Health & Lifestyle | Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection review

Freshen up your home this Spring with a delightful set of 100% natural essential oils from Clarity Blend, which you can use in your diffuser or burner. 

Using essential oils in your home is one of the easiest ways to explore the exciting world of aromatherapy and its many benefits. I particularly enjoy using different blends in different rooms to create a particular atmosphere, or to simply help change my mood. 

If you're new to aromatherapy, Clarity Blend's Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection offers the perfect introduction with a set of five essential oil blends that covers all bases.

It's always a good sign when you first open a boxed set like this and you can immediately smell a strong natural fragrance of all the oils; you know you have purchased something that's high quality and potent!

Clarity Blend was recommended to me by an aromatherapist friend who uses their products a lot for her personal and professional work. Handcrafted in Berkshire, this lovely English natural brand was founded by a wife and husband team who have an immense passion for reconnecting with nature, and capturing its essence in bottles so that everyone can benefit from its properties.

All of Clarity Blend's products adhere to strict practices as outlined in the Good Manufacturing Guide and there is a strong focus on sustainability too; the brand do not use any essential oils that are from endangered or vulnerable plant species such as sandalwood or rosewood, and everything is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and SLS. 

The Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection comprises of five essential oil blends.

Try These In The Bedroom

Sweet Dreams will help you to get a restful night's sleep with its calming blend of crisp, organic French Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Geranium. Heart Chakra is another good choice for the bedroom and can aid in setting the mood for love thanks to an exciting blend of exotic spices such as Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit.

For The Home Office

If you need help finding your focus again try Active Life which has an uplifting and invigorating selection of essential oils which features Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Grapefruit (this is also an excellent choice if you're feeling under the weather). I personally love Energy Boost when I have a deadline to meet as the combination of Rosemary, Sweet Orange, and Peppermint instantly awakens the senses which helps with my concentration.

Relaxing Living Spaces

To de-stress and relax, you can't go wrong with adding a few drops of Mind Spa to your diffuser or burner, so this one's ideal for use in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. The blend of Blue-Gem Eucalyptus with Patchouli and Bergamot feels very grounding and calming so that you can take a step back and just appreciate being in the moment.

Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection* retails for £29.99 and is available from various stockists including clarityblend.com

Do you use aromatherapy in your home?

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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

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Trending | Waterless Beauty - 5 Products To Try #EcoFriendly

Waterless beauty is a trend that's been popular within green beauty circles for a long time, and it's one that has now firmly crossed over into the mainstream, as consumers shop more sustainably than they ever have before (yay!). If you haven't heard of the concept before, here's a quick post to get you up to speed and five tried and tested product recommendations to help you on your way.

What Is Waterless Beauty?

Waterless beauty are products that have been made without any water. So think of things like solid, concentrated, and powdered formulas like shampoo bars, exfoliating powders, multipurpose balms, eco-friendly deodorants, etc.  

Why Is Waterless Beauty Trending?

It can be difficult to think of water shortages in our everyday lives when you live in the UK, especially with heavy rain and flooding being so commonplace here, but for the rest of the world, water shortages are a massively growing problem due to climate change and overpopulation. Waterless beauty has become a topic of conversation because beauty is the second biggest industry globally that consumes the most water, after agriculture. This is largely because most beauty products contain water; have a look at the products that you use every day and you'll start to see the size of the problem, as 'aqua' is often the first ingredient that's listed.

Not only is the quantity of water used within the beauty industry a cause for concern, but there's also the packaging and transport of all of these products to factor in as well. A standard plastic bottle of shampoo uses a huge amount of water to manufacture than a plastic-free solid shampoo bar for example. This is why most waterless beauty products are packaged in an eco-friendly manner to reduce the need for water at every opportunity. For sustainable consumers, it makes sense because we can easily add water from our own taps to a product, so by purchasing waterless beauty products, you're generally cutting out all those extra CO2 emissions that come from transporting a heavy bottle of shampoo to the shop.

Waterless Beauty Means Less or No Preservatives

In addition, waterless formulas require little or no preservatives to be added. This is because you usually have to add some kind of preservative to a product if it contains water because bacteria grows so quickly in it.

