conditioner

19 June 2022

Review Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque
(this item was purchased)

Anyone who experiences sensitivity or allergies probably lives with a constant fear about products being discontinued. You spend ages finding the perfect skincare, become a brand loyal customer and then one day you can no longer get hold of that product you love so much. This happened to me over the course of several months as A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner seemed to be unavailable in every reputable stockist and I was almost in tears.

You see, it wasn't until Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo came into my life that my journey with haircare became less of a nightmare. I continued using various conditioners until years later when I was diagnosed with a sensitivity to linalool. I had to go back to the drawing board. Over time I found conditioners that work until they changed formulations and in 2020 I went back to using Akin on a full time basis.

So this long winded story is to set the scene and tell you that with all the trials and tribulations that followed not having Akin in my life, I've experienced the most annoying itchy scalp. Randomly it tends to be located to one side of my scalp and I don't know if it was brought on by trialling products, stress or eczema. Nothing felt like it was working and after searching online for many hours trying to locate a possible treatment I purchased Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque.

"Our calming Sensitive Scalp Masque helps gently soothe dry scalps and reduce the appearance of dry flakes with Chamomile Extract & Maize Complex. Whilst Argan, Coconut & Avocado Oils deliver essential moisture to the scalp."

Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque can be used in two ways, either apply to scalp pre-wash (leave for 1 minute & rinse) or after washing (leave for 1 minute & rinse). I've tried both methods and I don't really have a preference both work adequately. In terms of performance it seems to soothe the itch to an extent either that or it's a placebo effect. I get a decent level of relief between washes which reduces my desire to scratch but long term I don't have a "cure" as the issue does eventually return. If you are looking for a masque treatment to improve overall hair health then this is not the one  for you as it is solely intended to be massaged directly onto the scalp and you don't apply through the lengths.

Overall I've been super happy with using Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque. Hopefully one day I'll figure out the trigger to my itchy scalp but in the meantime this scalp masque helps gives me a break from the problem. I purchased Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque online for a very reasonable £8.95, that's one of the things I like about Sukin, they fit into my budget constraints. Sukin Scalp Masque comes recommended by me not only because it's a good product but Sukin are a vegan brand, Australian made, cruelty free, use natural ingredients and care about the environment. 

Sarah x

10 October 2021

Review Odylique NEW Prebiotic, Chamomile and Coconut Conditioner
(Gifted/Unpaid/Affiliate Link & Discount Code)

If you've been following for some time you'll probably already know that I'm a huge fan of Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo. Believe me when I say it's the only shampoo I use as nothing else comes close to it. I've seen and received comments over the years that people are disappointed that there was no matching conditioner but that has now changed. Odylique recently launched two new products - Prebiotic, Chamomile & Coconut Conditioner (fragrance free) and Lavender Conditioner & Detangler.

I struggled for years to find decent natural hair care that was also free from fragrance and essential oils so I was thrilled by the launch of the Coconut Conditioner. Odylique market this as a multi-tasking product that can be used as a detangler, cleansing conditioner for co-washing, split end repair cream, hair mask/treatment and scalp conditioner.

For this review I chose to use Odylique Chamomile and Coconut Conditioner after every wash for a week and as a hair treatment. To give you a bit of background information -

* I have fine hair but lots of it so it appears thick
* I use hair dye every six weeks
* I style with a hair dryer and GHD straighteners
* I wash my hair on average every other day

Odylique have formulated their conditioners with active ingredients. Horsetail strengthens, coconut is conditioning, chamomile and calendula are soothing, aloe vera locks in moisture and shea butter is smoothing. It's free from wheat, dairy, soy and common allergen nut oils, suitable for vegans and cruelty free, free from sulphates and silicones. The tube is recyclable and made in UK from renewable sugar cane.

So what do I think of Odylique NEW Prebiotic, Chamomile and Coconut Conditioner? I'm no longer reaching for this conditioner after every wash as I prefer using it as an intensive treatment to tackle dryness. After styling my hair always feels soft, shiny and smooth. When I air dry my hair it often looks frizzy with a slight wave/curl but I see a reduction in this when using Odylique conditioner. Overall, I've been very happy with this conditioner and would be happy to recommend.

If you would like to try Odylique Prebiotic, Chamomile & Coconut Conditioner or Lavender Conditioner & Detangler, you can receive 20% off orders using my code SUGARPUFFISH at the checkout on their website.

Sarah x

15 April 2021

Bowe Organics Versatile Hair Oil Fragrance Free
(Unpaid Gifted)

My latest obsession is testing hair oils. I've always used these types of products but in the past struggled to find fragrance free. During lockdown I've been doing everything I can to compensate for the lack of regular hair cuts. My now shoulder length hair is starting to become a frizz mess and hair oils can help to tame dry ends.

In October I reviewed By Sarah London Organic Hair Oil. Later on in the year I picked up Epic Blend Hair Oil Unscented which sadly is no longer available and most recently I selected the newly launched Bowe Organics Versatile Hair Oil Fragrance Free (a fragrance version is also available).

