lipstick

12 February 2019

Valentine's Day Date Night Celebrity Inspired Makeup Look
(Affiliate Links marked*)

Last year I put together a date night look using Reese Witherspoon as my inspiration and the year before it was Zooey Deschanel. This time around I've chosen Laura Harrier mainly because I adore her fuchsia lipstick. Apparently she's wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Infrarose but lets see if we can create a similar look with alternative green brands that are natural and cruelty free.

Lips
Laura's makeup look is all about the bold lip colour and I've had a fun tracking down similar colours. My first choice would be Ilia Colour Block High Impact Lipstick Knockout (bold magenta), followed by Antipodes Lipstick Dragon Fruit Pink (vivid pink) and Ere Perez Olive Oil Lipstick First Date (berry magenta). If you prefer gloss then look to 100% Pure Lip Caramel in Cherry Cordial (bold fuchsia) and Ere Perez Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint in Fun (Bright fuchsia pink).

Eyes
For a polished red carpet look then a strong brow frames the face. Lavera Eyebrow Styling Gel styles and cares for the brows whilst adding colour. The Inika Brow Define Palette contains transparent brow wax and a light and dark brow powder (available in Amber or Chesnut). With a bright lipstick you'll probably want to do for a neutral eye look so I like the look for Ere Perez Eye Palette in Pretty and Nu Evolution pressed shadows in Chiffon or St Tropez. With an understates eye colour you definitely need a fluttery lash and Pacifica Dream Big Las Extending Mascara seems a good option.

Cheeks
Laura's cheeks look fresh and natural, with a hint of highlight and definition. I've selected a handful of products which I think could achieve this look. The Antonym Cosmetics Baked Blush have a beautiful swirl of colour with options to suit different skin tones (Cooper for medium to dark skin tones). Nui Cosmetics Cream blush in Pititi is a soft matte rose and pair that with Ere Perez vanilla highlighter. The Lily Lolo Cheek Duo in Coralista contains is a matte coral blush and light reflecting highlighter.

If you would like to shop the products mentioned they are available at Naturisimo, and Content Beauty.

Sarah x

22 January 2019

Reviews for Love Lula Crazy Rumors, Ethically Organic, Fair Squared & Mono Naturoils
(I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site each month, I am not obligated to review)

It always amazes me how I never seem to run out of product to try from Love Lula. I face the restrictions of allergies, yet I still manage to fill my basket. I've a lovely selection to tell you about so lets crack on. Just as a heads up everything here is suitable for Vegans and free from linalool (an ingredient that natural occurs in essential oils and happens to be one of my allergies).
If you're a regular reader then you'll know I adore Crazy Rumors lip balm but I hadn't tried any from their tinted range. I'm not much of a lipstick wearer so thought this would be my perfect lip product. Coral is described as medium neutral pink which I would agree with. It's sheer and provides a wash of colour with a hint of shimmer. I was won over straight away. Very easy to wear and all the benefits and flavour you'd expect from this brand of lip balm.

Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face SoufflĂ© 
A new-ish brand for Love Lula and it caught my attention because some of their products are free from essential oils. The Glow Face Souffle appealed to me based off the ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. This is a super rich formulation thanks to the shea butter but in all honesty it's far too intense for my face and that saying something given my history with eczema. In order not to waste an great formulation I'm loving this as a body butter as it tackles dry skin with ease. I certainly would champion this brand on the basis of simple but effective ingredients and for offering a fragrance free solution for consumers with sensitive skin. 

I've spoken about Fair Squared in the past and it's an interesting brand. I consider them to be family friendly and their range includes skincare but also extends to intimate items such as condoms and period cups. The vanilla shower gel is suitable for the entire family and formulated with Olive oil to gently cleanse and moisturise the skin. The scent is delicate and reminiscent of foam ice cream sweets; it's very pleasant without being over powering. It's nice to see a formulation without an overly lengthy ingredient list. The consistency is runny and low foaming which is to be expected. 

I was initially attracted to Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil because it ticked a couple of boxes for me. Firstly, no essential oil allergens and secondly a blend of ingredients which personally appeals to my skin type. There is no escaping that Mono is a luxurious brand with packaging and prices reflective of that image. This cleansing oil is light with a delightful delicate scent, its the cucumber that hits my senses first followed by undertones of rose. If you're a fan of Mallow + White Soothe cleansing oil (as I am) then this one will also be an instant hit. Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil is an absolute pleasure to use and it turns your cleansing routine into a ritual that you don't want to skip.

