facial toner

3 April 2020

Review Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream Unscented
(I purchase this product & decided to review)

I've been using the same cleansing routine for a year and a few weeks ago, before crazy lockdown, I'd decided to switch things up. I placed an order with Lucy Bee and bought their Reviving Cleansing Cream. Now you might know Lucy Bee for their pantry staples but were you aware they made skincare products? Their natural fragrance free soap had been on my radar since the 2019 Free From Skincare Awards so I'd been meaning to explore the range. At the heart of Lucy Bee is the love for coconut oil and this includes their skincare range. I'm a huge fan of coconut oil and my skin tolerates this ingredient very well. As a brand, Lucy Bee are ethical, conscious of their impact on the environment (No Palm Oil) and have several certifications - Fairtrade, Organic, Vegan and Cruelty Free.

26 February 2019

Current Skincare Routine sensitive, eczema prone, dry, mature
(includes Gifted & Purchased products/unpaid)

UPDATE JULY 2021 - S5 Skincare has been discontinued and replaced with a new company, Adaptology

It has been many months since I discussed my skincare routine, in fact looking back it was May 2018. Whilst I may change up my brands the general principals to my routine don't change. I'll use cream, oil or balm cleansers, follow with a toner, then moisturise with either creams or oil serums. For those who are new readers my products are always natural and/or organic, my skin is sensitive, dry and eczema prone. I also have to avoid linalool (an allergen which is naturally present in some essential oils).

In the mornings I generally opt for a cream cleanser but it's entirely down to mood. At the moment I'm using Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser which is a "go to" product for me. I delved into the archives and found my original review from 2013. I know some people struggle with coconut in skincare but I love it. This cleanser is lightweight and easily removed with a damp cloth, my skin always feels cared for and never dry or upset as I am prone to sensitivity. In the evenings I'll switch to an oil cleanser because I'm at the point in my day when I want to return moisture to my skin plus remove pollution and makeup. The Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil has been working out perfectly for me. It's gentle on my skin and a real treat at the end of the day. I am always very happy to discover products formulated on ingredients which have their own aroma. Majority of my products are fragrance free so it's nice to return scent to the routine without the worry of fragrance allergens. The Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist has been a staple in my routine since 2017. I honestly don't ever want to be without it. This mist preps skin for creams and serums and since it contains hyaluronic acid it gives the sensation that I'm restoring order to my often parched skin. 

S5 Skincare is the sister company to Evolve, products are vegan, cruelty free, suitable for sensitive skin and free from fragrance allergens. Products are formulated to care for skin suffering from the effects of modern living and provide effective solutions for five specific skin concerns: blemishes, sensitive skin, ageing hyperpigmentation and dry skin. For the daytime, I'm currently enjoy using the S5 Serenity Cream which is designed to calm and hydrate sensitive skin prone to redness with ingredients of Prickly Pear and Hyaluronic Acid. The texture of this cream is similar to my favourite from Evolve and I certainly benefit from the hydration it appears to offer. I am prone to redness and can see improvements with time. In the evenings I like to switch things up and use Bodhi & Birch Super25 Botanical Serum which is an amazing blend of 25 super seed, fruit, nut and berry oils. Super25 is luxurious oil and it’s been amazing at balancing my skin. I’m almost certain it has helped clear up my dermatitis. Bodhi & Birch products are a serious investment and it’s been an absolute pleasure to experience. I will genuinely miss this serum when the bottle is empty.

Have you tried any of the products featured here? What does your skincare routine look like?

Sarah x

14 August 2018

Skincare in a Heatwave (Dry & Sensitive)
This article sat in my draft folder for a few weeks and typically as I sit and edit it's pouring with rain. Brits love to complain about the weather but we have been sweltering through a heatwave that seemed never ending and completely out of our comfort zone. Over time I noticed myself subconsciously gravitating towards products that had a lighter feeling on my skin. My usual day creams felt heavy, giving me that sweaty top lip sensation on application and I couldn't bear it any longer. As someone with dry skin it's important to find a happy medium between hydration but feeling comfortable in my skin.

