Summer Skincare: Soul Tree Everyday Radiance Gift Set review

 

Following on from my feature on the Ayurvedic natural skincare brand, Soul Tree (check out that post here if you missed it!), I'm delighted to explore more from the range with this exciting Everyday Radiance Gift Set. Perfect for summer!

Summer is a great time to take the opportunity to look after your skin more. Not only are we more conscious of ourselves during the warmer months with all of those holiday photos and selfies popping up on social media, but those sunnier days make us feel like the days are longer and we have more time to enjoy our skincare routines.

Soul Tree's Radiance Gift Set is an interesting one as it comprises of a mini Radiance Face Oil and a beautiful Kansa Facial Massager tool, all packed up in a reusable cotton drawstring pouch.

Kansa Facial Massager

If you're really into your anti-ageing skincare routines, a high-quality facial massager is an absolute must-have in your daily kit. Most of my massaging tools are either electrical or are Gu Sha orientated (made of either solid Rose Quartz or Jade stone) so I was intrigued to try out this Kansa Facial Massager. 

Crafted from solid cherrywood and engraved with the Soul Tree logo on one end, this massager features a large metal circular ball end which is made from a combination of tin and copper to encourage healthy blood flow/circulation, remove toxins and boost collagen production. 

I found it incredibly easy to use; first I started with a clean face and applied a couple of drops of the Radiance Facial Oil (reviewed below), lightly patting it into the skin. I started by placing the massager in the middle of my forehead and moving it in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Next, I used the massager from the jawline up to the ear in long sweeping motions and repeated this on the other side. It's also useful for helping to decrease puffiness and dark circles by drawing a figure of eight around the eyes with the massager. 

The metal feels wonderfully cooling on the skin, and it's pretty quick and easy to do!

Radiance Face Oil

Created to a strictly 100% certified natural Ayurvedic formulation, the Radiance Face Oil utilises key ingredients such as Saffron and Turmeric, both known for their brightening, hydrating, and regenerating properties. These are infused in a skin-loving blend of Almond, Jojoba and Apricot Oils which help to increase the elasticity of the skin, whilst reducing pigmentation and keeping it healthy and supple.

I love this face oil as it sinks into the skin and delivers a noticeable brightening effect which is ideal for those who struggle with dull or lacklustre complexions. If you need a radiance boost, this is the kit for you.

Soul Tree Everyday Radiance Gift Set* (£44.99, link)

Do you love facial massages?

Read more

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - April 2022 review

 

In our ever-changing world, it's always quite sad to see something come to an end that's been with us for so long, and I'm afraid to say that April's LoveLula beauty box is the very last one. 

However, green beauty fans, there's no need to fret! Instead of a regular monthly subscription box, LoveLula are going to be releasing a series of edited one-off boxes throughout the year instead, so you can still get your beauty fix from them and I'll still be sharing their contents with you all on here. 

But for now, let's take a look at the last LoveLula monthly box which is worth £50.

PHB Ethical Beauty Lavender Hero Gel

You guys know how much I love a good multi-purpose product and with summer literally around the corner, PHB Ethical Beauty's Lavender Hero Gel will be your personal hero all summer long (and beyond!). If you haven't tried this hidden beauty gem before, it's a lightweight soothing organic gel with extracts of Arnica, Lavender and Neem. You can use it acne, eczema and sunburn, as well as being a gentle moisturiser and primer. Basically, if you have any redness or irritation, this Hero Gel is on hand to help you.

Soul Tree Indian Rose Face Wash

Having recently written up a feature on my favourite products from Soul Tree, I was of course absolutely thrilled to see a full-size bottle of their Indian Rose Face Wash in this box. Formulated for dry to normal skin types, this Ayurvedic natural cleanser is rich in antioxidants to help keep skin nourished, whilst also keeping blemishes at bay. It features natural ingredients such as Turmeric and Honey that are known for their brightening and antibacterial properties so I have high hopes for it!   

Balm Balm Vegan Face Balm

With a rich blend of Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Rice Bran Wax and Jojoba Oil, this Vegan Face Balm from Balm Balm is a fantastic all-rounder that soothes, moisturises and nourishes the skin. It also won't clog pores and has a lovely uplifting essential oil blend for a subtle natural fragrance which makes it such a pleasure to use. As with all balms of this nature, a little goes a long way, so you can expect to use this little jar of magic for many months to come.

