Glowing skin is a result of proper skincare. It means you can wear less makeup and let skin shine through. —Michel Coulombe
A little over a year ago, I talked about how to get golden, glowing skin and shared some of my favorite makeup products to use to achieve beautiful skin.
As for the past couple of months, I can’t say I’ve done the same. I’ve been going makeup-free most days and it feels so good to let my skin take a break and just breathe.
Don’t get me wrong. I love makeup and experimenting with new-to-me brands and products.
However, while being home for the last few months, the quote, “Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin.” has become a completely new meaning to me. I’ve learned over the years that if I really love myself, I should take the time to take care of my body and pamper myself. Everything from mindset, skin, hair, teeth, and nails, taking care of what I’ve been blessed with is truly self-care.
In the past, I’ve shared my desire to improve my skin so much that I need little to no makeup.
I’ve looked to other women and have long admired their beauty, specifically their skin. From CHANEL makeup artist Nina Park to influencer, Remonia, my goal is to learn beauty secrets from all women.
If you’ve been around here long enough, you know I reference my favorite UK influencer, Lydia Millen, from time to time. I’ve written several articles and have talked about how she’s influenced me in various ways. From beauty product recommendations to how she tries to live her best life, Lydia has truly inspired me over the years.
The most she’s influenced me on since following her has been skincare. So, when she launched her beauty brand, I was all ears! Honestly, I tan very easily so I purchased this kit to get a true exfoliation of my skin, not for tanning purposes.
That said, in this article, I wanted to share my honest review of GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen Independent Tool Kit. And in case you’re looking for a kit to achieve beautiful, glowing skin, keep reading to see if these tools are for you!
EXFOLIATING GLOVE
In the past, to achieve smooth skin, I used an exfoliating mitt from Sephora. I loved it so much because it sloughed off more dead skin than I ever expected. I ended up purchasing four mitts total, one to gift to my mom and two extra as back ups for her and I.
However, to be honest, it was hard to handle as it wasn’t an actual glove. It didn’t take long until my first mitt ripped from the seams. Ever since, I’ve been on the hunt for an exfoliating glove. From Amazon to beauty retailers, I hadn’t found an exfoliating glove worth spending my money on…until Lydia released her first product for her skincare brand, GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen.
From first impressions, the glove is very thick, well-made, and stretchy. The phrase, “fits like a glove” is accurate in terms of fit. For size reference, I normally wear large in regular winter gloves and wear size 6 in rings.
I’ve used it for a few days now and can tell you that it’s going to hold up well. However, it doesn’t slough off dead skin like I’d want it to.
BACK EXFOLIATOR
As you ladies know, it’s hard enough to exfoliate your skin with mediocre tools much less exfoliate your back. As someone with limited shoulder movement due to a car accident years ago, I’m SO thankful for this back exfoliator! Before, I was only able to exfoliate just past my rib cages and also barely reached my back.
I’ve found Lydia’s back exfoliator to have a pretty good reach! Again, it doesn’t meet my personal standards of skin exfoliation.
WATERPROOF APPLICATOR MITT
Since I tan easily, I’d rather put on some sunscreen and get a natural tan from the sunshine. However, when it comes to winter, I’d like to look like I just came home from a vacation somewhere warm.
Although I don’t plan to try tanning products until this winter season, I thought the waterproof applicator mitt was thick and well-made. It’s super soft to the touch too. I’ll update this post when I use this mitt in the future!
If you’re interested in tanning on a regular basis, Lydia has written an informative blog post and gives step-by-step instructions on how to get the perfect tan.
I’m also linking some tanning products I’m thinking about trying in the future below. Are there any other tanning brands you think I should try? Leave me a comment and let this first-time faux tanner know!
BACK APPLICATOR
Ever since my accident in 2016, I have skipped moisturizing my back because I could no longer reach it without straining. I know, neglecting the skin on my back when I’ve lotion-ed everywhere else has bothered me for years!
From first impressions, this back applicator is just as soft as the applicator mitt. Although I’m not a fan of the raw edges of this applicator, I still think it’s going to hold up pretty well.
To be able to put body lotion on my back without straining my shoulder makes this girl very happy! I think this might be my favorite item in this kit! If you’re looking for a lotion applicator for your back, this tool might be it!
SKINCARE CASE
As someone who is very organized, I love that Lydia presented her kit in a nice and organized case. A place for everything and everything in its place is my motto!
When you order the Independent Tool Kit from GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen, all your skincare tools come in a black faux leather case. As you can see, it has two compartments that’s created with a velcro separator. You can also remove it to make more room. Along with a small zipped compartment at the front, there’s four elastic loops at the back to hold your favorite tanning and skincare products in place when traveling.
I like that the case is also waterproof so you can still take your damp skincare tools with you when traveling.
On another note, I know some people have a problem that the case is made of faux leather, which is basically plastic.
Let’s be real.
Would you want a real leather case or a faux leather case? This topic is one I’ve been struggling with for awhile. In my opinion, if Lydia went with a real leather case, it would absolutely level up this kit. However, you know that the price would have to go increase too. Personally, I think it’s a double-edged sword really.
Speaking of, the product description does explain that this kit is made in China. It also breaks down the percentages of what materials each tool is made of, mostly in the polyurethane family. While I’m disappointed at that, I do like that it’s sustainable to a degree. You can hand wash or machine wash these tools so that’s still a win to me!
What are your thoughts on this topic? Would you pay more for a real leather case/eco-friendly tanning tool kit?
Overall, I think the kit is okay for the price point (£41.67, £50 including VAT or a little over $76 USD), especially when I received a bottle of my first St. Tropez product to try (if I remember correctly, the first 500 orders received a bottle of St. Tropez with their order) too. If I priced it, it would be around $60 USD.
I know during the initial launch, people thought it was pricey, which is understandable. I also think it really depends on what your definition of pricey is too.
Have you heard of GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen brand? If so, did you order her Independent Tool Kit? What do you think of everything?
Note: This post is not sponsored by GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen. I purchased this skincare kit myself. I was not gifted this kit nor was I compensated or asked to review these products by Lydia or the GLÓ by Lydia Elise Millen brand. All opinions are solely my own.
Danielle
August 1, 2020I am going to have to try this out. I have been an avid follower of Lydia for many years and I really wanted to support her launch, but I just felt a little underwhelmed, but you have sold me on it completely!
Danielle
https://www.thereluctantblogger.co.uk/
Huong
August 1, 2020Aww! I’m glad too, love! I understand being underwhelmed. Personally, I didn’t buy it for tanning purposes, just skin exfoliation. I’ll be practicing tanning later this year. I do wish the case had a little more of a luxe feeling, but I understand it’d be more expensive. Let me know your thoughts when you get your kit!
Lisa Autumn
July 30, 2020Oh these products look gorgeous! She really did a great job designing them x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Huong
July 31, 2020Aren’t they? She really did a great job. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!