Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Ready for another empties post? I know I am! Here's everything beauty-wise that I have used up over the past month or so with lots of skincare favourites.

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30 (travel size)

A great primer and sunscreen all in one, this goes on smoothly and makes applying foundation a breeze. I find it quite hydrating so feel free to skip the moisturiser with this one. Repurchase? Yes.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti Wrinkle Booster Serum (travel size)

I've gone through a fair few of these over the years and it's still one of my favourite anti ageing serums where you can actually see a noticeable difference to fine lines from using it. Repurchase? Yes.

17 Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara (reviewed here)

Cheap as chips, this no-frills mascara is less than a fiver and cruelty-free. If you're looking for an easy everyday option that adds length to your lashes, give this a go. Repurchase? Maybe.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter*

I love the heady lavender-based relaxing scent of NEOM's Perfect Night's Sleep range, so naturally, I was a big fan of this body butter which is infused with magnesium to help relax you further. Thick non-greasy texture and very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes as a luxury treat. 

PHYTO Apraisant Soothing Treatment Shampoo* 

If you have a sensitive scalp, you need to try this. It does feel quite clarifying so I'd recommend following it up with a good hair mask/moisturising conditioner if you have dry hair. Repurchase? Yes.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Renewing Cleansing Oil* (reviewed here)

I think this is the third or fourth bottle that I've gone through. It's a brilliant cleansing oil that's affordable and gets the job done, plus it lasts ages as a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

I don't think I'll ever tire of the gorgeous fresh citrusy scent of this hand cream - it's one of my all-time favourites and I've been using it for years. Repurchase? Yes.

Creightons BAMbeautiful Thickening Conditioning Masque (travel size)

Discovered this gem in a beauty box and I'll definitely be checking out the brand further. I have very fine hair and this hair mask adds noticeable bounce and volume without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum*

I loved using this serum in the morning as I felt it injected some brightness and life back into my skin, especially if I hadn't been sleeping well that night! Gorgeous texture and works well underneath makeup and moisturiser. Repurchase? Yes.

Balance Me Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum*

With three different types of hyaluronic acid in the formula, this serum is one of the best hyaluronic acid-based ones that I've tried. Plumps up the skin beautifully and keeps essential moisture locked in. Repurchase? Yes.

Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser (travel size)

From a GWP goody bag, I enjoyed using this dual-action primer moisturiser for when I felt that my skin needed a bit of extra glow factor. Delivers a juicy dewy finish so is something that I would probably use more often in the cooler months. Repurchase? Maybe.

Hugens Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum (travel size)

This was lovely and I really liked the light texture, however, the Balance Me serum above performs better in my opinion. Was nice to try though. Repurchase? Probably not.

The Beauty Crop Fill & Tame Brow Gel* 

Another beauty box discovery that I loved! The shade was perfect for me and it helped to fill in the gaps in my brows, whilst still keeping them looking natural. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (reviewed here)

Finishing this post off with a much-loved skincare favourite of mine - if you're looking for a high-end hydrating mist with clean ingredients, you absolutely can't go wrong with this! I also use it as a makeup setting spray over mineral powder foundation to keep my skin looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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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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Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

It's that time again when I rummage through the wicker basket of empty beauty products under my bathroom sink and share what I've used up recently - here are my Beauty Empties! There's quite a lot this past month with plenty of skincare faves so let's jump straight in.

Therapi Lemon Myrtle No 1 Honey Gel Cleanser

Gel cleansers are a must-have of mine over the summer months as they really suit my oily skin when the weather heats up and Therapi has a fantastic range of them. I've used their Lemon Myrtle Honey Gel Cleanser on and off for years and it's brilliant; gentle, purifying, and perfect as a morning cleanser. Repurchase? As it's now Autumn, I'm switching to a cream cleanser but I'll happily pick this up again next year. 

Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream* (reviewed here)

My skin often feels dehydrated during summer so another gel-like favourite of mine is a good hydrating moisturiser and I love this one from Sukin. Lovely and lightweight, it sinks straight in and makes a great base for makeup too. Repurchase? I'll certainly consider it again next summer.

