christmas

1 December 2020

Winners announced in inaugural Free From Gift Awards
(products received for judging purposes) 

I sat down one weekend during lockdown to participate in a judging session for The Free From Gift Awards. This award was launched from the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards. It's always a pleasure to discover 'new to me' skincare brands and what better to way than with a gift set. The aim was to celebrate the best beauty gift sets, skincare trial packs and cosmetic stocking fillers from brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

In our launch year we had no idea what to expect from our entrants, but the variety of gifts and sets was extraordinary,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “Choosing a winner from all the entries — from pretty soap sets and magical oil duos, to eco-friendly pampering gifts and vegan make-up collections — was tough, but for the effect it had on our tester, as well as the admiration it inspired in our judges, No Secrets deserved the overall top prize!

No Secrets won Best Overall Free From Skincare Gift for their Home Spa, which contains a large jar of body jelly, two mini bath jellies, a soy wax votive candle, with matches, plus extra samples — all lovingly packaged in a classic white box and peach ribbon.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all categories can be viewed at freefromskincareawards.co.uk. You'll probably spot some familiar names - Lyonsleaf, Kiss the Moon, Conscious Skincare, Jane Iredale and Lucky Cloud Skincare. I've also discovered The English Mineral Make Up Company, Seilich, Moksa, Londe Botanics, Millie's Organics and Opala Botanicals.

If you are stuck for Christmas Gift ideas then definitely check out the winners as I'm sure you will find inspiration for a range of budgets.

Sarah x

7 November 2020

Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for 2020 featuring Natural Skincare, Jewellery, Toys and Vegan Chocolate
(includes PAID placement/gifted Ombar chocolate)

As we go into another lockdown I think many of us will be shopping Christmas presents online and I would encourage you to support local independent businesses. There are so many wonderful eco-friendly sellers out there that it becomes impossible to feature them all. I've put together a small selection of brands offering beautiful handcrafted gifts which I am sure many of you will love and cherish.

Beth the founder of Bao handcrafts natural skincare in Dorset. When visiting the website make sure you select the 'Christmas' tab to discover a beautiful collection of gift boxed products. I am sure you will find something to suit your budget. I can recommend the Brightening Hand Wash and Cream, this certainly has been a tough year on our hands so I sure this combination would be a winner for your loved ones.

This year the gift of hand sanitiser might be the perfect present for some. If you know of anyone experiencing eczema or they're prone to dry skin then Balmonds is brand I recommend. 

Delicious biscuits which are handmade in a variety of themes, available as selection sets, individual cookie cards, letterbox sets and suitable for Vegans

A beautifully curated website which supports artisans, they incorporate the principles of fair trade to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. Harfi has a collection of unique handcrafted quality products which include jewellery, towels, accessories and homeware. Using the 'Gift' tab you can filter according to your budget. The Sylvia Ring and Earrings are eye catching, ethically handmade jewellery with azurite gemstones.

A lovely business based in Hampshire making handmade skincare to include soaps, lotions, soaks and gift sets. Love to b Skincare is now stocked in some of the South West’s finest spas, hotels and boutiques. 

Discover Nourish London’s natural, organic, vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free Seasonal Gift Sets powered by plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and our planet. The Antioxidant Duo Gift Set is a vegan and organic stocking filler to hydrate and replenish the skin. It contains Nourish London’s Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), encased in an organic and handmade toiletry bag from Freeset.

When you have allergies, it's no fun watching everyone tuck into the Quality Street so make sure you don't forget dietary needs this Christmas. Ombar chocolate is vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugar (not recommended for nut allergies). 

Seekology
An independent beauty and wellbeing with a wide selection of products. On the site click "trending" and select the Christmas Gift Sets option, here you will find curated gift sets. I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and would select the Candlelight Glow Collection which contains Radiant Glow Mask and Serenity Candle. The Bowe Organics set contains their popular brow oil and our nourishing lip rescue balm.

Marian is the founder of Silvan Skincare, her ethos is to create gentle skincare that is natural and doesn't irritate or harm the environment. The product range includes balms, face oils, creams, lip balms and body oils. Depending on your budget, you could choose individual products or select the 'Gift' tab for skincare sets. As 2020 has been such a rough year for everyone I feel as if the Silvan Soothe Duo gift set could be a perfect gift as it includes a full size Face Oil and a Sleep Balm. 

Beautiful soaps that are handmade using traditional cold pressed methods, formulated without palm oil and using certified organic ingredients. Explore the website because the range includes individual bars, soap dishes, bundles and gift box sets. I'm sure there is something to suit most budgets and Vegan options are available.

If you are looking for fair trade toys and gifts for children then visit Weaving Hope. Toys are made by artisans in Sri Lanka, working within a guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Products are made from cotton woven on traditional handlooms. The toys are vegan friendly, plastic free and coloured with non toxic dyes and compliant with safety regulations (CE mark). Check out the latest addition to the range which are cute food baskets, for a play kitchen.

