Showing posts with label ethical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethical. Show all posts

Currently Loving: Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Wild Berries Candle & Soy Wax Melts review #ShopSmall

Wednesday, 24 August 2022

 Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle

The weather has turned surprisingly autumnal here in the UK this week, so I thought I'd throw the spotlight on a lovely independent business I discovered at a local vegan market a little while ago called Yogi Candle Studio.

Launched in the summer of 2020, Yogi Candle Studio was founded in a small kitchen by Katie who wanted to make some candles to use during her yoga practice. However, her hobby quickly grew into a full-time small business as the popularity of her products grew and her premises are now located in a bigger space within the Amerton Farm and Craft Centre in Stafford. 

All of Katie's products are handmade and hand poured at the farm and everything is made from 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. The brand prides itself on only sourcing ethical and sustainable plant-based waxes and oils, and all of their packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.

I was browsing a local vegan market in the area when I came across a stall for Yogi Candle Studio and the fragrance coming from it was incredible! Lined up was a good selection of candles and wax melts in lots of different scents, so naturally, I had to treat myself ;)

Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle
Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle
Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle (£12)

With so many gorgeous scented candles to choose from, I had a difficult time only choosing one and could easily have come home with all of them! After much deliberation, it was the Wild Heart Wild Berries scent that captured my own heart! Topped with dried flower petals, this candle is made from ethically sourced soy wax for a clean, non-toxic burn that has no palm oil or parabens. 

The sweet and fruity natural fragrance comes from a delicious blend of rich figs, dewberry, sweet raspberries, blueberries juicy black plums, layered on a base of patchouli, vetiver and musk. The standard 180g size has a burn time of 35+ hours and looks pretty wherever you choose to place it in your home.

Yogi Candle Studio Soy Wax Melts review
Yogi Candle Studio Soy Wax Melts (3 bars for £10)

Next to the candles were all of Yogi Candle Studio's Soy Wax Melts and I picked up three bars in their £10 mix and match deal. Again, I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the scents and in the end, I opted for Sunrise (Coconut & Lime), New Beginnings (Cherry Blossom & Peony), and Refresh (Peppermint & Eucalyptus). 

Like the candles, these are also made from sustainably and ethically sourced soy wax which is palm-oil free, vegan, and cruelty-free. These bars are what I like to call the 'snap-apart-chocolate-style bars' and have a combined burn time of around 35 hours. I absolutely adore all of these scents and will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Not local to Stafford? Shop online at yogicandlestudio.com

Have you discovered any local small brands in your area recently?

Foodie Friday: Mr. Popple's Chocolate review - Raw, Organic, Vegan & Ethical #GiftGuide

Friday, 3 December 2021

 

Calling all fellow chocoholics - this post is especially for you! Dive into the scrumptious world of Mr. Popple's Chocolate and discover some of the best raw, organic, and vegan chocolate that I've ever had the pleasure of trying.

Chocolate is, of course, a very easy product to review, but it's not always the easiest to shop for these days. With increasing awareness about child labour, slavery and environmental destruction being linked to the process of making chocolate, it's more important than ever to make ethical choices for both people and the planet.

This is why I'm pleased to feature Mr. Popple's Chocolate as the first addition to my Christmas Gift Guide for 2021!

Why You Should Buy Mr. Popple's Chocolate
Mr. Popple's Chocolate is a proper bean-to-bar chocolate that's handcrafted using raw Criolla Cacao which is fairly traded in partnership with a local farmer's co-op in Peru. Not only is the cacao sustainably grown in the Amazon rainforest where no trees are cut down to farm it, but it's also higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than the leading dark chocolate brands (as tested by Oxford Brookes University).  

Using high-quality organic ingredients, the bars are handmade without any cheap refined sugars or fats, instead letting the flavour of the raw cacao do all the talking. A little sweetness is added with low GI Yacon Syrup or Coconut Blossom Sugar, so this chocolate is great for those who are keeping an eye on their sugar levels.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is completely plant-based and free from the top 14 allergens including dairy, soya, gluten and nuts which means it can be enjoyed by everyone. 

