The Best Cruelty Free Cleanser For Sensitive Skin: REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk review #WinterSkincare

 

Whether you find that your skin feels more sensitive during the Winter months, or if you simply live with sensitive skin all-year-round, REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is hands down the best cleanser I have tried (and I've tried a LOT!).

Sensitive skin is not fun, especially if you're a blogger or someone who absolutely loves skincare. Whenever my skin is suffering from an eczema or seborrheic dermatitis flare-up, I get the most insanely itchy red patches all over my face, neck, chest, arms - it can be everywhere. Along with the constant desire to want to scratch your skin off, there's a tight dryness that also occurs with it and this is certainly exacerbated in colder weather thanks to indoor central heating and cold dry air conditions outside.

Thankfully, there is always one cleanser that I turn to when my skin is throwing a tantrum and being difficult to treat; the amazing REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk.

Why REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Is The Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

I have used this cleanser on and off for around five years now and I always have one in my skincare stash. My sensitive skin is mainly triggered by seasonal changes, allergies, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis and often my skin will be in a 'difficult' phase for anything from a week to three months at a time; it varies so much.

I love REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk because it's ultra-gentle, yet still effective enough to thoroughly cleanse my skin and remove all traces of daily dirt and impurities. There are three key plant-based actives at play here; Seabuckthorn Berry Oil which is rich in Omega 7 and helps to soften the skin without overloading it with too much moisture. Secondly, there's Blackcurrant Seed Oil with high levels of natural Omega 3 that soothes away any redness and irritation, and thirdly, Fennel Seed Extract which adds another extra layer of protection for the skin's barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution (a common trigger for sensitive skin). 

The creamy formula of the cleansing milk is just the right texture to easily rub into dry skin without dragging or pulling, and it rinses just as easily off with a wet flannel. My skin is left clean, redness and irritation is gone or vastly reduced, and I can get on with my day. Please never stop making it REN!

REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk* (150ml, £22, link)

Do you have any sensitive skincare favourites?

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A Natural & Cruelty Free Alternative To Vaseline: Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatment Will Rescue Dry Lips (And More) This Winter

It's time to step away from those ubiquitous tins of greasy petroleum, and instead, make a more sustainable and natural swap to Beauty Kitchen's wonderful Natruline Lip Treatments.

With temperatures plummeting across the UK and snow on its way, you may be noticing that your skin is feeling drier than usual and needs a little more TLC. Lips especially are at risk of cracking and chapping throughout Winter, but it's easy to keep them happily moisturised thanks to Beauty Kitchen.

Although not a new product, Beauty Kitchen's Nattruline Lip Treatments are new-to-me and they caught my eye in the recent Holland and Barrett sale where I immediately added two to my basket. 

I know what you're thinking; these look uncannily like a certain non-natural brand that has been pushing cheap and nasty mineral oil products onto consumers for over a century, and I doubt that the striking resemblance is a *wink wink* coincidence (well played there Beauty Kitchen!). 

The differences, however, are numerous as Beauty Kitchen is a British brand with all of its products being made here in the UK. They are cruelty-free and pride themselves on their innovative formulas which are created from natural and sustainable ingredients. On top of all that, Beauty Kitchen is a certified B Corporation that is widely seen as one of the highest accreditations when it comes to businesses that adhere to strict social, ethical, and environmental standards of performance, accountability, and transparency.  

So back to this natural and cruelty-free Vaseline dupe. Is it as good? No. It's better!

The problem with petroleum/mineral oil is that it doesn't properly moisturise the skin - it just sits on top and long-term use of it can actually make your skin worse by becoming more sensitive and dry. 

I love the Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatments because they look and feel like Vaseline, but thanks to their all-natural ingredients, they actually hydrate, soothe and help to protect dry skin. And just like Vaseline, you can use these in exactly the same ways, so apply to lips, cuticles, dry elbows etc.

