Travel Beauty | Nourish London Skincare Minis review #OrganicSeptember

If you're about to go away on a lovely September break, you're probably thinking about what skincare to take with you. Make the packing easy peasy with Nourish London's range of skincare minis and you're ready to go!

Nourish London is a natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand that I've been a huge fan of for many years. A lot of their products are available in handy travel-sizes, but even if you're not lucky enough to be going away, these miraculous minis are a great way to try the brand before deciding if you want to invest in the full-sizes.

Here are four of my favourites to get you started.

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (15ml, £13)

This little jar of multi-tasking goodness is perfect for those who are struggling to fit a full skincare routine into their carry-on. You can use this as a deep cleanser, gentle exfoliator, face mask, and an intensive moisturiser. Supercharged with antioxidants and omega-rich plant oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so there's no fear of running out whilst you're on holiday.

Nourish London Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (15ml, £7)

Many friends that I know forget to take a toner/mist with them so make sure to add one of these to your shopping basket before you go. Personally, I love a hydrating facial mist to keep my skin looking fresh and revived, and this Peptide Mist is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Liquorice for a quick and easy instant brightener for any complexion that's not looking its best after being on a plane for several hours!

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue* (5ml, £10)

Travelling can take its toll on your skin so this suits-all-skin-types Argan Skin Rescue Facial oil is an essential of mine. Just a few drops will transform and boost your skin thanks to a clever formulation of organic Argan Oil, Vitamin C and Abyssinian Oil. Your complexion will feel smoother due its collagen-repairing properties and feel much more hydrated even after the first use.

Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse* (30ml, £9.50)

With its cool colour changing formula, Nourish's award-winning Kale 3D Cleanse makes short work of all your makeup and sunscreen whilst gently removing impurities for overall clearer skin. Suitable for all skin types, it features key ingredients such as Kale, oxygenating extracts, Hyaluronic Acid and Probiotics. I love using this after a long day of sightseeing to literally take the day off!

Have you tried Nourish London?

Shop the full range at nourishskinrange.com

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

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

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

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

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (travel size)

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

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (travel size)

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

REN Global Protection Day Cream (full size)

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

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

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

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

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

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size)

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

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

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

Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)

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

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

Will you be treating yourself to one of these?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

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

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

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

Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Moisturising Body Cream-Cleanser

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

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

Which one sounds the best to you?

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Women's Health: Tisserand - The Restore Balance Discovery Kit review #MoodBalance

 

Whether you're menstruating, experiencing the first symptoms of the perimenopause, or going through the menopause, Tisserand's new Restore Balance range is here to offer some natural aromatherapy help.

Launched just last month, British aromatherapy brand, Tisserand, has released a dedicated new range of natural products to support women through all the physical and emotional stages of life. A tried and trusted natural brand since 1974, Tisserand has a vast range of products available and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw from, so it's great to see a range such as Restore Balance on the shelves.

As the name suggests, Restore Balance addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to discussing women's emotional changes that occur naturally through menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. The most common symptom that around 70% of women report when going through these life stages is a 'change in mood', and thus Restore Balance aims to help through its expert blend of comforting Geranium, nurturing Rose, and uplifting Clary Sage essential oils.

In fact, 3 out of 4 women reported more 'settled emotions' after using Tisserand's Restore Balance range for just two weeks, which certainly shows that there are some empowering natural properties in these aromatherapy products.

One of the easiest ways to try out this new range is with the handy Restore Balance Discovery Kit which comprises of three travel-size items; a 9ml Body Oil, a 9ml Body & Room Mist, and a 10ml Pulse Point Roller Ball. Not only are these brilliant 'try me' sizes, but they're also super convenient to use when traveling or simply to have in your handbag when you're out and about.

How To Use

I love the 100% natural essential oil blend which is both calming and revitalising at the same time. You can start your day by applying the Body Oil all over after a shower, and then top up the soothing fragrance by spritzing a little of the Body & Room Mist in your car or around your home office. If you're on the go, apply the Pulse Point Rollerball to your wrists as and when needed, inhaling the natural scent deeply to bring instant calm to stressful moments. Mood swings be gone!

