cleansing balm

23 November 2022

Review Q&A Skincare Grapefruit Cleansing Balm

(I purchased this item)

I'm sure many of us are feeling like we need to watch the pennies and at times like this I've feel a little bit more mindful about my skincare budget. I was on the hunt for a new cleanser and stumbled across Q+A Skincare with a rather attractive price point.

You definitely don't have to compromise too much when it comes to budget friendly plant based skincare. Q&A promise to not test on animals, they don't distribute to places that require animal testing, majority of their products are vegan friendly, their ingredient partners are COSMOS certified and products are free from artificial fragrances and mineral oils.

The Q+A Oat Milk Cream Cleanser had initially caught my eye but I ended up ordering the Grapefruit Cleansing Balm because I prefer balm over cream. You may be wondering about the consistency of this balm cleanser as it's in a tube. It is very easy to squeeze from the tube as the consistency is more like a liquid but it has a silky texture which you'd associate with a balm. I think this is a very clever formulation which makes for an interesting experience.

The Q&A Grapefruit cleanser is super easy to use, simply apply to dry skin, massage in and then wipe away with a damp cloth. I always like to mention that during the day I wear an SPF and tinted CC cream so my nightly cleanse needs to remove daily grime alongside light tinted makeup. I have found the Grapefruit cleanser handles this easily and I don't feel the need for a second cleanse. I'm sure you can imagine the fragrance is fruity and refreshing. For those concerned about allergens it does contain *limonene but not linalool. 

I've been really impressed by this first experience of Q+A Skincare. I have been using the Grapefruit Cleansing Balm daily since mid October with no noticeable reactions to my complexion. That might be a weird comment to some but I have super sensitive skin so I think it's important to note how well I am able to tolerate new products. We are all different but it may be reassuring to some readers to know this little fact. For the price this is a good product and I'm keen to see what else I might be able to try from this brand. 

If you'd like to purchase this Grapefruit Cleansing Balm then note that I ordered directly from their website. I have also spotted a limited selection of Q+A products in Holland & Barrett. 

Sarah x

*Please check ingredients before ordering to make sure formulations haven't changed since publishing this review

22 May 2022

Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleanser
(I purchased this product)

I've known Boo Cottage Botanicals for a little while as I encountered them while judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. The other year they successfully medalled. Whilst on the hunt for a new cleanser, I was browsing lots of brands but was drawn back towards them. I hadn't realised that their Chamomile Cleanser was a balm to milk formulation otherwise I definitely would have ordered sooner. I'm writing this review having just ordered my second jar so that has got to be a good indication of how much I like it.

Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleaner is suitable for vegans and free from essential oil allergens. The formulation is made with mango butter, castor oil, kaolin clay, coconut oil and of course chamomile. I'm hooked on the texture. It's the softest, most buttery balm I have encountered in a very long time and is an absolute pleasure to massage onto your skin. As I previously mentioned, Boo Cottage cleanser is a balm to milk formulation and can easily be removed with water. If you have ever felt that oils or balms leave the sensation of a greasy film then these types of cleansers are the best solution. After cleansing I honestly feel like I've been left with silky, clean skin but never have the feeling that I can't remove all the produce from my face. You can visibly see how it cleanses daily makeup and grime especially if you use a white flannel or cloth to aid removal. 

Boo Cottage has a small business feel about it. The amber glass jar can be recycled or repurposed and the aluminium lid is also recyclable. If you are cutting back on plastics then Boo Cottage is a company that can support you in your efforts. As you'd expect the chamomile cleanser is just one of many products available. For those with sensitive skin, check out the dedicated section on their website which includes balms, soaps, face oils and haircare. 

I'm more than happy to give Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleaner my honest recommendation and I would encourage you to check them out for yourself. 

Sarah x

15 January 2022

Review Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm Essential Oil Free
(I purchased this product)

Pamoja has featured on my blog a couple of times. Firstly, with an interview with the founder, Sarah and then I reviewed the Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil. Now I'm here to offer my thoughts on the Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm Essential Oil Free which had been on my shopping list for some time.

Cleansing balms have always been an easy choice for me. Over the years I found that reducing the amount of water used when washing my face seems to help with dryness. Splashing my face to rinse off products always leaves me with an ugly tight sensation and I feel desperate for moisturiser. 

So what tempted me to Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm? well for starters the ingredients sound wonderful......