I love balm cleansers but they all melted in the heat of my bathroom. Of course you can store them in the fridge but I switched over to Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser and Harborist Balm-Gel Cleanser. These feel great on the skin but still cut through grime and makeup.

Facial mists are a dream in the heat. Use them anytime of the day and store them in the fridge to give a cooling spritz. My favourite is the Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist as it contains hyaluronic acid which helps give a moisturising boost. Facial oils are a staple in my routine but I've been cutting back on the amount I use so I might use two or three drops, rather than four or five, depending on the brand. My top tip is to apply whilst your skin is damp, the product goes further and gives a lighter sensation on the skin. Alternatively serums with a watery texture can feel refreshing. I've been reaching for the Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum which at first I wasn't a fan of but it came into its own in the hot weather.

My favourite moisturisers are thick and creamy to combat dryness but I switched over to Green People Light Day Moisturiser. I find that as long as I look after my skin in other ways I can get away with a cream that is thinner in texture. I can always pop a serum underneath plus a sun cream can double as an extra layer of hydration. SPF is important and if you are spending a considerable amount of time in the sun you should be using a separate sun cream, don't rely on an SPF in your face cream. I enjoy using Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream.

If you find makeup slides off your face then now is the time to embrace your natural beauty or switch heavy foundations for BB creams and tinted moisturisers. I like Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 or  Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid and Joik Moisturizing and illuminating BB cream. You can always add a touch of concealer, blush and a lip tint.

Are you reaching for different products in the heat? What are your current favourites?

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

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

10 April 2018

Starting a Green Skincare Routine Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise
My inspiration came from something I saw posted on social media. Someone was looking for advice on exploring the world of green beauty but also admitted that they hadn't used many skincare products up to this point. I always feel a tinge of sadness when I hear people don’t have a skincare routine and I understand there could be many factors for this. For me removing the daily grime is a ritual, my moment of meditation to do something for myself and to look after my wellbeing. I can’t imagine skipping this step from my day.

27 March 2018

Review Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200
Hyaluronic acid has been a buzz word in beauty for some time but you may be thinking what exactly is it and how can we benefit from this ingredient in our skincare. When researching hyaluronic acid I asked Andy Millward, a Facialist, Aesthetician and Beauty Writer for some guidance and he kindly pointed me in the right direction. I now understand that hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies, it is abundant in our dermis and a molecule can hold 1000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is included in skincare as a humectant to help hydrate skin. When your skin is hydrated it will feel plump and fine lines and wrinkles are temporarily improved so it makes sense to include in formulations. I think most of us desire these results in our skin especially as we get older.

Not all hyaluronic acid is the same and it’s classified by three sizes of molecular weight – High (Large), Medium and Low (Small). Larger molecules are too big to penetrate so work on the surface of skin as oppose to smaller ones which hydrate deeper.

I read articles that suggested hyaluronic acid decreased with age but LabMuffin says 
"It’s been thought that decreased hyaluronic acid levels led to the thinner and drier look of aged skin. However, the research currently suggests that the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin doesn’t actually decrease with age, but it does redistribute with both natural and environmentally-induced skin aging."

I wanted basic knowledge of hyaluronic acid so that I could better understand the purpose and benefits of Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200. The website explains that Evolve uses Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and there is 200mg per bottle. The serum is formulated with rose water, aloe vera, pomegranate, glycerine and konjac root powder. It’s a clear formulation which feels similar to a gel but once applied to the skin it’s a liquid almost like water. It’s a unique texture in comparison to my oil based serums. The instructions tell you to follow with moisturiser or other Evolve treatments and I have been doing that. My skin definitely benefits from layering face oil or cream over an application of hyaluronic serum.

