Luxury Mother's Day Gift Idea: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist & Rose Cleansing Balm review

Need a last-minute gift for Mother's Day? Elemis is always a surefire winner with their Pro-Collagen Rose collection being a bestselling range for many years. Maybe your mum already has some in her bathroom cabinet and would appreciate a top-up?

Elemis feels like one of those luxury British brands that have been around forever as it's become such a well-loved part of the beauty community, particularly with older women. Launched back in 1990 by Noella Gabriel, Elemis has gone from strength to strength, and was one of the first true 'skin wellness' brands, marrying together a love of nature, science, and aromatherapy. 

I've tried quite a few products from Elemis over the years and particularly love their body care range, as well as their bestselling Pro-Collagen Rose collection, which my skin is enjoying now it's nearer 40, than 30!

Here are two products that I'd highly recommend picking up; the Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist and the Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. These would be perfect to add to a DIY pamper basket for your mum, along with a lovely candle, flowers, and some of her favourite foodie treats.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist* (50ml, £46)

A mist doesn't sound very exciting but this is no ordinary mist. Oh no! This is a super hydrating serum-in-a-mist which is actually pretty interesting concept wise and works beautifully for more mature, dull and dehydrated skin types. Dubbed as a 'high-performance anti-wrinkle serum-in-a-mist', this clever multi-purpose skincare gem has an incredibly soothing effect on the skin, leaving it smooth, softened, and hydrated for 24 hours.

Hero ingredients in this innovative formula are Padina Pavonica (a clinically proven seaweed extract that boosts collagen production), Microalgae extracts (to freshen and hydrate), and Organic Rose Hydrolat (famed for its natural moisturising properties). Use it after cleansing, and it also doubles up as a fantastic makeup setting spray.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm* (prices start from £13 for 20g)

Based on its famous big sister, the original Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (one of which is sold every 13 seconds in the UK!), this Rose version has become equally as popular thanks to its delicate fresh floral fragrance. Infused with Rose and Mimosa waxes with Elderberry, Starflower, and Elemis' trademarked blend of Optimega Oils, this mineral oil-free balm is just so beautiful and luxurious to use. The texture is rich and effortlessly massages into the skin to remove all traces of dirt and impurities - you can see why it's used in the Elemis spas from the minute that you try it.

Super nourishing for the delicate skin barrier, the balm emulsifies into a hydrating milk when water is added, leaving skin soft, clean, and properly feeling pampered and nourished. A tiny amount goes a long way as expected and it can also be used to remove makeup, as well as a weekly hydrating facial mask for dry skin.

Shop the full range at uk.elemis.com

What are your favourite Elemis products?

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Bring Sunshine To Your Bathroom with Sol de Janeiro | Bom Dia Bright, Brazillian 4-Play & Coco Cabana Body Washes review

The weather may be horrible outside, but you can beat the winter blues with these sunny delights from Sol de Janeiro. Bursting with summery, uplifting fragrances, you can daydream of your next holiday in the sunshine whilst you're in the shower!

Everywhere I look on my socials, there's always someone mentioning Sol de Janeiro lately, and truth be told, I hadn't really explored much from the brand until now. I've used their bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream on and off for years and have enjoyed that gorgeous signature scent (which you really must try if you haven't already) so it was definitely time to see what else was on offer.

Although Sol de Janeiro isn't an entirely natural brand, they are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and have a transparent 'clean philosophy' which means that they have banned over 100 'nasties' from all of its formulas. These include parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, microplastics, aluminum salts, talc, and oxybenzone to name just a few. 

In addition, all of their sunscreens are certified reef safe, they don't use cyclic silicones (the ones linked to buildup on the hair and in our water systems), and the preservative phenoxyethanol is only present in clinically safe amounts (less than 1% of total formula). You can read more about their clean philosophy here.

With this in mind, I was keen to try some of their bestselling Body Washes which a friend recently raved about to me, and with their delicious summery scents, I couldn't say no. I picked up the smaller travel-size bottles as they were on offer when I was in Boots but larger sizes are available. They are pricey but mighty!

