face wash

19 May 2020

review Nature's Kitchen Face and Body Milk Smoothie and Berry Beautiful Skin Polish
(Gifted)

I'm gravitating towards Nature's Kitchen Skincare at the moment because I have realised many of their products are free from linalool (one of my allergies). It's a brand that takes me back to my teenage years when I used to spend all my money in The Body Shop. I think it has a similar vibes because of it's fruity and chocolate products.

Nature's Kitchen Chocolate & Vanilla Face and Body Milk Smoothie is a new addition to the product range. The fun and novelty factor is sure to win over everyone. Packaging is super cute and recyclable, it also comes with a smoothie recipe. I will say I am always cautious of large glass jars in the bathroom so I am mindful of this as you don't want to drop it. Nature's Kitchen Milk Smoothie is for use in the shower and use it as you would a body wash. It took me a couple of shakes to get the smoothie out of the jar as it's a thick 'milkshake' consistency. The aroma is pleasant and not overpowering with gentle hints of cocoa and vanilla. I found this product was best applied with my hands as it didn't work quite so well with a sponge. The smoothie feels silky smooth and washes off easily.

"Our Chocolate & Vanilla Face & Body Milk Smoothie Wash has been created to indulge your skin and your senses to leave you with super soft, healthy skin, all day long." 

My skin did feel smooth and soft after leaving the shower but sadly that feeling didn't last all day as my dry and flaky skin was noticeable later on. I wasn't expecting any miracles from this product and I honestly chose it for the novelty factor. It's innovative and attractive so I would certainly enjoy gifting but I don't feel its the new 'must have' in my routine. If chocolate & vanilla doesn't appeal to your senses then Strawberry & Cranberry or Banana & Coconut Milk Smoothies are available. Ingredients are vegan so do not be put off by the name 'milk smoothie' if you are allergic to milk (as I am!).

As I mentioned I have flaky skin at the moment so it felt like a good opportunity to try Nature's Kitchen Berry Beautiful Skin Polish. Exfoliators are not part of my daily skincare routine as my skin is often too sensitive but I usually find a use for them when the season changes from winter to spring. This scrub uses natural bamboo cane and red berry fruit seeds plus extracts of red grapes, cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, pomegranate, strawberry, cranberry, acai and goji berries to gently buff skin. It's a fluid consistency with very small granules. As someone with sensitive skin this is a gentle exfoliator because it isn't overloaded with scrubbing particles but I think it might disappoint some and could do with a little more 'scrubby' action. Overall it's a pleasant product to use and doesn't scratch the skin to leave it red raw or irritated.

I've had great fun exploring more products from Nature's Kitchen and it's lovely to have skincare which brings a little cheer to your bath time routine. I recommend exploring the range for yourself. If you didn't catch my last review then click this link - Alteya Liquid Soap, Benecos Lip Balm, Organii Shower Gel, Nature's Kitchen Moisturiser

Sarah x

19 February 2015

Elements Natural Skincare for Men
Elements* range is for men so I volunteered Mr Sugarpuffish to try his hand at reviewing and guinea pig products but I did not rule out trying them myself. It makes writing easier if I also have a feel for the products. Elements products are Cruelty free (BUAV Leaping Bunny), certified organic by the Soil Association and approved by the Vegetarian Society. The range consists of Face Wash, Face Scrub, Shaving Cream and Moisturiser. 

Mr Sugarpuffish and I agreed that the shaving cream was pleasant to use but we would have preferred a thicker consistency to give a bit more cushioning for the blade. I have been more than happy using on my legs but he had mixed feelings and I noticed was not reaching for it often. Face scrubs are an alien concept to my man so I have been using this on my legs. I only refrain from trying on my face because of the essential oils. I have enjoyed using the scrub. It is a cream base with jojoba grains which I found to be gentle and not overly abrasive so I did not feel I was doing any harsh damage to my skin. The moisturiser is light but contains ingredients (jojoba, pomegranate, avocado & apricot oils) which hydrate the skin. Mr Sugarpuffish has been happy using it but has not been blown away by it. 

The price point (£16 - £22) is higher than I normally pay for men's skincare (yes, I buy his products) but about average for certified organic brand. I asked Mr Sugarpuffish for his final thoughts and he was sitting on the fence, he experienced some sensitivity which means he has been reluctant to give up his existing products for Elements. I would advise caution in using these products if you have very sensitive skin as there are a number of fragrance allergens due to the essential oils. I do think natural and organic men’s skincare is an overlooked area of the market so Elements does not have much competition. I am happy to recommend that you check out this brand. Mr Sugarpuffish may have been unsure but I have nice smooth legs so that must count for something.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR sample, no affiliated links

24 February 2013

Sugarpuffish What's in my bin? February Empties 2013
I am getting good at collecting my empty bottles. Drives me a little crazy having them sitting around so now I have a dedicated collection point (aka a paper bag). Once again these are products that I have been using for months and they came to an end during February. 

Sarakan mouthwash - this last featured in my December empties. It's a product I repeat purchase.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Cream - another regular in empty posts, I really love this cream and have lost count how many I have purchased.

Green People Sensitive Shower/Bath Gel - this came in a gift set I received at Christmas. It's a nice body wash, doesn't have a fragrance as it's from the Sensitive range. The main promoted ingredients are aloe vera, marshmallow and yucca. I recommend and I would purchase a full size.

Intelligent Nurients Harmonic Shampoo - this is one of the cleanest brands on the market when it comes to natural products. There is a lot of hype with this shampoo. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations and I really struggled to enjoy the product. This is a trial size, it doesn't come cheap £8 for 60ml

Giovanni Flat Iron Mist - I have liked this product and it leaves my hair feeling soft. When I reached the end of the bottle I have noticed my hair remains in good condition so I believe it does a good job at heat protecting. I'm not going to repurchase at this time because I want to try one from Desert Essence. 

