Recent Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

A long overdue post - here are about four month's worth of beauty empties! The growing pile of empty beauty containers has been piling up in my bathroom, so it's time for me to share my final thoughts on these, and discuss which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

There's quite a lot to go through here so let's jump straight in, shall we?

Original Source Hydrating Water Infusions Raspberry & Rosewater Shower Gel

I tend to have a couple of different body washes/shower gels on the go in my bathroom (hey, I'm a beauty blogger, OK?!), but the one that I've used the most this summer has been the wonderfully cheap and cheerful Original Source Shower Gel. This smells so fruity and summery, you just can't go wrong with it. Repurchase? Yes.

Paul Yacomine Huile de Parfum Body Oil (travel size)

A gorgeous discovery from a beauty box, this luxury body oil from Paul Yacomine has the most beautiful silky texture and heady tropical floral notes. Highly recommended if you love Bergamot and Ylang Ylang scents - it's heavenly stuff. Repurchase? Out of my budget at the mo sadly!

Ben & Anna White Fluoride Natural Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a plastic-free toothpaste and you're not keen on those solid tooth tabs, this is a brilliant alternative as feels much more like a regular toothpaste but is packaged in a glass jar instead. I've used up quite a lot of these over the past few years and find that a jar lasts a good couple of months for me. Repurchase? Yes.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm

Oh, it was a sad day when I came to the end of this beauty! I've loved this cleansing balm for such a long time and still regard it as one of the best that I've ever used. The texture is spot on for me as it's not too heavy or greasy, and is easy to rinse off with a warm flannel. I love using it in the evening as part of a double-cleanse. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will know how much I adore Epsom Salts, and indeed, one usually pops up every time I write an empties post. One of my new faves, these Detox Epsom Salts from Absolute Aromas are brilliant for aching muscles and joint pain. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Gloss & Shine Gloss Conditioner* (reviewed here)

For an affordable green beauty conditioner that ticks a lot of the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Lavera's haircare, particularly their Gloss & Shine range. This is a really good conditioner for fine, dry, and dull hair types, and gives lovely swish-worthy results. I think this is my third or fourth bottle. Repurchase? Yes.

Natura Siberica Taiga Daily Protection Hand Cream* (travel size)

I can't fault this hand cream - it's 99% natural, smells great, and moisturises my hands. What's not to love?! Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray*

A bestseller and one that I've used for the good part of at least 10 years. Whenever I use this before going to bed, I always find that I can sleep better, which for someone with insomnia/sleep disorder problems, is a real bonus. I feel that this is worth every penny! Repurchase? Definitely.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (reviewed here)

I've lost count of how many times I've used this or for how long it's been a staple in my skincare routine - it's truly one of those products that I just always come back to time and time again. A fantastic toner mist packed full of skin-friendly ingredients such as Prebiotics, Hyaluronic Acid, and Prickly Pear. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk* (travel size)

If you love fresh and uplifting lemony scents, you'll absolutely fall in love with Dr. Hauschka's Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk. In fact, you'll probably fall in love with the whole range! The lightweight silky texture instantly absorbs into the skin and the natural fragrance puts you in a good mood for the whole day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Green People Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum* (reviewed here)

My skin drinks up Hyaluronic Acid based serums like this booster from Green People, and I've recommended this particular formula to so many people as it's fragrance-free and easily tolerated by most skin types. I prefer to use this in the evening to plump up my skin overnight as you really do see a noticeable difference come the morning. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara*

I've been rubbish at using up makeup this year as you can tell, but I always try to remember to change out my mascaras every few months to prevent any eye issues like conjunctivitis - ditch those old mascaras! I enjoyed using this one from Eyeko as the curved brush added lots of volume and it didn't clump or smudge. Repurchase? Yes.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask

I finally took back some old Lush pots to trade them in for a free face mask (their recycling scheme is seriously awesome!), and picked up a fond favourite from back in the day - the amazing Catastrophe Cosmetic. As the name suggests, this is the face mask for troublesome skin and it's brilliant for soothing and calming everything down. Repurchase? Definitely.

Have you used up any beauty products lately?

