October Beauty & Lifestyle Favourites

Monday 30 October 2017

October Beauty & Lifestyle Favourites
Ready for some monthly favourites? Here's a quick roundup of everything that I've been loving throughout October.

STARSKIN Eye Catcher Smoothing Eye Masks (£8.50 for a pack of 2 pairs, link)
Eye masks have become as much of an addiction as sheet masks for me, and these ones from STARSKIN have been a favourite for a while, but I don't think that I've properly given them a shoutout before! Like their amazing sheet masks, these eye masks are made from the same kind of bio-cellulose material which acts like a 'second skin' to help the infused serum absorb better. They do a fantastic job of depuffing and smoothing, so great for a quick fix before a special occasion or night out!

Leighton Denny Heritage Collection Nail Polish in Rural Sunset* (12ml, £12, link)
Leighton Denny have recently released a gorgeous new range called the Heritage Collection for A/W, and this shade Rural Sunset is the most perfect tone of soft, dusky pink for an ultra-chic manicure. Perfect for all year round, not just A/W.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (100ml, £25, link)  
Thanks to the colder weather, I've been reaching for my more hydrating skincare products this month and was missing a good hydrating face mask in my stash so I decided to repurchase this beauty from Origins. I've bought it a couple of times in the past and always enjoy using it at this time of the year, plus a percentage of the sales of this special edition goes to Breast Cancer research, so I couldn't say no!

October Beauty & Lifestyle Favourites
Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask(60ml, £12, link)
Another face mask that I've been loving is a new discovery for me and it's the Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask. It's amazing for all skin types to use, but dehydrated, stressed, tired and sensitive skins will especially love it. To see it in action, read my full review here

Clipper Happy Mondays Organic Tea(20 teabags, £2.39, link)
You guys know how much I love my tea and I've been really enjoying this one from Clipper. Their Happy Mondays blend is an organic infusion of Lemon, Ginger and Cracked Black Pepper - so warming with a little spicy kick! It's the perfect tea to heat you up on a cold morning and certainly, helps to liven up a dull Monday. It works really well as a cheeky Hot Toddy too with a shot of Whiskey ;)

Vida Glow Original Marine Collagen Supplement(30 doses, £32.95, link)
A high-quality collagen supplement can give a boost to your hair, skin and nails during the Winter months when you need it the most, and it comes in very useful the older you get, as we naturally lose collagen through age which leads to sagging and wrinkles. Vida Glow is made from all natural pure marine collagen, derived from the scales of ocean fish, and contains no wheat, gluten, sugar, additives, preservatives or flavours. To use it, you just add a scoop to your drink of choice - easy! This Original blend does have a very slightly 'ocean' type of flavour in plain water (like a subtle fish-meets-seaweed flavour), but it's easily masked in a smoothie or juice, or you could try one of the brand's other flavoured versions instead.

What are your beauty faves this month?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

October Empties: Products I've Used Up

Sunday 29 October 2017

October Empties: Products I've Used Up
After last month's gigantic Empties post, October's stash seems rather small in comparison! That said, I think it's still a pretty decent bunch, so let's get stuck in. Here's everything that I've managed to use up throughout the month, my overall thoughts and whether I'll be repurchasing them or not.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Body Lotion
I finished this last night and decided to sneak it into this post, rather than saving it for next month - there's probably a tiny amount left when I cut open the tube, but I'd say it's 99% done! Geranium & Orange is one of my all-time favourite scents from Neal's Yard and I've used up a couple of these over the years. The lotion itself is very moisturising, non-greasy, and sinks in nicely, and that gorgeous scent lingers for a few hours after applying - heavenly! Repurchase? Yes. 

