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NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash Review

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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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neom great day exfoliating hand wash review 2

NEOM just did a major upgrade to their hand care collection and not only is the product really gorgeous, they are making new strides in sustainability and recycling. Here’s what you need to know about the NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash.

What is NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash?

NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash
NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash
  • Gentle exfoliating handwash featuring 100% natural fragrances
  • Packaged in 100% recyclable bottle designed to be refilled and reused
  • Luxurious formula works to cleanse, soften, and replenish
  • Uses a blend of 7 essential oils, including wild mint and mandarin

Key Ingredients

Olive Stone Exfoliator – promotes smooth-looking skin

Perlite Scrub Particles – volcanic mineral that exfoliates and brightens the skin

Orange Peel – gently exfoliates and is naturally rich in antioxidants

Aloe Vera – to soothe the skin

My Review

I am a big fan of NEOM and I am always partial to an exfoliating handwash as not only do they make skin super smooth, I just think they go a bit further when it comes to actually making sure your hands are clean.

What’s especially nice about the NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash is that the exfoliating beads are super smooth and gentle, so you get a thorough cleanse without feeling that it’s too much.

NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash texture
NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash texture

The Great Day scent is gorgeous. The mint and mandarin combo is really lovely – it fresh and bright and really motivating. The formula is nice and hydrating and doesn’t strip the skin at all, plus it leaves your skin beautifully fragrant.

The matching Hand Lotion is also lovely and is light enough to slap on and then get on with whatever you are doing. It sinks in really quickly, which is important for me because I spend a lot of time on my laptop.

NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash refill
NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash refill

The packaging is excellent. It is fully recyclable, including the actual pump, which is an industry first. Plus you can buy a big refill pouch* which is also recyclable. Brands have been doing refills for a while now, but often the pouch itself can’t be recycled. So this is another major win for NEOM.

And as well as being recyclable, the packaging also looks super chic, and they really are as lovely to look at as they are to use.

Another NEOM favourite of mine is their mini pod. For more info on that read: NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Waterless Essential Oil Diffuser Review.

Where to buy it

The NEOM Great Day Exfoliating Hand Wash is £25 and available now via the links below:

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L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

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L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

I am a big fan of L’Oreal makeup so I was excited to try out the L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick collection, especially as the colour range is so appealing to me. I have all the shades here along with everything you need to know.

What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick?

What is L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick
What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick
  • Pigmented eyeshadow stick
  • Designed to glide on effortlessly and evenly
  • Transfer- and smudge-resistant
  • Available in 10 matte and shimmer shades

How to use it

Apply the shadow stick formula directly onto lid and then blend out with finger or a brush.

L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades & Swatches

There are 10 matte and shimmer shades in the collection:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
  • 100 Ice Sparkle
  • 105 Mesmerizing Gold
  • 115 Twinkly Rose
  • 118 Cloudy Rose
  • 120 Magnetic Mauve
  • 230 Magnetic Bronze
  • 240 Brown Abyss
  • 245 Alluring Rose
  • 430 Metallic Bronze
  • 440 Foiled Copper

Here are the swatches:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches
L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches

My Review of L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Foiled Copper
Foiled Copper

Le Shadow Stick is a creamy eyeshadow crayon which has been designed to be super easy to use and nice and long lasting. I have been trying out a couple of the shades and have been pretty impressed.

First Impressions:

The packaging is sleek and practical, making it really easy to chuck in your makeup bag. It has a twist-up mechanism and you simply draw on the colour and then blend out.

Application and Texture:

The shadow sticks have a lovely creamy texture and the colour glides onto the skin effortlessly. You get a bit of play time to move and blend out the product before it sets down, although the sooner you blend, the easier it is to do.

The sticks use a water-based gel formula and it feels nice and cooling as you apply it which I really like. There’s a bit of glycerin in there, so that should help to keep the skin lightly hydrated.

If you are looking for a formula for eyelids with more skincare, check out my REESON Beauty Lid Elixir* or the ILIA shadow sticks (review and swatches here).

Performance and Longevity:

I have been really impressed with the staying power of Le Shadow Stick. The colours stay true throughout the day and there’s very minimal movement or creasing, even without primer and on my fairly oily lids.

Shade Range:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Magnetic Mauve
Magnetic Mauve

I really love the shade range and there isn’t a single colour I wouldn’t use. I think they are all so pretty! The ones I have tried so far are Magnetic Mauve and Foiled Copper and I love them both. Foiled Copper is excellent for a bit more of statement.

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Foiled Copper
Foiled Copper

Some of the shades are more pigmented than others, as you will see from the swatches above. Choose shades like Ice Rose and Mezmerizing Gold if you prefer a sheerer finish.

Where to buy it

The L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadows are £9.99 each and available now via the links below:

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

It has been a while since I’ve featured anything from bareMinerals but I have been enjoying the bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20 as a nice full coverage option. Here’s what you need to know.

What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Matte Liquid Foundation?

