Feb & March Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

Last month, I only had two empties so I've put them together for a better selection for you to read this time around! Here's everything that I've used up over the past two months and my thoughts about whether I'll be repurchasing them again or not.

Evolve Organic Beauty Radiant Glow Mask* (reviewed here)

This is a sticky and slightly messy face mask to use (the consistency and scent is similar to chocolate brownie batter!), but it does an amazing job of brightening and exfoliating my skin. You also get a lot more applications from the jar than you might imagine. Repurchase? On my list.

Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask* (reviewed here)

I've gone through at least three or four jars of this over the years and I still love it. If you're looking for a brightening clay-based face mask, definitely give it a go! Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other masks.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* (reviewed here)

As WFH life has continued, I've enjoyed using up another bottle of Weleda Citrus Deodorant to keep me smelling fresh and feeling uplifted. This isn't a heavy-duty natural deodorant so use something else if you're out and about doing your essential errands, but it's perfect for home use or layering with other deos. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum* (reviewed here)

You can tell we're coming out of Winter with the number of brightening products I've been using in my skincare routine, can't you?! Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum is suitable for all skin types and really helps my skin to look more alive again. Repurchase? Definitely.

Fushi BioVedic Radiance Face Oil* (reviewed here)

I'm pretty sure this is the third bottle I've used up and it just works so well over the top of any brand of serum to finish up my evening skincare. It's lightweight and easily absorbed so I imagine most people will love it as much as I do. I find that it worked particularly well when used in conjunction with the Antipodes Apostle Serum above. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other face oils.

Madara Infusion Vert Body Cream* (reviewed here)

My skin gets so dry during Winter so it's no surprise to see another tube of the amazing Infusion Vert Body Cream from Madara in my Empties round-up this month. It's a seriously luxurious and rich body moisturiser that keeps my skin wonderfully hydrated and it smells gorgeous too - what more could you ask for?!

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

• All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-
• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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3 Products To Try From Madara - Fake It Natural Self Tan Milk, Cosmic Drops Buildable Highlighter & Glossy Venom Hydrating Lip Gloss - Review & Swatches

 

Madara is one of those amazing green beauty brands which has a massive range of products, from organic skincare to makeup and everything in between! I wanted to focus on three of their hidden gems which I don't see many bloggers talking about; the Fake It Natural Self Tan Milk, Cosmic Drops Buildable Highlighter and Glossy Venom Hydrating Lip Gloss.

Madara Fake It Self Tan Milk* (150ml, £27, link)

After an unseasonably warm weekend with lots of sunshine, Spring most definitely feels like it is on its way, so I've been switching up some of my regular body lotions with gradual self-tanning formulas. These products are a super-easy way to add some much-needed colour and glow to my skin after such a long winter, and they're brilliant for people who find traditional self-tanning products a bit daunting, or perhaps only want a hint of sunkissed colour because it's virtually impossible to go wrong with them.

Madara's Fake It Self Tan Milk gives a beautiful non-streaky, healthy-looking glow to the skin and is recommended for light to medium skin tones which is perfect for me. It looks and feels like a normal body lotion and has a lovely hydrating formula thanks to added Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil that makes this ideal to use if you have dry skin. 

As with all gradual self-tanners, you'll see the best results by applying a generous amount with a tanning mitt to freshly exfoliated skin so I always do this after a shower. Massage in well, enjoy the fresh scent and by the morning, you'll see a subtle, natural-looking tan with no orangey undertones.

Madara Cosmic Drops Buildable Highlighter in Naked Chromosphere* (13.5ml, £25, link)

If you've only used skincare from Madara, you're really missing out because their range of organic makeup most definitely deserves a spot on your vanity table. Perhaps one of the most underrated of all of their products is the incredible Cosmic Drops Buildable Highlighter which is available in three different shades. 

This gorgeous liquid highlighter is vegan-friendly and certified natural and organic by ECOCERT. Not only is the packaging very sleek with a long dropper applicator, but the formula of this highlighter is like pure liquid gold as it's crafted from a blend of ultra-fine minerals and a silky Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe based serum.

