November Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Another month is drawing to a close so it's time to have a quick recap to see what I've used up recently. Here are my beauty empties! 

Nuori Sun Repair Serum* (reviewed here)

A beautiful fragrance-free serum for sensitive skin that helps to repair sun damage and restore moisture levels. I'm pretty good at applying sunscreen on a daily basis but I'm not always so good at re-applying it later on in the day (I know, I know...), so this helps in those times where I've been caught out. This serum has a light moisturiser-type of feel to it, yet sinks in quickly and layers well underneath any moisturiser or facial oil. Repurchase? It's not easy to find in the UK as it's a Danish brand, but if I do see it, I'll definitely repurchase.

Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist* (reviewed here)

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy pillow mists to help me to sleep, though I'll admit that I often chop and change between a few different brands. This one from Neal's Yard Remedies is one I've used many times, and it has a lovely blend of relaxing organic lavender, vetiver, and mandarin essential oils. Repurchase? I'm using one from Nourish at the moment, but I'll pick this up again soon I'm sure.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

Great natural mascara with good ingredients and a high-performance formula that doesn't flake or smudge. Lengthens lashes really well with excellent pigmentation so I'd say this is in my top 3 natural mascaras; I just wish it was a bit more volumising. Repurchase? Maybe -  I'm testing out one from Inika currently which I might like more...

Tropic Repairing Foot Remedy* (reviewed here)

An easy and simple one as it does what it says on the tube - if you have dry or tired feet in need of some TLC, this is for you, especially if you love fresh minty scents. Repurchase? Yes.

Mádara Ocean Love Polishing Scrub Soap* 

For a plastic-free body wash option that also offers some exfoliation, you can't go wrong with this scrub soap from Mádara. It has volcanic sand embedded into the soap that gently removes dead skin cells, and the soap itself is luxurious and hydrating with an uplifting natural cedar and lime fragrance. Lasts a long time too! Repurchase? Yes.

Ogario Hydrate And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've used this Ogario Hydrate And Shine range on and off for around five years and I still love it. The conditioner, in particular, is amazing for fine hair like mine as it adds moisture to dry ends without weighing it down, and I always get incredible shine with it in addition to a lot less frizz. Pricey but worth it. Repurchase? I've switched back to Tabitha Kaan for now, but I have no doubt this will be in my bathroom again in the near future.

Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser

I was excited to try this as I've loved everything else that I've used from Omorovicza, but this cleanser didn't seem to suit my skin. I found it much too drying unfortunately so I'd say it's better suited for oilier skin types. Repurchase? No.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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August Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

The end of the month is rolling around yet again, so it's time for another Empties post! Like last month, I've been trying to declutter some more travel-size products, alongside some familiar everyday items.

Kiss The Moon Love After Dark Pillow Mist* (travel size)

Everything from Kiss The Moon smells incredible and it was a real pleasure to use this pillow mist which has a blend of rose, frankincense, and ylang ylang essential oils to help you unwind. Heavenly! Repurchase? I'm using one from Neals Yard Remedies at the moment, but I have no doubt I'll return to this in the near future.

Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo

Since Covid happened, I haven't been using much dry shampoo at all thanks to WFH life, so this has lasted me probably about two years. I believe Aveda has repackaged/renamed it since then, however, the formula remains the same and it's one of the best that I've ever tried. Repurchase? Yes.

Laidbare Butter Me Up Body Butter*

Another product that has taken me a long time to finish up has been this big tub of body butter from Laidbare. I love the rich and heady fragrance, and the light texture just sinks into the skin quickly. Perfect to use after a long soak in the bath. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash* (travel size)

If you have dry skin, you must try these body washes from Weleda because they are SO good! I've used them for years the Wild Rose scent is still one of my favourites. Repurchase? Will do.

Salcura Bioskin Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser

Ideal for skin that's prone to eczema, dermatitis, and/or psoriasis, I highly recommend the Salcura range if you're looking to avoid harsh chemicals like steroids as most of their range is 97-99% natural. This is another product that I always have in my skincare stash for when my eczema flareups and it still works a treat after all these years. Repurchase? Already have!

