April Empties: Products I've Used Up

I can't quite believe that it's May already - where has the time gone this year?! Here are my latest Empties/products that I've used up, my thoughts on them and whether I'll be repurchasing any or not.

YOPE Ginger Sandalwood Natural Liquid Soap* (reviewed here)

This huge bottle has been in my bathroom for months and I've been using it for so many different things; as a hand wash, shower gel, to clean my makeup brushes, the list goes on! It's a brilliant multi-purpose liquid soap and I loved the fresh Ginger Sandalwood scent. My only bugbear with it was that the pump was prone to clogging up which was annoying. Repurchase? I'm trying to cut down on my plastic waste, so I probably wouldn't repurchase it as I'm switching to a lot of bar soaps instead, but I do like this range a lot.

Davines OI Shampoo (link)

I picked this up in the last Cult Beauty sale and it's such an amazing shampoo that's definitely worth all the hype (Caroline Hirons is a fan). It really suited my hair (fine with oily roots and dry ends/lengths) and a little went a long way which is a massive plus considering that it's quite pricey. Repurchase? Definitely will when I see it on offer again.

Benecos Seabuckthorn & Orange Shower Gel* (link)

If you want a shower gel that feels luxurious and high end but only costs £6, you can't go wrong with any of the body washes from Benecos. I've used this Seabuckthorn & Orange one a couple of times in the past and often go back to it because it smells so good! Lovely, gentle SLS-free formula too. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others.

Human+Kind Orange Conditioner for Dry Hair

Another orange scented product that I've thoroughly enjoyed using is this Conditioner from the ethical brand Human+Kind. I loved the scent, texture and how it made my notoriously dry hair so soft and manageable after every use. Repurchase? Sadly not as I believe this has been discontinued now.

Organiqua Hemp, Peppermint & Cocoa Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

Looking for a plastic-free lip balm? Try this one! I've been using this lip balm since Christmas and it's served me well throughout the Winter months. It's 100% natural and has a simple blend of nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Hemp Oil and Cocoa Butter to keep chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? Yes, I'll buy it again once I've gotten through some of my crazy lip balm stash!

PHB Ethical Beauty Hydrating Facial Tonic in Ylang Ylang* (link)

This was a lovely toner to use when the weather was colder as it very much suited my skin when it was drier and more dehydrated. If you have mature skin, I think you'll also love this. Repurchase? Will do next Winter.

Ecodenta Coconut Toothpaste* (link)

I've had a couple of messages from people asking if I use natural toothpaste, so I thought I'd start putting them into my Empties posts for those who are interested. I've tried out a few from Ecodenta when they were in the Penny Sale at Holland & Barrett and recently finished this Coconut one. It helped to brighten up my teeth a little and I liked the coconut flavour which was a nice change from mint. Repurchase? Not sure as I'm trying some from Lavera now and think I prefer those!

What have you used up recently?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

The shorter month of February has certainly caught up with me time-wise so this latest edit of Empties is here a little later than usual! Here's everything that I've used up recently - spot any of your own favourites among them?

Ogario Revive And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

Ogario are one of the most underrated natural haircare brands in my opinion, and I've gone through several bottles of this incredible conditioner. It really does live up to its name as it always manages to add shine to my lacklustre hair, and helps to repair any damage that I've done with the straighteners and curling tongs! Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist* (featured here)

I'm usually a big fan of most of Tropic's products, but this So Sleepy Pillow Mist was a little disappointing if I'm being honest. I loved the scent of it but the spray applicator kept clogging up and I found that other similar products were more effective. Repurchase? No.

Organyc Organic Cotton Pads* (reviewed here)

I've cut down on my use of cotton pads for environmental reasons, though I do still use them for things like removing my nail polish. I really like these ones from Organyc because they're organic and feel soft, but don't disintegrate when you add liquid to them. Repurchase? Yes. 

Benecos Natural Lip Balm in Mint (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly natural lip balm, you can't go wrong with Benecos! I've used this Mint one in the past and think this might be the third tube that I've finished up - it's that good! Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some of my other lip balms.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate* (reviewed here)

Oh, this was such a beautiful serum! I really enjoyed using it throughout Winter - it hydrates, plumps everything up, evens out skin tone and just made my complexion look a lot brighter and healthier looking than usual.  Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Body Oils in Pomegranate, Sea Buckthorn, Wild Rose and Lavender* (reviewed here)

These are all gorgeous, it's hard to pick a favourite but I'd have to say that Pomegranate and Wild Rose are two must-trys if you haven't used any of these before. The formulas are just on-point and feel so luxurious to use. Repurchase? Yes, I'd happily buy all of these in the full-sizes!

