Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Ready for another empties post? I know I am! Here's everything beauty-wise that I have used up over the past month or so with lots of skincare favourites.

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30 (travel size)

A great primer and sunscreen all in one, this goes on smoothly and makes applying foundation a breeze. I find it quite hydrating so feel free to skip the moisturiser with this one. Repurchase? Yes.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti Wrinkle Booster Serum (travel size)

I've gone through a fair few of these over the years and it's still one of my favourite anti ageing serums where you can actually see a noticeable difference to fine lines from using it. Repurchase? Yes.

17 Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara (reviewed here)

Cheap as chips, this no-frills mascara is less than a fiver and cruelty-free. If you're looking for an easy everyday option that adds length to your lashes, give this a go. Repurchase? Maybe.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter*

I love the heady lavender-based relaxing scent of NEOM's Perfect Night's Sleep range, so naturally, I was a big fan of this body butter which is infused with magnesium to help relax you further. Thick non-greasy texture and very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes as a luxury treat. 

PHYTO Apraisant Soothing Treatment Shampoo* 

If you have a sensitive scalp, you need to try this. It does feel quite clarifying so I'd recommend following it up with a good hair mask/moisturising conditioner if you have dry hair. Repurchase? Yes.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Renewing Cleansing Oil* (reviewed here)

I think this is the third or fourth bottle that I've gone through. It's a brilliant cleansing oil that's affordable and gets the job done, plus it lasts ages as a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

I don't think I'll ever tire of the gorgeous fresh citrusy scent of this hand cream - it's one of my all-time favourites and I've been using it for years. Repurchase? Yes.

Creightons BAMbeautiful Thickening Conditioning Masque (travel size)

Discovered this gem in a beauty box and I'll definitely be checking out the brand further. I have very fine hair and this hair mask adds noticeable bounce and volume without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum*

I loved using this serum in the morning as I felt it injected some brightness and life back into my skin, especially if I hadn't been sleeping well that night! Gorgeous texture and works well underneath makeup and moisturiser. Repurchase? Yes.

Balance Me Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum*

With three different types of hyaluronic acid in the formula, this serum is one of the best hyaluronic acid-based ones that I've tried. Plumps up the skin beautifully and keeps essential moisture locked in. Repurchase? Yes.

Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser (travel size)

From a GWP goody bag, I enjoyed using this dual-action primer moisturiser for when I felt that my skin needed a bit of extra glow factor. Delivers a juicy dewy finish so is something that I would probably use more often in the cooler months. Repurchase? Maybe.

Hugens Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum (travel size)

This was lovely and I really liked the light texture, however, the Balance Me serum above performs better in my opinion. Was nice to try though. Repurchase? Probably not.

The Beauty Crop Fill & Tame Brow Gel* 

Another beauty box discovery that I loved! The shade was perfect for me and it helped to fill in the gaps in my brows, whilst still keeping them looking natural. Repurchase? Yes.

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

Finishing this post off with a much-loved skincare favourite of mine - if you're looking for a high-end hydrating mist with clean ingredients, you absolutely can't go wrong with this! I also use it as a makeup setting spray over mineral powder foundation to keep my skin looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

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Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

What better way to start the New Year than with an Empties post? It's always satisfying to clear the clutter so let's start in the bathroom! Here are all the beauty products that I've finished recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing again in the future.

Leaf People Neroli & Vanilla Body Serum Oil* (reviewed here)

I first came across Leaf People when I judged this same Body Oil in the Cert Clean Beauty Awards. The USA brand was kind enough to send me a little thank-you package after the event and I've loved their Neroli & Vanilla Body Serum Oil ever since. With a rich but light texture, this oil is great for a relaxing self-care massage and pampering session, especially after a long hot bath, and the Neroli and Vanilla fragrance is gorgeous, to say the least. Repurchase? I can't find a UK stockist, unfortunately, but I would definitely pick it up again if I saw it over here.

Beauty Cleanse Cabbage + Cranberry + Hemp Anti-Pollution Deep Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover* (reviewed here)

The name is ridiculously long I know, but this is a proper indie beauty gem! It's packed full of antioxidants and has a luxury oil-to-milk, fragrance-free formula that just dissolves all traces of waterproof makeup, pollution, SPF, and daily grime, in a matter of seconds. I find it's so effective that you only need the tiniest amount which means this glass bottle lasts for months. Repurchase? Yes.  