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Foodie Friday: Doughlicious Dough Chi - Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt & Vegan Chocolate Truffle review (a Gluten-Free alternative to Mochi!)

 

So you've probably already tried the popular Mochi Ice Cream (those Tik-Tok famous delicious balls of ice cream wrapped in glutinous rice), but have tried Dough Chi? This gluten-free alternative to Mochi is just as delicious, and the perfect new treat for your bank holiday weekend!

I first saw Doughlicious Dough Chi on offer on the Ocado app recently, and already being a big fan of Mochi Ice Cream, I decided that I had to see what this mini dessert was like. 

I couldn't quite picture what it would taste like in my head - would it melt quickly and go soft, or would the cookie dough keep it firm? My interest was piqued and I added two flavours to my next online shop.

What is Dough Chi?

Dough Chi by Doughlicious are small flavoured ice cream balls that are wrapped in a layer of cookie dough. They're free from GMOs, gluten and palm-oil. Depending on which flavour you get, they're roughly around 100 or so calories and around 5g of fat per ball so not bad macro-wise if you want a sweet treat after a meal.

First impressions
Packaged in a similar fashion to ice cream mochi, Dough Chi comes in packs of six. Straight out of the freezer they are quite hard as you'd expect with a powdered coating - I'd recommend leaving them out for a minute or so to soften at room temperature.

Flavours & Tasting

Doughlicious have a small range of flavours to choose from including Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt, Dulce de Leche, to Birthday Cake and straight-up Chocolate. Everything is suitable for vegetarians and there are two flavours that are dairy-free and vegan-friendly (Chocolate Truffle and Chocolate Chip).

I tried the Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt which to me, has strong cheesecake vibes; in fact it was very much like eating small balls of frozen blueberry cheesecake! The cookie dough coating was a little gritty, but I liked how it wasn't overly sweet. By contrast, I found the vegan Chocolate Truffle to be much richer and more decadent - this flavour was pure chocolate heaven with a much smoother cookie dough layer. Like the Blueberry Dough Chi, the focus was less on the sweet side and more on the rich dark cocoa flavours. Yum!

Overall thoughts

Although these are an expensive dessert at £4.50 per pack, I'd definitely pick up the vegan Chocolate Truffle flavour again the next time I saw it on offer and it's great to see more high-quality gluten-free desserts on the market.

Discover Doughlicious Dough-Chi at ocado.com

Have you found any new desserts that you're loving lately?

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Health & Lifestyle: JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm, and Magnesium+ Double Strength supplements review

 

This month's Health & Lifestyle post features three bestselling supplements from JSHealth. Founded by a clinical nutritionist and one of Australia's most well-loved health and wellness experts, Jessica Sepel, JSHealth offers free shipping in the UK and has a wide range of bundles and offers to get you the best price of your essential vitamins.

You may have seen JSHealth on Instagram lately as the brand continues to grow and grow, with a following now firmly established here in the UK. They have pledged to use more sustainable ingredients and their formulas are free from a long list of undesirables; you won't find any harmful binders, fillers, or preservatives. Their products are all free from gluten, GMOs, MSG, and added sugars as well.

With such wide and diverse range of supplements to choose from, I let Instagram decide for me and picked up their recent widely promoted AM & PM supplements, as well as a two-month supply of their bestselling Magnesium+ Double Strength.

JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm (£34.99)

Packaged in a travel-friendly container that twists off to unveil the AM and PM duo in separate tubs, this handy formula has been designed to support energy and wellbeing during the day, whilst promoting healthy relaxation and deeper sleep by night. Let's check each blend out individually, shall we?

The AM supplement features all of the usual suspects that you would expect to find in an energising formula, such as Vitamins C, B12, B5, B6, and Biotin B7. There's also the essential minerals Zinc and Selenium, with a good dose of everyone's favourite natural power booster, American Ginseng. And not forgetting an ingredient which is more unusual and that's Rehmannia root which is hugely popular in Chinese medicine for supporting healthy kidney function. This makes the AM supplement stand out from the crowd,  and provides a well-rounded and well-thought-out blend that can be used every day for optimal energy levels.