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Wash*

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of smelling NYR's Bee Lovely range, you need to get yourself to one of their stores ASAP! Honestly, it's such a heavenly and uplifting citrusy scent - I simply adore it! This hand wash was gorgeous. Repurchase? I typically don't purchase hand washes in plastic bottles anymore (this was a PR gift), but I'll see if they sell a hand soap instead!

Kueshi Naturals Lemon Shower Gel

I think this came into my life via a beauty box, I'm not sure but I can't say I was impressed, unfortunately. The lemon scent is very weak and the ingredients are not as clean or natural as it appears. Repurchase? Not for me.

Moor Spa Nourishing Facial Oil* (reviewed here)

A lovely 100% natural facial oil that's great for massages and evening use. A simple but effective blend of highly nourishing plant-based oils and full of essential fatty acids. As with all facial oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so this has lasted me a good 3-4 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant* (reviewed here)

Hands down one of the best natural deodorants out there and trust me, I have tried a lot of them! This one does the job without any fuss and never lets me down. It's on the more spendy side as it's definitely a luxury product, however, Aurelia do offer a money-back guarantee where you can try it for seven days and then send it back for a full refund if it doesn't work for you. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum* (reviewed here)

My blemish-prone combination skin loves this serum and it's another skincare favourite that I've been using on and off for years. Unlike other targeted spot serums that can dry or strip the skin, this Evolve Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum is 100% natural and uses Salicylic Acid to keep blemishes and breakouts in check. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser* (reviewed here)

As my skin sometimes likes to throw tantrums every now and then, I like to keep a fragrance-free moisturiser on hand in my skincare stash for those troublesome moments. Green People's Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser ticks all the right boxes by providing soothing essential daily moisture when my skin needs it the most. Repurchase? Definitely.

Beauty Pro Coconut Infused Sheet Mask*

Beauty Pro has a fab range of vegan and cruelty-free sheet masks which are 100% plastic-free, plant-based and biodegradable. I've tried several of these masks and the Coconut one is a good all-rounder for when your skin needs a hydrating pick-me-up. Repurchase? Yes.

Rodial Dragon's Blood Jelly Eye Patches

I got these in a beauty box and they surprised me with how effective they are! Amazing for depuffing and revitalizing tired eyes that need a quick fix boost for a special occasion. Repurchase? Tempted!

Flamingo Soap Co Coffee Soap* (reviewed here)

For fans of all things coffee scented, you can't go wrong with this gorgeous soap from Flamingo Soap Co. I've had it in the shower for a while and it smells so good when you're struggling to wake up first thing in the morning! The wraparound paper label is studded with wildflower seeds that you can plant to provide food for the bees - how cool is that? Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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December Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Happy New Year! Before I dive into January's shiny new content, I want to take a quick step back to December for a cheeky Empties round-up because I know how much we all enjoy a good declutter to celebrate the new year's arrivals.

Alteya Organics Tea Tree Oil*

I've been keeping blemishes at bay with this lovely Tea Tree Oil from Alteya Organics. It's one of the few properly natural options that I've found which is blended with a base oil (in this case it's Apricot Kernel Oil) so it's quick and safe to apply directly to your skin without any messy pre-mixing. Repurchase? Yes. 

Sukin Aloe Vera Gel* (reviewed here)

I've used Sukin's Aloe Vera Gel for a couple of years now and I'm not sure if the formula has changed recently, but I found this latest bottle to feel a lot more drying than usual so I'm unsure if I'll repurchase it. It does contain a small amount of alcohol so I think I'll look for an alcohol-free gel in the future instead. Repurchase? Probably not - I have my eye on the Holika Holika Aloe Vera Gel which has great reviews.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* (reviewed here)

A long-time favourite of mine that I've been buying for years, I just can't get enough of this wonderfully zesty and citrusy natural scent! This is a good natural deo to try if you're after something light to freshen up with, or are working from home etc. Repurchase? Yes.