Rahua Classic Shampoo* (reviewed here)

I've used Rahua's Classic Shampoo on and off for years, and it's one of those luxury haircare products that I only tend to buy when it's on offer due to how expensive it is. The Classic formula is brilliant for fine hair as it adds strength to the follicles without weighing everything down, plus it's safe to use for colour-treated locks too. Is it worth the price tag? This is something that I constantly um and ah about! Repurchase? Maybe if I see a good coupon code to use with it.

Terre Verdi AcquaDiRosa Balancing Mist* (travel size, reviewed here)

This is basically a fancy high-end, organic Rose Floral Water. Straight up and 100% pure, it's perfect for calming any redness and inflammation in your complexion, so lends itself well to those who have troublesome skin types that are prone to breakouts and irritation. Repurchase? As much as I enjoyed using it, it's not a unique product so I would probably shop around for a cheaper (but still organic) version.

Naobay Detox Illuminating Micellar Water (travel size)

Found in a beauty subscription box, Naobay's Detox Micellar Water is gentle but effective at removing makeup, including stubborn waterproof mascaras which is what I primarily use micellar waters for. Repurchase? Sadly this appears to have been discontinued :( 

Monpure Clarifying Scalp Scrub (travel size)

Another beauty box discovery that I was very excited to try out as a lot of people rave about this. However, I found it really difficult to wash out of my hair as it has a very thick, shea butter-rich formula with loads of jojoba beads. Repurchase? Not for me.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Cucumber Mint

You can't go wrong with a Burt's Bees Lip Balm and I've been buying them for years. By this point, they have become a beauty staple of mine and I must have tried all the different flavours that they do; Cucumber Mint is as refreshing as it sounds. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People CV Age Defy+ Cell Enrich Facial Oil* (travel size)

Green People's best range is their Age Defy line by their founder, Cha Vøhtz. This Cell Enrich Facial Oil is a really good find and has lots of nutrients to feed your skin everything that it needs to glow. If you're looking to nvest in a new facial oil this year, I highly recommend this one. Repurchase? Yes.

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Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

My oh my, how time flies! Another month has flown past so it's time for another Beauty Empties round-up. Here are all of the products that I've managed to use up recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've not been dyeing my hair much this year (or since Covid began to be honest!), but whenever I do, I like to keep a bottle of this Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner in the bathroom. I've gone through several of these over the years and I just love the protection that it provides, without weighing down my fine hair. Repurchase? Will do the next time I colour my hair!

Good Bubble Bubble Bath in Cloudberry* (reviewed here)

For an affordable, family-favourite bubble bath option that's 98% natural and has a gentle formula for sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with Good Bubble. Their bubble baths are only a few quid and Cloudberry in particular has such a lovely sweet scent. Repurchase? Definitely.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence* (reviewed here)

On the opposite side of the bathing price spectrum and for those times when you just want to really pamper yourself and indulge in a beautiful, hot bath for two hours, Dr. Hauschka comes highly recommended. This bath milk is seriously rich and creamy; you won't need to use a moisturiser afterwards as it leaves your skin feeling like silk and smelling of fresh roses. Pure heaven. Repurchase? On my wishlist for when I see it on offer!

Green People Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil

Another luxury favourite, this time from Green People's founder, Cha Vohtz's range, the Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil really is pure luxury in a bottle. Super nourishing, it softens and smoothes, leaving a delicate, fresh Neroli-based natural fragrance on the body. Repurchase? It might already be on my Christmas wants list...

Skin + Me Daily Doser*

Moving onto some skincare, I've enjoyed using the prescribed Skin + Me Daily Doser for the past three months, and the plastic-free recyclable aluminium twist-up tubes are brilliant. My custom formula had lots of beneficial ingredients such as Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid in it and when I was sticking to using it regularly, I did see an improvement in some of my problem areas such as getting rid of stubborn blackheads. Repurchase? Although it's a great formula, I do love trying new things and I have to admit that I got a little bored of this, but I'm sure I'll come back to it in the near future again.

Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm (travel size)

For dull and congested skin, this exfoliator from Aurelia is fantastic stuff, especially when used as a quick five-minute treatment once a week. It smells very similar to Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish as it also has Eucalyptus in it, but it feels more luxurious for a lovely pampering treat. Repurchase? Tempted to pop this on my Christmas list as well...

Terre Verdi Yoga & Sports Body Oil* (travel size - reviewed here)

I seem to have accumulated a few of these mini bottles from various beauty boxes and GWPs, but I'm certainly not complaining as this Body Oil is so pleasant to use and works a treat after a hot yoga session. Great for soothing tired muscles. Repurchase? I'm pretty stocked up at the mo!

Gallinée Eye Contour Cream* 

Gallinée's skincare is quite underrated in my opinion and I urge you to check out this natural French brand if you want to add some prebiotics and probiotics into your skincare routine. I've been using this tube of Eye Contour Cream for months and it's a lovely lightweight moisturiser that sinks straight in so you can apply your concealer on top right away - perfect for those busy mornings. Repurchase? I've gone back to my beloved Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream as I always need something a bit richer for the winter months, but it's another product I'd happily buy again in the future.

This Works Stress Check Roll-On (travel size)

You guys know how much I love my aromatherapy products and of course, This Works has an amazing Sleep and Stress range. Their Roll-ons are perfect for popping into your handbag or having next to your laptop for those times when you need a moment of calm. Simply apply to your pulse points, breathe in and relax. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (travel size)

A long-time favourite of mine for nearly 10 years, Eyeko's Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is a must-have for anyone who wants an eyeliner that stays put all day (and night) without fading or smudging. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Definitely.

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Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

It's that time again when I rummage through the wicker basket of empty beauty products under my bathroom sink and share what I've used up recently - here are my Beauty Empties! There's quite a lot this past month with plenty of skincare faves so let's jump straight in.

Therapi Lemon Myrtle No 1 Honey Gel Cleanser

Gel cleansers are a must-have of mine over the summer months as they really suit my oily skin when the weather heats up and Therapi has a fantastic range of them. I've used their Lemon Myrtle Honey Gel Cleanser on and off for years and it's brilliant; gentle, purifying, and perfect as a morning cleanser. Repurchase? As it's now Autumn, I'm switching to a cream cleanser but I'll happily pick this up again next year. 

Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream* (reviewed here)

My skin often feels dehydrated during summer so another gel-like favourite of mine is a good hydrating moisturiser and I love this one from Sukin. Lovely and lightweight, it sinks straight in and makes a great base for makeup too. Repurchase? I'll certainly consider it again next summer.

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Wash*

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of smelling NYR's Bee Lovely range, you need to get yourself to one of their stores ASAP! Honestly, it's such a heavenly and uplifting citrusy scent - I simply adore it! This hand wash was gorgeous. Repurchase? I typically don't purchase hand washes in plastic bottles anymore (this was a PR gift), but I'll see if they sell a hand soap instead!

Kueshi Naturals Lemon Shower Gel

I think this came into my life via a beauty box, I'm not sure but I can't say I was impressed, unfortunately. The lemon scent is very weak and the ingredients are not as clean or natural as it appears. Repurchase? Not for me.

Moor Spa Nourishing Facial Oil* (reviewed here)

A lovely 100% natural facial oil that's great for massages and evening use. A simple but effective blend of highly nourishing plant-based oils and full of essential fatty acids. As with all facial oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so this has lasted me a good 3-4 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant* (reviewed here)

Hands down one of the best natural deodorants out there and trust me, I have tried a lot of them! This one does the job without any fuss and never lets me down. It's on the more spendy side as it's definitely a luxury product, however, Aurelia do offer a money-back guarantee where you can try it for seven days and then send it back for a full refund if it doesn't work for you. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum* (reviewed here)

My blemish-prone combination skin loves this serum and it's another skincare favourite that I've been using on and off for years. Unlike other targeted spot serums that can dry or strip the skin, this Evolve Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum is 100% natural and uses Salicylic Acid to keep blemishes and breakouts in check. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser* (reviewed here)

As my skin sometimes likes to throw tantrums every now and then, I like to keep a fragrance-free moisturiser on hand in my skincare stash for those troublesome moments. Green People's Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser ticks all the right boxes by providing soothing essential daily moisture when my skin needs it the most. Repurchase? Definitely.

