26 February 2015


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 February 2015

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Reed Diffuser
I wanted to write about a new reed diffuser I bought a few weeks ago. You may have seen me mention it in my haul video but it’s from Pacifica in the scent Indian Coconut Nectar. Pacifica is a U.S brand and their products are Vegan and promise (on their website) that they never test on animals or use animal derived ingredients.

Reed diffusers are my preferred method of bringing fragrance into my home. I find mainstream room sprays give me a tight chest but no surprises there considering the type of ingredients in them. I definitely do not have the same problems when I use essential oil based scents. I am unable to give you an ingredients list for the Pacifica diffuser because they do not disclose this information. They are within their rights to do this because perfume is protected under trade secret laws. All I can tell you is the packaging states the fragrance is a blend of natural and essential oils and free of phthalates. Indian Coconut Nectar is described as “warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla” and I would agree with this. It’s sweet and sugary which matches my personal taste.

The packaging can be recycled and I like the cute decoration on the glass bottle. I am happy with the level of scent the diffuser releases, it is not overpowering and if I ever feel like it’s disappeared I simply rotate the reeds. Pacifica claims the diffuser will last six months and if that happens I will be very impressed. So far so good as the bottle still looks full and I mention this because my last diffuser seemed to evaporate in a few weeks.

I would encourage you to take a look at Pacifica’s product range as they also create spray, solid and roll on perfumes along with candles, skincare and makeup. There are many scents to choose from so I do not think you would struggle to find one that matches your personal preference. 

Have you tried any products from Pacifica? If you use their perfumes do you have a favourite scent?

Sarah x

21 February 2015

skin prick tests for allergies

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

I thought I would share an update on my medical appointments as I have been back to see my Allergy Consultant. We chatted through the outcome of my visit to the Dermatologist and then discussed a rather unfortunate incident I experienced with M&S chocolates at Christmas. I took a risk on a product labelled along the lines of "not suitable for milk allergy because of manufacturing methods". I am in no hurry to repeat that any time soon. I was given another skin prick test for milk and egg. The results were a mild reaction to milk but nothing for egg. For point of reference there are two categories of allergy - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated and non-IgE-mediated. IgE mediated is the one associated with anaphylaxis and a skin prick test is likely to be positive whereas with non-IgE anaphylaxis is not a response but symptoms may include vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Skin prick or blood tests are negative.

Where do we go from here? Well I've been asked to food challenge at home for milk and go to the hospital for an egg challenge. I walked away from my appointment with a mix of emotions as food challenges kind of terrify me. I know my own body and even if a skin prick test is negative I cannot ignore my symptoms. I may never have had anaphylaxis but there is no denying my stomachs and skin reactions. I guess you might say I have developed anxiety towards some foods. I can smell an orange a mile off and the thought of being near one brings me out in a cold sweat because I have a childhood memory of drinking juice and gasping for air.

There is another hurdle to overcome I have spent 28 years on a free from diet and in that time I stopped eating meat and became aware of animal cruelty issues. After much contemplation I realised I have no real desire to incorporate animal milks and eggs back into my diet. I have strong opinions about techniques involved in modern farming. The problem with a food challenge is by "passing" the initial test (not having a reaction) you are expected to keep that ingredient in your diet. I believe the theory is that if you stop eating it you may develop a reaction again over time.

I have decided not to food challenge for the time being. The truth is I am perfectly happy living life with a diet that leans towards Vegan. It is not an easy diet to manage outside of the home as I can feel a little alienated by restaurants but things are slowly improving. My experience with chocolates at Christmas, my skin prick test and my viewpoints on animal cruelty put me off entertaining the thought of challenges.

For the time being I am finished with hospital appointments. It has been a worthwhile experience pursuing a long overdue follow up. I think from this point the rest is up to me, there is little more that the Doctors can do. The test results for milk have been interesting given the consultant was initially dismissive that I still have a problem because there is an expectation that children grow out of some allergies (it does happen). I am happy that my free from lifestyle is still the correct way to manage sensitivities. I am still challenging my OAS and I am now enjoying a few more fruits but I am still a long way off eating an orange.

In my other appointments I was diagnosed with OAS and Methylisothiazolinone allergy, to read about them simply follow the links.

Sarah x

19 February 2015

Elements Natural Skincare for Men
Elements* range is for men so I volunteered Mr Sugarpuffish to try his hand at reviewing and guinea pig products but I did not rule out trying them myself. It makes writing easier if I also have a feel for the products. Elements products are Cruelty free (BUAV Leaping Bunny), certified organic by the Soil Association and approved by the Vegetarian Society. The range consists of Face Wash, Face Scrub, Shaving Cream and Moisturiser. 

Mr Sugarpuffish and I agreed that the shaving cream was pleasant to use but we would have preferred a thicker consistency to give a bit more cushioning for the blade. I have been more than happy using on my legs but he had mixed feelings and I noticed was not reaching for it often. Face scrubs are an alien concept to my man so I have been using this on my legs. I only refrain from trying on my face because of the essential oils. I have enjoyed using the scrub. It is a cream base with jojoba grains which I found to be gentle and not overly abrasive so I did not feel I was doing any harsh damage to my skin. The moisturiser is light but contains ingredients (jojoba, pomegranate, avocado & apricot oils) which hydrate the skin. Mr Sugarpuffish has been happy using it but has not been blown away by it. 

The price point (£16 - £22) is higher than I normally pay for men's skincare (yes, I buy his products) but about average for certified organic brand. I asked Mr Sugarpuffish for his final thoughts and he was sitting on the fence, he experienced some sensitivity which means he has been reluctant to give up his existing products for Elements. I would advise caution in using these products if you have very sensitive skin as there are a number of fragrance allergens due to the essential oils. I do think natural and organic men’s skincare is an overlooked area of the market so Elements does not have much competition. I am happy to recommend that you check out this brand. Mr Sugarpuffish may have been unsure but I have nice smooth legs so that must count for something.

Sarah x

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