
Red tones can change the overall look of brown hair, making your hair color look warmer, brighter or less balanced than you’d want. The red tones can develop gradually over…

Red tones can change the overall look of brown hair, making your hair color look warmer, brighter or less balanced than you’d want. The red tones can develop gradually over…

To get a healthy lawn, it isn’t just one thing you need to do, but a series of consistent habits to support stronger growth over time. The way you water,…
26 Mar 2026 (Updated: 27 Mar 2026)

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Priced at
Use code REALLYREESPH to get 15% off at Sephora UK

If you’re looking for a brightening treatment that’s easy, effective and genuinely enjoyable to use, I have to talk to you about the Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads. These have quickly become one of those products I really look forward to using. Here’s what you need to know.
Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off
Get 30% off Living Proof with this exclusive discount code – includes the new Style Refresh Mist.

The Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads are pre-soaked treatment pads designed to target dullness, uneven skin tone and dark spots. They sit somewhere between a toner pad and a sheet mask. You apply them directly onto the skin, leave them on for around 20 minutes, and let the ingredients get to work.
They’re perfect if you want visible results without adding complicated steps into your routine.

The formula is all about brightening and hydration:
A multitasking ingredient that:
This is key for pigmentation:
They are also packed with hydrating components that:

The first thing I noticed about these pads is just how wet they are. They are absolutely drenched in serum, not just lightly soaked, and it makes such a difference to the overall experience.

The pads are soft, flexible and sit really well on the skin.
Which, for me, is exactly what you want from this kind of treatment.
This is where the Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads really stand out. They stay wet for the entire 20-minute treatment time. No drying out, no peeling off, just continuous hydration.
They feel really cooling, refreshing and instantly plumping and it’s such a lovely, low-effort way to give your skin a boost.
One of the best things about them is what happens after the 20 minutes. They are still soaked enough to swipe across the entire face and spread all the leftover serum to add an extra layer of hydration.
It honestly feels like you’re getting more product, which makes them even better value.

After using the pads, my skin looks fresher and much more hydrated, and with continued use, they should help with:
They’re gentle enough for daily use, but I personally love using them a couple of times a week as a proper treatment.
You can use them daily or 2 or 3 times a week as a treatment.
You can shop the them via the following links and they’re even better value if you use my Sephora discount code: REALLYREESPH to get 15% off.
If you’re using the Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads for glow and hydration, I highly recommend pairing them with the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum*.
I featured this in my Best Serums for 2026 post because it’s such a gorgeous yet affordable serum that’s intensely hydrating. It is perfect layered after the Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads.
Yes, they are designed to be gentle, but if you’re sensitive, start with a couple of uses per week.
You can use them daily, although they also work beautifully as a weekly treatment.
Yes, the combination of niacinamide and TXA is specifically designed to target pigmentation and uneven tone.
The Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads can act as a toner-treatment hybrid, depending on how you use them.
Absolutely. Because the pads are so saturated, you get a lot of product in every use and they are very reasonably priced, especially if you use my Sephora discount code REALLYREESPH for 15% off here*.
Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off
Get 30% off Living Proof with this exclusive discount code – includes the new Style Refresh Mist.
The Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads are one of those products that combine results with a really satisfying user experience. From the serum-drenched pads to the plumping, refreshing finish, everything about them feels considered and effective.
If you want brighter, more even-looking skin with minimal effort, I think the Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads are definitely worth adding to your routine.
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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
I’ve been so excited to write this review on the brand Glossier You Soie since I got my bottle at the Space NK fragrance event last week. It is the new addition to the Glossier You family, and I think it’s exactly what fans of the original have been hoping for – soft, cosy, sexy, and effortless scent for everyday. It has all the easy, skin-like vibes of Glossier You, but with a sun-kissed, warm, slightly indulgent twist. Here’s everything you need to know!
Find out how to get 20% off almost everything at Space NK.