Sarah x

1 November 2020

10 Vegan and Free From Advent Calendars for 2020
(no paid/sponsored advertising)

At the moment I think there is an advent calendar out there for most dietary needs. The selection this year is very exciting and so I put together this list. Please remember to check with the individual manufacturers to ensure their products meet with your individual requirements.

A flat packed advent tree for you to build, contains 4 x 48g bags of Wild Strawberry, Sour Watermelon, Tropical Mango and Blueberry Bliss sweets (at least 1 sweet per day)

24 gorgeous rice milk chocolate shapes including reindeer, santas, stars and Christmas trees. Chocolate is certified vegan, free from nuts, dairy, gluten and wheat

Cute festive figures made from 70% cocoa, vegan friendly however all chocolates are made in a factory that handles tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk and soya and therefore may contain traces.

Behind 24 festive doors are mini packs of Joe & Seph’s handmade popcorn in 8 unique, vegan flavours, including Joe & Seph’s popular Vegan Salted Caramel and Vegan Toffee Apple & Cinnamon

Dairy free and vegan, chose between 'milk' or white chocolate, the tray inside is made from recyclable material which can be recycled along with the rest of the packaging. The Moo Free factory sends 0% waste to landfill and the Moo Free Team includes several amazing people with autism. Available in supermarkets or online

They say Like No Udder! is as close to milk chocolate as possible, without ever going near a cow. High in cocoa, smooth and creamy, Vegan. May contain traces of milk, nuts and peanuts

24 chocolates made with new vegan Smoove Moove blend, dairy free but May contain traces of Peanuts and Tree Nuts. Also available is the 12 Days of Festive Indulgence with 12 miniature Mummy Meagz chocolate bars

Free from the top 14 allergens, including dairy, eggs and nuts, as well as artificial colouring and preservatives. 24 different chocolates in a range of mouthwatering innovative flavours inspired by the founder’s autistic son

Vegan and free from brand, 24 doors advent calendar with 12 salted caramel and 12 'milk' choc drops, available in supermarkets and online

Vegan advent calendars are available in four varieties: Plamil So free organic Milk chocolate alternative, Plamil So free organic White chocolate alternative, Plamil So free Smooth Salted Caramel, Plamil So free Smooth less than 4% sugars, made in factory which never uses dairy or gluten

Sarah x

3 September 2020

Free From Gift Awards New skincare awards for gift boxes and sets
(press release, not sponsored)

I have some exciting news to announce, readers and natural skincare brands should pay attention. We all love the buzz surrounding beauty awards and the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards have announced the launch of the Free From Gift Awards which will run from September to November.

5 November 2019

Ethical, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
(This article has been put together by me, some brands mentioned have approached me for inclusion but I have not taken product or payment in exchange for placement)

This Christmas I think many of us will be searching for sustainable and eco-friendly gifts. People are mindful of reducing plastic and overall waste so I have put together some gift ideas. Last year we had the dreaded Secret Santa and Bah Humbug to me but I suspect that by New Year most of these gifts ends up at charity shops or in landfill. Last year I opted for a Charity Donation, my colleague was less than impressed but at least I felt good about it. To add a little element of humour I went with Oxfam's Pile of Poo Charity Gift Card

Gift experiences cut down on unwanted items and are a great way to sort out presents for the person who has it all. There are many options available but let me suggest cooking classes with Cookery School London. They are London's most sustainable cooking school and run over 30 different classes and courses from kitchens in Oxford Circus. I particularly liked that they offer a range of vegan friendly classes, including Vegan Winter, All Day Vegan, Vegan Feast of Indonesia and Ferments and Pickles. If veganism doesn't suit then there are a large range of alternatives available and I note this includes Gluten Free classes.

Green Tulip is on my radar at the moment with a wide choice of sustainable products. They have everything covered from home and garden accessories, beauty, kids, stationery and jewellery. Items that caught my attention are the Recycled Bird Cake Kit, Recycled Skateboard Silver Earrings and Oil Cloth Freya Purse. An alternative website recommendation is Wearth London and some suggestions for you would be the Collapsible Straw & Cutlery Combo Set, Christmas Cracker Face Mask Gift and Plastic-Free Shaving Kit

If you are really splurging on a loved one then Ziorva offers a beautiful collection of handcrafted jewellery. They use recycled gold which is sourced responsibly to ensure conflict free minerals, as well as producing in an ethical and environmentally manner. Helen Russell Creations is an adorable gifting site which I recommend visiting. For anyone who loves organisation and stationery I suggest the Flower Blob Weekly Planner. These pads are created using high quality recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink. Another lovely website to check out is Nectar & Bumble, you'll find a range of items available to suit every budget and 10% of profits are donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. 

