Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Another month has flown by which means it's time yet again for another Beauty Empties round-up! This is something of a bumper collection as I've been on a bit of a No-Buy challenge recently so I've finished up quite a lot of products. Grab a cuppa and let's get stuck in.

Naobay Hyaluronic & Hemp Recharge Splash Facial Mist* (travel size)

I really enjoyed using this - it was super light and refreshing and also doubled up nicely as a setting spray too. Repurchase? I've gone back to using the Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist, but I would be happy to buy this again in the future.

Balance Me BHA Exfoliating Concentrate (travel size)

If you have oily/combination skin that's prone to blemishes and breakouts, then I highly recommend this liquid exfoliant. It's brilliant for unclogging pores and getting rid of dead skin/congestion. Repurchase? Yes.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (reviewed here)

This is one of the best face masks that I've ever tried for helping to repair the skin barrier. It has so many beneficial ingredients like Magnesium and Zinc in it that you really do see a noticeable difference in your skin after the first use. Genius stuff. Repurchase? Already have :)

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum* (reviewed here)

A hugely popular serum for a reason, this one combines Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C in a slow-release formula to really plump up and brighten your complexion. Very impressed by this and will be most definitely cutting open the tube to get the last bits out! Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown The Rose Garden Salt Soak* (reviewed here)

I recently featured this in my top four relaxing bath salts post so it should come as no surprise to see it here. These are gorgeous, fresh rose-scented Himalayan salts that are very relaxing and spa-like. Repurchase? Yes. 

Puur Ingrid Ultra Body Oil* (featured here)

This is a luxury Canadian natural brand that I was introduced to when I was judging the Cert Clean Beauty Awards. A delightfully silky body oil with a heavenly scent of Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Bergamot. Repurchase? I'm not sure if they have a UK stockist but I'll certainly be checking!

Greenfrog Botanic Shampoo Bar Argan & Rose Oil*

One of my favourite shampoo bars as it produces a nice thick lather and feels very hydrating. Vegan and SLS-free, these bars last forever, I'm sure I've been using it for at least 3 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm* (reviewed here)

Another product that's lasted for a long time has been this tube of Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm which I'm sure I opened around Christmas time to put it into perspective! Amazing for any dry skin bits like lips and cuticles, it's fragrance-free so ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Organii Almond & Avocado Cream Soap* (reviewed here)

If you have dry hands, you must try these Organii Cream Soaps. Not only are they packed full of natural moisturising ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, but they're an absolute steal at only £3.50. I like to use them mainly as hand soaps to cut down on my plastic waste, though they are brilliant to use in the bath and shower as well as they retain their shape and don't go mushy.

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up (travel size)

One of the best multi-purpose beauty products to throw into your travel bag. This little gem triples up as a hydrating face mask, everyday moisturiser, and makeup primer. I particularly like it using it as a primer as it completely smooths out my face in prep for makeup and keeps everything looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

Fruu Watermelon Lip Balm*

Can you tell I'm getting better at using up my never-ending stash of lip balms?! I'm a huge fan of these Fruu ones which come in a range of different flavours - Watermelon is so fruity and delicious. The hydration that these lip balms offer and the curved end make me keep buying them over and over. Repurchase? Definitely. 

Vapour Mesmerize Mascara (reviewed here)

It was certainly bittersweet to finish off this mascara as Vapour Beauty is sadly no more and I'll miss several of their products including this as it was a bloody good mascara. Repurchase? Discontinued :(

Alexandra Kay Time To Relax Essential Oil* (reviewed here)

I've used this for about 2-3 years now and still love it; I'm not sure why, but it's one of the most relaxing essential oil blends that I've come across. Repurchase? Yes.

Alteya Organics Eucalyptus Essential Oil*

When it comes to single essential oils, you can't go wrong with the purity and quality of Alteya Organics. I use Eucalutpus a lot throughout winter to help with itchy scalps/dandruff (add a drop or two to your shampoo), and clearing blocked sinuses when I've had a cold (great for water steam inhalation). Repurchase? Most definitely!

