New In Beauty: Tropic Suncare range - Skin Shade Sun Cream, Sun Day Facial UV Defence, Sun Stick & Sun Soothe Aftersun review #ReefSafe

With the promise of some sunnier weather on the way this week, I thought it would be a great time to introduce you all to Tropic's new range of certified reef-safe, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly Suncare!

About a month or so ago, I was very kindly sent a package from Tropic to help promote their new suncare line which is certified reef-safe by Protect Land & Sea (click here for more info) and has products that the whole family can use. 

Here are my top picks:-

For The Whole Family: Tropic Skin Shade Sun Cream SPF 30* (200ml, £28, link)

Available in SPF 15, 30 and 50, Tropic's Skin Shade Sun Cream is ideal for the whole family to use, especially for those holidays and weekends away when you need a big 200ml tube! This broad-spectrum mineral formula contains Illawarra Plum extract, Kahai and Roucou Oils to keep your skin nourished and to provide additional antioxidant protection. It feels like a regular body moisturiser and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or sticky.

For The Face: Sun Day Facial UV Defence SPF 50* (40ml, £24, link)  

I always recommend using a dedicated facial only sunscreen for the face, as the texture and formulas of most body sunscreens can often be too heavy for some skin types to handle which can lead to breakouts. I love this Sun Day Facial UV Defence SPF 50 as it not only offers that all-important broad-spectrum protection, but it also doubles up as a primer thanks to plant-based polymers and Hyaluronic Acid, plus it has the most amazing silky and lightweight texture - I'm really impressed by it! 

For Tinted Fans: Tropic Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF 50* (40ml, £24, link)

If you want your facial sunscreen to come in a tinted moisturiser style format, you can't go wrong with Tropic's Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF 50. The 100% mineral-based formula protects against free radicals and UV rays, whilst delivering a lovely, sheer dewy glow to the skin - think of it like an easy way to achieve a look that says 'your skin but better'! It's available in two colour options, Light/Medium and Medium/Dark, and it's just perfect for those days when you want to give your skin a real boost without caking on loads of foundation.

For On-The-Go Protection: Tropic Sun Stick SPF 50+* (17g, £20, link)

For a super easy top-up whilst you're out and about, Tropic's Sun Stick SPF 50+ is a summer handbag essential that's packed full of soothing natural ingredients such as Marshmallow Root extract, Vitamin E and Green Algae extract, in addition to broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection. This handy twist-up balm stick makes it ultra-convenient to swipe onto those areas that are the most exposed to the sun such as the face, ears, backs of hands, shoulders etc, as and when you need to reapply.

For When You Get Home: Tropic Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion* (200ml, £22, link)

Lastly, a good quality aftersun should be on every sun-lover's shopping list this summer and this gorgeous Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun feels like a breath of fresh air after a long and hot day! It contains plenty of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like Aloe Vera, Bisabolol and Jojoba Oil, to instantly soothe and soften irritated and sunburnt skin. Another family favourite thanks to the large 200ml tube!

Shop the full range at Tropicskincare.com

Have you bought any new sunscreen this year?

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June Empties: Products I've Used Up

I know, I know, I'm a bit late with my Empties post again, but here they are! My little wicker basket has been filled once again with all things beauty that have come and gone in my bathroom recently. Here are my thoughts on the ones that I'll be repurchasing again and the ones that might not have made the cut.

Hurraw! Moon Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

It's been a while since I last used up a lip balm and this Hurraw! Moon Lip Balm has been the one that I've had on my bedside table for the last few months. I'm a huge fan of the Hurraw! Lip Balms and this Moon version simply has some relaxing essential oils added to it, so it's lovely to use before going to bed. Repurchase? I have a bunch of opened lip balms that I need to use up first, but I'd be more than happy to purchase this again in the near future.

Salcura Bioskin DermaSpray* (link)

I was recommended to try this by a friend when my eczema was flaring up as my skin wasn't tolerating my usual thick creams and ointments. Instead, the Salcura Bioskin DermaSpray is a light spray-on moisturiser and it absorbs quickly. It's 98% natural and steroid-free so it's a great option for those who are looking for a more natural alternative to soothing their eczema problems, and it can be used for psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and any dry, itchy skin complaint. Repurchase? Yes, I really loved the convenience of the spray bottle and how fast-acting and effective it was. 

