New In Beauty: a.po.the:ca Frankincense Cleansing Balm, Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes & Handmade Naturals skincare

January is a long month, but don't worry, these natural skincare and pampering treats are sure to put a smile back on your face! Here's a selection of what's new to look out for.

 a.po.the:ca Frankincense Cleansing Balm* (60g, £22, link)

Last year, I was introduced to a brand new organic, sustainable and natural skincare company called a.po.the:ca (check out my post here) who are based in London. With a clean design, glass packaging and even cleaner ethics, they instantly appealed to me, so I was thrilled to receive a pot of their latest creation just before Christmas. 

The Frankincense Cleansing Balm is a deliciously rich and thick balm that makes short work of removing daily grime, impurities and makeup. Made from 100% natural ingredients (99% of which are certified organic by COSMOS), this balm features the likes of Coconut Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Frankincense Oil and Grapefruit Oil, for an ultra-nourishing cleansing experience. Like many products of this nature, a tiny amount goes a long way and it's easy to massage into dry skin before removing with a warm flannel. Oh, and did I mention that it smells absolutely beautiful? Definitely one to add to your shopping list.

 Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes* (750g, £8, link)

Anyone who regularly plays sports, exercises hard or does pilates/yoga, will no doubt already know all about the benefits that soaking in a tub of magnesium salts can offer for the body. This all-natural, magical mineral not only helps to soothe away minor aches and pains, relieving stress from stiff muscles, but they also have unique properties that can improve joint health and circulation, as well as boosting your skin and overall health.

Using them couldn't be easier either - simply add a generous handful or two to a warm bath, sit back and let your body rapidly absorb all of the benefits. These Al!ve Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes are a good place to start if you haven't tried them before and are available online, as well as being a new addition to Sainsbury's stores.

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (100ml, £8.95, link) and Balancing Face Cream* (50ml, £13.25, link)

With reducing plastic packaging on every ethical brand's mission statement, I was delighted to receive a parcel from Handmade Naturals, who have been actively making the switch to a more sustainable and easily recycled alternative. All of their Cleaners and Face Creams are now presented in sleek frosted glass bottles which I personally feel only adds even more luxe appeal to the brand's aesthetics - I'm sure their customers will love the change! Best of all, the prices have remained the same, so if a small Cheshire based company can achieve this, there's no excuse for the big boys to not follow suit in 2020 is there?!

Have you spotted any new products that you're excited about recently?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for a bumper Empties post?! As per my usual pre-Christmas tradition of having a declutter, I made it my mission to use up as many of the half-full and nearly used up bottles and jars in my bathroom as possible and here are the results! You might want to grab a snack and make a cuppa first...

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate*

A gorgeous face moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid for the winter months - nice thickish texture but absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy at all so perfect for most skin types I would imagine! Repurchase? I'm currently testing out the new fragrance-free version which I actually prefer :)

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish (travel size)

I love the scent of REN'S Moroccan Rose Otto range because it's so fresh and uplifting. This is a proper luxurious body scrub that works a treat. Repurchase? On my wishlist.

Bodhi & Birch Super 25 Botanical Serum* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a luxury all-natural serum, I would add this to your shopping basket right now. It's a sublime blend of 25 superfood botanicals and it's free from essential oils which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment sadly.

Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Everything from Lola's Apothecary is beautiful and this bath oil is no exception - it smells gorgeous and so calming. Repurchase? On my xmas list.

Bodhi & Birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil (reviewed here)

A good friend gifted this to me for my birthday and I was so happy because I've used it in the past and absolutely adored it. The scent is heavenly and the texture of the oil just leaves your skin silky soft. Repurchase? Another that's on my xmas list ;)

Lavera All Round Cream (reviewed here)

Long-time readers will recognise this - I've gone through many tins of this amazing multi-purpose moisturiser over the years. Super thick and buttery, it's a must-have for dry skin during winter and it smells like lemon cheesecake! Repurchase? Already have.

Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Rapid Flash Serum (travel size)

I'm a big fan of Sunday Riley's C.E.O Vitamin C range and this serum was such a pleasure to use that I was gutted when it ran out. Brilliant for brightening up dull skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Vitality Spritz* (reviewed here)

Uplifting and invigorating is how I would describe this luxury body spritz which is lovely to use after hot yoga or pilates. Repurchase? Sadly not, it's one of those products that I used a lot at first, but then forgot that I had which is why it's taken me such a long time to use it up.

Handmade Naturals Cocoa & Mandarin Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

A fantastic budget-friendly natural lip balm that tastes a bit like a Terry's Chocolate Orange - what's not to like?! Repurchase? Yes.

L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil (travel size)

I will always have a soft spot for this as I've been using it for years and the scent is quite nostalgic for me now. It's also still one of the best products to use to shave your legs with - silky smoothness guaranteed every time. Repurchase? Yes.

A'kin Rosehip Oil* (reviewed here)

My skin loves Rosehip Oil so I always have a bottle of it in my stash and this one from A'kin is another longtime favourite of mine because it's so pure and has a lovely texture. Repurchase? Definitely.

Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo* (reviewed here)

I can't remember how many tubes I've used up in the past but I often have one in my bathroom and alternate it with other shampoos. Brilliant for dry hair without weighing it down. Repurchase? Will do once I've used some other shampoos first.

Lavera Basis Sensitiv Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

One of the best organic toothpastes that I've tried for sensitive teeth. Contains sodium fluoride but is SLS free. Repurchase? I've trying out Lavera's Whitening Toothpaste at the moment.

B. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover* (reviewed here)

If your eyes are quite delicate and sensitive, as most people's are, this affordable, vegan eye makeup remover is fantastic because it removes everything (including waterproof makeup) without stinging or requiring scrubbing. I've used lots of these! Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Monoi And Orange Flower Luxury Bath Foam* 

Perfect for a luxurious bubble bath, this SLS-free Tropic Bath Foam smells incredible - I'm a sucker for anything with Monoi in it - and it's really relaxing to use before bedtime. Repurchase? Yes.

Elsa's Organic Skin Foods Natural Deodorant Stick in Ocean* (reviewed here)

I've been lucky enough to try out all of the different natural deodorants from Elsa's and my two favourites are Love and Ocean. The latter is super fresh and a great unisex scent too. Repurchase? Already have.

P.S - Recycle your beauty empties with Terracycle! 

Most of these plastic and glass containers can be recycled through my local council service (blue bin in my area), however, things like the pumps have metal springs in them which are not accepted as they require a different method in order to be recycled. Luckily, Garnier have teamed up with Terracycle to recycle beauty and personal care waste which is deemed difficult to recycle. It's free, all brands are accepted and there are drop off locations all over the UK. Read more here.

What have you used up recently?

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

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

Weleda Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion* (travel size)

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

Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil (travel size)

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

Weleda Birch Body Scrub

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

LUSH Happy Hippy Shower Gel

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

 Zenon Kition Floral Beauty Mist* (reviewed here)

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

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

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

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (reviewed here)

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

Handmade Naturals Ultra Light Face Cream* (reviewed here)

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

Bilou Cotton Candy Gentle Cream Foam*

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

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence (travel size)

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

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

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

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist* (travel size)

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

Esse Eye Contour Cream* (reviewed here)

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

infuse My Colour Copper Wash* (reviewed here)

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

Baija Green Tea Jasmine Body Oil (travel size)

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

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak* (reviewed here)

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

What have you used up recently?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

The Empties basket in my bathroom has been overflowing this past month with mainly skincare items, so it's time to dig through the trash and have a quick recap on all of these beauty products that I've recently used up! Let's get stuck in, shall we?

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (reviewed here)

A solid favourite of mine for a number of years now, this is one of Antipodes' best serums which can be used by all skin types, but benefits dry and dehydrated types the most. I suffer from the latter every now and then, and Hosanna instantly gives my skin what it needs and noticeably plumps it up with each use. It's oil-free too, so great for acne and problem prone complexions to try. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other serums first.

Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF 30* (reviewed here)

Another skin care product that I've been using for a long time is Aveda's bestselling Daily Light Guard Defense Flud SPF 30. I originally reviewed it back in 2016 and I've repurchased it every Summer since, though I do tend to use it all year round. It lasts ages and works well underneath makeup without peeling or flaking off. Repurchase? Yes.

Madara Age Defense Day Cream* (reviewed here)

A brilliant anti-ageing moisturiser for anyone who wants something lighter and easily absorbed in texture than most anti-ageing formulas (which can be on the thick and heavy side of the skincare spectrum), but still retaining its hydrating properties. I've gone through at least three tubes of this stuff! Repurchase? I'm testing out some others at the moment, but I'm sure you'll see it again in a future Empties post.

Weleda Skin Food (reviewed here)

I always have at least two or three tubes of Weleda's iconic Skin Food somewhere in my house; one's usually in the bathroom, one mini like this in my handbag, and the other is often by my bedside table. If you've yet to try it, it's an ultra thick, seriously moisturising multi-purpose product that can be applied anywhere and everywhere to deeply hydrate. Repurchase? Yes.

Kueshi Double Effect Makeup Remover

I can't remember where this came from, possibly a GWP or a beauty box?! Anyhow, it's a Spanish brand and I really enjoyed using it. It's one of those dual-phase, shake-them-up formulas and it removed all traces of waterproof eye makeup without any tugging or irritation. Repurchase? I haven't seen it in the UK yet but I'd definitely pick it up again in Spain!

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (reviewed here)

Here's another Antipodes product that I've been using for a few years now and still very much love. This Nourishing Night Cream is very hydrating and always leaves my skin so soft come the morning. One jar will last me a good couple of months as you only need to use a tiny amount. Repurchase? Yes.

