Review: Avene Hydrance Intense Serum 

30ml for £18



Going into the Autumn months hydration becomes very important as it gets cold outside and we have the central heating on at home. I find going into the colder months my skin becomes dehydrated and started to look dull. 

I have used some very expensive serums before which have cost around the £100 mark or more, this is because I usually struggle with drugstore skincare. However when I tried this serum I was actually blown away by how great it is! I have only ever used the thermal water spray from Avene, which was recommended to me by my laser hair removal clinic to help calm down the redness from the laser, however I also then found many more uses for this, which you can read about in the blog post I wrote about it. 

The Avene serum is one of the nicest hydrating serums I have used in a very long time! I felt this way about this serum from the first time I ever used it, it left my skin feeling so plump and hydrated. Every time I used this serum I was amazed at how it made my skin feel and how it kept my skin hydrated all day and looking dewy. The serum also helped with my enlarged pores, as it left them looking slightly smaller and my foundation looked a lot smoother in the areas with enlarged pores. 

The serum did not leave my skin feeling heavy and absorbed well into my skin within a few minutes, without leaving a residue on the skin. My moisturiser also went on well over the top, without leaving my skin feeling too heavy and oily. 

I love wearing this under make up as it plumps up the skin and almost leaves a layer over the skin, which leaves the skin looking dewy and very healthy. My make up goes on so well over this serum, it makes my make up look smooth in areas where my make up would usually look dry or heavy.

The packaging for the serum is also great and doesn't feel cheap in any way. The pump on it is great as it is sturdy and lets you pump out small amounts at a time, rather than pumping out a lot in one go. The plastic bottle is also great for traveling as you don't need to worry about it breaking and because the pump has a lid you don't need to worry about leaks. 

I would completely recommend this serum for the winter months as it is really hydrating without making you feel like you want to wash your face by the middle of the day. It keeps your skin well hydrated and feeling comfortable through out the day. Make up also goes on really well over the top and leaves your skin looking dewy and healthy. 

Have you tried this? What did you think? Please leave a comment below to let me know what you thought. 

Be Younique xxx

Review: Pantene Pro-V Micellar Purify and Nourish Shampoo and Conditioners

My experience of Lancome Custom made Foundation at Harrods



This is a new concept that Lancome have started in the UK exclusively at Harrods.

This has become very popular and you have to call to book an appointment at the Lancome counter at Harrods. I booked an appointment and was very excited as I find it difficult to find an exact match for my skin tone as many people who have an olive/dark skin tone may do.

When I arrived at the appointment the make up artist started by removing all my make up and discussing my skin type with me and how much coverage I would like from my foundation. My skin is normal and I wanted a medium coverage but buildable foundation, which is exactly what she put into the system.

She then used a device to match up the correct colour for the custom made foundation, she asked me exactly where I wanted the foundation to be matched up to. I had the foundation matched up to my neck, jawline and forehead. This information is then processed into the system and a unique shade is chosen for you.

The make up artist then puts an empty bottle into a machine, which drops pigments into the bottle, this consists of black, red, white, yellow, moisturiser and thinner, which is what is used to create the perfect shade.


At first only a small amount is made so that it can be tested on your skin and to make sure that you are happy with the match.

The foundation is then placed into a mixing machine, which mixes all the pigments together to blend together the perfect shade, this is then tried on one side of the face and if you are happy with the match the rest of the bottle is filled. She then prints a sticker with your details and puts it onto the bottle and the back of the box so that you can have some more made if you need to.

I loved the way the foundation was presented in a white bottle with my name and unique shade id. I really enjoyed this experience and think its a really good idea, it is expensive but really worth the money if you want the perfect match.

Overall I can say I would recommend this to anyone who struggles with foundation shades or just in the market for a new foundation and doesn't mind spending the money. The overall experience is really good, however when the make up artist applied the foundation in Harrods I wasn't sure as I'm always happier when I apply my foundation myself at home with my own tools. At first when she applied it I thought it was too dark but soon I applied it myself at home I was so happy with the shade and the formula. The foundation looks dewy and is a very good coverage and is defiantly buildable to a fuller coverage.

