Health & Lifestyle | Cytoplan Vegan Beauty Bundle Supplements | Hair, Skin & Nails, Vitamin C and Vegan Collagen review

Give your skin (and health) a boost from the inside with Cytoplan's vegan-friendly Beauty Bundle of supplements. Expertly formulated, this nature-meets-science brand, has everything that you need to look and feel your best as we embrace the new season.

It should come as no surprise to learn that our diet and lifestyle plays an important factor in the overall health and appearance of our skin, and no amount of fancy expensive skincare products will be able to hide the damaging effects of negative lifestyle factors such as smoking and not getting enough sleep regularly. As they say, beauty is skin deep, and what's going on inside, is just as important (if not more so!), than what's happening on the outside.

This is where Cytoplan comes in with their bestselling Beauty Bundle to help to support and nourish skin, hair, and nails from within. Comprising of three carefully chosen premium supplements, this handy bundle covers all bases and offers excellent value for money at the same time. These supplements are free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, wheat, added sugar, flavourings, and colourings.

Cytoplan Hair, Skin & Nails (60 capsules)

First things first, let's start with the Hair, Skin & Nails supplement which is a well-rounded multi-nutrient, that works in synergy with an antioxidant complex. Here you can find the usual suspects of essential vitamins and minerals like Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin C, Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium that you expect to find in any Hair, Skin & Nails capsule. 

However, what sets this one apart is the addition of a wide range of skin-friendly ingredients with proven antioxidant and protective qualities. These include Cocoa Extract, MSM, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Bilberry Extract, Lycopene, Lutein, and Astaxanthin; all expertly blended into a convenient one-a-day capsule. 

Cytoplan Vitamin C 1000mg (60 capsules)

We all know and love Vitamin C as a key ingredient in our skincare routines due to its amazing propensity to brighten the skin and boost radiance. In fact, a quick glance at some of my favourite everyday skincare products confirms this, and it's a particularly useful ingredient to have in your serum or moisturiser. So it makes perfect sense to take a Vitamin C supplement to get all the benefits from the inside out, plus if you're lacking certain fruit and veg in your diet, it can help to address any deficiencies there too to keep your immune system in better shape.

This one from Cytoplan provides a high potency dose of 1000mg in each daily capsule, alongside a 50mg boost of Bioflavonoids to protect against environmental aggressors that can cause premature skin aging. The latter naturally accompanies Vitamin C found in fruit and veg and helps to retain this essential nutrient in the body. 

Cytoplan Vegan Collagen (120 capsules)

Collagen supplements are everywhere and I'm pretty certain that there isn't a skincare guru/actress/celebrity on the planet that doesn't take one every day! Sadly though, the vast majority of collagen products are made from animal ingredients (usually bovine or marine), however, Cytoplan has recently launched their brand new Vegan Collagen supplements which will help to offer more choice to those seeking a cruelty-free alternative.

These new kids on the supplement block feature an entirely unique and innovative 100% plant-based 'Vollagen Complex' that's exclusive to Cytoplan, and two capsules a day yield 1000mg. This provides the same amino acids as human collagen in the exact desired ratio to help to support healthy skin, hair, nails, ligaments, and tendons in the body. 

Cytoplan Vegan Beauty Bundle* retails for £56.10 via cytoplan.co.uk

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Health & Lifestyle: Revive Collagen - Premium Vegan Collagen Drink Supplement review

 

A couple of months ago, I reviewed Revive Collagen Original Collagen Supplements, and I was asked by a couple of my regular readers if I knew of any vegan-friendly versions. Well, guess what?! Revive has recently launched the world's first clinically proven vegan collagen!

With more and more people turning to a plant-based diet for either personal, ethical, or environmental reasons (or all of the above), it makes sense for there to be a vegan version of pretty much everything out there these days. However, sometimes this takes time to come to fruition, but lo and behold, Revive have well and truly cracked it with a liquid vegan collagen supplement drink. This is currently the only product of its kind in the world which identically mimics human type 1 collagen.

