New In Beauty: Benecos S/S19 Makeup - Natural Face Primer, Foundation Stick, Eyebrow Gel & Refillable Makeup Palette review

Need some affordable natural and organic makeup for your Summer holiday bag this year? Check out these shiny new releases from the budget-friendly brand Benecos.

It's been a busy Spring and Summer so far for Benecos with several new products being added to their ever-expanding cosmetics line, and below are some of the latest newbies that you can now pick up, just in time for your Summer holiday! For those who are new to the brand, they are cruelty-free, vegan and use natural and organic ingredients which are certified by BDIH and COSMOS Organic.

Benecos Natural Face Primer* (25ml, £6.95, link)

Let's start things off by taking a look at some base products. This new Natural Face Primer has a gorgeous lightweight texture that glides onto the skin to create a smooth base for makeup. Featuring key ingredients such as Organic Aloe Vera Juice and Squalene, it helps to not only keep makeup looking fresh and intact for longer, but also hydrates and plumps up the skin. It's 73% organic and an absolute steal at less than £7!

Benecos Natural Foundation Stick* (6g, £9.45, link)

Benecos' Natural Foundation Stick is nice and compact, and comes presented in sturdy cardboard tube packaging to help reduce the usage of unnecessary plastic (the inner core that holds the foundation stick itself is still plastic but at least it's been minimised). Twisting it up, the Foundation Stick is super easy to apply as you can just swipe it directly onto the face and blend with your fingertips or a makeup sponge/brush if desired. It has a creamy formula that melts into the skin for buildable coverage - it's easy to go from light-medium coverage without it looking cakey or mask-like. You'll still need a separate concealer for any dark circles/blemishes as I found that it struggled to cover these, however, it wore well throughout the day with just a touch of mattifying powder needed to keep my oily T-Zone in check. 

I'd say it's definitely better suited for young, oily and combination skin types as I noticed that it clung a little to some drier parts of my face, especially around my nose which required more primer/moisturiser underneath, so drier or more mature skins may not find it suitable for them. It's available in only three shades which is very disappointing in 2019, but still, it's certainly worth a try if you happen to find a match (for reference I have light olive skin and opted for Sand which is good match when I'm wearing fake tan - I would probably try Ivory for the Winter months).

Benecos Natural Eyebrow Gel* (3ml, £5.65, link)

Coloured eyebrow gels are a great product to use in the Summer months when it's hot outside and you don't want to run the risk of using pencils that may smudge or melt off in the heat. I also like using them for a more natural look which again, I personally think looks better in Summer for a fresher and more youthful finish. This Natural Eyebrow Gel comes in two shades, Ash Brow and Brunette, the latter of which I've been testing out. It has a small brush which makes it easy to apply, adding definition and subtle colour whilst keeping unruly brows in their place.

Benecos IT Pieces Refillable Makeup Palette in Pretty Cold* (£26.45, link)

One of my most popular blogposts last month was a review of Tropic's new customizable makeup palette (check it out here if you missed it), so if you've been looking for a more affordable and organic alternative, Benecos has the answer. Their brand new IT Pieces Collection offers a range of makeup refills (from £3.95 for eyeshadow, £5.65 for the palette itself) so that customers can build their own bespoke palette, plus there's the option of purchasing a ready-made palette as you can see above.

The Pretty Cold Refillable Makeup Palette comes complete with a highlighter, blusher, and four shades of eyeshadow. I found the Highlighter to be a little on the chalky side, however, the blusher and eyeshadows blend much better and feel smoother too. I'm absolutely smitten with the three metallic eyeshadow shades, Blue Galaxy, Muddy Olive and Lilac Light  - they are so beautiful!

 Swatches- Benecos Pretty Cold Refillable Makeup Palette - From Top-Bottom: Refill Eyeshadow in Blue Galaxy, Muddy Olive, Lilac Light and Ballerina Glam, Refill Blush in Rose Please and Refill Highlighter in Shooting Star

What do you think of the new makeup releases from Benecos?