You know me I can't skip on beauty gifts and many green brands are reducing packaging waste and using recyclable materials such as glass. If you hop across to a previous post you'll find suggestions for skincare brands with zero & low waste packaging. On trend at the moment are shampoo bars and there are many to choose from but I've selected Kind2. This is of particular interest because they offer a sensitive and fragrance free version within their range. Shampoo bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste and ideal as stocking fillers. Odylique is always a firm favourite in my household and they have a range of gift sets. The Cleansing Bar Trio is ideal for those reducing waste and Glamorous Makeup Gift Set is lovely treat for any all makeup enthusiasts. Buying skincare for loved ones with sensitive skin can be tricky but fragrance free options can be a great solution. LouLouBelle is an aromatherapy skincare brand but they do offer a "Nude" range which is free from essential oils. The Bath & Body Oil sets would make a lovely gift.

Everyone loves sweet treats and a personal favourite is Raw Halo Chocolate. I love the Mylk & Vanilla but there are plenty of other flavour options. You can purchase direct from their website or at Waitrose. Raw Halo is vegan, dairy and gluten free and no may contains or factory warnings for milk (only a nut & peanut warning see website for info). Other firm favourites for dairy free and vegan chocolates include Booja Booja and Cocoa Libre.

I didn't realise for quite some time that wrapping paper is not always recyclable. I'm sure many of us assume it's just paper but glitter and coatings can be plastic. Laura Spring have Fabric Wraps inspired by the art of Japanese gift wrapping known as Furoshiki. These are screen printed in-house onto cotton squares of cloth that have been created by a social enterprise in India whose 'aim is to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women where employment opportunities are limited, to help helping them gain economic independence'. Also check out Laura Spring gift ideas, they also have lavender bags which they make from fabric off cuts. If you'd like to stick to the tradition of paper you can opt for brown paper or check out Re-Wrapped who specialise in environmentally friendly wrapping paper. The paper is recycled, unbleached and printed with vegetable based inks so you can recycle it after use.

I hope this has been helpful and good luck with your Christmas shopping.

Sarah x

20 November 2018

christmas gift ideas at love lula
(Gifted) 

I hope that my Christmas Gift ideas are helpful. I enjoy putting them together and often I’m buying them for friends and family. I enjoy the gift of skincare. I love introducing people to natural products and helping them to discover new brands. If people are unsure or reluctant to take their first steps to Green Beauty you can assist in this for Christmas. Love Lula offer a range of products for all budgets and ethics so I decided to choose some gift options and share my ideas with you.

Benecos Winter Dream Gift Set & Men’s Gift Set (£10.95/£11.90)
If you caught my recent review of budget shower gels you’ll know that I’ve enjoyed trialing Benecos products. I think Benecos offer affordable prices for everyday essentials which are not only BDIH certified but also suitable for Vegans. There are a handful of gift set options organised by scent, each presented in a gift bag. The Winter Dream set contains Winter Dream Shower Gel, Winter Dream Body Lotion and Vanilla Lip Balm and the Men’s set contains 3 in 1 Body Wash and After Shave Balm 2 in 1

Ermana Mini Balms Gift Set (£24)
I’ve tried a couple of products from Ermana and enjoyed using them. This set is beautifully presented in a box with ribbon and contains Cleanse mini balm, Refresh balm and Comfort mini balm (each item is 15ml size). I have previously reviewed the cleanse balm and think this is a lovely way to introduce someone to multipurpose products.

Madara Smart Glow Vitalising Moisture Soap 300ml and Madara Smart Glow Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml (£9/£8)
Another one of my favourite brands and I regularly use their products. Madara recently re-vamped their hand creams but I’d been a big fan of their Protecting Hand Cream for quite some time. I thought the Smart Glow soap and hand cream could be gifted together as a set or individually. I like to think this as a useful and practical gift which would look lovely next to the bathroom or kitchen sink. Both products are suitable for Vegans.

Crazy Rumor Lip Balms (£3.99)
I’ve been a fan of Crazy Rumor for years in fact I first reviewed them back in 2013. The packaging looks different these days but they still have a fabulous range of flavours such as Hot Cocoa and Pina Colada. I think lip balms make the perfect stocking fillers and Crazy Rumor are suitable for Vegans.

Benecos Natural Nail Polish Sharp Rose (5ml £4.95 or 9ml £6.95)
Another great stocking filler idea and I like that Benecos have two size options. I picked up the 5ml and it’s the cutest size. You could create your own pamper manicure gift set by pairing a nail polish with Madara Infusion Vert Repairing Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml and a nail file.

If you would like to shop for these products or discover other gift items then head over to Love Lula

Sarah x

6 November 2018

Christmas Gift Guide, SueMe, The Ethical Gift Box, Love to B, Thought Clothing, Slice of Green
Disclaimer - contains affiliate links & sponsored/ad content

As I wander around the shops I’m mindful of how much plastic packaging can often be found in fancy gift boxes. This year my Christmas Gift Guide will focus on environmental matters.  If there is one thing we all take away from the year it’s the devastating images of a turtle with a straw in its nostril, the seahorse carrying a cotton bud and the miles of floating waste in our oceans. I want to offer alternatives which could go a little way to have a better impact on our future.