Here are five water-free beauty product recommendations that I've tried out.

Swap One: Marley's Pure & Natural Shampoo with Eucalyptus & Green Clay* (50g, €11.25)

Shampoo bars are the obvious choice when it comes to swapping your regular bottle of shampoo for a waterless alternative, however, they don't always work for everyone and it can be a case of trial and error to find the one that does work for your hair type. Shampoo flakes, on the other hand, seem to be something that more people report having greater success with, and the best that I've tried is Marley's Pure & Natural Shampoo with Eucalyptus & Green Clay. Here you have a pouch of solid shampoo flakes which you add to hot water and then refrigerate overnight, before using as you would any other liquid shampoo - genius stuff! It's a Dutch brand but there are a fair few UK stockists knocking about - I pick it up from my local independent health store; one pouch replaces a large 400ml plastic bottle of shampoo.

Swap Two: Trilogy Everything Balm* (45ml, £15.50, link)

Regular readers know how much I love multi-purpose balms and in fact, I have a stash of them floating around somewhere, usually in every desk drawer, on every bedside table, and in every handbag. You could say I'm a bit obsessed! The Trilogy Everything Balm is one that I've been using for years and this large tin will last you absolutely ages. Packed with skin-quenching ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax, Marula Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E, this hard-working skincare hero can be applied to dry lips, cracked cuticles, and anywhere else that requires some immediate soothing moisture. 

Swap Three: Beauty Pro Tumeric Infused Sheet Mask* (£5, link)

OK, so this one is a little controversial as it's a single-use product, but hear me out! I wanted to include it as an alternative option for those who still love using sheet masks (and I'm partial to using one myself every now and then, especially when traveling). Beauty Pro's Plant-Based Sheet Mask range ticks a lot of good boxes including being certified cruelty-free, vegan, and made from 100% plant origins. It's also water-free, and the sheet mask itself is plastic-free. Instead, it's made from biodegradable bamboo which is fully compostable in your garden waste bin. Pretty neat, huh? This Tumeric Infused mask is great for brightening the skin and gets to work in just 15 minutes.

Swap Four: Dust & Glow Powder-Based Bodywash in Coconut Ginger* (45g, link)

Powdered formulas are definitely on the rise and lots of brands are producing some amazing products in this area. I'm a big fan of powdered body washes because they are so easy to use; just sprinkle a small amount into wet hands and watch as it lathers up into a foam that you can then use all over your body in the shower. This means that the packaging is a much smaller bottle as the powder is concentrated, and being a powder, it's super lightweight which makes it brilliant for traveling with, especially if you just have a carry-on with you. Dust & Glow is a New Zealand brand (some London-based eco-shops stock them), but if you have trouble finding it, you can try the British brand Inclusev instead which has a great range of powder beauty products.

Swap Five: Elsa's Detox Natural Deodorant* (£14, link)
 

Mainstream deodorant sticks and roll-ons almost always contain water as their first ingredient so it makes sense to switch to a natural deodorant that's better for your body as well. There are lots to choose from as this sector of the beauty industry has had a massive boom in recent years so shoppers are truly spoilt for choice! One of my top picks would be Elsa's Detox Natural Deodorant which is something that I often recommend to those who are new to using a natural deodorant as it's a pretty strong and powerful formula and makes the switch less daunting! With ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Bentonite Clay, and Magnesium, it's an easy natural way to keep body odour at bay.

Have you made any water-free swaps this year?

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Introducing: Inclusev - Add Aqua Collection - Powdered Shampoo, Facewash, Bodywash & Handwash review #WaterlessBeauty

 

Waterless beauty has been a big trend this year and shows no signs of abating. These sustainable toiletries are the latest must-have for eco-conscious bathrooms and are fantastic for traveling with as they circumvent all of those tricky liquid rules.

