Category Archives: Skin

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

 
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Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

I am always on the look out for sun protection products that I can apply over my makeup, so when I came across the Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 I literally couldn’t wait to try it out. I have been testing it and here’s everything you need to know.

What is Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50?

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50

This sunscreen from Kopari means you can easily apply and touch up sunscreen both under and over makeup:

  • Non-aerosol sunscreen
  • Provides organic (chemical) SPF 50 protection against UVA/UVB rays
  • Designed to provide a natural, radiant finish
  • Helps to set makeup and refresh the skin
  • Infused with skincare ingredients to hydrate and brighten
  • Non-sticky and non-greasy
  • Dries quickly

Key Ingredients

  • Avobenzone (3%) – UVA protection
  • Octocrylene (10%) – stabilises Avobenzone + adds UVB cover
  • Octisalate + Homosalate – UVB protection to round it out
  • Sodium Hyaluronate + Polyglutamic Acid – to hydrate
  • Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) – brightens and protects
  • Vitamin E – antioxidant and skin-soothing
  • Essential Oils (Lime, Orange, Spearmint) – adds a fresh, beachy scent
  • Mica and iron oxides – for soft shimmer

Kopari Sunglaze Before and After Video

My Review

My review of Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
My review of Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50

As I said at the top, as soon as I saw this product, I was desperate to try it out, and I really haven’t been disappointed. I’m a fan.

There’s huge hype about mineral sunscreens right now. If you find a good one, (Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen, Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops, Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30) they are great, but I think that chemical sunscreens also have their place. The Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 is a brilliant example of a really easy to use one.

You just need to shake it up and mist it over.

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 - shake to use
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 – shake to use

So this is a setting mist-style sunscreen with SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection. It’s designed to go over makeup, refresh your skin throughout the day, and add that gorgeous dewy glow.

How It Feels & Wears

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 - fine mist
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 – fine mist

It’s so lovely to use. The mist is super fine (no chunky droplets messing with your base), and it gives the most gorgeous hydrated glow. It doesn’t disturb my makeup and I think it actually makes my skin look better.

It’s so easy to top up because it doesn’t make skin look greasy and it dries down nicely. The scent is really pleasant – beachy and summery – although if you are sensitive to fragrance, you may need to be careful that this isn’t too much for you.

Pros and Cons

I thought a round up of pros and cons would be useful!

PROS

  • SPF 50 Broad-Spectrum Protection – well-balanced combination of chemical filters
  • Makeup-friendly setting mist – sets without disturbing your makeup
  • Sheer, glowy finish – gives a healthy, non-greasy glow
  • Added antioxidants – includes Vitamin C & E to help defend against free radicals
  • Fine mist application – spritz, no chunky droplets
  • Hydrating Formula – with hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, adds moisture, not weight.
  • Perfect for top-ups – no mess, no white cast, no hands required

CONS

  • Contains Alcohol Denat – can be drying for sensitive or dry skin types with frequent use (though it’s well-buffered with hydrators)
  • Essential Oils & Fragrance Component – Lime, orange, and spearmint oils (plus limonene, geraniol, etc.) may irritate reactive or allergy-prone skin

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a high-protection SPF that plays beautifully with makeup and adds an actual glow, Kopari Sunglaze is a total star. It’s certainly an SPF mist I’d feel confident recommending even to those who hate layering sunscreen.

It’s makeup-safe, hydrating, and gives that soft-filter glow without being heavy or tacky. I wouldn’t use this as my main SPF as I definitely prefer to use something a bit thicker to work into my skin as a base, but it is ideal for regular top ups throughout the day, and is one I will certainly be keeping in my handbag.

Where to buy it

The Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 is £30 although currently out of stock in the UK. Sign up for a stock alert below:

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Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid Review

 
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Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid Review

Hypochlorous Acid is having quite a moment right now and it’s actually a very useful piece of kit to have on hand. Here’s the low down on the Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid.

What is Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid?

Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid
Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid
  • Effective cleansing mist designed to help to calm irritation and reduce redness and swelling
  • Helps support the skin’s natural recovery process
  • The hypochlorous acid works to maintain a clean surface on the skin
  • Formulated to help neutralise impurities
  • Suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin and also minor cuts or burns
  • Lightweight spray
  • Available in 2 sizes

What is hypochlorous acid?

