aromatherapy

28 February 2021

Mother's Day Gift Ideas
(includes gifted samples, paid promotion, affiliate link marked *)

For those of you who would like to celebrate Mother's Day (14th March 2021) then I have put together a little gift selection. As lockdown continues I am sure many of you, including myself are going to be reliant on postal deliveries. These gifts would be suitable for all occasions so it may also be worth bookmarking for future celebrations.

ethically handmade scarves which are all one-off, unique, luxury pieces, made with recycled, organic, ethical yarns where possible as well as ensuring a zero waste policy in the production of the scarves and a no plastic post service. The Not Your Mum Not Your Milk scarf is 100% Organic cotton and could easily appeal to vegans wishing to put across their message.

artisan, hand crafted chocolate that is suitable for almost everyone including vegans and multiple allergies. They work hard to ethically source all ingredients and use eco-friendly packaging. For Mother's Day there is the Limited Edition Pinks Gift Box, choose Dark Raspberry or Strawberry Blonde flavours (or one of each), it's gift wrapped and letterbox friendly delivery.

For those that enjoy a glass of wine how about Mother Rock! an organically farmed estate in Swartland South Africa and the wines are bottled without fining or filtering so suitable for vegans. Mother Rock do a lovely Grenache Noir with 96pts from Jamie Goode (London-based wine critic) and a skin-contact “orange wine” Chenin Blanc

I've introduced my family to award winning soaps from Lily & Rabbit and that's why I believe they would make lovely gifts. With so many of us trying to do our bit for the planet, a solid soap bar is ideal plastic free solution. The Bee Naked bar is formulated with local honey from Harrogate bees and organic Irish Oatmeal, it's an all natural exfoliator without fragrance and suitable for sensitive skin types.

The Super Choc Bundle is a great option. 8 bars of yummy, organic chocolate packed up into a letterbox sized box and you can include a personalised gift note. 

I don't hide the fact that I'm a big fan of Odylique skincare and they have lovely gifts set options so I recommend you browse their website. I can also offer a 20% off using the code SUGARPUFFISH (affiliate link/code)

I think Nourish London’s Relaxing Retreat Gift Set or Sleepy Pillow Mist are perfect for Mother's Day or any other occasion you have coming up.  Nourish products are award winning, organic, vegan and cruelty-free.

Melt 
The Melt Starter Kit is a fun activity you can do at home and a fabulously fruity way to make vegan and cruelty free wax melts. Choose from a range of fragrances including Blueberry, Coconut & Lemongrass, Cranberry, and Pomegranate & Hibiscus. Every kit contains a step-by-step guide and enough supplies to fill your home with scent for up to 180 hours. Use code SUGARPUFFISH when checking out before 15th March and get 10% off your order while stocks last.

A range of beautifully wrapped gifts which can be sent directly to loved ones. Silvan Skincare is suitable for Vegans, they offer stylish sustainable and recyclable gift wrapping with hand written notes plus free UK delivery. 

A beautiful collections of gift options choose between a cleansing balm, hand bam, luxury bath oils or candles, I'm sure you will find something to suit your budget to make Mother's Day extra special

Sarah x

30 June 2020

Get a good night sleep with natural aromatherapy room and pillow mists
(this is not sponsored)

Everyone has a lot on their minds and you might be struggling with sleeping just as I am. There are many suggestions for sleep aids but I've always been a fan of pillow mists. On the whole my allergic self can tolerate them in my room and on my bed linen. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to soothing the mind, body and spirit. Essential oils are used for many different ailments and a pillow mist may help ease stress, agitation and anxiety. No one can promise a miracle but it's worth a trying a pillow mist for yourself.

8 April 2020

Seekology beauty and wellbeing
UPDATE - SEEKOLOGY HAS CLOSED 

In an effort to stay busy during lockdown, I've had a few brands reach out to me and I've uncovered hidden gems which I didn't know about before. Today I'd like to introduce you to Seekology and here is an interview with the founder Rebecca, I hope you enjoy reading!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your store and website, Seekology?
I worked in retail for many years, including as the John Lewis Beauty Buyer. I was increasingly seeing amazing, innovative independent brands springing up with no outlet to reach customers, and at the same time real customer appetite to shop from small businesses. Hence the idea for Seekology was born, and I opened my first store in Richmond in November 2019. Over the four months this pop up was open we featured 70 independent, British brands, all with amazing stories to tell, from solid shampoo inspired by the desire to reduce plastic waste to sustainably created activewear made from recycled plastic bottles. Of course, we are only selling online these days, at www.seekology.co, but we hope to have more pop up shops in future! When I'm not working on Seekology I'm looking after my two young children and occasionally playing the violin.

