May Lindstrom The Youth Dew

Describe the brand in three words.

Artisanal. Organic. Luxury.

What is it?

A hydrating serum.

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam Seed) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Prunus Spp (Plum Kernel) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage Seed) Oil, Aleurites Moluccans (Kukui Nut) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Rose) Essential Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Essential Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Essential Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose Absolute) Essential Oil, Rosa Damascena (Bulgarian Rose) Essential Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot Seed) Essential Oil, Ubiquinone (CoEnzyme Q10)

What's not in it?

parabens, propylene or butylene glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes, fragrances or 'suspected carcinogens'

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils

Suitable for pregnancy?

Yes

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Vegan, organic, sustainably farmed and wild-harvested

Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?

No/No/No

How does it smell?

Divine. Intensely overwhelming in the best, relaxing, way. Slightly floral but light.

How do you use it?

I apply one pump into the palm of my hand, do the therapist swipe, and go straight onto the skin, massaging as I go. After acids, under moisturisers.

Can it be taken around the eyes?

Yes, it's lovely as an eye serum

Best for winter or summer?

Both

How long did I test it for?

I've been using this for a couple of years, on and off.

How much is it? /Size

£96.00/$120.00 for 20ml

Works well with?

Anything, but if you use it under things like The Blue Cocoon, it's almost savage in its intensity and glow. And that's a compliment.

What’s the website like?

Good. Not a ton of information but it lists ingredients and has videos demoing application etc.

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?

Selected distribution across lovely doors like Barneys, Cult Beauty and Liberty.

What’s good about it?

This is a divine serum-oil that contains 20 botanical oils along with CoQ10 via ubiquinone, a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that although naturally found in the body, is the first antioxidant to disappear from the skin as soon as we are exposed to sunlight. CoQ10 levels also decrease as we age (doesn't everything?!) and it is hard to absorb, hence adding it to a fatty, liposome formula to aid penetration. 

The oils are a mixture of nourishing, regenerating, hydrating, omega-heavy and healing. The serum is extremely light, almost runny in its texture, and absorbs immediately. Long-term effects are softer, smoother, brighter skin, that is more protected due to the CoQ10.

What’s not so good about it?

It's not cheap and it's only a 20ml bottle, but in this case you're getting extremely high quality oils/ingredients for your money. Due to the natural state and quality of the ingredients, it's almost orange in colour, which may stain your pillowcases if you lay down too soon. This is a natural colour and will vary slightly by each batch depending on the crop.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes. Obviously I did not pay for it, but I would/will when the time comes.

Do you need it?

Yes, if you can afford it. If you can't afford it at the moment, look at The Ordinary's Buffet and mix it with their Rosehip Oil. It won't be the same, but we have to work with what we can afford financially!

Similar products?

De Mamiel Intense Nurture Antioxidant Serum
Vintner's Daughter
Black Chicken Love Your Face Serum



May Lindstrom The Youth Dew is £96.00 from Cult Beauty.com or $120.00 from MayLindstrom.com




*This post does not contain affiliate links to May Lindstrom's Youth Dew as May is one of my professional clients, but some of the other product links are affiliated.
For full details on how that works see my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq and as always any questions just ask.
The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Instagram Update

Where does the time go? It's over a month since my last update and although it's been typically quiet in the beauty industry, I still have some lovely updates for those of you not on Insta. :)

I bought this from Amazon after seeing Trinny Woodall using it on her Facebook page. It's a slightly fancier version of the Body Shop roller.

This Jeunvie Balm was described as 'excellent, better than most I've used' by my eldest son, who has had severe eczema since he was born. He has tried everything on the market so that's a pretty solid claim. Outside of sunshine and salty sea water, this is one of the few things that seems to have genuinely helped.

Availabel from Jeunvie.co.uk

My current lifeline supplement-wise. Folate and Zinc from Solgar and Spatone to boost my iron levels. I'm a long-term anaemic and thus far, this is working better than Floradix and prescription folic acid. Thank you to those of you that recommended the changes.  

Alyson Walsh is the blogger behind the brilliant That's Not My Age - a site for over 40s who refuse to be told how to dress just because they (we) are not 20. Style Forever is a great read and available from Amazon.

Out next week are new additions to Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv line, including Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum and Regenerating Youth Creme. Thus far: lush.

I found myself using these almost exclusively over the last few weeks. (The other lip products I used on holiday will be up later this week). Still available on Clarins.co.uk for £18.00.