That's not all! These chocolate bars are wrapped in plastic-free compostable packaging and are free from palm oil to be kinder to the planet.

There are currently seven different flavours in the main range to explore plus some special limited edition bars. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of dark chocolate, but if you are, Mr. Popple's have 88% and 100% raw chocolate bars available for those who like the really dark stuff. 

Signature Seventy
Mr Popple's original raw chocolate sensation, the Signature Seventy is 70% raw cacao, sweetened with Yacon Syrup and a touch of creamy Lucuma Fruit. It's as dark as I like my chocolate to be, and has a wonderful rich quality to it.

Dark Mylk
For something creamier but that still possesses that rich dark quality, the Dark Mylk bar is a real treat. A combination of Hemp and Rice Milks has been added to 61% raw cacao with a little golden Coconut Sugar for a truly indulgent result.

Creamy Mylk
Gloriously smooth and silky, the Creamy Mylk is one of those vegan chocolates where you have to double-check the packet just to make sure it doesn't contain any dairy as it tastes so similar to the real thing. With 43% raw cacao, this one has a proper moreish mouthfeel and it's the perfect choice for those who enjoy high-quality raw chocolate but prefer something milkier and sweeter.

Pumpkin Spice
A special limited-edition flavour, Pumpkin Spice is an additive blend of 43% raw cacao with a cosy mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Cloves layered over creamy Hemp and Rice milks. I love seasonal flavours like this so stock up and pop them into your Santa stockings!

Euphoric Orange
Back to the darker quantities, Euphoric Orange is a festive choice for this time of the year with 70% raw cacao, Sweet Orange Oil and a little Yacon Syrup and another personal favourite of mine.

Uplifting Mint
To round off, I had to include Uplifting Mint which in my opinion is equally as festive as chocolate orange. It has a similar composition with 70% raw cacao and an interesting twist of Lime that fits nicely with the Mint Oil.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate Bars* (pictured above are 35g bars, £2.19 each) are available from mrpoppleschocolate.co.uk

Are you buying chocolate treats this year?

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Foodie Friday: Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review

Friday, 12 June 2020

Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review
Getting a treat delivered through the post has been one of the few highlights of being in lockdown and a great way to lift your mood when everything seems so overwhelming. Like many, I've used this time to support some of my favourite ethical and independent businesses and this month, I decided to treat myself to Ombar's Super Choc Bundle

If you haven't tried Ombar before, please read this review as fast as humanly possible and put in your order online for one of their Super Choc Bundles - you won't regret it!

Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review
Ombar are the crème de la crème of dairy-free chocolate. From the first moment that you savour their impossibly rich and creamy creation, you'll instantly fall in love. Not only is their chocolate vegan-friendly, gluten-free and organic, it's also fair trade (purchasing direct from farmer's co-ops in Ecuador) and made with raw cacao with zero refined sugar. But Ombar doesn't taste like a regular 'healthy' chocolate at all, neither does it taste like a typical dairy-free one. How do they do it then?

Firstly, the use of raw cacao means that there are more polyphenols (the super healthy compounds found in cacao and other plant-based ingredients) in each bar which you won't find in cacao that's been heated at high temperatures or roasted. Secondly, as there's no refined sugar present, the sweetness of the chocolate comes from a little added Coconut Sugar, whilst Creamed Coconut replaces traditional milk solids for a smooth and silky texture. Finally, each Ombar is packed with billions of live cultures (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) for a tasty dose of gut-friendly bacteria.

Ombar is a 'superfood chocolate' and each bar provides a source of Maganese which helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress.

And it's utterly delicious! With 14 flavours to choose from, I knew I had to treat myself to a Super Choc Bundle where you can build your own box of Ombars and choose 8 flavours to try.

Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review
What's In My Box?

Ombar Coco Mylk
Coco Mylk is Ombar's lightest and creamiest mylk chocolate - perfect for those who want dairy-free chocolate but aren't a fan of the dark stuff. With 55% raw Cacao, it has a delectable melt-in-the-mouth texture and the natural coconut flavouring comes through the strongest with this one.

Ombar Strawberry Mylk
Coco Mylk's fruity little sister Strawberry Mylk has all the coconutty goodness with a zingy Strawberry flavour blended throughout. It's literally like your favourite childhood strawberry milkshake in bar form - absolute summer heaven.

Ombar Coco 60% 
Coco 60% takes the raw Cacao count up to 60% so that you get a deeper chocolatey flavour than Coco Mylk. I really enjoy a piece of this to satisfy my sweet tooth after dinner and with such a rich taste, it's a good one to properly savour.

Ombar Mandarin
Orange chocolate is a classic flavour combination and it doesn't get better than Ombar Mandarin. Smooth and dark with tangy Mandarin and a pinch of tart Cranberry to help zing it up further, this is the one to try if you think you don't like dark chocolate.

Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review
Ombar Centres Pistachio
The Ombar Centres bars are a truly special creation and each one has a smooth filling sandwiched between two layers of 60% dark chocolate. As you can see, I chose two of the Pistachio flavour as it's my current favourite and one was just not enough! I could actually eat a whole box of these as that subtle nutty Pistachio centre is to die-for.

Ombar Centres Raspberry & Coconut
Raspberry & Coconut is another fruity and creamy flavour that reminds me of Wimbledon and lazy summer days. The balance of the slightly tangy Raspberry is spot on with the creamy Coconut for a match made in summertime heaven (or all year round, it's that good).

Ombar Centres Coconut & Vanilla
Finally, my last choice was Coconut & Vanilla from the Centres range. I find that it's one of the more sweeter offerings from Ombar and it really hits the spot when I want a really indulgent and creamy bar of chocolate.

Ombar Super Choc Bundle is £12.74 (8 x 35g bars of your choice) with free UK P&P - ombar.co.uk

Have you tried Ombar?

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New In Beauty: PHB Ethical Beauty Bio-Gel Skin Brightener review

Monday, 25 March 2019

PHB Ethical Beauty Bio-Gel Skin Brightener review
For the past few weeks, I've been testing out the latest skincare launch from the cruelty-free British brand, PHB Ethical Beauty. Meet the Bio-Gel Skin Brightener!

What is it and what does it claim to do?
This is a light gel, serum-like skincare treatment which helps to brighten dark spots, reduce and prevent pigmentation areas, evens out your skin tone and provides overall radiance to your complexion.

What are the key ingredients?
Made from 100% naturally derived ingredients, the Bio-Gel Skin Brightener contains key ingredients such as Aloe Vera to soothe and hydrate, Neroli to target dark spots and dullness, Immortelle to brighten and even out the skin, and Licorice to specifically target melanin production to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation problems. Full INCI can be found here

What's not in it?
This product is free from parabens, palm oil, GM ingredients, sulphates, silicones, mineral oil and petroleum derivatives, artificial colours and fragrances.

Who can use it?
Lots of people can enjoy the Bio-Gel Skin Brightener as there are no animal ingredients in the formula so vegans can use it, and it's also Halal certified. If dark spots, pigmentation marks/areas and general dullness/lack of radiance are skincare concerns to you, you may benefit from incorporating it into your routine. It's safe to use during pregnancy and PHB state that all genders and ages can use it from the age of 3+.  

How do I use it?
I've been using this in place of my usual evening serum whenever I feel that my dull skin needs a brightening boost (I don't have any dark spots or pigmentation areas, so it's something I've wanted to try purely for its overall radiance promoting qualities), so you can use it in the same way after cleansing and toning, and it's gentle enough to use morning and night. I like to follow it up with a  facial oil or moisturiser afterwards as I find that it helps to lock everything in as I love layering my products.

