Organic Beauty | Conscious Skincare | Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter and Hydrolat Tea Tree review

As a beauty blogger and a self-confessed skincare addict, I'm constantly bombarded with emails about the 'latest must-have'. Whether it's a trend or a new product, my inbox is always full of everything that's 'new, new, new!'. So it's been a pleasant change to sit back and revisit some old green beauty favourites from Conscious Skincare instead.

I was first introduced to Conscious Skincare around ten years ago when I featured one of the brand's body butters in a post called 'Cold Weather Proofing the Beauty Routine'. Since then, I have used their products sporadically over the years and recommended certain items to friends and family who are into natural skincare.

For those new to Conscious Skincare, they are an established indie organic, vegan, and natural skincare company based in Wales. All of their products are cruelty-free, lovingly handmade, produced in small fresh batches, and packaged as eco-friendly and plastic-free as possible. 

Below you'll discover three of the brand's bestsellers; Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter, and Hydrolat Tea Tree.

Conscious Skincare Make Up Melt* (100ml, £16 with pump, link)

Made with just five natural and organic ingredients, Make Up Melt is an award-winning makeup remover that's wonderfully simple, but very effective. Composed of a blend of cold-pressed Sesame and Castor Oils, this product quite literally breaks down and 'melts' away all traces of makeup, leaving your skin perfectly clean and nourished without feeling stripped. The addition of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Myrtle essential oils have each been carefully chosen for their natural benefits. Rosemary helps to rejuvenate the skin, Eucalyptus is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and Myrtle has some impressive balancing and astringent qualities.

How to use: I apply a pump's worth to a reusable cotton pad and gently wipe it across my face. For stubborn waterproof mascara/liquid eyeliner, I'll hold the pad over closed eyes for a minute or so to allow the oil to fully dissolve the waterproof formula. After that, I rinse my face with warm water and follow up with my regular evening skincare routine.

For those wanting an entirely plastic-free option, you can purchase the Makeup Melt without a pump for £15, and there are also makeup pad bundles and refills available.

Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter* (250ml, £15, link)

Dry skin will simply adore Conscious Skincare's Body Butters which come in three different formulas; two fragranced and one fragrance-free. Packed full of nature's best nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, and fairtrade Cocoa Butter, this version I have is also beautifully fragranced with uplifting Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, and heady Frangipani essential oils. The water-free formula means there are no additives or preservatives either.

What I love the most about this body butter is how intensely thick and rich the texture is, yet it melts and sinks into the skin easily once you massage it in. If you're yearning for baby-soft, silky skin, this is the body butter for you.

Conscious Skincare Organic Hydrolat Tea Tree* (100ml, £13 with pump, link)

As we move into the warmer months of the year, my combination skin always gets a bit more oily so I've been looking forward to trying out this tea tree toner which is especially suited to oily and blemish-prone skin types. A properly pure and natural product, this hydrolat contains just 100% organic tea tree water and that's it - nice and simple! 

You can use this in your skincare routine morning and/or night depending on your skin type, and it's recommended to use it on freshly cleansed skin for the best results. Tea Tree is famed for its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to keep your complexion toned and clear, so if you've been struggling with breakouts, definitely give it a try.

Shop these products and more at conscious-skincare.com

Have you fallen back in love with any old skincare favourites lately?

Read more

Currently Loving: Apostrophal Handmade Necklaces - Black Onyx, Moonstone & Azurite Malachite review

Pretty gemstone jewellery is a weakness of mine and I'm utterly smitten with these shiny new purchases from an indie online shop called Apostrophal.

I first came across Apostrophal on Instagram and they are a fairly new company, having started in 2020. They specialise in selling a quirky range of eco essentials and sustainable artisan handicrafts such as jewellery, plant pots, toiletries, bowls, candles, and kitchenalia. Through their online shop, they have created a community that helps to support independent makers and businesses, whilst offering ethical consumers a beautiful edit of handpicked products.

When I saw that they recently had a sale on, I couldn't help but have a good scroll through their site when I was shopping for a friend's birthday gift. As always though, a couple of additional items may have somehow made their way into my shopping basket (I honestly don't know how that happened...oops..),  and I'm now the proud owner of some new handmade necklaces.