If you missed my December reviews then here's a link for you - Silvan Skincare, Benecos, The Handmade Soap Co

Sarah x

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

6 February 2018

Date Night Celebrity Inspired Look with Natural & Organic Makeup
(contains affiliate link marked *)

Last year I wrote a Valentine's Day Date Night look with Zooey Deschanel as my inspiration. I thought it would be fun to do another this time I’m focusing on Reese Witherspoon. Her red carpet makeup is very similar to my own tastes, classic and natural. I've selected products to recreate Reese’s look pictured above.

16 January 2018

Skin & Tonic, Isla Apothecary, Ere Perez
(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)

One of the biggest problems I encounter with online shopping is when the item arrives I notice the packaging information differs from the website. It might seem insignificant to some consumers but when you have allergies and a vital piece of information is missing, it can be money down the drain. 

Skin & Tonic Coco Mask
I spotted on the bottle three allergens which are not listed on the website (I also check S&T site and it's not noted there either). Allergens only have to be listed when they are at a certain percentage within the formulation so I just assumed it was irrelevant due to the the nature of the product. Cosmetic laws requires labelling of 26 fragrance allergens but I don't think that stretches to websites.

Skin & Tonic Ingredient listsWhile I appreciate Skin & Tonic/Love Lula are not doing anything wrong its just extremely frustrating. I don't want the hassle of double checking everything by email before ordering. I have contacted everyone concerned, promises were made to get the situation addressed but I haven't seen the changes. I've been unable to test the mask for review and have passed it on to my sister. Perhaps at a later date I'll share her thoughts on my social media channels.

Skin & Tonic Naked lip balm
A brand that offers a fragrance free product will always receive praise from me. The ingredients are simply shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil, all of which are hydrating for skin. It might have been nice to see a vegan formulation but beeswax isn't something I've completely eliminated from my skincare routine. I find this lip balm comfortable to wear, I enjoy having no flavour and the packaging works well for application.

Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot in Holy
I've been banging on about Ere Perez non stop recently and I ordered another Carrot Colour Pot in Holy. I actually featured this in another article so I won't go into great detail again but I really like these multipurpose products. To find out more and see swatches, follow this link - November Love Lula Reviews.

Isla Apothecary Ritual Pulse Point Therapy
I've seen many people speak highly of Isla Apothecary so that prompted me to try something from their range. It was very naught of my to pick this pulse point roll on because it does contain linalool. You're probably all confused why I'll test this but not the mask. Linalool can trigger my dermatitis and I currently have eczema on my face so I can't take the risk to worsen my situation. I've been able to tolerate the pulse point on my wrists. The blend of ingredients is lovely and includes coconut oil, roman chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender. I find the aroma pleasant and soothing. If you're someone who enjoys using aromatherapy for headaches, stress etc then I'd recommend checking out Isla Apothecary.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? 

Sarah x

27 December 2017

Rossi Uvema Avocado & Green Tea Face Cleansing Lotion and Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot in Harmony
(Gifted) 

In November I kept my choices from Love Lula simple and picked cleanser and makeup. Keep reading to find out what I thought of these natural skincare products.

Rossi Uvema Avocado & Green Tea Face Cleansing Lotion
Cream cleansers are my go to in the mornings and many of you know that my long time favourite has been Odylique Creamy Coconut cleanser. At the start of the year I tried the Rossi Uvema Rice Bran & Borage Seed Face Cleansing Oil and the Avocado & Green Tea Face Cleansing Lotion is another alternative in their fragrance free options. With a simple but effective formulation of avocado oil, plum kernel and green tea extract its ideal for sensitive skin. Whilst there are no added essential oils the plum kernel gives a familiar natural scent similar to marzipan which was something I liked about the cleansing oil. This cleansing lotion has a perfect consistency, similar to a luxurious moisturiser which makes it easy and pleasant to massage across the face. I apply to dry skin and remove with a damp flannel.

I like the glass bottle with a pump dispenser which you can twist close. The only minor criticism is when I had almost reached the bottom the pump stopped working. I simply stood the bottle upside down to drain the lotion to the top and then removed the pump when needed. Tapping the open bottle into the palm of my hand released more cleanser so nothing was wasted. I'm very loyal to Odylique so I'm not sure Rossi Avocado & Green Tea Face Cleansing Lotion would ever be a replacement but it certainly a worthy competitor which I am more than happy to recommend.
Ere Perez carrot colour pot harmony and holy
Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot
I've quickly become a fan of Ere Perez products so their Carrot Colour Pots were calling me. I chose the colour Harmony which is described as a dusty pink. Unlike RMS, the Ere Perez Carrot Pots don't contain coconut oil and they are suitable for Vegans. Harmony is a lovely colour which on my cheeks gives me a subtle natural flush but on my lips its edging towards a nude. I find the balm easy to wear and work with, it has a matte finish which I like. I'm super fussy with lip products but find this one comfortable and not drying. I've gone on to also pick up another pot in Holy. I've decided that Harmony is my perfect blush and Holy suits me better on the lips. What I like about the Carrot Colour Pots is the versatility to be about to play around with application because you can either apply with fingers or a brush.
Ere Perez carrot colour pot harmony and holy swatches
If you missed my last article for Love Lula then follow this link - a year of reviews for Love Lula.

