Trending | Waterless Beauty - 5 Products To Try #EcoFriendly

Waterless beauty is a trend that's been popular within green beauty circles for a long time, and it's one that has now firmly crossed over into the mainstream, as consumers shop more sustainably than they ever have before (yay!). If you haven't heard of the concept before, here's a quick post to get you up to speed and five tried and tested product recommendations to help you on your way.

What Is Waterless Beauty?

Waterless beauty are products that have been made without any water. So think of things like solid, concentrated, and powdered formulas like shampoo bars, exfoliating powders, multipurpose balms, eco-friendly deodorants, etc.  

Why Is Waterless Beauty Trending?

It can be difficult to think of water shortages in our everyday lives when you live in the UK, especially with heavy rain and flooding being so commonplace here, but for the rest of the world, water shortages are a massively growing problem due to climate change and overpopulation. Waterless beauty has become a topic of conversation because beauty is the second biggest industry globally that consumes the most water, after agriculture. This is largely because most beauty products contain water; have a look at the products that you use every day and you'll start to see the size of the problem, as 'aqua' is often the first ingredient that's listed.

Not only is the quantity of water used within the beauty industry a cause for concern, but there's also the packaging and transport of all of these products to factor in as well. A standard plastic bottle of shampoo uses a huge amount of water to manufacture than a plastic-free solid shampoo bar for example. This is why most waterless beauty products are packaged in an eco-friendly manner to reduce the need for water at every opportunity. For sustainable consumers, it makes sense because we can easily add water from our own taps to a product, so by purchasing waterless beauty products, you're generally cutting out all those extra CO2 emissions that come from transporting a heavy bottle of shampoo to the shop.

Waterless Beauty Means Less or No Preservatives

In addition, waterless formulas require little or no preservatives to be added. This is because you usually have to add some kind of preservative to a product if it contains water because bacteria grows so quickly in it.

Here are five water-free beauty product recommendations that I've tried out.

Swap One: Marley's Pure & Natural Shampoo with Eucalyptus & Green Clay* (50g, €11.25)

Shampoo bars are the obvious choice when it comes to swapping your regular bottle of shampoo for a waterless alternative, however, they don't always work for everyone and it can be a case of trial and error to find the one that does work for your hair type. Shampoo flakes, on the other hand, seem to be something that more people report having greater success with, and the best that I've tried is Marley's Pure & Natural Shampoo with Eucalyptus & Green Clay. Here you have a pouch of solid shampoo flakes which you add to hot water and then refrigerate overnight, before using as you would any other liquid shampoo - genius stuff! It's a Dutch brand but there are a fair few UK stockists knocking about - I pick it up from my local independent health store; one pouch replaces a large 400ml plastic bottle of shampoo.

Swap Two: Trilogy Everything Balm* (45ml, £15.50, link)

Regular readers know how much I love multi-purpose balms and in fact, I have a stash of them floating around somewhere, usually in every desk drawer, on every bedside table, and in every handbag. You could say I'm a bit obsessed! The Trilogy Everything Balm is one that I've been using for years and this large tin will last you absolutely ages. Packed with skin-quenching ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax, Marula Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E, this hard-working skincare hero can be applied to dry lips, cracked cuticles, and anywhere else that requires some immediate soothing moisture. 

Swap Three: Beauty Pro Tumeric Infused Sheet Mask* (£5, link)

OK, so this one is a little controversial as it's a single-use product, but hear me out! I wanted to include it as an alternative option for those who still love using sheet masks (and I'm partial to using one myself every now and then, especially when traveling). Beauty Pro's Plant-Based Sheet Mask range ticks a lot of good boxes including being certified cruelty-free, vegan, and made from 100% plant origins. It's also water-free, and the sheet mask itself is plastic-free. Instead, it's made from biodegradable bamboo which is fully compostable in your garden waste bin. Pretty neat, huh? This Tumeric Infused mask is great for brightening the skin and gets to work in just 15 minutes.

Swap Four: Dust & Glow Powder-Based Bodywash in Coconut Ginger* (45g, link)

Powdered formulas are definitely on the rise and lots of brands are producing some amazing products in this area. I'm a big fan of powdered body washes because they are so easy to use; just sprinkle a small amount into wet hands and watch as it lathers up into a foam that you can then use all over your body in the shower. This means that the packaging is a much smaller bottle as the powder is concentrated, and being a powder, it's super lightweight which makes it brilliant for traveling with, especially if you just have a carry-on with you. Dust & Glow is a New Zealand brand (some London-based eco-shops stock them), but if you have trouble finding it, you can try the British brand Inclusev instead which has a great range of powder beauty products.

