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Yearly Archives: 2018

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We love a good true crime podcast, but every now and again, we want to explore a more niche area of crimes. 

Cults explores the inner workings of some of the world's most well known cults, and looks at what drives people to create and join them. 

Hosts Greg and Vanessa, who also host the popular Serial Killers podcast, discuss and detail the crimes which made some cults so infamous, as well as researching the background and history of their leaders. 

 

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'Mystery. Manipulation. Murder. Cults are associated with all of these.'

'But what really goes on inside a cult? More specifically, what goes on inside the minds of people who join cults and leaders who start them,' reads the podcast description.

From the FLDS and The Manson Family to The Children of God and Jonestown, the main suspects are covered as well as some lesser well known sects. 

The Parcast podcast is available on Tune In, Spotify and all your usual podcast hosting sites. 

If you're a fan of a decent, long podcast for the commute, we highly recommend. 

Plus you can astound and probably worry your social circle with your new found knowledge of all things cult-related. 

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Oh hummus, without you what would we slather in our sandwiches and use crackers as a vehicle for?

Hummus has been an ever-growing food trend over the past decade or so, and it's now a staple on our shopping lists. 

Luckily, it's also extremely good for us, and is full of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. 

 

Thanks to the fact that hummus is made up mostly of chickpeas, it's a great plant-based source of iron. 

Many people who switch to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle are warned about the perils of an iron deficiency, but as long as you're consuming enough iron-rich plant sources, you'll be all G. 

'In addition, chickpeas contain a bit of vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of plant-based iron,' nutritionist Shara Vickers told Medical Daily.

'This is how consuming chickpeas could benefit someone with anaemia.'

It's also a protein rich food, and can keep us feeling fuller for longer. 

Despite the tired notion that only meat is full of protein, there are a number of plant-based recipes with a high protein content – hummus being one of them. 

If you're trying to cut down on processed animal fats, you can also use the thick spread as a substitute for butter or mayonnaise. 

Seriously, hummus and avocado stuffed into a toasted bap is our new favourite super-quick lunch. 

As well as being a healthy product in itself, many companies are now experimenting with new flavours and types of hummus, adding yet more healthy ingredients like tahini sesame spread, beetroot and jalepenos.

As if we needed an excuse to eat more hummus…

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Pippa O’Connor has joined forces with Littlewoods Ireland to create the most amazing collection yet.

We love the blogger’s helpful beauty and fashion tips and are so excited to see her head a whole line of clothes Pippa style.

Called The Pippa Edit, the new series will feature the Instagram sensation’s favourite style and fashion trends from the V By Very collection.

And the clothes are absolutely gorgeous!

For Autumn/Winter season, the collection showcases vibrant yellows, wild animal prints, rock-chick leathers and bold florals.

The Pippa collection consists of three edits: each to be released for the months of September, October, and November.

The model is so excited about her new line and made sure to include pieces for everyday wear as well as sexy night-out ensembles.

“The September edit is packed full of my favourite trends for the season. Essential everyday pieces that take you from busy days in the office to nights out on the town.

“My personal favourite is the staple V By Very mustard blazer with matching trouser. This smart and sophisticated style can be dressed up or paired back to achieve a chic weekend look, perfect for any occasion” she raved.

The best part is how inexpensive her collection is! Ranging from €20 to €160, we can’t afford not to treat ourselves this season.

The Pippa Edit allows the style-focused female fashion lover the chance to enjoy a carefully curated capsule collection that works for every side of life, from weekday office essentials to premium glam looks for big occasions.

Check out her September edit now on Littlewoods Ireland so that you can start building that fierce autumn wardrobe you’ve been dreaming of.

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I recall my first encounter with Benetton like it was yesterday, even though it was more than a decade ago. 

On a family trip to New York (during the boom, obvs) my aunties, cousins and I were wandering around the city that never sleeps, spending our Celtic Tiger-converted dollars on clothes to bring back home. 

My aunties, purists when it came to the quality of clothing, quickened their pace when they spotted the United Colors of Benetton flagship store on the prestigious 5th Avenue. 