A note on the ingredients; the original Natruline (blue tin) contains two types of Castor Oil, Carnauba Wax, and Beeswax, whilst the vegan version (green tin) contains all of the above minus the beeswax. Testing them out side by side, I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference between the pair!

Beauty Kitchen Natruline Lip Treatments* (20g, £2.99 each, link)

Is your skin struggling this Winter?

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Organic Beauty Favourites from Green People - Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum, Apple Complex Moisturiser + Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask review

Green People have been one of my favourite organic skincare brands for a long time, so I'm always excited to try out their new releases. Their ethical credentials and commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable organic lifestyle is most admirable, and if you haven't tried anything from Green People before, I hope you will add them to your shopping list ASAP!

It's taken me a little longer than expected to properly test out the following products due to the lockdown situations that we've found ourselves in here in England, but better late than never right?! Thankfully, I had the opportunity to put this trio through their paces over the Christmas holidays so here are my thoughts on them.

Green People Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum* (28ml, £27, link)

The new Nordic Roots range from Green People is based around GP's founder Charlotte Vøhtz's Danish upbringing and encompasses elements from her Nordic heritage by using natural, plant-based active ingredients that are found across Scandinavia. The range is also scent-free and gender-neutral so that it simply delivers pure, clean and functional skincare that works.

Regular readers will know that I'm a huge fan of any skincare that contains the wonder ingredient which is Hyaluronic Acid, and one of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine, is by adding in one of these clever serums. I really love this Hyaluronic Booster Serum which is amazing for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin types. Nordic actives in this formula include Sugar Beets (rich in hydrating amino acids), Hop Flowers (to smooth uneven skin tone and target any age spots and hyperpigmentation), and of course, Hyaluronic Acid (for deep moisturisation that also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). 

A few drops per application is all you need to begin to see the benefits of softer, more moisturised and plumped up skin. Apply morning or night after cleansing and before your regular moisturiser or face oil, to sandwich in all that hydrating goodness.

Green People Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser* (50ml, £25, link)

Although my skin is typically oily/combination, I find that it suffers a lot from dehydration during the winter months due to the cold weather and indoor heating. It can often feel tight and dry as a result, so I like to step up my skincare game by using a much more hydrating moisturiser at this time of the year. 

To complement the Hyaluronic Booster Serum, I was curious to try out the Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser and can confirm that the two work exceptionally well together. This moisturiser uses a combination of natural active ingredients such as Sugar Beets, Apple Cellular Water and Oat Kernel extract to calm and soothe any redness/irritation, deliver essential moisture and boost the skin's elasticity. The handly inbuilt pump makes it quick and easy to apply, and the cream formula sinks right in like a big drink for thirsty skin! It's like a 'winter coat' essential to protect the skin's natural barrier against the cold elements.

Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask* (50ml, £21, link)

Those of you who follow me on Instagram will no doubt have seen this Face Mask debuted on my IG stories and it's been so useful for combatting the tell-tale signs of all that post-Christmas food indulgence! 

Green People's Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask is one of those incredible facial treatments that you expect to see on the skincare menu at an expensive spa. Key ingredients include Activated Charcoal (which gives it that rich black colour), Bentonite Clay and Alpine Willow, and these work together to draw out a range of toxins from the skin, including bacteria, oil, daily dirt and environmental pollutants, whilst also balancing sebum production and refining the skin's texture. Alpine Willow, in particular, has additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties to further benefit the complexion.

To use, simply apply an even layer to a freshly cleansed face and leave on for around 15-20 minutes, avoiding the eye area. As it's clay-based, it does set and can feel tight if you leave it on too long so make sure you set a timer and rinse off thoroughly with plenty of warm water afterwards. I generally only leave it on for 10-15 minutes at most as I feel that's enough for my skin, and then I'll always follow up with a good hydrating serum and moisturiser to complete the routine. I highly recommend this mask for clearing stubborn blackheads and congested areas, and don't forget, if you have combination skin, you can just apply this onto specific areas like your T-zone - it doesn't always need to be applied all over the face!