Recommended by the famous consultant dermatologist, Dr. Alhia Ahmed and Harley Street nutritionist, Clarissa Lenherr, this new product has been clinically proven to work in trials with 80% of participants saying it made a noticeable improvement to their skin. In vitro trials also showed that Revive Collagen's vegan ingredients increased collagen production by 134.97% - that's pretty impressive!

What's In It?

Each liquid supplement drink contains 2500mg of Revive's VeCollal Blend which is a 100% vegan-friendly and sustainable alternative to animal-sourced collagen. There's also a whole host of essential vitamins such as Vitamin A (Retinol), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 (Biotin), B9, C, E, and D3, plus 10mg of Panax Ginseng to help support natural energy levels.

How To Use

Consume one sachet per day, either direct from the sachet or add it to a small glass of water. This supplement has a pleasant Raspberry flavour so I've been taking it straight from the sachet, first thing in the morning before I eat anything.

Overall Thoughts

I have seen so many people online ask about vegan collagen supplements that it's amazing to finally be able to provide them with a solution, and one that truly exceeds all expectations. Described as 'the most efficacious and bioavailable liquid vegan collagen that exists' – this liquid supplement drink has a 95% absorption rate compared to tablets (30%) and Revive Collagen Vegan’s ingredients bypass digestion so that you reap the rewards quickly and efficiently.

The addition of the Panax Ginseng, along with the spectrum of essential vitamins, makes this what I would call a 'Collagen plus' supplement, and is a worthy addition to anyone's daily routine for better overall skin and health.

Shop Revive Vegan Collagen* (14 sachets, £37.99) revivecollagen.com

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

 

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

What's The Hype?

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

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

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

Are All Collagen Supplements The Same?

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

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

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

What's In Them?

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

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

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

How To Use

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

Overall Thoughts

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

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

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

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Health & Lifestyle: Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops review

 

Collagen supplements are big news in the beauty industry with many skincare gurus swearing by them for helping to keep their skin looking and feeling younger. One such brand which are creating a buzz are Heaven Skincare with their easy to use Collagen Drops.

Collagen is naturally found in large amounts in younger skin, but as we age, the amount that the body produces becomes less and less the older we get. This sucks because collagen helps to maintain the skin's elasticity so the less that you have, the more prone your skin is to sagging and showing those tell-tale signs of ageing. 

In addition to collagen, our skin cells also naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid; an ingredient I'm sure you're all aware of when it comes to skincare products. And yes, you've guessed it, Hyaluronic Acid also decreases as we get older.

The solution? Find a supplement that incorporates both Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to help replace what we lose! This is where Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops come in.

What's In Them?

Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops are made up of six natural ingredients which are easily absorbed by the body. These are Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Glucosamine, Magnesium, and Vitamin C.

How To Use

Packaged in small, squeezable bottles, these Collagen Drops are super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Simply add one or two drops to a glass of hot or cold drink, or add to food if you prefer. You can also apply one drop to your daily moisturiser, serum or facial oil, or massage it directly into the skin.

What Are The Skincare Benefits?

With regular usage, you should start to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin hydration and elasticity, stronger nails and healthier hair growth.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

Yes! In addition to the skincare benefits, you may also see other physical and mental benefits such as improved gut health, a reduction in joint pain and inflammation, a strengthened immune system, and improved sleep and memory to name but a few.

Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops* (3 x 10ml bottles, £37 for a two-week supply) is available from heavenskincare.com

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Health & Lifestyle: Get Glowing Skin with HUM Nutrition Mighty Night & Glow Sweet Glow Supplements

Achieving healthy-looking, glowy skin isn't easy during a pandemic, but these goals can become more achievable with some help from HUM Nutrition supplements.

Whilst supplements are no substitute for a healthy and varied diet, they can definitely help during busy or stressful times when you want to make sure that you're getting everything that your skin and body needs to look and feel its best. With this in mind, I was excited to try out some supplements from HUM Nutrition, a high-end, Los Angeles based brand that you can find stocked in the UK via Cult Beauty. 

HUM has a huge range of supplements that are vegan-friendly, GMO-free, have no artificial colours or preservatives, and use only sustainably sourced ingredients.

Let's check out two of their bestsellers; Mighty Night and Glow Sweet Glow.