Best of all, it's so easy to work with as you can customise it to exactly what you want thanks to its buildable nature. For a subtle glow, add a drop directly to your moisturiser or foundation, or for a more 'hey, look at me!' megawatt finish, use a beauty sponge or your fingers to dab it directly onto the tops of the cheekbones for a stronger highlight. The golden shade you can see above is called Naked Chromosphere and I will be literally covering myself in it come Summer!

Madara Glossy Venom Hydrating Lip Gloss in Scandal 76* (4ml, £19, link)

I couldn't resist trying out one of Madara's Glossy Venom Hydrating Lip Glosses, and again, I feel this is such a hidden little gem in their organic makeup range. More natural based lip glosses can struggle against their mainstream counterparts, but Madara has managed to tick all the boxes with theirs and this product is very similar to lip glosses that I own from Ilia. 

Like the liquid highlighter above, this Glossy Venom Hydrating Lip Gloss does what it says on the label. It delivers a high-shine, ultra-glossy finish which doesn't feel sticky/tacky and it's wonderfully hydrating, so another good choice for those who have dry lips. It's worth remembering that this is obviously a lip gloss and not a liquid lipstick so you'll only get a wash of pigment here (as shown above), but when layered over a lipstick, it really does add a desirable vinyl-like slick of extra colour so it's very versatile. 

Available in a wide range of vegan-friendly shades, I love the vampy blackened purple hue of Scandal 76 for those times when you want to dare to be different and come out of your comfort zone.

Do you have any favourites from Madara?

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Beauty Box: LoveLula Beauty Box - September 2019 review

This month is just flying by - it's time again for a look at the latest LoveLula beauty box! September's edit of cruelty-free, natural and organic products is worth £65, so let's check out what's inside.

Kathleen Natural Tranquil Fields Bubble Bath (full size, RRP £18)

It's that time of the year when I want to start reaching for the bath products again and I was pleased to see this one from Kathleen Natural in the box. I've used their gorgeous Body Oil in the same Tranquil Fields scent in the past and adored it. Perfect for a relaxing evening at home to unwind from a busy day.

Madara Infusion Vert Body Cream (full size, RRP £17)

Having dry skin means that I always appreciate receiving a body cream, especially a full-size, luxury one from Madara! Their Infusion Vert Body Cream is a seriously rich and pampering moisturiser which helps to rejuvenate and restore elasticity, leaving your skin softer, smoother and more supple overall. This will definitely come in handy as the colder weather sets in.

Emani Organic Soy Mascara in Midnight (full size, RRP £18)

For makeup this month, there's a full-size luxury mascara from Emani, a brand that I've been meaning to try for a long time. Featuring a vegan-friendly, soy-infused formula, this mascara acts as both a mascara and a lash treatment and promises to be smudge-proof which is ideal for sensitive eyes including contact lens wearers. 

Balm Balm Little Miracle Cleanser (deluxe travel size 30ml, RRP £12)

A new release from Balm Balm's bestselling Little Miracle range, this is a nourishing cleansing oil which effectively removes all traces of makeup and dirt, without stripping the skin. Instead, it leaves your complexion soft and perfectly clean - I've tried it twice so far and love it!

Urban Veda Reviving Body Wash (sample sachet)

As an extra bonus, LoveLula have included an assorted sample sachet from Urban Veda and I received the Reviving Body Wash which smells lovely - very fresh and floral.

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

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Green Beauty Must-Haves: Antipodes Hand & Body Creams review

Many green beauty fans love Antipodes' skincare with their gorgeous serums and face oils being incredibly popular all over the world, but have you tried their Hand & Body Creams? These hidden gems are a must-have for anyone who likes to indulge in some luxurious pampering.

There's rarely a month that goes by where I don't sing the praises of the New Zealand based, cruelty-free brand Antipodes - they are one of my all-time favourite natural and organic companies and you can find all of my reviews and features of the products that I've used from them here if you fancy a catch-up read.

I've long been a fan of their Joyful Hand & Body Cream which has the most divine fragrance (seriously, you have to experience it for yourself!), so I was really excited to receive their two other versions in the post last month. These are all packaged in fully recyclable aluminium tubes so they're a great luxury option for those looking to cut down on their plastic waste.  Let's check these beauties out!

