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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Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

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Summer Beauty | Naturisimo - The Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box - 2023 review

Clean beauty fans! The latest Naturisimo discovery box edit is an absolute steal and packed full of summer-friendly skincare that is simply perfect for your next holiday or weekend trip away. Worth £103, this Limited Edition selection features cruelty-free brand favourites such as REN and Indie Lee, and retails for just £24, whilst stocks last.

The Naturisimo Discovery Boxes are released as a one-off purchase (no subscription necessary) every month and each one has a different theme.  The last one that I bought was the Go Love Yourself Box which was a gorgeous pampering treat for Valentine's Day, and I'm a huge fan of their hugely popular Makeup Discovery Boxes which always sells out so fast!

Don't just take my word for it though; here's a rundown of everything that's inside the Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box so that you can judge it for yourselves!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (travel size)

First up, you should always start off your skincare routine with a cleanser, and what better one to opt for than Indie Lee's bestselling Brightening Cleanser? This lush gel cleanser is packed full of antioxidants to brighten your complexion and it's perfect for the hot and sticky summer months. It also has a gorgeous texture that simply melts away all traces of makeup and impurities.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (travel size)

I've used Balance Me's Wonder Eye Cream on and off for years and I'd have to rank it as one of my top 3 favourite eye creams of all time. Brilliant for gently brightening up the delicate undereye area, it goes on smoothly so concealer applies like a dream on top. And for my fellow hayfever sufferers, it's fantastic for de-puffing puffy eyes.

REN Global Protection Day Cream (full size)

Worth £42 on its own, this full-size of REN's Global Protection Day Cream is the undisputed star of the box and like the Balance Me Eye Cream above, it's another product that I have enjoyed using over the years. It's incredibly rare to find a face cream that works for all skin types, but somehow REN has managed to create an amazing 'fits all' formula here that keeps everyone's skin healthy and hydrated.

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum (travel size)

A new-to-me brand, Everyday Humans have been getting a lot of hype online recently for their Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum and here you can try it for yourselves! Sunscreen serums are a fab alternative for those who hate the feeling of thick or sticky SPFs as it feels almost weightless and sinks into the skin quickly without any greasy feeling. 

Madara Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 (travel size)

Tinted sunscreens have come on leaps and bounds in the clean beauty world, so if you're the kind of person who loves that fresh 'no-makeup makeup' look, Madara's Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is the one for you. This mineral SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays and the tinted shade ensures that you don't have any problems with the common white cast that's associated with most sunscreens, making it ideal for all your holiday selfies.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size)

OK, so we all know the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours whilst we're out and about, but in all honesty, how many of us actually do this? Fret not though because Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 has your back! This ultra-handy handbag-sized spray allows you to top up throughout the day to make sure that your skin is fully protected without you having to reapply your makeup.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Treat yourself to some serious luxury pampering whilst you're away with this mini Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil. Regular readers will know that I'm a huge fan of these bath oils and have been using them since forever so I was thrilled to have another travel-size bottle to add to my stash. No bath in your hotel room? Don't worry, you can use this in the shower; just apply it directly to your body, breathe in that beautiful natural scent, and rinse off.

Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)

Last, but not least, there's a travel-size duo of Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner to complete your beauty carry-on bag. I love Rahua haircare and I haven't tried out this new Enchanted Island range yet so I'm looking forward to giving these a go on my next weekend away. Formulated without any nasties such as silicones or sulfates, they promise to leave your hair luxuriously soft and shiny.

Naturisimo Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box retails for £24 whilst stocks last - grab yours today at naturisimo.com

Will you be treating yourself to one of these?

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Bedtime Routine with Nourish London | Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask & Sleepy Pillow Mist review

These two additions to my bedtime beauty routine from Nourish London make an excellent team for getting a good night's sleep and gorgeous glowing skin come the morning. Now if only they could stop the alarm clock from going off so early...

Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of Nourish, and guess what? These two featured products are actually a re-discovery of old favourities from the brand. For those who are new to these parts, Nourish is a particularly lovely natural and organic skincare brand based in London with vegan and cruelty-free accreditations.  There's a lot to love from this company so feel free to check out my previous reviews and feature on Nourish here. 

For now, though, let's take a closer look at two of their bestsellers that you can add to your bedtime beauty routine; the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask and Sleepy Pillow Mist.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £26, link)

When I'm winding down for the evening and have some spare time on my hands, I love to indulge in a proper pampering skincare session. Think of a deep cleanse, a good facial massage, and of course, a luxury treatment to really get those relaxing spa-at-home vibes going. 

Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask is a nutrient-rich, anti-aging face mask that delivers all the probiotic minerals that your skin needs to help repair itself and to support a healthy skin barrier against the elements. This award-winning treatment boasts ingredients such as Magnesium to calm down any inflammation and redness, whilst Zinc, Copper, and Iron helps to further repair and protect. Damask Rose and Lavender are also included to boost collagen, restore firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The inbuilt pump makes applying this mask super easy and I like to apply a generous layer all over, avoiding the eye area. This mask gets to work in just five minutes before it's rinsed off with a warm flannel and it doubles up as an intensive overnight treatment that you can leave on while you sleep if your skin requires more TLC.

 

Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £20, link)

As a chronic insomniac, I'm a bit addicted to pillow sprays and always have to use one to help me to drift off to sleep. I've tried pretty much every one out there on the market and often come back to Nourish's Sleepy Pillow Mist as it's very effective. 

This is a beautiful aromatherapy blend of nine carefully chosen essential oils, all famed for their calming and soothing properties such as Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Geranium, and of course, the most famous sleepy essential oil of them all, Lavender. There's also the addition of Epsom Salts which are rich in Magnesium; great for reducing stress, all wrapped up in an alcohol-free mist.

To use, simply spritz a few times over your pillow and bedding before going to sleep and breathe in the relaxing scent to help you to unwind.

Discover more at nourishskinrange.com

What products are in your bedtime beauty routine?

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Bank Holiday Treats | 4 Products To Try This Month from Suntribe, PMD, Upcircle & Wunder Workshop

If you're feeling spendy and fancy treating yourself over the long weekend, here are four products that I've been loving lately from Suntribe, PMD, Upcircle, and Wunder Workshop. Why not give one of them a try?

Suntribe Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50* (100ml, £19.99, link)

Sunscreen is an obvious skincare staple at this time of the year but if you've been struggling to find one that's 100% natural, Suntribe is here to help. The Swedish brand have recently released a brand new addition to their range; the Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and this ticks a lot of boxes that I tend to look out for. 

First up, it's 100% natural, cruelty-free, water resistant, and reef-safe, so it's a positive choice to opt for if you love swimming in the sea as much as I do. The certified broad-spectrum, mineral-based formula protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays meaning that you're fully protected, and it features an innovative combination of these mineral UV filters and Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil which helps to reduce the annoying 'white cast' that sunscreen can give off. To top it off, this sunscreen is packaged in a plastic-free 100% biobased sugar cane tube too - is there any box that it doesn't tick?! 

PMD Clean Acne* (£209, link)

This next product is certainly an investment piece, however, I've been putting it to the test for nearly six weeks now and I can say it's definitely worth the money. If you have acne/and or blemish breakouts, the PMD Clean Acne is a must-try. 

This smart facial cleansing device uses PMD's trademarked SonicGlow technology to deliver a really deep cleanse on one side (first photo with the silicone head), and on the reverse, you'll find its medical-grade Blue Light Therapy Spot Treatment side (as shown above), which helps to treat mild to moderate cases of acne and blemishes. I'm a big fan of the PMD Clean range and feel this product really steps up the mark with such a clever 2-in-1 device that you can add to your daily skincare routine. It's super easy to use and comes with everything that you need (a USB charger, goggles to wear when using the Blue Light side, and a handy travel case). 

Upcircle Face Mask* (60ml, £20.99, link)

Face masks are a great way to give your skin some TLC, especially during a long Bank Holiday weekend and I've been particularly enjoying using this one from Upcircle. This is a truly lovely brand to look into if you haven't heard of them before as everything that they produce is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and sustainable. They use key ingredients that are by-products from the food industry that would normally go to waste which is brilliant to see, plus I love the luxe glass jar packaging.

It's not surprising then to hear that this Face Mask has won a number of awards in the revered green beauty world and was also a finalist in the prestigious Vogue Beauty Awards back in 2020. With a Kaolin Clay base and natural ingredients such as Olive Powder (made by finely grinding discarded olive stones that are a product of the olive oil industry), this is a fantastic detoxifying treatment for all skin types, but is especially useful for oily and combination complexions which are prone to breakouts.