Swap Five: Elsa's Detox Natural Deodorant* (£14, link)
 

Mainstream deodorant sticks and roll-ons almost always contain water as their first ingredient so it makes sense to switch to a natural deodorant that's better for your body as well. There are lots to choose from as this sector of the beauty industry has had a massive boom in recent years so shoppers are truly spoilt for choice! One of my top picks would be Elsa's Detox Natural Deodorant which is something that I often recommend to those who are new to using a natural deodorant as it's a pretty strong and powerful formula and makes the switch less daunting! With ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Bentonite Clay, and Magnesium, it's an easy natural way to keep body odour at bay.

Have you made any water-free swaps this year?

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5 Products To Try This Month #JanuaryEdit

 

Want to add some new products to your daily routine, but don't know where to start? My January Edit is here to help! From a 100% natural multi-purpose balm to eco-friendly biodegradable face sponges, here are 5 products to try this month.

1 - Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm* (from £3.95, link)

I'm never far away from a high-quality multi-purpose balm and you'll always find one (or two) in every handbag, desk drawer, and suitcase. A must-have for all those tricky dry skin areas like lips, cuticles, heels, elbows, etc, I'm a huge fan of Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm which is 100% natural, vegan-friendly, and fragrance-free so can be used by pretty much everyone. 

Apply a tiny amount as and when needed to areas that need some extra TLC and don't forget that this can also be used to soothe sensitive irritated skin, insect bites, and minor abrasions. You can pick up travel-size tubes for under £4 from places like Superdrug, or stock up on a bigger tube for the whole family.

2 - Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence* (100ml, £25, link)

Released towards the end of last year, I've been enjoying using this newbie from one of my favourite British natural skincare brands, Nourish London. Their Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence is a lightweight, but ultra-hydrating essence that's suitable for all skin types to use. Packed full of ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Trehalose, Kale Sprout Extract, and Probiotic Minerals, the essence rapidly absorbs into the skin, feeding it with nutrients and delivering an essential boost of moisture. The end result is beautifully plumped up, nourished, and happy skin!

If you're wondering how to add an essence to your evening skincare routine, I apply a few drops onto my fingertips and massage it into my skin after cleansing and toning. Let it absorb for about 5 minutes or so, then I'll follow up with my regular serum and moisturiser/facial oil.

3 - Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil* (30ml, £39, link)

With its ability to increase moisture levels and improve elasticity whilst boosting radiance and balancing the skin, it's no wonder that Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil is a bestseller! I absolutely adore the blend of natural plant oils such as Sweet Almond Oil, Blackcurrant Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Camelina Sativa Seed Oil that work so well for my skin, and this multi-rich complex is the perfect partner for evening facial massages. 

As with all facial oils, a little goes a long way and you only need to use 2-3 drops each time. It makes my skin feel much smoother and adds a protective layer that strengthens the skin's natural barrier as you sleep. Brilliant stuff indeed, plus it smells lovely.

4 - One Pure World LUFO Eco Face Sponge Kit* (Kickstarter campaign link)

If one of your New Year resolutions is to make 2023 the year that you make more eco-friendly consumer decisions, a great place to start is at One Pure World. The online retailer not only stocks a range of zero-waste everyday products but has also launched a Kickstarter campaign for their LUFO Face Sponges which has already raised €10,218! I was very kindly sent one of these brand new LUFO Eco Face Sponge Kits to help raise awareness of their campaign which you can directly support by clicking the link above. 

The LUFO Sponge is made from 100% biodegradable and compostable compressed cellulose (wood pulp) which expands like magic when you add water to it. Before that, they look like thin discs as you can see above which makes them ideal for traveling with. This kit contains the classic LUFO Sponge with the black sponges; the latter are infused with Activated Charcoal for a really deep cleanse that helps to unclog pores and remove impurities from the skin. Also in the kit is a sponge-drying tray which is made from Diatomite (fossilized algae) - this natural material instantly absorbs water and dries the sponge between uses - pretty neat, huh?

These sponges are a great way to say goodbye to single-use plastic products and are so soft to use every day with your favourite cleanser for a little natural exfoliation.

