face oil

10 March 2024

odylique organic skincare and makeup

(affiliate)

Times are tough and many green skincare brands that I've featured on this website are no longer available. The one brand which has remained a constant in my life is Odylique.

Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo first featured on my blog in April 2013 when the company was known as Essential Care. That's how long I've been a customer. I refuse to be without this product. I'm less fussy when it comes to conditioner or styling products. 

I went on to write about other products I enjoyed - Creamy Coconut Cleanser, Lavender Hand & Body Wash, Repair Lotion, Superfruit Concentrate, Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo, SPF30 Sun Cream, 3 in 1 Maca Mask, Coconut Candy Scrub, Ultra Rich Balm, Timeless Rose Moisturiser, Prebiotic Chamomile & Coconut Conditioner, Calendula Balm

Out of all these products here are my Top 5 which remained a constant in my life

Many people don't realise that Odylique also have makeup options. My Mum loves their lipsticks so those come highly recommended. Recently they expanded the range to include the NEW Cream Foundation and NEW Natural Foundation. Both are Vegan, Cruelty Free and Organic Certified. 

If you would like to try these amazing products then I can offer you a 20% off coupon code, simply use SUGARPUFFISH at checkout. Visit the Odylique website for more information (affiliate link)

Sarah x

26 December 2022

Green Beauty Brands that stood the test of time: A look back at 2011 Blog Posts

As 2022 draws to a close I thought it might be interesting to look back on my first year of blogging. It all began in May 2011 and I was curious to see how many of those early posts had stood the test of time. Sadly there a several brands that no longer exist but there are some products that remain staples in my home.

Whilst the Faith In Nature Cacao Body Wash has long since disappeared I'm still using their products. Currently in my collection I have the Jojoba and Avocado body washes and Dragonfruit hand wash. I've always found Faith in Nature to be a reasonably priced brand and these days you can find on the high street and local refill stores. I had paired up my original body wash review with a post about Nakd raw fruit & nut bars. I'm still a loyal customer and eat them on a daily basis. Current favourite flavours are Bakewell and Peanut.

I don't use Dr Bronner's as often as I once did but you'll still find it in my home as it's the best liquid soap to use for washing out makeup brushes. Over the years I found it a little too drying on my skin so for me, its main purpose is now household cleaning.

I'm still using Naturtint Hazelnut Blonde hair colourant but honestly I'm now contemplating whether it's time to ditch it and embrace the grey; only time will tell.

I can safely say that I'm still bitter that Alpro still haven't launched the Macchiato drink which I had on my trip to Amsterdam.

Konjac Sponges have remained in my life but I now only use the body sponges. Over the years I tried out several brands but we (my husband and I) are currently re-purchasing from Friendly Soap.

I'm still sadden to this day at the loss of Brownearth body butters. They were a favourite for a long time. You can of course find lots of decent green brands offering different variations of shea body butters either with this standalone ingredient or combining with others such as coconut or cocoa butter.

I'm can't quite believe that I first discovered Evolve Organic Beauty back in 2011. I remember the branding was very different back in the day. Evolve is definitely one of those brands that I revisit over and over again, dipping into products as the range has expanded. Currently I'm trying out the Bio-Retinol + C Booster and I've placed an order for the Bio-Retinol Gold Mask in the Boxing Day sales!

I remember using Organic Surge shower gels regularly back in the early years. I thought they were lost forever but recently discovered they re-branded to Organic Works (OW).

Oh my the photo on this post about TK Maxx is terrible but I wanted to say that I still visit stores looking for beauty bargains.

In my first month of blogging I wrote about my struggles with sun cream that was suitable for eczema prone skin. I just wanted to say that through many trials I eventually settled on Green People. This is a brand I had been using long before the blog started. It is very much a staple to this day. I am a fan of their scent free moisturisers and of course facial sun cream.

I hope that you have enjoyed this look back over 2011 and comparing it with 2022. At this time I'm not sure whether I'll continue blogging into 2023 but you can always find me over on social media if you'd like to connect.