Our Tiny Bees Lip Balm
I repurchased this back in April earlier this year - you may remember it from my Minimalist Beauty Essentials post (here), so it's lasted me a good couple of months. I love the simple, all-natural formula as it's made from just three ingredients; Almond Oil, Beeswax and Honey, and it does a fantastic job of keeping chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? I want to finish some of my other lip balms off first, but I'll definitely buy this again at some point.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream*
Oh my - the scent of Joyful is literally pampering heaven goals! It's upliftingly fresh, strongly floral, and I find it very comforting and relaxing. The cream is light but nourishing, and feels incredibly velvety on the skin. You can use it as a body or hand cream, and it works well both ways. A real 'me time / self-care' treat when you want to feel good about yourself. Repurchase? Yes.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque
I have a lot of hair masks in my bathroom as my hair is notoriously fussy and dry, so it's taken me some time to get through this huge pot from Shea Moisture which I featured back in my January Beauty Favourites (here). It's one of my favourite budget beauty buys and I always reach for this when my hair is feeling particularly dry and frazzled. Works a charm! Repurchase? Already have!

October Empties: Products I've Used Up
Ihana Arctic Facial Toning Mist*
This hydrating toner was one of my favourite skincare products that I used throughout Summer (previously reviewed here), and I'm very sad to see it finished up! It's great for sensitive skin and really helps to calm down and soothe any irritation or redness. Repurchase? I have lots of other toners on the go at the moment, but I will definitely buy this again when I run out!

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil*
I'm a big fan of REN's Vita Mineral range and this serum-meets-oil hybrid is a wonderfully nourishing boost for the skin, so much so that I think most skin types will get on well with it. It's high in Omega 3 to help support healthy skin renewal and it's a great product to try if you're starting to see the first signs of ageing. Repurchase? Yes. 

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil
This multi-purpose oil seems to be a favourite in GWPs and beauty boxes, as I've managed to use up a fair few of these mini bottles. You can use it on face, body and hair, and I tend to keep it on hand as a smoothing finishing oil to help de-frizz my dry hair, though it's lovely to use as a pampering body oil too. Repurchase? Still have one or two more samples left!

Gallinée La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser
I first used up a bottle of this sometime last year, and decided to buy it again when I'd gotten through some of my other cleansers. I don't know why, but I just haven't been loving it this time around and I don't believe that they've changed the formula or anything like that. It seems to now make my skin feel a bit stripped and dry - weird! Repurchase? No.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk Body Moisturiser
Regular readers will know that I'm a massive fan of Bondi Sands and this Everday Gradual Tanning Milk is hands down the best gradual tan body moisturiser that I've ever tried. It's completely foolproof to use (applies just like a regular body moisturiser so no need to worry about streaks or anything like that) and develops into a gorgeous, natural looking light tan within 1-2 days. It's really good to use as a 'top up' for maintaining fake tan as well. Repurchase? Definitely!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Green Beauty: Goodbeing Natural Beauty & Wellness Lifestyle Box - October 2017 review

Friday 27 October 2017

Goodbeing Natural Beauty & Wellness Box - October 2017 review
Natural beauty boxes have really grown in number this year, and I'm now finding myself coming across new ones all the time which is very exciting! My latest discovery is Goodbeing.

Goodbeing are a natural beauty and wellness subscription box based in the US, but they ship to the UK and a number of other countries including Canada, Australia, France and Sweden, to name a few. They offer two different types of monthly boxes; a beauty box and a lifestyle box. The beauty box contains just beauty, whereas the lifestyle box contains a mix of beauty, wellness and lifestyle products. As I love exploring a bit of everything, I decided to try out the Lifestyle option.

When you first sign up to Goodbeing, you fill out a very detailed questionnaire about your beauty requirements such as skin type, hair type, what kind of makeup you like, what you don't like etc, and also about your general lifestyle interests. This allows Goodbeing to personally curate the products that you'll receive in the boxes to your profile, so you'll never receive a moisturiser for dry skin if you have oily skin for example. They are a 'trial and discovery' service, so all of the products are travel and sample sizes, and you'll receive 4-5 products each month, with a combined value of at least $45.

Best of all though - you get to choose 2 of the products yourself! I really love this because it means you get to choose and have a surprise, all in the same box. So to give you an idea of what you can expect from Goodbeing, here's what I received in my October Lifestyle box.