The PM supplement by contrast, is centered on just four key ingredients and boasts three different types of Magnesium (Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate). This carefully chosen triple blend of Magnesium covers all bases for enhanced absorbability to support a healthy nervous system and promotes relaxation of the muscles. Lavender Oil is added as the fourth ingredient in this blend for its traditional natural properties of calming, soothing, and relaxing the mind and body.

Overall thoughts

Having tried these AM and PM supplements for a month, I can say that I noticed a slight increase in my day-to-day energy levels, and for the most part, I did find that I slept better (or at least this is how it was logged on my health app so I must have been getting some extra zzz's!). The only downside that I experienced is that these supplements are much larger than what I'm used to from other brands, and I did find that I had to break them into two to swallow them properly, which made them less convenient to consume. For this point alone, I'd be hesitant to say that I would re-purchase them, but if the size isn't an issue for you, definitely check them out.

JSHealth Magnesium+ Double Strength (£16.99)

If you only take one supplement, make it Magnesium. Magnesium is described as nature's muscle relaxant, and most of us are deficient in it as we don't get enough of it from our typical Western diets. Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports and maintains healthy bones, improving density and supporting healthy teeth too. It's also amazing for reducing muscle cramps and is vital for supporting a healthy nervous system. 

Magnesium+ Double Strength is basically the same as the PM formula above, minus the Lavender Oil and with a higher strength of magnesium (this blend has 200mg per dose vs 151mg that the PM has). The triple mix of Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate is present here so that your body absorbs it easier, so if you've been looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to incorporate into your daily routine, this could be it. Again though, I must point out that the tablet sizes are much bigger than regular supplements so do bear this in mind when purchasing - I do feel that it's something that JSHealth needs to revisit.

Shop the full range at uk.jshealthvitamins.com

What supplements do you take?

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Currently Loving: Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Wild Berries Candle & Soy Wax Melts review #ShopSmall

 

The weather has turned surprisingly autumnal here in the UK this week, so I thought I'd throw the spotlight on a lovely independent business I discovered at a local vegan market a little while ago called Yogi Candle Studio.

Launched in the summer of 2020, Yogi Candle Studio was founded in a small kitchen by Katie who wanted to make some candles to use during her yoga practice. However, her hobby quickly grew into a full-time small business as the popularity of her products grew and her premises are now located in a bigger space within the Amerton Farm and Craft Centre in Stafford. 

All of Katie's products are handmade and hand poured at the farm and everything is made from 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. The brand prides itself on only sourcing ethical and sustainable plant-based waxes and oils, and all of their packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.

I was browsing a local vegan market in the area when I came across a stall for Yogi Candle Studio and the fragrance coming from it was incredible! Lined up was a good selection of candles and wax melts in lots of different scents, so naturally, I had to treat myself ;)

Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle (£12)

With so many gorgeous scented candles to choose from, I had a difficult time only choosing one and could easily have come home with all of them! After much deliberation, it was the Wild Heart Wild Berries scent that captured my own heart! Topped with dried flower petals, this candle is made from ethically sourced soy wax for a clean, non-toxic burn that has no palm oil or parabens. 

The sweet and fruity natural fragrance comes from a delicious blend of rich figs, dewberry, sweet raspberries, blueberries juicy black plums, layered on a base of patchouli, vetiver and musk. The standard 180g size has a burn time of 35+ hours and looks pretty wherever you choose to place it in your home.

Yogi Candle Studio Soy Wax Melts (3 bars for £10)

Next to the candles were all of Yogi Candle Studio's Soy Wax Melts and I picked up three bars in their £10 mix and match deal. Again, I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the scents and in the end, I opted for Sunrise (Coconut & Lime), New Beginnings (Cherry Blossom & Peony), and Refresh (Peppermint & Eucalyptus). 

Like the candles, these are also made from sustainably and ethically sourced soy wax which is palm-oil free, vegan, and cruelty-free. These bars are what I like to call the 'snap-apart-chocolate-style bars' and have a combined burn time of around 35 hours. I absolutely adore all of these scents and will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Not local to Stafford? Shop online at yogicandlestudio.com

Have you discovered any local small brands in your area recently?