Bowe Organics' founder, Diane Bowe is a freelance hairdresser who came across organic beauty when she started using organic colours and products for hairdressing. After further research fuelled by a passion for botanical ingredients she created her luxury artisan brand.

I love the fact that Diane has given customers the option to buy a fragrance and fragrance free versions of this hair oil. For me, this makes the product feel more inclusive to those who choose or need to avoid essential oils.

Bowe Organics Versatile Hair Oil (fragrance free) is formulated with safflower oil, baobab, argan oil, jojoba, rosehip, vitamin E and sunflower oil. As the name suggests this is a versatile product, you can apply a few drops to wet and dry hair or use as a pre-shampoo treatment. I've always favoured using hair oils on wet hair before styling. I have fine hair and I think this method helps avoid greasiness.

I'm enjoying using Bowe Organics Versatile Hair Oil. I trust that my hair is benefiting from this additional treatment. I feel as if can tame the frizz and hydrate dry ends. If you'd like to try this product for yourself, then you may wish to buy direct from Bowe Organics.

Sarah x

1 January 2021

top natural skincare products for 2020 sensitive skin prone to eczema
(some products featured may have been gifted, others will have been purchased)

2020 may have been shit but natural skincare has been excellent. Lets just step away from all of the world's problems and be a little selfish and indulgent. I enjoy looking back on the products that have given me some joy over the last twelve months. Skincare is self care and those of us with problem skin are often battling against exasperated conditions at times of great stress and anxiety. Let me jump in and talk about some of the products which became firm favourites.

Everyday Favourites
Most of you will already know that my routine always includes products from Balmonds, Odylique and Organii. I'm a regular customer when it comes to creams, shampoo and shower gels from these brands. I've become reacquainted with Lyonsleaf products especially after introducing a fragrance free version of their best seller Beauty Balm. I also rekindled my affections for A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner, a product I once used regularly at the start of my green journey, long before I started blogging.

Favourite for coconut oil lovers
I love that fragrance free has been at the forefront of many new discoveries this year. With a rise in allergies and sensitivities I think it's an important focus for skincare brands. I fell hard for the fantastic Lucy Bee. I've gone through several tubes of the Reviving Cleanser and recently finished a jar of Radiance Boosting face cream. If you love coconut oil as part of your skincare routine then you are sure to become a fan.

Favourite minimalistic skincare
I've always enjoyed skincare which has a minimalistic approach to ingredients and with this in mind I welcomed Eden Days Sensitive Soul Body Butter, Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm, Bunch Skincare Body Oil and Lily & Rabbit soaps.

Parisian Favourites
Typology was another launch which took me by surprise. I enjoyed the no-frills approach with mix and match products tailoring to individual needs. Their products are also free from essential oils. Following on with my love of minimal ingredients I particularly enjoyed using the Typology 7 Ingredient Makeup Removing Oil and 10 Ingredient Hand Balm.

There are so many brilliant small businesses out there and I hope to find more newcomers. I will do my best to continue supporting your business into 2021 which also happens to be my tenth year of running this blog. Fingers crossed for a brighter and healthier future.

Sarah x

AFFILIATE LINKS & DISCOUNT CODES
20% off Odylique using code SUGARPUFFISH
20% off Balmonds using code SUGARPUFFISH20

27 October 2020

By Sarah London Organic Hair Oil and Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash
(Gifted/prices correct at time of publication)

Georganics is a brand I've known for a while and they recently launched onto Love Lula's site. They are a natural, sustainable and ethical oral care brand. Georganics pride themselves on being zero waste, plastic free, biodegradable, vegan and cruelty free (certified by PETA). Products are free from free from fluoride, glycerine, SLS, parabens, gluten, GMO ingredients and alcohol.

I'll be the first to hold my hand up and say that switching to natural dental products feels the same as the struggles to finding natural deodorants. I personally would like to see natural oral care with backing from dentists. I feel it's important to be mindful about the long term health of my teeth.

I believe Oil Pulling is associated with Auyrveda, the traditional medicine system from India. Studies suggest that oil pulling can kill bacteria in the mouth and improve dental health. I've been trialling the Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash in English Peppermint. The suggested usage is 1-2 teaspoons of oil and swish around the mouth for five to twenty minutes. I think you have to work up to the twenty minute time frame and honestly I don't have the will power or time for it. 

My mouthwashes have always been non-mainstream and I've used Sarakan for many years. Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash is a pleasant product but it doesn't have the punchy kick of peppermint which I enjoy. I'm certainly not a convert to oil pulling at the moment but maybe I need more time.

By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil featured on my blog last year so I'm familiar wit their products. I particularly like them as they formulated without using essential oils. It can be a little tricky to find fragrance free hair products so I was keen to try By Sarah London Organic Hair Oil. It is a unisex product and the formulation is a blend of argan oil, sea buckthorn oil and vitamin E. The write up for this product states "Sea Buckthorn Oil is a key active ingredient that helps to prevent dryness, thinning and split ends."

