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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Organic Beauty | Conscious Skincare | Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter and Hydrolat Tea Tree review

As a beauty blogger and a self-confessed skincare addict, I'm constantly bombarded with emails about the 'latest must-have'. Whether it's a trend or a new product, my inbox is always full of everything that's 'new, new, new!'. So it's been a pleasant change to sit back and revisit some old green beauty favourites from Conscious Skincare instead.

I was first introduced to Conscious Skincare around ten years ago when I featured one of the brand's body butters in a post called 'Cold Weather Proofing the Beauty Routine'. Since then, I have used their products sporadically over the years and recommended certain items to friends and family who are into natural skincare.

For those new to Conscious Skincare, they are an established indie organic, vegan, and natural skincare company based in Wales. All of their products are cruelty-free, lovingly handmade, produced in small fresh batches, and packaged as eco-friendly and plastic-free as possible. 

Below you'll discover three of the brand's bestsellers; Make Up Melt, Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter, and Hydrolat Tea Tree.

Conscious Skincare Make Up Melt* (100ml, £16 with pump, link)

Made with just five natural and organic ingredients, Make Up Melt is an award-winning makeup remover that's wonderfully simple, but very effective. Composed of a blend of cold-pressed Sesame and Castor Oils, this product quite literally breaks down and 'melts' away all traces of makeup, leaving your skin perfectly clean and nourished without feeling stripped. The addition of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Myrtle essential oils have each been carefully chosen for their natural benefits. Rosemary helps to rejuvenate the skin, Eucalyptus is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and Myrtle has some impressive balancing and astringent qualities.

How to use: I apply a pump's worth to a reusable cotton pad and gently wipe it across my face. For stubborn waterproof mascara/liquid eyeliner, I'll hold the pad over closed eyes for a minute or so to allow the oil to fully dissolve the waterproof formula. After that, I rinse my face with warm water and follow up with my regular evening skincare routine.

For those wanting an entirely plastic-free option, you can purchase the Makeup Melt without a pump for £15, and there are also makeup pad bundles and refills available.

Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter* (250ml, £15, link)

Dry skin will simply adore Conscious Skincare's Body Butters which come in three different formulas; two fragranced and one fragrance-free. Packed full of nature's best nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, and fairtrade Cocoa Butter, this version I have is also beautifully fragranced with uplifting Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, and heady Frangipani essential oils. The water-free formula means there are no additives or preservatives either.

What I love the most about this body butter is how intensely thick and rich the texture is, yet it melts and sinks into the skin easily once you massage it in. If you're yearning for baby-soft, silky skin, this is the body butter for you.

Conscious Skincare Organic Hydrolat Tea Tree* (100ml, £13 with pump, link)

As we move into the warmer months of the year, my combination skin always gets a bit more oily so I've been looking forward to trying out this tea tree toner which is especially suited to oily and blemish-prone skin types. A properly pure and natural product, this hydrolat contains just 100% organic tea tree water and that's it - nice and simple! 

You can use this in your skincare routine morning and/or night depending on your skin type, and it's recommended to use it on freshly cleansed skin for the best results. Tea Tree is famed for its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to keep your complexion toned and clear, so if you've been struggling with breakouts, definitely give it a try.

Shop these products and more at conscious-skincare.com

Have you fallen back in love with any old skincare favourites lately?

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Currently Loving: Naturisimo - The Ultimate Makeup Discovery Box review

 

Earlier this week, the online beauty retailer Naturisimo, released The Ultimate Makeup Discovery Box which, unsurprisingly, sold out very quickly. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one and it's the best beauty bargain of the year so far!

The Ultimate Makeup Discovery Box is a special one-off 8-piece clean makeup edit which features some of the biggest brand names in the industry such as Kjaer Weis, Jillian Dempsey, ILIA, RMS Beauty and more. With four full-size products, the box is worth a whopping £161 and cost just £22 to purchase from Naturisimo.

I'm sure you'll all like to find out more about the contents and I've included some swatches of the main items as well - enjoy!

RMS Beauty Re Evolve Radiance Locking Primer (travel size)

First up, every great makeup look requires a good primer base and this travel size of RMS Beauty Re Evolve Radiance Locking Primer ticks all the right boxes. It has an innovative, weightless formula which not only helps to grip makeup and keep it in place all day long, but also locks in essential moisture. 

Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow in Champagne (travel size)

I'm a sucker for a gorgeous liquid highlighter and they don't come much more gorgeous than Pai's The Impossible Glow. For the most beautiful dewy glow, simply mix a few drops into your moisturiser, or add directly to the skin for a more intense highlight. This golden champagne shade is universally flattering and perfect for the upcoming party season!

Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Peach (full size)

Jillian Dempsey is a celebrity makeup artist that I've come across many times, yet this is the first opportunity that I've had to try one of her products. These Lid Tints have something of a cult following and are packed full of organic ingredients. A peach shade is great for busy mornings when you just want a quick finger-swipe of colour across the lids, and given the creamy compact nature, I'm wondering if this will translate well as a lip and cheek product too?

Ere Perez Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil in Black (full size)

It may not be the most exciting item in this box, but you can't go wrong with a straight up black eyeliner pencil, nor can you ever have too many of them, can you? I've had the pleasure of trying out many Ere Perez products over the years and they are always fantastic quality. This eyeliner pencil is infused with Jojoba Oil for a creamy and easy application that doesn't drag on the delicate eye area.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara (travel size)

You guys know that I'm a massive mascara junkie so I was of course delighted to discover a travel size tube of ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara. ILIA are another clean makeup brand that I can't get enough of (their Lipsticks are particularly beautiful) and I have high hopes for this mascara which promises to lentghen, curl and volume, without flaking.

Kjaer Weis Flush & Glow Duo in Sunlit Glow (full size)

The star of the box is without a doubt the full-size Kjaer Weis Flush & Glow Duo which is worth £40 on its own! If you haven't held one of Kjaer Weis' weighty metal compacts in your hand, then I urge you to add it to your Christmas wishlist; they are true works of art and refillable so you can treasure them forever. Back to this product which features a cream blush and bronzer in Sunlit Glow, this compact is super easy to work with and blends like a dream.

Vapour Beauty Lip Nectar in Tempest (full size)

A makeup discovery box is not complete without a lipstick and wow, what a beauty this one is! Vapour Lip Nectar is a moisture-rich lippy packed full of nourishing organic ingredients so it glides on effortlessly and feels wonderfully hydrated; a fab choice for Winter. The shade Tempest looks quite dark in the bullet, but it's actually very light and buildable as you can see in the swatches below.

Swatches! From top to bottom: Pai The Impossible Glow in Champagne, Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Peach, Ere Perez Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil in Black, Kjaer Weis Flush & Glow Duo in Sunlit Glow and Vapour Beauty Lip Nectar in Tempest

SBTRCT Makeup Melt (travel size)

A new-to-me brand, SBTRCT specialise in solid, plastic-free skincare and their Makeup Melt is a gentle but effective bar that melts away all traces of makeup when you add a little warm water to it. I love the smell of this and will definitely be checking out more from this interesting brand in the near future.

RMS Beauty Re Evolve Natural Finish Foundation Sample Card

As an added bonus, there's an RMS Beauty Re Evolve Natural Finish Foundation Sample Card where you can try four shades of their latest foundation - 22 looks like my ideal shade!

Keep an eye out for future Discovery Boxes exclusively at naturisimo.com

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - March 2022 review

 

Beauty subscription boxes continue to remain popular, so if you're looking for a monthly treat that features only cruelty-free and natural products, LoveLula is the box for you. This month's box is worth £52 and contains all of the following. 

Ayumi Argan & Sandalwood 3 Step Haircare Routine

Just in time for the new season, you can refresh your hair care routine with these three essentials from the ayurvedic-inspired brand, Ayumi. This simple three-step routine begins with a gentle massage of their Bio Active Growth Hair Oil to help add volume and stimulate growth. You can then follow this step with the Argan & Sandalwood Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse, nourish and hydrate. 

Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser

Next up, I found a full-size Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser which comes packaged in glass and is formulated with 100% organic natural ingredients. This gentle cleanser is enriched with fractionated Coconut Oil which is extracted directly from Virgin Coconut Butter so it transforms into a light oil that's easy to massage into the skin. It melts away all traces of makeup and daily impurities for a really thorough deep cleanse every time.