Laponie Balance & Prep Toner Spray (link)

I can't remember which beauty box this came in, but I do know that this is a gorgeous Laponie Balance & Prep Toner Spray and I've thoroughly enjoyed using it as part of my morning skincare routine. It's fragrance-free and specifically formulated for sensitive and problem skin. Repurchase? Laponie is a Scandinavian brand and I don't think I've seen them for sale in the UK sadly, but I'd love to try more from them if they do decide to come over here in the future.

Evolve Organic Beauty Cotton Fresh Deodorant Cream (link)

My sister bought this for me a couple of months ago when she purchased a few products from Evolve Organic Beauty that I'd recommended to her online, and I absolutely love it. Being a massive fan of their skincare (check out my reviews of Evolve Organic Beauty here), I hadn't realised they had a deodorant in their range so it was a brilliant find. Evolve's Cotton Fresh Deodorant Cream reminds me of Aurelia Botanical Deodorant in terms of consistency and how gentle it is for sensitive skin, so if you're a fan of that one, you'll love this just as much and it smells so clean and spa-like! Repurchase? I'm actually using the Aurelia one at the moment, though I will happily buy this again.

Tropic Skincare Glow Berry Brightening Serum* (reviewed here)

If a Vitamin C infused serum is on your shopping list, Tropic's Glow Berry Brightening Serum is one that I'd highly recommend trying. Used regularly, this serum delivers a noticeable brightening difference to dull complexions and I always feel that my skin looks 'healthier' when I've been using it. You do need to store it in the fridge though as it has a lot of active ingredients. Repurchase? Already have.

P'URE Papaypa Ointment* (reviewed here)

A multi-purpose staple, I've gone through at least three or four tubes of this stuff over the years and I always have one open somewhere. If you haven't tried it before, P'URE Papaya Ointment is a brilliant product that you can use to soften and instantly hydrate any dryness, so it's great for lips, feet, hands, cuticles etc, and I know a lot of new mums who have used it to soothe sore nipples when they've been breastfeeding. 100% natural and one tube lasts ages as you only need to use a tiny amount each time. Repurchase? I have the bigger sized tube currently on the go!

My. Haircare Rescue My Hair Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar* (reviewed here)

My hair is notoriously fussy when it comes to shampoo bars and I've tried loads of different brands in the past, most of which have been disappointing. Thankfully though, my fussy hair loves this Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar from My Haircare as it gently cleanses my scalp, removes all traces of dirt, pollution and product build-up, and doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped or ultra-dry afterwards. It's free from sulphates and silicones, plus it's vegan-friendly. One bar has lasted me about 3 months and I usually wash my hair twice a week. Repurchase? Definitely.

Skin & Tonic Calm Balm (link)

I was very kindly sent this by a reader who responded to one of my Instagram posts about anxiety and I felt really touched that she chose to not only purchase this for me, but also that she shared her own story about dealing with anxiety so that I didn't feel alone when I was dealing with a lot of stress earlier in the year. Calm Balm is an aromatherapy balm that you can apply to your pulse points and temples to help you to relax as it has a soothing natural fragrance thanks to a clever blend of essential oils. I found it very useful and it's something that I'll certainly keep on my desk to add some calm to my day. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera After Sun Lotion* (reviewed here)

With the recent heatwaves that we've had in the UK, Lavera's After Sun Lotion has been a must-have. This is a lovely cooling and hydrating lotion for anyone who enjoys the sun (with SPF of course!) and you get a huge tube for less than a tenner so it's a really good affordable option for families who want to use something that's more natural. I think this is the third tube that I've used up and you can also use it as an everyday body moisturiser in the summer months. Repurchase? Definitely.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Self Care Beauty: An After-Sun Pamper with Nature's Kitchen, Gallinée and Antipodes

It's been a glorious scorcher of a weekend here in the UK, but despite regularly slapping on the sunscreen, my skin (and hair) has started to feel really parched and dry. Not to worry though - these three products that I picked up from LoveLula are here to help for an after-sun pamper session!

Step 1: Remove All Of That Sunscreen

Sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin so that it can protect you from the sun's harmful rays. This means that it's important to make sure that you take a little extra time in the evening to properly remove all of your sunscreen, otherwise it can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Fun fact - a lot of people think that sunscreen itself is the leading cause of breakouts in Summer and whilst this can be true in some circumstances (e.g a sensitivity or reaction to a certain ingredient), most of the time, it's because it hasn't been properly removed.

