Good morning! It's Friday! We made it at last to the Bank Holiday weekend!
I'm off to the Culture & Chip Festival in Limerick (yes, it's a thing) before some last minute prep for the VHI Mini Marathon on Monday (prep = eating chips at the chip festival and singing "The eye of the tiger" really loudly to myself…be grand).
A lot of you though will have tickets to this years Bord Bia Bloom festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin (ye jammy dodgers!) which commenced yesterday and runs until Monday the 1st of June.
I'm off to the Culture & Chip Festival in Limerick (yes, it's a thing) before some last minute prep for the VHI Mini Marathon on Monday (prep = eating chips at the chip festival and singing "The eye of the tiger" really loudly to myself…be grand).
A lot of you though will have tickets to this years Bord Bia Bloom festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin (ye jammy dodgers!) which commenced yesterday and runs until Monday the 1st of June.
This years Bloom will showcase 25 exquisite show gardens as well as 125 Irish food producers, which for the pretty flower lover and consummate food guzzler is by itself very appealing.
There will also be a beauty element as the good people from Boots Ireland have announced that this will be the inaugural year of the "Botanics Skincare Retreat at Bloom".
What does that mean exactly?
Well, visitors to Bloom can take a relaxing break in the Blue Zone to experience the power of plants with tailored skincare consultations and complimentary hand massages provided by Botanics experts.
When I said 'perfect partners' there in the title, I meant it. The Botanics range was developed in collaboration with The Royal Botanic Gardens to identify the most powerful natural plant extracts to create skincare solutions that really work.
Cool, eh?!
To give you an idea of the products available from Botanics, I'm taking a look at their Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm*, Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution* and Rosewater Toning Spritz*.
First up is that glorious looking Cleansing Balm:
I've been a big fan of these sorts of cleansers for a while now, having fallen hard for Eve Lom's offering but then being far too poor to repurchase. I've been on the hunt for a good alternative at a less expensive price point and I think I may be on to a winner here. This comes with it's own muslin cloth in the box (very nice touch), is 97% organic with ingredients like Shea Butter, Rosehip, Sweet Almond, Olive and Jojoba Oils to swiftly lift make up and leave skin soft, smooth and clean. It smells delightful; like a herby/lavendar mix that's very soothing on the auld olfactory senses. Directions are to apply the balm in light upward strokes (it doesn't say to but I always apply balm like this to dry skin), soak your cloth in warm water and remove the balm with small circular movements. This is a really lovely cleanser and only €12.99 for 70ml.
Micellar cleansers are big news at the moment as they remove all your make up in one easy step, require minimal faffing (technical term) and are good for sensitive skin. This one is a 3 in 1 so it claims to dissolve make-up, unclog pores and remove impurities and is suitable for all skin types. It contains Hibiscus which acts as a mild exfoliant and leaves the skin brighter and smoother. Instructions are as simple as applying to a cotton pad and sweeping across your face. Easy as! You can use this day and night but it does contain an AHA which means your skin could be more sensitive to the sun, so if you use it in the morning, wear sunscreen (as you should anyway!). This is €6.49 for 250ml.
Lastly, I have the Rosewater Toning Spritz to cleanse impurities and freshen the skin. This is for use after cleansing- spritz generously on to the face (with your eyes closed, protect the peepers!), it says to wipe away with a cotton pad but I find it sinks in pretty quickly so whatever you prefer yourself. This fella tightens your pores, removes the last traces of make up and leaves your skin fresh and prepared for your moisturiser. This'll set you back only €7.69 for 150ml.
Other good-to-know facts about Botanics are:
It's tested on (willing) humans only!
Suitable for vegetarians, the only animal derived products is Beeswax (from Bees, obviously).
No mineral oils or paraffin waxes.
No parabens and no sulphates.
Botanics work under a sustainability and organic policy- using organic produce and continually working to reduce their Eco-footprint.
Impressive!
It's 3 for 2 in Boots on selected skincare at the moment (including the Botanics range) so well worth popping in and picking up a few bits yourself! I'd recommend that cleansing balm- it's LOVELY.
Have you tried anything from Botanics?
Are you off to Bloom this weekend? Or indeed the Chip Festival?!
Xx
*Indicates a Press Sample. All opinions my own, as always!
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