Tisserand Restore Balance Discovery Kit* retails for £16 - available from various stockists including tisserand.com

What products do you like to use to help balance your mood?

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The Weekend Post: Immersing Your Teen in History - Why You Should Visit Auschwitz

 

While Auschwitz may not be suitable for younger children, teenagers are able to visit this notorious and poignant place, especially if they behave and act in a mature manner. You might want to consider why Auschwitz could be an interesting venture for them. This could help with their development and understanding of the world, as well as their schooling and education. It could be a good idea to ask your teen if they want to visit as, while the camp may not be used, it can still be rather daunting and bring a lot of emotions to the surface.

Use a tour guide

It is possible to visit Auschwitz on your own. This means that you could traverse the area unaccompanied, and find your own way there and back from wherever you are staying. However, this might mean that you miss out on some key information. Instead, you might want to consider an Auschwitz tour from Krakow which may not only include a coach, or other transport but also allow you to follow a tour guide. A number of the tours each day may be given in English, meaning you can listen and understand without the need for a translator.

Help with schoolwork

Many children and teenagers learn about World War II as part of their history curriculum. In some schools, the time period of 1939 to 1945 may be featured within GCSE material, or even at A level standard. Your teen may, therefore, gain a better understanding of the subject by visiting one of the most notorious locations themselves. Although their teacher may have a lot of information, it can sometimes be a good idea to take the learning outside the classroom. Not only could this allow them to gain access to information that might not be featured in the curriculum, but it could also help them to better understand some of the aspects they have already learned.

Be grateful for what they have

While your teen may be rather well behaved and respectful, there may be times they feel like their life, or your rules, simply isn’t fair. Visiting Auschwitz can be interesting in the sense that it could show them what an unfair life really looks like. While some young people were put to hard, manual labour with little respite and even less food, others were murdered in the gas chambers and separated from their loved ones. Notoriously, 15-year-old Anne Frank and her family were taken to Auschwitz after they were discovered. Anne and her sister were moved a mere month later and died in a separate camp. While her mother died in Auschwitz, her father was the only survivor of the family. Looking at it this way, your teen may quickly understand that they have a lot to be grateful for in comparison to how this teenager’s life ended.

A visit to Auschwitz can be an educational and humbling experience. You may want to discuss what you saw, learned, and even how you felt, with your teen after your visit.

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Travel Size Beauty: Plastic-Free Minis from Antipodes (Get 20% off at Feel Unique & Beauty Bay)

Lucky enough to be getting some Winter Sun this month? If you're jetting off to sunnier climes, make sure to pop these brilliant plastic-free beauty minis from Antipodes into your carry-on.

As regular readers will know, I absolutely love Antipodes natural and organic skincare, and I was pleased to discover recently that their range of minis is virtually plastic-free - yay! Instead, the main element of packaging comes in either glass or aluminium tubes, both of which can be easily recycled after use.

So if you're stocking up on your beauty minis for your travels this year, why not check these out? They're also perfect for anyone who wants to try out the products before committing to purchasing the full-sizes and I have three of the brand's bestsellers for travellers below:-

 Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (10ml, £12.49)

Travelling can really suck all of the moisture out of your skin, especially if you're flying, so make sure you're prepared with an intensive hydrating serum such as Hosanna. This incredible oil-free serum is beautifully lightweight and easily absorbed to help improve the skin's overall appearance for a more youthful and plumped up glow. Key ingredients include Vinanza Grape which helps to boost elasticity, firmness and prevents moisture loss, Mamaku Black Fern to further firm up and protect the skin's natural barrier and Waiwera Artesian Water which delivers essential nutrients and antioxidants to the skin's epidermal layer for a healthier-looking complexion.