To remedy this, I've been enjoying using Nature's Kitchen Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover* (100ml, £12.99, link), a natural budget-friendly, fragrance-free cleanser that effortlessly removes every single trace of sunscreen, as well as daily grime, pollution and makeup. Packed full of organic plant-based ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Oatmeal, Kale, Green Tea and Cucumber extracts, it's easy to apply and feels really gentle on the skin. 

Step 2: Don't Forget Your Hair And Scalp

My hair is naturally dry most of the time, but when I've been out in the sun, it can soon start to feel incredibly parched and straw-like. On top of that, I often find that the sun and any kind of heat can aggravate my sensitive scalp, so in addition to a hat, I like to use a dedicated hair mask at least once a week during the Summer months. My current go-to rescue treatment is Gallinée Hair And Scalp Care Mask* (150ml, £28, link) which is my first time trying out the French brand's haircare range. 

I've been a fan of their prebiotic infused skincare for a while now, and this specialised treatment also features a unique complex of beneficial prebiotics and probiotics to support the scalp's delicate microbiome. The mask is thick, rich and creamy, yet somehow 'melts' into the hair's fibres to restore and deeply nourish. 5 minutes is all you need for it to work its magic and afterwards, both my hair and scalp feel immediately soothed and softened.

Step 3: The After-Sun Face Mask

No pamper session would be complete without a face mask thrown in for good measure and I've recently found myself going back to an old tried and tested favourite of mine; Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask* (75ml, £26.99, link). I cannot sing the praises of this face mask enough; it hydrates, it soothes, it fights against blemishes and breakouts, and it always makes my skin feel and look rejuvenated again.

With its deliciously creamy texture and sweet natural scent, this mask's hero ingredient is Manuka Honey Active 20+ which is prized for its antibacterial and antifungal properties that helps to clear up the skin, and it acts a natural humectant that draws and holds in moisture for longer. I like to apply a thick layer all over for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and a flannel for baby-soft, happy skin every time.

What are your favourite after-sun products?

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Currently Loving: Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm + 10 Ways To Use It

Apologies for the lack of blog posts recently - I've been stuck in bed fighting off the flu, but on a more positive note, it's given me the perfect opportunity to test out a rather intriguing product from Tropic.

I don't know about anyone else, but whenever I have the flu or a really bad cold, my skin likes to play up at the same time. It breaks out, gets incredibly dry and tight, my eczema flares up and I generally look like a complete mess for about two weeks. Not fun. 

Luckily, this wonderful pot of Tamanu Healing Balm from Tropic arrived at just the right time and it has been a real skin saviour for me, so much so, that it's barely left my bedside table. I have been using this practically daily since September started and I can see myself using it on a regular basis all throughout Winter too. 

So what exactly is this strange looking green balm? 

Tropic's Tamanu Healing Balm is a multi-purpose skincare balm that's made from an expert blend which features just twelve natural and effective ingredients: Organic Tamanu Oil, Soy Wax, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Monoi Oil (Tiare Flower Infused Coconut Oil).

The light green hue of the balm comes from the star ingredient, Tamanu Oil, which has been used for centuries in the Polynesian Islands as a remedy for all manner of skin problems. It's highly revered for its natural abilities to repair damaged and scarred skin, and is combined here with plant-based butters to hydrate and soothe, whilst Blackcurrant Extract and Raspberry Seed Oil are also included for their antioxidant properties.

Tamanu Oil has a rather distinct natural scent to it which is hard to describe - it's kinda earthy and herbal, but it's blended with enough other ingredients here to not be as strongly scented as pure Tamanu Oil on its own, so I don't think it would bother too many people.

The Tamanu Healing Balm comes packaged in a luxurious white frosted glass jar that feels satisfyingly heavy in your hands, and the balm itself has a very thick and rich texture to it. Once the balm makes contact with the skin though, it quickly melts and is easy to rub it without feeling greasy or sticky. As with many products of this nature, you only need to use a tiny amount each time, so expect this jar to last you for a long time (I've been using it for about three weeks every day and have barely made a dent in it, other than to show you a close up of the texture in the photos above).