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream* 

Starting off with Delight, this 98% natural Hand & Body Cream contains some key hydrating wonders from the plant world such as Macadamia Oil, Vinanza Grape, Avocado Oil and Marigold Flower Oil to deeply hydrate and keep skin softer for longer. This is a good one to try if you enjoy sweet, creamy floral scents as it features a strong Vintage Gardenia fragrance which means that you can skip wearing your usual perfume for the day.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* 

My dear long-time lover, the decadent and heady scent of Joyful always puts me in a good mood, bringing a guaranteed amount of joy to any pampering/self-care session at home! It's also one of my favourite summer fragrances thanks to an exotic floral blend of Wild Blackcurrants and Hibiscus Flower. The moisturising base formula contains Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Marigold Flower Oil and Vitamin E for silky soft skin.

Antipodes Jubilation Hand & Body Cream*

If you have very dry skin and want to take it up a notch in the hydration stakes, Jubilation is the one for you. This ultra-nourishing Hand & Body Cream has a slightly richer and thicker texture than the two above, and it features essential Omegas 3, 6 and 9, as well as Vitamins A, C and E to feed your skin all the good stuff that it needs to replenish and repair. Avocado Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, and Kiwifruit Seed Oil work together to deeply moisturise dry skin types, whilst Feijoa and Wild Blackcurrant essential oils offer an uplifting and sophisticated floral fragrance.

Have you tried any of these?

Antipodes Hand & Body Creams (120ml, £28.99 each) are available from LoveLula.com

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In My Bathroom: Green Beauty Favourites from Noughty, Esse, Wild and Pura Source

My bathroom has become fondly known as 'the testing area' for many of the products that I'm lucky enough to be sent to try out as a blogger. Along the windowsill and around the sink, you'll find an array of haircare, some skincare (though I tend to keep most in my bedroom due to the humidity/heat), and of course, plenty of pampering bodycare items. 

For today's post, I thought I would share some of the new green beauty favourites that I've been enjoying testing out recently from brands such as Noughty, Esse, Wild and Pura Source.

 Noughty Tough Cookie Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* (250ml, £6.99, link)

If you're looking for cruelty-free and vegan-friendly haircare on a budget, you can't go wrong with Noughty who have a large range of products to cater to every hair type and concern. I've used their To The Rescue line for frizzy and damaged hair on and off for years (I featured their Hair Mask Treatment earlier in the year here), and they've now added a new range called Tough Cookie which is specially formulated for weak and brittle hair. This strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner duo is made from 97% natural ingredients, and like all of Noughty's products, they're free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates and silicones. 

Tough Cookie features 'Anti-Pollution technology' which is derived from Wheat Bran extract to protect your hair against the dulling and drying effects of urban living and utilises an antioxidant blend of Cloudberry, Bilberry and Sea Buckthorn, to further protect and strengthen hair fibres on a daily basis.  I have noticed a reduction in hair breakage since using these so something is certainly working here, and I love how fresh and light my hair feels after every use.

Charity tip: Noughty Haircare will donate 5% of sales from Tough Cookie Shampoo and Conditioner to Fund4Trees to help promote the conservation and improvement of the natural environment.

 Esse Light Body Moisturiser* (200ml, £45, link)

On the higher-end of the beauty spectrum, I've been smitten with this Light Body Moisturiser from the South African natural and organic brand, Esse. The texture of this lotion is simply beautiful and it's perfect for the warmer months when you don't want anything thick or heavy on your skin. Instead, this body moisturiser is blissfully light and easily absorbed with a slightly medicinal plant-based scent that you'll either love or hate (strangely enough, it's definitely grown on me the more that I've used it!).  

Packed full of essential omega fatty acids and nourishing antioxidants from the likes of Marula Oil, Manketti Oil, Jojoba Oil, there's also Aloe Vera to soothe and hydrate, and an interesting ingredient called Kigelia which harnesses lightening, brightening and firming properties, and has been shown to help repair damage caused by the sun. A lovely luxury pampering treat for Summer which comes packaged in glass to show off in your next bathroom shelfie snap.