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Spring Beauty: 5 Green Beauty Products To Try This Month

Need a Spring Beauty pick me up? Here are some of my current favourites from the green beauty world to freshen up your daily routine.

 Bright Nails & A Greener Nail Polish Remover

Spring and Summer are my favourite seasons of the year, and I love embracing all of the brighter colours for my nails. There are so many new collections that have launched from countless nail polish brands recently, but one particular shade that has caught my eye is Glossworks in Last Mango In Paris* (9ml, £12, link). Exclusive to LoveLula, Glossworks is a cruelty-free and vegan-friendly range of nail polishes which all have a glossy, gel-like finish. Everything has a 9-free formula so they are free from the main 'nasties' such as Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Paraben, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide and Lead. I absolutely love this bright orange shade that really 'pops' against a tan and it looks great on toes too.

I'm often asked about more 'natural' nail polish removers and one of the best that I've tried is Benecos Natural Nail Polish Remover* (125ml, £5.95, link) which is acetone-free and features BDIH certified essential oils for a more citrusy fragrance. It removes nail polish just as well as mainstream brands and being acetone-free, it doesn't dry out or weaken your nails.

 Treat Yourself To A Luxury And Organic Face Cream For Sensitive & Mature Skin

If you're a die-hard fan of K-Beauty but don't want to compromise your organic and ethical standards, CHOBS is a fantastic brand to look out for. Based in South Korea, CHOBS stands for Charm & Health Organic Beauty Store, and as the name suggests, its specialism is in natural and organic skincare with everything being Ecocert certified, vegan and cruelty-free. I highly recommend their Sheet Masks for a quick pampering treat, though for something that's going to benefit your skin more in the long run, their moisturisers are a must-try. 

I've been enjoying using CHOBS Organic Moringa Total Cream* (£49, 50ml, link) over the past couple of weeks, as it's packed full of beneficial organic ingredients such as Moringa Leaf extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and Sunflower Seed Oil. This Total Cream has a beautifully rich, yet easily absorbed texture which feels ultra-hydrating on the skin, and it works incredibly well underneath makeup to create a smooth base, so I've been using it as my main morning moisturiser. It leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished and plumped up - I'd recommend it for sensitive and mature skin types as it's brilliant for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Try A New Green Beauty Brand

AYAN are a new green beauty brand that I've recently been introduced to, and I've been impressed by their simple natural formulas that effortlessly fit into my daily routine, as well as their affordable prices. Their commitment to high-performance natural skincare ensures that all of their products are made without any fillers, thickeners, harmful preservatives, genetically-modified and animal-derived ingredients, synthetic chemicals and fragrances or colourants, and they use locally sourced ingredients where possible.

Being based in Bulgaria, AYAN uses two of the country's most popular and well-loved natural offerings; Lavender and Rose Oil. Their Multi-Lavender Butter* (100ml, £14.99, link) is a deliciously thick and luxurious multi-purpose moisturiser with a glorious whipped butter texture and a divine natural Lavender scent. Made from a blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Oil, Beeswax and Vitamin E, this moisturiser is further infused with pure Organic Lavender Oil sourced from AYAN's very own Lavender fields for a super-hydrating and soothing skincare treat. Apply it to dry hands and feet, or slather it all over your body after a bath or shower for baby-soft skin.

Rose fans will adore AYAN Rosa Damascena Organic Bulgarian Rose Water* (200ml, £11.99, link); a 100% pure and organic product that's made from simply steaming and carefully distilling Rose Essential Oil with nothing else added. Not only is it amazing for soothing and calming irritated and dry skin as a toner in your skincare routine, but you can also apply it to your scalp to help regulate sebum and promote healthy hair growth - how awesome is that?!

All products featured are available from LoveLula.com

Have you tried any of these?

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April Empties: Products I've Used Up

I can't quite believe that it's May already - where has the time gone this year?! Here are my latest Empties/products that I've used up, my thoughts on them and whether I'll be repurchasing any or not.