So what can you use it for? Here are my top 10 ways to use this awesome 'green gold':-

• 1. Apply to it to any dry area on the face and body to instantly soothe and hydrate - I've been using it on my sore nose so it's great if you have a cold or flu!
• 2. Use it on Eczema as a natural emollient barrier to promote skin recovery.
• 3. It can also be used on Psoriasis in the same way.
• 4. Apply to chapped lips before going to bed as an intensitive lip conditioning treatment.
• 5. Thanks to the antibacterial properties in Tamanu Oil, you can dab it onto blemishes and breakouts to help reduce inflammation and redness.
• 6. You can also use it on any old acne scars to speed up the skin's healing process and reduce the appearance of them.
• 7. Going away on holiday? Pack the mini Tamanu Healing Balm and use it as a soothing after-sun.
• 8. It's also perfect for relieving irritation from bug bites too!
• 9. Pregnant ladies can use the balm on any new stretch marks to help them fade.
• 10. Due to the natural green colour of Tamanu, you can apply a little to any red areas on your face before applying makeup to colour correct and balance out your complexion.

Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm* (60ml, £32, link, also available as a mini/travel size - 20ml, £16, link)

Have you tried Tamanu Oil?

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Summer Beauty: 6 Natural After-Sun Products To Try

Despite your best intentions of religiously applying sunscreen every two hours when you're outside or on holiday, catching too much sun or getting sunburnt is all too common, but there's no need for your skin to suffer!

Here are my top six natural after-sun products to try, with various price points to suit everyone's budgets.

Lavera After-Sun Lotion* (200ml, £9.95, link)

Lavera's After-Sun Lotion is an affordable and practical option, as the large 200ml tube is ideal for those two-week family holidays in the sun. This lotion is packed full of natural and organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Aloe Vera and Calendula extracts, to provide up to 24 hours of moisturisation. It feels instantly cooling and soothing, and is quickly absorbed to leave your skin smoother and softer.

Organii After Sun Cream* (50ml, £3.50, link)

If you're travelling with hand luggage, are going on a long weekend away or only need a small after-sun product for yourself, this handy 50ml size from Organii costs a mere £3.50, yet is a lovely after-sun moisturiser that you can use on the face and body. Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, Calendula extract and Vitamin E which get to work in no time at all to moisturise and soothe.

Green People Hydrating After Sun Soothing Moisturiser* (200ml, £16.50, link)

One of my absolute favourite after-sun products is from Green People and I've been using this one for years. Not only is it 94% organic, but it has the most wonderful cooling sensation thanks to a blend of Organic Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Calendula, Myrrh & Mint, and it feels SO good on sun-scorched skin. Free from a long list of 'nasties', this award-winning after-sun also helps to minimise peeling and maintains the colour of your tan for longer. 

Dr. Hauschka After Sun* (100ml, £16, link)

For a luxury/high-end option, I wanted to include Dr. Hauschka's After Sun which is reportedly used by numerous A-list actresses and supermodels. There's no denying that this is a beautiful product that's 100% natural and includes nourishing ingredients such as Rosehip, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Sweet Almond Oil, Quince Seed, Rose Flower, Carrot Root and Ice Plant extracts. It's a little thicker and richer in texture than you might expect from a typical after-sun moisturiser, but boy does it do a great job!  If you have the budget for it, this is a fantastic luxury product to try out.

Sukin Aloe Vera Gel* (125ml, £14.95, link)

Many people prefer to use a pure Aloe Vera Gel as their after-sun product of choice, and this one from Sukin comes with a handy pump dispenser for a fast and fuss-free application. I don't find it as hydrating as a lotion or moisturiser as it contains a small amount of alcohol in the formula, but if you hate applying after-sun and want a super quick-drying gel that will soothe your sunburn, this is the product for you.

Lyonsleaf Body Butter* (120ml, £16.99, link)

My last recommendation isn't an aftersun per se, but it is a fantastic all-round skin healer in the shape of an incredibly thick and rich body butter. Lyonsleaf's award-winning waterless product boasts an impressive 95% organic and cold-pressed formula which contains the likes of Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Geranium, Clary Sage and Marigold extracts. A little goes a very long way and this is a perfect option for those who are looking for a plastic-free product as it's packaged in glass.

What are your favourite after-suns? 

Have you tried any of these?

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Summer Beauty: Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit + Sun Balm SPF 50 review #MineralSunscreen

Jetting off on your summer holidays soon? Need some sunscreen for yourself and the family? Don't forget to pack this super handy Sun Care Discovery Kit from Tropic before you go if you're looking for the best in mineral-based sun protection.