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

Bom Dia Bright is a newbie to the Sol de Janeiro range and is a clarifying Coconut based sulfate-free body wash that's packed full of fruit-derived AHAs, vegan Lactic Acid, and Salicyclic Acid. This combination packs a punch when it comes to gently exfoliating your body, visibly brightening and smoothing it. If you suffer from ingrown hairs, this is perfect as it'll get rid of any congested lumps and bumps. Bom Dia Bright is delicately scented with the sunny Cheirosa 40 fragrance which is wonderfully warm, energizing, and floral. Best used 2-3 times a week.

Sol de Janeiro Brazillian 4-Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel

If you love the scent of Sol's bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream, then you'll automatically love this cheekily named Brazillian 4-Play Shower Cream as it has the same iconic fragrance with notes of Pistachio, Jasmine, and Salted Caramel. The product itself has an interesting shower cream-gel texture which lathers up beautifully and feels so silky and rich on the skin thanks to moisturising ingredients such Coconut Oil, Cupuaçu Butter, and Açaí Oil. 

Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser

For an even more moisturising shower experience, dry skin will drink up the delectable Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser. Super luxurious and even richer in texture than the Brazillian 4-Play, Coco Cabana shares many of the same skin-friendly ingredients as the above but is enriched further with a unique CocoSugar blend of nourishing Coconut Oil and fermented Sugar that helps to draw more moisture to your skin. And the scent of course is coconut heaven! Think juicy, creamy young Coconuts mixed with tropical Orchids and toasted Praline; a pure sunny paradise fragrance.

Sol de Janeiro Body Washes come in various sizes with refills available for the bigger bottles. Travel sizes, 90ml, are around £10 each. Available from various stockists including Boots and Look Fantastic.

Which one sounds the best to you?

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Payday Treats | New Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Sorcery & Decade | Review & Swatches

Need a payday treat? The new shades of Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss from Lisa Eldridge have me swooning and falling back in love with juicy, shiny lips after what seems like a lifetime of matte lipsticks!

I don't think there's a beauty blogger on the planet who doesn't love Lisa Eldridge so it was a bit of a no-brainer to see how hugely successful her own cosmetics brand has become since its launch four years ago. The legendary makeup artist and creative director extraordinaire, Lisa Eldridge is someone who I have fangirled over for a long time and I just love her makeup tutorials on YouTube. 

I've dipped my toe in the range before and tried a few things such as the iconic True Velvet Lipsticks and the sell-out Cinnabar Eyeshadow Palette, but oddly enough, it's been the launch of a couple of new shades of her Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss that have got me flustered lately.

As soon as I saw them on Lisa's Instagram, I added two to my shopping basket immediately because the shades looked so beautiful, and boy, are they even more gorgeous in real life! These substantially chunky lip glosses come packaged with their trademark gold caps and embellished with Lisa Eldridge's brand signature. 

The whole makeup line is 100% cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. Whilst it's not a green/clean beauty range, there are some key natural ingredients included in the formulas, and the vast majority of products are suitable for vegans (just check the ingredients online first if this applies to you).

What attracts me the most to Lisa Eldridge's cosmetics is the performance and quality of the products which are truly top tier as you would expect from a world-renowned makeup artist. It's clear that a lot of time has gone into the development of everything that Lisa launches and you know she wouldn't produce anything that she wouldn't use herself or on her celebrity clientele of famous faces.

With this in mind, let's get back to the glosses. I picked up two of the new shades of Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Sorcery and Decade. This range is a gloss and lip care hybrid thanks to the inclusion of Wild Mango Kernel Butter, Acai Berry Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Vitamin C.

Gliding on super smoothly, these non-sticky lip glosses feel like silk on the lips and each shade offers a different level of pigment. 

Sorcery, pictured above, is a cool-toned earthy rose with a touch of mauve. This is the one to opt for if you love that 90s Indie girl vibe (think Drew Barrymore) and it has a light natural level of pigment so you get a lovely wash of colour along with lots of beautiful shine. I find this shade leans a little pinky on me and gives me that 'my lips but better' finish which I absolutely love for everyday wear.

