Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - December 2019 review

With an overall value of nearly £50, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box features a selection of luxury and festive natural beauty treats to see you through December and beyond. 

 Nature's Kitchen Dark Chocolate Fudge Cleansing Butter Face Mask

Who doesn't love indulging in some chocolate at Christmas?! This deliciously Dark Chocolate Fudge Cleansing Butter Face Mask by Nature's Kitchen has a seriously rich and fudgy balm texture to it and features Raw Organic Cacao as it's the main ingredient. Joined by the likes of Australian Beige Clay, Organic Coconut Oil and Cocoa Bean extract, this mask helps to restore your skin's natural moisture balance and draws out impurities at the same time.

 Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm (RRP £9.50)

Another festive skincare treat is this beautiful Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm from Balm Balm who are exclusive to LoveLula. Made from 100% organic and natural ingredients, it boasts a simple but effective formula of Shea Butter, Beeswax, Sunflower and Jojoba Oils, to deeply cleanse the skin, whilst Calendula and Frankincense extracts soothe and rejuvenate. As with all cleansing balms, a little goes a long way! 

 Walden Live The Life Perfume Oil (RRP £17)

Also exclusive to LoveLula are Walden, a range of premium natural fragrances inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s seminal work of the same name. Here we have one of their Perfume Oils to try in the scent, Live The Life, which combines top notes of Bergamot and Orange with middle notes of Tuberose and Sweet Violet, layered carefully over a base of Sandalwood, Brazillian Rosewood and China Jasmine. It's fresh, floral and uniquely different. Be sure to check out my previous reviews of Walden's fragrances here.

Natura Siberica Rich White Body Butter (RRP £5.25)

If you're looking for an affordable green beauty brand, look no further than Natura Siberica who have a huge range of products to choose from. They are well known for their clever natural formulas which help to combat the worst of the cold weather's effects on the skin, and this is one of their key bestsellers. As the name suggests, it's a rich and thick body butter that's brilliant for dry skin, and it also helps to improve overall texture and smoothness across the body.

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.

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The Weekend Post: Can You Heal Acne With The Right Diet? #AD

The symptoms of acne vary from mild to severe, but it can impact an adult's quality of life regardless. Although there are no cures, you can find over-the-counter gels and creams to help treat this skin condition. However, by making some lifestyle changes, you can effectively reduce the symptoms and avoid breakouts. 

While more research is needed, the right diet can play a positive role in preventing breakouts. For example, some evidence has shown that a person suffering from acne can prevent breakouts by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids and cut out dairy products from their diet. If you are suffering from mild to severe acne, make sure you read this article for the best treatment options. 

What causes acne? 

While your skin's role is to naturally shed dead skin cells, if your body is producing too much sebum or oil, the dead skin cells can remain stuck and clog your pores. As a result, these pores become inflamed and turn into lesions. 

How does diet affect acne? 

There are some foods and fruits that you should avoid in order to prevent breakouts. These include pumpkins, potatoes, melons, pineapples, white rice, popcorn, pasta, and sugary snacks. 

Dairy is another contributor to acne breakouts. Examples include ice cream, yoghurt, cheese, and milk. Chocolates can also worsen the symptoms because of their high sugar content. 

Foods that improve acne 

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce breakouts and even improve the symptoms of acne. Some of these foods are: 

• oily fish 

• organic eggs 

• spinach and kale 

• broad beans 

• grass-fed beef 

• nuts, such as pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and almonds 

• chia seeds 

• brown or black rice 

Following an anti-acne diet plan 

By following an anti-acne diet for a few weeks or longer, you will be able to find out which foods are triggering your breakouts. Make sure you bring your anti-acne food diary with you when you see a dermatologist. Remember that diet changes don’t show their results right away. You must be patient as it can take up to 3 months for the dietary change to take effect on your skin. One good example of an anti-acne diet plan is the Mediterranean diet, which consists of fish, healthy oils, nuts, and seeds. You should consider following this diet for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference to your skin. 