DHC Cleansing Oil (reviewed here)

I promised myself that I was going to go through my minis stash and use more of those up, and then I end up with mostly full-sized empties instead - hey-ho! Well, I did finish off a travel size DHC Cleansing Oil which I used as a first cleanse to remove makeup and SPF. Brilliant stuff, it gets rid of everything and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy afterwards. Repurchase? Already have another in my stash.

True Organic Of Sweden All You Need Is Me Balm (reviewed here)

A friend bought this for me when she was in Sweden over Christmas and I've only just used it up as a tiny amount goes such a long way! I've used this before in the past and it's basically an all-natural and organic version of Vaseline, so you can use it on chapped lips and dry cuticles etc. Repurchase? I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks this in the UK sadly :(

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (reviewed here)

You can never go wrong with a good quality, affordable everyday cleansing lotion and this one from Handmade Naturals has a short but sweet ingredients list. Lovely gentle formula, it's great for removing makeup, and daily grime, as well as being a really nice morning cleanser if you prefer to use light cream formulas. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

Phyto 9 Nourishing Hair Day Cream (reviewed here)

Finally, a haircare product! I picked this up in the Black Friday sale from a local salon, but I've used it a couple of times in the past. Again, it's another one lasts a long time and I highly recommend it as a leave-in conditioner/treatment for anyone who has very dry, damaged or fine hair because it adds moisture without weighing your tresses down. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash (reviewed here)

Another sale bargain that I couldn't resist picking up when I saw it on offer, Tropic's Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash is like a holiday cocktail that you slather on in the shower! I love the rich, creamy formula which is very similar to the ones that Weleda do, but in a different scent. Repurchase? Will definitely buy it again when it's on offer.

Rosenrot Festes Koko Shampoo

Finally, my last empty is sadly a disappointing one because I've been trying to find a solid shampoo bar that works for my hair to no avail, and this one just wasn't compatible either. My friend sent it from Germany and I'll probably use it up to clean my makeup brushes with. Repurchase? No.

What have you used up recently?

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Introducing: Handmade Naturals - Skincare Routine review

I love discovering new-to-me natural and affordable British skincare brands, and the Cheshire based Handmade Naturals are my latest find with a multi-award winning range of cruelty-free and vegan products.

Handmade Naturals have been developing their extensive skincare range, with expertly handcrafted formulas that use only 100% nature-derived ingredients, since 2007. It's easy to see on their website how proud they are of their ethics with certifications from both The Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International clearly labelled on their products, and a company commitment to using sustainable and recyclable packaging. 

With such a large range of affordable products available, I was truly spoilt for choice when Handmade Naturals asked if I'd like to try anything from them. In the end, I decided to test out a cleanser, toner, face moisturiser and a lip balm so that I could compose a handy 'skincare routine' post, and they've been working very well!

Handmade Naturals Rose, Hemp & Jojoba Cleansing Lotion* (100ml, £8.95, link)

If you prefer to use a cleansing lotion that also doubles up as a makeup remover in the evenings, the Rose, Hemp & Jojoba Cleansing Lotion is a must-try. It has an ultra-gentle and nourishing formula that's made from just eight ingredients including unrefined Organic Hemp Oil, Jojoba Oil, Aspen Bark extract, Vitamin E and Rose Damascus Oil. The light texture is easy to massage into the skin, whilst efficiently removing all traces of makeup and daily grime. My skin feels so soft after using this and I love the convenient airless pump applicator. Oily skin types can also use this as a light moisturiser.

Handmade Naturals Lemonbalm & Witch Hazel Face Toner* (100ml, £6.95, link)

Witch Hazel is an ingredient that I often look out for in skincare products as I find it helps to keep blemishes at bay and it doesn't aggravate my eczema, so when I saw this alcohol-free toner I knew I had to try it! Composed of only two ingredients; Melissa (Lemonbalm) Floral Water and Witch Hazel, this toner is lovely and refreshing on the skin. Packed full of natural antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it will help to soothe and heal acne and blemish prone skin with regular use.

Handmade Naturals Ultra Light Face Cream* (50ml, £13.25, link)

With Spring on its way, I wanted to try a lighter facial moisturiser and this Ultra Light Face Cream has been a perfect match for my oily/combination skin. Featuring a blend of Organic Argan Oil,  Witch Hazel, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil and Vitamin E, it absorbs easily and delivers just the right amount of hydration to keep my skin healthy and happy. It also works well underneath makeup as a primer for a smooth and flawless finish.

Handmade Naturals Cocoa & Mandarin Lip Balm* (4.5g, £2.95, link)

Most of the products from Handmade Naturals are suitable for vegans with the exception of their lip balms which contain beeswax. They have four different flavours available, all free from mineral oil/petroleum derivatives and instead packed with nourishing Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Almond and Calendula Oils. I couldn't resist trying the Cocoa & Mandarin Lip Balm which not only tastes delicious, but does a fantastic job of keeping dry lips moisturised throughout the day. A bargain for under £3!

Discover the full range of skincare and more at handmadenaturals.co.uk

Do you like to buy from British brands?

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