Madara Derma Collagen Hydra Silk Firming Cream

Last, but not least, there's a sample of the popular Madara Derma Collagen Hydra Silk Firming Cream. Formulated with clever biotech-derived natural Peptides, Microalgae and Hyaluronic Acid, this silky cream moisturiser helps to hydrate, firm and protect the skin's natural barrier, whilst boosting healthy collagen production.

Will you be checking out the future one-off LoveLula Beauty Boxes?

Read more

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - January 2022 review

 

LoveLula has created a lovely beauty box this month which is filled with natural, organic, and cruelty-free skincare that's worth £60! 

Let's check out what's inside, shall we? And don't forget to take a look at my previous LoveLula beauty box reviews here.

PHB Ethical Beauty Pink Clay Cleanser

A gorgeous cleanser infused with Vitamin C, Rosehip and French Pink Clay, this is a real hidden gem in PHB's range. It gently removes all traces of daily grime and impurities, and you can also use it to remove makeup as well. Brilliant for brightening and detoxifying your complexion, and I love the chic glass bottle which looks stunning on your bathroom shelf.

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Cacay Face Oil

Next up, I found a travel size of Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Cacay Face Oil. I've mentioned this brand many times in the past (check out my Face Oil For Every Skin Type and Concern post), and the Cacay Face Oil is something I've enjoyed using in the past. This one contains three times more natural Retinol than Rosehip Oil and 50% more Vitamin E than Argan Oil, so it's definitely one to try if you're looking for your typical anti-aging benefits.

Madara SOS Hydra Mask

Winter skin always requires a bit more TLC than normal, so treat yours to this gorgeous SOS Hydra Mask from Madara. With a velvety texture, it's an easy mask to work with and you can either wipe it off for a quick fix, or leave it on overnight for a more intensive hydration treatment depending on what additional moisture your skin requires. 

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol

Exclusive to Lovelula.com. Balm Balm's range of natural and organic skincare is always a winner and their bestselling Rose Floral Water Hydrosol is a simple but effective product to include in your daily routine. Spritz after cleansing or use throughout the day for a refreshing pick-me-up for your skin.

Ayumi Samples

To finish off the box, there's two sachet samples from the natural Ayurvedic-inspired brand, Ayumi. Here you can try their Turmeric & Bergamot Face Cream and Face Mask.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

Read more

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - November 2021 review

 

Filled with exciting green beauty products from a wide range of natural and cruelty-free brands, the LoveLula Beauty subscription boxes are a pleasure to receive every month!

November's edit is worth £55 and includes all of the following beauty goodies for you to try out.

Organic Works Cleansing Face Wash

Fortified with Vitamin E, the Organic Works Cleansing Face Wash comes from the Scottish brand's bestselling Daily Hydration range. This signature edition is formulated with carefully chosen essential oils and plant extracts to gently cleanse away all traces of impurities and daily grime, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. If you're a fan of rose-scented gel cleansers, you will love this one!

D'Alchémy Intense Skin Repair Oil

It's always such a treat to find a high-end skincare sample in the LoveLula beauty boxes and I'm really excited to try this Intense Skin Repair Oil from Spanish eco-luxe brand, D'Alchémy. This superstar facial oil promises to regenerate the skin's surface to help prevent premature ageing, whilst deeply nourishing it for a softer, smoother and younger-looking complexion.

Mádara Exfoliating Scrub

It's also great to revisit products that I've used and loved in the past and reintroduce them into my skincare routine.  I first reviewed the Mádara' Exfoliating Oil-To-Milk Scrub back in 2016 and I've used it on and off ever since. The silky oil magically transforms into a gentle milky texture once a little water is added for a beautifully luxurious facial experience. 

Soul Tree Lipstick

Next up, there's a gorgeous Lipstick from Ayurvedic natural brand, Soul Tree. Not only is the packaging simply chic and stunning, but the lipstick is crafted from a blend of Organic Ghee and Almond Oil to keep lips soft and moisturised during the cold winter months. The shade I received is called Wild Honey and I'll be doing a separate review and swatch of this shortly so keep your eyes peeled.

Ayumi Turmeric Body Scrub and Body Lotion

As a bonus extra this month, LoveLula have included two sample sachets of Ayumi Turmeric Body Scrub and Body Lotion to test out. If you're lucky enough to be going on holiday soon, these would be ideal to pack in your carry on bag!

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: ZOJO Magic Cocoa review #VeganYogiPotion

 

Cardigan weather is officially here so why not make those chilly evenings even cosier with a mug of ZOJO Magic Cocoa? This healthy hot chocolate style drink is a nutritional winter-warmer in more ways than one. 