Soultree Ayurvedic Mascara

A must-have for your make-up bag, this Ayurvedic Mascara from Soultree is lightweight and doesn't clump for a natural and beautifully defined finish. Ingredients such as Castor Oil, Black Seed Oil and Aloe Vera also ensure that lashes are nourished and strengthened to help them grow too. Keep an eye out on the blog next month for a special feature on this amazing brand!

Madara Micellar Water

Finally, the last product this month is a travel-size bottle of Madara's bestselling Micellar Water. This award-winning formula effectively removes makeup and daily grime without stripping the skin. Instead, it balances, soothes, and hydrates for a perfectly clean and fresh finish.

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.

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Skincare 101: How to Prevent Your Makeup from Causing Acne #AD

Makeup is definitely there to improve our self-confidence. Wearing makeup is an effective and fun way to cover imperfections, improve skin tone and emphasize facial features. I believe that there is no girl who does not like to wear make-up. However, what happens when makeup ceases to be our way of beautification and begins to cause us a problem? 

Although today's makeup is designed to moisturize and protect the skin, certain cosmetics could potentially lead to irritation, allergies, dry skin, or even acne and pimples! Makeup acne is definitely something that can occur and cause us a real nightmare! These reactions usually disappear over time and by avoiding certain products. However, the symptoms often last. Acne and pimples can be caused by the interaction of hormones, bacteria, skin oils, and makeup which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles. So stay with us until the end of this post and learn how to prevent your makeup from causing acne on your skin.

Use non-comedogenic make-up products

In addition to the low risk of side effects, makeup can definitely have positive effects on the skin. That is why you should use the make-up that is formulated in such a way as to moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the facial skin and to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. A thin layer of makeup can actually protect the skin from airborne contaminants - which could otherwise penetrate the pores and cause damage associated with acne, wrinkles or other aging effects. Cosmetics and other personal care products are now designed to counteract these harmful effects of pollution.

Makeup hygiene

Make sure that your make-up and tools are always well protected from external influences. So, to be well closed, covered, and clean - since contaminated makeup and dirty brushes can lead to infections and inflammation that can lead to acne and makeup pimples. Replace makeup at least once every few months and don't share cosmetics with others!

Remove your makeup before going to bed

Every night before going to bed, very carefully remove all traces of makeup from the face and neck, because acne also forms around the chin and neck. This reduces the possibility that makeup will clog pores, and also removes dirt and excess oil that accumulates on your skin during the day. There is no need to "scrub" the skin. All you really need is a gentle cleanser for your face and your hands or a soft cloth for washing your face. After cleansing, don't forget to apply a treatment for acne and pimples. We also recommend using a hot towel for acne after removing your makeup, to make sure that nothing is stuck in your pores and to make sure your skin is glowing.

Proper facial hygiene

When the damage has already been done and you already have makeup acne - you know what to do. Proper facial cleansing at home is crucial to solve this problem and prevent it from spreading and getting worse. Mandatory washing and cleansing of the face 2 times a day (morning and evening) with adequate non-comedogenic and water-based products (oil clogs pores). Make sure that these are some natural ingredients that will not further irritate your skin. After cleansing the face, hydration and care with a moisturizing cream should follow. Again, it would be desirable for your facial cosmetics to be on a natural basis - because natural ingredients are far better and safer for your skin, but also overall health. In particular, since you need to get rid of acne caused by makeup - you should use a cream (or even better, an acne gel) that removes acne and pimples.

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Introducing: Plenaire Skincare - Rose Jelly Makeup Remover + Tripler 3-in-1 Exfoliating Clay review

 

Plenaire Skincare is a luxury, London based clean beauty brand who I was introduced to recently via TheDrug.Store. This independent online health and wellness retailer has a dedicated team which vets each and every product that they sell to make sure that it matches up to their high standards of sustainability, ethics and efficacy, so consumers can be assured that they're buying only the best products for their needs.

Plenaire are an interesting brand as they're very much 'back-to-basics', something that you don't often see these days in the crazy world of beauty and its seemingly bottomless pit of new releases! Instead, Plenaire has focused on developing just four skincare staples, all of which are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and free from the most common 'nasties' that us green beauty fans like to avoid.  

To trial them out, I was kindly sent two bestsellers from Plenaire to put to the test, their Rose Jelly Makeup Remover and the Tripler 3-in-1 Exfoliating Clay.