Oh my goodness, let’s talk about hypochlorous acid. What sounds a little scary is actually something that will fit very well into your SOS skincare wardrobe.

So, what is hypochlorous acid, or HOCl if you want to get sciencey? Like Hyaluronic Acid, it’s actually something our own bodies naturally produce. Hypochlorous acid is produced by white blood cells to help fight off bacteria and calm inflammation. It’s completely skin-friendly, incredibly gentle and super effective.

In skincare, it’s having a total moment right now because it’s such a multi-tasker. It tackles redness, soothes breakouts and speeds up healing.

It’s antimicrobial, which make it brilliant if you have acne-prone skin and the big bonus is that is feels and smells just like water. It’s great to prevent infection and the ideal thing to use on wounds.

How do you use hypochlorous acid?

Using hypochlorous acid is honestly the easiest thing ever. It’s literally a mist-and-go situation. Some people use this in their daily skincare routine, although I don’t think it’s something you should be using every day.

If you want to treat sore skin, a wound, or a breakout, lightly spritz on clean skin and allow it to dry.

Is hypochlorous acid bad for the microbiome?

So this really depends on how it’s used. Generally speaking, low concentrations of HOCl in skincare products have been shown to not significantly disrupt the healthy skin microbiome.

Hypochlorous acid does have an antimicrobial action, but it also something that our bodies naturally produce to fight infection.

I think I you are worried about its effects on the microbiome, it’s probably a products best used as and when, rather than constantly. Short term use shouldn’t disrupt the microbiome. So what I am saying is, don’t completely replace your toner with this!

My Review of Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid

Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid Ingredients
Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid Ingredients

I think this no-rinse Mario Badescu cleansing spray is a great addition to my SOS skincare stash. It is designed to remove unwanted residue and bacteria from all skin types, even sensitive, and it’s a great temporary addition to your skincare regime is you are looking to minimise a breakout or soothe inflammation and redness. Plus it’s National Eczema Association approved.

I also really like it if I’ve done a workout and haven’t been able to cleanse and unclog. Although I try not to make a habit of that.

You can get a hypochlorous acid spray from loads of different brands. I actually bought a really huge one from Amazon to use on my dog when he had a bit of sore skin that I wanted to keep clean. It all pretty much does the same thing but the litre bottle I bought did not have an elegant mist like the Mario Badescu, and it would have been more like a slap in the face than a veil of healing water!!

The Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid has a lovely fine mist that makes it really pleasant to use.

I love the packaging mainly because it’s that signature Mario Badescu bottle which makes it feel like I product I should trust. As I said, the mist is nice and fine so it’s a really elegant delivery with no harsh squirts or patchy spraying.

There are only 3 ingredients in this formula, much like most hypochlorous acid sprays. There’s no scent, no sensation other than the mist, and it almost feels like you have sprayed nothing on your skin. As I don’t often suffer with breakouts too often, it’s not something I would use too often.

I think this is really well priced at £18 for 118ml and it’s a trusted brand so you can feel confident that that the hypochlorous acid is at the right concentration, especially as it has been approved by the National Eczema Association.

This shouldn’t be confused with a toner and over-use could disrupt the skin’s microbiome. If you do want to make sure your feeding the good bacteria on your skin, and not stripping it away, check out Gallinee Face Vinegar.

Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid vs. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

If you’re wondering about how this compares to other sprays like this on the market, it’s a really good question. Both Mario Badescu and Tower 28 contain the exact same ingredients and probably at very similar concentrations, although it’s hard to tell.

Both have been deemed safe for skin so the main differences are packaging, availability and price. The Mario Badescu is more widely available in the UK and slightly more affordable.

Where to buy it

The Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid is £18 for 118ml and it’s available via the links below:

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Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Review

 
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Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Review

As a glow and SPF obsessive, I was very interested to try the new Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops. I have been testing out this product this week, here’s what you need to know.

What is Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops?

What is Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops?
What is Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops?