Happy New Year to you all!

Sarah x

7 November 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah x

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.

9 June 2020

Natural skincare brands Happy Carrot Skincare, Naturekissd, Skin Genius
(This is not a sponsored post, the following brands are known to me through the Free From Skincare Awards, Skin Genius did gift press samples in 2019)

There are so many amazing skincare brands out there and I want to introduce more of them to you. I can't review every single product but I can offer some background information which in turn might lead you to visit their websites. I think now more than ever it's important to support small business. With this in mind lets explore the following brands.

Happy Carrot Skincare is sure to bring a smile to to your face with their bright and cheerful branding. Their "superhero" range is plant based, vegan, cruelty free and eco-friendly. It focuses on a maximum of ten natural ingredients which are high in anti-oxidants to help keep combination and acne prone skin happy and glowing. The product range is small but perfectly formed and includes - Incredible Carrot Hero Balm to cleanse and moisturise, Terrific Tomato Facial oil to nourish skin and Awesome Apricot Lip Balm to hydrate and soften your luscious lips. If you fancy trying Happy Carrot Skincare but are not to sure about committing to full sizes then choose the mini versions. To learn more please visit happycarrotskincare.com

Naturekissd was founded by organic Skincare Formulator Mary Cummings, out of her desire to tackle her family's sensitive skin, naturally. Mary realised that with three of her family members trying to cope with different skincare challenges, drastic changes had to be made. Many of these changes were initially to the hair and skincare products they had been using for years but hadn't given a second thought to - some of which were laden with common skin irritants. Naturekissd's focus is on using botanicals that heal, soothe and moisturise sensitive skin. Core products are unfragranced moisturisers and body butters. Additional products include botanical facial oils, a gentle hand wash, and a treatment set formulated for people with a sensitive scalp. For more details please visit etsy.com - naturekissd

I was introduced to Skin Genius last year when they achieved Bronze in the Free From Skincare Awards. Julia, the founder, experienced spots and acne throughout her teens and early 20s so the product range was created on the basis of this personal experience. Skin Genius receives excellent feedback from customers of all ages and is multi award winning. Products are formulated using natural plant derived vegan suitable ingredients which target bacteria, redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. The range includes cleansing face wash, leave-on purifying gel, soothing moisturiser and a pocket sized spot treatment to target individual pimples. Visit skin-genius.co.uk for further information.

Sarah x

28 May 2020

Typology Paris based natural skincare brand
(gifted/press samples)

In between the junk mail there is the occasional gem that peaks my interest and Typology did exactly that. Products ticked all the right boxes for me - vegan, cruelty free, minimalist formulations, ethical and fragrance free (with exception of Eaux de Parfums). This is a genderless brand which is 100% online model and created by Ning Li, Founder of MADE.com. Typology designs and produces concentrated, natural products in France that are active, effective and sustainable. Many of the products are designed to mix and match to allow you to create tailored formulations.
Typology solid soothing cleansing bar
I honestly think my heart skipped a beat when I realised this is a range free from essential oils. Any long time followers will be aware of my issues with linalool (allergen present in some essential oils). When I accepted the offer to receive products I wasn't expecting so many to turn up and I'm very grateful to be able to explore the range in such depth. It certainly makes for easy reviews as there is so much to cover so I will start with the products that I would naturally gravitate towards.

7 Ingredient Makeup Removing Oil - I adore using a cleansing oil and naturally opt for ones with minimalist formulations as I don't require a long ingredient list. Typology has created a good product here which is light and easily removed without leaving greasy residue. It's a winner for me and I honestly can't fault it.

