Kiehl's Bloggers Event

Situated on Blackett Street in Newcastle, I had been meaning to try Kiehl's Skincare for ages... and then as if by magic I was invited to their bloggers event. Perfect opportunity to be introduced to the brand. 

On entering the store, the staff are dressed in white coats which instantly gives you a chemist/science type vibe which makes sense as the brand was founded back in 1871 by a pharmacist in Brunswick, NYC. The company has seen a change of different owners introducing new ranges for men, oils and even introducing generous samples in the 1970's. The brand has had quite a prolific existence in the skincare world and even launched a product in collaboration with Andy Warhol in the sixties. The staff were full of information for all of the products, the brand history and all were passionate about skincare. But first things first, we got tucked in to a slice of cake. Because.... cake. 

I had a mooch around the store to see what type of products they have on offer and a reoccurring theme were very fresh ingredients like orange, cilantro, jasmine. The Cilantro and Orange extract smells divine btw. I had heard amazing things about the Midnight Recovery Concentrate so that was on my list to check out up close and ask questions.

So after speaking to the staff about the Midnight Recovery Concerntrate, and doing some reading online this comes highly recommended. A lot of the staff tagged this as their 'fave' product in the whole range. This is a midnight recovery cream that works its magic while you sleep, it has an oily consistency and comes in an iconic blue glass dropper bottle. It's key ingredients are some of the reasons this helps skin appear fresher, brighter and repaired. Primrose oi, lavender oil & squalane (from olives) are some of the natural ingredients helped to boost skin recovery whilst you get your all important sleep. 

I've noticed from browsing their website that a lot of the glass packaging is recyclable and the cardboard packaging comes from recycled sources. In the world we live in where mass production and the throw away concept seems so evident, I think this is a great concept to hear from big brands and I wish more would follow! 

As an addition to the cake and skincare, we were treat to cocktails by the lovely staff from The Alchemist, Newcastle. They served up the Bubblebath cocktail which, let me tell you... it's so delicious and a dream to watch being made! 

I thought the collaboration of The Alchemist and Keihl's was genius, these 2 brands are built on alchemy so it was a perfect match! If you're around Newcastle craving a cocktail, I totally recommend this as a sweet cocktail and instagram worthy too!

Sipping cocktails and eating cake (AND learning about skincare) I was asked if I would like a skin assessment. I was totally up for this because I'm a little bit obsessed with skincare and always wanting to understand my skin more and how to look after it. So I had a skin test with a little swatch - you can request these at your store (no need to remove make up).... and from the swatch they recommend the best products and treatments for you. 

So my skin was slightly dehydrated (I do moisturise every night and have a skincare routine) but I was advised to drink more water and to try using a combination of oils and serums to help moisture reach deeper into my skin. This is a free service they offer and would recommend it to any skin lovers out there! 

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

X 

Scent Seduction: Viktor & Rolf Bloom

In February I was invited along to Fenwick, for the launch of the new Viktor & Rolf fragrance, Bloom. This fragrance is a twist on the original Flowerbomb. The scent is a slightly fresher and more floral fragrance. 

The guys at Fenwick Newcastle always take such good care of us! 

Viktor & Rolf also have a range of beauty products too alongside their fragrances of which I only discovered at the launch. Bath oils, body creams and such. Just to ensure you always smell like their signature fragrance! The new fragrance is an extension on the Flowerbomb story, with the sensuous undertones and a burst of springtime flowers. This scent is stunning and the perfect transitional spring/summer scent! 

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

X 

KATHLEEN Skincare: Cleansing Lotion & Tonifying Mist

After seeing blogger Carly Musleh, talk about cream cleansers on her Instagram stories. So when I was selected to review the pre launch products from Kathleen Skincare I though it was divine timing. I was sent the Lightening Cleansing Lotion & Rebalancing & Soothing Tonifying Mist which are set to launch and be available to order in May. 

For those of you who may have missed my last post about the Kathleen Caviar Enriched eye cream, you can catch up here. Kathleen offer are luxurious beauty products which are made in the UK, natural, organic and no added chemicals. They really know their stuff, and I sometimes find organic skincare a little diluted and doesn't pack as much punch against other brands but I really feel a difference with their range. 

The cleansing lotion & toning mist come in complimentary boxes and the packaging is lovely quality. They are both available in 2 sizes, 150ml for your nightstand and the smaller size, 50ml is perfect for those weekend stays when you need skincare on-the-go. 

