vegan

20 November 2023

Budget Conscious Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for Under £12
Please note - Prices & product info correct at time of publication/Not Sponsored/No affiliate links

Shopping List of Gift Ideas for a smaller budget

Bare Kind Bamboo Socks - 10% of profits on every pair are donated to one of 25+ global animal saving charities (£9.95)

Battle Green Lip Balm & Soap Slice Letterbox Gift (£10.95)

Chalke Valley Soaps Love, Peace & Joy Botanical Soap Gift Box (£12.50)

Chococo 5% from every sale of vegan Oat M!lk Turtles is donated to Ocean Giants Programme and Tuandua the Vegan Orangutan supports SOS (Sumatran Orangutan Society) to plant trees in Sumatra

Pure Thoughts Soy Wax Melts Festive Spice/Bergamot & Lemon/Lavender & Rose (£10)

Sow Many Seeds Wildflower Seed Reindeer Poo (£5.50) 

The Little Peace Company Bath Salts 75g sachet (£5.90) and Room & Pillow Mists (£12) various scent options are available in both products

The Silicone Straw Co Single Reusable Straw & Tin (£6.95)

Vent for Change recycled notebooks and sustainable stationery 

19 November 2023

Unscented Body Butter for sensitive skin and those prone to allergies

For dry skin, prone to sensitivity, eczema and essential oil allergies try unscented Body Butter to hydrate all year around but especially during cold, winter weather

Akamuti Cocoa and Almond Body Butter

Conscious Skincare Pure Body Butter

Ezape Naturals Mango and Cocoa Butter or Shea Body Butter

Fushi Wellbeing Shea Butter

Green Woman Green Cream Unscented Body Butter

Heavenly Organics Unscented Body Butter

Hurray for Shea Whipped Body Souffle Fragrance Free

Kutis Skincare Naked Body Butter

Liha Raw Shea Butter Gold

Mrs Frisbee's Jojoba Butter

Naturally TIWA Yara Body Food

Nudge Boutique Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter

Wild Seed Botanicals Naked Whipped Shea Butter (nut free)


(provided for information only/not sponsored/no affiliate links)

25 June 2023

‘Little Bottle of Italian Magic’ wins 2023 Free From Skincare Awards
As many of you know I decided to retire the blog at the end of last year. So why am I posting again? well I thought it was only right that perhaps the final blog post should go to the one skincare awards that I have supported since 2012. 

I've given my time to the Free From Skincare Awards because they have always encouraged and rewarded manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, ingredients, additives and artificial fragrances. I'm the type of consumer that these awards help. Many of you know I have been managing eczema and allergies since childhood.

So this year it's an Italian skincare brand by the name of OliPhenolia that has been crowned overall champion and awarded Best Free From Skincare Product 2023 for their Intensive Serum.

“Became a go-to product,” said one delighted product tester. “It was soothing, comforting, anti-inflammatory, and helped calm areas that were irritated, red and patchy. Kind to the skin and a pleasure to use.”

The hypoallergenic formulation — dubbed “a little bottle of Italian magic” by another tester — is based on polyphenol-rich ingredients produced from olives grown at Fattoria La Vialla, a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm in Tuscany, with added skin-beneficial compounds such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, who repeated their feat of last year in winning two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Free from fragrance, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, OliPhenolia’s winning serum beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants Plantopia and Latvian brand Etide.

“It is rare for a few-ingredient product which is essentially allergen-free to perform quite as strongly as the Intensive Serum did,” said Awards Director, Alex Gazzola. “One of the highest scorers with testers and with some of the strongest ‘free from’ attributes across the entire competition … Judges felt it was the clear champion.”

All winners and medallists can be seen at www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

26 December 2022

Green Beauty Brands that stood the test of time: A look back at 2011 Blog Posts

As 2022 draws to a close I thought it might be interesting to look back on my first year of blogging. It all began in May 2011 and I was curious to see how many of those early posts had stood the test of time. Sadly there a several brands that no longer exist but there are some products that remain staples in my home.

Whilst the Faith In Nature Cacao Body Wash has long since disappeared I'm still using their products. Currently in my collection I have the Jojoba and Avocado body washes and Dragonfruit hand wash. I've always found Faith in Nature to be a reasonably priced brand and these days you can find on the high street and local refill stores. I had paired up my original body wash review with a post about Nakd raw fruit & nut bars. I'm still a loyal customer and eat them on a daily basis. Current favourite flavours are Bakewell and Peanut.

I don't use Dr Bronner's as often as I once did but you'll still find it in my home as it's the best liquid soap to use for washing out makeup brushes. Over the years I found it a little too drying on my skin so for me, its main purpose is now household cleaning.

