FOREO LUNA Play

No this isn’t a naughty toy!!! Get your mind out of the gutter! This is the exact opposite – it’s actually for cleaning. Despite its diminutive appearance (or raunchy looks ) the FOREO LUNA Play packs a fair punch when it comes to cleansing.

 The FOREO LUNA Play is the smallest and first disposable facial brush from FOREO - don't worry the battery will last for at least 100 uses. The LUNA Play has been designed for those who have a hectic lifestyle and to give anyone who has  yet to commit to a facial cleansing tool, an affordable way to see if a sonic cleanser is for them.  This is actually my first foray into cleansing tools. Here’s the low down!

Yes the FOREO LUNA Play is absolutely tiny; it’s around the size of a cotton pad. But it features all the original features of the original FOREO sonic cleansing brush. This is the first disposable brush in the FOREO line up. But alas after around 100 full uses the FOREO LUNA Play battery will eventually run out. When it does you simply recycle the brush and either replace your LUNA Play or commit to a full size FOREO brush.

At just €38 for a FOREO LUNA Play it doesn't sell for much more than your average  facial brush head; the difference is that you don't need a charger, simply pack the FOREO LUNA Play, use and go. And if you break down its cost per use – it roughly €0.04 a use – not bad I hear you say. But I would actually love it if could be charged up or even if there was a battery indicator or something I would be 100% in love with it – say you’re on holidays and after a long day in the sun and copious layers of SPF … you switch on your FOREO LUNA Play and … guess what the battery is dead. 

FOREO LUNA Play Features

• Powerful, portable, pocket sized tool
• Up to 100 uses
• T-Sonic pulsation technology will remove 99.5% of dirt and oil (based on clinical trials) plus makeup residue
• Powerful motor delivers 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute dislodging impurities
• Clears away dead skin cells
• Diminishes the appearance of pores to refine skin texture
• Enhances the absorption of skincare products
• Gentle on the skin
• Ultra-hygienic silicone design is quick drying and nonporous to prevent bacteria buildup
• 35X more hygienic than nylon-bristled brushes

 As with all FOREO devices the FOREO LUNA Play is constructed from super soft silicone; the gentle texture of the silicone ensures that the skin is never at any risk of damage as the bristles are so gentle. By utilising silicone, the FOREO tools are also up to 35 times more hygienic than a regular face brush, making them ideal for all skin types including acne prone skin - it doesn’t aggravate blemishes nor further spread bacteria.

The FOREO LUNA Play relies upon T-Sonic pulsation technology meaning the whole unit physically pulses at a rate of 8,000 pulsations per minute. The gentle movements help to deeply cleanse the skin (it removes up to 99.5% of daily dirt and oil) without stripping  my skin of its natural oils, but it also exfoliates.

From the first use I have experienced noticeably softer skin and with continued use, my complexion is more even-toned and has a natural glow. It absorbs skincare such as moisturiser with a little more efficiently. It is really lovely to use and is great with all cleansing products including balms, oils, creams and gel. It gives whatever you choose an extra deep cleansing boost. 

I absolutely love my FOREO LUNA Play in black (Midnight), however, there’s also huge selection of colours to choose from. I think these are the perfect introduction to sonic cleansing.

The FOREO LUNA Play is available online at Mankind and FOREO.

* I actually won this FOREO LUNA Play from a competition from Mankind.co.uk. They are always throwing competitions and special offers over on Twitter and Instagram ... so check them out. *

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My Like-y List

This is the closest I’ll ever come to doing a “Monthly Favourites”.  I don’t know how some people find so many new amazing products every single month!

I must be too boring for that!  So I have compiled all the things that I have been lovin’ recently …

