Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - March 2021 review

 

If you love green beauty products as much as I do, you'll love the monthly beauty subscription box from LoveLula! Filled with a surprise selection of natural, organic and cruelty-free products, it's a great way to discover something new!

Here's what's inside the March LoveLula Beauty Box:-

Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream (RRP £17.95)

Specially formulated for dehydrated skin types, this Rehydrating Gel Cream from Sukin has arrived at the perfect time this week for me to test out during this mini heatwave! I love the light texture which instantly sinks into the skin, so if you hate the feeling of heavy or greasy creams, this is a brilliant lighter alternative. Key ingredients include a Bio-Matine blend of Sea Algae with Hyaluronic Acid and Maize Complex to deeply hydrate and plump up dry and tired skin.

Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Hair Serum (RRP £7.99)

I don't know about you, but my hair needs all the help it can get when it comes to frizz - any kind of humidity causes it to look so messy so I'm thrilled to be able to try out the bestselling Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Hair Serum. As usual for serums of this nature, a few drops is all you need to make a difference and it does a great job of smoothing and adding beautiful shine.

Balmonds Skin Salvation (RRP £7.99)

Next up, I was also pleased to find this cute mini pot of Balmonds Skin Salvation which is a rich, oil-based balm/ointment that helps to lock in moisture. It can be used on any dry skin area that needs some extra TLC so give it a go on feet, hands, cuticles, rough elbows, chapped lips and more. It does contain beeswax though so it's not suitable for vegans, unfortunately.

Ayumi Neem & Tea Tree Face Mask (RRP £6.99)

If you're on a budget, Ayumi is a lovely affordable, green beauty brand to check out and this Neem & Tea Tree Face Mask is ideal for anyone who has oily skin that's prone to breakouts. It's an intensive treatment that deep cleans and refreshes the skin, removing all traces of dirt and impurities from pores for a smoother and clearer complexion. 

Madara City CC Cream SPF 15 (sample sachet)

The last product is a free sample sachet of the award-winning Madara City CC Cream SPF 15. With an innovative Hyaluronic Acid infused formula and an antioxidant blend anti-pollution blend, this CC Cream reduces the appearance of redness and dark spots and adds some sun protection with SPF 15.

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

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Introducing: Typology - Vegan, Ethical & Natural Skincare - My Personalised AM & PM Routine for Oily/Combination Skin

Launched in the UK just last month, I was very honoured to be part of a lucky few green beauty bloggers, who were sent packages from Typology to test out some of their natural skincare ahead of its release date. This is definitely a brand for serious skincare fans and I couldn't wait to try a whole new routine!

Typology describe themselves as a 'clean, genderless and 100% digital' natural skincare brand who are based in Paris, and they certainly have their eye on the prize with their current plans to expand further afield. Their mission is to promote critical thinking within the personal care spectrum whilst demystifying the skincare industry and breaking a couple of rules along the way, so you can see why they grabbed my attention as soon as I received an email introducing me to the brand.

Created by Ning Li, founder of MADE.com, Typography has 'future cult status' written all over it. From their ethical and vegan-friendly credentials, effective and active natural ingredients, to a strong commitment to sustainability and of course, that super sleek and chic aesthetic, Typography is a brand that's easy to fall in love with from the get-go.

My Personal Prescription with Typography

After answering a couple of questions about my skin, highlighting any specific concerns that I currently have, a personal prescription was quickly drawn up and this involves all of the products that I was very kindly sent to test out. The prescription card went into detail about my skin diagnosis to help me understand why the products had been chosen and I feel this was an excellent introduction to the way that the brand works overall, and would be most helpful to consumers to better educate them about their skin. 

My main skin concerns at the moment are balancing my oily/combination type, reducing breakouts, blemishes, redness and inflammation, and protecting the natural skin barrier against oxidative stressors such as pollution. 

AM Routine

My AM routine prescription consisted of just three products; a cleansing bar, hydrolate toner and a specific serum based on my menstrual cycle.