I'm still using Naturtint Hazelnut Blonde hair colourant but honestly I'm now contemplating whether it's time to ditch it and embrace the grey; only time will tell.

I can safely say that I'm still bitter that Alpro still haven't launched the Macchiato drink which I had on my trip to Amsterdam.

Konjac Sponges have remained in my life but I now only use the body sponges. Over the years I tried out several brands but we (my husband and I) are currently re-purchasing from Friendly Soap.

I'm still sadden to this day at the loss of Brownearth body butters. They were a favourite for a long time. You can of course find lots of decent green brands offering different variations of shea body butters either with this standalone ingredient or combining with others such as coconut or cocoa butter.

I'm can't quite believe that I first discovered Evolve Organic Beauty back in 2011. I remember the branding was very different back in the day. Evolve is definitely one of those brands that I revisit over and over again, dipping into products as the range has expanded. Currently I'm trying out the Bio-Retinol + C Booster and I've placed an order for the Bio-Retinol Gold Mask in the Boxing Day sales!

I remember using Organic Surge shower gels regularly back in the early years. I thought they were lost forever but recently discovered they re-branded to Organic Works (OW).

Oh my the photo on this post about TK Maxx is terrible but I wanted to say that I still visit stores looking for beauty bargains.

In my first month of blogging I wrote about my struggles with sun cream that was suitable for eczema prone skin. I just wanted to say that through many trials I eventually settled on Green People. This is a brand I had been using long before the blog started. It is very much a staple to this day. I am a fan of their scent free moisturisers and of course facial sun cream.

I hope that you have enjoyed this look back over 2011 and comparing it with 2022. At this time I'm not sure whether I'll continue blogging into 2023 but you can always find me over on social media if you'd like to connect.

Happy New Year to you all!

Sarah x

23 November 2022

Review Q&A Skincare Grapefruit Cleansing Balm

(I purchased this item)

I'm sure many of us are feeling like we need to watch the pennies and at times like this I've feel a little bit more mindful about my skincare budget. I was on the hunt for a new cleanser and stumbled across Q+A Skincare with a rather attractive price point.

You definitely don't have to compromise too much when it comes to budget friendly plant based skincare. Q&A promise to not test on animals, they don't distribute to places that require animal testing, majority of their products are vegan friendly, their ingredient partners are COSMOS certified and products are free from artificial fragrances and mineral oils.

The Q+A Oat Milk Cream Cleanser had initially caught my eye but I ended up ordering the Grapefruit Cleansing Balm because I prefer balm over cream. You may be wondering about the consistency of this balm cleanser as it's in a tube. It is very easy to squeeze from the tube as the consistency is more like a liquid but it has a silky texture which you'd associate with a balm. I think this is a very clever formulation which makes for an interesting experience.

The Q&A Grapefruit cleanser is super easy to use, simply apply to dry skin, massage in and then wipe away with a damp cloth. I always like to mention that during the day I wear an SPF and tinted CC cream so my nightly cleanse needs to remove daily grime alongside light tinted makeup. I have found the Grapefruit cleanser handles this easily and I don't feel the need for a second cleanse. I'm sure you can imagine the fragrance is fruity and refreshing. For those concerned about allergens it does contain *limonene but not linalool. 

I've been really impressed by this first experience of Q+A Skincare. I have been using the Grapefruit Cleansing Balm daily since mid October with no noticeable reactions to my complexion. That might be a weird comment to some but I have super sensitive skin so I think it's important to note how well I am able to tolerate new products. We are all different but it may be reassuring to some readers to know this little fact. For the price this is a good product and I'm keen to see what else I might be able to try from this brand. 

If you'd like to purchase this Grapefruit Cleansing Balm then note that I ordered directly from their website. I have also spotted a limited selection of Q+A products in Holland & Barrett. 

Sarah x

*Please check ingredients before ordering to make sure formulations haven't changed since publishing this review

10 November 2022

Christmas Gift Ideas inspired by Winners of the Free From Gift Awards 2022
Long time readers will no doubt be familiar with
Free From Skincare Awards but did you know about their 'spin off' The Free From Gift Awards? I'm unlikely to put together a personalised gift guide this year so I'm going to point you in the direction of the winners from these awards.

You may be interested to know that Winners and Medallists in The Free From Gift Awards are brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

Congratulations go to Rhug Wild Beauty who took the Overall Champion prize for their Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Duo in Gift Box.

“A beautifully elegant duo in a chic box,” said the judges. “Gorgeous products, both of which include wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate. A gift set which anyone would enjoy and would feel very spoiled and delighted to receive.”