5 - Fushi Gurmar Leaf Supplements* (60 capsules, £10, link)

My last pick for January are Fushi Gurmar Leaf Supplements and I highly recommend these if you are looking to cut down on your sugar intake. Gurmar Leaf is a natural extract that's well known in Ayurvedic medicine and is nicknamed 'the sugar destroyer'. It's been traditionally used for centuries to help people deal with their sugar cravings and each capsule features 340mg of 100% pure Gurmar Leaf. As they're from Fushi, these are high-quality, all-natural supplements that are certified organic by the Soil Association, are free from any nasties, and come packaged in a glass bottle.

What are your top products for January?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - June 2022 review

 

June's LoveLula Beauty Box finishes with a bang as it's worth a staggering £109! With a combined value that's so impressive, let's check out these luxury green beauty goodies pronto, shall we?

Check out my previous reviews of the popular natural and cruelty-free LoveLula Beauty Box here.

Urban Veda Purifying Body Oil 

I'm a big fan of the natural Ayurvedic-inspired brand, Urban Veda, and this Purifying Body Oil has actually been on my beauty wishlist for some time, so I'm thrilled to discover it in the box! With lots of gorgeous uplifting essential oils such as Organic Neem, Gotu Kola and Witch Hazel, this body oil has been formulated to purify and energise the skin.

INIKA Bold Lash Mascara

Last month, LoveLula included the famous INIKA Certified Organic Matte Perfection Primer, and this month there's the bestselling Bold Lash Mascara that subscribers can try out. I've used this mascara many times over the years as it's one of the best on the market if you're looking for something that's both natural and organic. The large brush helps to create big lashes without any clumping or flaking.

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm

Speaking of bestsellers, Lyonsleaf's Beauty Balm is loved by many and is a water-free, multi-tasking wonder! You can use this pot of 100% natural magic for just about anything; as a cleanser, moisturiser, face mask and more. Super rich in plant oils and extracts, a little goes a long way, making it an affordable and eco-friendly skincare staple to have in your daily routine.

Organic Works Pro Smoothing Serum

Last, but not least, there's a full-size bottle of Organic Works Pro Smoothing Serum, which certainly sounds promising. Developed to help restore radiance to dull and uneven complexions, it intensely hydrates the skin with its natural and organic formula and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful glow. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the new one-off LoveLula Beauty Boxes at Lovelula.com

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Give Your Hands Some TLC - Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream & Skin Salvation Balm review #BetterWithBalmonds + 20% Reader Discount Code

Are your hands prone to dryness, eczema, or sensitivity? If the answer is yes to all or any of those, you must try the award-winning Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream.

I've suffered from eczema since I was a child, and whilst my skin condition is tolerable most of the time, there are specific times of the year when I tend to experience nasty flare-ups. The change of seasons is definitely a trigger for me as my skin severely dislikes the often rapid fall in temperature here in the UK when Winter is on its way, so I've been taking extra special care of my skin right now to manage it.

Luckily, there are a lot of natural and cruelty-free skincare helpers out there who can alleviate the worst symptoms of eczema, and one such English brand which truly excels in this area is Balmonds. They have made it their mission to help sensitive skin and common problems such as eczema and they have a wide range of natural and safe products available.

If you're new to the brand, I would start with these two below; the Intensive Hand Cream and the Skin Salvation Balm.

Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream* (50ml, £10.99, link)

Suitable for all skin types, this vegan-friendly Intensive Hand Cream is the perfect remedy for dry and irritated hands this Winter. The 99% natural formula is fragrance-free and manages to be light and non-greasy, yet feels incredibly nourishing at the same time. Perfect for the most sensitive of skin types, it uses natural ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn, Organic Hemp Oil, and Shea Butter to instantly soothe and moisturise. It's also so gentle and free from a long list of nasties that it's safe to use on babies from 6 weeks of age. 

Balmonds Skin Salvation Balm* (30ml, £7.99, link)

Skin Salvation is a pot of magic that everyone who has eczema should have in their skincare stash for those impromptu flareups. This 100% natural moisturising balm is a paraffin-free alternative to most eczema products you'll find in the chemist, and it's also free from synthetic additives, fragrances, and parabens. Highly emollient thanks to a blend of just eight carefully chosen natural ingredients like Beeswax, Safflower Seed Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil, Skin Salvation delivers results fast, helping to bring down inflammation and irritation quickly. Best of all, it can be used anywhere on the face and body, and a tiny amount goes a long way.

Shop the full range of Balmonds products at balmonds.co.uk and use the discount code BEAUTYWOLFGIRL for 20% off your next order

Do you have eczema?