Black Onyx Juliet Necklace

Onyx has been a favourite of mine for a very long time and I have a small collection of black Onyx pieces that I cherish in my jewellery box. Symbolising strength and perseverance, Onyx comes from the Greek word of the same name meaning 'claw', 'nail' and veined gem so you can see why it has an established history with the concept of strength in more ways than one. 

Handmade by one of Apostrophal's handpicked artisans Adeline, this necklace features a high-quality black Onyx gemstone in a square open bezel setting. With a multi-faceted surface, it captures the light beautifully. Looks stunning worn on its own or layered with other gold chained necklaces.

Moonstone Lunar Necklace

The moon has held great significance for many cultures and generations as human beings have looked up into the sky to question the meaning of life and what our place is in the universe. In turn, the Moonstone gem represents a connection to the divine feminine, linking the moon with cyclical changes, fertility, hope, and new beginnings. 

Composed of a lunar-shaped smooth white moonstone, if you look carefully, you'll see a protective Eye engraved into the stone itself. Also made by the artisan Adeline, this unique necklace is a sublime statement piece.

Azurite Malachite Necklace

My last pick is this captivating Azure Malachite. I'll have to admit that whilst I was already familiar with the meanings of the gemstones above, it was simply the beguiling colour of Azure Malachite that made me choose this piece of jewellery. 

I was pleased to discover that Azure Malachite is not just a pretty gem. It's linked to restoring Chakra balance, invoking calm feelings, and a reduction in anxiety, as well as being seen to drawing out negative energies from the body. For those interested in the concept of an 'ego death', it's believed that Malachite can help to dissolve egocentric personality traits such as arrogance. Interesting!

Shop at apostrophal.com

Read more

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2023 featuring Avīela, Skin & Tonic, Nourish London & Charlarts Crafts

Valentine's Day is fast approaching so now's the time to make those last-minute online orders, and perhaps send a subtle hint to someone special *wink wink*. For this gift edit, I've focused on just British brands and small businesses to make your V-Day purchases more ethical and supportive this year. 

For Those Who Love A Massage: Avīela Pure Shea Butter* (180ml, £30, link)

Treat your loved one to a massage this Valentine's Day with Avīela Pure Shea Butter. As the name suggests, this thick and luxurious body butter is made simply with 100% pure unrefined shea butter of the highest grade, with no additional ingredients. Made in the UK, this Shea Butter is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved) and certified by the Vegan Society, with a beautiful light and airy texture that sinks straight in once warmed in the palms of your hands.

Shea Butter is something of a hero ingredient for the skin as it's incredibly rich in natural fatty acids and has high levels of Vitamins A and E so it offers some serious hydration for dry skin. In addition to being used all over the body, you can also add a tiny amount as a leave-in conditioner to dry and damaged hair to restore moisture and shine. For those on a budget, or if you're putting together a beauty box/hamper package, a smaller 15ml jar is available for £14.    

For Those Who Love A Relaxing Bath: Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak* (100g, £18, link)

Whether your partner enjoys a bath solo or with you, give the gift of relaxation with one of my favourite products from British brand, Skin & Tonic. Their Slow Down Bath Soak is a bestseller thanks to a sublime infusion of Epsom Salts, CBD Oil, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils.

This powerful, all-natural concoction of minerals and oils helps to restore the body and mind, so that you can properly unwind and destress after a long week; it's a brilliant self-care treat. Just two handfuls is all that's needed to be added to a hot bath.

For Those Who Love A Luxury Pampering Treat: Nourish London Bergamot & Cardamom Smoothing Body Cream* (100ml, £19, link)

You can't go wrong with a luxury body cream if your recipient loves their pampering products, and it can often be a safer bet than opting for skincare (which can be tricky to buy for someone else, especially if you don't know them that well). Instead, one of the new Body Creams from Nourish London is sure to please and I've been smitten with their Bergamot & Cardamon Smoothing Body Cream ever since it landed on my desk.

Suitable for all skin types, this cruelty-free, organic, and vegan-friendly Body Cream is ultra-rich so it's perfect for dry winter skin. It features nourishing Cocoa Butter, regenerating Aloe Vera and antioxidant-rich Brown Algae extract to leave the skin feeling velvety soft. I also absolutely adore the scent which is wonderfully fresh and very spa-like.

