Summer Skincare: Nourish London Summer Sun Kit review

 

Nourish London's brand new Summer Sun Kit is here to help you stay safe in the sun during your weekends away and holidays this year, plus it has some soothing skincare treats for all your after-sun needs.

For those who haven't heard of Nourish London before (and where have you been?!), they are an award-winning, high-end British natural and organic skincare brand. Holding independent certifications from the Soil Association, COSMOS Natural, the Vegan Society, and the Cruelty Free International (leaping bunny), Nourish is a well-loved and trusted brand within the green beauty and wider skincare community. 

I've been a fan of the brand for many years and you can check out lots of my previous reviews and features on their products here.

To celebrate summer, they have released a brand new Summer Sun Kit which comprises of three travel-sized skincare essentials, all packaged in an ethically made Freeset black drawstring bag. All products are 100% vegan, made with certified natural organic ingredients, alcohol-free and cruelty-free.

Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 (15ml)

The star of the Summer Sun Kit is the Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25. Not only does it protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to its non-nano mineral sun filter zinc oxide content, but it also protects against everyday environmental pollution and is packed full of skin-friendly antioxidants. Best of all, it doesn't feel like a traditional thick sunscreen; instead, it has a much lighter and easily absorbed texture and delivers more of a fresh matte finish which I love.  I reviewed the full size earlier in the year when this product first launched which you can read here.

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue (5ml)

The ideal multi-tasker that can be used all year round, Argan Skin Rescue can be used morning and night to prep and protect your skin against the elements. Just a few drops are all you need to thoroughly hydrate your complexion thanks to its formula of natural plant-based moisturizing oils and Vitamin C. I sometimes apply a little bit to extra dry skin areas like my nails and cuticles for a hydrating top up before bed and it works a treat!

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (5ml)

I actually have the full size of this Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask currently in my skincare stash, and I tend to use it once or twice a month. It has an interesting composition of probiotic minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Iron, that feed essential nutrients to your skin and repair damage for smoother, younger-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types, this facial treatment has a creamy wash-off formula enriched with soothing Damask Rose and Lavender to boost collagen, reduce redness and maintain healthy skin elasticity. 

Nourish London Summer Skin Kit* retails for £15 from nourishskinrange.com

What's on your summer skincare wishlist?

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Summer Skincare: Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 review

 

The queen of all sunscreens, Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 has a cult following and it's easy to see why! 

A famous name in the skincare world, Dr. Babara Sturm is a world-renowned aesthetics skin doctor who specialises in anti-inflammatory treatments, so much so, that many call her a 'pioneer' in this field. 

Needless to say, her award-winning range of skincare emphasizes this passion, and her GMO-free products are made with a strong ethos of innovation, but without the use of common toxic, harmful, or aggressive ingredients. It's not a 'clean' beauty line, however, it does provide some pretty impressive results for those who have tricky to manage skin conditions, so I was keen to try her number one summer skin bestseller; the Sun Drops SPF 50 as a lot of facial sunscreens break me out.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 are housed in a sleek glass bottle and comes with a pipette applicator which some may love, and others may dislike. Personally, I'm a fan because I can apply the drops easily to my palms and then massage them into my skin - it's also useful for getting the quantity that's needed to adequately protect my face right too as you want to apply your sunscreen liberally - it's better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes!

This sunscreen feels a little heavy and sticky at first, yet once applied, it's a lovely lightweight texture that quickly sinks into the skin and feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. This SPF 50 protection safeguards against both UVA and UVB rays so that you're fully covered, and features a unique complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Beta Glucan, and Purslane for additional anti-ageing protection. There are also no harmful to the marine environment ingredients in this formula so you can swim in the sea safely without damaging the local flora and fauna  (just make sure to reapply when you're back on land to keep your SPF topped up).