Launched only in 2021, Inclusev is a new British brand to the eco-beauty market with all of its 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly products made in London. With a company mission to change the beauty industry 'one product at a time', Inclusev has created an Add Aqua Collection of concentrated powder formulas that eliminate waste and use fewer emissions to ship due to their wonderfully lightweight nature. For example, just one 50g Inclusev bottle replaces four bottles of 50g liquid product, and with clean, natural and organic ingredients, you can be sure there are no nasties or toxins present.

How To Use

Using Inclusev's Add Aqua Collection couldn't be easier; simply wet your hands/face/body, sprinkle a little of the powder into your palm, massage into your skin for 30 seconds and then rinse and pat dry. The powder transforms into a light foam once in contact with water.

I've had the pleasure of testing out the collection over the past month and I'm so surprised by how much product I still have left in the bottles - they definitely do last a long time!

Inclusev Powdered Handwash* (25g, £11)

Available in two scents, I've been enjoying using the Coriander, Lemongrass & Tea Tree Oil Powdered Handwash as the natural fragrance is so uplifting and refreshing. Initially, I thought it would be a bit of a faff to use considering how often I wash my hands at home, but actually, it wasn't a bother at all. Shaking the powder into my palms and adding a little water, gave me the feeling that I was spending more time washing my hands than I normally would, and thus, I felt my hands were much cleaner as a result.

Inclusev Powdered Bodywash* (25g, £11)

Also available in two scents, the Powdered Bodywash in Lemon, Lime & Rosemary was a delight to use and provided a far more luxurious pampering experience than I had originally imagined it would. I think the ritual of adding water to the powder and then massaging it into your skin, gives off such strong feel-good vibes that you begin to appreciate your daily shower a lot more.

Inclusev Powdered Shampoo* (25g, £12)

If you've been struggling to find a natural shampoo that works for you, this Powdered Shampoo may be the answer you've been looking for. Featuring extracts of Amla and Nettle, this shampoo uses powdered Coconut Milk and Kaolin Clay to deep cleanse your hair, removing daily dirt and pollution. Willow Bark, Clove, Grapefruit, Orange, and Ylang Ylang are also added to further protect, nourish and balance the scalp, whilst the light foam texture is easy to rinse out. Highly recommended!

Inclusev Powdered Facewash* (25g, £12)

To round off the collection, there's a Powdered Facewash which is available in two scents; I tried out the Lemon & Spearmint one and felt that it suited my oily/combination skin pretty well. The powdered base of Coconut Milk and Kaolin Clay is infused with Rosehip, Orris Root, Hibiscus Flower, and Willow Bark, to gently cleanse and exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural oils. I wouldn't personally use this as my everyday cleanser as it would be too much exfoliation for me, but I'd definitely include it in my skincare routine as a once-a-week treatment instead.

Shop the Add Aqua Collection at inclusevcosmetics.com

Have you tried any powdered/waterless beauty products?

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Refillable Beauty: Salt Of The Earth Refillable Natural Deodorants review

 

Refillable beauty is a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint, and these Salt Of The Earth refillable natural deodorants are absolutely brilliant for those who don't like the solid stick or bar formats.

Fun fact: Salt Of The Earth was the very first natural deodorant brand that I ever tried (in fact, you'll see them mentioned in an early Empties post from ten years ago in 2012 here!). Back then, they were famous for their crystal rock deodorants which you used to wet under the tap and then apply to your pits, and every single hippy and like-minded student that I knew used them.

Fast forward to the present day and I'm pleased to say that Salt Of The Earth has not only stood the test of time, but they have expanded their product range significantly. Their strong eco ethos remains as their deodorants are still 100% natural and of course, are certified cruelty-free and vegan-friendly too.

They have become popular in the refillable beauty market so let's take a closer look at these unique natural deodorants.

Why Refillable Beauty?

If you think about how much plastic can be saved if everyone switches to refillable options, the planet would be in a far better shape than it is now! And even if only a handful of conscious consumers made the switch, we'd still see a huge reduction in the amount of plastic waste clogging up our landfill sites and oceans as one of these refillable roll-ons uses a whopping 65% less plastic than seven non-refillable tubes. Not only is it more eco-friendly, but purchasing refills is actually cheaper too so your bank balance will thank you as well!