I think I remember it so well because of the wall to ceiling rainbow of folded jumpers which awaited us inside, and even today in their Dublin flagship, the iconic kaleidoscope of virgin wool is a key aspect of the store. 

My aunties bundled me into the dressing room of the behemoth New York store, buried under a mound of soft fabric and sturdy denim to try on a series of outfits, before I settled on an evergreen turtleneck jumper that genuinely, to this day, is folded up in a drawer in my house, without a loose thread or bobbling texture to be seen.

Granted, it's now folded up in my little sister's drawer rather than mine, and while I wore mine with printed bandanas and low rise jeans (the height of sophistication in my day), she wears it now with high-waisted suede miniskirts and under trendy, sporty outerwear. The longevity of the clothing is undeniable, and the A/W 2018 collection combines that timelessness with updated key trends for the new season. 

I went along to Benetton's breakfast showcase this morning, styled by the sartorially scrupulous Laura Mullet, to see what exactly the heritage brand was bringing to the table for the upcoming season.  

Along with the classic tailoring and sumptuous but built-to-last fabrics of their basics, the A/W collection incorporates some key contemporary trends into these quality standards. 

Starting with the classic jumper – while I saw the rainbow wall in all of it's organised glory, the knits also come in folky, Nordic patterns and almost tie-die effect prints.

 

Not only were knits getting a splash of print, they were also being knitted in some of this season's most on-trend shades. 

Acid green and baby blue were stand outs, as was a mohair zingy orange style that was screaming out to be teamed with a muted plaid trouser and boots. 

The jumpers were also given interesting new cuts, with scooped necks and very cropped hems. 

The entire collection managed to maintain a very Benetton vibe while pointing to contemporary undertones. The classic Benetton corduroy jeans were there, but in autumnal hues, and stacked alongside super flared jeans – the fashion version of Mom jeans, according to Laura. 

Wool shift dresses were given a Clueless makeover with bright plaid prints, and were styled with berets and colourful tights to kep your head and legs cosy. 

When print wasn't being utilised, texture came into play in a big way.

Teddy bear coats are a key outerwear piece this year, and while we're used to seeing them in a bomber jacket style in 50 shades of beige, Benetton's adaption is longline, russet brown and belted with leather. 

As for the bomber, velvet comes into play in a dusky cornflower blue. While bombers are traditionally boxy, Bentton's has a tailored edge with gathered sleeves and wide lapels. 

Trousers came flared or skinny, but always in rich suede, velvets or light denims. 

There was no shying away from statement fabrics either, with silk, feathering and sequins all playing their part to create the ultimate capsule of cropped jackets for party season. 

Overall the collection is ideal for layering in to any wardrobe, with the tailored elements of the pieces rendering them timeless, allowing then to survive in a sea of fast fashion for seasons to come. 

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A new ad campaign has launched in Scotland confronting discrimination and hate crimes.

The billboard campaign directly addresses hate speech in society with some powerful statements addressed at those who execute such bigotry. 

One Scotland, the Scottish Government's equality campaign, defines a hate crime as a verbal or physical crime committed against someone on the basis of their race, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability. 

According to the campaign, there were over 5,300 charges of hate crime reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland.

'However, there are many more incidents that go unreported,' reads a One Scotland statement. 

'Scotland takes hate crime very seriously. We all have a responsibility to report hate crime if we witness it – it’s the only way we can challenge it, and put an end to it for good.'

One Scotland 

Hate crimes motivated by race or identity are something we gasp at when reading our history books, but in some corners of our society, antiquated and divisive opinions still exist. 

We're delighted that Scotland is taking a stand to support those impacted by hate crimes, and letting perpetrators know that it will not be tolerated. 

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So, you’ve always had the dream to start your own clothing brand and you’re thinking that now is the right time to do it? Make sure that before you start, you have considered every step of the journey that will take you towards launching your own fashion line. This will include everything from how to get your clothing designs made to how to properly and successfully market and sell them in the current economic climate.