Wunder Workshop Organic Golden Tumeric Tea* (70g, £7.50, link)

Lastly, I have a new healthy tea favourite to share with you all from Wunder Workshop which does a fabulous line of ethically sourced well-being teas and health supplements, all of which are packaged so beautifully. 

Their Organic Golden Turmeric Tea is a wonderfully restorative Ayurvedic loose-leaf blend featuring Turmeric, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Ceylon Cinnamon. Naturally caffeine-free, this refreshing herbal infusion has a delicious earthy sweetness to it which I find quite addictive and it makes for a lovely post-dinner cuppa. 

What products have you treated yourself to?

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Summer Beauty | Bondi Sands Face Tinted SPF 50+ & Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ review

It might not feel very warm outside right now, but the UV is already hitting those medium levels here in the UK.  It's time to slap on that sunscreen if you haven't been doing so already! Why not try these two from Bondi Sands?

You may be more familiar with Bondi Sands' excellent self-tanning range (I'm a big fan of their self-tanning foams in particular), however, everyone's favourite Aussie brand also does sunscreen products which makes absolute sense when you think about it! 

Did you also know that Australia has much stricter regulations when it comes to producing sunscreen formulas? Again, this makes a lot of sense given their sunny proximity on the globe, and is perhaps one of the reasons why so many skincare gurus highly recommend using Australian-made sunscreen products.

Both of the Bondi Sands sunscreens below are certified cruelty-free, reef-friendly, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin types. They are also broad-spectrum sunscreens meaning that they fully protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Tinted* (75ml, £8.99)

Facial sunscreens are something that I wear all year round, regardless of how sunny it is outside, and this is mainly because sunscreens are the best form of anti-aging protection. You can use a million different types of expensive serums and fancy face maks, but if you're not wearing sunscreen, you're not properly protecting your skin!

Bondi Sands has a great range of facial sunscreens to choose from and my go-to is their SPF 50+ Tinted version. I personally find most facial sunscreens to be very 'white' for my skin tone, so a tinted version erases this issue and layers so much nicer underneath my foundation/base product. Plus on days when I don't want to wear a full face of makeup, it adds a little colour to my complexion. Not only is this a budget-friendly steal at less than £10, but it blends in easily and feels hydrating too without any stickiness.

Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ (150ml, £10.99)

For the body, there's the Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ which I've recommended countless times to friends and family. Usually, I prefer a classic tropical/coconut-scented sunscreen to use on my body, but this one is a fantastic fragrance-free alternative and comes in really handy if I'm experiencing an eczema flare-up and can't use any scented products. 

It features a 4-hour water-resistant formula with a plant-based hydration complex with ethically sourced algae which is a godsend for dry skin. Once applied to the skin, it sinks in quickly and is invisible, whilst also being non-greasy. A real winner! 

Bondi Sands is available from numerous stockists including Boots where it's currently on a buy one, get one half price offer.

What are your favourite sunscreens?

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Budget Beauty | Boots 17 Makeup | Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara, Glow Is Everything CC Cream & Second Skin Enhancing Concealer review

When it comes to budget-friendly makeup, you can't beat a trip to Boots to see what's on offer. These days, it's easier than ever to choose cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics that won't break the bank. As I've been feeling nostalgic this month, I thought I'd try out some of the bestsellers from the popular 17 makeup range.

If you grew up as a young girl in England, you're probably quite familiar with the Boots 17 brand. Like many teenagers, some of my very first makeup purchases were from this range (if I remember correctly, it was a bright pink lipstick and a lilac single eyeshadow with lots of glitter), so it's been an interesting experience to pick up a couple of products to try out and see how they feel as a mid-30's millennial. The brand has had a much-hyped revival after being discontinued in 2018 and there are plenty of new treats to discover with everything costing £5 or under!

I've played it safe and chosen some everyday makeup staples to see how they compare to what I generally use on a day-to-day basis, which may help those who are seeking some cheaper alternatives due to the cost of living crisis. 

17 Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara in Black (12ml, £4 or £3 with a Boots Advantage Card)

I'll have to admit that it's been a while since I've used a mascara that cost less than a fiver so I didn't have high expectations. 17 has a couple of different mascara formulas on offer and Extreme Extension sounded like the ideal one for me as I typically look for lots of length and definition. The packaging is very basic and quite chunky, but the rubberized flexible wand looked promising. 