I have fine hair so I only use 2-3 drops of By Sarah London Organic Hair Oil on damp hair before styling. I did have to experiment with the quantity as there were times my hair felt a little weighed down which I attributed to this product. I'm hoping there are long term benefits to using hair oil but it's not easy to monitor. All I can say is my hair feels silky and smooth to the touch, with a reduction in the frizzy texture of my dry ends. At £23 for a 20ml bottle it's probably one of the most expensive hair oils I've used. 

If you would like to buy By Sarah London Organic Hair Oil and Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash please visit their websites. If you didn't catch last months review then follow the link - Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm

Sarah x

1 October 2020

akin mild gentle fragrance free conditioner
(I purchased this product)

I've been struggling with eczema on my neck and shoulders during lockdown which lead me to rethink my haircare routine. I enjoy using Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner but I've temporarily stopped using it opting for a fragrance free replacement. Akin was one of the first natural brands I ever tried and I regularly used their shampoos and conditioners in those early years. I'm sad to say they fell off my radar following the increase in green beauty products and growing market. 

My quest for fragrance free conditioner had been right under my nose the entire time. I'm so pleased I decided to buy A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner as it has provided much needed relief. Of course it may be purely coincidence but I've seen a difference. I always advocate stripping back your hair or skin care routine and going scent free when experiencing allergy and eczema flare ups.

This Akin conditioner lives up to its name - Mild and Gentle. It's formulated with rosehip oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and oat extract to soothe dry itchy scalps and provide moisture. I have shoulder length hair which is fine but thick and I colour it every 6-8 weeks. I need a conditioner that combats dryness but doesn't weigh it down. A little does go a long way and I'm cautious not to overload my fine hair. During application I feel this Akin conditioner detangles knots caused during the shampooing process. My hair feels silky and smooth during application and retains this through to styling. After the first use I pondered why I hadn't been using A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner all along. Maybe I was side tracked by marketing promises, curiosity for new products or tightening of purse strings. 

I've always recommended A'kin fragrance free products to others based on old experiences but now I feel happy having a fresh perspective under my belt. It's enjoyable to revisit long lost brands and I'm sure I'll delve back into the product range once more. In the meantime, I'm happy and with fingers crossed I'm hoping this itchy free lifestyle will continue for the foreseeable. One day I may venture back into the arms of Giovanni but for the moment A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner has saved me from bad hair days.

Sarah 

22 July 2020

Reviews for Love Lula Green People Deodorant, Lavera Shampoo, Ooh Oils of Heaven Face Oil
(Gifted/prices correct at time of publication) 

Hey! folks I hope you are all keeping well. It's been a difficult time but testing products has been a welcome distraction. I don't know about you but I am well and truly upping my time spent on pampering myself. This month has included a mixture of items and I'll give you a quick overview and my thoughts on the following.

Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant - I've spoken about this many times before but natural deodorants haven't gone well for me because of my allergies. I also struggle with the price difference between mainstream and natural as I currently use a Superdrug roll-on for £1 and Green People comes in at £10.50. I'm in a privileged position to trial Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant so I thought I'd take the plunge. The Green People Scent Free range is one I have always recommended and regularly use their Anti-Ageing 24 hour Cream. The key ingredients to this deodorant are Organic Aloe Vera, Prebiotics, Alum & Zinc Ricinoleate. Green People deodorant has a soft and gentle feeling on skin without stickiness and I haven't noticed any issues with residue on clothing. I've been happy with the effectiveness and it works well for me. I'm currently not working so the only sweating I do comes from a brisk walk or hoovering the house and after both activities I haven't noticed stinky arm pits. I'm confident to recommend Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant and if you visit their website you'll see good feedback from customers.

Lavera Hair Care Family Shampoo - I've always been a fan of Lavera products, it was one of the first brands I came across and up until I was diagnosed with linalool allergy, I was regularly using their colour & care shampoo. I chose this Family shampoo for my husband but it also happens to not list linalool in the ingredients. The key ingredients are apple and quinoa which promises to give a gentle and effective wash. My husband is partly bald so I'm keen to find shampoo that not only cleans hair but protects his sensitive scalp. As the name "family" suggests this shampoo is suitable for all, perfect for those who like a fuss free routine and are not targeting a specific issue. As it is Plastic Free July, I note that Lavera shampoo bottles are made from 100% recycled milk, juice and water bottles and can be recycled. 

Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil - I've always been a fan of plum kernel oil because it has the most wonderful scent which will remind you of almonds and marzipan. When the majority of my routine is without fragrance then I get very excited by ingredients that have a natural aroma. Plum Oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, oleic acid, linoleic acid and anti-oxidants. It's an emollient that nourishes and hydrates and can be of benefit to dry and mature skin types. I think this is a lovely light silky oil which penetrates my skin easily without greasy residue. Over the years I have written about products that contain plum kernel oil so it's wonderful to be able to use as a stand alone ingredient. I honestly adore this oil so I was pleased to see Ooh! Oils add it to their range and was quick to order. As long as you enjoy the unique scent then I'm pretty confident you are going to want to try this for yourself, I highly recommend.

