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The Skincare and Beauty Edit

Smiling Face with Hearts emoji 49 items
Calling anyone wanting to find the best skincare products to stave off the aging process. It's not about growing old gracefully, it's about maintaining your youth!
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Let's Face It

Here you'll find a list of skincare products specifically for the face that will have you wearing a healthy glow whatever the weather.

 
Papergirl profile picture
Words can't define the magic that is Elemis Cleansing Balm. This hydrating formula comes in a 100g screw top pot and is the gift that just keep son giving. Use in 1 of 3 ways… i) after a night out on the town and a face full of makeup, all you want t...
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 100g
 
Papergirl profile picture
Don't know what you want. Leave it to Glossy Box to handpick the finest items. I absolutely love this beauty box subscription service. Firstly, it is one of the cheapest on the market, so you're definitely getting value for money. For £13.50 per mont...
GLOSSYBOX: Best Value for Money Monthly Beauty Box Subscription
 
Papergirl profile picture
I adore this own brand collection of skincare products that actually makes skincare affordable for everyone. I was a bit sceptical when I read an advert telling me how I neededthis cream in my life, but it wasn't kidding. This potion will last a mont...
Boots Collagen Day Cream SPF30 50ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
Magic in a stick format. This stick is fast acting and goes on clear so it's a handy little number to keep with you on the go. Attack any blemish with a quick wipe, no need to rub in or do anything further. What makes it such a winner is not only doe...
Witch Stick 10G
 
Papergirl profile picture
I cannot stress enough how much you need this product. When you first go to apply it, it's like dipping your fingers in jelly. A quick rub between your palms and you're good to go. The product goes on wet and the glow is immediate. It's such a bizarr...
Hydra Veil Moisturising Primer
 
Papergirl profile picture
You can't really go wrong at this price. I like these pads because they are cheap and cheerful. I tend to use them more of a night time than during the day because they do feel like they are carrying out a resurface treatment and there can be a sligh...
Banish Spots with Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Resurfacing Pads
 
Papergirl profile picture
This is a beauty box subscription with a difference. Unlike others I have guided you towards, this box asks for a monthly payment. You have the choice to bank this until you have enough to buy something you have your eye on, or you can spend it on so...
The Beauty Drop - The Beauty Subscription Box with a Difference
 
Papergirl profile picture
I've had my IPL for almost four years now and have lost count how many times I have recommended it. As I get older, I notice that I get the odd chin hair and it infuriates me no end. Then without warning, I'm there with the tweezers trying to dig it ...
DIY Hair Removal with Philips Lumea IPL Advanced
 
Papergirl profile picture
Wow, wow, wow! I received this set in a bumper beauty pack on the eve of my wedding. Amazeballs! Hands down, one of the thickest, slimiest face masks I have ever used. They have not scrimped on product. The mask is so well lubricated that it was easy...
SEPHORA COLLECTION Coconut Mania Face & Body Mask Set
 
Papergirl profile picture
I am a real fan of the Boots Collagen range, and if it wasn't a cheap price already, I get additional money off with my advantage card and student discount. Win!

So, I use the day cream…in fact, I use the whole range, but I digress. This serum is a great addition to your daily skincare regime. You only need a couple of pumps, (which I team with hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to retain moisture). It goe...
Boots Collagen Serum 30ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
I'm still raving about boots, because this is a perfect go-to when money is tight and you want the same for your eyes. 

You literally want a small slither of cream to rub gently over the entire eye area to help soften those fine lines, or ward them away entirely. The white cream does need to be rubbed in until it absorbs but because you should be using the serum spari...
Boots Collagen Eye Serum 15ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
I love this mask. I can't even begin to do it justice.

A couple of years ago, I sent away for one of those silicone LED masks. It had very few and far between lights and despite claiming to cover my whole face, it missed my forehead. The eyes were in the wrong place. Needless to say, I sent it back and s...

Now this is considerably different to wear in comparison to the silicone masks. It is denser and takes a hot minute to get used to. it can feel claustrophobic in the beginning because it is pushed up against your face, but at least all the holes are ...

The trailer makes it seem as though you can walk around wearing the mask, but it is extremely difficult to navigate your surroundings owing to the eye protection. this aside, I love the number of modes. I tend to use the red for boosting collagen, or...

The mask has programs for younger skin, tackling inflammation or acne, firming, combined younger skin and inflammation, and a couple of others that I forget off the top of my head. it turns off automatically, so no chance of overdoing it because you ...

I'm extremely pleased with my purchase.
Cleolight™ LED Mask
 
Papergirl profile picture
This is new to the range that I already love. At the time of posting, I have been using this nightly for just over a week and I am loving it.