Acne treatment options 

There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat acne. For example, topical acne treatments are the most common type of treatment available. Some topical creams or gels include benzoyl peroxide or retinol as their main ingredient. They work by killing the bacteria on the skin while decreasing sebum levels. 

Oral acne treatment comes in the form of prescribed medication for red or swollen spots. These antibiotic medications kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. 

To further minimise breakouts, you must wash your face in the morning and before you go to bed, as well as after exercising or sweating. If you have an oily scalp, wash your hair regularly and always use gentle skincare products. 

To avoid breakouts, make sure you don't overexpose your skin to the sun and never pick your spots. Stress is another contributing factor since it causes the body to produce androgen, a sebaceous producing hormone, which causes acne. 

The bottom line 

Acne is an aggravating skin condition no matter what your age. But this doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If all the above suggestions don’t work for you, see your dermatologist, who can come up with the best treatment option for you depending on the severity of symptoms.

[This is a sponsored post - stock imagery from Pixelbay]

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Foodie Friday: Almond & Cranberry Fudge (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe)

Rarely has a Christmas gone by where I haven't eaten what seems like my body weight in Fudge, and this year I decided to make my own to go alongside the other sweet classics of Shortbread, Chocolates and everything else...! As always, this recipe has a healthier twist to it and is both dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

There are loads of healthy fudge recipes online and whilst it won't taste the same as that classic combo of using mountains of butter and sugar, it does hit the spot when you want something sweet and indulgent to nibble on without experiencing a sugar crash later on!

Here I've used Coconut Oil and Maple Syrup instead, which transforms the fudge to an almost 'melt-in-the-mouth' texture that doesn't stick to your teeth. The addition of some tiny pieces of dried Cranberries adds further texture and flavour, and of course, an essential Christmassy vibe :)

Try it and enjoy - it's so easy to make!

Ingredients

• 250g Almond Butter (I used Meridian)
• 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1-2 tbsp Maple Syrup, depending on your sweet tooth
• 1 tbsp finely chopped Dried Cranberries
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Method

• Line a small loaf/bread tin with parchment paper and set aside.
• Add the Coconut Oil and Maple Syrup to a small saucepan over a low heat and gently melt for around 2-3 minutes. 
• Next, add the Almond Butter, folding it into the melted mixture with a spatula until smooth and fully combined. Then stir in the Dried Cranberries and Sea Salt and remove from the heat.
• Pour into the lined loaf tin and pop into the freezer to set for at least 30 minutes.
• Remove from the freezer, lift out of the tin and carefully chop the set fudge into small bite-sized squares. Enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Have you tried making a healthier type of fudge before?

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The Luxury Jewellery Gift: Browns Rosa Mer Collection Morganite and Diamond Stud Earrings

They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend and their classic appeal has only increased over the decades, making them a covetable luxury gift to find underneath the tree. Santa, are you reading this?!

For those who prefer to purchase high-quality, luxury jewellery, perhaps as investment pieces in their collections or simply to provide that extra 'wow' factor on a special someone's face this Christmas, Browns has something to delight everyone.

Browns are family jewellers who are a member of The National Association of Jewellers which makes gives them the much revered 'mark of quality' in the business. They offer a range of beautiful and unique jewellery pieces, alongside prestige watches and engagement rings in a vast number of classic and contemporary designs.

Their latest jewellery collection is named Rosa Mer which aims to embody the grace and elegance of the Pink Sea and I was simply over the moon to receive their new Morganite and Diamond Stud Earrings to show you what you can expect from this beautiful line of jewellery.

These delicately stylish earrings feature an oval cut Morganite stone in the centre secured by a claw setting, which is offset by bright white round brilliant cut Diamonds at the top. The piece is set within solid 9 carat Rose Gold with classic butterfly fastenings to complete the studs.

I think you'll agree with me that they are absolutely beautiful. The perfect accessory to a very Merry Christmas!