Many of the medallists are brands I have supported over the years but it's always great to discover new ones. Let me recommend checking out the following -

Blue Labelle, Moroccan Spa Set
Made By Coopers, 'Sleepy Head' Sleep Kit
Silvan Skincare, Hands and Feet Gift Set
BEAM natural body care, Six half sized luxury soap gift set
Eco By Sonya Driver, Hydration Skin System
Green People, Be Kind
Bowe Organics, Get Glowing Face Mask
Sknfed, Rose Trio Gift Set
Lyonsleaf, Natural Skincare Solutions 04 & Hot Cloth Cleansing Revitalising Kit
Obvs Skincare, Well-Being Gift Set

There are more Gold, Silver and Bronze winners (in all categories) to discover so head over to freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

22 October 2022

Italy Rapello Portofino Santa Margherita Sestri LevanteI love Italy with its beautiful scenery, pizza and gelato. I recently was asked if it was expensive to holiday in Italy and my response is simply as with any destination it can be as cheap or luxurious as you want to make it. To travel around by train always feels affordable compared to home and a Marinara pizza usually sets me back five euros.

A few weeks ago we flew into Pisa and hopped a train up the coast to Rapello. The Italian Riveria is truly beautiful. Using Rapello as our base we visited Santa Margherita, Portofino and Sestri Levante. The weather was perfect, we ate plenty of pizza and gelato and had aching feet from wandering picturesque towns.

Next stop was Genoa where we embanked on a completely new to us travel experience; a cruise ship! We had found an cheap last minute deal and booked three nights/four days with MSC on board the Poesia. I always like to focus my travel stories on how I managed as a vegan with mild food allergies. I was absolutely worried about how I would cope on a ship but knew our time was short and I could always eat well when in port.

After booking the trip I complete a Special Needs form and the reply received was....

"Please note that on board you will find in all the menus in the bars, main restaurants, buffet, speciality restaurant a little note close to the list of food where is specified if food is Vegan, in case of any doubt do not hesitate to contact the personnel in the dining outlet and they will give you all the information required."

I felt that my allergies had been overlooked in the email which was disappointing. We boarded the ship at lunch time so we unashamedly made the lunch buffet our first stop. We scoured every inch of the buffet but there was never an indication on signs to state an item was Vegan. The hustle and bustle of onboarding was overwhelming. As a typical Brit, I struggled with having to catch the attention of staff to inquire about suitable food. You're also face with the most enormous buffet and I felt embarrassed to hold up a queue to ask questions. 
vegan food onboard MSC cruises
Our first formal evening meal was a bitter disappointment. The menu arrived with only one dish marked vegan; a main course. I spoke to the waiting staff and mentioned my allergies first followed with "I'm also vegan". There was a difficult moment where milk allergy was misunderstood and reference was made to lactose intolerance but I keep stressing the difference. As you may know these are two very different dietary needs. I was surprised that by registering a special needs form that staff didn't seem informed ahead of time. You are assigned a table where you are sat every evening so it wouldn't be impossible to do this, maybe? Once I stressed the fact I was also vegan I was told it counteracted my allergies because after all vegans exclude milk and eggs. With a heavy heart I sighed because cross contamination does matter. It's hugely important and my biggest risk is a stomach ache for others it could be anaphylactic shock. Moments later I proved that point when I couldn't select any bread from the basket because one of the choices available was a cheese topped roll.

What happened next was comical, keeping in mind I was also on a table of strangers. I had requested a salad for starter. It was an attempt to veganise an existing dish on the menu that evening. Out came quarter of an iceberg lettuce with tomato, carrot and possibly radish with no dressing. I was then served two bagels which were cold to the touch, as if they had been defrosted. I requested balsamic and olive oil in an attempt to make the salad more exciting. My main course was the only labelled vegan dish of Tuscan style stewed legumes. I skipped dessert as I was only offered fruit platter or lemon sorbet. After four days of vegan cakes, croissants and ice cream in Italy, a fruit platter was the most boring things I could be offered (not to mention my OAS).
dinner menu msc cruise poesia
Our waiter advised me to pre-order for the next evening informing me that they could adapt dishes. To keep things easy I opted for the vegetarian starter minestrone soup followed by the vegan dish of spinach, quinoa and potato burger. For the third evening we ended up skipping the formal dining last minute but my choices had been carrot & ginger soup and Tofu morsels (stir-fry).