• FYI   I am extremely partial to a good pair of Ray-Bans.  I was trawling through ASOS and I came across these bad boys – Ray-Ban Round Metal Sunglasses. I just love them!! I feel their retro vibe is perfect for summer 2016. 
• I recently invested in a pair of Levi’s. And do you know what I wish I had taken the plunge sooner. The quality and the fit are second to none. I now have two pairs – these black ones and a pair of dark wash indigo ones. I do try to keep my Levi’s for good wear (it can’t just be an Irish thing) i.e. going out and events. An everyday alternative that are nearly on par with the Levi’s are the BurtonMenswear black jeans.
• I have been a long-time advocate of card holders (check out my Mulberry post). A cardholder takes up literally no space in my pocket and it fits in the bare essentials. I saw this Aspinal of Londonslim card holder in Midnight blue and I had serious lust. My other wallets are all of brown / tan / black variety and I wanted a splash of colour. You can find the Aspinal of London card holders at John Lewis or House of Fraser.
• I have rediscovered the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. I was using this on a daily basis but I was fickle and moved onto something else. BUT I came to my beloved Ultra Facial Cleanser! It cleanses skin to a T and doesn’t dry out my skin and strip it of it natural oils.  You can read my full review here.
• My skin has been really well behaved at the minute (touch wood ) and I have actually cut down on the different blemish busting products I was using to just 1. The Estée Lauder Clear Difference Serum is ideal – I can slap it on when I feel I’m getting a tad congested and I find that even after a single use my skin is looking clear and dare I say it almost perfect! You can find the Clear Difference Serum at Boots and John Lewis.
• I have only recently written a post about The Body Shop Drops of Youth Essence-Lotion. It is so so good. Its light gel to water texture is amazingly cooling and refreshing. It adds lightweight moisture and it boosts the efficacy of any product that is applied on top of it. What’s not to like! 
• I am really digging Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel again. I just find it so refreshing and light for Spring / Summer. I have literally worn this every day since February. You can wear it heading out to work but also hitting the town in the evening. You can grab Bleu de Chanel at Boots and John Lewis. Oh you can check out my full review here.
• And finally my TV fav is … Bates Motel. I have only recently got into Bates Motel; it’s not my usual choice of TV show, but I’m weirdly enjoying it. I wouldn’t binge watch it but I am definitely hooked! I can’t wait to see how things will escalate around Norman. And what other “incidents” will result because of his strange bond / obsession with his mother.  It’s also a huge bonus that it has short seasons.

So there you have my Like-y List … let me know what you have been liking recently and please tell me that I’m not the only one mind-numbingly boring not to have a monthly favourites every month. 

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The Body Shop Drops of Youth Essence-Lotion

Maybe it’s because of the large Mocha that I’m currently sipping on,  but I feel like yelling how FRICKIN’ amazing this product is and how it’s going to be a savior to anybody’s skin.

Now Essence lotions are by no means a recent introduction to skincare; those extremely savvy Asian peeps have used the all-important secret 4^th step ~ after toning but before serum. This illustrious 4^th step is slowly creeping its way over from Asia. The main stalwarts of the Essence are  LaMer The Treatment Lotion and recently the Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence. But those intuitive people at The Body Shop have introduced several Essence-Lotions into their ranges but the one that caught my eye was the Drops of Youth Essence-Lotion.

Apply the Drops of Youth Essence-Lotion after cleansing and toning (I actually use this instead of a acid toner – in the morning, when I’m looking for more hydration) then apply a small amount of this and work it into the skin (avoiding the eye area). It hydrates and prepares the skin for moisture, pulling anything applied afterwards deeper down into the skin. No matter what I apply on top of the Essence-Lotion, be it a serum or a spot treatment, it just seems to amp any product up.  My skin is left more hydrated and my treatment products are like they’re on steroids. 

The texture is gorgeous and extremely cooling and soothing; transforming from a gel to water as you massage in. There’s Aloe Leaf Juice, Cinnamon Bark extract (fragrant and brightening), Sanguisorba officinalis (clarifies), brightening ginger as well as the three plant stem cell extracts: Eryngium Maritimum Extract and Edelweiss work to help skin cell regeneration. Sea Fennel stem-cell extract has been found to aid the skin’s collagen regeneration properties.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence Lotion is available here or at your nearest The Body Shop.

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The Body Shop ~ Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit

The Modern Gents Rescue Kit is a kit that includes an eye cream to aid those puffy eyes when you've hit the snooze button on your iPhone one to many times, And a really good moisturiser for everyday; either morning or night, this moisturiser is really good, you don't need a lot to cover your entire face neck and leaves your face feeling cool and fresh.

Firstly I have to describe this kit without mentioning the packaging, it’s definitely one of the coolest and best presented I’ve ever received. Long after these products are finished I’m certain that I’ll still hold onto this box, to store various nick nacks - iPhones cases and what not!

Now moving onto the important stuff; the CONTENTS! In the Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit* you will receive:

• For Men Maca Root Eye Serum
• For Men Maca Root Balancing Face Protector

Being of an inquisitive disposition, I had to find out more about what the Maca Root was. Lepidium meyenii (maca) is an herbaceous biennial plant of the crucifer family native to the Peruvian Andes.

For Men Maca Root Eye Serum 

I have been using eye serums for a bit, checkout my review of the Clarins one. I was looking forward to giving  this one a shot. Eye serums can be seen as superfluous product in a skincare regime as you generally don’t notice immediate results. This is a fast, soothing and noticeable tightening around the eye area after application. Dark circles are definitely improved.

Only one small pump is all that you need and gently dab this light white serum around the eye with the fingertip of your ring finger. The serum is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave any scent or an oily residue after use.

For Men Maca Root Balancing Face Protector

The second product in the kit is the Balancing Face Protector is enriched with Peruvian Maca root. It hydrates the skin while oil control technology helps reduce shine in the T-Zone.