25 May 2020

Reviews Alba Botanicals, Balmonds, Giovanni, Madara, Raw Halo, Viridian
(I have purchased these products but they may have previously featured on my site as gifts/press samples)

During lockdown a handful of products ran out so I've been ordering replacements and I thought you might be interested in discovering more about my favourites. I hope this shows that my positive reviews are honest and demonstrates how products become staples in my self care routine.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cream Shave - this was something I originally picked up at TK Maxx and I wasn't expecting much however it turned out to be the perfect product for me. I've always experienced dry skin and shaving can be a struggle especially in the winter months. My legs are prone to soreness and bleeding despite the upmost care and attention paid to my skin. When it came to repurchasing the coconut lime was out of stock so I selected mango vanilla instead. I spent years finding the perfect shave cream so I truly hope I can continue to source this one as it leaves my skin silky smooth and undamaged by the razor.

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - this cream tackles my dry skin with ease and it's suitable for across the entire body including my face and hands. This is a reliable product and appeals to me from a budget conscious perspective as it can cut three creams down to just one. It's suitable for all the family and when the shops are open again readily available on the high street at Holland & Barrett. 

Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray - this product has been working well for me so I'm sticking with it for the moment. Unlike other leave in sprays this doesn't make my hair feel greasy or weigh down in. It doesn't appear to 'build up' over time which is great as it doesn't conflict with my hair washing routine.

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 - I've been using this since circa 2018 and it has now replaced my long time love affair with Madara Moon Flower Tinting Fluid. Both products are excellent but it was the SPF that clinched it for me in the end. This is the only non-vegan (contains beeswax) product in my routine and if that's a deal beaker for you then opt for the Tinting Fluid which is suitable for vegans. Depending on how my skin looks I'll often wear Madara CC cream over moisturiser or layer it under a powder mineral foundation, either way I like how it evens out my skin tone. 

Raw Halo Organic Raw Chocolate - you came here for skincare and here I am throwing in a food item but it's one of my lockdown essentials. Chocolate that is suitable for Vegans but without trace warnings for milk is really hard to find but Raw Halo ticks that box and tastes delicious so I treated myself to several bars.

Viridian High Five Multivitamin and Mineral Formula - I originally introduced readers to Viridian in 2015 (Viridian Essential Female Multi Vitamin). Supplements are very much personal choice and should be tailored to individual needs. I take vitamins on the advice provided when seen in Allergy Clinics (NHS). A balanced diet is always preferable and I do my best where I can. The High Five formula offers me everything I need in one tablet and I've been taking them for a few years. I chose Viridian over other brands because of their ethics and quality of ingredients. 

Sarah x

5 May 2020

How I maintain healthy hair when prone to eczema and allergies
(affiliate link marked *)

I always talk about skincare but rarely mention the products I use on my hair. If you are interested in looking back through the archives, I think the last hair care routine was written in 2017. I refrain from continually swapping out products because I spent years trying to manage a sensitive scalp and eczema covered my neck which I attribute to shampoo (and stress). I never want to return to those dark days however I'm now armed with a piece of information I was lacking back then and that's my sensitivity to linalool and MI, a diagnosis which I believe made a huge difference to my life.

One product I would never switch out is my *Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo and I've been banging on about it since 2013. It just works really well for me, it did take a bit of getting used to at first but once I figured things out I truly believe it contributed to balancing out my skin and maintaining a healthy scalp. The formula does not contain SLS but lathers up well and the trick to that is to have very wet hair and thoroughly massage. I have now managed to get my husband switched over to Odylique shampoo and have seen a reduction in his skin irritations (on back of his neck). A common question I've had over the years has been that Odylique doesn't sell a matching conditioner. They believe many people doesn't feel they need one with their shampoos however I have continued to use a conditioner. My hair is thick and can get super knotty so I need this type of treatment to help smooth my hair.

If you've been following my routines over the years then you will know I've used a variety of conditioners. I usually stick to one for several months or years until I hit a problem with it - discontinued, formulation changes, unavailable through stockists or budget constraints. Last year I experimented with three conditioners from Giovanni. I ended up settling on Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner and have repurchased a couple of times. I believe it makes my hair softer, more manageable and doesn't weigh it down. I've always tried to incorporate a heat protection and leave in conditioner type product to combat dryness from styling tools and in recent months I added Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray to my routine. At the time of writing this I'm almost at the end of this bottle. I really notice a difference if I don't apply a styling spray and I'm hoping its working even though it might not always be visible to the eye. I am now contemplating purchasing another bottle but am also tempted to try something new (that's easily said than done with my allergies).

If you are interested in purchasing these products, they are widely available online either direct with the brand or through online retailers.

Sarah x

11 February 2020

Review Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray
(this product was purchased by me & I made the decision to review, this is not in association with a PR/Brand/Retailer)

My review from 2013 for Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist remains one of my top viewed posts. I continued to use this product for many years up until about 2017. I vaguely recalled having trouble finding a stockist and I moved on to Evolve Organic Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir which I've been using ever since. Sorry if the back story is boring but I want to illustrate my loyalty to products. Anyway this all leads me on to present day when I decided to switch things up again. Evolve Hair Elixir is a lovely product but does list linalool in the ingredients and I'm supposed to avoid this one. I'm unlikely to experience an allergic reaction via my hair but I have to consider my hands when applying the product.