I'm not much of a breakfast person and with the hurdles of an unlabelled buffet I stuck to the classics. Fruit was readily available and I cobbled together some beans on toast. I did manage to hunt down plant milk but it was only upon request.
travel, Italy, Spain and France
As I found the level of food onboard to be average at best I made the most of my time in port. I had gelato from Amorino in Marseille. In Palma de Mallorca I ate some wonderful empanadas at Las Muns, a giant cookie from Anita Cakes and ice cream at Rivareno. We left the boat in Barcelona and I had a late lunch at Green & Burger. 
vegan food in Palma, Marseille, Barcelona
I'd like to think that other cruise companies may handle allergies and a vegan diet better but it's unlikely we will cruise again. It wasn't just about the food but we actually didn't enjoy the experience of this style of travel. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the ship or our room but I hated being stuck with so many other people. You really noticed the volume of tourists when three cruises come into port at the same time.

I don't expect the world to accommodate me all the time and I understand I'm fortunate to have never experienced anaphylactic shock. However some foods make me really sick and it ruins a holiday to be caught out. If you can't accommodate my needs just be honest and I'll make sure to pack lots of snacks. 

Sarah x

Note: MSC should also reconsider their formulation of body wash and shampoos, although permitted the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was not welcomed by me.

16 September 2022

Review Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion with Coconut and Pineapple

(NOTE: ingredient correct at publication, please check before purchase as formulations may change)

Long time readers will know I'm a fan of Sukin. I feel like I've mentioned them a million times in the last 12 years. I was recently in need of a new body lotion and purchased the Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion with Coconut & Pineapple.

I'm going through a phase at the moment where I'm choosing lighter lotion over heavy creams and balms. I finding myself getting a bit overheated and my skin feels as if it's sweaty under the weight of some products. It isn't a pleasant sensation so I've held back on some products over the last year.

Sukin hydrating body lotion is light in texture but it feels moisturising. I have naturally dry skin but it's coping just fine with this product. What I love most is the scent. Oh My! I am in love with the tropical, vanilla aroma which isn't overpowering but delightfully delicate.

Lets chat about the ingredients. Unfortunately if you're allergic to sesame seed oil you will need to avoid this one. For those concerned about essential oil allergens you'll find citronellol and geraniol in the ingredient list. Aside from these you will spot aloe, jojoba, rosehip, wheat germ, cocoa, shea, borage and vitamin E.

"Our Coconut & Pineapple Body Lotion refreshes and stimulates the senses, while a nourishing combination of Rosehip, Avocado and Jojoba Oils, along with Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter hydrate and smooth skin. An infusion of Aloe Vera, Nettle, Horsetail and Burdock restores the skin’s moisture barrier and helps to nourish dry skin." (Sukin)

Also I'm loving that Sukin body lotion comes in a 500ml size as lets face there is a lot of surface area to cover. Smaller sizes don't last very long when covering head to toe on an almost daily basis. Current RRP is £14.95 but I bought it for less on special offer. I've now discovered there is a matching scented body wash and I definitely need to buy that at some point in the near future.

I recommend exploring what Sukin has to offer and definitely check out Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion with Coconut & Pineapple.

Sarah x

3 September 2022

Review Organii Neutral Shower Gel - free from perfumes and colourants
I think I can trace back my purchasing of Organii shower gels to around 2018 so I was disappointed when my beloved Shea Butter body wash was discontinued. Organii switched up their shower gel collection and it now consists of Tropical, Citrus, Nourishing and Neutral. I guess one good thing to come from this is only the Citrus contains linalool so three out of four options is a winner for me. A rather rare claim to make these days with the abundance of essential oils allergens in some products.

Body washes are not the most exciting skincare products to write about as I'm sure you're all familiar with the concept and function of this bathroom necessity. All I want from a product like this is to be non-irritating, non-drying, cruelty free, and vegan friendly and Organii ticks those boxes.

Saying goodbye to Organii Shea Butter shower gel was difficult as there are always worries about replacing items when you have allergies. However I was confident I was in good hands with Organii and so switched over to the Neutral shower gel. I will admit I do really miss the scent of the Shea Butter. As you may have guessed from the name 'Neutral' this body wash is free from perfumes and colourants. It's a mild option for those who are have sensitive skin. The Tropical shower gel was grabbed by my husband. As you might have guess it has a mild fruity scent of mango and peach. 

I've always bought Organii shower gels because I like the price point. At the time of writing this you can pick up a 300ml bottle for £6.95 which I think is good value for money. Compared to other scent free body washes I have always found Organii to be the most economical and it lathers up nicely with a konjac sponge.

Overall this is a simple review with a clear message that I don't think you can fault Organii shower gels. I'm confident there isn't much to dislike and they'd probably be happily shared with other people in your household.

