October Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Better late than never as always! Here are my recent beauty Empties; all the products that I've managed to use up last month - do you spot any of your own faves in this round-up?

Ben & Anna Natural Deodorant in Persian Lime* (reviewed here)

Featured in my Plastic Free July post earlier this year, I've thoroughly enjoyed using this zesty and uplifting natural deodorant in Persian Lime from Ben & Anna. It kept me smelling lovely and fresh all day long and comes packaged in a recyclable card tube. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Konopka's Multi Purpose Cream* (reviewed here)

I've used up a couple of these over the years and still love it - a gentle but effective cream that you can use everywhere and anywhere to instantly soothe, soften, and moisturise dry skin. Particularly useful for hands and feet, and has a fruity pleasant fragrance. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products first.

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream* (reviewed here)

One of my favourite new skincare releases of 2021, this night cream is perfect for virtually all skin types and has a beautiful light gel-cream texture that sinks in straight away. Packed full of probiotics and Hyaluronic Acid to nourish without any greasy/sticky feeling afterwards. Repurchase? Definitely.

Hurraw! Pitta Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

I discovered this in a LoveLula Beauty Box, and despite having used many Hurraw! Lip Balms in the past, I wasn't previously aware of their Ayurvedic inspired range. Pitta is a mix of Coconut, Mint and Lemongrass so it's a good one to try for Summer as it's cooling and refreshing. Repurchase? I have a million lip balms to use up but I'm sure I will come back to this range at some point!

Dafna's Purify Cleanser* (reviewed here)

Another skincare favourite that I've used on/off over the years is Dafna's amazing Purify Cleanser. If my skin is feeling oily and congested, this is the cleanser that I'll often reach for to help balance it out. It's quite pricey but luckily a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Will do next Summer.

Mádara Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules* (reviewed here)

Every now and then, my skin goes through a really rough dry patch which is usually linked to the change of season so I like to add a course of these booster ampoules into my evening routine. They specifically target dryness and irritation and they get to work instantly so you'll see results immediately - ideal if you have a big event coming up. Repurchase? I'm torn about whether I should repurchase these because they're single-use plastic, but they work SO well and I only use a pack once or twice a year. I'll have to think about it!

Isla Apothecary Renewing Foot Treatment*

My last empty is a luxury treat for your feet from Isla Apothecary. This is a proper pampering product that's made from a blend of Epsom Salts, Coconut Oil and the most gorgeous selection of uplifting essential oils. Amazing for restoring tired feet and perfect for a little 'me time' at the end of a busy week. Repurchase? On my Christmas list ;)

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

A little later than planned with my Empties post, but here's everything that I've managed to use up last month and my thoughts as to which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Dafna's Active Mist*

A beautiful luxury toner spray that I mainly used throughout Summer. Lovely fresh scent and it made my skin look so healthy and dewy, whilst giving it an instant boost. Repurchase? Will do next Summer. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Detox Facial Wash* 

Another luxury green beauty favourite, I loved using this Evolve gel cleanser again during the hotter Summer months as it feels so refreshing, and is perfect for balancing oily skin. Repurchase? Yes, I'd definitely buy this again next Summer. 

DHC Cleansing Oil (travel size, reviewed here)

Regular readers know how much I adore the simplicity of DHC's amazing Cleansing Oil as I've used this so many times over the years. It literally takes off everything; waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation and all the day's grime and pollution. Repurchase? Already have.

Ying Yang Skincare MSM Cream Tissue Repair* (reviewed here)

If you're a fan of running or stretching exercises likes pilates and yoga, this stuff is a real lifesaver. Infused with MSM, you can apply it to tired and overworked muscles for instant relief. It smells gorgeous too! Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask* (reviewed here)

Suitable for all skin types, Green People's Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask is one of those face masks that I tend to reach for when my skin is feeling congested and on the verge of breaking out. It draws out all impurities including stubborn blackheads for clearer, smoother skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Bains & Nature Baja Moana Cream*

One of my friends brought me this back from Paris and it's one of the most decadent luxury body moisturisers that I've ever had the pleasure of trying. Not only does it smell incredible but the texture just sinks right in. Repurchase? I will keep an eye out to see if it's available in the UK!

Love Beauty And Planet Shea Butter & Sandalwood Shower Gel*

I think this came in a Glossybox - lovely and moisturising for dry skin and also has a beautiful comforting and clean fragrance. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other shower gels.

