Currently Loving | The Golden Hour Edit

In between the torrential downpours that we've been having here in the UK (hello Climate Change), there have been these odd little glimpses of sunlight peaking through now and then. As we approach the end of July, I wanted to share a few products that I've been loving lately to celebrate those precious Golden Hour moments and to help brighten your mood if you've been feeling like it'll never stop raining!

The Fruity SPF Lip Balm | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango* (10g, £4.99, link)

A delightfully cheap and cheerful lip balm with SPF 50+ protection, Bondi Sands has really hit the ball out of the park with this range. Ideal for dreamy beach days and al fresco picnics with friends, these hydrating lip balms soothe dry lips and come in several different flavours. My current fave is Tropical Mango and I'm also quite fond of the Juicy Watermelon. An absolute bargain for only a fiver.

The Perfume Rollerball | Farryn Amber Perfume Oil Roll On in Floral Oud (10ml, RRP £18)

I'm a huge fan of perfume rollerballs and feel that they truly come into their own during the summer months when you want something small and convenient to throw into your carry-on or beach bag. This one from Farryn Amber is a gorgeous heady floral scent with plenty of musky Oud thrown into the mix.

The Luxury Aromatherapy Treat | Prismologie Rose Quartz + Manganese Comforting Meridian Balm (75ml, prices vary)

I came across this Prismologie aromatherapy treat whilst browsing the beauty section of TK Maxx (a great place to find a whole host of bargains from big and niche brands) and I instantly fell in love with the box packaging. Upon opening it at home, I was delighted to be greeted by the beautiful scent of fresh roses. combined in a chunky twist-up balm stick. This multi-purpose balm wand glides onto the skin and is infused with Rosehip Oil to gently moisturise whilst delivering aromatherapy benefits. A lovely treat for less than a tenner and they had plenty of others to choose from if you're not a fan of Rose.

The Glowy Bronzer/Highlighter | Iconic London Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow in Date Night (5g, £25, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose product and I fell head over heels for this much-hyped newbie from Iconic London. Yes, this was definitely one of those 'Instagram made me do it' moments and I have no regrets! These Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glows are insanely beautiful and I had a hard time choosing a favourite. In the end, I opted for Date Night which is the most perfect glowy bronzer-meets-highlighter for olive skin tones. This baby really pops against a summer tan! The powder compact is buttery soft and super blendable so you can apply a light dusting or go to town and layer it up for a more intense glow.

The It-Girl Aviators | Versace Aviator Sunglasses (gift from a friend)

Despite my ever-growing collection of sunglasses, I didn't actually own a pair of aviators until one of my good friends kindly gifted me this pair of Versace Aviator Sunglasses for my birthday last month. Since then, I've been wearing them all the time and I love how they go with pretty much every summer outfit imaginable. Smart and chic, they are one of those classics that never goes out of style so I know I'll be wearing these every summer until the end of time.

The Vintage Summer Bag | Jane Shilton Round Bag (charity shop find)

Quick confession, every year I hate the trend of those straw/wicker bags, mainly because I dislike the feel of them so much. Instead, I was on the hunt for a light-coloured small bag and found this beautiful vintage Jane Shilton bag in a local Oxfam charity shop for the bargain price of £6.99. The soft woven texture gives off beach vibes and the long strap can be worn across the body. One of my favourite purchases of the year so far!

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Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

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Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Another month has flown by which means it's time yet again for another Beauty Empties round-up! This is something of a bumper collection as I've been on a bit of a No-Buy challenge recently so I've finished up quite a lot of products. Grab a cuppa and let's get stuck in.

Naobay Hyaluronic & Hemp Recharge Splash Facial Mist* (travel size)

I really enjoyed using this - it was super light and refreshing and also doubled up nicely as a setting spray too. Repurchase? I've gone back to using the Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist, but I would be happy to buy this again in the future.