Orglamix Magnetism Eye Primer
Orglamix Magnetism Eye Primer (Full size, RRP $15)

I was pleased to see a selection of makeup available to choose from, and I opted for this Magnetism Eye Primer from Orglamix.  I haven't heard of the brand before, but their American and cruelty-free, and I have to say that this is a pretty decent eye primer for a natural brand. I've been looking for a replacement to my beloved Urban Decay Primer Potion for such a long time, and this Orglamix one is the best that I've tried so far. It's not as hardcore strong as UDPP of course, but it keeps my eyeshadow in place for around 6-8 hours, before I start to notice any telltale creasing on my oily lids which isn't bad at all. I'm also impressed that it's full size as I wasn't expecting that!

Everbiotics Synbiotics Supplements

Everbiotics Synbiotics Supplements (5 sticks, RRP $6.83 - full size is 30 sticks for $40.99)

The second product that I chose for this box was a sample pack of Everbiotics Synbiotics supplements. I received 5 of their on-the-go stick sachets which I know will come in handy for travelling and popping into my handbag. This supplement is a synergistic blend of Prebiotics and Probiotics, fortified with Superfoods, to help boost your health. You just need to take one stick a day, which comes in a powder that you can mix into a cold drink. Tastes good!

Modicum No. 3 Essential Serum
Modicum No. 3 Essential Serum (10ml travel size, RRP $25 - full size is 30ml for $65)

Regular readers will know that I love my skincare, so I made sure to fill out all of the details via the online questionnaire about my skin type and the kinds of products that I like. I was happy to see that Goodbeing had noted this and they chose this serum from Modicum for my box. Organic, vegan and cruelty-free, the No. 3 Essential Serum is an 'extracts-based anhydrous formula comprised of highly medicinal and nutritious plants for the skin'. It contains ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil and Rose Damascus, and boasts anti-aging properties, making it suitable for those who are starting to see the first signs of ageing, as well as those who already have wrinkles and fine lines. 

I also like how it's ideal for anyone who has acne, eczema and psoriasis, thanks to the healing benefits of many of the ingredients included in the formula. I've used it three times so far and I love how it absorbs into my skin and makes it feel hydrated and smooth.

Borika Mandarin + Cacao Natural Body Scrub
Borika Mandarin + Cacao Natural Body Scrub (sample pack, RRP $8.95 - full size is $19.95)

The fourth and final product is a sample pack from Borika which was selected for me by the Goodbeing team (perhaps in reference to the fact that I adore pampering products!). This all-natural, organic Mandarin and Cacao Natural Body Scrub has a Brown Sugar base which is infused with Almond Oil, Cacao and Mandarin Oil, and that's it! Simple but effective, it does the job and leaves my whole body feeling revitalised and super smooth - brilliant!

Goodbeing Beauty and Lifestyle Boxes* retail from $9.95 per month, plus shipping. For more info and to sign up, visit joingoodbeing.com

What's your favourite natural beauty box?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Tried & Tested: Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Masks review

Monday 23 October 2017

Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Masks review
Thanks to the ever-expanding beauty section at TK Maxx, I've been able to try out a whole bunch of skincare and makeup from many coveted brands this year, all at budget-friendly prices (yay!). One such brand that I've been exploring more of recently is Tony Moly and I've been steadily working my way through their popular I'm Real Sheet Mask range.

Easily recognisable by their bright, glossy and colourful packaging, Tony Moly's I'm Real Sheet Masks were one of the first 'mainstream' Korean sheet masks that I ever tried. They weren't always so easy to get hold of in the UK though, and I remember having to order them online most of the time which limited the ones that I could try out. Happily now though, most TK Maxx stores have been stocking them, and I was over the moon when my friend texted me to say that she'd just seen them on sale for £1.50 each at her local store!

Needless to say, I asked her to pick me some up and these ones below are my favourites. Each one can be applied for around 20-30 minutes and has a different purpose (though a few of them are quite similar), so it's taken me a little while to get through them all!