For Those Who Love A Good Smelling Home: Charlarts Crafts Valentines Wax Melt Gift Set* (£33.99, link)

Know someone who are house-proud and loves a good-smelling home? Soy wax melts are a fantastic gift that keeps on giving for months to come, especially with a large box like the one above from Charlarts Crafts! Specialising in a wide range of handmade wax melts, jewellery, and accessories, Charlarts Crafts' Valentines Wax Melt Gift Set consists of four packs of soy wax melts in a tempting range of scents. There are the Budding Roses melts which smell beautiful, and the Chocolate Milk scented heart melts which look so realistic, I did think they were chocolate at first!

My faves though are the Sex Bomb heart melts (I love this fragrance) and the Hot Night love token shaped melts. Also included are some yummy sweets and chocs, and the whole box is beautifully presented and wrapped up ready to gift.

Have you started your Valentine's Day gift shopping yet?

Read more

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

 

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?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Introducing: Green Beetle Natural Skincare - Mood Booster Sugar Body Scrub & Pumpkin Spice Soy Wax Candle review

 

This week, I'd like to introduce Green Beetle, a small and independent natural skincare company based in Essex, UK. With a strong commitment to using as many natural and organic ingredients as possible in their products, they're an indie brand that I know you're all going to love!

Instagram is a great way to discover independent beauty and lifestyle brands, and as a blogger, I'm lucky enough to be introduced to new and exciting start-ups across that platform almost every week. My latest find is named Green Beetle who are starting out with a range of natural Body Scrubs, Body Souffles and Candles. 

All of Green Beetle's products are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and handmade in small batches for optimum freshness. They are a proud member of the Guild of Craft & Toiletry Makers and in addition to their commitments to using natural and organic ingredients, they also look after the environment by choosing to package their products in glass and aluminium, both of which can be easily reused or recycled. Plus, their postage packaging is plastic-free too - yay!

I was kindly sent one of their Body Scrubs and a Soy Wax Candle to try out.

Green Beetle Sugar Body Scrub in Mood Booster* (260g, £12, link)

With five very tempting fragrances to choose from, Green Beetle's Sugar Body Scrubs are housed in large aluminium tins and feature an ultra-pampering creamy formula which emulsifies into an exfoliating lotion once water is added. A blend of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Raw Cane Sugar form the base of this scrub, to which an uplifting selection of essential oils is added to help boost your mood. I love the mix of Sweet Orange, Palmarosa and Geranium which smells incredible.

These Body Scrubs are the perfect combination of removing dull dead skin with a rich and hydrated finish so that your skin doesn't feel dry or stripped afterwards. Instead, it feels silky soft without being greasy and the natural fragrance adds to the whole holistic pampering experience - it's safe to say that I'm a fan!

Green Beetle Soy Wax Candle in Pumpkin Spice* (small 90ml, £9, link)

Green Beetle's Soy Wax Candles are available in two sizes; small (packaged in aluminium) and large (packaged in glass) and are crafted from hand-poured, all-natural soy wax which is an eco-friendly and safer alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Each candle is blended with only 100% essential oils that have been carefully chosen for their aromatherapy benefits. Currently, there are four fragrances to choose from and with Autumn on the way, I just had to choose the Pumpkin Spice!

This exquisite fragrance marries together all the best Autumn scents with lots of spices such as Cinnamon and Clove, and an underlying sweetness from Orange coming through once lit. The small candles burn for up to 20 hours and would make fantastic stocking fillers this Christmas - definitely one to add to the shopping list.

Discover the full range at greenbeetleltd.com

Are you thinking about Christmas yet?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: Blooming Blends - Immunity Botanical Tincture Blend & Protection Sensory Facial Mist review

Give your immune system a natural boost and enjoy a moment of protective calm with these two botanical remedies from Blooming Blends. 

Founded by Fleur Sladen, a former cook who was working long hours in a busy kitchen, Blooming Blends was born when she was looking for something natural to help give her mind and body an energy boost. Other than being natural and plant-based, there were two other important criteria to tick off; products that were both effective and easy to use, so Fleur decided to make her own unique range of botanical boosting blends, experimenting with different formulas to help balance and strengthen the mind, the body and the soul. 

Being a firm believer in holistic wellness, Blooming Blends immediately struck a chord with me when I was introduced to their website and I was kindly given the opportunity to try two of their products. From their range, which currently includes Botanical Tinctures, Booster Blends and Sensory Mists to help a variety of modern lifestyle ailments such as stress, fatigue, mood, digestion, poor sleep etc, I decided to choose their Immunity Botanical Tincture Blend and the Protection Sensory Facial Mist to test out.