Dry Skin Serum (100% Squalane) - Before anyone panics this squalane is derived from olives. I've never use squalane as a stand alone ingredient so I was keen to see how my skin would react. It sits on my skin for some time which is interesting but feels nice and hydrating. At first I didn't feel there was much "wow" factor to this ingredient but it has grown on me with time. I think this is an ingredient which would do well in combination with products and it is suggested to follow up with your daily cream or oil.
Typology Dry Skin Serum and Hydrating Serum
Hydrating Serum (3% Hyaluronic Acid + 2% B5) - As name suggestions this serum could be ideal for those who experience dry skin. Hyaluronic acid has been a buzz word in skincare for quite some time. The B5 in this serum stands for Pro Vitamin B5 (aka Panthenol) like hyaluronic acid it helps retain moisture and softness. I have to be truthful and say that hyaluronic acid as a stand alone ingredient does very little for my skin and I would argue it can have a drying effect. For me, the mix and match concept of Typology comes into play with a product like this one. 

10 Ingredient Hand Balm - at the moment we are all battling with dry skin and a decent hand cream is a must have item. Despite the name, this is a cream formulation which feels silky on the skin without greasiness. It sinks in beautifully and feels lovely. The packaging is stylish and practical. The formulation is simple with hydrating ingredients including Hyaluronic acid. I quickly became a fan of this one and again one that I can't fault at this time.

Sweet Almond Oil - Typology have a full range of single ingredient oils which can be applied daily to the face, body or hair. Almond has always been a personal favourite and I can understand why it was sent to me. Almond oil nourishes and protects which is exactly what I need when dealing with my sensitive skin. I will use this to cleanse and moisturise (body & face).

Roman Chamomile Hydrolate - as with the oils there are several hydrolates to choose from according to your skin type and needs. Chamomile is known for soothing sensitive skin and would be one I would select for myself. I use this as a toner step in my routine, it will remove traces of cleanser whilst calming the skin.
Typology Eaux de Parfums
I can't really find a reason to fault Typology. The packaging is recyclable (more info available on their website) and you can't deny it looks super stylish in your bathroom which is an added bonus. As someone with sensitive skin it's lovely to be able to select products to my individual needs and Typology would easily slot into an established skincare routine. I also believe the price point will appeal to most people. I will always celebrate brands with fragrance free products. Essential oils can be wonderful and uplifting ingredients but some people do not understand they are potent and contain allergens. If you ever feel your skin is fragile and sensitive then it could be worthwhile leaving out fragrances be it artificial or plant based. There are so many products in the range that I highly recommend exploring the Typology website for yourself.

Sarah x

7 May 2020

Solo Skin London and Beauty Cleanse Skincare
(this is not sponsored content)

Am I right in thinking everyone loves facial oils and serums? I personally can't be without them as they make such a difference to my dry and sensitive skin. Plant oils are a rich source of antioxidants and replenishing emollients so if you ever find your moisturiser isn't doing enough for you then it's worth adding oils into your routine. With this in mind I've decided to cover two "new to me" brands who specialise in luxury oils and serums. Both are targeting very different customer needs and I believe they will be of interest to my readers.

15 April 2020

My Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive, Mature Skin prone to Eczema
(some of the items featured have been purchased by me but I have linked to past reviews where product many have originally been a Gifted PR sample)

I haven't updated you on my skincare routine in a while so let me share what I am using in lockdown. This is a good time to use up products I have laying around and a great excuse for additional pampering sessions, I'm now someone who uses face masks on the regular. If you are new here then to recap my skin type is prone to eczema, dry and sensitive (I have allergies) and I'm 43.

Let's start with cleansing which I do morning and evenings. I've been trialing the Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream but also using up Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Oil. This cleansing oil is a long time favourite of mine. It has some super lovely ingredients and smells divine however it is free from essential oil allergens. Next up I will moisturise and in the mornings I'm using Green People Anti-Aging 24 Hour Cream. I think I'm on my third tube of this now. It just seems to suit my skin really well at the moment. I've really struggled finding fragrance free creams so glad this ones is working out for me. In the evenings I tend to apply oils so I'm currently using Myroo Super Boost Buriti. This is one of three Super Boost serums and I have loved them all. Buriti oil is great for protecting and brightening the skin, it defends against environmental stressors and is the richest source of beta-carotene.