S5 Purity Serum* (reviewed here)

One of the best ever serums for oily/combination/blemish-prone skin. I won't mention it too much though as sadly S5 skincare is no more, but a new brand called Adaptology took its place last year which I'll need to look into at some point. Repurchase? Discontinued :(

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely All Over Balm* (reviewed here)

A staple in my skincare stash for almost a decade, Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely All Over Balm is one of those genius multi-purpose skin saviours that can be applied everywhere and anywhere to instantly soothe and hydrate dry skin. Brilliant for sore noses during cold and flu season too! Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Botanicals Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturiser*

Found this in a beauty box and I liked it enough to use up the full jar, but I didn't love it. There are much better natural moisturisers out there with more innovative formulas and ingredients in my opinion. Repurchase? No. 

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Organic Jojoba Face Oil* (reviewed here)

I'm a big fan of the Ooh! Oils Of Heaven range of face oils as they specialise in single-based oils so it's easy to swap them in and out of your daily routine depending on what your skin needs at the time. This Jojoba Face Oil is great for oily/combination skin types as mimic's your own natural sebum, making it useful for balancing oil levels and preventing clogged pores. Repurchase? Yes. 

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Another month is drawing to a close so it's time to have a quick recap to see what I've used up recently. Here are my beauty empties! 

Nuori Sun Repair Serum* (reviewed here)

A beautiful fragrance-free serum for sensitive skin that helps to repair sun damage and restore moisture levels. I'm pretty good at applying sunscreen on a daily basis but I'm not always so good at re-applying it later on in the day (I know, I know...), so this helps in those times where I've been caught out. This serum has a light moisturiser-type of feel to it, yet sinks in quickly and layers well underneath any moisturiser or facial oil. Repurchase? It's not easy to find in the UK as it's a Danish brand, but if I do see it, I'll definitely repurchase.

Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist* (reviewed here)

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy pillow mists to help me to sleep, though I'll admit that I often chop and change between a few different brands. This one from Neal's Yard Remedies is one I've used many times, and it has a lovely blend of relaxing organic lavender, vetiver, and mandarin essential oils. Repurchase? I'm using one from Nourish at the moment, but I'll pick this up again soon I'm sure.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

Great natural mascara with good ingredients and a high-performance formula that doesn't flake or smudge. Lengthens lashes really well with excellent pigmentation so I'd say this is in my top 3 natural mascaras; I just wish it was a bit more volumising. Repurchase? Maybe -  I'm testing out one from Inika currently which I might like more...

Tropic Repairing Foot Remedy* (reviewed here)

An easy and simple one as it does what it says on the tube - if you have dry or tired feet in need of some TLC, this is for you, especially if you love fresh minty scents. Repurchase? Yes.

Mádara Ocean Love Polishing Scrub Soap* 

For a plastic-free body wash option that also offers some exfoliation, you can't go wrong with this scrub soap from Mádara. It has volcanic sand embedded into the soap that gently removes dead skin cells, and the soap itself is luxurious and hydrating with an uplifting natural cedar and lime fragrance. Lasts a long time too! Repurchase? Yes.

Ogario Hydrate And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've used this Ogario Hydrate And Shine range on and off for around five years and I still love it. The conditioner, in particular, is amazing for fine hair like mine as it adds moisture to dry ends without weighing it down, and I always get incredible shine with it in addition to a lot less frizz. Pricey but worth it. Repurchase? I've switched back to Tabitha Kaan for now, but I have no doubt this will be in my bathroom again in the near future.

Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser

I was excited to try this as I've loved everything else that I've used from Omorovicza, but this cleanser didn't seem to suit my skin. I found it much too drying unfortunately so I'd say it's better suited for oilier skin types. Repurchase? No.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2020: The LoveLula.com Edit - Green Beauty & Lifestyle Gifts Under £25

The countdown to Christmas is fast approaching, so why not stay safe and cosy at home by shopping online at LoveLula.com? Here are my favourite green beauty and lifestyle picks, with all gifts retailing under £25!

 

The Plastic-Free Stocking Filler: Mádara Ocean Love Polishing Scrub Soap Bar* (90g, £6.90, link)

Presented in beautiful Limited Edition artwork packaging, Mádara's Ocean Love Polishing Scrub Soap Bar is a gorgeous contemporary product to gift, without any additional wrapping needed. Suitable for vegans and made with ocean-friendly natural ingredients that won't cause any harm to the environment, this Soap Bar contains black Volcanic Sand to give the skin a gentle scrub. It's also delicately scented with uplifting Cedar and Lime essential oils to boost the senses.

