Recent Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

It's been a few months since I last posted about my Beauty Empties, but it's definitely time to sort through my trusty bathroom basket and pop these into the recycling bin! Here's my latest roundup of products that I've used up, which ones I'll be repurchasing and which ones will be staying in the bin.

Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo* (reviewed here)

A haircare must-try if you have a sensitive, dry scalp, this shampoo definitely helps to calm down any irritation and keeps dandruff at bay as well. SLS-free, 100% natural, and just brilliant! Repurchase? I'm trying out a different shampoo at the moment but will definitely come back to this I'm sure.

Alive Magnesium Plus Body Recovery Bath Flakes* (reviewed here)

Magnesium flakes are great to add to your bath when you have any kind of pain, inflammation, or muscle fatigue so I always keep a pouch or two of them in the bathroom. This brand is simply 100% natural Magnesium Chloride flakes and they work a treat. Repurchase? Yes.

Mudmasky 3-in-1 Hair Mask, Scalp Treatment & Miracle Shampoo (travel size)

I'm pretty sure that this came to me via a beauty subscription box and it's quite possibly one of the best discoveries I've made in the past year. As the name suggests, it's something of a multi-purpose superstar and is brilliant for fussy, sensitive scalps like mine. Repurchase? Yes, I'd definitely buy the full-size.

The Castilian Soap Company Fragrance-Free Natural Castile Soap

Natural castile liquid soap is another multi-purpose gem that I always have in my stash and I use it for so many different things. From washing my makeup brushes to cleaning the kitchen floors, it's a safe, gentle, and natural detergent alternative, and a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Definitely.

Nourish Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower* (reviewed here)

I've been hit by a lot of illness in the past few months, from having Covid and pneumonia, to general problems with everyday fatigue, so anything soothing that I can use in the bath has been a godsend. I'm a huge fan of Nourish and their Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower should be available on NHS prescriptions; it's that good. Repurchase? Already have.

Scrub Love Clay-Tox Pure Mask

This face mask was an impulse buy in a Holland & Barrett sale, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed compared to higher-end masks of a similar nature. Great for brightening dull skin and drawing out impurities. Repurchase? I believe it's been discontinued sadly :(

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion* (reviewed here)

Can you tell there's a bit of a theme with the 'bath products for ill people', here?! Another highly recommended saviour is MOA's bestselling Green Bath Potion and this stuff truly is magical when you're feeling congested and like you're dying from flu. It's expensive, but a little goes a long way. Repurchase? On my list. 

Natura Siberica Repairing Natural Hair Mask* (reviewed here)

For an affordable natural hair mask, you can't go wrong with this one from Natura Siberica. It hydrates and nourishes like a dream and smells beautiful too. A simple and easy weekly treatment to give your hair some TLC. Repurchase? I'm using a different product at the moment, but I'd certainly revisit this in the future.

Evolve Hyaluronic Serum 200* (reviewed here)

You know you love a product when you realise that you first reviewed it way back in 2016 and you've repurchased it so many times, you've lost count! I love, love, love Evolve's Hyaluronic Serum 200 and feel that it's become something of a cult must-have on the beauty scene over the years. Repurchase? Of course!

Ooh Oils Of Heaven Natural Cucumber Soothing Face Oil* (reviewed here)

If you have sensitive skin, the Ooh Oils Of Heaven range of face oils is a really good one to look into as each face oil contains only one ingredient, so it's perfect for those who are also paring back their skincare routine. This Cucumber Soothing Face Oil is brilliant for calming down redness and irritation. Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - December 2021 review

 

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box is another treat for skincare fans, with a variety of luxury natural and cruelty-free products from brands such as PHB Ethical Beauty, Madara, Balm Balm, and more. Worth £51, here's a rundown of what's inside.

PHB Ethical Beauty 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash

A 100% natural multi-tasking hair and body cleanser, this 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash from PHB Ethical Beauty is full of nourishing organic extracts to keep your hair soft and shiny, whilst refreshing and moisturising the body at the same time. It's fragrance-free and gentle enough to be used by all skin types including eczema and baby.

Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil

It wouldn't be a December beauty box without a little Frankincense, would it?! Balm Balm's Frankincense Light Facial Oil is rich in Apricot Kernel, Jojoba, and Rosehip Oils to add essential moisture to the skin during the Winter months, whilst Frankincense and Grapefruit essential oils are included to rejuvenate and refresh. I'm looking forward to trying it out!

Madara Hydra Firm Hyaluron Concentrate Jelly & Brightening AHA Peel Mask

Next up, I found two travel-size products from the luxury skincare brand Madara who appear in the LoveLula Beauty Boxes quite a lot (I'm a huge fan of the brand so I'm always happy to see them pop up!). The Hydra Firm Hyaluron Concentrate Jelly is an oil-free jelly style serum that quenches the skin, topping up its moisture levels and keeping the complexion hydrated and protected - perfect for Winter skincare. 

Need a brightening boost? The Brightening AHA Peel Mask uses a blend of potent AHAs derived from natural fruit acids to exfoliate and refine the skin, removing dull, dead skin cells in its path to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath.

The Castilian Soap Company Natural Castile Soap with Lemongrass Essential Oil

The last product is a bottle of The Castilian Soap Company Natural Castile Soap with Lemongrass Essential Oil. Liquid castile soaps are amazing multi-purpose products to have in the household because you can use them for virtually all aspects of cleaning; from mopping the floors to washing your makeup brushes - the options are endless and a little goes a long way! 

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.

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - June 2021

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box boasts a mix of organic and natural skincare and haircare from five different brands - have you tried any of these before? Here's a rundown of the contents.

Balm Balm Fragrance-Free Face Balm (RRP £9.50)

Exclusive to LoveLula, Balm Balm's Fragrance-Free Face Balm is made from a blend of Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba, and Calendula Oils. This hard-working balm is multi-purpose and gently melts into the skin to soothe, moisturise and nourish any areas that need some extra TLC. It's safe to say that a little goes a long way so this jar will last a long time!

The Castilian Soap Company Natural Liquid Soap (RRP £8)

Another multi-purpose wonder is this Natural Castilian Liquid Soap which can be used for so many different things such as hand-washing, cleaning makeup brushes, and even as a natural floor cleaner. The organic castile soap base is blended with Peppermint Essential Oil for a refreshing and purifying experience, whatever you're using it with.

Ayumi Facial Day Cream (RRP £6.99)

Next up, there's another full-size product, this time from the Ayurvedic-inspired natural skincare brand, Ayumi. Their Facial Day Cream helps to bring back radiance to tired and lackluster complexions, so if your skin is looking dull and needs a pick me up, this is a brilliant moisturiser to use first thing in the morning. It's also ideal for those who have hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and an uneven skin tone.

Lamazuna Solid Shampoo Bar (RRP £8.99)

Moving onto haircare, zero waste fans will absolutely love this Solid Shampoo Bar from the eco-friendly French brand Lamazuna. This brand has been on my radar for a while now, so I'm very excited to try out this shampoo bar which has been formulated for oily hair types - it's perfect for me! I also love the really fresh and slightly herbal scent it has.

Dr Hauschka Soothing Day Lotion (sample)

To round off June's LoveLula Beauty Box, subscribers can try out a sample of Dr Hauschka's bestselling Soothing Day Lotion to bring peace and calm to irritated 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.

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - December 2020 review

It's the last LoveLula Beauty Box of 2020 and with an overall value of £50, it features a range of popular green beauty brands with an amazing mix of skincare, pampering treats and fragrance. Read on to discover what's inside!

Soul Tree Hand & Foot Cream (RRP £14.03)

You know my philosophy - you can never have too many hand creams, especially these days! This multi-purpose Hand & Foot Cream from Soul Tree is based on a natural Ayurvedic formula and it instantly transforms and heals dry and cracked skin. I've found this to be incredibly rich and moisturising so it's a brilliant winter staple for me!

The Castillian Soap Company Travel Duo (RRP £9)

If you haven't tried a Castille Soap yet, you're in for a treat, especially if you enjoy using all-natural products for everyday tasks. Made from a fully biodegradable liquid formula that has an organic base and a blend of natural vegetable oils, Castille Soaps can be used to wash clothes, makeup brushes, your face, your body etc, and they're often a good option for those who have sensitive skin due to the small number of ingredients used. This handy travel-sized duo features two bestsellers from The Castillian Soap Company; their Fragrance-Free soap and the Lavender soap.