Planning is crucial when starting your own business and many entrepreneurs will say that one of the biggest mistakes they see is launching too early, without enough thought and planning, as well as trialling and testing. Avoid the pitfalls and errors often made in business when companies rush to launch and consider these top aspects of starting your own clothing line before you do anything else.

What is Your Niche?

The clothing industry is saturated. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for you, however, it does mean that you need a niche for your clothing business and you need to make sure that your USP (unique selling point) is answering a question or need of your desired target customer.

Have you really done your research into your product area? Have you researched into your target customer and discovered more about them in depth? How they like to shop, what they search for, what they feel is missing that they need? This all needs to be considered if you want to create a clothing brand that will catch their attention.

Competition Is Crucial

When starting your own fashion line, it is crucial to be on top of your direct competition. This comes down to conducting your own research and finding out exactly how they work and what they plan to do next, as well as staying up to date with their movements by simple things, such as joining their mailing list and receiving their daily updates.

Keeping a constant eye on the competition allows you to ensure that your offering is better than anything else on the market. Pay attention to their price point, marketing channels, product mix and e-commerce strategies and ensure you create this competition review before you even begin starting your own business, keeping it up to date as you move forward.

Funding

Paying for your business set up is going to be a key consideration before you begin. From start to finish, you need to consider where your costs will lie and how you plan to budget and pay for them.

Consider that there will be costs at every stage of business, including:
• Paying for tech packs to be created for factories if you can’t do this yourself.
• Costs of all materials involved in the creation of your designs, such as fabric, trims, labelling and packaging.
• Manufacturing costs, including pattern and size grading work, plus finishes.
• Shipping costs from your factory to your distribution centre.
• Website and marketing costs, which will vary hugely depending on your own ability and how much of the work you plan to do for yourself and how much you need to outsource.

How to Find the Right Suppliers for Your Brand

Although you might have all the designs and even be able to make your clothing on a small scale, you will eventually need to team with suppliers to help turn your business into a reality and that will include garment manufacturers. The online platform Sewport helps to introduce smaller designers and entrepreneurs to clothing manufacturers to help bring your products to life.

By imputing your job requirements and specifications, Sewport connects you with a list of fashion manufacturers, who you can then discuss your project with and select the right team for your brand.

You’ll need to consider the types of suppliers you’ll be looking for on Sewport. From graphic designers, helping to create your imagery to cut and sew factories and clothing manufacturers for small orders, you can connect with the right people to scale your business into a professional fashion label.

Marketing

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your marketing as an afterthought for when your products are made and ready to sell. Without great marketing, nobody will be able to find your site and buy your clothing, so it’s a crucial aspect to consider right from the beginning of the process.

From the content on your website to Facebook and Instagram advertising, who is going to do your marketing and advertising? Will this be a part of your budget or will you do it all yourself and simply dedicate time budget here? If you plan to commit to the marketing of the brand yourself, do you have in-depth knowledge or do you plan to upskill beforehand? You’ll need to factor this into your budget and timeline at the beginning of your planning process.

If you are not familiar with the different types of marketing, now is the time to learn. There are both unpaid and paid types of marketing you can do for your business, both of which are incredibly important so you need to consider how you plan to tackle each one. These include but are not limited to:

Unpaid (Free except for time spent)

• Social media
• Blogging on your website
• Email marketing

Paid

• Google Adwords
• Social media paid advertising
• Influencer marketing
• Traditional print advertising
• Remarketing

If there are any marketing strategies here that you don’t recognise, you’ll need to correct that immediately.

E-commerce

Without having a huge flagship store on Oxford Street, it’s pretty hard to survive in this day and age without a website. It’s also the best way to launch a new fashion brand as you can immediately start to advertise an e-commerce site and get people who don’t know anything about your label looking at your clothes.

You’ll need to consider how much of this you can take on yourself and how much you’ll need to outsource to a professional. This will obviously also affect your budget. As well as budget, take your time considering how you want the site to look. This will be your brand’s introduction to the world, so it needs to communicate the essence of your brand’s ethos and immediately tell the story of your clothing.