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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January Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

I took part in the annual January No Buy Challenge and I'm pleased to say that I completed it! It may also explain why I have a fair amount of Empties to discuss, so grab a cuppa and let's get stuck in. Here's everything beauty-wise that I've used up recently.

Alter/Native by Suma Handmade Soap in Grapefruit & Mandarin*

A lovely 100% natural & plastic-free soap with no palm oil, parabens or SLS/SLES. I used it for washing my hands in the kitchen as the fruity fragrance is great for getting rid of cooking smells like garlic! Repurchase? Yes.

Swell Ultimate Protect & Renew Hair Serum

WFH life has meant that I haven't been blow-drying and straightening my hair much, so this travel-size tube has lasted a lot longer than it would in 'normal' times. Saying that a little does go a long way and it's great for getting rid of frizz, whilst doubling up as a heat protector. Repurchase? Will do when real-life resumes!

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil in Support Breathe

These are my favourite bath & shower oils as they are really potent - a capful in the bath is all you need so you can easily get 2-3 uses out of one of these minis. Support Breathe is perfect to reach for when you have a cold as it helps to clear the sinuses. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol Gold Face Mask* (reviewed here)

Looking for a natural anti-ageing facial treatment? This amazing Bio-Retinol Gold Face Mask from Evolve is a gorgeous pampering treat with a natural plant-based retinol ingredient that doesn't cause the irritation that's common with regular retinol. I loved using this whenever my complexion looked dull for an instant brightening pick-me-up. Repurchase? Definitely!

Aveda Hand Relief

Aveda may be famous for their haircare, but their Hand Relief creams are a real hidden gem in their product range and they're available in a couple of different scents which all smell amazing. Highly recommend checking them out if your hands need some TLC. Repurchase? Yes.

Organii Soothing Arnica Gel* (reviewed here)

One of my most popular blogposts of 2020 was my feature on 7 Natural Products To Help Ease Muscle Aches & Pains (Post-Gym/Exercise) and it included this wonderful Soothing Arnica Gel from Organii. This topical gel is great for reducing any inflammation or swelling from minor injuries and bruises, and it's very affordable too. Repurchase? Already have.

Tropic Whipped Body Velvet in Coconut Cream*

If you want to smell like sweet coconut ice cream, this luxuriously thick and whipped Body Velvet ticks all the right boxes. It's gorgeous to use after a long hot bath to complete a pampering session as it makes your skin feel so soft. Repurchase? Yes.

Soaper Duper Body Butter in Fruity Green Tuberose

I picked this up after seeing Caroline Hirons mention it and I adore the scent! A beautiful, non-sticky body butter that sinks straight in with an uplifting fresh floral fragrance. Excellent value for money as the large tub lasts ages. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products first.

Epic Blend Vegan Pineapple Mint Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

Epic Blend are seriously underrated in the lip balm world as I hardly see anyone else mentioning them. They have a really great line of moisturising balms available, with a dedicated vegan-friendly range too. Pineapple Mint is an interesting flavour as it's cooling, fruity and refreshing! Repurchase? Yes.

REN Anti-Pollution Mist* (reviewed here)

Another product that I used to use a lot during 'normal' times, yet now hardly ever reach for is REN's Anti-Pollution Mist. I still love it and it doubles up as a brilliant makeup setting spray, but it's pretty pointless when we're all staying at home sadly. Repurchase? Definitely, once normal life happens again.

Typology Cyprès Genévrier Natural Eau de Parfum* (reviewed here)

One of my favourite brand discoveries last year was Typology and I've been enjoying using their Perfume Discovery Sets. This fragrance Cyprès Genévrier was very fresh and woody, so it's an interesting natural unisex option that can be worn alone or layered over other scents to create your own signature fragrance. Repurchase? I'll pick a fave when I've used up the other samples!

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Keep Your Hands Clean with Organii Purifying Hand Gel + Surface Spray

Coronavirus is sadly still around and whilst the vaccine rollout is underway across the UK, we'll still need to stick to the rules until the coast is finally clear. Until then, these two from Organii can help to keep you and your family safer when you're doing your essential errands.