Typology Solid Purifying Cleansing Bar* (100g, £11.80, link)

It's been a while since I've used a solid cleansing bar to wash my face as I automatically gravitate towards gel and cream cleansers, so trying a bar was a pleasant change from the norm. This Purifying Cleansing Bar is made from 100% natural ingredients and features cold-saponified plant-based oils and fats to create the soap. These include a blend of Organic Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter (great for soothing, repairing, softening and nourishing the skin), plus purifying actives of Organic Eucalyptus and Spearmint Essential Oils and Organic Nettle Powder which reduce the size of the sebaceous glands, regulates sebum production, heals damaged skin and helps to balance it overall. It's easy to use - just wet and lather by the sink or in the shower and rinse off. My skin felt thoroughly refreshed and clean without the usual tightness or dryness that sometimes occurs from using purifying cleansers.

Typology Organic Peppermint Hydrolate* (100ml, £8.80, link)

I followed up with a reusable cotton pad that had been soaked in the Organic Peppermint Hydrolate and this is one of the most invigorating and refreshing products I've ever used on my face! Distilled from Organic Peppermint Leaves (derived from the Lamiaceae family that's native to France), the Hydrolate is a wonderfully simplistic but effective toner which has natural purifying and astringent properties to help tighten pores and keep sebum in check. It also helps to soothe any inflammation or redness, but as always, do remember to do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

Typology Woman Serums

The third and final step of my prescribed AM routine was to use a serum from Typology's Periodic Woman Serums* (4 x 15ml, £44.90) - a clever pack of four serums which have been designed to be used during different weeks of your menstrual cycle like so:-

• Week 1: Hydrating and Soothing Serum
• Main active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, bisabolol and cornflower floral water. 89% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 2: Suppleness and Radiance Serum
• Main active ingredients: vitamin C and fruit acids (blueberry, lemon and orange). 88% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 3: Hydrating and Astringent Serum
• Main active ingredients: sugar extracted from wheat and ginger extract. 91% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 4: Mattifying and Anti-Blemish Serum
• Main active ingredients: seaweed extract and zinc. 89% naturally-derived.

I've been particularly interested in these serums as my skin definitely goes through noticeable changes during my cycle, so it makes a lot of sense to use a specific product to address these differences. I tried them out for a full month and found that they did work incredibly well - especially during weeks 3 & 4 when my skin tends to start having a tantrum and breaking out. Each serum absorbs quickly and produced the results from what they say on the label - perfect! I would highly recommend these to all menstruating women and it's certainly made me consider how I should change up my skincare routine throughout my cycle to better support my complexion. It's worth mentioning that you only need one drop per application so these bottles will last a good while.

PM Routine

Moving onto my evening skincare routine, Typology prescribed a micellar water and three different types of serums to address my skin's concerns. I could then finish up with my regular moisturiser.

Typology 7 Ingredient Micellar Water* (200ml, £12.80, link)

I've always liked micellar waters, ever since they became hugely popular, but I've mainly used them to just remove waterproof makeup or as a quick first cleanse before using a cream or balm cleanser. So the thought of only using a micellar water in the evenings was a little strange to me as I'm so used to my double cleanses! That said, this 7 Ingredient Micellar Water worked a charm and removed all traces of daily grime and makeup, and it didn't sting my eyes or dry out my skin. It's fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.  

Typology Hyaluronic Acid 3% + 2% B5 Serum* (15ml, £11.80, link)

On evenings where my skin was craving some extra moisture, I applied the Hyaluronic Acid 3% + 2% B5 Serum, which is suitable for all skin types and has a fresh gel-like texture. I always get on with anything that has Hyaluronic Acid in as it's amazing for locking in moisture for longer and this married well with the B5 in the formula helps the skin to stay perfectly hydrated until the next day.

Typology Bakuchiol 1% Serum* (15ml, £14.80, link)

Ideal for oily skin that's prone to acne and breakouts, the Bakuchiol 1% Serum is a must-have for controlling fussy skin. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Bakuchiol is a popular anti-blemish ingredient and has been regularly used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It works by targeting the bacteria that gets lodged in the sebum of the pores, helping to prevent the blemish from developing further. It's also useful for repairing skin damage and reducing the appearance of scars. I really love this serum and it's something that I'll definitely continue to use more of in the future.

Typology Salicyclic Acid 2% + Zinc 1% Serum* (15ml, £19.80, link)

Finally, I applied a little of the Salicyclic Acid 2% + Zinc 1% Serum to any blemishes that were already gracing my complexion and I was very pleased to see a huge reduction after just the first use. This serum is fantastic as a localised spot treatment to use as and when blemishes pop up, and it's another product that I highly recommend to have in your skincare stash if you have oily/combination skin. 