Why is beauty & wellbeing important to you?
I've always been drawn to the wellbeing element of beauty, and how something as simple as a delicious smelling moisturiser or scented candle can lift someone's mood. There's always something new to discover in these areas and that keeps it exciting, especially with the innovation we're currently seeing around natural and sustainable products. And what's most important to me is creating a platform that supports entrepreneurs in this vibrant and innovative industry so that they are able to grow and thrive.

At Seekology I'm keen that beauty & wellbeing are inclusive and I recognise that these mean different things to different people. For some customers an indulgent vegan face mask is what they need, whereas we have others that are focusing on our sports offering with beautiful yoga mats from Willow Yoga. I aim to cater to conscious consumers that are interested in a more sustainable lifestyle, without compromising on style.

What five words best describe your brand?
Honest, collaborative, kind, innovative, inspirational

What is your top beauty "must have" product?
My latest "must have" is the Rosalena rose quartz facial tool. Rosalena was one of the first brands we launched Seekology with and this product is a real stand out - our customers seemed to think so too. It's small enough to fit in an overnight washbag and when used every day it not only improves drainage and circulation in the face, it also helps create a mini wellbeing ritual inspired by the brand's mantra of "Pause, Breathe, Be".

Seekology is a marketplace, what do you look for when choosing brands to work with?
I look for brands that have unique stories - whether from the founders themselves, the provenance of ingredients or a unique angle. A good example would be Heka Aromatherapy. The founder, Naomi, came into our store for a chat and we became one of her first stockists. Her products look and smell beautiful and she has fully immersed herself in a career change from PR to aromatherapy by becoming a real expert, training with Neal's Yard. As soon as I spoke to her I knew her brand would be a success.

If a brand is interested to work with you, how can they get involved?
Please get in touch via the form on www.seekology.co, although we have had such interest we are working through a backlog of requests and we are a very small team, so we'd appreciate your patience! Be clear on what you brand stands for and why it is different to the products we already sell, as well as being ready to sell - this includes testing, packaging and distribution.

How are you coping with the current situation and how can people support indie business at this time?
It's definitely been a testing few weeks and whilst running a wellbeing business I probably haven't been practising what I preach as well as I could have done! However I'm now settling into the new way of life and trying to make time for myself every day - even if it's just using a body scrub in the shower! I would love people to support indie businesses at this difficult time. Many of the brands we represent are very new to market and their founders are unable to benefit from the various government schemes available, so they need our support. Plus, their products are truly fantastic and I would urge everyone to think carefully about where they spend their money at this time.

end of interview

19 February 2019

Reviews Love Lula, Ere Perez, Nature's Wish, Saint Come
(gifted/unpaid)

I'm very selective about the products I choose. I study ingredients for a number of reasons, allergies are of course top of the list but also knowing what my skin loves and hates. I don't always get it right and once in a while something that looks good on paper doesn't work out so well for my skin. The reviews that follow were a good selection of products and I made some great choices even if I do say so myself.

Ere Perez Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter
It’s quite unusual for me to experience dry lips but this winter has been a little unkind to me so I was looking for a product to boost the balms I’ve been using. I was initially a little surprised by this product because I would describe it as a light cream and the word “butter” conjures up a richer, thicker texture. Despite this the formula is deeply moisturising and packed full of lush ingredients such as shea butter, almond oil, coconut, cranberry, cucumber and olive oil. I like to apply in the evenings as an intensive treatment so in the morning my lips feel soft and smooth. It does make for a delicate light eye cream however I haven’t made it part of my daily routine. You’ll know from past reviews that Ere Perez is a firm favourite with me, I'm regularly signing the praises of the SOS Marmalade balm and the Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter has also not disappointed.

