As someone who lives in the city and has a relatively hectic lifestyle, it's important to find ways to manage my stress levels and look after myself. I was asked to trial the Body Shop's Drops of Youth range for 28 days and share my top wellbeing tips, along with my thoughts on the products.
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It is so worth making even just 20 minutes before bed for reading. It helps me to forget anything that's been on my mind during the day and escape into the story I'm reading. Not only that but it helps you to unwind; the brightness of screens keeps your eyes alert and can stop you getting a good night's sleep so it's not a good idea to still be on your phone and laptop in the last 30-60 minutes before bed.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated has become really important to me. I try to limit coffee, juice and soft drinks to just two of every glass of drink I have a day and make the rest water. Every time someone asks at work if I want a drink, I make sure to say yes and get a water. It makes my skin feel so much healthier and it just makes me feel better in myself. I get far fewer headaches than I used to when I drank a lot of juice and fizzy drinks, I don't feel nauseous as often and I just feel I have much more energy in general.
Get Organised
One way to manage stress is to manage the things that are stressing you out. I have a notebook next to my bed and if there's anything keeping me up at night, I jot it down so I don't forget what I have to do but I can also empty my mind of it in that moment and get a restful night's sleep. When you break things down they seem less scary! For my qualifications, for example, I put all my deadlines into my iCalendar and worked back where I wanted to be week on week and when I need to have started certain assignments. Even little things like making sure you've booked any travel you'll be doing with work for the coming month can lift a weight off your shoulders. I find the more I plan, the more reassured I feel that what I'm trying to achieve is possible, as it breaks it down into achievable steps.
Get Some Me-Time
No matter how much you have on, it's important to take some time out for yourself. For me, these are usually Sunday evenings to prepare me for the week ahead, but find something that fits in around your lifestyle. Whether it's baking, going to the gym, going for a walk, painting, meditation, taking a bath or anything else; find something that takes you to a happy, relaxed place and make sure you build in some time for it into your week.
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Range
It doesn't matter how old you are, it's never too early to start protecting your skin against the stresses and strains of life. This range is hydrating without being rich and has helped my skin (which is so dry at the moment) feel so much more fresh and healthy.
Drops of Youth Concentrate* | £25
I've been using this as a serum before applying moisturiser and it has a lovely, light gel formula that's so fast-absorbing. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the dropper dispenser isn't quite right for this slightly thicker formula. However this is instantly hydrating, relieving the tightness and discomfort of dry skin. My skin looks so fresh and has a subtle glow when I use this.
Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate* | £19
My eye area can get a little oily but if I don't use something around my eyes they get seriously puffy! This was the perfect solution for me as it has a gel formula (as opposed to something rich and heavy) and comes out through a nice cooling metal ball applicator. I have hyper pigmentation under my eyes so nothing is really going to get rid of the darkness but this calms down the puffiness and leaves me eyes feeling refreshed and awake.
Drops of Youth Youth Cream* | £20
My dry winter skin has been in need of something more intensive than the Body Shop Vitamin C Gel Moisturiser (which I love for the summer). Having said that, this still doesn't feel too heavy and doesn't leave any excess greasiness on the surface of my skin. It's also very gentle. I had an awful allergic reaction at the end of last month that was traced back to detergent (even though I hadn't used anything different!) and my skin was so dry, peeling, red and sensitive even when the rash itself had cleared up. This didn't aggravate my skin or make it flare up, which made it an essential for me this past month. It makes my tired-looking skin appear so much more healthy.
Drops of Youth Wonderblur* | £17
I was intrigued to try this as I really liked Instablur a little while back. I must admit I've been converted away from silicone-based primers lately but I still gave this a good go. The texture is very smooth and silky. It's reasonably hydrating, however I still prefer to use a creamy primer and just apply this over my pores and fine lines (like I would with something like the Porefessional). It's not my favourite but it's worth a go if you like the other products from the range and you're looking for a new primer.
Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask* | £24
I've saved the best for last as this gel-cream face mask is my favourite of the bunch! I apply this right after toning before bed and don't use any other products. It's pricey but I've realised you only need the tiniest amount so I can see this lasting me ages. By the time I wake up in the morning my skin is so much more hydrated and plumped-up. I have a few dehydration lines and whilst they're not the end of the world, I'd rather they weren't there! I know a product is seriously hydrating my skin when it makes them virtually invisible and this does.
Don't forget to follow me on:
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*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS.
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
It doesn't matter how old you are, it's never too early to start protecting your skin against the stresses and strains of life. This range is hydrating without being rich and has helped my skin (which is so dry at the moment) feel so much more fresh and healthy.
Drops of Youth Concentrate* | £25
I've been using this as a serum before applying moisturiser and it has a lovely, light gel formula that's so fast-absorbing. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the dropper dispenser isn't quite right for this slightly thicker formula. However this is instantly hydrating, relieving the tightness and discomfort of dry skin. My skin looks so fresh and has a subtle glow when I use this.
Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate* | £19
My eye area can get a little oily but if I don't use something around my eyes they get seriously puffy! This was the perfect solution for me as it has a gel formula (as opposed to something rich and heavy) and comes out through a nice cooling metal ball applicator. I have hyper pigmentation under my eyes so nothing is really going to get rid of the darkness but this calms down the puffiness and leaves me eyes feeling refreshed and awake.
Drops of Youth Youth Cream* | £20
My dry winter skin has been in need of something more intensive than the Body Shop Vitamin C Gel Moisturiser (which I love for the summer). Having said that, this still doesn't feel too heavy and doesn't leave any excess greasiness on the surface of my skin. It's also very gentle. I had an awful allergic reaction at the end of last month that was traced back to detergent (even though I hadn't used anything different!) and my skin was so dry, peeling, red and sensitive even when the rash itself had cleared up. This didn't aggravate my skin or make it flare up, which made it an essential for me this past month. It makes my tired-looking skin appear so much more healthy.
Drops of Youth Wonderblur* | £17
I was intrigued to try this as I really liked Instablur a little while back. I must admit I've been converted away from silicone-based primers lately but I still gave this a good go. The texture is very smooth and silky. It's reasonably hydrating, however I still prefer to use a creamy primer and just apply this over my pores and fine lines (like I would with something like the Porefessional). It's not my favourite but it's worth a go if you like the other products from the range and you're looking for a new primer.
Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask* | £24
I've saved the best for last as this gel-cream face mask is my favourite of the bunch! I apply this right after toning before bed and don't use any other products. It's pricey but I've realised you only need the tiniest amount so I can see this lasting me ages. By the time I wake up in the morning my skin is so much more hydrated and plumped-up. I have a few dehydration lines and whilst they're not the end of the world, I'd rather they weren't there! I know a product is seriously hydrating my skin when it makes them virtually invisible and this does.
What are your top tips for stressing less? Have you tried the Drops of Youth range yet?
Don't forget to follow me on:
Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram
*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS.
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
I love TBS skincare, I've tried a lot of the products and there aren't many things I don't like!
ReplyDeletePhilippa x
I'm exactly the same - I also find all the reviews on their website really helpful xx
DeleteThe number one thing for me is water! I am to drink 2l per day, it is so good to the skin and to our body! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteYiota
Pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com.cy
These are amazing tips hun! I try to drink a lot of water to help out, which it does! These products look so good, must check them out!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the new theme girl!!!
Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Blog Lovin' // Instagram
xx
This looks like a solid range, and that mask sounds amazing! Btw, I normally Wet my hands a little then apply the serum to my face, that way it goes on more easily even with a thicker texture.
ReplyDeleteRachelShuchatMakeup
The Sleeping mask sounds like something I'd like to get as my skincare lacks in hydrating masks. I keep meaning to try more from TBS and for some reason never do.
ReplyDeleteI agree that relaxing and taking some time to yourself away from the everyday stress and hassle is so important! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
I used to pretty much exclusively use their skincare products! Although I branch out more now they're still one of my favourite more affordable skin brands :) xx
DeleteI've heard great things about this range x
ReplyDeleteHeather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
I'm really loving your new layout, it's so neat and beautiful to look at! Cold green tea and lots of notebook to keep things in check definitely helps! I just cannot stand being unorganized.
ReplyDeleteSelene Addicted
Thank you lovely :) xx
DeleteI haven't tried anything from this range yet, i do love The Body Shops Tea Tree Range but i definitely want to try some of these products. I have started to take time out before bed to try and relax and wind down, one thing i need to try and do more is drink more water!
ReplyDeleteEmmy | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin
I've tried the Drops of Youth range before but wasn't really impressed. However I think the actual moisturiser was only recently released so definitely need to look at it, as it sounds quite lovely x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
I haven't tried any of this range before but I remember hearing about the bouncy sleep mask when it first came out and liking the sound of it! The eye concentrate sounds lovely too!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Yeah I feel like I'd been meaning to check the mask out for ages! xx
DeleteWater makes such a difference! I'm usually quite good when it comes to drink much of it, yet I really need to learn how to stay away from the screens just before I go to bed, I know it's bad for my sleep but I do it anyway, not sure why...
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
The range looks incredible!
ReplyDeleteHannah | Oh January
Haven't tried anything from the range yet, but as I've been on the look out for some new skincare bits I think I'll have to give some these ago as they all sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteEmily x | emilyclairewrites.com
I've been wanting to try the bouncy mask for so long now. I find a nice bubble bath with some kind of lavender product like Tisserand's Sweet Dreams bath oil really helps me to relax, along with a cup of tea (decaf) and a good book before bed.
