New In Beauty: Lavera Gloss & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner review

It's not always easy to find cruelty-free natural haircare that contains certified organic ingredients, is suitable for vegans and is affordable, but Lavera has managed to tick a lot of boxes with their new and innovative haircare formulas.

I often get asked about affordable natural haircare brands and usually struggle to recommend products which have good 'green' credentials, are effective and don't cost an arm and a leg to buy, so I was thrilled to discover the new ranges that Lavera have recently brought out which are priced at a very reasonable £6.95 per bottle.

The new ranges available cover all of the main haircare concerns such as dull and lifeless hair, greasy roots, dry and damaged hair, as well as a duo specially formulated to protect colour treated hair, and there's even one for all hair types that the whole family can use.

My hair is quite fussy as it can get greasy and dry at the same time, however, thanks to the lockdown, I've had the extra time to be able to give it some TLC with more at-home treatments and masks, so for the first time in a long time, it's been feeling in pretty good shape (but it could use a cut like everyone else right now!). One area that my hair does struggle with is dullness though, which is where the new Lavera Gloss & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner comes in to lend a helping hand.

A note on the plastic bottles: these are made from 100% recycled milk, juice and water bottles, which can then be recycled again.

Lavera Gloss & Shine Shampoo* (250ml, £6.95, link)

The Gloss & Shine range aims to bring back a healthy shine to dull hair with a mild and biodegradable 100% natural formula. Free from a whole host of 'nasties' such as silicones, SLS, SLES, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, preservatives and GMO ingredients, I was pleasently surprised by how well this Shampoo was able to remove product build-up and thoroughly cleanse my scalp, without leaving it feeling stripped or dry. It creates a gentle lather and thanks to key ingredients like Organic Quinoa and Organic Avocado Oil, I found it helped to make my unruly hair much more manageable as it was easier to comb through afterwards and felt a lot softer overall. Fellow fine hair owners will also appreciate the light formula which doesn't weigh your delicate hair down. Plus the slightly larger 250ml bottle is ideal for those who have shorter hair or regularly use treatments and masks after shampooing.

Lavera Gloss & Shine Conditioner* (200ml, £6.95, link)

The matching 100% natural Gloss & Shine Conditioner is the perfect partner to the shampoo, making this a worthy duo to try out together. Like the shampoo, it has a pleasant fresh scent with a good consistency - it's neither too thin or too thick to keep fussy Goldilocks hair happy. I left it on as instructed for a couple of minutes before rinsing and then left my hair to air dry naturally to see how it felt. Whilst I wasn't blown away by mega glossy results (I feel you can only really achieve that look with lots of silicones), I can say it definitely helped to add a nice shine to my usually dull looking dark brown hair, and my hair felt silky soft and more manageable with less frizz, which is always a bonus in my book! 

Shop the full range of new haircare from Lavera at pravera.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Lavera before?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2019: The Last Minute Green Beauty Gifts

It's the final week to get your online shopping orders in to meet those Christmas posting deadlines, so here's my last-minute Green Beauty Gift Guide!

Luxury Organic Pampering: By Sarah London Season's Greetings Organic Body & Hair Gift Set* (£55, link)

For the person who adores their luxury organic and ethical products, the By Sarah London Season's Greetings Gift Box will be such a delight for them to find underneath the tree this year. The packaging is completely plastic-free and sustainable (made from 77% recycled paper content and the sleeve is made from crushed grapes which have been saved from landfill, plus the whole process is made from 100% green energy!) and can be further reused or recycled.

Inside the box, your recipient will discover the Organic Body Oil (100ml) which boasts an award-winning blend of cold-pressed, certified organic, plant-based ingredients to hydrate and nourish dry skin. It's suitable for all skin types as it's free from fragrance and essential oils and really is a lush pampering treat to use after a bath or shower. A travel-size Organic Hair Oil (20ml) is also included and this is recommended to use instead of your regular hair conditioner thanks to its high levels of Omega 7 which help to soften, hydrate and add shine to even the driest and damaged hair. A gorgeous unisex gift idea.

Budget-Friendly Pampering: Lavera Sweet Moments Gift Set* (£15.95, link)

If you're on a budget or have a lot of people to buy for this Christmas, Lavera has some brilliant value-for-money gift sets available. My top pick is the limited edition Sweet Moments Gift Set which comprises of two full-size products, a Body Wash and a Body Lotion (200ml each), in Lavera's signature Sweet Moments natural fragrance. As the name suggests, this is definitely one for those who love their sweet scents with warm and cosy Organic Plum and Organic Vanilla extracts. The formulas of both the Body Wash and Body Lotion are very luxurious and at this price point, you may want to treat yourself to a set as well!