Decade is another cool-toned gloss that has an insanely rich chocolatey syrup thing going on that's a stunning mix of brown and berry tones. As you can see, this shade offers a medium level of pigment and can be built up with a few layers if you want to have a more statement lip.

I'm so impressed by the quality and performance yet again of these lip glosses; they are by far the best I've ever tried and are such a pleasure to wear as they're so moisturising and non-sticky with no sickly sweet or perfumed fragrance. In my view, they are worth every penny!

Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Decade & Sorcery (4.5ml, £18 each) are available from lisaeldridge.com

Have you tried anything from Lisa Eldridge yet?

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Introducing: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Serum & Biotin Gummies review

 

Thicker and fuller hair is on the wishlist of many women's wants when it comes to beauty, and Vegamour is one such brand that aims to help restore, retain and renew your crowning glory. But does it live up to the hype?

Anyone with a social media account will no doubt have heard of Vegamour as this luxury, LA-based haircare brand has a wide range of global followers and some interesting products with innovative formulas. 

I'm not one to get sucked into the hype machine these days, however, my interest does get piqued when I see a brand that's 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and omits a long list of undesirables from its ingredients. Vegamour is free from GMOs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, gluten, and synthetic fragrances. 

With this in mind, I was very keen to see whether Vegamour lives up to its hype so I have been testing out some of their bestselling GRO hair products for the past month or so.

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo* (236ml, £35) & Conditioner* (236ml, £35)

Packaged in baby pink tubes with stylish gold branding, this luxury duo looks every bit as Insta-worthy as you would expect from a brand that originates from Los Angeles. And we are talking some luxury prices here with the GRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner setting you back £35 each.

It's all in the formula though, and I have to say that I quickly fell in love with Vegamour as soon as I tried it. The Shampoo boasts an innovative, eco-friendly micro-encapsulation technology that delivers clinically tested plant-based phyto actives straight to your follicles. Two trademarked formulas, Karmatin, made from vegan bSilk ensure that damaged hair cuticles are smoothed and strengthened. Elsewhere, this nutrient-rich shampoo contains wild-harvested Marula, Baobab, and Ximeniea Oils to deeply nourish from root to tip, adding shine and plenty of volume along the way. I noticed a difference after just one use; my fine hair was visibly fuller-looking, more swish-worthy, and had plenty of bounce!

The matching Conditioner shares a similar formula with the same trademarked ingredients and nutrient-rich plant oils, so when used in tandem, they are guaranteed to deliver a very good hair day. Be sure to use only a tiny amount and only leave it one for 60 seconds as instructed as it's seriously rich stuff. 

Vegamour GRO Hair Serum* (30ml, £48)

Vegamour's GRO Hair Serum is the product that you've likely seen on Instagram and this is the crown jewel in the brand's GRO range. This plant-based multi-tasking serum uses a combination of clinically tested phyto actives to reduce the signs of shedding so that it promotes healthier, thicker hair growth. 

Safe to use every day, it contains antioxidant-rich Curcumin derived from Turmeric to fight off free radical damage; Red Clover for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and Mung Bean sprouts which are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals for your hair such as Zinc, Selenium, Silica, Iron and Vitamins A, B, C, B7 (Biotin) and K.

Incorporating the GRO Hair Serum into my daily routine was super easy; just apply a full dropper full to dry or towel-dried hair and massage it into your scalp. The serum absorbs quickly so I didn't have any issues with greasiness or stickiness, and you can apply it morning or night; I preferred the latter as it was just easier for me to remember to do it.

The key is consistency here and with daily use, you should start to see new hair growth in 90-120 days. I've been using it close to two months now and can definitely see some baby hairs peaking out at the front which is encouraging so I'll continue to use it.

Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies* (1 month supply, £23)

We all know that beauty starts from the inside and these GRO Biotin Gummies are a great way to ensure that your hair is getting all the essential vitamins that it needs for healthy hair growth. Unlike other brands that just focus on Biotin, Vegamour's proprietary blend contains a combination of all the good stuff; Vitamins A, B5, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as the all-important Biotin, Folic Acid, and Zinc. 

Best of all, these vegan-friendly gummies taste delicious with a fruity Strawberry flavour; one is all you need to take each day for happier hair.