I’ve had my Evolve Hyaluronic Serum for about 9 months but I remember not opening it for sometime as I was finishing up other products. I haven’t been reaching for it as often as I thought I would and that’s very interesting to me. There have been times when this product feels drying on my skin and that’s the part that was confusing me. I thought this serum would be the answer to all my dry skin problems but in truth it’s a superficial fix. I think this is partly due to the fact that I am prone to eczema. Andy explained "our natural barrier function comprises of lipids and water (in a bi-layer structure). You are prone to eczema so your bi-layers are naturally compromised meaning TEWL is increased and it’s harder for your skin to retain moisture." Eczema truly is a pain to manage and even when clear of the condition your skin is still compromised because the natural function to retain moisture isn't there.

I found the following quote to also be of personal interest.

"There’s some debate on how low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can act as an inflammatory signal and therefore be harmful, but it’s important to remember that inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. Studies on skin and skin cells have found that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can improve the skin’s ability to repair itself, its defense against microbial attack and help with conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Hopefully there’ll be more research into its effects on normal skin too." - LabMuffin

I have small patches of seborrheic dermatitis on my face but I'll be honest with you, I've not seen improvement when continually using Evolve Hyaluronic Serum. 

This is the part where I sit on the fence because the Evolve Hyaluronic Serum is a pleasant product but truthfully I’m unlikely to replace my empty bottle. I’m more than happy putting Hyaluronic Acid on my skin via the Daily Defence Moisture Mist. It feels better, more refreshing and non-drying so I can only guess that perhaps a super concentrated dose of Hyaluronic Acid isn’t the answer for my skin. 

As a side note, if you are vegetarian/vegan you should research the hyaluronic acid in your skincare because there are two main sources – fermentation (made by bacteria) and rooster combs. Evolve Organic Beauty is a Vegan brand so you can trust their hyaluronic acid is ethically sourced.

You know from past reviews that I adore Evolve Organic Beauty, as well as the Daily Defence Moisture Mist I use the Daily Renew Cream and Nourishing Hair Elixir but I don’t think the Hyaluronic Serum 200 is my hero product. 

Have you tried Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200? What are your thoughts on this product?

Sarah x

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

20 June 2017

Review Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist
I love toners as a step in my skincare routine but it’s difficult to find ones without linalool. For a long time I’ve used manuka floral water but when Evolve Organic Beauty launched their Daily Defence Moisture Mist it sparked an interest. You’ll know from past articles and my social media that I already have firm favourites within Evolve’s range - the Nourishing Hair Elixir and Daily Renew Face Cream. I find it very difficult to be anything but complimentary towards them as their products work so well for me. After receiving samples for our Gorgeously Green event last year I have gone on to purchase a number of times.

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

21 March 2017

Green Beauty Empties Joik Skin & Tonic Balm Balm Ermana Rossi Evolve
(Disclaimer - some products are PR samples others I bought myself)

I’m not entirely sure why Empties are so interesting but they allow me the opportunity to show you I enjoyed every drop and give my final thoughts on products. Usually I would film for my YouTube channel but I haven’t found the time recently. I think people underestimate how consuming it can be. Anyway let’s chat about the product pictured above. I’ll link any reviews I previously wrote.

Joik BB Cream - I like using tinted creams under my powder foundation. The Joik BB cream is great and I have enjoyed using it up but I’m back using my previous favourite the Madara Moonflower Rose Beige tinting fluid. I was swayed by a discount, no other reason really to switching out as I like them both equally.

Rossi Uvema Cleansing Oil - I’m easily pleased with cleansing oils and enjoyed the marzipan scent of the Rossi Cleanser. Fragrance free products are a lifesaver for me so this wins me over easily. I did replace this with my all time favourite Handmade Naturals (it was on promotion at the time I ran out) but I would happily go back to the Rossi one at some point in future.

Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover - I enjoyed using this makeup remover as a daily cleanser. Again an unscented product so it worked really well for my delicate skin. I would happily buy another one in the future but as mentioned above I do go back and forth between brands I love. 

Ermana Mama Soothe Body Oil - I loved this oil, perfect for me as unscented and great to use across the body after getting out of the shower. During the winter oils are a go-to product to keep my very dry skin hydrated as much as possible. I like to layer with body creams.