First coat on and I really loved the results; it definitely adds noticeable length to my short lashes, defines them nicely, and has great pigmentation. The second coat, however, caused my lashes to stick and clump together so it didn't work for me as a buildable mascara. That said, for a one-coat, everyday mascara, it stays put for a good 8 hours and doesn't flake or smudge which is £4 well spent in my opinion!

17 Glow Is Everything CC Cream (30ml, £4)

Packaged in a cute squeezy tube, I'd seen the Glow Is Everything CC Cream raved about on various socials so this one was an obvious choice for me to try out. Having been pre-warned about the very limited shade range (this CC Cream is available in only four shades), I picked up the oddly named 003P which looked like a standard beige colour online and IRL this was a decent match for my light-medium skin tone. 

Upon squeezing a little of the product out, I noticed a slight chemical/plastic smell but it wasn't too off-putting so I grabbed a beauty blender sponge and cracked on. The light coverage looked surprisingly good with a subtle dewy/glowy finish and lasted well for 7-8 hours of wear. Again, this would be great for every day and those fresh 'no makeup makeup' looks. I did find that it oxidized later on in the day, turning a little orangey on my skin, but I felt that I could maybe get away with it when my complexion is a bit more tanned in the summer months. Not bad at all for the price point. 

17 Second Skin Enhancing Concealer (£2)

The most talked about product was the 17 Second Skin Enhancing Concealer which retails for the bargain price of just two pounds. Two quid! I couldn't believe my eyes! Into the basket it went, although straight off the bat, the shade range is again very limited with just ten colours on offer. 

001P looked like my best bet which is suitable for light-medium skin tones. The texture and consistency of this concealer is amazing. It blends so easily and definitely delivers a natural skin-like finish which feels velvety smooth! The coverage is also pretty decent; it won't fully conceal dark circles but with a corrector underneath, it achieves a lovely flawless effect that didn't crease into my fine lines and feels creamy and hydrating. I'd say this worked better for my under eyes than a blemish concealer. Like the CC Cream, it does oxidize a little throughout the day so I'd recommend picking a lighter shade. This is currently my best budget buy of the year so far!

Swatches: 17 Glow Is Everything CC Cream in 003P (top) and 17 Second Skin Enhancing Concealer in 001P (bottom)

17 Makeup Summary

Pros:

- Amazing value for money, everything is under £5

- Cruelty-free

- Everything is vegan-friendly

- Great for everyday wear

- Easy products to apply & blend

Cons:

- Very, very limited shade range

- CC and Concealer do oxidise

- Packaging does feel cheap & basic

- Products have a slight chemical/plastic scent

Have you revisited 17 Makeup as an adult?

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Organic Beauty | Conscious Skincare | Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter and Hydrolat Tea Tree review

As a beauty blogger and a self-confessed skincare addict, I'm constantly bombarded with emails about the 'latest must-have'. Whether it's a trend or a new product, my inbox is always full of everything that's 'new, new, new!'. So it's been a pleasant change to sit back and revisit some old green beauty favourites from Conscious Skincare instead.

I was first introduced to Conscious Skincare around ten years ago when I featured one of the brand's body butters in a post called 'Cold Weather Proofing the Beauty Routine'. Since then, I have used their products sporadically over the years and recommended certain items to friends and family who are into natural skincare.

For those new to Conscious Skincare, they are an established indie organic, vegan, and natural skincare company based in Wales. All of their products are cruelty-free, lovingly handmade, produced in small fresh batches, and packaged as eco-friendly and plastic-free as possible. 

Below you'll discover three of the brand's bestsellers; Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter, and Hydrolat Tea Tree.

Conscious Skincare Make Up Melt* (100ml, £16 with pump, link)

Made with just five natural and organic ingredients, Make Up Melt is an award-winning makeup remover that's wonderfully simple, but very effective. Composed of a blend of cold-pressed Sesame and Castor Oils, this product quite literally breaks down and 'melts' away all traces of makeup, leaving your skin perfectly clean and nourished without feeling stripped. The addition of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Myrtle essential oils have each been carefully chosen for their natural benefits. Rosemary helps to rejuvenate the skin, Eucalyptus is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and Myrtle has some impressive balancing and astringent qualities.

How to use: I apply a pump's worth to a reusable cotton pad and gently wipe it across my face. For stubborn waterproof mascara/liquid eyeliner, I'll hold the pad over closed eyes for a minute or so to allow the oil to fully dissolve the waterproof formula. After that, I rinse my face with warm water and follow up with my regular evening skincare routine.