When it comes to launching your own clothing brand, be prepared for a slow start. You’ll need to consider every single one of these aspects in minute detail, which will require intense planning and dedication to your label. Perseverance pays off, but consider the fact that you might not create a wage for yourself at the beginning of your business and be prepared to work long hours for little reward if you want to build something successful in the long term.

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Since the weather cannot make its mind up, our skin is attempting to battle hot and cold – all in one week.

Add in hormones, pollution and skin conditions – and we've got some complex combination skin.

As we go to war with blackheads, dryness, oiliness and sensitive skin – Declaré have come to the rescue.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Declaré (@declare_official) on

They have launched four new superfood face masks, which are tailored to individual skin requirements.

Using all natural, active power ingredients, you can really target each area of your face as each mask does a particular job. – which is the best news we've ever heard.

Additionally, all four are dermatologically tested and based on Declaré’s key technology for sensitive skin, so you know you're in safe, experienced hands.

Starting off with an exfoliant, this Goji Jojba peeling mask can be used all over the face.

The famous goji berry isn't just delicious to consume, but it also boasts a unique anti-ageing effect.

Antioxidants and secondary plant substances combine to protect the skin, while the amino acid content of the “super berries” prevents stressed skin and provides intensive moisture and care.

The heavenly plant-based mask removes dead skins cells and excess sebum to give you healthy and balance skin. 

Now, you'd have to be living under a rock if you haven't heard of the benefits of matcha and aloe vera. This mask combines the two and we get to reap the benefits.

For those who don't know, matcha extract is known for its phenomenal anti-ageing effect, combats free radicals with the aid of vitamins C and E, and prevents cell damage.

The active ingredients from the juice of aloe vera lastingly moisturise and soothe stressed skin.

So no matter what life throws at you, this mask won't let your busy schedule show on your face.

Perhaps you've indulged yourself in one too many takeaways, or some cheeky nights out – and you're in desperate need of a really good detox.

Then this next mask, the Bamboo coal detox is a must.

The bamboo plant has been a staple in many Asian cosmetics, as it will sort out oily skin, excess sebum and clogged pores in just 10 minutes.

But of course, it's totally gentle to the skin. 

If you're anything like me – dry skin is a bane of your existence. That's why we are delighted that Declaré has created the Algae marine gel mask. 

This mask is a moisture booster and regenerates the skin.

This one is particularly special as it contains the highly sought after skin God, hyaluronic acid. 

It is also paired with red algae, which is essential to lock in moisture and you'll notice that intensive moisture lasting 72 hours.

Despite the unpredictability of mother nature, you can always be skin ready this autumn.

Declaré's four products are limited edition, so you must act fast before they fly off the shelves. 

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Sneezing, coughing and nose-blowing season has officially started and it is time to bring out the hand sanitiser to try and not catch your beloved friends/colleagues' germs. 

In order to keep the doctor away, an apple a day is a good start, but if you add certain foods to your diet, you could get a real immunity boost. 

And here are just five!

1. Citrus fruits

Essential for fighting infections, vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells. Unfortunately, your body cannot store it, so you need to make sure vitamin C is on the menu every day. 

While vitamin C tablets might come in handy, you can get your daily dose of ascorbic acid (the scientific name of the molecule) from oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes or clementines. 

2. Kiwis

For the very same reason, kiwis are your friends during the winter. In fact, two kiwis contain enough vitamin C to cover your recommended daily dose of the immunity-boosting nutrient.

On top of that, kiwis are also a good source of vitamin K, copper and fibre.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A (a powerful antioxidant) and a mere cup of cooked sweet potatoes provides more than 200% of the recommended daily intake.

Antioxidants are essential for immune system support as they help your body fight off infection. Sweet potatoes are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. 

4. Broccoli

A real nutrition powerhouse, one cup of cooked broccoli is enough to cover your daily needs in vitamin K and vitamin C. It is also a very good source of chromium, folate, fibre, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. 

To make sure you get the most of the benefits, steam them instead of boiling them as this aggressive cooking process destroys most of the vitamins.