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum* (10ml, £12.49)

For skin that's fighting the early signs of ageing, Worship is a fantastic antioxidant-rich serum that works as a preventative against future free radical damage. Boasting an interesting superfruit complex called Vinanza Oxifend Plus which is made up of potent extracts of Boysenberry, Blackcurrant, Kiwifruit and Vinanza Grape, this serum acts as your secret weapon to keep skin looking younger and more vibrant for longer. I'd recommend it for all skin types and ages over 30+.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (15ml, £11.95)

To compliment your serum, a rich nourishing night cream can definitely help to lock in all of that goodness, whilst providing additional skincare benefits of its own as Avocado Pear clearly demonstrates. This luxurious feeling nighttime moisturiser is packed full of hydrating heroes such as Avocado Oil, Manuka Honey and Vinanza Grape, and it helps to stimulate collagen production by up to 92%. A wonderful all-rounder for those who are looking for an evening skincare routine which does more!

Shop Antipodes minis at Feel Unique and Beauty Bay currently with 20% off for a limited time

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The Weekend Post: A Daytrip To Manchester - Where To Shop, Eat & Drink #VisitManchester

Manchester is by far one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the whole of the UK. With an ever-growing student population, streets of independent shops, artisan cafes and cocktail bars, and a local community that embraces diversity, it's no wonder why it's on the top of many young people's places to visit.

Planning a trip is easy with accessible transport links and countless serviced apartments in Manchester for those who want to stay for a night or weekend, so if you're thinking of visiting, I've compiled a list of some of my favourite 'hidden independent gems' to shop (second hand, on a budget and zero waste), eat and drink.

Where To Eat: Northern Soul Grilled Cheese [Manchester Picadilly, Station Approach, M1 2GH & Northern Quarter, Unit 10-11, Church Street, M4 1PN]

Manchester is truly a foodie's dream come true with scores of independent and artisan businesses dishing up every kind of cuisine that you can think of. Cheese lovers should head for Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, which specialises in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, oozing with their special three-blend cheese mix that's toasted on locally sourced Sourdough and filled with additional ingredients such as Mac 'n' Cheese, Pulled Pork, Pastrami and more. Extra sides on offer include Loaded Fries, Mac 'n' Cheese bowls and the popular 'Frickles' - deep-fried pickles.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese - Mac Attack

Perfect for a hungover brunch with friends, I opted for the 'Mac Attack' which really is cheese heaven thanks to its combination of three different types of cheese melted together with a generous amount of mac 'n' cheese. The grilled cheese sandwiches come with half a chunky pickle and your choice of homemade slaw or crisps, with condiments such as French's Mustard and Encona Hot Pepper Sauce at the table to dip your toastie into.  Mmmmmmm!

Where To Eat & Drink Coffee: Siop Siop [53 Tib Street, M4 1LS]

If you're after a cup of high-quality coffee, Manchester is full of independent coffee shops so there's no need to buy your latte or espresso from a chain when you're visiting the city. Siop Siop is a fantastic coffee shop with a small outdoor seating area and communal tables inside for a cosy get together. As well as mouthwatering blends of proper coffee, you'll also find an equally enticing menu of homemade Pancakes, Sandwiches, Salads and Cakes, with vegetarians and vegans catered for.

Siop Siop - Rhubarb & Custard, Coffee Glaze, Millionaire's Doughnuts and Chocolate & Coconut Snickerdoodle

You can't visit Siop Siop without trying at least one of their famous handmade doughnuts though, and these are truly something special. The flavours change regularly so it's always exciting to see what's new and if there's no seating available, I would recommend ordering a box to go, you won't regret it.

Where To Shop On A Budget: Vintage Kilo Sale [pop-ups throughout the city]

As you may expect from a city that's full of students, vintage clothes are incredibly popular and coveted, so if you're a fan, you'll love the numerous 'pop-ups' that are easily found across the city. In the centre, you'll find several 'kilo sales', stores of vintage clothing where you can spend hours rummaging through the clothes rails. Once you have found your perfect 90s check shirt and 80s denim jacket, you simply take them to the till to be weighed, with most shops charging around £15 per kilo.

Where To Shop On A Budget: Oxfam Emporium [8-10 Oldham Street, M1 1JQ]

Charity shops are another place to find second-hand bargains for a cheap price (that also benefits the chosen charity so win-win for everyone!), and one of the best in Manchester is the Oxfam Emporium. This well-organised and tidy shop has a regular amount of newly donated stock coming in so I always seem to find something to take home with me whenever I visit. This time around, I found a nearly new Urban Outfitters Playsuit for £6.99, a vintage button-up denim skirt for £4.99 and a second-hand Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag for £6.99. What a bargain! And of course, if you're local, this is a brilliant place to donate your unwanted clothes, shoes, accessories, books and CDs.