Dr. Konopka's Restoring Foot Cream* (reviewed here)

Finally, my last empty product is another one that I've used up mainly over the Summer when my feet were permanently in sandals and flip flops. Great for dry skin and cracked heels, it's a good one to try if you want something different from the usual 'minty' footcare as it smells like raspberries instead. Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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April Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time again! An Empties round-up of everything that I've used up recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing in the near future.

Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a more natural and affordable Self-Tanning Lotion to try out, Lavera's is a good one to pick up as it's easy to use and gives a gorgeous sunkissed glow to the skin with not a hint of orange in sight! This is my second or third tube. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant (reviewed here)

Long time readers may be familiar with this one as I've been using it on and off for years now. I love the scent of it and it's free from lots of common nasties. Repurchase? I'm using up one from Evolve at the moment but will happily buy this again at some point.

Tropic Blue Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum* (reviewed here)

Anyone else suffering from spotty skin since lockdown began? Luckily, this little gem from Tropic has been stopping my complexion from having a full-blown breakout! I tend to use it as a preventative measure twice a week as part of my evening routine. Repurchase? Yes.

Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm* (reviewed here)

First featured in one of my Winter Wellness posts at the start of the year (link above), I've now finished off Herbfarmacy's fantastic chesty balm which came in so handy whenever I was suffering from a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses. Repurchase? Yes.

S5 Neutralise Cleanser* (reviewed here)

One of my favourite high-end cleansers, I can't recommend this enough if you have oily or sensitive skin. It's a super lightweight oil-free cleanser that just works so well for my troublesome skin. Particularly lovely for soothing any irritation or redness. Repurchase? Definitely!

Badger Balm Sleep Balm* (reviewed here)

Like many, I haven't been sleeping well at all recently so I've been using Badger's Sleep Balm every single night to try and help calm my stressed mind. It's lasted a long time as you only need to apply a tiny amount to wrists/pulse points and then breathe in the relaxing scent. Repurchase? I'm testing out a few other similar products at the moment so we'll see.

Human+Kind Watermelon 3-in-1 Cream

No surprises to see a hand cream in this round-up! I finished off this multi-purpose moisturiser from Human+Kind which has a fresh and fruity watermelon fragrance. Perfect for dry hands, rough elbows and cracked feet. Repurchase? Might do in the future.

Trilogy Blemish Control Gel* (reviewed here)

I like to use a targeted blemish treatment on those pesky 'under the skin' spots and Trilogy's Blemish Control Gel has been my go-to for quite some time. It works but doesn't sting or dry out the skin like similar products do. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (reviewed here)

If someone asked me to only choose to use one toner product for the rest of my life, you guys all know it would be this beauty! Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, it never fails to give my skin a hydrating boost! Repurchase? I'm currently using the new formula here.

Dafna's Eye Care* (reviewed here)

It sure was a sad day when I reached the bottle of this one recently :( It's such a gorgeous formula with a silky texture that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth the investment. Repurchase? On my wishlist.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (reviewed here)

Anyone know how many of Antipodes Divine Face Oil bottles I've gone through over the past couple of years? I have no idea, I've simply lost count! Here's another empty to add to that growing list - it's amazing for fussy combination skin types. Repurchase? Yes.

Badger Balm Cuticle Care* (reviewed here)

All that handwashing has left my cuticles feeling cracked and sore so I've been giving them some much needed TLC with this Cuticle Balm from Badger. I try to remember to use a small amount each night before going to bed to help soothe and rehydrate. Repurchase? Yes.

Soapology Secret Garden Soap

Speaking of washing your hands, I finished off this lovely bar of soap from Soapology which I kept next to the kitchen sink. This one's specially formulated for gardeners so it's extra gentle and caring, plus it's palm-oil free.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass, aluminium tins 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 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, such as flexible plastic tubes 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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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - July 2019 review

Worth over £100, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box is a huge treat for skincare fans with products from Madara, Kathleen Natural, Skin Alchemists Apothecary and Dafna's, oh my! Here's what's inside.

 Madara Plum Plum Lip Perfection Balm (RRP £10)

I didn't even realise that Madara did a Lip Balm until I saw this in the box, and with an ultra-nourishing base formula of Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, this is a fantastic lip balm to keep dryness at bay. What sets it apart from the rest is the addition of Plum Oil which is rich in vitamins and nutrients that help to repair and rehydrate chapped lips, and I love the fruity sweet flavour that it has.

 Kathleen Natural Cleansing Lotion (RRP £29.50)

From British brand Kathleen Natural, there's a full-size bottle of their popular Cleansing Lotion which can be used morning and night to gently cleanse, soften and hydrate your complexion. Featuring six active botanicals such as Tamanu Seed Oil, Avocado Oil and Rosewater, I've found this cleanser to be effective at removing impurities, whilst never stripping or drying my skin out. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and the 100% natural (80% organic) composition is ideal for vegans to use thanks to the absence of any animal-derived ingredients.

