mineral makeup

16 June 2020

Odylique natural and organic skincare and makeup
(Gifted Press Samples)

Many of you know that Odylique is one of my favourite skincare brands and I've spoken about their Gentle Herb Shampoo for many years. I thought it might be interesting to share with you other products because there is more to Odylique than hair care. Lets start off with a little background information for any new readers. Originally known as Essential Care, the business was founded by Margaret who started making skincare from natural ingredients to help her family's eczema problems and her own allergy prone skin. The company was launched in 2003 with daughter Abi, products are hand made in Suffolk and re-branded to Odylique in 2014.

25 May 2020

Reviews Alba Botanicals, Balmonds, Giovanni, Madara, Raw Halo, Viridian
(I have purchased these products but they may have previously featured on my site as gifts/press samples)

During lockdown a handful of products ran out so I've been ordering replacements and I thought you might be interested in discovering more about my favourites. I hope this shows that my positive reviews are honest and demonstrates how products become staples in my self care routine.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cream Shave - this was something I originally picked up at TK Maxx and I wasn't expecting much however it turned out to be the perfect product for me. I've always experienced dry skin and shaving can be a struggle especially in the winter months. My legs are prone to soreness and bleeding despite the upmost care and attention paid to my skin. When it came to repurchasing the coconut lime was out of stock so I selected mango vanilla instead. I spent years finding the perfect shave cream so I truly hope I can continue to source this one as it leaves my skin silky smooth and undamaged by the razor.

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - this cream tackles my dry skin with ease and it's suitable for across the entire body including my face and hands. This is a reliable product and appeals to me from a budget conscious perspective as it can cut three creams down to just one. It's suitable for all the family and when the shops are open again readily available on the high street at Holland & Barrett. 

Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray - this product has been working well for me so I'm sticking with it for the moment. Unlike other leave in sprays this doesn't make my hair feel greasy or weigh down in. It doesn't appear to 'build up' over time which is great as it doesn't conflict with my hair washing routine.

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 - I've been using this since circa 2018 and it has now replaced my long time love affair with Madara Moon Flower Tinting Fluid. Both products are excellent but it was the SPF that clinched it for me in the end. This is the only non-vegan (contains beeswax) product in my routine and if that's a deal beaker for you then opt for the Tinting Fluid which is suitable for vegans. Depending on how my skin looks I'll often wear Madara CC cream over moisturiser or layer it under a powder mineral foundation, either way I like how it evens out my skin tone. 

Raw Halo Organic Raw Chocolate - you came here for skincare and here I am throwing in a food item but it's one of my lockdown essentials. Chocolate that is suitable for Vegans but without trace warnings for milk is really hard to find but Raw Halo ticks that box and tastes delicious so I treated myself to several bars.

Viridian High Five Multivitamin and Mineral Formula - I originally introduced readers to Viridian in 2015 (Viridian Essential Female Multi Vitamin). Supplements are very much personal choice and should be tailored to individual needs. I take vitamins on the advice provided when seen in Allergy Clinics (NHS). A balanced diet is always preferable and I do my best where I can. The High Five formula offers me everything I need in one tablet and I've been taking them for a few years. I chose Viridian over other brands because of their ethics and quality of ingredients. 

Sarah x

15 April 2020

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

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

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

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

Sarah x

9 April 2019

New beauty innovations on show at Natural & Organic Products Europe 2019
I thought I would share with you some of the new natural beauty innovations which launched at The Natural Beauty & Spa Show 2019. The original list was extensive so I've selected brands that I know and I'm happy to support/recommend.

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 Soufflé 
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

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

15 May 2018

Love Lula: Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation, Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15
(Gifted)

This is one of two new foundations from Ere Perez and there has been quite a buzz around them. There is no denying that the product is presented beautifully in a frosted glass bottle with a pipette applicator. Quinoa Water Foundation currently comes in three colour shades and I have the lightest. I'm never sure how products like this are expected to match all skin tones, that seems impossible. Haze seems to work with my skin tone but as you can see it's on the yellow side and I often favour pink tones.

