Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Are you ready for a bumper Beauty Empties post? It's always the way isn't it; this is about two months' worth of empties as I didn't feel like I had enough to warrant writing a post last month, and now the recycling bin is overflowing. Grab a cuppa and settle down, there's a lot to discuss here!

Bloomtown Natural Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (reviewed here)

I've been using natural deodorants for the best part of 10 years now and I haven't looked back. Admittedly, it can take some trial and error at first to find one that works for you, but a long-time favourite of mine is this deodorant bar from Bloomtown. It lasts a good 2-3 months, is plastic-free, I love the scent and it keeps me fresh all day. Repurchase? Yes.

Nip + Fab Purify Salicylic Fix Spot Patches

These were from a Glossybox and sadly, I didn't find them to be very effective. They didn't dry out my skin, but they also didn't do much to reduce the size of blemishes. Repurchase? No. 

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts & White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica Bath Salts* 

Epsom salts are amazing for reviving the muscles after exercise or just to help you to relax after a stressful/busy day. I'm a big fan of the Westlab Bath Salts which are one of the most affordable brands on the market; the Reviving ones are fragrance-free, whilst the other pack is infused with White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica. Repurchase? Definitely.

Saach Organics Henna Orange Oil Shampoo* (reviewed here)

If, like me, you use henna to colour your hair, then this is a fantastic shampoo that contains henna orange oil to keep your colour looking vibrant for longer. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

It's always a very sad day when you finish up a full-size bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil! I adore these so much, and although they are a luxury splurge, a tiny amount goes a long way. This is the De-Stress blend which is amazing for tired and sore muscles. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

This Works Sleep Balm

A cute little pot of scented balm that I like to apply to my pulse points before going to bed. If you have trouble sleeping, I can't recommend the This Works Sleep range enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

Another one that I found in a Glossybox, I originally really liked this, but over time, I began to find the coconut flavour too sickly sweet. Repurchase? No.

Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This is the classic original formula which has peppermint and Vitamin E in it. You really can't go wrong with these lip balms, I must have gone through loads of them over the years! Repurchase? Yes.

Emma Hardie Brilliance Face Oil* (reviewed here)

An absolutely beautiful product, Emma Hardie's bestselling Brilliance Face Oil is just sublime. I love the blend of natural plant oils and my skin always feels healthier and more glowy whenever I use it. Repurchase? Yes.

Dook X Jupiter Artland Salt Soap

My favourite brand discovery of this year so far has been Dook. Their famous handmade Salt Soaps are not only exquisite and works of art in their own right, but the compact formula means they never go mushy, even after using them every day for the past few months. This one was a special Limited Edition collaboration that they did with the Scottish artist Jupiter Artland. Repurchase? I will buy more from their main range for sure! 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Bath and Shower Gel (travel size)

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and Rhubarb & Rose is quite possibly my favourite scent from them; it's so fruity with a touch of floral and a little sherberty zing. A lovely touch of luxury for the bath or shower. Repurchase? Yes.

Tisserand Mandarin & May Chang Uplifting Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

Another beautifully scented product is this hand cream from Tisserand which has a lovely oriental floral and spicy fragrance. My top tip is to stock up on these when they're on offer in TKMaxx. Repurchase? Yes.

Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ 

An excellent choice for sensitive skin, this sunscreen does the job and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

Another good option for sensitive skin is this bath & shower oil from Evolve Organic Beauty has a very delicate and gentle formula so I tend to use it a lot when my skin is having an eczema flareup. Repurchase? Yes. 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I only use micellar water to remove waterproof mascara as I prefer cleansing oils/balms for the rest of my face, so one of these big bottles lasts me around six months or so. It gets the job done and is fragrance-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream*

Gorgeous softening formula with a gorgeous cheerful scent, I've been using these for years and always have one in my stash somewhere. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturecan Purify CBD Clay Mask* (reviewed here)

Whilst I enjoyed using this, I did feel like it's a pretty basic clay face mask and there are other brands that I prefer a lot more. Repurchase? No.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight (travel size)

One of the best, if not the best, natural mascaras you'll find on the market right now. I love this mascara so much! It lengthens, adds volume and doesn't smudge or budge all day long. Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Tarteist Brow Gel

As far as clear brow gels go, this works really well and keeps fluffy brows in place. But is it worth the money? Nope; you can find the same kind of product elsewhere for a much more affordable price. Repurchase? No.