Tony Moly I'm Real Seaweed Skin Purifying Sheet Mask
 Best for Congested & Blemish Prone Skin: Tony Moly I'm Real Seaweed Skin Purifying Sheet Mask 

If you have oily, congested, combination or blemish-prone skin, the Seaweed Skin Purifying Mask is the one that I've found the most effective, as many of the other masks in this range aren't really clarifying or detoxing. This one contains Seaweed extracts to help draw out impurities, but it does so gently and makes my skin feel so much more refreshed and cleansed afterwards.

Tony Moly I'm Real Aloe Moisturising Sheet Mask
 Best for Dry & Dehydrated Skin: Tony Moly I'm Real Aloe Moisturising Sheet Mask

Drier skin types will love this Moisturising Mask which is infused with Aloe Vera extract to deeply hydrate. It's perfect for this time of the year when the central heating starts to come on (a notoriously common cause of dehydrated skin) and is a great mask to use straight after a clay treatment if you're into double-masking, to restore the skin's moisture levels.

Tony Moly I'm Real Tomato Radiance Sheet Mask
Best For Dull Skin: Tony Moly I'm Real Tomato Radiance Sheet Mask 

Whenever my skin is looking on the dull side, I like to perk it up with a brightening face mask and bizarrely enough, Tomato is one of the key ingredients that often crops up in radiance-enhancing skincare! TM's Tomato Radiance Sheet Mask utilises Tomato extract to provide a temporary quick fix solution to dull skin - perfect for special occasions, nights out and upcoming Christmas parties.

Tony Moly Avocado Nutrition Sheet Mask
 Best For All Skin Types: Tony Moly Avocado Nutrition Sheet Mask

My favourite Tony Moly mask is the Avocado Nutrition Sheet Mask. Why? Well, this little gem seems to do a bit of everything. It hydrates, brightens, soothes and generally just makes my skin feel better and happier whenever I use it. So if you only try one TM mask, make it this one!

Tony Moly Rice Clear Skin Sheet Mask
 Best For Tired and Stressed Skin: Tony Moly Rice Clear Skin Sheet Mask

Been burning the candle at both ends or having to deal with a stressfully busy week at work or Uni? Give your skin some TLC and use the Rice Clear Skin Mask. It's very similar to the Avocado and Tomato masks, in that it helps to brighten up the skin, but it's a bit more moisturising which is ideal for tired and stressed out skin to replenish it. 

Tony Moly I'm Real Tea Tree Soothing Sheet Mask
Best For Uneven Skin: Tony Moly I'm Real Tea Tree Soothing Sheet Mask

Usually, I always think of Tea Tree in purifying treatments, but in TM's case, the Tea Tree Soothing Mask is a much more gentler affair and is brilliant for anyone who has an uneven skin texture. This mask helps to both soothe and smooth the skin, and adds a little brightening effect for good measure.

Have you tried any Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Masks? Which ones are your favourites?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Foodie Friday: 5 Teas To Cosy Up To This Autumn with Adagio Teas

Friday 20 October 2017

5 Teas To Cosy Up To This Autumn with Adagio Teas
The nights are drawing in and it's getting colder by the day, so now is the perfect time to stock up on some delicious new tea blends to see you through Autumn and beyond. Put the kettle on, hop on the sofa and snuggle up to these loose leaf beauties from Adagio Teas

Adagio Teas Pu erh Hazelberry
 Adagio Teas Pu erh Hazelberry* (prices from £2, link

If you like the idea of a tea that tastes of strawberries, chocolate and hazelnuts, Pu erh Hazelberry is the blend for you and it's one the tastiest teas I've had the pleasure of trying all year! At the base is an earthy, strong Pu erh tea, which is combined with flavours of fruity Strawberries, chocolatey Cocoa Nibs, and delicate hints of Creme and Hazelnuts. It's a wonderfully comforting sweet tea that you'll always want to have a plentiful supply of in the cupboard.

