Bring Sunshine To Your Bathroom with Sol de Janeiro | Bom Dia Bright, Brazillian 4-Play & Coco Cabana Body Washes review

The weather may be horrible outside, but you can beat the winter blues with these sunny delights from Sol de Janeiro. Bursting with summery, uplifting fragrances, you can daydream of your next holiday in the sunshine whilst you're in the shower!

Everywhere I look on my socials, there's always someone mentioning Sol de Janeiro lately, and truth be told, I hadn't really explored much from the brand until now. I've used their bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream on and off for years and have enjoyed that gorgeous signature scent (which you really must try if you haven't already) so it was definitely time to see what else was on offer.

Although Sol de Janeiro isn't an entirely natural brand, they are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and have a transparent 'clean philosophy' which means that they have banned over 100 'nasties' from all of its formulas. These include parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, microplastics, aluminum salts, talc, and oxybenzone to name just a few. 

In addition, all of their sunscreens are certified reef safe, they don't use cyclic silicones (the ones linked to buildup on the hair and in our water systems), and the preservative phenoxyethanol is only present in clinically safe amounts (less than 1% of total formula). You can read more about their clean philosophy here.

With this in mind, I was keen to try some of their bestselling Body Washes which a friend recently raved about to me, and with their delicious summery scents, I couldn't say no. I picked up the smaller travel-size bottles as they were on offer when I was in Boots but larger sizes are available. They are pricey but mighty!

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

Bom Dia Bright is a newbie to the Sol de Janeiro range and is a clarifying Coconut based sulfate-free body wash that's packed full of fruit-derived AHAs, vegan Lactic Acid, and Salicyclic Acid. This combination packs a punch when it comes to gently exfoliating your body, visibly brightening and smoothing it. If you suffer from ingrown hairs, this is perfect as it'll get rid of any congested lumps and bumps. Bom Dia Bright is delicately scented with the sunny Cheirosa 40 fragrance which is wonderfully warm, energizing, and floral. Best used 2-3 times a week.

Sol de Janeiro Brazillian 4-Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel

If you love the scent of Sol's bestselling Brazillian Bum Bum Cream, then you'll automatically love this cheekily named Brazillian 4-Play Shower Cream as it has the same iconic fragrance with notes of Pistachio, Jasmine, and Salted Caramel. The product itself has an interesting shower cream-gel texture which lathers up beautifully and feels so silky and rich on the skin thanks to moisturising ingredients such Coconut Oil, Cupuaçu Butter, and Açaí Oil. 

Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser

For an even more moisturising shower experience, dry skin will drink up the delectable Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser. Super luxurious and even richer in texture than the Brazillian 4-Play, Coco Cabana shares many of the same skin-friendly ingredients as the above but is enriched further with a unique CocoSugar blend of nourishing Coconut Oil and fermented Sugar that helps to draw more moisture to your skin. And the scent of course is coconut heaven! Think juicy, creamy young Coconuts mixed with tropical Orchids and toasted Praline; a pure sunny paradise fragrance.

Sol de Janeiro Body Washes come in various sizes with refills available for the bigger bottles. Travel sizes, 90ml, are around £10 each. Available from various stockists including Boots and Look Fantastic.

Which one sounds the best to you?

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Luxury Bathtime Treats from Neal's Yard Remedies: Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath & Geranium & Orange Bath Oil review

 

With temperatures dropping across the UK, now's the time to indulge in a long hot soak in the bath with a luxury treat from Neal's Yard Remedies. Glass of wine, optional of course.

I remember being a teenager when I first came across a Neal's Yard Remedies store on the high street and I adored the apothecary-style display of their iconic blue glass bottles in the window. Needless to say, Neal's Yard Remedies have been one of my favourite British organic cruelty-free and ethical brands for a long time, and I've always admired their strong and practical business sense which has kept the company trading in physical stores on the highstreet, when so many others have fallen by the wayside.

Indeed, a trip to a Neal's Yard Remedies shop is always a pleasure with their friendly educated staff and a wide range of skincare and body products to explore and play with. For your next shopping trip, consider adding these two bathtime bestsellers to your basket (physical or virtual - the choice is yours).