Shop the full range at https://uk.vegamour.com/

Are you a fan of hair growth products?

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Organic September: 4 Skincare Products To Try From Nourish London

 

As Organic September draws to a close, I thought I'd do a special feature on one of my favorite British skincare brands, Nourish London. Dedicated to producing clean, natural, vegan, cruelty-free, organic skincare with the most effective formulas, they have been part of my routine for many years.

Here are just four of their bestsellers that I highly recommend trying if you're new to organic skincare - you won't be disappointed!

Nourish London Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator* (50ml, £19)

The potent antioxidant properties naturally found in Kale, make it one of Nourish's most popular ingredients in their skincare; in fact they have a whole range dedicated to this amazing superfood. My top pick from this particular range is the Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator which is gentle enough to be used as an everyday cleanser if you have congested and uneven skin. 

Although it's described as an exfoliator, it's really a multi-tasking superhero as it cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes the skin all in one convenient treatment. Key ingredients include phyto-active Pomegranate enzymes, Jojoba beads, Probiotics and of course, that vitamin-rich Kale extract, to remove dull dead skin cells and to protect against environmental aggressors. If you're looking for an exfoliator that does it all without damaging your natural skin barrier, this is for you!

Nourish Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (100ml, £22)

Toning mists are quite understated in the organic skincare world as many brands just focus on having a beautiful, but dare I say, 'boring' floral toner to tick that spritz box. However, Nourish has developed the Antioxidant Peptide Mist which will definitely put some 'pep' into your daily skincare routine.

Boasting 91% certified organic ingredients, this luxury spritz contains a specific blend of skin-friendly peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and carefully chosen soothing essential oils, to help your skin look revitalised, whilst protecting it against the elements of pollution and daily life. Rich in antioxidants, it's the ideal pick-me-up for tired, stressed, and dull skin.

Nourish Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (50ml, £34)

Speaking of antioxidants, my skin absolutely adores Nourish's bestselling Antioxidant Multi Tasking Super Balm and this hardworking product is a real gem in the brand's range. Super gentle but highly effective, this balm can be used as a daily facial polish, a 'takes everything off' cleansing balm, and a nourishing intensive night moisturiser for dry skin types.

Key ingredients in this superstar balm include a clinically proven anti-ageing Marine Algae, lots of antioxidants and high performing natural plant oils and extracts such as Rosehip Oil, Pumpkin Oil and Kale extract. I mainly like to use this as a cleansing balm because it's great for removing all traces of daily impurities for a super clean feeling.

Nourish Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (30ml, £25)

Last but not least, I couldn't forget to mention the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask, which has been a staple in my skincare stash since it launched a few years ago. In fact, I'm currently half-way through a tube when the replacement above was sent out to me.

The key ingredient in this award-winning facial treatment is Magnesium which helps to address and soothe any inflammation in the dermis. In conjunction, there are also other essential minerals in the formula such as Zinc, Copper and Iron, alongside more common natural ingredients like Damask Rose and Lavender. This is a brilliant mask for all skin types to try and best of all, it gets to work in just five minutes - how's that for quick and easy?!

Shop the full range of organic skincare at nourishskinrange.com

Have you tried anything from Nourish London?

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In My Bathroom: Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence review

 

Bath like Cleopatra with Dr. Hauschka's luxury Rose Nurturing Bath Essence; a real bath-time treat for dry skin!  

You guys know how much I love Dr. Hauschka and I honestly feel like their bath and body products are just not spoken about enough, despite the fact that they have so many hidden gems (check out their Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk in my recent Empties post). 

If you love luxury bath products as much as I do, this is the blog post for you!

What Is It?

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence is a luxurious, ready-to-use bath milk that aims to calm and harmonise the mind and the senses with its natural Rose fragrance, whilst delicately softening the skin.

What's In It?

Key ingredients include Rose Essential Oil, Rose Petal Extract, Rose Flower Water, Jojoba Oil, and Almond Oil. There is some Alcohol and Parfum in this formula, however, they are from natural origin sources as all of Dr. Hausckha's products are 100% certified natural. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Free from synthetic ingredients, artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. 