Balance Me BHA Exfoliating Concentrate (travel size)

If you have oily/combination skin that's prone to blemishes and breakouts, then I highly recommend this liquid exfoliant. It's brilliant for unclogging pores and getting rid of dead skin/congestion. Repurchase? Yes.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (reviewed here)

This is one of the best face masks that I've ever tried for helping to repair the skin barrier. It has so many beneficial ingredients like Magnesium and Zinc in it that you really do see a noticeable difference in your skin after the first use. Genius stuff. Repurchase? Already have :)

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum* (reviewed here)

A hugely popular serum for a reason, this one combines Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C in a slow-release formula to really plump up and brighten your complexion. Very impressed by this and will be most definitely cutting open the tube to get the last bits out! Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown The Rose Garden Salt Soak* (reviewed here)

I recently featured this in my top four relaxing bath salts post so it should come as no surprise to see it here. These are gorgeous, fresh rose-scented Himalayan salts that are very relaxing and spa-like. Repurchase? Yes. 

Puur Ingrid Ultra Body Oil* (featured here)

This is a luxury Canadian natural brand that I was introduced to when I was judging the Cert Clean Beauty Awards. A delightfully silky body oil with a heavenly scent of Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Bergamot. Repurchase? I'm not sure if they have a UK stockist but I'll certainly be checking!

Greenfrog Botanic Shampoo Bar Argan & Rose Oil*

One of my favourite shampoo bars as it produces a nice thick lather and feels very hydrating. Vegan and SLS-free, these bars last forever, I'm sure I've been using it for at least 3 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm* (reviewed here)

Another product that's lasted for a long time has been this tube of Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm which I'm sure I opened around Christmas time to put it into perspective! Amazing for any dry skin bits like lips and cuticles, it's fragrance-free so ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Organii Almond & Avocado Cream Soap* (reviewed here)

If you have dry hands, you must try these Organii Cream Soaps. Not only are they packed full of natural moisturising ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, but they're an absolute steal at only £3.50. I like to use them mainly as hand soaps to cut down on my plastic waste, though they are brilliant to use in the bath and shower as well as they retain their shape and don't go mushy.

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up (travel size)

One of the best multi-purpose beauty products to throw into your travel bag. This little gem triples up as a hydrating face mask, everyday moisturiser, and makeup primer. I particularly like it using it as a primer as it completely smooths out my face in prep for makeup and keeps everything looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

Fruu Watermelon Lip Balm*

Can you tell I'm getting better at using up my never-ending stash of lip balms?! I'm a huge fan of these Fruu ones which come in a range of different flavours - Watermelon is so fruity and delicious. The hydration that these lip balms offer and the curved end make me keep buying them over and over. Repurchase? Definitely. 

Vapour Mesmerize Mascara (reviewed here)

It was certainly bittersweet to finish off this mascara as Vapour Beauty is sadly no more and I'll miss several of their products including this as it was a bloody good mascara. Repurchase? Discontinued :(

Alexandra Kay Time To Relax Essential Oil* (reviewed here)

I've used this for about 2-3 years now and still love it; I'm not sure why, but it's one of the most relaxing essential oil blends that I've come across. Repurchase? Yes.

Alteya Organics Eucalyptus Essential Oil*

When it comes to single essential oils, you can't go wrong with the purity and quality of Alteya Organics. I use Eucalutpus a lot throughout winter to help with itchy scalps/dandruff (add a drop or two to your shampoo), and clearing blocked sinuses when I've had a cold (great for water steam inhalation). Repurchase? Most definitely!

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for a Beauty Empties post don't you think? Come and rummage through the recycling bin with me and discover which products I'll be repurchasing again, and which, if any, will be staying in the bin!

Skin & Me Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser* (featured here)

I'm all about using creamy hydrating cleansers during the winter months and this little gem from Skin & Me has served me well. It's brilliant as a quick morning cleanser to prep my skin for my makeup and I love the recyclable aluminum squeezy tube. Repurchase? I've switched back to the REN Evercalm Cleansing Milk at the moment, but I'll definitely pick this up again.

Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist* (travel size)

I love a refreshing spritz and Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist is perfect for balancing excess sebum and keeping pores clear. If you have oily/combination skin, you should try it! Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (travel size)

If you're a fan of thick cream cleansers that also double up as makeup removers, this bestseller Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia is amazing stuff. Removes all traces of makeup and leaves my skin so wonderfully fresh and clean. Repurchase? Yes.

Jacqueline Organic Honey Hydrating Lip Balm* 

Despite the name 'honey', this lip balm is suitable for vegans and has a 'honey-ish' natural scent to it which is really lovely. Keeps chapped lips at bay and is another product that I've enjoyed using this winter. Repurchase? I have a lot of lip balms in my stash to use up, but yes, I would repurchase!

Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water (travel size)  

You can definitely spot a hydrating theme in this Empties round-up can't you?! I sometimes find that my eyes get very dry and scratchy when the central heating is on, so for days when I've been wearing mascara, I've been using Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water to remove it. It's certainly one of the more hydrating/moisturising micellar waters that I've tried, no doubt due to the Hyaluronic Acid in the formula. Repurchase? Yes.

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts are just amazing and I always, always have a bag or two in my bathroom. I've gotten into the habit of using them more often this winter, and my everyday aches and pains have been reduced as a result. Magical stuff! These ones are straight-up 100% natural mineral salts so I'll usually add a little bath/essential oil for some fragrance. Repurchase? Already have!

Wildheart Organics Revive Shower Oil*

Wildheart Organics is a beautiful natural luxury brand and I loved every single drop of their Revive Shower Oil. Incidentally, I used this purely as a bath oil and adored the blend of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak* (featured here)

Very similar to the bath oil above, this Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak has a similar blend of essential oils which are infused into the bath salts, along with some CBD. This results in a very relaxing bath which is perfect to use after a long, stressful week. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Stress Check Kind Hands

No winter empties post would be complete without at least one tube of hand cream and my go-to has been the bestselling Stress Check Kind Hands from This Works which I picked up for a bargain in TK Maxx. If you haven't smelt the Stress Check fragrance, you must! It's so calming and the hand cream itself is ultra-moisturising without being sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Already have.

Laidbare Butter Me Up Body Butter* (reviewed here)

Oh wow, this product has been a long-time favourite of mine, having first reviewed it back in 2012! Sadly, this amazing body butter has been discontinued and this was my very last tube of it so you better believe that I'll be cutting open the tube to get every last bit out! Repurchase? Discontinued :(

This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray (travel size)

Lastly, I finished up a travel mini of the This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray. This is the first that I've tried from the Love Sleep range and it's such a beautiful and highly addictive blend of Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. Repurchase? Very tempted to pick up the full size.

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Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

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

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

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

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

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

Rahua Classic Shampoo* (reviewed here)

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

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

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

Naobay Detox Illuminating Micellar Water (travel size)

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

Monpure Clarifying Scalp Scrub (travel size)

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

Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Cucumber Mint

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

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

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

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Introducing: Soul Tree Ayurvedic Natural Makeup & Toiletries

Soul Tree is a natural brand that's been on my radar for quite some time as its products are inspired by ethical and ayurvedic formulas. Soul Tree is also big on using organic ingredients and is in fact, the very first Indian natural brand to carry European certifications for its ingredients.

I don't see many Indian brands that have caused such a buzz on the green beauty scene as Soul Tree have. From their super slick packaging to their wide range of products that are handmade using age-old traditional Ayurvedic methods, Soul Tree is definitely one that you can really enjoy exploring.

I've been testing out several of their products recently and wanted to introduce you to some of my new favourites.

Dry skin? Try Soul Tree Hand & Foot Cream (100g, £14.03)

Rescue dry skin with Soul Tree's wonderful multi-purpose Hand & Foot Cream. Featuring active botanicals, this intensive care cream formula is packed with natural anti-oxidants and rich moisturising ingredients such as Kokum Butter and an organic triple blend of oils from Sesame, Coconut, and Apricot. I love the addition of Honey, Aloe, and Turmeric to help soften and smooth dry skin.

Pamper yourself with Soul Tree Indian Rose & Cooling Vetiver Shower Gel (250ml, £11.29)

Enjoy a luxury shower experience at home thanks to Soul Tree's Indian Rose & Cooling Vetiver Shower Gel. Not only does this look beautiful in your bathroom, but it has a delicate rose scent that I feel most people will love, even if rose isn't typically your favourite scent as this one is quite unusual. The SLS and soap-free formula is brilliant for sensitive skin that needs a gentle touch.

Sensitive eyes? Try Soul Tree Ayurvedic Mascara (6g, £16.99) and Pure Black Kajal (3g, £14.20)

Soul Tree has a great range of natural makeup that looks chic in your makeup bag and performs effortlessly well. Their Ayurvedic Mascara delivers a natural-looking, lightweight, and clump-free result on the lashes, with a nasties-free formula that also helps to strengthen and nourish them. It's absolutely perfect for everyday wear! 