I've been using Sun Drops for the past month and it's protected my skin well incredibly well against the sometimes vicious Mediterranean sun, and guess what, it hasn't broken me out once! Sadly, it does come with a pretty hefty price tag to match such good results, but as sunscreen is the number one anti-ageing defense in your skincare routine, if you can afford it, why not?

Dr. Barabara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50* (30ml, £100) is available from Skinstation.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Dr. Barbara Sturm before?

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Spring Ready with Wilkinson Sword: Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor and Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors review

 

If you choose to remove your body hair, these two razors from Wilkinson Sword will have you Spring ready in no time at all!

When it comes to body hair removal, choices are generally pinpointed on a spectrum of pain; from epilators and waxing, to dissolving creams and razors, I have always tended to opt for the latter which is generally pain-free :D

That said, as we continue to actively choose more and more sustainable products in our beauty routines, where do razors fit in? Well, they're never going to be zero waste, but there are some brands that are definitely improving what they're doing for the environment, such as Wilkinson Sword.

Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor* (£9.99, link)

Lightweight and super-easy to use, the reusable Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer & Razor is a dual-sided beauty tool that's ultra-convenient. On one end, you have the waterproof Bikini Trimmer (operated by an AAA battery) which features four different trim lengths to style your bikini area however you desire. The adjustable comb lets you get to hard-to-reach areas for the perfect finish and the head is detachable for easy cleaning afterward.

The other end has a five-blade razor with a skin-protect bar of gel that contains Hyaluronic Acid for the smoothest and most comfortable shave possible. Best of all, the razor head is replaceable and can be switched for any refills from Wilkinson Sword's Intuition Complete and Sensitive Touch ranges. I was also pleased that the inner packaging is cardboard instead of plastic - well done WS!

Wilkinson Sword Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors (price varies, link)

I'll be honest here, disposable razors are best to be avoided where possible. However, there are occasions where they come in handy for the purposes of travelling, so if you're stocking up for your next holiday, I'd recommend the Wilkinson Sword Xtreme Beauty Eco Green Razors. 

Each razor has a handle which is made from 95% recycled plastic, and after use, the handle can be recycled again (just detach the razor head before recycling). In addition, all of the outer packaging is made from FSC certified sources that's made from over 90% recycled paper.

These razors are really, really good and feature three flexible blades that follows the contours of your body for a very close and precise shave. There are also two lubricating strips formulated with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect from skin irritation and the handle feels comfortable to grip and use.

What's your preferred method of hair removal?

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Summer Beauty: 3 Easy Steps To Get A Natural Summer Glow

 

Self-tanning products are the only way to get a natural, healthy tan this Summer and the green beauty world has so many different options to choose from. Here are three of my favourites to check out.

Step One: Always Exfoliate First

To get a smooth and even finish all over, it's important to exfoliate first before you apply any self-tanning products. If your existing fake tan is starting to peel and wear off, you can use Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 3 Minute Miracle Self Tan Removing Scrub* (200ml, £19.99, link) to gently buff away all previous traces. This stuff really is a miracle worker thanks to a combination of natural pearlite and advanced ingredients which makes it fast and easy to remove all brands of fake tan - just make sure you leave it on for at least three minutes before rinsing away to allow time for it to work its dissolving magic.

Step Two: Choose Your Self-Tan Lotion

For beginners or those who are nervous about using fake tan, I would recommend opting for a gradual self-tanning lotion because these are virtually fool-proof to use and they give you a gorgeous, natural-looking finish so you needn't worry about any crazy orangeness! I'm a big fan of Mádara Self Tan Milk* (150ml, £27.50, link) which comes in a light-to-medium sunkissed tone for the body. It has a lovely, non-sticky, easily absorbed texture which is similar to a body lotion. Apply all over to clean, dry skin and the tan will gradually develop over the next 4-6 hours and lasts up to five days.

