Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Skincare

My summer favourites!

Here are the products that I’ve loved this summer.

Alba Botanical

Sunscreen SPF 50 (RRP £15.99)

This has been one of the hottest summers in a long time and sun safety is important to me.

What I love about this product is the twisty caps to open and close meaning you never worry about loosing the lid. Being able to spray makes application quick and I can reach everywhere easily. It is clear, so I don’t get white streaks and it doesn’t stain my clothes.

The Kids bottle is my 4y old son’s but when my sensitive one runs out, I have used his. The kids one smells great with a fruity scent – an added bonus. We have reordered both more than once this summer!

The product is free of nasty chemicals, has a broad spectrum protection and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s non-sticky and biodegradable. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes!

Acorelle

Summer Mist (RRP £13.00)

The frangipani flower on the front of the bottle is my wedding flower and first attracted me to the product.

What I love is that this summer scent is designed to stay fresh in the heat with ingredients that are photosensitive. It has a beautiful light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering. All the ingredients are natural and will leave skin soft and not sticky.

Hurraw!

Sun Protection Lip Balm SPF 15 (RRP £4.99)

This lip product is moisturising and protective in the sun. The zinc oxide in it, is a natural sun protection and I think it does lighten my lip slightly but I like the look. It is meant to have a flavour but I can’t smell or taste it so it’s very light. All the ingredients and organic.

Ren

Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist (mine is a sample/travel size. The full 60ml RRP £24.00)

I have been loving facial mists this summer to keep myself cool but this one was my favourite.

In addition to refreshing my skin and being free of harmful chemicals, this product protects your skin from pollution and boosts your defences. I don’t live in a high pollution area but it made my skin feel great and I noticed a difference.

Salt of the Earth

Natural Deodeant (RRP £5.99)

I have been using the pink Lavender and Vanilla one for a while now and love the scent. Sometimes, I think lavender can smell a bit old fashioned but this is a gentle clean smell.

I decided to give the melon and cucumber one a go. The cucumber smell is stronger than the melon, it gives off a refreshing unisex scent.

At first, I found it strange that it felt like I was spraying my underarm with water as it feels wet. My old deodorant coated my pit in a dry powder. I gave it a go and I am so glad I did. It is gentle on the skin under there which is often forgotten and doesn’t make me feel itchy whereas my old deodeant did.

Smelling fresh all day in the heat without irritated skin makes summer so much better so it made my list.

Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Pip Box, Uncategorized

Review: The Pip Box (July)

What is The Pip Box?

It’s a cruelty free beauty subscription box and contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.  Plus, a 50p donation from the sale of each box goes to an animal friendly charity (Animal Free Research).    In addition, you earn loyalty points for each purchase which can then be used for money off future boxes.

Cost:  £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

Refer a friend scheme:  Every time you refer three friends, you get a free The Pip Box.  If you’d like to sign up, use my friend link:  https://www.thepipbox.co.uk/refer/Aliso-SJFXKEDD

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

Green People: Sun Lotion SPF 15 (sheet lists price as £6)

As a redhead, I do appreciate sun lotion although this SPF is a lot lower than I use. I will likely give this to my husband or wait until it is mot quite so hot to use.

The product has natural ingredients for UV filters, antioxidants and tan accelerator. It came with a booklet about their other sun products including a Childrens range.

Make-up Eraser: Mini Travel Cloth (sheet lists price as £5)

The sample version hasn’t got the seen edges and warns it may fray. Instantly loved the redhead mermaid on the packaging.

It is for removing makeup using only water. I’ve added it to my hospital bag as it sounds like a great idea. Although, I’m barely wearing makeup at the moment.

On their site they have other designs including some with pretty patterns.

Peony: Matcha BB Powder SPF 15 (sheet lists price as £16.99)

I love make-up with spf so I am looking forward to trying this powder to reduce shine and add some protection. It is a talc-free too.

Vintage Cosmetics: Betty false eyelashes (sheet lists price as £6)

They claim to give you almond shape eyes and can be used up to four times. I’m hoping to get a family pic done once baby is here and will use these lashes to give me that extra oomph at the shoot. They offer free shipping to UK and US.

La Ritzy: Black eye pencil (she lists price as £15)

I tried it right away and it gave a rich black colour and applied smoothly. It didn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. The brand is vegan and paraben free.

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Reflect on previous box

This is how I got on using the products from my June box:

Zerreau: Coconut Towel Off Shampoo (sheet lists price as £3.99)

There were some great videos of others using this but for me it wasn’t great. It made my hair looking cleaner but I didn’t like the feel. I’m sure I’ll use it up but I won’t buy it. It’s not for me.

Dermadeli: Rejuvinating Toner (sheet lists price as £1.50)

It is empty! That’s got to be a sign that I loved it. I used it on hot days to freshen my face and on a few occasions my husband and son asked for a quick spritz. I plan buy this again – may even get the bigger size.

LaRitzy: NUE Eyeshadow Palette (sheet lists prove as £35.99)

I’m not in love with this palette and won’t buy again. I found the colours were not very pigmented and didn’t show up well on my pale skin.

Hurraw: Sun Lip Balm SPF15 (sheet lists price as £3.99)

I was very pleased with this product. The SPF causes a slight paleness to the lip but it feels good and I like that it has protection. This is a favourite.