I've been getting a lot of search requests through the blog from readers who have been looking for greener, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free alternatives to mainstream hand sanitisers. Thankfully, there are now a number of green beauty brands who have launched new products in response to the pandemic. One such brand is Organii who has recently brought out a new Purifying Hand Gel and Surface Spray.

Organii Purifying Hand Gel* (80ml, £3.95, link)

This handy(!) Purifying Hand Gel contains a certified natural blend of 60% alcohol, Organic Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerin and Organic Tea Tree essential oil, to keep your hands clean and sanitised whilst you're out and about. The formula feels very much like most other hand gels that I've tried, but the addition of Vegetable Glycerin and Aloe Vera means that it's not as drying, which is important if you're using it on a regular basis. Thanks to Organic Tea Tree essential oil, it also has natural antibacterial and anti-viral properties and it gives the gel a fresh scent.

Organii Purifying Surface Spray* (75ml, £3.95, link)

We've all seen those messy cleaning stations at the entrance of supermarkets and after trying to use several bottles of disinfectant that were empty, I've come to the decision that it's best to carry your own just in case. Organii's Purifying Surface Spray is a handbag friendly 75ml spray bottle size that quickly sanitises surfaces and can be used on pretty much anything from supermarket trollies, door handles, handrails, ATM machines and more, thanks to its purifying blend of alcohol and Organic Tea Tree essential oil. I've recommended this to parents as well, as it's very convenient to carry in the car and is safe to use on kids toys etc. Both the Surface Spray and the Hand Gel are certified vegan and cruelty-free.

Are you using cruelty-free hand sanitisers?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Another month has passed us by so it's time to have a recap of all the beauty products that I've used up recently - here are my November Empties!

Skin & Tonic Peppermint Lip Balm* (review) 

Lip balm season is well and truly here so no surprises to see I've finished off a longtime favourite of mine from Skin & Tonic. Their Peppermint Lip Balm is a lovely hydrating blend of just four natural and organic ingredients which help to keep chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? Yes.

Alima Pure Lip Tint in Petal (review)

If you want an easy to use, non-fussy tinted lip balm, Alima Pure's Lip Tints are a brilliant handbag staple. They're moisturising with a nice pop of colour. Petal is a very pretty soft-pink nude which is great for everyday wear. Repurchase? Yes.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion* (review)

I had an awful cold at the start of the month and immediately reached for this from MOA. Their Fortifying Green Bath Potion is a strong and herbal concoction with extracts of Peppermint and Fennel to help revive the sinuses. You definitely feel better after a bath with this! Repurchase? Already have :)

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Masque*

If you have a fussy dry scalp that's prone to dandruff, I can't recommend this Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Masque enough. It's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, and it's the most soothing treatment I've found for when my scalp feels sore and itchy. Works in just 10 minutes and leaves the rest of your hair feeling soft and moisturised. Repurchase? Definitely.

Mádara Plum Plum Lip Perfection Balm* (review)

Another lip balm empty, this time from Mádara. The Plum Plum Lip Perfection Balm is a gorgeous luxury lip balm with a sweet and natural fruity scent. Very hydrating, though you sometimes need to give the tube a hard squeeze if it's been caught out in the cold. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others first.

Rabot 1745 Liquid Chocolate Body Mask* (review)

Earlier in the year, I had the pleasure of working with Rabot 1745 on creating a 'Luxury Spa Experience At Home' and their Liquid Chocolate Body Mask was one of my favourite products from that campaign. It's as decadent and indulgent as it sounds and great fun to use, if a little messy! Repurchase? On my xmas list.

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum* (review)

It wouldn't be an Empties post without something from Antipodes being featured and my latest empty from them is the glorious Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum which I've used many times in the past. If you're looking for a water-based serum with anti-ageing properties, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

Hello My Bio Monoi Soap*

A beautiful artisan & organic French soap that I was kindly gifted by a dear friend during the first lockdown. I absolutely love anything that has Monoi in it (the scent is just heavenly) so I thoroughly enjoyed using this. Repurchase? If I can find it in the UK, I will.