Ermana Cleanse Balm - This is the trial size pot but still lasted me a couple of weeks. I’ve ended up with mixed feelings about this cleansing balm which I plan to share in my next Love Lula Monthly Review. I enjoyed the scent (grapefruit and no linalool) but it feels a little too heavy for me. I’m undecided whether I would move up to the full size.


Evolve Satin Leg Gloss - I bought this oil for my sister’s beach wedding last summer as I wanted a shimmery product for the occasion. Evolve products are always beautifully scented and this leg gloss was a pleasure to use but I would have preferred a little more sparkle (it gives a sheen to the skin). The bottle needs a good shake before using as the mica settles at the bottom.

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water - Rose isn’t my favourite scent but I didn’t mind this floral water from Balm Balm. I wouldn’t buy for myself but was happy to use the product up. I like to use floral water for toner and have previously used the chamomile version from Balm Balm. Great brand and product for anyone who likes to keep things organic and simple.

Sarah x

20 August 2016

August Empties featuring Gerlinde Natural, Mallow & White and Angela Langford
Disclaimer - *PR Samples

I'm struggling to find the time to sit down and film so I've resorted to a blog post for my recent empties. It's a little collection of bits and bobs that have accumulated over the months as I don't film/write these on a regular basis.

Gerlinde Naturals Manuka Floral Water - an effective toner which I love because I'm a huge fan of Manuka essential oil. I use this as part of my cleansing routine and manuka has great healing properties so I will often spritz elsewhere on my body if I am experiencing problem skin.

Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil and Facial Oil* - I'm loving the new cleansing oil, the cucumber gives a refreshing scent and feels lovely on my skin. Mallow & White have been so generous in providing me a facial oil without lavender and I adore using this product. I've just started another bottle and use it morning and evenings.

Kate Logan Beauty Manuka Tonic - this has a few extra ingredients compared to Gerlinde Naturals. Whilst I enjoyed using it I would hesitate to buy again because I have a few concerns about the brand.

Vedani Botanicals Organic Skincare* - a bespoke facial oil which I enjoyed using, Vedani products are luxurious and carefully formulate with wonderful ingredients.

Petit Pai Body Wash - this is a mini size from the trial set I purchase, great product which I liked but wouldn't buy again as my Desert Essence body wash is better value for money.

Angela Langford Repair & Renew Facial Oil* - a lovely product which sadly I was unable to tolerate on my face (due to linalool) but I didn't waste it and used it up on my legs (which are less sensitive to my face for some weird reason!).

Sarah x

5 July 2016

Review Kate Logan Beauty Chamomile Cleansing Oil, Manuka Skin Tonic, Borage and Calendula Skin Balm
Kate Logan Beauty came recommended by Annie (Hello Purple Clouds). I decided to place an order for the Chamomile Cleansing Oil for sensitive skin. I shop anonymously as I like to have a true customer experience and with this order I chased twice before receiving it. Kate was prompt replying to emails and did compensate me with additional products.

27 October 2015

Sugarpuffish Current Natural and Organic Skincare Routine
Last time I wrote about my natural skincare routine was back in July so I thought I would write another post about what I am currently using.
This is a cleanser I have used before under and decided to go back to. It is a light cream, suitable for sensitive, dry, mature skin. One of the main reasons I repurchased is it does not contain Linalool. I am pretty sure the redness in my skin could be as a result of this essential oil allergen. Also suitable for Vegans.

These are in my routine because I have been testing for review. I won’t bore you again with the details as I published my article last week.

Gerlinde Naturals Manuka Floral Water 
A reappearance of this product, I haven’t been reaching for as often as I’ve been lazy and skipping the toner part of my routine. Manuka is a wonderful healing ingredient and a firm favourite and the essential oil is suitable for Vegans.

This is a very light cream serum which I am enjoying using on its own or under a moisturiser. It is suitable for dry, damaged, mature or problem skin and contains Vitamins A, E & C, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, White Tea and Rooibos Tea. Green Keratin products are suitable for Vegans.