"Murumuru and Mango butter nourish the skin. Moringa, Sacha Inchi, and Safflower Oils gently cleanse while helping to support and protect the skin barrier. Organic Calendula CO2 soothes, and antioxidant Organic Carrot CO2 helps protect skin from environmental stress." - (extract from Pamoja website)

Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm has a luxurious, silky, buttery feel and something which immediately stands out to me above others. It's a gorgeous texture which fills me with joy. I can't get over how smooth and soft this cleansing balm feels. When you're prone to eczema as I am, often skin feels delicate and tender so it becomes important to take care. In my opinion, this balm is perfect on sensitive skin because you don't have to drag it across your face. It melts almost immediately into a beautiful oil. Pamoja cleansing balm feels like a real treat. A product that you can't wait to use at the end of the day because cleansing doesn't feel like a chore. 

I chose to buy the essential oil free version of Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm due to my allergies. If you prefer fragrance then the scented version will give you the aroma of Rosemary, Geranium Bourbon, Chamomile and Lavender essential oils. I'm sure I've said it before but I love that Pamoja offers the choice. The core ingredients in both remain the same so the overall performance shouldn't be any different.

I'm sure you can tell that Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm has been a big hit. This review has been written after I have finished up my jar so it's my experience down to the last drop. I'm more than happy to recommend and would encourage you to visit the Pamoja skincare website to explore their products.

Sarah x


3 January 2022

Top 8 Natural, organic and vegan skincare for 2021
(includes items gifted by PR which have previously been featured on this website)

Happy New Year everyone! I thought I would have a look back at 2021 and let you know which products have made a lasting impression. 

I'd rarely used hand sanitiser before the pandemic because it can be very unkind to delicate, eczema prone skin due to the high alcohol content and fragrance allergens. Needs must over the past couple of years and I was grateful that one of my favourite budget brands launched a sanitising gel which was free from linalool. Since my initial review back in January you can guess we've been through several bottles of Organii Purifying Hand Gel.

In March it was Silvan Skincare Pure Face Cream that was a hit. I recall a lovely whipped texture with ingredients that are calming on sensitive skin. Finding a decent fragrance free moisturiser has been a mission for many years and this is up there with my favourites.

Since April I've been through several jars of Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm. I like this cleanser because it's an balm-oil to milk formulation. It has a beautiful golden syrup like texture which feels great massaged into my delicate skin and can be easily removed with water or damp cloth.

Over the summer Lily & Rabbit added to their product range with a vegan soap bar collection. The Coconut soap has been a pleasure to use and the bar recently came to an end. I've been impressed with how well it lasted and of course how gentle it has been on my skin.

I'd always been a fan of Odylique Repair Lotion but it can back into my life in last year and has been here to stay. I use it top to toe including on my face. Despite the name it's not a watery, runny product and is very much a light but rich cream. I've been using it as a general moisturiser but it is perfect on itchy eczema patches.

I was on a huge cleanser kick in 2021 and the next product to win me over was Adaptology Red Avert Cleanser. I loved the beautiful and unusual blue colouration from Blue Tansy with an aroma that reminded me of candy. As I mentioned balm-oil textures are one of my favourites and this one did not disappoint. 

In November I wrote about Nudge Boutique Whipped Body Butter and it has been a joy to use. I've seen a lot of body butters over the years but this one stands out. Not only do I enjoy the coconut aroma but it rarely feels greasy on my skin. I've always had a sensory aversion to heavy products and I think it stems back to years of eczema emollients. It is probably a odd thing to mention but my skin doesn't feel overwhelmed or suffocated by this product.

I rounded off the year with a review of Terre Verdi ThéBianco Camellia Oil. I think it beautifully sums up my love of simplicity. Skincare doesn't have to feel complicated and there is joy to be found in stand alone ingredients.

I don't know about you but I'm already excited to see what I discover in 2022.

Sarah x

6 November 2021

Review Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar and Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter
(Purchased Products)

2024 - THIS STORE IS NOW CLOSED

I adore oil to milk cleansers and happily received a recommendation over on IG to check out Nudge Boutique (thank you Emma). I decided to order the Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar and Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter.

By now you've realised that using skincare that is free from essential oils is of huge benefit to me. I will always champion new and innovative products that consider consumers with sensitivities. Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar stands out from the crowd for being a solid cleanser. This is a great way to reduce waste and refill options are available. It's also super handy for travel because I'm sure like many of you know leaking bottles can be a problem. There is nothing worse than loosing a precious oil to your wash bag.

