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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What green beauty products are you loving right now?

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June & July Empties: Products That I've Used Up

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted that I didn't do an Empties post last month as I only had about four finished products in my basket, but I've made up for it now with a bumper collection of Empties today! Here's everything that I've used up over the past two months.

Weleda Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion* (travel size)

I've been trying to use up more of my minis and Weleda has such a great selection that you can try. Their Body Lotions are brilliant and I loved this Citrus Hydrating one which smells really uplifting and summery. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil (travel size)

One of the few topical 'anti-cellulite' products that actually seems to make a difference to the texture of your skin when used alongside body brushing. Highly recommended if this is an area of concern for you. Repurchase? I already have a full-size bottle that I've recently reviewed here.

Weleda Birch Body Scrub

I bought this to use when I was doing the Spring Cleanse 30 Day Challenge but sadly, I just didn't find it scrubby enough for me as I prefer a lot more 'grit' in my body exfoliators. I imagine that it would be great for sensitive skin though. Repurchase? No.

LUSH Happy Hippy Shower Gel

It's been a long time since I finished up a product from LUSH! I received this in a Christmas gift set and it's still one of my favourite products from them - the scent is really fruity and juicy! Repurchase? Yes.

 Zenon Kition Floral Beauty Mist* (reviewed here)

I've had this in my travel bag for about a year and have only just used it up. It's a brilliant, straight-up rosewater facial toner without anything else added and feels wonderfully refreshing to use on a hot day. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other toners first.

The Library Of Fragrance Spray in Baby Powder (travel size)

Another travel bag item that I've had for a while - this smells exactly like Baby Powder so if you like clean, comforting fragrances like that, definitely try it. Repurchase? Already have!

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will know that I adore this as it's one of my favourite luxury body care products and I've gone through several tubes of it in the past. If you have a shop that sells Antipodes near you, you must pop in and smell it - it's divine. Repurchase? Yes.

Handmade Naturals Ultra Light Face Cream* (reviewed here)

Yet another travel bag essential from earlier in the year, this Ultra Light Facial Cream is perfect for oily and problematic skin types, especially during the Summer months as it's very balancing and easily absorbed. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up a few other face moisturisers.

Bilou Cotton Candy Gentle Cream Foam*

This is such an unusual product for me to mention because I typically hate and very rarely use anything that's foaming as it dries out my skin, but I've been able to use this for shaving my legs and it's worked a treat! The Cotton Candy scent is way too sickly sweet IMO though. Repurchase? Probably not.

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence (travel size)

Dr. Hauschka do some incredible bath oils and this Lemongrass Bath Essence was no exception. Ideal for an early morning bath on a relaxing Sunday morning to help you recharge after a busy or stressful week. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Clear Skin Blemish-Fighting Mask* (reviewed here)

My go-to face mask for when any blemishes have popped up over the past couple of months, I've really enjoyed using this dedicated treatment from Tropic. It draws everything out so great for stubborn blackheads and unclogging pores. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist* (travel size)

I'm a terrible sleeper as many of you know so I regularly use calming aromatherapy based products like this to help put my anxious mind to rest. I liked this pillow mist but I don't think it's as effective as the one from This Works. Repurchase? Probably not.

Esse Eye Contour Cream* (reviewed here)

I was over the moon when I won this in a Christmas giveaway because I've used it in the past and absolutely loved it, but the price tag was just too expensive for me to repurchase. If you have a big budget for luxury natural skincare, I guarantee that you will fall in love with this brand! Repurchase? Sadly out of my price range at the moment :(

infuse My Colour Copper Wash* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a shampoo treatment that will add colour and life back into your hair between hair dye sessions, I strongly recommend checking out the range from infuse My Colour. I use henna every 4-5 months and use this about once a week or fortnight when I want to freshen up my colour. Repurchase? I'm currently using the Ruby Wash for a change.

Baija Green Tea Jasmine Body Oil (travel size)

A friend brought me this back from Paris last month and oh my, it smells incredible! Gorgeous silky formula and the fragrance is to-die-for. Repurchase? If I can find it in the UK, I will!

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak* (reviewed here)

Last, but not least, I have an empty pouch of MOA's Dreamy Mineral Soak which is a beautiful blend of infused Himalayan and Sea Salts. Super relaxing for mind and body, so perfect to use before bedtime for a peaceful night's sleep. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

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

Ogario Revive And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

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

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist* (featured here)

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

Organyc Organic Cotton Pads* (reviewed here)

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

Benecos Natural Lip Balm in Mint (reviewed here)

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

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate* (reviewed here)

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

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

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

Organiqua Hair Oil* (reviewed here)

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

ESSE Gel Cleanser (trial size)

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

Vestige Verdant Organic Peat Mask* (reviewed here)

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

Madara Time Miracle Total Renewal Night Cream (trial size)

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

What have you used up recently?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

I had a feeling that I was going to have a bumper load of Empties this month, so I wasn't surprised to see my Empties box overflowing with products today! Let's jump straight in then, as there's a lot to chat about.