Where To Shop Organic & Zero Waste: McCall's Organics [Unit 6, 7 Church St, M1 1PN]

Eco-friendly and zero waste shoppers can happily support McCall's Organics on Church Street with an easy conscience. This small but expertly curated shop is your one-stop destination for fresh organic fruit and veg, chilled organic dairy, healthy drinks (they have Kombucha on tap!), and of course, it's the perfect place to stock up on your cupboard essentials such as rice, lentils, beans, pasta, dairy-free milks, gluten-free flours, soups, sauces, tea, coffee, canned goods and plenty more.

Customers are encouraged to shop zero waste by bringing their own containers, plus there's a refillable section of eco-friendly laundry products and cruelty-free toiletries. If you get to the shop early, you can take advantage of locally sourced fresh bread and a tasty selection of vegan cakes too.

Where To Drink: A Place Called Common [39-41 Edge Street, M4 1HW]

You'll never be thirsty in Manchester with its plethora of cocktail bars, clubs and pubs on every single street, and I could have written a whole blog post dedicated just to popular drinking spots in the city! However, I decided to focus on A Place Called Common because it has such a cool and friendly vibe, plus it's one of the rare places that does a decent range of Happy Hour cocktails every single day (most don't do HH on Saturdays) from 3-7pm for just £5 each.

A Place Called Common - Bramble Collins, French Martini, Passionfruit Daquri & Espresso Martini

Sitting outside in the sun with a cold drink is one of life's simple pleasures and here there are plenty of tables for you to enjoy a catch up with your friends. It does get incredibly busy though, but there is seating inside and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Whilst it's mainly popular for its delicious cocktails, it's worth mentioning that Common has some brilliant food on offer as well, with a range of burgers, salads and bar sides to soak up all of that booze. There are several vegan options too so everyone's included.

Where To Eat Late: Crazy Pedro's [Short Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1JG & 55-57 Bridge Street, Deansgate, M3 3BQ]

Manchester is a city that doesn't seem to sleep, making it a popular destination for partygoers and students alike. Just like any other city, it has its fair share of kebab shops and local Chinese takeaways, but the place to go for your post-drinks, late-night grub on a Friday or Saturday night is Crazy Pedro's.

Tucked down Short Street in the Northern Quarter, this basement bar is home to the best pizza that you'll find in the whole of Manchester. The quirky colourful ambience of Crazy Pedro's adds a youthful feeling throughout the establishment and with free Beer Pong, pinball machines and more Tequila than you can shake a stick at, you know you're going to have a good time here!

Crazy Pedro's - Summer B (Vegetarian) and Pepperoni

Back to the pizza and Crazy Pedro's has become famous for its unusual flavours and weird toppings (the Big Mac and Chicken & Waffle pizzas are popular to give just two examples), but you'll still find the tried and tested favourites such as Margherita and Pepperoni, and they even do vegan pizzas with dairy-free cheese and mock meats. A menu at the bar shows that day's slices which are available from £3, or you can order a whole pizza to enjoy now or takeout. Open until 4am, Crazy Pedro's has two venues in Manchester for punters to pick and choose from depending on where their night out is starting or ending ;)

[This is a collaboration post - the spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own]

Have you visited Manchester?

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New In Beauty: Travel-Friendly Summer Products To Try This Month

The sun is shining and it's Friday - yay! There's no better time to dive into a New In Beauty round-up to catch up with some of the latest travel-friendly releases.

Vitage Skin Defence SPF 30* (100ml, £26, link)

I say it every single year, but sunscreen is the number one skincare essential that you need to be applying every day, so if you only purchase one beauty product all Summer, make it sunscreen! I've been enjoying using this one from Vitage - their Skin Defence SPF 30 protects from both UVA and UVB rays so that you're fully shielded from the harmful effects of the sun. It has a brilliant lightweight formula that leaves the skin nice and matte, and it sits well underneath makeup without pilling or flaking off, plus the 100ml tube will fit perfectly into your hand luggage if you're going abroad this year. 