 Wild Natural Deodorant in Lemon & Thyme* (75g, £10, link)

One of the newer green beauty brands that I've recently been introduced to is Wild Cosmetics who currently specialise in natural deodorants which are free from common nasties such as aluminium and parabens. Made here in the UK, these cruelty-free and vegan-friendly deos are available in three different scents; Mint & Eucalyptus, Rose & Geranium and Lemon & Thyme, and there's also an Unscented version for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to essential oils. I was kindly sent the Lemon & Thyme deo to try and it smells amazing, plus it keeps me fresh all day!

Presently, Wild's stick deodorants are housed in recyclable plastic packaging, however, the brand has already put the wheels into motion with the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, to launch a range of refillable deodorants in glass in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on their website for updates.

Charity tip: Wild have formed a partnership with the World Land Trust to donate 10p per product towards global reforestation.

Pura Source Eco-Friendly Bamboo Cotton Buds* (£8.99 for 4 boxes - 800 cotton buds, link)

Last, but by no means least, I wanted to mention Pura Source who are a fantastic new British brand that's focused on eco-friendly and sustainable products. Their first launch are these brilliant Eco-Friendly Bamboo Cotton Buds which are 100% biodegradable thanks to their natural bamboo stems which completely eliminates the need for any plastic to be used, and they come packaged in recycable cardboard. These Cotton Buds are excellent quality and can be purchased in bulk online from Amazon, so now's a great time to stock up and ditch the single-use plastic versions forever!

What green beauty products are you loving right now?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - April 2019 review

I hope everyone had a good Easter! I've been catching up with a couple of my monthly beauty subscription boxes and wanted to share the contents of one of my faves from LoveLula.

If you haven't heard of LoveLula before, they're a natural and organic online retailer who specialises in all aspects of green beauty shopping. They offer a monthly beauty box subscription where all of the products fit in with their ethics, so everything is cruelty-free with no parabens and no SLS.

Curious to find out more? Here's what's inside this month's box!

Dr Botanicals Lemon Superfood All-in-One Rescue Butter (RRP £19)

With the Summer holidays coming up, multi-purpose products are brilliant for popping into your travel bag and this bright yellow tube of moisturising goodness from Dr Botanicals is a must-have! The Lemon Superfood All-in-One Rescue Butter is a super-thick balm that can be applied to lips, elbows, heels, face, body - anywhere that is feeling very dry and in need of some hydrating TLC. A little goes a long way so this tube will last a good while.

Alteya Organic Bulgarian Chamomile Water (RRP £7.95)

Packaged in an amber glass bottle, Alteya Organic's Bulgarian Chamomile Water is a beautiful product for the warmer months ahead and the perfect way to refresh and hydrate the skin. It helps to soothe, tone, revitalise and brighten your complexion with just a quick spritz and works well with Alteya's other skincare products, some of which I've reviewed in the past here.

Gallinée Body Milk (RRP £28)

Worth £28 on its own, LoveLula have included another full-size product in this month's box with Gallinée's Body Milk - a 94% natural body moisturiser that's infused with probiotics to keep skin smooth, soft and supple for longer. I've used this in the past and loved it so I'm very happy to have another bottle in my skincare collection.

Glossworks Nail Polish in Raspberry Parade (RRP £12)

The last main product is by Glossworks and this shade Raspberry Parade is from their brand new Spring collection. It boasts a 9-free formula which delivers a high shine glossy finish, and this juicy pink colour looks amazing on toes!

To round off the box, there are also two samples from Kimberly Sayer to try; the Gentle Face Cleanser and the Restore Anti-Ageing Cream.

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

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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New In Beauty: 4 Products To Buy & Try This Month

Looking for some beauty shopping inspo? Here are four products that you should treat yourself to this month. This edit includes a bit of skincare, body care, makeup and some very realistic temporary tattoos, so there's something for everyone! 

Dry skin? Try Hempz Milk & Honey Herbal Body Moisturiser* (500ml, £23.99, link)

Hempz have recently launched their brand new Milk & Honey range which is just as delicious as it sounds! Comprising of four products (a Body Wash, Exfoliating Body Whip, Hand & Foot Creme and a Herbal Body Moisturiser), the range features the brand's famous 100% natural Hemp Seed Oil and combines this with ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Seed Oil, Oat Extract, Avocado Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil, for a softening and hydrating body moisturiser that you can use as often as needed to keep dry skin at bay.

