Travel Beauty | Nourish London Skincare Minis review #OrganicSeptember

If you're about to go away on a lovely September break, you're probably thinking about what skincare to take with you. Make the packing easy peasy with Nourish London's range of skincare minis and you're ready to go!

Nourish London is a natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand that I've been a huge fan of for many years. A lot of their products are available in handy travel-sizes, but even if you're not lucky enough to be going away, these miraculous minis are a great way to try the brand before deciding if you want to invest in the full-sizes.

Here are four of my favourites to get you started.

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (15ml, £13)

This little jar of multi-tasking goodness is perfect for those who are struggling to fit a full skincare routine into their carry-on. You can use this as a deep cleanser, gentle exfoliator, face mask, and an intensive moisturiser. Supercharged with antioxidants and omega-rich plant oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so there's no fear of running out whilst you're on holiday.

Nourish London Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (15ml, £7)

Many friends that I know forget to take a toner/mist with them so make sure to add one of these to your shopping basket before you go. Personally, I love a hydrating facial mist to keep my skin looking fresh and revived, and this Peptide Mist is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Liquorice for a quick and easy instant brightener for any complexion that's not looking its best after being on a plane for several hours!

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue* (5ml, £10)

Travelling can take its toll on your skin so this suits-all-skin-types Argan Skin Rescue Facial oil is an essential of mine. Just a few drops will transform and boost your skin thanks to a clever formulation of organic Argan Oil, Vitamin C and Abyssinian Oil. Your complexion will feel smoother due its collagen-repairing properties and feel much more hydrated even after the first use.

Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse* (30ml, £9.50)

With its cool colour changing formula, Nourish's award-winning Kale 3D Cleanse makes short work of all your makeup and sunscreen whilst gently removing impurities for overall clearer skin. Suitable for all skin types, it features key ingredients such as Kale, oxygenating extracts, Hyaluronic Acid and Probiotics. I love using this after a long day of sightseeing to literally take the day off!

Have you tried Nourish London?

Shop the full range at nourishskinrange.com

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Luxury Mother's Day Gift Idea: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist & Rose Cleansing Balm review

Need a last-minute gift for Mother's Day? Elemis is always a surefire winner with their Pro-Collagen Rose collection being a bestselling range for many years. Maybe your mum already has some in her bathroom cabinet and would appreciate a top-up?

Elemis feels like one of those luxury British brands that have been around forever as it's become such a well-loved part of the beauty community, particularly with older women. Launched back in 1990 by Noella Gabriel, Elemis has gone from strength to strength, and was one of the first true 'skin wellness' brands, marrying together a love of nature, science, and aromatherapy. 

I've tried quite a few products from Elemis over the years and particularly love their body care range, as well as their bestselling Pro-Collagen Rose collection, which my skin is enjoying now it's nearer 40, than 30!

Here are two products that I'd highly recommend picking up; the Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist and the Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. These would be perfect to add to a DIY pamper basket for your mum, along with a lovely candle, flowers, and some of her favourite foodie treats.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist* (50ml, £46)

A mist doesn't sound very exciting but this is no ordinary mist. Oh no! This is a super hydrating serum-in-a-mist which is actually pretty interesting concept wise and works beautifully for more mature, dull and dehydrated skin types. Dubbed as a 'high-performance anti-wrinkle serum-in-a-mist', this clever multi-purpose skincare gem has an incredibly soothing effect on the skin, leaving it smooth, softened, and hydrated for 24 hours.

Hero ingredients in this innovative formula are Padina Pavonica (a clinically proven seaweed extract that boosts collagen production), Microalgae extracts (to freshen and hydrate), and Organic Rose Hydrolat (famed for its natural moisturising properties). Use it after cleansing, and it also doubles up as a fantastic makeup setting spray.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm* (prices start from £13 for 20g)

Based on its famous big sister, the original Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (one of which is sold every 13 seconds in the UK!), this Rose version has become equally as popular thanks to its delicate fresh floral fragrance. Infused with Rose and Mimosa waxes with Elderberry, Starflower, and Elemis' trademarked blend of Optimega Oils, this mineral oil-free balm is just so beautiful and luxurious to use. The texture is rich and effortlessly massages into the skin to remove all traces of dirt and impurities - you can see why it's used in the Elemis spas from the minute that you try it.