 Skin Alchemists Apothecary Sesenne Facial Elixir (10ml deluxe sample)

Skin Alchemists Apothecary are a new brand discovery for me, so I'm really excited to have the opportunity to try out this Sensenne Facial Elixir. Described as a 'tropical rainforest in a bottle', the elixir boasts a superstar blend of 26 skin-loving natural elements which combine to form a powerful treatment that repairs, nourishes, rejuvenates, lifts and brightens the skin, whilst also calming any sensitivities and leaves your complexion glowing.

Dafna's Summer Heroes Set (RRP £34)

The star of the box for me this month is this amazing Summer Heroes Set from Spanish luxury brand, Dafna's. Worth £34, it contains four deluxe travel-size products; the Purify Cleanser (which I've recently reviewed the full-size of here), Active Mist, Moisture Light and Eye Care (full-size review here). I'm a huge fan of the brand and this is such a great way to try out some of their bestsellers!

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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Currently Loving: Summer Skincare Favourites for Oily/Combination Skin Types

What do hydrating, soothing, balancing and purifying all have in common? They're the main benefits of my current Summer Skincare Favourites.

Keeping your complexion in check when the mercury rises can be a tricky challenge, so let's make it as simple and fuss-free as possible. In Summer, I use SPF every single day, and I like to add a self-tanner to my routine once or twice a week for a healthy bronzed look. I always stick to the same daily principles no matter the weather though, with cleansing, toning and moisturising at the top of my skincare agenda.

Here are a couple of products that I'm currently loving:-

Dafna's Purify Cleanser* (100ml, £36, link)

Dafna's is such a beautiful, luxury natural skincare brand and I adore their Eye Care and Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask (check out my review on those two here). I was excited to try out the Purify Cleanser for Summer as I tend to switch from a cream to a lighter gel-based cleanser, and this has been working so well for my oily/combination skin type. This cleanser is 100% natural and features nourishing Olive Oil, Ayurvedic Pomegranate extract which is rich in anti-ageing Vitamin C, and an interesting complex named MelaCare TM Oil that's composed of three different types of plant-based oils to help photo-ageing symptoms. I find it really refreshing to use and it balances my oily skin without leaving it tight or stripped.

Alteya Organics 100% Pure Bulgarian Lavender Water* (100ml, £9.85, link)

For years, I've automatically reached for Rosewater toners and spritzes without giving much thought to the benefits of other infused waters, but when I came across Alteya Organics' 100% Pure Bulgarian Lavender Water, I decided to test it out for a change. Made from fresh, hand-picked organic Lavender flowers which are steam-distilled for purity, this fine mist gently soothes, tones and clarifies the skin thanks to Lavender's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Use it morning and night as part of your routine, or pop it into the fridge and enjoy a cooling and calming spritz anytime you feel that your skin needs it.

Zuii Organic Flora Gradual Tan Face Water* (150ml, £22.50, link)

We all know that the only safe way to get a tan is to fake it, and if you've been looking for a natural and organic self-tanner that's specifically for the face, this is it. Zuii Organic's Flora Gradual Tan Face Water is an amazing product that offers a really natural-looking finish without any hints of orange. It's surprisingly easy to use too as it looks and feels just like water - simply apply with your hands or a cotton pad after cleansing and the colourless fluid will quickly absorb into the skin. The active natural tan ingredients will then start to work gradually, giving you a gorgeous healthy glow!

True Skincare Certified Organic Balancing Safflower & Basil Facial Oil* (30ml, £13.50, link)

One of the best budget-friendly, natural and organic skincare finds that I've recently discovered comes from True Skincare, a British brand who specialise in making affordable and effective products. Not only is everything organic, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans to use, but their products have been winning awards left, right and centre, so I couldn't wait to try out this Balancing Safflower & Basil Facial Oil. 

Formulated for oily and combination skin types, this facial oil won a Beauty Shortlist Award earlier in the year and it's easy to see why! It has a wonderful, ultra-light texture that almost feels like a dry oil and is infused with Safflower Oil (high in omega-6 rich Linoleic Acid) and Basil (known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties). The two combined perfectly balance fussy, acne-prone skin conditions, helping to fight off breakouts, unclog pores and keep the skin moisturised without overloading it. I've been using 2-3 drops in the evenings to keep pesky spots at bay throughout the hot Summer months.

What are your current favourite skincare products?