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Foodie Friday: Look, Stop, Swap Box review from Dr. Wills & Friends

 

We all know that we should be eating a lot less sugar, but sometimes it's overwhelming when you're in the supermarket and looking at the labels of everything that you normally buy. Sugar seems to be everything! Luckily, Dr. Will's has made life somewhat easier with his Look, Stop, Swap Box, which has been curated with some yummy food and drink swaps to get you started.

Obesity continues to be one of the biggest health problems facing our society, and childhood obesity, in particular, has been increasing in the UK. Recent statistics show that one in five children will now be overweight by the time they start school, and this figure rises to one in three when they reach the age of 10 years. 

Dr. Will's is one such medical professional who has seen firsthand the damaging health effects of obesity, so much so, that he's been leading the charge with educating parents about the dangers of sugar. As a doctor, dad and co-founder of Dr. Will's, he has joined forces with other like minded brands to curate a Look, Stop, Swap Box, as well as publishing a whitepaper which you can read here.

Here's what's inside the box (all products are full size!):-

Dr. Will's All Natural Tomato Ketchup

Let's start with Dr. Will's' very own All Natural Tomato Ketchup. A 2020 Great Taste Award winner, this ketchup is naturally sweetened with just 3.5 dates, versus the staggering 19 cubes of white sugar that's found in mainstream ketchup brands! Not only does this bring down the calories, but it still tastes sweet and is packed full of juicy vine-ripened tomatoes. Vegan and keto friendly, this ketchup is also gluten-free.

Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies

Sweets are of course usually always loaded with sugar so these Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies are a delicious alternative. Made with 95% less sugars and 45% less calories, they are high in fibre and full of natural fruit flavours. The texture of them is a little harder, yet they're still a very satisfying fruity sweet when you have those cravings for something for chewy. It's worth noting however that they do contain bovine gelatine which makes them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans unfortunately.

Spoon Granola Cinnamon + Pecan

Eating sugary cereals has been proven to mess up your metabolism so a swap to a sugar-free breakfast is a wise one! I absolutely love this Spoon Granola which is high in fibre, vegan friendly and gluten-free. It tastes just like homemade granola with chunky pieces of pecans, crispy coconut bits and a moreish sprinkling of cinnamon. You won't find any refined sugar in here, just a little natural maple and date Syrup.

Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter

Another easy swap is peanut butter and there are now so many brands of natural peanut butters out there which are sugar free. For one that has a real rich depth of flavour, you can't go wrong with Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter. It's made simply from just two ingredients; hi-oleic peanuts and a sprinkling of salt, that's it. This peanut butter is seriously god-tier stuff, no wonder it won a Great Taste Award back in 2019! 

Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ + The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs

Next up, I found two bags of savoury snacks. I don't think many people realise just how much sugar is hidden in regular packets of crisps, but once you start to check the backs of those packets, it's quite eye-opening. Instead, why not try Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ - a tasty baked corn snack that's under 150 calories per bag and 40% less fat than similar snacks. It's also all-natural, vegan and gluten-free.

Meat eaters will no doubt enjoy The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs which boasts 18g of protein and 134 calories per bag. Handmade in the UK, they are a lighter alternative to pork scratchings.

Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink

The last product is a can of Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink which helps to represent the big wide world of sugar-free drinks that's only growing in popularity as people cut down on their sugar intake. 100% natural, this drink has a refreshing and fruity flavour of mango and ginger, with a little zingy kick to it thanks to a pinch of cayenne.

Dr. Will's Look, Stop, Swap Box is currently on sale for a bargain £6 with free delivery! Buy your box online whilst stocks last at dr-wills.com

Are you actively cutting down on your daily sugar intake?

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In My Bathroom: Absolute Aromas Soothe & Detox Epsom Salts + Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray review

 

Enjoying a long soak in the bath at the end of a busy week is one of life's small pleasures. The ritual of locking the door, turning on the tap, lighting a candle, and choosing to use one of your favourite bath products is something that I find so wonderfully relaxing.

As a beauty blogger, I'm utterly privileged and spoilt to be able to pick and choose from an array of bath oils, salts, bubble bars and all sorts of magical potions to help me unwind, but I often come back time and time again to bath salts, and in particular, Epsom Salts.