Who Is It For?

This bath essence is especially useful for those for have dry skin, though as always, if you have sensitive skin as well, be sure to do a patch test before using it in the bath.

How Do I Use It?

You can either pour a few capfuls under a running tap to infuse your bath, or simply drizzle some in. You know you've used enough when you can smell that beautiful rose scent which is a fragrance that quickly fills your whole bathroom.

Overall Thoughts

Dr. Hauschka's Rose Nurturing Bath Essence is one of those truly luxury bath time treats that you always want to have in your bathroom as soon as you try it for the first time. It's an easy product to fall in love with if you're a fellow rose fan, and this natural rose fragrance is just beautiful. It smells like freshly picked rose petals, rather than something powdery and old-fashioned that you might find in your grandmother's bathroom. Did I mention it makes your skin feel like silk afterward too? Add it to your Christmas wishlist now.

P.S - Please note this bottle is made from glass so be extra careful when using it in your bath.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence* (100ml, £19) available from various stockists including drhauschka.co.uk

Do you love rose scents?

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Summer Skincare: Nourish London Summer Sun Kit review

 

Nourish London's brand new Summer Sun Kit is here to help you stay safe in the sun during your weekends away and holidays this year, plus it has some soothing skincare treats for all your after-sun needs.

For those who haven't heard of Nourish London before (and where have you been?!), they are an award-winning, high-end British natural and organic skincare brand. Holding independent certifications from the Soil Association, COSMOS Natural, the Vegan Society, and the Cruelty Free International (leaping bunny), Nourish is a well-loved and trusted brand within the green beauty and wider skincare community. 

I've been a fan of the brand for many years and you can check out lots of my previous reviews and features on their products here.

To celebrate summer, they have released a brand new Summer Sun Kit which comprises of three travel-sized skincare essentials, all packaged in an ethically made Freeset black drawstring bag. All products are 100% vegan, made with certified natural organic ingredients, alcohol-free and cruelty-free.

Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 (15ml)

The star of the Summer Sun Kit is the Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25. Not only does it protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to its non-nano mineral sun filter zinc oxide content, but it also protects against everyday environmental pollution and is packed full of skin-friendly antioxidants. Best of all, it doesn't feel like a traditional thick sunscreen; instead, it has a much lighter and easily absorbed texture and delivers more of a fresh matte finish which I love.  I reviewed the full size earlier in the year when this product first launched which you can read here.

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue (5ml)

The ideal multi-tasker that can be used all year round, Argan Skin Rescue can be used morning and night to prep and protect your skin against the elements. Just a few drops are all you need to thoroughly hydrate your complexion thanks to its formula of natural plant-based moisturizing oils and Vitamin C. I sometimes apply a little bit to extra dry skin areas like my nails and cuticles for a hydrating top up before bed and it works a treat!

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (5ml)

I actually have the full size of this Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask currently in my skincare stash, and I tend to use it once or twice a month. It has an interesting composition of probiotic minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Iron, that feed essential nutrients to your skin and repair damage for smoother, younger-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types, this facial treatment has a creamy wash-off formula enriched with soothing Damask Rose and Lavender to boost collagen, reduce redness and maintain healthy skin elasticity. 

Nourish London Summer Skin Kit* retails for £15 from nourishskinrange.com

What's on your summer skincare wishlist?

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Summer Skincare: Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 review

 

The queen of all sunscreens, Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 has a cult following and it's easy to see why! 

A famous name in the skincare world, Dr. Babara Sturm is a world-renowned aesthetics skin doctor who specialises in anti-inflammatory treatments, so much so, that many call her a 'pioneer' in this field. 

Needless to say, her award-winning range of skincare emphasizes this passion, and her GMO-free products are made with a strong ethos of innovation, but without the use of common toxic, harmful, or aggressive ingredients. It's not a 'clean' beauty line, however, it does provide some pretty impressive results for those who have tricky to manage skin conditions, so I was keen to try her number one summer skin bestseller; the Sun Drops SPF 50 as a lot of facial sunscreens break me out.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 are housed in a sleek glass bottle and comes with a pipette applicator which some may love, and others may dislike. Personally, I'm a fan because I can apply the drops easily to my palms and then massage them into my skin - it's also useful for getting the quantity that's needed to adequately protect my face right too as you want to apply your sunscreen liberally - it's better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes!