YOPE Ginger Sandalwood Natural Liquid Soap* (reviewed here)

This huge bottle has been in my bathroom for months and I've been using it for so many different things; as a hand wash, shower gel, to clean my makeup brushes, the list goes on! It's a brilliant multi-purpose liquid soap and I loved the fresh Ginger Sandalwood scent. My only bugbear with it was that the pump was prone to clogging up which was annoying. Repurchase? I'm trying to cut down on my plastic waste, so I probably wouldn't repurchase it as I'm switching to a lot of bar soaps instead, but I do like this range a lot.

Davines OI Shampoo (link)

I picked this up in the last Cult Beauty sale and it's such an amazing shampoo that's definitely worth all the hype (Caroline Hirons is a fan). It really suited my hair (fine with oily roots and dry ends/lengths) and a little went a long way which is a massive plus considering that it's quite pricey. Repurchase? Definitely will when I see it on offer again.

Benecos Seabuckthorn & Orange Shower Gel* (link)

If you want a shower gel that feels luxurious and high end but only costs £6, you can't go wrong with any of the body washes from Benecos. I've used this Seabuckthorn & Orange one a couple of times in the past and often go back to it because it smells so good! Lovely, gentle SLS-free formula too. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others.

Human+Kind Orange Conditioner for Dry Hair

Another orange scented product that I've thoroughly enjoyed using is this Conditioner from the ethical brand Human+Kind. I loved the scent, texture and how it made my notoriously dry hair so soft and manageable after every use. Repurchase? Sadly not as I believe this has been discontinued now.

Organiqua Hemp, Peppermint & Cocoa Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

Looking for a plastic-free lip balm? Try this one! I've been using this lip balm since Christmas and it's served me well throughout the Winter months. It's 100% natural and has a simple blend of nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Hemp Oil and Cocoa Butter to keep chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? Yes, I'll buy it again once I've gotten through some of my crazy lip balm stash!

PHB Ethical Beauty Hydrating Facial Tonic in Ylang Ylang* (link)

This was a lovely toner to use when the weather was colder as it very much suited my skin when it was drier and more dehydrated. If you have mature skin, I think you'll also love this. Repurchase? Will do next Winter.

Ecodenta Coconut Toothpaste* (link)

I've had a couple of messages from people asking if I use natural toothpaste, so I thought I'd start putting them into my Empties posts for those who are interested. I've tried out a few from Ecodenta when they were in the Penny Sale at Holland & Barrett and recently finished this Coconut one. It helped to brighten up my teeth a little and I liked the coconut flavour which was a nice change from mint. Repurchase? Not sure as I'm trying some from Lavera now and think I prefer those!

What have you used up recently?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

The shorter month of February has certainly caught up with me time-wise so this latest edit of Empties is here a little later than usual! Here's everything that I've used up recently - spot any of your own favourites among them?

Ogario Revive And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

Ogario are one of the most underrated natural haircare brands in my opinion, and I've gone through several bottles of this incredible conditioner. It really does live up to its name as it always manages to add shine to my lacklustre hair, and helps to repair any damage that I've done with the straighteners and curling tongs! Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist* (featured here)

I'm usually a big fan of most of Tropic's products, but this So Sleepy Pillow Mist was a little disappointing if I'm being honest. I loved the scent of it but the spray applicator kept clogging up and I found that other similar products were more effective. Repurchase? No.

Organyc Organic Cotton Pads* (reviewed here)

I've cut down on my use of cotton pads for environmental reasons, though I do still use them for things like removing my nail polish. I really like these ones from Organyc because they're organic and feel soft, but don't disintegrate when you add liquid to them. Repurchase? Yes. 