Tropic Skincare Deep Hydration Cooling Mask* (review)

Regular readers will no doubt already know how much I love this Tropic Deep Hydrating Cooling Mask - this must be the third pot that I've gone through this year alone! I regularly double-mask with it, using it straight after a clay mask to put moisture back into the skin and it always works a treat. Repurchase? Definitely.

Màdara Infusion Blanc Supreme Hydration Body Lotion*

Although I really liked the calming fresh scent of this Màdara body lotion, I have to admit that I just didn't find it as hydrating as other body lotions of a similar price point. The overall texture is also a little annoying as it takes a while to sink into the skin when applied. Repurchase? No.

Organii Argan Shower Gel* (review)

You can't beat the affordable Organii Shower Gels when you're shopping for green beauty staples on a budget and their Argan scent is one of my faves. These are fantastic for anyone who has dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant* 

Another long time favourite, I've used so many of these over the years that I've lost count. If you like fresh and floral rose scents, you will love this light and alluring natural deodorant from Weleda. It's not a heavy-duty deo though so if you sweat a lot or run a lot of errands in the day, you'll probably need to layer it with something else. But for current WFH life, it's perfect! Repurchase? Already have.

NUXE Rêve De Miel Nourishing Body Scrub

Sadly, I'm wrapping up this Empties post with a disappointing product, but this NUXE Rêve De Miel Nourishing Body Scrub sample that I received in a recent beauty subscription box needed to be included so that no-one is tempted to purchase the full size! The scrubby bits are just so small and useless that they don't do the job, which is such a shame because I generally really like the Rêve De Miel range.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Health & Lifestyle: 7 Natural Products To Help Ease Muscle Aches & Pains (Post-Gym/Exercise)

Whether you're embracing the new normal of returning to your favourite gym or you're continuing to work out at home, here are seven natural products which can help to ease some of those post-exercise muscle aches and pains.

Bath & Shower Helpers: Magnesium & Sea Salt

One of the best ways to relax your muscles after a tough workout, especially if you've been lifting weights or doing high strenuous exercises such as HITT or spinning, is to take a warm bath and there are countless products that you can use. Popular favourites are Epsom Salts of course, but I wanted to feature a product that has Sea Salt instead as some people can find Epsom Salts to be a bit too irritating if they have sensitive skin, so Sea Salt is often better tolerated by all skin types. I'm a big fan of JOIK Energizing Bath Salt* (500g, £6.50, link) which is 100% natural and has invigorating citrus essential oils to give your body and mind a stimulating boost, as well as helping to relax muscle tension.

I also love REN's amazing luxury Anti-Fatigue range and the SLS-free Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Body Wash* (250ml, £22, link) is ideal for those who don't have a bath, or are short on time and want to use something quick and easy in the shower to instantly revive tired skin. I featured the Exfoliating Body Scrub from this range in my last Empties post which is another long-time fave of mine.

Topical Treats: Creams, Gels and Sprays

Pop into any health store and you'll find a huge selection of topical products to soothe aching muscles in a variety of formulas and formats so you can pick and choose depending on your personal preference. If you want a cream product, Ying Yang Skincare MSM Cream* (180ml, £24.95, link) is one of the best that I've tried as it contains a potent and effective blend with 9% MSM to provide comfortable relief to overworked muscles - perfect for using after Hot Yoga or running. 

For something more affordable, I highly recommend Organii Soothing Arnica Gel* (50ml, £3.95, link) as Arnica is a fantastic natural ingredient for helping to reduce any kind of inflammation and swelling. It's also useful for those who suffer from muscle pains related to Arthritis, and it's a must-have if you do any contact sports where bruises may occur.

My overall favourite topical product though is a high-quality Magnesium Oil Spray and when you're buying one, make sure it's 100% natural and contains a high dose of Magnesium Chloride for the best results. I've used this one from KIKI Health* (125ml, £12.50, link) for years and I always have a bottle in my gym bag. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in your body but it's quickly depleted with intense exercise so a topical spitz applied to aching muscles can reduce painful spasms and contractions within minutes.