The Luxury Hand Cream: Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream* (50ml, £10, link)

Our hands have been through a lot this year so everyone deserves to find a luxury hand cream under the tree! One of my all-time favourites is Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream, which I've been been a fan of since it first launched back in 2013. I'm still utterly in love with its juicy Orange and sweet Honey scent, and the formula is wonderfully moisturising without any greasiness. Even better, Neal's Yard Remedies donates 3% of the profits from their Bee Lovely range to the Save The Bees campaign.

The Vegan Lip Balm That Everyone Will Love: Crazy Rumors Zodiac Lip Balm in Gemini* (4g, £4.49, link)

Lip balms make excellent little stocking fillers in my opinion, as everyone's lips always feel dry and chapped in winter due to the cold weather. This year, Crazy Rumors have released an exciting new range of their vegan and natural lip balms which are inspired by the constellations and the elements. Simply shop by finding the zodiac sign that you're after and put in your order! Gemini is mine which is a sweet and airy blend of Vanilla Cream, Fresh Berries and Botanical Lavender. A bargain for less than a fiver.

The Health & Wellbeing Gift: Alteya Organics Essential Oil Pure Gratitude Gift Set* (£14.95, link)

Fans of essential oils will simply love this Pure Gratitude Gift Set from Alteya Organics. Comprising of four essential oils which are ready to use thanks to their Apricot Kernel Oil bases, the scents have been carefully chosen to help lift the spirits and soothe the mind (something that we could all use during the busy festive season!). The set features 5ml bottles of Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Orange Oil and Lemongrass Oil.

The Luxury Happy Mood Pamper Kit: Kathleen Natural Christmas Special Mini Citrus Cheer Duo* (£23, link)

Spread some Christmas cheer this year with Kathleen Natural's lovely Christmas Special Mini Citrus Cheer Duo. Inside, there are two bestselling minis to enjoy; the Citrus Cheer Bath & Shower Gel (50ml) and a Citrus Cheer Roll-On Oil (10ml). I've used both of these in the past and absolutely love them - the natural fragrance of Citrus Cheer is a stunning blend of zesty Lemon, warming Rosewood notes and floral Geranium. Both products are suitable for vegans and of course, cruelty-free.

The Winter Treat For Hands & Feet: Natura Siberica Oblepikha Spa Therapy Gift Set* (£11.99, link)

Treat dry hands and feet to their very own gift set from Natura Siberica. Inside the Spa Therapy Gift Set, your recipient will discover two of the brand's superstar products, a Hand Cream and a Foot Cream (both 75ml sizes) which feature an ultra-nourishing plant-based blend of Organic Oblepikha Hydrolate and organic botanicals, many of which are wild-harvested in their native Siberia. 

The Multi-Purpose Balm: Trilogy Everything Balm* (45ml, £13.50, link)

For the person who seems to have literally everything, you can't go wrong with Trilogy's Everything Balm. This award-winning, multi-purpose balm is loved by skincare gurus and makeup artists alike, thanks to its intense healing, repairing and skin-conditioning properties. You can apply this anywhere and everywhere as the name suggests; it's great for dry lips, rough elbows, tired feet, flaky cuticles, weak nails, the list goes on. A practical dry skin saviour that everyone can use and without any nasty mineral oil or petrochemicals in sight!

The Beautiful Soy Wax Candle: JOIK Vanille Et Noisette Candle* (145g, £13.50, link)

I love giving and receiving candles as gifts, especially at Christmas when we naturally spend more time indoors and need the extra cosy effects of a warming scented candle in our living spaces. My top pick this year comes once again from JOIK as I adore their hand-poured soy wax candles which have a clean burn and an excellent scent throw. The Vanille Et Noisette Candle has the hallmarks of a traditional creamy Vanilla fragrance with added layers of sweet Caramel, rich Maple and roasted Chestnuts.