For those wanting an entirely plastic-free option, you can purchase the Makeup Melt without a pump for £15, and there are also makeup pad bundles and refills available.

Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter* (250ml, £15, link)

Dry skin will simply adore Conscious Skincare's Body Butters which come in three different formulas; two fragranced and one fragrance-free. Packed full of nature's best nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, and fairtrade Cocoa Butter, this version I have is also beautifully fragranced with uplifting Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, and heady Frangipani essential oils. The water-free formula means there are no additives or preservatives either.

What I love the most about this body butter is how intensely thick and rich the texture is, yet it melts and sinks into the skin easily once you massage it in. If you're yearning for baby-soft, silky skin, this is the body butter for you.

Conscious Skincare Organic Hydrolat Tea Tree* (100ml, £13 with pump, link)

As we move into the warmer months of the year, my combination skin always gets a bit more oily so I've been looking forward to trying out this tea tree toner which is especially suited to oily and blemish-prone skin types. A properly pure and natural product, this hydrolat contains just 100% organic tea tree water and that's it - nice and simple! 

You can use this in your skincare routine morning and/or night depending on your skin type, and it's recommended to use it on freshly cleansed skin for the best results. Tea Tree is famed for its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to keep your complexion toned and clear, so if you've been struggling with breakouts, definitely give it a try.

Shop these products and more at conscious-skincare.com

Have you fallen back in love with any old skincare favourites lately?

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Spring Beauty Edit | 5 Products To Take You Into Spring & Beyond

Let's face it, most of us don't need an excuse to have a little splurge and treat ourselves to some shiny new beauty products, but a new season is always a good excuse anyway! Believe it or not, there are practical elements to swapping out and adding in a few different products as well, as we (hopefully) move into the warmer and sunnier months ahead.

Here are five beauty products to take you into Spring and beyond.

Treat Your Skin To A Facial Massage | PMD Gua Sha RQ* (£32, link)

If you haven't tried Gua Sha yet, make Spring the time to give it a go! Gua Sha is the ancient traditional Chinese practice of using a tool, usually a shaped stone, to 'scrape' the skin or body to help stimulate new blood flow to the area, thus boosting cellular repair and collagen production. It may sound a little strange at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to stop doing it, and many people say it helps to lift the contours of the face so it's a good one to try if you want a more naturally sculpted look.

All you need to practice Gua Sha at home is your favourite facial oil and a tool such as the new PMD Gua Sha RQ. Start by adding a few drops of face oil to your skin to provide lubrication and then gently scrape the tool against your face in upward and outward sweeping motions, applying more pressure as you get used to it. There are loads of tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. I particularly like the PMD Gua Sha RQ as it's made from Rose Quartz and has five unique points, edges, and curves to really get a good deep massage into the skin. The rubberised grip in the center is also very well-thought-out to make the tool much easier to use so it's a great choice for beginners.

Swap Your Cleansing Balm For An Oil | Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil* (100ml, £4.99, link)

As the season changes and especially as the weather starts to (slowly) warm-up, you may find that your skin becomes less dry and more oily. This is especially true if you have a combination skin type, and I can usually start to see and feel my complexion begin to change around this time of the year. If you've been using a thick cleansing balm over winter, why not try swapping it for a much lighter cleansing oil? Most skin types will enjoy the change and if you've always been concerned about using an oil-based product because your skin is oily, don't skip this; it's a common misconception and can actually improve your skin instead - win-win!

A fantastic budget-friendly option is Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil which you can pick up on the high street from places such as Boots. This cruelty-free cleanser transforms from an oil into a lightweight milk once you add water, removing all traces of impurities and makeup along the way. The pro-collagen formula contains active Vitamin C to visibly brighten your complexion and the blend of Olive, Grapeseed, and Rosehip Oils ensures that skin is left nourished and not stripped.

Embrace The Relaxing Powers Of CBD Into Your Bathroom | KLORIS CBD Bath Block Melt in Recharge* (140g, £15, link)

These days you'll find CBD in virtually everything from skincare to health drinks, such are its revered natural abilities to help us stressed human beings relax and recover from our busy lives. It's no surprise then to see CBD popping up as a key ingredient in many luxury bath products and these Bath Block Melts from KLORIS are so popular that they frequently sell out as soon as a new fresh batch is released.