Nature's Wish Cleanse Unscented Facial Cleansing Oil
When Nature’s Wish popped up on my radar it seemed the obvious choice to select this cleansing oil. I’m very keen to support brands who offer options to consumers with sensitive skin and fragrance allergies. Nature’s Wish unscented cleansing oil has a good formulation with ingredients rosehip, apricot kernel, evening primrose, avocado, macadamia, chia seed, coconut and flower essences of crab apple and olive. If I compare the texture to the Mono cleanser which I reviewed last month, Nature’s Wish feels heavier on the skin. It’s a good product which removes makeup and daily grime without disrupting the delicate balance of my skin. This is a good all rounder which I'd happily recommend.

Saint Come Aromaspray Thyme Cinnamon
You may remember I’ve previously reviewed the mint eucalyptus from Saint Come. It’s been a pleasure to use so I decided to try out another fragrance. I love cinnamon so it seemed a great choice for me. It’s a scent often associated with Christmas and Winter so it feels the perfect fit at this time of year. I obviously encourage people to air their houses naturally, I do crack open the windows but there are times when you need a little pick me up or to mask a little unpleasant odour (like coming home to the bin giving off a whiff because you forgot to empty it). Saint Come uses ingredients that are vegan and natural, packaging is a 100% recyclable bottle.

Did you miss my January reviews? Here’s a link for you - Crazy Rumors, Ethically Organic, Fair Squared & Mono Naturoils

Sarah x

16 January 2018

Skin & Tonic, Isla Apothecary, Ere Perez
(Disclaimer – contains affiliate link. I'm part of the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select PR samples each month, I am not obligated to review and all opinions are my own. Prices correct at time of publication)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? 

Sarah x

11 July 2017

Wax + Wick Green Tea and Almond Soy Wax Candle
I bought this Wax + Wick candle back in April after seeing Sasha (Balanced Beauty Bristol) mention the brand in a video. Sasha certainly influenced me with her enthusiasm because I rarely buy candles. There were a number of reasons why Wax + Wick appealed to me which I want to share with you.

I love the idea of taking wine bottles and repurposing them into candles. It's not only zero waste but also adds to the uniqueness of the design. My jar isn't perfect and has a couple of raised edges (they are sanded down so not sharp). The ingredients are simply soy wax and oils (local & organic when possible) there is no palm oil, artificial or synthetic colours and they are vegan friendly. I also feel that at £18 these candles are affordable in comparison to competitors and the burn time is stated as 45 hours.

The scent collection stands out with interesting aromas, to name a few Smoked Tobacco & Salted Bourbon, Amber & Mineral and Lavender & Bay Leaf. I was certainly curious about Green Tea & Almond as a scent and whilst it wasn't as I imagine it is still beautiful but don't ask me to describe it as I wouldn't know where to start!

If you love candles and embrace recycling and repurposing then check out Wax + Wick. I've also noticed that they have added vases to the website, these are also made using wine and spirit bottles.

Sarah x

14 February 2017

Pure Thoughts Eucalyptus & Rosehip Natural Soap
I've known Pure Thoughts for a very long time, in fact I think it goes back to pre-blogging days. I've featured a number of products from them over the years (many of these products have long been retired) but I was always a fan of their face masks and shea butters.

Leanna, the founder of Pure Thoughts, has entered a new chapter that has evolved once again with new branding and range. Pure Thoughts has now become 100% Vegan, they have reformulated the soaps bars making them Palm Oil free and added an aromatherapy skincare collection and soy wax meditation candles.
Pure Thoughts Gratitude Meditation Candle
The new range looks stunning and whilst I am yet to place an order, I've my eye on a number of products particularly the pulse point oils. I know a number of Green Bloggers who love using charcoal soaps so you will be pleased to hear there is one in the range. I also think the new candles and bath salts would make beautiful gifts. 

Pure Thoughts is a natural brand that you can trust so I highly recommend you bookmark their website for when you want to treat yourself or a love one. You may also enjoy reading their blog also found on the site.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - this is NOT sponsored

Archives

24 January 2017

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas Natural, Organic and Vegan
I know not everyone likes Valentine's Day and I understand it's very commercial but I'm a sucker for an excuse to receive gifts. There is nothing stopping you gifting to yourself. This little list of ideas has purely been generated from scouring the internet and looking for items I might like to receive.