Overall thoughts?
I'll be honest - I wasn't completely enamoured with the PHB Bio-Gel Skin Brightener at first as it didn't seem to really do anything for my skin in the beginning, but after using it for a couple of weeks now, I can see that my complexion does look noticeably brighter than it was before. It smells lovely and fresh, and has a brilliant light texture that sinks into the skin quickly without feeling greasy or sticky, plus it's packaged in a luxurious feeling glass bottle. I wouldn't say that it's an essential in my skincare routine, but it is a nice addition to have and I'll happily continue to use it.

PHB Ethical Beauty Bio-Gel Skin Brightener* (50ml, £25) is available from LoveLula.com

Have you tried anything from PHB Ethical Beauty?

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Currently Loving: Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review #EthicalJewellery

Sunday, 3 June 2018

Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review
Taking pride in your jewellery purchases and investing in some beautiful, ethically made pieces that you'll cherish for years to come, needn't be as expensive as you may think. The latest addition to my collection is this stunning, yet simple piece from Sacet

If you think ethical jewellery looks too 'hippy' for your liking, Sacet will definitely help to change your mind! Sacet brings together a wealth of designers and talented craftspeople who are committed to transforming the designer jewellery industry by focusing on bringing a more sustainable approach to people, profits and the planet. This means that everything you purchase from Sacet is ethically and consciously crafted; the people making your jewellery are paid fairly for their work, their communities and livelihoods are supported, and all the materials used are ethically sourced. 

To help spread the word about what they're doing, Sacet very kindly asked me to review one of their pieces and I had the pleasure of choosing the Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace, which immediately caught my eye when I was browsing their website.

Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review
Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review
Packaged in an elegant, eco-friendly (made from recycled materials) white gift box, this necklace has been designed by Meng Zhang, a London based designer who holds a MA in Jewellery Design from the prestigious Central Saint Martins. She's won numerous awards and has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, as well as being shortlisted in a design competition for the luxury Parisian brand, Chaumet.

The Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace is a beautifully simple and timeless design which features an abstract perched butterfly on a delicate chain, or it can be turned around and presented as a classic heart. This interchanging design is something that definitely drew me to the piece because it's almost like having two necklaces in one! I've lost count of how many compliments I've received from friends and family since it arrived, and I love how it pairs so well with so many of my outfits, especially this vintage wine-red lace dress.

Made from recycled sterling silver, this necklace is available in three different chain lengths (16, 18 or 20 inch) and comes in three colours; Silver (as shown), Gold (18k Gold Vermeil on Sterling Silver) and Rose Gold (18k Rose Gold on Sterling Silver)

Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review
Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace review
 Sacet Lujia Perched Butterfly Necklace in Silver* retails for £59 and is available from sacet.com

Have you purchased anything from Sacet?

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Introducing: LOWTOXBOX - October 2017 review

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

 LOWTOXBOX - October 2017 review
As many of you know, I've been an avid fan of subscription boxes since they emerged onto the market a couple of years ago. Back then, it was near impossible to find a box that catered towards the more eco-conscious, green beauty consumer, but thankfully nowadays there's much more choice on offer! One of my latest discoveries is LOWTOXBOX.

LOWTOXBOX are a subscription box based here in the UK, which has an aim to help people live greener, healthier and more eco-friendly lives. Each month, they'll send you a box with up to 8 handpicked products, and you can expect to receive products that are Organic, Ethical, Vegan, Fairtrade, Cruelty-Free, Healthy, Natural, or Eco-Friendly (many include more than one of these attributes). If that doesn't sound good enough, LOWTOXBOX have also ensured that all of their box packaging is fully recyclable and uses only non-toxic inks, plus they will plant a tree for every box sold to offset the carbon footprint of making the box and delivering it you - how awesome is that?! 