 Adagio Teas Oriental Spice
 Adagio Teas Oriental Spice* (prices from £2, link

Spicy teas really come into their own during the colder months, and this Indian spiced Black Tea is an interesting variety of different flavours. Oriental Spice features Ceylon black tea at its core, and this is blended with Orange Peels, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger Root, Cardamon and Cloves. The overall spicy notes work very well with the citrusy element which comes through from the Orange Peels, resulting in a fresh and spicy tea with a relatively dry aftertaste.

 Adagio Teas Earl Grey Moonlight
 Adagio Teas Earl Grey Moonlight* (prices from £2, link)

Earl Grey is a household favourite, but I've always found it a little boring taste-wise on its own, which is perhaps why I enjoyed this unusual blend so much. This version called Earl Grey Moonlight features a classic Earl Grey flavour with a distinctive twist, thanks to the addition of Orange Peels, Blue Cornflowers and hints of natural Vanilla, Bergamot and Creme flavours. The result is a much more fragrant, smooth and creamy Earl Grey that can be enjoyed at any time of the day for a relaxing cuppa.

Adagio Teas Black Dragon Pearls
 Adagio Teas Black Dragon Pearls* (prices from £3.75, link)

I've always been fascinated by Dragon Pearl Tea because these tight, hand-rolled 'pearls' of high-quality leaves and buds are so beautiful to look at, so I'm thrilled to finally experience what they taste like. Adagio's black tea version, Black Dragon Pearls, have an earthy, traditional black tea flavour with delicious chocolatey notes. It's smooth, strong and seriously addictive - the ideal tea to kickstart your day with!

Adagio Teas Pumpkin Spice
Adagio Teas Pumpkin Spice* (prices from £1.50, link)

No Autumnal tea feature would be complete without the obligatory Pumpkin Spice blend, and this one is sure to delight anyone who adores this Halloween favourite, as well as Chai Tea lovers. The strong black tea base is livened up with natural Pumpkin Spice flavour, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger Root, Cloves, Marigold Flowers and Cardamon. It's blissfully comforting and not too sweet - the ideal tea base for your homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes - who needs coffee anyway?!

Shop the full range of Adagio Teas online at adagiotea.co.uk

What are your favourite teas for Autumn?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Beauty Box: Love Me Beauty - October 2017 review + 20% Discount Code

Thursday 19 October 2017

Love Me Beauty - October 2017 review
If you like the idea of receiving a beauty box every month, but hate the surprise element, Love Me Beauty will be right up your street!

Unlike other beauty boxes that send you a random selection of products every month, Love Me Beauty lets you choose all of the products yourself from their online shop. So if you have enough skincare samples to last you for the next five years or dislike certain brands, LMB is the beauty subscription service for you. Their online shop is updated regularly, but they currently have brands such as NUXE, So Susan, Jelly Pong Pong, Kat Von D, Caudalie, Ecotools, Buxom, Bareminerals and Nails Inc available, so there's plenty to choose from. 

Every month you'll get 60 credits to spend in the online shop. Smaller travel size samples are often between 10-15 credits each, and full-size products are usually around 20-30 credits each, so you can mix and match what you'd like to receive that month and there's the option of purchasing additional credits if you fancy treating yourself further. I really like this flexibility, and you also get a makeup bag instead of a box which is pretty cool!

To give you an idea of some of the products that are up for grabs this month, just keep on scrolling :)

So Susan Haute Light Highlighting Pencil
So Susan Haute Light Highlighting Pencil (1.5g travel size - 15 credits)
This universally flattering ivory cream coloured highlighting pencil is suitable for all skin tones and can be used anywhere on the face to instantly brighten it up. It feels creamy and is so easy to use - I love using it in the waterline and in the inner corner of my eyes to make them look bigger and more awake - a brilliant trick that's used by many make-up artists and a lifesaver for those mornings following a late night!

Jelly Pong Pong Bare Necessities Highlighting Pencil (1.5g travel size - 15 credits)
Jelly Pong Pong's Highlighting Pencil works in essentially the same manner as the So Susan one above, but has a more pinky, fleshy undertone to it, so depending on your skin tone, you could use this as a concealer, eyeshadow base, and of course, as a highlighter. Again, it's great in the waterline and inner eye corner to make you look instantly more awake.