Salt Of The Earth Refillable Natural Deodorants

I tried out the new roll-on versions of these refillable deodorants in the scents Peony Blossom and Vetiver & Citrus. Made in the UK, they feature an improved formula that boasts extra moisturising properties for quicker absorption and increased protection against body odour so they keep you smelling fresher for longer. The 100% natural ingredients formula contains key players such as Aloe Vera, Sodium Lactate, and Magnesium Chloride, and with no white marks, they are quick and easy to apply just like a regular roll-on. What's not to love?! 

Shop the full range at saltoftheearthnatural.com 

Are you a fan of refillable beauty options?

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

 

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

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

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

What Is It?

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

What's In It?

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

Who Is It For?

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

How Do I Use It?

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

Overall Thoughts

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

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

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

Do you love rose scents?

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Currently Loving: Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Wild Berries Candle & Soy Wax Melts review #ShopSmall

 

The weather has turned surprisingly autumnal here in the UK this week, so I thought I'd throw the spotlight on a lovely independent business I discovered at a local vegan market a little while ago called Yogi Candle Studio.

Launched in the summer of 2020, Yogi Candle Studio was founded in a small kitchen by Katie who wanted to make some candles to use during her yoga practice. However, her hobby quickly grew into a full-time small business as the popularity of her products grew and her premises are now located in a bigger space within the Amerton Farm and Craft Centre in Stafford. 

All of Katie's products are handmade and hand poured at the farm and everything is made from 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. The brand prides itself on only sourcing ethical and sustainable plant-based waxes and oils, and all of their packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.

I was browsing a local vegan market in the area when I came across a stall for Yogi Candle Studio and the fragrance coming from it was incredible! Lined up was a good selection of candles and wax melts in lots of different scents, so naturally, I had to treat myself ;)

Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle (£12)

With so many gorgeous scented candles to choose from, I had a difficult time only choosing one and could easily have come home with all of them! After much deliberation, it was the Wild Heart Wild Berries scent that captured my own heart! Topped with dried flower petals, this candle is made from ethically sourced soy wax for a clean, non-toxic burn that has no palm oil or parabens. 

The sweet and fruity natural fragrance comes from a delicious blend of rich figs, dewberry, sweet raspberries, blueberries juicy black plums, layered on a base of patchouli, vetiver and musk. The standard 180g size has a burn time of 35+ hours and looks pretty wherever you choose to place it in your home.

Yogi Candle Studio Soy Wax Melts (3 bars for £10)

Next to the candles were all of Yogi Candle Studio's Soy Wax Melts and I picked up three bars in their £10 mix and match deal. Again, I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the scents and in the end, I opted for Sunrise (Coconut & Lime), New Beginnings (Cherry Blossom & Peony), and Refresh (Peppermint & Eucalyptus). 

Like the candles, these are also made from sustainably and ethically sourced soy wax which is palm-oil free, vegan, and cruelty-free. These bars are what I like to call the 'snap-apart-chocolate-style bars' and have a combined burn time of around 35 hours. I absolutely adore all of these scents and will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Not local to Stafford? Shop online at yogicandlestudio.com

Have you discovered any local small brands in your area recently?

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In My Bathroom: Absolute Aromas Soothe & Detox Epsom Salts + Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray review

 

Enjoying a long soak in the bath at the end of a busy week is one of life's small pleasures. The ritual of locking the door, turning on the tap, lighting a candle, and choosing to use one of your favourite bath products is something that I find so wonderfully relaxing.

As a beauty blogger, I'm utterly privileged and spoilt to be able to pick and choose from an array of bath oils, salts, bubble bars and all sorts of magical potions to help me unwind, but I often come back time and time again to bath salts, and in particular, Epsom Salts.

I've written about Epsom Salts many times in the past as I love they're naturally rich in Magnesium which is an essential mineral that many of us are deficient in. Luckily, you can boost your magnesium intake easily by adding a handful or two of Epsom Salts to your bath as your body readily absorbs them through your skin. The health benefits are well worth it too as Magnesium can help to relieve all manner of aches and pains, as well as anxiety and fatigue.