I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of the feel of the lotion the first few times, personally I found it to be a tad too runny in consistency. But saying that it did an excellent job in hydrating and balancing my skin. It has a very light texture and consistency. After a few days, I was much happier with the feel and my skin felt moisturised as you’d expect but so soft too. After continued use I was really impressed it’s a powerful cream and has a nice aroma, the best way I can describe it is that it smells clean. Again it absorbs immediately and leaves no shine.

Overall the Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit is an excellent kit as a gift; it has the foundation of a solid skincare routine that any man can build on.

You can find The Body Shop Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit in your local The Body Shop store or online here.

*Some product(s)/content in this post may be sponsored or sent as a press sample, however all opinions and views are honest and my own, only select products that I like and want to recommend are featured on this blog. For more information, please click here.

*Giveaway!*

I’m super-excited to be able to give away  The Body Shop Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit.

The giveaway will run until Sunday 10th April and is open internationally. 

How do you enter I hear you say - Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 And I wish you all the best of luck! 

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A Litter of Bulldogs | Bulldog Skincare For Men

Boring I know but I thought I’d start off with some background info on Bulldog Skincare; I don’t know about you but I like to know what I’m putting on my face…

So it’s a British cruelty free skincare company, Bulldog Natural Skincare, is a men’s skincare line that boasts getting the job done, being hassle free, and not taking themselves so seriously. They’re one of the few men’s skincare lines that flaunts their ingredients and takes pride in their formulas. They insist on using products that contain essential oils and other natural active ingredients. Bulldog Natural Skincare also takes inordinate pride in being cruelty free, vegetarian-friendly, and environmentally aware. In fact, they are approved by BUAV, the Vegetarian Society and the RSPCA. Now that's a product I already love and I haven't even opened the package they sent me.

The first thing I noticed about the products was the presentation. They arrived in a lovely box all wrapped up. I also was drawn to the branding – it just looked so clean and fresh. It was the first time I’d really looked at the products and to tell the truth I hadn't been drawn to the brand before as most of the products looked similar to one another. As a guy, the products I use, I just pick up without even noticing/thinking.  Once I start using a product and liking it, I then tend to stick with it. 

After trying out the products daily for a few weeks, I have to admit that I’m a full-fledged dog person!  There is little doubt that this is one of the best men’s skincare ranges currently available on the high street.

My first port of call with the Bulldog products was with the Original Face Wash*, which I used every morning. Unlike many face washes, this doesn’t that leave your face dry and in immediate need of a moisturiser (possibly owing to the mix of eight essential oils). It seemed to lock the moisture in and under a film of natural oils. I will definitely use this when my skin is behaving itself and it’s great to keep my skin clear. Like most Bulldog products, the Original Face Wash contained a high concentration of bergamot oil extracted from the bergamot orange, a Mediterranean citrus fruit.

Once or twice a week, and to give my face a thorough exfoliation and eliminate dirt and impurities, I use the Original Face Scrub*. From experience, face scrub products for men are either too soft or too abrasive. However, Bulldog’s Original Face Scrub does the trick splendidly. This was actually the star of the range for me; it felt remarkably similar to Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish but with gentle exfoliating particles.  In addition to essential oils, the face scrub contained natural exfoliating ingredients such as pumice, coconut shell, rosehip oil and shea butter. My skin really loved the Bulldog’s Original Face Scrub and I have to say I love it right back.

The morning shower was routinely followed by shaving. Unlike most shaving creams and gels currently available in the market, the Original Shave Gel*  is a light, see-through gel that spreads nicely on the skin without the need to apply a large quantity. Essential oils are combined with aloe vera, jojoba, and konjac mannan (a natural thickener and gelling agent with moisturising properties) to provide a smooth shaving experience.

And finally, the daily morning ritual finished with an application of the Original Moisturiser*(with green tea, green algae, and vitamin E to hydrate the skin). When applied, the cream provided a nice matt finish to the skin instead of the shiny look that most men prefer to avoid. Another good thing that I noticed about this moisturiser, was that a small amount went a super long way. I will admit that I’ve come across better moisturisers over the years, but this is a very affordable option that works well on the skin.

At night, I tried the new Original Eye Roll-On in the areas under and around the eyes. The roll-on applicator is practical and the metal ball inside the container is always cool, which makes the application feel very refreshing. The Eye Roll-On contains avocado oil, cucumber oil and Brazilian ginseng extract to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. Like most eye creams, I think that it will probably take quite a few weeks of using the product to notice any benefits. But I have noticed a slight reduction in my tiny dark circles. However, the cooling and moisturising effects are extremely pleasant.

After trying the grooming products for a few weeks, I have no hesitation to recommend the Bulldog Natural Skincare range as part of the daily skincare routine for men.