14 January 2020

favourite green beauty skincare reviews for 2019
(features previously reviewed products gifted through a blogger partnership programme for Love Lula)

I had the idea to look back over the last year of reviews for Love Lula. There are a number of products which impressed me and have made it into my routine for the foreseeable future. I have gone on to re-purchase a number of products since my initial review which I think says a lot about them.

My April review featured Jason and Organii and whilst I did not go on to purchase these particular products again, I did explore product range for the brands. Jason Smoothing Coconut Body Wash has been a staple in our shower which both myself and my husband have been using. The giant 887ml bottle is very economical and it's nice to have found something which we can share as it was getting a little cluttered having separate bottles. Organii liquid soaps and shower gels are a firm favourite and I've re-purchased plenty of times. I generally have the fragrance free hand wash and shea butter body wash in my home but I will mix it up from time to time.

In June and August I reviewed the Giovanni 2-Chic conditioners and they have been very economical as I am only now reaching the end of the bottles. It's surprising how a change of scenery makes all the difference to performance of hair care products. It seems so silly but in our new house I'm not sure if the water or a better shower is the key factor but I switched up my preference from the original review. All three conditioners have their own merits but I will be repurchasing either the Repairing or Ultra Sleek and won't be swapping back to Madara.

In September it was Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream that won me over and I'm still using up the bottle. My thoughts remain the same and I've been reaching for it more often in recent weeks following a break out in eczema. It's an excellent staple for all the family and I can't imagine not having it in my routine.

October featured Green People Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream which I immediately re-purchased when it ran out. I still don't like the anti-ageing message but the formulation and performance is spot on for me. It's been a long time since I was 100% sold on a face cream. Of course there are other creams I enjoy from different brands but I was going back and forth between them. Green People fits my skin type perfectly and I'm feeling much better about my appearance. I had struggled with dermatitis and redness and whilst I would never claim to be "cured" I am definitely feeling happier when using this product.

Nature's Kitchen featured three times this year as I reviewed the Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover, Purifying Skin Toning Gentle Care Face Mask and Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream. I enjoyed using all three products but it's the Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream that stood out to me the most. I struggle with dry hands over the winter months and it can be hard to find creams that are not thick and greasy but effective in protecting my skin. Nature's Kitchen ticks this box for me and the rescue cream has become a staple for my bedside table. The price point is great, a little goes a long way and I can see myself replacing once this tube is used up.

Sarah x

Further reviews for Love Lula in 2019 can be located through these links -

20 August 2019

Review for Love Lula Giovanni 2Chic Conditioners
(gifted/unpaid)

Caring for my hair has been a battle over the years because of a sensitive scalp and eczema prone skin. I've been using Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo consistently for over six years but I like to pair it with a conditioner. My hair is fine but dry as I colour regularly and use heat styling tools so it needs a little extra TLC. Around two years ago I settled on using Madara Colour and Shine conditioner but it's one of the last products in my bathroom that contains linalool (I'm sensitive to this ingredient). I'm not in a hurry to stop using Madara but I decided to start experimenting and re-visit a brand I knew and liked.

Following on from my review of Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner back in June, I decided to try Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner and Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner. To be honest I find all three have similar qualities so the differences between them are fairly minor. If I was to rank them in order Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner is bottom of the list. As I mentioned in my previous review it misses the mark with detangling during application stage. To explain further, I like a conditioner that gives "slip" to the hair. I experience knots after shampooing so a good conditioner can help make brushing a little easier. I'm not sure if static can be a side effect of conditioners but it is odd how I have more issues after using this product, that's a real puzzler for me.

By a small margin I think I'd say the 2Chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner is top of my list and the winning factor over the 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner is how my hair feels on the day after washing. I achieve the smoothness I need for brushing and enjoy how my hair feels after styling. It still doesn't perform as well when comparing to Madara but side by side against the other Giovanni 2Chics, for me, it's the best of the bunch. Don't get me wrong the Ultra-Sleek is still a good conditioner, it's giving me the smoothness however it's a delicate balance with finding the correct amount to use. On a few occasions I'm left with that lank, weighed down feeling which doesn't work for me. It's simply a case of too much treatment for my fine hair and that's a common problem I've faced time and time again with hair care products.

I'm happy to recommend Giovanni 2Chic conditioners and suggest they are worth trying for yourself. I think it's fair to say that it's just a case of finding the right one to suit your needs. Overall Giovanni is a brand I enjoying using, I often refer to them as having similarities to salon brands just minus certain ingredients on my avoid list. They are cruelty free and many of their products are suitable for Vegans.