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

I've had a rough time this month with about two weeks of flu and let me tell you - when I have the flu, I literally look like death warmed up. Seriously, it's not pretty! Luckily, I had a pack of these in my skincare stash and they are fantastic for quickly depuffing your eyes and making you look like you've had a full eight hours of sleep. Repurchase? Definitely!

RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipe

I don't use a lot of wipes these days, but I like to have some handy for travelling. These ones from RMS Beauty are basically coated in pure Organic Coconut Oil and don't contain anything else, so they're very gentle on the skin. They worked well with removing mineral-based makeup but struggled with shifting waterproof mascara, and given how expensive they are, I don't think I would bother picking these up again. Repurchase? No.

Green People Hydrating After Sun Soothing Moisturiser*

This is one of my favourite after-sun formulas and I really enjoyed using it all Summer long. It isn't sticky or greasy, and feels wonderfully hydrating - just what you want to soothe the skin after too much fun in the sun! Repurchase? Yes.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads

There are so many budget-friendly options out there if you want to add some Glycolic acid to your skincare routine, but I'm a big fan of these cleansing pads from Superdrug as they feel gentle, do a good job, but don't irritate my skin. I always stock up when they're half price. Repurchase? Yes.

B. Effective Stubborn Makeup Remover

Another cheap-as-chips favourite of mine is this eye makeup remover from Superdrug's B range. This works a charm and is on the same level as much pricier brands in terms of performance, yet you can often pick it up for a mere £4 when it's on offer! An absolute bargain and massively underrated. Repurchase? Yes.

Esse Probiotic Serum*

For something much, much more expensive, Esse's Probiotic Serum was a real pleasure to use and my skin fell in love with it. Due to its hefty price tag, I didn't use this every day and instead rotated it with some of my more affordable serums so that it lasted longer. If you're into luxury probiotic skincare, Esse is a worthy brand to look into. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment, but I would be tempted if I saw it on sale. 

Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion*

I've yet to come across a Weleda product that I don't like, and I'm a big fan of their Wild Rose range which smells beautiful. Their Body Lotions have a gorgeous formula and absorb easily into the skin - I loved using this after a long hot bath. Repurchase? Yes.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Face Cleansing & Makeup-Removing Gel

Received this in a recent GWP and I hated it. It left my skin feeling tight, dry and not very clean (like there was still some residue left behind), plus it didn't remove all of my makeup. Repurchase? Nope!

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200*

Oh, it was a sad day when this ran out because it's one of the best Hyaluronic Acid based serums that I've ever used! It feels virtually weightless on the skin, absorbs rapidly and it really plumps everything up, making your complexion look more refreshed and rejuvenated. Repurchase? Will do once I use some other serums up.

Antipodes Juliet Brightening Gel Cleanser*

I love a gel cleanser in the Summer months and this one from Antipodes served me well when it was hot and sticky outside. Great for oily and combination skin, it gives a deep cleanse without stripping the skin and helps to clear up blemishes as well. Repurchase? I'd happily buy this again next Spring/Summer.

Weleda Evening Primrose Revitalising Body Oil*

Lovely body oil, very rich and nourishing so perfect to use for a pampering session and another great product to apply after a hot bath to rehydrate the skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Jung & Schön Cleansing Milk*

This came to me in a European beauty and lifestyle box and is from the Austrian brand Jung & Schön which translates as 'young and beautiful'. It's a nice and gentle light cleansing lotion/milk with a fresh and slightly fruity scent to it - it was very nice to use. Repurchase? Would pick it up again if I saw it in the UK.

A'kin Brightening Rosehip Oil*

A'kin do the best rosehip oils in my opinion - there's just something about their formulas which feels very refined and high-quality.  I mainly use it as a facial oil in the evenings to help lighten any old acne scars and brighten up pigmentation areas. Repurchase? Already have another bottle in my stash.

LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel

I'm a sucker for the sickly sweet, candy-floss like scent of Snow Fairy and always overdose on it in the Christmas sales. This is my last bottle from last year's haul and I'm looking forward to treating myself to another bottle this Christmas! Repurchase? Yes.

Have you tried any of these? 

What have you used up recently?

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June Empties: Products I've Used Up

A little later than usual but here are my June Empties! I've managed to use up another bunch of products and there are some firm favourites in this particular pile, so let's jump right in!

