Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review

Skin

26 Mar 2026 (Updated: 27 Mar 2026)

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Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review

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.

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Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off

Living Proof Discount Code March 2026 – 30% Off Friends & Family Sale

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What Are Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads?

What are Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads?
What are Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads?

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.

Key Ingredients

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads
Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads

The formula is all about brightening and hydration:

Niacinamide (5%)

A multitasking ingredient that:

  • Brightens the complexion
  • Improves uneven skin tone
  • Helps refine the look of pores
  • Supports the skin barrier

Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

This is key for pigmentation:

  • Targets dark spots and post-acne marks
  • Helps reduce redness and discolouration
  • Promotes a more even skin tone over time

Hydrating Ingredients

They are also packed with hydrating components that:

  • Keep skin plump
  • Lock in moisture
  • Leave a fresh, dewy finish

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads packaging
Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads packaging

First Impressions

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.

Texture & Fit

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review
Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review

The pads are soft, flexible and sit really well on the skin.

  • They stay in place easily
  • They don’t slide around
  • You can genuinely forget you’re wearing them

Which, for me, is exactly what you want from this kind of treatment.

The 20-Minute 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.

My Favourite Way to Use Them

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.

Results

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review
Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads Review

After using the pads, my skin looks fresher and much more hydrated, and with continued use, they should help with:

  • Brightening dullness
  • Improving skin clarity
  • Softening the look of pigmentation

They’re gentle enough for daily use, but I personally love using them a couple of times a week as a proper treatment.

How to Use Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads

  • Apply the pads to clean skin
  • Leave on for around 20 minutes
  • Remove and swipe remaining serum over your face
  • Follow with serum and or moisturiser

You can use them daily or 2 or 3 times a week as a treatment.

Where to Buy Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads

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.

What to Pair with Them

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.

FAQ: Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads

Are Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, they are designed to be gentle, but if you’re sensitive, start with a couple of uses per week.

Can I use Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads every day?

You can use them daily, although they also work beautifully as a weekly treatment.

Do they with dark spots?

Yes, the combination of niacinamide and TXA is specifically designed to target pigmentation and uneven tone.

Do they replace toner?

The Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads can act as a toner-treatment hybrid, depending on how you use them.

Are Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads good value?

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*.

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off

Living Proof Discount Code March 2026 – 30% Off Friends & Family Sale

Get 30% off Living Proof with this exclusive discount code – includes the new Style Refresh Mist.

Final Thoughts

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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Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum Review – A New You for 2026

Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum Review – A New You for 2026

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Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum Review - A New You for 2026

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!

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What is Glossier You Soie?

What is Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum?
What is Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum?

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.

The Notes

TOP NOTES – Bergamot

HEART NOTES – Rice Milk, Tiare Water, Evening Jasmine

BASE NOTES – Ambrox

My Review of Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum
My Review of Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum

First Impressions

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.

How It Wears

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.

My Overall Thoughts

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.

Comparison With Original Glossier You

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.

Packaging & Bottle Design

Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum Bottle
Glossier You Soie Eau de Parfum Bottle

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.

Price & Sizes

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.

Release Date & Availability

Glossier You Soie launches 26th March 2026. Shop via the links below:

Glossier You Soie FAQ

When will Glossier You Soie be released?

Glossier You Soie is set to launch on March 26th, 2026. It will be available online at Glossier UK* and Space NK here*.

What does Glossier You Soie smell like?

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.

How long does Glossier You Soie last?

Longevity is solid. You can expect several hours of wear, with subtle projection that feels natural and skin-like.

How is Glossier You Soie different from the original Glossier You?

Soie is warmer, creamier, and more sun-kissed than the original. It has a subtle lactonic milkiness and a slightly more sensual vibe.

What occasions is Glossier You Soie best for?

Perfect for everyday wear, spring and summer days, casual evenings, or whenever you want a soft, skin-like fragrance with a sun-kissed glow.

Why is the Glossier You Soie bottle blue?

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.

Where can I buy Glossier You Soie?

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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Half Magic Beauty UK Launch at Sephora: Review, Swatches & Must-Have Picks

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Get 15% off with code

REALLYREESPH

Half Magic Beauty UK Launch at Sephora: Review, Swatches & Must-Have Picks

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.

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off

What is Half Magic Beauty? (And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?)

Half Magic Beauty UK Launch at Sephora: Review, Swatches & Must-Have Picks
Half Magic Beauty UK Launch at Sephora

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.

The Vibe: Playful, Sparkly, Slightly Chaotic (In a Good Way)

This is not a “no-makeup makeup” brand.

Half Magic is all about:

  • Glitter, shimmer and multidimensional finishes
  • Bold colour and duochrome textures
  • Experimental, expressive looks

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:

Glitterpuck Pressed Glitter (Shade: Glimmer Pop)*

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitterpuck in Glimmer Pill
Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitterpuck in Glimmer Pill

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitterpuck in Glimmer Pill Swatch
Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitterpuck in Glimmer Pill Swatch

Eyeshadow Single (Shade: Blushing Lizard)*

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

Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard
Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard
Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard
Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard Swatch
Half Magic Beauty UK: Single Eyeshadow in Blushing Lizard Swatch

It’s one of those shades that looks like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have.

Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner (Shade: Microcosm)

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitter Pill in Microcosm
Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitter Pill in Microcosm

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

Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitter Pill in Microcosm Swatch
Half Magic Beauty UK: Glitter Pill in Microcosm Swatch

Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss (Shade: Y2K Cherub)

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

Half Magic Beauty UK: Magic Drip Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub
Half Magic Beauty UK: Magic Drip Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Magic Drip Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub Swatch
Half Magic Beauty UK: Magic Drip Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub Swatch

Sculptitude Dual-Ended Lip Liner (Shade: Ur My Taupe / Badassery Parade)

This is my favourite product from everything I tried.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe / Badassery Parade
Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe / Badassery Parade

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe
Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe

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.

Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe / Badassery Parade Swatches
Half Magic Beauty UK: Sculptitude Lipliner in Ur My Taupe / Badassery Parade Swatches

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?

Is Half Magic Beauty Worth It?

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.

My Top Picks:

  • Sculptitude Lip Liner (especially for lip contouring)
  • Glitterpuck Pressed Glitter in Glimmer Pop
  • Eyeshadow Single in Blushing Lizard

Final Thoughts

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.

Where to Buy Half Magic Beauty in the UK

Half Magic Beauty is available exclusively at Sephora UK. Don’t forget: Use code REALLYREESPH for 15% off