Sarah x

29 August 2022

Natural Deodorants Free From Sodium Bicarbonate and Essential Oils
(Note - please double check ingredients when buying as formulations can change)

If your skin can't handle essential oils and you have a possible sensitivity to sodium bicarbonate (aka bicarb or baking soda/powder) then navigating the world of natural deodorants is rather tricky. I admit I got a little fed up testing and reacting so I fell off the natural deodorant bandwagon a while back. Despite this I thought it might be of interest to put together a list of brands that offer options for very sensitive skin.

Why avoid bicarb? You'll often see complaints from people who develop a rash when using skincare containing sodium bicarbonate. It can be highly abrasive and the alkalinity can irritate delicate skin especially after shaving. From my own experience, I find the sensitivity can develop over time, I start off thinking I can cope but then it ends up irritating. This could also be dependent on the quantity of bicarb in the product. Typically if you're very sensitive it can be agreed that avoiding bicarb might be a good option.

So here's a little shopping list for you. These deodorants are free from sodium bicarbonate, essential oils and suitable for vegans 
Sarah x

27 August 2022

Review Lavera Men Sensitiv Organic Calming After Shave Balm and Moisturising Face Cream
(gifted) 

I thought I would share some products that my husband has testing for several months which includes the Lavera Men Sensitiv Organic Calming After Shave Balm (50ml) and Lavera Men Sensitiv Organic Moisturising Face Cream (30ml)

Lavera is a brand I have recommended for many years as I have a long history of using their products. I can go as far back as the start of my natural skincare journey and I'm pretty sure they were one of the original green products I tried. I find Lavera to be reliable and affordable which is why they have stood the test of time. Lavera are one of the 'old school' natural cosmetic companies having been founded in 1987.

My husband is the first to admit that he isn't great at reviewing products in depth. He says he enjoys using both the after shave balm and face cream but doesn't have a favourite. I think he isn't favouring one over the other because he enjoys using them in equal measure. From the sidelines I can see and feel how great his skin is immediately after application. He will often point out how smooth his face feels. I encourage him to moisturise daily but in reality I think it only happens after he shaves. He doesn't have a sense of smell so I'm the one who gets to judge aromas and I'm very fussy. Both of these Lavera face creams have similar scent. I like the fragrance and it's not overpowering which is perfect as I am super sensitive to scents even when on other people. I've been known to ban him from products and sneeze at strangers. If you have sensitivities then it's worth mentioning these products contain parfum and essential oil allergens. 

As with all Lavera products the price point is good on both products. Currently at the time of publication you can pick up the Lavera Men Sensitive Organic Calming After Shave Balm for £7.95 and Lavera Men Sensitive Organic Moisturising Face Cream £10.95. Both products are suitable for Vegans and made with certified organic ingredients. 

Sarah x

20 August 2022

Review Green People Scent Free Hand and Body Lotion
I'm going through a phase right now preferring body lotions over butters and balm. Saying that I struggle to find vegan body lotions without essential oils or at best without linalool. Long time readers will not be surprised to find me mention Green People again. I've a long history to this brand that stretches over many years. If you're not already in the know, Green People have a Scent Free collection of products that I'm always talking about but I don't think I've given blog space to their hand and body lotion.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the texture and look of a body lotion and this one from Green People is no different to the norm. As you may expect it doesn't feel greasy and hydrates to moisturise the skin. The formulation is packed full of ingredients including Chamomile, Marshmallow, Organic Perilla, Evening Primrose, Olive and Shea butter. You will probably find that a little goes a long way which I think is common for natural skincare. The less is more thing is often true due to concentrated formulas. From top to toe this body lotion feels good on my skin. I have dedicated hand cream in my collection but this works in a pinch, it saves on space when travelling to have a multipurpose product. Personally when using as a hand cream I'd say the packaging is probably a little large for carrying in a handbag so it will likely be something you keep at home.

As I've said before dedicated reliable skincare which is free from perfumes and essential oils can sometimes feel like a mission to find. I honestly can't fault Green People products, perhaps the only very small and silly criticism is never knowing when you're about to run about due to the airless pump packaging. Moral of that story is always have a back up on hand.

Sarah x

23 July 2022

Winners announced in 2022 Free From Skincare Awards

Last month I had the pleasure judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. This has now been a yearly invite since 2013. You might not realised but my day job isn't connected to blogging so I thoroughly look forward to a day off work for talking about skincare. This year I judged in the categories Face Care (Rinse Off), Body Care (Leave On), Men’s Grooming and Toners & Waters.

Aside from all the amazing brands I encountered it's interesting to have discussions about ingredients, labelling and allergies. You may know that I experience both cosmetic and food allergies. One of the hot topics coming out of the judging sessions is concerns about food allergens in cosmetics and how to promote good labelling practice, better understanding and transparency.