5. Spinach

While we always love to learn about new superfoods, some of our cupboard/fridge staples can also claim the title. Take spinach for example; not only do they taste great as a salad base, they are also a true food hero. 

One cup of cooked spinach contains a tremendous amount of vitamin K, while it is also an good source of vitamin A, manganese, folate and magnesium, to name a few. Just like broccoli, the least you cook it, the better!

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It feels like forever since the season two finale of Riverdale aired. We miss the drama, the relationship struggles, the creepy phone calls, Archie’s eyebrows…

There is a Jughead shaped hole in our hearts, but fear not, Betty, Archie and co. are returning to our screens VERY soon.

Season three is set to be better than ever with creepier storylines, new relationships and more trouble for our beloved gang.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riverdale (@thecwriverdale) on

Fans of the show have been waiting for it to return for what feels like a lifetime but Riverdale will be hitting Netflix sooner than you think.

Netflix announced the Riverdale return date and we’ve already got it marked on our calendars.

The teen-drama series will be back on Thursday, October 11. Yes, that’s right, we only have two more weeks to wait until Riverdale is back.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) on

We are beyond ready for season three to air. It sounds like the upcoming season is going to be more gripping, dramatic and cheesier than its predecessors.  

One of the biggest season three storylines will be Archie’s arrest. Judging from the most recent trailer our fave Riverdale hunk is in jail, and we’re not impressed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KJ Apa (@kjapa) on

Our love for KJ Apa and his bushy eyebrows is so strong, so we don’t know how we’ll cope if he is stuck behind bars for half the season.

We’ll also be introduced to the cult Polly is a member of, which is bound to be interesting (and extremely scary.)

Also, prepare yourself to see pretty much everyone hook up in the smalltown this season, from Alice and FP to Cheryl and Toni, love is certainly in the air in Riverdale.

Don’t miss the first episode of Riverdale season three on Thursday, October 11.

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Okay – Okay, we know that it's September and talking about Christmas is forbidden.

BUT – we have stumbled upon the perfect Christmas aroma and we couldn't help but share the magic.

Stick on some Wham! and a Santa hat because as soon as you smell Jo Malone's 2018 festive fragrance, the Christmas craic will be brought back.

Photo credit: Jo Malone

This season you'll need the divine White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne.

As soon as you spray it, you'll be reminiscing of open fires, Christmas dinner and the glamorous parties.

If it was socially acceptable to bath in it – we would. However, a candle version is also available, so we'll probably treat ourselves and our Christmas guests to the gorgeous scent.

Photo credit: Jo Malone

Jo Malone has even gone one step further to create the most decadent wrapping – so pretty that you can even hang it on the tree.

Taking inspiration from those sparkling baubles, you'll be blown away with the glitter and glam of this year's Christmas Collection.

Indulge your loved ones this year, with some of our faves picks such as the Cologne Collection Pomegranate Noir and the Christmas Ornament.

Or if you have a healthy budget, you'll be the envy of pretty much everyone with their advent calendar or customised Christmas Cracker. 

Photo credit: Jo Malone

For those who fell in love with Jo Malone's Orange bitters – you're in luck.

The divine perfume is back and due to popular demand, they've also unleashed the winter fave in candle form.

If you're hosting Christmas drinks, the candle will be perfect festive mood setter and will hit all the right notes as your guests sip their Christmas cocktails. 

Photo credit: Jo Malone

All of these beautiful Christmas aromas will be available from Brown Thomas on October 23 and the advent calendar will launch on November 1.

So save the dates in your calendar as we suspect these will be a massive hit.

And, if anyone has me for Secret Santa – I'm not gonna bother hinting, I'm telling you now I want something from Jo Malone's Christmas range.

 

Feature image credit: Instagram/Jo Malone

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So, despite the introduction of strict rules and regulations around the topic of 'revenge porn', it remains an ongoing issue for many women and men alike. 

We all know the potential risks that come along with sending a racy photograph or risqué message. While it may seem like the right thing to do in the moment, we can often live to regret those decisions once a relationship has come to an end.

Having said that, studies suggest that one in five adult phone users have engaged in the act of 'sexting', so we might as well learn to do it safely.