Browns Rosa Mer Collection Morganite and Diamond Stud Earrings* (£250, link) - shop the full collection exclusively at Brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk

Is jewellery on your wishlist this Christmas?

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Introducing: Adorli - A New Online Shop For Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Organic & Natural Beauty #WomenSupportingWomen

Heads up green beauty fans, there's a new online shopping destination called Adorli, and all the brands that they stock are made by UK female entrepreneurs! #WomanSupportingWomen

Founded by Saidat Giwa-Osagie, Adorli has been set up to promote emerging cruelty-free, vegan, organic and natural beauty brands which have been developed by female entrepreneurs who have created their own cosmetics and skincare lines after they were unable to find suitable products elsewhere. The shop's motto is 'kind beauty, made with love, made for you' which forms the basis for how Adorli came to be.

Saidat says, "When I moved to London, I would go to local beauty shops and struggle to get advice on which products to buy, making the experience time-consuming and costly. It was then I had the idea to create a place where you could find beauty products that are lovingly made with you in mind because the female entrepreneurs behind the brands have gone through similar situations and are therefore equipped with the empathy, support, and mindset to create beauty that's kind and caring.

Beauty isn't just skin deep. When you find something that's been made with you in mind, it's a recognition of your humanity, your uniqueness and a celebration of your beauty."

Adorli is currently working with a small number of independent female-led brands, so if you'd like to support this wonderful business, here are some of their bestselling products to look out for.

Honeypie Minerals Pink Rose Blush* (3g, £7.99, link)

Affordable and effective, Honeypie Minerals is a 100% natural and cruelty-free mineral-based brand which prides itself on producing pure, simple and honest makeup. They are known for their gorgeous blushers which are free from bismuth oxychloride, talc, oils, starch, synthetic harsh chemicals, parabens, nanoparticles, additives, fragrance and preservatives, and come in a range of shades to suit all skin tones.

The colour that I was kindly sent to try is called Pink Rose Blush which is one of those beautiful universally flattering shades of rosy pink and I haven't worn anything else since it arrived. Finely milled, this silky-soft mineral powder is easy to work with, feels lightweight and delivers a matte finish, but still has a lovely 'glow' to it. 

Kathy Sue-Ann's Super Moisturising Organic Body Butter in Au Naturel* (50ml, £8, link)

As I'm prone to dry skin and eczema flare-ups (particularly at this time of the year), I couldn't wait to try Kathy Sue-Ann's Super Moisturising Body Butter which is every bit as deliciously comforting as it sounds. Packed full of nourishing superfood ingredients such as Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera, this Body Butter feels surprisingly light thanks to its luxurious whipped texture, yet it really delivers on the hydrating front and transforms dry and irritated skin into a much happier and healthier version of itself.  Perfect for Winter or beyond, this is the Au Naturel formula which is free from fragrance and essential oils, however, there are also Sweet Orange, Lavender and Grapefruit versions available for those who want something scented.

Chaaboo Citrus and Lavender Tea Mini Soaps* (42g, £2.50 each, link)

An unusual and unique plastic-free gift idea for anyone who loves tea and green beauty, Chaaboo's one-of-a-kind Mini Tea Soaps are handmade in Hertfordshire to a vegan-friendly, palm oil-free and PETA approved natural formula. Key plant-based ingredients include Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Shea Butter, whilst Tea Leaves and Tea Water add a quirky twist! I've been enjoying using both of these in my home recently (the Citrus soap is by the kitchen sink, whilst the Lavender one is in the bathroom), and I'm already keen to try out some of their other tea-themed flavours in the near future.

Find all of these products and more at adorli.com

Are you shopping with independent brands this Christmas?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2019: The Last Minute Green Beauty Gifts

It's the final week to get your online shopping orders in to meet those Christmas posting deadlines, so here's my last-minute Green Beauty Gift Guide!