Additional treatments over and above cleansing and moisturising don't tend to be a regular part of my routine. As I said lockdown has changed that and I want to use up products that were otherwise being neglected. I'm working my way through Odylique 3 in 1 Maca mask and Nature's Kitchen Gentle Care Face Mask. Both are great products which I enjoy using and seem to suit my skin very well. I always have Odylique Spot on Serum in my collection, it's a great all rounder for little emergencies so this often gets used on hormonal pimples, cuts and bites. I thought I'd throw in a mention for my Madara City CC cream because it adds some benefits and makes me feel human again thanks to the added tint. The SPF is useful for protecting the skin for brief moments outside. I would apply a separate sun cream if I was spending longer in the garden or at the beach, Green People was my go to last summer.

Sarah x

17 September 2019

Review Myroo Super Boost Drops Brightening Blackberry, Protective Buriti and Calming Marula
(Gifted/Unpaid)

UPDATE 2022 - SADLY MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING, SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE TRY BYBI BOOSTERS

Myroo is a brand I’ve supported and trusted for several years. My faith in them goes as far as to use them in the run up to my wedding, that's how much I trust them to look after my skin. Myroo is suitable for everyone but they also focus on customers with allergies so this puts them top of my list for anyone who is struggling with sensitive skin. I have existing favourites from the product range which includes the Gentle Cleanser (fragrance free version) and Superfood Balm.

Myroo recently expanded their line and launched Super Boost Drops which includes Brightening Blackberry, Protective Buriti and Calming Marula. These are cold pressed oils which can be used individually or together. I've been championing the brilliance of oils for years and truly believe that most people would benefit from using them as part of a skincare routine. Speaking as someone with dry skin, oils can boost hydration and improve the appearance of my skin. I'm already familiar with Marula and Buriti so I focused my attention to Blackberry. 

It’s my understanding that Blackberry is packed with antioxidants, nutrients and a rich source of Vitamin C. This oil may improve, repair and heal skin making it ideal for all but could be most beneficial if you are prone to itchy skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Blackberry also contains anthocyanins which have been shown to promote collagen synthesis and prevent sagging skin. 

I’m really enjoying using this Blackberry serum as part of my evening routine. I can tell that it's an emollient that nourishes and hydrates skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and tackles overall appearance and dryness. Currently I don’t have eczema on my face but it will probably return in the winter weather. If it does return then I look forward to putting Blackberry oil to my ultimate test and I'm confident it would be up to the task. You can of course use the Super Boost Drops individually but you could also add the drops into other products such as face masks or moisturisers. For instance, if you have a face mask that feels drying or a cream that is too light, pimp it up with a few drops of oil on application. By doing this you may benefit from additional hydration to compliment your skincare routine.

I am more than happy to recommend Myroo Super Boost Drops and I would pay out of my own pocket to replace once empty. If you are struggling with your skin and need a little boost then definitely give Myroo your consideration.

Sarah x

16 April 2019

Review Joanna Naturals Harmony Facial Oil
(Gifted PR sample)

I love serums and facial oils and I've written many reviews over the years. For me, facial oil is a key part to my skincare routine. I use them for cleansing and moisturising. I believe the key to finding the correct one is to know what your skin needs and focus on understanding ingredients. I've researched which ingredients are recommended for dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin and from this I know exactly what to look for when choosing a product. Top of my list is rosehip, plum kernel, jojoba, seabuckthorn and apricot but there are many more.

I had the pleasure of testing Joanna Naturals Harmony Facial oil in the formulation stages so it's lovely to be able to write about the final product. Jo is the founder and she's an aromatherapist with a passion for skin health. Harmony has been formulation for very sensitive and reactive skin so it's completely free from essentials and fragrance. It's suitable for all skin types but ideal for mature damaged skin. For any reader not familiar with me, I am over forty with damage from dermatitis so I feel able to review the product with experience. I always find it a bold move for brands to step away from essential oils when they are the core to their range and passion. I know many people enjoy aromatherapy but essential oils do contain naturally occurring allergens so care is needed with some problematic skin types.