Jelly Pong Pong Play Paint in Damson
Jelly Pong Pong Play Paint in Damson (full size - 20 credits)
Play Paint is an awesome multipurpose cream based product that can be used on both lips and cheeks for a vibrant pop of colour. It's very pigmented so a tiny amount goes a very long way and it has a lovely velvety texture that blends beautifully. Damson is a pretty pink shade for everyday wear and stays put for up to 10 hours which is really impressive! 

So Susan Lip Dome in Mango
So Susan Lip Dome in Mango (full size - 15 credits)
This lip crayon feels very similar in texture and finish to the Clinique Chubby Sticks and is somewhere between a lip stain and a hydrating balm. It feels really comfortable on the lips which is ideal for this time of the year when they're feeling drier, and this colour Mango is very flattering on. The Lip Dome has a 'plumping' formula that's infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Tripeptide-I to help increase lip volume and improve elasticity, so if you want to have a fuller pout, this is one to try out.

NUXE Creme Fraiche de Beaute
NUXE Creme Fraiche de Beaute (15ml travel size - 15 credits)
I always enjoy trying anything from NUXE, and their Creme Fraiche de Beaute has been on my beauty wishlist for a while now, so I'm pleased to finally have the opportunity to try it! This moisturiser is suitable for normal skin and contains a range of Plant-based milks and Algae Extract to offer 48-hour hydration and a protective anti-pollution filter. I've only tried it twice, but so far so good!

Love Me Beauty* is £10 plus £3.95 P&P per month - lovemebeauty.com

Special reader offer: Use my discount code beautywolfgirl20 to get 20% off your first box!

Do you subscribe to Love Me Beauty? 

Mid-Week Pamper Treats with Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review
It's so common to see the words 'natural', 'organic' and 'vegan' on beauty products these days, but what about 'fairtrade'? If your bathroom is absent of the Fairtrade logo, it's time to treat yourself to a pamper with Fair Squared.

Fairtrade is a term that most consumers are aware of when it comes to products like coffee, tea and bananas, but it can apply to any product that contains certified fairtrade ingredients which meet the strict regulations of the Fairtrade Foundation. This important global social movement works with small communities of farmers all over the world to help them trade their goods for a fair price. But it goes so much further than that. Buying certified fairtrade products also helps to fund education, empowers some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people, fights for and protects worker's rights, and sets strong environmental protections to promote sustainability. All in all, buying fairtrade means that everyone involved gets a good deal with a much brighter future, so what's not to love?!

One such brand that puts fairtrade at the heart of what it does is Fair Squared. This ethical cosmetics company produces a range of cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, natural skincare and body care products, and I've been testing out a couple of their gorgeous pampering treats.

Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review
Fair Squared Lime Shower Gel* (250ml, £8.95, link)
This SLS-free shower gel uses fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine and fairtrade Limes from Brazil for a truly nourishing and hydrating experience in the shower. It smells fresh and uplifting, and cleanses the whole body without drying out your skin. It's perfect for my dry skin and is free from parabens, phthalates, suflates and PEGs. If Lime isn't your thing, Fair Squared also have a range of other scents available including Vanilla, Coconut, Green Tea and Coffee - yum! 

Fair Squared Coconut Body Scrub* (150ml, £8.95, link
For a scrub that smells good enough to eat, this body exfoliator contains tiny fairtrade Coconut Flakes from Thailand to gently remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin in a matter of minutes. This scrub also has fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine, so it's really moisturising, leaving your skin feeling soft and thoroughly pampered afterwards.

Fair Squared Shea Body Butter* (300ml, £12.95, link)
If you have dry skin like I do, you'll love this Shea Body Butter which is made from a blend of simple natural ingredients including fairtrade Olive Oil and Shea Butter. It has a lovely rich texture and is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to rejuvenate tired, dry skin and restore it to its former glory. The Body Butter sinks in nicely and doesn't feel greasy or sticky afterwards. I know I'll be using this a lot throughout Winter!