As the name suggests this foundation has a super runny texture which dries to a natural finish. I wanted to love this foundation but I can't get on with it. It just doesn't sit well on my skin and often clings to dry patches. I personally find it hard to work with and I simply don't have the patience. I've tried applying with my fingers, brushes and a sponge but it comes off streaky. The foundation is similar in consistency to the Green Booster Serum and I'm beginning to realise my skin definitely prefers a creamier product. The coverage is light which I have no issue with but I imagine if you have insecurities about your skin you are going to need a concealer. I am curious to see how the Quinoa Water Foundation compares to the Oatmilk Foundation so I may try that out in the future.

If you've been a reader for some time then you'll know I'm a fan of Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid. I use it on a daily basis but the only element this product lacks is SPF. This is where the Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream takes it to another level. This CC cream is a thicker consistency to the Tinting Fluid which I'd expect from a product with natural SPF but it doesn't feel greasy or heavy. I can wear the CC Cream alone or under powder foundation to give a medium coverage. It evens out my skin tone but I would suggest any imperfections or pimples may require a touch of concealer. I'm happy with SPF 15 for daily use because I work in an office so my exposure to sunshine is limited to lunch break. I know some readers may prefer a higher factor but I not overly bothered. The alternative would be Madara Plant Stem Cell Age Defying Face Sunscreen SPF30. Back in the day I religiously used Clinique City Block and struggled to find natural alternative but Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream is the perfect replacement. The minor criticism in comparison to the Moonflower Tint is the CC cream contains beeswax. I was torn when ordering because in recent times I have tried to make a conscious switch to vegan suitable skincare. Overall I'm very happy with Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream and I would be tempted to purchase again. If you are spending longer in the sun then you should be applying a suncream (SPF 30 is the recommendation*) and Madara CC Cream isn't intended for that purpose.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? What are your thoughts on them? If you missed last month review then follow this link - Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum, Sukin For Men Shaving Gel

Sarah x

*As a side note if you have any questions about sunscreen then I will direct you to The British Association of Dermatologists sunscreen fact sheet

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.

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

24 October 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah x

25 July 2017

Series Swap High Street Favourites for Natural Skincare
Before I start this swap article I must say its been nice to see natural brands mentioned on YouTube by vloggers who I class as drugstore and mainstream consumers. So far I’ve seen recommendations for Therapie, RMS, Antipodes and Tata Harper which is great but makes writing these posts a little tricky as my work is already done. I was even a little surprised that when I researched a mention for Kat Burki Vitamin C Moisturiser it looks like they actually have a good ingredients policy. 

So lets jump in now to some products I picked out from videos and give you some swaps for consideration.

Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak – Lots of lovely alternatives out there including Weleda arnica muscle soak, Plant Apothecary's Super Soak Organic Healing Bath, The Isla Apothecary Relax and Recovery Bath Salts, Bloom Remedies Aromatherapy Bath Oils.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil – I probably said this a million times but it's super easy to avoid mineral oil based cleansers found on the high street. I could recommend Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Oil with Japanese Camellia & Rice Bran, Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover, Mallow & White (they have 3 cleansers depending on your skin type), Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser and Siskyn Skincare Oils Camellia & Safflower Hot Cloth Cleansing Oil.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow - described as “give your complexion an instant pick-me-up to create an effortlessly dewy look” with this in mind I would consider 100% Pure Luminous Primer and Vapour Stratus Skin Perfector. Also there is a limited edition collection from Tata Harper containing trial size essentials for a "luminescent glow".

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Self Tan Lotion Light Medium With Chia Oil – a number of alternatives are available, firstly look at Eco by Sonya and TanOrganic who have a range of self tanners. Others products to consider are Green People Self Tan Lotion, Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel, Trilogy self tan instant bronzing gel and The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan.

Perfect World Double Chocolate Chip - since we are having warmer weather and this ice cream came up in a favourites video I thought I'd include Vegan alternative since Perfect World is free from milk but not eggs. My absolute favourite is Jollyum Double Chocolate as it's rich and indulgent, when I first tried it I kept checking the label as I wasn't convinced it was dairy free, its that good. Other alternatives to look for are Booja-Booja hunky punky chocolate, Swedish Glace Chocolate, Alpro Hazelnut Chocolate Ice Cream, Frill The Frozen Smoothie Intense Chocolate and Coconut Collaborative Dairy Free Chocolate Snowconut.