Nudge Boutique cleansing bar fits perfectly into the palm of your hand which makes application easy. All you need to do is rub the bar over dry skin and your natural warmth melts the cleanser to leave a lovely oil on the surface of your face. Then you can take the time to massage across your skin to remove dirt and makeup. When you are happy to finish cleansing simply apply water to emulsify the oil into a milk and rinse away. After a bit of experimenting I decided my chosen method is not to emulsify on the skin but to wipe the oil away with a damp cloth. Not only is this cleanser a joy to use but it has a delightful aroma that naturally comes from cocoa butter.

I've been using Nudge Boutique Cocoa and Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar for weeks now; morning and evenings dependant on my mood. It has felt kind and gentle on my skin. I have to be honest and say that sometimes I experience a little dryness immediately after cleansing but there could be a number of factors for me to feel this way. It's not unusual for me to experience this when using an emulsifying cleanser. As it's only an occasional issue then I am happy to continue using the product. It would not be recommended to do so if you felt this way after every cleanse.

You can say that overall the cleansing bar has been effective and enjoyable to use but for me it's the Nudge Boutique Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter that has made a lasting impression. This body butter contains delicious ingredients perfect for dry skin like mine - Coconut Oil, Kokum butter, Murumuru butter, Shea butter and Cocoa Butter. There is no added fragrance so it's aroma comes naturally from all the ingredients but in particular coconut oil. I use a spatula to scoop the butter from the jar as it's not as soft as other butters I own but it will melt when in contact with warm skin. What I love most is this feels like a 'dry' body butter and by that I mean it doesn't feel overly greasy. The absorption rate on my skin leaves me feeling silky smooth without any lasting stickiness. This experience has been quite unique in comparison to other body butters. I really rate how it vanishes fairly quickly. I find the best time to use a body butter like this one is straight after a shower. I feel comfortable using Nudge whipped butter on all areas of my body and it keeps dry, flaky skin at bay for the entire day. 

On behalf of consumers with sensitive skin, I'd like to thank Nudge Boutique for offering fragrance free skincare. It's lovely to see this inclusion and consideration when formulating products. I recommend you check out Nudge Boutique and browse their entire store. 

Sarah x

28 August 2021

Review Adaptology Red Avert Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
(Gifted/Unpaid)

Any long time readers will know I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and its founder, Laura Rudoe was a speaker at an event I co-organised back in 2016. Under the parent company, Laura also had the brand S5 Skincare but that has been discontinued and replaced by Adaptology.

"Adaptology is a targeted range of adaptogenic skincare solutions that help you adapt your skins biology to the challenges of modern living. These adaptogenic ingredients derive from extremophile plants that thrive and have evolved in the extremes of nature, such as deserts, oceans, rainforests, arctic and high altitudes." - extract from website

I was excited to receive the Adaptology Red Avert Cleanser which is aimed at sensitive skin. It's been developed to boost the skin barrier. The formulation includes the botanical ingredients of Laminaria to reduce redness, Blue Tansy to calm and Nigella Oil to protect and nourish. Blue Tansy is in the same family as Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. It's this ingredient that gives this cleanser the delightful colour. I found it fascinating to discover that the Blue Tansy flower is yellow and the indigo blue colour occurs during the distillation process due to a chemical compound called chamazulene.

The Red Avert Cleanser is a gel-balm texture which transforms to oil when massaged into skin. It feels wonderfully silky smooth and is a real pleasure to cleanse with. When you'd like to remove the cleanser you simply apply water and it will transform into a milk which is easily washed away (or remove with a cloth). It honestly feels as if the delicate balance of my skin is maintained as it never strips my skin of moisture. I'm very pleased with how soft and happy my face is looking at the moment whilst using this product. It really comes as no surprise as it's the quality I'd expect from a brand founded by Laura. If you'd like to see a demonstration of the Red Avert cleanser there is a reel on my IG account.

When it comes to packaging I know it's a hot topic of conversation. Full details can be found online for you to check out. Adaptology uses Miron Glass which is recyclable however you will need to remove the labels before dropping into the recycling bin.

My overall verdict is I honestly can't find fault. Adaptology has sophisticated formulas that would rival any premium high street brand. I can see from the ingredients list that there is a great deal of science and research going into these products. I recommend visiting the Adaptology website for more information as you can shop according to your skin concerns - Time Warp (anti-ageing), Red Advert (hyper sensitive), Dry Spell (dryness) and All Sorts (boosting).