Glossier You Soie is described as a modern, wearable fragrance that’s subtle, personal, and a little more sensual than the original. At first spritz, it’s softly salty and clean, but it develops a creamy, cocoa butter-y warmth that makes it feel like sunlight on the skin.
The promo pictures show sandy beaches and a bright blue bottle, and while it’s not a literal “beach scent,” it does have this luminous, solar, slightly lactonic white floral vibe that feels light, bright, and happy.
TOP NOTES – Bergamot
HEART NOTES – Rice Milk, Tiare Water, Evening Jasmine
BASE NOTES – Ambrox

The very first spritz of Glossier You Soie is fresh and softly citrusy but not for long at all. It seems to move quickly to the heart. It immediately feels approachable, like a fragrance you don’t have to think twice about, cosy and comfortable,
It quickly starts to evolve. The heart has a creamy, cocoa butter-y vibe, with a touch of white florals and a subtle hint of saltiness that adds a sun-kissed edge. It’s not a literal beach fragrance, but the saltiness gives it a light, luminous quality that feels warm and radiant. That is exactly what I was hoping for given the blue bottle and sandy promo imagery.
What I love is that this fragrance doesn’t try too hard. It hugs your skin in the best way, soft, cosy, slightly sexy, making it perfect for daytime wear or a casual evening out. True to the original You, it doesn’t say hello before you do – it’s more of little something that follows you around, leaving a natural, comforting trace.
Projection is subtle, which is perfect if you like fragrances that feel skin-like but noticeable. Longevity is solid, lasting a good few hours without fading into nothing.
The evolution is what makes it interesting. On first spray, you notice delicious musk that melts into creamy rice milk. There’s also a soft, salty nuance that adds a sun-kissed lift and makes the fragrance feel more summery and radiant. A touch of jasmine ties it all together, keeping it soft, intimate, and wearable.
If you want something subtle but undeniably pretty, this is for you. Honestly, I think this is going to go down really well with fans of wearable, skin-like fragrances that are still a little indulgent.
Overall, Glossier You Soie is everything I wanted from a new Glossier fragrance. I genuinely love this one. It is simple but indulgent, soft without being boring, easy to wear but still interesting. It is warmer, more sun-kissed, and flirtier than the original You, and I love that. Could it be a modern classic in the making? I definitely think it is going to be a huge hit.
Soie takes the signature skin-like warmth of Glossier You and adds a sun-kissed twist. The original is bright, clean, and subtle, while Soie adds creamy, lactonic notes and gentle musk, making it slightly warmer, softer, and more indulgent.

The bottle for Glossier You Soie is a beautiful, deep blue, which might surprise some people who were expecting a “beachy” vibe. This is the deep blue sea. Think walking on the beach just after sunset, when the sky turns deep blue and the sand still holds the warmth of the day.
Available in standard Glossier You sizes. It is £70m for 50ml and £32 for 8ml. Prices vary depending on region, but it sits in the premium yet accessible range for modern luxury fragrances.
Glossier You Soie launches 26th March 2026. Shop via the links below:
Glossier You Soie is set to launch on March 26th, 2026. It will be available online at Glossier UK* and Space NK here*.
It starts fresh and citrusy, develops creamy, cocoa butter-y notes with white florals, and dries down to soft musk and woods. Soft, cosy, and slightly sexy.
Longevity is solid. You can expect several hours of wear, with subtle projection that feels natural and skin-like.
Soie is warmer, creamier, and more sun-kissed than the original. It has a subtle lactonic milkiness and a slightly more sensual vibe.
Perfect for everyday wear, spring and summer days, casual evenings, or whenever you want a soft, skin-like fragrance with a sun-kissed glow.
The deep blue bottle was chosen for its visual mood and vibe, not to match a literal beach scent. It evokes evening skies, calm, and subtle sophistication, complementing the warm, creamy, skin-like fragrance inside.
You can buy it online at Glossier UK or check selected stockists worldwide. Always check official Glossier channels for restocks. Currently – available online at Glossier UK* and Space NK here*.
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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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REALLYREESPH