Harmony has a lovely blend of ingredients which include some personal favourites - rosehip, argan, raspberry seed, jojoba, pomegranate and kiwi to name just a few. The formulation has a nice balance on the skin so it doesn't feel overload with greasy heaviness. You can adjust the dosage according to your personal needs and that something I favour in an oil blend. My skin bounces somewhere between dry and parched of all moisture with flakiness and eczema patches. It's a fickle one to please at the best of times but Harmony can assist with restoring and repairing.

Harmony is just one of ten oils from Joanna Naturals so depending on your skin type I am sure you can find an ideal match. I'm often approached by readers who experience rosacea so you'll be pleased to hear that the range includes "So Calm" which is blended for this skin type.

It's a short and sweet write up but I feel more than happy to recommend Joanna Naturals based from my experience. 

Sarah x

19 March 2019

Conscious Skincare Organic Cold Pressed Oils Almond & Apricot Kernel
(Gifted PR Samples)

If you ever want to simplify your skincare routine then cold pressed oils are a great starting point. From the perspective of someone with sensitive skin prone to eczema, oils can be an excellent way to scale back on products to help restore balance from flare ups. They are budget friendly, reduce plastic waste and multipurpose. One of my travel tips when packing light is to opt for multipurpose oils, you could skip cleanser, moisturiser, body cream and hair conditioner in favour of one good oil alternative.

24 July 2018

review Love Lula, Antipodes, Sukin, Ere Perez, Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic
(I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site, I am not obligated to review)

Last month I had travel on my mind. Since we were only taking cabin baggage to Italy I was on the look out for products below 100ml. I chose the Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Day Cream which is one of my favourite products. I first reviewed it back in 2012 so I hope that goes to show how genuine my love is for this moisturiser. I adore the sugary vanilla scent and how it feels on my skin. It's super hydrating without feeling heavy. In the Skin-Plumping Minis set you also receive Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum, unfortunately as it contains linalool I have to pass it on to someone else to use.

Rosehip is one of my all time favourite ingredients so a travel sized Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic Rosehip Cell-Regenerating Face Oil was an easy choice. I had a last minute change of mind when packing and I actually ended up taking their Argan oil away with me but either way Ooh! is a good brand. I've used their oils many times before and would always recommend you check them out.


swatch ere perez olive oli lipstick in cocktail
I'm totally rubbish at picking makeup colours online and Ere Perez Olive Oil Lipstick in Cocktail wasn't exactly as I envisage. It's described as "Earthy Rose" which makes sense now I see it in person. Cocktail is a colour you can swipe for tint or build for intensity. At first I was a little unsure but it's growing on me. I prefer a hint of colour so apply gently. The formulation is very easy to wear and non-drying, in fact I often forget I'm wearing it which is unusual for me. You know I love Ere Perez as I've reviewed numerous products from them and rarely do they disappoint me.

My final product is Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub. Lets just get it out there that I exfoliator once a month. The only variation on this might be on my summer holiday if my sun cream leaves me feeling greasy and overloaded. I'm a firm believer that most people over use exfoliators which contributes to skin issues and micro damage. That being said when I do buy a facial scrub it has to be very gentle, I can't stand anything which scratches or feels overly gritty. The Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub ticks all the right boxes. The exfoliating particles are held in a lotion and it feels gentle and soft on my skin. Up until this point my exfoliator of choice has been Antipodes Reincarnation but Sukin has impressed me as a budget friendlier alternative.

If you are interested in any of the products mentioned I've linked to brand websites or online stockists.

Sarah x

27 May 2018

Green Beauty Blogger Natural Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin Eczema Prone
I thought I'd talk you through my current skincare routine. I think it's worth noting for any new readers that my skin is sensitive and eczema prone. Many of the products I use are free from essential oils as I need to avoid the allergen linalool. I try not to switch things around too much and only trial new products when replacing an empty one. As you can see I keep things nice and simple. I've learnt over the years that my skin becomes overwhelmed if I'm using more than a handful of products each day.

