Foodie Friday | Fudge Kitchen review | AKA The Best Luxury Artisan Fudge in the UK

Need a sweet pick-me-up? Fudge has always been a real nostalgic treat for me and I've been searching for the best fudge in the UK for a while. Guess what? I think I've finally found the holy grail of all luxury, artisan fudge thanks to Fudge Kitchen.

Scattered across six different locations across the UK, Fudge Kitchen has been making handmade fudge since 1983 which is always a good indicator of a successful business in these chaotic times we live in. And when I say handmade, I really do mean handmade; they've gone viral online for showcasing their 'theatre for fudge', where you can see their makers pour incredible mixtures (based on traditional recipes from the 1800's) over Italian marble tables and shape it into the most incredible fudge you'll ever taste in your life.

You'll find Fudge Kitchen in tourist hotspots such as Bath, York, and Edinburgh, and fudge addicts can even book onto courses to learn how to make fudge in their stores. For those not near a bricks and mortar shop, don't despair because you can order Fudge Kitchen online and have it delivered straight to your door. Perfect for birthday gifts and special treats!

Having sampled this holy grail fudge in their Bath store, I had to order some more as soon as I got home. Fashioned into thick slabs (this really is a million miles away from any other kind of fudge I've tried in the past)  and made with only minimal natural ingredients, they have a delectable range of flavours to choose from so there's something for everyone. 

From classic favourites such as Clotted Cream and Sea Salt Caramel, to experimental delights like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Pina Colada, you are truly spoilt for choice. There are also special seasonal additions available throughout the year; Eton Mess is the current one as a celebration for Wimbledon, and I'm happy to say that vegans are catered for as well with Fudge Kitchen's unique vegan recipes.

I highly recommend the 'Build A Box' option which allows you to choose five flavours and arrives beautifully packaged with no plastic. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the heavenly sweet fragrance of butter and sugar, and I couldn't wait to sample everything!

Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge

Chocolate and orange is just one of those classic, to-die-for flavour combinations that I can never get enough of. Here Fudge Kitchen has created a vegan, dairy-free version made from a finely honed sugar-crafting technique that incorporates ingredients such as oats and oat drink to form the base. I have tried some different brands of vegan fudge in the past and I have to admit, they have been disappointing, but it's safe to say that Fudge Kitchen has truly nailed its vegan recipe here with a smooth, dense, creamy texture that doesn't feel bitty or gritty like others do. As expected, this Chocolate Orange Vegan Fudge is a dream come true; not too sweet, very chocolatey and with a good dose of orange mixed in.

Creamy Coffee Fudge

I'm one of those people who doesn't drink coffee but loves the coffee-flavoured things (bizarre I know!), and this Creamy Coffee Fudge hits the spot perfectly. The buttery texture melts in your mouth and the infusion of coffee is strong, but not overpowering if that makes any sense. Absolutely superb and one of my favourite flavours.

Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge

Following on from the success of the Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge, my attention quickly turned to the moreish Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge which is another culinary winner. I'm a huge fan of peanut butter so this was an easy choice to win me over with, but again, that unique dairy-free texture is so impressive. I particularly enjoyed the crunchy pieces of peanuts which kept my tastebuds interested with every bite.

Chocolate Swirl Fudge

Imagine a classic clotted cream recipe with a generous swirl of chocolate sauce and real chocolate chunks added and this is what you get. Beautifully buttery and creamy, this one had a slightly softer and subtly chewier texture than the previous flavours, with that insane melt-in-your-mouth quality. This one was very popular with everyone who tried it!

Butter Pecan Fudge

Saving the very best til last, the Butter Pecan Fudge is what sweet dreams are made of. My goodness! This is the flavour that I sampled in their Bath store, so of course I had to purchase another slab of it because the first one didn't last long! Butter Pecan is just sublime with a rich, nutty flavour, coupled with caramel, sugar and butter, and a dense, yet slightly crumbly texture. Heaven on earth right here.

Fudge Kitchen's Build A Box costs £20 for five thick slabs plus shipping - order online & discover more sweet treats at fudgekitchen.co.uk

Do you love fudge?

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Bedtime Routine with Nourish London | Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask & Sleepy Pillow Mist review

These two additions to my bedtime beauty routine from Nourish London make an excellent team for getting a good night's sleep and gorgeous glowing skin come the morning. Now if only they could stop the alarm clock from going off so early...

Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of Nourish, and guess what? These two featured products are actually a re-discovery of old favourities from the brand. For those who are new to these parts, Nourish is a particularly lovely natural and organic skincare brand based in London with vegan and cruelty-free accreditations.  There's a lot to love from this company so feel free to check out my previous reviews and feature on Nourish here. 

For now, though, let's take a closer look at two of their bestsellers that you can add to your bedtime beauty routine; the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask and Sleepy Pillow Mist.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £26, link)

When I'm winding down for the evening and have some spare time on my hands, I love to indulge in a proper pampering skincare session. Think of a deep cleanse, a good facial massage, and of course, a luxury treatment to really get those relaxing spa-at-home vibes going. 

Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask is a nutrient-rich, anti-aging face mask that delivers all the probiotic minerals that your skin needs to help repair itself and to support a healthy skin barrier against the elements. This award-winning treatment boasts ingredients such as Magnesium to calm down any inflammation and redness, whilst Zinc, Copper, and Iron helps to further repair and protect. Damask Rose and Lavender are also included to boost collagen, restore firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The inbuilt pump makes applying this mask super easy and I like to apply a generous layer all over, avoiding the eye area. This mask gets to work in just five minutes before it's rinsed off with a warm flannel and it doubles up as an intensive overnight treatment that you can leave on while you sleep if your skin requires more TLC.

 

Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £20, link)

As a chronic insomniac, I'm a bit addicted to pillow sprays and always have to use one to help me to drift off to sleep. I've tried pretty much every one out there on the market and often come back to Nourish's Sleepy Pillow Mist as it's very effective. 

This is a beautiful aromatherapy blend of nine carefully chosen essential oils, all famed for their calming and soothing properties such as Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Geranium, and of course, the most famous sleepy essential oil of them all, Lavender. There's also the addition of Epsom Salts which are rich in Magnesium; great for reducing stress, all wrapped up in an alcohol-free mist.

To use, simply spritz a few times over your pillow and bedding before going to sleep and breathe in the relaxing scent to help you to unwind.

Discover more at nourishskinrange.com

What products are in your bedtime beauty routine?

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Modern Aromatherapy | This Works Love Sleep Breathe In & Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerballs review

Aromatherapy rollerballs are something that I often carry in my handbag when I'm out and about, and they're equally handy to have in your desk drawer/office space for those times when you need a moment of peace and calm. On the flip side, more of us are turning to aromatherapy use in the bedroom as well, which showcases the versatility of these natural essential oils, and the effects that they can have on our moods and emotions.

There are a number of British brands that specialise in aromatherapy rollerballs as part of their wider well-being ranges, and there's quite fun to make yourself as well (Youtube and TikTok have plenty of how-to's on this for anyone who fancies the DIY route). However, if you'd prefer the easy 'add to basket' option, here are two of my faves from This Works.

For The Bedroom Try: This Works Love Sleep Breathe In Rollerball* (8ml, £21)

Alongside scented candles, aromatherapy rollerballs are fast becoming a discreet must-have in the bedroom for consumers who are looking for an all-natural product to help them switch off and unwind so that they can reset their mood for intimacy. This Works Love Sleep range is certainly leading the way in this area with its unique 'Love Sleep' blend of essential oils which includes Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Frankincense. 

Tested on panel members, it's become popular thanks to its ability to help people to relax, unwind and feel more calm, whilst the sensual blend can get you in the mood for sex. Apply to your wrists and breathe in to feel the effects - it's great to incorporate as part of a pre-bedtime ritual.  

For The Office Try: This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball* (8ml, £19)

Whilst the root causes of major stress need to be addressed by a medical professional such as your GP or a mental health nurse, milder symptoms or 'moments of stress' can be somewhat easier to deal with, especially if they are related to an important meeting at work or an approaching project deadline. For these times, This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball may be able to give you a little bit of aromatherapy support so that you can get back in control of these stressful times that arise.

I'm a natural worrier as well, so I find this range to be very useful. The expert blend of Ylang Ylang, Neroli, and Lavender is wonderfully calming, and there's something about just taking a moment out of your busy schedule to apply this to your pulse points and focus on your breathing for 5-10 minutes, which really helps to calm the mind. 