I can say I would do this again in the winter to get my perfect winter foundation. Have you tried it? or going to try it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Be Younique xxx

Review: Rodial Super Acids Exfoliating Pads (50 pads)
50 pads for £45, but currently £19 for 50 pads - LINK

I have been using these as apart of my nighttime skin care routine for about a year now and they have made a massive difference to the appearance of my skin, its texture and the appearance of pores. I love the convenience of these pads as they are pre soaked, easy to use and give me amazing results.

These are great for taking away excess oil, dirt and any make up left over after cleansing. They are deep cleansing, shrink the appearance of pores and refine the texture of the skin. You will see clarity in the skin straight after a few uses and your skin will look more refreshed.

They also have Biotilys in them, which helps to protect the skin from daily aggressions and it boasts hydration. The pads don't dry your skin out but makes it feel clean, refreshed and hydrated, this is because of the Biotilys probiotic technology. They made my pores look smaller, skin look refined, my skin tone looks more even and looks more hydrated and plump. As I use these in the evening I wake up and my skin feels soft, smooth and looks more radiant as well.

Rodial recommend that you use the pads twice a day, but because I'm a product junkie and love using different products I only use the in my night time routine. I use one pad after removing my make up in the evening and before applying any of my night time routine products. The pad is a good size and is very well soaked with the exfoliating serum. One pad is enough for the entire face and neck, I then use anything left on the pad and go over the backs of my hands. If you have a smaller face and want these to last longer then you can cut one pad in half and just use one half each application, this will give you 100 uses instead of 50.

I would defiantly recommend these to anyone who wants soft, smooth, radiant skin with smaller looking pores. Its great for someone who has acne as it gently exfoliates the skin rather than an aggressive exfoliator. Give them ago as they are less than have price at the moment, use the link above!

As mentioned before I love the Super Acids range from Rodial and have used every single product from it and they are all amazing! Please check out my previous post on the Rodial spf30 moisturiser.

If you want me to review anything else from the Rodial range or anything else please comment below.

£65 for 30ml- LINK

If you want a luxurious night cream/oil this is what you need to treat yourself to, it does exactly what it say on the tin. If you are afraid of using an oil on your skin, this is a great alternative as it feels like a cream but has the benefits of an oil. This luxurious cream has some amazing ingredients,essential oils from 8 flowers, which carry some amazing benefits. 
- Patchouli - helps to firm and tone the skin
- Jasmine - helps improve the elasticity of the skin
- Neroli - helps to improve suppleness of the skin
- Immortelle and Rose - helps to promote radiance and restores skins healthy glow
- Ylang Ylang - regenerates the skin and helps to maintain moisture and oil balance
- Lavender and Iris - helps to calm, rebalance and heal the skin

I can say that all the above is true as I have been using this for about 6 months now and can say its amazing. It has a really luxurious and buttery texture, which starts off as a cream and turns into an oil as you massage it into the skin and smells amazing. You get all the benefits of an oil in a cream formula, its more like a balm consistency rather than an average moisturiser. 

I really enjoy using this as a part of my night time skincare routine, it almost makes me feel like I am at a spa because of the luxurious smell and feel of the cream. I sometimes find my self putting my palms to my face and taking a deep breath, which feels so relaxing, the smell of the cream really helps me to relax and unwind. I use this every night instead of an oil in the evening after cleansing, serum and eye cream. I find in the morning my skin is glowing and feels very hydrated. 

Im nearly at the end of my jar, which is makes me sad but could you recommend any other creams or oils that are nice to use in the evenings? please comment below. 

Be Younique xxx

Review: Rodial Super Acids X-treme Dark Spot Sun Filter SPF 30- LINK 

A good SPF is really difficult to find, specially for darker skin tones as they always leave a white cast over the skin, which makes you look slightly grey. I came across this during one of my many visits to Space NK and now I can't stop using it! This product has many benefits and thats why I like it so much. It is great for people with pigmentation as it helps to lighten these over time (recommended a minimum of 30 days) and when applied it also helps to blur out imperfections and your skin looks one tone as well as brighter. In addition it can be used as a moisturiser and as sun protection in one rather than using two different products. 

This product has some great ingredients, which have some amazing benefits;
- 'Chromabright'- Lightens dark spots and helps to even out skin tone and helps to prevent further sun damage. This is great for someone who suffers from pigmentation either just in general or from sun damage.
- 'Aquaxyl'- This provides long lasting moisturisation and helps to blur out fine lines and wrinkles and also helps to mattify any shine. The formula is not greasy at all and make up looks great when applied over the moisturiser. 
- 'Biotilys'- This is made with probiotic technology, which helps to strengthen and protect the skin from daily stress. Working in an office with air cons can put a lot of stress on your skin so this helps to protect your skin from that. 