Organic Works Bergamot Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

I love fresh scents as you can probably tell from this post and this big bottle of body lotion from Organic Works has served me well! Lovely light non-sticky formula and a lovely fresh fragrance. Repurchase? Yes.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist* 

An essential on my bedside table, I always like to spritz my bedding with a sleepy pillow mist before calling it a night. This one's in my top three favourites but I do feel that the This Works mist performs slightly better. Repurchase? Maybe.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (travel size)

Lastly, I've used up a travel size of REN's bestselling Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream which is something that I have recommended countless times to friends and family. If you have sensitive skin, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Summer Beauty | Naturisimo - The Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box - 2023 review

Clean beauty fans! The latest Naturisimo discovery box edit is an absolute steal and packed full of summer-friendly skincare that is simply perfect for your next holiday or weekend trip away. Worth £103, this Limited Edition selection features cruelty-free brand favourites such as REN and Indie Lee, and retails for just £24, whilst stocks last.

The Naturisimo Discovery Boxes are released as a one-off purchase (no subscription necessary) every month and each one has a different theme.  The last one that I bought was the Go Love Yourself Box which was a gorgeous pampering treat for Valentine's Day, and I'm a huge fan of their hugely popular Makeup Discovery Boxes which always sells out so fast!

Don't just take my word for it though; here's a rundown of everything that's inside the Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box so that you can judge it for yourselves!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (travel size)

First up, you should always start off your skincare routine with a cleanser, and what better one to opt for than Indie Lee's bestselling Brightening Cleanser? This lush gel cleanser is packed full of antioxidants to brighten your complexion and it's perfect for the hot and sticky summer months. It also has a gorgeous texture that simply melts away all traces of makeup and impurities.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (travel size)

I've used Balance Me's Wonder Eye Cream on and off for years and I'd have to rank it as one of my top 3 favourite eye creams of all time. Brilliant for gently brightening up the delicate undereye area, it goes on smoothly so concealer applies like a dream on top. And for my fellow hayfever sufferers, it's fantastic for de-puffing puffy eyes.

REN Global Protection Day Cream (full size)

Worth £42 on its own, this full-size of REN's Global Protection Day Cream is the undisputed star of the box and like the Balance Me Eye Cream above, it's another product that I have enjoyed using over the years. It's incredibly rare to find a face cream that works for all skin types, but somehow REN has managed to create an amazing 'fits all' formula here that keeps everyone's skin healthy and hydrated.

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum (travel size)

A new-to-me brand, Everyday Humans have been getting a lot of hype online recently for their Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum and here you can try it for yourselves! Sunscreen serums are a fab alternative for those who hate the feeling of thick or sticky SPFs as it feels almost weightless and sinks into the skin quickly without any greasy feeling. 

Madara Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 (travel size)

Tinted sunscreens have come on leaps and bounds in the clean beauty world, so if you're the kind of person who loves that fresh 'no-makeup makeup' look, Madara's Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is the one for you. This mineral SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays and the tinted shade ensures that you don't have any problems with the common white cast that's associated with most sunscreens, making it ideal for all your holiday selfies.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size)

OK, so we all know the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours whilst we're out and about, but in all honesty, how many of us actually do this? Fret not though because Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 has your back! This ultra-handy handbag-sized spray allows you to top up throughout the day to make sure that your skin is fully protected without you having to reapply your makeup.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Treat yourself to some serious luxury pampering whilst you're away with this mini Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil. Regular readers will know that I'm a huge fan of these bath oils and have been using them since forever so I was thrilled to have another travel-size bottle to add to my stash. No bath in your hotel room? Don't worry, you can use this in the shower; just apply it directly to your body, breathe in that beautiful natural scent, and rinse off.

Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)

Last, but not least, there's a travel-size duo of Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner to complete your beauty carry-on bag. I love Rahua haircare and I haven't tried out this new Enchanted Island range yet so I'm looking forward to giving these a go on my next weekend away. Formulated without any nasties such as silicones or sulfates, they promise to leave your hair luxuriously soft and shiny.

Naturisimo Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box retails for £24 whilst stocks last - grab yours today at naturisimo.com

Will you be treating yourself to one of these?

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The Best Cruelty Free Cleanser For Sensitive Skin: REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk review #WinterSkincare

 

Whether you find that your skin feels more sensitive during the Winter months, or if you simply live with sensitive skin all-year-round, REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is hands down the best cleanser I have tried (and I've tried a LOT!).

Sensitive skin is not fun, especially if you're a blogger or someone who absolutely loves skincare. Whenever my skin is suffering from an eczema or seborrheic dermatitis flare-up, I get the most insanely itchy red patches all over my face, neck, chest, arms - it can be everywhere. Along with the constant desire to want to scratch your skin off, there's a tight dryness that also occurs with it and this is certainly exacerbated in colder weather thanks to indoor central heating and cold dry air conditions outside.

Thankfully, there is always one cleanser that I turn to when my skin is throwing a tantrum and being difficult to treat; the amazing REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk.

Why REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Is The Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

I have used this cleanser on and off for around five years now and I always have one in my skincare stash. My sensitive skin is mainly triggered by seasonal changes, allergies, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis and often my skin will be in a 'difficult' phase for anything from a week to three months at a time; it varies so much.

I love REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk because it's ultra-gentle, yet still effective enough to thoroughly cleanse my skin and remove all traces of daily dirt and impurities. There are three key plant-based actives at play here; Seabuckthorn Berry Oil which is rich in Omega 7 and helps to soften the skin without overloading it with too much moisture. Secondly, there's Blackcurrant Seed Oil with high levels of natural Omega 3 that soothes away any redness and irritation, and thirdly, Fennel Seed Extract which adds another extra layer of protection for the skin's barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution (a common trigger for sensitive skin). 

The creamy formula of the cleansing milk is just the right texture to easily rub into dry skin without dragging or pulling, and it rinses just as easily off with a wet flannel. My skin is left clean, redness and irritation is gone or vastly reduced, and I can get on with my day. Please never stop making it REN!

REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk* (150ml, £22, link)

Do you have any sensitive skincare favourites?

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July Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for another mammoth Empties post as I continue to declutter my beauty stash! There are a lot of products here that I'm sad to see go, so let's jump right in.

Balance Me Balancing Face Moisturiser

I've been meaning to use up some of my travel sizes and I believe I received both of these in beauty subscription boxes. Really enjoyed using this light and balancing face moisturiser which is perfect for combination skin types. A great one to choose for the summer months! Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

Regular readers know how much I adore this so it's no surprise to see it pop up here again. It smells incredible and is such a lovely summery and uplifting floral fragrance. The formula is obviously great too as it's light but very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes.

Fruu Avocado Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

I've used these Fruu Lip Balms before and the Avocado one is probably my favourite. Super moisturising and it's made with only organic, plant-based, sustainable ingredients. Repurchase? Definitely.

REN Evercalm Anti-Redness Serum

Another travel size from a beauty box, I'm a big fan of REN's Evercalm range for sensitive skin and their Anti-Redness Serum is something I like to have on hand for when my skin is being difficult and flaring up. Works a treat! Repurchase? Yes.

Typology Jasmin Néroli Eau de Parfum* (reviewed here)

Typically, I fell in love with this French perfume last year and it's since been discontinued - what a shame! Repurchase? Sadly not.