Extras

The more I looked into Typology, the more I discovered and realised how vast their product range is, and I was thrilled to find these extras in my skincare package. There were two Perfume Discovery Sets* (£8.80 each, link) with some gorgeous fresh floral and citrusy scents (the Pamplemousse Petit Grain and Yuzu are new faves), and their popular 9 Ingredient Lip Balm* (15ml, £9.80, link) which is packed full of nourishing plant-based actives with nothing unnecessary or artificial added.

Overall Thoughts

Typology is obviously a brand for ardent skincare lovers and savvy consumers who want natural and effective products. But it's also a brand that can be embraced by those new to skincare as their informative website is full of advice about how to build a routine that suits your skin type and the online shop makes it easy to find products to address your skin concerns. It reminds me of a more streamlined and simplified luxury version of The Ordinary, but with better ingredients, more ethics and none of the drama.

Discover the full range at uk.typology.com

What would you like to try from Typology?

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Currently Loving: Summer Skincare Favourites for Oily/Combination Skin Types

What do hydrating, soothing, balancing and purifying all have in common? They're the main benefits of my current Summer Skincare Favourites.

Keeping your complexion in check when the mercury rises can be a tricky challenge, so let's make it as simple and fuss-free as possible. In Summer, I use SPF every single day, and I like to add a self-tanner to my routine once or twice a week for a healthy bronzed look. I always stick to the same daily principles no matter the weather though, with cleansing, toning and moisturising at the top of my skincare agenda.

Here are a couple of products that I'm currently loving:-

Dafna's Purify Cleanser* (100ml, £36, link)

Dafna's is such a beautiful, luxury natural skincare brand and I adore their Eye Care and Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask (check out my review on those two here). I was excited to try out the Purify Cleanser for Summer as I tend to switch from a cream to a lighter gel-based cleanser, and this has been working so well for my oily/combination skin type. This cleanser is 100% natural and features nourishing Olive Oil, Ayurvedic Pomegranate extract which is rich in anti-ageing Vitamin C, and an interesting complex named MelaCare TM Oil that's composed of three different types of plant-based oils to help photo-ageing symptoms. I find it really refreshing to use and it balances my oily skin without leaving it tight or stripped.

Alteya Organics 100% Pure Bulgarian Lavender Water* (100ml, £9.85, link)

For years, I've automatically reached for Rosewater toners and spritzes without giving much thought to the benefits of other infused waters, but when I came across Alteya Organics' 100% Pure Bulgarian Lavender Water, I decided to test it out for a change. Made from fresh, hand-picked organic Lavender flowers which are steam-distilled for purity, this fine mist gently soothes, tones and clarifies the skin thanks to Lavender's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Use it morning and night as part of your routine, or pop it into the fridge and enjoy a cooling and calming spritz anytime you feel that your skin needs it.

Zuii Organic Flora Gradual Tan Face Water* (150ml, £22.50, link)

We all know that the only safe way to get a tan is to fake it, and if you've been looking for a natural and organic self-tanner that's specifically for the face, this is it. Zuii Organic's Flora Gradual Tan Face Water is an amazing product that offers a really natural-looking finish without any hints of orange. It's surprisingly easy to use too as it looks and feels just like water - simply apply with your hands or a cotton pad after cleansing and the colourless fluid will quickly absorb into the skin. The active natural tan ingredients will then start to work gradually, giving you a gorgeous healthy glow!

True Skincare Certified Organic Balancing Safflower & Basil Facial Oil* (30ml, £13.50, link)

One of the best budget-friendly, natural and organic skincare finds that I've recently discovered comes from True Skincare, a British brand who specialise in making affordable and effective products. Not only is everything organic, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans to use, but their products have been winning awards left, right and centre, so I couldn't wait to try out this Balancing Safflower & Basil Facial Oil. 