Reusable items could reduce on the number of single use plastic items a person uses so how about the gift of a bottle or cup. There are many options for coffee cups but I’ve chosen the rCUP Black & Mustard Reusable Coffee Cup because it’s made from 40% recycled paper cups. For those that travel or are not coffee drinkers then a stylish bottle might be an option. I’ve had my eye on Chilly's Bottle for their bold and trendy designs and S'well bottles are elegantly understated.

I take my own lunch to work every day so I’ve been looking at alternatives to Tupperware. Check out Slice of Green stainless steel lunch boxes which come in different size and shapes. For those that eat lunch out you have the option to ditch the takeaway plastic cutlery for a stylish Bambu reusable cutlery set made from bamboo. For the ultimate reusable gift, Content Beauty has a Zero waste set which includes straw, lunch box, cup, cutlery, reusable food wraps and cotton carry bag. 

I don’t know about you but pants (underwear) and socks are a long time Christmas tradition in our household I don’t recall a single year without receiving one or the other. My husband has been trialling SueMe “tree trunks” which are made from 95% Beech Tree pulp, the fibre Modal is manufactured in Austria. When I removed them from the outer packaging I was surprised how silky soft they felt to the touch. There is care and attention to the design in terms of the waistband and placement of seams. My husband says he finds these trunks very comfortable to wear. I also like that a small packet of beech birch and wildflower seeds are included with your purchase. Womens underwear (Beech Shorties) also available and if you want to pair them with some novelty socks then I picked out Snowman Christmas Bamboo Socks from Thought Clothing.

As a beauty lover I’m all about the gift of good skincare and with natural and organic brands you are pretty much guaranteeing a better ethos for the environment. For those keen to avoid plastic bottles trying opting for glass packaging like Bodhi & Birch The Superfood Series Mini Discovery set or Pure Thoughts Ritual Kits contain a combination of bath salts, soap, body oil and pulse point or candle tailored to an aromatherapy mood. A Tutti Frutti soap from Love to B would make a great stocking filler for kids. For the eco-conscious makeup lover Kjaer Weis is the ultimate luxury product. The stylish and stunning compacts are not only beautiful but also refillable. For anyone with sensitive skin refer back to my Gift Guide from last year, products and brands featured are still available.

Family and travel are at the heart of the Ethical Gift Box having established the business through a years travel across Asia with three children. The Ethical Gift Box brings together carefully curated items many of which are handcrafted from recycled or renewable materials. I think this is the perfect gift idea for those who enjoy giving and receiving products that are artisan, unique and ethical in comparison to what you may find on the high street. You can shop by occasion, budget and ethics (vegan, British made, fairtrade, recycled etc). The Ethical Gift Box offers tailored gift sets to suit everyone and there is the choice of pre-made boxes or create your own. As there are so many beautiful gift sets it's difficult for me to chose a favourite box but I particularly like the For Him Vegan Wash Box which contains Mens Upcycled Innertube Wash Bag, Bamboo Charcoal Soap, Botanic Man Balm & Beer & Bay Shampoo Bar and The Office De-Stress Box with a Handloomed Fabric & Wood Elephant Paper Clip Tidy/Diffuser, Eucalyptus, Geranium & Peppermint Essential Oil, Keep Going' Sustainable Rubberwood Coaster & Graze Snack.

Post Christmas check out Buengo a marketplace for good where you can sell things you no longer need and donate the proceeds to a charity of your choosing. Alternatively if you’ve decided to have a minimalist Christmas and skip presents Buengo offer virtual products (a sleeping bag for a homeless person or a year of schooling for a student in Kenya) so you could ask people to donate on your behalf.

Happy Shopping everyone!

Sarah x

21 November 2017

Top 3 products on a Green Blogger Christmas Wish List
Have you ever wondered what products are on a Blogger Christmas Wish List? I decided to investigate this and asked some of my favourite Green Bloggers to tell me their Top 3 Wish List items whether that is green beauty and/or eco-friendly products.

Ailish - The Glow Getter
The things on my Wishlist this Christmas include the Tata Harper Organic Skincare range because it's a luxury range that I have always wanted to try! It looks, smells and seems to perform amazingly well so I would absolutely love to try it out! The next thing on my Wishlist is the new RMS Beauty Lipsticks, they look dreamy, I've tested a few and the colours are beautiful and they are totally natural, which is just incredible! The last thing on my Wishlist is a Casper mattress. Sleep is super important when getting the glow and this mattress has been designed with ultimate comfort in mind and based on lots and lots of research. That is the type of bed that I want to sleep in!