Sarah x

5 December 2017

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

21 November 2017

Top 3 products on a Green Blogger Christmas Wish List
Have you ever wondered what products are on a Blogger Christmas Wish List? I decided to investigate this and asked some of my favourite Green Bloggers to tell me their Top 3 Wish List items whether that is green beauty and/or eco-friendly products.

Ailish - The Glow Getter
The things on my Wishlist this Christmas include the Tata Harper Organic Skincare range because it's a luxury range that I have always wanted to try! It looks, smells and seems to perform amazingly well so I would absolutely love to try it out! The next thing on my Wishlist is the new RMS Beauty Lipsticks, they look dreamy, I've tested a few and the colours are beautiful and they are totally natural, which is just incredible! The last thing on my Wishlist is a Casper mattress. Sleep is super important when getting the glow and this mattress has been designed with ultimate comfort in mind and based on lots and lots of research. That is the type of bed that I want to sleep in!

Amber - This Natural Bee
On my Christmas Wish List I’ve got some People Tree Striped PJ’s – I have another pair of their pyjamas with a pink cloud print and they’re so comfy. I also have my eye on the Nude & Noir Palette which looks so pretty, with a highlighter, eyeshadow & lip colour & bronzer. My final wishlist item is a candle from Petits Rituels – they’re my favourite natural candle range as the scents are just so lovely – my favourite scent is Minty BonBon!

Katie - Katie Vibes
Vegan-friendly Christmas gift sets can be hard to come by but I really love the look of the Evolve Beauty Hydrate and Glow Bag. I'm a huge fan of the hyaluronic serum that is included - and the brand in general - and in this set you get a full size plus a 30ml pot of their bestselling Radiant Glow Mask. I haven't got round to trying the mask of yet but I really want to (it smells like chocolate - very Christmassy indeed). Second on my list is the Pepper & Mayne High Waist Compression Legging in Japanese Denim. I've been really into my fitness lately and now that I'm going to the gym 3-4 times a week, I'm feeling the need to expand my activewear wardrobe and I'm specifically on the look out for more high quality fitness leggings that are completely opaque. Pepper & Mayne don't use 100% natural/organic fibres but their activewear is produced by Eco-Label approved factories in Portugal and has a fully traceable supply chain. I'll be honest and say they're a little out of my price range at the moment, so hopefully Santa will treat me? Last on my wish list is the Vedani Botanicals Daily Rituals Face Care Set. If you read my blog, you'll no doubt have heard me bang on about Vedani and the beautiful products that Mercedes's creates. I've recently exhausted my entire Vedani collection and my face is crying out for its old friend. I love Vedani because the products are simple but effective, and make use of some really stunning botanical ingredients. It also doesn't help that the product packaging is truly stunning... they'd look great under the tree!

Lynda - Wonderlusting
The Kjaer Weis Collector's kit - I'm a longtime user and lover of Kjaer Weis re-fillable makeup and use something from the range every day. The new palette is the perfect kit to fit my bits in to. The only thing that would make it more perfect if it was filled with more makeup! Lola Apothecary's Delicate Romance Bath & Body Collection - I am a complete roseaholic and this set looks like a rose dream. It contains rose petal filled bath and body oils that make my heart leap. And there's the 'Queen of Roses' rose petal covered chocolate to nibble on too. Stelton To Go Click Cup - I've been on the hunt for a sleek looking, reusuable coffee cup and Stelton are ticking all my boxes. The To Go Click cup comes in a range of sophisticated colours, and has a state of the art 'smart click' mechanism that allows you to drink from the full 360 degrees. Ideal for someone as clumsy as me and meaning there'll be no spills in my handbag. 