I usually apply some retinol to encourage skin cell turnover, then apply this mask somewhat liberally. I top it off with a night cream.

Mornings are a joy. You wake up with a face that feels soft and hydrated, and the feeling continues if you rinse off with something like the elemis cleansing balm followed by a foaming face wash for a double cleansing routine. It's a nice, budget fri...
Boots Collagen Sleep Mask 50ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
I'm cheeky. 

I pass Boots twice weekly and they have testers for this on display. I always pop some on when I am walking through. I like this eye cream. It does give eyes an instant lift and brightness. However, I do find that it makes my eyes glassy for an hour ...
Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream | Skin Care | L'Oréal Paris
 
Papergirl profile picture
This balm is a great dupe for the Elemis Cleansing Balm if you are on a tight budget. It is a little grainier going on and needs to be worked in a little more than the Elemis Balm, but on the whole, it does the same job at a slightly slower rate. All...

It only comes in the one scent, but it's pleasant enough and after rinsing off, skin feels smoother and moisturised.
Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm 100g
 
Papergirl profile picture
I first received a sample of this in a beauty box. I had seen it in the stores but the plain packaging had put me off. Shame on me!

I find this cream to be a silky consistency and highly hydrating. It does have a slight weight to it going on, but it's a long lasting cream that doesn't require topping up during the day. And you know it's good when you skip your night routine and s...
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Masque 100g
 
Papergirl profile picture
I was sceptical about these stars at first. I thought they were just a fashion trend with no real purpose used by youngsters wanting to stand out.

Aside from the outrageous colour, these stars are really helpful for reducing the size and appearance of spots. I also like that they protect the spot (particularly if you decided to pop it first) clean and free from and further infection. They are g...

If you haven't used the stars before, this handy pack comes with a mirror.
Starface Hydro-Stars Spot Stickers Kit
 
Papergirl profile picture
I have recommended the starter pack, but want to give you the option of a cheaper pack that comes without the box and mirror.

Aside from the outrageous colours, these stars are really helpful for reducing the size and appearance of spots. I also like that they protect the spot (particularly if you decided to pop it first) clean and free from and further infection. They are ...
Starface Hydro-Star Play Pack Pimple Patches
 
Papergirl profile picture
This is a product that belongs in everyone's skin care routine. I use a few drops of this with some hyaluronic acid (HA). The purpose of this product is to draw moisture from the atmosphere to give you moist skin. in turn, it reduces fine lines and w...

The product goes a long way because you only need a few drops. Use any excess on your neck, upper chest and hands.
Skincyclopedia Face Serum with 3% Polyglutamic Acid 30ml

Beauty Subscriptions/Clubs

Find out which box or club is best for you when you want a service that will give you a little of everything whilst you are still seeking the right brands for you

 
Papergirl profile picture
Don't know what you want. Leave it to Glossy Box to handpick the finest items. I absolutely love this beauty box subscription service. Firstly, it is one of the cheapest on the market, so you're definitely getting value for money. For £13.50 per mont...
GLOSSYBOX: Best Value for Money Monthly Beauty Box Subscription
 
Papergirl profile picture
I'm not gonna lie. Birchbox had a shady few months between Sept 22 and May 23, but the monthly subscription box is back with a vengeance. I love this box because it is literally skincare products as opposed to other boxes that also do makeup. Usually...
Birchbox - The Beauty Box
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Papergirl profile picture
This is a beauty box subscription with a difference. Unlike others I have guided you towards, this box asks for a monthly payment. You have the choice to bank this until you have enough to buy something you have your eye on, or you can spend it on so...
The Beauty Drop - The Beauty Subscription Box with a Difference
 
Papergirl profile picture
Ok, so look, this is a pretty pricey subscription service compared to the others. Why? Because it combines big brands with a host of smaller indie brands. 

And that's not all. The biggest draw of this box is that the items are all vegan friendly and ethically sourced. This is a box for the girl about town that has cash burning a hole in her pocket.

Personally, I love this box, but I do not love the price tag so it is something that I dip into now and then when I am feeling flush. They make it easy to do so with their rolling one month contract. With a minimum of £60 savings per box, it's easy t...
The Pip Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
With perfumes becoming tres expensive these days, it makes sense to give a fragrance subscription service a try.

Scentaddict is brought to us by The Fragrance Shop. For the price of a low end beauty box, subscribers are able to choose from a selection of scents available that month. You are then sent an 8ml sample in a Scentaddict branded atomiser. 

I think this is a fabulous idea because it keeps people guessing. It's so easy to build up a reasonable collection at an affordable rate.
Scentaddict Fragrance Subscription
 
Papergirl profile picture
Roccabox is an interesting brand. i like that they let you select your own products, if you choose to build your own box. That said, they do limit you by asking you to select 1-2 items from specific lists to give you a balance of product types. 