Tropic Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF50 in Light/Medium*

I haven't been wearing much makeup over the past year, so for sunny days, I've just been slapping on this as an easy, fuss-free base. It gives a good light coverage and doesn't make me look super shiny, plus it's a proper facial sunscreen with the tint added to the water-resistant formula, rather than a tinted moisturiser with a teeny bit of sunscreen thrown in. Repurchase? Definitely will next Summer.

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam (travel size)

Despite it being a famous cult cleanser, I wasn't too keen on this and felt like it left my skin feeling a bit sticky/tacky afterwards, no matter how much I rinsed the residue away with a flannel. Not for me. Repurchase? No.

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask (travel size)

The Omorovicza cleansing mask is a completely different story though - I loved it! Although the sample pot was for only one use, it made my complexion look and feel instantly clearer and smoother. Repurchase? Definitely on my shopping list.

Tropic Illuma Light Diffusing Concealer in Brûlee*

For a natural, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly undereye concealer, Tropic's Illuma Light Diffusing Concealers are simply amazing. They conceal dark circles beautifully without creasing into fine lines and always make me look much more awake than I actually am - a great 'cheat' product when you haven't had much sleep. Repurchase? Yes.

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream (travel size)

Last, but not least, I finished up a mini hand cream from L'Occitane. I used to use these all the time but sadly there is the issue of L'Occitane no longer being cruelty-free due to selling in China, so I'm just using up what I have left. Repurchase? No.

What have you used up recently?

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July Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for another mammoth Empties post as I continue to declutter my beauty stash! There are a lot of products here that I'm sad to see go, so let's jump right in.

Balance Me Balancing Face Moisturiser

I've been meaning to use up some of my travel sizes and I believe I received both of these in beauty subscription boxes. Really enjoyed using this light and balancing face moisturiser which is perfect for combination skin types. A great one to choose for the summer months! Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

Regular readers know how much I adore this so it's no surprise to see it pop up here again. It smells incredible and is such a lovely summery and uplifting floral fragrance. The formula is obviously great too as it's light but very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes.

Fruu Avocado Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

I've used these Fruu Lip Balms before and the Avocado one is probably my favourite. Super moisturising and it's made with only organic, plant-based, sustainable ingredients. Repurchase? Definitely.

REN Evercalm Anti-Redness Serum

Another travel size from a beauty box, I'm a big fan of REN's Evercalm range for sensitive skin and their Anti-Redness Serum is something I like to have on hand for when my skin is being difficult and flaring up. Works a treat! Repurchase? Yes.

Typology Jasmin Néroli Eau de Parfum* (reviewed here)

Typically, I fell in love with this French perfume last year and it's since been discontinued - what a shame! Repurchase? Sadly not.

Puristry Yerba Mate Eye Cream* (featured here)

This was one of the many eye creams that I had the pleasure of testing out as a judge for the Cert Clean Beauty Awards last year, and whilst I really liked the product, the short pump packaging made it very tricky to get the product out so it became difficult to use half-way through and I ended up decanting most it to a different jar. Repurchase? No, simply because of the packaging.

Tropic Whipped Body Velvet* 

If you're looking for a luxury body moisturiser with a buttery, whipped texture, this should be at the top of your shopping list. A real pleasure to use and great for a pampering treat if you have dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Typology Organic Peppermint Hydrolate* (reviewed here)

I have to admit that I hadn't used this in a while and only reached for it during the heatwave as it's so wonderfully cooling and refreshing! Definitely works best in hot weather as soothing and refining toner. Repurchase? I've gone back to Dafna's for now but would consider this again in the future.

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (reviewed here)

I believe this is the second bottle that I've gone through and I love how gentle and nourishing this cleanser is. If you have sensitive or dry skin, it's certainly one to try and doubles up as a great makeup remover too. Repurchase? Yes.

B. Pure Micellar Water* (reviewed here)

My go-to micellar water for perhaps five or six years, it's been one of those amazingly affordable high street beauty gems for such a long time. Sadly, it looks like the B. range is being discontinued so if you love this product as much as I do, now's the time to stock up! Repurchase? I will for as long as I can!

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* 

Last month. you'll have spotted the Wild Rose deodorant in my Empties, and this month, I've finished off the Citrus version. I tend to alternate these two quite a lot and would recommend them for anyone who is working from home and wants a nice, light body spray to freshen up with. Repurchase? Yes.