Step Three: Don't Forget Your Face

If you're an SPF fanatic like me, you'll find that your complexion will probably look quite pale against your newly tanned body so this is where a dedicated facial self-tanner comes in. Specially formulated for the face, these products will generally feature a different blend of ingredients to prevent your skin getting clogged up, so it's worth investing in one purely for your face. I love Green People Gradual Tan Moisturiser* (50ml, £17.50, link) which is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. This daily moisturiser can be applied first thing for a gentle sunkissed glow all year round.

What are your favourite self-tanning products?

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Summer Skincare with Nourish London: 4 Favourites To Try

 

Nourish London are one of my favourite British natural and organic skincare brands and they have a whole host of products that could be included in a Summer Skincare feature. It was so hard to put this little edit together, but here are my top four to try.

If haven't heard of Nourish London before, check out my previous reviews here and all of their products are certified cruelty-free and vegan.

The Repairing Facial Treatment: Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £23.50, link)

With lockdown restrictions lifting and socialising back on the cards, you may be finding yourself spending a lot more time than usual out and about enjoying the sun and running errands in your favourite city. This is the time of the year when a facial treatment like Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask comes in really handy to keep your skin protected against environmental aggressors such as pollution and free radicals.

Packed full of beneficial nutrients and minerals that have been formulated to make this face mask from a rather clever probiotic fermentation process, this repairing treatment does just that. It helps to boost collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore firmness, for healthier, more supple skin. Key actives include Magnesium, Lavender and Damask Rose, with optimised Zinc, Copper and Iron all playing their part in this award-winning face mask.

Best of all, you only need 5 minutes to use it for a quick and easy pick-me-up or leave it on overnight for a more restorative treatment once a week.

The Supercharged Calming Mist: Nourish London Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (100ml, £22, link)

There's nothing better than a refreshing toner to spritz liberally all over the face when it's a hot and sticky day, so why not choose one hydrates, brightens, protects and calms your complexion at the same time? This Antioxidant Peptide Mist is a real hidden gem in Nourish's range and contains antioxidants such as Turmeric, Probiotic minerals, Hyaluronic Acid and plenty of anti-ageing Peptides to make a real difference to look and feel of your skin (with regular use of course!).

There's also a beautiful soothing blend of essential oils included in the mix to instantly help to calm both skin and the mind when you're having a busy or stressful day. Use day and night to enjoy the benefits.

The Glow Getter: Nourish London Illuminating Face Shimmer* (30ml, £18, link)

Gorgeous glowy skin can still be difficult to achieve during the summer months, but help is on hand with Nourish's Illuminating Face Shimmer which is one of my absolute summer-must-haves - I simply love this! Now newly packaged with a nifty self-locking smart pump that eliminates the need for a plastic cap, the Illuminating Face Shimmer is a versatile cream-based liquid highlighter. 

With a moisturising and collagen-boosting base of Hyaluronic Acid, Tripeptides, Argan Oil, extract of Tonka Bean and Shea Butter, this shimmer gets its name from the golden mineral particles which are suspended within the cream. To use it, simply dab a little onto fingertips and apply directly to the high points of the face to add light and luminosity, or you can apply it all over before or after your moisturiser for a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

The Multi-Tasking Hero: Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (50ml, £32, link)

Whilst Summer is undoubtedly my favourite season, sometimes it doesn't like me all that much! Too much sun can lead to dryness or sunburn, and spending lots of time in busy cities with a lot of pollution can cause clogged skin and breakouts. Not to worry! You just need a huge pot of this amazing Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm in your skincare arsenal.

Made from a pure and natural potent blend of omega-rich plant oils and carefully chosen anti-ageing extracts like Marine Algae, this Super Balm really does work wonders on the skin and can be used in so many different ways. My favourites are as a rich balm cleanser to give a really deep clean; as a moisturising post-sun mask (leave on for around 20 minutes, then wipe away), and as a TLC balm for any particularly dry areas such as sunburn, chapped lips, rough feet and dry cuticles.

Shop the full range of products at nourishskinrange.com

What are your favourite natural summer skincare products?