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil (100ml, £19)

With 85% certified organic ingredients, Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil is actually a more affordable luxury option than several other brands of a similar quality and ethos, especially when you factor in that this is a large 100ml bottle. Bursting with bright and sunny Orange essential oil and revitalizing Bergamot essential oil, it's a firm favourite of mine to use during the dull and gloomy months to help banish those lingering post-January blues (when it feels like January stretches ever onwards until May!). I love the natural cheery fragrance so much and it makes my skin feel really soft and pampered afterward. As with all bath oils, a little goes a long way - you only need a tiny swirl added to a hot bath to get the full effects.

Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath (200ml, £16)

For those who prefer their baths to be filled with bubbles, you absolutely can't go wrong with NYR's range of Foaming Baths, of which there is a Geranium & Orange version if you liked the sound of the above but don't like bath oils. I've had the pleasure of trying most of the Foaming Baths and Beauty Sleep is perhaps my personal favourite as I can never get enough of a product that's going to help me to get a good night's sleep. With an ultra-relaxing blend of organic Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, and Patchouli essential oils, it smells exquisite and produces enough SLS-free bubbles to keep me in the tub for a good half hour's worth of me time.

Shop the full range at nealsyardremedies.com

What are your favourite products from Neal's Yard Remedies?

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Refillable Beauty: Proverb Skincare Refillable Body Wash review

Did you know that the average British household gets through 24 bottles of body wash every year? If you think about how many families there are in the UK, that figure adds up to millions of plastic bottles! Thankfully, it's now easier than ever to find eco-friendly refillable options.

'Refillable beauty' has been one of the big consumer trends recently with more and more brands developing refillable versions of their best-selling products to help consumers cut down on their plastic waste. One such natural brand that's leading the way is Proverb Skincare which offers refillable deodorants, body washes, and a 'minimal waste' line of skincare to boot.

I was kindly sent one of their refillable Body Washes to test out, and the scent is to die for!

Proverb Skincare Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Body Wash Refill* (250ml, from £8, link)

Made in England, Proverb prides itself on its namesake which means 'statements of truth'. In a world of greenwashing, Proverb promises no patronising marketing with their mission to create products that positively impact their customers and the planet, whilst pushing for change in how the beauty industry uses packaging. 

Case in point, their Body Wash Refills are made from a unique paper composition that you can compost at home where it fully biodegrades within 26 weeks at ambient temperatures. With no soil ecotoxicity, the refillable pouch basically reduces down to just water, CO2 and biomass, thus helping to create more healthy soil (something which the planet is severely lacking in!).  

The Body Wash itself is 100% vegan, natural and cruelty-free. Free from a long list of nasties including parabens, sulphates, silicones, artificial fragrances and mineral oils/petroleums, the Body Washes are available in four enticing scents and I absolutely love the fresh and uplifting fragrance of Wild Mint & Eucalyptus; the perfect scent to help wake you up first thing in the morning!

You can purchase the refills for £10 for a one-off purchase, or subscribe and save for £8. If you don't have a bottle with a pump at home, you can also purchase a Proverb branded 'keep' Bottle for £5, available in on-trend neutral grey and white to suit your bathroom decor. 

Shop online at proverbskin.com

Are you cutting down on your bathroom plastic waste?

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Currently Loving: Good Bubble Bubble Baths for Families & Sensitive Skin

 

Who doesn't love a bubble bath? Whether you're a baby or a grandmother, everyone in the family can enjoy Good Bubble's range of affordable, skin-friendly Bubble Baths!

Good Bubble is a Dragon's Den success story when founder Amy Wordsworth appeared on the popular TV show to secure £60,000 of funding to make her business become a reality. Fast forward to the present day and Good Bubble is bigger and better than ever, yet her bubble baths have remained the same thanks to their skin-friendly formulations which are developed by industry experts to be kind and gentle on newborn and sensitive skin.

Naturally derived, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, Good Bubble's products feature fruit extracts with mild allergen-free fragrances for a fresh and fun bathtime experience. Their 'no tears, no nasties' resonates with many who only want the best for the family, at an affordable price. 

It's safe to say that I've been a fan of Good Bubble for a very long time, so it was high time that I shared some of my favourites from their Bubble Bath range with you all.

Good Bubble Bubbly Gruffalo Bath with Prickly Pear*

There's nothing prickly about this gorgeous fruity scent that has a cool and crisp fragrance. Made with Prickly Pear extract to help maintain the natural moisture levels of young and sensitive skin, this bubble bath delivers a lot of sulfate-free bubbles with just a squeeze under a running tap. 