Luxury Organic Pampering: By Sarah London Season's Greetings Organic Body & Hair Gift Set* (£55, link)

For the person who adores their luxury organic and ethical products, the By Sarah London Season's Greetings Gift Box will be such a delight for them to find underneath the tree this year. The packaging is completely plastic-free and sustainable (made from 77% recycled paper content and the sleeve is made from crushed grapes which have been saved from landfill, plus the whole process is made from 100% green energy!) and can be further reused or recycled.

Inside the box, your recipient will discover the Organic Body Oil (100ml) which boasts an award-winning blend of cold-pressed, certified organic, plant-based ingredients to hydrate and nourish dry skin. It's suitable for all skin types as it's free from fragrance and essential oils and really is a lush pampering treat to use after a bath or shower. A travel-size Organic Hair Oil (20ml) is also included and this is recommended to use instead of your regular hair conditioner thanks to its high levels of Omega 7 which help to soften, hydrate and add shine to even the driest and damaged hair. A gorgeous unisex gift idea.

Budget-Friendly Pampering: Lavera Sweet Moments Gift Set* (£15.95, link)

If you're on a budget or have a lot of people to buy for this Christmas, Lavera has some brilliant value-for-money gift sets available. My top pick is the limited edition Sweet Moments Gift Set which comprises of two full-size products, a Body Wash and a Body Lotion (200ml each), in Lavera's signature Sweet Moments natural fragrance. As the name suggests, this is definitely one for those who love their sweet scents with warm and cosy Organic Plum and Organic Vanilla extracts. The formulas of both the Body Wash and Body Lotion are very luxurious and at this price point, you may want to treat yourself to a set as well!

The Travel Skincare Set: Trilogy Get-Away Skincare Kit* (£15.50, link)

Speaking of affordable green beauty gifts, you can't go wrong with this fantastic little set from Trilogy. Their Get-Away Skincare Set will be well received by frequent travellers and natural skincare fans alike as it contains three travel-sizes of the brand's most popular products. The star is the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (5ml) which is made from certified organic ingredients and is a great product to deeply hydrate the skin with, whilst the Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) will add even further moisture to keep the complexion healthy and glowing throughout Winter. To complete the set, Trilogy's brand new limited edition Everything's Dreamy Balm (18ml) has been added to help tired travellers to get a good night's sleep.

 Good Wellbeing: REN Silent Nights Pillow Spray Stocking Filler* (£12, link)

With stress and busy lifestyles on the rise, we can all use a helping hand when it comes to perhaps the most important aspect of good wellbeing - a restful night's sleep, and so this adorable Silent Nights Pillow Spray Stocking Filler makes a thoughtful small gift. Inside the box are two travel sizes of REN's much loved & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray (10ml) that contains a clever formula of Lavender, Hops and Franckinese to bring instant calm before bedtime.

Candle Lovers: SUN.DAY Of London Natural Botanical Mini Candle in Céleste (£12, link)

SUN.DAY Of London is a new brand that I was recently introduced to who specialises in handcrafted botanical home fragrances, so naturally, I had to include one of their gorgeous Natural Botanical Candles in this gift guide. Available in a range of enticing scents and in three sizes (midi, extra large and mini), these candles are made from just a blend of pure and natural Coconut Wax and aromatherapy Essential Oils, packaged in glass and finished with a cotton wick. I was kindly sent Céleste which is a stunning fragrance featuring Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Wild Bergamot, Amber and Cedarwood for an ultra-relaxing and tranquil experience.

Organic Makeup: Inika Limited Edition Flawless Everyday Gift Set* (£27, link)

For the natural and organic makeup fan in your life, Inika's Limited Edition Flawless Everyday Gift set is a great introduction to the brand and offers brilliant value-for-money too as the contents are worth £55, so you save £28! Neatly packaged in a small sparkly makeup bag, your recipient will be treated to Inika's bestselling Bold Lash Vegan Mascara (full size), a travel-size Loose Mineral Foundation (different shades available) and a travel-size Vegan Foundation Buffing Brush to use with it. I've personally used Inika's Loose Mineral Foundation for well over five years now and I can't recommend it enough!

