acne

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

1 February 2021

2021 Free From Skincare Awards to open 1st February
(unpaid/press release)

Positivity is what we need for 2021 so let's celebrate the tenth annual Free From Skincare Awards will open to entries on 1st February. I support these awards because a "free from" lifestyle has been part of me since childhood. I need to avoid pesky allergens some of which are present in skincare. I assume many people probably don't look beyond the matter of food allergies and often forget that skincare can be problematic for some people. You may also fall under the "free from" umbrella for lifestyle choices e.g Veganism or Religion.

I recommend following The Free From Awards on social media as that's where you will locate general news, entrant introductions and eventually winner announcements (in June). The Awards pride themselves on their fairness, rigour and transparency, and have been running a #KnowYourAwards campaign on Instagram throughout January to answer in-depth questions about the Awards, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insights into testing protocols, judging, decision-making and much more.

"No brand should be in the dark about our procedures and processes, nor the principles underpinning them. There are many awards out there, and we feel it’s important that skincare brands, especially in these tough times, have full understanding of what ours actually stand for — and what the many benefits of participation will be - Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola"

There are sixteen product categories this year which includes two new categories for deodorants and toners, waters and spritzes.
 
Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)
* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)
* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)
* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)
* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016) 
* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)
* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)
* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)
* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

Brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe are eligible to participate in the Free From Skincare Awards. The key dates you need to note are 

* Entries close 21st March
* Finalists revealed in May
* Winners announced in June

And for information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter, visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

19 December 2020

Sukin Spot Banishing Gel for Blemish Control
(Gifted/Unpaid) 

I have the driest skin but even I'm prone to the occasional pimple and I'm noticing a few more now that masks have become a daily accessory. I find the best way to target spots is with a dedicated product and so I've been using Sukin Spot Banishing Gel.

Before I continue with this review just a little mention to the fact this product contains Limonene and Linalool. The latter allergen (linalool) I avoid but for small pimples I can get away with using this product without causing irritation. As long as I'm free of eczema in the affected area then I'm usually OK. I'm using the gel in small quantities for only a couple of days rather than long term daily applications which also makes a difference.

I've been a fan of Sukin for as long as I can remember. It's affordable and these days easily available online and in high street stores. Sukin Spot Banishing Gel contains active ingredients of willowherb, quince and salicylic acid. This combinations helps soothe skin, control bacteria, limit pore size and prevent shine. This also sounds impressive but does it actually work? My answer is YES and I've been VERY impressed at how quickly my spots seem under control and less painful. The gel has a cooling sensation which I think alleviates any heat, redness or pain associated with a pimple. When applied in the evenings by morning my skin is looking much better. I then let nature take its course and pretty much forget about my spot, I only re-apply if it's a stubborn pimple that needs additional treatment to clear.

If you are prone to oily skin and blemishes you can compliment the Sukin Spot Banishing Gel with their Blemish Control range which includes face wash, toner and moisturiser. These products are available individually or boxed as a 4-step Blemish Control Kit, perfect for gifting.

Sukin Spot Banishing, Blemish Control products and other dedicated skincare ranges are available to purchase through online retailers.

Sarah x

17 November 2020

Review Baya Beauty Superfruit Priming Oil
(gifted product - my original image has been removed at the request of Baya due to label imperfections on my bottle)

I've recently had the pleasure of getting to know Mandy of Baya Beauty. Her company is new to the natural skincare market and I accepted an offer to try Baya Beauty Superfruit Priming Oil. The business is based in the Cotswolds and Mandy is passionate about helping people achieve glowing skin with natural skincare. She ensures Baya products are made with high quality ingredients from ethical suppliers.


Our elegant, conditioning oil serum is fast absorbing and non-greasy. The skin's lipid barrier is protected, improving moisture retention and suppleness. Happy customers say their faces are revitalised, clarified and feel comforted, silky soft and nourished. Suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone and the most sensitive.

 

'Superfruit' is a trendy term in marketing but there is truth in this buzz word because fruits are 'super' good for us. Fruits are natural sources of antioxidants vitamins which can help protect, repair and rejuvenate the skin. The key ingredients in Baya Beauty Superfruit Priming Oil are raspberry, grape, pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry and kiwi. It's a cocktail of ingredients which hydrate and improve the skin giving that desired glow which we are all seeking. Winter months can be particularly harsh and drying on skin so anything which gives a boost and improves dullness is sure to be a winning product.  

I'm a super fan of facial oils so it's no surprise that I have only positive feedback about Baya Beauty Superfruit Priming Oil. It's a delightful serum which provides me with the levels without feeling greasy and my skin easily absorbs this serum. I prefer oils as part of my evening routine but you can use Baya Beauty Superfruit Oil in the mornings before applying your make up. I also love that this serum is free from essential oils so I would recommend to anyone with sensitive skin. 

As Baya is a new and growing company, I eagerly await further product launches. For more information, please visit Baya Beauty and show Mandy your support on social media.

Sarah x

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