Super nourishing for the delicate skin barrier, the balm emulsifies into a hydrating milk when water is added, leaving skin soft, clean, and properly feeling pampered and nourished. A tiny amount goes a long way as expected and it can also be used to remove makeup, as well as a weekly hydrating facial mask for dry skin.

Shop the full range at uk.elemis.com

What are your favourite Elemis products?

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Organic September: 4 Skincare Products To Try From Nourish London

 

As Organic September draws to a close, I thought I'd do a special feature on one of my favorite British skincare brands, Nourish London. Dedicated to producing clean, natural, vegan, cruelty-free, organic skincare with the most effective formulas, they have been part of my routine for many years.

Here are just four of their bestsellers that I highly recommend trying if you're new to organic skincare - you won't be disappointed!

Nourish London Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator* (50ml, £19)

The potent antioxidant properties naturally found in Kale, make it one of Nourish's most popular ingredients in their skincare; in fact they have a whole range dedicated to this amazing superfood. My top pick from this particular range is the Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator which is gentle enough to be used as an everyday cleanser if you have congested and uneven skin. 

Although it's described as an exfoliator, it's really a multi-tasking superhero as it cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes the skin all in one convenient treatment. Key ingredients include phyto-active Pomegranate enzymes, Jojoba beads, Probiotics and of course, that vitamin-rich Kale extract, to remove dull dead skin cells and to protect against environmental aggressors. If you're looking for an exfoliator that does it all without damaging your natural skin barrier, this is for you!

Nourish Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (100ml, £22)

Toning mists are quite understated in the organic skincare world as many brands just focus on having a beautiful, but dare I say, 'boring' floral toner to tick that spritz box. However, Nourish has developed the Antioxidant Peptide Mist which will definitely put some 'pep' into your daily skincare routine.

Boasting 91% certified organic ingredients, this luxury spritz contains a specific blend of skin-friendly peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and carefully chosen soothing essential oils, to help your skin look revitalised, whilst protecting it against the elements of pollution and daily life. Rich in antioxidants, it's the ideal pick-me-up for tired, stressed, and dull skin.

Nourish Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (50ml, £34)

Speaking of antioxidants, my skin absolutely adores Nourish's bestselling Antioxidant Multi Tasking Super Balm and this hardworking product is a real gem in the brand's range. Super gentle but highly effective, this balm can be used as a daily facial polish, a 'takes everything off' cleansing balm, and a nourishing intensive night moisturiser for dry skin types.

Key ingredients in this superstar balm include a clinically proven anti-ageing Marine Algae, lots of antioxidants and high performing natural plant oils and extracts such as Rosehip Oil, Pumpkin Oil and Kale extract. I mainly like to use this as a cleansing balm because it's great for removing all traces of daily impurities for a super clean feeling.

Nourish Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (30ml, £25)

Last but not least, I couldn't forget to mention the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask, which has been a staple in my skincare stash since it launched a few years ago. In fact, I'm currently half-way through a tube when the replacement above was sent out to me.

The key ingredient in this award-winning facial treatment is Magnesium which helps to address and soothe any inflammation in the dermis. In conjunction, there are also other essential minerals in the formula such as Zinc, Copper and Iron, alongside more common natural ingredients like Damask Rose and Lavender. This is a brilliant mask for all skin types to try and best of all, it gets to work in just five minutes - how's that for quick and easy?!

Shop the full range of organic skincare at nourishskinrange.com

Have you tried anything from Nourish London?