Well, one women has come up with a fool-proof way to protect your intimate photos from ever being released by an ex.

Annika Simons from Phoenix, Arizona took to Facebook to share her simple yet effective idea.  

“THIS IS A PERFECT IDEA OMG”, one user replied.

Another wrote, “That is actually genius.”

Annika's advice is actually hugely significant when you consider that the offence of leaking explicit images of someone without their consent carries a sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of €5,000 under Irish law.

The topic has been widely discussed over the last few years, with many calling for stricter regulations to be put in place.

In reality, the effects that leaked photos can have on victim’s mental health can be hugely distressing.

So, have some fun, but remember to be safe, be sensible and consider the risks. 

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We all want the appearance of an effortless glow, don’t we? Call off the search, because NUXE Aquabella® have released a new combination skincare regime that gives you fresh, clear skin in just three easy steps!

NUXE has combined two ingredients, White Waterlily and Natural Hyaluronic Acid, to end the eternal struggle of targeting specific areas of our face with moisture.

We can’t thank them enough, our skin definitely needs a boost for the coming winter months! Not to mention for the damage the sun did over the summer, that sunburn still needs moisturising.

NUXE is using their Natural Blur Complex as a skin-beautifier to visibly enhance and mattify the skin, creating a radiant and dewy complexion.

Their goal is to achieve fullness in dehydrated and a pure, clear complexion in oily areas, so your face has a natural freshness without any unwanted shine.

They’ve also added the scent of sweet floral jasmine with a water note of cucumber and zesty nuances of lemon.

Say goodbye to your layers of make-up, concealers and foundations that only temporarily and artificially smooth the skin’s texture.

NUXE are offering rejuvenated skin quality with no illusions, their National Blur Complex means you won’t have to spend hours applying make-up in front of a mirror. It’s the ultimate time-saver.

Their use of white waterlily blossoms helps to maintain effective moisturising due to its concentration in mucilages which retain water molecules.

The extract has a dual “moisturising/purity” action that alleviates bacterial proliferation in oily area of the face. Its immediate and lasting smoothing effect is the key to your healthy glow.

Aquabella® Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel, €14.50 (150ml)

This gorgeous crystalline gel provides deep cleansing action yet somehow doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry. Miracle, much?

It uses core active ingredients of white waterlily and the Natural Blur Complex to remove excess sebum, and its natural blue micro-beads gently smooth away textured impurities in the skin.

Women immediately feel the effects of this gel, and after 28 days the skin is at its clearest. Every morning and evening use the Aquabella® Purifying gel on damp skin using your fingertips, and then rinse off. Easy!

Aquabella® Beauty-Revealing Essence-Lotion, €17.00 (200ml)

This essence lotion is a master of refreshment. It veils the face in a moisturising layer with white waterlily from Madagascar and natural origin Hyaluronic Acid.

The lotion provides a level of comfort for your skin, leaving it feeling soft and pampered.

The exclusive Natural Blur Complex corrects and improves the quality of the skin, and after four weeks, the pores are tightened and the texture is even. Use the lotion in the morning and evening with a cotton pad, and keep it out of the eye area for the best results!

Aquabella® Beauty-Revealing Moisturising Emulsion, €27.50 (50ml pump bottle)

The beauty revealing light emulsion is perfect for achieving that ultra-fresh bare skin finish. It adapts to the needs of your face, moisturising the dry areas while targeting and mattifying oily areas with Silica Power.

The white waterlily and hyaluronic acid combination work effectively with the Natural Blur Complex to diffuse the skin-beautifier all over the face.

Your complexion will feel so much better for it, trust us! Use it every morning and evening after the Essence-Lotion to get the maximum moisture. We’re sold.

These three products are your triple threat to get your skin glowing and radiant in no time!

NUXE are a pioneering French brand in natural cosmetology, dedicated to combine the strength of nature with the efficacy of science to make the highest quality skincare products that put the woman back in touch with nature itself.

For more information, head over to their website.

Click here to follow NUXE Aquabella on Facebook, and YouTube

 

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