Fun eco fact: Green People use the husks of Coconut Shells (a common by-product of coconut-based beauty products that are usually thrown away) to create the Activated Charcoal in this mask. Pretty clever and resourceful, huh? 

Have you tried anything from Green People?

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Winter Skincare: Natura Siberica SOS Soothing Night Face Mask + Anti-Fatigue Eye Patch-Effect Mask review

Baby, it's cold outside! Whether it's currently snowing where you are, or an icy forecast is on its way to you soon, it's time to reach for those Winter Skincare staples to protect your skin against the freezing temperatures. Here are two mask-style treatments from Natura Siberica to add to your skincare routine this month.

When it comes to cold weather, it's always best to look towards those countries which handle it far better than we do here in the UK! So it's no surprise to learn that my inbox has been inundated with skincare brands that are based in the chilly Nordic countries as well as further east across the icy expanses of Siberia and beyond.

Focusing on the latter, I particularly love an affordable brand called Natura Siberica who ethically work with local tribes across Siberia to wild-harvest the most potent natural and organic ingredients for their products. These adaptogenic herbs and plants contain extraordinary antioxidant properties which help them to survive the freezing temperatures and harsh conditions of Siberia, and in turn, these offer many benefits to the skin to protect it from the same elements.

I've been trialling the following two mask treatments from Natura Siberica since December, and with the recent snowfall across England, it's been the perfect time to put them to the test!

Natura Siberica SOS Soothing Night Face Mask* (50ml, £10.49, link)

An award-winning face mask which was recently shortlisted in the ASOS 2020 Beauty Awards, Natura Siberica's SOS Soothing Night Face Mask is an overnight leave-on treatment mask that you can use once or twice a week whenever your skin is feeling dry, tight, stressed or sensitive. Simply apply to cleansed skin like a normal moisturiser and let it do its magic as you sleep! Key ingredients include everyone's favourite skin hydrator Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Vitamin E, Organic Siberian Pine Oil, Organic Rhodiola and Rose Hydrolate to quickly bring back life to tired, lacklustre complexions. Come the morning, my skin feels as soft as a baby's bum and I've noticed that I need to use far less face oil and moisturiser on the other days of the week following just one treatment with this.

Natura Siberica Anti-Fatigue Eye Patch-Effect Mask* (50ml, £11.49, link)

Give your eyes some TLC this winter with this ingenious Anti-Fatigue Eye Patch-Effect Mask. As the name suggests, this product works in a similar manner to those popular single-use undereye patches that you see all the time on Instagram, but without the plastic waste - win-win! Perfect for sensitive skin, it features many of the same hardworking plant-based actives as the SOS Soothing Night Face Mask, but in a lighter, gel-like texture instead. To use it, just apply a small amount in a thin layer under the eyes and leave on for 10-15 minutes, before gently wiping away with a warm flannel/cotton muslin cloth. It's great for reducing puffiness and relieving tired eyes so they feel soothed and more comfortable. I love it!

Have you tried anything from Natura Siberica?

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February Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time again, Empties time! Here's what I've used up beauty-wise recently, my overall thoughts and which ones I'll be repurchasing again.

Mádara Cloudberry Oat Milk Hand & Body Soap*

My hands get horribly dry during the winter months so this rich and creamy Cloudberry Oat Milk Soap from Mádara has been a little saviour! It's gentle enough to use in the bath or shower all over your body, or as a simple hand soap which is how I used this one up. Repurchase? Yes.

Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Energy Cleanse* (reviewed here)

A gorgeous luxury body wash with a creamy, hydrating texture and a beautifully uplifting and regenerating natural scent. Perfect for cold and miserable mornings when you need a boost. Repurchase? On my wishlist.  

Dr Bronners 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure Castille Soap

I've used Dr Bronners consistently for years now and always have a bottle in my stash especially for cleaning my makeup brushes (you can read one of my very old blog posts on this here!). Repurchase? Already have.