The Travel Skincare Set: Trilogy Get-Away Skincare Kit* (£15.50, link)

Speaking of affordable green beauty gifts, you can't go wrong with this fantastic little set from Trilogy. Their Get-Away Skincare Set will be well received by frequent travellers and natural skincare fans alike as it contains three travel-sizes of the brand's most popular products. The star is the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (5ml) which is made from certified organic ingredients and is a great product to deeply hydrate the skin with, whilst the Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) will add even further moisture to keep the complexion healthy and glowing throughout Winter. To complete the set, Trilogy's brand new limited edition Everything's Dreamy Balm (18ml) has been added to help tired travellers to get a good night's sleep.

 Good Wellbeing: REN Silent Nights Pillow Spray Stocking Filler* (£12, link)

With stress and busy lifestyles on the rise, we can all use a helping hand when it comes to perhaps the most important aspect of good wellbeing - a restful night's sleep, and so this adorable Silent Nights Pillow Spray Stocking Filler makes a thoughtful small gift. Inside the box are two travel sizes of REN's much loved & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray (10ml) that contains a clever formula of Lavender, Hops and Franckinese to bring instant calm before bedtime.

Candle Lovers: SUN.DAY Of London Natural Botanical Mini Candle in Céleste (£12, link)

SUN.DAY Of London is a new brand that I was recently introduced to who specialises in handcrafted botanical home fragrances, so naturally, I had to include one of their gorgeous Natural Botanical Candles in this gift guide. Available in a range of enticing scents and in three sizes (midi, extra large and mini), these candles are made from just a blend of pure and natural Coconut Wax and aromatherapy Essential Oils, packaged in glass and finished with a cotton wick. I was kindly sent Céleste which is a stunning fragrance featuring Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Wild Bergamot, Amber and Cedarwood for an ultra-relaxing and tranquil experience.

Organic Makeup: Inika Limited Edition Flawless Everyday Gift Set* (£27, link)

For the natural and organic makeup fan in your life, Inika's Limited Edition Flawless Everyday Gift set is a great introduction to the brand and offers brilliant value-for-money too as the contents are worth £55, so you save £28! Neatly packaged in a small sparkly makeup bag, your recipient will be treated to Inika's bestselling Bold Lash Vegan Mascara (full size), a travel-size Loose Mineral Foundation (different shades available) and a travel-size Vegan Foundation Buffing Brush to use with it. I've personally used Inika's Loose Mineral Foundation for well over five years now and I can't recommend it enough!

Stocking Fillers: Lavera Organic Sheet Masks* (£6.95 each, link)

Lastly, I wanted to include these brand new Organic Sheet Masks that Lavera have recently brought out. Perfect for teen and adult pampering at home, these would make perfect stocking fillers for friends and family, or why not include them in a DIY self-care box for someone special? There are four different masks to choose from; Firming, Hydrating, Glow/Illuminating and Purifying, to cover all the main skin types and concerns and don't forget that you can recycle the packaging at your nearest Terracycle collection point :)

Are you last-minute shopping this week?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you use anti-pollution skincare?

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New In Beauty: Lavera Brilliant Care Lipsticks - Review & Swatches

If your lips are anything like mine, they're probably feeling very dry and chapped at this time of the year, but not to worry - these brand new Brilliant Care Lipsticks from Lavera are here to help!

You may already know of Lavera for their amazing green beauty body and skincare products that are also very affordable, but their makeup range is definitely not to be missed, and I'm so pleased that they've released these new lipsticks. 

Formulated with a nourishing, anti-ageing green Q10 Complex and an array of natural and organic plant-based waxes and oils, the new Brilliant Care Lipsticks have quickly become a handbag staple of mine. With ingredients such as Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Candelilla Wax, Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Olive Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter, these lippies have been helping to soothe my dry lips, whilst also adding a gorgeous wash of colour to them at the same time.

Packaged in chic metallic silver tubes, Lavera's Brilliant Care Lipsticks are currently available in four different shades and with each one offering sheer to buildable colour with a subtle glossy sheen, you'll be hard pressed not to want to buy them all!

I have the two most neutral/everyday shades to show you; Light Hazel and Oriental Rose.

 Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Light Hazel* (1.7g, £12.90, link)

Light Hazel is an easy to wear, nude neutral colour that leans a little pinkish on me. Like most nudes, it looks great with a smokey eye and has enough warmth in it to suit a range of different skin tones. 

Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Oriental Rose* (1.7g, £12.90, link)

If you're searching for a moisturising lipstick that's one level up from a tinted lip balm and offers a beautiful 'my lips but better' look, Oriental Rose is the shade for you. I absolutely love this as it's a fraction darker than my natural lip colour and makes me feel instantly more polished and professional whenever I wear it.