Sweet Cecily's Almond & Avocado Cream - a sample I was sent for review. A nice cream from a lovely company. 

Conscious Skincare Face Wash & Night cream - these were samples I was sent for review. I enjoyed using them and the company has great ingredients and are eco friendly. 

There are two products not featured in the photograph which I used up. They are Pai Cleanser and a Dr Bronner Solid Soap.

Sarah x

14 February 2013

Conscious Skincare - Face Wash & Night Cream
Conscious Skincare is an ethical company based in Wales. Products are handmade, organic, 100% chemical free and cruelty free for the face and body. They offer a specific range of products suited towards dry and sensitive skin and I was sent some samples.  I received the Gentle Face Wash and Gentle Night Cream.

Now you all know I love cream and balm cleansers so I was extremely sceptical about trying a face wash. I often find they can cause a tightening effect even those that are free from SLS/SLES. The Conscious wash contains no harsh detergents so it should not strip the skin. It does contain calendula and chamomile which are my hero ingredients because they work fantastically on sensitive skin. 

Face Wash Ingredients: aqua, organic potassium sunflowerate, organic potassium cocoate,organic glycerin, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, organic calendula flower extract, sunflower seed oil, organic chamomile oil, grapefruit seed extract

I found the best way for me to use this was to dampen my skin with a muslin cloth, massage in the product and then remove with the cloth. It’s purely personal preference to do it this way. I can’t stand splashing water across my face it’s too messy and I live in a hard water area so I think that contributes to drying skin out. The face wash lathers into a creamy consistency and it easy to work across the face. Once it is rinsed away I haven’t experienced a dry or tight sensation, my skin is left soft and clean.  There is no fragrance to the product.

Conscious Skincare - Face Wash & Night Cream
The night cream has a soft texture and balm consistency which is rich and perfect for an intensive over night treatment.  The aroma is very heady from sandalwood and frankincense so may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s a lovely product with some fantastic ingredients clearly tailored to dry skin types. 

Night cream ingredients: organic fair-trade shea butter, organic cocoa butter, beeswax, organic comfrey root extract, organic evening primrose oil, grapefruit seed extract, organic calendula flower extract, sunflower seed oil, vitamin e, organic fair trade frankincense essential oil , organic sandalwood essential oil, rose damascena flower extract.

Overall, I have enjoyed sampling these products and I recommend you have a look for yourself. Some products are suitable for Vegans (includes face wash) and they are clearly labelled. Conscious Skincare do offer sample sizes and list all ingredients. Prices are affordable, for example, 200ml face wash £18 and 30ml night cream £16 (other sizes are available). If you are not dry and sensitive like me, do not fear there are products for oily/combination, mature and normal skin types. 

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR sample, 100% my own opinions, links are not affiliated

21 June 2012

If you read my blog post about The Free From Skincare Awards you will know that the overall winner was Q Silica Remove Makeup & Grime Cleansing Gel Planet Health who stock the brand kindly sent the cleanser to review. 

Q Silica comes from Australia and is free from parabens, sulphates, petroleum and “other nasties”.  I do wish Companies would refrain from saying "other nasties". Q Silica cleanser is described as ”Our foaming cleansing gel uses natural Sugar and Coconut extracts to gently remove impurities while Jojoba Seed Oil helps to remove excess oils and balance the skin's natural oil production. Skin is left fresh and toned, ready for moisturising.” 



It has been a long time since I have used a cleansing gel. I do favour balms and most recently oil. It has a mild fragrance and my nose picks up on the lavender. The gel is clear and when applied to damp skin creates a creamy smooth lather. It does dispense from the tube easily but be cautious, I left the lid flipped open, tube lying on its side and the cleanser ran out onto the bathroom counter. I admit it was a rather dopey thing to do but all my other cleansers are in jars or bottles so I did not give it a second thought. 


I decided to stop using this cleanser after about ten days of continued use morning and evening. Over time I felt my skin become tight and my chin started to develop dry patches, something that I have not suffered from in many months. My skin became uncomfortable and I was not prepared to continue testing. I switched back to a balm cleanser and my skin felt instantly better. Obviously, there are factors to consider which may have affected how this product worked on my skin such as hormones and changing weather.

I had high hopes for this cleanser but it was not meant to be. I love what the brand offers in terms of ingredients policy and overall the cleanser does the job it’s designed to do. Most cleansers suggest which skin type it suits but I notice that neither the website nor packaging make reference to this so they obviously feel one product fits all.  It would be my personal recommendation that this cleanser may be better suited to those with normal, combination and oily skin rather than dry and eczema types such as myself. 

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR Sample, prices correct at time of publication

22 February 2012

Budget Friendly Natural and Organic Ingredient Facial Cleansers for under £10

Updated October 2022

Many of the products I listed in my original post have ceased trading. As we are all feeling the pinch of rising bills, I thought it might be helpful to make some updates.

Under £10
Lavera Sensitiv Cleansing Gel and Cleansing Milk fall into the under £10 price bracket
Odylique (affiliate) four different cleansing bars to choose from
Q&A Oat Milk Cream Cleanser and Grapefruit Cleansing Balm
Sukin offer a range of cleanser depending on your skin type and needs

Under £15
Fushi Biovedic Face Wash
Gallinee Cleansing Bars
Green People Oy! Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash
Weleda Gentle Cleansing Milk and Almond Sensitive Cleansing Lotion



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