HUM Nutrition Mighty Night* (60 capsules, £44, link)

We've all heard that getting a good night's sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and the term 'beauty sleep' reminds us that it's important for our skin as well. Mighty Night is a specialised dietary supplement that helps to boost overnight cell renewal for the skin and body. You know how your evening face serum or overnight sleeping mask helps your skin whilst you sleep? Well, this does the same, but from within, so it works well alongside your existing skincare routine.

Mighty Night's key superstar is Ubiquinol which is the most absorbable and bio-available form of CoQ10 that helps to repair the skin's natural barrier, strengthening and smoothing it over time. Other skincare friendly ingredients include Ceramides to support the lipid barrier (a must if you have dry skin issues) and a dose of Ferulic Acid, an anti-ageing antioxidant that protects against free radicals.

That's not all though as Mighty Night also includes a triple blend of natural herb extracts, Passionflower, Hops and Valerian Root, all of which have been proven in clinical trials to promote a good night's sleep. 

How to: take two easy to swallow, vegan-friendly soft gel capsules with a glass of water before going to bed. I find that you need to take these every night for at least two weeks before you start to see the benefits, but it is different for everyone.

HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow* (60 gummies, £27.25, link)

If you don't need the added sleep benefits of Mighty Night but are still looking for a daily supplement to help boost your skin's health, I'd recommend trying HUM Glow Sweet Glow instead. These vegan-friendly, heart-shaped gummies are packed with 120mg of low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin hydrated and plumped up for longer, as well as 15mg (100%) of Vitamin E to ramp up healthy collagen production. To help your skin to glow, there's also 90mg (100%) of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) derived from Amla Fruit, known for its brightening and skin-shielding properties. 

How to: take two gummies a day at any time, with or without food. As before, I'd recommend choosing a supplement that you can afford to stick with on a regular basis as the best results for your skin will be seen the longer you take them, but you should see a difference within 30 days to begin with.

Shop the full range at CultBeauty.co.uk

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Health & Lifestyle: New Nordic Hair Volume Supplements, Hair Volume plus Nail Strong & Hair Volume Gummies - 3 Month Trial Review

Supplements are always big news during January, as many of us wish to boost our health for the new year ahead, and the demand for beauty specific supplements continues to grow. For the past three months, I've been trialling three different supplements from New Nordic to help address a common concern: thinning hair.

Thick hair, like good skin, is often partly down to genetics and unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with masses of hair akin to a Disney Princess. That said, I was pretty happy with my hair when I was younger and only started to experience problems when I hit my mid-late 20s and began to notice that it was thinning and at times, even falling out. I had some blood tests done and discovered that I was deficient in some key vitamins and minerals due to an underlying autoimmune illness which was wreaking havoc with my hormones.

Fast forward to the present day and I've experienced several cycles of hair loss over the last five years that have had a serious effect on my self-confidence and self-esteem. My illness, diet and stress levels are better managed now (though I'm still trying to figure out what triggers certain on-going issues), and my gut health has improved enormously which allows me to benefit greatly from taking supplements, so I always recommend getting some tests done first to see if you can identify any deficiencies first.

To manage my thinning hair, I take daily supplements with Biotin and Zinc and New Nordic's Hair Volume range is full of them! I've tested out the following three different formulas over the past three months to see what effects they would have.

New Nordic Hair Volume* (30 tablets, £24.95, link)

The original New Nordic Hair Volume supplement is a bestseller and contains micronutrients and natural herbal extracts to help maintain normal hair volume and growth. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen for its beneficial properties and its these bioactives that nourish and activate the life processes of hair follicle cells. Biotin and Zinc are essential for healthy hair, and Copper has an interesting quality as it contributes to normal hair pigmentation which can help to prevent premature grey hairs.

Packaged in each tablet is 300mg Apple extract (rich in procyanidin B2), 250mg Millet extract, 200mg Horsetail extract, 60mg L-cysteine and 50mg L-methionine. These are accompanied by a large amount of Biotin (475mcg which is 950% NRV), 30mg Pantothenic Acid (500% NRV), 10mg Zinc (100% NRV) and 1mg Copper (100% NRV).