I've written about Epsom Salts many times in the past as I love they're naturally rich in Magnesium which is an essential mineral that many of us are deficient in. Luckily, you can boost your magnesium intake easily by adding a handful or two of Epsom Salts to your bath as your body readily absorbs them through your skin. The health benefits are well worth it too as Magnesium can help to relieve all manner of aches and pains, as well as anxiety and fatigue.

Needless to say, I have generally have a lot of Epsom Salts in my beauty stash and I love these two from Absolute Aromas. As one of the UK's leading aromatherapy brands, they certainly know a thing or two when it comes to creating some blissful bath salts and all of their products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and free from parabens and sulphates.

Absolute Aromas Soothe Epsom Salts* (1kg, £9)

Epsom Salts are often sold in big bags which makes them more affordable and Absolute Aromas have 1kg bags for a bargain £9! You can choose from a range of different blends and I personally love this one called Soothe which features essential oils of Tangerine, Petitgrain and Neroli. As the name suggests, it really does help to soothe not only your mind, but also your skin, drawing out toxins and relaxing the nervous system. 

To get the best results, I'd recommend using around a quarter of the bag per bath and pouring it under running water so that it dissolves easily. Deeply breathe in that lovely essential oil blend and let all your worries disappear for at least an hour. Heaven!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (300g, £4.50)

If you haven't tried Epsom Salts before or simply don't know which blend to opt for, I would suggest trying out some of the smaller tubs from Absolute Aromas so you can try the different ones that they make. These come in 300g tubs for £4.50 and are available across their range. 

I was curious to see what the Detox Epsom Salts were like as the essential oil blend that's used for these is quite an interesting mix as it features Grapefruit, Juniper, Geranium, Palmarosa, Cedarwood, and Vitamin E. It's a gorgeous uplifting natural fragrance that invigorates the senses and would be suited for those who enjoy a morning bath at the weekend. I really enjoyed this blend and would certainly be adding the full-size bag to my next order.

Absolute Aromas Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray* (30ml, £5)

There's a lot more to Absolute Aromas than just bath salts and a quick browse on their website will reveal a huge range of spa and massage products, skincare, aromatherapy oils, and much more! For some reason their Natural Room Sprays were calling to me so I tried out a mini bottle of their Lemon Myrtle blend which is incredibly zesty and uplifting - it instantly puts me in a good mood whenever I use it for a quick spritz around the bathroom!

Shop the full range at absolute-aromas.com

Have you tried anything from Absolute Aromas?

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New In Beauty: B'KATE Pro Powder Brow Pencil & Brow Oil Roll On review

 

All about those brows! B'KATE are the new kids on the block, having recently launched into the UK. This female-founded Dutch brand is cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free, and promises high-performance cosmetics that provide exceptional results.

Founded by Marlies Gregorius, who is an International Brow Artist in the makeup industry, B'KATE stands for confidence, ambition, growth, authenticity, and possibilities, and is a brilliant example of a brand that's designed by women, for women.

I'm not overly obsessive about my brows, but I do like them to look defined and groomed as it helps to frame my face well. Like many millennials, I've experimented with a vast number of different brow products in search of 'the one', and I've discovered several that I really like, including these two newbies from B'KATE.

B'KATE Pro Powder Brow Pencil in Tatum* (£14)

Available in three natural-looking shades, the bestseller from this range is the Pro Powder Brow Pencil. This easy-to-use pencil combines all of the elements of a soft powder into something more solid that allows you to effortlessly fill in your brows and shade them exactly as you wish. You can also use it to create an on-trend ombre brow and the in-built spoolie at the end helps to blend everything perfectly. I absolutely love the shade Tatum which is a dark brown that isn't too dark if you catch my drift, and it compliments my dark brown hair colour in just the right way. 

B'KATE Brow Oil Roll On* (£6.95)

If you want thicker-looking brows, this Brow Oil Roll-On will quickly become your new BFF. Made from 100% pure and natural Castor Oil, this wonderful soothing and hydrating oil has anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties to encourage healthy hair growth. It's free from colourants and preservatives and comes packaged in a handy glass rollerball. Using it couldn't be simpler; just roll it over your brows (or dab it onto any gaps in your brows where you want new growth), and let the oil work its magic. Best results are seen when you use this daily - I like to apply it before going to bed and you should start to see some noticeable differences after 4-6 weeks.