Internal Supplements: Turmeric & MSM Flakes

Supplements are a useful addition to anyone's daily routine and if you regularly exercise, two that I find helpful are Turmeric and MSM Flakes (Glucosamine is also a must if you're over 50 yrs old). I regularly purchase Twenty First Century Herbs Turmeric Supplements (30 capsules, £5, link) as they don't contain any unnecessary fillers/bulking agents and are vegan and gluten-free. Turmeric is an incredible natural anti-inflammatory so it's another product that I recommend trying if you suffer from any regular joint pain or have Arthritis etc. 

MSM Flakes are a nutritional form of sulphur which can be taken internally with benefits ranging from maintaining healthy joints and muscles to improving skin, hair and nails. Again, I always suggest purchasing a product which is high-quality and 100% natural such as KIKI Health MSM Flakes* (100g, £9.95, link) and these are easy to dissolve in a glass of juice or a smoothie. They are an 'acquired' taste though so if you don't find them palatable, stick with the MSM Cream above or try the 'pinched nose' technique when you take them!

Have you returned to the gym since they re-opened?

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Green Beauty: The Plastic Free Edit #PlasticFreeJuly

Going plastic-free is a journey that many of us are currently taking as we actively cut down on our plastic waste to help save our oceans and the environment. As we near the end of the Plastic Free July campaign, I wanted to share some of my favourite plastic-free green beauties in this handy edit that covers shampoos, hand and body soaps, toothpaste, deodorant and hand sanitiser.

 Shampoo Bars

Having tested out well over 40 or 50 different brands of shampoo bars over the years, I can honestly say that no two shampoo bars are the same and it's a real trial and error process to find 'the one' that will work perfectly for your hair. Some people find this easier than others depending on their particular hair types and concerns, and thankfully there are more and more shampoo bars being released to address frizzy hair, dry hair, coloured hair, damaged hair, greasy hair and everything in between - I promise 'the one' is out there somewhere so don't give hope just yet if you're finding the switch from plastic a bit more difficult than other people's experiences.

I'm a big fan of My. Haircare Rescue My Hair Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar which I dedicated a whole post to here earlier in the year, and for this round-up, I wanted to shine the spotlight onto two more options that have been working really well for me. 

If you have a fussy scalp like mine that's prone to dryness and dandruff and gets easily irritated, I would recommend trying EarthKind Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health* (50g, £6.95, link). This vegan-friendly formula is free from sulphates and contains Tea Tree and Eucalyptus essential oils which have natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so they can fend off the bacteria and yeast that can cause dandruff. I find this one really gentle and soothing for when my scalp feels itchy or sore and it has a lovely fresh scent to it.

Another SLS-free and vegan-friendly option is Nuddy Ultra Volume Shampoo Bar* (100g, £8.95, link) which is amazing if you have fine and dull hair that needs a bit of a volumising boost. It's pH balanced so again, great for sensitive scalps, and is infused with the likes of Coconut Oil and Argan Oil. This bar lathers up beautifully and makes your hair much more manageable and shiny. Fruity fans will also love the Acai Berry and Peach fragrance which is very summery.

 Body & Hand Soaps

Good old-fashioned bars of soaps are well and truly back in the nation's bathrooms, and the choice out there is utterly outstanding. From handcrafted, small-batch, artisan-style soaps to mainstream brands that you can pick up alongside your supermarket shopping, the options are seemingly endless when it comes to multi-purpose soaps that you can use for hands and body. I would be here all day if I listed all of my favourites so here are just two brands that I've been using a lot recently. 

The Tropic Cleansing Body Pebbles* (130g, £8 each, link) are round body soaps that are perfect for using in the shower and their larger size makes them easier to hold too. These are great for dry skin as they contain Shea Butter and Oat Oil to help moisturise, they lather up well, and with four different scents available, there's something for everyone; I particularly love the Original and Creamy Colada Body Pebbles, both of which smell gorgeous.