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New In Beauty: a.po.the:ca Frankincense Cleansing Balm, Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes & Handmade Naturals skincare

January is a long month, but don't worry, these natural skincare and pampering treats are sure to put a smile back on your face! Here's a selection of what's new to look out for.

 a.po.the:ca Frankincense Cleansing Balm* (60g, £22, link)

Last year, I was introduced to a brand new organic, sustainable and natural skincare company called a.po.the:ca (check out my post here) who are based in London. With a clean design, glass packaging and even cleaner ethics, they instantly appealed to me, so I was thrilled to receive a pot of their latest creation just before Christmas. 

The Frankincense Cleansing Balm is a deliciously rich and thick balm that makes short work of removing daily grime, impurities and makeup. Made from 100% natural ingredients (99% of which are certified organic by COSMOS), this balm features the likes of Coconut Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Frankincense Oil and Grapefruit Oil, for an ultra-nourishing cleansing experience. Like many products of this nature, a tiny amount goes a long way and it's easy to massage into dry skin before removing with a warm flannel. Oh, and did I mention that it smells absolutely beautiful? Definitely one to add to your shopping list.

 Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes* (750g, £8, link)

Anyone who regularly plays sports, exercises hard or does pilates/yoga, will no doubt already know all about the benefits that soaking in a tub of magnesium salts can offer for the body. This all-natural, magical mineral not only helps to soothe away minor aches and pains, relieving stress from stiff muscles, but they also have unique properties that can improve joint health and circulation, as well as boosting your skin and overall health.

Using them couldn't be easier either - simply add a generous handful or two to a warm bath, sit back and let your body rapidly absorb all of the benefits. These Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes are a good place to start if you haven't tried them before and are available online, as well as being a new addition to Sainsbury's stores.

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (100ml, £8.95, link) and Balancing Face Cream* (50ml, £13.25, link)

With reducing plastic packaging on every ethical brand's mission statement, I was delighted to receive a parcel from Handmade Naturals, who have been actively making the switch to a more sustainable and easily recycled alternative. All of their Cleaners and Face Creams are now presented in sleek frosted glass bottles which I personally feel only adds even more luxe appeal to the brand's aesthetics - I'm sure their customers will love the change! Best of all, the prices have remained the same, so if a small Cheshire based company can achieve this, there's no excuse for the big boys to not follow suit in 2020 is there?!

Have you spotted any new products that you're excited about recently?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - December 2019 review

With an overall value of nearly £50, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box features a selection of luxury and festive natural beauty treats to see you through December and beyond. 

 Nature's Kitchen Dark Chocolate Fudge Cleansing Butter Face Mask

Who doesn't love indulging in some chocolate at Christmas?! This deliciously Dark Chocolate Fudge Cleansing Butter Face Mask by Nature's Kitchen has a seriously rich and fudgy balm texture to it and features Raw Organic Cacao as it's the main ingredient. Joined by the likes of Australian Beige Clay, Organic Coconut Oil and Cocoa Bean extract, this mask helps to restore your skin's natural moisture balance and draws out impurities at the same time.

 Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm (RRP £9.50)

Another festive skincare treat is this beautiful Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm from Balm Balm who are exclusive to LoveLula. Made from 100% organic and natural ingredients, it boasts a simple but effective formula of Shea Butter, Beeswax, Sunflower and Jojoba Oils, to deeply cleanse the skin, whilst Calendula and Frankincense extracts soothe and rejuvenate. As with all cleansing balms, a little goes a long way! 

 Walden Live The Life Perfume Oil (RRP £17)

Also exclusive to LoveLula are Walden, a range of premium natural fragrances inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s seminal work of the same name. Here we have one of their Perfume Oils to try in the scent, Live The Life, which combines top notes of Bergamot and Orange with middle notes of Tuberose and Sweet Violet, layered carefully over a base of Sandalwood, Brazillian Rosewood and China Jasmine. It's fresh, floral and uniquely different. Be sure to check out my previous reviews of Walden's fragrances here.