What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20
What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20

This a long-wearing formula that uses skin-mimicking pigments and promises a natural matte finish:

  • Full coverage, natural-looking finish
  • All day long wear formula
  • Infused with pomegranate extract to nourish and strengthen the skin
  • Broad-spectrum UV protection – mineral SPF 20
  • Available in 40 shades

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Shades

There are 40 shades in the collection:

  • Fair 05 Cool​ (For very fair cool skin with a pink hue)
  • Fair 10 Neutral​ (For very fair neutral skin with a peach hue)
  • Fair 10 Warm​ (For very fair warm skin with a yellow hue)
  • Fair 12 Cool ​(For fair cool skin with a pink hue)
  • Fair 15 Cool​ (For fair cool skin with a subtle pink hue)
  • Fair 15 Neutral ​(For fair neutral skin with a subtle pink hue)
  • Fair 17 Neutral​ (For fair neutral skin with a subtle yellow hue)
  • Fair 15 Warm​ (For fair warm skin with a yellow hue)
  • Light 21 Cool​ (For light cool skin with a pink hue)
  • Light 21 Neutral​ (For light neutral skin with a subtle pink hue)
  • Light 20 Warm​ (For light warm skin with a yellow hue)
  • Light 21 Warm​ (For light warm skin with a peach hue)
  • Light 22 Warm​ (For light warm skin with a rosy hue)
  • Light 25 Cool​ (For light cool skin with a pink hue)
  • Light 26 Cool​ (For light cool skin with a peach hue)
  • Light 27 Cool​ (For light cool skin with a yellow hue)
  • Light 28 Neutral​ (For light neutral skin with a pink hue)
  • Light 27 Neutral​ (For light neutral skin with a subtle yellow hue)
  • Medium 30 Cool​ (For medium cool skin with a pink hue)
  • Medium 32 Cool​ (For medium cool skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium 30 Neutral​ (For medium neutral skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium 30 Warm​ (For medium warm skin with a yellow hue)
  • Medium 35 Neutral​ (For medium neutral skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium 37 Warm​ (For medium warm skin with a golden hue)
  • Medium 35 Warm​ (For medium warm skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium Deep 40 Neutral​ (For medium deep neutral skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium Deep 43 Neutral​ (For medium deep neutral skin with a peach hue)
  • Medium Deep 40 Warm​ (For medium deep warm skin with a golden hue)
  • Medium Deep 46 Cool​ (For medium deep cool skin with a rosy hue)
  • Medium Deep 45 Neutral​ (For medium rich neutral skin with a golden hue)
  • Medium Deep 46 Neutral​ (For medium rich neutral skin with a yellow hue)
  • Medium Deep 46 Warm​ (For medium deep rich warm skin with a golden hue)
  • Deep 50 Neutral​ (For deep neutral skin with a subtle golden hue)
  • Deep 51 Neutral​ (For deep neutral skin with a subtle rosy hue)
  • Deep 51 Warm​ (For deep warm skin with a golden hue)
  • Deep 56 Cool​ (For deep cool skin with a red hue)
  • Deep 57 Neutral​ (For very deep neutral skin with a subtle golden hue)
  • Deep 55 Warm​ (For very deep warm skin with a golden hue)
  • Deep 61 Cool​ (For extra deep cool skin with a red hue)
  • Deep 65 Neutral​ (For extra deep neutral skin with a subtle red hue)

Swatches

I have two shades to show you, Light 20 Warm, Light 21 Neutral:

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ in Light 20 Warm and Light 21 Neutral
bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ in Light 20 Warm and Light 21 Neutral

Before & After Photos

The shade I chose was Light 20 Warm:

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20 Review
Before Photo
bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ in shade Light 20 Warm applied
bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ in shade Light 20 Warm applied
My Review of ibareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​
My Review of bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​

First of all, I should say that this is a formula upgrade of an existing foundation – bareMinerals BarePRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation. Check out the linked review to see the previous formula. I should note though, I reviewed that foundation such a long time ago that I can really remember much about it.

Here’s an image from bareMinerals that demonstrates the changes in formula:

bareminerals barepro 24hr liquid foundation review 4

Now I have to say, I am much more of a dewy finish foundation girl, as you will know if you read here a lot. However, I think a foundation like this certainly has its place in my portfolio.

It delivers a very flawless and perfected finish, and you can get it to glow with what you use underneath and on top of it. The photo of it above is with the rest of my makeup applied.

I prepped my skin with the KOSAS DreamBeam (review and swatches here) and then used my Bronzing Balm, Highlighter Duo and Blush from REESON Beauty*.

I found that the finish was so flattering when worn like this. It stayed in place all day, and nothing moved or settled into pores or lines. I think this will be a really good one to choose for summer if you are worried about your makeup sliding all over your face.

In terms of how it compares to other mattes I have tried recently, I think it is more matte, and a tad fuller coverage than the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation that I really love.

I find that I can get more glow out of the ABH with less work, and it looks slightly more natural and less ‘completely perfect’ than this bareMinerals matte foundation. I think it will really depend on the look you are going for.