Cornwall skincare was low-key:

De Mamiel Pure Calm Cleansing Dew

Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Gentle Peel Pads 

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator 

MD Solar Sciences Daily Eye Repair Emulsion

May Lindstrom Youth Dew and Blue Cocoon

I took Chanel's La Solution 10 but it was empty after three pumps. GGRR. Next time I'll check the weight before I pack!

Maria Tash opened in Liberty and I've already been in twice. Addictive.

Saw my Mrs at the Gleam Summer Party, where the young'uns partied all night in hot tubs (really) and we drank tea/hot chocolate in the corner talking about what we'd been watching on telly. Much more fun. :)

I bought this hardback of Estee Lauder's 1985 book, A Success Story from a third party on Amazon, and it turned up autographed!! Thrilled doesn't come close. I got it from this seller who still has some left. When I emailed them to ask if they had anymore with signatures inside, they offered me a full refund in case I was 'unhappy that it was inscribed'! No matey, I was very happy. 

So summer is coming to a close, I'm shopping for school uniforms and planning Christmas. Before you know it I'll be watching Elf and wrapping presents.

FAVE FIVES: SPRITZS/HYDRATING TONERS

Hi All!

Spritzs/Hydrating Toners (liquid moisturisers) – with loads more in the planning. As I say in the video if you are on a budget, these are where you can save money. If not, crack on. I also forgot to take a picture for the thumbnail so we have that very attractive pic of me mid-flow LOL.

WHAT I’M WEARING:

J. CREW Save the Bees T-Shirt: http://bit.ly/29p0HNn

Swarovski Celestial Pierced Earrings: http://bit.ly/29J3u8o

Nails: OPI Let’s Be Friends Gel from Hello Kitty Collection: http://bit.ly/29q3X9U

Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light: http://bit.ly/29pnskh

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Medium to Dark Tint (it’s not that dark, clearly): http://bit.ly/29nUkgE

Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation in Buff: http://bit.ly/29nTG2T

Chantecaille HD Perfecting Powder: http://bit.ly/29p1lKx

Bronzer across forehead (my glow, basically): New CID I-Glow in Coral Crush (I will literally be buried wearing this): http://bit.ly/29nTIYJ

Used as Blush: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Antigua (the perfect pink for me): http://bit.ly/29p1dL4

Brows: Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil in 2: http://bit.ly/29nTJM1

Lips: Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay Lip Pencil in Firebird (lightly all over lip): http://bit.ly/29p1OMN

Pixi LipLift Max in Petal Ice (on top):
UK - http://bit.ly/29DBnrl
USA - http://bit.ly/29ofv2f

Products Discussed:

January Labs Restorative Skin Mist:
UK - http://bit.ly/29xxzDC
USA - http://bit.ly/29QvfMN

May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden:
UK - http://bit.ly/29EylOW
USA - http://bit.ly/29QvBCW

Sjal Mineral Kalla Energy Tonic:
UK - http://bit.ly/29xxHCT
USA - http://bit.ly/1Ib4Jm0

Leahlani Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner:
UK & USA - http://bit.ly/29FaKjr

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator:
UK - http://bit.ly/29CM4op
USA - http://bit.ly/29EsLNB


OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/carolinehirons

Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/carolinehirons

Pinterest:
http://gb.pinterest.com/carolinehirons/

Snapchat:
@carolinehirons

Bloglovin':
http://bit.ly/1fuzPqQ

Caroline Hirons c/o
Gleam Futures
6th Floor
60 Charlotte Street
London W1T 2NU
caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :)
For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.
See my full disclaimer here:
http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

May Lindstrom Offer on Cult Beauty - get in early

Head's up Chaps. Cult Beauty are running an offer on May Lindstrom this week - with any spend on May Lindstrom over £100 you will receive a complimentary full size of The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist.

Perfect for this time of year, and an old favourite on this blog (obvs) - it officially launches to their site tomorrow but if you want to get in there early they are offering an exclusive early access code for all you lovely readers of this blog.

Simply enter 'LINDSTROM' at the checkout and it will be winging its way to you sooner than you can say 'sexy jasminey-chocolatey-mist'.

Enjoy!

CultBeauty.com/MayLindstrom

*not a sponsored post and no affiliate link

Mixing up your Cult Beauty Box

I've had quite a few comments/questions from people that purchased the current Cult Beauty Box about how to best mix/match the contents so please forgive a quick post addressed primarily to them. 

(Regular service and LOADS of exciting announcements coming. :) EEK)

AM Cleanse:

You can use either Pixi, Tata or MV Organics as your morning cleanse - all skin types, no issues.

If you want to you can exfoliate with OSKIA as well.  I would cleanse first then exfoliate, then acid. (Not with these DG pads - your normal 'acid' toners.)