The British spa skincare brand SenSpa has been crowned overall champion and Best Free From Skincare Product 2022 for their Relaxing Talc Free Body Powder. Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, SenSpa’s winning product beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants LUMI (from Estonia), MERME Berlin (Germany) and White Moon Skincare (Jersey).

The Best Free From Brand Award went to North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, which won two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Odylique picked up Gold in the Best Labelling category. You'll know they are my favourite brand so I fully support the win. Odylique provide 'plain English' alternatives alongside INCI ingredients with 'free from' labelling which includes food allergens. Consumers are given lots of helpful information which is a step above other brands and can be vitally important to those who are managing allergies and skin conditions.

Gold winners in the categories I was involved in (with exception of SenSpa) were all new to me. They included Merme Berlin Facial Powder Cleanser with Purple Carrot, White Moon Skincare Pink Clay Detox Mask, Lumi Men Aftershave Toner and Ani Skincare Hydrating Facial Toner.

If you would like to view a full list of winners and medallists then you'll need to visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk/winners-2022

Sarah x

3 July 2022

Review Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid for very sensitive and allergy prone skin
(Gifted)

Back in January I reviewed Lavera Neutral Intensive Cream with Silver and in passing mentioned wanting to try the Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid. The Neutral range is deigned for very sensitive and allergy prone skin. The Facial Fluid is free from essential oils, flower extracts and herbal extracts.

So what does Lavera have to offer in terms of ingredients? well, evening primrose provides essential fatty acids which allergic and sensitive skin can lack. This is combined with fennel and witch hazel. Also Lavera promote a Green Ultra Sensitive Complex which is "a mixture of liquorice root and lecithin to help keep skin hydrated and moisturised, leaving it feeling supple and soft." 

As the name suggests this is a light moisturiser without greasiness but providing much needed hydration. I've been pleasantly surprised how well my skin has received this cream. My tastes are definitely changing as I get another year older. The heavy creams I favoured for many years are no longer feeling great on my sweaty peri-menopausal skin. I also think lighter moisturising creams feel better under sun cream as layering feels more favourable in summer weather.

Some readers may recall my love for Green People Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream (Scent Free) and I haven't changed my mind but I find it comparable to Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid. Neither one knocks the other off top spot and I would struggle to pick a favourite between them. Both are worthy of your time and attention. 

If you would like to explore products from Lavera, they are available through online retailers.

Sarah x

19 June 2022

Review Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque
(this item was purchased)

Anyone who experiences sensitivity or allergies probably lives with a constant fear about products being discontinued. You spend ages finding the perfect skincare, become a brand loyal customer and then one day you can no longer get hold of that product you love so much. This happened to me over the course of several months as A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner seemed to be unavailable in every reputable stockist and I was almost in tears.

You see, it wasn't until Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo came into my life that my journey with haircare became less of a nightmare. I continued using various conditioners until years later when I was diagnosed with a sensitivity to linalool. I had to go back to the drawing board. Over time I found conditioners that work until they changed formulations and in 2020 I went back to using Akin on a full time basis.

So this long winded story is to set the scene and tell you that with all the trials and tribulations that followed not having Akin in my life, I've experienced the most annoying itchy scalp. Randomly it tends to be located to one side of my scalp and I don't know if it was brought on by trialling products, stress or eczema. Nothing felt like it was working and after searching online for many hours trying to locate a possible treatment I purchased Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque.

"Our calming Sensitive Scalp Masque helps gently soothe dry scalps and reduce the appearance of dry flakes with Chamomile Extract & Maize Complex. Whilst Argan, Coconut & Avocado Oils deliver essential moisture to the scalp."

Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque can be used in two ways, either apply to scalp pre-wash (leave for 1 minute & rinse) or after washing (leave for 1 minute & rinse). I've tried both methods and I don't really have a preference both work adequately. In terms of performance it seems to soothe the itch to an extent either that or it's a placebo effect. I get a decent level of relief between washes which reduces my desire to scratch but long term I don't have a "cure" as the issue does eventually return. If you are looking for a masque treatment to improve overall hair health then this is not the one  for you as it is solely intended to be massaged directly onto the scalp and you don't apply through the lengths.

Overall I've been super happy with using Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque. Hopefully one day I'll figure out the trigger to my itchy scalp but in the meantime this scalp masque helps gives me a break from the problem. I purchased Sukin Sensitive Micellar Scalp Masque online for a very reasonable £8.95, that's one of the things I like about Sukin, they fit into my budget constraints. Sukin Scalp Masque comes recommended by me not only because it's a good product but Sukin are a vegan brand, Australian made, cruelty free, use natural ingredients and care about the environment. 