Needless to say, I have generally have a lot of Epsom Salts in my beauty stash and I love these two from Absolute Aromas. As one of the UK's leading aromatherapy brands, they certainly know a thing or two when it comes to creating some blissful bath salts and all of their products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and free from parabens and sulphates.

Absolute Aromas Soothe Epsom Salts* (1kg, £9)

Epsom Salts are often sold in big bags which makes them more affordable and Absolute Aromas have 1kg bags for a bargain £9! You can choose from a range of different blends and I personally love this one called Soothe which features essential oils of Tangerine, Petitgrain and Neroli. As the name suggests, it really does help to soothe not only your mind, but also your skin, drawing out toxins and relaxing the nervous system. 

To get the best results, I'd recommend using around a quarter of the bag per bath and pouring it under running water so that it dissolves easily. Deeply breathe in that lovely essential oil blend and let all your worries disappear for at least an hour. Heaven!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (300g, £4.50)

If you haven't tried Epsom Salts before or simply don't know which blend to opt for, I would suggest trying out some of the smaller tubs from Absolute Aromas so you can try the different ones that they make. These come in 300g tubs for £4.50 and are available across their range. 

I was curious to see what the Detox Epsom Salts were like as the essential oil blend that's used for these is quite an interesting mix as it features Grapefruit, Juniper, Geranium, Palmarosa, Cedarwood, and Vitamin E. It's a gorgeous uplifting natural fragrance that invigorates the senses and would be suited for those who enjoy a morning bath at the weekend. I really enjoyed this blend and would certainly be adding the full-size bag to my next order.

Absolute Aromas Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray* (30ml, £5)

There's a lot more to Absolute Aromas than just bath salts and a quick browse on their website will reveal a huge range of spa and massage products, skincare, aromatherapy oils, and much more! For some reason their Natural Room Sprays were calling to me so I tried out a mini bottle of their Lemon Myrtle blend which is incredibly zesty and uplifting - it instantly puts me in a good mood whenever I use it for a quick spritz around the bathroom!

Shop the full range at absolute-aromas.com

Have you tried anything from Absolute Aromas?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - June 2022 review

 

June's LoveLula Beauty Box finishes with a bang as it's worth a staggering £109! With a combined value that's so impressive, let's check out these luxury green beauty goodies pronto, shall we?

Check out my previous reviews of the popular natural and cruelty-free LoveLula Beauty Box here.

Urban Veda Purifying Body Oil 

I'm a big fan of the natural Ayurvedic-inspired brand, Urban Veda, and this Purifying Body Oil has actually been on my beauty wishlist for some time, so I'm thrilled to discover it in the box! With lots of gorgeous uplifting essential oils such as Organic Neem, Gotu Kola and Witch Hazel, this body oil has been formulated to purify and energise the skin.

INIKA Bold Lash Mascara

Last month, LoveLula included the famous INIKA Certified Organic Matte Perfection Primer, and this month there's the bestselling Bold Lash Mascara that subscribers can try out. I've used this mascara many times over the years as it's one of the best on the market if you're looking for something that's both natural and organic. The large brush helps to create big lashes without any clumping or flaking.

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm

Speaking of bestsellers, Lyonsleaf's Beauty Balm is loved by many and is a water-free, multi-tasking wonder! You can use this pot of 100% natural magic for just about anything; as a cleanser, moisturiser, face mask and more. Super rich in plant oils and extracts, a little goes a long way, making it an affordable and eco-friendly skincare staple to have in your daily routine.

Organic Works Pro Smoothing Serum

Last, but not least, there's a full-size bottle of Organic Works Pro Smoothing Serum, which certainly sounds promising. Developed to help restore radiance to dull and uneven complexions, it intensely hydrates the skin with its natural and organic formula and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful glow. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the new one-off LoveLula Beauty Boxes at Lovelula.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop the full range at teaandtonic.co.uk

What are your favourite natural wellness brands?

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Summer Skincare: 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?