Mavs - Naturally Diddy
Axiology Lipstick: I'm obsessed with lipsticks especially in weird and wonderful colours and the shades Phenomenon and Enlighten (annoyingly seem only to be available in USA) both look sensational. They are pricier than I would allow myself on a regular basis but as a chrimbo gift they'd be perfect. If i couldn't have oe of the crazy colours then any other will do! Au Naturale su/Stain Lip Stain (in any of the colours, they all look gorgeous): Since matte hippies and stains launched on the market I've been addicted and these seem to have the cleanest formula of all of those I've come across. Hetty + Sam Agave Geometry Vegan Leather Purse: I'd have everything from Hetty + Sam if i could, but this purse is my fave. I love how all their products are vegan and created ethically while still being bang on trend and super stylish, their prints/designs are awesome.

Thank you to these lovely ladies for taking part in this post, I don't know about you but I've now added some products to my own Christmas list! Is there anything you have your eye on?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - article contains some affiliate links

9 May 2017

love lula ere perez hurraw rms beauty natural skincare reviews
Disclaimer - PR samples 

If you are not familiar with this series then let me explain. Every month I have the opportunity to select products from Love Lula. I then test them out for a 3/4 week period and write up my thoughts. Here's what I picked from the site in April.

Ere Perez Rich Olive Oil Lipstick – High Tea
I absolutely love this lipstick and I’m super happy I took the plunge. It’s described as a “shimmer pink-melon” and for me it’s a bright and daring pink, really out of my comfort zone at first wear. I like that even the lightest swipe over my lips will give a good colour pay off and the formulation is very comfortable on the skin. Ere Perez is fast becoming my favourite makeup brand. If you would like to see a swatch check out my previous article on my lipstick collection. Most of the Ere Perez range is suitable for Vegans but the lipsticks do contain beeswax.

Hurraw Black Cherry Tinted Balm
Sadly this has been a fail for me. I love the flavour of Black Cherry but the tint is disappointing. I’m not a red lipstick wearer so I was hoping for a subtle equivalent but this has barely any colour pay off for me. You know I love Hurraw balms as I’ve mentioned them many times so I’m not holding back here and being true to my feelings. Hurraw balms are suitable for Vegans.
Ere Perez Rich Olive Oil Lipstick High Tea RMS Beauty Swift Shadow Sunset Beach SB43
RMS Beauty Swift Shadow – Sunset Beach SB-43
Ordering makeup online is very tricky because colours do appear differently on screens. I end up comparing on every available device before ordering. Sunset Beach SB-43 didn’t end up being quite as expected but I’m still happy with it. I tend to have red/purple tones to my eyelids and this neutralises the colour making an excellent base. I’m also very happy to wear this shadow on its own but I don’t think other people would notice it on me. I would describe the colour as a pale shimmery gold/beige but I've seen other sites refer to it as "crushed pearl". I think it might stand out nicely on a darker skin tone. Staying power is a tricky one to judge because I’ve hooded eyes and shadows always slide and settle in the creases no matter what I do, with or without primers. RMS pressed shadows are suitable for Vegans but you will find beeswax in other products.

Sukin Sensitive Calming Night Cream
In 2012 I reviewed the cleanser from Sukin sensitive range so I was already familiar with the product line when I selected the night cream. The formulation is extremely rich and feels lovely on my naturally dry skin. You need the smallest amount and even after four weeks I’ve barely made a dent in the 120ml pot making it awesome value for money. In terms of ingredients it’s a winner for me because there are no essential oil allergens to worry about. My only minor criticism with the scent is the vanilla (which I adore) has an underlying whiff of something reminiscent of antibacterial creams and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It comes and goes so I can live with it. I also realise that it might just be my sensitive sense of smell, allergies do that to you. I’m happy to continue using this night cream as my skin feels lovely and soft in the morning. Sukin is a Vegan brand.

Have you tried these products? What did you think of them? If you missed my March mini reviews then follow the link - Love Lula Reviews - Dr Hauschka, Ermana, GK Natural Creations, John Masters Organics

Sarah x

15 April 2017

Natural Cosmetics Green Beauty Makeup Lipsticks Ere Perez Green People Red Apple
(Disclaimer - PR Samples & affiliate links)

I think I fell out of love for makeup in my 20s. It was a time when I was backpacking and it was no longer important to me. I'd never really worn a great deal in my teens as the mainstream brands often triggered irritation and it was a time when I became conscious of animal testing. Even to this day I'm not wearing makeup on a daily basis, I reserve it for weekends and special occasions. I have managed to build up a little collection of lipsticks over the past year and a half. These are natural brands, free from carmine but two of them contain beeswax. I thought you might enjoy taking a look into my makeup bag so I hope this would be of interest.

Ere Perez Rich Olive Oil Lipstick - High Tea
The newest to my collection and I am loving it. The colour pigmentation is bright but a sheer wash across the lips still gives good pay off. Very comfortable on my skin and I don't feel like I am wearing any product which is brilliant because I am very fussy.