Natura Siberica Rich White Body Butter (RRP £5.25)

If you're looking for an affordable green beauty brand, look no further than Natura Siberica who have a huge range of products to choose from. They are well known for their clever natural formulas which help to combat the worst of the cold weather's effects on the skin, and this is one of their key bestsellers. As the name suggests, it's a rich and thick body butter that's brilliant for dry skin, and it also helps to improve overall texture and smoothness across the body.

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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October Beauty Favourites

Another month has flown by so it's time to reflect on some beauty favourites! This edit showcases the products that I've been reaching for the most often during October. Spot any of your own faves here?

 Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam in Dark* (200ml, £14.99, link)

Summer is sadly over, so if you still want a gorgeous bronzed tan, it's time to hit the bottle! Regular readers will already know that I'm a huge fan of the Australian brand, Bondi Sands, and their Self-Tanning Foam in Dark is by far the best formula in their range. It's easy to use, doesn't streak or go patchy when you're applying it, and it has a yummy coconut scent. Whenever I use this, I find that I can usually get about 5-7 days worth of tanning goodness before I need to re-apply, and the colour is incredibly realistic and natural looking - no hints of orange at all! Highly recommended for anyone who is new to fake tanning or who just wants something easy and foolproof to use.

 Botanicals Gentle Cleanse Melt* (30g travel size shown, full size is £26, link)

Cleansing balms are a staple in my skincare routine but they really come into their own when the cold weather starts, as I always find that my skin needs something 'extra' at this time of the year than just a gel or light cleanser. The Gentle Cleanse Melt from Botanicals contains a simple but effective blend of natural and certified organic ingredients such as Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which effortlessly removes all traces of makeup and daily grime in one sweep. I love the semi-solid consistency because it melts quickly when massaged into the skin and it doesn't leave any greasy residue afterwards. Lovely stuff and suitable for vegans too.

Ultrasonic Beauty Algae Peel Off Mask with Spiriluna* (200g, £23, link) 

Featuring two of the year's big superfood ingredients, Algae and Spiriluna, this peel-off mask comes in a powder format that you mix with water to create a thick paste. Now, usually I find these kinds of masks a bit of a faff, but I've been pleasantly surprised by this one because the consistency is just right each time and it's easy to apply with a face brush or mask spatula. Once on the skin, it begins to harden and after 20 minutes, it's ready to be peeled off. This mask is brilliant for anyone who has dry, dehydrated and/or skin that's showing the first signs of ageing, as it helps to firm everything up (albeit temporarily), and makes you look instantly more glowy and revitalised. A good one to use if you have a hangover or have had a busy week and need a quick fix!

Leighton Denny Modern Bohemia in Vintage Chic & Bohemian Spirit* (12ml, £12 each, link)

For nails, I've been enjoying embracing all of the quintessential Autumnal shades, and Leighton Denny's new A/W18 Modern Bohemia collection is simply stunning. Two of my personal faves from the range are Vintage Chic, a dark purple-red that's beautifully rich and glossy, and Bohemian Spirit, a very chic muted lavender-grey that goes with everything. The formula is fantastic and long-wearing with plenty of shine - definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for some new nail polishes.

Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in Asteroid* (4.15g, £20, link)

Lastly, I just had to include Illamasqua's Antimatter Lipstick in the shade Asteroid, which I've been smitten with ever since I discovered it in last month's Cohorted beauty box. Not only is Asteroid the most beautiful, wearable mid-toned vampy red that I have in my makeup collection, but the brand's Antimatter formula is one of my favourites for when I want a longer lasting semi-matte finish. Super pigmented, it goes on creamy and it doesn't dry out my lips - win, win!

What beauty products have you been loving lately?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - October 2018 review

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box arrived about two weeks ago and it features some amazing green beauty skincare gems! The total contents are worth £54, so shall we take a closer look at what's inside?