Shop the full range of B'KATE brow products at everlastingatelier.com

What are your favourite brow essentials?

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The Weekend Post: Making Vegetarian Sushi with Kelly Loves Sushi at Home #TooHotToCook

 

The last thing you want to do when there's a heatwave in the UK is to put the oven on, so this lovely kit from Kelly Loves Sushi was the perfect kitchen friend for some al fresco dining this weekend!

I've had a love affair with sushi for a long time, despite me not eating fish. There's so much more to sushi than raw fish so don't let that put you off! Nowadays there's a huge range of vegetarian and vegan sushi available, and of course, it's very easy to make yourself at home. You just need the right tools and ingredients.

If you fancy having a go yourself, the Kelly Loves Sushi at Home Kits is a great place to start. Designed by the world-renowned Asian businesswoman Kelly Choi, these kits are super easy for beginners to help them explore the exciting world of sushi in the comfort of their own homes.

I was very kindly sent the Kelly Loves Sushi Complete Sushi Kit to try out and this contains all of the essential ingredients that you need to make a wide range of sushi rolls and maki. 

Inside this kit, you'll find Sushi Rice (500g), a pack of Nori Sheets (7 sheets), Sushi Vinegar (150ml), Spicy Mayo (285g), Sushi Ginger (150g), Crispy Fried Onions (150g), and a very handy Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat. Just add your fresh ingredients and you're good to go!

The instructions for how to make your own sushi/maki rolls are illustrated simply on the packaging, though I did find it helpful to have a look at a couple of YouTube videos for some extra guidance.

How To Make Sushi/Maki

Cook the Sushi Rice in a steamer or large saucepan - you know it's done when all the water is absorbed and it feels quite sticky. Mix in a little of the Sushi Vinegar to bring it to life and allow to cool.

Cut the Nori Sheets into two and place one on the Bamboo Rolling Mat. Add 80g of the cooled Sushi Rice and your fresh ingredients (cucumber, avocado, carrots etc for vegetarian/vegan sushi). Carefully roll it using the mat and seal the roll with a little water. Cut into bite-sized pieces and either consume alone or dip into the Spicy Mayo or Sushi Ginger, or sprinkle over some of Crispy Fried Onions.

I found it very easy to make my own sushi with this kit and the Bamboo Rolling Mat is the key to getting your rolls absolutely perfect!

Delicious!

Kelly Loves Sushi at Home Kit - The Complete Sushi Kit* retails for £19.40 at kellyloves.com

Have you tried making your own sushi before?

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Summer Skincare: Nourish London Summer Sun Kit review

 

Nourish London's brand new Summer Sun Kit is here to help you stay safe in the sun during your weekends away and holidays this year, plus it has some soothing skincare treats for all your after-sun needs.

For those who haven't heard of Nourish London before (and where have you been?!), they are an award-winning, high-end British natural and organic skincare brand. Holding independent certifications from the Soil Association, COSMOS Natural, the Vegan Society, and the Cruelty Free International (leaping bunny), Nourish is a well-loved and trusted brand within the green beauty and wider skincare community. 

I've been a fan of the brand for many years and you can check out lots of my previous reviews and features on their products here.

To celebrate summer, they have released a brand new Summer Sun Kit which comprises of three travel-sized skincare essentials, all packaged in an ethically made Freeset black drawstring bag. All products are 100% vegan, made with certified natural organic ingredients, alcohol-free and cruelty-free.

Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 (15ml)

The star of the Summer Sun Kit is the Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25. Not only does it protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to its non-nano mineral sun filter zinc oxide content, but it also protects against everyday environmental pollution and is packed full of skin-friendly antioxidants. Best of all, it doesn't feel like a traditional thick sunscreen; instead, it has a much lighter and easily absorbed texture and delivers more of a fresh matte finish which I love.  I reviewed the full size earlier in the year when this product first launched which you can read here.