Barefoot SOS Soothing Face & Body Wash*

If you have dry, sensitive and/or eczema-prone skin, Barefoot SOS is a really great natural skincare brand to look into. This Body Wash is 98% natural, SLS-free and is something that I always reach for when my skin is playing up because it's so gentle. Feels like a light creamy body wash and has a delicate fresh scent. Repurchase? Yes.

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask

One of my faves and I highly recommend it to those who are looking for an effective AHA-based exfoliator. Does a brilliant job and always makes my skin look brighter and better after every application. Repurchase? Already have a full size.

Bia Beauty Lemon Myrtle Hand Cream*

This is a beautiful hand cream that smells like lemon sherbert! It has a wonderfully rich texture, but it's not too thick consistency-wise and absorbs into the skin easily without any greasy/sticking feeling. I loved using this before bed. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other hand creams.

Leonor Greyl L'Huile de Leonor Greyl*

As my hair is naturally dry, I like to use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to keep it hydrated, and L'Huile de Leonor Greyl is one of those cult French beauty products that just works wonders. You only need to use a tiny amount of the oil treatment and apply it an hour or so before shampooing. I'll often leave it on overnight for the best results and I absolutely love the fragrance! Repurchase? Yes.

Conscious Skincare Amyris & Vetiver Organic Body Lotion*

Another product that I fell in love with the scent of was this Amyris & Vetiver Organic Body Lotion from Conscious Skincare - it smells so wonderfully uplifting and comforting. It has a light lotion formula that requires a bit of effort to rub into the skin as it doesn't absorb immediately, but once it does, it's perfect for dry skin. Repurchase? I have too many body lotions open at the moment to justify buying anything new, but I'll definitely consider picking this up again in the future.

REN Flash Hydro-Boost*

Hydro-Boost is an amazing hydrating facial serum that you add a little water to in order to 'activate' it, so I mostly used this in the mornings and it made my skin feel really lovely and plumped up. Great as a base underneath makeup, so much so, that I rarely reached for a primer when I was using this. Repurchase? Yes.

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture

This is one of the best natural eczema creams that I've ever used, which is really annoying as it's quite expensive and difficult to get hold of in the UK (it's quite a niche US brand). A friend picked up some samples for me when she was in New York last year, but this is sadly the last one! Repurchase? Not unless I can get it for the price in dollars.

ESSE Body Oil*

I'm a big fan of the organic, probiotic skincare brand ESSE and this Body Oil was such a pampering delight to use! It's rich and nourishing, but not greasy and smells incredible. The only downside is that it comes with a hefty price tag and given that's it's only a 100ml bottle, it doesn't last very long at all. Repurchase? Sadly not, it's just too expensive.

Beauty Pro Rejuvenating Collagen Mask

Received this a while ago in a beauty subscription box and I was very surprised by how much I liked it. It's infused with Green Tea extract and has a targeted anti-ageing formula which also balances oily t-zones and hydrates drier areas, so it's perfect for combination skin like mine. Left my face feeling balanced, plumped up and super soft - win win! Repurchase? Yes.

Geo Mitchell Relax Naturally Bath Salts*

Despite featuring a combination of Epsom and Dead Sea Salts as well as essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary and Peppermint, I was very disappointed by these because they just didn't have any scent when they were dissolved into the bath. Repurchase? No.

Organii SPF 50 Sun Milk

This sunscreen has a thin and milky consistency, but once you apply it, it comes across as quite thick which is a bit odd! It leaves a white cast and is on the greasy side, so I wouldn't recommend it as a facial SPF, but for the body, it would be ideal if you're looking for a more natural, higher protection sunscreen. Repurchase? Not sure.

Have you tried any of these? What have you used up recently?

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Introducing: ESSE Skincare - Probiotic Serum+, Ultra Moisturiser, Eye Contour Cream+ & Cocoa Exfoliator review

Probiotic skincare has been one of the biggest trends in the skincare world lately, and with its strong emphasis on skin health, it's been one that I've been welcoming with open arms.

What is Probiotic Skincare?

When I think of probiotics, I immediately think of their role in helping to maintain a healthy gut e.g via consuming yoghurt that contains probiotics. I'm sure most of us have heard about the importance of having lots of 'good bacteria' in our stomach which keeps everything happy and balanced, and in a rather simplified way, this is what probiotic skincare effectively does. It helps to support the microbes, keeping a good balance going which is essential for healthy and glowing skin.

What are the Benefits of Probiotic Skincare?