Plenaire Rose Jelly Makeup Remover* (30ml, £16, link)

I adore anything rose based in my skincare, so I had an inkling that I was going to love this Rose Jelly Makeup Remover from the get-go and I wasn't wrong! The light gel-like jelly texture contains Sugar-based actives and pure distilled Rosewater which gently combine to form a milky cleanser once it's emulsified with a little water, effectively dissolving makeup as you massage it in. Whilst it made short work of my long-wear liquid foundation and the rest of my makeup, it did struggle a little with waterproof mascara so I would recommend using a dedicated eye makeup remover with it if you wear a lot of really stubborn mascara formulas. That said, it removed all traces of natural and mineral-based mascaras and eyeliners, and it didn't leave my skin feeling stripped or dry afterwards.

Perhaps the only downside is that towards the end of the INCI, you will find Benzyl Alcohol and Parfum (Fragrance) listed so I would advise doing a patch test first if you have sensitive skin. I also feel that this product is quite expensive for what it is as there are no organic or fairtrade certifications with regards to the ingredients to justify the price tag, but there's no denying that this is a lovely makeup remover to indulge in if you have the cash to splash.

Plenaire Tripler 3-in-1 Exfoliating Clay* (30ml, £18, link)

I was excited to try the Tripler 3-in-1 Exfoliating Clay as multipurpose skincare products are always a lot of fun to test out and this little beauty can be used as a face mask, cleanser and exfoliator so it's perfect for weekends away and holidays when travel resumes again. I actually want to book a trip just so that I can pop this sleekly designed tube in my carry-on! So how does it work? Using a blend of mineral-rich French Clay and Blackcurrant Fruit Powder, it delivers a gentle cleansing and exfoliating experience which feels purifying and refreshing. I don't tend to reach for manual exfoliators much these days but the Blackcurrant Fruit Powder doesn't feel scratchy on the skin, quite the opposite in fact, so it mildly buffs away dead skin cells for a smoother and clearer complexion.

If you have oily skin, you could easily use this as a daily cleanser and exfoliator.  For more combination types like mine, I personally prefer to use it as a weekly face mask treatment when my skin feels congested (I leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off). Like the Rose Jelly Makeup Remover above, it does also contain a small amount of Benzyl Alcohol and Parfum (Fragrance) so a patch test is a must if you have sensitive skin, and again, I do feel it's quite pricey, even though I've thoroughly enjoyed using it!

Shop the full range of Plenaire Skincare at TheDrug.Store

Have you tried anything from Plenaire?

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New In Beauty: Lavera Hydro Effect Anti-Pollution Skincare review + 20% Off Throughout April

Skincare that offers anti-pollution benefits has been a big emerging trend for the past few years, so I was pleased to discover this new range from Lavera which I've been testing out recently.

We all know about the negative impacts of pollution on our health and our environment, and more research is now bringing to the surface about how pollution accelerates the ageing process, which leads to cellular stress, dehydration and deeper wrinkles. It's no surprise then to see the skincare industry bringing out specialist anti-pollution ranges to help combat the visible signs and Lavera's latest line called Hydro Effect is ideal for city dwellers and busy commuters alike.

Comprising of four products, each one is formulated with Lavera's Anti-Pollution Complex which features Organic Algae extract and natural antioxidants that help to slow down pollution-induced skin ageing by strengthening the skin's barrier against the elements, countering the effects of free radicals and preventing further skin damage caused by environmental factors.

Curious to find out more? I've tested out the full Hydro Effect range below.

Lavera Hydro Effect Cleansing Balm* (100ml, £13.95, link)

Cleansing is the first step in protecting your skin from pollution because if you don't properly remove all of those free radicals, dirt and particles of daily grime, they'll sit on the skin and begin to cause the ageing problems that I've discussed above, so never underestimate the benefits of a good quality cleanser! Lavera's Hydro Effect Cleansing Balm feels much more like a cream-meets-gel cleanser in consistency and texture, rather than a regular thick cleansing balm, and is quick and easy to massage into the skin. The gentle formula is kind to sensitive skin and it basically dissolves all traces of makeup, dirt and impurities in less than a minute. I like the subtle fresh scent and love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly clean after every use. Suitable for all skin types and can be used both morning and night.

