Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

Read more

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?

Read more

Summer Beauty | Bondi Sands Face Tinted SPF 50+ & Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ review

It might not feel very warm outside right now, but the UV is already hitting those medium levels here in the UK.  It's time to slap on that sunscreen if you haven't been doing so already! Why not try these two from Bondi Sands?

You may be more familiar with Bondi Sands' excellent self-tanning range (I'm a big fan of their self-tanning foams in particular), however, everyone's favourite Aussie brand also does sunscreen products which makes absolute sense when you think about it! 

Did you also know that Australia has much stricter regulations when it comes to producing sunscreen formulas? Again, this makes a lot of sense given their sunny proximity on the globe, and is perhaps one of the reasons why so many skincare gurus highly recommend using Australian-made sunscreen products.

Both of the Bondi Sands sunscreens below are certified cruelty-free, reef-friendly, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin types. They are also broad-spectrum sunscreens meaning that they fully protect against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Tinted* (75ml, £8.99)

Facial sunscreens are something that I wear all year round, regardless of how sunny it is outside, and this is mainly because sunscreens are the best form of anti-aging protection. You can use a million different types of expensive serums and fancy face maks, but if you're not wearing sunscreen, you're not properly protecting your skin!

Bondi Sands has a great range of facial sunscreens to choose from and my go-to is their SPF 50+ Tinted version. I personally find most facial sunscreens to be very 'white' for my skin tone, so a tinted version erases this issue and layers so much nicer underneath my foundation/base product. Plus on days when I don't want to wear a full face of makeup, it adds a little colour to my complexion. Not only is this a budget-friendly steal at less than £10, but it blends in easily and feels hydrating too without any stickiness.

Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ (150ml, £10.99)

For the body, there's the Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ which I've recommended countless times to friends and family. Usually, I prefer a classic tropical/coconut-scented sunscreen to use on my body, but this one is a fantastic fragrance-free alternative and comes in really handy if I'm experiencing an eczema flare-up and can't use any scented products. 

It features a 4-hour water-resistant formula with a plant-based hydration complex with ethically sourced algae which is a godsend for dry skin. Once applied to the skin, it sinks in quickly and is invisible, whilst also being non-greasy. A real winner! 

Bondi Sands is available from numerous stockists including Boots where it's currently on a buy one, get one half price offer.

What are your favourite sunscreens?

Read more

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?

Read more

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?

Read more

Summer Skincare: Nourish Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 review

 

With a heatwave on its way next week, now's the perfect time to get your hands on the brand new Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 from London-based natural brand, Nourish.

What is it and what does it do?

This newbie is a great addition to Nourish's skincare range and is described as an all-year-round daily moisturiser with SPF 25 to help protect the skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays. I think it's important to mention this dual protection as some products only protect against either/or UVA/UVB and this one does both!

Packaging

Glass jar with an aluminum lid.

Natural & ethical credentials

Contains 55% organic ingredients which are certified by COSMOS. Cruelty-free and vegan certified as well.

What's in it?

Lots of antioxidants and anti-aging active natural ingredients such as Kale, Turmeric, Camellia, Rose Hip Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Argan Oil, and Pumpkin seed oil. There's also some wonderful soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Borage Oil and Bisabolol. A really interesting and well-formulated blend. And not forgetting the reef-safe broad spectrum protection of SPF 25.

Full INCI: Aqua, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water*, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin**, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Borago Officinalis (Borage) seed oil*, Rosa canina (Rosehip) fruit oil*, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia/Tetraphylla Seed oil*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Brassica oleracea acephala (kale) leaf extract*, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Hexapeptide-11, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) seed oil**, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. *From organic agriculture. **Made using both organic and non organic ingedients. 55% organic origin and 100% natural origin.

Overall thoughts

Despite being a new product, it does have a very similar look and feel to other products of this nature that I've tried from comparable brands. The texture is nice and lightweight, but it's worth remembering that it does contain Zinc Oxide as part of the sun protection so it typically feels a little more difficult to absorb into the skin. On my oily/combination skin, it feels quite fresh with a matte finish which I really like, though drier skin types may not. I'd recommend it for sensitive skin as I've experienced no problems with breakouts.

As with all-natural sunscreens with Zinc Oxide, I was a bit worried about the dreaded 'white cast/ghost face' look, especially as I have an olive coloured complexion that goes quite dark and tans very easily. Thankfully, I didn't experience too much of an issue with this personally, but it may be less appealing to darker skin tones than mine. 