This is a new mineral sunscreen that zinc oxide as it primary filter:

  • Clinical-grade 24.5% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide formula
  • Offers high protection
  • Infused with Sheer Mineral Pigments
  • Designed to blends seamlessly blends into the skin
  • Provides an illuminating finish
  • Helps to diffuse imperfections and even out skin tone
  • Includes Ectoin to soothe, hydrate and protect the skin barrier
  • Currently 20% off at LOOKFANTASTIC* and at Sephora* with code REALLYREESPH

Key Ingredients

24.5% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – one of the highest Non-Nano Zinc Oxide levels on the market. Forms a physical barrier on skin to reflect harmful UV rays

Ectoin – soothes and protects skin from damage caused by environmental stressors and adds a boost of hydration

Sheer Mineral Pigments – universal tint that adds radiance and helps to even out skin tone.

How to use it

You need to give this a good shake before applying. The brand suggests using two finger-lengths of product to cover the face and neck. Allow it to absorb into the skin for 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours for full SPF50 protection.

Before and After Photos

before photo - Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
Before
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops applied to skin
After photo

My Review

Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Packaging
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Packaging

I have been testing this for a few days now and have been getting on really well with it.

It has a gel serum texture that I find really pleasing and comfortable on the skin. As you first apply it, it shows a hint of that white cast that many zinc based sunscreens show, however, this quickly blends away and leaves a radiant and very subtly perfected finish on the skin.

Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops texture
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops texture

The texture feels really comfortable on my skin as I blend it in. It has a skincare feel rather than feeling like sun lotion which I really like. It does feel fairly wet and very slightly oily on the skin straight after application, but I find it sinks in really nicely after about 10 minutes and leaves my skin feeling calm and hydrated.

If I am wearing makeup over it, my foundation sits nicely on top of it which is always important because I like to wear makeup most days. The glowy finish of the the Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ is subtly visible under my base products and really helps to amp up the radiance without making things look greasy.

Without makeup, this is a really great option because it does give a good amount of blurring and helps to make my complexion look more perfected. If you want to strip back a bit but still want to wear a bit of makeup, you could get away with a touch of concealer and some bronzer, and still look polished. If you’re oily you may like a touch of powder in the t-zone or any areas that you tend to shine.

I find that the product adheres to the skin really well and this means I like to use an oil cleanser to remove it at the end of the day. My current favourite is the Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil* which makes fast work of all makeup and SPF. I just finished the Black Cherry Cleansing Balm from Elemis (read the review here) which is also a great option for SPF removal.

If you want to check out some alternatives, have a read of Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen Review, which is more a water-like liquidy product, and Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches which is an SPF30 with a slightly more matte finish.

Where to buy it

The Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops is £39 for 50ml and it’s available now via the links below:

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Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub Review

 
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Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub Review

I love a dual action exfoliation product so I was very happy to test out the limited edition Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub. Here’s the lowdown.

What is Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub?

Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub
Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

This is a limited edition version of the Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub:

  • Instantly polishes and retexturises skin
  • Sweet strawberry lemonade slush texture
  • Refreshing formula
  • Works to reduce the look of pores
  • Dual-action scrub physically and chemically exfoliates
  • High-potency AHAs help loosen and lift dead skin cells
  • Lemon peel powder and sugar exfoliants gently sweep away rough skin
  • Holy basil and chamomile help calm and soothe your skin
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Vegan and cruelty free

Key Ingredients

10% AHAs (glycolic & lactic acids) – chemically exfoliates and helps even out texture

Ultra-fine sugar exfoliants & lemon peel extract – physically exfoliate and help to polish skin

Holy basil & chamomile extracts – help soothe and calm skin

How to use it

Apply to wet skin and gently massage in. Leave on for up to 2 minutes before rinsing, or rinse right away. You can use this 2 or 3 times a week, although if you have sensitive skin, or are using other exfoliants or a retinoid product, you may want to use it less.

Also, as it contains AHAs make sure you wear an SPF daily.

My Review

Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub texture
Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub texture

If you like a dual action exfoliator, I think you will like this. It’s fun yet effective and a great quick treatment if you want to make sure your skin is smooth and free from any flaky skin.

If you like fun smells, this does like a real strawberry lemonade. It’s sweet and fresh and the texture is a sugary, softly gritty gel. It offers AHA exfoliation alongside the physical exfoliation which I really like. The acids gently loosen up the dead skin cells, and then the scrubby bits sweep them away.

Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub texture
Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub texture

In my opinion, it’s quite an intense blend of chemical and physical exfoliants, and while that can be amazing for smoothing and brightening, it’s not one to go crazy with.