Green Keratin Rosaforte C Magnificent Oil Elixir*
This is a new addition to my routine, cheated here a little as only used a couple of times but so far I am liking what I see. It’s a great combination of Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn, Damask Rose Otto and Vitamin C Ester. A light oil which sinks in quickly, I may be as bold as to say this one has the potential to be a Holy Grail product.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - * indicates PR sample, links are not affiliated

15 September 2015

Organic Beauty Week Sugarpuffish's Top Organic Brands Review Organic September

As it is Organic Beauty week, I thought I would mention a few of my favourite brands which are certified by The Soil Association. 

Let me start with the wonderful Odylique. Long time readers will know that the Gentle Herb shampoo is my Holy Grail closely followed by Superfruit Concentrate. Another great is Pai skincare, formulated for sensitive skins and the Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream is a staple in my collection.

I recently discovered the Herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm which is turning out to be a great multi-tasking product. It’s suitable for problem dry patches and I just know will be great for sore noses comes cold season. Talking of balms, you all know I have an addiction to balm cleansers. Several of my favourites are certified organic - Lulu & BooSuti, Botanicals, Circaroma, Saaf and Inlight.

Spiezia are the “grandparents” of certified skincare, they refer to themselves as pioneers as back in 1999 they helped determine standards with the Soil Association. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling their facial cleanser and rose & vanilla face oil.

Organic skincare doesn’t have to blow your budget, there are many affordable brands but a firm favourite with me would be Balm Balm. I’ve bought many of their products over the years for myself and for friends. I like the simple packaging but faultless products with good ingredients and formulations.

Have you tried products from these companies? Do you have a favourite Soil Association certified organic brand which I haven’t mentioned?

Sarah x

30 June 2015

Review MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection Dry
You’ll have noticed from recent posts that I bought the MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection (for dry skin) to take on my trip to Porto. There were three reasons why I bought the kit - I am familiar with MyChelle as I previously reviewed some of their products, I only had cabin allowance luggage and I was curious about the Sun Shield.

This box set for dry skin contains Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser (7.5ml), Tropical Skin Smoother (7.5ml), Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (5ml), Fruit Enzyme Mist (5ml), Deep Repair Cream (7.5ml) and Sun Shield Unscented Broad Spectrum SPF 28 (7.5ml). They are small samples but I made them last 5 days by mixing and matching depending on my needs rather than using in the Step by Step way suggested.

Review MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection Dry
All the products were very nice but only a couple stood out to me in a way that would have me consider buying full sizes. I liked the Deep Repair cream. It left my skin feeling soft, sat well under mineral powder and felt hydrating enough to combat any dryness. The Sun Shield took me by surprise and dare I say one of the best natural sunscreen I have tried. This sunscreen gives UVA & UVB protection and contains Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™) and Titanium Dioxide. The cream massaged into my skin easily without the dreaded white cast. It did not feel heavy and I was sightseeing in 30 degree heat. Often natural sunscreens cause me heat rash but I did not experience any problems. I particularly like that it is unscented and would consider buying the full size.

Overall, the kit is a good way to introduce yourself to the MyChelle range. There are six collections in total for various skin types – Combination, Dry, Age Defense, Age Spot/UV Discovery, Sensitive, Oil/Blemish Control. You can buy direct from the MyChelle.

Have you tried any products from MyChelle? What would you recommend?

Sarah x

26 June 2015

Living Nature Sensitive Skin Range Milk Allergy Lactose Intolerance
We all know as a Blogger I received Press Releases and offers of samples. I was intrigued to hear that Living Nature has launched a Sensitive Skin Range which includes a cleanser, toner and day & night moisturisers. However, I ended up declining samples so let me explain why I am hesitant about this range.

Firstly, I don't like the marketing message "Containing only the purest, certified natural ingredients and free of fragrance and allergens, this new face care range deeply hydrates, nourishes, protects, soothes and calms sensitive skin." 