31 July 2016

Review: Bloom Remedies Clear Vitality Pulse Point Roll On
You all know the Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist is one of my most beloved products and if you love aromatherapy products then I highly recommend Bloom Remedies. A few months back I bought the Clear Vitality Pulse Point Roll On as I was looking for a replacement for Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Temple Balm.

10 May 2016

Review Petits Rituels Provence Candle Natural Wax Essential Oil
(GIFTED PR)

If you read my review of Petits Rituels Minty Bonbon you will already know that I think these luxurious candles are a superb investment and awesome gift. Petits Rituels natural aromatherapy candles and melts are handcrafted in England with 100% natural waxes and Certified Organic essential oils.

25 April 2016

Natural & Organic Products Europe 2016 Soley Organics Raw Gaia Brave Botanicals Fair Squared
Jen and I recently visited the Natural & Organic Products Europe trade event which is held in Excel London. The show is large and can be overwhelming with crowds but I do enjoy learning of new brands, launches and re-discovering familiar ones. Let me jump straight in and tell you about brands and/or products that caught my attention.

Sóley Organics - an organic luxury skincare brand using wild Icelandic Herbs. I'll admit it was their packaging which made us stop at the stand but the back story to the company is an interesting one which you can read over on their website. The use of herbs is probably what stood out the most to me, something a little bit different to other brands.

Fair Squared - as far as I was aware they only made lip balms but I was mistaken as Fair Squared have products for top to toe. Packaging is simplistic but the brand has an excellent ethos and carries several certifications - Fairtrade, PeTa, Vegan, Natrue and Halal.

Raw Gaia - a brand I have known for some time but have never ventured into their extensive range. At the show they were launching their MSM collection consisting of cleansing oil, tonic, cream and scrub. I was treated to a demo of the products on my hand and was very impressed, I also noted they are free from linalool. Raw Gaia is also a Vegan brand.

Faith in Nature - many of you will be familiar with this brand, they have been around for 40 years and offer affordable products for all the family. They have added a Watermelon fragrance to their line. On the other hand Brave Botanicals is a collection of shampoos and conditioners.

Natural & Organic Products Europe 2016 Wildheart Organics Living Naturally Rebel Kitchen Nuto
Wildheart Organics - an elegant range of aromatherapy candles and reed diffusers. 

Living Naturally - you may know this brand for laundry products using soapnuts but they also offer skincare and haircare. The Coconut Milk and Chai bathtub tea was a stand out for me as it smelt fantastic. With popularity for natural deodorants growing you may be interested to know Living Naturally have a scented and unscented cream deodorant.  

Rebel Kitchen - I'm a big fan of Rebel Mylks and now they have added coconut yoghurts to the product range. 

Nuto - probably one of the most interesting foods I found at the show. Light and airy as popcorn but made from lotus seeds. They are suitable for vegetarians and vegans but avoid if you have seed allergies.

Probios GoVegan - vegan wheat croissants in 3 flavours - whole natural, chocolate cream and cherry. I preferred the cherry filling over the natural ones.

Der kleine Strolch Come on Bert - the most amazing discovery of the show a Vegan "Camembert". It's a very long time since I ate the real thing but the memories came flooding back. It had the same rind and texture as I remember. At this stage I don't know if there are any UK stockists.

Tsuno - period pads made with bamboo and corn fibre, free from chlorine and dioxin bleach with biodegradable packaging. The company donates 50% of profits are donated to charities empowering women.

Sarah x

28 January 2016

Natural and Organic Wedding Favours Sugarloaf Soaps, Trevarno, Sweet Cecily's
When looking for favours for my wedding I realised that the natural and organic market is often overlooked. I decided that it would be nice to showcase some "Green" options and support smaller brands. I hope you will agree my selection of favours is the kind guests would love to receive and enjoy using. 

24 November 2015

FOM London Skincare
The constraints of having a full time job means I don't often attend PR events however last week I was on holiday and was able to visit Janna Organic to learn more about FOM London Skincare.