You can find all the Bulldog Skincare For Men range at Boots, ASOS and Mandkind.

Mankind actually have a code for 15% off when you spend £50! - MK1550 ... Just saying  

*Some of these items may have been sent to me for review. Please see my disclaimer for more information*

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Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

This was actually the first Kiehl’s product I bought (over a year ago!) and the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is an excellent all-rounder serum, for all skin types and skin concerns.

But what exactly is the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, well it’s an oil based serum formulated with 99.8% natural Derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender. And is paraben-free and the glass bottle and dropper is made from recycled glass, and all housed in a 100% recycled board carton.

Don’t panic that this is an oil. I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive to try it out, being an oily combination skin type. But after summoning the courage, I was so glad that I did. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate was an absolute dream to use. This easily absorbed elixir helps the skin to recover radiance by morning, with skin feeling smoother and softer and the formula provides a boost of intensive moisture to dehydrated skin. The light-weight oil formula instantly penetrates the skin surface to help replenish it with moisture. I find that the effective combination of essential oils and the accompanying ingredients calm, soften, rehydrated, and brighten the skin by the morning by kick starting your skin’s natural, overnight recovery processes. I find that it also works wonders on active breakouts, I even used it on a cystic spot and it greatly help relieve it – both in size and redness.

I place 3-4 drops directly onto my face and massage it into my cleansed face. It sinks in straightaway and didn’t leave me greasy or shiny in the slightest. I don’t apply a moisturiser over the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. But if you feel you need to just place your regular moisturiser over it to seal in the hydration. After using the Midnight Recovery Concentrate for nearly a year (mostly every second night), my skin looks incredible, fresher and more supple with a natural radiant glow.

Oh! and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate smells insanely good and the aroma of lavender will definitely send you off to a well-earned beauty sleep.

I have the Midnight Recovery Concentrate for over a year and it looks like I have barely made a dent in it, definitely worth the initial investment.

If you are on the hunt for an excellent all-rounder serum then the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is definitely worth a try. I actually find this to be my forget-me product - in the best way; you keep reaching for it without even thinking and when you need something to repair and sooth, it tops the list.

The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is available online at Kiehl's and Arnotts or by phoning their store in Wicklow St, Dublin (01 670 6667)

*I would actually again recommend phoning the Kiehl’s store, as they give out free samples! with free shipping*

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St Moriz Professional Tanning Range

I know that fake tan for guys is a controversial topic but I’m an advocate of it.  Now there’s no excuse to going around like a tangerine, so that is why I absolutely love the St Moriz Instant Tanning Range in the shade Medium. 

I know some guys would say you’d be better to stick with a tinted moisturiser but I find products like this to be ineffective – little to no colour pay-off.

That’s why the St. Moriz range is so damn good. Its fool proof to apply; as it has a guide colour but most importantly it gives a completely natural light golden tan. I think this is because it has a green undertone to counteract any orange-ness! 

St Moriz Professional Medium Lotion*

This is my favourite from the range; it glides onto the skin – no streaks and a fantastic natural golden tan to boot. I actually use this for my “Farmers’ Tan”  i.e. just tanning my face, neck and arms. And it blends in seamlessly! I leave this on overnight and I will admit that I get a bit of a fright when I look in the mirror – but fear not the guide colour rinses off and I’m left with a realistic natural glow. I simply adore the texture and application. I find it so easy to use and the results are great!

St. Moriz Professional Self-Tanning Mousse Medium*

I know that this is the cult favourite from St Moriz but I just prefer the lotion formulation. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fab self-tanner but I like to apply little amounts of the product at a time (don’t want to go too dark!) and I find that with the mousse you have to use a full pump at a time or else you end up with an odd half watery/mousse concoction!

St. Moriz Instant Wash Off Self Tan Medium Shimmer*

This is great if you want an instant injection of colour. But this is more of a ladies option in my opinion. When you look at it straight from the tube, the shimmer looks alarming – it seems to be more glitter than tan. But once applied it’s not too obvious. The shimmer is subtle enough in natural light but under artificial lighting it’s a definite no no.

My tips for applying any tanning product is to use gloves – I find I don’t waste as much product and also a mitt tends to stick to facial hair. But after applying with the gloves, I’ll then grab my mitt to make sure my tan is blended to perfection. Also apply small amounts of the product at a time and blend it extremely well.

St Moriz Professional Tanning Range is a fantastic self-tanning range for both guys and girls; it extremely affordable and the end results are completely natural. I find the St Moriz tan lasts quite well too, about 3-4 days and that is with cleansing twice daily and shaving daily. Not bad, eh!

The St Moriz Professional Tanning Range is available online at Boots, Superdrug and at FeelUnique.

*Some of these items may have been sent to me for review. Please see my disclaimer for more information*

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