Sarah x

2 April 2021

Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm
(I purchased this product)

I have the Free From Skincare Awards to thank for this recent discovery. They have been introducing entrants on their instagram account and up popped Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm. I was immediately intrigued because I have a soft spot for balm cleansers that emulsify with water.

"Born in Paris. Handcrafted in Manchester. Our collection is designed to help you to find your bliss. It will lift your spirits, nourish your body and rejuvenate your senses."

Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm can be used as a cleanser or hydrating mask. Packaging is simple but elegant, with a glass jar, outer cardboard box, wooden spoon and cleansing pad. I was immediately drawn to the ingredients of acai, baobab oil and carrot seed, promising to hydrate and brighten skin. It is free from essential oils but has a natural aroma of apple blossom which I find gentle and unique. Certified Vegan and Cruelty free by the PETA and registered with the Vegan Society. It ticks a lot of boxes for me so I was excited to get stuck in.

Lets talk about how it looks and feels. The gel texture reminds me of thick honey or golden syrup and feels wonderful on the skin. Applied in a thin layer it can be massage easily across the face and it feels fantastic. You get the pleasure of a balm that becomes silky smooth with the warmth of your hands and face. I take my time with Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm to fully experience the product and enjoy a relaxing moment. When you are ready to remove the cleanser you simply rinse away or use a damp cloth (I prefer the latter). It will gently remove light makeup (I wear CC cream and powder) but you may choose to use a dedicated makeup removing product beforehand. My skin never feels stripped but simply cleansed and refreshed. This gel balm cleanser is a pleasure to use and very easy to recommend to others.

Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm feels like one to watch and I'm certainly intrigued to see how it will perform in the awards. If you're looking for something a bit different from the crowd definitely check out Maison Meunier Skincare. 

Sarah x

8 February 2021

favourite skincare for dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin
(features products I have purchased & PR Samples)

I thought it might be interesting to update you on my most recent skincare routine. I've downsized my collection during lockdown and I'm happy with the products I'm currently using. My skin has been through a rough patch over the past year and I had to focus on ways to address these issues. I feel like winter is a battle in comparison to the summer months. At this time my morning and evening routine is super simple, just cleanse and moisturise. I'm trying to maintain a balance so refrain from additional products to avoid further irritation. 

Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream - I'm on my third tube of this Lucy Bee cleansing cream. I like to use it in the mornings. It doesn't smell the best but it's fragrance free and I've always found my skin responds well to coconut oil. Often we believe that oils and balms are best for dry skin but depending on formulations it is possible for these types of cleansers to still feel stripping as wash off oils will behave differently to leave on products. I enjoy a lighter cleanser in the morning and that's why cleansing creams are my preferred choice.

Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm - Oils and balms are heavy duty making them perfect for dissolving dirt and makeup. I use them as part of my evening routine. Vemel is a recent discovery and I'm working my way through this jar. I like the ingredients and it seems to work well for my skin type; this is also fragrance free. My only negative thought is I do prefer a softer textured balm and this one is pretty solid in the jar.

Typology Almond Oil - single ingredient oils are what I turn to when my skin is at its worst. When I want a break from products I take my routine back to barely anything. I will cleanse and moisture with almond oil or apricot kernel oil. I don't really have a preference to which brand I use and I have Typology to hand at this time.

Madara Rich Hydra-Barrier CICA Cream - I'm in the process of drafting a full review on this product which I will publish soon. As the name suggests this cream is an intensive product. I have temporarily ditched other moisturisers in order to try and repair the skin issues I've been experiencing. This is currently the only product in my routine that contains fragrance.

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate - when not using the Madara CICA cream I will opt for an oil and for a number of weeks I have gone back to this old faithful. You know I have a soft spot for Odylique products and this Superfruit Concentrate Serum is no exception. I can always rely on it. The ingredients are not overly complicated and it just works for me. I'm always happy with how my skin looks and feels after using this facial oil.

Odylique Calendula Balm - I'll use this calendula balm on stubborn dry patches, it's suitable for use all over the body. I often experience eczema patches on my face and I dab some of this balm on to soothe my skin. 

Lyonsleaf Zinc & Calendula Cream - I've been using this product to manage a seborrheic dermatitis outbreak on my face and body. It's a rich cream which I use sparingly. When I first tackle a breakout I will apply every day and then when my skin feels better I just top up occasionally to try and prevent further issues.

