floral water

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

27 January 2015

Manuka Floral Water and Apricot Kernel Oil

Following my recent visit to the Dermatologist I have been rethinking my skincare routine. I decided I needed to simplify things in order to bring back control and then I will re-introduce my favourite products. I previously mentioned looking for antibacterial ingredients and I chose to include manuka in my routine. It’s always been a firm favourite for me but I forgot how good it is despite always recommending to others. Essential oils can be potent (which may irritate skin) so I think floral water is a nice compromise. Floral waters make great toners so that is exactly how I intend to use this Manuka Honey water. I have patches of seborrhoeic dermatitis on my face and the idea is that sweeping over floral water could help calm skin and impart antibacterial properties. 

I also bought Apricot Kernel oil which initially I thought I would use in a DIY for moisturising, cleansing or both. I chose Apricot as it is light oil, absorbs easily and should work well on my sensitive skin. According to the information I have read, it is rich linoleic acid, oleic acid, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B17 and Vitamin E. Apricot oil has a faint smell of marzipan which I adore and at the moment I enjoy using this plain (without mixing with other ingredients) as a cleansing oil.

I bought both products from Naturally Thinking, a site I have not used for quite some time. They sell a wide variety of items for DIY projects - carrier oils, floral waters, essential oils, cosmetic bases and bottles/jars. They also have their own skincare and haircare products. One word of warning is I found order processing slow and they have failed to reply to a query. I placed an order on 6th January, I received a packing noticed on the 9th, shipping noticed on the 12th and my parcel arrived on the 14th January. The question I asked was relating to the manufacturing process of the Manuka Honey floral water. The product description suggests this is derived from manuka oil (from the tree not honey) which would make it suitable for Vegans and the name misleading. To date my request for clarification has gone unanswered.

Whilst I may not be impressed with the website, the products are (to the best of my knowledge) reasonable and good quality. I will have to update you with my progress but for the time being these serve their purpose and I am happy to incorporate into my routine. Have you ever considered stripping back a skincare routine? Which ingredients do you like using to target skin problems?

Sarah x

Update 12/02/15 - finally had a response from Naturally Thinking after contacting them again.

"Honey water is extracted from the Leptospermum scoparium plant and therefore is 100% plant derived., I will get the website clarified a little to stop the ambiguity. Please be aware the honey water does contain a preservative (as per the MSDS on the site) of Sodium benzoate Potassium sorbate in order to conform to current EU regulations. We have just been testing a new preservative, which is a protein from fermented Lavender, really natural and really kind to the skin which we will be replacing as a preservative in all the floral waters in about a month time (it has not scent of Lavender)."

30 October 2014

Balm Balm Organic Chamomile Floral Water - Soothing Baby Mist
I have been using Balm Balm Organic Chamomile Floral Water for months and it some how slipped my mind to write a review. I love Balm Balm products because they are organic, have simple ingredients and affordable prices.

The website blurb for this floral water is - "Mist over sore, inflamed or itchy skin; rashes; cracked nipples or any areas that need a little soothing. Also perfect for spritzing over bed linen to induce sleepiness. Suitable for use from newborn but a ‘must-have’ for grown ups too."

For those of you not aware, a floral water is the by product of steam distillation of essential oils. They will have similar properties to essential oils but they are less concentrated. Floral water is a good product to have in your beauty cabinet as it has a number of uses. As I find chamomile works well with my sensitive skin, this suits me as a facial toner or for spritzing liberally when my skin is feeling delicate. Chamomile has a pungent earthy scent which may not be to everyone's taste. Balm Balm have four floral waters (including chamomile) in their range so you can chose according to personal taste or skin type. 

Have you tried Balm Balm products? Do you like to use a Floral Water?

Sarah x

24 May 2012


I've decided to update this post as Solace Aromatherapy appears to have ceased trading. The original review was about toners and you may be asking when and why should I use facial mists and floral waters? Facial toners should be used after cleansing to prepare the skin for serums and moisturiser. Toners help to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup, correct and balance the pH of your skin. 

Here some alternative facial toner recommendations - 

Akin Hydrating Mist Toner - infused with Organic Coconut Water to instantly cool, refresh and hydrate skin. Enriched with Green Tea to tone and Chamomile to calm and soothe tired, stressed skin

Bybi Beauty Mega Mist - Ideal for dehydrated skin, hyaluronic acid plumps and softens the skin whilst rose, orange blossom and lemon balm waters refresh and nourish

Gerlinde Naturals Soothing Toner - ideal for sensitive and mature skin, Key Ingredients include Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract, Pomegranate Extract

Herbfarmacy Rose and Echinacea Toner - suitable for all skin types, with sweet aromas and botanical extracts of Damask Rose

Odylique Calming Rose Super Tonic - may be particularly suitable for skin prone to rosacea

Sukin Green Tea Hydrating Mist Toner - alcohol-free Hydrating Mist Toner, enhanced with a lively Green Tea & Cucumber scent, invigorates and refreshes tired skin


Sarah x

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