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Summer Beauty: 3 Cruelty-Free Sunscreens To Try This Summer

The weather is finally brightening up and feeling much more like Summer so it's a great time to stock up on that all-important essential for you and your family - sunscreen! Here are three cruelty-free brands you should try this Summer.

Best For Those Who Want A Tinted Sunscreen - Alteya Organics Organic Whole Body Sunscreen SPF 30* (90ml, £13.40, link)

I know a lot of people who dislike wearing sunscreen because of the white cast that can often be left on the skin and if that sounds like you, I'd recommend this one from Alteya Organics. Their Organic Whole Body Sunscreen SPF 30 has a clever sheer tint to it which blends into your natural skin tone as you rub it in so that you're not left looking as pale as a ghost after applying it. This broadspectrum formula is water-resistant for 40 minutes (always reapply after you've been swimming/in the water), and contains 95% organic certified natural ingredients which are kinder to sensitive skin types. It can be used all over the body and I'd also say it's suitable for the face thanks to the tinted formula.

Best For For Those Who Want A More Sustainable Option - Suntribe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30* (60ml, £16.99, link)

It's not easy looking for a sunscreen which is more sustainable but this Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 from Suntribe ticks two important boxes. Firstly, its broad-spectrum formula is made from natural and organic ingredients which are reef-safe so they won't have a negative impact on aquatic life, and secondly, this sunscreen is sustainably packaged in a bio-based sugarcane tube that biodegrades much faster than regular plastic. Free from potentially harmful chemical UV-filters, parabens, alcohol, preservatives, perfume and synthetic chemicals, it's a good all-round option that can be used on the body and face. It has a subtle tint to it which prevents ghost face too.

Best For Babies & Sensitive Skin - Ayan Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50* (100ml, £23.90, link) & SPF 35* (100ml, £21.90, link)

One of the best sunscreen brands that I've tried for sensitive skin is Ayan and their Mineral Sunscreens are also suitable for use on babies as they're so gentle. They're made from just seven natural ingredients (77% of which are certified organic), are reef-safe and feature 20% non-nano zinc oxide to fully protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sweat and water-resistant (always reapply after swimming/in water), they have lots of nourishing plant-based ingredients such as Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cacao Seed Butter, Coconut Oil, Beeswax and Vitamin E to stop your skin from drying out in the sun. Available in SPF 35 and SP 50, they absorb easily without any stickiness. I've tested them during a recent eczema flare-up and had no problems!

What are your favourite cruelty-free sunscreens?

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New In Beauty: Tropic Suncare range - Skin Shade Sun Cream, Sun Day Facial UV Defence, Sun Stick & Sun Soothe Aftersun review #ReefSafe

With the promise of some sunnier weather on the way this week, I thought it would be a great time to introduce you all to Tropic's new range of certified reef-safe, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly Suncare!

About a month or so ago, I was very kindly sent a package from Tropic to help promote their new suncare line which is certified reef-safe by Protect Land & Sea (click here for more info) and has products that the whole family can use. 

Here are my top picks:-

For The Whole Family: Tropic Skin Shade Sun Cream SPF 30* (200ml, £28, link)

Available in SPF 15, 30 and 50, Tropic's Skin Shade Sun Cream is ideal for the whole family to use, especially for those holidays and weekends away when you need a big 200ml tube! This broad-spectrum mineral formula contains Illawarra Plum extract, Kahai and Roucou Oils to keep your skin nourished and to provide additional antioxidant protection. It feels like a regular body moisturiser and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or sticky.

For The Face: Sun Day Facial UV Defence SPF 50* (40ml, £24, link)  

I always recommend using a dedicated facial only sunscreen for the face, as the texture and formulas of most body sunscreens can often be too heavy for some skin types to handle which can lead to breakouts. I love this Sun Day Facial UV Defence SPF 50 as it not only offers that all-important broad-spectrum protection, but it also doubles up as a primer thanks to plant-based polymers and Hyaluronic Acid, plus it has the most amazing silky and lightweight texture - I'm really impressed by it! 