 Madara Smart Anti-Pollution Charcoal & Mud Repair Mask (travel size, full size retails for £24)

One of the biggest skincare trends this year has been anti-pollution formulas and Charcoal has frequently popped up as a key detoxifying ingredient. This new mud mask from Madara harnesses those natural properties of Charcoal and combined with Black Northern Mud, has created a powerful and effective treatment that removes impurities and pollution build-up. You can use it 2-3 times a week, though I would only really recommend it once a week max as I found it to be quite drying, so it's one that needs a good hydrating moisturiser or face oil as a follow-up step after using. That said, it did a brilliant job of unclogging my pores!  

I forgot to photograph them, but there's also a pack of Madara skincare samples included in the box; City CC Cream in Light and Medium Beige, and Age-Defying Sunscreen SPF 30, which I'm looking forward to trying out shortly.

 Kathleen Tranquil Fields Body And Massage Oil (RRP £34)

Worth £34 on its own, this full-size Kathleen Body And Massage Oil is undoubtedly the star of this month's LoveLula box, and you guys know how much I adore a luxury multi-purpose pampering product like this! 100% natural (97% organic) and vegan-friendly, Tranquil Fields is a heavenly blend of plant oils such as Sweet Almond, Sunflower Seed, Argan and Rosehip, mixed with essential oils of Lavender, Vanilla and Frankincense. It's perfect to use before bedtime to help you drift off to sleep and it leaves my skin feeling wonderfully soft. 

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm & Muslin Face Cloth (travel size duo)

Regular readers will know that I've been a fan of Lyonsleaf's Beauty Balm for a few years now, so I was very happy to see this travel size duo which is ideal for holiday and weekend bags (as well as trialling the balm if you've yet to try it of course!). Beauty Balm is an incredible multi-purpose, water-free formula, and it can be used in so many different ways such as an intensive moisturiser for dry skin, an exfoliator and a cleansing balm, the latter of which is how I use it the most often. A must-try for anyone who loves green beauty skincare!

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

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Introducing: Spark Beauty by Feel Unique - Discovering Luxury Indie Beauty Brands from the USA

I love to support indie beauty brands so I was over the moon when I found out that Feel Unique have a new dedicated section on their website showcasing a range of luxury indie brands from the USA - how exciting!

With so many amazing places to shop for makeup and skincare online these days, it can be all too easy to skip past the smaller, niche brands (or not even find them to start with), so it's fantastic that Feel Unique have launched Spark Beauty - an easy one-stop shop for discovering the best high-end indie brands from the States. 

There are currently twelve brands listed which include skincare, body care, fragrance and makeup, and I imagine many more are on their way soon. To give you a little taster, here are some of the most coveted products that are available from Spark Beauty to whet your appetite. 

 Try If You Love Luxury Organic Skincare: Ogee Sculpted Lip Oil* (3g, £18, link)

Ogee are a high-end organic and natural, cruelty-free skincare brand whose products have some pretty luxury price tags attached to them (their Seeds Of Youth Serum is around the £120 mark to give an example). Their products feature high percentages of certified organic ingredients, are free from a long list of 'nasties' such as parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and artificial colours, and they are proud supporters of OFRF, the Organic Farming Research Foundation, which fosters widespread adoption and improvement of organic farming systems.

Ogee's Sculpted Lip Oil is a chunky lip balm crayon and contains 95% organic ingredients which include Olive Fruit Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Sunflower Seed Oil. It also has a little Peppermint Oil so it feels hydrating, cooling and instantly refreshing on the lips. I love applying this before lipsticks, especially matte formulas, so it's a useful product to have in my makeup kit.

 Try If You Have A Big Budget For Clean & Organic Skincare: O'o Hawaii Bird Bath Antioxidant Cleanser* (sample shown, full size is 100g for £110, link)

Another exciting luxury organic brand to check out if you have a large budget for skincare is O'o Hawaii. Their products are seriously high-end though with prices starting from £100-£158, and the high-performance formulas use an array of anti-ageing and antioxidant-rich superfoods, many of which are sourced from Hawaii. The brand is cruelty-free, and everything is strictly free from Wheat, Gluten, Palm Oil, Soy, with no unnecessary fillers of artificial fragrance in any of their products.