You can purchase the skincare products mentioned from my favourite sites Content Beauty and Naturisimo.com. If you would like to read my last swap article click here - No 7 - Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Akin, Zao, Kjaer Weis and Intelligent Nutrients

Sarah x

13 June 2017

monthly reviews love lula natural skincare madara john masters organics inika
(Gifted PR samples)

The months are whizzing past at the moment and I wish they would slow down. If you're unsure how this works basically I'm part of Love Lula's Blogger Programme and every month I can chose products from their site. I usually aim to test for 3 to 4 weeks and then I publish these monthly mini reviews. I provide honest reviews and I'm always critical where necessary so I hope that helps.

John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-In Conditioning Mist - I’m always looking to treat my hair since I colour regularly leaving it a little frizzy and dry. You’ll probably know my usual heat protecting mist is something I've been using for the past four years but I thought I’d branch out and try John Masters Organics. Key ingredients include green tea, calendula, broccoli seed, chamomile and rosemary. I have fine hair and so far this mist is not weighing it down or creating a build up. I’m impressed by how light it feels. I like to be honest in all my reviews and I will say I’m slightly disappointed by the scent. The note that stands out to me is ylang ylang which I dislike and it's not a pleasant fragrance for me (personal preference!) however the scent doesn’t linger for long so I can live with it. I class John Masters Organics as a luxury brand so feel the product needs to be a worthwhile investment. I can't prove that it's protecting but I'm loving how my hair feels however I have cheaper products that do the same so that leaves me undecided. Sorry if that doesn't help but I am pretty sure this conditioning mist is ideal for anyone with fine hair that struggles to find something to protect without that greasy feeling.

Inika Trial Kit (Shade: Light)I spotted this trial kit on the Love Lula site and I thought this would be perfect for testing. The kit is also suitable for cabin allowance which saves hassle of decanting product. Despite the size the pots/tubes have lasted 7 days (and counting!). I definitely prefer the liquid foundation over the mineral powders, the latter doesn’t sit well on my skin and the colours are not the correct match for my skin tone. Obviously discovering these flaws is what makes a kit like this ideal as investing in full sizes might be a costly mistake. I'm still undecided whether I would go ahead and make a full size purchase however I know Inika is a great brand and it's often overlooked.

Madara Protecting Hand Cream - This is by far my favourite product for the month, it’s a lovely rich hand cream which sinks in easily and perfect for my very dry skin. I love how it feels and I’m not using it as often as I was because my hands feel so much better now. In comparison to my favourite hand cream Madara is identical in performance and costs less (at current prices I'd be saving £6 a tube!). I highly recommend and I'm so pleased I decided to order, I would buy another when it runs out.

Rossi Uvema Seabuckthorn & Hyssop Face Moisturiser - At the moment I’m back to favouring cream moisturisers over oils, no particular reasons for this just my current mood. As I was almost out of the Triology Very Gentle cream it seemed like the perfect time to try this one from Rossi. The Seabuckthorn & Hyssop Face Moisturiser does not contain essential oils making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Whilst there is no added fragrance it does have an unusual natural scent from its ingredients which takes a bit of getting used to. This Rossi moisturiser is a good every day product and does work for my skin type (dry, sensitive, eczema prone) but if I’m honest I’m not completely sold on it due to the aroma so I doubt I would replace when it runs out. 

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned here? Do you enjoy these mini reviews? Do they help you decide what to try next? 

If you would like to see my Love Lula reviews from April then follow this link - Ere Perez, Hurraw, RMS, Sukin

Sarah x

2 May 2017


Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Soother Shampoo - this product is aimed at soothing sensitive scalps but I believe it contains ingredients which would cause irritation. Shampoo is an easy swap and many brands have dedicated products to try and help scalp problems. Check out Odylique, John Masters Organics (Bare range), PHB Beauty (Scent free), Akin, Barefoot SOS, Green People and Weleda.

Cover Girl Outlast All Day Pressed Powder - Many natural brands offer loose mineral powders but there are pressed options. Check out Ere Perez, Living Nature, Organic Pharmacy, Lavera and Zao. You will have to compromise on price as I know Cover Girl is a drugstore brand.

L'oreal Revitalist Cleansing Towelettes - I have previously written an article about wipes, I urge you to consider not buying high street brands because of the environmental impact. Please bin and do not flush! Swaps are available from RMS Beauty, Pacifica, Organyc and Ecocare. Also check out the baby wipe options in your supermarket, often Sainsbury's and Waitrose stock eco-friendly brands. 