Swatches from L-R: Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Oriental Rose and Light Hazel

Shop the full range at pravera.co.uk

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Budget Beauty: Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes in Vamp, Nordic Blue & Galaxy - Review & Swatches

If you're looking for a more natural kind of nail polish that's also vegan-friendly and affordable, Benecos' new Happy Nails range will be right up your street!

Priced at just £4.95 each, Benecos' Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes are one of those rare green beauty gems that you come across and then you have to tell everyone that you know to pick them up pronto. I must admit that I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to nail polishes, but these budget-friendly polishes have really impressed me.

Free from a long list of 'nasties' such as Titanium Dioxide, Toluene, Camphor, Colophony, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Parabens, Carmine, Fragrance and Silicones, these Happy Nails Polishes are made from 90% naturally derived ingredients and are fortified with Avocado Oil and Biotin to help strengthen and nourish your nails. They feature a wide brush that's perfectly shaped so that it's super easy to swipe the polish down your nails and it makes the job much quicker too. 

Currently, there are 17 shades available in the range, including these three beautiful new colours which have recently been released for Winter. Swatches below!

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Vamp*

I never tire of these dark burgundy red shades and Vamp is a colour that I'll definitely be wearing a lot of over the next couple of months. It's deliciously rich and glossy and takes just two coats to reach full opacity. 

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Nordic Blue* 

Nordic Blue is an interesting colour because I'm so used to seeing much darker shades such as traditional navy in most brands' Winter nail collections. Instead, Nordic Blue is more of a medium denim blue which I absolutely love. Applies smoothly in two coats.

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Galaxy*

Oh, Galaxy, what a stunning colour you are! This multi-dimensional, dark grape purple has a metallic silver shimmer running through it, which is as captivating as star-gazing into the sky at night. It's not as glossy in finish as the other two shades above, but that's nothing a decent top coat can't sort out. Like the others, it applied easily in just two coats.

Benecos Happy Nails Natural Nail Polishes (5ml, £4.95 each) are available from Pravera.co.uk

What are you wearing on your nails today?

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Mid-Week Pamper Treats with Fair Squared - Lime Shower Gel, Coconut Body Scrub & Shea Body Butter review

It's so common to see the words 'natural', 'organic' and 'vegan' on beauty products these days, but what about 'fairtrade'? If your bathroom is absent of the Fairtrade logo, it's time to treat yourself to a pamper with Fair Squared.

Fairtrade is a term that most consumers are aware of when it comes to products like coffee, tea and bananas, but it can apply to any product that contains certified fairtrade ingredients which meet the strict regulations of the Fairtrade Foundation. This important global social movement works with small communities of farmers all over the world to help them trade their goods for a fair price. But it goes so much further than that. Buying certified fairtrade products also helps to fund education, empowers some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people, fights for and protects worker's rights, and sets strong environmental protections to promote sustainability. All in all, buying fairtrade means that everyone involved gets a good deal with a much brighter future, so what's not to love?!

One such brand that puts fairtrade at the heart of what it does is Fair Squared. This ethical cosmetics company produces a range of cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, natural skincare and body care products, and I've been testing out a couple of their gorgeous pampering treats.

Fair Squared Lime Shower Gel* (250ml, £8.95, link)

This SLS-free shower gel uses fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine and fairtrade Limes from Brazil for a truly nourishing and hydrating experience in the shower. It smells fresh and uplifting, and cleanses the whole body without drying out your skin. It's perfect for my dry skin and is free from parabens, phthalates, suflates and PEGs. If Lime isn't your thing, Fair Squared also have a range of other scents available including Vanilla, Coconut, Green Tea and Coffee - yum! 

Fair Squared Coconut Body Scrub* (150ml, £8.95, link) 

For a scrub that smells good enough to eat, this body exfoliator contains tiny fairtrade Coconut Flakes from Thailand to gently remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin in a matter of minutes. This scrub also has fairtrade Olive Oil from Palestine, so it's really moisturising, leaving your skin feeling soft and thoroughly pampered afterwards.

Fair Squared Shea Body Butter* (300ml, £12.95, link)

If you have dry skin like I do, you'll love this Shea Body Butter which is made from a blend of simple natural ingredients including fairtrade Olive Oil and Shea Butter. It has a lovely rich texture and is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to rejuvenate tired, dry skin and restore it to its former glory. The Body Butter sinks in nicely and doesn't feel greasy or sticky afterwards. I know I'll be using this a lot throughout Winter!

Shop the full range of Fair Squared products online in the UK via pravera.co.uk

Do you use any fairtrade beauty products?

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