For Tinted Fans: Tropic Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF 50* (40ml, £24, link)

If you want your facial sunscreen to come in a tinted moisturiser style format, you can't go wrong with Tropic's Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF 50. The 100% mineral-based formula protects against free radicals and UV rays, whilst delivering a lovely, sheer dewy glow to the skin - think of it like an easy way to achieve a look that says 'your skin but better'! It's available in two colour options, Light/Medium and Medium/Dark, and it's just perfect for those days when you want to give your skin a real boost without caking on loads of foundation.

For On-The-Go Protection: Tropic Sun Stick SPF 50+* (17g, £20, link)

For a super easy top-up whilst you're out and about, Tropic's Sun Stick SPF 50+ is a summer handbag essential that's packed full of soothing natural ingredients such as Marshmallow Root extract, Vitamin E and Green Algae extract, in addition to broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection. This handy twist-up balm stick makes it ultra-convenient to swipe onto those areas that are the most exposed to the sun such as the face, ears, backs of hands, shoulders etc, as and when you need to reapply.

For When You Get Home: Tropic Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion* (200ml, £22, link)

Lastly, a good quality aftersun should be on every sun-lover's shopping list this summer and this gorgeous Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun feels like a breath of fresh air after a long and hot day! It contains plenty of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like Aloe Vera, Bisabolol and Jojoba Oil, to instantly soothe and soften irritated and sunburnt skin. Another family favourite thanks to the large 200ml tube!

Shop the full range at Tropicskincare.com

Have you bought any new sunscreen this year?

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Keep Your Post-Holiday Glow: Tropic Summer Goddess Shimmering Body Oil, Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse, Summer Skin Gradual Tanning Lotion & Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum review

One way to blast those post-holiday blues is by keeping your summer tan looking its best for longer, so get your glow on and become a golden goddess with these easy-to-use luxury products from Tropic!

Tropic Summer Goddess Shimmering Body Oil* (150ml, £28, link)

Summer Goddess is an award-winning body oil that looks absolutely mesmerizing in the bottle, and equally as stunning on the skin. Its rich and nourishing base of Organic Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, is not only great for dry skin, but it's infused with an incredible shimmer that gives an instant golden glow to legs, arms, shoulders and the décolletage. Easy to apply and quickly absorbed without any sticky or greasiness, this is one of those products that you can use all year round for any special occasion or nights out with the girls. Oh, and it smells amazing thanks to the added Tahitian and Bourbon Vanilla extracts.

Tropic Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse* (150ml with Tanning Mitt, £32, link)

If you're looking for a tanning product that's much more natural ingredients-wise than those that are available in your local Boots or Superdrug, Tropic's Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse is a lovely one to try.  It features Coconut Water to hydrate, antioxidant-rich Kiwi Fruit Water to keep your skin looking radiant, and Plant-based Allo-Melanin which mimics the colour of your own skin for a beautiful tan that looks subtle and natural (not a hint of orange in sight!). I found the mousse easy to use and used it in the same way as I would other tanning products; make sure to exfoliate first for the best results. It glided on smoothly and has a tint so you can see if you've missed any areas. As the name suggests, this tan does require around 8-10 hours to properly develop, so apply it an hour or so before going to bed and wake up to a gorgeous tan without the biscuity smell.

Tropic Summer Skin Gradual Tanning Lotion* (200ml, £20, link)

Summer Skin is a fantastic option for those with light-medium skin tones that prefer to get their glow on with a gradual tanner. It feels like a proper moisturising body lotion and contains several skin-nourishing ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Mango Butter and Beetroot Amino Acids to keep your skin hydrated and softer for longer. Being a gradual tanner, the colour does build up slowly to a more natural looking and subtle shade than what you'd achieve with the Tanning Mousse above, so if you're new to tanning or just want a very realistic and even looking hint of colour all over, Summer Skin is a brilliant buy. I've even used this on my face with great results!