Discover these products and more at thisworks.com

Do you use aromatherapy rollerballs?

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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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Luxury Bathtime Treats from Neal's Yard Remedies: Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath & Geranium & Orange Bath Oil review

 

With temperatures dropping across the UK, now's the time to indulge in a long hot soak in the bath with a luxury treat from Neal's Yard Remedies. Glass of wine, optional of course.

I remember being a teenager when I first came across a Neal's Yard Remedies store on the high street and I adored the apothecary-style display of their iconic blue glass bottles in the window. Needless to say, Neal's Yard Remedies have been one of my favourite British organic cruelty-free and ethical brands for a long time, and I've always admired their strong and practical business sense which has kept the company trading in physical stores on the highstreet, when so many others have fallen by the wayside.

Indeed, a trip to a Neal's Yard Remedies shop is always a pleasure with their friendly educated staff and a wide range of skincare and body products to explore and play with. For your next shopping trip, consider adding these two bathtime bestsellers to your basket (physical or virtual - the choice is yours).

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil (100ml, £19)

With 85% certified organic ingredients, Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil is actually a more affordable luxury option than several other brands of a similar quality and ethos, especially when you factor in that this is a large 100ml bottle. Bursting with bright and sunny Orange essential oil and revitalizing Bergamot essential oil, it's a firm favourite of mine to use during the dull and gloomy months to help banish those lingering post-January blues (when it feels like January stretches ever onwards until May!). I love the natural cheery fragrance so much and it makes my skin feel really soft and pampered afterward. As with all bath oils, a little goes a long way - you only need a tiny swirl added to a hot bath to get the full effects.

Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath (200ml, £16)

For those who prefer their baths to be filled with bubbles, you absolutely can't go wrong with NYR's range of Foaming Baths, of which there is a Geranium & Orange version if you liked the sound of the above but don't like bath oils. I've had the pleasure of trying most of the Foaming Baths and Beauty Sleep is perhaps my personal favourite as I can never get enough of a product that's going to help me to get a good night's sleep. With an ultra-relaxing blend of organic Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, and Patchouli essential oils, it smells exquisite and produces enough SLS-free bubbles to keep me in the tub for a good half hour's worth of me time.

Shop the full range at nealsyardremedies.com

What are your favourite products from Neal's Yard Remedies?

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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Foodie Friday: Chocolate with Health Benefits from The Wizards Magic

 

Chocolate, glorious, chocolate! Who doesn't love indulging in a bar of chocolate? Well, how about if that bar of chocolate had health benefits? Yes, really! The Wizards Magic have just done that and waved their magic wands over their amazing bars of yummy chocolate!

Based in York, England, The Wizards Magic has created a scrumptious chocolate bar brand with a difference. Their USP is that their chocolate has superpowers; well, OK, not exactly superpowers per se, but certain health benefits that one might not be accustomed to finding in a bar of regular chocolate.

At the heart of their business is a core of ethical sourcing that works with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation to ensure that West African cocoa farmers are protected and supported financially and within their communities. The cocoa beans are then shipped off to Belgium to be crafted into some of the finest bars by expert chocolatiers. 

But back to the magical health benefits...

The Wizards Magic has a range of clinically approved chocolate bars that helps to boost immunity, thanks to the addition of carefully chosen essential oils and superfoods such as Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Coenzyme Q10. 

Ever curious, I tried two of these bars in the Orange and Caramel flavours; both of which tasted like luxury, high quality milk chocolate. There's definitely a subtle 'tang' to them which I assume is the added vitamins etc, but it doesn't distract from the smooth milkiness of the chocolate which melts in your mouth, and I particularly enjoyed the Caramel flavour which was decadently rich and almost truffle-like.

In addition to the Immunity chocolates, The Wizards Magic has chocolate infused with other superfoods like CBD, Lions Mane, Manuka Honey, Wolf Berry and more. 

Dairy-free or vegan? There are some excellent plant-based, dairy-free chocolates available too such as the Orange flavour above (these are packaged in green card to help customers distinguish them from the rest of the range), however, I must point out that these sadly lack the added health benefits. That said, they are some of the best vegan chocolate that I've tried with a base of silky smooth rice milk and a velvety texture.

Shop the full range at thewizardsmagic.com

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