Benecos Natural Lip Balm in Mint (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly natural lip balm, you can't go wrong with Benecos! I've used this Mint one in the past and think this might be the third tube that I've finished up - it's that good! Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some of my other lip balms.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate* (reviewed here)

Oh, this was such a beautiful serum! I really enjoyed using it throughout Winter - it hydrates, plumps everything up, evens out skin tone and just made my complexion look a lot brighter and healthier looking than usual.  Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Body Oils in Pomegranate, Sea Buckthorn, Wild Rose and Lavender* (reviewed here)

These are all gorgeous, it's hard to pick a favourite but I'd have to say that Pomegranate and Wild Rose are two must-trys if you haven't used any of these before. The formulas are just on-point and feel so luxurious to use. Repurchase? Yes, I'd happily buy all of these in the full-sizes!

Organiqua Hair Oil* (reviewed here)

My hair has been very dry lately so I've been using this hair oil treatment about once a week to deeply hydrate and condition it. It's been doing a good job, but I feel that there are better ones out there that I've tried from other brands in the past. Repurchase? No.

ESSE Gel Cleanser (trial size)

If you're into probiotic skincare, you'll love ESSE and this Gel Cleanser was a lovely morning facial wash. Great for most skin types, including combination/oily, it thoroughly cleanses without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped afterwards. Repurchase? Tempted!

Vestige Verdant Organic Peat Mask* (reviewed here)

I reached for this face mask whenever my skin was feeling particularly oily or congested, so I've been impressed by how long this jar has lasted, as a little goes a long way. Brilliant for drawing out impurities and stubborn blackheads. Repurchase? Definitely, but I need to use up some other face masks first!

Madara Time Miracle Total Renewal Night Cream (trial size)

Sadly, this night cream was a little too rich for my combination skin type, but I would recommend it to those who have dry/mature skin instead. Repurchase? Not for me.

What have you used up recently?

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January Empties: Products I've Used Up

Congratulations everyone, we survived January! It did seem like the longest month ever and I have a big old Empties post to show for it! Let's dive straight in, shall we?

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash and Body Milk (travel sizes, link)

These were from a Christmas gift set and I just adore the Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass range - everything is so fresh and uplifting! Beautiful formulas that are perfect for a luxury pamper/pick me up. Repurchase? I'd happily buy both of these in the full sizes.

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will have spotted this now iconic green tube in previous Empties posts as it always seems to be a staple in my skincare routine. It's a brilliant AHA based exfoliating mask that clears away dull dead skin cells and makes my complexion look instantly brighter in just 3 minutes. Repurchase? I think I may have another one somewhere!

Dr. Organic Vitamin E Cream (link)

Picked this up when it was on offer during the Holland & Barrett Black Friday sale. It's a multi-purpose moisturiser and I mainly used it on my hands and feet before going to bed, and I have to say, it surprised me. The formula is lovely and hydrating, yet it feels light and is easily absorbed so if you hate thick creams, give this one a try. Repurchase? Might do in the future.

Dafna's Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask* (reviewed here)

Oh, what a sad day it was when I used this little beauty up! I really enjoyed this creamy exfoliating mask and it was amazing for those times when I needed a quick fix after a busy week. Great for special occasions and events where you want to look your absolute best. Repurchase? It's sadly out of my budget at the moment, but I'd be very tempted if I saw it on offer.

Elsa's Natural Deodorant Stick in Sensitive* (reviewed here)

A few of you have been asking me what natural deodorants I use after I posted about them on my Instagram, so I'm going to start including them in my Empties posts. I'm a huge fan of Elsa's and this Sensitive one is a good one to try if you're new to natural deodorants. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Soothe The Senses Luxury Body Oil* (link)

I was lucky enough to win this just before Christmas and it's such a beautiful body oil - the scent of it is incredible. Very floral, heady, soothing, and ultra-relaxing, with a formula that makes my skin feel like silk afterwards. Such a gorgeous pampering product. Repurchase? Very tempted!

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment (reviewed here)

I've used this on/off for years and have gone through countless tubes of the stuff. Whenever my hair feels particularly dry, damaged or fragile from too much blow-drying and straightening, this treatment sorts it out in no time at all. Repurchase? I've gone back to using Macadamia but will pick this up again in the future I'm sure. 