The consistency of this moisturiser is very light and non greasy, it absorbs into the skin easily without having to rub it in too much. The SPF doesn't leave a white cast and make up goes on really nice over the top. I use two pumps in the morning as part my skincare routine and I top it up if I need to during the day. I love that this comes in a pump tube its so easy to use like this and isn't open to getting bacteria in it like when you have to dip your fingers into jars. 

This is part of the super acids range that Rodial do and I can say that every product in the range is amazing, reasonably priced and works wonders. 

Can you recommend any other SPF's? please leave them in the comments below...

Be Younique xxx

Review: Dr Dennis Gross Eye Cream with Retinol


£56 for 15ml- LINK 

I have been using this eye cream religiously for just over 6 months now and can say it is truly amazing, this includes 3/4 months of hardly any sleep due to having a baby! It has viably brightened my eye area and also helped with the circles, which I now have due to lack of sleep! The eye cream has glycol and retinol which helps to lighten circles and brighten the eye area, it also helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles as the acids in the eye cream penetrate deep into the eye area. 

This can be used around the eye area, but not on the lids as it will be too heavy, for the eye lids use the Dr Dennis Gross eye serum first (review). The serum can also be applied over the entire eye area and then the cream over the top, use the eye cream around the orbital bone area, which is the bone from the bridge of the nose and out and around the brow bone. The cream should be used after cleansing and toning but before applying your face serum. 

The eye cream works well under eye make up as it is not sticky or thick, it easily absorbs into the skin and shows immediate effect, without irritating your eyes. As the eye cream softens fine lines and wrinkles, concealer sits well under the eyes without creasing or looking dry as the eye cream is very hydrating. 

The only negative I can point out is that I would prefer it to be in a pump bottle like the serum as I don't like dipping my fingers into jars as the product is then exposed to bacteria and these can then spread into the eye area. 

If you have any other recommendations for eye creams please leave them in the comments below. 

Be Younique xxx

Review: Dr Dennis Gross Eye Serum

£56 for 15ml- LINK 

Review: Zelens Power D Treatment Drops

£110 for 30ml- LINK 




I recently bought the Cult Beauty Box by Caroline Hirons, who is a great skin care specialist. This box is such great value for money, included all products recommended by Caroline and this was one of them. 

This oil/serum has some amazing ingredients; Vitamin D, Omega 3, 6 and many more beneficial ingredients. These ingredients are great for any type of skin and will help sort out many skin concerns, such as acne, dehydrated skin or skin which has been over worked. 

It can be used in many ways, such as after cleansing and toning as a serum, on its own straight after cleansing or over your moisturiser a barrier to protect your skin. I use it as a serum after cleaning and toning during the day. I don't find it heavy or oily feeling at all on the skin, it absorbs into the skin quickly. 

Vitamin D is great for fortifying the skins natural barrier, it protects the skin against environmental aggressors and strengthens the skins resistance to stressed conditions. Working in the city and highly air conditioned offices can put a lot of stress on the skin and dehydrate the skin. This oil helps to bring back the moisture and helps with the stress that every day life can have on your skin. 

I've been using this for about 4 weeks now and have found it makes my skin glow! During these 4 weeks I also went on holiday for a week and found while away in the sun and heat, it really helped to balance the oils in my skin. The Vitamin D drops bought out even more of a glow after tanning in the sun in beautiful Cyprus. 

I can honestly say this is a beautiful product, it smells amazing and feels so soft on the skin as well as obviously being very beneficial for the skin. 

If you have any other recommendations from this brand or would like me to test anything out please comment below. 

Be Younique xxx 

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray 

Review: Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 45

£78 for 40ml 




When people ask me if I could only have one skin care product what would it be? I always answer with SPF! I think sun protection is the most important part of any skin care regime as the sun is what causes most of the damage to our skin such as pigmentation and ageing. 