Stocking Fillers: Lavera Organic Sheet Masks* (£6.95 each, link)

Lastly, I wanted to include these brand new Organic Sheet Masks that Lavera have recently brought out. Perfect for teen and adult pampering at home, these would make perfect stocking fillers for friends and family, or why not include them in a DIY self-care box for someone special? There are four different masks to choose from; Firming, Hydrating, Glow/Illuminating and Purifying, to cover all the main skin types and concerns and don't forget that you can recycle the packaging at your nearest Terracycle collection point :)

Are you last-minute shopping this week?

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The Eco-Friendly Gift: Green Future Box review

Living a more sustainable lifestyle doesn't have to be boring or daunting. Quite the opposite in fact! With a subscription to the Green Future Box, you'll receive a specially chosen selection of plastic-free alternatives that you'll use every day.

We all know that we need to change some of our daily habits to help save the planet and preserve it for generations to come. I'm sure most of you reading this have already made changes such as ditching single-use plastic or making the pledge to go vegan or to eat less meat. If you haven't yet and want to, the Green Future Box is a great place to start and appeals to sustainable beginners, as well as those who are currently living a more responsible eco-friendly lifestyle. 

The aim of Green Future Box is to provide subscribers with plastic-free alternatives to products that they may use every day or on a regular basis. Everything inside the box is cruelty-free and suitable for vegans too, plus the contents are guaranteed to be worth a minimum of £30. When you sign up, they ask you a couple of questions which allows the company to customise the box to your needs, and it's worth pointing out that you can change these answers or cancel your subscription at any time.

I was kindly sent last month's Green Future Box to review which naturally came delivered in completely plastic-free packaging - yay! 

 Flawless Micellar Water Aloe & Lavender (100ml)

Packaged in a recycled glass bottle complete with a recycled aluminium lid (both of which can be recycled again after use), Flawless Micellar Water is a gentle cleansing fluid that's infused with natural extracts such as Aloe and Lavender to be kind to sensitive skin types. Simply pour a little onto a reusable cotton/cloth pad and sweep over the face to remove makeup, daily grime and impurities. I love using this as a first cleanse in the evening to 'take the day off'.

Flawless Detoxify & Cleanse Activated Charcoal Organic Sheet Mask

Also from Flawless is an Organic Sheet Mask, which like the Micellar Water, is made in Wales in small batches. Open the packet and you'll find a biodegradable organic cotton sheet mask which is saturated in a detoxifying formula that features ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Aloe Vera, Juniperberry, Rosemary and Patchouli. Apply to a clean face, sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes whilst it works its deep cleansing magic to draw out impurities and soothe blemishes and breakouts.

 Little Green Wood Reusable Face Wipes

This cute pack of handmade Reusable Face Wipes from Little Green Wood are made from organic cotton and fleece material and have a different texture on each side to suit your personal care needs. The woven cotton side is great for using with your favourite cleanser morning or night and provides a little exfoliation for the skin at the same time, whilst the fleece side is super soft and ideal to use with the Flawless Micellar Water above to gently remove eye makeup. Once you're done, simply place them into the organic cotton mesh bag provided and pop them in with the rest of your laundry in the washing machine - easy!

Georganics Natural Toothpowder and Natural Floss

Plastic waste from everyday products such as dental care is a massive issue for the planet but with this duo from Georganics, you needn't be part of the problem anymore. Their Natural Toothpowder comes in a glass jar with an aluminium lid and boasts natural whitening and stain-removing properties thanks to a base blend of Magnesium and Sodium Bicarbonate. The fluoride-free powder is also flavoured with Spearmint and Eucalyptus for a breath-freshening result every time. Never used a toothpowder before? Just wet your toothbrush and dip it into the jar, then brush as normal.