It's not as natural as I was hoping it to be, but I've been enjoying slathering on this Body Moisturiser after baths and showers and it makes my skin feel so soft and comforted afterwards. The Milk & Honey scent is fresh and not too sweet which I just love. For those curious, there's no actual milk or honey in the formula (it's just fragranced that way) so it can be used by vegans and is also free from gluten and parabens.

 Luxury sheet mask fan? Try STARSKIN 100% Camellia Nourishing & Anti-Wrinkle 2-Step Oil Sheet Mask* (£9, link)

If your complexion is in need of a luxury pampering treat, STARSKIN's 100% Camellia Nourishing & Anti-Wrinkle 2-Step Oil Sheet Mask will not disappoint. Featuring a two-step complete skincare treatment, it has a capsule of 100% Camellia Oil as the first step which is packed full of natural antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids to nourish and soften the skin. The second step is then the Benitsubaki Sheet Mask itself which is soaked in a rich essence that contains Hyaluronic Acid, Arginine and Amino Acids to transform dull and dry skin. 

It also has a temporary effect to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful and glowy finish. Definitely one to try for a special occasion or night out when you want to be looking your best!

Need new eyeliners? Try Esqido Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencils in Black & Brown* (0.5g, $16 each, link)

Whether you wear eyeliner on a daily basis or just like to have a high-quality waterproof one on hand for those occasions where you want some extra definition to your look, these Gel Eyeliners from Esqido are amazing! I wasn't expecting them to be anywhere near this good because the brand are better known for their gorgeous false lashes (check out my review on those here), but these have really hit the ball out of the park and impressed me!

The twist-up white pencils look very chic in your makeup bag and the waterproof gel formulas are intensely pigmented and apply like a dream; they are so easy to use and really nice and creamy. Once on, they don't smudge or fade for at least 8-10 hours, so if you're looking to invest in some new eyeliners, why not try these?

Tattooed Now! Realistic Temporary Tattoos (various prices from £2.60, link)

Aside from golden glitter tattoos for festivals, I usually steer clear of most temporary tattoos because, to be frankly honest, they look a bit naff and often peel or flake off when you least expect it - not a good look. However, I like to be open-minded, so when I was introduced to Tattooed Now! I was curious to try them out as they're made by Hollywood makeup artists and are a million times more realistic looking than any temporary tattoos that I've ever seen before. So much so, that A-list actors like Gerard Butler, Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek have happily worn custom designs by Tattooed Now! and the brand's work have been featured in everything from Game of Thrones to Cloud Atlas and Black Sails. 

Tattooed Now! are certainly a completely different level of temporary tattoo, and I've managed to trick friends with both their Sphynx Cat and Skull Butterfly designs recently. I appreciate that they may not be to everyone's personal tastes, but if you are looking to experiment with body art and want something temporary (or even just to try out a design to see if you like the placing of it before getting properly inked), Tattooed Now! are well worth checking out.

What beauty products have you bought this month?

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Introducing: Zenon Kition - The Healing Body Moisturiser, Floral Beauty Mist & Hemp and Grapeseed Face Moisturiser review #OrganicBeauty

Discovering independent beauty brands that are made right here in the UK, is one of the many perks that comes with being a beauty blogger, and this latest introduction shines a spotlight on the London based organic skincare company, Zenon Kition.

They say that the best marriages are formed on shared interests and passions, and if that's right, Zenon Kition are definitely onto something. This natural cosmetics brand is a proud husband and wife venture that demonstrates a clear mutual love for all things natural, clean and environmentally friendly. Drawing upon their strengths, the two have created something which showcases their knowledge and talents. 

The husband Tas, has been working as a high-end hairstylist for over 22 years and owns a beauty salon in North London. He understands that gentle products are beneficial to the hair and scalp which inspired him to want to make his own products. His wife Dori, is an experienced herbalist who has always enjoyed working with organic plants and medicinal herbs, which she uses to treat her clients' dry skin conditions. After some courses focusing on natural formulations, Zenon Kition was launched.