I love discovering healthy alternatives to everyday luxuries and a steaming mug of hot cocoa is the ultimate comforting drink when the weather turns colder. Whilst I enjoy the sugary sweetness of a traditional hot chocolate with all the glorious whipped cream and marshmallow trimmings, I do prefer keeping them to a weekend treat, so when I discovered ZOJO Magic Cocoa, I thought it would be the ideal alternative to sip every day throughout autumn and winter.

For more ZOJO reviews, click here.

What is it?

ZOJO Magic Cocoa is a really healthy treat that's described as a 'vegan yogi potion' and as a 'high vibrations chillout cocoa with mushrooms'. To me and you, it's an extremely cocoa-rich infusion with three different types of mushroom extracts and the added bonus of Ashwagandha, one of the most popular and beneficial herbs that's been used in Ayurveda circles for centuries. Comprised of just these five potent and natural ingredients, there's no added sugar or anything else in the formula which makes it suitable for vegans.

The full ingredients are as follows, all of which are from organic farming:-

• Cocoa Powder (70%)
• Lion's Mane Mushrooms Powder (10%)
• Maitake Mushrooms Powder (10%)
• Reishi Mushrooms Powder (5%)
• Ashwagandha Roots Powder (5%)

What are the health benefits?

Mushrooms have become a lot more popular and better researched over the years, and certain varieties are often used in supplements to boost health in a number of ways. Lion's Mane has been proven to be beneficial for supporting gut health in particular and has a host of antioxidant properties that are useful for maintaining a healthy heart and brain. Reishi is famed for its anti-inflammatory benefits and is a credible ingredient to boost your immune system with, whilst the slightly lesser-known Maitake is beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels.

My favourite Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha is a fascinating adaptogen that works wonders on helping the brain and the body to reduce the damaging symptoms of stress by reducing cortisol levels, so if you suffer from depression and/or anxiety, I highly recommend looking into it. It's also useful for lowering blood sugar levels and it helps to improve memory abilities thanks to its antioxidant profile.

And then we have Cocoa Powder, when in its unadulterated state is packed full of polyphenols which improve blood flow to the brain, helping to boost your mood into a positive state. Cocoa Powder is well researched for being beneficial for lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and there are some interesting studies which show that it can help to keep your weight in check too.

How do I use it?

To try the ZOJO Magic Cocoa for yourself, just add two level tablespoons to hot water or hot milk/milk alternative. Stir well and enjoy. It can be drunk in the morning to give you an energy boost first thing, in the afternoon as a healthy-pick-me-up and also in the evenings to help calm your mind.

What does it taste like?

It tastes like a very rich, high-quality dark chocolate and I couldn't taste any of the other ingredients so don't worry if you don't like the flavour of mushrooms! As there's no sugar added, there is a sharp bitterness which personally I don't mind as I eat a lot of dark chocolate, but you can add a little sweetener to make it more palatable if needed - I'd recommend a little Agave syrup or a pinch of raw Coconut Sugar.

Overall thoughts?

At £29 for a large 150g glass jar, ZOJO Magic Cocoa is a vegan-friendly, organic and luxury elixir that will certainly appeal to the most health-conscious of us, and for me personally, the benefits are certainly worth the indulgent price tag. It truly takes a 'healthy cup of hot chocolate' to a whole new level!

ZOJO Magic Cocoa* (£29, 150g) is available from LoveLula.com

Have you tried anything like this before?

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

Read more

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - August 2020 review

Like a Christmas gift to yourself every month, beauty subscription boxes continue to be popular and if you're looking for one that's cruelty-free and full of natural and organic beauty products, why not give LoveLula a try?

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box is worth a whopping £70 which makes it one of the best value-for-money beauty boxes that I've seen online throughout August! Here's a rundown of what's inside:-

Madara Plant Stem Cell Age-Defying Sunscreen SPF 30 (10ml sample, full-size RRP £29)

I love trying out different sunscreens and I'm very excited to test out this Plant Stem Cell Age-Defying Sunscreen SPF 30 from Madara as I love their skincare range. This is a really interesting sunscreen as it has some cellular biology/science research behind it which uses plant-based stem cells to help protect the skin from premature ageing. The broad-spectrum protection and the 'invisible' finish make it even more appealing.

FOM London Anti Pollution Face Cleansing Cream (30ml travel size)

Another high-end natural skincare product that I'm excited to see in the box is the FOM London Anti Pollution Face Cleansing Cream as I've used the serum from this particular range in the past and I loved that. This is a hydrating cream formula which helps to remove pollution and impurities from the skin, and it also takes off makeup and gently exfoliates at the same time. It's great to see a travel size product like this in a glass bottle as well.