Benecos Seabuckthorn and Orange Hand & Nail Cream* (link)

One of my all-time favourite budget hand creams, you can't wrong with this for a mere £3! I love everything about it, from the citrusy, uplifting scent, to the hydrating but light feeling formula, it's amazing for dry hands. Repurchase? Yes.

Guiltless Skin Rosehip Cleanser* (reviewed here)

If you want to buy more organic skincare from British indie brands, Guiltless Skin is one that I highly recommend. Their Rosehip Cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and is a lovely light gel which emulsifies into a milky consistency when you add water to it. Ideal for a morning cleanse. Repurchase? Yes.

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Organic Avocado Hydrating Face Oil* (reviewed here)

My skin has been feeling a lot drier than usual thanks to the colder weather, so I've been reaching for this Hydrating Face Oil on a regular basis. It gets the job done and feels very nourishing, whilst instantly eradicating any dry patches at the same time. Repurchase? There are other brands and products that I prefer, so I'm not sure.

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil (reviewed here)

I couldn't help but pick this up again when I spotted it for a bargain price in TK Maxx recently, as I've used it in the past and loved it. If your skin is starting to show those first signs of ageing like mine is, it's a fantastic oil to try and you can do a good facial massage with it to help lift everything which really helps! Repurchase? Yes.

Colab Dry + Shampoo Active (link)

Lastly, I have some dry shampoo from Colab. Cheap and cheerful, it does the job and does it very well. No white roots or residue, even on my dark brown hair, and it sucks up oil and dirt like no-one's business. Repurchase? I've gone back to using the Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo simply because I'm cutting down on aerosols.

What have you used up recently?

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Budget Beauty: Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes in Vamp, Nordic Blue & Galaxy - Review & Swatches

If you're looking for a more natural kind of nail polish that's also vegan-friendly and affordable, Benecos' new Happy Nails range will be right up your street!

Priced at just £4.95 each, Benecos' Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes are one of those rare green beauty gems that you come across and then you have to tell everyone that you know to pick them up pronto. I must admit that I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to nail polishes, but these budget-friendly polishes have really impressed me.

Free from a long list of 'nasties' such as Titanium Dioxide, Toluene, Camphor, Colophony, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Parabens, Carmine, Fragrance and Silicones, these Happy Nails Polishes are made from 90% naturally derived ingredients and are fortified with Avocado Oil and Biotin to help strengthen and nourish your nails. They feature a wide brush that's perfectly shaped so that it's super easy to swipe the polish down your nails and it makes the job much quicker too. 

Currently, there are 17 shades available in the range, including these three beautiful new colours which have recently been released for Winter. Swatches below!

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Vamp*

I never tire of these dark burgundy red shades and Vamp is a colour that I'll definitely be wearing a lot of over the next couple of months. It's deliciously rich and glossy and takes just two coats to reach full opacity. 

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Nordic Blue* 

Nordic Blue is an interesting colour because I'm so used to seeing much darker shades such as traditional navy in most brands' Winter nail collections. Instead, Nordic Blue is more of a medium denim blue which I absolutely love. Applies smoothly in two coats.

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Galaxy*

Oh, Galaxy, what a stunning colour you are! This multi-dimensional, dark grape purple has a metallic silver shimmer running through it, which is as captivating as star-gazing into the sky at night. It's not as glossy in finish as the other two shades above, but that's nothing a decent top coat can't sort out. Like the others, it applied easily in just two coats.

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes (5ml, £4.95 each) are available from Pravera.co.uk

What are you wearing on your nails today?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Green Beauty Edit 2018

2018 has been another amazing year for Green Beauty and with more and more consumers wanting to make the switch to cleaner and more natural beauty products, I just had to include a whole host of my favourite brands in this special Gift Guide edit.