Gallinée Hair & Scalp Care Mask* (reviewed here)

Another longtime favourite, I always have a tube of this in my bathroom and use it perhaps just once a month to keep my scalp healthy and happy, so it lasts quite a long time for me. Perfect for dandruff control and flaky, itchy scalps. Repurchase? Definitely.

Friction Free Shave Cream* (reviewed here)

Finally, my last empty product is unsurprisingly a shaving cream, and this is one of the best for sensitive skin that I've tried out. I get very little, if any, irritation whenever I use this which makes it a firm summertime staple! Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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June Empties: Products I've Used Up

What a bumper month June was for Empties! I decided to take part in a month-long 'No Buy' challenge over on Instagram and this was the result - a whole box full of beauty empties! As there are so many to discuss, I'll get stuck in straight away.

Therapi Rose Otton No. 2 Hydrating Facial Toner*

A gorgeous luxury Rose Otto-based toner which has just the most divine subtle rose fragrance. Ultra calming and soothing, it's brilliant for refreshing the skin morning and night. Repurchase? I'm using the Dafna's Active Mist at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this beauty again in the near future.

Sheffield Skincare Body Oil Lavender & Chamomile*

Lovely 100% natural body oil from an independent Sheffield-based company that I discovered in a beauty box. Great to use after an evening bath to help you relax and unwind. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Whitening Toothpaste* 

One of the go-to SLS-free whitening toothpaste that I've been using on and off for years now. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive teeth, contains fluoride, and does a good job of removing daily stains. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil* (reviewed here)

Although stretch marks will never go away, you can improve the texture and appearance of them with a daily targeted body oil and this one from Evolve Organic Beauty definitely helps. This Super Berry range smells amazing too - very sweet like candy! Repurchase? Definitely.

Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask* (reviewed here)

I've loved using this Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask whenever my skin has been feeling congested or on the verge of having a breakout. A brilliant multi-tasker that deeply cleanses, tightens and exfoliates all in one handy weekly facial treatment. Repurchase? I have a lot of face masks to use up at the moment first but it's certainly on my repurchase list.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara*

Despite the fact that I adore the Eyeko Black Magic Eyeliner, I'm not much of a fan of the matching mascara which I found quite clumpy and it dried it in the tube pretty fast after opening. Repurchase? No.

REN & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray*

This is one of my all-time favourite pillow sprays and it really does help! If you suffer from insomnia or sleep problems, I highly recommend using this. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate* 

My morning moisturiser for the past few months, Tropic's Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate is a bestseller for a reason as it provides lots of hydration without overloading the skin. Creates a lovely smooth base for makeup so you don't need to use an additional primer. Repurchase? I'm trying out a couple of different moisturisers at the moment, but like all my faves, I'll be back!

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant* 

A frequent player in my Empties posts, I've been using Weleda's deodorants for years and often come back to this lovely Wild Rose one. If you're a fan of florals and prefer a lighter, spray-on deodorant, this is the one for you. Repurchase? Already have.

Odacité BI+C Serum Concentrate*

Another skincare favourite for blemishes is Odacité's BI+C Serum Concentrate. A tiny amount goes a long, long way and it makes a huge difference to the size of blemishes after just the first use. Particularly useful for those angry 'under the skin' spots! Repurchase? Yes.

Odylique Mosimix Body Oil*

I've yet to find a product that completely keeps those damn mozzies away, but I can say this Mosimix Body Oil from Odylique seems to stop a few of them so it's handy to take with you if you're camping/hiking/doing outdoor activities this summer. Repurchase? I'll give it another go.

Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Hair Masque* (reviewed here)

Calling all of my fellow fine hair friends! I've used this particular hair masque countless times over the past few years and it's always the one I seem to keep returning to. If you have fine hair that's also dry, you need to try this as it gives your hair all the essential hydration it needs without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Firm & Replenish Body Serum* (reviewed here)

I seem to have used up a lot of body care recently, must be summer! I'm a huge fan of Aurelia's Firm & Replenish Body Serum as it helps to improve skin texture for a smoother appearance - great for using on any 'wobbly bits' to give you a confidence boost. Repurchase? Yes.

The Humble Co Dental Floss*

If you're joining in with Plastic Free July, make sure this is on your shopping list. Not only is the brand ethical in many ways (they donate dental products to people in need all over the world), but the packaging is completely plastic-free, yay! Repurchase? Definitely.