12 November 2015

Natural and Organic Gifts for Christmas
The list of Christmas Gifts grew so much that I decided to put together another article. You can catch up with my other articles here - Have yourself a Green Christmas: A Natural and Organic Gift Guide 2015 and A Free From Christmas at Holland & Barrett. I write these lists to prove to that you don't need to buy off the High Street there are some real hidden gems out there and better still delivered to your doorstep, no need to fight for parking!

Perfect for Delicate Skins
I am a long time fan of Lyonsleaf and they have several gift set options. How about the Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm Gift Set which contains a Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, Egyptian Cotton Flannel and a 2 ply muslin face cloth, in a re-usable jute box and the Soothing Calendula gift set contains a 30ml pot along with a soap. 

Luxurious Collaborations
Any product from Bodhi & Birch makes an amazing gift but this year they have collaborated Heartwood Candle Company. You can choose between fragrance sets titled Joy, Peace, Love and Wish. If anyone wishes to buy for me Peace would be my perfect combination Camomile Sky Bath & Shower Therapy and the Chamomile, Lavender & Rose Candle

Hidden Treats
I discovered Scentered Therapy Balms back in April and I have found them to be a wonderful product. The Festive Bauble packaging is a really nice touch for Christmas.

Christmas Crackers
The Rose Tree is a wonderful brand with a nice selection of gift ideas. I particularly like the Christmas crackers chose from eye serum, facial essence or body oils.

Beauty Blogger Top Picks
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Odylique. They have some lovely sets but my pick would be the new The Odylique Selection Box which contains seven of their most popular and award-winning natural skin, body and hair care products - Creamy Coconut Cleanser, Calming Rose Super Tonic, Timeless Rose Moisturiser, Superfruit Concentrate, Coconut Candy Scrub, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm

Create your own gift
Another brand offering a selection of gift set for face and body is B Skincare. I particularly like the Festive Pack because you can choose your own combinations of creams to make a gift box.

New Discovery
I have recently had my eye on Ermana and noted that they have some lovely gift set options for men and women.

Shout outs
Other great places to shop are: Bathing BeautyBotanicalsNathalie BondNaturisimoBalmology

I have already started my Christmas shopping and have bought from my lists, I hope you have also found them useful.

Sarah x

5 November 2015

Natural Organic Christmas Gift Guide 2015
I love writing up Christmas Gift Guides because I like to sway friends and family to file the Boots catalogue in the bin and go Green. Swap out those horrible mainstream brands for some beautiful artisan products which show you not only care for your love ones but also for the world around us.

Aromatherapy Inspiration
You all know I'm a huge fan of Bloom Remedies. I cannot be parted with my Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist so imagine my delight when I learnt new for Christmas is the Serenity Slumber Luxury Candle. Marie is also launching The Peaceful Mind Range, perfect for those with over active minds, who struggle to relax and unwind. Look out for the Peaceful Mind set which contains a pulse point roll on and bath oil. In addition there also a Luxury Candle in this scent. Last year I did the majority of my Christmas shopping from Bloom Remedies, they have the best gifts sets so go check them out.

Fragrant Stocking Fillers
If you are looking for unique stocking fillers then turn your attention to Natural Wisdom. They have launched a range of natural, alcohol-free solid perfumes (£12.50 each), which can be worn to scent your skin or hair and also used as a room fragrance with the lid off. Alternatively, take a look at the new Plump & Nourish lip balm (£10 each), which comes in a beautifully tactile reusable cedar wood pot. Ingredients include peppermint, chilli pepper and cinnamon oils, which help naturally plump the lips.

Learn a new skill
Ruth Romano runs regular soap making courses in Cheshire alongside selling her award-winning range of soap and natural skincare products. If you know someone who enjoys getting creative and learning new skills then you could buy a Gift Voucher to spend a day getting creative and take a lovely selection box of soap home with them.

Bath time Soapy Delights

Based in a little barn at the foot of the Sugar Loaf mountain in Wales, The Sugar Loaf Soap Company has a very simple mission, to provide natural, handmade soaps produced from high quality, ethically sourced raw materials. They offer a delightful range of products and gift sets.

Luxury Candles

I adore Petits Rituels’ candles they would make a beautiful gift but if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale the hand-poured wax melts are highly fragranced with an intricate floral design. Simply place in a warmer and light an unscented tea light, as the wax melts the fragrance is released. Also ideal for lining your clothes and linen draws.