Needless to say, I was very excited to open up their latest box which arrived last week. Here's what I found in the October LOWTOXBOX:-

 Nix and Kix Peach & Vanilla Natural Energy Drink
 Nix and Kix Peach & Vanilla Natural Energy Drink (250ml, RRP £1.25)

For those who are looking for a more natural based energy drink to replace their Redbull habit with, Nix and Kix have a range of refreshing flavours available, including this delicious Peach & Vanilla one. Made from vegan-friendly, all natural ingredients, this drink contains no added sugar and is only 50 calories per can. The natural 'energy' comes from the addition of locally sourced Cayenne Pepper which helps to boost your metabolism, increases your happy endorphin levels and releases energy throughout the day. The Peach & Vanilla flavour is quite subtle in a lightly sparkling drink, and I was surprised by how well the Chilli works with it, but it does!

Eco Strawz Stainless Steel Straw
 Eco Strawz Stainless Steel Straw (RRP £1.49)

Disposable plastic is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time, so I was pleased to see this handy Stainless Steel Straw from Eco Strawz included in the box. Made from high-quality 304-grade, food-safe stainless steel, this straw can be used as a toxic-free, BPA-free, plastic-free alternative to disposable straws, and can be used time and time again. They also make glass, titanium and bamboo straws, so if you're looking for some affordable eco-friendly stocking fillers, be sure to check them out and help everyone to ditch the unnecessary plastic for good.

 FRUU Avocado Lip Balm (RRP £2.99) & Kathy Sue-Ann's Super Nourishing Organic Body Butter with Sweet Orange Oil (50ml, RRP £8)

I've used FRUU Lip Balms before and remember really liking this Avocado one which is made from 100% natural ingredients including Organic Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera. It's cruelty-free, suitable for vegans and has a nourishing formula that's perfect for keeping chapped lips at bay during the Winter months. You can also use it underneath your favourite lipsticks as a primer thanks to its matte finish - perfect!

Kathy Sue-Ann's are a new discovery for me and they are a London based natural and organic skincare company who are cruelty-free and make all of their own products by hand. This travel size tub of their bestselling Nourishing Organic Body Butter has a gorgeous uplifting Sweet Orange scent to it, and feels wonderfully pampering on the skin. Ideal for keeping even the driest of skin types happy.

 Snact Apple & Mango Fruit Jerky (20g, RRP £0.89) & Perkier Cashew, Chia & Pumpkin Seed Quinoa Bar (RRP £0.99)

If you haven't heard of Snact before, they're a fantastic company who only use 'ugly' fruit that would normally be sent to landfill by supermarkets, and instead, they create delicious fruity snacks with them. These bags of fruit jerky are great to eat on the go or to pack in your lunchbox and I love this Apple & Mango flavour. Made from 100% fruit and nothing else, they're suitable for vegans and gluten-free. 

I also really enjoyed the Perkier Quinoa Bar which is packed full of nutritious natural ingredients such as Cashews, Chia and Pumpkin Seeds. It's sweet (thanks to a little Brown Rice Syrup) and has a satisfyingly chewy texture for a healthy snack that you can pop into your handbag.

Mallow & Marsh Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Marshmallows
 Mallow & Marsh Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Marshmallows (RRP £2.79)

I was so excited to see these, but when I had a quick scan of the ingredients, I was disappointed to see that they have beef gelatine in them so I couldn't eat them. If you're not a vegetarian, they are large Raspberry Marshmallows that are coated in Dark Chocolate. What a shame that they're not veggie friendly!

Iam By Nature Honey & Co Face Mask
Iam By Nature Honey & Co Face Mask (RRP £6.25) and Roz Skincare Mixing Set (RRP £11.75)

The last two products in the box are a real treat for green beauty skincare fans! Both of these are from Iam By Nature, and will help you channel your inner DIY beauty skills. In one pack is a Honey & Co Face Mask which come in pods to keep the natural and organic ingredients as fresh as possible until you're ready to use them. This face mask is made from just two ingredients; Honey and Lupin Flour, for a refreshing, soothing and gentle treatment that can be used twice a week. 

The second pack contains a nifty little Mixing Set which includes a bowl and a spoon that have been made from rice husks (the hard parts which are thrown away). I think this is incredible as it feels just like thick and sturdy plastic! The perfect eco-friendly companion to make the face mask (and all your other DIY beauty treatments) with.

LOWTOXBOX* is £18.75 per month, plus P&P. To find out more and to sign up, visit lowtoxbox.com

What's your favourite eco-friendly subscription box?

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Green Beauty: Goodbeing Natural Beauty & Wellness Lifestyle Box - October 2017 review

Friday, 27 October 2017

Goodbeing Natural Beauty & Wellness Box - October 2017 review
Natural beauty boxes have really grown in number this year, and I'm now finding myself coming across new ones all the time which is very exciting! My latest discovery is Goodbeing.

Goodbeing are a natural beauty and wellness subscription box based in the US, but they ship to the UK and a number of other countries including Canada, Australia, France and Sweden, to name a few. They offer two different types of monthly boxes; a beauty box and a lifestyle box. The beauty box contains just beauty, whereas the lifestyle box contains a mix of beauty, wellness and lifestyle products. As I love exploring a bit of everything, I decided to try out the Lifestyle option.

When you first sign up to Goodbeing, you fill out a very detailed questionnaire about your beauty requirements such as skin type, hair type, what kind of makeup you like, what you don't like etc, and also about your general lifestyle interests. This allows Goodbeing to personally curate the products that you'll receive in the boxes to your profile, so you'll never receive a moisturiser for dry skin if you have oily skin for example. They are a 'trial and discovery' service, so all of the products are travel and sample sizes, and you'll receive 4-5 products each month, with a combined value of at least $45.

Best of all though - you get to choose 2 of the products yourself! I really love this because it means you get to choose and have a surprise, all in the same box. So to give you an idea of what you can expect from Goodbeing, here's what I received in my October Lifestyle box.

Orglamix Magnetism Eye Primer
Orglamix Magnetism Eye Primer (Full size, RRP $15)

I was pleased to see a selection of makeup available to choose from, and I opted for this Magnetism Eye Primer from Orglamix.  I haven't heard of the brand before, but their American and cruelty-free, and I have to say that this is a pretty decent eye primer for a natural brand. I've been looking for a replacement to my beloved Urban Decay Primer Potion for such a long time, and this Orglamix one is the best that I've tried so far. It's not as hardcore strong as UDPP of course, but it keeps my eyeshadow in place for around 6-8 hours, before I start to notice any telltale creasing on my oily lids which isn't bad at all. I'm also impressed that it's full size as I wasn't expecting that!

Everbiotics Synbiotics Supplements

Everbiotics Synbiotics Supplements (5 sticks, RRP $6.83 - full size is 30 sticks for $40.99)

The second product that I chose for this box was a sample pack of Everbiotics Synbiotics supplements. I received 5 of their on-the-go stick sachets which I know will come in handy for travelling and popping into my handbag. This supplement is a synergistic blend of Prebiotics and Probiotics, fortified with Superfoods, to help boost your health. You just need to take one stick a day, which comes in a powder that you can mix into a cold drink. Tastes good!

Modicum No. 3 Essential Serum
Modicum No. 3 Essential Serum (10ml travel size, RRP $25 - full size is 30ml for $65)

Regular readers will know that I love my skincare, so I made sure to fill out all of the details via the online questionnaire about my skin type and the kinds of products that I like. I was happy to see that Goodbeing had noted this and they chose this serum from Modicum for my box. Organic, vegan and cruelty-free, the No. 3 Essential Serum is an 'extracts-based anhydrous formula comprised of highly medicinal and nutritious plants for the skin'. It contains ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil and Rose Damascus, and boasts anti-aging properties, making it suitable for those who are starting to see the first signs of ageing, as well as those who already have wrinkles and fine lines. 