Lavera Detox Effect Mask* (50ml, £16.95, link)

Once a week, I enjoy using a face mask as a pampering treat and this Detox Effect Mask has been my current go-to to draw out stubborn blackheads and other impurities, whilst it delivers a good exfoliation to remove dull, dead skin cells at the same time. This clay-based facial treatment also features ingredients such as Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera so that it doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped afterwards, though I would always recommend following it up with a moisturiser or face oil to lock moisture in as part of your skincare routine. Gets to work in just 10-15 minutes and is particularly beneficial for those who live and work in built-up, polluted cities/areas, as well as those who have oily, blemish-prone and combination skin types.

Lavera Hydro Effect Serum* (30ml, £19.90, link)

One of the latest developments from Lavera, their Hydro Effect Serum is the perfect combination of hydration blended with anti-pollution benefits. A hard-working, organic and vegan-friendly serum that delivers noticeable results quickly, it contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Squalene, Mango Fruit extract, Peach Fruit extract and Shea Butter to moisturise and protect the skin's barrier so that it's better suited to win the fight against free radicals and environmental aggressors. It's quite a runny serum with a super lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin, and works well underneath any moisturiser or face oil. As with all serums, a little goes a long way so this bottle should last you a while!

Lavera Hydro Effect Day Cream* (50ml, £21.95, link)

To complete the Hydro Effect range, there is a Day Cream that you can use as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Formulated for all skin types, this moisturiser features the likes of Organic Algae, Abyssinian Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Soybean Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and the Anti-Pollution Complex which helps to bind free radicals to prevent premature ageing. I liked the lightness of this day cream as it suits my combination skin perfectly and gives it just the right amount of hydration to keep it moisturised and protected against the elements all day long. Great for using underneath makeup too for a smooth base.

Get 20% off Lavera's Hydro Effect Anti-Pollution Skincare range throughout April when you buy direct from lavera.co.uk

Do you use anti-pollution skincare?

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Introducing: Handmade Naturals - Skincare Routine review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Well, this may be my smallest Empties post of the year so far, but there are some fab products in this lot, so it's not to be missed! Find out which ones I'll be repurchasing in the near future below.

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash* & Body Lotion* (travel sizes, featured here)

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of Weleda and particularly love their Almond range which has been made especially for sensitive skin. I find that my eczema tends to flare up at this time of the year in line with the colder weather, so it's no surprise that I reached for these two this month. The Body Wash is SLS-free and lovely and creamy, and the matching Body Lotion is nice and nourishing, without being heavy or sticky. They have a fresh, subtle almond scent that always smells very 'clean' to me which I love. Repurchase? Yes, I'll definitely pick up the full sizes of both of these. 

Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil* (full size, reviewed here)

If you're after a cleansing oil that's light in texture, yet gets the job done, this one from Caudalie is fantastic. It's made from 100% natural ingredients and I generally find that 2-3 pumps is all I need to get rid of everything on my face. It melts into the skin and quickly dissolves all types of makeup, including stubborn waterproof formulas, in no time at all. Love it! Repurchase? Yes. 

Faith In Nature Coconut Shower Gel & Foam Bath (travel size)

I used to really like this, but since trying out some similar products, I've realised that the coconut scent just isn't strong enough for me as you can hardly smell it at all when it's used in the bath (the fragrance very rapidly dissipates when added to water). For this reason, I used it up as a shower gel, but it's very 'meh', despite the nice SLS-free formula. Repurchase? No.

Kiss The Moon Dream Bedtime Bath Salts (travel size) 

Oh my, these were amazing! Made from a blend of Epsom and Dead Sea Salts which are infused with a range of essential oils such as Lavender, Bergamot, Chamomile and Cedarwood, these were so relaxing to use and perfect for when I needed to de-stress and unwind after a long day. Absolute bliss. Repurchase? Definitely, I need a full-size tub ASAP.

Naked Lips Organic Lip Balm in Superfruits* (full size, reviewed here)

Lip balms take me forever to use up as I have lots of half-used ones in every drawer, bag and coat that I own, so I've made it my mission to try and stick to using just one until the situation becomes more manageable, ahem! The first one to bite the dust is from Naked Lips which I enjoyed using - it's natural, organic and moisturising, with a delicious fruity flavour. Repurchase? Not until the lip balm stash is under control, but yes I would buy it again in the future.