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue (5ml)

The ideal multi-tasker that can be used all year round, Argan Skin Rescue can be used morning and night to prep and protect your skin against the elements. Just a few drops are all you need to thoroughly hydrate your complexion thanks to its formula of natural plant-based moisturizing oils and Vitamin C. I sometimes apply a little bit to extra dry skin areas like my nails and cuticles for a hydrating top up before bed and it works a treat!

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (5ml)

I actually have the full size of this Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask currently in my skincare stash, and I tend to use it once or twice a month. It has an interesting composition of probiotic minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Iron, that feed essential nutrients to your skin and repair damage for smoother, younger-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types, this facial treatment has a creamy wash-off formula enriched with soothing Damask Rose and Lavender to boost collagen, reduce redness and maintain healthy skin elasticity. 

Nourish London Summer Skin Kit* retails for £15 from nourishskinrange.com

What's on your summer skincare wishlist?

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Limited Edition: Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box 2022 review

 

I'm a huge fan of the Naturisimo Discovery Boxes and their latest edit of 'Team Picks' is one of their best to date! Winner of the Beauty Shortlist Award 2022 for the Best Green Beauty Box, these boxes are a fantastic way to explore and try out a wide range of natural beauty brands and products.

Check out my previous review of the Naturisimo Female Founders Discovery Box here.

Worth £134, the strictly limited edition Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box features eight all-time beauty favourites which have all been hand-picked by the team, and these ladies not only have exceptional taste, but they certainly know a thing or two about green beauty!

I was immediately drawn to the box when I saw it advertised via their Instagram because it contains a good mix of products that I've tried and loved myself in the past, as well as several 'new-to-me' discoveries.

Here's a rundown of everything that's inside:-

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser (travel size)

Caudalie is one of those French natural brands that I've used a lot of over the years, but this particular cleanser is one that I haven't yet tried. From the brand's popular Vinopure range for combination and acne-prone skin types, this Purifying Gel Cleanser is 99% natural and free from a long list of 'nasties'. I love to use a refreshing gel cleanser during the warmer summer months so this looks perfect!

OSKIA Renaissance Mask (travel size)

OSKIA Renaissance Mask is a cult skincare favourite across the world, and I've personally loved this face mask for nearly 10 years, having first reviewed it in a 'Worth The Hype' feature back in 2015. That said, I've only purchased the full size two or three times, and always when it's been on offer because the full size retails for about £68 (insert crying emoji face), so I'm always more than happy to pick up a travel size pot whenever I can. This face mask is one of the best quick fixes out there for dull skin as it makes your complexion noticeably brighter after just one use, and it's amazing for getting rid of clogged pores and impurities. 

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum (travel size)

This one's another product that I've used and loved in the past, and like the OSKIA mask above, it also comes with a hefty luxury price tag, so again I'm thrilled to have a mini version back in my stash. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum is a must-try for those who are 30+ and are starting to get those first visible signs of ageing, as well as for older skincare fans who are looking for a natural and green alternative. The secret behind this serum lies in the specialist blend of fruit stem cells used and there's some very interesting tech that the brand has invested in which sets them apart. Check out my previous review of the full-size product here.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil (travel size)

Regular readers will know that I adore Antipodes and they have been featured as favourites of mine on this blog for many, many years! I love this Divine Face Oil, which is rich in plant-based oils such as Rosehip and Avocado, because it's brilliant to use for an evening facial massage, and it's particularly great for tired and stressed skin. Packed full of nutrients and essential fatty acids, it really does deliver many benefits for your skin to keep it hydrated and happy. My full-size product review is here.

Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème (full size, RRP £33.80)

Moving onto the first full-size product of this discovery box, Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème has been recommended to me so many times by fellow bloggers and skincare gurus, that I've honestly lost count. I've been meaning to try it out for a long time so thank you to Naturisimo for finally bringing it into my life! Suitable for all skin types, this daily moisturiser is an 'all-rounder' as it can be used as both a moisturiser and makeup primer. It has a light texture that's quickly absorbed and leaves skin glowing.