As you can see from the swatch I would liken this to a tinted balm. It doesn't have much pigmentation but just perks up the natural colour of my lips. Very easy to wear on a daily basis and ideal for someone like me that wears minimal makeup.
Natural Cosmetics Green Beauty Makeup Lipsticks Swatches
A recent launch from Green People and it's being raved about across the bloggersphere but if I'm totally honest I'm not completely sold on it. I don't think the colour suits me and as you can see from the swatches I definitely favour pinks. My lips are naturally a pink tone and I think that might also be the problem, this one is too coral/orange for me to be a true nude. I will also say that I feel as if the Green People formulation doesn't sit well on my skin and it makes no difference using a balm underneath. I'm clearly the odd one out as everyone else is loving it so don't let me put you off.

I love this colour, it's the one I wore on my wedding day. I feel this really compliments my natural skin tone and it's easy for me to wear. The formulation is smooth and feels comfortable on my lips which is very important because I find many lip products drying with continual use. Love this and it will forever have sentimental value to me.

By the way I can never get a lipstick to stay put for any great length of time, it's just me and my skin so I don't bother mentioning it in reviews. Do you have a favourite natural brand of pink lipstick? Do share them as I would love to find more.

Sarah x

7 February 2017

Date Night Valentine's Day Look using Natural Makeup
(this post is not sponsored)

With Valentine's Day around the corner I was thinking about Date Night makeup looks. I have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel and I just love her red carpet looks. I like makeup that is classic and elegant, taking this as inspiration I've selected products to recreate Zooey's look.

Eyes
It appears to me that Zooey is a mascara and liner gal with a neutral shadow. For a little bit of glamour I think shimmery shades are the way to go. I love Shiro Dodge which I wore for my wedding but I've been virtual shopping. I like the look of Ilia Silken Shadow Stick in And She Was, Ere Perez Eye Duo in From Beginning To End and RMS Beauty Swift Eyeshadow in Sunset Beach SB43.

Cheeks
The classic rosy pinks and peaches are Zooey's blush colours giving a light flush to the cheeks. It's very much the look I chose for myself so Ere Perez Bondi Blush and Shiro 1-Up immediately come to mind. I also virtual shopped Colorisi in Juliette and Elde Lip & Cheek Rush in Honeysuckle.

Lips
Zooey's red carpet look is a classic red lipstick. To recreate this I'm mindful of carmine so I've chosen products without this ingredient - Ere Perez Beautiful Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint (vegan), Ere Perez Rich Olive Oil Lipstick - Fiesta (contains beeswax), Odylique Essential Care Mineral Lipstick - Cherry Tart (contains beeswax), Living Nature Lipstick - Wild Fire (contains beeswax).

With the exception of Shiro Cosmetics, other products mentioned above are available at Naturisimo and Content Beauty.

Sarah x

17 January 2017

Ere Perez, John Masters Organics, Odylique
(Gifted/Unpaid/Affiliate Link)

John Masters Organics Bare Unscented Body Lotion
After buying the Bare detangler conditioner in TK Maxx, I was curious to try more from the range. This lotion has a light texture, I usually go for something a little heavier but I’m really enjoying changing things up. I find my skin absorbs the product very quickly making application easy and fuss free. It's perfect for lazy days when you don’t have patience for rubbing in heavy balms. 

I picked this because it does not contain essential oils plus I was getting a little tired of ordering my Desert Essence body wash from the US. You all know I’m a massive fan of Odylique (no they don’t sponsor me!) it's genuine appreciation of their products. There isn’t much to be said about body washes but this gives creamy foam and feels good on my delicate skin. I can see myself buying a new bottle once this one is used up.

When I order this I had a massive pimple on my chin so it was a good opportunity to give this serum a try. I must say its unusual for me to get spots but the spot on serum is an all-rounder suitable for those little medical emergencies like cuts and bites. I picked up the 20ml size which is perfect if you simply don’t need this product on a regular basis. Spot on Serum has a medicinal scent which I associate with tea tree and lavender. A little goes a long way and it packs a punch as it helps reduce pain and inflammation, it doesn’t clear a pimple overnight but it aids with the healing process in the long run. Great product and one I'm happy to recommend.

You’d be mistaken if you thought this was a lipstick as it leans more towards a tinted lip balm. The colour pay off is a sheer tint and I find it nourishing. Perfect for lazy days when you want a little pick me up but you don’t want to spend time on makeup. The colour is similar to my own skin tone you might not notice I’m wearing it but that's ok as I still see a difference. I also love the fact that the Lipbar is suitable for Vegans. I'm definitely tempted to try other colours.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts on them?