What have you used up recently?

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April Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

 

Can you believe it's the 1st May already?! It's time for another Empties round-up; a short but sweet little edit of everything I've managed to use up lately, plus some tips on how you can easily recycle your beauty empties.

Truthpaste Peppermint & Wintergreen*

After a disappointing experience of trying to use dental tabs instead of regular toothpaste recently, I decided to switch to this plastic-free Truthpaste instead which I discovered in a zero-waste beauty box. It has a thick, 100% natural, clay-based formula with added Aloe Vera, Neem, and Myrrh and I liked it a lot! It's super minty and refreshing to use first thing in the morning. Repurchase? I'd definitely buy this again, though I do tend to alternate toothpaste as this one doesn't contain any fluoride. 

The Ordinary Squalane Oil*

If your skin is playing up and feeling tight or dry, you can't beat a 100% pure Squalane Oil to help restore the moisture levels in your complexion. This one from The Ordinary is not only a great price, but it has UV protective tinted glass packaging and just seems to last a lot longer than some other brands that I've tried. Repurchase? Yes.

Crazy Rumors Black Cherry Lip Balm*

I love, love, love Crazy Rumors Lip Balms and this Black Cherry flavour is one of my favourites for sure - I must have gone through loads of these over the years! It's cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and very affordable. Repurchase? I don't need to as there was one in last month's LoveLula Beauty Box :D

Green People Forest & Fruit Cypress & Tangerine Shower Gel*

Lovely, fresh and uplifting scent with a good mix of piney Cypress and fruity Tangerine notes, I'm a big fan of this Green People Shower Gel. Perfect to use for morning showers to help put you in a great mood for the day! SLS-free and made with 83% certified organic ingredients. Repurchase? I have a lot of shower gels and body washes to use up at the moment, but I will come back to this at some point in the future I'm sure.

Tropic Smoothing Cleanser*

Last, but not least, I've finished up a favourite cleanser of mine from Tropic. This Smoothing Cleanser has a luxurious, cream texture and doubles up as a make-up remover to gently melt away all traces of makeup and impurities. As it's a cream cleanser, it doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped afterward and it's easy to follow up with the rest of your evening skincare routine. Repurchase? Yes.

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, lids and atomisers 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 at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2020: Tropic Skincare - Cruelty-Free & Vegan Beauty Gifts Under £30

 

'Tis the season for gorgeous cruelty-free and vegan beauty gifts, and with so many different gift sets and bundles on offer from Tropic Skincare this year, there's something to suit everyone's budget this Christmas. 

Tropic Skincare is one of my favourite British natural skincare brands and I was delighted to take part in their Christmas blogger event via Zoom a few weeks ago, where several of their new gifts were showcased by founder Susie Ma. As many of you may already know, everything from Tropic is certified cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, and they have a huge range of products to discover, including everything from haircare, skincare, body care, makeup, sun care and more!

Tropic also has a keen focus on sustainability and I was pleased to hear of both their current and future efforts to ensure that the brand is produced as sustainably as possible. One reflection of this is that all of their Christmas packaging is plastic-free and made from materials which can be easily recycled such as cardboard.

Here are three top gift picks from Tropic which are all under £30 to get you started with your shopping list:-

The Relaxing Gift: Tropic Joy Drum Unwind Me Set* (£28, link, pictured above)

It's been a stressful year, to say the least, so I can imagine that Tropic's Joy Drum Unwind Me Set will be a bestseller that's found under many Christmas trees later this month! This set contains everything that you need to gently soothe and relax your mind, so it's a great gift for those who struggle to sleep. There are three mini treats to enjoy; the So Sleepy Luxury Bath Foam (100ml), So Sleepy Whipped Body Velvet (50ml) and So Sleepy Temple Roll-On (10ml), plus a mini Bamboo Spatula to use with the body butter.

The Skincare Gift: Tropic Your Best Skin Bauble in Clear* (£28, link)

Give the gift of skin confidence with Tropic's range of Your Best Skin Baubles. There are three different baubles to choose from; Clear, Nourish and Glow so that you can find the right one for yourself or your recipient. With the season of indulgence in full swing during December, I often find that my skin gets congested quickly and has a tendency to break out so I was delighted to receive the Clear Bauble which is packed full of Tropic skincare minis that are formulated to keep pesky blemishes at bay. 