Chemical vs Mineral

Most big brand sunscreens that you'll find in the shops are called 'chemical' sunscreens because they absorb UV rays which are converted into heat energy on the skin. 'Natural' or 'mineral' sunscreens on the other hand, use minerals such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to reflect the UV rays, and this acts as a physical barrier which stops them from penetrating the skin. Both methods have been scientifically proven to be effective against sun damage, however, I have noticed a trend in more consumers wanting to go natural with their sunscreens because they don't contain certain ingredients which are harmful to the environment, and are less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin types.

A recent study by National Geographic found that a staggering 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers into the oceans worldwide every year and this has been causing a problem because Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens, has been linked to coral reef bleaching which causes them to die. When you think about how vital coral reefs are to our ecosystem, it makes sense to switch to a sunscreen that doesn't contain Oxybenzone!

Thankfully, there are plenty of natural/mineral sunscreens out there, including this cruelty-free, vegan-friendly Sun Care Discovery Kit from Tropic which is perfect for the whole family to use. The kit contains a full set of travel-sized, mineral sun protection products and I've been enjoying testing these out recently during these wonderfully sunny spells that we've been having here in the UK. 

Inside the sunny tropical print, cotton drawstring bag, you'll find the following contents.

Tropic Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection SPF 30 & SPF 50 (100ml each)

This water-resistant, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays so you have the peace of mind that you're fully covered, whether you're in the UK or holidaying abroad. As mentioned earlier, the mineral sun protection in this formula comes from Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, and there's also Kahai and Roucou oils included to keep your skin feeling softer and hydrated for longer, whilst extracts of Kakadu and Illawarra Plum have been added for their natural antioxidant properties. 

Both of these have the same kind of texture and once fully rubbed in, don't leave a white residue on the skin. I have also tried these on my face and haven't had any problems with breakouts, but I do prefer using the specialised Tropic Tinted Skin Shade Mineral Facial Sun Protection (reviewed here), just because I like the tinted finish that it gives.

Tropic Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion (100ml)

Even with the best of intentions, it can be all too easy to want to stay out in the sun for longer than you know you should, which is why I always, always pack an aftersun product in my suitcase. Tropic's Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion ticks all of the right boxes that I look for in a high-quality aftersun that I can trust to work when I need it the most, and with Aloe Vera as its first ingredient, you know it's going to be good! 

In addition to Aloe Vera, it also has Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Bisabolol and Eucalyptus, to instantly soothe redness and irritation, as well as hydrating and repairing the skin at the same time. Needless to say, it feels absolutely lovely on and also helps to prolong your tan which is a welcome bonus.

Tropic Sun Balm SPF 50 (20ml)

This convenient travel-sized balm has been specially designed as a top-up sunscreen, and comes in especially useful as a way to keep those tricky areas that are prone to burning (such as ears, noses, cheeks, shoulders etc) fully protected whilst you're out and about. I was expecting this to be quite thick but was pleasantly surprised by how light it actually feels. As well as the water-resistant SPF 50 factor, key ingredients include Tamanu Oil which helps with healing the skin, Vitamin E, and Rosemary Leaf Oil to protect the skin from free radicals. Worth £16 on its own, you can add Tropic's Sun Balm SPF 50 to the Sun Care Discovery Kit for an extra tenner and given how much use I've gotten out of it recently, it's something that I would definitely suggest spending the extra money on!

Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit* retails for £40 or £50 with the Sun Balm added. Available from tropicskincare.com

Do you use mineral sun protection?

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Summer Haircare: Aveda Suncare Protective Hair Veil & After Sun Masque review

We all know about the effects of the sun's rays on our skin, but what about on our hair? If your locks are feeling frazzled by too much sun, grab one of these products!

Whenever I use heat styling tools on my hair, be it a hairdryer or the straightening irons, I almost always use a heat protector product. It's become something of a habit that I don't really think about anymore, but on the rare occasion where I've been in a rush and skipped this step, my hair has really suffered for it. Everyone's hair is different of course, but as mine is naturally very fine and dry (not to mention already a bit damaged from too many blow dries), a helping hand in the form of a heat protector really helps, and the same goes for a protector against the sun.

Too much UV exposure on hair can cause it to become weak and brittle due to a loss of natural proteins in the hair. Add to this a summer holiday with lots of swimming in chlorinated water and a build up of natural salt from those long windswept walks on the beach, and your hair could be looking worse for wear by the end of a week-long trip abroad. Those with naturally thicker, darker hair tend to fare better than those with finer, lighter or colour treated hair, but too much of anything is going to take its toll.