Shop the full range of Fair Squared products online in the UK via pravera.co.uk

Do you use any fairtrade beauty products?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - October 2017 review

Tuesday 17 October 2017

LoveLula Beauty Box - October 2017 review
This month, LoveLula has delivered an excellent box of green beauty goodies which includes a good mix of skincare and makeup. Want to take a closer look at the contents? Let's jump right in!

Greenfrog Botanic Soapberry Bodywash in Geranium & Peppermint
 Greenfrog Botanic Soapberry Bodywash in Geranium & Peppermint (100ml travel size, RRP £3.90)

Winner of an Editor's Choice Award at this year's Beauty Shortlist Awards, this Soapberry Bodywash from Greenfrog Botanic contains a moisturising formula that's infused with Organic Aloe Vera to be kind to the skin. I've tried a couple of products from Greenfrog before and this is definitely one of my favourites because the Geranium & Peppermint scent is so zingy and refreshing. Perfect for those upcoming cold and dark mornings when you need all the help that you can get to wake up!

PHB Eyeshadow and brush
 PHB Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow in Almond (RRP £9.95) and Eyeshadow Brush (RRP £7.95)

Through the LoveLula beauty boxes, I've discovered many gems from PHB, so I was pleased to see another two makeup items from them this month. The Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow in the shade Almond, is a beautiful satin cream with light golden tones which I've been enjoying using as an inner corner eye highlight and as a cheekbone highlight for a little subtle glow. It feels creamy to the touch and blends easily, imparting a natural looking sheen that's suitable for everyday wear. 

The Eyeshadow Brush has high quality, cruelty-free, synthetic bristles that are soft and tapered to an angle for precise blending. This allows the brush to get into the crease which makes it ideal for creating a quick and easy sultry smokey eye, and it's equally as good for packing on shadow all over the lid. A nice addition to my brush collection and ideal for makeup beginners to play with.

Ooh! Natural Tamanu Rejuvenating Face Oil
 Ooh! Natural Tamanu Rejuvenating Face Oil (15ml travel size, RRP £9.50)

One of the latest additions to the popular Ooh! Oils Of Heaven range (check out my feature on those here), is this Tamanu Rejuvenating Face Oil. Made from 100% Tamanu Oil, Tamanu is rich in Omega 6 and Omega 9, so it's a highly effective moisturiser for all skin types, and great for boosting dull or dehydrated complexions. The dark green colour is a little strange and swampy, and the scent is oddly nutty with strong hints of spice, but trust me - you need to try it! 2-3 drops is all you need for a hydrating evening facial oil which is perfect for this time of the year, and it makes your skin look so much healthier and brighter in the morning.

Glossworks Nail & Cuticle Oil
Glossworks Nail & Cuticle Oil (RRP £12)

The final product in this month's LoveLula beauty box is a Nail & Cuticle Oil from Glossworks (who I wrote about recently here). This multi-purpose oil is packed full of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, D & E from the Avocado Oil formula, which helps to soften dry and cracked cuticles, and strengthen weak and brittle nails. A must try for anyone who enjoys doing their manicures at home!

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Foodie Friday: The Vegan Kind Box - Taste Test review - October 2017

Friday 13 October 2017

The Vegan Kind Box - Taste Test review - October 2017
Happy Friday! Last Saturday, my The Vegan Kind box for this month arrived and I couldn't wait to get stuck into the contents after seeing a couple of spoilers online - it's another good 'un!

For those of you who haven't heard of The Vegan Kind before, it's a monthly lifestyle subscription box that mainly contains food and drink, with the addition of usually one or two lifestyle or beauty products. As the name suggests, everything in the box is suitable for vegans, and although I'm not a vegan myself (I'm vegetarian), I am trying to cut back on dairy so I really enjoy receiving these boxes and seeing the new variety of vegan-friendly food and drink that's now out there. 