The Vintage Cosmetics: Matchbox Mini Emery Boards (sheet lists price as £3.95)

I’ve not needed to use these yet but they are a useful product to have and will get used in time.

Chewsy: 100% Natural Chewing Gum (sheet lists price as £1.25)

This sticky gum tasted yum. It didn’t last long as I ate it quickly. I’ve not seen it in shops and I doubt I’d order it online but I would love to have it again.

Would I recommend?

I’ve cancelled my subscription – only because I’m not on maternity leave and need to be more careful with my spending. I will resubscribe to The Pip Box in the future as I really like the reward scheme, supporting a charity and discovering cruelty-free brands.

I plan to look back over my past boxes and work out what was great or not.

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Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Pip Box, Uncategorized

Review: The Pip Box (June)

What is The Pip Box?

It’s a cruelty free beauty subscription box and contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.  Plus, a 50p donation from the sale of each box goes to an animal friendly charity (Animal Free Research).    In addition, you earn loyalty points for each purchase which can then be used for money off future boxes.

Cost:  £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

Refer a friend scheme:  Every time you refer three friends, you get a free The Pip Box.  If you’d like to sign up, use my friend link:  https://www.thepipbox.co.uk/refer/Aliso-SJFXKEDD

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

Zerreau: Coconut Towel Off Shampoo (sheet lists price as £3.99)

This product is a hybrid dry shampoo that cleans your hair without using water. Spray the foam on and towel off.

This sounds like a great idea and I am looking forward to trying it out. I imagine festival goers would love it and it could be handy to freshen up down the beach. It may be useful at hospital or those early days with a newborn where you can’t tear yourself away from your little one or think straight due to no sleep.

As you can see from the photo, they’ve also included a discount for their new towel off body foam!

Dermadeli: Rejuvinating Toner (sheet lists price as £1.50)

This travel size 10ml toner arrived as I was in need of a toner. I started using it right away and it’s very refreshing. It is also the perfect size to throw in your handbag and freshen up on the go. If I didn’t desperately need it, I may have put it in my hospital bag.

LaRitzy: NUE Eyeshadow Palette (sheet lists prove as £35.99)

This is a full size palette of everyday nude shades to create a variety of looks that would suit most people for daytime or evening.

I was looking forward to this product as they gave a teaser and I am low on eyeshadow. However, my first impressions of the packaging hasn’t blown me away. The plastic casing looks a little cheap and mine has a scratch on the front.

Hurraw: Sun Lip Balm SPF15 (sheet lists price as £3.99)

I had this balm last summer and loved it. I was disappointed when hunting for my summer essentials that I couldn’t find it and bought any SPF lip product on the high street.

What I love about THIS product is the added SPF protection, the organic ingredients and how good it feels.

The Vintage Cosmetics: Matchbox Mini Emery Boards (sheet lists price as £3.95)

These are just really pretty. I recently broke my Ruby & Millie glass file that I loved for years and keep forgetting to get a new file. These will get used. Did I point out how pretty they are?

Chewsy: 100% Natural Chewing Gum (sheet lists price as £1.25)

This is a bonus item that Pip have included in addition to the five products promised. What makes this gum special is the ingredients are 100% natural and sugar free.

I decided to give it a go whilst taking the pics and it is really yummy. It has a fresh minty taste with a little zest. I did find myself popping bubbles and it worked but is really stick and I had to wash it off my lips. Lol ?

Reflect on previous box

This is how I got on using the products from my May box:

Conscious Skincare: Shampoo (sheet lists price as £3.99)

Conscious Skincare: Conditioner (sheet lists price as £3.99)

I haven’t tried out as it has a warning not to be used during pregnancy. It is in my hospital bag for after labour. It smells good and I’m sure it will pick me up and freshen me up after all the pushing.

MoYou: Nail Plate, Stamp & Scraper (sheet lists price as £9.99)

I was so excited to receive this as I am awful at painting my nail. I watched the tutorial videos on how to use and how to avoid common mistakes. I bought new polish by…..

Sadly, when I attempted to create beautiful nail designs as promised… It didn’t work. My polish may not be suitable. I’ll try again with other brands but I was very disappointed. Currently a fail ?.

Bloomtown: Roll on infused oil (sheet lists price as £4.80)

This I love. The smell is gentle and calming. It’s also organic and has only natural ingredients.

I’m taking it to hospital with me to use as my perfume as the little size is very handy. I would buy this again.

Glo By Glory:  Semi Matte Liquid Lipstick (website & sheet lists price as £16.99)

I was really pleased to receive this but only used it twice. Firstly, the colour is a tad dark for me. Secondly, I’ve found it really messy to apply. Being a dark colour it is very unforgiving. I don’t want to look like Mary Sanderson from Hovus Pocus!

Would I recommend?

Sadly, the two main beauty products this month were not a success with me. I shall continue to subscribe to The Pip Box and really like the reward scheme, supporting a charity and discovering more cruelty free brands.

I think when I am on maternity leave I will have to pause my subscription but this will give a chance to rebut some of the wonderful products I have discovered through Pip. I’m still subscribed for now, so I’ll enjoy it while I can.

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