If you'd like to compare my 2021 skincare products to what I was using last year, here's a link to that post - My Skincare Routine April 2020

Sarah x

12 January 2021

Review Vemel Waterless Skincare Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm
Most of the Instagram adverts that come my way are pure trash but up popped an interesting looking skincare brand and suddenly my bank account was £25 lighter. What exactly caught my eye? well if it's not already obvious then let me introduce you to Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm. According to their website Vemel is a waterless skincare brand manufactured in Berkshire. 

Vemel was born as an antidote to the chemical overload that we find in our every-day lives in our quest to help our children who suffered for years with eczema related skin conditions and allergies. We believe that by reducing the chemicals that we absorb on a daily basis we can make long terms benefits to our overall health.

I'm not a huge fan of the message above as everything in life is a chemical but I understand the sentiment behind it due to my own lifetime of eczema and allergies. I am a firm believer that our skin is often overloaded with unnecessary and irritating ingredients. Many of us with skin problems need to strip back our routines and heal or protect our skin from further damage.

For me, Vemel ticks a number of boxes when I'm looking for skincare. As they are a waterless skincare brand that allows formulas to be free from preservatives and allows other plant based ingredients to shine through. I am not against preservation as it's important for the health and safety of products but since I have an MI allergy I have an awareness that some preservatives may be irritants to sensitive skin. Another important factor for me is Vemel chooses not to use essential oils in their products which reduces allergens. They are also plastic free and certified Vegan.

Now that you have a little understanding of why I chose to purchase from Vemel Skincare, let me introduce you to the Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm. You can see that a lot of care and attention has been spent on packaging and it's certainly attractive. This cleansing balm is formulated with shea butter, apricot oil, sunflower oil, berry wax, vitamin E, sea buckthorn and carrot. It's a solid balm consistency in the jar but melts with the warmth of your skin. If you have ever tried Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm then it's very similar in texture. The addition of a wooden spatula is necessary as I don't think I could scrap the balm from the jar as it's not super soft to the touch. Vemel also includes a cloth which is always great to include for those starting out with a balm cleanser but for me it's just another to add to my vast collection so not a necessity.

Cleansing balms are simple to use. Once I have scooped a small amount I warm it in my fingers (to melt) and then slowly and gently massage across my face. I take time to enjoy the process and when I'm ready I remove with a warm damp flannel (or the cloth provided). My makeup is minimal (Madara CC Cream and Everyday Minerals Powder) and I have no issues with removing the dirt and grime, the cloth is filthy with makeup so that's a good indication. I love balm cleansers because they don't strip my skin of moisture and I'm left with a silky, soft and hydrated face, vital in these winter months.

I really enjoy using Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm and it's comparable to many others on the market in terms of formulation, usage and performance. It is very easy for me to recommend a product like this one. At the moment I'm definitely showing signs of stress in my skin and I've been unhappy with my complexion so it's important for me to use the right products. I have trusted Vemel to deliver quality ingredients in a way that isn't overly complicated and that's what I find works best for me. It's also great to see a brand that avoids fragrance, as regular readers know I am sensitive to linalool (found in essential oils).

If you'd like further information on Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm or to view the rest of their skincare range, please visit Vemel Waterless Organic Skincare.

Sarah x

10 November 2020

Review Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm - Fragrance Free
(Gifted/Unpaid)

UPDATE SEPT 2021 - rebranded to Creature of Habit Skincare

Minimalist Skincare is a newly launched venture by formulator and owner, Jaina. As the name suggests this is a brand taking products back to basics. There is no doubt that these are sophisticated formulations but the ethos is about minimising ingredients. Jaina experienced acne and similar to my own eczema story she identified that sometimes less is more with skincare. I'm a firm believer that often people are overloading their skin with complex routines and ingredients which can lead to issues.

I was fortunate to trial Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm at formulation stages and I'm very excited to now be using the finished product. This is a soft, golden, buttery balm cleanser and with water it emulsifies to a milky consistency. The ingredients include safflower, shea butter, sunflower, castor oil, sweet almond, squalane, rosehip and bisabolol. This is a cleansing balm designed to offer soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. It does not contain perfumes or essential oils making it ideal for all skin types and particularly appeals to those with sensitivity.

It's a luxurious experience to massage Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm into skin. I'm already a fan of oil to milk cleansers as they suit my skin type and are easy to remove. You can rinse or use a damp cloth. If you ever find balms and oils too heavy and dislike any residue left behind you won't experience that sensation with this cleansing balm. After using this cleanser my skin has never felt overly dry or parched of moisture and it does well to keep a balance which is often tricky when eczema prone. With long term use my skin feels soft and looks bright and happy.