Unite 7 Seconds Condition Leave in Detangler - If the ingredients I found online are correct then this detangler contains water, silicone, fragrance and the dreaded allergen Methylisothiazolinone (one of mine!).  You can do a lot better than this, my personal favourite brand for styling and treatment products is Giovanni. Others to consider are John Masters Organics and Intelligent Nutrients.

Nars Hot Sands Highighter – described as 'Peach Champagne' which I did find tricky to match exactly but there are highlighter options from 'Green' brands like RMS Beauty, Inika, Ilia, Lavera, Ere Perez, Kjaer Weis, Tata Harper, W3LL People, Pacifica - this list covers a variety of budgets.

You can purchase the products mentioned from my favourite sites - Content Beauty and Naturisimo.com If you would like to read my last swap article click here - No 6 - Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Madara, Joik and Odylique

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

26 February 2017

Series: Swap YouTuber Favourites for Green Beauty Alternatives

For those not familiar with this series I pick out mainstream products mentioned in Favourite videos and suggest Green Beauty Swaps for them. 

NARS Tinted Moisturiser – I use tinted moisturisers on a daily basis and my current favourites are Madara Moon Flower Tinting Fluid and JOIK BB Cream. Other alternatives are Dr Hauschka Tinted Day Cream, Estelle & Thild All-in One Tinted Moisturiser and Green People Age Defy SPF 15 DD Tinted Moisturiser.

Bobbi Brown Bronzer - I struggled to track down ingredients online so I suspect the worst with this brand. Green Beauty Bronzers are quite easy to find and there are brands to suit every budget. Check out Ere Perez, Inika, Bellapierre, Lavera and W3LL People.

Dior Sugar Lip Scrub – I am astonished that anyone would spend £24 on a lip scrub, you really are just buying into a label. Lip Scrubs are easy to DIY from the contents of your kitchen cupboard. Simply use caster sugar with olive oil or coconut oil or honey. I guess the benefit of the Dior scrub is it's portable and not messy so you could swap for ILIA Balmy Nights

GlamGlow Supermud – you might be surprised to spot these on my swaps but there are some undesirable ingredients in the Glam Glow range (e.g. mineral oils & Methylisothiazolinone). My first thought as an alternative is the Madara Ultra Purifying Mud Mask but there are many others I'd recommend such as Odylique 3 in 1 Maca Mask, Botanicals Balancing Detox Mask, Evolve Raw Cacao & Coconut Radiant Glow Mask. 

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey – I’ve seen this range recommended for sensitive skin prone to eczema and it doesn’t sit well with me. To promote a range as almond and honey when those ingredients are very low down on the list feels like a rip off. This range contains possible eczema triggering ingredients like parfum and other undesirables. Also “almond milk” is interesting phrase for what is actually almond oil. I can't find you an exact swap but Weleda and Dr Hauschka have an almond range. Many Green Beauty lovers will just use almond oil and honey by themselves. 

Starbucks Iced Black Americano – when I saw a blogger recommend their favourite coffee it got me thinking, if you’re a regular customer have you considered switching to a reusable cup to cut down on landfill waste? According to the latest statistics, the UK throws away around three billion disposable cups a year. The problem is many disposable cups can only be recycled at a handful of specialist places (its polyethylene which waterproofs them that causes problems) so majority end up in landfill. If you'd like to help the planet then take a look at Ecoffee Cup for stylish designs. 

Many of the products mentioned above can be found at Naturisimo and Content Beauty. If you would like to read my last swap article then click here - No 5 - Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Nathalie Bond Organics, S5 Skincare, Balm Balm and Trilogy

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

8 December 2016

Review JOIK Moisturizing and illuminating BB cream (Light)
(Gifted PR sample)

I'm not overly familiar with the Estonian brand Joik but I decided to give them a try out of curiosity. Over the past year tinted creams have become part of my routine so I chose the BB cream as it felt like a good place to start. I'm pleased to say that the Joik BB cream is suitable for vegans and does not contain essential oil allergens.

BB creams were a big trend a few years back but if you managed to miss the fuss you might not know what a BB cream does. They are a multipurpose product which provide a base for makeup (like a primer), can even out complexion by brightening and cover minor imperfections and redness. Some BB creams may contain SPF and promise anti-ageing and soothing properties. My previous experience of similar products has been Madara Tinting Fluid (I wore on my wedding day) and Yes To Grapefruit CC cream (I have a love/hate relationship with). 