Good Bubble The Snail & The Whale Lotus Flower & Sea Minerals Bubble Bath*

If you love classic fresh and clean scents, you can't go wrong with this one featuring the children's book illustration from The Snail & The Whale. Bursting with breezy Sea Minerals and the delightfully heady and floral aroma of Lotus Flower, it's one that adults will love just as much as the little ones.

Good Bubble Super Bubbly Bubble Bath with Dragon Fruit*

A tried and tested bestseller for a reason, this Dragon Fruit version is hugely popular with its subtle fresh and floral fragrance. Ideal for those who don't like overpowering scents such as babies and young kids, it's a real crowdpleaser in the tub.

Good Bubble Super Bubbly Bubble Bath with Cloudberry*

My last choice is quite similar to the Dragon Fruit in that it's more of a milder, subtle scent, but still wonderfully fresh and of course very bubbly! Cloudberry has more of a fruity berries aroma and it's great for sensitive skin.

Shop the full range at Lovelula.com

Have you tried anything from Good Bubble?

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Sensitive Skincare: Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie and Honey & Oat Cleansing Bar review

If your hands are feeling worse for wear after all that hand sanitiser and extra hand washing, you need the Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie in your life ASAP.

English green beauty brand Odylique has been a favourite of mine for a long time - in fact, they were one of the very first British companies that I discovered when I was looking for natural skincare many years ago! Their Gentle Herb Shampoo is one of the best products that I've ever tried for a sensitive scalp and one that I regularly recommend to family and friends.

Based in Suffolk, Odylique's products are made from natural ingredients, most of which are also certified organic by the Soil Association, and everything is tested by human volunteers who have sensitive skin. This is a great brand for anyone who has dry, sensitive, eczema and psoriasis prone skin as there are no 'nasties' anywhere to be found here - everything is free common irritants and allergens. 

This month, I wanted to shine a spotlight on one of Odylique's hidden bestsellers, their Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie* (60ml, £12, link), a product that really should be raved about more often. This intensely rich and ultra-hydrating hand cream is made from 100% natural ingredients (93% of which are certified organic), and it has a beautiful buttery consistency thanks to lots of plant-based oils and butters such as Coconut Oil, Cocoa Bean Butter and cold-pressed Avocado and Sunflower Oils. 

Surprisingly though, this natural hand cream absorbs into the skin pretty quickly without any lasting greasiness and the moisturising effects are immediate. In addition to the oils and butters, there's Aloe Vera, Calendula and Sea Buckthorn which have been chosen for their healing, soothing and regenerative natural properties, whilst Vanilla, Geranium, Lemon and Lemongrass deliver a fresh and uplifting scent.

If you're struggling with dry hands this winter, Odylique's Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie is the intensive hand cream that you've been searching for and even better, they have 10% off this superstar on their website until the end of November so now's the perfect time to try it for yourselves!

On a side note, I wanted to quickly mention Odylique's Honey & Oat Cleansing Bar* (100g, £6.50, link) pictured in the background in my sustainable PoaPoa Coconut Soap Holder above. This is a very gentle moisturising and exfoliating soap and solid cleanser which you can use for face and body, and it works a treat for sensitive skin that seems to react to everything. Made from just saponified Extra Virgin Olive Oil, saponified Coconut Oil, Oats and Honey, it produces a light lather that leaves skin feeling soft and cared for.

Shop online at odylique.co.uk

Have you tried any products from Odylique?

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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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Introducing: Tabitha James Kraan Organic Haircare + 10% Discount Code

When it comes to luxury organic haircare, there has been one British name that's stood out in green beauty circles for a few years now and that name is Tabitha James Kraan.

As is often the basis for many a woman's journey towards a healthier and more organic lifestyle, Tabitha James Kraan became aware of the link between what she was putting on her body and how certain ingredients could be passed onto her unborn child when she first became pregnant back in 1999. An entrepreneurial hair artist by trade, Tabitha already had her own established salon, and this light bulb moment led her to realise that she could be putting her clients at risk through the chemicals that she was routinely using during their appointments.

She completely transformed her brand to fully reflect her new natural and organic lifestyle and reopened her pioneering organic hair salon in the Cotswolds which was the first of its kind in the UK. Fast forward to 2013 and Tabitha began to experiment with creating her own line of natural and organic haircare products that were tested on her loyal client base, before being officially launched to the public in 2015.  