I'm super happy with Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm, it's an excellent product for my dry and sensitive skin. At the moment it's the only item available from Minimalist Skincare so I can't wait to see the next product launch. For more information or to purchase this cleanser, please visit their website.

Sarah x

29 September 2020

lyonsleaf unfragrance beauty balm
(Gifted/Lyonsleaf Affiliate Link)

I introduced the green community to Lyonsleaf back in 2013 when I stumbled across their website. I believe I was the first blogger to write about them and I introduced my readership to this fantastic natural skincare brand. Over the years I've watched them grown in popularity, expanded their product range, re-branded and win multiple awards. I had to put my love of Lyonsleaf on hold due to my diagnosis of a linalool allergy but I'm pleased to say they have slowly introduced fragrance free products. I have previously reviewed Lyonsleaf Unscented Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil if it's of interest to you.

Lyonsleaf products are cruelty free and handmade in the UK. They formulate with home grown herbs harvested by workers earning a living wage. The packaging is mostly plastic free and can be recycled. Lyonsleaf are committed to an ongoing program of reducing carbon emissions, environmental impact and waste. 

Lets focus our attention to Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm which is the unscented version of their best selling Beauty Balm. This multi purpose skincare balm contains babassu oil, shea butter, macadamia nut, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, calendula flower extract and vitamin E. The bonus with a water free formulation is it does not require the addition of preservatives and emulsifiers. Beauty Balm is designed to protect, nourish and rebalance skin making it ideal for all but especially suitable for people prone to acne, perioral dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Beauty Balm is one of a handful of Lyonsleaf products which are suitable for vegans.

Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm is a rich and luxurious balm which suits the oil cleansing method, this is a very popular way to cleanse skin. Beauty balm feels heavy in texture but easily melts with the warmth of your skin. After massaging into your skin simply wipe away using a damp wash cloth. For an additional spa like treatment at home, try holding a warm cloth to your face for a few seconds before removing the product. Beauty Balm doesn't leave a greasy residue behind but there is a noticeable difference and your skin feels extremely hydrated. It's a sensation which you will either enjoy or dislike but if you ever cleanse and feel parched of moisture this is the cleansing balm I would recommend to you. Speaking as someone with dry skin, Beauty Balm can be applied as a rich facial or body cream so it's perfect for those biting Winter winds which often leave skin feeling parched and uncomfortable.

Lyonsleaf products are available to purchase through their website. If you missed last months reviews for this retailer then click this link - Nature's Kitchen Summer Skin Box, Poa Poa Soap Dish, Skinlove Shower Gel 

Sarah x

3 June 2020

Pamoja Skincare vegan, palm oil free, free from allergens
(not sponsored)

Pamoja is a Swahili word which means ‘together’ and that feels like a great place to start this interview with Sarah, the founder of this wonderful natural skincare brand. Pamoja caught my attention because products are vegan, palm free and free from many of the major declarable food allergens. For those of you with sensitivity to essential oils they offer a fragrance free option.

6 April 2020

Introduction to Lucky Cloud Skincare
Let me introduce you to Lucky Cloud Skincare. I recently made a gift purchase from them and wanted to offer support at this difficult time. Lucky Cloud Skincare are based in Edinburgh, Scotland and produce natural and vegan skincare. Products are handmade in small batches using plant based ingredients to formulate beautiful oils and balms. They have a fantastic ethos with recyclable packaging, no animal testing plus high quality and ethically sourced ingredients. Lucy, the founder of Lucky Cloud has struggled with sensitive skin and created products to try and address her needs. All products fully comply with the European cosmetic regulations and have been tested for their safety and stability by leading industry assessors. 

I encourage you to explore the product range especially if you love balms and facial oils. Lucky Cloud Skincare also have a range of solid soap bars but you need to be quick as at the time of writing only peppermint remains in stock. I am sure they will re-stock in the future so bookmark the page. I tend to judge a brand on their lip balm flavours and opt for food scents so coconut and vanilla are sure to be a winner.  

If you have the opportunity and means to support indie brands then now is your chance. Come back and let me know on social media what you purchased.

Sarah x

17 July 2018

Review Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm
You may have heard that Bodhi & Birch launched a Superfoods Series consisting of five new skincare products – Avo Bao Cleansing Balm, Lemon Water Hydrosol Tonic, Super25 Botanical Serum, Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil and Renshen Root Exfoliant & Mask. The collection is multi-use and mixable allowing you to create a bespoke routine and every product is suitable for Vegans.