I've had the pleasure of trying out a sample of their Bird Bath Antioxidant Cleanser which is a rich, thick cleansing balm that removes all traces of makeup, including waterproof, and provides a deep and thorough cleanse for the skin. Key ingredients include Sea Buckthorn oil, Coffeeberry Extract, Hawaiian Red Algae, Hawaiian Strawberry Guava, Tamanu Oil, Murumuru and Cupuaco Seed Butter, Need Oil, Pineapple Enzymes, Green Tea, Papaya Seed Oil and Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil, and it smells really uplifting and fresh.

 Try If You Want Luxury Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup: Clove + Hallow Lip Velvet in Fiesta* (5g, £30, link)

If you're searching for luxury cruelty-free and vegan-friendly makeup, Clove + Hallow is a brand that is starting to build up a cult following, especially after Allure magazine called it its '2018 Valentine' earlier in the year. Their bestsellers are the Lip Velvets and these are seriously amazing. There's a limited shade range at the moment, but the colours that they do have are absolutely gorgeous. These include nudes, everyday pinks and brights, plus one or two more 'out there' shades including a dark midnight blue, so there's already something for everyone.

I have the shade Fiesta which is a killer bright red. The pigmentation of this liquid lipstick is incredible and the Lip Velvet formula boasts a creamy, kissable and comfortable smudge-proof matte finish. It does take a little longer than some other brands to completely dry down, but once it has, it's not going anywhere! The Clove + Hallow formula is also called 'Clean 15' so it's free from fifteen undesirable ingredients such as parabens, talc, animal by-products, synthetic fragrance and artificial flavours. 

Try If You Enjoy High-End Indie Makeup: RealHer Highlighter in The Spotlight Is On Me* (link)

California is home to a plethora of emerging indie beauty brands and RealHer are one of the brands making a name for itself. Although it's not natural or organic like the brands above, it is cruelty-free and there are no parabens, gluten or sulphates in their cosmetics.

RealHer are most well known for their Lip Kits and Palettes, but this standalone Highlighter is a real beauty gem that demands to have some attention thrown at it. Packaged in a sleek black compact with a large mirror, this shade is called The Spotlight Is On Me and it's a gorgeous gold that looks flattering on a range of skin tones for some instant glow wherever you want to apply it. I've had so many compliments from friends recently when I've been wearing this and it lasts well throughout the day or night!

Shop Spark Beauty exclusively at FeelUnique.com

Have you bought anything from Spark Beauty yet?

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Introducing: Pure & Light Organic Skincare - Transformative Beauty Balm & Essential Face Cream review

Spring is finally on its way and I'm currently enjoying the process of swapping out some of my Winter skincare products and adding in some new additions in anticipation of the (hopefully!) warmer months ahead. These latest two come from Pure & Light Organic Skincare. 

Pure & Light Organic Skincare are a vegan and cruelty-free natural skincare brand that is one of those fantastic hidden little gems in the green beauty world. They have a strong emphasis on understanding what the skin needs and as a result, their skincare takes inspiration from Homeopathy, Aromatherapy and Herbal Medicines so that their formulas can adapt to suit any skin type, from hyper-sensitive and eczema prone, to oily, dry and everything in between. It's this innovative approach which drew me to the brand in the first place, as my skin is often sensitive and suffers from eczema flare-ups, especially during the seasonal changes. It's no surprise then to see that all of their products are free from mineral oils, alcohol, beeswax, parabens, sulphates, lanolin, animal products, artificial colours, artificial fragrances, synthetic perfumes and SLS.

Whilst the brand's range is small, it covers all of the basics including moisturisers, serums, facial oils, body lotions and baby care. I decided to try out two of their best sellers as a starting point; the Transformative Beauty Balm and Essential Face Cream. 