Alternatively, you can opt for the monthly subscription where you receive 5 products per month.

What sets Roccabox aside from some of the other services is that they are focussed on smaller, less known brands, so this is a great product if your values include supporting small businesses.
ROCCABOX Beauty Subscription Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
I already love Look Fantastic as a brand because you can often find some really good dupes for a fraction of the cost of the big brands, but for similar, if not the same, results.

On to the subscription box…Subscriptions are for 1, 3, 6, or 12. 

I wouldn't necessarily jump all in for a long term subscription as there are other boxes that come with a bigger wow factor, but I would certainly look through the limited edition boxes and select ones I like. You just have to be quick because the co...
LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
It took me way too long to discover this box!

This box is calling all modern beauties that love a touch of the exotic. Jam packed with the latest in Korean Beauty products, this is another pricey box. Again, it is not something I tend to splash out on often. I usually wait until they advertise w... 

Truly a great box if you have disposable income. It feels like a mini pamper package each time.
Lengbox
 
Papergirl profile picture
Here we have another beauty subscription. I cannot say that I am enamoured with this box. I love that it is vegan friendly and cruelty free, and on the surface, it is a mid-range priced box. However, with only 4-5 items per box, it is one of the stin...

Although there are some items I have discovered through this box that I can buy on a budget, I have always turned to these subscriptions when I want  some self care and some luxury. I'm not necessarily looking for expensive, but I am certainly not looking for cheap. Rather, I am after items that I would not feel comfortable paying too much for without knowing whether it is worth it.

Don't take my word for it. The company values may be right up your street. I'm just more interested in the other services and it would be a hard task getting me to switch to this box on a regular basis. it does have some good, varied pre-payment opti...
The Natural Beauty Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
I've only sampled a couple of these boxes and I thought they were ok. They are reasonably priced. There is a good saving per month, and I like the added touch of receiving vouchers to also pick up their magazine a couple of times a month.

This box hasn't grown to be a firm favourite, but it's not a badbox either. I think there are other services better suited to what I am suited for.
OK! Beauty Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
Not a beauty subscription box of random surprise goodies, but instead, a club that offers you reduced prices on your beauty selections.

Completing the skincare quiz helps them point you towards items that may better suit you. This is a welcome service given how much the items are, but they do have a selection of curated products that do wonder for your beauty profile.

Once you are paid up, you can shop as little or as much as you like.
Beauty Pie
 
Papergirl profile picture
Like Scentaddict, this service also provides you with 8ml filled atomisers per month.

This service is quite budget friendly because you have three tiers of fragrance and can choose to receive between 1 and 3 atomisers per month based on your budget.

If you forget to choose a fragrance during your rolling month contract, they'll select one for you, which is one way of adding the surprise elements to your box like you get in many of the subscription boxes.

Depending on your fragrance choice, Scentaddict is cheaper because it combines the standard and premium scents found on Scent box which makes them slightly cheaper overall, but you can fins a cheaper box here and select the run of the mill, commercia...
Scent Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
Knowing how I love a subscription box from the unveiling, to the discovering new items, a friend of mine stocked up on a few boxes for me for my visit across the pond.

I love this box. I think some of the novelty comes from there being more items in it than you get in the UK, and also having access to different products in general. That said, my gripe about The Natural Box is that it has 1-2 standout items, whilst ... cheaper and more accessible. This is a good competitor, and I am more likely to be able to shop these brands if I like though.
Allure Beauty Box
 
Papergirl profile picture
Sniph is a bit like a personal shopper. You can give it a list of your favourite scents, and it will recommend a new brand for you based of the notes you like in your fragrance. Or you can subscribe and get the scent profiles. Finally, you can shop b...

Nota brand for me because  I don't need my own scent for the price they offer, but as a service, they offer  lot.
Sniph
 
Papergirl profile picture
This is the box for the customer who hates surprises and loves control. I welcome the ide to choose my own items, although, it does take the thrill away from the unboxing because I already now what to expect. That said, there are some great brands on...
Latest in Beauty

Body Groove

Skincare is not just for the face. Keep your body in perfect order too with these fab products.