Not only does MBotanicals* have a range face and body care they also have some lovely candles. You can choose from Vanilla Bean, Citrus Basil, Gardenia, Rose Oudh, Sandalwood and Tobacco.

Festive Nails

Little Ondine’s Limited Edition Winter Wonderland Collection is the perfect way to get you in the holiday mood. There’s no better time of year for sparkles and with this no-fuss glitter polish you can change your look with ease while you’re on the go from office to family gatherings to all your festive celebrations. The beautifully packaged collection makes a stylish stocking stuffer, secret santa or last-minute gift or even a self-indulgent treat.

Beauty Gift Bags
LJ’s Natural has gift sets which cover all budgets. The Ultimate Luxury Gift Bag contains OMG Serum, Luxury Organic Bath Melts, White Chocolate & Tangerine Organic Lip Balm and Soothing Hand & Foot Formula. Alternatively, I love the festive name “Three Wise Bottles” a set that contains 30ml bottles of Calming Organic Body Lotion, Muscle Relax Organic Body Oil & Balancing Organic Toner. Also check out Stocking Filler Bag, Indulge My Face Gift Bag, Relax Gift Bag and Really Radiant Face Gift Bag.

Eco-Friendly Beauty Treats
You all know I'm a fan of Konjac Sponges and I am excited to see they have added to their product line. The Angel Cloth is an alternative to a muslin cloth, an intriguing product which would make a unique gift. If you like the facial puff sponges there are two new additions Chamomile and Green Tea. For those who use cotton pads how about a more eco-friendly alternative, the Konjac eye pads. The kit contains 8 cleansing pads, a mesh drying bag and a soft clear pouch. This pack can last up to one year.

Vegan Friendly
Blue Labelle are one of my favourite Vegan brands. This year they are offering gift cards which is handy if you are unsure what products to buy. Also there is free gift wrapping and gift bag on all website orders over £10 from Nov 15th, just mention in the comments box if you would like it. Blue Labelle will also be launching 100% organic vegan balm sticks and although primarily to be used as lip balms they can also be used to nourish very dry skin, for example on elbows.

Sarah x

P.S Part 2 to follow.........

Disclaimer - *PR sample

7 May 2015

Petits Rituels Luxury Organic Aromatherapy Candles
It's funny how things work in the blogging world. There are weeks when you start sending yourself emails to check your account still works and other times when your inbox becomes overwhelming. This is not a complaint but I hope it explains why I have blogged two candle reviews in quick succession. We all know that joke about buses, well it my case its candles.

17 December 2014


LouLouBelle London Natural Aromatherapy Skincare
(update September 2021 - sadly LouLouBelle has ceased trading)

Let me introduce you to a skincare brand that I recently discovered online. LouLouBelle London is a boutique aromatherapy company and their mission is to create beautiful skincare from natural ingredients. Products are handmade in small batches using essential oils, plant essences and floral waters. They have chosen to formulate without bleaching agents, parabens, sulphates, bulking agents / fillers or artificial colourings or fragrances. I originally wrote this article  in 2014 which is when the company launched and over the years they have become an award winning brand. I have come to know LouLouBelle as entrants for the Free From Skincare Awards.

So what type of products can you purchase from LouLouBelle? There are a  wide range of options available under the categories of Skincare and Bath & Body.  You can purchase cleansers, toners and moisturisers for various skin types, along with gorgeous body creams and oils plus pampering treats of bath milks/oils. If you are looking for a special treat then check out the gift sets. For those with sensitive skin, LouLouBelle has a "Nude" range with several products formulations without the inclusion of essential oils

Sarah x

13 December 2014

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set
Recently, I have been trialing Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set. I am not an insomniac but I have moments when I find it hard to switch off and my sleep pattern is affected. I am sure I am not alone in feeling this way as life can often be stressful. I believe aromatherapy products can provide comfort and relaxation when our bodies go a little haywire. It may be the essential oils reducing symptoms or the simply the process of taking time out.

