, you can control your depth of colour and build a gradual tan that intensifies with each application plus its colourless formula can be used under or over make-up for enhanced radiance.
Another great product if you wanted something more gradual is the James Read Click and Glow Drops (£25.00) which are super easy to use. The Click and Glow Drops can be quickly mixed with your daily moisturiser or SPF, meaning you don’t need to add an extra step to your routine to achieve a sun-kissed look.
The formula is blended with rich vitamin complexes and potent antioxidants, so the glow drops not only give you a flawless bronzed finish but nourishes your skin too, leaving you with natural luminosity on both the inside and outside. It's such a handy product to have, especially if your foundation is too light for you in the summer months.
I've dipped into Korres over the years, it's one of those brands you try once and don't forget and that has been especially true as I've sampled a few more of the products the last few weeks. Korres was started in 1996 and has just gained more popularity over the years. Their unique method of gathering ingredients goes beyond farming as they harvest plants and flowers that have grown in the wilds of Greece for thousands of years.
Having recently coloured my hair, I've been using Korres Sunflower & Mountain Tea Shampoo (£15.00) and Korres Sunflower & Mountain Tea Conditioner (£16.00) to keep my locks in order. The set is specially formulated for coloured hair and has been designed to protect and deeply moisturise chemically treated hair. Sunflower and mountain tea, natural sources of polyphenols, help protect hair colour and sheen from the rigours of frequent washing, styling and sun exposure. It smells unbelievable too!
I've also been trying out the Korres Wild Rose Spotless Serum (£55.00) a powerful 15% Super Vitamin C face serum that reduces the appearance of dark spots, dullness, and skin discolouration for spotlessly luminous skin (which I'll share my thoughts on once I've used it for longer) and the Korres Ginseng Hyaluronic Splash Sunscreen SPF50 (£20.00). The sunscreen has surprised me as it has such a unique, light water texture! It's also enriched with hyaluronic acid, ginseng extract and Vitamin E to rejuvenate, hydrate and protect the skin from the sun.
Let me know if anything has caught your eye? I'd love to know!