Protection wise though, I have been enjoying having this in my summer skincare routine! I've had no problems with sunburn since the sun has come out in the UK so it certainly looks to be doing its intended job. The fully recyclable/reusable jar is also a winner for me as I'm trying to reduce my plastic consumption and find that many, if not most, sunscreens are packaged in those difficult to recycle plastic tubes. Definitely worth a try!

Nourish Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25* (50ml, £28) available from nourishskinrange.com

What's new in your summer skincare routine?

Read more

Summer Beauty: NUORI Sun Repair Serum & Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 review + 10% Reader Discount Code

Summer isn't over just yet, and with this week's heatwave arriving in the UK, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to feature a new luxury clean skincare brand which has been popping up my beauty radar. Meet NUORI.

NUORI is a Danish high-end, clean and non-toxic skincare brand whose products are formulated with 100% naturally derived ingredients which work in harmony with the latest generation of bioengineered actives. It's one of those brands that I just love because it marries together nature and science for the best possible results, whilst sticking to their clean skincare ethics. 

In addition, it's worth noting that all of NUORI's products are created in small batches every 10-12 weeks in Denmark to ensure maximum freshness and potency, and all of their packaging comes clearly marked with batch numbers and expiry dates which is even more important when it comes to suncare as out-of-date products aren't going to protect your skin properly!

I was invited to join in with NUORI's current Sun Defence Duo campaign to help promote the brand's suncare. I'm hugely passionate about encouraging everyone to wear SPF when they go outside, even in the Winter months, so I couldn't wait to try out this duo which will see you through the end of Summer and beyond.

NUORI Sun Repair Serum* (30ml, €58, link)

Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, Sun Repair Serum is a fragrance-free serum which deeply hydrates, soothes and repairs skin that's been exposed to sunlight. With an innovative antioxidant-rich complex, it helps to neutralize damaging free radicals which cause premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, whilst also inhibiting the production of melanin for a more even skin tone and texture. 

If you find that your skin becomes very sensitive, red or irritated when you're in the sun, this serum could become your new BFF as it basically offers an extra layer of protection that you can wear underneath your regular facial sunscreen. The serum has a lovely lightweight and non-sticky feeling so it works well underneath makeup too, and the hydrating properties will keep your skin comfortably moisturised throughout the day.

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30* (50ml, €49, link)

Sunscreen is, of course, your main shield of defence against those harmful UVA and UVB rays and the aptly named Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 delivers essential broad-spectrum protection in a convenient and all-natural formula. Created without any nasties such as nanoparticles, chemical sun filters and titanium dioxide, it instead utilises a new generation of non-nano Zinc Oxide which means that this sunscreen won't harm your skin or marine species and the environment as it's both ocean and reef-safe. 

I love the texture of this sunscreen as it's very light, untinted and is quickly absorbed when applied to the face without any white cast or stickiness/greasy problems. The fragrance-free formula also means that it's suitable for sensitive skin types and when removed properly with a double cleanse at the end of the day, you shouldn't experience any issues with breakouts which are more common when using chemical sunscreens. 

Try the NUORI Sun Defence Duo with 10% off with my special reader discount code - just add beautywolfgirl10 at the checkout and enjoy! Discount code expires on 30th October 2020 and is limited to one use per customer - shop here at Nuori.

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - August 2020 review

Like a Christmas gift to yourself every month, beauty subscription boxes continue to be popular and if you're looking for one that's cruelty-free and full of natural and organic beauty products, why not give LoveLula a try?

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box is worth a whopping £70 which makes it one of the best value-for-money beauty boxes that I've seen online throughout August! Here's a rundown of what's inside:-

Madara Plant Stem Cell Age-Defying Sunscreen SPF 30 (10ml sample, full-size RRP £29)

I love trying out different sunscreens and I'm very excited to test out this Plant Stem Cell Age-Defying Sunscreen SPF 30 from Madara as I love their skincare range. This is a really interesting sunscreen as it has some cellular biology/science research behind it which uses plant-based stem cells to help protect the skin from premature ageing. The broad-spectrum protection and the 'invisible' finish make it even more appealing.

FOM London Anti Pollution Face Cleansing Cream (30ml travel size)

Another high-end natural skincare product that I'm excited to see in the box is the FOM London Anti Pollution Face Cleansing Cream as I've used the serum from this particular range in the past and I loved that. This is a hydrating cream formula which helps to remove pollution and impurities from the skin, and it also takes off makeup and gently exfoliates at the same time. It's great to see a travel size product like this in a glass bottle as well.