Last month, I was asked to be part of the Tabitha James Kraan ambassador programme and I can't wait to share some of her award-winning, Soil Association certified products with you all which you can read about below.

Tabitha James Kraan Golden Citrus Clean Shampoo* (250ml, £25, link) & Golden Citrus Clean Conditioner* (200ml, £32, link)

In sleek black packaging that instantly stands out in your bathroom, TJK's Golden Citrus Clean Shampoo and Conditioner is a match made in eco-luxe heaven. Developed for all hair types, including coloured hair, both the shampoo and conditioner are made from 100% natural ingredients, a high proportion of which are also certified organic (73% for the shampoo and 85% for the conditioner). 

The Shampoo boasts an ultra-gentle and nourishing formula which is great for anyone who has a dry and itchy scalp as it instantly soothes and hydrates. It also helps to rebalance an oily scalp, whilst leaving your hair thoroughly clean but not feeling stripped. The Golden Citrus aromatherapy scent adds a beautiful luxury spa-like feeling to the often mundane act of washing your hair, and with zero silicones, harsh detergents or synthetic ingredients, it's a shampoo that truly cares for the overall health of your hair.

The matching Conditioner is really more like an intensive and hydrating hair mask treatment. It's deeply moisturising in every sense of the word and left my dry hair feeling the silkiest and softest it's been in a long time, plus that Golden Citrus scent is just so addictive! Leave on for 2 minutes if you wash your hair often or bump it up to 10 minutes for a once-a-week masking treat. 

Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hair Cleanser in Amber Rose* (60ml, £9.50, link) & Organic 4-in-1 Conditioner in Amber Rose* (60ml, £9.50, link)

If you're new to the world of natural and organic haircare and don't know where to start, why not try these handy travel-size options first? I'm particularly fond of the Tabitha James Kraan's Hair Cleansers and 4-in-1 Conditioners which are an interesting alternative to regular daily haircare and can be used as the first stepping stone to detoxifying your hair.

The Hair Cleanser helps to restore the health of your scalp and hair so it's a good place to start if you're making the switch to including more green beauty products in your routine. It feels lighter than a normal shampoo, yet efficiently and gently cleanses the scalp, getting rid of build-up and impurities with a clever formula of Organic Aloe Vera, Oatmilk, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil.

Follow up with the 4-in-1 Conditioner which can be used as a light conditioner, nourishing scalp cream to soothe any irritations, a leave-in conditioner and a styling aid to smooth away frizz and flyaways. And like the Golden Citrus scent above, this Amber Rose range smells equally alluring and beautiful.

Tabitha James Kraan Scented Organic Hair Oil* (30ml, £38, link)

Speaking of beautifully scented hair, TJK's Scented Hair Oil marries together the brand's signature Amber Rose fragrance with a truly exceptional hair oil that is bursting full of 100% natural (and 99% organic) ingredients. Designed to be used as a pre-wash treatment to revive all hair types, it adds instant shine and smoothness, whilst star ingredients such as Organic Sea Buckthorn, Rosehip, Safflower, Goji Berry and Argan Oils, all work together to strengthen and nourish the hair with regular use. Say hello to glossy, healthier locks in next to no time!

Tabitha James Kraan Organic Dry Shampoo for Fair Hair* (75g, £29, link) & Compact Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair* (15g, £19, link)

No modern haircare range is complete without a dedicated line of Dry Shampoo products these days and if you've been struggling to find a natural and organic replacement, Tabitha James Kraan has the answer! Crafted from 100% natural ingredients, there are options for both Fair and Dark Hair to cleanse, restore, refresh and volumise your hair in between your shampoo sessions.

This is one of the best natural Dry Shampoo formulas that I've tried and I also love the super-luxe gold metallic packaging - the regular size looks great on vanity tables and bathroom shelves, whilst the compact version is ultra-convenient for keeping in work desk drawers and handbags to plump up and refresh your hair on the go. Plus, this Dry Shampoo smells amazing too, but you've probably already guessed that, right?!

Shop the full range of Tabitha James Kraan Organic Haircare at tabithajameskraan.com and get 10% off your first order with the code evelynn10 - enjoy!

Have you tried anything from Tabitha James Kraan yet?