The tablets are a little larger than a standard Paracetamol, but I found them easy enough to swallow with a glass of water and they can be broken into two smaller pieces if you need to. I took one a day as recommended and found them useful to prevent my hair from further thinning, so they're something that I will happily continue to take on a regular basis. These supplements are dairy and gluten-free.

New Nordic Hair Volume plus Nail Strong* (60 tablets, £29.95)

If you want an extra boost that also helps your nails in the process, the latest addition to the New Nordic range are the Hair Volume plus Nail Strong supplements. They have the same base ingredients as the original Hair Volume formula above, but also contain 200mg Orthosilic Acid (cholin-stabilised), 45mg Propolis and 20mg Pepper extract.

I'd say that the superstar ingredient here is the Orthosilic Acid which is a bioavailable form of silicon that's been proven to help strengthen brittle nails, so if yours are feeling weak or tend to break easily, this is the supplement for you!  New Nordic recommended that you take two of these tablets a day with a glass of water and they are roughly the same size as the original Hair Volume supplements. I started to see noticeable differences to my nails after just two weeks of taking them.

New Nordic Hair Volume Gummies* (60 gummies, £19.95, link)

Taking tablet-shaped supplements isn't for everyone, but don't worry, New Nordic also offer their brilliant Hair Volume formula in a much more palatable option for anyone who struggles with, or doesn't like swallowing larger tablets. These gummies are soft and chewy with a deliciously sweet apple juice flavour instead!

Enjoy two a day with a meal and you'll benefit from 150mg Apple extract, 125mg Millet extract, 100mg Horsetail extract, 475mcg Biotin (950% NRV) and 2.5mg Zinc (25% NRV). They don't quite pack the punch of the other two formulas above, but if your hair is in relatively good shape and you simply want to continue maintaining what you have, these could be useful to you. Unfortunately, the gummies are sugar and gelatine based so they're not suitable for vegans, vegetarians or diabetics.

Shop the full range of New Nordic Hair Volume supplements at newnordic.co.uk

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Health & Lifestyle: Bioglan Superfoods Beauty Protein Powder review #VeganBeauty

Collagen supplements have been popular amongst skincare fans for a long time now, but did you know that most are made from marine or bovine ingredients? For those who have been searching for a vegan-friendly collagen alternative, Bioglan Superfoods have the answer in the form of their new Beauty Protein Powder.

Collagen is a protein that's found naturally all throughout the body; it's in your bones, skin, muscles and tendons, and is often referred to as the body's 'scaffolding' which is a good way to sum it up as it supports your overall structure. Like many natural sources though, collagen production starts to slow down after around the age of 25 and takes a tumble even further for women after the menopause (thanks Mother Nature!). 

Needless to say, finding ways to boost collagen, and thus its production, has been touted as one of the big 'anti-ageing' research areas as declining collagen levels ultimately lead to a loss of skin elasticity and moisture - resulting in those common signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and drier skin. 

There are a myriad of different collagen supplement products available on the market, from capsules to drinks, to topical skincare and rejuvenating face treatments, but now there's finally a vegan-friendly option thanks to Bioglan Superfoods' new Beauty Protein Powder - hooray!

What Is It?

Bioglan Superfoods Beauty Protein Powder is a collagen-boosting blend of superfood berries and plant-based protein which has been enhanced by additional vitamins and minerals to give your skin a boost from within. It features a unique amino acid mix that essentially mimics the composition of traditionally used bovine collagen, giving vegans and vegetarians a cruelty-free alternative.

What Are The Key Ingredients?

Pea and Rice Protein offer a good source of plant-based protein (7.1g per 10g serving), whilst Goji Berry and Raspberry Fruit Powders provide a source of antioxidants and Vitamin C that helps to maintain normal collagen formation for healthy skin. The amino acid complex is made up of L-Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Proline, L-Hydroxyproline, L-Leucine and L-Arginine, each of which has been specially chosen for their abilities to help boost collagen, and there's also Hyaluronic Acid (to help the skin hold onto moisture for longer), Bamboo extract and Biotin (to keep skin, hair and nails strong) added to complete the blend.