Follow up with the Natural Floss which is made with Activated Charcoal fibres and you'll have a happy and healthy oral hygiene routine that doesn't impact on the planet!

Green Future Box* costs £19.99 with free UK postage - subscribe at greenfuturebox.co.uk

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for a bumper Empties post?! As per my usual pre-Christmas tradition of having a declutter, I made it my mission to use up as many of the half-full and nearly used up bottles and jars in my bathroom as possible and here are the results! You might want to grab a snack and make a cuppa first...

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate*

A gorgeous face moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid for the winter months - nice thickish texture but absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy at all so perfect for most skin types I would imagine! Repurchase? I'm currently testing out the new fragrance-free version which I actually prefer :)

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish (travel size)

I love the scent of REN'S Moroccan Rose Otto range because it's so fresh and uplifting. This is a proper luxurious body scrub that works a treat. Repurchase? On my wishlist.

Bodhi & Birch Super 25 Botanical Serum* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a luxury all-natural serum, I would add this to your shopping basket right now. It's a sublime blend of 25 superfood botanicals and it's free from essential oils which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment sadly.

Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Everything from Lola's Apothecary is beautiful and this bath oil is no exception - it smells gorgeous and so calming. Repurchase? On my xmas list.

Bodhi & Birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil (reviewed here)

A good friend gifted this to me for my birthday and I was so happy because I've used it in the past and absolutely adored it. The scent is heavenly and the texture of the oil just leaves your skin silky soft. Repurchase? Another that's on my xmas list ;)

Lavera All Round Cream (reviewed here)

Long-time readers will recognise this - I've gone through many tins of this amazing multi-purpose moisturiser over the years. Super thick and buttery, it's a must-have for dry skin during winter and it smells like lemon cheesecake! Repurchase? Already have.

Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Rapid Flash Serum (travel size)

I'm a big fan of Sunday Riley's C.E.O Vitamin C range and this serum was such a pleasure to use that I was gutted when it ran out. Brilliant for brightening up dull skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Vitality Spritz* (reviewed here)

Uplifting and invigorating is how I would describe this luxury body spritz which is lovely to use after hot yoga or pilates. Repurchase? Sadly not, it's one of those products that I used a lot at first, but then forgot that I had which is why it's taken me such a long time to use it up.

Handmade Naturals Cocoa & Mandarin Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

A fantastic budget-friendly natural lip balm that tastes a bit like a Terry's Chocolate Orange - what's not to like?! Repurchase? Yes.

L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil (travel size)

I will always have a soft spot for this as I've been using it for years and the scent is quite nostalgic for me now. It's also still one of the best products to use to shave your legs with - silky smoothness guaranteed every time. Repurchase? Yes.

A'kin Rosehip Oil* (reviewed here)

My skin loves Rosehip Oil so I always have a bottle of it in my stash and this one from A'kin is another longtime favourite of mine because it's so pure and has a lovely texture. Repurchase? Definitely.

Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo* (reviewed here)

I can't remember how many tubes I've used up in the past but I often have one in my bathroom and alternate it with other shampoos. Brilliant for dry hair without weighing it down. Repurchase? Will do once I've used some other shampoos first.

Lavera Basis Sensitiv Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

One of the best organic toothpastes that I've tried for sensitive teeth. Contains sodium fluoride but is SLS free. Repurchase? I've trying out Lavera's Whitening Toothpaste at the moment.

B. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover* (reviewed here)

If your eyes are quite delicate and sensitive, as most people's are, this affordable, vegan eye makeup remover is fantastic because it removes everything (including waterproof makeup) without stinging or requiring scrubbing. I've used lots of these! Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Monoi And Orange Flower Luxury Bath Foam* 

Perfect for a luxurious bubble bath, this SLS-free Tropic Bath Foam smells incredible - I'm a sucker for anything with Monoi in it - and it's really relaxing to use before bedtime. Repurchase? Yes.