Amber - This Natural Bee
On my Christmas Wish List I’ve got some People Tree Striped PJ’s – I have another pair of their pyjamas with a pink cloud print and they’re so comfy. I also have my eye on the Nude & Noir Palette which looks so pretty, with a highlighter, eyeshadow & lip colour & bronzer. My final wishlist item is a candle from Petits Rituels – they’re my favourite natural candle range as the scents are just so lovely – my favourite scent is Minty BonBon!

Katie - Katie Vibes
Vegan-friendly Christmas gift sets can be hard to come by but I really love the look of the Evolve Beauty Hydrate and Glow Bag. I'm a huge fan of the hyaluronic serum that is included - and the brand in general - and in this set you get a full size plus a 30ml pot of their bestselling Radiant Glow Mask. I haven't got round to trying the mask of yet but I really want to (it smells like chocolate - very Christmassy indeed). Second on my list is the Pepper & Mayne High Waist Compression Legging in Japanese Denim. I've been really into my fitness lately and now that I'm going to the gym 3-4 times a week, I'm feeling the need to expand my activewear wardrobe and I'm specifically on the look out for more high quality fitness leggings that are completely opaque. Pepper & Mayne don't use 100% natural/organic fibres but their activewear is produced by Eco-Label approved factories in Portugal and has a fully traceable supply chain. I'll be honest and say they're a little out of my price range at the moment, so hopefully Santa will treat me? Last on my wish list is the Vedani Botanicals Daily Rituals Face Care Set. If you read my blog, you'll no doubt have heard me bang on about Vedani and the beautiful products that Mercedes's creates. I've recently exhausted my entire Vedani collection and my face is crying out for its old friend. I love Vedani because the products are simple but effective, and make use of some really stunning botanical ingredients. It also doesn't help that the product packaging is truly stunning... they'd look great under the tree!

Lynda - Wonderlusting
The Kjaer Weis Collector's kit - I'm a longtime user and lover of Kjaer Weis re-fillable makeup and use something from the range every day. The new palette is the perfect kit to fit my bits in to. The only thing that would make it more perfect if it was filled with more makeup! Lola Apothecary's Delicate Romance Bath & Body Collection - I am a complete roseaholic and this set looks like a rose dream. It contains rose petal filled bath and body oils that make my heart leap. And there's the 'Queen of Roses' rose petal covered chocolate to nibble on too. Stelton To Go Click Cup - I've been on the hunt for a sleek looking, reusuable coffee cup and Stelton are ticking all my boxes. The To Go Click cup comes in a range of sophisticated colours, and has a state of the art 'smart click' mechanism that allows you to drink from the full 360 degrees. Ideal for someone as clumsy as me and meaning there'll be no spills in my handbag. 

Mavs - Naturally Diddy
Axiology Lipstick: I'm obsessed with lipsticks especially in weird and wonderful colours and the shades Phenomenon and Enlighten (annoyingly seem only to be available in USA) both look sensational. They are pricier than I would allow myself on a regular basis but as a chrimbo gift they'd be perfect. If i couldn't have oe of the crazy colours then any other will do! Au Naturale su/Stain Lip Stain (in any of the colours, they all look gorgeous): Since matte hippies and stains launched on the market I've been addicted and these seem to have the cleanest formula of all of those I've come across. Hetty + Sam Agave Geometry Vegan Leather Purse: I'd have everything from Hetty + Sam if i could, but this purse is my fave. I love how all their products are vegan and created ethically while still being bang on trend and super stylish, their prints/designs are awesome.

Thank you to these lovely ladies for taking part in this post, I don't know about you but I've now added some products to my own Christmas list! Is there anything you have your eye on?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - article contains some affiliate links

7 November 2017

Christmas Gift Ideas for Sensitive Skin Allergies
(contains Gifted PR samples & affiliate link marked*)

I'm changing things up this year and I'm focusing on Christmas Gifts for sensitive skin. I love when Santa brings me skincare but with allergies and sensitivities it can be a little tricky for friends and family to know what to buy. That's where I step in with this handy guide for you to drop them hints. Of course these brands also have products suitable for a variety of skin types so check them out.

All Natural Soap have won several awards for their natural, handmade and cruelty free soaps. The entire range is vegetarian with vegan options and they do not use palm oil. There is a wide range of gifts on their site but I'll point you in the direction of the Sensitive Skin 8 Bar set. The box contains Castile Olive Oil x 2, Gentle Goat’s Milk x 2, Shea Luxury x 1, Oatmeal Soother x 1, Coco Castile x 2. If the selection isn't to your liking then perhaps choose the Custom 8 Bar Box where you make your own choices.
all natural soap for sensitive skin gift idea Christmas
Conscious Skincare Pure range is designed for highly sensitive skin types and products are fragrance free. New items will be added to the range expanding it to include body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. They offer lots of gift options for men and women. Conscious Skincare are approved by the Vegetarian Society, PETA, and Cruelty Free International.