Don't just take my word for it though - it won an Anti-Ageing award from the Beauty Bible and is suitable for all skin types to use, including sensitive. P.S: As with all sunscreens, make sure that you re-apply a generous amount all over every two hours, and straight away after swimming/washing.

Hershesons Almost Everything Cream* (50ml, £10, link)

Hershesons are hair gods - seriously, pop into any of their coveted 'beauty spaces' and you'll be guaranteed to walk out with the best blow dry or hair cut that you've ever had. Needless to say, I've been smitten with their latest product which is available to purchase online if you don't live near one of their stores - the Almost Everything Cream. This multi-purpose cream is a true hair wonder and then some!

Ideal to use on any kind of hair including Afros and beards, this clever multi-tasker tames frizz and flyaways, adds shine, defines curls, deeply conditions and hydrates, gives texture to any style, oh, and it can also be used as a stand-alone hair mask once a week. Pretty impressive, huh? I've tested it on my fine, frizzy hair and it gives me such a beautifully sleek and shiny finish. A tiny amount goes a long way and at just £10 a tube, I can see this being a regular purchase to keep my fussy hair in check, especially in humid weather.

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Prepwork Overnight Face Jelly* (50ml, £36, link)

I must admit that I've tried several products from Arbonne in the past which I didn't rate at all, but their new RE9 Advanced Prepwork Overnight Face Jelly has really surprised me. A great product to try if you hate the feeling of heavy, greasy creams or sticky serums, this Face Jelly instead has a light gel texture that absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn't leave any residue sitting on the top. 

I find it quite refreshing to use after a hot and humid day of running errands, and with a vegan-friendly formula that's packed with Vitamins C and E, phytonutrients, omegas and ceramides, it delivers an intense shot of moisture and essential nutrition to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Apply after cleansing in the evenings instead of your usual face cream or oil, or pair it with one of those if you have particularly dry or dehydrated skin.

KISS Lash Couture Faux Mink Collection Lashes in Soir and Muse* (£11.99 each, link)

Fans of false lashes are in for a treat as KISS have recently brought out these handy new double packs for their hugely popular Lash Couture Faux Mink Collection. Each pack contains two pairs of the same lash design, making it ultra-convenient to have a spare set to take with you on holiday, without taking up loads of space in your handbag. 

I'm a big fan of these cruelty-free lashes as they feature a flexible knot-free lash band and I find them a lot easier to apply than some other brands. They also feel lightweight when you're wearing them and you can re-use them up to 10 times (as long as you carefully take them off after each use of course!). Shown above are Soir, a full on, darker and thicker fluttery lash which are perfect for nights out, and Muse, a super pretty, wispy and fluttery style for those who prefer a more natural, but still full lash look. 

Which Summer beauty products are you currently enjoying?

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New In Beauty: Creating My Perfect Colour Palette with Tropic

Hands up if you love the convenience of makeup palettes, but find that there's always at least one or two shades that you just never reach for? Say farewell to those unloved pans of product and build your own perfect makeup palette with the latest launch from Tropic.

There's no point denying it; there's a massive amount of waste in the beauty industry and as consumers, much of the problem lies directly with us and the frightening number of products that we throw away unused every year. Not only is this terrible for our bank balances, but it's not good for the Environment either, with many of our plastic toiletries and makeup bottles ending up in the oceans or adding to the landfill problem if they're not properly recycled. 

Customisable makeup palettes are nothing new, many brands have been offering them for years, but I think what has changed is the consumer mindset towards products that are more eco-friendly, sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free. For these reasons, there couldn't be a better time to streamline your makeup collection, and this is why Tropic's new Colour Palette has attracted so much attention recently.