How Do I Use It?

Super easy - like everything in the Bioglan Superfoods range, you can add it to porridge (as above),  overnight oats, birchers, smoothies, shakes, or stir it into yoghurts, and even add it to pancake and muffin recipes for a healthier treat. Two teaspoons (10g) is all you need per day.

What Does It Taste Like?

Unlike other mainstream collagen supplements which can have a fishy aftertaste, this one doesn't really taste of much, except for a subtle 'protein powder' flavour (if you drink protein shakes, you'll know what I mean!) which I don't mind. It's easily disguised in whatever you blend it with anyway! 

Overall Thoughts?

I know a lot of vegetarians and vegans who have been looking for a product like this, and with more people turning to a plant-based diet, I can see this being very popular. It's free from animal products, high in protein and contains no added flavours, sugar or sweeteners. Plus it's easy to use and incorporate into your daily routine, and it can help to improve your skin in the long term - what's not to like?! My only bugbears are the plastic packaging (I hope Bioglan are looking into this) and that a product of this nature could be made even better by using organic ingredients, however for the price, it's definitely worth a try.

Bioglan Superfoods Beauty Protein Powder* (100g - equal to 10 servings - £12.99) is available direct from Bioglan Superfoods and Holland & Barrett (link)

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Health & Lifestyle: Gumi Sugar Free Energy, Multivit and Beauty Gummies review

If you don't like swallowing large tablet supplements and instead, want to find a more enjoyable and tastier way to take your vitamins and minerals every day, why not try these ones from Gumi?

I often get emails from readers asking me to recommend them supplements that aren't in the traditional capsule or tablet format, as it seems that many of you don't like or find it difficult to swallow larger pills, so this feature is especially for all of you! I was recently introduced to Gumi, a bright and colourful, family-friendly supplements brand that specialises in a wide range of 'gummies' which help to support your daily health and wellbeing needs.

All of Gumi's supplements are sugar, gluten and lactose-free, as well as being free from artificial colours, artificial flavourings and preservatives. Unfortunately, they aren't suitable for vegetarians or vegans as they contain bovine gelatine, however, the brand is currently working to develop veggie-friendly gummies in the near future, so I'll be sure to update this post when that happens.

For all the non-veggies out there, Gumi's gummies come in different fruity flavours (depending on which supplement you're taking), which makes them easy to give to children, and there are family, women's, children's and men's ranges available. Below are just three examples of what Gumi have to offer.

Gumi Family Energy Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Suitable for everyone in the family to take (from the ages of 3 years), the Family Energy gummies have been formulated to help revitalise the whole family to keep those energy levels active and balanced throughout the day. This special blend features Vitamins A, D3, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin, and Iodine, which can help to support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, whilst also keeping your metabolism and immune system working properly, and contributing to normal healthy cognitive and psychological functions.

It's recommended that you take two gummies a day and these have a yummy orange flavour. Like all the Gumi products, they have a childproof locked lid so adults can have complete control over the correct dosage amounts.

 Gumi Women's Multivit Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Developed especially for women on the go, Gumi's Women's Multivit gummies are an easy way to ensure that you're getting all of your daily nutrients and can be taken all year round. These strawberry flavoured gummies are packed full of a multi-tasking blend of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid, making them a great all-rounder for busy women everywhere. Two gummies a day are all you need to see the full benefits, but do be aware that these are not suitable for pregnant women.

Gumi Women's Beauty Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Beauty supplements are the most searched for in the Health & Lifestyle section of this blog according to my blogger stats, so I had to include Gumi's Women's Beauty gummies when I spotted them on their website! With a specialised blend of active ingredients and vitamins, the Beauty gummies help to support the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails with its expert blend of Vitamins B6, B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc and Selenium. You take two gummies a day and they have a delicious fruity berry flavour, so it's a quick and tasty way to rediscover your beauty glow from within.

Shop the full range of Gumi supplements at gumivits.com - currently on a 3 for 2 offer!

Disclaimer: Food supplements should never be used to replace a healthy and varied diet with plenty of exercise. Always consult your GP before taking if you have any queries, existing medical conditions or are taking any medication.