Beauty Pro Coconut Infused Sheet Mask*

Beauty Pro has a fab range of vegan and cruelty-free sheet masks which are 100% plastic-free, plant-based and biodegradable. I've tried several of these masks and the Coconut one is a good all-rounder for when your skin needs a hydrating pick-me-up. Repurchase? Yes.

Rodial Dragon's Blood Jelly Eye Patches

I got these in a beauty box and they surprised me with how effective they are! Amazing for depuffing and revitalizing tired eyes that need a quick fix boost for a special occasion. Repurchase? Tempted!

Flamingo Soap Co Coffee Soap* (reviewed here)

For fans of all things coffee scented, you can't go wrong with this gorgeous soap from Flamingo Soap Co. I've had it in the shower for a while and it smells so good when you're struggling to wake up first thing in the morning! The wraparound paper label is studded with wildflower seeds that you can plant to provide food for the bees - how cool is that? Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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Recent Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

A long overdue post - here are about four month's worth of beauty empties! The growing pile of empty beauty containers has been piling up in my bathroom, so it's time for me to share my final thoughts on these, and discuss which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

There's quite a lot to go through here so let's jump straight in, shall we?

Original Source Hydrating Water Infusions Raspberry & Rosewater Shower Gel

I tend to have a couple of different body washes/shower gels on the go in my bathroom (hey, I'm a beauty blogger, OK?!), but the one that I've used the most this summer has been the wonderfully cheap and cheerful Original Source Shower Gel. This smells so fruity and summery, you just can't go wrong with it. Repurchase? Yes.

Paul Yacomine Huile de Parfum Body Oil (travel size)

A gorgeous discovery from a beauty box, this luxury body oil from Paul Yacomine has the most beautiful silky texture and heady tropical floral notes. Highly recommended if you love Bergamot and Ylang Ylang scents - it's heavenly stuff. Repurchase? Out of my budget at the mo sadly!

Ben & Anna White Fluoride Natural Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a plastic-free toothpaste and you're not keen on those solid tooth tabs, this is a brilliant alternative as feels much more like a regular toothpaste but is packaged in a glass jar instead. I've used up quite a lot of these over the past few years and find that a jar lasts a good couple of months for me. Repurchase? Yes.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm

Oh, it was a sad day when I came to the end of this beauty! I've loved this cleansing balm for such a long time and still regard it as one of the best that I've ever used. The texture is spot on for me as it's not too heavy or greasy, and is easy to rinse off with a warm flannel. I love using it in the evening as part of a double-cleanse. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will know how much I adore Epsom Salts, and indeed, one usually pops up every time I write an empties post. One of my new faves, these Detox Epsom Salts from Absolute Aromas are brilliant for aching muscles and joint pain. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Gloss & Shine Gloss Conditioner* (reviewed here)

For an affordable green beauty conditioner that ticks a lot of the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Lavera's haircare, particularly their Gloss & Shine range. This is a really good conditioner for fine, dry, and dull hair types, and gives lovely swish-worthy results. I think this is my third or fourth bottle. Repurchase? Yes.

Natura Siberica Taiga Daily Protection Hand Cream* (travel size)

I can't fault this hand cream - it's 99% natural, smells great, and moisturises my hands. What's not to love?! Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray*

A bestseller and one that I've used for the good part of at least 10 years. Whenever I use this before going to bed, I always find that I can sleep better, which for someone with insomnia/sleep disorder problems, is a real bonus. I feel that this is worth every penny! Repurchase? Definitely.