Here's what I found inside this month's box:-

ALO Comfort Watermelon & Peach Drink
 ALO Comfort Watermelon & Peach Drink (500ml, RRP £1.99)

Although Summer has sadly now passed us by, this ALO Watermelon & Peach Drink is wonderfully refreshing and reminds me of much sunnier days! It's very fruity and contains 15% Aloe Vera Juice and 10% Aloe Vera Pulp for a little health boost when you're on the go. Gluten-free, fat-free, no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and it's also non-GMO Project verified - brilliant! 

 Geo Organics Chickpea and Lentil Dahl
 Geo Organics Chickpea and Lentil Dahl (300g, RRP £1.49)

I love chickpea and lentil curries so I was keen to try this dish from Geo Organics. It's organic, gluten-free and the plastic container is free from BPA which is something that I haven't seen regularly around from other brands. You can cook it on the hob or microwave and this portion was enough for myself and my sister to share as a tasty side dish, and tasty it was with just a hint of spice. I'd definitely buy this again to have in the cupboard for those days when you're too busy to cook from scratch.

Retro Corn Lemon & Lime Sherbert Popcorn
 Retro Corn Lemon & Lime Sherbert Popcorn (35g, RRP £0.99)

Retro Corn specialises in popcorn that's coated with the flavouring of classic retro sweets, which sounds like a neat idea, but I'm not sure it's for me as I wasn't keen on these at all. The Lemon & Lime Sherbert flavour is just how you would imagine it and my housemates soon finished off the rest of the bag when I left them on the side! If this sounds like your thing, they're gluten-free and only 85 calories per bag.

 Biona Cool Cola Bottles
 Biona Cool Cola Bottles (75g, RRP £1.79)

Being a vegetarian means that I haven't had any gelatine sweets since I was a kid at school, so I've been a fan of these gelatine-free ones from Biona since they came out. They're obviously more expensive than the likes of Haribo, but they're also organic and super moreish - I can easily eat a bag of these when I'm watching a movie at home! 

MyProtein Chocolate Baked Cookie
 MyProtein Chocolate Baked Cookie (75g, RRP £1.99)

Protein cookies make delicious post-workout snacks (or a healthier breakfast on the go like I often have them for), and it's great to see more brands doing them without the added whey. Instead, this Chocolate Baked Cookie from MyProtein gets its protein from Wheat and Soy and contains 13g per cookie which is pretty impressive. My main tip with these is to warm them in the microwave for a couple of seconds before eating them - it softens the cookie and makes it so much yummier. This one is really nice and chocolatey which is perfect when I want a chocolate fix.

Eat Vive Peanut Butter Jelly Protein Bar
 Eat Vive Peanut Butter Jelly Protein Bar (40g, RRP £1.95)

If you prefer a more traditional protein bar snack instead, this one from Eat Vive is absolutely delicious and has an awesome PBJ flavour with a really good texture. It's gluten, dairy and soya free, contains 10g protein and is 149 calories per bar, so ideal if you want a healthier mid-afternoon snack or post-gym treat. This brand is a fab new discovery for me and I love the simple ingredients which include Dates, Peanuts (21%), Pea Protein (20%) and Coconut Nectar.

Harper's Candles Little Black Cat Soy Wax Candle
Harper's Candles Little Black Cat Soy Wax Candle (RRP £5)

The last product is a beautifully scented candle from Harper's Candles who are a regular feature in The Vegan Kind's boxes, and one that I'm always happy to see in there. This Halloween exclusive Little Black Cat scent is sweet and uplifting, perfect for this time of the year and burns cleanly as it's handmade from soy wax. Gorgeous!

Also in the box: This month's recipe card is for Cashew Udon Noodles (sounds good!) and October's chosen charity is the Tower Hills Stables Animal Sanctuary, who provide a forever home for over 400 animals including dogs, cats and horses. They're currently fundraising for more accommodation so they can help rescue chickens, so check out their website here for more info.

To find out more about The Vegan Kind, visit their website here. £10 + p&p each month in the UK, with worldwide shipping options available. 

Have you signed up to The Vegan Kind?
What's your favourite, non-beauty lifestyle subscription box?

[Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest]
Next Post Next Previous Post Previous
Powered by Blogger.