If you missed last months review then follow this link - Nature's Kitchen Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover

Sarah x

4 June 2019

Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner and By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil
(Gifted PR Samples)

I never know if anyone cares about a back story to products but circa 2011, I regularly used Giovanni hair care and my review for Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist remains one of my most popular blog posts. As new conditioners came to my attention I moved on from Giovanni and for the past two years I've been happily using Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner but I fancied a changed. Long story short it's one of the last remaining products I use which contains linalool. I decided to re-visit the brand and try Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner.

Giovanni is a long standing company (est. 1979) who I appreciate to be cruelty free (leaping bunny certified) and the vast majority of their extensive product range is suitable for Vegans. Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner is marketed to damaged and over processed hair claiming to protect, nourish and restore with a formula that contains blackberries and coconut milk. For reference my hair is fine but plentiful, I colour it regularly and use heat styling tools. Lets talk about performance of this conditioner. In comparison to Madara it doesn't have the smoothing and detangling effect on application and it's not until styling that I notice softness. The aroma is pleasant and remains me of a salon brand, it's fairly perfumed which admittedly disappointed me at first since I had expectations of a fruity tropical scent from blackberries and coconut milk. The scent is strong but not too over powering and more noticeable after styling in comparison to Madara. I enjoy the overall feeling to my hair but it just misses the mark on softness and oddly I've experienced more static. I like the price point but it's not making me want to ditch my other conditioner any time soon however I would definitely like to branch out and try another from their range. I'll happily recommend but I don't think it's quite right for me. It's super tricky to find linalool free hair care so I celebrate that Giovanni fits that requirement.

Moving onto facial oils, I picked up By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil which is registered with the Vegan society and fragrance free (no essential oil allergens). I love a good facial oil and over the years I've tried out what feels like a million of them. Despite their popularity they do vary between brands. For me it's about the blend of ingredients and this one contains almond, apricot, pumpkin, argan, evening primrose and vitamin E. It's a good choice for most skin types but it is going to lend itself very well to those with sensitive skin. It feels great on my skin without greasiness. If facial oil isn't your thing then the By Sarah London range also includes cleansing balm (contains beeswax), bath salts, lip balm (contains beeswax) and body oil.

If you missed my last review then follow this link - Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap & Organii Cream Soap Almond

Sarah x

10 July 2018

Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
(includes gifted PR samples)

Travelling light with cabin only luggage is something I am slowly getting used to but the liquid allowance sends me into meltdown when it comes to my skincare. I make the separation anxiety a little easier by decanting favourites into 100ml bottles but sometimes that’s not practical due to the natural of the product. I’ll often top up on small samples or travel sized skincare and products which are multipurpose. Just for fun I thought I would run through a list of everything that came with me to Italy. Full disclosure I do take over my husband allowance he’s minimal with skincare and just uses mine.

Pictured above are the products that qualify for cabin allowance so they are 100ml or less. On this last trip we were trailing Green People sun creams so I have the scent free range of SPF 30 sun lotion (for body), facial cream and lip balm. I opted to take cleansing oil as balms don’t hold up well in the warm weather. I’m currently using Myroo (fragrance free) so that came along for the trip. I personally think oil cleansing is a great all rounder which easily removes daily grime without stripping the skin. I picked up Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Light Day Cream as it’s one of my favourites. A little goes a long way with this cream so the 15ml size was ample and we didn’t use it up. I did travel with my Everyday Minerals powder foundation but also took along my Madara CC cream. This contains SPF and evens out skin tone; it simply gives me a little more confidence to go makeup free. I really liked how this stood up against the heat and I look half decent in our holiday photos. I also packed Ere Perez Carrot Pot in Harmony for cheek and lip colour but didn’t end up using it but that qualifies as a non-liquid so takes up no room or allowance. Lastly, I love that Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic are available in 15ml travel size and chose argan as a suitable all rounder. I know I can use this on my hair, face and body so if one of my other products runs out or I need additional hydration I’m covered. 
Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
My favourite products (shown above) were the ones I decanted into smaller bottles. You all know I can’t be without my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo but my 500ml bottle isn’t travel friendly. My Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner also came along for the trip. Both my husband and I are currently using Sukin for Men body wash and you can see that’s another super size bottle only suitable for the bathroom. I was not about to part with my Evolve Organic Daily Defence Moisture Mist so that was a must have. I also included Green People Scent Free Body & Hand lotion as a good all purpose cream but truth be told I didn't end up needing it.

What are your travel essentials? Are there any beauty products you can't be without on your holiday?

Sarah x

12 June 2018

Guest Post Conscious Skincare 'Pure' - a collection of Fragrance Free products
Please note this is a guest post written by Conscious Skincare, this is not a sponsored post

Hello, I’m Rebecca Martin, founder of Conscious Skincare, a multi-award-winning organic skincare and body care company, based on the gorgeous west Wales coastline.

Like many of you, I live with a couple of health issues, asthma and an under-active thyroid, which mean I have to be careful about what I put on my skin and what I expose myself to. In fact, it was a severe allergic reaction that my husband experienced that kick-started Conscious Skincare in the first place. My husband got some wood stain on his skin and didn’t realise. It got into his system and he became very ill and hypo-allergenic to just about everything so I scrambled around, going through all my notes to come up with products he could use safely. It was a very scary time in our lives.