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Health & Lifestyle: ZOJO Beauty Elixirs - The Beauty Pageant Formula & The Supergreens Formula review

If you're on the lookout for a high quality, organic food supplement that you can easily add to your breakfast smoothie every day, ZOJO's Beauty Elixirs will be right up your street.

I love it when I discover a new-to-me healthy lifestyle brand that not only looks good on the outside (that black and white packaging is very cool), but is filled with goodness on the inside too. After all, the very concept of most elixirs is all about beauty from within right?! 

ZOJO was founded by Marta Ravensdale, a busy businesswoman and mother who was concerned about the negative impact that her often stressful lifestyle was having on her health, wellbeing and family life. Working with a team of experienced nutritionists from the UK, Marta created ZOJO, a range of plant-based beauty, fitness and health formulas made from 100% organic ingredients. There are currently seven different formulas which are suitable for vegans and all are GMO-free, lactose and gluten free, plus they don't contain any artificial nasties such as preservatives, colourings, artificial sweeteners, bulking agents, fillers or taste enhancers.

I was kindly sent ZOJO's The Beauty Pageant Formula and The Supergreens Formula to trial, and I've really been enjoying using them in my morning routine.

 ZOJO The Beauty Pageant Formula* (35g, £17, link)

Whether you're chasing an actual beauty queen crown or simply want your skin, hair and nails to look their best, The Beauty Pagent Formula is a delicious blend of eight organic ingredients. Carob provides essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B2, B3, B6, Copper, Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc, whilst Lucuma is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus. 

Camu Camu is an incredible superfruit which has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C of any food source recorded on the planet, and Cinnamon is included for its antioxidants that help to protect from free radical damage and slow down the ageing process. Elsewhere in the blend, there's Turmeric, well known in Ayurveda for its powerful properties that support a healthy liver and boost the digestion system; Ginger, another useful digestive aid for a healthy gut, and Blueberries which are packed full of antioxidants and are high in fibre, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

How to use: Simply add a tsp (5g) to your favourite smoothie or a glass of juice and enjoy. It tastes sweet and fruity, with a little bit of a chocolatey flavour thanks to the Carob - one of the nicest powder food supplements that I've tried in a while!

ZOJO The Supergreens Formula* (35g, £17, link)

Food supplements that are based around super greens are incredibly popular and I have no doubt that this is likely to be one of ZOJO's bestsellers in their range. As the name suggests, this formula is a potent mix of powerful plant-based organic superfoods which include Psyllium Husk, Spirulina, Linseed, Wheatgrass, Baobab, Moringa and Chlorella. Each ingredient has been carefully selected for its unique health benefits and combined, this formula is ideal for those are looking to improve their gut health, are doing a detox or cleanse to remove excess heavy metals/toxins from their system, and it's particularly useful as a daily supplement for vegetarians and vegans because it's rich in vitamins and minerals, and also high in essential amino acids which supports healthy muscle  growth and maintenance.

How to use: Add a tsp (5g) to your morning smoothie or glass of juice. It certainly tastes better than similar supplements that I've tried in the past, but it is quite 'earthy' in flavour, so I'd recommend blending it in a green juice/smoothie or a mixed fruit/veg drink for the most palatable results.

Discover the full range of ZOJO Beauty Elixirs at LoveLula.com

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Healthy Living: Hello Day Autumn Box - Supplements Review

Despite the somewhat unseasonal weather that we've been experiencing here in the UK over the last few weeks, that Autumnal chill is now well and truly here to stay. If like me, you're looking to change up your daily supplements to boost your health in preparation for the colder months ahead, Hello Day's Autumn Box is here to lend a helping hand.

I've always loved Autumn for its outstanding natural beauty outdoors, but I must admit, I don't much welcome the often inevitable colds and flu that the change in season brings. This time of year is a particularly busy one for many people too, with the kids settling in back at school, and the new college and Uni academic years starting, it's not a great deal of fun if you're missing it all because you're feeling run down and full of cold! 

As I've often reviewed supplements in these Healthy Living features, I was keen to dedicate some time to try out Hello Day's Autumn Box which is a brilliant complete set of natural supplements to keep your mental and physical health at its best during this change of season.