This is one of the best SPF's I have used as it feels light on the skin, has a high SPF and has multiple uses. I know it is expensive but I find that a little goes a long way and the tube lasts ages. This SPF can be worn on its own, over moisturiser or as a primer. It is oil free so doesn't feel heavy at all on the skin and has a very thin consistency, which makes it feel very light on the skin. I find that most SPF's leave a white layer on the skin, which is very difficult to rub or blend in, this then effects the make up that goes on top. This SPF absorbs straight in and doesn't leave the white layer either so my make up sits perfectly on top. 

I wear a high SPF all year round as I have asian skin and suffer from hyper pigmentation, which is mostly caused when I go in the sun. I find this so easy to apply and it has become a part of my everyday skin care routine. I just apply with my fingers over my daily moisturiser and I find it doesn't affect what I'm wearing underneath it or over the top of it. It is also water and humidity resistance, which is great for when I go on holiday and I go in the pool. 

Are there any other SPF's which you think I should try out, if so please comment below.

Be Younique xxx

Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Available in 44 shades, 30ml for £31- LINK
I love a full coverage, long lasting foundation for days where I know I will be going out after work or when I have all day events. This foundation is all of that in a bottle!

I get a lot hyper pigmentation around my upper lip area and find this foundation has amazing coverage and sometimes I don't even need to use concealer in these areas after applying the foundation. The finish of this foundation is matte, but it doesn't look dry on the skin, your skin still glows and looks healthy. I find that I don't need to top up my make up during the day and I don't powder on top of this foundation either. Ester Lauder claim that this foundation has a 15 hour staying power, I would say I agree with this 100%. 

I find if you don't apply this the correct tool it can look and feel heavy and cakey. I use the Louise Young Super Foundation Brush £24 -LINK I find with this brush you get a really smooth, full coverage and flawless finish. 

It is difficult to find foundations for asian skin tones, however I find the shade shell beige works perfect for me (I am a NC42 in mac). As Estee Lauder have 44 shades in this foundation, I'm sure theres a shade for everyone. 

Any other questions, please comment below.

Be Younique xxx

Lottie London Slay All Day Liquid Lipstick 




I've really got into liquid lipsticks recently, as they are easy to apply and stay on for hours, without having to top up every 30 minutes. After using both high end and drug store liquid lipsticks you can really tell the difference, some are really drying and crumble off and some feel light weight and moisturising. 

After trying two shades from the Lottie London I can say they feel great on the lips, they feel slightly sticky but not drying at all. These have a matte finish, they are long lasting and can be worn every day. 





These come in 8 shades, including some beautiful nude shades, which are very wearable everyday. I would say these are a good dupe for the Kat Von D ever lasting lipsticks

Lottie London Liquid Lipsticks available in 8 shades. £5.95 each from Superdrug -LINK 

Be Youniqe xxx

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish




I love painting my nails, but how annoying is it when they chip the next day and you have to take everything off and repaint base coat, colour and top coat. I would love to visit a salon every few weeks to get gels put on my nails, but with two kids its difficult to find the hour that it takes and it also can become very expensive over time. 

So I thought I would give this ago, because not only is it easy but inexpensive. This is a two step system, which works like gel but you don't need a lamp to cure the gel. The system doesn't require a base coat, so all you need to do is shape your nails, apply two coats of the colour and one coat of the gel top coat.

I found this lasted about a week before seeing a small chip, which is amazing because a normal polish only lasts a few days. I tested this out without being careful and getting on with my day as usual, washing up, cleaning, washing the kids and all other house chores. I think if I had been a bit more careful it would have lasted about 10 days or even longer. 



This is when it was first put on, I was so surprised at how easy it was and loved the shape of the brush, which made the application very clean. 



This is 5 days later, where there were no chips and the polish still looked shiny like it had just been applied.  

I really enjoyed using these and will be buying some more shades to add to my collection. Inexpensive and so easy to use....I'm impressed. 

Comes in 48 shades- LINK!

Be Younique xxx

Morning Skincare Routine



I had a baby a month ago so my hormones are going a bit crazy, but sticking to this skincare  routine has made sure that my skin has stayed clear with no break outs yet. I have normal skin, with some oiliness down the t zone at times. I do sometimes get breakouts when I am due for time of the month and get left with marks sometimes. I follow this skincare routine, with regular face masks (3 times a week) and a good evening routine, which I will do a blog post about soon. 