Shop all of these gifts and more at LoveLula.com

What will Santa be bringing you this Christmas?

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Health & Lifestyle: 5 Products To Help You Fall Asleep Faster #BestSleepEver

Following on from last month's sleep-focussed post (read here) where three wellness experts shared their top tips for getting a better night's sleep, I've decided to round up some of my go-to bedside products that I use when I'm struggling to count those elusive sheep.

Disclaimer: Please see a GP if you're having sleep problems - below are just the products that I have been using to help my own sleep issues, but they may not all work for you.

 Spritz On Bedlinen - Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist* (45ml, £15, link)

Pillow mists are something that used to be quite obscure many years ago but thankfully they are readily available these days thanks to growing consumer demand for natural sleep aids. I've tried a lot of different brands and one of my favourites that I frequently go back to when I'm having sleep problems is Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist. Packaged in their signature dark blue glass bottle, the mist is composed of a relaxing blend of Organic Lavender, Vetiver and Mandarin essential oils - all well known for their soothing properties. Simply spritz over pillows and bedlinen before you want to sleep and let the tranquil fragrance work its magic as you nod off.

Take A Bath - MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion* (100ml, £25, link)

Taking a warm bath is often mentioned in many sleep hygiene routines, and I have personally always found baths to be wonderfully relaxing, especially if you've had a particularly busy or stressful day. Baths can significantly help you to unwind and they're great for relieving aches and pains such as sore muscles from exercise. Try MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion which is a bath oil that I often recommend to anyone who isn't keen on the traditional lavender scents. Instead, this Bath Potion is more of a herbal blend with Peppermint, Fennel, Sweet Birch and Yarrow that's both invigorating (it helps to clear and refresh the mind) and calming at the same time thanks to the physical benefits that it brings to the body. It's also ideal to use when you're feeling run down as it clears up blocked sinuses a treat - just make sure to not use too much - it's strong stuff!

Treat Your Hands - Balm Balm Lavender Hand Balm* (60ml, £12.50, link)

Hands feeling dry due to frequent washing and using hand sanitiser all day? Give them some TLC with this ultra-rich Balm Balm Lavender Hand Balm. The perfect pot of hydrating goodness to keep on your bedside table, it has a seriously nourishing formula thanks to a blend of Shea Butter, Sunflower, Beeswax, Jojoba and Calendula oils. With added Lavender essential oil, it fits in neatly as an extra pampering step that you can do before bedtime to get you in the right frame of mind for sleep.

Try A Rollerball - Seascape Island Apothecary Soothe Oil* (8ml, £10, link)

Temple balms and oils are another handy product to have nearby when you're struggling to sleep and I sometimes re-apply them to my pulse points if I wake up in the middle of the night to help me to get back to sleep. Lots of different brands offer them and Seascape Island Apothecary Soothe Oil is definitely one to try if you want something that's instantly comforting and relaxing as it has Lavender, Bitter Orange and Mandarin Orange essential oils in a convenient rollerball. Swipe it on, breathe it in and relax.

Unwind With CBD - Naturopathica CBD+ Unwind* (30 capsules, £39.99, link)

CBD is fast becoming the go-to supplement for those who are feeling stressed and anxious, and I've written about my personal experiences with the positive benefits of taking CBD Oil in previous features on this blog. If you're not a fan of the taste of pure CBD Oil, there are lots of other ways to try it including teas, lozenges and more traditional capsules. The CBD+ Unwind capsules from wellness brand Naturopathica have been particularly useful to me, and I've been taking them for the past month to help with the heightened sense of anxiety I've been having due to the current pandemic situation. This range has been formulated to work with the body's endocannabinoid system so it contains 5mg of full-spectrum CBD to be the most effective, and the Unwind blend also includes B1, Magnesium, L-Theanine and Chamomile to further support healthy sleeping patterns.

Do you have problems sleeping?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - January 2020 review

The first LoveLula Beauty Box of 2020 arrived earlier this month and they've done a fantastic job of including a variety of green beauty products, with an overall value of £50! Curious to find out more? Keep on reading...