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Health & Lifestyle: 3 Natural Balms To Help You Through Cold & Flu Season #WinterWellness

Nobody likes having a cold, or worse still, catching the flu, and having spent the last week feeling like death warmed up in, I can certainly sympathise! One thing that always gets me through the rough times is having a pot of natural balm on my bedside table to help alleviate some of the worst symptoms such as blocked sinuses, so here are three of the best that you can try this Winter. 

 Best For Colds: Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm* (30ml, £10.50, link)

This completely plastic-free balm from Herbfarmacy is one of the brand's hidden secrets and something that I feel they should promote more often! Made in small batches on their farm in Herefordshire, the Easy Breathe Balm boasts an-all natural, cruelty-free formula which is also 100% organic (certified by the Soil Association) so it already ticked a lot of boxes for me when I initially picked it up. 

Unscrewing the metal tin, you'll be greeted with a firm and solid balm that has a soothing and moisturising base of Sunflower Oil, Beeswax and Marshmallow Root extract, which is combined with refreshing Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Tea Tree and Rosemary essential oils and extracts. The balm is easy to warm up between your fingertips and spreads well onto the skin without any stickiness. Apply to the chest and lower throat areas to help clear the airways - this is brilliant for stuffy colds so that you can get on with your day.

Best For Flu: EQ EVOA Siberian Balm* (15ml, £9.95, link)

When flu hits, you need something heavy-duty, and EQ EVOA's Siberian Balm really does pack a punch! It's the smallest of the three balms that I've tried here coming in at just 15ml, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its powerful natural abilities. Created from a unique formula that features 99.5% natural ingredients (42.4% of which are organic), it uses Edwelweiss extract (also known as the Star Of Glaciers) with Tahitian Monoi, Clove, Camphor, Cajeput and Menthol essential oils to quickly decongest and bring instant relief when you're truly suffering from the very worst flu symptoms. 

Although it's technically called a balm, it has a more of a thick and buttery texture which is white in colour, and yet it still retains all of the qualities of a traditional balm as it's easy to use and doesn't feel tacky or sticky. Needless to say, a little goes a long way and be extra careful to make sure this doesn't get anywhere near your eyes! As with all of the balms featured here, please wash your hands thoroughly after use, but especially with this one as it's so potent!

 Best For Families: Silvan Skincare Breathe Balm* (60ml, £14.50, link)

It's quite often the case that when one member of the family comes down with a cold or flu bug, everyone else in the household gets it within a matter of days, so this larger jar is definitely one to keep on standby during the Winter months. Handmade in Wales, Silvan Skincare's Breathe Balm is suitable for the whole family to use and is made with the highest quality natural, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. It's certified by both the Vegan Society and the Leaping Bunny programme, plus it's packaged in a glass jar so ideal for families and consumers who are cutting down on their plastic waste.

With a rich and soft, non-sticky balm texture, Breathe Balm has a gentle but effective blend of ingredients which include fairtrade Organic Shea Butter, Organic Olive and Jojoba Oils, Oat extract, Vitamin E, Eucalyptus, Camphor, Peppermint and Rosemary essential oils. These work hard to soothe and clear blocked sinuses quickly, helping you to breathe easier faster. Rub a small amount onto the temples, chest, thorax and back as often as needed.

All balms featured are available from LoveLula.com

Have you tried any natural balms this Winter?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

The Empties basket in my bathroom has been overflowing this past month with mainly skincare items, so it's time to dig through the trash and have a quick recap on all of these beauty products that I've recently used up! Let's get stuck in, shall we?

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (reviewed here)

A solid favourite of mine for a number of years now, this is one of Antipodes' best serums which can be used by all skin types, but benefits dry and dehydrated types the most. I suffer from the latter every now and then, and Hosanna instantly gives my skin what it needs and noticeably plumps it up with each use. It's oil-free too, so great for acne and problem prone complexions to try. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other serums first.

Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF 30* (reviewed here)

Another skin care product that I've been using for a long time is Aveda's bestselling Daily Light Guard Defense Flud SPF 30. I originally reviewed it back in 2016 and I've repurchased it every Summer since, though I do tend to use it all year round. It lasts ages and works well underneath makeup without peeling or flaking off. Repurchase? Yes.