The Autumn Box has been created by an expert team of doctors and pharmacists who have specially curated this programme of four natural supplements to keep your immunity high, your skin, hair and nails healthy, your digestion system working properly, and your vitality and mental wellbeing balanced. This holistic approach that combines both aspects of mental and physical health is something that Hello Day are well known for, and the box itself is beautifully presented.

Let's take a closer look at each of the different supplements which you'll find inside the Autumn Box.

Hello Day Vitality Balance (30 capsules / 1 per day)

Looking after your mental health is just as important as ensuring that your diet and exercise routines are up to scratch, so I was pleased to see these Vitality Balance supplements which has been specifically designed to help reduce tiredness and stress. Each capsule contains 112.5mg of Magnesium (to combat fatigue and reduce anxiety), 112.5mg of Siberian Ginseng Root Extract (to promote healthy mental wellbeing and boost your energy levels), 30mg of Rhodiola Root Extract (to keep you mentally and physically alert) and 50mg of Passionflower Extract (to promote a calm mind). 

The capsules are easy to swallow and help you to overcome the seasonal tiredness that many people experience as the nights draw in and the temperatures begin to drop. I know that I always personally struggle with fatigue during Autumn and Winter, so I've found these particularly useful.

Hello Day Immunity Shield (15 sachets)

Immunity Shield is your helping hand against cold and flu bugs, with each individually portioned sachet featuring a powerful combination of natural ingredients to give your immunity a real boost. It contains 375mg of Purple Coneflower Root Extract (more commonly known as the popular Echinacea Purpurea) which is widely revered for its natural abilities to keep the immune system functioning as it should be, 250mg of Elderflower Fruit Extract (which has beneficial stimulating anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties), 250mg of Siberian Ginseng Root Extract (to boost your energy levels), and 24mg of good old Vitamin C which accounts for 30% of your daily NRV.

Presented as a powder supplement that you can mix in a small glass of water, Immunity Shield has a pleasant Passionfruit flavour and is easy to incorporate into your morning routine.

Hello Day Beauty Boost (60 capsules / 2 per day)

Being a beauty blogger, I was instantly drawn to Beauty Boost as I'm always on the lookout for beauty focused supplements which can help with improving the health and appearance of my skin, hair and nails. Autumn is definitely a good place to start to take something like this because the cold weather loves to wreak havoc with chapped skin, lips and weak, brittle nails and hair becoming common complaints during the season.

Beauty Boost is quite similar in composition to other supplements of this nature that I've tried in the past as each capsule features 2.8mg of Vitamin B6, 80mg of Vitamin C, 40ug of Selenium and 10mg of Zinc, all of which in combination contribute to healthy collagen production and help to protect the skin's cells from oxidative stress. In addition, there's also 3.5mg of Cystine (an essential amino acid for strong hair and nails which is naturally found in Keratine), and 25mg of Horsetail Extract with Silicium (to promote healthy hair growth). 

This pack will provide one month's supply and I would always recommend sticking with beauty supplements for at least three months to see the best results as I tend to find that you don't see much difference after just a month of taking them daily, so it may be useful to bear this in mind if you're interested in trying this box.

Hello Day Digestion Cleanse (15 sachets)

The fourth and final product in Hello Day's Autumn Box is their popular Digestion Cleanse, and  I feel that 2018 has been an excellent year for raising public awareness of the importance of looking after your gut. Digestion Cleanse is a powder supplement which is made from a combination of natural ingredients - each sachet contains 500mg of Rosemary Leaf Extract, 300mg of Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, 300mg of Sweet Tamarind Fruit Extract and 200mg of Chrysanthellum Extract.

These ingredients work together to improve bowel function by supporting the liver and biliary system in removing toxins during the natural metabolising process. It also helps to boost your liver and digestion function overall and can be taken once a day in a small glass of water. I liked the Mint flavour as it felt like taking a normal digestive aid and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve the health of their gut. 

Hello Day Autumn Box* retails for £79 and is available from hello-day.com

Do you change your supplements with the seasons?

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