I also like how it's ideal for anyone who has acne, eczema and psoriasis, thanks to the healing benefits of many of the ingredients included in the formula. I've used it three times so far and I love how it absorbs into my skin and makes it feel hydrated and smooth.

Borika Mandarin + Cacao Natural Body Scrub
Borika Mandarin + Cacao Natural Body Scrub (sample pack, RRP $8.95 - full size is $19.95)

The fourth and final product is a sample pack from Borika which was selected for me by the Goodbeing team (perhaps in reference to the fact that I adore pampering products!). This all-natural, organic Mandarin and Cacao Natural Body Scrub has a Brown Sugar base which is infused with Almond Oil, Cacao and Mandarin Oil, and that's it! Simple but effective, it does the job and leaves my whole body feeling revitalised and super smooth - brilliant!

Goodbeing Beauty and Lifestyle Boxes* retail from $9.95 per month, plus shipping. For more info and to sign up, visit joingoodbeing.com

What's your favourite natural beauty box?

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Mid-Week Pamper Treats with Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review

Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review
It's so common to see the words 'natural', 'organic' and 'vegan' on beauty products these days, but what about 'fairtrade'? If your bathroom is absent of the Fairtrade logo, it's time to treat yourself to a pamper with Fair Squared.

Fairtrade is a term that most consumers are aware of when it comes to products like coffee, tea and bananas, but it can apply to any product that contains certified fairtrade ingredients which meet the strict regulations of the Fairtrade Foundation. This important global social movement works with small communities of farmers all over the world to help them trade their goods for a fair price. But it goes so much further than that. Buying certified fairtrade products also helps to fund education, empowers some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people, fights for and protects worker's rights, and sets strong environmental protections to promote sustainability. All in all, buying fairtrade means that everyone involved gets a good deal with a much brighter future, so what's not to love?!

One such brand that puts fairtrade at the heart of what it does is Fair Squared. This ethical cosmetics company produces a range of cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, natural skincare and body care products, and I've been testing out a couple of their gorgeous pampering treats.

Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review
Fair Squared Lime Shower Gel* (250ml, £8.95, link)
This SLS-free shower gel uses fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine and fairtrade Limes from Brazil for a truly nourishing and hydrating experience in the shower. It smells fresh and uplifting, and cleanses the whole body without drying out your skin. It's perfect for my dry skin and is free from parabens, phthalates, suflates and PEGs. If Lime isn't your thing, Fair Squared also have a range of other scents available including Vanilla, Coconut, Green Tea and Coffee - yum! 

Fair Squared Coconut Body Scrub* (150ml, £8.95, link
For a scrub that smells good enough to eat, this body exfoliator contains tiny fairtrade Coconut Flakes from Thailand to gently remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin in a matter of minutes. This scrub also has fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine, so it's really moisturising, leaving your skin feeling soft and thoroughly pampered afterwards.

Fair Squared Shea Body Butter* (300ml, £12.95, link)
If you have dry skin like I do, you'll love this Shea Body Butter which is made from a blend of simple natural ingredients including fairtrade Olive Oil and Shea Butter. It has a lovely rich texture and is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to rejuvenate tired, dry skin and restore it to its former glory. The Body Butter sinks in nicely and doesn't feel greasy or sticky afterwards. I know I'll be using this a lot throughout Winter!

Shop the full range of Fair Squared products online in the UK via pravera.co.uk

Do you use any fairtrade beauty products?

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Xmas Gift Idea: Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange and Frangipani Bath Soak review

Monday, 2 December 2013

Looking for a beauty gift for someone who loves ethical, natural/green companies made in the UK and enjoys baths?  Conscious Skincare's luxurious Sweet Orange and Frangipani Bath Soak ticks all the right boxes.

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