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

I've lost count of how many times I've used this or for how long it's been a staple in my skincare routine - it's truly one of those products that I just always come back to time and time again. A fantastic toner mist packed full of skin-friendly ingredients such as Prebiotics, Hyaluronic Acid, and Prickly Pear. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk* (travel size)

If you love fresh and uplifting lemony scents, you'll absolutely fall in love with Dr. Hauschka's Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk. In fact, you'll probably fall in love with the whole range! The lightweight silky texture instantly absorbs into the skin and the natural fragrance puts you in a good mood for the whole day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Green People Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum* (reviewed here)

My skin drinks up Hyaluronic Acid based serums like this booster from Green People, and I've recommended this particular formula to so many people as it's fragrance-free and easily tolerated by most skin types. I prefer to use this in the evening to plump up my skin overnight as you really do see a noticeable difference come the morning. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara*

I've been rubbish at using up makeup this year as you can tell, but I always try to remember to change out my mascaras every few months to prevent any eye issues like conjunctivitis - ditch those old mascaras! I enjoyed using this one from Eyeko as the curved brush added lots of volume and it didn't clump or smudge. Repurchase? Yes.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask

I finally took back some old Lush pots to trade them in for a free face mask (their recycling scheme is seriously awesome!), and picked up a fond favourite from back in the day - the amazing Catastrophe Cosmetic. As the name suggests, this is the face mask for troublesome skin and it's brilliant for soothing and calming everything down. Repurchase? Definitely.

Have you used up any beauty products lately?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

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

Dafna's Active Mist*

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

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Detox Facial Wash* 

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

DHC Cleansing Oil (travel size, reviewed here)

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

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

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

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

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

Bains & Nature Baja Moana Cream*

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

Love Beauty And Planet Shea Butter & Sandalwood Shower Gel*

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

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

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

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Summer Beauty: 3 Easy Steps To Get A Natural Summer Glow

 

Self-tanning products are the only way to get a natural, healthy tan this Summer and the green beauty world has so many different options to choose from. Here are three of my favourites to check out.

Step One: Always Exfoliate First

To get a smooth and even finish all over, it's important to exfoliate first before you apply any self-tanning products. If your existing fake tan is starting to peel and wear off, you can use Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 3 Minute Miracle Self Tan Removing Scrub* (200ml, £19.99, link) to gently buff away all previous traces. This stuff really is a miracle worker thanks to a combination of natural pearlite and advanced ingredients which makes it fast and easy to remove all brands of fake tan - just make sure you leave it on for at least three minutes before rinsing away to allow time for it to work its dissolving magic.

Step Two: Choose Your Self-Tan Lotion

For beginners or those who are nervous about using fake tan, I would recommend opting for a gradual self-tanning lotion because these are virtually fool-proof to use and they give you a gorgeous, natural-looking finish so you needn't worry about any crazy orangeness! I'm a big fan of Mádara Self Tan Milk* (150ml, £27.50, link) which comes in a light-to-medium sunkissed tone for the body. It has a lovely, non-sticky, easily absorbed texture which is similar to a body lotion. Apply all over to clean, dry skin and the tan will gradually develop over the next 4-6 hours and lasts up to five days.

Step Three: Don't Forget Your Face

If you're an SPF fanatic like me, you'll find that your complexion will probably look quite pale against your newly tanned body so this is where a dedicated facial self-tanner comes in. Specially formulated for the face, these products will generally feature a different blend of ingredients to prevent your skin getting clogged up, so it's worth investing in one purely for your face. I love Green People Gradual Tan Moisturiser* (50ml, £17.50, link) which is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. This daily moisturiser can be applied first thing for a gentle sunkissed glow all year round.

What are your favourite self-tanning products?

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Currently Loving: New Skincare, Bodycare and Wellbeing Favourites from Green People, The Somerset Toiletry Co, OSEA & Nudge Boutique

Here's my latest roundup of beauty favourites that have been winning me over recently from a lovely mix of established and independent brands. Have you tried any of these?

The New Wellbeing & Aromatherapy Range: Alexandra Kay for Green People - Time To Relax Essential Oil Blend* (10ml, £20, link)

I always get excited when there's a new Green People range launching and their latest release comes from the founder's daughter Alexandra Kay. This 100% natural, clean and eco-friendly line of pure Essential Oil Blends have been expertly blended by Alexandra and keeping with Green People's ethics, are also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. 

There are three different blends to choose from to help your wellbeing and I was drawn to the Time To Relax blend which is composed of 10 carefully chosen essential oils to put you in a serene and tranquil mood. Top notes include Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Lemon, with middle notes of calming Lavender, Basil and Geranium, all layered over a base of soothing Vetivert, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Frankincense. It's wonderfully relaxing with a sweet floral aroma and can be used in diffusers, in the bath or why not create your own bedtime sleep spray with it?