Day to day, an under-active thyroid means very dry skin, random pains for no reason at all, fatigue, anxiety and intense feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’. I have learned over the years to manage the anxiety with yoga, exercise, breathing and meditation but this anxious state means higher levels of cortisol in my body which can lead to burn out and worse still, organ damage so keeping an eye on how stressed I’m feeling is key! 

With my thyroid, I can manage and control how I respond; avoiding stressful situations, a good diet and taking good care of myself. My asthma however, is a different beast! It started after a whooping cough vaccination when I was 6. The main trigger is smell which is usually completely out of my control! It was terrible when I used to commute on the tube in London; body odour, stale air and my biggest nightmare, other people’s synthetic perfumes and after-shaves. 

Shopping was like running the gauntlet. Have you noticed how department stores force you to walk through a chemical mist as you enter the store? The cosmetic counters are right by the main entrances. These chemically laden mists are full of allergens and known toxins and you walk straight into it! It kills me every time and I have to cover my face, close my eyes and literally run through it. There couldn’t be more asthma and allergy triggers in one place if you tried. It’s alarming that many high end designer brands of perfume and after-shave still routinely contain known carcinogens and allergens. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics run by the Environmental Working Group in the U.S listed 38 secret chemicals in 17 top brand perfume brands. The average fragrance contained 14 chemicals that were not even listed on the label. Amongst the chemicals found were those associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Even more worrying was that many of the substances found had not been assessed for safety in cosmetic products. There couldn’t be a stronger argument for ditching perfumes and after-shaves! 

When I started Conscious Skincare, ‘parfum’ would never have a place in our products. We only use high quality pure essential oils and we only use them for the benefits they bring to your skin, not for fragrance. We have launched a specific range which is free from any essential oils called ‘Pure’. Perfect for those of you who, like me, your allergy triggers are smells too! 

To see the full range, go to www.conscious-skincare.com and to find out more about us.

30 January 2018

Green Beauty Haul feat. Odylique, Madara, Pai, Handmade Naturals, Evolve
I wanted to show that I really do love the products I've been writing about for the past six years. You may notice that majority of these products are not new to my website. Before Christmas I was running low on skincare so I decided to make a list for anyone who didn't know what to buy me. It's worthwhile because it eliminates getting unwanted gifts. Anything I didn't receive I just bought for myself.

5 December 2017

I've been part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for a year and thought I might look at my favourite products that I've found through the site. I chose to work with Love Lula because I shopped with them long before I started blogging and outside of the program I continue to buy products.

1 August 2017

Natural and Organic Haircare Routine 2017 featuring Madara, Odylique, Evolve Organic Beauty, John Masters
Disclaimer - affiliate link marked *

Things have changed a little bit since I last wrote one of these hair care updates back in October 2016. I'm still faithful to my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo and Naturtint hair colour but I've switched out my conditioner and styling products.

I started to believe that my beloved Desert Essence Red Raspberry conditioner was causing irritation. Every time I switched it out my scalp felt better. I have no idea why this happened or whether it was just temporary but I decided to find a replacement. I eventually settled on Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner. I'm on my second tube so that goes to show how much I am enjoying the results. I don't use very much of this conditioner because I find it nourishes my fine hair easily. I like that my hair can feel soft but without weighing it down.

My little bottle of *Evolve Nourishing Elixir which featured many times in posts has now been upgraded to a full size. I truly do think it's a great addition in my routine. I don't necessarily apply after every wash but I make sure I use it at least once a week. I use 2-3 drops on damp hair, through the middle to ends and it never leaves my hair weighed down. I believe in the long run this helps maintain softness and keeps my hair free from frizz.

I moved away from Giovanni styling products simply because I had the opportunity to test something different and it stuck. The John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-In Conditioning Mist has grown on me over time. At first I thought it wasn't doing much but my hair isn't a frizzy mess so I trust it's protecting in the long run. As the mist is very fine I haven't noticed build up. I'm still not the biggest fan of the scent but it doesn't linger once my hair has been dried and styled.

What's your hair care routine? Are my favourites something which you have tried and liked?

Sarah x

6 June 2017

Empty natural organic skincare products reviews
(gifted PR samples marked *)

My last Empties post was in March but since then I’ve gathered up a bit more trash to talk about. As I go through this set of products I thought it might be interesting to put a 'date stamp' on them to give context to how long I have been using them up.

Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner*I picked this up in February as part of my Love Lula choices. This conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft and I believe it has helped protect my colour. I'm already on my second tube as this has now replaced my Desert Essence Red Raspberry. 

Desert Essence Organics Fragrance Free Body Wash – from what I can tell I last ordered this from iherb in August 2016. It probably sat on a shelf for a little time before cracking open as I like to have backups. This has been a staple product in my life for ages but recently I’ve been looking towards products which are more accessible within the UK. It's a body wash so not much to chat about but it foams nicely and fragrance free is best for me due to my sensitivity to linalool. I'm currently using other brands so for the time being I will not be replacing this with a new tube, my stash is used up.