The Superfood Series is unlike other products from Bodhi & Birch as the range is free from essential oils. I was absolutely ecstatic to hear this. Although I buy Bodhi & Birch for others, I had to cease using them on myself following my diagnosis with linalool* sensitivity in 2014. I’d go as far as to say its a dream come true to once again enjoy Elijah's amazing creations. 

I had the pleasure of being part of the focus group prior to launch so I’ve sampled the entire range. The stand outs for me are the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm, Super25 Botanical Serum and Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil which will come as no surprise to those who know me. During initial testing phase, I felt these products improve the look of my skin and whilst it might be coincidental there was a significant improvement in my dermatitis. After launch I received a full size Avo Bao Cleansing Balm and Super25 Botanical Serum. The serum is safely stashed away at the moment because I need to work through open products but I know already how much I love it. 

I immediately got stuck into the Avo Bao cleansing balm and seriously this product is a beaut! It contains some fantastic ingredients – Avocado, Baobab, Green Coffee and Spirulina and one of my all time favourites Plum Kernel. The latter gives this wonderful delicate scent of marzipan and anyone who follows my reviews closely knows it’s a fragrance I adore and talk about regularly. I love when brands are creative with their formulations by using naturally fragrant ingredients that avoid allergens. As a side note, I really would love to see Bodhi & Birch Superfood Series entering the Free From Skincare Awards next year.

I’m using Avo Bao as sparingly as possible because I never want to run out. A little goes a long way and it has a wonderful buttery texture. The balm is fragile in the recent heatwave but regardless this cleansing balm feels luxurious to massage across the skin. It’s almost a spiritual moment to cleanse at the end of the day and I take my time allowing a moment to feel like I’m having an expensive spa treatment. Avo Bao cleansing balm is very easy to remove with a damp cloth and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. I adore the green colour it makes me smile and stands out from the crowd.

The Superfood Series is luxurious and in comparison to others you feel a sense of love, care and attention to details in their creation which warrants a higher price tag. Bodhi & Birch have taken a bold step formulating without essential oils and for anyone who feels unsure about this don’t be, Elijah is a skincare genius these products are truly wonderful, you are in safe hands. 

Sarah x

Disclaimer – PR Samples 

*Linalool naturally occurs in some essential oils, it’s one of 26 fragrance allergens which must be declared on cosmetic labels when present over a certain % in the formulation.

19 June 2018

Five Natural Skincare Favourites for May
Disclaimer - contains PR samples

Here are five favourites which I've been reaching for consistently every day. Links will take you to full reviews (or stockist) but here's a small re-cap on each one.

Deep Steep Argan Oil Fig & Apricot Hand Wash - I've been using Deep Steep hand washes for years and I often pick them up at TK Maxx. I'll clear the shelves of them so I never run out. It's the fragrances that I love and I describe Deep Steep as a more natural alternative to The Body Shop.

Green People Light Day Moisturiser (Scent Free) - despite the name I do find this lotion hydrating and it's perfect for warmer weather. If you use heavier lotions but get that sweaty feeling on your face during humid days, then this Green People moisturiser would be my recommendation. You can always layer with other products is your skin is feeling particularly parched. I also love that Green People have a range of fragrance free skincare making it ideal for those prone to sensitivity and allergies.

Saint Come Aromaspray Mint Eucalyptus - I picked this up from Love Lula on a bit of a whim. Due to my allergies home fragrances can be a little tricky so natural alternatives are more appealing. Aromaspray is vegan and contains premium grade essential oils, packaging is recyclable and there are no hidden propellant gas or synthetic ingredients. I will say that the Mint Eucalyptus does smell reminiscent of toothpaste or mouthwash so I might opt for a different fragrance next time. I mainly use this for kitchen and bathroom smells and yes I could open the window but sometimes you want a quick fix.

Zkin Organic Brightening & Hydrating Masque - this mask allows me to relax and take some for myself whilst treating my skin. I enjoy the temporary lift it gives me when my skin is feeling dull and tired. It's also very easy to remove which is important to me because I have delicate skin. 

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - I had the pleasure of being part of the focus group for a new range from Bodhi & Birch. At some point I'll write a full review but the Superfoods Series are beautiful products which also happen to be free from essential oils. This is a luxurious natural and vegan friendly balm created with so much passion and love, Elijah has used one of my favourite ingredients plum kernel which gives a delicate marzipan aroma without allergens. It's a bold step to make given that other Bodhi products have been formulated around essential oils but I for one am delighted.