Then you spritz with May. 

For sensitive/reddened/annoyed skins you will get the most benefit from using MV Organics for the AM cleanse until it subsides a little. Once you notice a difference you can add in Tata if you want to.

PM Cleansing:

This is where you can really go to town and mix it up.

Please note: these are suggestions - if you are using the products in a different way and it's working for you, that's brilliant. As always, do what works for you.

Dry skins:

• 1st Cleanse - Sonya Dakar on eyes if wearing heavy makeup, then Pixi or Tata
• 2nd Cleanse - Tata or MV Organics
• Exfoliate if you want to with OSKIA
• Pads - twice a week - alternate with your normal acids
• Spritz with May

Dehydrated skins:

For three days:

• Use Sonya on eyes if applicable, then double cleanse with Tata
• Pads - twice a week - otherwise alternate with your normal acids
• Spritz liberally - Jasmine Garden is massively hydrating and wonderful under your serums and moisturisers

On day four:

• Sonya if needed, then either Pixi or Tata for makeup/SPF removal
• Exfoliate with OSKIA
• Follow with one of the Dennis Gross pads
• Spritz with May
• Serum etc....

Continue using any of the products after day four.

Sensitive/Rosacea skins:

• 1st Cleanse - Sonya/Tata
• 2nd Cleanse - MV Organics
• Dennis Gross Pads twice a week are fine on sensitive skins. The products aren't heavily acidic, they're anti-ageing.
• Spritz liberally with Jasmine Garden - and keep it close by throughout the day

Once skin feels calmer, introduce Pixi as a 1st Cleanse on a rotating basis with the others.

Oily/Combination Skins:

All of the cleansers can be used in the ways above on oily/combination skins. The only exception is Pixi, if you have open, active acne, it will possibly be aggravated trying to remove with the cloths. You'll knock heads off and cause bleeding if you're too rough, same as with any oilier balm.
If you have spots that haven't come to a head or are past their 'angry' stage, you're good to go.


I hope that helps, but feel free to leave any comments below and I'll try and get back to you in a speedy fashion.


And as an aside, and in answer to your questions, yes Cult Beauty have their Goodie Bag promotion on at the moment and yes the Box is included in the promotion. The Goodie Bag is added automatically into your basket at checkout.

The Cult Beauty Box is available here: www.cultbeauty.co.uk/caroline-hirons 

Random Round-up No.1

Hi All.

I know I haven't been around much but wanted to keep you up to speed and answer some of your comments on my various social sites and thought this was the best way to start doing that!

New client - May Lindstrom
I’m thrilled to announce that I have just started working with the fabulous May Lindstrom and her equally beautiful brand. May has been largely a one-woman-operation from the start, and as she selectively expands her presence in the UK (about time!), I'm jumping on board to help ensure that her commitment to excellence is shared in the most intimate way possible on this side of the world. We are both VERY excited about the possibilities here - and I can't wait to dive in. May is expecting her second baby in September (Congratulations!) and it feels like the perfect time to join her small team.
We both want to share our evolving relationship in full transparency - there is a business element now that hasn't been there previously. This said - I will of course continue to talk about her products because the big love of those came first, and ultimately led to us wanting to do more together. But - I will add a disclosing statement at the bottom of any post on here just to keep things clear. My opinions are still strongly my own, (I know you expect no less) and the main disclosure page linked at the bottom of every post has been updated to reflect this change.  maylindstrom.com

Kate Somerville Goat Milk
I have both the old cream and the new formulation - I have asked KS if they want to comment on why they changed the formula and they're sending me a comment early next week. Will report back.

Teresa Tarmey
I finally got to Teresa's gorgeous new space in Notting Hill, which is lush, and well worth a visit if you're in the area. It's all in next week's vlog. www.teresatarmey.com

Teresa was obviously there, as was Dr Sam and a whole host of far trendier people than me. I shot off early as I'd been out of the house since 8am.

The Body Shop*

It was so lovely meeting so many of you this week in Birmingham, London and Brighton. I had a great time and the Body Shop were as always, lovely hosts.

I had a lot for requests for visits to other cities and we are working on something. As always I'll keep you updated.

Serozinc wins at CEW

Serozinc won 'Best New Skincare Treatment Product' at today's CEW Award and frankly that's down to you guys. If L'Oreal aren't saying 'Thank You' - I will. Good job chaps. Customer demand always shouts loudest!