Cleanser - I previously reviewed Harborist balm-gel cleanser under its old branding. I think it's the perfect cleanser for sensitive skins, a true hero in my current collection. This balm gel has a silky texture that transforms into milk when you add water. I am cleansing with this in the mornings and evenings. This has since run out and I'm now switching over to Myroo Gentle Cleanser (fragrance free) and the newly launched Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm. I've used both of them before so I know what to expect and how they work for me.

Toner - I'm totally hooked on Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist and this is my second bottle. I didn't replace my old one straight away and slowly started to miss it from my routine. I think the addition of hyaluronic acid in this mist gives the sensation that I'm putting moisture back into my skin and prepares it for whatever I use next.

Moisturiser - in the morning I use Green People Neutral Light Day Moisturiser which performs perfectly well on my dry skin. It makes for a lovely base under makeup. In the evening I mix a couple of drops of Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum with a drop of Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil. Now that the weather is warming up the combination provides the hydration I need but gives a lighter feeling on the skin.

You might be wondering why there are no exfoliators or face masks in my routine. The reason for this is I generally find exfoliators are not great for my skin type. There are only a couple I would use but I probably reach for them once or twice a month. The same goes for face masks. I've reviewed a few over the years and enjoyed a handful but it's not a part of my daily/weekly routine.

I hope this has been helpful and gives you an insight into how I look after skin.

Sarah x

13 February 2018

What are the best oils for your skin type?
I’m always writing about facial oils because they support my sensitive skin. I cleanse and moisturise with them. When I review oils I often mention that the key to choosing the right one is to understand the ingredients. Often people with oily/blemish prone skin shy away from facial oil but you can benefit from them.  Mainstream products aimed at acne are often harsh with ingredients that strip the skin making it difficult to manage so you are left needing re-balance the damage. On the other hand dry skin needs an extra boost and supplementing your face cream with a serum can help replenish moisture. I’ve chosen what I believe are some of the most popular ingredients to look out for but there are many more.

1 January 2018

Top Green Beauty Natural Skincare for 2017
Happy New Year Everyone! 

When I started thinking about this article I realised that 2017 has been a slower year on my blog. Life had its ups and downs so naturally blogging took a back seat. May 2018 will be my 7th blog birthday and I hope to reach it because as many of you know blogging is a labour of love with little reward. The blogging community has changed a great deal, one thing I notice most is the decline in comments so if you left me one this year I really do appreciate them.

As you know food is a huge part of my waking thoughts, probably because my allergies have limited me for so long, I get overly excited when new free from products launch. I think 2017 has been a huge year for Vegans. So many amazing brands have become accessible and restaurants have taken noticed. We had an amazing trip to Berlin which aside from its historical and cultural importance has the most amazing options for Vegans. If you're interested in what I eat then I mainly share on Instagram but if you'd like to see more food on my blog then please let me know.

Moving on lets look back at some of my beauty reviews and take a minute to talk about my favourite discoveries in 2017. In April I wrote about Odylique 3 in 1 Maca Mask and it's been a favourite ever since along with the Coconut Candy Scrub, if you like enjoy using treatments I would certainly recommend them. In June Evolve won me over once again with their Daily Defence Moisture Mist. I finally found a linalool free toner which doesn't leave my skin feeling desperate for moisture. I'm also back using the Evolve Daily Renew face cream on a regular basis, it's wonderful in colder weather, very hydrating. Many of you will know that I don't often write about makeup however this year I've been trying a number of products from Ere Perez. I never really caught on to the RMS Beauty trend, they simply didn't wow me like everyone else but in my opinion the Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pots are much better. 