With 50 product options and a mind-boggling 734 million combinations, Tropic has launched a refillable makeup system that allows you to create your bespoke dream palette - the one that you'll use every day and take everywhere with you. When you've used up a certain shade, you can simply recycle the aluminium pan and purchase a refill, or try a completely new product in its place. All of Tropic's makeup is proudly made in Britain, certified vegan and cruelty-free, and they are a carbon neutral and Good Shopping Guide Ethical Company to boot.

Where To Start?

First, pick your Tropic Colour Palette* (£16 or free if you purchase your makeup products at the same time). There are four different configurations of the palettes available, so have a good think about the products that you'll use the most often. I chose Combination C which features two small trays, two medium trays and one large tray, and this is perfect for me.

The palette itself is smaller than most smartphones these days (for reference, it's slightly smaller than an iPhone 7 and about the same width) which makes it compact for travelling, but still large enough to use on a daily basis. It's made from smooth white plastic with recyclable aluminium trays and a large mirror in the reverse of the lid. I think it's very chic!

Building My Perfect Colour Palette

Now comes the fun part! Once you've decided which combination of palette to go for, you can then choose all of the products to fill it with. For the small pans, there are two types of brow products (a pomade and a powder), and two eye products (pressed shadows and wax liners). The medium pan has a wider choice with a mix of creams and powders (concealers, blushers, bronzers, contours and highlighters), and finally, the large pan can hold cream blush or concealer, powder blush or bronzer, or a setting powder.

For my palette, I chose the following:-

[Small pan] Brow Boss Defining Powder in Carob* (1.5g, £8): Available in three shades, this pigmented powder makes it easy to define your brows and contains Coconut Oil to condition them. Also doubles up as an eyeliner and eyeshadow.

[Small pan] Eyes On You Pressed Shadow in Pebble* (1.5g, £8): With thirteen shade of eyeshadow to choose from, I ended up picking Pebble which is a beautiful light shimmery taupe with brown and purple undertones. 

[Medium pan] Way To Glow Pressed Highlighter in Rose Gold* (3g, £16): I knew that I wanted a blush shade in the palette, but when I saw Rose Gold from the Pressed Highlighters range, I decided to opt for the best of both worlds as this colour can be used to create such a pretty pinky, shimmery glow to the cheeks. I love it!

[Medium pan] Jet Set Pressed Bronzer in Bali Bronze* (3g, £16): No palette could be complete for me without a bronzer and there are three shades that Tropic offers. I picked Bali Bronze which looks like the lightest colour and it delivers a stunning sunkissed finish.

[Large pan] Make It Matte Setting Powder* (5g, £20): As I have a notoriously oily T-Zone, a matte setting powder was a must and I've been enjoying using this translucent finely milled pressed powder to keep my makeup looking its best for longer.

My Perfect Tropic Colour Palette

I'm absolutely smitten with my Tropic Colour Palette and love everything about it, from the high-performance results and colour payoff of the products themselves, to the beautiful design of the palette and how easy it fits into my handbag, it's just perfect! The magnetic pans make it super easy to mix and match products so that you can swap them in and out as often as you please. It's incredibly versatile and I know that I'll be still using this palette for many years to come!

I was also treated to some of Tropic's new makeup brushes which I highly recommend picking up:-

Tropic Eco Artist Precision Face Brush* (£18)

Dual-ended makeup brushes are fantastic for travelling with and they make the ideal accompaniments to a palette like this. The Eco Artist Precision Face Brush features a pointed head which can be used to apply contour and highlighter, and a rounded, domed head to blend foundation and base products. Both ends are made from silky soft, synthetic fibres that are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, and they can be used with any kind of cream, liquid and powder makeup.

Tropic Eco Artist 3-in-1 Eye Brush* (£16)

Staying with the overall theme of streamlining and travelling, Tropic also has a clever 3-in-1 Eye Brush up its sleeve! Made from the same soft synthetic fibres as the Precision Face Brush above, this multi-use brush boasts an angled end for applying eyeliner, a small and fluffy head for blending eyeshadow which you can them slip off to reveal a hidden inner spoolie for tidying up your brows. How neat is that?!

Would you like to make your own makeup palette like this?

Special thanks to Tropic for letting me create my perfect Colour Palette* with them! Create your own perfect makeup palette at tropicskincare.com

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