Cleanse- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser
Because I cleanse my skin so throughly at night, I try to use a mild cleanser in the morning as my skin is free of make up and dirt already. I was sent this Neutrogena cleanser to try out and I have been using it for a good 5-6 weeks. I have enjoyed using this cleanser, it is a gel cleanser and foams up, even though it foams up it is not drying at all, if anything its hydrating and leaves my skin feeling very clean and comfortable. 

Tone- Wei Rapid Glow Liquid Milk
After cleaning I take a few drops of the Wei Rapid Glow Liquid milk into the palm of my hands and press it into my skin. This is really hydrating and helps to brighten the skin as well as making your skin feel really soft. I like using this as I don't have to use a cotton pad to apply it, it can just be pressed into the skin using my hands and is quick and easy. 

Eyes- Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol Eye Cream
While the toner sinks in, I apply my eye cream. This eye cream is great for hydrating and making you look like you have had a good nights sleep. After having a baby, I haven't had one full night sleep, however this eye cream really helps make it look like I have. It brightens the under eye area and helps with dark circles. Leaves the under eye area line free and smooth, which is great for when applying concealer to the area. 

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol Eye Serum
I have hooded eye lids so like to use some sort of eye product on and around my lids, a cream is too heavy for this area so I use a serum. This serum is so light and can be applied to that area, you don't even feel like anythings there once it has sank in. I use this to prevent my hooded eye lids getting worse and to help keep the skin firm for as long as possible. 

Serum- Ren Instant Firming Beauty Shot
I then go in with my serum after applying the eye creams. I was using Sunday Riley Good genes, but found it was drying my skin out after having the baby, so I thought I would give this ago as I had a large sample size. I found that this really plumps up the skin and makes it feel really smooth. Again this helps with the lack of sleep situation as it leaves the skin looking plump and bright. 

Moisturiser- Radical Anti-Aging Restorative Moisturiser
This moisturiser is amazing and probably one of my favourites by far. It really helps to even out skin tone and brighten the skin. It has helped to fade and get ride of pigmentation that I had on my skin. It is expensive but I have found that it goes a long way as you only need a small amount for the whole face and neck. It is also very hydrating but doesn't feel heavy at all on the skin and leaves the skin feeling firm and plump. 

Lips- Eve Lom Kiss Mix
I finish my skincare routine off with a bit of lip balm. I like this lip balm, but would like to try something new so if you have any recommendations please comment below and let me know. This does feel nice on lips and lasts a long time, this is probably my 3rd pot so be nice to try something new. 

If you have any questions or recommendations please leave a comment below.

Be Younique xxx

  Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant £18 for 50g

I received a 5g sample of this deodorant and have been using it everyday for about a week or so. At first I was a bit sceptical about using a cream deodorant and thought it might get messy. However after giving this a go I can say I'm really impressed. 

Im normally a spray deodorant sort of person, however I do like to try roll on's now and again. But when I received this, I was like, this is a bit weird, but chose to give it ago anyway. 

You apply the cream deodorant with your finger tips to your under arm area, the cream is a solid cream so it is not messy at all. While you are applying the cream you can feel it turn into a powder and disappear. The product smells amazing! It smells really relaxing because of the peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender in the ingredients. I found that I felt dry all day and did not feel the need to reapply at all during the day, which is sometimes the case with spray deodorants. I also like the fact that the deodorant has so many natural ingredients in it and think this is beneficial to the under arm area. Another benefit of using this cream deodorant is that I found it doesn't transfer onto my clothes and make marks!

I will be repurchasing this in the full size as I have throughly enjoyed using the sample I received. 

If you have used it, let me know what you think in the comments below....

Be Younique xxx

How to make your own mint flavoured coconut oil pulling chews

Oil Pulling is done by taking a small amount of coconut oil and swishing it in your mouth for 10-20 minutes and then spitting it out. You use the oil in its natural form and it will start to melt as you swish it in your mouth. I would start with 10 minutes and incease as you feel comfortable. Oil pulling improves your oral health in many ways, I will go through some of the benefits below. 

There are many benefits to coconut oil pulling, but I found that buying the ready made spearmint flavour worked out expensive, so I thought why not just make my own small mint flavoured chews. 

The benefits include:

• Whiter Teeth
• Make teeth less sensitive
• Less plaque
• Less chances of infections
• Reduces bad breath