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Plumping Serum* (reviewed here)

Hydrating serums really do work well during winter to keep your moisture levels topped up and this one from Antipodes is a long-time favourite of mine. It's oil-free, suitable for all skin types and does an amazing job of protecting your skin against the harsh weather. Repurchase? Yes.

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Intense Moisturising Ointment* (reviewed here)

Another long-time skincare fave that I always like to have in winter is this little pot of magic from Pure Potions. I first featured it in my recommended cold weather products for eczema and dry skin post here a few years ago, and it's still one of the best that I've tried. Apply it anywhere and everywhere! Repurchase? Yes.

Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream* (reviewed here)

Similar to the product above, I've also used this several times in the past but I'm not sure if they've changed the formula as I found this pot to be much stickier and greasier in texture than I previously remembered? It still worked well but I definitely prefer the Pure Potions cream a lot more. Repurchase? Unlikely.

Bodhi & Birch Jasmin de Luna & Rosa Verde Bath & Shower Oils* (minis)

No surprise here that I've used up a few bath products as it's been so cold recently! These two bath oils from Bodhi & Birch are just so luxurious and incredible, I can't recommend them enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Citrus Body Wash & Wild Rose Body Oil* (minis)

My last two empties are both minis from Weleda and again, they are gorgeous products that you can't go wrong with. These travel sizes are perfect for weekends away and holidays. 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 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, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Winter Skincare: Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten - Skin Renew Cleansing Oil, Dark Circles Eye Cream & Booster review

Looking for an affordable way to give your Winter Skincare routine a boost? Check out these Vitamin C infused helpers from Super Facialist and banish dull complexions for good!

I don't need to tell any fellow Brits this, but the lack of light that the Northern Hemisphere gets during the winter months can give everything a greyish tinge, including your skin, so you're certainly not alone if you've been feeling that your complexion looks a bit more lacklustre than usual recently.

The good news though is that there's an abundance of Vitamin C infused skincare on the market which can help to brighten and rejuvenate your skin, and when you see the affordable prices from Super Facialist below, these products will brighten your bank balance as well!

I've been testing out the following from Super Facialist's incredibly popular Vitamin C+ Brighten range over the past month, to see what all the hype is about.

Side note: Super Facialist is a cruelty-free brand and although the formulas aren't as natural as some other brands that I feature on here, everything is free from parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum and synthetic colours. 

 Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil* (100ml, £5.50, link)

I love using cleansing oils for removing daily grime and make-up after the end of a long day, so when I saw this award-winning one, I knew I had to try it! Featuring nourishing ingredients such as Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil and that all-important brightening Vitamin C, Super Facialist's Skin Renew Cleansing Oil has a gorgeous silky texture which transforms into a milky cleanser when water is added to it.

This SLS and alcohol-free Cleansing Oil did an excellent job of removing all traces of impurities and make-up, including long-lasting liquid foundation, though it's important to note that this shouldn't be used to remove eye makeup such as mascara (I'd recommend using a separate micellar water for that job and then going in with this afterwards to use over the rest of your face). My skin felt soft, hydrated and thoroughly clean after rinsing with a flannel and I love the fresh citrusy scent. Available in two sizes, the handy 100ml bottle pictured above is great for travelling with and a good way to try it before purchasing the larger 200ml bottle.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Dark Circles Eye Cream* (15ml, £14, link)

As someone who has hereditary dark circles, there's little that you can do to change them as it's all down to winning the genetics lottery, unfortunately, but some targeted brightening eye creams can make them look a little less severe which is how I would describe Super Facialist's offering. 

This fragrance-free Eye Cream has Vitamin C, Caffeine, a Peptide complex and 'light diffusers' to help brighten up the undereye area, but after using it morning and night for four weeks, I can only say that I've noticed a slight difference. That said, it's great for smoothing out fine lines and provides a good base for applying concealer, so if you're looking for an affordable eye cream that does those, definitely try it. Just don't expect any miracles on the dark circles front.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Booster* (15ml, £18, link)

One of the newest releases from Super Facialist is their Vitamin C+ Brighten Booster, a supercharged serum that combines 1% Vitamin C, a naturally derived pro-collagen Vitamin C active and Allantoin, which all work together to deliver some serious glow to dull skin.