Ayumi Fairness Daily Intensive Facial Night Cream (RRP £8.99)

Skincare fans will enjoy adding Ayumi's Fairness Daily Intensive Facial Night Cream to their evening routines. This clever Ayurvedic blend of nourishing botanicals helps to repair, plump and rehydrate the skin, whilst hardworking natural peptides add radiance, glow and luminosity for all skin types. I'm excited to try it!

Walden Tonic Of Wildness Perfume Oil Rollerball (RRP £17)

Brand new from Walden Natural Perfumes (exclusive to LoveLula), beauty box subscribers are the first to try this latest fragrance release in a convenient rollerball format. Top notes include Bergamot, Grapefruit and Sour Orange, which work beautifully with middle notes of Black Pepper, Cardamom and Cabreuva, all layered on a sultry base of Iris Pallida and Ylang Ylang. It's a unique and interesting unisex scent which compliments the current range of Walden fragrances - read more about them here.

Kiss The Moon Dream Night Cream For Feet (samples)

As a bonus extra this month, there's a sample of Kiss The Moon Dream Night Cream For Feet, which is perhaps one of the most luxurious foot creams that I've ever tried! 

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.

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - July 2020

Worth £46, LoveLula's latest Beauty Box is packed full of green beauty essentials and features brands such as The Castilian Soap Company, Balm Balm, Laidbare and Urban Veda. Here's what's inside July's box!

 The Castilian Soap Company - Limited Edition Natural Castile Soap with Tea Tree (RRP £8)

Made from an organic castile soap base and high-quality natural vegetable oils, this larger Limited Edition size bottle from The Castilian Soap Company can be used on the face and body as a gentle purifying cleanser, and I've also used this to wash my makeup brushes with great results! Blended with Tea Tree Oil for additional natural antiseptic properties, it's a multi-purpose must-have.

 Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol (RRP £8.50)

I love the simplicity of a good rosewater toner mist and this Rose Floral Water Hydrosol from Balm Balm is a gorgeous product to spritz onto the skin, either as part of your skincare routine or throughout the day whenever you feel your skin needs a bit of a pick me up. It smells beautiful and I love that it's packaged in glass.

 Laidbare Butter Me Up Organic Shea Body Butter (RRP £10)

I remember when this product was sold in big tubs many years ago - you can check out an old review here! Laidbare's Butter Me Up Organic Shea Body Butter is brilliant for dry skin thanks to a super-rich formula which boasts natural nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter and Avocado Oil. I think I'll be saving this for Winter!

Urban Veda Sandalwood Soothing Clarifying Night Cream* (RRP £19.99)

The last product in this month's LoveLula Beauty Box is a full-size Night Cream from the Ayurvedic inspired natural skincare brand Urban Veda. This Sandalwood Soothing Clarifying Night Cream is the perfect treat for skin that needs some help as it deeply moisturises, plumps, renews and repairs the complexion overnight for smoother and softer skin come the morning. It sounds ideal for my skin type so I'm excited to give it a go!

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.

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - May 2020 review

Worth over £50, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box has something for everyone with makeup, haircare, skincare and more! Everything included is cruelty-free and it's a great way to try out a high-end brand or a new product without breaking the bank. Curious to find out more? Keep on scrolling to discover what's inside. 

INIKA Organic Lip Crayon in Deep Plum (RRP £19.50)

Being a make-up junkie, I always look forward to receiving cosmetics in the LoveLula Beauty Box and I was thrilled to find this full-size chunky Lip Crayon from INIKA. I've had the pleasure of trying out a lot of makeup from INIKA and they are one of those green beauty brands that I regularly use - you can check out my previous reviews of their makeup here. 

This Lip Crayon is a gorgeous plum shade which is very flattering on and I imagine it will suit most skin tones too. The creamy formula means that it doesn't drag onto the lips and it's made from 100% natural ingredients, plus it's certified vegan and cruelty-free.

The Castillian Soap Company Natural Hand Sanitiser in Peppermint & Chamomile (RRP £9.50)

With hand sanitiser being in hot demand, I was incredibly grateful to receive another one of these Natural Hand Sanitisers from The Castillian Soap Company. I recently featured it in my Good Hand Hygiene post here and love the refreshing minty fragrance it has. It gets the job done and doesn't leave hands feeling dry or sticky.