Elsa's Organic Skin Foods Natural Deodorant Stick in Ocean* (reviewed here)

I've been lucky enough to try out all of the different natural deodorants from Elsa's and my two favourites are Love and Ocean. The latter is super fresh and a great unisex scent too. Repurchase? Already have.

P.S - Recycle your beauty empties with Terracycle! 

Most of these plastic and glass containers can be recycled through my local council service (blue bin in my area), however, things like the pumps have metal springs in them which are not accepted as they require a different method in order to be recycled. Luckily, Garnier have teamed up with Terracycle to recycle beauty and personal care waste which is deemed difficult to recycle. It's free, all brands are accepted and there are drop off locations all over the UK. Read more here.

What have you used up recently?

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Health & Lifestyle: Get Healthy Together - How to Become a Fit Couple #AD

As we couple up, we tend to put our gym routines and morning runs on hold and enjoy the comfortable company of our partners. However, we should all strive to be healthy and strong, no matter what. Unfortunately, if you or your partner isn’t on board with exercising and getting fit, things can get even harder. But, there are many ways you can hit the gym together and make exercising a fun activity that will allow both parties to reap some health benefits. Here’s how to become a fit couple and get healthy together.

Find something you both like 

This is the first and most important part of exercising with a partner, finding something you both like to do. If one of you isn’t enjoying what you’re doing, you can basically forget about reaching your fitness goals as a couple. If your partner loves to hit the weights but you don’t, there’s no point in forcing yourself to do it. You will end up resenting both them and exercising. On the other hand, if you know you both love spending time outdoors, you can grab some mountain bikes and have a vigorous ride in nature. This way, you’ll both feel great after and be able to support each other on your journey. 

Try partner exercises 

While there are plenty of exercises and activities you can do separately, it would be super fun to try some moves that require teamwork. Sure, your SO can spot you while you lift or be a cool chatting partner as you ride bikes, but you can also try some tandem exercises like partner heal taps or partner press and row. Your partner can also help you with stretching or you can finish your workout with a light yoga flow for two. If you love to laugh together, there are various couple’s yoga positions you can try out. 

Be on the same page with nutrition 

If you come home and grab a protein shake while your partner digs into some ham sandwiches and Snickers bars, you’re not going to have a good time. Nutrition is an integral part of getting fit, so don’t let it stand between you and your goals. Make sure you’re both in line when it comes to your daily meals, otherwise, you’re probably going to fall off the wagon and lose all your progress. Make a weekly meal plan you both like and stick to it. 

Treat it like a date 

You can have many date nights at the gym, running at the park or hiking the trail. Instead of bringing your phone, use your workout as an opportunity to catch up, have fun and laugh together. If you’re still in the early stages of your relationship, you might want to take better care of your sweaty feet so that you’re not so embarrassed on your date. But, later on, you’ll both laugh at just how sweaty you got and have a great bonding experience. 

Be open-minded 

While it’s very important to enjoy the activity you’re doing, you also might want to have an open mind. For instance, if you’re into Crossfit and your partner wants to try yoga, make sure not to dismiss it right away. You might really enjoy it, plus compromise is always sexy! 

Don’t compete 

There’s a huge possibility that the male partner will be able to do more push-ups or that the female partner is more flexible, but make sure not to compete and try to keep up. No one has the exact same fitness levels, so if you go too hard, you can end up hurting yourself and putting your fitness plans on hold. 

Be supportive 

Remember that you’re on this journey together and you need to be each other’s cheerleader. If your partner is struggling, don’t tease them. Support your SO and it will make both of you more motivated. Also, if your partner is willing enough to try something new, don’t constantly correct their form and show what they need to do and how—it’s annoying. Instead, try your best to be supportive and they will get the most of their workout even if they are beginners. 

Hopefully, these tips will inspire you to pursue your couple fitness goals and you’ll grow to love your workouts for two. Stay motivated and soon you’ll be the best looking couple on the block!

[This is a sponsored post - stock image from Form Fitness]

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