I think I’ll be reserving this bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ for when the summer is in full swing.

Where to buy it

The bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ is £37.50 and available via the links below. If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off:

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

I have been testing out the Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and I have both shades here to show you. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Kosas DreamBeam?

What is Kosas DreamBeam?
What is Kosas DreamBeam?
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that helps to defend the skin against the signs of ageing
  • Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic
  • Uses mineral non-nano zinc oxide to provide a physical barrier to protect skin against the sun’s rays
  • Also contains hyaluronic acid, allantoin, peptides and ceramides to hydrate, plump, soothe and smooth
  • Can be used alone or as a base for makeup
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
  • Available in 2 shades

Key Ingredients

Mineral SPF 30 – protects with 21.7% non-nano zinc

Peptides – to plump, smooth and firm

Ceramides – to improve skin suppleness

Sodium Hyaluronate – to hydrates and help lock in moisture

Allantoin – to soothe and condition

If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

There are two shades available in this new SPF from Kosas:

  • Original (OG) – radiant finish (existing shade outside of the UK)
  • Sunlit – Golden Glow (new shade)

Here are the swatches:

Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Texture
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Texture
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches (blended)

Before & After Photos

Kosas DreamBeam Orginal & Sunlit
Before

Here’s a photo with the Original shade applied:

Kosas DreamBeam Original applied
Kosas DreamBeam Original applied

And here’s a photo with Sunlit applied:

Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit applied
Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit applied

The finish looks quite shiny in the swatch photos, but it does dry down to more of a matte finish.

My Review

My review of Kosas DreamBeam
My review of Kosas DreamBeam

If there’s one skincare step I refuse to skip, it’s sunscreen, but let’s be honest, finding one that feels good is no easy feat. I was super excited to try the Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 because I love the brand and I really enjoy their take on skin.

I really appreciate the fact that this is as much a skincare product as it is a sunscreen, and I have been enjoying both shades.

First Impressions – The Texture & Application

It has a lovely lightweight whipped cream-gel texture that feels more like a moisturiser than a typical SPF. It glides onto the skin smoothly and the tints in both shades are great at neutralising any white cast from the Zinc Oxide.

It layers really nicely under makeup. I tested it under the bareMinerals Barepro 24H Liquid Foundation* and they worked really well together. It acts as a primer and my makeup held well and didn’t settles in my lines or pores.

It doesn’t feel heavy, and there’s no greasy sensation as the day goes on. It doesn’t get overly dewy and stays comfortable although I think if you had dry skin, it may not feel nourishing enough on its own. Be sure to prep your skin accordingly with a richer moisturiser.

I’d say it is more on that matte side than the new launch from Ultra Violette, which also has a higher SPF of 50. For more info on that, read: Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen Review. It launches in the UK soon. If you’re oily, you may prefer this Kosas one.

On my light skin tone, the Original peachy tint blended seamlessly and the Sunlit tint is fab if I want more of a bronzy glow. It’s a fab product. If you hate the feel of traditional sunscreen, this is one of those mineral SPFs that actually feels a bit more like skincare.

Where to buy it

Kosas Dreambeam SPF30 is £36 and available now via the links below. If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off:

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HaruHaru BlackRice Moisture Airyfit SPF50

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hey hey wonderful people! I hope all is well.

Carrying on with my slew of HaruHaru reviews, today I will be speaking about the Moisture Airyfit SPF50! PA++++ that I recieved.

Experience

I’ve been using this SPF for the last month every morning and I’m almost out of it. It doesn’t have a strong chemical SPF scent and I have experienced no irritation with it. I really like the pump tubing and had no issues with the packaging! It became a little bit harder to pump out as I was nearing the end but I don’t think that’s unique to this product

This SPF is a lightweight lotion and delievers the non greasy velvet finish it promises. This is a semi matte finish, its not extremely matte that my face feels dry and uncomfortable throughout the day, but its not the dewy finish I tend to go for. Still I very much like the finish of it. It wears very well under makeup and does not pill when layered underneath primers ( I like to double prime).

Is invisible on dark skin? YES! this SPF goes on very easily, blends around the hairline like a dream and leaves 0 cast on my skin! I’m in love with it! It doesn’t sting my eyes either so I can use this right under them!

The SPF offers high broad spectrum protection with a high PA rating. This indicates high protection from UVA which is responsible for causing the skin to turn brown. if you have hyperpigmentation like myself, you always want to make sure your SPF has a high PA rating like this one. Its the UVA rays that causes the hyperpigmentation to darken in the sun.

Verdict

I’m very happy with this SPF and I’m glad I found another k beauty one I like! I tend to love dewy SPFs so I wasn’t sure how I would get on with the velvet finish of this product but I love it! I think its because its not too drying on the skin. This would be amazing in the summer and I will be repurchasing then. Absolutely love how easy it blends around the hairline and how well it layers with under products! No eye stinging is a huge bonus too! Definitely in my top 5 products from the brand!

Do you have a fav K beauty SPF? drop your suggestions and i will be on the hunt for them!

catch you later!