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Spring Beauty Picks: 3 Products To Try This Month

Need a Spring Beauty pick-me-up? Pop one of these products into your next online basket and try something new this month.

The Multipurpose Product That Can Be Used For Almost Everything: PHB Ethical Beauty Lavender Hero Gel* (150ml, £18, link)

PHB Ethical Beauty have been busy with a whole host of brand new releases and one that's caught my eye is this latest Lavender Hero Gel. Regular readers will know how much I love a good quality multi-purpose product and Hero Gel has SO many uses! This clever organic and natural gel moisturiser has a light texture that sinks in quickly and with active ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Lavender, Neem and Arnica, it's a soothing multi-tasking wonder. Use it to calm down any form of skin irritation including eczema and psoriasis flareups, as well as taking the sting and redness out of pesky insect bites. New mums can apply it on their baby's bottoms to soothe nappy rash, and makeup fans will love it as a smoothing face primer and oil-free moisturiser. You can also dab a little onto blemishes to help them heal faster, and you can slather it all over your body as an instant cooling hydrator for dry or sunburnt skin. 

It's not just for skincare purposes either though - Hero Gel lends itself to a multitude of haircare uses such as a treatment for irritated scalps, adding definition to curls, sealing split ends, taming flyaways and as a hydrating leave-in conditioner for dry and damaged hair. What a superstar!

The New Microbiome Friendly Toner: Gallinée Face Vinegar* (200ml, £23, link)

OK, so the name Face Vinegar doesn't exactly sound the most appealing, but stick with me for a minute because you'll want to add this 97.5% natural toner into your Spring skincare routine ASAP. Formulated by the French brand Gallinée who are famous for their pre and probiotic infused skincare, their Face Vinegar has been specially developed to help support your microbiome by purifying, soothing and repairing the skin's natural barrier. 

It contains Actibiome, a novel prebiotic that instantly calms stressed skin and a host of postbiotics which work together to boost the beneficial bacteria that live on your complexion. So where's the vinegar? Well, this actually comes from the Hibiscus Flower which is rich in Acetic Acid and AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that has natural astringent properties so it's brilliant for getting rid of impurities, leaving the skin super smooth and looking clearer than before.

Gallinée's Face Vinegar is light and refreshing to use which makes it perfect for the warmer months ahead, and it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin (always patch test first though!).

The Most Soothing Natural Shampoo You'll Ever Try: Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo* (200ml, £12, link)

The arrival of Spring often brings with it the onset of many seasonal allergies and it's quite common for eczema and psoriasis flareups to also occur at this time of the year. As the body's inflammatory response system is linked throughout, it's no surprise that the skin might feel drier and itchier overall and that your scalp can feel particularly sore or irritated as well. 

Luckily, help is on hand with Odylique's award-winning Gentle Herb Shampoo. I always have a bottle of this in my bathroom and have used it for several years now - I honestly can't recommend it enough! Not only is it made from 100% natural ingredients (of which 70% are certified organic by the Soil Association), but this ultra-gentle, SLS-free shampoo features some of my favourite ingredients that work like magic to soothe irritated skin such as Aloe Vera juice, Coconut Oil, Nettle, Horsetail and Rosemary extracts. If you've been suffering with an irritated, dry and flaky scalp, please give this shampoo a go and I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.

What are your favourite Spring Beauty products?

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Plastic-Free Haircare: Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo & Conditioner review #ZeroWaste

You may be well aware of solid bars of shampoo, which are fast becoming the norm in eco-conscious households, but did you know that solid hair conditioners are a thing too?! Meet Biovéne Barcelona - the easy way to become completely plastic-free for all your daily hair care needs.

There's rarely a week that goes by when I don't come across a new plastic-free beauty brand, and my latest find is Biovène Barcelona. This award-winning, socially conscious company hails from Barcelona, Spain which is one of my favourite cities in the whole world thanks to its diversity, architecture, and the countless amazing restaurants where you can find a gourmet veggie burger at 4am! 

Biovène Barcelona embraces this unique inclusivity from its homeland, and has created a range of completely plastic-free haircare which feels premium, yet is accessible and affordable - everything is priced at just £5.99. They also readily champion the Clean Beauty movement with transparent formulas which are free from a long list of 'nasties' such as Sulfates, SLS, SLES, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Palm Oil, Oxybenzone, Hydroquinone, Triclosan and Triclocarban, and there's less than 1% synthetic fragrance in their products. 