The Alexandra Kay range donates 10% of net profits to The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK. The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK (EDS UK) is a small UK charity whose work improves the quality of life for people living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) – a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the whole body.

The New Affordable Luxury Treat: The Somerset Toiletry Co Naturally European Verbena Luxury Hand Wash* (500ml, £7.95, link)

Last month, I had the pleasure of being introduced to The Somerset Toiletry Co. Although not strictly a natural beauty brand, they are certified cruelty-free and vegan-friendly so I wanted to include them as an affordable alternative to the kinds of brands that I usually feature on here. 

I absolutely love the fresh and uplifting fragrance of their Naturally European Verbena Luxury Hand Wash which comes in a huge 500ml pump bottle and looks rather stylish next to the bathroom sink. Not only is it infused with Lemon Peel and Verbena Leaf extracts, but it also feels moisturising so you can give your hands a little TLC every time you wash them without worrying about them becoming dry or chapped later on.

The New Anti-Ageing/Stretchmarks Body Oil: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil* (150ml, $48, link)

If you haven't heard of OSEA before, they are a luxury natural and organic skincare brand based in sunny Malibu, USA. This Californian family-run business has been up and running since 1996 and have quickly established itself as a coveted clean, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free company that specialise in skin and body care that's inspired by the sea. 

I was delighted to try out their bestselling Undaria Algae Body Oil which is a truly one-of-a-kind type of product thanks to the addition of its key ingredient, Undaria Seaweed. This seaweed is hand-harvested and left to soak in barrels of oil for up to six months before it's turned into this sublime Body Oil. Blended with Acai, Babassu, Passionfruit, and Seasame Oils, this is a seriously luxurious pampering treat that helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve the overall elasticity for firmer, smoother, and more supple skin. A summertime essential!

The New Plastic & Palm Oil-Free Cleanser: Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Facial Cleansing Bar* (38g, £12.50, link)

Handmade in Norfolk, Nudge Boutique has been a lovely new discovery for me and I was lucky enough to win one of their popular Cocoa & Avocado Facial Cleansing Bars in an Instagram giveaway - yay! This vegan-friendly solid cleanser is made from just six natural ingredients and includes the likes of Avocado Oil and Cocoa Butter to create a gorgeous fragrance-free cleanser that transforms from a solid to an oil and finally to a milk texture once water is added. 

I like to warm the bar in my hands to create a light oil which I then massage into dry skin before adding a few splashes of warm water to emulsify. It's great for removing sunscreen and all traces of daily grime and impurities, plus as it's so moisturising, it won't leave your skin feeling stripped or dry afterwards. 

What are your latest beauty favourites?

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April Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

 

Can you believe it's the 1st May already?! It's time for another Empties round-up; a short but sweet little edit of everything I've managed to use up lately, plus some tips on how you can easily recycle your beauty empties.

Truthpaste Peppermint & Wintergreen*

After a disappointing experience of trying to use dental tabs instead of regular toothpaste recently, I decided to switch to this plastic-free Truthpaste instead which I discovered in a zero-waste beauty box. It has a thick, 100% natural, clay-based formula with added Aloe Vera, Neem, and Myrrh and I liked it a lot! It's super minty and refreshing to use first thing in the morning. Repurchase? I'd definitely buy this again, though I do tend to alternate toothpaste as this one doesn't contain any fluoride. 

The Ordinary Squalane Oil*

If your skin is playing up and feeling tight or dry, you can't beat a 100% pure Squalane Oil to help restore the moisture levels in your complexion. This one from The Ordinary is not only a great price, but it has UV protective tinted glass packaging and just seems to last a lot longer than some other brands that I've tried. Repurchase? Yes.

Crazy Rumors Black Cherry Lip Balm*

I love, love, love Crazy Rumors Lip Balms and this Black Cherry flavour is one of my favourites for sure - I must have gone through loads of these over the years! It's cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and very affordable. Repurchase? I don't need to as there was one in last month's LoveLula Beauty Box :D

Green People Forest & Fruit Cypress & Tangerine Shower Gel*

Lovely, fresh and uplifting scent with a good mix of piney Cypress and fruity Tangerine notes, I'm a big fan of this Green People Shower Gel. Perfect to use for morning showers to help put you in a great mood for the day! SLS-free and made with 83% certified organic ingredients. Repurchase? I have a lot of shower gels and body washes to use up at the moment, but I will come back to this at some point in the future I'm sure.