Kosas LipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in Flow (full size, RRP £18)

You guys know how much I love lip balms and naturally, I was excited when I saw this one from the mega-hyped LA brand Kosas, in the box. Their LipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm is indeed infused with Hyaluronic Acid in addition to a number of other skin-loving ingredients, to deliver advanced lip care and comfort without the need for constant reapplications. As an added bonus, it's tinted so this shade Flow adds a wash of warm beige for a 'my lips but better' finish.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Back to another long-time favourite of mine, Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils are some of the best on the luxury market and their De-Stress Muscle blend provides ultra-soothing relief for aching muscles and joints. Key ingredients include lavender, rosemary and ginger for a warming bathtime treat.

Anatomē Lavender Recovery & Sleep Oil (travel size)

Last, but not least, we have the Anatomē Lavender Recovery & Sleep Oil. Described as a best-selling essential oil blend centered around three different types of lavender with proven relaxing and sleep-inducing properties, this handy travel size can be easily applied to your pulse points as and when you need it. 

Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box 2022 retails for £22 and is available whilst stocks last exclusively from naturisimo.com

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Health & Lifestyle: Revive Collagen Original Supplements - One Month Trial review

 

The secret to younger-looking skin? Collagen supplements! From A-list actresses and celebrities to regular people like you and me, collagen supplements have become a daily essential for those who want to keep their skin looking fresher and younger for longer.

What's The Hype?

You'll often see claims about skincare products that help to 'boost collagen production', so no doubt you'll have heard about collagen's many anti-ageing benefits. 

Collagen is a natural substance found in the body, and when we're born, we have bucket loads of it. If you've ever seen a newborn baby's fat and smooth face, that's why! However, as we get older, the body produces less and less collagen and this contributes to those tell-tale signs that we're ageing such as visible fine lines, wrinkles and overall sagging skin (gravity is not kind is it?!).

The concept behind taking collagen supplements is that you can help your body to replace some of this lost substance, and thus delay some of the skin's more noticeable ageing signs. 

Are All Collagen Supplements The Same?

Like every other dietary supplement on the market, you'll find that the composition, quality, and format of collagen supplements varies from brand to brand. I've trialled several different brands in the past and have tried collagen in many forms such as liquids, shakes, capsules, and powders, so it's really just a case of finding the one that's right for you. 

In my opinion, it's best to find one that features a high mg of collagen and comes with additional ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid as you'll be getting more bang for your buck!

I've recently been trialling Revive Collagen Original Supplements and these tick all the right boxes for me.

What's In Them?

Revive Collagen Original Supplements contain 8500mg of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, 50mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 50mg of Aloe Vera in each daily dose. Collagen, as we've discussed above, provides the bulk of the anti-ageing skin benefits as it helps to improve the skin's strength and elasticity, whilst Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water so is a must-have for maintaining good hydration in the skin. Aloe Vera has also been shown to help maintain healthy skin with its natural hydrating qualities.  

It's made from all-natural ingredients and is and free from artificial flavours, colours and added sugar, as well as dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, bovine and GMO ingredients.

Ingredients: Water, Hydrolysed Marine Collagen (FISH), Acidifying Agent (Citric Acid), Natural Flavour Enhancer (Erythritol), Mexican Lime Extract, Sicilian Lemon Extract, Natural Sweetener (Stevia). 

How To Use

These liquid supplements are individually packaged in sachets which makes them super easy to use. You can either drink them directly from the sachet or add to a glass of water - one sachet daily Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and small children, and do not use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. As always with any dietary supplement, check with your GP first if you are taking any medication.

Overall Thoughts

Having trialled many different brands of collagen supplements in the past, these ones are by far my favourite because there is NO fishy flavour or aftertaste! Instead, they have a light citrusy flavour which I don't mind, especially when diluted in a glass of water. That said, I have taken these direct from the sachet when I've had a busy morning and the option to do this makes it attractive to those who are on the go a lot because they are easy to pop in your bag. 

It's always difficult to say whether you can see noticeable changes in just one month of taking these, but I do feel like my skin is smoother and more 'plumped' than before, and I can definitely see a change in my nails which feel stronger as they've been breaking less. Certainly something that I would consider taking in the long term!

Revive Collagen Original Supplements* (14 x 22g, £39.99) are available from various stockists including revivecollagen.com

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