Formulated for oily and combination skin types, this facial oil won a Beauty Shortlist Award earlier in the year and it's easy to see why! It has a wonderful, ultra-light texture that almost feels like a dry oil and is infused with Safflower Oil (high in omega-6 rich Linoleic Acid) and Basil (known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties). The two combined perfectly balance fussy, acne-prone skin conditions, helping to fight off breakouts, unclog pores and keep the skin moisturised without overloading it. I've been using 2-3 drops in the evenings to keep pesky spots at bay throughout the hot Summer months.

What are your current favourite skincare products?

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Green Beauty News: Persephone Beauty - A New Online Place To Shop For Natural Beauty

Calling all green beauty fans! There's a brand new online shop called Persephone Beauty which has been set up recently by fellow blogger, Laura Franklin-Hollier from Laurzah.com

Founded by Laura and her husband, Persephone Beauty offers a small but carefully selected range of independent natural beauty brands which adhere to Persephone's strict ethos that's based on three main principles:-

• Natural beauty without compromise
• Picking sustainable products that are kind to the planet and the skin
• Only offering products that Persephone loves that contain ingredients that meet their high standards.

This means that every single product that you can purchase from Persephone is free from the following 'nasties' and for full transparency, INCI lists are provided alongside the listed products.

• All Parabens
• Mineral Oil
• Phthalates
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Silicones
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Artificial Fragrance
• Diethanolamine
• Hydroquinone
• Toulene
• Formaldehyde
• Oxybenzone

There are currently six natural beauty brands stocked on Persephone and I anticipate that more will be added soon as the brand continues to grow. Laura very kindly gave me a gift voucher to use on the site to help promote it and I chose the following products to give you all an idea of what you can expect. 

The package arrived quickly in a small cardboard box with biodegradable packing peanuts, and the contents were delicately wrapped in hot pink tissue paper. On the top was a lovely thank you card from Laura and a 10% discount code to use on your next order.

Here's what I picked:-

Evolve Organic Beauty Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum* (30ml, £22, link)

Evolve Organic Beauty have been a longtime favourite natural beauty brand of mine for years, so I was delighted to see several of their products stocked on Persephone. If you're new to Evolve, they're a cruelty-free and vegan-friendly skincare company who make all of their products by hand in small batches here in England.

I've been lucky enough to try out many of Evolve's products in the past and can highly recommend their Daily Defence Moisture Mist, Radiant Glow Organic Mask and Hyaluronic Serum 200 as good places to start. When I saw this new Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum, I knew I had to have it!

Specially formulated for oily and combination skin types, this treatment serum is composed of 99.7% natural and 82% organic ingredients, and uses key actives such as Willow Bark, Acai and Copaiba to reduce sebum production and treat existing blemishes. Willow Bark, in particular, is a very useful ingredient as it's a natural source of Salicylic Acid which I always find works well for my skin when I'm tackling a breakout and indeed, this serum has definitely been helping to clear up my complexion since I've been using it.

What I like the most about the Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum is that it doesn't irritate my skin when I apply it (no stinging) and it doesn't dry it out either like so many anti-acne products have a hideous tendency of doing. Instead, it's gentle but effective and you should see noticeable results within two weeks of using it daily.

Skin & Tonic Lip Balm in Peppermint* (4.3g, £3.50, link)

Skin & Tonic are another amazing British natural skincare brand and I feel like I don't sing their praises enough! To remedy that, I wanted to give a cheeky shout-out to their range of Lip Balms, which like the rest of their products, are 100% natural and organic, as well as being handmade in London. 

I believe that they have around three or four different lip balm varieties to choose from, but my personal favourite is the Peppermint one as it reminds me of the classic Burts Bees formula, and I know that so many people struggle to find an independent and organic version to replace a mainstream beauty fave so now you can try this instead!

This lip balm is made from just four ingredients; Shea Butter, Beeswax, Coconut Oil and Peppermint Oil, and it's this no-fuss simplicity which originally attracted me to Skin & Tonic in the first place. It does what it says on the tin by keeping my lips moisturised and soft for longer and has a pleasant zingy mint feeling - what more do you need?

Discover these products and more at persephone-beauty.com

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Currently Loving: 3 Skincare Products To Try This Summer from Wooden Spoon, Fushi & Antipodes

Many people, including myself, like to switch up a couple of their skincare products in the Summer months to accommodate the (hopefully) warmer temperatures. But if you've already added sunscreen to your daily routine, what else can you do? Here are just three skincare products that you could try for a range of different skin types and conditions.