The set contains Clear Skies (18g), an exfoliating powder that you can add to your cleanser to gently buff away dull dead skin cells for a brighter and more oil-free complexion; Pure Lagoon (5ml), a blemish prevention serum, Super Greens (5ml), a nutrient boosting facial oil, Clear Skin (15ml), an amazing blemish-fighting, clay-based face mask (check out my review here), and a super soft Bamboo Face Cloth.

The Coffee Lover Gift (With A Twist!): Tropic Little Cracker Of Joy The Butterbalm Collection* (£24, link)

Many of us have had to miss out on lots of life's little luxuries this year, especially at the start of the first lockdown when nearly every shop was forced to close. For commuters and busy morning people, that little luxury may have been the daily indulgence of a takeaway coffee, so this gift is perfect for those people and also for anyone who wants to give their skin some extra TLC this Winter after a long year.

Packaged in a charming recyclable cracker, inside you'll discover The Butterbalm Collection; three mini glass pots of joy (25ml each) featuring a deliciously thick and buttery-balm treat in three different flavours; Almond Matcha Latte, Coffee Hazelnut Latte and White Chocolate Coconut Latte. These smell amazing and they are super hydrating on the skin - simply apply anywhere that needs some extra moisture - a little goes a long way with these Butterbalms! A mini Bamboo Spatula is also included for easy application.

Shop the full range of Tropic Skincare Christmas Gifts at tropicskincare.com

Will you be gifting any of these this year?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Another month has passed us by so it's time to have a recap of all the beauty products that I've used up recently - here are my November Empties!

Skin & Tonic Peppermint Lip Balm* (review) 

Lip balm season is well and truly here so no surprises to see I've finished off a longtime favourite of mine from Skin & Tonic. Their Peppermint Lip Balm is a lovely hydrating blend of just four natural and organic ingredients which help to keep chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? Yes.

Alima Pure Lip Tint in Petal (review)

If you want an easy to use, non-fussy tinted lip balm, Alima Pure's Lip Tints are a brilliant handbag staple. They're moisturising with a nice pop of colour. Petal is a very pretty soft-pink nude which is great for everyday wear. Repurchase? Yes.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion* (review)

I had an awful cold at the start of the month and immediately reached for this from MOA. Their Fortifying Green Bath Potion is a strong and herbal concoction with extracts of Peppermint and Fennel to help revive the sinuses. You definitely feel better after a bath with this! Repurchase? Already have :)

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Masque*

If you have a fussy dry scalp that's prone to dandruff, I can't recommend this Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Masque enough. It's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, and it's the most soothing treatment I've found for when my scalp feels sore and itchy. Works in just 10 minutes and leaves the rest of your hair feeling soft and moisturised. Repurchase? Definitely.

Mádara Plum Plum Lip Perfection Balm* (review)

Another lip balm empty, this time from Mádara. The Plum Plum Lip Perfection Balm is a gorgeous luxury lip balm with a sweet and natural fruity scent. Very hydrating, though you sometimes need to give the tube a hard squeeze if it's been caught out in the cold. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others first.

Rabot 1745 Liquid Chocolate Body Mask* (review)

Earlier in the year, I had the pleasure of working with Rabot 1745 on creating a 'Luxury Spa Experience At Home' and their Liquid Chocolate Body Mask was one of my favourite products from that campaign. It's as decadent and indulgent as it sounds and great fun to use, if a little messy! Repurchase? On my xmas list.

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum* (review)

It wouldn't be an Empties post without something from Antipodes being featured and my latest empty from them is the glorious Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum which I've used many times in the past. If you're looking for a water-based serum with anti-ageing properties, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

Hello My Bio Monoi Soap*

A beautiful artisan & organic French soap that I was kindly gifted by a dear friend during the first lockdown. I absolutely love anything that has Monoi in it (the scent is just heavenly) so I thoroughly enjoyed using this. Repurchase? If I can find it in the UK, I will.

Tropic Skincare Deep Hydration Cooling Mask* (review)

Regular readers will no doubt already know how much I love this Tropic Deep Hydrating Cooling Mask - this must be the third pot that I've gone through this year alone! I regularly double-mask with it, using it straight after a clay mask to put moisture back into the skin and it always works a treat. Repurchase? Definitely.