This sunscreen feels a little heavy and sticky at first, yet once applied, it's a lovely lightweight texture that quickly sinks into the skin and feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. This SPF 50 protection safeguards against both UVA and UVB rays so that you're fully covered, and features a unique complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Beta Glucan, and Purslane for additional anti-ageing protection. There are also no harmful to the marine environment ingredients in this formula so you can swim in the sea safely without damaging the local flora and fauna  (just make sure to reapply when you're back on land to keep your SPF topped up).

I've been using Sun Drops for the past month and it's protected my skin well incredibly well against the sometimes vicious Mediterranean sun, and guess what, it hasn't broken me out once! Sadly, it does come with a pretty hefty price tag to match such good results, but as sunscreen is the number one anti-ageing defense in your skincare routine, if you can afford it, why not?

Dr. Barabara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50* (30ml, £100) is available from Skinstation.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Dr. Barbara Sturm before?

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Payday Treat: Tea & Tonic Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub review

Treat yourself to a gorgeous luxury body scrub from the esteemed British wellness brand, Tea & Tonic, and enjoy an awakening pampering experience in the comfort of your own home.

If you love your natural wellness brands, you'll no doubt already be firmly acquainted with Tea & Tonic. Based in the famous Surrey Hills in England, Tea & Tonic create their fresh luxury skincare in the grounds of Losely House, a converted barn house situated amongst beautiful walled gardens, wildlife, and nearby streams. It really doesn't get more British than that does it?!

They are a brand who have been on my radar for quite some time and I was delighted to have the opportunity recently to try out one of their award-winning bestsellers; the Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub.

Housed in a luxurious glass jar, Tea & Tonic's 100% natural and cruelty-free Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub has many beauty fans, especially after it was chosen by The Independent as one of its best Indy Buys for 2021. Primarily a salt-based scrub featuring the famed Halen Môn Salt (an extremely mineral and antioxidant-rich salt that is pure charcoal-filtered and hand-harvested from the Queen's coastline along Angelsey), this body treatment delivers a spa-like experience like no other. 

The salt is infused with the brand's invigorating Bright Awakening tonic, which contains an abundance of carefully chosen essential oils and wellness extracts. These include Lavender, Gotu Kola, White, Red & Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, Red Clover, Sweet Violet, Rosemary, Cypress, Bergamot, Yarrow, Marigold, and Schisandra Berry, to name but a few. In addition, sustainably sourced Beeswax and plant-based oils such as Hemp and Safflower are included for their rich, moisturising benefits for the skin. 

The scent of Tea & Tonic's Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub is like no other. It's intensely fresh, uplifting, calming, soothing and of course, awakening, and is best enjoyed at the start of the day to really invigorate the senses. A must-try!

I was also treated to a sample set of Tea & Tonic's Wellness Teas and these are highly recommended, so if you're placing an online order, do add them to your basket. My personal favourites are the Golden Milk for a sleepy bedtime drink, Ginger Turmeric for when you're feeling run-down and in need of an energy boost, and White Mint as an everyday tonic to de-stress and support a healthy immune system.

Shop the full range at teaandtonic.co.uk

What are your favourite natural wellness brands?

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Summer Skincare: Nourish Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 review

 

With a heatwave on its way next week, now's the perfect time to get your hands on the brand new Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 from London-based natural brand, Nourish.

What is it and what does it do?

This newbie is a great addition to Nourish's skincare range and is described as an all-year-round daily moisturiser with SPF 25 to help protect the skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays. I think it's important to mention this dual protection as some products only protect against either/or UVA/UVB and this one does both!

Packaging

Glass jar with an aluminum lid.

Natural & ethical credentials

Contains 55% organic ingredients which are certified by COSMOS. Cruelty-free and vegan certified as well.

What's in it?