Stocking Filler / Secret Santa Ideas from Benecos, Crazy Rumors, Lavera, Madara and The Humble Co

If you want to introduce a friend or family member to the world of Green Beauty, these stocking filler friendly products are ideal - you could even buy a few and make them a festive beauty box. My top picks include Benecos Body Lotion in Pomegranate & Rose* (150ml, £5.95, link), which is a lovely vegan and budget-friendly option with a light and hydrating texture, plus it smells beautiful too. I'm also a big fan of Crazy Rumors Lip Balms and this one in Hot Cocoa* (4.4g, £3.99, link) is not only super moisturising for dry lips, but tastes good enough to eat!

Lavera has released some special editions for Christmas and their Winter Bloom Body Butter* (150ml, £10.90, link) is a gorgeous product with a real luxury feel for instantly velvety soft skin. It smells so festive with Organic Mandarin and Coconut - I think this would make a great Secret Santa gift as well. 

Going plastic-free has been big news this year (and rightly so), and there are plenty of plastic-free stocking fillers out there. Two that I would highly recommend are Madara Cloudberry Oat Milk Hand & Body Soap* (150g, £6.50, link), a heavenly, ultra-nourishing formula that's gentle on sensitive skin, and The Humble Co. Humble Brush* (£3.99, link), the world's bestselling plastic-free toothbrush that's made from sustainable, eco-friendly organic bamboo. Available in a range of different bristle colours and with options for adults and children, this ethical brand also funds The Humble Smile Foundation which supports healthcare projects around the world for children in need.

 The Festive Candle: JOIK La Bohème Soy Wax Scented Candle* (145g, £13.50, link)

I love JOIK's range of soy wax candles with its impressive variety of fragrances, there's something for everyone and they do festive/wintery candles particularly well. This one named La Bohème is a sultry and enchanting blend of Musk, Spices, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Carnation, Bergamot, Jasmine and a little Vanilla thrown in for good measure. Each candle burns for around 30 hours and because it's made from natural soy wax, it will have a cleaner burn than traditional paraffin-based candles.

 The Luxury Bath Oil: The Rose Tree Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit* (40ml, £19, link)

Give the gift of relaxation with The Rose Tree's Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit, which will de-stress busy minds and help to uplift and invigorate the senses. The beautiful heart shaped glass bottle houses a sublime blend of powerful botanicals and flower oils so your recipient can recreate their own spa experience in the comfort of their bathroom. Looking for something more floral? Check out The Rose Tree Calming Bath & Shower Oil in Rose & Ylang Ylang which I featured in this post earlier in the year - it comes in the same gorgeous bottle and smells oh-so-good.

 Fragrance Fans: Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set* (£16, link)

Fragrance lovers will adore the Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set which features five mini bottles of the brand's bestselling single note fragrances. There's Lavender, Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin and Bergamot, for a complete scent wardrobe that can be worn individually or layered to create your own bespoke fragrance.

 For Gardeners & Hardworking Hands: Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set* (£15, link)

Neal's Yard Remedies have really outdone themselves with their exquisite range of gifts this year, all of which feature lovely festive packaging. My top pick from them is this Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set that comprises of a Bee Lovely All Over Balm (15g) and a Bee Lovely Hand Cream (30ml). Both of these products are perfect for anyone who deserves some TLC, and especially for gardeners and people who use their hands at work a lot. And being from Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely range, they have a gorgeous uplifting and citrusy scent to help chase away those winter blues.

 The Luxury Mood & Skin Booster: Dafna's Active Mist* (100ml, £38, link)

Aromatherapy products are always popular around the busy and often stressful Christmas period, and this unique Active Mist from the luxury brand Dafna's, marries together an expert blend of essential oils with skin-boosting plant extracts and oils. This 100% natural and vegan-friendly product will help to create calm, reduce anxiety and irritability, and leave the skin hydrated, fresh, nourished and glowing at the same time.

 The Luxury Anti-Ageing Skincare Treat: Alteya Organics Rose Regenerating Concentrate* (30ml, £55, link)

I'm a big fan of Alteya Organics, having recently reviewed some of their products here, and I'm thrilled to feature this luxury skincare treat from them - the Rose Regenerating Concentrate. This high performance, anti-ageing serum is packed full of natural bioactive organic ingredients which help to transform the texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even; improve radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin its youthful bounce back. Quickly absorbed, this concentrate gets to work fast and you'll be able to see a noticeable difference after just the first use, with more results evident in just 30 days. One for mums, grans and aunties!