Ayumi Naturals Hibiscus & Turmeric Shampoo (RRP £6.99)

The face scrub from this same range appeared in February's box (check out my review here if you missed it) so it's nice to try out this Hibiscus & Turmeric Shampoo as I haven't used anything from Ayumi Naturals' haircare range before. This one's described as being suitable for fine and dull hair types thanks to the brightening natural properties of Turmeric and Papaya extracts which sounds interesting.

Skin Alchemists Humble Warrior Cleansing Oil (RRP £15)

The last product in this month's LoveLula Beauty Box is a deluxe 30ml sample of Skin Alchemists Humble Warrior Cleansing Oil which is a new-to-me brand that I'm excited to try. Formulated to remove all traces of makeup and daily grime, this deep cleansing oil can also be used as a natural face mask, hair treatment and as a nail and cuticle oil - you guys know how much I love a multipurpose beauty product!

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.

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Good Hand Hygiene: Keeping your Hands Clean & Soft during Coronavirus and beyond

Practising good hygiene at home and when you're outside is one of the best ways to protect yourselves and others from the spread of Coronavirus. Here are some of my top picks from the green beauty world which include hand sanitisers, soaps and hand cream to keep your hands clean and soft.

Hand Sanitisers

Depending on which organisation or Government guidelines you're looking at, you want to make sure that your hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol for it to be effective at killing off bacteria and germs. Anything below 50% is considered too diluted which will compromise its disinfecting abilities. Unfortunately, there are a lot of 'natural' hand sanitisers on the market that are alcohol-free and these are absolutely pointless as they won't do anything - you need alcohol as the main ingredient!

For green beauty fans who want to use something that's more natural and kinder to their hands than the likes of Dettol, but still serves the purpose of being a high-quality sanitiser, you can look out for products which incorporate alcohol with ingredients such as aloe vera, vegetable glycerine, essential oils and plant-based flower waters or essences.

I recommend trying The Castillian Soap Company Hand Sanitiser with Peppermint & Chamomile* (50ml, £9.50, link), a travel-friendly size which includes 62% organic grain alcohol, organic chamomile floral water, natural plant glycerin and peppermint essential oil. It smells wonderfully fresh and doesn't leave hands feeling dry or sticky afterwards. 

For families or anyone who requires a larger size bottle, Alteya Organics Hand Cleanser* (100ml, £7.95, link) has an easy to use spray applicator and a formula which boasts 70% alcohol (denatured ethyl alcohol) with organic glycerin and lavender essential oil for further antibacterial protection.

Hand Soaps & Moisturisers

At home and in bathrooms, the NHS state that washing your hands with any kind of soap and water is a highly effective way to stop the spread of Coronavirus and practising good hygiene is something that we should all be doing to protect ourselves and others. It doesn't matter which brand or type of soap that you use, the focus is more on how often you wash your hands (it should be done on a regular basis throughout the day) and how long for. The NHS recommends washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds each time and you can check out their techniques video with further info here.

Personally, I'm a big fan of an old-fashioned bar of soap. They're a great way to cut down on your plastic waste and usually last longer than the bottled versions. I currently have Ayumi Naturals Neem & Tea Tree Soap* (100g, £2.49, link) by my bathroom sink which is vegan-friendly and has the naturally antibacterial benefits of neem, tea tree and lemongrass oils to keep your hands super clean. It also doubles up as a purifying facial cleanser for acne and blemish-prone skin types.

If you prefer a liquid hand soap that contains alcohol, Organii Citrus Liquid Soap* (300ml, £4.95, link) comes in a large 300ml bottle with a pump. Made from a blend of 100% plant-based ingredients, it features organic olive oil, alcohol denat, vegetable glycerin and citrus essential oils for a fresh and thoroughly clean feeling every time.

It should come as no surprise that regular and longer hand-washing sessions can result in dry skin quite quickly, so a hand cream is an absolute must-have to help restore the moisture balance. My current favourite is Lavera Basis Sensitiv Hand Cream* (75ml, £4.95, link) as it's packed full of ultra-hydrating ingredients such as organic sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil. Bye-bye dry hands!

What are your hygiene must-haves?

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