For some added drama in the evenings, pair it with the Pure Black Kajal; a true Indian kajal eyeliner that is made to a 3000-year-old Ayurvedic traditional recipe. The liner is richly pigmented and glides on so smoothly, with added moisturising properties for dry and sensitive eyes.

Treat yourself to Soul Tree Hibiscus & Honey Lip Balm (3.5g, £9.33) and Lipstick in Wild Honey (4g, £15.59)

My last two favourites come from Soul Tree's range of lipsticks and lip balms, both of which I highly recommend checking out. The Hibiscus & Honey Lip Balm is one of the best natural lip balms that I've ever tried. It's like smooth butter on the lips and completely eradicates any dryness. I also find that I'm not constantly reapplying it as a soft layer stays on the lips for longer.

I love the Lipstick in Wild Honey which has a similar list of ingredients to the lip balm, yet has a beautiful modern matte finish. The pigmentation truly blew me away as well! Most natural lippies struggle with this, but Soul Tree has really nailed it to perform just like a regular mainstream lipstick, but without the nasties. 

Swatches: Soul Tree Lipstick in Wild Honey, Soul Tree Kajal in Pure Black

Wearing Soul Tree Lipstick in Wild Honey, Soul Tree Kajal in Pure Black and Soul Tree Ayurvedic Mascara in Pure Black

Shop the full range of Soul Tree products at lovelula.com

Have you tried anything from Soul Tree?

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A Natural & Cruelty Free Alternative To Vaseline: Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatment Will Rescue Dry Lips (And More) This Winter

It's time to step away from those ubiquitous tins of greasy petroleum, and instead, make a more sustainable and natural swap to Beauty Kitchen's wonderful Natruline Lip Treatments.

With temperatures plummeting across the UK and snow on its way, you may be noticing that your skin is feeling drier than usual and needs a little more TLC. Lips especially are at risk of cracking and chapping throughout Winter, but it's easy to keep them happily moisturised thanks to Beauty Kitchen.

Although not a new product, Beauty Kitchen's Nattruline Lip Treatments are new-to-me and they caught my eye in the recent Holland and Barrett sale where I immediately added two to my basket. 

I know what you're thinking; these look uncannily like a certain non-natural brand that has been pushing cheap and nasty mineral oil products onto consumers for over a century, and I doubt that the striking resemblance is a *wink wink* coincidence (well played there Beauty Kitchen!). 

The differences, however, are numerous as Beauty Kitchen is a British brand with all of its products being made here in the UK. They are cruelty-free and pride themselves on their innovative formulas which are created from natural and sustainable ingredients. On top of all that, Beauty Kitchen is a certified B Corporation that is widely seen as one of the highest accreditations when it comes to businesses that adhere to strict social, ethical, and environmental standards of performance, accountability, and transparency.  

So back to this natural and cruelty-free Vaseline dupe. Is it as good? No. It's better!

The problem with petroleum/mineral oil is that it doesn't properly moisturise the skin - it just sits on top and long-term use of it can actually make your skin worse by becoming more sensitive and dry. 

I love the Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatments because they look and feel like Vaseline, but thanks to their all-natural ingredients, they actually hydrate, soothe and help to protect dry skin. And just like Vaseline, you can use these in exactly the same ways, so apply to lips, cuticles, dry elbows etc.

A note on the ingredients; the original Natruline (blue tin) contains two types of Castor Oil, Carnauba Wax, and Beeswax, whilst the vegan version (green tin) contains all of the above minus the beeswax. Testing them out side by side, I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference between the pair!

Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatments* (20g, £2.99 each, link)

Is your skin struggling this Winter?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Better late than never as always! Here are my recent beauty Empties; all the products that I've managed to use up last month - do you spot any of your own faves in this round-up?

Ben & Anna Natural Deodorant in Persian Lime* (reviewed here)

Featured in my Plastic Free July post earlier this year, I've thoroughly enjoyed using this zesty and uplifting natural deodorant in Persian Lime from Ben & Anna. It kept me smelling lovely and fresh all day long and comes packaged in a recyclable card tube. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Konopka's Multi Purpose Cream* (reviewed here)

I've used up a couple of these over the years and still love it - a gentle but effective cream that you can use everywhere and anywhere to instantly soothe, soften, and moisturise dry skin. Particularly useful for hands and feet, and has a fruity pleasant fragrance. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products first.