Any skincare brand that claims to be "allergen free" is going to make me raise an eyebrow as surely any ingredient has the possibility to cause an allergic reaction in at least one person. However, on closer inspection I noticed these products contain Lactoperoxidase and this ingredient is an enzyme prepared from whey protein concentrate, derived from cows milk. When I declined samples based on the fact I have a milk allergy, I received an email in which Living Nature explains how this ingredient should not affect lactose intolerant customers. Let me state that I am always beyond frustrated that people are evidently confused between lactose intolerance and milk allergy. But moving on from this, below is an extract from the email I received.

Information provided to Living Nature by the suppliers of Lactoperoxidase Ingredient
  • The milk ingredient that causes most of the allergies is a component called casein and not whey or its extracts.
  • For this reason most individuals who are intolerant to whole lactose, will not suffer any intolerance to the whey derived enzymes, especially when applied topically.
  • In their studies, no adverse reactions have been reported following topical administration of the whey proteins, despite some minor gastrointestinal disturbances that were noted when the enzymes were consumed – but only from individuals who had a very high intolerance to lactose.
  • They quoted the reference study: Marshall, K., Therapeutic Application of Whey Protein. Alternative Medicine Review, Vol 9, No.2: 136-156, 2004.

I have previously given my opinions about food allergens in skincare - Debunking Skincare Myths - Does our skin absorb 60% of skincare? and Food Allergens in Skin Care. I'm not a scientist but when you have skin prick tests and see the reaction caused, in my case to milk, you do start to wonder about your skincare. It may be a minimal risk but it's one I chose not to take.

Of course I am pleased to see another sensitive skincare range on the market and Living Nature is a trusted New Zealand brand. Most of their customer base will not worry about Lactoperoxidase but I wanted to make my readers aware. I also have a large Vegan following and this ingredient will not be suitable for them.

For all my other readers, if you are interested in Living Nature’s new Sensitive Skin Range it is available from online retailers including Naturisimo

Sarah x

11 June 2015

Haul Andalou Naturals LJ's Naturals PHB Ethical Beauty Gerlinde Naturals MyChelle Herbfarmacy

I haven't had time to film a video so I thought I would blog instead. I wanted to share a few new products which I have gained over the last month. 

LJ's Natural Solutions Organic Deep Cleansing Balm - as you can see I have had this cleanser for a number for weeks as I've used up a fair amount. It is a very simple balm in terms of ingredients and the scent is mild. When buying this cleanser you can choose between a jar or pump dispenser which is a nice idea. I went for the pump and it works very well.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Pearl Exfoliator - I want to write a full review on this product because I think it's super for sensitive skin. A very gentle and non-scratchy formula, reminds me of Pai but more affordable. I bought this in Wholefoods London.

MyChelle Dry Skin Gift Set - back in 2013 I reviewed a few products from MyChelle, they were a little hit or miss with me. I bought this set because I was looking for products that are suitable for cabin allowance and this kit seems to cover all my needs. In the box are sample sizes (5ml or 7.5ml depending on product) of the Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser, Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, Deep Repair Cream, Tropical Skin Smoother, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented. I bought this from Love Lula for £15.95 which is a bit pricey but I was treating myself!

Gerlinde Naturals Manuka Floral Water (Vegan) - when my other bottle of Manuka Floral Water ran out I wanted a replacement. I chose Gerlinde Naturals because I have previously reviewed some products and was happy with the brand. 

Herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm* - I love a good balm so I am excited to give this one a try. Herbfarmacy seems to be loved in the blogging community so I would like to expand my knowledge of their products.

PHB Ethical Beauty Gentle Moisturiser* - you'll know from previous posts that I am really enjoying exploring more products from this Vegan brand. The Gentle Moisturiser is had a simple formulation and is free from essential oils so a good all rounder for those with sensitive skin.

I hope you have enjoyed reading? Are there any brands/products listed here which you are wanting to try or have you already tried these products?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *gifted items

9 June 2015

Sugarpuffish's Current Natural Organic Skincare Routine June 2015 Cleanser Toner
Back in December 2014, I shared with you my current facial skincare products. I thought it might be interesting to take another look into my beauty cabinet to see how things may have changed. As I have mentioned many times before my motto is always "cleanse, tone, moisturise" and I do this morning and evenings. I will switch around products depending on my mood but I generally don't have more than two cleansers or moisturise in rotation at one time.