All of Blooming Blends products are handmade in small batches in Cheltenham, England, using traditional methods and 100% natural herbal ingredients. The botanicals are carefully sourced from sustainable suppliers and everything is packaged in dark glass to protect the botanical actives.

Blooming Blends Immunity Botanical Tincture Boosting Tincture Blend* (30ml, £22, link)

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic took hold of the world, I've regularly used immunity-boosting products to try to strengthen and protect my overall health. Admittedly, this isn't always easy when you have an autoimmune illness, but I do find that they help and I always notice a difference when I don't keep on top of the various natural blends and supplements that I take on a regular basis. Unsurprisingly then, the Blooming Blends Immunity Botanical Boosting Tincture Blend naturally jumped out at me when I was browsing their website and within a week of it arriving, I began taking it every day to help ward off any potential colds that often come about with the change of season.

This Immunity Blend has been specially formulated to do just that, keeping lurgies and sniffles at bay thanks to a mix of three of the most beneficial botanicals that Mother Nature has to offer; Elderberry, Echinacea and Lemon Balm. These are blended into an alcohol-free tincture with an extract ratio of 1.3-1.1 herb to liquid and you can take 1/2 a pipette up to four times a day (each bottle contains 45 servings).

It's worth noting that this won't protect against Coronavirus or any strain of Flu, but it will help to boost your immune system against the Common Cold, so if you're someone who often gets every cold going around, it may well be worth investing in for your natural medicine cabinet at home. 

Blooming Blends Botanical Protection Sensory Mist* (50ml, £18, link)

Like the Tincture Blends, Blooming Blends' range of Botanical Sensory Mists help to address many of life's concerns and this Protection blend is an interesting one for anyone who wants to be shielded against negative energies. Created from a balancing formula of homemade floral waters including Cedarwood and Geranium Rose, Protection also contains oils of Frankincense, Clary Sage, Witch Hazel and Juniper Berry, the latter of which has been traditionally used by herbalists to protect them against dark and negative forces.

If the overall concept is a little too 'out there' for you, you can still enjoy the wonderfully soothing, refreshing and instantly calming benefits of the essential oils in this blend and spritz whenever you need a reviving boost for your skin and your mind.

Shop the full range at Blooming Blends with free delivery on all orders in the UK and EU 

Are you interested in natural botanical formulas?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Introducing: Rebecca Tracey - Handmade Aromatherapy - The Perfumed Workshop

Just before Christmas, I was introduced to the wonderful world of Rebecca Tracey's Perfumed Workshop at Bonds in Stratford-upon-Avon by a friend who adores aromatherapy as much as I do. Ever since, I have been simply smitten with her exquisite range of beautifully scented lifestyle products, and I was over-the-moon when my friend sent me a surprise package as an early 'Galentine's' gift.

Rebecca Tracey is perhaps one of the most underrated entrepreneurs who specialises in creating artisan aromatherapy products, and she has turned her passion for pure and natural scents into a successful business. Based at Bonds Lifestyle Centre just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, Rebecca's Perfumed Workshop is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in high quality, 100% natural fragrances, candles, diffusers, aromatherapy blends, skincare, body care and more. Everything is handmade, cruelty-free and sustainably packaged.

To give you a small insight into this brand, I thought I'd share the package that my friend sent me as a mini introduction to what Rebecca Tracey has to offer.

 Rebecca Tracey Lemon, Patchouli & Lemongrass Botanical Candle 01* (300g, £28, link)

I adore luxury naturally scented candles and they really don't come much more luxurious than Rebecca Tracey's sublime collection of Botanical Candles which currently has fifteen enticing fragrances to choose from. This 01 Botanical Candle is based on a blend of Lemon, Patchouli and Lemongrass, three of my favourite mood-boosting essential oils, and this is such an uplifting, summery, zesty and 'happy' fragrance to experience - it's the perfect antidote to this miserable weather!

All of these Botanical Candles are handmade using non-GMO Soy Wax and 100% pure essential oils. They have an impressive scent throw and this 300g size will deliver a clean, non-toxic burn for around 60 hours. Larger 3 wick candles are also available which are definitely next on my wishlist.