Organiqua Hair Oil* (reviewed here)

My hair has been very dry lately so I've been using this hair oil treatment about once a week to deeply hydrate and condition it. It's been doing a good job, but I feel that there are better ones out there that I've tried from other brands in the past. Repurchase? No.

ESSE Gel Cleanser (trial size)

If you're into probiotic skincare, you'll love ESSE and this Gel Cleanser was a lovely morning facial wash. Great for most skin types, including combination/oily, it thoroughly cleanses without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped afterwards. Repurchase? Tempted!

Vestige Verdant Organic Peat Mask* (reviewed here)

I reached for this face mask whenever my skin was feeling particularly oily or congested, so I've been impressed by how long this jar has lasted, as a little goes a long way. Brilliant for drawing out impurities and stubborn blackheads. Repurchase? Definitely, but I need to use up some other face masks first!

Madara Time Miracle Total Renewal Night Cream (trial size)

Sadly, this night cream was a little too rich for my combination skin type, but I would recommend it to those who have dry/mature skin instead. Repurchase? Not for me.

What have you used up recently?

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Christmas Gift Guide: Organiqua Hemper For Her Set review

If you want to support more independent businesses this Christmas, why not pick up one of these Hemper sets from Organiqua? Perfect for anyone who is a fan of organic and natural skincare!

You probably won't have heard of Organiqua yet, as they are a brand new cruelty-free, British skincare company. Based in West Sussex, they specialise in organic hemp-based skincare which I've always found to be beneficial for my dry and eczema prone skin, especially at this time of the year when the weather gets colder.

All of Organiqua's products are 100% vegan, organic and natural, and all of their packaging is also 100% recyclable and/or biodegradable which is great to see. They have a small range of products available at the moment, and you can discover everything that they have to offer in one of their super convenient Hemper Sets (there's one for Her which contains a Hair Oil, and one for Him that features a Beard Oil instead).

I was kindly sent the ladies Hemper set below which is a lovely introduction to the brand and packed full of pampering treats to see you through the Winter months!

Here's a run-through of what's inside:-

Organiqua Bath Bomb Set

Indulge in a bath (or two!) over the festive season with this SLS-free Bath Bomb Set which comprises of two different bathing experiences. The Hemp, Lemon & Lime Bath Bomb is an uplifting and zesty little number that's perfect for an awakening morning bath, whilst the Hemp & Ylang Ylang is on the opposite side of the spectrum as it's more relaxing and floral which is ideal for an evening soak in the tub. I love both of these!

Organiqua Body Butter Bar & Lip Balm

After your bath, you can treat your skin further by applying the Body Butter Bar all over. This solid slab of moisturising heaven gently melts into your skin when you massage it in thanks to a hydrating formula of Organic Shea Nut Butter, Cocoa Butter, Candelilla Wax, Hemp Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Rosehip Oil. Vanilla and Sweet Orange essential oils have also been added to the bar to give it a fresh and delicious natural scent which I adore.

For lips, there's the Lip Balm which comes in a handy pocket-sized tin that's easily recyclable after use. Slide it open and you'll find a smooth balm that's made with several natural organic ingredients that include Organic Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Hemp Oil and Coconut Oil, as well as Peppermint essential oil for a minty fresh flavour.

Organiqua Hair Oil & Face Cream

To complete your pampering routine, you can give yourself a full head and scalp massage with Organiqua's Hair Oil. Packed full of nourishing plant-based oils such as Organic Hemp Oil, Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Frankincense, Lavender and Vitamin E, this product can be used to help strengthen damaged hair, whilst giving dry hair all the essential moisture that it needs to look glossy and healthy again. A brilliant overnight treatment for parched lengths and ends, you only need a few drops per application so this bottle should last you a long time!

The last product in the set is a Face Cream and it's the only item that I didn't personally get on with because it's a very rich moisturiser that would be better suited for dry or mature skin types. If that sounds like you, you'll love this pot of hydrating goodness, and if it isn't, perhaps gift it to your mum or gran?

Organiqua Hemper For Her set is £40 and available from organiqua.com

Do you use any hemp-based skincare?

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