 Kathleen Natural Bright Mask (RRP £28)

Worth £28 on its own, this luxury, vegan-friendly face mask is proudly made in the UK by Kathleen Natural who are based in Royal Leamington Spa. The Bright Mask is appropriately named as it's been formulated to deliver refreshing, illuminating and hydrating results thanks to a blend of rich natural acids which are found in White Willow Bark and Hibiscus extracts. The acids help to speed up cell turnover as they gently clear away dull, dead skin cells on the surface, revealing brighter, fresher and younger-looking skin underneath - genius!

 Kiki Health Magnesium Oil (RRP £12.50)

Next up, I was delighted to find a Magnesium Oil from Kiki Health as I often talk about the benefits of magnesium supplements to anyone who will listen! Most of us in the UK have a magnesium deficiency so it's important to keep your levels topped up, especially if you exercise or train a lot. This convenient spray can be applied any time of the day directly to the skin, where it's quickly absorbed to help relax muscles and soothe any minor aches or pains.

 Hesh Black Seed Oil (RRP £7.99)

Another interesting product in this month's LoveLula box is Hesh Black Seed Oil which comes packaged in dark glass to protect the ingredients within from the elements. Containing simply 100% pure and virgin Black Seed Oil which is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant, this oil has been revered by Asian communities for centuries thanks to its antioxidant-rich properties. You can take it internally to help with allergies, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and digestive disorders, or you can apply it topically to treat dry skin problems, reduce inflammation and boost natural hair growth.

 Natura Siberica Taiga Daily Protection Hand Cream (30ml travel size)

As Winter continues its chilly assault on our skin, make sure to give your hands some extra TLC with this travel size Taiga Daily Protection Hand Cream from Natura Siberica. With ingredients such as Wild Honey, Arctic Cloudberries and Lingonberries, this hard-working hand cream instantly hydrates and softens, whilst also protecting the skin's natural barrier.

Mádara Grow Volume Shampoo & Conditioner (samples)

To round off this month's LoveLula box, we have two samples of Mádara Grow Volume Shampoo & Conditioner - a range of natural hair care which is infused with Caffeine and Zinc to give your hair a healthy boost. And don't forget that after you've tried these, you can recycle the sample sachet packaging at your nearest Neal's Yard Remedies as part of their national recycling scheme - more info here to find your local stockist.

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

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Green Beauty Edit 2018

2018 has been another amazing year for Green Beauty and with more and more consumers wanting to make the switch to cleaner and more natural beauty products, I just had to include a whole host of my favourite brands in this special Gift Guide edit.

Stocking Filler / Secret Santa Ideas from Benecos, Crazy Rumors, Lavera, Madara and The Humble Co

If you want to introduce a friend or family member to the world of Green Beauty, these stocking filler friendly products are ideal - you could even buy a few and make them a festive beauty box. My top picks include Benecos Body Lotion in Pomegranate & Rose* (150ml, £5.95, link), which is a lovely vegan and budget-friendly option with a light and hydrating texture, plus it smells beautiful too. I'm also a big fan of Crazy Rumors Lip Balms and this one in Hot Cocoa* (4.4g, £3.99, link) is not only super moisturising for dry lips, but tastes good enough to eat!

Lavera has released some special editions for Christmas and their Winter Bloom Body Butter* (150ml, £10.90, link) is a gorgeous product with a real luxury feel for instantly velvety soft skin. It smells so festive with Organic Mandarin and Coconut - I think this would make a great Secret Santa gift as well. 

Going plastic-free has been big news this year (and rightly so), and there are plenty of plastic-free stocking fillers out there. Two that I would highly recommend are Madara Cloudberry Oat Milk Hand & Body Soap* (150g, £6.50, link), a heavenly, ultra-nourishing formula that's gentle on sensitive skin, and The Humble Co. Humble Brush* (£3.99, link), the world's bestselling plastic-free toothbrush that's made from sustainable, eco-friendly organic bamboo. Available in a range of different bristle colours and with options for adults and children, this ethical brand also funds The Humble Smile Foundation which supports healthcare projects around the world for children in need.