The fragrance-free and vegan-friendly formula has been designed to 'boost' your day or night moisturiser (from any brand), by simply adding 2-3 drops directly to the cream and then applying it as usual. This is a particularly useful product for any skincare fan who is on a budget, or for anyone to use during the darker Winter months to give their complexion a brightening helping hand.

I've really enjoyed using this and have tested it out with a couple of different moisturisers, all of which the Booster has worked and blended well with. A little goes a long way and you should see a noticeable difference within a fortnight of applying it on a daily basis.

Shop the full Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten range at your nearest Boots store or online at superfacialist.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Super Facialist?

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New In Beauty: Tropic Glow Berry Brightening Serum and Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum review

As the mercury begins its annual descent into those freezing cold temperatures, Tropic have come to the rescue with two brand new serums which are going to be your winter skin saviours this year - yay!

Regular readers will already know that I'm a huge fan of the British natural luxury skincare brand, Tropic, and with their strong cruelty-free and vegan-friendly ethics (both of which are proudly certified on their products), I'm always delighted to share news of their latest products. 

Their newest skincare innovation comes in the shape of two very exciting facial serums which address two of the most common complaints of winter skin - dullness and dryness. I've been testing them out for the past month, so I wanted to share some of my thoughts on them if you're looking for some new serums to invest in this Winter.

Tropic Glow Berry Brightening Serum* (30ml, £42, link)

Glow Berry isn't just a beautiful looking bottle that will instantly brighten up your Insta-worthy shelfie pics, it'll help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone too! The clinically-proven serum boasts an interesting formula which was developed when Tropic founder Susie Ma came back from a six-week charity expedition and noticed that sun spots had appeared on her face. 

Featuring a highly effective blend that contains 10% advanced and encapsulated Vitamin C, 1% Tranexamic Acid, Australian Superberries and Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract, Glow Berry is packed full of hard-working antioxidants which boost collagen production, prevent free radical damage (which leads to those visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles), reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promotes an overall more radiant complexion.

This serum has a lovely lightweight texture that's easily absorbed and like products of this nature, you only need to use 2-3 drops so the bottle will last you a long time. I've been using Glow Berry in the evening as part of my skincare routine and after a couple of weeks of continual use, I can definitely say that I've seen an improvement - my skin looks a lot healthier and less dull so it's something that I'll certainly be continuing to use. P.S: Once opened, you need to store it in the fridge to keep the active ingredients potent.

Tropic Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum* (30ml, £42, link)

Most skin types will benefit from some extra hydration during the colder winter months, and if your skin is usually dry all year round anyway, you'll definitely want to boost your routine with a good quality hydrating serum.

Inspired by Korean beauty's 'glass skin' trend which is rooted in hydration being the key to having an amazing complexion, Tropic's Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum helps your skin to bounce back thanks to a clever cocktail of Hyaluronic Acid, advanced Plant Peptides, and extracts such as Matcha Tea and Evergreen Fern. These ingredients have all been carefully chosen to boost elasticity, encourage cellular renewal, reduce redness and inflammation, and of course, keep the skin moisturised for longer.

The result is a serum which can be used by all skin types (especially dry and dehydrated) that delivers long-lasting hydration so that your skin feels smooth, plump and more comfortable throughout the day and night. It has a lovely soothing sensation when you massage it in and although it's excellent at its key task of hydrating, it doesn't feel heavy or sticky like a thick cream, instead, it absorbs so quickly that it feels virtually weightless - wonderful!

What's on your Winter Skincare wishlist?