The range is small but sweet, and they currently have several different types of Body Moisturiser, alongside a Beauty Mist, Multi-Purpose Oils, and some new products in the shape of a Shampoo, a Hair Styling Pomade and a Face Moisturiser. I was kindly sent a couple of their products to try, which you can find discover more about below.

Zenon Kition The Healing Body Moisturiser* (120ml, £44.95, link)

Having read about Dori's experience with treating dry skin conditions naturally, I was very keen to try out one of Zenon Kition's Body Moisturisers. They currently have seven varieties available, each one blended with different essential oils, and I decided to choose 'The Healing' as I absolutely love anything that has Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli and Geranium in it.

Packaged in a weighty glass jar, this body moisturiser is super rich, but it has a lighter, whipped texture thanks to a base composition of three skin-loving organic ingredients; Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil. There's also Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E added, as well as those lovely essential oils which I mentioned earlier, all of which combine beautifully to form an ultra-hydrating body moisturiser that sinks into the skin nicely. This is a brilliant moisturiser to use after a shower or bath, or whenever your skin feels dry, and the delicate scent is very relaxing so it's a good one to use before going to bed to help you to sleep.

Zenon Kition Floral Beauty Mist* (100ml, £9.99, link)

I don't know about you, but I've been spritzing myself silly since this heatwave of a Summer started! It's no surprise then to tell you that I've been thoroughly enjoying this Floral Beauty Mist which contains just 100% pure distilled Rosewater, made from carefully extracted rose petals that are grown in the famous Rose Valley in Bulgaria. 

Most pure rosewater mists are quite samey to me as I've tried so many from various natural brands over the years, and this one is no different if I'm honest, but it is wonderfully refreshing to use on a hot day. A great product to add to your daily skincare routine to keep even sensitive skin hydrated and happy for longer. My fave tip for using it? Pop it into the fridge for a cooling spritz whenever your skin feels thirsty - it always works a treat!

Zenon Kition Face Moisturiser* (60ml, £23, link)

I'm very fussy when it comes to face moisturisers because I have oily/combination skin that's prone to breakouts, but I was curious to try Zenon's newbie which is their first face moisturiser product. Developed for all skin types, this 100% natural facial moisturiser has been specially created with the skin's pores in mind, and the ingredients have been chosen to reflect this.

Now, I do have to disagree a little here because the first ingredient is Shea Butter and I know a lot of people can't tolerate Shea Butter in their face creams because it breaks them out, but luckily, I haven't had any issues with it. Instead, it has a lighter than expected texture that absorbs quickly so this would be ideal to use in the mornings underneath makeup, as well as the evenings. In addition to Shea Butter, there's Hemp Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Rosemary Oil and Vitamin E - and that's it, making it a good choice for those who are looking for an all-natural face moisturiser that's definitely on the more balancing and soothing side of things.

All the products above are available from zklondon.com

Do you use organic skincare?

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UK Giveaway! Win a Luxury Christmas Gift Set from Apple & Bears + Reader Discount Code!

Fancy winning a gorgeous gift set from Apple & Bears, in time for Christmas?  Whether you want to treat yourself, or a loved one, this bestselling duo is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a luxury pamper!

Apple & Bears are one of those luxury English brands that have been on my radar for a while, so I was over the moon when they got in touch to ask me to host this special Christmas giveaway for my readers. I was even lucky enough to be sent one of these gift sets to try out for myself and let me tell you, this Pomegranate & Aloe Vera Collection is simply beautiful.

The set comprises of two full-size bottles (300ml and 250ml so these are going to last you some time!) of Apple & Bears Body Wash and Body Silk, both of which are from the Pomegranate & Aloe Vera Collection. The formulas are 99% natural, with 12% of the ingredients being organic (certified by Ecocert) and they are seriously luxurious!

When used with a sponge, the Body Wash creates a nice rich lather and the scent is incredible - it's very sweet with fruity and floral tones which is perfect for evening showers before bed, and you can also use it in the bath. The matching Body Silk moisturiser has a light and non-greasy texture, yet hydrates my dry skin a treat and leaves a subtle scent that feels very high-end and pampering. 