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream* (reviewed here)

One of my favourite new skincare releases of 2021, this night cream is perfect for virtually all skin types and has a beautiful light gel-cream texture that sinks in straight away. Packed full of probiotics and Hyaluronic Acid to nourish without any greasy/sticky feeling afterwards. Repurchase? Definitely.

Hurraw! Pitta Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

I discovered this in a LoveLula Beauty Box, and despite having used many Hurraw! Lip Balms in the past, I wasn't previously aware of their Ayurvedic inspired range. Pitta is a mix of Coconut, Mint and Lemongrass so it's a good one to try for Summer as it's cooling and refreshing. Repurchase? I have a million lip balms to use up but I'm sure I will come back to this range at some point!

Dafna's Purify Cleanser* (reviewed here)

Another skincare favourite that I've used on/off over the years is Dafna's amazing Purify Cleanser. If my skin is feeling oily and congested, this is the cleanser that I'll often reach for to help balance it out. It's quite pricey but luckily a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Will do next Summer.

Mádara Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules* (reviewed here)

Every now and then, my skin goes through a really rough dry patch which is usually linked to the change of season so I like to add a course of these booster ampoules into my evening routine. They specifically target dryness and irritation and they get to work instantly so you'll see results immediately - ideal if you have a big event coming up. Repurchase? I'm torn about whether I should repurchase these because they're single-use plastic, but they work SO well and I only use a pack once or twice a year. I'll have to think about it!

Isla Apothecary Renewing Foot Treatment*

My last empty is a luxury treat for your feet from Isla Apothecary. This is a proper pampering product that's made from a blend of Epsom Salts, Coconut Oil and the most gorgeous selection of uplifting essential oils. Amazing for restoring tired feet and perfect for a little 'me time' at the end of a busy week. Repurchase? On my Christmas list ;)

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Introducing: Naturecan Beauty - CBD Skincare

You're probably already familiar with the benefits of taking CBD Oil as a dietary supplement, but did you know that it's also a useful and effective natural ingredient to look out for in your skincare? 

Despite discussing the many health benefits of CBD Oil on here over the past few years, it's only been fairly recently that I've properly started to explore some of the brands that are utilising this ingredient in their skincare products. One such brand is Naturecan, which has a whole range dedicated to just CBD-infused skincare on its website.

Why does CBD do in skincare?

Naturecan use carefully selected broad-spectrum CBD Oil that is grown and extracted in Oregon, USA to ensure their high-quality standards can be met. Their unique process uses whole-plant extraction to maximize the CBD concentration, whilst also filtering out any substances that aren't required. The final formulas are then tested for certified quality via a third-party lab. Needless to say, everything is vegan, GMO, and parabens-free, as well as containing no THC.

CBD Oil is an antioxidant-rich natural ingredient so it can help to fend off free radicals which cause premature skin ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles when it's added to skincare products. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so is ideal for sensitive skin and skin types that are prone to redness.

Always intrigued to try something new and to see what all the hype is about, I dived straight into a box of Naturecan Beauty products as soon as it arrived last month - here are my thoughts!

 

Naturecan Restore Hand Cream* (30ml, £18, link)

With 100mg of CBD and plenty of nourishing and soothing plant-based natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E, the Restore Hand Cream does what it says on the tube and is a must-try for anyone who has dry or cracked hands. The rich texture absorbs easily without any greasy feeling.

Naturecan Hydrate Moisturiser* (30ml, £25, link)

The perfect daily facial moisturiser for sensitive skin types, the Hydrate Moisturiser is packed full of antioxidants to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst Hyaluronic Acid and 100mg of CBD is included to boost the skin further. Aloe Vera and Squalane Oil also offer additional skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Glides on and makes a great base for makeup so I like to apply it in the mornings.

Naturecan Purify Clay Mask* (50ml, £30, link)

A high-quality purifying clay mask is an essential in my weekly skincare routine and this one from Naturecan ticks all the right boxes. Formulated with CosGreen Green Clay and Vanatrual Bentonite Clay to draw out impurities, this is a brilliant facial treatment for blemish-prone skin types. Unlike other clay masks which can leave the skin feeling dry and stripped, Naturecan has included Aloe Vera juice, CBD, and Hemp Seed Oil to help put the moisture back in for a smoother and more comfortable clear complexion result.