Best Festive Skincare Set Under £16: Trilogy Skin Treats Mini Celebration Cracker Set* (£15.30, link)

You can't beat a Christmas cracker that's filled with natural skincare minis, can you? This affordable festive gift set from Trilogy features three of the brand's most popular products from their bestselling Rosehip range; Cream Cleanser (30ml), Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) and Vital Moisturising Cream (20ml). A lovely introduction to the brand and ideal for anyone who travels a lot and wants a three-step, travel-sized skincare routine to pop into their carry-on bag.

For The Person Who Has Everything: Forrest & Love Aroma Sachet Collection* (£25, link)

Looking for something truly unique and different for that person on your shopping list that has everything? Surprise them with the Forrest & Love Sachet Collection - a gift set of five mini aromatherapy cushions that they can use around the home and in the car to restore balance to the mind, body and soul. Each handmade, cruelty-free and biodegradable cushion is made from 100% cotton and contains a blend of different herbs, spices and essential oils. There's one for Love, Meditation, Positivity, Tranquillity and Energy, and these can be placed in handbags, clothes drawers, in the car etc, to replace artificially fragranced products that are bad for your health. They smell wonderful!

Which green beauty gifts are on your wishlist this year?

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Budget Beauty: Benecos Happy Cleansing Wipes, Natural Lip Balm in Mint & Nail Polish in Maverick review

Last month, the natural/eco-friendly brand Benecos, released these three new products, proving that green beauty need not be as expensive as you might think it is.

I've featured Benecos a couple of times on here and I really like their budget-friendly makeup. They're a great brand to look into if you're looking for cruelty-free products that are free from the main 'nasties' such as parabens, silicones and mineral oils etc, as all of their products are made with natural and organic ingredients. 

Below are some of their latest releases to give you an idea of what they have to offer:- 

 Benecos Happy Cleansing Wipes* (pack of 25 wipes, £3.46, link)

Regular readers will already know that I'm not the biggest fan of cleansing wipes, and I very rarely use them as I tend to stick to Caroline Hirons' popular mantra of keeping them purely for 'Fannies, Flights and Festivals'. However, I can appreciate their convenience appeal and they certainly come in very handy when you're camping or travelling. So if you're looking for a more eco-friendly pack of cleansing wipes to pack into your bag, look no further. These new ones from Benecos are made from 100% natural cotton which is 100% biodegradable, and they're also alcohol-free and pH neutral to be kind to all skin types. Infused with organic plant and fruit extracts such as Orange Water, Aloe Vera and Mango, they offer a gentle and quick way to cleanse your skin without drying it out.    

 Benecos Natural Lip Balm in Mint* (4.5g, £2.45, link)

Joining Benecos' range of natural lip balms is this new Mint flavour, which will definitely appeal to those who are looking for a vegan alternative to popular brands such as Burts Bees. Featuring a blend of natural plant oils, waxes and butters such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Carnauba Wax and Olive Oil, it's a moisturising treat for dry lips. The extra Peppermint Oil adds a lovely soothing and cooling sensation which will please anyone who's a fan of Mint flavoured lip products.

Benecos Nail Polish in Maverick* (9.5ml, £6.95, link)

Benecos' Natural Nail Polishes are seriously underrated in my opinion. This brand new bright purple shade has been specially created to support the brand's sponsorship of the Hertfordshire Mavericks Netball Team through their Superleague season, and I absolutely love it! Purple is one of my favourite colours anyway, but this shade is the perfect transitional Spring shade to get you in the mood for some (hopefully!) warmer and sunnier weather soon. Excellent 6-free formula with a high shine glossy finish and the brush is also worth mentioning as it's wide and slightly curved, so it practically 'hugs' the shape of your nail for an easy, flawless application. 

Have you tried anything from Benecos?

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