Lots of antioxidants and anti-aging active natural ingredients such as Kale, Turmeric, Camellia, Rose Hip Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Argan Oil, and Pumpkin seed oil. There's also some wonderful soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Borage Oil and Bisabolol. A really interesting and well-formulated blend. And not forgetting the reef-safe broad spectrum protection of SPF 25.

Full INCI: Aqua, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water*, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin**, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Borago Officinalis (Borage) seed oil*, Rosa canina (Rosehip) fruit oil*, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia/Tetraphylla Seed oil*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Brassica oleracea acephala (kale) leaf extract*, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Hexapeptide-11, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) seed oil**, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. *From organic agriculture. **Made using both organic and non organic ingedients. 55% organic origin and 100% natural origin.

Overall thoughts

Despite being a new product, it does have a very similar look and feel to other products of this nature that I've tried from comparable brands. The texture is nice and lightweight, but it's worth remembering that it does contain Zinc Oxide as part of the sun protection so it typically feels a little more difficult to absorb into the skin. On my oily/combination skin, it feels quite fresh with a matte finish which I really like, though drier skin types may not. I'd recommend it for sensitive skin as I've experienced no problems with breakouts.

As with all-natural sunscreens with Zinc Oxide, I was a bit worried about the dreaded 'white cast/ghost face' look, especially as I have an olive coloured complexion that goes quite dark and tans very easily. Thankfully, I didn't experience too much of an issue with this personally, but it may be less appealing to darker skin tones than mine. 

Protection wise though, I have been enjoying having this in my summer skincare routine! I've had no problems with sunburn since the sun has come out in the UK so it certainly looks to be doing its intended job. The fully recyclable/reusable jar is also a winner for me as I'm trying to reduce my plastic consumption and find that many, if not most, sunscreens are packaged in those difficult to recycle plastic tubes. Definitely worth a try!

Nourish Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25* (50ml, £28) available from nourishskinrange.com

What's new in your summer skincare routine?

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Health & Lifestyle: Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops review

 

Collagen supplements are big news in the beauty industry with many skincare gurus swearing by them for helping to keep their skin looking and feeling younger. One such brand which are creating a buzz are Heaven Skincare with their easy to use Collagen Drops.

Collagen is naturally found in large amounts in younger skin, but as we age, the amount that the body produces becomes less and less the older we get. This sucks because collagen helps to maintain the skin's elasticity so the less that you have, the more prone your skin is to sagging and showing those tell-tale signs of ageing. 

In addition to collagen, our skin cells also naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid; an ingredient I'm sure you're all aware of when it comes to skincare products. And yes, you've guessed it, Hyaluronic Acid also decreases as we get older.

The solution? Find a supplement that incorporates both Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to help replace what we lose! This is where Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops come in.

What's In Them?

Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops are made up of six natural ingredients which are easily absorbed by the body. These are Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Glucosamine, Magnesium, and Vitamin C.

How To Use

Packaged in small, squeezable bottles, these Collagen Drops are super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Simply add one or two drops to a glass of hot or cold drink, or add to food if you prefer. You can also apply one drop to your daily moisturiser, serum or facial oil, or massage it directly into the skin.

What Are The Skincare Benefits?

With regular usage, you should start to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin hydration and elasticity, stronger nails and healthier hair growth.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

Yes! In addition to the skincare benefits, you may also see other physical and mental benefits such as improved gut health, a reduction in joint pain and inflammation, a strengthened immune system, and improved sleep and memory to name but a few.

Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops* (3 x 10ml bottles, £37 for a two-week supply) is available from heavenskincare.com

Do you use collagen supplements?

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The Best Cruelty Free Cleanser For Sensitive Skin: REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk review #WinterSkincare

 

Whether you find that your skin feels more sensitive during the Winter months, or if you simply live with sensitive skin all-year-round, REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is hands down the best cleanser I have tried (and I've tried a LOT!).

Sensitive skin is not fun, especially if you're a blogger or someone who absolutely loves skincare. Whenever my skin is suffering from an eczema or seborrheic dermatitis flare-up, I get the most insanely itchy red patches all over my face, neck, chest, arms - it can be everywhere. Along with the constant desire to want to scratch your skin off, there's a tight dryness that also occurs with it and this is certainly exacerbated in colder weather thanks to indoor central heating and cold dry air conditions outside.