I love these clear statements on the side of their packaging (see above) - it makes it so much easier for consumers to shop for proper green beauty when a brand is so proud of what they make!

Biovène Barcelona currently has five different sets of pH balanced Solid Shampoos and Conditioners available to suit all hair types and concerns, and I have recently been testing out the Moisture Volume duo which is formulated for normal, fine and oily hair types.

Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo* (40g, £5.99)

I find that many solid shampoos I've tried in the past have a tendency to weigh down my fine hair, so I was curious to try this Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo to see if it would buck the trend. With key natural ingredients such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Biotin, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E, this light green coloured solid bar promises to volumise fine hair, giving it extra strength and resilience, whilst keeping it hydrated and preventing product build-up. To use it, I simply added water to the bar to create a light lather and then massaged the lather into wet hair. It smells really fresh and left my hair thoroughly clean without feeling 'squeaky' or dry afterwards. I didn't notice any extra volume though.

Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Conditioner* (40g, £5.99)

After enjoying a positive experience with the shampoo, I followed up with the matching Solid Conditioner with high hopes but sadly, I was left disappointed. The Conditioner has similar ingredients to the shampoo - there's Biotin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Shea Butter, Beeswax and Macadamia Oil etc, however, it just felt a bit waxy and sticky in consistency. I followed the instructions and applied the bar directly to my hair, smoothing it over and leaving it on for 5 minutes before rinsing. After rinsing, my hair unfortunately felt very tangled and sticky, which didn't improve after I got out of the shower and left it to air dry. I tried a couple of different methods after that, including wetting the bar between my hands and then smoothing the conditioner onto my hair, but the results proved to be much the same with my hair feeling dry with a waxy residue left on it, despite numerous rinses.

Overall thoughts?

I can definitely recommend the Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo, but my hair just didn't like the Solid Conditioner sadly! I may be tempted to try some of the other conditioners in the future to see how different the formulas are though - fingers crossed.

Shop the full range of Biovène Barcelona plastic-free haircare at LoveLula.com

Have you tried plastic-free haircare?

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Tried & Tested: My. Haircare - Rescue My. Hair Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar review

Banish residues of everyday pollution and plastic at the same time with this nifty eco-friendly Shampoo Bar from My. Haircare. Oh, and it's vegan-friendly too! 

Bars of soap have made a huge comeback into bathrooms all over the world, as we all try to do our bit to reduce our plastic waste, so it only seemed like the next logical step to swap all of those shampoo bottles for a solid bar of shampoo as well. If only it were that easy!

I have had a serious love/hate relationship with shampoo bars over the years and it's always been the one product that I've really struggled to find a plastic-free replacement for. For example, I first started out trying all of Lush's shampoo bars many years ago and whilst my hair liked them, the inclusion of SLS caused my eczema to flare up and my scalp was not happy so I had to stop using them. 

Then began a long trial and error process of attempting to find a shampoo bar which was free from SLS, but that also didn't turn my hair into straw. After trying what seemed like every brand that I could get my hands onto, I admitted defeat a few months ago.

Or so I thought, until a new one dropped through my letterbox recently from My. Haircare... could this be 'The One'? 

My. Haircare Rescue My. Hair Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar* (80g, £13.95, link)

Having enjoyed using My. Haircare's brilliant Infuse My Colour range (reviewed here), I decided to give their Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar a go. This shampoo bar is one of four that they currently sell (the others are Hydrate, Volume and Smooth), and as you can guess by the name, it's been specially formulated to help remove product build-up and pollution residue from the hair, both of which can leave your locks looking dull and feeling lank and dirty.

Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, this eco-friendly shampoo bar has been created by hand using waterless technology and cold-pressed methods. With a gentle neutral p.H of 5.5, it's pleasantly free from Palm Oil, SLS/SLES, Sodium Hydroxide, Lye, Silicones and Parabens, and the product is completely biodegradable - even the recyclable cardboard box that it comes in can be re-used to store the bar between uses. Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar has a subtle, fresh and very clean scent with hints of Cucumber and Violet, and is enriched with Oat Protein to soothe difficult-to-please scalps making it suitable for all hair types to use.