26 February 2015


Pink & Green Organic Skincare
Twitter has once again proved to be an amazing networking tool and I recently discovered Pink & Green Organic Skincare. This brand made a great first impression so I asked Carol (the founder) if she would like to introduce herself and products to my readers.

Tell us a little bit about how Pink & Green Organic Skincare began? 
Pink & Green came into being in April 2014 when holistic therapist Carol Aplin, from Swindon in Wiltshire, UK, decided to create a range of natural, organic oil-based skin care products. Carol has been an holistic therapist for seven years when she identified that many of her clients were becoming increasingly stressed which had a physical effect on their skin. 

Some years earlier, she’d learned how to formulate skin care products when she completed a course on using natural ingredients for the skin and body. At that time she toyed with the idea of creating her own skin care brand but didn't take it any further at that stage.

At the beginning of 2014, she started running workshops showing people how to enjoy the benefits of essential oils and carrier oils. She identified the fact that many people simply didn't know plants had benefits for the skin – something Carol had known and taken for granted throughout her life. Carol also realised people didn't know that oils can be used to clean your face and they didn't realise there are lots of chemicals and alcohols in facial cleansing which strips the skin and can actually lead to more skin problems. Natural oils cleanse the skin and provide balance. 

Last year, she came up with the idea of providing high quality, ethical, natural and organic skin care products by post. Overnight the idea for Pink&Green came into being. Pink was chosen to represent women, and green for the environment. Carol then conducted extensive market research including surveying women, creating focus groups and sending out samples for people to try the products and test the look and feel of the brand Pink&Green. It was officially launched in November 2014. 

Five words to describe your brand/products
Affordable, ethical and natural skincare

Why is natural and organic skincare important to you? 
We bombard our bodies with chemicals, not only inside but outside in our toiletries. Having grown up in the countryside I have a passion for the landscape and its beauty. What better way to combine the two. Respect for our planet and ourselves.

Pink & Green offers customers a skincare subscription box, what made you decide to offer this unique service?
Through my holistic work, I noticed a growing anxiety amongst my clients. They didn't seem to have quality time for themselves. Many were stressed, some had skin allergies or irritated skin. I thought that by providing a beautiful box of organic facial skincare products that arrived every six weeks through the post, would offer customers the opportunity to feel “hello gorgeous” every day. They also didn't have to rush to the stores to purchase new products as these would arrive as their previous skincare ritual ran out. 

What do you find most challenging when formulating products?
My impatience!! I listen to my customers and what’s important to them. I translate these ideas into my own thoughts; then in to the products I create. It takes time. I guess I am childlike and get very excited about a new formulation. I have to be patient with the process of testing it; gaining feedback from focus groups; designing packaging etc. It is always worthwhile!

What have been the highs and/or lows of establishing Pink & Green?
It’s very exciting once you have your formulation; you've had it approved and registered – then you can bottle it and package it – the pretty bit of the journey. Also, my customers reactions to what I have made. Love it!!

Lows – sometimes an idea takes a while to make it on to paper. Things whirl around for a long while at times before they become workable. Creativity is a journey that has many facets; it is so part of yourself and your own personality.

What does the future hold for Pink & Green? 
Already Pink & Green Skincare is finding it’s way on to the shelves of health stores and organic farm shops, as well as customers purchasing the skincare ritual by post. It is my ambition to sell through Liberty’s, John Lewis and The National Trust.

Do you have any skincare tips to share with readers? 
Treat your body to nutritious food, hydrate well and use natural skincare products. Avoid harsh chemicals by checking labels and asking questions of shopkeepers about their products’ ingredients.

Feed your skin from the inside with healthy produce. Feed your skin from the outside with natural products. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and receives the liquid you drink last. So, to ensure your skin is in optimum health it needs feeding too, from the inside as well as the outside.

.....end of interview.......

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