Substantially chunky just like a brick, these bad boys are like a supersized bath bomb and are available in a range of different blends such as Recharge, Revive, Relax and Restore. I've had the pleasure of trying all of them and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Recharge one. Infused with two of my all-time fave essential oils, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, each block also contains a whopping 100mg of premium CBD oil and a super luxurious cocktail of Hemp Oil, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter to soften your whole body. Add to a warm bath, watch it fizz, and indulge in some me-time for at least an hour for the full benefits. Pure bliss.

Swap Powder Blush For Cream | Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Petal Poppin (3g, £21, link)

One of the easiest makeup swaps for Spring is to replace your powder blush with a cream one instead. Why? In bright sunlight, powder blush can look a little too harsh and even glowy ones can start to look a little cakey, whilst cream formulas tend to look much fresher and more youthful. I've always been one to steer mainly clear of cream blushers as most don't tend to last very long on my combination skin, however, after reading a string of positive reviews about the Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blushers, I felt compelled to pick one up to try out.

I opted for the shade Petal Poppin which is the most gorgeous medium pink shade with a warm undertone that I feel would work really well for a range of skin tones. I love everything about this blush. From the super cute compact to the ultra-lightweight cream formula that blends like a dream, you can't go wrong with the sheer buildable pop of colour that it offers. Non-sticky, non-greasy, and lasts on my skin a good 6-8 hours before a little touchup is required.

Discover A Fresh New Scent | Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist (90ml, £22, link)

My fifth and final top pick for Spring is of course, a fresh new fragrance because who doesn't love changing up their perfume to fit with a new season?! You've no doubt seen this one all over social media so I'll keep this bit relatively short. Since reviewing Sol de Janeiro's Body Washes last month, several people on Instagram recommended their Perfume Mists to me so I obviously had to try one out. 

There are about five or six different fragrances to choose from and the one that I was attracted to the most was the Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist which is popular as it has some strong Baccarat Rouge vibes (and I really don't hate that). It's a sweet and sexy floral fragrance that reminds me of sunny days with notes of Brazillian Jasmine, Hibiscus, Pink Dragonfruit, Lychee, and creamy Vanilla. 

What's on your Spring beauty shopping list?

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Modern Aromatherapy | This Works Love Sleep Breathe In & Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerballs review

Aromatherapy rollerballs are something that I often carry in my handbag when I'm out and about, and they're equally handy to have in your desk drawer/office space for those times when you need a moment of peace and calm. On the flip side, more of us are turning to aromatherapy use in the bedroom as well, which showcases the versatility of these natural essential oils, and the effects that they can have on our moods and emotions.

There are a number of British brands that specialise in aromatherapy rollerballs as part of their wider well-being ranges, and there's quite fun to make yourself as well (Youtube and TikTok have plenty of how-to's on this for anyone who fancies the DIY route). However, if you'd prefer the easy 'add to basket' option, here are two of my faves from This Works.

For The Bedroom Try: This Works Love Sleep Breathe In Rollerball* (8ml, £21)

Alongside scented candles, aromatherapy rollerballs are fast becoming a discreet must-have in the bedroom for consumers who are looking for an all-natural product to help them switch off and unwind so that they can reset their mood for intimacy. This Works Love Sleep range is certainly leading the way in this area with its unique 'Love Sleep' blend of essential oils which includes Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Frankincense. 

Tested on panel members, it's become popular thanks to its ability to help people to relax, unwind and feel more calm, whilst the sensual blend can get you in the mood for sex. Apply to your wrists and breathe in to feel the effects - it's great to incorporate as part of a pre-bedtime ritual.  

For The Office Try: This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball* (8ml, £19)

Whilst the root causes of major stress need to be addressed by a medical professional such as your GP or a mental health nurse, milder symptoms or 'moments of stress' can be somewhat easier to deal with, especially if they are related to an important meeting at work or an approaching project deadline. For these times, This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball may be able to give you a little bit of aromatherapy support so that you can get back in control of these stressful times that arise.

I'm a natural worrier as well, so I find this range to be very useful. The expert blend of Ylang Ylang, Neroli, and Lavender is wonderfully calming, and there's something about just taking a moment out of your busy schedule to apply this to your pulse points and focus on your breathing for 5-10 minutes, which really helps to calm the mind. 

Discover these products and more at thisworks.com

Do you use aromatherapy rollerballs?

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