Màdara Infusion Blanc Supreme Hydration Body Lotion*

Although I really liked the calming fresh scent of this Màdara body lotion, I have to admit that I just didn't find it as hydrating as other body lotions of a similar price point. The overall texture is also a little annoying as it takes a while to sink into the skin when applied. Repurchase? No.

Organii Argan Shower Gel* (review)

You can't beat the affordable Organii Shower Gels when you're shopping for green beauty staples on a budget and their Argan scent is one of my faves. These are fantastic for anyone who has dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant* 

Another long time favourite, I've used so many of these over the years that I've lost count. If you like fresh and floral rose scents, you will love this light and alluring natural deodorant from Weleda. It's not a heavy-duty deo though so if you sweat a lot or run a lot of errands in the day, you'll probably need to layer it with something else. But for current WFH life, it's perfect! Repurchase? Already have.

NUXE Rêve De Miel Nourishing Body Scrub

Sadly, I'm wrapping up this Empties post with a disappointing product, but this NUXE Rêve De Miel Nourishing Body Scrub sample that I received in a recent beauty subscription box needed to be included so that no-one is tempted to purchase the full size! The scrubby bits are just so small and useless that they don't do the job, which is such a shame because I generally really like the Rêve De Miel range.

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, lids and atomisers 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 at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Currently Loving: Autumn Skincare Favourites from Evolve Organic Beauty, Tropic Skincare, Balade en Provence & NeuroSkinFeeds

 

A round-up of the new Autumn Skincare Favourites which I've been loving lately, from a range of brands such as Evolve Organic Beauty, Tropic Skincare, Balade en Provence and NeuroSkinFeeds.

The New Luxury Organic Hand Wash: Evolve Organic Beauty Pomegranate and Goji Berry Aromatic Wash* (250ml, £14, link)

Let's face it, washing your hands a million times a day is a boring but essential part of our daily lives, so why not treat yourself this new luxury Pomegranate and Goji Berry Aromatic Wash from Evolve Organic Beauty? Handmade by artisans in Evolve's very own eco-run studio, this vegan-friendly and cruelty-free hand wash is bursting full of fresh and uplifting fruity notes such as Pomegranate, Peach, Pear, Raspberry and mixed Citrus Fruits. 

The gentle SLS-free formula is enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and there's even added Quinoa extract to help lock-in moisture which is great if your hands are feeling a bit rough and dry at the moment. It's the kind of hand wash that you'll actually look forward to using, and it's currently on offer on the Evolve website for £11.90 so now's the perfect time to try it for yourselves. 

The Extra TLC Eye Serum: Tropic Skincare Eye Work Rejuvenating Serum* (10ml, £28, link)

2020 has been a tough year for most of us, and if you've looked in the mirror lately and felt like you've aged an extra 10 years, fret not because help for your tired peepers is on hand. Tropic Skincare's Eye Work Rejuvenating Serum is an innovative formula which targets all of those bothersome concerns we have about our eyes looking older than our actual age. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, combat puffiness and also helps to lighten up age-related pigmentation so it's pretty much a superstar product to have in your anti-ageing skincare routine. 

Packed with brightening Vitamin C, firming Hibiscus Peptides and de-puffing Coffee Cherry extract, this clever vegan and cruelty-free serum is packaged in an elegant twist-up tube, which has a ceramic tip that feels oh-so-soothing when you gently massage it around the eye area first thing in the morning.

The New Zero Waste Night Moisturiser: Balade en Provence Solid Night Cream* (40g, £12.50, link)

You regularly use bars of soap and you've switched over to shampoo bars too, but did you know that there's now a brand new night cream that comes in a solid bar format? Introducing Balade en Provence Solid Night Cream, this entirely plastic-free creation is handmade by French artisans and is certified vegan, organic and cruelty-free. It's also palm-oil free, plus the card box that it's packaged in is fully compostable and printed with biodegradable vegetable ink, making it a serious win-win for the planet! 