Sarah x

16 April 2016

Wedding Bridal Makeup Natural Organic
Disclaimer - *PR sample, contains affiliate links

I never got around to uploading this blog post before the Wedding. I mentioned a few times about experimenting with makeup for the Big Day. I had shown you a few product hauls in the run up but here is what made the final cut. I asked my sister to help me on the day and I think this covers everything we ended up using. A couple of products were missed from the picture.

Everyday Minerals Semi Matte Foundation (Rosy Beige 3C)
You’ll be familiar with Everyday Minerals because it’s the only foundation I use and I am forever talking about it. I could have gone out and found something new but instead decided to stick to what I know works well for me.

I am using this as a base for my foundation just to give me a boost and provide longevity for my mineral powder.

This was the favourite blusher out of all the ones I tried. At first I wasn’t sure about the shimmer but now I like it, this eliminates the need for a highlighter

This is a slightly pink toned shimmery cream which for someone like me who doesn’t wear makeup, gives a hint of something but without being OTT and not looking myself. I think my sister did end up applying Silk Naturals Score to give a very subtle "smoky" eye effect.

Inika Natural Mineral Eyeliner in Crystal White
I intend on using this as an inner corner and brow highlight. The Crystal White has a really nice shimmer and is soft so easy to blend out. 

Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Mascara
This mascara gives a natural boost to my lashes and doesn’t smudge, it held up for the day so I was very pleased

Silk Naturals Beach Bunny Bronzer 
I am not confident with bronzer but my sister worked her magic with this little sample I had ordered on a whim. Beach Bunny is recommended for pale skin.

This is my perfect colour, it is similar to my natural lip but just gives a little extra something without making me feel uncomfortable. I had intended using the gloss Bridesmaid but it was left out on the day.

I generally wear nail polish on my toes but have decided to go the whole way and paint my finger nails. As it was slightly out of my comfort zone I wanted colours which were natural and not too crazy but I had to have a little sparkle for my ring finger.

Sarah x

31 March 2016

Swap YouTuber Favourites for Green Beauty Natural Organic Alternatives
Even though I am part of the Green Beauty Community on YouTube, I still enjoy watching videos from Vloggers who shop on the high street. It might seem odd but I like to keep up with trends and enjoy the challenge of finding greener alternatives. With this in mind I decided to take a vlogger’s March Favourites and show you some Green Beauty swaps.

Morphe 12NB Palette - this consists of 12 eyeshadows in warm shades of bronze, chocolate and rust. Lily Lolo isn’t a brand I mention often because some of their range contains carmine but the Laid Bare Eye Palette does spring to mind for this swap. Jane Iredale have a number of palette options, I particularly liked the look of the Triple Eye Shadow compact which come in several colour ways. PHB Ethical Beauty have recently launched palettes and they are a Vegan brand. Finding palettes is a little tricky but you can certainly match the colours individually. 

Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer - in the world of Green Beauty there are lots of cream and powder bronzers but I’m not aware of many liquid ones. There was one that did spring to mind, Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint.

By Terry Terrybly Velvet Rouge in Lady Bare - this is described as a liquid lipstick and it’s a nude shade. I'm not sure if we can match the By Terry formulation but there are many great natural and organic lipstick and lipgloss brands. Inika Naked Kiss looks like a great nude shade lipstick. Other brands worth checking out are ILIA, Red Apple Lipsticks, Nvey Eco, Lavera, Living Nature, PHB Beauty, NATorigin and Odylique.

MAC Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare - As with lipsticks the above brands also have pencils, others you can add to my list are Green People, Zao, Avril, Benecos.

Tom Ford Nail Polish in Mink Brulee - there are plenty of 3, 5 or 7 free nail polish brands on the market, look for Kure Bazaar, Zoya and Intensae.

Clinique Superbalanced Make Up Foundation - Mineral Powder foundations are my personal favourites but greener liquid ones are out there. I suggest considering Living Nature, Inika, Lavera, ILIA, Vapour, Dr Hauschka and Alva.

Clarins Energy Boost - A new launch from this brand but part of a range which offer to boost your skincare by targeting concerns. You simply add to other products in your routine and it appears (from photos) to be oil. In the Green Beauty market there are hundreds of amazing oils which can be used in a similar way. As the Clarins one has yet to launch I can’t check ingredients but click here for a selection of oils I have reviewed.

Sarah x

2 February 2016

Valentine's Day 2016 Natural and Organic Gift Ideas
I am always a little bit rubbish when it comes to Valentine's Day. I dislike the tacky gifts in shops and we really should be telling our loved ones every day how special they are to us. That being said I won't say no to an excuse to receive luxury organic bubble bath or vegan chocolates! This year I'm feeling in the loving mood. Let me share with you some gorgeous natural and organic gift ideas should you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day or just treat yourself.