UK GIVEAWAY!

As it's the festive season, Apple & Bears have kindly offered to giveaway this same Pomegranate and Aloe Luxury Giftset to one of my lucky readers, which is worth £34.95. For your chance to win, simply follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below - easy! Giveaway is open to UK readers and closes on 12/12/2017. Good luck!

Reader Discount Code
You can also use the codes WOLVES20 for 20% off your first order at appleandbears.com 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

After last month's gigantic Empties post, October's stash seems rather small in comparison! That said, I think it's still a pretty decent bunch, so let's get stuck in. Here's everything that I've managed to use up throughout the month, my overall thoughts and whether I'll be repurchasing them or not.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Body Lotion

I finished this last night and decided to sneak it into this post, rather than saving it for next month - there's probably a tiny amount left when I cut open the tube, but I'd say it's 99% done! Geranium & Orange is one of my all-time favourite scents from Neal's Yard and I've used up a couple of these over the years. The lotion itself is very moisturising, non-greasy, and sinks in nicely, and that gorgeous scent lingers for a few hours after applying - heavenly! Repurchase? Yes. 

Our Tiny Bees Lip Balm

I repurchased this back in April earlier this year - you may remember it from my Minimalist Beauty Essentials post (here), so it's lasted me a good couple of months. I love the simple, all-natural formula as it's made from just three ingredients; Almond Oil, Beeswax and Honey, and it does a fantastic job of keeping chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? I want to finish some of my other lip balms off first, but I'll definitely buy this again at some point.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream*

Oh my - the scent of Joyful is literally pampering heaven goals! It's upliftingly fresh, strongly floral, and I find it very comforting and relaxing. The cream is light but nourishing, and feels incredibly velvety on the skin. You can use it as a body or hand cream, and it works well both ways. A real 'me time / self-care' treat when you want to feel good about yourself. Repurchase? Yes.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque* 

I have a lot of hair masks in my bathroom as my hair is notoriously fussy and dry, so it's taken me some time to get through this huge pot from Shea Moisture which I featured back in my January Beauty Favourites (here). It's one of my favourite budget beauty buys and I always reach for this when my hair is feeling particularly dry and frazzled. Works a charm! Repurchase? Already have!

Ihana Arctic Facial Toning Mist*

This hydrating toner was one of my favourite skincare products that I used throughout Summer (previously reviewed here), and I'm very sad to see it finished up! It's great for sensitive skin and really helps to calm down and soothe any irritation or redness. Repurchase? I have lots of other toners on the go at the moment, but I will definitely buy this again when I run out!

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil*

I'm a big fan of REN's Vita Mineral range and this serum-meets-oil hybrid is a wonderfully nourishing boost for the skin, so much so that I think most skin types will get on well with it. It's high in Omega 3 to help support healthy skin renewal and it's a great product to try if you're starting to see the first signs of ageing. Repurchase? Yes. 

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil

This multi-purpose oil seems to be a favourite in GWPs and beauty boxes, as I've managed to use up a fair few of these mini bottles. You can use it on face, body and hair, and I tend to keep it on hand as a smoothing finishing oil to help de-frizz my dry hair, though it's lovely to use as a pampering body oil too. Repurchase? Still have one or two more samples left!

Gallinée La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser

I first used up a bottle of this sometime last year, and decided to buy it again when I'd gotten through some of my other cleansers. I don't know why, but I just haven't been loving it this time around and I don't believe that they've changed the formula or anything like that. It seems to now make my skin feel a bit stripped and dry - weird! Repurchase? No.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk Body Moisturiser

Regular readers will know that I'm a massive fan of Bondi Sands and this Everday Gradual Tanning Milk is hands down the best gradual tan body moisturiser that I've ever tried. It's completely foolproof to use (applies just like a regular body moisturiser so no need to worry about streaks or anything like that) and develops into a gorgeous, natural looking light tan within 1-2 days. It's really good to use as a 'top up' for maintaining fake tan as well. Repurchase? Definitely!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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