If you love bold, playful makeup with serious sparkle, the arrival of Half Magic Beauty in the UK is very good news. The brand has officially landed at Sephora UK, and it’s an exclusive launch worth getting excited about.
Known for its high-impact glitter, duo chrome finishes and unapologetically fun aesthetic, Half Magic sits firmly in the “makeup as self-expression” category. Think festival energy, party glam, and a little bit of chaos, in the best way.
I’ve been playing with a selection of products, so here’s everything you need to know, including my honest thoughts, swatches, and what I’d actually recommend buying.
Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off

Half Magic Beauty was co-founded by Donni Davy, the Emmy-winning makeup artist behind the hit HBO series Euphoria (which I am ashamed to say, I have never seen!). I think maybe I’ll put it on my list.
However, if you’ve ever saved a makeup look from Euphoria, chances are it was her work that was all about taking makeup a more expressive, artistic space.
Half Magic was born directly from that movement. In fact, the brand was created off the back of the global beauty phenomenon sparked by Euphoria and its fans.
The name “Half Magic” refers to the idea that the products are only part of the story, the other half is you.
This is not a “no-makeup makeup” brand.
Half Magic is all about:
It sits firmly in that party / festival / creative makeup space and with formulas that are designed to be usable and not intimidating.
I’ve tried a mix of eye, lip and glitter products. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
This is such a standout if you love sparkle. The texture is what really surprised me. It has an almost wet-feel finish rather than a chunky glitter, which makes it much easier to apply and wear. It gives that glossy, editorial sparkle without feeling gritty.

The shade Glimmer Pop* is gorgeous and catches the light beautifully. I think this will look amazing on the eyes for nights out or parties. I haven’t tried this yet as I have just started wearing contact lenses and I am just being a bit cautious with anything that I don’t usually use around the eyes.

This shade instantly gave me nostalgia. It really reminds me of MAC Club, which was actually my first ever MAC eyeshadow.


Blushing Lizard* has that same duo chrome shift, but I’d say it’s slightly softer and more wearable. It’s easier to throw on for everyday looks while still giving that multi-dimensional finish.

It’s one of those shades that looks like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have.
This is a really fun product if you like experimenting. It works as both a liner and an eye paint, and the finish is super sparkly and reflective. Perfect for adding a pop of sparkle either as a graphic liner or layered over shadow.

Definitely more of a creative/occasion product than everyday, but that’s kind of the whole point of the brand.

If you like a glitter gloss, this is a nice comfortable formula. The glitter is fine and flattering rather than overwhelming.

That said, the shade Y2K Cherub is a little too pale for me personally. I think it would work better either layered over a deeper lip liner or on lighter lip tones.

This is my favourite product from everything I tried.

The Ur My Taupe* side is perfect for contouring the lips. It adds definition while still looking natural. It blends beautifully and is really easy to work with.

I’ve been wearing it with my REESON Glossing Balm in Dewy Rose, and it gives such a full, volumised lip look. I am wearing that combo in this video:
The formula is long-lasting and glides on really smoothly.
The only downside for me is that Badassery Parade is too dark for how I like to wear lip liner, so I won’t get much use out of that side.

However, the duo in Emo Rose / Prancing Queen* looks much more up my street. Glad to have this one though for Ur My Taupe and the stylo has gone straight in my makeup bag. Maybe I can use the other end on my eyes?
If you love sparkle, shine and playful makeup, this brand is a lot of fun. It’s not about everyday minimal makeup, It’s about experimenting, going out, and embracing a more bold, glittery aesthetic.
Overall, this is a really fun, expressive collection that feels perfect for parties, nights out, and anyone who loves a bit of sparkle. There are some genuinely lovely formulas here, especially the lip liner, and even the more experimental products feel wearable with a little creativity.
If you’ve been waiting for something a bit different to land in the UK beauty space, this is definitely one to check out.
Half Magic Beauty is available exclusively at Sephora UK. Don’t forget: Use code REALLYREESPH for 15% off