ReplyDeleteRoxie | The Beautiful Bluebird
I really want to try their bath oils :) xx
DeleteThis skincare line looks so good. I want to try out the eye cream x
ReplyDeletewww.beautylifebecca.blogspot.co.uk
Hydrate and drink tones of water, if you feel like your drinking enough water eat fruit and veggies. But the drops of youth concentrate is my favourite right now, got a small sample of it and debating to go all in and get a big bottle. What a great post !!
ReplyDeleteKatie | http://ktmcgworld102.blogspot.ca
I've never tried the Body Shop Drops of Youth Skincare Range but reading your honest reviews about them does make me want to try a few myself! The Bouncy Sleepy Mask does sound really lovely. I've been using my Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream for the longest time, and while it works great for my skin, I would love to change it up ever so often. I'm definitely going to check the Sleeping Mask out now! :) xx
ReplyDeleteKayleigh | http://kayleighmakesup.blogspot.co.uk
Good advice, I need to take heed of all your points! I really like the bouncy sleep mask, although I'm currently using up some similar Korean products, gorgeous photo lovely
ReplyDeletewww.Barely There Beauty.com | British Beauty & Lifestyle blog
xx
Thank you :) xx
DeleteThese look like a fab range, the roller on the eye serum looks fab too, I really hate applying with my fingers! lol
ReplyDeletehttp://www.makeerinover.co.uk
Great post, I think I do most of these things but I haven't used this range from the body shop. I think I will give it a try
ReplyDeleteAnything & Everything | Bloglovin'
This range sounds lovely, I'm going to have to give it a go! x
ReplyDeletewww.missamyguest.blogspot.co.uk
I have noticed that lots of people drink fizzy drinks and coffee and for me I only ever drink water every day wherever I go which is a good thing but when I go out to restaurants the people I'm with always call me odd and weird for ordering water..
ReplyDeletewww.charlottespicks.com
Not weird at all! I often order a glass of wine but ALWAYS get water too :) xx
DeleteOhhh I have never tried this Body Shop range .. But I absolutely love the look and sound of it!! Skincare is so so important .. But looking after your body/skin is just as important .. I love being organised and having a pamper night every week to make sure I am relaxed !! Great post lovel ... And your pictures are amazing !!
ReplyDeleteSaira
www.throughtheglitterglass.wordpress.com
Xxx
I've heard a lot of good things about The Body Shop bouncy mask, my skin could definitely do with some hydrating! Also I'm with you on reading before bed, it's so lovely to escape for a little while!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
Drinking plenty of water is great for the body and skin, I wish I could limit my coffee&tea I just drink more than I should. I haven't tried anything from Drop of Youth range, I've heard a lot about them, especially the sleeping mask.
ReplyDeleteps. Love the new layout and the banner! :) xx
Ela BellaWorld
It's really hard to limit it - especially if you work in an office! xx
DeleteBrilliant tips! My skin's been awful this winter, I don't think the ever-changing weather (-2 one day, 14 degrees the next) has helped. I thought it might have been some new cosmetics I tried, but came across a funny internet meme:
ReplyDelete"- 6 hours of sleep in three days
- Never drink water
- Always stressed
And I wonder why I have bad skin!"
That struck a chord with me. I think stress/lack of sleep and a poor diet will DEFO exacerbate skin conditions, so it's important to look after yourself, using some of the methods you've described :)
– Lubna | The Digital Review
Exactly! A few lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on so many different areas :) xx
DeleteLove the sound of this range! I love to find some me time and try to be organized, this way I feel a lot less stressed :) xx
ReplyDeleteGyudy @ Gyudy's Notes Of Beauty
Having ME time is my favourite especially after my little son goes to sleep. :)
ReplyDeleteI have read so many positive reviews about this range from Bodyshop and the eye concentrate and the mask has been on my wish list for a long time. So after my recent ones run out I will definitely give them a try. x
Ninz/ www.ninzbeauty.com
Aww, I agree with everything! Sometimes taking time off and having some me time is the best thing to do! Love your tips. I should check out the Body Shop products haha <3
ReplyDeletexx Bash | H E Y B A S H | bloglovin'
I am a big fan of products from this range and I love how smooth they have left my skin. I keep hearing many good things about the Bouncy Sleep Mask and it's already in my list of things to try. Thanks for sharing and lovely photo at the top...xx
ReplyDeleteThank you :) and definitely check it out! xx
DeleteI just came across your blog and it looks amazing. This is the first post I have read and found i really helpful. I would love to read more from your blog <3
ReplyDeleteAlso is this suitable for dry skin?
Love, The Urbanista
www.theurbanista.net
Thank you! Yes, as I said it has really helped my skin whilst it's been dry recently xx
DeleteLove the Body Shop, dying to try this range! xx
ReplyDeleteMiss Charissa // http://misscharissaxo.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you for your comments - hope this post was helpful :) xx
ReplyDeleteI had a sample of the bouncy sleeping mask and it was SO hydrating, I'm super tempted to get the full size :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours