Getting Ready for Spring with Typology Tinted Serums - Review & Swatches

 

Spring may be a couple of weeks away at the moment, but I cannot wait for the warmer weather, longer days and this miserable lockdown to finally lift! Spring is also a great time to experiment with some lighter bases for your makeup and these Typology Tinted Serums will be demanding a place on your vanity table.

I'll have to admit that I haven't been wearing much makeup at all recently, which probably explains why this particular review is so long overdue. I received these Tinted Serums from the Parisian luxury brand Typology late last year, and it's only been in the last couple of weeks that I've felt the desire to pick them up (lockdown has not been kind to the state of my mental health). 

Thankfully, this extended period of time has allowed me to properly play around with these serums and they really are pretty special indeed!

These cruelty-free, vegan-friendly Tinted Serums are made from 99% naturally derived ingredients and are enriched with plant-based actives such as Vitamin C, Squalane and Aloe Vera to care for your skin and protect it against the elements. Think of them like 'makeup with skincare benefits', rather than just a stand-alone makeup base and they are free from a long list of common nasties and irritants such as fragrance, silicones, parabens and nanoparticles. 

Packaged in sleek square glass bottles, they feature a very long dropper applicator as shown above which I have a bit of a love/hate relationship as sometimes it dispenses just the right amount and sometimes it can get a little stuck and nothing comes out - argh! You definitely need to give these Tinted Serums a good shake as instructed!

Available in just six shades which are based on the Fitzpatrick Phototype Scale, Typology promise that there's a shade to match every skin tone and they can be mixed & matched to create the perfect bespoke colour. Usually, I would raise my eyebrows at such a tiny shade range, however, as they are tinted formulas, I believe there is some truth in the matter here as they do blend effortlessly into the skin.

As the name suggests, these serums are ultra-light, adaptable and feel like water, just like a regular serum. The concentration of pigment is higher than I initially imagined so you can use more product for a little more coverage if required, but they won't, of course, cover blemishes or facial marks so you'll still need a concealer for those.

I have tried the shades 3 (bottom swatch) and 4 (top swatch), and 3 is definitely more of Spring/Summer shade for my Olive skin tone. I would wear 4 in the height of Summer when I'm at my most (fake) tanned, and the finish of these is truly beautiful with a radiant glow.

It's worth noting that if you find that you're between shades, you can purchase the second Tinted Serum for half price which allows you to mix two shades together for less - thank you Typology!

At the end of the day, take it all off with these lovely Reusable Makeup Remover Pads* (£15.80 for a pack of 8 pads in a canvas bag) which are made from sustainable bamboo fibres. They are super soft and high-quality, and you just pop them into the washing machine after each use - easy and eco-friendly!

Typology Tinted Serums* (£24.80, 30ml each) are available from typology.com

Are you a fan of light makeup bases?

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Introducing: Typology - Vegan, Ethical & Natural Skincare - My Personalised AM & PM Routine for Oily/Combination Skin

Launched in the UK just last month, I was very honoured to be part of a lucky few green beauty bloggers, who were sent packages from Typology to test out some of their natural skincare ahead of its release date. This is definitely a brand for serious skincare fans and I couldn't wait to try a whole new routine!

Typology describe themselves as a 'clean, genderless and 100% digital' natural skincare brand who are based in Paris, and they certainly have their eye on the prize with their current plans to expand further afield. Their mission is to promote critical thinking within the personal care spectrum whilst demystifying the skincare industry and breaking a couple of rules along the way, so you can see why they grabbed my attention as soon as I received an email introducing me to the brand.

Created by Ning Li, founder of MADE.com, Typography has 'future cult status' written all over it. From their ethical and vegan-friendly credentials, effective and active natural ingredients, to a strong commitment to sustainability and of course, that super sleek and chic aesthetic, Typography is a brand that's easy to fall in love with from the get-go.

My Personal Prescription with Typography

After answering a couple of questions about my skin, highlighting any specific concerns that I currently have, a personal prescription was quickly drawn up and this involves all of the products that I was very kindly sent to test out. The prescription card went into detail about my skin diagnosis to help me understand why the products had been chosen and I feel this was an excellent introduction to the way that the brand works overall, and would be most helpful to consumers to better educate them about their skin. 

My main skin concerns at the moment are balancing my oily/combination type, reducing breakouts, blemishes, redness and inflammation, and protecting the natural skin barrier against oxidative stressors such as pollution. 

AM Routine

My AM routine prescription consisted of just three products; a cleansing bar, hydrolate toner and a specific serum based on my menstrual cycle.

Typology Solid Purifying Cleansing Bar* (100g, £11.80, link)

It's been a while since I've used a solid cleansing bar to wash my face as I automatically gravitate towards gel and cream cleansers, so trying a bar was a pleasant change from the norm. This Purifying Cleansing Bar is made from 100% natural ingredients and features cold-saponified plant-based oils and fats to create the soap. These include a blend of Organic Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter (great for soothing, repairing, softening and nourishing the skin), plus purifying actives of Organic Eucalyptus and Spearmint Essential Oils and Organic Nettle Powder which reduce the size of the sebaceous glands, regulates sebum production, heals damaged skin and helps to balance it overall. It's easy to use - just wet and lather by the sink or in the shower and rinse off. My skin felt thoroughly refreshed and clean without the usual tightness or dryness that sometimes occurs from using purifying cleansers.

Typology Organic Peppermint Hydrolate* (100ml, £8.80, link)

I followed up with a reusable cotton pad that had been soaked in the Organic Peppermint Hydrolate and this is one of the most invigorating and refreshing products I've ever used on my face! Distilled from Organic Peppermint Leaves (derived from the Lamiaceae family that's native to France), the Hydrolate is a wonderfully simplistic but effective toner which has natural purifying and astringent properties to help tighten pores and keep sebum in check. It also helps to soothe any inflammation or redness, but as always, do remember to do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

Typology Woman Serums

The third and final step of my prescribed AM routine was to use a serum from Typology's Periodic Woman Serums* (4 x 15ml, £44.90) - a clever pack of four serums which have been designed to be used during different weeks of your menstrual cycle like so:-

• Week 1: Hydrating and Soothing Serum
• Main active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, bisabolol and cornflower floral water. 89% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 2: Suppleness and Radiance Serum
• Main active ingredients: vitamin C and fruit acids (blueberry, lemon and orange). 88% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 3: Hydrating and Astringent Serum
• Main active ingredients: sugar extracted from wheat and ginger extract. 91% naturally-derived.
• 
  
• Week 4: Mattifying and Anti-Blemish Serum
• Main active ingredients: seaweed extract and zinc. 89% naturally-derived.

I've been particularly interested in these serums as my skin definitely goes through noticeable changes during my cycle, so it makes a lot of sense to use a specific product to address these differences. I tried them out for a full month and found that they did work incredibly well - especially during weeks 3 & 4 when my skin tends to start having a tantrum and breaking out. Each serum absorbs quickly and produced the results from what they say on the label - perfect! I would highly recommend these to all menstruating women and it's certainly made me consider how I should change up my skincare routine throughout my cycle to better support my complexion. It's worth mentioning that you only need one drop per application so these bottles will last a good while.

PM Routine

Moving onto my evening skincare routine, Typology prescribed a micellar water and three different types of serums to address my skin's concerns. I could then finish up with my regular moisturiser.

Typology 7 Ingredient Micellar Water* (200ml, £12.80, link)

I've always liked micellar waters, ever since they became hugely popular, but I've mainly used them to just remove waterproof makeup or as a quick first cleanse before using a cream or balm cleanser. So the thought of only using a micellar water in the evenings was a little strange to me as I'm so used to my double cleanses! That said, this 7 Ingredient Micellar Water worked a charm and removed all traces of daily grime and makeup, and it didn't sting my eyes or dry out my skin. It's fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.  

Typology Hyaluronic Acid 3% + 2% B5 Serum* (15ml, £11.80, link)

On evenings where my skin was craving some extra moisture, I applied the Hyaluronic Acid 3% + 2% B5 Serum, which is suitable for all skin types and has a fresh gel-like texture. I always get on with anything that has Hyaluronic Acid in as it's amazing for locking in moisture for longer and this married well with the B5 in the formula helps the skin to stay perfectly hydrated until the next day.

Typology Bakuchiol 1% Serum* (15ml, £14.80, link)

Ideal for oily skin that's prone to acne and breakouts, the Bakuchiol 1% Serum is a must-have for controlling fussy skin. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Bakuchiol is a popular anti-blemish ingredient and has been regularly used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It works by targeting the bacteria that gets lodged in the sebum of the pores, helping to prevent the blemish from developing further. It's also useful for repairing skin damage and reducing the appearance of scars. I really love this serum and it's something that I'll definitely continue to use more of in the future.

Typology Salicyclic Acid 2% + Zinc 1% Serum* (15ml, £19.80, link)

Finally, I applied a little of the Salicyclic Acid 2% + Zinc 1% Serum to any blemishes that were already gracing my complexion and I was very pleased to see a huge reduction after just the first use. This serum is fantastic as a localised spot treatment to use as and when blemishes pop up, and it's another product that I highly recommend to have in your skincare stash if you have oily/combination skin. 

Extras

The more I looked into Typology, the more I discovered and realised how vast their product range is, and I was thrilled to find these extras in my skincare package. There were two Perfume Discovery Sets* (£8.80 each, link) with some gorgeous fresh floral and citrusy scents (the Pamplemousse Petit Grain and Yuzu are new faves), and their popular 9 Ingredient Lip Balm* (15ml, £9.80, link) which is packed full of nourishing plant-based actives with nothing unnecessary or artificial added.

Overall Thoughts

Typology is obviously a brand for ardent skincare lovers and savvy consumers who want natural and effective products. But it's also a brand that can be embraced by those new to skincare as their informative website is full of advice about how to build a routine that suits your skin type and the online shop makes it easy to find products to address your skin concerns. It reminds me of a more streamlined and simplified luxury version of The Ordinary, but with better ingredients, more ethics and none of the drama.

Discover the full range at uk.typology.com

What would you like to try from Typology?

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Foodie Friday: Lina's French Hot Chocolate Fondant / Melt In The Middle Cakes (Vegetarian recipe)

I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas?! I thought I would quickly pop back onto the blog to do a special Foodie Friday post to celebrate the upcoming New Year festivities. The past couple of days have been all about indulgence and enjoying yourself, so I wanted to share an absolutely delicious French Hot Chocolate Fondant Cake recipe, which is one of my favourite things to make during Christmas and New Year's.

This recipe was shared to me by a Parisian friend who spent some time studying in the UK last year before returning to France. Our whirlwind friendship is much missed, though we're still keeping in touch online - Lina, if you're reading this, this post is dedicated to you darling!

Chocolate Fondant Cake is a popular homemade dessert throughout France and there are many variations as it's one of those recipes that's frequently passed through the family, generation to generation. That said, the basis usually remains the same - it's simple and fuss-free to make and uses a lot of eggs, butter, chocolate and sugar, with not much flour. The coveted end result is an individual cake that has a firm top crust, soft sponge sides and a mouthwatering liquid chocolate centre.

Lina's version comes from her grandmother who had a serious sweet tooth so it involves milk chocolate, as well as dark, for an extra touch of sweet decadence. It's definitely worth investing in the highest quality ingredients that you can afford for the best results and to make this dessert even more special.

Ingredients:- (makes six individual cakes in ramekins)

• 100g High-Quality Cooking Chocolate - Milk
• 100g High-Quality Cooking Chocolate - Dark (at least 70%)
• 200g Unsalted Organic Butter 
• 150g Caster Sugar
• 80g White Flour
• 5 Medium Organic Free-Range Eggs
• 3 Organic Free-Range Yolks
• Cinnamon Powder to serve (optional)
• Double Cream or Ice-Cream to serve (optional)

Method:-

• Preheat the oven to 200C / Gas Mark 6 and allow it to thoroughly heat up for a good 15-20 minutes before you bake anything, otherwise the cakes won't retain their liquid centres.
• Add boiling water to a saucepan and place a large heatproof bowl on top of it to make a bain-marie. Roughly cut the Butter into chunks and break up all of the Chocolate. Add both to the bowl and allow to gently melt over a low simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a separate bowl, add the Caster Sugar and the 5 Eggs and whisk together. Add in the Flour and mix until you have a smooth consistency.
• Once the Chocolate and Butter has completely melted and cooled slightly, whisk in the 3 Egg Yolks. Then add the Caster Sugar/Egg mixture and combine everything together until smooth.
• Spoon the final mixture into six ramekins in even portions.
• Place the ramekins into the oven for 10 minutes - the tops should have a firm crust and the sides should be softer to indicate a liquid centre. 
• Serve immediately with a light dusting of Cinnamon and a generous dollop of Thick Double Cream or Vanilla Ice-Cream - enjoy!

Time saver tip: You can make the cake mixture a day in advance and store it in the ramekins in the fridge, ready to bake for when you need them - perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.

What's your favourite type of chocolate cake?

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Luxury Mid-Week Pamper Treats: Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala - Neck & Shoulders Oil, Anti-Stretch Marks Oil and Muscle Recovery Oil review

Neck feeling tense? Shoulders stiff and tight? Whether you've been hunched over at your desk for too long or you've been hitting that Hot Yoga class a little too hard recently, it's time to give your body some much needed TLC with the help of Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala.

Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala is a cruelty-free, French natural and organic skincare brand which mainly specialises in pure, cold-pressed plant oil-based products (although they do a lovely range of toners and floral waters as well which are not to be missed!). They have a strong wellbeing ethos that fits perfectly with their eco-friendly approach to skincare, and all of their products are Ecocert certified. 

Their formulas have been reworked from traditional and age-old skincare recipes, meaning that everything is as natural and simplistic as possible, whilst still being incredibly effective for the health and wellbeing of the skin. Needless to say, you won't find any 'nasties', preservatives or synthetic fragrances in anything that they offer. 

I've used body care oils for years, so I was keen to try some from Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala for a little luxury self-care pampering this week.

Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala Neck & Shoulders Oil* (100ml, £28.95, link)

I'm one of those people who carries a lot of tension and stress in my neck and shoulders, so this product was literally made for someone like me, and it is an absolute godsend! This dedicated oil is super relaxing and soothing with a blend of Organic Arnica and St John's Wort to help relieve all those niggling symptoms of daily stress and anxiety that build up in the neck and shoulders. There's also Organic Lavender, Orange, Wintergreen and Chamomile essential oils to further soothe and relax the muscles, and I love the handy rollerball that makes applying it so quick and easy.

Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala Anti-Stretch Marks Oil* (100ml, £27, link)

Give your body a confidence boost with this Anti-Stretch Marks Oil. Not only has it been specially developed to help reduce the overall appearance of stretch marks (both existing older, and newer ones), but it keeps the skin hydrated and smoother for longer with a nourishing composition of Organic Prickly Pear Flower, Jojoba Oil, Calophylle Oil and Centella Asiatic extract.  Skin is left feeling much firmer with improved elasticity so it's perfect for those 'wobbly' bits! Please note this oil isn't suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala Muscle Recovery Oil* (100ml, £28.50, link)

Finally, the product that I've been using the most often recently has been the Muscle Recovery Oil and it's been coming in so useful to use after a yoga or pilates session. Like the Neck & Shoulders Oil, this also has a convenient rollerball which makes it easy to apply to help soothe sore and tired muscles all over the body. It's formulated with a range of beneficial natural ingredients such as Organic Arnica Oil, Harpagophytum extract, Rosemary and Lavender essential oils to relax and ease muscle tension, and it can also be used pre-workout to help prevent muscle spasms. I found the oil to be nourishing, non-sticky/greasy, and easily absorbed like all of the other Laboratoire du Haut-Ségala products above.

Are you a fan of wellbeing body care oils?

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4 Must-Try Skincare Products from Caudalie

Caudalie are one of my favourite French skincare brands, and they're one that is readily available here in the UK. If you're new to the brand and haven't tried anything from them before, here are four of their bestselling products to put you in the right direction.

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser* (50ml travel size shown, full size is 150ml for £15)

With the warmer weather finally on its way, you may notice that your skin doesn't need a heavy cleansing balm or cream cleanser in the morning anymore, and this Instant Foaming Cleanser is perfect to use during Spring and Summer because it feels so lovely and light. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, this is a brilliant gentle cleanser which is enriched with Chamomile and Grape extracts to soothe and calm any redness. I really like using this as a morning cleanser because it's very refreshing, but you can also use it in the evenings to remove light makeup if desired, though I personally found that it doesn't remove waterproof makeup.  Oh, and don't be put off by the 'foaming' name - there's no harsh SLS or SLES in this, so it won't leave your skin feeling stripped or dry.

Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil (150ml, £18)

If you wear a lot of waterproof and/or long-lasting makeup, this clever Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil will effortlessly shift it all for you at the end of a long day. It features a 100% natural formula which includes a blend of plant-based oils including Sunflower Seed, Grape Seed and Sweet Almond, so it's incredibly nourishing on the skin and melts away makeup like it's no big deal. I generally use 2-3 pumps, massage it directly into dry skin and then add some water to emulsify it. A quick once-over with a flannel and some warm water is all you need to get the job done in less than 5 minutes and it works on a charm on waterproof mascara without stinging the eyes - easy peasy!  

Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask* (75ml, £22)

Caudalie's Glycolic Peel Mask is one of the most gentle products that I've tried when it comes to the sometimes intimidating world of Glycolic Acid treatments, so I'm not surprised to see that it's recommended for all skin types to try. It uses the key actives of Papaya Enzymes and Glycolic Acid to exfoliate the skin without the need for harsh scrubbing (remember this is a 'chemical' exfoliator, not a manual one, so the enzymes and natural acids basically munch away all the dead skin cells on your skin, instead of using scrubby bits to remove them), which helps the skin to look instantly brighter and clearer in just 10 minutes. If you've never used Glycolic Acid before, try this first!

Caudalie Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Oil* (30ml, £30)

For an anti-ageing facial oil with a difference, the Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Oil boasts an innovative 100% plant-based formula which helps to promote healthy cellular renewal and eliminate toxins from the skin. Infused with Grapeseed that's naturally high in anti-oxidants, there's also Rosehip Oil, Neroli, Lavender and Carrot Oils in this mix to purify, regenerate, and soothe skin that's frequently exposed to stress, pollution, UV's and other free radicals. What I like the most about this oil is that it has a dry oil style texture, so it's one that I often recommend to people who don't like the feel of a heavy or greasy oil on their skin. Instead, this one sinks in quickly, yet still feels nourishing and leaves the skin feeling super soft and smooth. Lovely to use as the last step in your evening skincare routine. 

*Special thanks to Love Me Beauty for sending this box to me!

Have you tried any of these?

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Green Beauty: 4 Products To Try From AYur-vana (Ayurvedic Beauty)

Last month, I was introduced to a French organic beauty brand called AYur-vana, who specialise in Ayurvedic medicines and beauty products, and I got the chance to try some of the latter.

My interest in Ayurveda only really started in the last two years or so, and it continues to grow as I learn more about these ancient Indian principles which involve Doshas (the three natural energies that make up a person's emotional and physical constitution), and a positive connection with ourselves and our environment. It's a vast and incredibly interesting philosophy to look into, especially if you're into alternative health and well-being, and I highly recommend picking up a copy of Sebastian Pole's book, A Pukka Life (reviewed here), if you're new to the subject. 

Ayurveda originates from India, however, its concepts have travelled to many corners of the world, so I wasn't at all surprised to find an Ayurvedic brand in France. I think the French have a much more open relationship with the importance of well-being than us Brits do, and it was a real pleasure exploring Ayur-vana's products. I was lucky enough to get to choose a couple of products to review, and I decided to opt for beauty products that you can use every day to introduce a little Ayurvedic goodness into your daily routine. 

 AYur-vana Shatavari & Aloe Vera Gel* (75ml, €12.50, link)

Shatavari is one of Ayurveda's most well-known herbs, and it's used in many Indian medicines. Derived from a member of the asparagus family, Shatavari root is perhaps most popular amongst women as it helps to promote fertility and a healthy reproduction system when taken orally, but it's also a fantastic ingredient to use in skincare thanks to its natural toning, purifying and hydrating properties. 

This gel has been formulated with 98% natural ingredients which include Shatavari, Aloe Vera and Rose Water, resulting in a lovely mutli-purpose gel that can be used all over the body to deeply moisturise, tone and protect the skin. It's particularly useful as an after-sun gel to soothe and hydrate any sunburnt areas and is gentle enough to use on the face. You don't need to use much to reap the full benefits of this product!

 AYur-vana Centella Body Lotion* (75ml, €14.50, link)

Centella Asiatica has been traditionally used for centuries in all manner of ointments and topical treatments, as it has strong repairing qualities that help the skin recover from trauma. It's also widely used as a moisturiser to keep the skin healthy and hydrated, which is why I love this Centella Body Lotion so much. It's 98.6% natural and has a lovely texture that sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't feel greasy afterwards. Perfect for using all over the body to keep it moisturised and feeling as soft as a baby's bum.

 AYur-vana Neem Foot Cream* (75ml, €12.05, link)

Neem is another hugely popular Ayurvedic herb that is prized for its antibacterial, repairing and disinfecting properties, making it the ideal key ingredient in this foot cream. Alongside Neem, there's also Aloe Vera, Hamamelis Floral Water, Cocoa Butter, Cajeput and Peppermint, which gives this moisturiser a rich and thick texture, with a wonderfully refreshing and uplifting scent. To keep feet feeling fresh for longer, a little Green Clay has also been added into the formula to help absorb any excess perspiration throughout the day so your feet can be as fresh as a daisy all Summer long!

AYur-vana Tea Tree Organic Essential Oil* (10ml, €8.15, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention is good old Tea Tree Oil. I always have a bottle of this in my skincare stash as it's one of my go-to products whenever I have a spot pop up out of nowhere, and it works wonders on blemishes of all sizes. To use it, I just put a drop onto a cotton bud and press it directly onto the blemish, holding it there for a minute or two to let it do its antibacterial magic. This one from AYur-vana is 100% pure and organic Tea Tree Essential Oil and it's worth paying extra for, as some cheaper Tea Tree Oils on the market are mostly alcohol based and only contain 1-5% Tea Tree, so always check the label.

To shop the full range of Ayurvedic medicines and beauty products from AYur-vana, simply visit their website: ayurvana.fr

Do you use any Ayurveda products?

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Currently Loving: Indemne Antiseche Nourishing Oil AKA The Best Multi-Tasking Beauty Oil Ever

Indemne are a fantastic natural, cruelty-free and vegan brand from France. They mainly specialise in skincare (I've reviewed a couple of their products in the past here), but their latest release is a real treat for skin, hair and body; a true multi-tasking beauty hero!

I'm a bit obsessed with products that can do more than one thing, as they're perfect for anyone who is on a budget or is going on holiday soon. This new Nourishing Oil from Indemne is my current obsession and here's why.

Indemne Antiseche Nourishing Oil* (100ml, £21.95, link)

The name of this product strongly hints at its multi-usage properties as 'Antiseche' is roughly translated from the French as 'Cheat Sheet'. Indeed, this Nourishing Oil will help you to cheat your way to glowy skin all over and beautifully hydrated hair!

The clever water-free formula is made from a rich and potent blend of 100% natural ingredients that features a whole host of skin-friendly oils such as Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Olive Oil and Squalene. There are also some citrusy essential oils included in this mix which gives it an overall fresh and summery scent, but one that's not too overpowering in my opinion.

I've been using this Nourishing Oil everywhere.

On my face, on the dry parts of my body (think elbows, cuticles, heels etc), in the bath, on my hair, everywhere! It is so nourishing and hydrating that it'll help to fix any dry skin problem straight away and it's amazing as a pre-shampoo treatment, as well as a leave-in conditioner for anyone who has dry and damaged hair. Best of all though, a little goes a long way, so you only need a couple of drops whichever way you want to use it. For face and neck, I like to use 1-3 drops depending on how dry my skin is feeling, and for my hair, I'll use 2-3 drops as an intensive scalp/pre-shampoo treatment, or 1-2 drops as a leave-in conditioning treatment through the lengths and ends. It's so easy to use and a great product to have in your beauty routine!

Available in the UK from lovelula.com who offer free delivery worldwide.

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Green Beauty: Trying Out Indemne Skincare for Sensitive, Dry & Eczema Prone Skin

Indemne are a French 'dermo-cosmetic' natural skincare brand who have recently launched in the UK. All of their products have been specially formulated to care for sensitive skin, and to help treat common skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, cellulite and general irritated skin and scalp complaints. 

Unlike other brands who use harsh or drying ingredients that can exacerbate these problems, Indemne use only 100% naturally derived ingredients that are free from the likes of parabens, sulphates and alcohol etc, and the brand as a whole are cruelty-free, with everything being suitable for vegans. 

I've had eczema since I was a child so I'm always looking for new products that will help calm down flare-ups and soothe redness and irritation when my skin is playing up. With this in mind, I was curious to try out a few from Indemne which I've been trialling over the past month.

 Indemne Gimme Soothing! Anti-Irritating Cleansing Base* (225ml, £14.18, link)

Whilst it's common to find creams and lotions to soothe eczema and irritated skin, it can be all too easy to forget that sensitive skin sometimes needs an extra helping hand in the shower, as many shower gels contain a lot of sulphates which can be especially drying and uncomfortable for already irritated skin. Gimme Soothing! is Indemne's solution as it's a super gentle cleansing wash that you can use all over your body in the shower, and you can also use it on your face to soothe away any redness and irritation. It has a lovely fresh and uplifting scent thanks to a complex of pure essential oils like Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood and Palmarosa, and the Vegetable Glycerine and Sweet Almond Oil base helps to moisturise dry skin. This has been great for my eczema flareups and it's a handy product to keep in your bathroom if your skin is easily prone to any kind of irritation.

 Indemne Gimme Clean! Ultra Soothing Lotion* (50ml, £19.09, link)

In addition to having eczema, I have a sensitive scalp that's can feel really irritated and itchy at times (usually during seasonal changes), so I was pleased to find a useful two-in-one product in Indemne's range which addresses both of these problems. Their Gimme Clean! Ultra Soothing Lotion is an interesting water-free, natural oil based treatment that's formulated with a special mix of vegetable derived oils (Apricot Kernel Oil and Squalene Oil) blended with essential oils of Coriander, Cedarwood and Roman Chamomile. It's suitable to use on the face, body and scalp, and you only need a few drops per application depending on where you want to use it. I've been applying it mainly on my body to keep dry areas in check and as a weekly scalp treatment to soothe away any itchy irritations - and it's been working a treat!

Indemne I Love Konjac Sponge* (£6.67, link)

I've spoken about how much I love konjac sponges in the past and I think that they're such a fantastic natural alternative to plastic based loofahs and harsh facial cleansing brushes. I always recommend them to anyone who has sensitive, dry or eczema-prone skin as they offer an easy and gentle way to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. I have two in my bathroom; one in the shower and this one by my sink to use with my morning cleansers. They start off hard and dry (it's basically a dehydrated vegetable sponge), but once you add water to them, they turn into a light and bouncy sponge that you can use on its own or with a cleanser/shower gel etc. Best of all, they last for around 2-3 months depending on how often you use it and they're fully biodegradable/compostable when you're finally finished with it. Pretty neat!

Indemne are available in the UK from LoveLula.com

Have you tried anything from Indemne?

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