Sarah x

22 May 2022

Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleanser
(I purchased this product)

I've known Boo Cottage Botanicals for a little while as I encountered them while judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. The other year they successfully medalled. Whilst on the hunt for a new cleanser, I was browsing lots of brands but was drawn back towards them. I hadn't realised that their Chamomile Cleanser was a balm to milk formulation otherwise I definitely would have ordered sooner. I'm writing this review having just ordered my second jar so that has got to be a good indication of how much I like it.

Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleaner is suitable for vegans and free from essential oil allergens. The formulation is made with mango butter, castor oil, kaolin clay, coconut oil and of course chamomile. I'm hooked on the texture. It's the softest, most buttery balm I have encountered in a very long time and is an absolute pleasure to massage onto your skin. As I previously mentioned, Boo Cottage cleanser is a balm to milk formulation and can easily be removed with water. If you have ever felt that oils or balms leave the sensation of a greasy film then these types of cleansers are the best solution. After cleansing I honestly feel like I've been left with silky, clean skin but never have the feeling that I can't remove all the produce from my face. You can visibly see how it cleanses daily makeup and grime especially if you use a white flannel or cloth to aid removal. 

Boo Cottage has a small business feel about it. The amber glass jar can be recycled or repurposed and the aluminium lid is also recyclable. If you are cutting back on plastics then Boo Cottage is a company that can support you in your efforts. As you'd expect the chamomile cleanser is just one of many products available. For those with sensitive skin, check out the dedicated section on their website which includes balms, soaps, face oils and haircare. 

I'm more than happy to give Boo Cottage Botanicals Chamomile Cleaner my honest recommendation and I would encourage you to check them out for yourself. 

Sarah x

20 May 2022

Review Good Bubble Bish Bash Bosh! Hair and Body Wash with Dragon Fruit Extract
(Gifted/PR)

Good Bubble is aimed at kids but that doesn't mean it's off limits to grown ups. The range is cruelty free, vegan, made with allergen free fragrance and suitable for newborns and sensitive skin. I recently packed for a trip and took with me 100ml Hair and Body Wash with Dragon Fruit extract.

Good Bubble aim their packaging to children with bright colours and cartoon characters. It's adorable. The bottle is made from 50% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable. The range includes body wash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, bubble bath, hand gel and coconut oil in a selection of aromas. I view the price point of products to be family friendly.

When it comes down to it Good Bubble Bish Bash Bosh! Hair and Body Wash with Dragon Fruit Extract performs as expected. Using a konjac sponge I can create a lovely lather. The fragrance is delightful and I don't have to worry about the presence of linalool as it's allergen free (aka no essential oils). I haven't experienced any noticeable issues with my skin whilst using this body wash. 

I am happy to suggest trying out Good Bubble on you and your family. Always patch test first but I have comfortably tolerated with daily use. If you are buying for a child then Good Bubble have some cute gift sets which include a bath mitt.

Sarah x

23 April 2022

Review Kri Skincare Unveil Oil to Milk Cleansing Oil
(I purchased this product)

Anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis will probably know I'm obsessed with oil to milk cleansers. Back at the beginning of March I purchased Kri Skincare Unveil Oil-to-Milk Cleansing Oil and I'm writing this post as I finished up the last few pumps. 

Kri Skincare had been a recommendation and on my shopping list for quite some time. The Unveil Cleansing Oil is fragrance free making it ideal for my sensitive skin and for anyone who doesn't tolerate perfumes or essential oils. I also found Kri Skincare appealing because the formulations are simple and curated without complex and lengthy ingredient lists. 

As far as cleansing oils go this is as expected and the elegant bottle with pump dispenser is easy to use. To give context when cleansing my skin (in the evening) I'm aiming to remove SPF, tinted moisturiser and mineral powder. Unveil Oil to Milk Cleanser is lightweight and as the name suggests it will transform to milk with the addition of water. I'm confident that this cleansing oil is able to remove all the daily grime because my flannel shows the signs of makeup. This cleanser feels gentle which is hugely important to me when dealing with eczema as I'm looking to protect my skin barrier and not strip it of any natural oils.

Sometimes the simplest of skincare is what really floats my boat. I don't require fancy ingredients or marketing promises. All I want is clean skin that looks healthy and doesn't show signs of irritation. I'm confident that my experience with Kri Skincare Unveil Oil-to-Milk Cleansing Oil delivers on this requirement. I would happily recommend to others. I find the price point fits comfortably within my budget and comparable to other cleansers. If you are interested in this cleansing oil or other products from Kri Skincare then do go check out their website - kriskincare.com. Mini sized products are available if you don't feel comfortable committing to full sizes.