If you really want to treat a loved one to a very indulgent gift then look no further than Bodhi & Birch Love Bath & Candle Aromatherapy Duo*. The set contains Ylang-Ylang Incensa Bath & Shower Therapy and the Bergamot & Geranium Candle from Heartwood Candle Company all beautifully gift boxed. 

A gorgeous gift set from Botanicals is healthier than chocolates and longer lasting than flowers. The Botanicals ‘Nourish My Skin’ Facial Collection or Botanicals Rose & Camellia ‘Daily Essentials Trio’ are sure to be a treat for your loved one.

Spend £20 on any Fresh Therapies product and get the glass nail file for only £5. That's a saving of £7. Use code SugarFeb. Offer from 1st February and Expires Monday 15th Feb 2016 at midnight.UK residents only

Little Ondine
I'm a big fan of Little Ondine nail polish and you can receive 15% off across the site from the 1st to the 14th of February using the code VALONDINE

Any candle from Petit Rituels if the perfect gift but Sensual Healing could be the winner for Valentine’s Day. The scent of ylang ylang, jasmine, Turkish rose and lavender is soothing and seductive, ideal for reliving tensions and I’m told works as an aphrodisiac! 25% off the entire collection from 1-14 February code is D3FFOLVS4WK5

Whether you have a hot date, brunch with the girls or just want to treat yourself Red Apple Lipsticks have a beautiful range of pink lipsticks. They are also spreading the love with their Galentine’s Day message and encouraging women to love and respect one another.

Lots of gift ideas but new for Valentine's Day is a draw string jute pouch containing miniature heart soaps Each bag contains approximately 4 hearts weighing at least 80g and the bag is decorated with ribbon and a chunky heart wooden gift tag. Use my discount code Sugarpuff15 to received 15% off across everything on website until the end of 2016.

A cute idea from Sweet Cecily’s offering a Valentine’s day card with a lip balm attached to the front. You can personalise the picture on the balm, the message on the inside of the card, and they can even send it straight to your recipient if you wish to remain completely anonymous.

For the skincare lovers, Terre Verdi will appeal and you can receive 15% off from 5th of Feb to 14th of Feb with the code VALENTINE

The Rose Tree
A selection of beautiful gift ideas but the Mini Pamper Set has a Valentine's feel to it with a limited edition heart shaped bottle of bath oil and award winning lip balm.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *indicates PR sample 

18 October 2015

Review Red Apple Lipsticks Vegan Gluten Free Secrets Twist n Pout
It’s a bit of a departure from my daily routine but I would like to wear a touch of makeup on my Wedding day. It’s not unusual for me to wear something on special occasions so I decided to start the search for the perfect lipstick. After I was disappointed by Lippy Girl, I turned my attention to Red Apple Lipstick. This USA brand has taken the Green Beauty scene by storm with good reviews flooding the blogging community.

I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to sample for myself and I spent hours looking at videos and swatches deciding on colours. It’s the one disadvantage with shopping online, screens can alter the colours and I didn’t want to be disappointed in my quest for the perfect bridal lippie. In the end I settled on Secrets and Twist n Pout and Red Apple Lipstick surprised me with the addition of a gloss called Bridesmaid.

I now understand what all the fuss is about. Red Apple Lipsticks are beautiful not just in colours but also buttery and soft on the lips. I often find lipsticks dry out my skin and I am left feeling uncomfortable but not with these. Packaging and quality easily rival the mainstream brands and it is also worth noting for Coeliac readers that Red Apple Lipstick’s products are Gluten Free. The are also free from soy, dairy, parabens, petrochemicals and animal ingredients.

Review Red Apple Lipsticks Swatches Secrets Twist n Pout Bridesmaid

Secrets - described as “a pink/fuschia-y moisturizing lipstick, with a deep gold shimmer”. Secrets is subtle on my lips, you could say “my lips but better” as it enhances my natural pink skin tone and looks beautiful on its own or with a swipe of Bridesmaid gloss over the top. It is fair to say Secrets has won my heart and I would be happy to wear on my Wedding Day.

Twist n Pout – described as “a warm-toned middle pink with a hint of coral, that's your lips but better. The perfect no-lipstick-lipstick for warm toned or neutral gals.” A lovely pop of colour but not quite what I had in mind for me as a little too coral on my lips. 

Bridesmaid - is a shiny sheer pink with lots of sparkle, I’m not a massive fan of gloss but this isn’t too sticky and looks great worn alone or paired with a lipstick.