Tropic Smoothing Cleanser*

Last, but not least, I've finished up a favourite cleanser of mine from Tropic. This Smoothing Cleanser has a luxurious, cream texture and doubles up as a make-up remover to gently melt away all traces of makeup and impurities. As it's a cream cleanser, it doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped afterward and it's easy to follow up with the rest of your evening skincare routine. Repurchase? Yes.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

• All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-
• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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March Beauty Favourites

 

It's time for a quick round-up of my March Beauty Favourites! This little edit features new green beauty products from Evolve Organic Beauty, The English Mineral Makeup Company, Wilkinson Sword and Green People. Let's jump straight in!

Evolve Organic Beauty Deep Clean Micellar Water* (190ml, £20, link)

First up, I'm pleased to introduce this brand new release from one of my favourite British green beauty brands, Evolve. Their Deep Clean Micellar Water is just the most beautiful refreshing cleanser to reach for at the end of the day when you want to take all of your makeup off. It's made from 100% natural ingredients, is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and suitable for all skin types to use, including sensitive, as it's gentle on the skin. 

Packed full of Moringa Peptides to remove microparticles of pollution, there's also Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture so your skin won't be left feeling stripped afterwards and Organic Pomegranate which is well known for its high level of antioxidants to further protect and hydrate your complexion.

This cleanser doubles up as a toner as well, so it's a convenient 2-in-1 product to use and super easy to incorporate into your evening skincare routine. I also love the glass packaging and don't forget that you can recycle the pump via TerraCycle. 

The English Mineral Makeup Company Lip Massive Moisture Drench in Barely Peony* (15g, £28, link)

The perfect new lip product for Spring, I'm thrilled that The English Mineral Makeup Company has launched this brilliant Lip Massive Moisture Drench, and if you're a fan of organic, vegan and clean makeup, you'll love this as much as I do!

I always find that my lips are still feeling a bit chapped and dry at this time of the year, so this skincare-meets-makeup hybrid is the ideal lip product to keep in your handbag for those essential touch-ups throughout the day. With an intensely hydrating formula that features Jojoba Wax, Calendula Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Vitamin E, Hemp Oil, Rosehip Oil, Apricot Oil and Shea Butter, this luxury lip treat lives up to its namesake by literally drenching lips in moisture and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother pout.

You can pick this up in a colour-free version, as well as the beautiful Barely Peony (shown above) for a pretty pink tint. Sustainably packaged in a glass jar and aluminium lid so it's plastic-free.

Wilkinson Sword Xtreme 3 Beauty Eco-Green* (12 pack, £11.99, link)

As one of the best-selling brands of razors across the UK and Europe, it's great to see Wilkinson Sword bringing out a more eco-friendly and sustainable razor option for women. 

Named the Xtreme 3 Beauty Eco-Green, this new razor has a recyclable handle that is also made from 95% recycled plastic, and they have ditched the traditional plastic packaging for a new card box FSC certified design which is made from over 90% recycled paper. 

Not only is it better for the environment, but it's kinder to skin too with two lubricating strips of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, sandwiched between three blades to protect against irritation for a comfortable smooth shave. The uniquely designed handle has an inbuilt grip and the razor is designed to be flexible so it moves with the natural contours of your body - very clever!

Green People All Paws Cleansing Shampoo in Wild Mint for Dogs* (200ml, £14, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention is from the new range of pet grooming care from Green People which is the UK's first certified organic range for pets. Also certified organic and vegan-friendly, they have created two All Paws Cleansing Shampoos (a fragrance-free and a Wild Mint) just for your four-legged-friend!

I love this Wild Mint version which is a lovely, uplifting and refreshing blend of Mint and Eucalyptus. It's easy to use and despite being free from SLS, it lathers up well, leaves my dog's fur clean and soft afterwards, and of course, smelling much nicer! 

What have you been loving lately?

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