Gerlinde Naturals have gift sets option and offer the choice to order fragrance free versions of their products. You could pick from the Gift Box with 5 products or the Double Cleansing Method, both come beautifully boxed with tags and ribbon so ready to be given as a gift. Pictured above is the Soothing Toner which I'm currently using, it's fragrance free with aloe vera and green tea extract. All products from this brand are suitable for Vegans.

Green People have teamed up with Plantlife, a UK charity working to save threatened species of wild flowers, plants and fungi, to inspire the new Modern Botanicals gift collection of certified organic skin, hair and body care products for men and women. The Leaf & Stem gift set contains shower gel & lotion from their Scent Free range.

Made for Life by Spieza Organics have lots of gift ideas, when viewing their website check out the "made for Christmas" section. I particularly like the Bath Baubles but they do contain essential oil allergens. The Made for Christmas Candle might make a lovely alternative if you are worried about suitability, avoiding skincare is always a safe bet.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Sensitive Skin
Mallow & White Soothe Cleansing Oil is my favourite product from this brand, it's fragrance free but has a delicate cucumber aroma. I've been informed that mini gift sets will be launched in time for Christmas so look out for those. The Soothe & Restore collections are aimed at Dry and Sensitive Skin.

Myroo is a brand that fully understands allergies, products are available fragrance free but across the range they are also 14 food allergen free and vegan suitable. The Mini Trial Sized Skincare Set would make a nice stocking filler and help someone to discover the range. (UPDATE 2022 - MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING)

Silvan Skincare offer a range of oils, creams, balms and salts. For those with sensitive skin I would point you in the direction of their Soothe and Extra Gentle products. The Extra Gentle Facial oil was shortlisted in the 2017 Free From Skincare Awards and has received positive feedback from customers who experience eczema.
silvan skincare skin therapy extra gentle face oil
Sukin gift sets give you a 3 step routine and have every skin type covered - chose between Love Your Skin for all skin types, Love Your Skin: Sensitive, Love Your Skin: Oil Balancing and Super Greens Facial. I have reviewed a couple of products from the sensitive range so I'm happy to recommend. These sets will be available from Holland & Barrett stores.

The Rose Tree is an award winning, luxury brand, they have several gift options and are due to release some new boxes this month.  

Sarah x 

8 November 2016

Bathing Beauty Gentle Souls Gift Set
Disclaimer - PR samples, contains affiliate links, prices correct at time of publication

Part 2 of my Christmas Gift Guides focuses on luxury gift sets. Don't forget these brands have gifts available for all budgets some of which I featured in Part 1 Natural and Organic Skincare Christmas Gift Ideas for Under £30

Bathing Beauty
Several gift options available but featured here is the Gentle Souls Gift Box (for sore, sensitive skin) £35 which contains 4 Award winning products to heal and calm very sensitive skin, from top to toe. Soothe Body Oil Infusion 50ml, Sock Foot Salve, Gauntlet Hand Salve, Miracle Oat and Honey Soap 30g 
Conscious Man Kit & Caboodle Gift Set
Conscious Skincare (Vegan options available)
Another brand with a great selection of gifts. Featured here is the Conscious Man Kit & Caboodle Gift Set (£36) which contains Fuzz off Shave Gel, Grapefruit Lemon & Cedarwood Body Wash, Soothing Hand Cream for Working Hands. Approved by Vegetarian Society and PETA
Nature & Nurture Vegan Skincare
Nature & Nuture (Vegan brand)
Great for anyone who cares about current environmental issues as Nature & Nuture are totally against the use of palm oil and donate a percentage from every sale to the Orangutan Foundation. The Complete Anti-Ageing Pack contains Derma-Renew Exfoliating Cleanser, Youth-Protect Moisturiser, Instant-Lift Eye Gel & Wrinkle-Repair Night Serum (£65)
Lots of great choices on this site for a range of budgets and Amber has put together some Christmas gift boxes. The set pictured here contains - Beefayre Festive Candle (choose from Wild Fig, Winter Berries or Spiced Orange), Set of 3 Notebooks, Earrings (choose from Rose Gold, Silver or Gold), Bee Lippy Lip Balm (choose from Chocolate & Mint, Peaches & Cream, Raspberry & Vanilla or Lemon & Lime) £46.95
Odylique Selection Box Gift Set
Odylique (Vegan options available)
A great way to sample all their "hero" products is with the Odylique Selection Box £39.50 (at time of writing special offer £27). This set contains Creamy Coconut Cleanser 30ml, Calming Rose Super Tonic 5ml, Timeless Rose Moisturiser 15ml, Superfruit Concentrate 2ml, Coconut Candy Scrub 20g, Gentle Herb Shampoo 20ml, Ultra Rich Balm 20g. Suitable for Vegetarians (the Ultra Rich Balm is only product in this box not suitable for Vegans) 

Sarah x

3 November 2016

Bathing Beauty Gift Tins
Disclaimer - PR samples, includes affiliate links, prices correct at time of publication

Ho! Ho! Ho! it's that time of year again. Here is a selection of gift ideas which I am sure you will love.