Bloom Remedies sleep set contains a pulse point roll on and pillow mist. The blend of essential oils in these products is Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, Lavender and Patchouli. I have been gravitating towards the pillow mist more than the roll on. I enjoy spritzing on bedding before getting into bed or simply using to freshen up my room during the day. I was pleasantly surprised by the scent as I normally dislike Ylang Ylang but the combination with other oils seems to be working for me. The pulse point roll can easily be slipped into your handbag and applied on the go for times when you are feeling overwhelmed. It could come in handy whilst battling your way around the shops if you are doing some last minute Christmas shopping. I obviously can’t guarantee results but it could be worth a try.

Personally, I think Bloom Remedies have a wonderful range of gift sets which out shine other natural and organic brands. I am more than happy to recommend the Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set. It is ideal for everyone and definitely worth considering this Christmas, especially if you know someone who finds the Festive Season stressful.

Sarah x


Disclaimer - *PR sample, links are not affiliated

5 March 2014

"Sensara Kolure is a family run business based in the heart of the Sussex countryside where all our luxury bath salts are lovingly handmade in small batches to ensure you receive the freshest and most vibrant products possible. Purity and quality is important to us so we source 100% natural and organic ingredients and don’t use any artificial or synthetic chemicals in our products. We hope you’ll love our colour therapy bath salts as much as we do." www.sensarakolure.com

I do love a company with good free from credentials. Sensara Kolure products do not contain parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), synthetic fragrance, artificial colours, artificial preservatives and Animal products. There is no denying that Sensara Kolure caught my attention because I was drawn to the brightly labelled jars. The blend of aromatherapy oils are intended to transform your mood and emotions. Who can resist products with names like Magical Purple, Flamenco Red or Sunrise Yellow.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - Introduction posts are my virtual shopping list which I like to share with readers, 
this is NOT a sponsored post & links are not affiliated

18 February 2014

The Aromatree Company Foot Creams
I discovered The Aromatree Company in a magazine and they specialise in natural foot care. The company was founded and created in 2010 by Kirsten Luff, a qualified Holistic Therapist. "Kirsten decided to develop a range of natural foot care creams which worked therapeutically and systemically with the body and used the power of 100% pure essential oils so she could utilise these within her Reflexology treatments and so adding another dimension to her treatments."

The range of creams available not only nourish your feet but the blend of essential oils may help with your emotional wellbeing. You can choose from Release, Relax, Revive, Repair, Energise, Immune Boost, Clear and a foot scrub. I bought the Revive cream because the blend of oils (Lavender, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Juniper Berry, Peppermint and Rosemaryappealed to my personal taste in fragrance. "An easily absorbed moisturising foot cream to help revive tired, achey or swollen feet. When massaged into the feet can have a cleansing, tonic effect and help stimulate circulation. Not suitable for pregnancy, high blood pressure or epilepsy."

I find the fragrance enjoyable and the lemon tea tree gives this cream an uplifting and fresh aroma, a nice change from traditional peppermint associated with products targeted to feet. I would describe the cream as light and certainly not a butter, for this reason I would hesitate to recommend to those with extremely dry feet. You would probably want to use this in a routine where you rotate with a heavier buttery foot cream. I do find this sinks into my skin with ease so no slipping and sliding across the bathroom floor or wearing socks to bed. My feet are in good shape at the moment as I had a couple of pedicures last summer but I still have dry patches on my heels. The Revive cream will improve dry areas as long as I maintain application on a daily basis. I rarely experience tired, achey and swollen feet but from my limited knowledge of aromatherapy, I can see that the oils should target these issues.

I only have one minor criticism to mention and that is ingredients are not listed on the website. To give you a quick overview, here are some of the ingredients (not the complete list & in English rather than INCI) as per my jar - water, olive oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter vitamin E, cocoa butter, essential oils of lavender, lemon tea tree, juniper berry, peppermint, rosemary and the preservatives are phenozyethonal & ethylhezglycerin. It is suggestsed that this cream can be applied to hands. I have not specifically used it for this purpose but on the basis of having to apply to feet, I notice it's ideal for anyone who hates greasy creams. 

I have the 30ml jar which costs £4.95 and there is a larger size available (120ml/£18). If you enjoy foot care and aromatherapy this company is well worth looking at. Let me know your thoughts? Has my review tempted you to try for yourself? Do you like pampering your feet or do you neglect them?

Sarah x

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