Pure & Light Organic Transformative Beauty Balm* (50ml, £39, link)

You all know how much I adore having a good quality multi-purpose product in my skincare routine, and this Transformative Beauty Balm ticks all of the right boxes and then some! 100% natural and made with 99% certified organic ingredients, this luxury beauty balm can be used as an intensive moisturiser on the face and body (basically any dry patches that need some TLC so it's great for heels, elbows, lips etc), as a hydrating face mask (apply a thin layer and wash off after 20-30 mins for plumped up and super soft skin), and my favourite way which is as a cleansing balm (fantastic as a first cleanse to remove all traces of dirt and makeup, and as a second nourishing cleanse for the skin). 

Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Rosehip Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Roseflower Water, so it's packed full of hydrating and soothing goodness that's also rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E, F, and K and natural Omegas 3, 6 and 9. As is often the case with these kinds of products, a little most definitely goes a long way and the balm has a lovely subtle scent of Ylang Ylang, Rose and Sandalwood which gives it an even more spa-like and luxurious feel when you're using it.

Pure & Light Organic Essential Face Cream* (50ml, £34, link)

If you're looking for a new Springtime facial moisturiser to try out, I imagine most skin types will get on well with the Essential Face Cream. Like the Beauty Balm, it's packaged in an airless pump tube which keeps the formula at its best for longer - an important factor as it contains a whopping 27 active certified organic ingredients and is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants. 

This powerhouse moisturiser can be used by all skin types, but I feel that those who are concerned with the visible signs of ageing will benefit the most from using it, as it's rich in anti-oxidants, flavonoids and Vitamins A, B, C and E, which boost collagen production, support oxygenation of the skin, calm redness and irritation, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and naturalise free radicals for preventative benefits. Featured ingredients include Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Evening Primrose, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed, Macadamia, Carrot Seed, Tamanu and Rosehip. It won a Beauty Shortlist Award in 2016 and when you try it for yourself you can see why; it absorbs beautifully into the skin, plumps everything up, hydrates and smoothes, and just leaves your skin feeling well and truly cared for.

Have you tried anything from Pure & Light Organic Skincare?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - September 2017 review

LoveLula's monthly beauty boxes are something that I always look forward to receiving and their September edition is an amazing selection of natural perfume, skincare and pampering treats! Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Walden Eau de Parfum Gift Set (RRP £30)

The star of this month's box is a beautiful gift set from Walden, featuring their complete range of Eau de Parfums in 5ml trial-size bottles. I was lucky enough to try out the range before it launched earlier this year and I raved about the release back in May (read my review here) where I featured my two favourites, Castles In The Air and A Little Star Dust. All of these perfumes have been created with the finest natural absolutes, resins and essential oils, making them a must-try for anyone who wants to explore a new line of luxury natural fragrances. Needless to say, they all smell gorgeous and completely different to anything that you can find on the high street.

ESSE Gel Cleanser (10ml travel size - full size is 100ml for £25) 

I was pleased to see an ESSE product included as I'm currently testing out some of their probiotic skincare (review coming soon, keep your eyes peeled!) and this Gel Cleanser sounds perfect for my skin. It contains Peppermint and Spearmint Oils to improve micro-circulation and help to get rid of toxins, so it sounds like a really refreshing cleanser to reach for at the end of a long day.

Kimberly Sayer Skincare (Sample Set)

This set contains 1.5ml sachets of four best-selling skincare products from Kimberly Sayer; Light Cleansing Lotion, Gentle Face Cleanser, Restore Anti-Aging Cream and Healing Light Night Cream. I've used a few Kimberly Sayer products in the past but I haven't tried any of these before, so I might save them for a weekend away. 

JOIK White Chocolate Bath Truffle (1 truffle)

I do love how the label warns you not to eat this product because it smells delicious! I've used these before (featured them back in my Valentine's Day Gift Guide here earlier this year) and absolutely love them. They're packed full of rich nourishing ingredients such as Cocoa Butter and they are a wonderfully indulgent pampering treat for dry skin. Did I mention that they also smell like creamy, sweet white chocolate?! 