Tropic Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum* (180ml, £24, link)

I'm someone who often feels very self-conscious about getting my legs out in dresses and shorts, so I've found this next product to be a real confidence booster. The Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum is another one of Tropic's award-winning bestsellers, and once you try it, it's easy to see why so many people love it. This instant bronzing serum smells incredible and is packed full of natural caramel and gold mica shimmer to give your legs a really beautiful and flawless sunkissed appearance. It goes on easily, doesn't feel sticky and I haven't had any problems with it transferring onto clothes or furniture, though do make sure it's fully absorbed before dressing/sitting etc. The formula is also enriched with Arnica Extract which helps to reduce the appearance of any bruises and scars, and there's Coffee Butter and Vitamin E to tone and rejuvenate the skin. 

All of Tropic's products are certified cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. Shop the full range at tropicskincare.com

Have you tried any of these?

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Summer Holidays Edit: Practical Essentials for Festivals & Weekend Trips

With the Summer holidays officially off to a roaring start, make sure to pack some of these practical essentials before you head off on your next weekend away. Let the good times roll!

Always Pack Sunscreen First

I'm sure you don't need another beauty blogger to tell you to slap on the sunscreen before you go outside, but judging by the amount of painfully sunburnt people that I've seen recently, the message is still not getting through to some members of the public (sigh). So don't be an idiot - protect yourself and your family with a good quality sunscreen and reapply it every two hours. One of my faves is Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF 30* (200ml, £22, link) which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Samples Save Loads Of Space

If you're a skincare or beauty fan, chances are you'll already have a stash of samples hiding away at the back of a drawer somewhere. You know the ones - they pop up in beauty boxes, GWPs and are often added to your online orders, but are easily forgotten about. Dig them out and take them with you! You'll save loads of space in your travel bag and have more room for the important stuff like duty-free bottles of booze ;) Don't have any samples? Check out LoveLula's sample selection here. 

The Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Saviour

One holiday essential that I always pack is a multi-purpose wound gel which is basically like a natural first aid assistant in a tube. Comvita Antibacterial Wound Gel* (25g, £9.98, link) can be used on minor burns, cuts, grazes, insect bites and ulcers, as it contains sterilised medical grade Manuka Honey which promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. You can also use it on eczema and scratch wounds to prevent them from getting worse.

Say Farewell To B.O

Keep yourself smelling sweet and fresh all Summer long with a natural deodorant like Native Unearthed Coconut & Vanilla Natural Deodorant Balm* (60ml, £6.99, link). This concentrated formula has a blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Arrowroot and Vanilla to neutralize underarm odour, without blocking your pores with nasty chemicals.

Don't Forget Toothpaste!

It might just be me, but I've lost count of the number of times that I've remembered to pack my toothbrush but forgotten the toothpaste, so take this as your reminder to pack a tube. I'm enjoying using Lavera Basis Sensitiv Toothpaste* (75ml, £4.95, link) which has been specially developed for sensitive teeth and is ultra-gentle, plus it's minty fresh!

Tell Insects To Buzz Off

A lot of mainstream insect repellents contain deet which is an ingredient that some people, especially children and babies, can have allergic reactions to, as well as other undesirable side effects. Eco By Sonya Organic Personal Outdoor Spray* (100ml, £14.04, link) is 100% deet-free and instead is made with only organic and natural ingredients. It utilises the properties of several essential oils such as Citronella, Basil, Lemon and Eucalyptus that have all been proven to repel biting insects, and it smells lovely and fresh which is a pleasant added bonus.

Keep The Conversation Going

Holidays and festivals are often the best times to catch up with friends and family that you haven't seen in a while, so make sure that you keep those conversations going long into the night by packing some soothing throat sweets. These ones from Grether's Pastilles* (110g, £7.49, link) are made to an original recipe that's over 150 years old and features a unique formula which coats your throat with a protective layer, keeping your voice strong and preventing a dry mouth. They're available in a range of flavours, and I can vouch that the Blackcurrant ones pictured above are particularly yummy.