Puristry Yerba Mate Eye Cream* (featured here)

This was one of the many eye creams that I had the pleasure of testing out as a judge for the Cert Clean Beauty Awards last year, and whilst I really liked the product, the short pump packaging made it very tricky to get the product out so it became difficult to use half-way through and I ended up decanting most it to a different jar. Repurchase? No, simply because of the packaging.

Tropic Whipped Body Velvet* 

If you're looking for a luxury body moisturiser with a buttery, whipped texture, this should be at the top of your shopping list. A real pleasure to use and great for a pampering treat if you have dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Typology Organic Peppermint Hydrolate* (reviewed here)

I have to admit that I hadn't used this in a while and only reached for it during the heatwave as it's so wonderfully cooling and refreshing! Definitely works best in hot weather as soothing and refining toner. Repurchase? I've gone back to Dafna's for now but would consider this again in the future.

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (reviewed here)

I believe this is the second bottle that I've gone through and I love how gentle and nourishing this cleanser is. If you have sensitive or dry skin, it's certainly one to try and doubles up as a great makeup remover too. Repurchase? Yes.

B. Pure Micellar Water* (reviewed here)

My go-to micellar water for perhaps five or six years, it's been one of those amazingly affordable high street beauty gems for such a long time. Sadly, it looks like the B. range is being discontinued so if you love this product as much as I do, now's the time to stock up! Repurchase? I will for as long as I can!

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* 

Last month. you'll have spotted the Wild Rose deodorant in my Empties, and this month, I've finished off the Citrus version. I tend to alternate these two quite a lot and would recommend them for anyone who is working from home and wants a nice, light body spray to freshen up with. Repurchase? Yes.

Gallinée Hair & Scalp Care Mask* (reviewed here)

Another longtime favourite, I always have a tube of this in my bathroom and use it perhaps just once a month to keep my scalp healthy and happy, so it lasts quite a long time for me. Perfect for dandruff control and flaky, itchy scalps. Repurchase? Definitely.

Friction Free Shave Cream* (reviewed here)

Finally, my last empty product is unsurprisingly a shaving cream, and this is one of the best for sensitive skin that I've tried out. I get very little, if any, irritation whenever I use this which makes it a firm summertime staple! Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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June Empties: Products I've Used Up

What a bumper month June was for Empties! I decided to take part in a month-long 'No Buy' challenge over on Instagram and this was the result - a whole box full of beauty empties! As there are so many to discuss, I'll get stuck in straight away.

Therapi Rose Otton No. 2 Hydrating Facial Toner*

A gorgeous luxury Rose Otto-based toner which has just the most divine subtle rose fragrance. Ultra calming and soothing, it's brilliant for refreshing the skin morning and night. Repurchase? I'm using the Dafna's Active Mist at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this beauty again in the near future.

Sheffield Skincare Body Oil Lavender & Chamomile*

Lovely 100% natural body oil from an independent Sheffield-based company that I discovered in a beauty box. Great to use after an evening bath to help you relax and unwind. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Whitening Toothpaste* 

One of the go-to SLS-free whitening toothpaste that I've been using on and off for years now. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive teeth, contains fluoride, and does a good job of removing daily stains. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil* (reviewed here)

Although stretch marks will never go away, you can improve the texture and appearance of them with a daily targeted body oil and this one from Evolve Organic Beauty definitely helps. This Super Berry range smells amazing too - very sweet like candy! Repurchase? Definitely.

Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask* (reviewed here)

I've loved using this Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask whenever my skin has been feeling congested or on the verge of having a breakout. A brilliant multi-tasker that deeply cleanses, tightens and exfoliates all in one handy weekly facial treatment. Repurchase? I have a lot of face masks to use up at the moment first but it's certainly on my repurchase list.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara*

Despite the fact that I adore the Eyeko Black Magic Eyeliner, I'm not much of a fan of the matching mascara which I found quite clumpy and it dried it in the tube pretty fast after opening. Repurchase? No.