The Joik BB cream feels lighter on my skin in comparison to Madara and Yes To. It sinks in very quickly and doesn't feel like I'm wearing any product. It doesn't cling to dry patches but I do use a moisturiser beforehand; my skin is too dry with the colder weather. I also like that the Joik BB cream has no fragrance and remains neutral in scent which is a blessing after Yes To which smells like plastic grapefruits. The "light" colour is a perfect match for my complexion as often I can find tinted products too orange for my skin tone ("medium" colour is also available). It will even out my complexion by reducing redness but it's not going to completely hide a pimple, you'll need additional products for that.

I am really happy with this Joik Moisturizing and illuminating BB cream and would be happy to purchase again when this tube runs out. 

Have you tried any products from JOIK?

Sarah x

15 November 2016

review Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics Pure Rice Powder Bondi Blush
(Gifted PR sample)

I stopped wearing makeup in my teens, then as I got older it's something I felt I never needed. I have always battled skin issues triggered by certain products so that plays a big part in why I stopped wearing a full face of makeup. With natural and organic cosmetics on the rise I was dabbling again with lipstick, eyeshadows and blush on the run up to my Wedding and I enjoyed it. Post-wedding I'm far to lazy to spend every day "painting" my face but now and again I like to change things up. This new found curiosity got the better of me and I've added Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics Pure Rice Powder Bondi Blush to my little collection.

Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics is an Australian brand of natural makeup made from GMO free and certified cruelty free ingredients. What I also love most is the range is almost entirely Vegan (with the exception of Sunflower and Waterproof mascaras that contain beeswax). I chose the Bondi powder because it's a beautiful coral/peach which is something I don't already own. I won't lie the colour name "Bondi" did trigger sentimental meaning as I've spent time in Australia living near Bondi beach.

The two shades compliment each other, one is matte and the other has a delicate shimmer. I like to swirl my brush in the pan and apply both together. Despite the brightness of colour it looks very natural on the skin and gives a delicate flush to my cheeks. It certainly is build-able should you wish for a stronger colour. I'm very much enjoying using this Ere Perez blush and have had no issues with my skin whilst wearing it. I do feel we are a suited match as I like a look that enhances my natural colour rather than makes me feel like, well, Aunt Sally (showing my age there!).

I would like to explore more of the Ere Perez range so if you have any recommendations let me know. Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics can be purchased online with various retailers.

Sarah x

25 October 2016

review RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes
(Gifted PR samples)

Wipes are controversial for a number of reasons. Whether you love or hate them I don’t think you can argue that they serve a purpose for most of us. I find wipes useful for travel and a quick cleanse option on long journeys (I’ll always cleanse properly as soon as I can get to a sink). However, keep in mind that some wipes are bad for the environment so it’s important you use brands that are ethical and NEVER flush them.

The 100% eco-friendly RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Wipes caught my attention because they contain just ONE ingredient which is coconut oil. Coconut oil is a love or hate ingredient for skincare (some people say it breaks them out) but it does have a high concentration of lauric / caprylic acid which is anti-fungal and antibacterial. It’s fair to say I fell for these RMS wipes after the first swipe. I adore coconut so the fragrance is dreamy, the cloth is super soft and the coconut oil is luxurious. These wipes remove my makeup and leave my skin feeling soft as a peachy baby bottom. Whilst I don’t find them overly greasy (probably due to my dry skin) I do cleanse again afterwards but that’s simply because I find it weird not to wash my face. I don’t feel clean until I’ve used water and a flannel. As the RMS wipes contain no other ingredients aside from the coconut oil they are perfect for my sensitive skin and I don’t have to worry about irritation or allergens.

I’m totally hooked on the RMS wipes and the individual packaging is handy especially if you don’t use wipes regularly as there is no need to worry about them drying out. Side note mention to the several people on Instagram who thought they were condoms!!!! RMS wipes are multipurpose and could be useful to soothe and moisturise sensitive skin. I’m sure they would be perfect for babies as well but probably not an economical solution as they do come at a premium price compared to other brands (at time of writing £14 for 20). 

RMS Beauty makeup is widely raved about in the Green community but have you tried these wipes? What did you think of them? 

Sarah x

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