Even better, the Solid Night Cream bar is composed of just four natural ingredients; Cacao Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil and Carnauba Wax, which results in an ultra-nourishing, hydrating and soothing moisturiser for your skin. To use it, simply warm the bar in your hands so that it melts and creates a balm texture that you can smooth onto the face - it's amazing to use for an evening facial massage as well. 100% natural and fragrance-free, I recommend it for dry and sensitive skin types.

The Multi-Functional Face Oil: NSF (NeuroSkinFeeds) The MicroOil* (50ml, £49, link)

Multi-functional skincare that boasts benefits for your skin and your mind are becoming more and more popular these days and one of my recent discoveries has been the wonderful NSF The MicroOil from NeuroSkinFeeds. On the one hand, this facial oil is rich in plant-based antioxidants and fatty acids with high levels coming from Squalene Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Camelina Sativa Seed Oil which are also high in Vitamin E, essential for healthy skin maintenance. These oils work hard to calm irritation and redness, boost elasticity and firmness, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, support the skin's natural barrier and maintain moisture levels for a softer and more hydrated complexion.

On the other hand, these plant oils also double up to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing thanks to their Omega 3 rich levels and the natural properties of Tryptophan, an important precursor for Serotonin AKA the 'happy' hormone'. Given the stress of this year, I'll use as much as possible!

Have you discovered any new skincare products this Autumn?

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August & September Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Regular readers will have noticed that I didn't publish an Empties post last month, and that's because I only had three empty products in my bathroom basket, but fret not, here's a full August & September empties round up to enjoy!

Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood 360 Serum* (review) 

A beautiful light-weight serum that hydrates, plumps up and brightens the skin. I always enjoy using this in the evenings and it works well under all of my face oils and moisturisers. Repurchase? Yes, I've repurchased this before and will continue to do so. 

Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask* (review)

I discovered this luxury natural mask during lockdown earlier this year, and it's been a real saviour for fighting off blemishes and keeping breakouts and 'maskne' at bay. Gets rid of spots fast but doesn't dry out the skin. Repurchase? I have some similar clay masks to use up first, though I'm sure I'll treat myself to this again in the near future.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* (link)

In pre-Covid times, I would usually layer this on top of another natural deodorant to double up the strength, but with working from home now a regular occurrence and socialising off the cards for most of us, a quick spritz of this natural deodorant is all I need to feel fresh these days! Repurchase? Yes.

OSKIA Renaissance Mask (travel size)

Oh, how I love this mask and I was so pleased to find it in a GWP goody bag leftover from Xmas. It's one of the best that I've ever tried for brightening and smoothing a dull and lacklustre complexion and gives instant glowing results after just one use thanks to a powerful blend of Fruit Acids and prebiotics. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment sadly but I'll definitely pick it up the next time I see it on offer.

Tropic Clear Skin Mask* (review)

You can tell I've had a lot of time on my hands to do some serious pampering this year can't you?! This is another fantastic face mask for zapping blemishes and clearing up 'maskne'. You can see what it looks like on in my review post here. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other masks.

Typology Pamplemousse Petitgrain & Cèdre Vétiver Fragrances* (review)

One of my favourite brand discoveries for 2020 has been the luxury French natural brand Typology, and I absolutely adore their fragrances. These two samples are from one of their Perfume Discovery Sets and I loved them both. Repurchase? Tempted!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (travel size)

Like many people, I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup recently, but I did manage to use up a mini of the incredible DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which is still one of my favourite make-up removers. It takes off everything, including waterproof formulas. Repurchase? Yes.

A'kin Cleansing Micellar Water* (review)

Perfect for all those lazy days at home (and there's been so many of them...), I've been using this micellar water as a quick and easy cleanse in the mornings. Very light and refreshing. Repurchase? Yes.

Ogario Restore And Shine Hair Masque* (review)

A long time favourite of mine, this magical hair mask has been a staple in my bathroom for the last few years and I never tire of slathering it on when my hair needs some serious hydration. It gets to work in just 10 minutes and always leaves my hair so smooth and shiny afterwards. Repurchase? Already have!

All Naturals Handmade Soap in Spectacular Jasmine* (review)

Finishing up this round-up with another long time fave of mine, I've been buying these All Naturals Soaps for 2-3 years now and Spectacular Jasmine is such a gorgeous scent, I can't get enough of it. Repurchase? My sister kindly sent me some earlier in the year so I'm all stocked up for now.

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, lids and atomisers 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 at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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