REN & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray*

This is one of my all-time favourite pillow sprays and it really does help! If you suffer from insomnia or sleep problems, I highly recommend using this. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate* 

My morning moisturiser for the past few months, Tropic's Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate is a bestseller for a reason as it provides lots of hydration without overloading the skin. Creates a lovely smooth base for makeup so you don't need to use an additional primer. Repurchase? I'm trying out a couple of different moisturisers at the moment, but like all my faves, I'll be back!

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant* 

A frequent player in my Empties posts, I've been using Weleda's deodorants for years and often come back to this lovely Wild Rose one. If you're a fan of florals and prefer a lighter, spray-on deodorant, this is the one for you. Repurchase? Already have.

Odacité BI+C Serum Concentrate*

Another skincare favourite for blemishes is Odacité's BI+C Serum Concentrate. A tiny amount goes a long, long way and it makes a huge difference to the size of blemishes after just the first use. Particularly useful for those angry 'under the skin' spots! Repurchase? Yes.

Odylique Mosimix Body Oil*

I've yet to find a product that completely keeps those damn mozzies away, but I can say this Mosimix Body Oil from Odylique seems to stop a few of them so it's handy to take with you if you're camping/hiking/doing outdoor activities this summer. Repurchase? I'll give it another go.

Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Hair Masque* (reviewed here)

Calling all of my fellow fine hair friends! I've used this particular hair masque countless times over the past few years and it's always the one I seem to keep returning to. If you have fine hair that's also dry, you need to try this as it gives your hair all the essential hydration it needs without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Firm & Replenish Body Serum* (reviewed here)

I seem to have used up a lot of body care recently, must be summer! I'm a huge fan of Aurelia's Firm & Replenish Body Serum as it helps to improve skin texture for a smoother appearance - great for using on any 'wobbly bits' to give you a confidence boost. Repurchase? Yes.

The Humble Co Dental Floss*

If you're joining in with Plastic Free July, make sure this is on your shopping list. Not only is the brand ethical in many ways (they donate dental products to people in need all over the world), but the packaging is completely plastic-free, yay! Repurchase? Definitely.

What have you used up recently?

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

A little later than usual but here are my recent Beauty Empties, plus some tips on how you can recycle them.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (reviewed here)

I love all of Antipodes Hand & Body Creams but Joyful is definitely my favourite. Not only does it transform dry skin into silky smoothness virtually overnight, but the natural fragrance is just heavenly with a divine fruity floral scent. As this is pretty pricey, I save it for my hands! Repurchase? Yes.

Odacité Black Mint Cleanser* (reviewed here)

I feel that Odacité is such an underrated luxury natural skincare brand, however, their bestselling Black Mint Cleanser is certainly popular for a reason. This is one of the best purifying cleansers that I've tried for oily/combination skin and it's so refreshing to use first thing in the morning. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

REN Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a truly uplifting and fresh luxury Body Wash for your morning showers, you can't go wrong with this hidden gem from REN. Infused with Magnesium to give your energy levels a boost, it makes a real difference to how I feel when I'm tired or under the weather. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream* (reviewed here)

Quite possibly my all-time favourite Eye Cream ever, I've used Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream on and off for years now and keep coming back to it - it's that good. Perfect for those who have dry and sensitive eyes, if you've been struggling to find an eye cream that actually makes a difference, try this. Repurchase? I'm using up a few others at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this in the near future.

Seascape Island Apothecary Sleep Oil* (reviewed here)

I'm a terrible sleeper (thanks insomnia!) so I rely on a range of aromatherapy products to help me count those sheep at bedtime. Whilst I enjoyed using this one from Seascape Island Apothecary and found it relaxing, I thought the essential oil blend was not as potent as some other brands that I've tried. Repurchase? Probably 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, 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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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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December Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Happy New Year! It seems rather fitting to kick start the new year with an Empties post as we say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! I have a LOT of empties so let's jump straight in, shall we? Here's what I've used up recently, my final thoughts on them and which ones I'll be repurchasing again in the future.