For a budget-friendly alternative, you can't beat the amazing Organii Cream Soaps* (100g, £2.95, link) which are SLS-free, made from 100% natural ingredients, are vegan-friendly and produced Carbon Neutral with Greenpeace energy. These deliciously creamy Shea Butter based soaps have natural essential oils added to them after saponification and they've recently brought out five new scents, two of which you can see above; Almond & Avocado and Verbena & Lemon. They're heavenly! 

 Toothpaste & Deodorant

It's the little things that really add up when you're switching to plastic-free alternatives, so have a look at the everyday products that you and your family use, and see if there's one which is plastic-free next time when it runs out. Most of us use toothpaste and deodorant every day and whilst these plastic-free alternatives are more expensive, they have much better ingredients in them and are made by ethical brands so if you can afford to, invest in those companies that you want to see more of by purchasing their eco-friendly products for a better world for everyone.

There are lots of options becoming readily available for plastic-free toothpaste, from solid bars and 'tooth tabs', to tubes that feel like regular plastic but are actually made from biodegradable sugarcane. I know many of my readers prefer products which are packaged in glass so the Ben & Anna Natural Toothpaste* (100ml, £8.95, link) range would be perfect for you. The paste is a little thinner than the mainstream equivalents, but it's easy to use the mini wooden spatula that comes with each jar to scoop up a small amount and apply it to your toothbrush - then you simply brush your teeth as normal - easy! With fluoride and fluoride-free formulas available, you simply can't go wrong.

Plastic-free deodorant alternatives also come in a range of different formats, but the most common is as a solid stick or cream in a jar or tin, the latter of which you'll find from We Love The Planet. Their Forever Fresh Deodorant* (48g, £8.99, link) is a hard-working deo which keeps you smelling fresh all day thanks to a powerful combination of Beeswax, Coconut Oil and Cornstarch Powder, citrusy essential oils and botanical herbs. It has a thick and creamy balm type texture and is easy to apply with your fingers. 

Hand Sanitiser

Whilst we don't yet know what the lasting physical and mental effects of Coronavirus will be for ourselves, we do know that the ongoing fight against it requires billions of pieces of plastic to be produced and ultimately thrown away, whether in landfill or burnt into the atmosphere. Much of this is unavoidable at this point in time as sadly as there is no cost-effective alternative yet to plastic-based PPE, but there are a few things that we can do as individuals to help. We can switch to plastic-free soaps for hand-washing, wear a reusable cotton/cloth face mask that can be popped into the washing machine after each use, and we can make better choices about the hand sanitiser that we carry everywhere that we go.

One such brand who are leading the way is Beauty Kitchen who have developed an Organic Vegan Hand Sanitiser (link) as part of The Sustainables range. Made with 62% alcohol, Organic Aloe Vera and naturally antibacterial Mint essential oils, it has a light and refreshing, non-sticky feeling and comes packaged in a recyclable aluminium bottle. You can either refill this yourself by purchasing more direct from Beauty Kitchen, or you can send it back to them for free as part of their Return, Refill, Repeat scheme (read more here) where it will be washed and reused. You can also do this with the plastic pump when it wears out and Beauty Kitchen will recycle it for you!

What are your favourite plastic-free alternatives?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for another Empties round-up? Here's a basketful of products that I've used up recently, plus my thoughts on the ones that I'll be repurchasing again and which ones will be staying permanently in the recycling bin.

This Works Light Time Cleanse & Glow (travel size)

Given the current lockdown situation, I've been going through my minis stash and unearthing some forgotten gems such as this gorgeous Vitamin C infused treatment from This Works. Ideal for to use whenever your skin needs a brightening pick me up, Light Time Cleanse & Glow gets to work in just one minute to deliver an instant result. Repurchase? I have a few more of these minis to use but will definitely purchase the full-size when they're all gone!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (travel size)

If you're looking for another active ingredient to include in your skincare routine to bring more radiance and glow to your skin, definitely try Glycolic Acid. It's easy to find as the superstar ingredient in REN's Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and I've been using this for years (check out one of my reviews from back in 2015 here). Repurchase? Absolutely.

Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil* 

Whenever my eczema flares up, I swap over whichever body moisturiser I'm using to a fragrance-free one and I love this Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil which has a simple blend of beneficial natural ingredients such as Rosehip, Sweet Almond and Apricot Oils. Absorbs quickly and is great for massage. Repurchase? Yes.

PHB Lavender Natural Soap*

Lovely 100% natural soap bar that's made without Palm Oil. Creates a gentle and soothing lather without any SLS so I've been using this in the shower. If you like Lavender scents, this is the soap for you! Repurchase? I have some other soaps to use up first but I'll happily buy from PHB again.

Merci Handy Hand Cleansing Gel in Coco Rico

Pretty self-explanatory right? I'm a big fan of these Merci Handy Hand Gels because they don't dry out my hands as much as other hand sanitisers do and they smell incredible. Coco Rico is basically summer in a bottle! Repurchase? I bought a multi-pack so I have a few other scents to try out.

Odacité BI + C Serum Concentrate* 

My skin has been a little fussy during the lockdown but this serum treatment from Odacité has managed to keep blemishes and breakouts under control. You can either add a few drops to your day or night moisturiser or apply it directly onto spots and problem areas for a more intensive treatment which is generally how I prefer to use it. Repurchase? Yes.

CHOBS Aloe Face Mask*

I don't tend to use a lot of sheet masks these days, however, I did thoroughly enjoy the soothing benefits of this CHOBS Aloe Face Mask which felt amazing on my skin after a long day in the sun. I kept it in the fridge beforehand and it was literally heaven when I applied it! Repurchase? Tempted.

Organii Facial Sun Cream SPF 15*

This is a bit of a weird one as I used it mainly over the Winter months (I feel that SPF 15 isn't enough during Summer) and although I initially liked it, I've found the texture to be much too thick and greasy to use in the warmer weather so I'm glad it's been used up. Repurchase? I've since found other sunscreens that I prefer over this so I wouldn't buy it again.

A'kin Organic Rosehip Oil*

One of the best Rosehip Oils out there, I've gone through so many bottles of these over the years and always have one on the go somewhere! I tend to use it once or twice a week in the evenings and find that it works particularly well when rotated with other facial oils and treatments. Repurchase? Yes.

Origins VitaZing SPF 15

My last Empty for this round-up is another long-time favourite of mine - the much loved and hyped Origins VitaZing SPF 15. It's a brilliant tinted moisturiser which I use all-year-round when I don't fancy wearing a full face of foundation and the coverage is actually much better than what you might think from a typical tinted moisturiser. Repurchase? I'm using one from Tropic at the moment so we'll see if that's better or not!

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, atomisers and face mask sachets with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Good Hand Hygiene: Keeping your Hands Clean & Soft during Coronavirus and beyond

Practising good hygiene at home and when you're outside is one of the best ways to protect yourselves and others from the spread of Coronavirus. Here are some of my top picks from the green beauty world which include hand sanitisers, soaps and hand cream to keep your hands clean and soft.

Hand Sanitisers

Depending on which organisation or Government guidelines you're looking at, you want to make sure that your hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol for it to be effective at killing off bacteria and germs. Anything below 50% is considered too diluted which will compromise its disinfecting abilities. Unfortunately, there are a lot of 'natural' hand sanitisers on the market that are alcohol-free and these are absolutely pointless as they won't do anything - you need alcohol as the main ingredient!

For green beauty fans who want to use something that's more natural and kinder to their hands than the likes of Dettol, but still serves the purpose of being a high-quality sanitiser, you can look out for products which incorporate alcohol with ingredients such as aloe vera, vegetable glycerine, essential oils and plant-based flower waters or essences.

I recommend trying The Castillian Soap Company Hand Sanitiser with Peppermint & Chamomile* (50ml, £9.50, link), a travel-friendly size which includes 62% organic grain alcohol, organic chamomile floral water, natural plant glycerin and peppermint essential oil. It smells wonderfully fresh and doesn't leave hands feeling dry or sticky afterwards. 