Bathing Beauty 
If you are looking for stocking fillers try the Sweet Feet Gift Set (Sock Foot Salve 30ml & Pop Foot Tablets 2 x 20g) and Green & Serene Gift Set (Gauntlet Hand Salve 30ml & Green & Serene Soap 45g) - £10 each
Botanicals Lemongrass & Mandarin Revitalising Hand Balm
Botanicals (Vegan Brand)
Another stocking filler idea is this new handy 30g size Lemongrass & Mandarin Revitalising Hand Balm also available in Wild Rose Nourishing Balm (£14/£14.50)

Bloom Remedies Essential Oil Blend Therapy Set
Bloom Remedies (Vegan options available)
A fantastic range of gifts sets available so you are sure to find something for your budget. Featured here is the newly launch Trilogy Essential Oil packs which includes the new Restorative Rose, Deep Release and Serenity Slumber (£28) and also available as set of pulse point roll ons in the same blends for £19.50. One of my all time favourite products is the Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist, an ideal stocking filler for £10. These particular products would be suitable for Vegans.
Blue Labelle Rhassoul Clay Powder
Blue Labelle (Vegan Brand)
Rhassoul Clay Powder is a multipurpose product that can be used for face masks, scrubs, body and hair washing plus suitable for all skin types. There are a couple of purchase options available and the one I have featured here is £20 which includes clay + bamboo spoon + face mask brush. This does comes packaged in a gift bag with tissue paper.
Lyonsleaf Gift Sets
Lyonsleaf (suitable for Vegetarian & Vegan)
With updated packaging these gift sets from Lyonsleaf are a nice way to introduce someone to their "hero" products. Choose from the Hot Cloth Cleanser Gift Set, Body & Face Gift Set and Face Saviour Gift Set 
Gerlinde Naturals Gift Set
Gerlinde Naturals (Vegan Brand)
There are several gift set options but featured here is the Dry/Mature Skin set which contains Gentle Cleansing Milk 30ml, Organic Rose Floral Water Toner 30ml, Skin Softening Day Moisturiser 10ml, Moisture Boost Serum 5ml and a Washi Cloth (£25)

Cocoa Libre Christmas dairy free chocolate
Cocoa Libre (suitable for Vegans)
One of my favourite allergy friendly chocolate brands has launched these adorable Christmas chocolates. A box contains 6 x Christmas rice milk santas and reindeer. Free of gluten, dairy, nuts and wheat, suitable for vegans and coeliacs. Also available in orange flavour, these can be bought direct from Cocoa Libre or at Holland & Barrett.
Moral Fibre Christmas Gift Set
Moral Fibre (dairy & gluten free)
Perfect for those who enjoy a treat but are health conscious. Depending on your budget go for the Mixed Morals Christmas Gift Box (£12.95) with your choice of snack pots, beautifully packaged with a Christmas ribbon and gift card.

Sarah x 

31 December 2015

Sugarpuffish Blog Review for 2015 a look back a my favourite products and events
2015 is officially coming to an end and I'm keeping up with my tradition to look back at personal highlights from another year of blogging.


24 December 2015

Sugarpuffish Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Time to set the "out of office" on my blog. Thank you for all your comments and continued support over the past year. I will be back to blogging in January. 

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Love Sarah x

12 November 2015

Natural and Organic Gifts for Christmas
The list of Christmas Gifts grew so much that I decided to put together another article. You can catch up with my other articles here - Have yourself a Green Christmas: A Natural and Organic Gift Guide 2015 and A Free From Christmas at Holland & Barrett. I write these lists to prove to that you don't need to buy off the High Street there are some real hidden gems out there and better still delivered to your doorstep, no need to fight for parking!

Perfect for Delicate Skins
I am a long time fan of Lyonsleaf and they have several gift set options. How about the Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm Gift Set which contains a Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, Egyptian Cotton Flannel and a 2 ply muslin face cloth, in a re-usable jute box and the Soothing Calendula gift set contains a 30ml pot along with a soap. 

Luxurious Collaborations
Any product from Bodhi & Birch makes an amazing gift but this year they have collaborated Heartwood Candle Company. You can choose between fragrance sets titled Joy, Peace, Love and Wish. If anyone wishes to buy for me Peace would be my perfect combination Camomile Sky Bath & Shower Therapy and the Chamomile, Lavender & Rose Candle

Hidden Treats
I discovered Scentered Therapy Balms back in April and I have found them to be a wonderful product. The Festive Bauble packaging is a really nice touch for Christmas.

Christmas Crackers
The Rose Tree is a wonderful brand with a nice selection of gift ideas. I particularly like the Christmas crackers chose from eye serum, facial essence or body oils.