Try If You Have Oily & Acne Prone Skin: Wooden Spoon Organic Troubled Skin Serum* (30ml, £19.50, link)

Whilst some find that spending extra time in the sun helps to clear up their spots, others often report the exact opposite as excess sebum and sweat production in hotter climates can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.  If your skin has a tendency to freak out when the mercury rises, there are two things which you can do to help; firstly, make sure that you're cleansing your face properly in the evening/before going to bed to remove all traces of sunscreen, makeup and daily grime, and secondly, using a dedicated blemish-fighting serum once or twice a week should make a noticeable difference.

One of the latest serums that I've been testing out recently is Wooden Spoon Troubled Skin Serum which is a brilliant product for oily and acne-prone skin types. This all-natural serum is made from 95% certified organic ingredients and features Tamanu Oil as its main superstar. Tamanu has some interesting anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, and it also helps to heal wounds and regenerate skin tissue, which makes it very useful for treating acne and its scars. 

In addition to the Tamanu Oil, there's also Marula Oil (high in Vitamin C, antioxidants and Oleic Acid), Vitamin E (an essential antioxidant for skin health), Rosemary Extract (helps to fight free radicals and promote collagen production) and Parsley Essential Oil (contains a strong antimicrobial and antiseptic agent). 

This serum can be used morning or evening underneath your moisturiser or face oil to protect and treat your skin, and you can use it all over the face, but I tend to just dab a tiny bit directly onto any blemishes. Within 24 hours, it vastly reduces any irritation or redness and within a few days, most spots have been banished or have come to the surface where they are then easier to deal with. Make sure that you use less than you think as it has quite a thick serum/oil texture, so a little definitely goes a long way.

Try If You Want A Multi-Tasking Oil That All Skin Types Can Use: Fushi Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil* (50ml, £25, link)

You guys know how much I truly love a great multi-tasking product and this newbie from Fushi has been ticking all the right boxes. Their latest release is a 100% pure, virgin, organic and cold-pressed Sea Buckthorn Oil which is made from berries that have been sustainably grown in Germany. I've been a big fan of Sea Buckthorn as an ingredient in both skin and body care for a long time, and utilising this incredible natural berry is a common and popular practice throughout mainland Europe.

Sea Buckthorn Oil is one of the only plant-based sources that contains all four omegas (Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9) which makes it beneficial in skincare due to their abilities to fight free radical damage. Omega 7 (also known as Palmitoleic Acid) is particularly revered as it helps to protect and heal damaged skin, whilst other nutrients in the oil such as Carotenoids, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E all play their part to further nourish and hydrate the skin, whilst also promoting healthy collagen production. This makes it useful for all skin types, but especially sensitive, mature, and dry complexions will certainly appreciate it.

It's not just good for your skin - it can be applied to hair and scalp to add essential moisture, preventing brittleness and thinning, and you can also take this food-grade Sea Buckthorn Oil as a liquid supplement to internally benefit from its high levels from Vitamin C and abilities to reduce inflammation, support gut health and digestion, keep your skin and eyes healthy and boost your immunity at the same time. 

For skin use, I would recommend mixing a few drops with a carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil (it has a bright orange colour which gives a very 'tanned' look to the skin, so diluting it will avoid this) and apply it 2-4 times a week, depending on how dry your skin is. For hair, just massage in a small amount directly onto the scalp, leave it on overnight and rinse with shampoo the following morning, and to use as a supplement, simply consume 1-2 teaspoons a day with food. A true multi-tasking oil!

Try If You Live/Work/Are Travelling In A City: Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum* (30ml, £34.99, link)

Anti-Pollution has been a massive area of interest in skincare circles over the past couple of years, as more research is showing how pollution (such as diesel and petrol emissions from cars) accelerates the rate in which the skin ages, showing up as premature ageing that's visible through fine lines and wrinkles. So if you live or work in a city, or are planning a city break holiday, you may want to add a helping hand into your morning skincare routine.