What are your practical travel essentials?

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Summer Beauty: Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit + Sun Balm SPF 50 review #MineralSunscreen

Jetting off on your summer holidays soon? Need some sunscreen for yourself and the family? Don't forget to pack this super handy Sun Care Discovery Kit from Tropic before you go if you're looking for the best in mineral-based sun protection.

Chemical vs Mineral

Most big brand sunscreens that you'll find in the shops are called 'chemical' sunscreens because they absorb UV rays which are converted into heat energy on the skin. 'Natural' or 'mineral' sunscreens on the other hand, use minerals such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to reflect the UV rays, and this acts as a physical barrier which stops them from penetrating the skin. Both methods have been scientifically proven to be effective against sun damage, however, I have noticed a trend in more consumers wanting to go natural with their sunscreens because they don't contain certain ingredients which are harmful to the environment, and are less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin types.

A recent study by National Geographic found that a staggering 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers into the oceans worldwide every year and this has been causing a problem because Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens, has been linked to coral reef bleaching which causes them to die. When you think about how vital coral reefs are to our ecosystem, it makes sense to switch to a sunscreen that doesn't contain Oxybenzone!

Thankfully, there are plenty of natural/mineral sunscreens out there, including this cruelty-free, vegan-friendly Sun Care Discovery Kit from Tropic which is perfect for the whole family to use. The kit contains a full set of travel-sized, mineral sun protection products and I've been enjoying testing these out recently during these wonderfully sunny spells that we've been having here in the UK. 

Inside the sunny tropical print, cotton drawstring bag, you'll find the following contents.

Tropic Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection SPF 30 & SPF 50 (100ml each)

This water-resistant, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays so you have the peace of mind that you're fully covered, whether you're in the UK or holidaying abroad. As mentioned earlier, the mineral sun protection in this formula comes from Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, and there's also Kahai and Roucou oils included to keep your skin feeling softer and hydrated for longer, whilst extracts of Kakadu and Illawarra Plum have been added for their natural antioxidant properties. 

Both of these have the same kind of texture and once fully rubbed in, don't leave a white residue on the skin. I have also tried these on my face and haven't had any problems with breakouts, but I do prefer using the specialised Tropic Tinted Skin Shade Mineral Facial Sun Protection (reviewed here), just because I like the tinted finish that it gives.

Tropic Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion (100ml)

Even with the best of intentions, it can be all too easy to want to stay out in the sun for longer than you know you should, which is why I always, always pack an aftersun product in my suitcase. Tropic's Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion ticks all of the right boxes that I look for in a high-quality aftersun that I can trust to work when I need it the most, and with Aloe Vera as its first ingredient, you know it's going to be good! 

In addition to Aloe Vera, it also has Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Bisabolol and Eucalyptus, to instantly soothe redness and irritation, as well as hydrating and repairing the skin at the same time. Needless to say, it feels absolutely lovely on and also helps to prolong your tan which is a welcome bonus.

Tropic Sun Balm SPF 50 (20ml)

This convenient travel-sized balm has been specially designed as a top-up sunscreen, and comes in especially useful as a way to keep those tricky areas that are prone to burning (such as ears, noses, cheeks, shoulders etc) fully protected whilst you're out and about. I was expecting this to be quite thick but was pleasantly surprised by how light it actually feels. As well as the water-resistant SPF 50 factor, key ingredients include Tamanu Oil which helps with healing the skin, Vitamin E, and Rosemary Leaf Oil to protect the skin from free radicals. Worth £16 on its own, you can add Tropic's Sun Balm SPF 50 to the Sun Care Discovery Kit for an extra tenner and given how much use I've gotten out of it recently, it's something that I would definitely suggest spending the extra money on!

Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit* retails for £40 or £50 with the Sun Balm added. Available from tropicskincare.com

Do you use mineral sun protection?

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