Rebecca Tracey Frankincense, Lavender & Geranium 04 Aromatherapy Room Fragrance* (100ml, £15, link) and Fresh Head 21 Aromatherapy Pulse Point Rollerball* (10ml, £9, link)

Being a migraine sufferer, I can't use mainstream room sprays as they're a painful trigger for me (the aerosol ones are the worst) and often leave me feeling nauseous and irritated as well, so I prefer to scent my home with simple, natural blends of essential oils instead. 

Rebecca Tracey has created ten different Aromatherapy Room Fragrances, all housed in dark glass bottles, and 04 Frankincense, Lavender & Geranium is a divine cocktail of floral and woody notes. This one's great for spritzing around the bedroom to help you unwind as it's very relaxing and doubles up as a calming pillow spray too. Like the candles, the Room Fragrances are 100% natural and use only the finest and purest essential oils.

Aromatherapy fans should also check out the range of 100% natural Pulse Point Rollerballs, of which there are six blends, each one with a different purpose. Fresh Head 21 is a soothing and refreshing way to clear a foggy head so that you can concentrate on tasks better and be more productive. It's perfect for anxiety and fatigue, as well as being a useful study aid if you find that you're a bit of a procrastinator like me!

Discover the full range of Rebecca Tracey's Aromatherapy ranges and products at rebeccatracey.co.uk

Are you a fan of Aromatherapy?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Laouta All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles review

Candles are one of my favourite products to gift and to receive, so it made sense to begin this year's Christmas Gift Guide series with a spotlight on Laouta's beautiful luxury candles.

It's so easy to find incredible artisan candles these days - there really does seem to be a boom in this section of the market which means that us consumers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect candle for that special someone this Christmas.

For this reason, I will be featuring a range of different brands during the run-up to the big day, but for now, let me introduce you to Laouta.

This small, family-run business is based in Greece and they have an array of natural and cruelty-free beauty products alongside a selection of artisan candles. All of Laouta's products are inspired by traditional Mediterranean recipes which pay homage to their heritage, and everything is made by hand in small batches using locally sourced handpicked natural ingredients. 

Free from parabens, stabilisers, synthetic dyes, synthetic ingredients, perfumes and preservatives, Laouta's products are proudly 100% natural and they have a strong commitment to the environment by ensuring all of their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable. 

I have yet to try their beauty products (although they are on my to-try wishlist!) as it was their All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles which immediately caught my eye whilst I was browsing LoveLula.com one evening, so I knew I had to pick some up!

There were four or five different scents to deliberate over and I eventually chose Bittersweet Almond and Raspberry & Pomegranate. I was pleased to see that they arrived in plastic-free , cardboard packaging and they come housed in white handmade ceramic pots which can be re-used afterwards. 

Made from 100% natural, hand-poured soy wax which is carefully mixed with a premium fragrance oil blend, each candle weighs 200g and boasts a burn time of up to 30 hours. At the centre is a wooden wick and I absolutely love these because they produce a satisfying and cosy crackling sound when they're lit!

But I know what you're all thinking - what do these Laouta Candles smell like? Well, they smell just like their namesakes! Bittersweet Almond has a subtle, sweet marzipan and floral fragrance to my nose which is comforting and Christmassy, whilst Raspberry and Pomegranate has a fruity floral aroma going on with a little spice added in for good measure. The scent throw isn't wide which I found a little disappointing at first, but after an hour of burning, they will subtly fragrance a small room or living area without being overwhelming and most of the time, I want a candle to do just that.

Laouta All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles* (£25 each) are available from LoveLula.com

Will you be buying candles as gifts this year?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Home Fragrance: Africology Natural Scented Candle review

There is something about candles that captivates me right from the decadent glass packaging to the unique fragrances, and I've been something of a luxury candle addict for a long time now. I was recently introduced to a new-to-me brand called Africology who have a glorious range of luxurious natural scented candles.

Africology is a high-end spa brand based in Johannesburg, South Africa. They have an interesting origins story which is based upon the founder's (Renchia Droganis) multi-layered professional work as a massage therapist, reiki counsellor, life coach and aromatherapist. It's through this work that she came to truly understand how beneficial aromatherapy can become to someone's life, especially when they are trying to overcome deep-rooted problems or past traumas. Renchia was keen to develop products that were both kind and holistic to the Earth, so Africology was ultimately born.

With a wide selection of products available, this is a spa-brand that will instantly appeal to anyone who enjoys self-care/pampering and natural, luxurious fragrances. Everything is eco-friendly, cruelty-free, contains organic ingredients and is made by hand. When a package arrived with one of their bestselling signature candles, I couldn't wait to open it up!