Naturecan Nourish Multi-Use Balm* (30ml, £20, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose beauty balm and I've been really impressed by this one! With a blend of 100mg CBD, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and Vitamin E, the Nourish Multi-Use Balm is a seriously intensive skin-loving product that repairs, protects and hydrates any dry skin areas that need some TLC. Apply it everywhere and anywhere!

Naturecan Care & Protect Lip Balm* (4.5g, £8, link)

Although you can use the Nourish Multi-Use Balm on dry chapped lips, if you'd prefer just a standalone lip balm as a cheaper option, Naturecan has got you covered with their Care & Protect Lip Balm. It has added Vitamin E and natural UV protection so you really can't go wrong.

Naturecan very kindly included a sample of their Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 3% which has a refreshing Spearmint flavour so it's more palatable when taken under the tongue. The tincture contains 240 drops and the recommended daily dosage is 10 drops, to start with, so if you're new to the world of CBD Oil, this is a good one to try out.

Shop the full range at uk.naturecan.com

Have you tried any CBD skincare?

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Currently Loving: Summer Beauty Favourites from Bloomtown, RMS Beauty, John Masters Organics & The Organic Pharmacy

I think it's finally safe to say that Summer is perhaps here to stay now in the UK, so before the sun goes in and it starts raining, I thought I'd put together a little edit of some of my current Summer Beauty Favourites.

Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (50g, £10, link)

If you're looking to make the switch to a natural deodorant, these Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bars are a great place to start. I'm a huge fan of this lovely British brand and find that their natural deos are seriously underrated! With absolutely no aluminum, baking soda or parabens, they're ideal for sensitive skin to try out and currently come in two scents, a floral Lavender and Rose Geranium, and a fresh Lemongrass & Peppermint. I opted for the latter and love the uplifting fragrance! I found this worked well for for everyday wear and effectively kept the body odour at bay which is what you want a deodorant to do!

Just a heads up if you're new to these - natural deodorants are not antiperspirants so they won't stop you from sweating. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to use antiperspirants all the time as blocking your natural perspiration function isn't healthy in my view, so be prepared for a bit of 'wetness' during the summer months or if you're exercising etc when using these.

RMS Beauty Back2Brow Brow Powder in Dark* (3.5g, £21, link)

I was looking for a new brow product and I always opt for a powder when the weather gets warmer because they seem to be able to stick around for a lot longer throughout the day. This Back2Brow Brow Powder from RMS Beauty is exactly what I was looking for. Within the compact square is a finely milled powder, rich in natural pigment and minerals that's super easy to blend and work with. It gives a good dimensional look to the brows which helps them to look instantly thicker and fuller, as well as much more natural, and the Dark shade suited me perfectly. A fabulous find!

John Masters Organics Hair Milk* (118ml, £29, link) & Lip Calm Pomegranate* (4g, £7, link)

Throughout the pandemic, I have to admit that I haven't been paying much attention to my hair thanks to WFH life, and it's been in some dire need of TLC. I've used this John Masters Organics Hair Milk in the past and felt it was time to step up to the full size as it's such a useful product to have in your beauty stash, plus it lasts forever! If you haven't heard of it before, it's basically a lightweight leave-in conditioner and styling treatment. Free from silicones, it's a good one to pick up if you have fine and very dry hair like mine as it won't weigh it down or make it look greasy, but it will deliver all the essential moisture that your hair needs to look its best. Perfect for adding shine and making your locks sleek and frizz-free.

Whilst I'm mentioning JMO, I thought I'd sneak in a cheeky shoutout for their brilliant Lip Calm Pomegranate which is a new release and based on their bestselling, original Lip Calm formula. I actually like this one more as I love the Pomegranate flavour which adds a fruity twist to their classic balm!

The Organic Pharmacy Luminous Perfecting Concealer in Medium* (5ml, £19, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention is the incredible Luminous Perfecting Concealer from The Organic Pharmacy. This Medium shade that you can see above is the perfect salmony pink colour for counteracting and brightening up dark circles. A really lovely hydrating formula that doesn't settle into those pesky fine lines and can be easily set matte with a light touch of banana powder. I'd definitely recommend this concealer more for the undereyes, rather than for concealing blemishes as it's not quite heavy duty enough to cover acne etc, so do bear that in mind, but it's OK for the odd spot here and there if you did want to double up.

What are your summer beauty favourites this year?

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