This is what I'm on about if you're unsure: www.boots.com/La-Roche-Posay-Serozinc-Spray

kikki.k 

Stationery addict Londoners: the kikki.k pop-up in Covent Garden is well worth a visit. Details here: www.kikki-k.com

goop
I'm still working my way through the products but I can tell you now that the night cream may be too rich for you if you're acnaic, but for the rest of you, it's sexytime. More info here: goop.com/goopskincare - that's not an affiliate link - which I only mention because my sources tell me when goop sell anything they take a nice fee. Interesting no? ;)

Knomo
If you haven't heard of Knomo bags and you travel for work and own a laptop/ipad/400 chargers et al, you may want to check them out. I have a few, and moaned at tweeted them earlier this week with some feedback (essentially - why are the majority of the really lovely girl's bags 14in? - I have a 15in macbook). The upshot is they have invited me to their showroom and frankly, I'm not leaving until they make us working-travelling-big laptop owning-women the bag we deserve. :) More info here: www.knomobags.com


And finally:

This affected me much more than I ever expected. Prince got me through those horrible teen years when I played 'When Doves Cry' on repeat and then in later, happier years when I perfected the Sheena 'walk-on' from the U Got The Look video. I got to see him live but sadly my kids didn't. So much of my life is tied up in his music and I still can't believe he's gone.

The NFL won't let you embed this video but this is the master at work: youtu.be/superbowl  - treat yourself. 

*These events were sponsored by The Body Shop (obviously).

Not a sponsored post. No affiliates. Full information can be found here: http://www.carolinehirons.com/p/about-me.html

May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden

What is it?

'A botanical mist.'

Facial spritz/toner.

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

pure water (aqua)

*hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel)

argentum metallicum (silver)

jasmine (jasmine) grandiflorum absolute

caprylic/capric triglyceride

jasminum officinale (jasmine) extract

*rosa damascena (rose) oil

*cananga odorata (ylang-ylang) oil

*vanilla planifolia (vanilla) CO2 total essential oil

theobroma cacao (cocoa) oil

*organic

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Gluten-free? Vegan?

Organic where possible, then wild-crafted/natural/gluten-free/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/No

What's not in it?

Not really applicable for a spray product, as they don't tend to contain a lot of things that are problematic (although there are some humdingers out there)

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

Either as part of your routine, after acid toning, or as and when you need to refresh or hydrate your skin. OR simply because you want to smell the scent of this beyond-gorgeous product.

What’s good about it?

Everything. Since writing about Blue Cocoon, I have been asked frequently to review the rest of the range. The problem is, there isn't a bad thing to say about it and I don't want it to appear like I'm just fawning, but May, along with brands like Tata, Kate Somerville and Zelens are brands that I would never be without, one way or another.

This mist is on another level. Once you've used it there's no going back. It smells of jasmine and cocoa, with a hint of vanilla, which is, I realise, a bizarre combination. But it works, splendiferously so. 

It is designed to strengthen skin, restore elasticity, stimulate microcirculation and soothe signs of redness, inflammation and irritation. I use after acid toning and throughout the day if I'm feeling dehydrated, which is often in this weather. Layer over and under your other products to lock in moisture. I've been using it underneath the Chanel cream from yesterday and then rubbing Blue Cocoon on areas of redness caused by recent retinoids on my cheeks. Bliss.

What’s not so good about it?

It's £48.00 for 100ml, so if you're on a budget, this is obviously not for you. Also, it's so good that you will want to spray just for the smell, which is a tad indulgent, even for me. Calm down.

Similar products?

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
MV Organics Rose Hydrating Mist


May Lindstrom's The Jasmine Garden is £48.00 from Cult Beauty.com and $60.00 from MayLindstrom.com

VLOG WEEK 19 - L.A. Part 1

Hi All!

I fended off the jetlag for long enough to upload Part 1 of this week's vlog. Apologies for the lack of blogging last week, as you'll see I was pretty much asleep when I wasn't working. I'll be catching up with all your comments on both the blog and YouTube this week so thanks for bearing with. :)

People/Brands mentioned in this vlog:

http://www.pixibeauty.co.uk/

http://maylindstrom.com/

http://www.januarylabs.com/

Pixi very kindly paid for my flight and hotel to facilitate my appearance at their blogger event and Gen Beauty but there was no requirement or obligation at all to review or mention Pixi in any content or promotional way.

OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:

The Blog:

http://www.carolinehirons.com

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/carolinehirons

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/carolinehirons

Pinterest:

http://gb.pinterest.com/carolinehirons/

Bloglovin':

http://bit.ly/1fuzPqQ

Caroline Hirons c/o

Gleam Futures

6th Floor

60 Charlotte Street

London W1T 2NU

caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

Some links may be affiliates.