Sarah x

15 April 2022

Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25
(Gifted)

Nourish London recently launched their NEW certified organic and vegan Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25. This anti-ageing moisturiser has natural mineral SPF non nano zinc oxide to protect the skin from daily pollution and environmental damage, whilst providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

The formulation is full of great ingredients with antioxidants, including Turmeric, Bisabolol and Tocopherol. Hyaluronic Acid and Hexapeptide hydrate skin, whilst ceramide rich Argan, Kale, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rose of Jericho protect the lipid layer. Soothing actives of Aloe Vera and Borage Oil calm redness and inflammation. For those who are sensitive to essential oils, the ingredient list doesn't list these allergens so I have been able to try out this moisturiser.

What do I think of Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25? To the touch it feels like a lightweight moisturiser but on contact with skin you can tell it contains Zinc Oxide. It takes a little more effort to massage into skin as you're trying to work with a noticeable whiteness. I have a fair to medium complexion and this may be more noticeable on darker skin tones. I'm finding it hard to put into words how I feel about the sensation this product leaves on my face. Whilst my skin feels smooth it has an almost dry texture and it doesn't feel dewy. As someone who experiences eczema and dryness it leaves me feeling a little stuck on the fence. This is also a feeling I've had with other natural sun creams so it's certainly not unique to this product.

If you are in the sun for extended periods of time then I wouldn't solely rely on this face cream. You are likely to want to top up throughout the day. Many of us will use moisturisers sparingly and you'll probably apply a pea sized amount however the recommendation for SPF is at least half a teaspoon. The British Association of Dermatologists has advised that moisturiser with an SPF will only help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure. Of course there is always the logic that something is better than nothing so a product such as Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25 can have a place in your routine so just be mindful about how you use it.

Nourish London’s New Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 at the time of publication is priced at £28.00. It is also dermatologically tested (suitable for sensitive skin), pediatrician approved (safe for use on babies) and reef safe. You can purchase this product from nourishskinrange.com

Sarah x

26 March 2022

Review Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo Scent Free
(Gifted)

For those of us with fragrance allergies finding scent free skincare can feel like a bit of a mission at times. Thankfully there are some decent brands who are catering for us and I've mentioned many times before Green People is one I've been reliant on for many years.

Before I talk about Green People baby wash lets talk about the differences between fragrance free and unscented. I have a sensitivity to linalool, under Cosmetic Regulations there are 26 fragrance allergens which need to be declared on labels when they are at a certain % in a product. This is a legal requirement and linalool is on this list. When we talk about 'fragrance free' we are generally referring to a formulation which does not contain natural or synthetic fragrance and it will have an aroma which naturally derives from the ingredients it is made from. On the other hand 'unscented' skincare has no smell but can contain substances which neutralise the aroma of the ingredients in its formulation. 

One issue which I believe can be confusing is to claim a cosmetic/skincare product 'allergen free' when the formulation is only free from the declarable 26 fragrance allergens. I think that consumers could misunderstand the product to be also free from top 14 food allergens. 

When it comes to baby products they tend to be gentler on the skin with lower levels of essential oils or even better they are fragrance free. It can be a go to option for any age group so I don't let the 'baby' labelling put me off. When I recently discovered my favourite body wash had been discontinued I was on the look out for something new and that's how I ended up testing Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo.

Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo has been created for children with sensitive skin prone to eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. As the name suggests it's a multi-purpose product intended for body washing, bubble baths and shampoo. The formulation contains gentle cleansing properties to retain natural skin and scalp oils with key ingredients of Organic Aloe Vera, Yucca and Chamomile.

I've been using Green People Baby Wash in the shower with a konjac sponge. The concentrated formula means you don't need much to create a gentle lather. I can certainly vouch for the fact it feels gentle on my skin and whilst my skin remains prone to dryness it doesn't appear to exasperate this problem. As a body wash there is little reason to be unhappy as it performs exactly as expected.

I know many of you have concerns about packaging and may prefer zero waste options such as soap bars. I'd just like to mention that Green People state the following on their website - "Plant-based packaging. Ethical responsibility is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to present this conditioner in a fully recyclable, renewable sugar cane tube. Farmed on sustainable land, this plant-based packaging is completely carbon-neutral."

If you or your children can tolerate gentle scents then Green People Baby Wash & Shampoo is available in Berry Smoothie (I have previously reviewed) and Lavender.

I'm happy to recommend Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo for all age groups. If you would like to buy this products or view other items from Green People they are available online.

Sarah x

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