Thankfully, there is always one cleanser that I turn to when my skin is throwing a tantrum and being difficult to treat; the amazing REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk.

Why REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Is The Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

I have used this cleanser on and off for around five years now and I always have one in my skincare stash. My sensitive skin is mainly triggered by seasonal changes, allergies, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis and often my skin will be in a 'difficult' phase for anything from a week to three months at a time; it varies so much.

I love REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk because it's ultra-gentle, yet still effective enough to thoroughly cleanse my skin and remove all traces of daily dirt and impurities. There are three key plant-based actives at play here; Seabuckthorn Berry Oil which is rich in Omega 7 and helps to soften the skin without overloading it with too much moisture. Secondly, there's Blackcurrant Seed Oil with high levels of natural Omega 3 that soothes away any redness and irritation, and thirdly, Fennel Seed Extract which adds another extra layer of protection for the skin's barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution (a common trigger for sensitive skin). 

The creamy formula of the cleansing milk is just the right texture to easily rub into dry skin without dragging or pulling, and it rinses just as easily off with a wet flannel. My skin is left clean, redness and irritation is gone or vastly reduced, and I can get on with my day. Please never stop making it REN!

REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk* (150ml, £22, link)

Do you have any sensitive skincare favourites?

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Currently Loving: Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower, Complete Me Charge Up Supplements & PMD Kiss

 

November has been a month of personal highs and lows, but focussing on the positives, I've been enjoying some lovely new releases from the likes of Nourish London, Complete Me, and PMD. Let's jump straight to it, shall we?

Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower* (300ml, £16, link)

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've been pretty ill for most of November thanks to a combination of flu which then developed into pneumonia. Let me tell you, having pneumonia is NOT fun! My whole body has been aching all over so it's been the ideal time to test out this newbie from Nourish London which launched last month - talk about a silver lining, eh?

Their new Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower has been a godsend for my weary muscles thanks to a revitalising formula of Epsom Salts, extracts of warming Turmeric and Ginger, and specially selected essential oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Pine, and Juniper. I'm not exaggerating when I describe this product as heavenly because it does such a great job of making you feel relaxed and renewed. As the name suggests, you can use this in both the bath and the shower, but I strongly recommend the bath for the best spa-like experience. Perfect for the end of a busy week or after doing sports. 

It's cruelty-free, 100% natural, SLS-free and vegan-friendly, plus the recyclable bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.

Complete Me Charge Up Energising Supplements* (30 capsules, £19.99, link)

Having been impressed with Complete Me's Sleeping Beauty blend last month (reviewed here), I was excited to try more from the brand and after such a long period of illness, the Charge Up supplements were definitely calling my name!

If you've been feeling run down and tired, these are for you. Each capsule contains 200mg of Vitamin C, 5mg of Thiamine (B1), 5mg of Riboflavin (B2), 5mg of Niacin, 200mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, and 50mg of CoEnzyme Q10. Designed to give you an all-natural boost when you require it the most, the combination of the key vitamins C, B2, and B3 work together to help you combat tiredness and fatigue, whilst B1 supports and regulates healthy energy levels. The addition of antioxidants ALA and CoEnzyme Q10 further support a healthy metabolism and help the body to turn enzymes into energy.

These are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from artificial colours and preservatives.

PMD Kiss Anti-Aging Lip Enhancing Treatment* (£129, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the latest release from PMD who has just brought out some new additions to their bestselling PMD Kiss System just in time for the upcoming festive season. Now available in soft blush pink (as pictured above) and teal green shades, the PMD Kiss is a smart anti-aging lip enhancing and plumping device that uses a pain-free and non-invasive form of pulsating vacuum technology to create the appearance of fuller and smoother lips.

I've found this is quite different from other similar products that I've trialed in the past as it also helps to smooth out lip lines and wrinkles, hence the anti-aging tagline, so if these have always bothered you, definitely give this a try as it's much safer than using injectables. Each kit comes with a specially formulated lip serum, lip sheet masks, a USB charging cord, and a one-year warranty.

Do you have any beauty favourites to share?

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