 
Papergirl profile picture
The Body Shop are renowned for switching up their scents. Thankfully, the Mango scent is still widely available. Worth every cent/penny, the body butter is a hydrating solution suitable for all skin types. Does need a bit of a vigorous rub for full a...
Classic Mango Body Butter
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Papergirl profile picture
Mmmm mmm mm. Have you tried this yet? Hands down, one of the best products for a girl on the go. Word of warning, this is not for wearing with delicate, dainty outfits if you use it in the way I do, but hold tight. I tend to use this more when I'm ru...
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Oil Cocoa Radiant 200ml
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Papergirl profile picture
I was fortunate to receive a free 70ml sample to try before I decided to replenish. I'm a sucker for an orange scent, and combined with cedar wood, the cream smells like sunshine. I feel like I get real value for money for this because the scent is q...
The Ritual of Mehr Body Cream
 
Papergirl profile picture
Perfect for sensitive skin, or pairing with a strong scented cream or deodorant, Simple moisturiser is cheap, cheerful, and light to wear. It's super hydrating and unscented, and also comes with minimal sun protection so it's doing its bit to combat ...
Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser SPF15
 
Papergirl profile picture
Ok, not only does this give your face and body a quick pick me up on a hot day, but the unique, sweet scent is really good for energising you too. It's really light, is quick to refresh and the scent lingers all day. What's more, being vegan friendly...
Sugar Pumpkin Body Mist
 
Papergirl profile picture
I've had my IPL for almost four years now and have lost count how many times I have recommended it. As I get older, I notice that I get the odd chin hair and it infuriates me no end. Then without warning, I'm there with the tweezers trying to dig it ...
DIY Hair Removal with Philips Lumea IPL Advanced
 
Papergirl profile picture
Wow, wow, wow! I received this set in a bumper beauty pack on the eve of my wedding. Amazeballs! Hands down, one of the thickest, slimiest face masks I have ever used. They have not scrimped on product. The mask is so well lubricated that it was easy...
SEPHORA COLLECTION Coconut Mania Face & Body Mask Set
 
Papergirl profile picture
Anyone that knows me, knows I am a lover of a fruity body mist. Since the loss of the limited edition Zesty Lime Face and Body Mist, I have been looking for a fun and fruity replacement. Whilst this doesn't have that same wake-up jolt that I got from...
Passionfruit Body Mist
 
Papergirl profile picture
You have no idea how much you need this cream until you have tried it. I love this cream and I think it is worth the hype. I've tried copies but the fact is, this company knows its products. 

I ended up with a sample pot in a beauty subscription box. It was enough for two days and I was gutted when my tub ended. I went out and paid a ridiculous price (and it was on sale as well) because I wasn't ready to part with it. I literally applied ... a matter of days. I just wish it wasn't so pricey. 

Besides the expense there's nothing to not love about this product. I'll be asking Santa for the gift set.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 150ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
I find this a great body scrub/exfoliating treatment for when I am short on time. It comes in an airtight, sealed jar and when you first open it, you can see all the oils swimming on top.

I use during the shower. Once washed, I then apply the exfoliating salt, massage in, and rinse away. It does leave a film of oil over your skin, and you have the option of a wash and go, or taking some extra time to moisturise properly. Either way, i...
Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub 650g
 
Papergirl profile picture
I switch between dry brushing and using this mitt (It all comes down to whether I'm shaving/waxing in the next couple of days-no one likes shaving bumps). 

The soft but textured mitt when paired with  an exfoliating scrub works wonders to remove dead skin, and ward off cellulite. It's soft and helps your product lather up well, speeding up the showering process anyway. Basically, you can't go wrong with this.
AMELIORATE Transforming Exfoliating Body Mitt
 
Papergirl profile picture
It's a little too early for me to give you an outright thumbs up on this cream that promises to give skinny legged girls thicker thighs. However, I have high hopes for tis cream because I find it conditioning and hydrating, which can only be a good t...

Personally, I selected this cream because I imagined being touted as a stretch mar cream, it would do wonders for the scars I have from a medical allergy reaction that has left my upper legs pockmarked. So far, so good. I think I'm seeing fading but ...
Gluteboost Legs & Thighs Enhancement Cream - ThickFix 120ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
I find this a great body scrub/exfoliating treatment for when I am short on time. It comes in an airtight, sealed jar and when you first open it, you can see all the oils swimming on top. I use during the shower. Once washed, I then apply the exfolia...
Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub
 
Papergirl profile picture
You have to apply this cream quick and carefully in straight strokes to avoid streaks, and orange palms. I tend to start at the bottom and work my way up so legs, arms, torso, back (with the back of the hand), neck and face. Done! I can get away with...
Garnier Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan Moisturiser 400ml
 
Papergirl profile picture
If you don't have a dry brush, you need one. Don't wait for cellulite to kick in or for skin to become dry and flaky.

To use, I recommend getting a large sheet or even a towel to lie on. You are then going to take the firm bristled brush and thread your hand through the loop to aid you with maintaining a good grip. You are then going to use upward motion to brush up...
Wild & Stone Natural Fibre Dry Body Brush