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from May Lindstrom!

Anyone else as perplexed by the speed at which 2015 flew by? I know everyone says it, but genuinely, where does the time go?

Well, let's start the way we mean to go on shall we? :)

To wish you all a very Happy New Year and to say 'Thank You' for a splendiferous 2015, May Lindstrom and I are offering you a very special one-off New Year giveaway.

To win May's entire BEYOND beautiful collection including:

the blue cocoon

the honey mud

the problem solver

the clean dirt

the youth dew

the good stuff

the jasmine garden

masque treatment brush

all wrapped up in her signature gifting box...

Simply enter via Rafflecopter below.

Full T&Cs are available on the widget but the basics:

• open Internationally
• you can enter daily
• giveaway closes 7th January at Midnight GMT

Good Luck everyone and THANK YOU May!

www.maylindstrom.com/gifting

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hall of Fame and the first peek into the next Cult Beauty Box - May Lindstrom's Blue Cocoon

I won't lie. When May agreed to be in my third Cult Beauty Box I squealed a little. A lot. I squealed a lot. Every pot of Blue Cocoon is still made by hand and I can't believe that May agreed to GIVEMEALLTHEPOTSOFBEAUTIFULBLUE.

If you are a regular reader/viewer you will have seen this all over my social media and in a few videos - the links to which I will put below under the review.

So. If you're new to the blog or have not seen the videos and are not on social media, what is all the fuss about?

What is it?

A cooling, soothing, replenishing, strengthening and protecting concentrated balm, that happens to be blue.

Who is it for?

All skins, but especially those that show signs of irritation, dehydration, redness - I like the description of 'easily offended' skin types. :)

What’s in it?

Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, *** Butyrospermun Parkii (Shea) Butter, *** Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, *** Sclerocarya Birrea (Virgin Marula) Oil, Calodendrum Capense (Yangu) Oil, * Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil, * Tanacetum Annuum (Blue Tansy) Oil, **Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil, * Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, ** Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, * Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Rose) Oil, * Vanilla Planifolia CO2 Total Essential Oil, Schisandra Sphenanthera CO2 Fruit Extract, * Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle) Oil, Ravensara Aromatica Oil

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

The second ingredient is shea butter, so traditionally not to be recommended for acneic skins. However, this formulation literally turns to oil upon application and is extremely refined. In this case, I think the cooling and soothing benefits for the spots outweigh the possibility of breaking out. Speaking purely from my experience,  I have to be wary of shea in high doses and this does not break me out. At all.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan? Fair Trade? Wild Harvested?

Organic. Natural. Vegan. Fair Trade. Wild-Harvested.

Couldn't be purer if it was made by Vestal Virgins eating kale and reading GOOP.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

mineral oil

synthetic fragrance

synthetic colour

animal products

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

'Massage a pea sized amount into skin after cleansing'. 

This goes a long way, less is more. Go easy. Start with a small amount, leave for a little while and then add more if necessary.

I tend to use this on evenings (evenings only) when I'm either doing something really active to my skin - such as applying a retinoid, or on evenings that I want my skin to take a chill pill and calm itself down. It is always the first thing that goes on if I have been on an airplane. 

I scrape a little out of the pot - and a little goes a really long way - I am still on my one and only pot - onto my fingertips, massage lightly into the skin and then if it's being used on its own - 'give it some wellie' with the massage. 

If I'm using it on top of retinoids I tend to give my active products 10-15 minutes on their own, and then put this on top.

What’s good about it?

It's just lush. This is easily in my Top 10 products of all time. Possibly Top 5, but then I don't like to pick favourites. It's just too hard. 

May is really, really good at formulating beautiful products that don't compromise for cost purposes. The blue in The Blue Cocoon is blue tansy oil. No artificial colourings, no gimmicks, it's just blue.

All together, the oils in this balm are analgesic, anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac (oo-er), disinfecting, diuretic - helping puffiness and they are a massive relaxant, which is why I only use it on the evenings. If I have work to do I cannot put this near my face. In the best way.

What's not so good about it?

It's not cheap. It's £128.00 for 50ml. Or $160.00. 

BUT: May Lindstrom's Blue Cocoon is in my third Cult Beauty Box - the Box of Dreams - which is literally what popped out of my mouth* when we decided on the final round-up. So you'll be able to get this and a host of other wondrousness....when it is released.

To sign up for the waiting list for the box click here. 

Tomorrow: another Hall of Famer and information on my last event of 2015. 

*Quote - 'Bloody hell this is literally my Box of Dreams'