Nature's Notes Stress Relief Bergamot & Lavender Soap Bar* (review)

Nature's Notes were one of my favourite indie beauty finds of 2020 and I absolutely love their gorgeous range of natural soap bars. This Stress Relief Soap had a lovely relaxing scent which made it ideal to use in the shower, and they're great as a hand soap as well. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up a few others!

Antipodes Jubilation Hand & Body Cream* (review)

For a luxury natural hand and body cream, you really can't go wrong with anything from Antipodes and their iconic colourful metal tubes are incredibly popular for a reason. The texture of these moisturisers leaves skin velvety soft and the fragrances are beautiful - Jubilation is a good one to try if you love floral scents. Repurchase? Yes.

Balade en Provence Solid Night Cream* (review)

Featured back in my November Beauty Favourites, I've really enjoyed using this Solid Night Cream bar from Balade en Provence. If you want to include more zero-waste products in your skincare routine, I would highly recommend it! The only problem I had with it was that it became a bit more difficult to melt and use in my hands as the temperature dropped so I'll be waiting until Spring before I buy it again. Repurchase? Yes.

Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask* (review)

Plastic-free skincare fans will love this Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask which you can use with their cotton face mask that's 100% reusable as you can wash it after use. It's a brilliant alternative to disposable sheet masks! I got around 4-5 applications from this glass bottle. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel* (review)

One of the most hyped skincare releases of 2020, Antipodes' Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel does what it says on the jar as it offers essential hydration to all skin types in a light and water-based gel moisturiser. If you hate heavy face creams, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others.

Odacité Black Cumin Serum Concentrate* (review)

I've been fighting blemishes and breakouts with another bottle of Odacité Black Cumin Concentrate - this must be my third or fourth bottle that I've used up over the years. As the name suggests, it's a concentrated serum, so only a tiny amount is needed and I dab this directly onto any spots or congested areas. Come morning, most blemishes are gone or their appearance has been diminished significantly. I can't recommend it enough! Repurchase? Definitely!

Weleda Calendula Massage & Body Oil

I treated myself to this over the Summer months and just love the lemony-sherbert style scent it has as it's so fresh and uplifting. The oil itself is beautiful and silky - a great way to enjoy a pampering session at home after a long hot bath. Repurchase? Yes.

EQ EVOA Siberian Balm* (review)

A highly potent all-natural balm for clearing congested chests/noses when you have the flu or a bad cold, EQ EVOA Siberian Balm is one of the best natural remedies that I've tried. A tiny amount goes a long way and it gets to work immediately when you need it the most. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil

You can't beat a nice hot bath when it's freezing cold outside and I just love all the Bath & Shower Oils that Aromatherapy Associates do - over the years, I must have tried them all! One of my absolute favourites is called Revive Morning as it does just that and is a great way to wake up when you have some extra time on your hands.

Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Facial Toner* (review)

If you have oily/combination skin, you can't go wrong with Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Facial Toner. I use this a lot when my skin is playing up as it always helps to calm everything down, reduces any redness and rebalances excess oiliness, especially on the T-zone area for a clearer complexion. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (review)

Especially useful for dry, combination, dehydrated and stressed skin types, Antipodes Divine Face Oil is one of those products that I always have in my skincare arsenal and I've been using it for years now. It's a rich, plant-based oil so a little goes a long way, and I find it works particularly well when added to your skincare routine from Autumn onwards. Repurchase? Yes.

REN Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash* (review)

Last but not least, I've finished up another bottle of REN Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash - a lovely luxury shower gel infused with Magnesium to soothe tired and sore muscles. It's great to use after pilates and yoga sessions. 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, 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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