I use it really gently and don’t leave it on my skin, and it makes my skin soft and smooth immediately. It’s particularly good if your skin is looking a bit dull or feeling congested. I like to concentrate it on the sides of my chin which can get a bit bumpy with congestion from time to time.

I think what’s important to note is I don’t think this should be your everyday scrub. Personally, I think it is quite strong and I’d advise avoiding pairing it with other active ingredients unless you want to risk over-exfoliating. If you’re using things like retinol, vitamin C, or other acids in your routine, just make sure you’re spacing everything out.

Also, make sure you’re super gentle when applying. You don’t need to scrub hard. Let the acids do the work, and just lightly massage it in before rinsing.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a great scrub if you want to prep your skin and make it smoother. It’s a fab option if you’re prepping for a night out or just need that skin pick-me-up. But as I said, don’t go wild with it.

This is a nice formula, it’s smells great and it’s really fun to use but I’d start slow, be mindful of what else you’re using, and always use SPF.

Where to buy it

The Ole Henriksen Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is £29 and available via the link below. Use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off:

If you’re still looking for a product to add in to your skincare routine, read: Best Skincare Products – Complete Guide.

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E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray Review

 
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Skin

3 Apr 2025 (Updated: 2 Apr 2025)

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E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray Review

I use a body moisturiser every day without fail and because, when it comes to body you tend to end up using a lot of product, I am always on the hunt for an affordable hero. I think that the E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray is certainly one of those products. Here’s what you need to know.

What is E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray?

What is E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray?
What is E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray?

This is basically body lotion in the can, and it’s so easy to use:

  • Fast-acting spray moisturiser
  • Designed to provide instant and intense hydration
  • Formula is clinically proven to lock in moisture
  • Delivers long-lasting moisturisation
  • Leaves your skin soft and supple
  • Fast-absorbing and non-greasy texture
  • Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested formula
  • Suitable for dry and sensitive skin, even eczema-prone skin.

How to use it

This is ridiculously easy to use. All you need to do is hold the can approximately 10cm from the skin and spray. Then you just rub it in and you’re done.

My Review

My Review of E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray
My Review of E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray

I love a good hydrating body product and I use one every single day, but I know that lots of people feel like they don’t have time to faff around with it. Also I know that lots of you get put off with heavy products that take ages to sink in before you can get dressed.

The E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray solves all that because it’s such a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to moisturise your body in seconds.

This is such lightweight body lotion so it sinks in really quickly, but it really does pack a punch on the hydration front.

Key Ingredients

I love checking out ingredient lists because they tell you so much about how a product works. It contains Glycerin which is a powerhouse humectant and actually one of my favourite skincare ingredients because it’s so good at drawing in moisture and locking it in.

There’s also Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride which is a lovely lightweight emollient that helps smooth and soften the skin without leaving a greasy feeling.

How Does It Feel?

The spray format is a total game-changer if you can’t be bothered with body moisturiser application. I mean, I can always be bothered but the ease of this brings absolute joy, it really does!

E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray texture
E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray texture

The delivery system gives a fine mist that spreads evenly so you can cover the main areas of your skin in seconds and then just smooth it all in. It feels super lightweight, it sinks in beautifully and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and perfectly hydrated without any stickiness. And there’s no need to wait around before getting dressed which is always a huge win.

E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray smoothed into skin
E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray smoothed into skin

Does It Work?

Absolutely! If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, this is a brilliant everyday hydrator. It’s not heavy or overly rich, but it does really pack a punch when it comes to moisturisation, and the fact that it is even suitable for eczema-prone skin is impressive.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and effective way to keep your skin hydrated, this is a total must-have. The spray format makes it so effortless to apply. It is perfect for busy mornings or post-shower hydration plus it’s super gentle. I feel like I will always need a can of this in my stash, especially as it’s so affordable.

If you are looking for something on the more luxe end of the scale, that addresses skincare concerns like lack of firmness and skin tone, read, Joonbyrd Daydreamer Body Serum and Sunday Sofa Body Butter Review.

Where to buy it

E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion Spray is available from £5.60 (with multi-pack offers available at Amazon) via the links below:

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