Beauty Blogger Top Picks
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Odylique. They have some lovely sets but my pick would be the new The Odylique Selection Box which contains seven of their most popular and award-winning natural skin, body and hair care products - Creamy Coconut Cleanser, Calming Rose Super Tonic, Timeless Rose Moisturiser, Superfruit Concentrate, Coconut Candy Scrub, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm

Create your own gift
Another brand offering a selection of gift set for face and body is B Skincare. I particularly like the Festive Pack because you can choose your own combinations of creams to make a gift box.

New Discovery
I have recently had my eye on Ermana and noted that they have some lovely gift set options for men and women.

Shout outs
Other great places to shop are: Bathing BeautyBotanicalsNathalie BondNaturisimoBalmology

I have already started my Christmas shopping and have bought from my lists, I hope you have also found them useful.

Sarah x

5 November 2015

Natural Organic Christmas Gift Guide 2015
I love writing up Christmas Gift Guides because I like to sway friends and family to file the Boots catalogue in the bin and go Green. Swap out those horrible mainstream brands for some beautiful artisan products which show you not only care for your love ones but also for the world around us.

Aromatherapy Inspiration
You all know I'm a huge fan of Bloom Remedies. I cannot be parted with my Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist so imagine my delight when I learnt new for Christmas is the Serenity Slumber Luxury Candle. Marie is also launching The Peaceful Mind Range, perfect for those with over active minds, who struggle to relax and unwind. Look out for the Peaceful Mind set which contains a pulse point roll on and bath oil. In addition there also a Luxury Candle in this scent. Last year I did the majority of my Christmas shopping from Bloom Remedies, they have the best gifts sets so go check them out.

Fragrant Stocking Fillers
If you are looking for unique stocking fillers then turn your attention to Natural Wisdom. They have launched a range of natural, alcohol-free solid perfumes (£12.50 each), which can be worn to scent your skin or hair and also used as a room fragrance with the lid off. Alternatively, take a look at the new Plump & Nourish lip balm (£10 each), which comes in a beautifully tactile reusable cedar wood pot. Ingredients include peppermint, chilli pepper and cinnamon oils, which help naturally plump the lips.

Learn a new skill
Ruth Romano runs regular soap making courses in Cheshire alongside selling her award-winning range of soap and natural skincare products. If you know someone who enjoys getting creative and learning new skills then you could buy a Gift Voucher to spend a day getting creative and take a lovely selection box of soap home with them.

Bath time Soapy Delights

Based in a little barn at the foot of the Sugar Loaf mountain in Wales, The Sugar Loaf Soap Company has a very simple mission, to provide natural, handmade soaps produced from high quality, ethically sourced raw materials. They offer a delightful range of products and gift sets.

Luxury Candles

I adore Petits Rituels’ candles they would make a beautiful gift but if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale the hand-poured wax melts are highly fragranced with an intricate floral design. Simply place in a warmer and light an unscented tea light, as the wax melts the fragrance is released. Also ideal for lining your clothes and linen draws.

Not only does MBotanicals* have a range face and body care they also have some lovely candles. You can choose from Vanilla Bean, Citrus Basil, Gardenia, Rose Oudh, Sandalwood and Tobacco.

Festive Nails

Little Ondine’s Limited Edition Winter Wonderland Collection is the perfect way to get you in the holiday mood. There’s no better time of year for sparkles and with this no-fuss glitter polish you can change your look with ease while you’re on the go from office to family gatherings to all your festive celebrations. The beautifully packaged collection makes a stylish stocking stuffer, secret santa or last-minute gift or even a self-indulgent treat.

Beauty Gift Bags
LJ’s Natural has gift sets which cover all budgets. The Ultimate Luxury Gift Bag contains OMG Serum, Luxury Organic Bath Melts, White Chocolate & Tangerine Organic Lip Balm and Soothing Hand & Foot Formula. Alternatively, I love the festive name “Three Wise Bottles” a set that contains 30ml bottles of Calming Organic Body Lotion, Muscle Relax Organic Body Oil & Balancing Organic Toner. Also check out Stocking Filler Bag, Indulge My Face Gift Bag, Relax Gift Bag and Really Radiant Face Gift Bag.

Eco-Friendly Beauty Treats
You all know I'm a fan of Konjac Sponges and I am excited to see they have added to their product line. The Angel Cloth is an alternative to a muslin cloth, an intriguing product which would make a unique gift. If you like the facial puff sponges there are two new additions Chamomile and Green Tea. For those who use cotton pads how about a more eco-friendly alternative, the Konjac eye pads. The kit contains 8 cleansing pads, a mesh drying bag and a soft clear pouch. This pack can last up to one year.

Vegan Friendly
Blue Labelle are one of my favourite Vegan brands. This year they are offering gift cards which is handy if you are unsure what products to buy. Also there is free gift wrapping and gift bag on all website orders over £10 from Nov 15th, just mention in the comments box if you would like it. Blue Labelle will also be launching 100% organic vegan balm sticks and although primarily to be used as lip balms they can also be used to nourish very dry skin, for example on elbows.

Sarah x

P.S Part 2 to follow.........

Disclaimer - *PR sample

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