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Judging the Cert Clean Beauty Awards 2022 - Face Mask Category - #CleanBeautyAwards

Over the past few months, I've been busy testing out this wonderful array of natural face masks and treatments for the Cert Clean Beauty Awards 2022. As the final judging date approaches, I thought it would be a good time for me to share some of my thoughts on these products.

What Are The Clean Beauty Awards?

The Clean Beauty Awards have been created by CertClean who is North America's leading certification for safer skincare. Although many of the products that I've tested out below fall into typical areas of green, vegan, natural and organic beauty, the general idea behind the awards isn't about how natural or organic a product is, it's about the overall safety of that product instead (in particular, CertClean focuses on products which are free from over 1400+ potentially harmful chemicals). 

One of the best things about CertClean is the huge panel of natural beauty advocates and bloggers who make up the judging panel - I believe this year is a record high with over 130 experts taking part!

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of face masks so I was delighted to be ask to judge the Face Mask category this year. Let's take a closer look at the products that I've been judging.

Ameōn Ice Cubes Supreme Energy 

Starting with the product that is more of a facial treatment than a mask, Ameōn Ice Cubes are a fascinating innovation which is designed to hydrate and rejuvenate whilst detoxifying. As the name suggests, this is indeed a frozen product; to use them you store the premade 'ice cubes' in the freezer and then use the mould and gauze provided to sweep it over the face in circular motions. It may sound a little strange at first, but it definitely helps to boost circulation and reduce redness, plus my skin felt so much smoother and softer afterwards. One to check out for sure!

La Vigne Derm Immortelle Bakuchiol Overnight Mask

Bakuchiol is one of the most popular natural ingredients in skincare right now and I can confirm that the hype surrounding this plant extract is totally justified. Hailed as a natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is quite simply an outstanding ingredient that delivers results fast. This Ayurvedic-inspired formula from La Vigne is brilliant for anyone who has those first signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, and it's great for plumping the skin back up to make it look smoother and younger. One of my favourites.

KPS Essentials La Luna Rose Peel Masque

I love a good natural peeling treatment and I've thoroughly enjoyed testing out the KPS Essentials La Luna Rose Peel Masque. Packed with Glycolic Acid, Rose distillate and Pearl powder extracts, it gently exfoliates and removes dull dead skin cells for a brighter result. This is one that I would reach for in my skincare routine about once a week to keep my complexion glowing.

Byroe Golden Carrot Overnight Relief Mask

Initially, I was excited to try out this luxury mask from New York based brand, Byroe, but I feel it's fallen a little short off the mark for me personally, and is perhaps the less effective of all of the face masks and treatments that I've tried for CertClean. Described as an Overnight Relief Mask that intensely hydrates, brightens and soothes troubled skin, I sadly found this much too rich and thick for my oily/combination skin. That said, I would perhaps recommend it to those who have drier or more mature skin types instead.

Epoch Glacial Marine Mud

Next up, we have the Epoch Glacial Marine Mud mask which is formulated with more than 50 different minerals and trace elements that are sourced from the Pacific Northwest. This is a straight up, easy to use mud mask that's ideal for multi-masking or applying all over if you have oily skin that's prone to blemishes and breakouts. It does the job well, but did leave my skin very dry afterwards so following up with a good moisturiser or facial oil is a must.

Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask

Finally, the last product that I tried for the judging panel comes from Moor Spa and I may be a little biased here, but I've used and loved this particular product before! Check out my previous review of Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask here. It's similar in some ways to the Epoch Mud mask above, though I personally like this a lot more and would happily continue to repurchase it in the future as it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it feeling stripped afterwards. The blend of fossilized Sea Kelp definitely seems to have a much bigger detoxifying effect on my skin and it's amazing for drawing out all of your impurities, including those pesky stubborn blackheads! Highly recommended. 

Keep in touch online to see who the winner of this category is in the upcoming Cert Clean Beauty Awards 2022!

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Summer Skincare: Nourish Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 review

 

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

What is it and what does it do?

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

Packaging

Glass jar with an aluminum lid.

Natural & ethical credentials

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

What's in it?

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

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

Overall thoughts

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

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

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

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

What's new in your summer skincare routine?

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