Laidbare Glow Facial Self Tanner (RRP £12)

You just can't go wrong with anything from Laidbare and I've had the pleasure of trying their Glow Facial Self Tanner in the past with great results. Suitable for all skin types, it gives a lovely sunkissed and very natural looking finish to the skin, without any scary orange tones and it's easy to apply as it goes on like a regular facial moisturiser. Top tip - if you have a light olive complexion like mine, you'll probably want to follow up with a second application 24 hours later for a slightly darker tan finish.

INIKA Pure Perfection Primer (RRP £35)

Last but not least, the star of this month's box (well for me personally!), is this full-size Pure Perfection Primer from the high-end Australian natural and organic brand INIKA. If you've been following my blog for a while now, you'll no doubt know that I'm a huge fan of INIKA and regularly use their mineral makeup. Their Pure Perfection Primer is one of the best natural primers that I've used and it has 83% organic ingredients which is pretty impressive to say the least! It's very nourishing thanks to skin-friendly ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil, plus it features the interesting Kangaroo Paw extract which is a natural plant-based active that's been clinically proven in studies to improve the overall texture of the skin.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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

Read more

Currently Loving: August Beauty Faves

As we approach the end of August, I thought I'd get a head start and share some of my recent beauty favourites. This little edit has haircare, skincare, fragrance and an eco-friendly accessory that every bathroom needs.

Innersense I Create Waves* (113ml, £24, link)

Last month, I had the pleasure of introducing you all to luxury natural and organic haircare brand, Innersense (read that post here if you missed it!), and I was lucky enough to be sent their brand new release to try out. I Create Waves is a Pink Himalayan Salt Spray which adds instant texture to any hairstyle and is suitable for all hair types to use. You can also use it to help enhance both natural and styled waves, and unlike some other mainstream hair salt sprays that can leave your locks feeling drier than the Sahara, this one is infused with Aloe Vera to put that essential moisture back into your hair. Just spritz onto dry or damp hair and style as usual - super easy! It smells beautiful too thanks to a natural fragrance of Lavender and Angelica, and luxury fans will love the chic glass bottle.

Mila Simone Azzura Essence Vitamin C Serum + Hyaluronic Acid* (20ml, £20, link)

Everyone should have a high-quality Vitamin C Serum in their skincare routine, especially if your complexion has a tendency to look a bit dull and lacklustre like mine. This gorgeous cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free serum from Mila Simone is simple but highly effective thanks to a powerhouse of antioxidants which are blended into an oil-free, lightweight formula. Vitamin C is famed for its brightening properties and it also helps to boost collagen production and fend off ageing free radicals so it's a useful all-rounder that most skin types will get on well with. I particularly like this formula as it also features Hyaluronic Acid which is another skincare must-have ingredient that keeps moisture locked in for longer for smoother and plumper skin.

Potion Paris Collection No.1 The Discovery Set* (£19.99, link)

If you're in the market for a new cruelty-free fragrance, you can't go wrong with Potion Paris' Collection No.1 Discovery Set to help you choose your new scent! Presented in a gift box which is filled with seven different samples (2ml spray pumps) to explore, these fragrances can be worn on their own or layered over to create your own bespoke scent. This collection is particularly focused on unashamedly feminine fragrances with lots of heady florals with woody and musky notes and there's also a £20 gift voucher included in the box to redeem off your new favourite full-size bottle. My personal faves from the discovery set are called Jasmine & Patchouli Deception, Amber, Praline & Wood Seduction and Rose, Peony & Wood Temptation, but they are all truly beautiful scents.

PoaPoa Coconut Soap Holder* (£7.95, link)

My vintage china soap dish shattered into a million pieces during lockdown when I managed to knock it off the counter sink and with all the shops being shut at the time, I decided to search for a new one online. Although it's completely different in style to my previous soap dish, I've been completely enamoured with this rustic-looking PoaPoa Coconut Soap Holder from LoveLula. Handmade by skilled artisans in Ghana from a coconut shell, each product is unique, 100% natural and easy to wash and maintain. I think this is such a clever way for a brand to upcycle a 'waste product' (PoaPoa make amazing cold-pressed soaps from coconut oil so these shells come from the production of those) and provide jobs for their local communities at the same time. I will definitely be purchasing more of these to give as gifts for Christmas!

What are your current beauty faves?

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

Read more