Tints Of Nature Hydrate Conditioner* (full size, reviewed here)

I've used up a few bottles of this conditioner now and keep going back to it because it works so well for my very dry and fine hair. Sometimes conditioners for dry hair can be too thick and more like a mask or treatment, but this one gets the formula just right and doesn't weigh my hair down. It's gentle enough to be used every day if you're a frequent washer and smells good too. Repurchase? Already have!

What have you used up recently?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

Despite being the shortest month of the year, I've somehow managed to use up a ton of products recently, and there are some seriously good products in this empties stash. So without further ado, here are my February Empties.

Botanicals Hands & Nails Replenishing Serum*

I featured this in my November Favourites last year, and I've used it on a regular basis since then to give you an idea of how long it's lasted. It's been an absolute godsend for my nails during this colder weather and has definitely helped to strengthen them, whilst keeping my cuticles in good shape as well. Repurchase? Yes.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

A staple in my skincare routine for years, I always seem to use up a bottle, use something else, and then come back to this! If you haven't tried this iconic beauty before, it's basically a thick cream cleanser that removes makeup in seconds and is nice to use as a quick morning cleanser when it's cold outside. Repurchase? I'm currently trying out a popular high street dupe for this (review on that coming soon!), but I have no doubt that I'll be buying this again at some point.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque

Regular readers will have spotted this pink tub in my previous Empties, and it's still one of my favourite hair masks that's affordable and always gives me great results. If you have dry, coloured or damaged hair, I highly recommend it. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some of my other hair masks.

Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm

Can you tell it's been Winter lately with all the moisturising products that I've used up?! Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm is definitely a saviour for anyone who has dry and irritated skin, anywhere on their face and body. It instantly hydrates, soothes and locks in moisture to keep your skin healthy and happy. A little goes a long way! Repurchase? Yes - it's since been re-packaged in a smaller tube.

Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser*

Another Antipodes favourite of mine, and I think this is my second jar, is their Grapeseed Butter Cleanser which is amazing for destroying makeup and feels so nourishing on the skin. This thick balm cleanser is also brilliant for dry skin and ideal to use as either a first or second cleanser in the evenings to remove all traces of pollution, dirt and impurities for a really deep clean. Repurchase? Yes.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask

These ultra-hydrating sheet masks contain Hyaluronic Acid and are a really good quick fix if your skin is dehydrated, dull, stressed or if you're just feeling under the weather and need a skincare boost. Gets to work in just 15 minutes. Repurchase? Already have some more in my stash.

Superdrug Simply Pure Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

My favourite basic eye makeup remover that actually works on waterproof mascara - I've gone through a few bottles of these in the past. Cheap as chips as it's usually on offer for about £1.50, and as it's from Superdrug's own brand range, it's also cruelty-free. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray*

Many of you will know that I have a lot of problems sleeping, so I love using products like this to help, and this one really does work! Lost count of how many bottles I've used of this now. Repurchase? I'm testing out some other brands of pillow sprays at the moment, but I have a feeling I'll be going back to this one.

S.W Basics Makeup Remover

Despite having used this in the past, I'm still not convinced by it as I always feel like it leaves a slightly greasy film on my skin, even after rinsing thoroughly. I've never had any breakout issues as a result luckily, but there are lots of other oil-based makeup removers that I definitely prefer over this one. Repurchase? No.

S.W Basics Cinnamon Lip Balm

I have a tiny, tiny bit of this still left that I'll dig out of the tube later, but I wanted to include it as I know it'll be done by the end of the week. Made from just five natural ingredients, this is a lovely lip balm that gets the job done, and if you like cinnamon, you'll love it even more. Repurchase? Yes.

Batiste 2-in-1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner

I picked this up as an 'emergency' when I ran out of dry shampoo whilst staying at my sister's over Christmas, and I have to admit that this stuff is just terrible! It did absolutely nothing for my hair and left lots of residue and build up instead. Repurchase? No!

JOIK White Chocolate Bath Truffle*

I've mentioned these chocolate bath truffles from JOIK before, and they are so nice to use when your skin is dry and it's freezing cold outside. Rich in cocoa butter, they always leave my whole body feeling so soft and pampered afterwards. Repurchase? Already have some more in my bathroom.

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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