I've been having a crazy time with my skin recently due to a hectic schedule so I really felt this was a great time to put these to the test. After a long (and stressful) day, I removed the majority of my make up with a make up wipe and then used the cleanser followed by the mist. The cleansing lotion is to be applied to dry skin and massaged deeply using your fingertips. I followed the instructions and massaged it all into my face. I then ran a skin of just-hot water and submerged the muslin cloth which I used to exfoliate my face and remove any make up still lying on my skin. 

I cleaned my face, using different sections of the muslin for each section. This lotion boasts to "help to lift dirt, oil, make up and impurities, without drying the skin" for which I can vouch for. This left my skin feeling fresh, clean and free from the greasy oils left on your face from a long day of wearing make up! The cleansing lotion is made up from rose water, lavender water, lemon, tamansu and  avocado oil among other nourishing ingredients. We all know the benefits of oils and such so to get it penetrating your skin in your routine is super beneficial. The muslin cloth helps to exfoliate and rid your skin of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, bright skin underneath. 

I then let my face breathe for a few minutes before moving on to the tonifying mist. The mist can be applied in one of two ways. You can either spritz over your face in a "just stepped off a desert island and need hydrating" kinda way, or you can spray onto a cotton pad and apply to face and neck. Obviously I opted for the first option. 

I let the mist sink into my skin and this glistened on the surface and then slowly dissepearing to work its organic magic on my skin. Aloe vera, chamomile water and lemon are some of the ingredients in this spray. I have quite a good skin tone overall and not many red patches or uneven colour but I could really feel a difference after using this combined with the cleanser. My skin felt lighter, fresher, clean and soft with the Kathleen products and would recommend if you have sensitive skin or are looking for organic luxe beauty products. 

If you're looking for organic products with a punch, then Kathleen has got you! The cleansing lotion is priced at £ 29.50 for the 150ml or £13.00 for the 50ml (only bigger size includes 2 muslin cloths.) The tonifying mist is £23.00 for the 150ml or £13 for the 50ml size and these are set to last you quite a while. However, I have a special discount code for you to all receive 15% off, just enter redhead15 at the checkout to redeem. 

If you're looking for that fresh, glow you get right after leaving the spa then give Kathleen products a try. These launch in May however, their other products are available to order now. 

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

X 

Tan Lines & Protection

So as most of you will probably know, I am currently travelling. As a blogger there is a few important 'must haves' on my list, but as a redhead the most important has to be my sun cream.

 

 

 

 

As a redhead who also had sensitive skin Simple sun cream has always looked after my milky complexion! 

 

I know when we're young we think we're unstoppable and we'll live forever. That eating vegetables really doesn't do anything and wearing sun cream isn't important. But as I have got older and travelling to numerous destinations, I cant stress enough how important it is to look after your skin while you're young!

 

When I was in my teens I experienced 1st hands the effects of too much sun can have on your body with an unpleasant trip to a hospital abroad. I did wear sun cream, did wear a hat, did keep hydrated but sometimes too much is just too much. I'd spent a day on the beach in intense Mediterranean summer sunshine and paid the price.

 

My mam has always drilled in me to wear sun cream and protect myself but I obviously underestimated how strong the heat was. So here are some tips to stay cool and look after your precious skin...

 

1) Wear a high factor sun cream/sun block. Even if you 'tan easily' wearing nothing can still damage your skin.

 

2) Stay hydrated. Drink a lot! When you're on holiday, the heat will probably be more intense than your body is used to. Sweating in hot temps obviously means losing moisture and hydration from your body.

 

3) Protect you head - wear a hat. I know its a cliché mum saying but protecting your head and preventing sun stoke & headaches is really important.

 

4) After a long day in the sun, around the pool or enjoying the sights make sun you have a lovely cool shower, wash off any products onto your skin to prevent prickly heat (obviously reapply if you're heading back out into the sun) and apply after sun or moisturiser to lock in moisture you may have lost during the day.

 

5) Only do as long as you feel you can sitting in the sun. As a Briton, I have seen many fellow Britans take far too much advantage of the sun abroad. As a redhead it is sometimes frustrating for me to see others so dark skinned and enjoying the sun but I have learned the hard way to be safe and only do what I feel comfortable, sun bathing wise. Don't give in to pier pressure of baking in the sun if you're clearly burning and doing damage.

 

I hope this little post will be of use to you and help you be afe in the sunshine! Try to have fun but look after yourselves too.

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

X