There are trillions of microbes living on and in your skin (each human cell has at least 10 microbes, so it's easy to see how they all add up!), so it's important to maintain a healthy balance as the right amount of good microbes can help to slow down the visible signs of ageing. This is the area that probiotic skincare really excels in - anti-ageing, as these specific skincare formulas help to "create an environment on the skin that favours the growth of beneficial microbes so that they can out-compete pro-ageing species", leaving your skin looking more radiant and younger for longer.

There are a handful of high-end skincare brands who are leading the way with scientific breakthroughs about how microbes work, and South Africa's organic brand ESSE is a key player in the skincare industry thanks to their investments and research into how probiotics can help to slow down the ageing process. I've tested out a couple of ESSE's bestsellers below to demonstrate how you can incorporate probiotic skincare into your own daily skincare routine.

ESSE Probiotic Serum+* (30ml, £96, link) 

For those who take their skincare seriously and have the cash to splash, a serum is always a worthy investment and the one product that I personally tend to spend the most money on. Why? The overall composition of a good serum lends itself to being better absorbed by the skin than other skincare products, so a high-quality serum in your skincare routine can really make a big difference, giving you the most noticeable results in both the short and long term.

ESSE's Probiotic Serum+ is the most expensive serum that I've had the pleasure of trying out and it's been named the 'world’s first live probiotic serum' thanks to its highly innovative BIOME+ technology which contains 1 billion live probiotics per millilitre that are activated by the moisture on your skin. It feels rich and oil based, and is incredibly nourishing and hydrating due to the Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Marula Oil in the formula. ESSE state that this serum is suitable for all skin types, however, I think oilier skin types may find this too rich as it really does pack a punch when it comes to plumping up and hydrating the skin. I've trialled this serum for just over three weeks now, using it in the evenings, and my skin has definitely started to feel much smoother and firmer. It's such a pleasure to use and I'll be sure update my thoughts when I finish the bottle in a future empties post.

ESSE Ultra Moisturiser* (50ml, £52, link)

ESSE's Ultra Moisturiser is described as a super-rich treatment 'to feed and satisfy the most thirsty of skins', so if you have very dry skin, this may be one to add to your shopping list so that you can fully protect your skin during the colder months ahead. It contains active ingredients such as Rooibos Extract (a potent antioxidant to fight premature ageing), Grape Seed Extract (to help improve the production of healthy collagen and elastin), high levels of LMW Hyaluronic Acid (to drastically improve hydration naturally) and Kigelia (to lighten age spots and even skin tone), in addition to probiotics for the ultimate anti-ageing powerhouse. Sadly, this moisturiser was far too rich for my combination skin type, but I've passed it onto my mum who has very dry, post-menopausal skin and it's been working wonders for her. It's been amazing to see such a visible improvement in the texture of her skin, so she's very happy with it!

ESSE Eye Contour Cream+* (15ml, £99, link)

Finding a good quality eye cream that makes a difference is the holy grail for skincare lovers, and this one is definitely in my top 3 favourite eye creams that I've ever used. Designed as 'an all-round' eye cream, this multi-tasking superstar aims to address all of the most common concerns such as crow's feet, puffiness and dark circles. In conjunction with the probiotic Lactobacillus Ferment, it uses some incredibly interesting and innovative ingredients such as Bellis Extract (helps to significantly lighten dark rings by inhibiting tyrosinase production and reducing melanin) Albizia Extract and Darutoside (to protect and strengthen the dermis, helping to reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). A little goes a very long way, and like the rest of these products, I've been using it for just over three weeks. Since then, I've noticed that my eye area feels super smooth and a little firmer, plus my eyes are much less puffy in the mornings, but I've yet to see an improvement in my dark circles yet. Only time will tell I guess!

ESSE Cocoa Exfoliator* (50ml, £30, link) 

If you love chocolate/cocoa, you'll love this gentle but effective manual exfoliator - it honestly smells good enough to eat! Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, this exfoliator is rich in Cocoa Powder that's blended with a range of nourishing natural oils such as Coconut Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Marula Oil and Manketti Seed Oil, to give the skin a deep cleanse and polish. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, helping to boost skin circulation and this is fantastic to use first thing in the morning to wake up the skin! My skin feels as soft as a newborn baby after using this and looks much more radiant too.

Overall thoughts?

ESSE's organic and probiotic skincare is not cheap, but given the level of investment and research that's gone into the formulas, plus their use of certified organic and fair-trade ingredients, I feel that their products are at a price point that is comparable to some popular mainstream brands who invest far less. Definitely a brand to check out if you're looking to try some new high-tech, anti-ageing skincare that's also natural and organic.

Shop the full range of ESSE Skincare via esseskincare.co.uk and lovelula.com

Have you tried any probiotic skincare before?

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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.

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