For families or anyone who requires a larger size bottle, Alteya Organics Hand Cleanser* (100ml, £7.95, link) has an easy to use spray applicator and a formula which boasts 70% alcohol (denatured ethyl alcohol) with organic glycerin and lavender essential oil for further antibacterial protection.

Hand Soaps & Moisturisers

At home and in bathrooms, the NHS state that washing your hands with any kind of soap and water is a highly effective way to stop the spread of Coronavirus and practising good hygiene is something that we should all be doing to protect ourselves and others. It doesn't matter which brand or type of soap that you use, the focus is more on how often you wash your hands (it should be done on a regular basis throughout the day) and how long for. The NHS recommends washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds each time and you can check out their techniques video with further info here.

Personally, I'm a big fan of an old-fashioned bar of soap. They're a great way to cut down on your plastic waste and usually last longer than the bottled versions. I currently have Ayumi Naturals Neem & Tea Tree Soap* (100g, £2.49, link) by my bathroom sink which is vegan-friendly and has the naturally antibacterial benefits of neem, tea tree and lemongrass oils to keep your hands super clean. It also doubles up as a purifying facial cleanser for acne and blemish-prone skin types.

If you prefer a liquid hand soap that contains alcohol, Organii Citrus Liquid Soap* (300ml, £4.95, link) comes in a large 300ml bottle with a pump. Made from a blend of 100% plant-based ingredients, it features organic olive oil, alcohol denat, vegetable glycerin and citrus essential oils for a fresh and thoroughly clean feeling every time.

It should come as no surprise that regular and longer hand-washing sessions can result in dry skin quite quickly, so a hand cream is an absolute must-have to help restore the moisture balance. My current favourite is Lavera Basis Sensitiv Hand Cream* (75ml, £4.95, link) as it's packed full of ultra-hydrating ingredients such as organic sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil. Bye-bye dry hands!

What are your hygiene must-haves?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time again, Empties time! Here's what I've used up beauty-wise recently, my overall thoughts and which ones I'll be repurchasing again.

Mádara Cloudberry Oat Milk Hand & Body Soap*

My hands get horribly dry during the winter months so this rich and creamy Cloudberry Oat Milk Soap from Mádara has been a little saviour! It's gentle enough to use in the bath or shower all over your body, or as a simple hand soap which is how I used this one up. Repurchase? Yes.

Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Energy Cleanse* (reviewed here)

A gorgeous luxury body wash with a creamy, hydrating texture and a beautifully uplifting and regenerating natural scent. Perfect for cold and miserable mornings when you need a boost. Repurchase? On my wishlist.  

Dr Bronners 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure Castille Soap

I've used Dr Bronners consistently for years now and always have a bottle in my stash especially for cleaning my makeup brushes (you can read one of my very old blog posts on this here!). Repurchase? Already have.

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Plumping Serum* (reviewed here)

Hydrating serums really do work well during winter to keep your moisture levels topped up and this one from Antipodes is a long-time favourite of mine. It's oil-free, suitable for all skin types and does an amazing job of protecting your skin against the harsh weather. Repurchase? Yes.

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Intense Moisturising Ointment* (reviewed here)

Another long-time skincare fave that I always like to have in winter is this little pot of magic from Pure Potions. I first featured it in my recommended cold weather products for eczema and dry skin post here a few years ago, and it's still one of the best that I've tried. Apply it anywhere and everywhere! Repurchase? Yes.

Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream* (reviewed here)

Similar to the product above, I've also used this several times in the past but I'm not sure if they've changed the formula as I found this pot to be much stickier and greasier in texture than I previously remembered? It still worked well but I definitely prefer the Pure Potions cream a lot more. Repurchase? Unlikely.

Bodhi & Birch Jasmin de Luna & Rosa Verde Bath & Shower Oils* (minis)

No surprise here that I've used up a few bath products as it's been so cold recently! These two bath oils from Bodhi & Birch are just so luxurious and incredible, I can't recommend them enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Citrus Body Wash & Wild Rose Body Oil* (minis)

My last two empties are both minis from Weleda and again, they are gorgeous products that you can't go wrong with. These travel sizes are perfect for weekends away and holidays. Repurchase? Yes.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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