Laidbare Glow Facial Self Tanner (RRP £12)

You just can't go wrong with anything from Laidbare and I've had the pleasure of trying their Glow Facial Self Tanner in the past with great results. Suitable for all skin types, it gives a lovely sunkissed and very natural looking finish to the skin, without any scary orange tones and it's easy to apply as it goes on like a regular facial moisturiser. Top tip - if you have a light olive complexion like mine, you'll probably want to follow up with a second application 24 hours later for a slightly darker tan finish.

INIKA Pure Perfection Primer (RRP £35)

Last but not least, the star of this month's box (well for me personally!), is this full-size Pure Perfection Primer from the high-end Australian natural and organic brand INIKA. If you've been following my blog for a while now, you'll no doubt know that I'm a huge fan of INIKA and regularly use their mineral makeup. Their Pure Perfection Primer is one of the best natural primers that I've used and it has 83% organic ingredients which is pretty impressive to say the least! It's very nourishing thanks to skin-friendly ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil, plus it features the interesting Kangaroo Paw extract which is a natural plant-based active that's been clinically proven in studies to improve the overall texture of the skin.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

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?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest 

Read more

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?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for another Empties round-up? Here's a basketful of products that I've used up recently, plus my thoughts on the ones that I'll be repurchasing again and which ones will be staying permanently in the recycling bin.

This Works Light Time Cleanse & Glow (travel size)

Given the current lockdown situation, I've been going through my minis stash and unearthing some forgotten gems such as this gorgeous Vitamin C infused treatment from This Works. Ideal for to use whenever your skin needs a brightening pick me up, Light Time Cleanse & Glow gets to work in just one minute to deliver an instant result. Repurchase? I have a few more of these minis to use but will definitely purchase the full-size when they're all gone!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (travel size)

If you're looking for another active ingredient to include in your skincare routine to bring more radiance and glow to your skin, definitely try Glycolic Acid. It's easy to find as the superstar ingredient in REN's Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and I've been using this for years (check out one of my reviews from back in 2015 here). Repurchase? Absolutely.

Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil* 

Whenever my eczema flares up, I swap over whichever body moisturiser I'm using to a fragrance-free one and I love this Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil which has a simple blend of beneficial natural ingredients such as Rosehip, Sweet Almond and Apricot Oils. Absorbs quickly and is great for massage. Repurchase? Yes.

PHB Lavender Natural Soap*

Lovely 100% natural soap bar that's made without Palm Oil. Creates a gentle and soothing lather without any SLS so I've been using this in the shower. If you like Lavender scents, this is the soap for you! Repurchase? I have some other soaps to use up first but I'll happily buy from PHB again.

Merci Handy Hand Cleansing Gel in Coco Rico

Pretty self-explanatory right? I'm a big fan of these Merci Handy Hand Gels because they don't dry out my hands as much as other hand sanitisers do and they smell incredible. Coco Rico is basically summer in a bottle! Repurchase? I bought a multi-pack so I have a few other scents to try out.

Odacité BI + C Serum Concentrate* 

My skin has been a little fussy during the lockdown but this serum treatment from Odacité has managed to keep blemishes and breakouts under control. You can either add a few drops to your day or night moisturiser or apply it directly onto spots and problem areas for a more intensive treatment which is generally how I prefer to use it. Repurchase? Yes.

CHOBS Aloe Face Mask*

I don't tend to use a lot of sheet masks these days, however, I did thoroughly enjoy the soothing benefits of this CHOBS Aloe Face Mask which felt amazing on my skin after a long day in the sun. I kept it in the fridge beforehand and it was literally heaven when I applied it! Repurchase? Tempted.

Organii Facial Sun Cream SPF 15*

This is a bit of a weird one as I used it mainly over the Winter months (I feel that SPF 15 isn't enough during Summer) and although I initially liked it, I've found the texture to be much too thick and greasy to use in the warmer weather so I'm glad it's been used up. Repurchase? I've since found other sunscreens that I prefer over this so I wouldn't buy it again.

A'kin Organic Rosehip Oil*

One of the best Rosehip Oils out there, I've gone through so many bottles of these over the years and always have one on the go somewhere! I tend to use it once or twice a week in the evenings and find that it works particularly well when rotated with other facial oils and treatments. Repurchase? Yes.

Origins VitaZing SPF 15

My last Empty for this round-up is another long-time favourite of mine - the much loved and hyped Origins VitaZing SPF 15. It's a brilliant tinted moisturiser which I use all-year-round when I don't fancy wearing a full face of foundation and the coverage is actually much better than what you might think from a typical tinted moisturiser. Repurchase? I'm using one from Tropic at the moment so we'll see if that's better or 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, atomisers and face mask sachets 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, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more