Madara Age Defense Day Cream* (reviewed here)

A brilliant anti-ageing moisturiser for anyone who wants something lighter and easily absorbed in texture than most anti-ageing formulas (which can be on the thick and heavy side of the skincare spectrum), but still retaining its hydrating properties. I've gone through at least three tubes of this stuff! Repurchase? I'm testing out some others at the moment, but I'm sure you'll see it again in a future Empties post.

Weleda Skin Food (reviewed here)

I always have at least two or three tubes of Weleda's iconic Skin Food somewhere in my house; one's usually in the bathroom, one mini like this in my handbag, and the other is often by my bedside table. If you've yet to try it, it's an ultra thick, seriously moisturising multi-purpose product that can be applied anywhere and everywhere to deeply hydrate. Repurchase? Yes.

Kueshi Double Effect Makeup Remover

I can't remember where this came from, possibly a GWP or a beauty box?! Anyhow, it's a Spanish brand and I really enjoyed using it. It's one of those dual-phase, shake-them-up formulas and it removed all traces of waterproof eye makeup without any tugging or irritation. Repurchase? I haven't seen it in the UK yet but I'd definitely pick it up again in Spain!

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (reviewed here)

Here's another Antipodes product that I've been using for a few years now and still very much love. This Nourishing Night Cream is very hydrating and always leaves my skin so soft come the morning. One jar will last me a good couple of months as you only need to use a tiny amount. Repurchase? Yes.

DHC Cleansing Oil (reviewed here)

I promised myself that I was going to go through my minis stash and use more of those up, and then I end up with mostly full-sized empties instead - hey-ho! Well, I did finish off a travel size DHC Cleansing Oil which I used as a first cleanse to remove makeup and SPF. Brilliant stuff, it gets rid of everything and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy afterwards. Repurchase? Already have another in my stash.

True Organic Of Sweden All You Need Is Me Balm (reviewed here)

A friend bought this for me when she was in Sweden over Christmas and I've only just used it up as a tiny amount goes such a long way! I've used this before in the past and it's basically an all-natural and organic version of Vaseline, so you can use it on chapped lips and dry cuticles etc. Repurchase? I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks this in the UK sadly :(

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (reviewed here)

You can never go wrong with a good quality, affordable everyday cleansing lotion and this one from Handmade Naturals has a short but sweet ingredients list. Lovely gentle formula, it's great for removing makeup, and daily grime, as well as being a really nice morning cleanser if you prefer to use light cream formulas. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

Phyto 9 Nourishing Hair Day Cream (reviewed here)

Finally, a haircare product! I picked this up in the Black Friday sale from a local salon, but I've used it a couple of times in the past. Again, it's another one lasts a long time and I highly recommend it as a leave-in conditioner/treatment for anyone who has very dry, damaged or fine hair because it adds moisture without weighing your tresses down. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash (reviewed here)

Another sale bargain that I couldn't resist picking up when I saw it on offer, Tropic's Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash is like a holiday cocktail that you slather on in the shower! I love the rich, creamy formula which is very similar to the ones that Weleda do, but in a different scent. Repurchase? Will definitely buy it again when it's on offer.

Rosenrot Festes Koko Shampoo

Finally, my last empty is sadly a disappointing one because I've been trying to find a solid shampoo bar that works for my hair to no avail, and this one just wasn't compatible either. My friend sent it from Germany and I'll probably use it up to clean my makeup brushes with. Repurchase? No.

What have you used up recently?

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Currently Loving: 3 Multipurpose Winter Skincare Products For Your Handbag or Desk

Protect your skin this Winter with one of these natural and cruelty-free, multipurpose products - all of which are available in handbag friendly sizes.

P'URE Papayacare Papaya Ointment* (25g, £8.99, link)

Packaged in a handy squeezable tube, this 100% natural ointment from P'URE Papayacare is an intensively rich and nourishing treatment that has the consistency of a thick, non-sticky balm. Packed full of Organic Papaya, Calendula, Shea Butter, Macadamia and Jojoba Oils, it's a must-try for anyone is suffering from very dry patches anywhere on the body, as well as dry, chapped lips. It can also be used after laser treatments to calm down irritated skin, and as it's all-natural, it's safe to use whilst breastfeeding to moisturise sore nipples, and as a soothing protector for nappy rash and cradle cap. Unlike other similar products on the market, this one is cruelty-free and is free from Petroleum, Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Phthalates, Parabens or Preservatives.