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DIY Beauty: Trying Out Abigail James' Berry Beauty Recipes For Dry Winter Skin & Hair #LoveFreshBerries

As much as I enjoy trialling new beauty products, I find it just as fun to whip up some DIY beauty recipes in my kitchen! I wanted to share some super easy ones that you can try out yourself at home, using a variety of fresh berries and all-natural ingredients that you may already have in your fridge or cupboard.  

I love eating all types of berries; strawberries are a definite favourite of mine, but I enjoy all the others too, especially blueberries and raspberries! Not only are they ridiculously good for you, low in fat and packed full of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, but you can also use them to make your own natural skincare and hair care products which is handy if you're on a budget!

The three beauty recipes below have been created by the celebrity-facialist and skincare guru, Abigail James, and they use a mix of different fresh berries as the star ingredients so that both your skin and hair can reap their benefits. These are perfect for brightening up a dry or dull Winter complexion, and there's a hair mask recipe as well which is ideal for lacklustre hair. 

All of these recipes are made from 100% natural ingredients, so let's get stuck in!

 Mixed Berries Ultimate Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 2 small Strawberries 
• 4 Blackberries 
• 8 Blueberries 
• 7 Raspberries
• 2 heaped tablespoon Oats 
• 1 teaspoon of Honey 
• 1 large tablespoon Yoghurt 
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil 
• 1 teaspoon Ground Almonds (optional) 

Method:

Place all the ingredients into a smoothie maker and blend for 20 to 30 seconds until everything is thoroughly mixed. Apply with your hands and gently massage over the face and neck, to work the mask into the skin and activate the exfoliating properties, avoiding the eye area. Leave on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove with a warm damp flannel or cloth.

Why It's Good For Your Skin:

This mask has an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals from all of the berries, and it's notably high in Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium and Vitamins A, C and K, the latter of which helps to support healthy blood vessels. Strawberries have natural AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) that exfoliate and brighten the skin to give it a real glowing boost! The other ingredients add their own benefits as well; Honey has incredible anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and healing properties for the skin, Coconut Oil is packed full of Vitamin E and acts as a natural hydrator, and the Oats gives the mask an extra gentle exfoliating action for even smoother skin.

Results:

Although it was a little messy to apply, the results were certainly worth it and I was really surprised by how well it worked! I left it on for the full 10 minutes and experienced a little tingling sensation due to the fruit acids but after rinsing, my skin felt silky smooth and looked noticeably brighter like I'd had a full night's sleep which is brilliant. I'd definitely make this again when my skin needs another all-natural, quick fix, radiance boost!

 Balancing and Brightening Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 15 Blueberries
• 8 Blackberries
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 large teaspoon Honey
• 1 Green Tea bag
• 1 tablespoon Natural Yoghurt

Method:

Boil the kettle and steep your Green Tea bag (White Tea is also an option) and place all the other ingredients into a blender. Remove the teabag, cut it open and add the tea leaves to the blender. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds. This mask is a little runny in texture so you might want to apply it with an artist's paintbrush. Apply one layer evenly over the face, then a second and possibly a third if required. Leave to dry on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes and then dampen your face with a warm flannel or cloth before removing. Finish with a tiny amount of Almond Oil, or your normal facial serum or moisturiser.

Why It's Good For Your Skin

Both Blueberries and Blackberries are little powerhouses of nutrients which makes this mask particularly beneficial for blemish-prone skin. Blueberries contain Salicylates (the salt aspect of Salicylic acid), a widely used antibacterial ingredient found in many skincare products to target spots, large pores, acne and general breakouts, whereas Blackberries are high in Vitamin A which is an essential vitamin when treating breakouts. The high water content of the berries also adds hydration to the skin without contributing extra oil, and their amazing blend of minerals (especially Zinc) are great for problem skin. As mentioned above, Honey has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, whilst Cinnamon also has its own antibacterial and soothing benefits. Green Tea is included as it's very high in antioxidants and soothing properties and Natural yogurt is used to help restore the skin's flora and acid-alkaline levels.