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January Empties: Products I've Used Up

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

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

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

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask* (reviewed here)

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

Dr. Organic Vitamin E Cream (link)

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

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

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

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

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

Tropic Soothe The Senses Luxury Body Oil* (link)

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

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment (reviewed here)

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

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

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

Guiltless Skin Rosehip Cleanser* (reviewed here)

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

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

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

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil (reviewed here)

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

Colab Dry + Shampoo Active (link)

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

What have you used up recently?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Green Beauty Edit 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which green beauty gifts are on your wishlist this year?

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Luxury Skincare: Dafna's Eye Care & Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask review

If you haven't heard of Dafna's before, they are Spain's most exciting luxury and organic skincare brand, and they recently won the Best International Skincare Brand 2018 at the Beauty Shortlist Awards. Dafna's have been making waves across the green beauty world for some time now, and I imagine that they're going to be catching the eye of many beauty editors and skincare gurus fairly soon. 

The overall concept behind Dafna's is to marry luxury organic ingredients with the newest advances in pioneering biotechnology, and they also take inspiration from the Slow Beauty movement too. Couple those ethics with a hefty dose of Ayurvedic philosophy, and you have a natural skincare brand that's going to appeal to a wide consumer base of people who enjoy taking the very best care of their skin. Slick, minimalistic, black glass packaging houses their innovative clean formulas, which are all free of parabens, unnatural preservatives, silicones and other petroleum derivatives, artificial fragrances and unnecessary additives. 

I've had the pleasure of trying out two products from Dafna's recently; their Eye Care, which I've been trialling for about six weeks now, and their popular Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask, that arrived on my doorstep at the start of the month.

Dafna's Eye Care* (20ml, £50, link)

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest of the whole body, so it's no wonder that the first signs of ageing show up here, and if your under eye area is anything like mine, they may be super dry too, which makes fine lines appear even more visible. Needless to say, splashing out on a high-quality eye cream is a worthy investment, and Dafna's Eye Care is certainly one to try if you're concerned with puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. 

The convenient inbuilt pump dispenses a small amount of product which is loaded with 16 potent natural actives, which all work in synergy to create a powerful anti-ageing treatment for the delicate eye area. There's Chicory Root and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein to enhance healthy collagen production, whilst Rosehip Oil tackles the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe Vera and Calendula extract are also included to reduce puffiness which is something that I struggle with in the mornings (I'm certainly not an early bird!). 

I was expecting this Eye Care to be on the heavy side, as most anti-ageing targeted formulas typically are, but I was pleasantly surprised by its incredibly light and gel-like texture which makes it feel more like a silky lotion. This absorbs into the skin beautifully without any stickiness, so it's great to use in the AM and/or PM as part of your regular skincare routine. Within just a week of using it daily, my under eyes were much smoother with all the visible morning puffiness gone, and in a month later, the skin felt much tighter and lifted overall, with my fine lines looking almost non-existent. No wonder this is a staple amongst the A-list Spanish actresses! 

Dafna's Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask* (50ml, £78, link)

Coming in at an eye-watering £78, Dafna's Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask is one of the most expensive face masks that has ever graced the surface of my complexion. It's not surprising then to learn that this mask has been specially formulated for regular jet-setters and busy city dwellers because this isn't something that you would use on skin that doesn't have any issues!

Instead, the Revival Bio-Active Beauty Mask is an intensive facial treatment that works on a two-phase basis. Firstly, it gives the skin an intensive shot of hydration with low-weight molecules of Hyaluronic Acid, whilst Ginseng and Reishi are included to energize and 'wake up' tired skin. The second phase then incorporates those tiny black particles that you can see in the mask below. These are pieces of encapsulated Charcoal which effectively draw out any free radicals on your skin, which in turn inhibits their oxidation impact, and gives your overall complexion a more balanced look (so it's brilliant for assisting with an uneven skin tone for example).  

To use it, you scoop out a small amount with the included spatula and gently 'tap' it onto a dry, clean face, making sure that you don't rub it in. Leave it on to do its thing for 5-10 minutes and then with damp fingers, massage the mask into the skin. This breaks up and activates the encapsulated Charcoal, and you need to allow it to work for a further 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

This is an incredible face mask to use if you've recently been travelling (especially if you've been flying and are suffering from jet lag), have spent a lot of time in a polluted city, and/or have had a  particularly busy and stressful week. It'll make you look like you've just had an expensive facial with the skin feeling fully hydrated and plumped up, whilst looking brighter, younger and simply more 'alive'. At this price point though, that's what I was expecting and it thankfully didn't disappoint.

Have you tried anything from Dafna's?

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