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm* (55ml, £12.95, link)

Whilst most typical cleansing balms only do one job, Lyonsleaf's Beauty Balm is a convenient multipurpose alternative which can be used to thoroughly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise the skin for a three-step skincare routine in just one pot! The water-free formula means that it doesn't need to contain any harsh preservatives and there's no artificial fragrances or colours, so it's an ideal choice for those with dry and sensitive skin. It's made entirely from natural ingredients such as cold-pressed plant oils (Babassu, Macadamia, Jojoba and Sweet Almond), as well as raw Organic Shea Butter and a carefully chosen blend of essential oils, to nourish, repair and protect your skin this Winter.

Weleda Skin Food* (30ml, £7.95, link)

You can't have a winter skincare post without mentioning the iconic Weleda Skin Food; a tried and trusted celebrity favourite and a product that I've been using myself for many years now. Inside the bright green metallic tube, you'll discover an insanely thick and rich moisturiser that you can use everywhere on the body for some instant hydrating TLC. It's great to use as an intensive moisturising face mask once a week (just leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse the excess off), and it's brilliant for dry hands, lips, cuticles, elbows, heels and feet. Like all of the products featured here, a little goes a very long way, so these are all very affordable skincare options to try out during the Winter months.

Have you tried any of these?

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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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New In Beauty: REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm review + Recycled Ocean Plastic Campaign

REN have been making waves (pun intended!) with their recent Recycled Ocean Plastic campaign, and with the addition of an exciting new product launch, I just had to dedicate a blog post to them. Here's what's been happening in the world of REN in case you've missed the latest news on social media.

New product launch: REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm* (30ml, £40, link)

Last month, I received an exciting package from REN which contained a full-size jar of their latest launch, the Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm. This newbie is part of the brand's hugely popular Evercalm range which is targeted at sensitive skin types and I've used several products from this line over the years. 

The new Overnight Recovery Balm is a powerfully rich and hydrating night balm that's packed full of ultra-nourishing plant-based oils such as Olive, Almond, Borage, Jojoba, Sunflower and Linseed. These oils are naturally rich in lipids and active enzymes which help to strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier, as well as giving it an intense shot of moisture at the same time. Beta-Glucan is also included to soothe and calm any visible signs of sensitivity as it acts as an anti-inflammatory ingredient, so this is a fantastic product to try if you're currently suffering from any irritation or redness due to sensitive skin.

I've been using the Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm after cleansing in the evenings instead of using a night moisturiser or facial oil (as this is so hydrating, you don't need anything else). A tiny amount goes a long way and it has a lovely light texture that's perfect for doing a facial massage with. It doesn't feel greasy but you do have to massage it in for it to fully absorb, as you would with any other type of balm product. I've had some patches of redness around my nose and on my cheeks in the last month, and this has instantly calmed everything down.

My skin also feels much more hydrated, softer and plumped up in the morning. It feels very luxurious and pampering to use, and it has a pleasant subtly botanical/natural scent that reminds me of a spa. Needless to say, it's a delightful luxury night treatment to add to your evening skincare routine and I can see myself using this even more as the seasons start to change in the coming weeks.

REN's Recycled Ocean Plastic Campaign

The alarming rate of plastic pollution in our oceans that's destroying delicate eco-systems and threatening the existence of thousands of species has caused a massive outcry from people all around the world, and many are now looking at ways to reduce their plastic consumption and consumer waste in a bid to stop the problem from escalating even further.

REN has been helping out in various ways, from organising beach cleanups across the UK with the charitable organisation Surfers Against Sewage (participants have been rewarded with REN products to thank them for their time), to their commitment to being a zero-waste company by 2021, changes are afoot and it's great to see a beauty brand as global as REN taking these positive steps forwards.

Their latest environmental campaign focuses on their partnership with TerraCycle, where they have created a new 100% recycled plastic bottle that contains 20% reclaimed ocean plastic. As recycled plastic isn't as clear as first use plastic, the bottle has a grey tint which you can see in their award-winning Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Body Wash* (£22, 200ml, link) - the first product to be packaged in this new hybrid recycled plastic packaging. The bottle also features an innovative metal-free spring in the pump to make it fully recyclable and the new recycled plastic packaging will be phased in across REN's full global distribution by 2019.

Whilst I know that recycled plastic packaging isn't the saviour to the problem of plastic pollution, it is a welcome helping hand in a better direction and an admirable effort from a global beauty brand to be doing something like this, when many other larger brands are still sadly doing nothing. Hopefully, the actions of companies like REN will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

To find out more, visit renskincare.com

Do you agree that brands should be doing more to change their packaging?

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