You'll have notice over time that my reviews have leaned towards fragrance free skincare and the two cleansers that impressed me this year are Siskyn Camellia & Safflower Hot Cloth Cleansing Oil and Harbour Elements The Truly Gentle Cleansing Balm. Of course they are different in their formulations but both have delicate skins in mind and I welcome a fragrance free formulation. Lyonsleaf launched some new products and the Marshmallow Soften & Rejuvenate Facial Oil (Unscented) quickly won me over. There was also Ihana Skincare Beri-Activ Cleansing Cream which I tried in August and I think it's a brand I'd like to explore more of in the future. I also loved discovering Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil, another fragrance free find which has been helping my dry skin through the colder weather. 

I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings in terms of Green Beauty. I predict we might see some big changes. Back in September Pukka announced its sale to Unilever causing worries that the independent ethical brand would lose its values. We've finished the year with news that Unilever acquired Schmidt's Naturals and Trilogy announced a proposed sale to Chinese private equity firm Citic Capital China Partners. Also John Masters Organics have been changing up their product formulations and that's making some of us a little unhappy for a variety of reasons.

What have been your favourites from 2017? Do you have any Green Beauty predictions for 2018?

Sarah x

24 October 2017

Natural Skincare Acure Organics, Ere Perez, Herbfarmacy, Lyonsleaf
Disclaimer – contains affiliate link. I'm part of the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select PR samples each month, I am not obligated to review and all opinions are my own. Prices correct at time of publication.

Time is flying by and I'm back with another selection of short reviews for products available through Love Lula.

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub
I chose this exfoliator for my holiday because after a day at the pool nothing feels better than scrubbing off the layers of sun cream. My skin is delicate so I need to be cautious, it was a gamble picking Acure but seem to have paid off. The scrub is a wonderful dark forest green colour which I find a little messy but I’m someone who exfoliates in the shower so it easily washes away. Walnut shell has been crushed into a fine grain which feels good on my skin. The aroma is interesting. At first I thought it was ginger but once I looked closer at the ingredients I realised I was mistaken and it's spearmint and sage. I still have to take my time with this scrub because it can feel a little scratchy but I enjoy using it.

Note of caution for those with fragrance allergies: I've noticed a lack of essential oil allergens listed on Acure products. In October I ordered the Night Cream and alarm bells went off because it smells strongly of lavender, which I know contains the allergen linalool. The US doesn't have the same labelling regulations as the EU but as Acure sells products here they would be expected to comply. Under the EU Cosmetic directive there are 26 fragrance allergens which should be identified on products if the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Only Acure knows whether this is applicable to their range and I raised the question with them. They failed to give me a straight answer and simply told me "Please refrain from using any product that you feel may cause a reaction"

Ere Perez Correcting Calendula Powder Foundation - Light 6g
If you’ve followed my blog for years then you know my foundation of choice and I rarely try anything new. Disaster struck when it went out of stock weeks ago and I didn’t have the patience to wait an order from USA. I’ve tried a couple of Ere Perez products and liked them so the foundation seemed a good choice. The downside is there are only three colour options so I was really sitting on the fence whether Light would be the right one for me. I was pleasantly surprised that it doesn’t make me a ghost or tangerine. It layers on lightly so perhaps doesn't cover all imperfections and I have a fair amount to redness that I like to hide. As with my regular foundation if I want to improve coverage I’ll layer over my Madara Tiniting Fluid. It’s a super fine milled powder with a lovely silky texture so it’s the closest I’ve found to my favourite brand. It also gives a nice sheen to my skin, not glitter ball shimmer but a little sparkle of sorts to make you look airbrushed. I am impressed as most other brands I’ve tried are patchy and heavy on my skin. The downside for me is Ere Perez costs £27 for 6g which makes it more expensive than my usual brand.

Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm 20ml
Herbfarmacy is a great brand and when I ordered this Easy Breathe Balm I was suffering with a horrible cold. I must admit I was slightly disappointed because I wanted this product to pack a punch in scent but found it weak. After my cold passed it smelt a little stronger but still didn’t quite hit the spot. 

Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil - Unscented 
I’m very excited to see one of my favourite brands launch unscented facial oil. As you may know essential oils are hit and miss for my skin so fragrance free eliminates this worry. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients (baobab, borage, rosehip marshmallow, avocado) so it’s no surprised that I am loving it. It feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin but used sparingly I’m sure other skin types would enjoy. I highly recommend but I’m bias as I’ve been using Lyonsleaf products for a few years. If you prefer there is a scented facial oil. 

Have you tried any of these products? If you missed last months reviews then follow this link - Love Lula reviews - Acure Organics, Preserve, Sukin

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

8 March 2017

Review Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Baobab Rejuvenating Face Oil
(Gifted PR sample)

UPDATE - THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, ALTERNATIVE BRANDS THAT SELL BAOBAB OIL INCLUDE FUSHI & ALUCIA ORGANICS

Random skin flare ups are an annoyance for anyone who experiences eczema. Why is it that a cream that worked six months ago makes little difference the second time around, is it just me? It drives me crazy at times. When my dermatitis flared again I was rummaging around in my skincare collection desperate for anything which might work. I ended up using Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Baobab Rejuvenating Face Oil.

At some point I'd received this Baobab oil and didn't think much of it when applied to my face but after reading the label again I noted what I had previously missed - "suitable for skin prone to eczema and psoriasis". I applied to the areas of my body affected by eczema/dermatitis (chest & shoulders) and finally I had relief from the dreaded itch. I have been applying to my skin after getting out of the shower (damp skin aids absorption of oils) and I am so relieved. With time I've seen great improvements and my skin is feeling calm once again. I've no idea if it's simply down to luck but Boabab is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 so maybe that has something to do with it. 

As Ooh! are marketing this as a face oil the 30ml bottle is not an ideal size for the body but I'm not using it all over so it goes a long way. A couple of drops for my chest and same again for shoulders. If you wanted to experiment then a 15ml size is also available. That would be sufficient to patch test and see what you think.

If you enjoy oils then the Ooh! Oils of Heaven line also includes Rosehip, Moringa, Cacay, Marula and Argan.

Sarah x

21 February 2017

Review Sukin Nourishing Chia Seed Oil

Over the years I’ve only tried a handful of products from Sukin so when I was given the opportunity to try something from the Super Greens range I accepted. Sukin is an Australian brand launched in 2007, offering affordable natural skincare with an impressive free from promise (no sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, mineral oils, EDTA or parabens).

The Super Greens range includes a mask, scrub, serum, moisturiser and oil, all of which sound great but I chose the Nourishing Chia Seed Oil because it is free from essential oils. The blend of ingredients is quite interesting. Chia seed is the top ingredient but the “super green” name comes from the combination of kale, spirulina, parsley and chlorella. There is also hemp seed, avocado, olive and baobab. I’m certainly not going to make any claims about putting “super green” ingredients on to your skin but if you love them in your diet then why not go that extra step?

The other day I spotted a question asking how people use oils and I think many people are still hesitant or unsure how to use them. Once you figure out what ingredients are best for you, then I believe you should use them depending on your mood and how your skin feels. I will use on a morning and evening some days and just evenings on others. I use them alone or under moisturisers if my skin is feeling parched. I tend to use oils more often in winter than summer. 

In comparison to others, I find Sukin Nourishing Chia Seed Oil feels light and my skin absorbs it quickly. It is recommended for all skin types so worth a try even if you have an opposite skin type to my own (which is dry & eczema prone). Since there are no essential oils in this serum I’d describe it as bland and neutral in scent (nothing too offensive on the nostrils). In all honesty this oil wouldn’t completely replace other favourites as I would miss my much loved rosehip. Saying that what I do think is totally awesome to see is authentic natural products on the high street as Sukin is now available at Holland & Barrett and Boots (it’s also widely available online). 

Have you tried any Sukin products? Do you have a favourite?

Sarah x

Disclaimer – PR sample

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