This new product from Antipodes is called the Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum, and although it's oil-based, it has a surprisingly super lightweight texture that's more reminiscent of a regular water-based serum. Full of natural ingredients such as Kiwi Seed Oil, Vinanaza Grape, Asian Ginger, Jojoba Oil, Marshmallow Bloom, Avocado Oil and Licquorice Root, this serum packs a punch when it comes to its high antioxidant content to protect skin against the ageing effects of pollution and free radical damage. It also has a decent amount of natural Vitamin C to help brighten dull complexions which is a nice added bonus.

I would recommend applying Blessing first thing in the morning underneath your moisturiser as a protective layer against the elements of the city - it absorbs quickly, smells gorgeous and sits well underneath makeup. 100% natural and vegan-friendly, I'd say that this serum is suitable for all skin types, especially oilier skins who want something ultra-light and non-clogging.

Have you tried any of these?

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Vegan Skincare: Trilogy Age-Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream, Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, Very Gentle Cleansing Cream and Blemish Control Gel review #Veganuary

Vegan skincare is everywhere right now and Trilogy are one such brand that has always had a wide range of vegan-friendly products available. I've been testing out these four bestsellers recently.

I've been a fan of Trilogy for many years and they were, in fact, one of the first proper skincare brands that I got into when I started blogging. With innovative formulas, fantastic ethics, cruelty-free and organic certifications, plus ranges designed especially for sensitive skin, I was immediately attracted to the New Zealand brand who are readily available here in the UK via a wide range of stockists.

If you haven't tried anything from Trilogy before, here are four products that you should check out, (regardless of whether you're vegan or not!).

Trilogy Age-Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream* (50ml, £31.50, link)

For those of you reading who are in your 30s or are just starting to see the first signs of ageing appear such as fine lines, Trilogy's Age-Proof range is definitely worth looking into. Their Line Smoothing Day Cream features the brand's innovative Glycablend trademarked formula which helps to visibly smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and is especially beneficial to the skin with long term use. Packed full of active Botanicals, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyproline, Olive extracts, Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E, this hardworking moisturiser is rich and nourishing in texture, ultra-hydrating and absorbs quickly. It provides exactly what your skin needs to face the elements in the morning, and makes a great smoothing base for makeup (you can easily skip using a primer!).

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +* (30ml, £31.50, link)

Rosehip Oil has been a strong staple in my skincare routine for many years and I'm never without a bottle or two of this multi-tasking oil. Having tried countless different brands, I find that no two rosehip oils are the same, as each has their different subtleties and blends when it comes down to performance, absorbability and overall texture/feel, so it's worth trying out a couple to find the best one for your skin. That said, Trilogy's Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is an excellent one to use and is made with 100% certified organic natural ingredients. 

This unique antioxidant-rich blend features Rosehip Oil, Tomato Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Acai Seed Oil and Oat Extract to give your skin a highly nourishing dose of plant-based goodness. The essential fatty acids in the mix help to repair, hydrate and strengthen, whilst a plethora of anti-oxidants, vitamins, and Omegas encourage healthy collagen production and fight against free radical damage. As with any facial oil, you only need to use a tiny amount (2-3 drops per application) and this can be applied directly to the face as the last step in your skincare routine, or mixed into your day or night moisturiser for a real boost.  

Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Cleansing Cream (200ml, £23.50, link)

Struggling to find a cleanser for sensitive skin? Try this one! I have used the Very Gentle Cleansing Cream on and off for years and I'm thrilled to see that it's now packaged in a glass bottle with a pump - hooray! This cleanser is one of the mildest and gentlest that I've tried and I often recommend it to anyone who is suffering from skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. It's been dermatologically tested and the fragrance-free formula uses Trilogy's SyriCalm complex which helps to quickly calm down any irritation and redness. 

I like using this as both a morning and evening cleanser, especially in the Winter months when I want something more hydrating, and it'll also remove my makeup if I'm wearing light and mineral based products (I find that it does struggle to shift stubborn waterproof liquid foundations and mascaras so I'll use it as my second evening cleanser if I'm wearing those). Use it with a muslin cloth or flannel for the best results.

Trilogy Blemish Control Gel* (20ml, £12.50, link)

My sensitive/combination skin type is prone to breakouts every now and then, so I've been reaching for this Blemish Control Gel whenever a spot has been threatening to pop up. It contains Witch Hazel, Rosehip Oil, Salicylic Acid, Cucumber and Ginger extracts, which results in a powerful antibacterial spot treatment that quickly reduces inflammation, decongests blocked pores and blackheads, and helps to clear up the skin. Word of warning though; it is quite drying so make sure that you follow it up with a good moisturiser or facial oil afterwards to replenish your skin's moisture levels and prevent any flaking issues - the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ works very well with this.