 The Festive Candle: JOIK La Bohème Soy Wax Scented Candle* (145g, £13.50, link)

I love JOIK's range of soy wax candles with its impressive variety of fragrances, there's something for everyone and they do festive/wintery candles particularly well. This one named La Bohème is a sultry and enchanting blend of Musk, Spices, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Carnation, Bergamot, Jasmine and a little Vanilla thrown in for good measure. Each candle burns for around 30 hours and because it's made from natural soy wax, it will have a cleaner burn than traditional paraffin-based candles.

 The Luxury Bath Oil: The Rose Tree Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit* (40ml, £19, link)

Give the gift of relaxation with The Rose Tree's Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit, which will de-stress busy minds and help to uplift and invigorate the senses. The beautiful heart shaped glass bottle houses a sublime blend of powerful botanicals and flower oils so your recipient can recreate their own spa experience in the comfort of their bathroom. Looking for something more floral? Check out The Rose Tree Calming Bath & Shower Oil in Rose & Ylang Ylang which I featured in this post earlier in the year - it comes in the same gorgeous bottle and smells oh-so-good.

 Fragrance Fans: Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set* (£16, link)

Fragrance lovers will adore the Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set which features five mini bottles of the brand's bestselling single note fragrances. There's Lavender, Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin and Bergamot, for a complete scent wardrobe that can be worn individually or layered to create your own bespoke fragrance.

 For Gardeners & Hardworking Hands: Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set* (£15, link)

Neal's Yard Remedies have really outdone themselves with their exquisite range of gifts this year, all of which feature lovely festive packaging. My top pick from them is this Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set that comprises of a Bee Lovely All Over Balm (15g) and a Bee Lovely Hand Cream (30ml). Both of these products are perfect for anyone who deserves some TLC, and especially for gardeners and people who use their hands at work a lot. And being from Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely range, they have a gorgeous uplifting and citrusy scent to help chase away those winter blues.

 The Luxury Mood & Skin Booster: Dafna's Active Mist* (100ml, £38, link)

Aromatherapy products are always popular around the busy and often stressful Christmas period, and this unique Active Mist from the luxury brand Dafna's, marries together an expert blend of essential oils with skin-boosting plant extracts and oils. This 100% natural and vegan-friendly product will help to create calm, reduce anxiety and irritability, and leave the skin hydrated, fresh, nourished and glowing at the same time.

 The Luxury Anti-Ageing Skincare Treat: Alteya Organics Rose Regenerating Concentrate* (30ml, £55, link)

I'm a big fan of Alteya Organics, having recently reviewed some of their products here, and I'm thrilled to feature this luxury skincare treat from them - the Rose Regenerating Concentrate. This high performance, anti-ageing serum is packed full of natural bioactive organic ingredients which help to transform the texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even; improve radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin its youthful bounce back. Quickly absorbed, this concentrate gets to work fast and you'll be able to see a noticeable difference after just the first use, with more results evident in just 30 days. One for mums, grans and aunties!

Best Festive Skincare Set Under £16: Trilogy Skin Treats Mini Celebration Cracker Set* (£15.30, link)

You can't beat a Christmas cracker that's filled with natural skincare minis, can you? This affordable festive gift set from Trilogy features three of the brand's most popular products from their bestselling Rosehip range; Cream Cleanser (30ml), Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) and Vital Moisturising Cream (20ml). A lovely introduction to the brand and ideal for anyone who travels a lot and wants a three-step, travel-sized skincare routine to pop into their carry-on bag.

For The Person Who Has Everything: Forrest & Love Aroma Sachet Collection* (£25, link)

Looking for something truly unique and different for that person on your shopping list that has everything? Surprise them with the Forrest & Love Sachet Collection - a gift set of five mini aromatherapy cushions that they can use around the home and in the car to restore balance to the mind, body and soul. Each handmade, cruelty-free and biodegradable cushion is made from 100% cotton and contains a blend of different herbs, spices and essential oils. There's one for Love, Meditation, Positivity, Tranquillity and Energy, and these can be placed in handbags, clothes drawers, in the car etc, to replace artificially fragranced products that are bad for your health. They smell wonderful!

Which green beauty gifts are on your wishlist this year?

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