Balm Balm Beauty Balm (full size, RRP £16.50)

The last product from this month's LoveLula beauty box is a jar of Balm Balm's fantastic Beauty Balm. This multi-purposing skincare gem can be used as a balm cleanser to remove daily grime and makeup, as an exfoliator and as an ultra-hydrating /intensive moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types, a little goes a long way with this product whichever way you use it, so this jar will last you a good few months.

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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April Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time of the month again where I share with you all of the beauty products that I've managed to use up recently, and my thoughts about whether I would repurchase them again or not. Here are my April Empties!

Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque

This is one of my favourite hair masks that I often recommend to anyone who has very dry and/or damaged hair. It's on the pricey side, but you don't need to use a huge amount of it each time, so I find that these tubes last me a few months as I only need to use it once a week or fortnight depending on how dry my hair is feeling. Works a treat and is something that I'll always go back to. Repurchase? Yes.

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

As I have a sensitive scalp, I have to be quite careful with the dry shampoos that I use, as some can really irritate me. I've been using this Oat Milk infused one from Klorane for a while now, and I really love it. It's one of the best that I've tried for absorbing excess oil and dirt, and it leaves my hair feeling super fresh and clean afterwards. Repurchase? Yes.

Pinks Boutique Anti-Ageing Deep Cleanse Melt

If you enjoy using balm cleansers as much as I do, you need to try this one! This is my second tub and I absolutely love it. I use it in the evenings after I've removed my makeup (you can use this to remove your makeup as well, but I feel like I'm wasting it if I do that!), and it's so good for doing a proper deep cleanse/facial massage with as you can really work it into the skin. Afterwards, my skin is as soft as a baby's bum and feels wonderfully clean and hydrated. A little goes a very long way as well! Repurchase? Yes, will do once I've used up a few other cleansers first.

Masque Bar Hydro Gel Eye Patches*

I like to use eye patches during pampering sessions, before special occasions, or when my eyes are feeling particularly puffy, so I've had this tub on the go for a while now as you get 30 pairs in there. These hydrogel eye patches are blissfully cooling on puffy or dry eyes (great for hayfever), and they help your eyes look brighter and much more awake. A great cheeky quick fix to have in your skincare stash! Repurchase? I'm trying out some other brands at the moment, but I would definitely buy these again in the future.

Angela Langford Clean Sweep Softening & Smoothing Cleansing Balm*

Does exactly what it promises to do and does it very well! It destroys makeup within seconds of massaging a small amount onto a dry face, and always leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft once I've washed everything off. Angela Langford has some wonderful gems in her skincare range and this cleansing balm is certainly one of them. Repurchase? Will do when I've used up some other cleansers first.

Fushi Organic Hydrating Lip Balm

Although I've finished it up, I wasn't overly impressed with this lip balm as it didn't feel as moisturising as I wanted it to be and I know that there are so many other lip balms out there that I love more. It's not terrible, but it's not great either. Repurchase? No.

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask

A fantastic face mask that uses natural fruit acids to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. I've gone through several of these travel size samples now and I was over the moon when LoveLula included a full-size tube in April's Beauty Box! Highly recommended - a must try for anyone who has dull skin or an uneven skin tone or texture. Repurchase? Already have ;) 

Earth Kiss Million Year Clay Facial Revitalise Bamboo Sheet Mask

Another product that I've used a couple of times in the past are these clay based sheet masks from Earth Kiss. I picked up a bunch of them the last time that they were on offer in Holland & Barrett (I think they were half price so around 99p each - bargain!), and I particularly like this Revitalise one that contains Rhassoul Clay and Juniper extract. I haven't come across many clay based sheet masks before, but these ones are brilliant. Repurchase? I still have some left to use.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalizing Body Oil*

This little sachet sample was tucked away in Love Me Beauty's makeup bag so I forgot to photograph it with those contents, but I believe it was added as an extra freebie anyway. I currently have the Body Wash from this same range from Weleda in my bathroom, and the Body Oil is just as lovely. Very pampering and moisturising, with a lovely subtle natural fragrance. Repurchase? Would definitely consider buying a full-size bottle at some point. 

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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