Have you used anything from Trilogy before?

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Tried & Tested Skincare: 4 Products To Try This Winter From Samaya, Daytox, Weleda & Tropic

My social media feeds are currently full of Winter Skincare posts and I'm not surprised, as this time of the year can often wreak havoc with your complexion. Keep yours in check with these products from Samaya, Daytox, Weleda and Tropic which will help to smooth, hydrate, boost and clear up your skin.

Samaya Renewing Exfoliant in Kapha* (50ml, £59, link)

Fans of Ayurvedic skincare will adore this latest release from luxury eco brand Samaya. Available in three different formulas that are specially tailored to suit the main doshas of Vata, Kapha and Pitta, the new Renewing Exfoliant is a powerful all-natural exfoliant that quickly removes dull dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to reveal a clearer and brighter complexion. Packed full of Pineapple Enzymes, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe, Jojoba, Vitamin E, and Ayurvedic herbs such as Amla, Gotu, Kola, Vetivert, Sandalwood, Turmeric, Neem and Ashwagandha, this 20-minute liquid exfoliant treatment is highly effective and gentle at the same time. It's also brilliant for unclogging pores and drawing out impurities, as well as helping other products to absorb into the skin better afterwards.

Daytox Volcanic Mud* (100ml, £20, link)

The ever-widening range of vegan-friendly beauty brands that are now available at Waitrose continues to impress me, and Daytox is one of my latest discoveries from them. Cruelty-free and formulated without parabens or silicones, the Volcanic Mud is a great 2-in-1 product for your bathroom as you can use it as a daily purifying cleanser, and as a weekly deep cleansing mask treatment. Featuring a base of Mineral Volcanic Mud, it also contains key ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Broccoli and Citrus extracts to protect against oxidative stress and free radicals, absorb excess sebum, banish blackheads, unclog pores and improve the overall texture of the skin. I prefer to use this as a quick 5 minute face mask as I have combination skin, but if yours is oilier, you could definitely try it as a cleanser as well to keep your skin looking clear without drying it out.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate* (30ml, £37.50, link)

Regular readers will know what I'm a big fan of Weleda's body care ranges, but I haven't properly explored much of their skincare. Their Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago, and although it's been technically made for skin that's more mature than mine, I was eager to try it out as a night treatment to give my tired complexion a bit of a boost, and it's certainly helped with that! Part of Weleda's popular Evening Primrose line, the Age Revitalising Concentrate targets fine lines and wrinkles, whilst increasing elasticity, intensely moisturising and firming the skin, and promoting a more even skin-tone, so it can definitely be used by most ages, especially anyone who's 30+. This concentrate is a beautiful 100% natural serum that's lightweight and smells fresh with subtle floral notes. It has organic Evening Primrose Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids to promote cell regeneration, and there's Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Centella Asiatica and Inca Nut Oil to further hydrate, soothe and boost collagen production. If your skin feels like it's lacking something this Winter and has lost its glow, give it a go!

Tropic Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum* (30ml, £42, link)

With the most indulgent time of the year just around the corner, you may find that your skin will throw a wobbly and break out with all the excess sugar and fat that's in all those tasty Christmas treats (I know my skin always does this, and judging by similar complaints from fellow bloggers on Instagram, I'm not alone!). Help is always available though and I've been enjoying using the new Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum from Tropic which not only deals with existing blemishes but helps to keep your skin from erupting in the first place.

It's very different from a lot of similar products that I've tried in the past as it's not drying at all, and instead focuses on the skin's health by treating the bacteria that causes spots with a specialised formula of Bioflavonoids, Prebiotics, Hyaluronic Acid, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Zinc PCA, Vitamin B3 and PHAs. These are combined with Blue Spirulina and Malachite Crystal Extract which are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties and they also give the serum its beautiful natural blue colour!  I love the super lightweight texture of this serum because it feels like water on the skin, and so far the results have been very promising as my complexion looks much clearer, and my pores appear smaller since using it. 

What skincare products are you enjoy using at the moment?

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