How To Use & Results

Simply wet your hair first and then rub the bar between your hands to create a lather. Apply the lather to your hair, massage it in and then rinse thoroughly. If required you can repeat the process if your hair has a lot of product build-up, but I felt like it did a good enough job the first time around.

I was surprised by how well it lathered as this has been a tricky problem area for other shampoo bars that I've tried, and after rinsing, my hair felt clean and soft. I've tried it with and without conditioner and found that skipping conditioner is a definite no-no if you have dry hair, as it resulted in a lot of frizz. However, when used with a conditioner, it was actually not bad at all, if just a little frizzier than usual. Whilst it's not the holy grail shampoo bar that I was hoping for, it's still the best that I have tried so far, and something that I would happily use whilst travelling and visiting friends in the city.

Have you made the switch to a shampoo bar?

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Introducing: Aromatica - Clean & Vegan Beauty Products from Korea

It's always exciting to receive packages from abroad, especially when it comes to discovering ethical beauty brands who are leading the way in sustainability and clean beauty values in their home countries and beyond. This week, I'd like to introduce you to Aromatica from Korea.

Aromatica prides itself on offering a wide range of cruelty-free and vegan-friendly products that covers, well, everything! From haircare and skincare to body care and items for the home, Aromatica has something for everyone. Born in 2004, it is involved in researching cosmetic ingredient safety campaigns for Korea and works alongside the EWG (Environmental Working Group) to help educate consumers who are concerned about the impact of certain ingredients on their health and the environment. 

Needless to say, all of Aromatica's products are certified by ECOCERT & COSMOS, Vegan, EWG VERIFIED™ and follow the company's own strict standards when new formulas are tested and developed. I was kindly sent a selection of Aromatica's bestsellers to try out to give you an example of what they have to offer.

 Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo* (400ml, $26, link)

The colder months can often spell trouble for those who have sensitive and dry scalps, and they can even trigger symptoms in people who generally don't have any problems throughout the year. If your scalp is feeling itchy, irritated or you're suffering from dandruff, give this Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo a go.

Free from silicones and sulphates, as well as a vast range of other potentially irritating known ingredients, this shampoo produces a light lather when plenty of water is added to it and it has a pleasantly fresh and herbal scent. The 97% natural ingredient formula does an excellent job of gently cleansing the hair and scalp, but like many shampoos of this nature, it did leave my hair feeling a little drier than usual afterwards, so a good quality conditioner is a must to use alongside it. On the plus side, it's great for clearing up dandruff!

 Aromatica Organic Jojoba Golden Barrier Oil* (30ml, $36, link)

If you're a fan of aromatherapy, you'll be all too familiar with the concept of barrier oils and these multi-purpose oils are a great way to customise a skincare routine. This one features quite simply a high quality, 100% natural and organic cold-pressed Jojoba Seed Oil, without nothing else added to it for the ultimate purity. The luxurious glass bottle comes with an inbuilt dropper dispenser and you can use this in so many different ways.

Create your own facial, bath or body oil by mixing it with your favourite essential oils, or simply just apply it on its own to reap the natural moisturising properties of this liquid gold.

Aromatica Rose Absolute First Serum* (130ml, $44, link)

Perhaps one of Aromatica's most popular products is the Rose Absolute First Serum and this may be partly due to the Korean beauty trend of including an essence in their famous multiple-step skincare routines. This highly concentrated treatment triples up as a toner, essence and serum, all-in-one and it boasts a formula which is 97.3% natural and 80.4% organic.

Perfect for dry and mature skin types, the serum has a thick but easily absorbed consistency with the unmistakable scent of fresh roses. It helps to balance and brighten the skin, boosting hydration levels and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, so if you're looking for an all-round anti-ageing skincare product to add to your Christmas gift list, this is definitely one to try!

Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel* (300ml, $14, link)

I also want to give a special mention to this Organic Aloe Vera Gel because I've been using it on a regular basis to soothe my dry skin for the past month or so. Made from 99.5% natural ingredients, 96.5% of which are certified organic, this is a wonderful multi-purpose gel which will appeal to those who don't like using heavy or sticky body creams or butters. Instead, this lightweight gel sinks quickly into the skin and it helps to calm down and reduce any irritation. A pleasure to use on the face and body, it's also ideal as an after-sun treatment to combat sunburn.

Shop the full range at thearomatica.co with free shipping over $100

What are your favourite natural Korean beauty brands?

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