Staying power for these products is as I would expect, you do need to re-apply after eating and drinking. My chosen colours don’t add any staining to my lips which isn’t a deal breaker for me. Red Apple Lipsticks do ship to the UK but it isn’t the cheapest. Samples are available and the blister packs give you a sizeable amount of colour to try. I have a sample of Hibiskiss which is a lovely raspberry colour which you can either use as a subtle stain or a bold pop of deep pink.

I definitely appreciate these gorgeous lipsticks and I'm joining the Red Apple fan club. Have you tried Red Apple Lipsticks? Do you have a favourite colour?

Sarah x 

Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated

6 August 2015

Sugarpuffish July 2015 Favourites
Vegan Nachos at Camden Markets, Lyonsleaf Soaps, Cookies & Scream Cookie Dough Milkshake, Birthday Bouquet 
Daily life often gets in the way of blogging. Anyone who has a full time job and manages a blog alongside will know that at times you simply don't have enough hours in the day for it all. I have been longing to get in front of the camera and make more of an effort with my YouTube channel but I just haven't had a free weekend. I'll admit I am throwing this blog post together in a lunch break but I wanted to have a catch up of sorts. It's a mash up of Favourites, News and Reviews for July.

Favourites for July 
I was sad to see the end of my Green Keratin Cleanser and I had been pairing it with PHB Ethical Beauty Gentle Moisturiser. I have also been enjoying using the Mr Sandman nail polish from One Ondine* and the Jane Iredale Lip & Cheek stain which I received in a Naturisimo* box back in May. There were a couple of free from food favourites this month. Aside from Cookies & Scream, the Allergy Show introduced me to Ananda's Round Up! and Moral Fibre snacks. My Birthday falls in July and if you follow me on social media this will be old news but I am now engaged. My boyfriend proposed on my Birthday and it was a complete surprise. I'm still getting over the shock. On the whole, I won't be blogging about our Wedding plans but there might be the occasional review of related items such as my mad panic to find a wedding cake I can eat (it will need to be dairy, egg and gluten free!). Aside from the new ring, I did spend my Birthday up in London, with a return visit to Camden Markets where Cookies & Scream are based and we popped into Whole Foods Kensington.

Reviews
A quick mention to Lyonsleaf who sent me some of their Vegan soaps - *Calendula and Rosemary & Citrus. Vicky told me that she doesn't sell as many of the Rosemary & Citrus which I think is a real shame because I have enjoyed using it. When you next consider buying solid soaps keep Lyonsleaf in mind. They offer a variety of fragrances and they don't go soggy in the soap dish or dry out your skin.

That folks sums up my July.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR samples, no affiliated links

16 May 2015

Naturisimo Limited Edition Kiss & Make-Up Discovery Box
Naturisimo launched a Limited Edition Kiss & Make-Up Discovery Box (£9.95). I decided to review and demo the contents on my YouTube channel so click here to watch. I've been informed that you pronounce Madara as “Mar-dar-a”

3 February 2015

natural skincare on Etsy
My previous posts about Natural Skincare on Etsy have been popular so I decided to put together another one. You can read the previous two posts here - Etsy Wish List No 1 and Etsy Wish List No 2

Laila London - my attention was drawn to the beautiful jar and wooden spoon. This is bodycare which looks good enough to eat. A variety of scrubs and butters are available.  

Evy Jo & Co - Bath and skincare product that are organic, vegan and handcrafted in Montreal, Canada. I was drawn to the stunning photographs and elegant packaging. Pictured above is the Pink Clay mask and soap set.

French Girl Organics - this brand boast an impressive free from ingredients list "Almost 100% VEGAN, ORGANIC or WILDCRAFTED, with ingredients grown on our Urban Farmstead in Seattle, others from farmer friends in the Pacific Northwest or around the world." As well as skincare French Girl Organics have a line of lip tints and perfumes which caught my attention. 

The Holistic Science Co - another US based brand with great kerb appeal when it comes to packaging "our formulas contain no animal byproducts, parabens, petrochemicals, irritants, toxins or artificial colors." A lovely looking range which covers skincare and candles, pictured above is their mineral toothpaste 

Batty's Bath - a brand based in Canada with a range of skincare, bodycare and mineral makeup. I pictured above the Green Tea & Pineapple Liquid Facial Cleanser. When I saw this product I instantly thought of several bloggers who would probably like the sound of it

Sarah x

Disclaimer - not sponsored, no affiliated links, selection based on information provided on seller Etsy page and/or websites, I am trusting these companies have good ingredients. 

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