Results
This mask was a lot runnier than I expected but I followed Abigail's advice and used a paintbrush to apply it which made it much easier to handle. As I applied the layers, the mask tightened as it dried which felt really satisfying and then I removed it with a warm face cloth. Looking in the mirror, my complexion did look more glowy and brighter overall and as my skin type is combination that's prone to breakouts, I think this would be a useful natural treatment for me to incorporate into my routine.

Hair Restoring Strawberry Mask

Ingredients:

• 3 Strawberries
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 Egg White
• 1 sprig of Rosemary or 4 drops of Rosemary/Lavender Essential Oil 

Method:

Blend all the ingredients together thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds. This can be a little messy to apply so best done in the bathroom over the sink. Apply to dry hair; start in the middle of your hair at the root and apply small amounts down the parting. Massage in, then separate the hair and continue to apply all over the scalp, massaging in each time. Then apply whatever is left to the lengths of your hair. Give the scalp a good massage, pile your hair on top of your head and leave on for 20 minutes. Thoroughly rinse off then wash with your normal shampoo and a very small amount of conditioner.

Why It's Good For Your Hair

Strawberries are very high in Vitamin C which supports healthy circulation as it boosts Iron absorption, and they also contain natural Silica for healthy and stronger hair growth. Olive Oil is included to deeply nourish and the proteins in the Egg White help to support the scalp and prevents any excess oiliness. To further boost this natural tonic treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar gives the hair a beautiful glossy finish, while Honey strengthens the hair follicle and Rosemary stimulates blood flow for a healthy scalp.

Results

You definitely need to apply this hair tonic mask over a sink as Abigail recommends because it is quite liquidy and I enlisted the help of my sister to cover the back of my head for me as I found this part a little tricky. Once massaged in though, I could feel a slight tingling like the mask was 'working'  and after rinsing it out, my hair had a gorgeous glossy sheen to it which was impressive! My scalp also felt really good, almost like it had been thoroughly cleansed, so I'd recommend this to anyone who has a dry or itchy scalp like mine.

Give these DIY Berry Beauty Recipes a try and let me know what you think!

[This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Love Fresh Berries]

Do you enjoy DIY Beauty?

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New In Beauty: Lavera Brilliant Care Lipsticks - Review & Swatches

If your lips are anything like mine, they're probably feeling very dry and chapped at this time of the year, but not to worry - these brand new Brilliant Care Lipsticks from Lavera are here to help!

You may already know of Lavera for their amazing green beauty body and skincare products that are also very affordable, but their makeup range is definitely not to be missed, and I'm so pleased that they've released these new lipsticks. 

Formulated with a nourishing, anti-ageing green Q10 Complex and an array of natural and organic plant-based waxes and oils, the new Brilliant Care Lipsticks have quickly become a handbag staple of mine. With ingredients such as Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Candelilla Wax, Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Olive Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter, these lippies have been helping to soothe my dry lips, whilst also adding a gorgeous wash of colour to them at the same time.

Packaged in chic metallic silver tubes, Lavera's Brilliant Care Lipsticks are currently available in four different shades and with each one offering sheer to buildable colour with a subtle glossy sheen, you'll be hard pressed not to want to buy them all!

I have the two most neutral/everyday shades to show you; Light Hazel and Oriental Rose.

 Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Light Hazel* (1.7g, £12.90, link)

Light Hazel is an easy to wear, nude neutral colour that leans a little pinkish on me. Like most nudes, it looks great with a smokey eye and has enough warmth in it to suit a range of different skin tones. 

Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Oriental Rose* (1.7g, £12.90, link)

If you're searching for a moisturising lipstick that's one level up from a tinted lip balm and offers a beautiful 'my lips but better' look, Oriental Rose is the shade for you. I absolutely love this as it's a fraction darker than my natural lip colour and makes me feel instantly more polished and professional whenever I wear it.

Swatches from L-R: Lavera Brilliant Care Lipstick in Oriental Rose and Light Hazel

Shop the full range at pravera.co.uk

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