Housed in frosted black glass, this candle exudes a luxurious feeling wherever it is placed in your home and its simplistic black packaging will happily go together with virtually any theme or decor. Made from high-quality soybean wax for a cleaner burn with none of the toxins that arise from petroleum based candles, Africology's candles feature a beautiful blend of essential oils and you'll easily find one (or two, or three...) to suit the ambience that you are looking to create.

The Body Mind Therapy Candle*(£38) has delicate notes of Marula, African Potato, Rooibos and Aloe Vera for a soothing, relaxing and inviting scent that fills the whole room in a matter of minutes. It's such a beautiful, clean, spa-like and sophisticated fragrance that it's easy to see why Africology are fast-becoming one of the leading brands in South Africa when it comes to luxury natural beauty and spa products, and it's great to see them in the UK so that even more people can enjoy what they have to offer.

Discover the full range at uk.africologyspa.com

Have you heard of Africology?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Introducing: Simply Soaps - Hedgerow Herbals Queen Of Sheeba Organic Spa Salt & Milk Bath, Orange Lip Salve & Handmade Geranium Rose Balancing Soap review

This week, I'd like to introduce you all to Simply Soaps, a British 100% natural and organic skincare company with a strong passion for supporting organic and local agriculture.

Established back in 1997, Simply Soaps have been in the organic beauty business for nearly 20 years - which is very impressive, especially when you think of how many independent companies have gone bust during that time. Based in Norfolk, they have gone from strength to strength and are now one of the UK's leading suppliers of 100% organic and natural handmade soaps. 

With formulas that are gentle enough for those who have dry skin, psoriasis and eczema, you won't find any 'nasties' such as Phthalates, Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, DEA, TEA, MEA or Formaldehyde in their products, and they carefully source their ingredients to help support local farmers and fair trade suppliers. 

Simply Soaps offer far than just handcrafted soaps though as you'll soon see below! Here are a couple of products that I've been trying out from them.

Simply Soaps Hedgerow Herbals Queen Of Sheeba Organic Spa Salt & Milk Bath* (100g, £3.95, link)

Like Cleopatra, the legendary stories about the Queen Of Sheeba indulging in milk baths to keep her skin rejuvenated and looking younger for longer, have always appealed to me (I mean, who doesn't love a luxury bath every now and again?!). Simply Soaps have tapped into this cult history and created a decadent addition to every woman's bathroom with the Queen Of Sheeba Organic Spa Salt & Milk Bath. Made from just six natural ingredients, this product gives you the skin-softening benefits of  Organic Goat's Milk, with the relaxing experience of mineral-rich Dead Sea Salts, all infused with a delicate fragrance of Geranium Rose and Ylang Ylang essential oils. A generous tablespoon's worth is all you need for a pampering bathtime treat that's fit for a Queen, and I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after a long soak in this.

Simply Soaps Orange Lip Salve* (15ml, £2.95, link)

'Tis the season for chapped, dry and cracked lips, so make sure that you have a high-quality, natural lip balm on hand this Winter to save them! You needn't spend a fortune either, as this Orange Lip Salve proves with its rich and hydrating blend of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil and Beeswax. Added to the mix is a little Orange Oil which gives this lip balm a delightfully festive feel with a fresh and subtle, fruity sweet flavour. A little goes a long way and it's a great product to use before going to bed for kissably soft lips come the morning.

Simply Soaps Handmade Geranium Rose Balancing Soap* (100g, £3.25, link)

Rose and Geranium are two of my favourite scents when it comes to body care and this Balancing Soap is a such a delight to use, especially if you're a fellow floral fan. Handmade and cold-pressed, this soothing soap is not only 100% natural, but also 100% biodegradable and all of the packaging is compostable - yay for zero waste! Free from Palm Oil, it's instead made from a moisturising trio of Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Nut Butter, and of course, features Geranium Essential Oil alongside a good measure of dried Rose Petals for that beautiful fragrance. I've been using this in the shower for a few weeks now and it's still going strong - it produces a light and creamy lather that's kind to sensitive, dry and eczema prone skin like mine, and it just smells amazing! A real treat for the senses and a lovely luxury soap that won't break the bank.

Discover the full range of products from Simply Soaps at simplysoaps.com

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more