This may be why there are so many products on the market right now which are basically 'suncare for your hair', to help keep you looking your best in all of those holiday Instagram selfies. So two products that I've been enjoying using during this recent heat wave have come from Aveda, whose suncare/haircare range has dedicated formulas to protect your locks against the damaging effects of UV, sun, salt and chlorine.

Aveda Suncare Protective Hair Veil* (100ml, £22.50, link)

One of the easiest ways to protect your hair against the sun is to use a leave-in spray that contains a clever UV filter in its formula. Aveda's Protective Hair Veil does just that, and uses naturally derived UVA/UVB inhibitors which are found in Wintergreen and Cinnamon Bark Oils to help to protect the hair from receiving any further damage from the sun's harmful rays. The formula is also water-resistant and promises to provide sun protection for the hair for up to 16 hours (but make sure to reapply it after swimming). To use it, you just spritz onto dry or damp hair and style your hair as normal. It feels lightweight and non-sticky so it won't interfere with your hairstyle, or cause any product build up afterwards. I really like it as it's so easy and simple to use, and it's definitely been helping to stop my hair from getting frazzled with all this sun we've been having recently.

Aveda Suncare After-Sun Masque* (125ml, £24, link)

If your hair has already had too much sun exposure and is feeling worse for wear, you can rescue it with an intensive hair treatment/mask. Whilst any ultra-hydrating hair mask will do the job, Aveda have some fantastic hair masks in their range and their After Sun Masque is a real SOS treat for anyone who has dry or damaged hair. Formulated with key nourishing ingredients such as Tamanu Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil and Green Tea, it also contains Morikue Protein and Vitamin E to further repair and protect the hair. You only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes to see it work its magic (around 5 minutes is optimum), so it's a fantastic quick fix product to use when you're on holiday and have better things to be doing than waiting for a hair mask to develop!

Have you tried any of Aveda's suncare range for hair?

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Staying Safe in the Sun: Organic Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin from Green People

As the UK basks in another heatwave this week, take this post as your daily reminder to slap on some much needed SPF so that you can enjoy this beautiful weather safely - you never know when it's going to rain again!

Sunscreen is the most important staple to have by your side during the Summer months. I know it's common sense, but the number of people who I've seen this past weekend who have been really badly sunburnt, makes me realise that it's something that needs to be brought up again and again.

It's not rocket science people - if you're going to be outside at this time of the year, you're going to need some sunscreen! Apply it 30 minutes before going outside, and re-apply it every two hours (or more often if you're swimming or sweating a lot). Simples!

Here are two of my favourite organic and cruelty-free summer skincare essentials from Green People, both of which are ideal for the whole family to use and are especially ideal for anyone who has sensitive skin:- 

Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF 30* (200ml, £22, link)

If you have sensitive skin, it can be really difficult to find a suitable fragrance free sunscreen that isn't going to irritate it. Luckily, this one from Green People is one of the best that I've tried and it will happily cover any of my eczema prone areas without upsetting my skin - hooray! This natural based formula is 78% organic and provides a protection of SPF 30 against both UVA and UVB rays so that you and your family are fully covered. It applies like a regular body moisturiser and absorbs easily, without any greasy feeling, making this the perfect choice for any fussy kids who might not like the feel of thick or sticky sunscreens on their skin. This is also a great sun lotion for those who suffer from Prickly Heat to try out. I love it!

Green People Hydrating After Sun Soothing Moisturiser* (200ml, £15.95, link)  

Ah, the blissfully cooling benefits of a high-quality after-sun product! These can be a real godsend if you've caught too much sun during the day and Green People's offering is a lovely, non-greasy, ultra-cooling moisturiser that you can use all over the body to reduce peeling as it helps to heal the skin with a range of natural ingredients. Formulated with the likes of Organic Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Myrhh and Mint, this after sun is 94% organic and feels wonderfully refreshing on the skin after a long day in the sun. The big 200ml tube will keep the whole family happy this Summer, and you can use it as a light and fresh body lotion all year round too - win win.

Do you use any products from Green People?

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Summer / Holiday Staple: Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser review

Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser* (240ml, £21, link)

I'm an avid fan of body lotions as they help to keep my dry skin happy, so I use them religiously throughout the year.  I have a pretty large stash of them, but always switch to using ones which have a light texture during the summer months.  I was recently introduced to this body moisturiser by Elemental Herbology which ticks all the right boxes.

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