Giovanni Flat Iron Styling Mist – it looks like this was purchased in August 2016 and you all know it’s one of my favourite products so like the body wash I had it on backup. It takes me a long time to use it up as a little goes long way and I have short hair. At the moment I haven’t replaced it because I’m testing out new things but as you know I highly recommend since my first reviewed in 2013.

Nature & Nuture Wrinkle Repair Serum* – this was sent to me for my Christmas Gift Guides but I didn’t open it for a while. It’s a lovely product but I find the watermelon scent too overwhelming when applied to my face and ended up using on my body.

Ooh! Organic Baobab Rejuvenating Face Oil* - this came in a Love Lula box and I had it hanging around in my stash before using it up. I ended up applying to my dermatitis (on body) and have seen improvements in my skin. I have since gone on to buy a larger bottle but from a different brand.

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Oil - one of my most loved cleansing oils and I bought this bottle in February. It’s only a 50ml bottle so I can use it up quickly but often I rely on it when my skin flares. I love that it is free from essential oils, the ingredients are superb and simple and that's why I go back to it time and time again.

Evolve Organic Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir - I’ve had this trial sized bottle since last year as I reviewed in it June 2016. A little goes a long way because I’m only use 3 drops at a time. I love this hair oil so much I have just purchased the full size.

P&G One Balm* – I received this around March/April, it didn’t make it onto my blog but I did feature over on Facebook. This is a good liquid balm cleanser which is unfragranced so ideal for sensitive skin. The bottle is only 30ml so I used it up fairly quickly with daily use.

Gerlinde Naturals Manuka Floral Water – I’ve had this for a very long time having purchased in July 2016. I haven’t been using daily so it took me some time to finish up; in the end I was using it to mix powder face masks. Manuka floral water is one of my favourite ingredients and Gerlinde Naturals is an awesome Vegan brand who I like to support. I’m testing out a new facial mist at the moment but I do have my eye on Gerlinde Naturals new Aloe Vera and Green Tea toner.

Have you tried any of the products I have mentioned? Do you still enjoy reading 'Empties'? Do you care whether they are in blog or video format?

Sarah x

14 March 2017

Madara, Rio Rosa Mosqueta, Trilogy
(Gifted PR samples)

I have to say that a month of testing is flying past as here I am again with another review of products available from Love Lula. I’ve chosen products with ingredients that are suitable for Vegans.

Madara Colour and Shine Conditioner 
This was another attempt at finding a replacement for my beloved Desert Essence Conditioner and I have to say it’s the closest I have come matching my holy grail. The Madara conditioner is thinner in consistency but I’m getting the bounce and softness I desire. I’m also not getting the second day lanky hair which I have with others. Only minor dislike is it doesn’t detangle wet hair quite as well as Desert Essence. I’m not great at deciding how my colour is lasting as I find my greys are stubborn. I struggle to hold colour regardless of hair care products. Desert Essence does give me better ml for ml value but Madara is easily available in the UK. Would I replace? – Yes, I'm happy to continue using this conditioner.

Rio Rosa Mosqueta Skin Brightening Exfoliator
I try not to over exfoliate but I do like having products on hand to tackle dry skin patches. I chose this exfoliator from Rio Rosa Mosqueta based on value for money and it's free from linalool. The formula is a cream with bamboo powder to polish the skin. I must say I do prefer a thicker cream base but the scrub particles are small and fine (which I like). I can tolerate on my sensitive skin but it must be damp skin otherwise it can feel a little scratchy. Would I replace? Maybe – it’s a great budget option but if my bank account is healthy I would go back to Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator

Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream
As the name suggests the “Very Gentle” range is formulated for sensitive and easily irritated skin. No essential oils is a win for me as I'm avoiding linalool. Truthfully I’m totally hooked on this moisturiser as it ticks all the boxes and makes my skin feel wonderful. This Trilogy moisturiser is ideal for dry skin types as the texture feels heavy enough to be effective but without the greasiness. It hasn’t triggered my dermatitis and I’ve noticed improvement in redness. Would I replace? Yes, normally I use oils but I’m enjoying this change to my routine.

As a side note I’d like to mention that both Trilogy and Rio Rosa Mosqueta state on their packaging “Against Animal Testing” this is something that would normally have me raise an eyebrow. Madara do not make any reference on their packaging but they are ECOCERT and claim not to test on animals. Certification is always preferable and makes it easier for a consumer to recognise. The statement “Against Animal Testing” needs clarification to ensure it meets your own personal standards so please visit the websites (TrilogyRio Rosa) or contact the brands. I had déjà vu about Rio Rosa and delved into my email archives and sure enough I had questioned them back in 2014 about the vague policy but can’t find or recall a response. I’m not suggesting these brands have done anything wrong, it has just made me stop and think that I need to question things more often and I’ve got into bad habits.

If you missed my last Love Lula review you can read it here - Hurraw, Joik, Kinvara, Rossi Uvema

Sarah x

Instagram

Sugarpuffish. Theme by STS.