Sarah x

10 October 2017

Review Harbour Elements Truly Gentle Cleansing Balm
As you know I believe some synthetic ingredients are not great for sensitive skin and it's how I ended up discovering natural and organic skincare. However, plant extracts can also cause problems for those with reactive and allergy prone skin so it can be a Catch 22, that is until brands like Harbour Elements (Harborist) step in.

23 March 2017

Review Alucia Organics Certified Organic Deep Cleansing Balm Fragrance Free
Fragrance free products are a huge part of my life, it might be dull not to have scent but it keeps my skin happy. Any company which offers a fragrance free version of their range is going to get a high five from me. Essential oils are beautiful and beneficial to some but they can be problematic to those with very sensitive skin. Lavender was my hero for many years before skin tests which revealed linalool could be triggering my eczema.

27 October 2016

Have you ever fancied trying the oil cleansing method but simply don't know where to start? Well, Lyonsleaf have put together a "starter kit".

The Oil Cleansing Complete Kit* contains everything you need - Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm (award winning cleansing balm and moisturiser in one), 5 x Face Flannels, 5 x muslin face cloths, Full instructions and information, a handy cotton drawstring bag and all for £22.50 (Beauty Balm is normally £12.95 so it's a saving of £3.44)

Beauty Balm is a product I highly recommend and if you'd like to read my thoughts then I've linked my review. It was written in 2013 but my opinions have not changed and I've used this product on and off over the years. It's become a bit of a cult product within the Green Beauty community.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *affiliate link

28 August 2016

Swap Youtube Favourites for Green Beauty Natural Organic
I'm continuing with my series to bring you some more Youtube Favourite Swaps. The concept behind these is I’m looking at “mainstream” product recommendations and finding “Green” alternatives. I want to show you that it is possible to buy products which are similar to the high street options but better for you and the environment.

La Roche Posay ANTHELIOS XL SPF 50+ BB COMFORT CREAM (Tinted) It’s a little tricky to match the high SPF in this product (I’m only focusing on what’s available to me in the UK) but we can find some alternatives with better ingredients. Andalou Naturals have several tinted BB/CC creams (SPF 30) to suit different skin types. I've also seen great reviews for COOLA Organic Suncare Collection (SPF 30, Matte Tint, Unscented). 

Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask - this product is free from a few key ingredients which green beauties like to avoid but contains Disodium EDTA and Tetrasodium EDTA. Also it is not suitable for Vegans (milk protein & lactose). Let’s swap for the Evolve Radiant Glow Mask which smells amazing from raw cacao, you leave on for 5 minutes and then it exfoliates when you remove from your skin.

Becca Mineral Blush – a few natural brands offer pressed powdered products but when it comes to blush I prefer to recommend those without carmine so I’d suggest Ere Perez Pure Rice Powder Blush which comes is 3 colour ways.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – the natural skincare world is full of wonderful cleansing balms, this has to be the easiest product to swap, there really is no need to use products that test on animals and contain petrochemicals. Try Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, The Rose Tree Carrot & Mango Cleansing Balm or Gaia Creams Coconut Mousse

Clarins Daily Energizer Daily Energising Beauty Balm - from what I can tell looks like a sheer pink tinted lip balm. Let us swap to affordable and cruelty free alternatives such as Everyday Minerals Tinted Lip Balms (iherb), Pacifica Colour Quench Lip Tint, Yes To Carrots Peachy Keen Balm or Hurraw Tinted Cinnamon lip balm.

Sainsbury's White Creme Bath Family – this is cheap and cruelty free but little else going for it as far as I'm concerned. You may still need to compromise on some ingredients with natural foaming products but how about going organic as well, try Organic Surge Clove, Orange & Geranium Foaming Bath.

Guerlain Stop Spot Anti-Blemish Treatment – for this one I’m going to suggest OY! Cover & Clear Spot It which not only has great ingredients but double the quantity and half the price!

If you have any swap suggestions I'd love to hear them and you can read my last swap article then click here - Swap No 2 Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Inlight, Bodhi & Birch, Green People, Desert Essence and Antipodes

Sarah x

3 December 2015

review sugarpuffish Natural and Organic Facial Cleansers
The idea of this article is to re-cap on four years of products testing, a daunting task when it comes to cleansers as I did not realise how many I have reviewed. Of course I have my favourites and have repeat purchased a number over the years. If you follow my YouTube channel you'll know which ones these are. Which type of cleanser I enjoy really all depends on my mood, time of year and how my skin is behaving.

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