balm

25 April 2021

what is skinimalism the a new skincare trend for 2021
I guess that in some ways I've been an advocate for skinimalism for years and now it's being forecast as the new skincare trend for 2021. I've always had a 'less is more' attitude towards my skincare routine because skin which is prone to eczema has a compromised barrier and needs to be handled gently. 

Skin minimalism or Skinimalism is about using the products that work for you but allowing your natural skin to shine through. It's about embracing and not hiding our imperfections and letting go of 12+ step skincare routines. The pandemic has more than likely contributed to and triggered a change in attitude when it comes to our buying habits. With many people working from home and not going out we've been wearing less makeup and maybe concentrating on the products that have true purpose in our lives.

Over the years we have seen a rise in single ingredient products and brands like The Ordinary have been part of this trend. As tempting as they may be, layering lots of skincare products that aren't necessarily designed to work together may have an effect on our skin's natural barrier. Alongside this I've always said that I believe people over exfoliate and now experts are warning us of the damage it can cause. 

Your skincare routine should ideally have four steps to be effective - cleanse, treat, moisturise and protect. Reducing the number of products you use and opting for multi-purpose alternatives could be beneficial for your skin, bank balance and the environment. For example, instead of buying separate day and night moisturisers you could opt for one formulation to replace them both. Cut back on overloading on trendy ingredients and zone in on what your skin truly needs. For example, I've spoken in the past about my problems with hyaluronic acid as it isn't for everyone but the media has been keen to tell me otherwise.

I think it's important to remember that skinimalism doesn't have to be a set of exact rules. You should tailor the trend to your needs as what is essential to you may be very different for other people. Consider what you skin requires, what you enjoy using and then you can thin out your routine over time. Don't feel tempted to throw everything in the bin at once. Next time you finish up a product take your time to consider your choice on whether that item needs replacing or not.

If skinimalism is of interest then may I suggest exploring the following products -

Lucky Cloud Skincare Super Balms are great for any rough, dry, flaky skin and can be used head to toe hands, feet, lips, elbows etc.

Green People One Balm is an organic multi-purpose beauty balm, use it to restores dry, troubled skin anywhere 

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Balm can be used as a cleanser, a mask or an intensive moisturiser from head to toe.

Pamoja Restore Multi-purpose Beauty Oil can be used as a facial oil but you may also apply to dry, brittle nails and cuticles, softening elbows and knees and smoothing hair

Lyonsleaf Unfragrance Beauty Balm can be used for cleansing and moisturising

BYBI Babe Balm can be used top to toe to soften, soothe and repair dry skin

Sarah x

7 November 2020

Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for 2020 featuring Natural Skincare, Jewellery, Toys and Vegan Chocolate
(includes PAID placement/gifted Ombar chocolate)

As we go into another lockdown I think many of us will be shopping Christmas presents online and I would encourage you to support local independent businesses. There are so many wonderful eco-friendly sellers out there that it becomes impossible to feature them all. I've put together a small selection of brands offering beautiful handcrafted gifts which I am sure many of you will love and cherish.

Beth the founder of Bao handcrafts natural skincare in Dorset. When visiting the website make sure you select the 'Christmas' tab to discover a beautiful collection of gift boxed products. I am sure you will find something to suit your budget. I can recommend the Brightening Hand Wash and Cream, this certainly has been a tough year on our hands so I sure this combination would be a winner for your loved ones.

This year the gift of hand sanitiser might be the perfect present for some. If you know of anyone experiencing eczema or they're prone to dry skin then Balmonds is brand I recommend. 

Delicious biscuits which are handmade in a variety of themes, available as selection sets, individual cookie cards, letterbox sets and suitable for Vegans

A beautifully curated website which supports artisans, they incorporate the principles of fair trade to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. Harfi has a collection of unique handcrafted quality products which include jewellery, towels, accessories and homeware. Using the 'Gift' tab you can filter according to your budget. The Sylvia Ring and Earrings are eye catching, ethically handmade jewellery with azurite gemstones.

A lovely business based in Hampshire making handmade skincare to include soaps, lotions, soaks and gift sets. Love to b Skincare is now stocked in some of the South West’s finest spas, hotels and boutiques. 

Discover Nourish London’s natural, organic, vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free Seasonal Gift Sets powered by plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and our planet. The Antioxidant Duo Gift Set is a vegan and organic stocking filler to hydrate and replenish the skin. It contains Nourish London’s Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), encased in an organic and handmade toiletry bag from Freeset.

When you have allergies, it's no fun watching everyone tuck into the Quality Street so make sure you don't forget dietary needs this Christmas. Ombar chocolate is vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugar (not recommended for nut allergies). 

Seekology
An independent beauty and wellbeing with a wide selection of products. On the site click "trending" and select the Christmas Gift Sets option, here you will find curated gift sets. I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and would select the Candlelight Glow Collection which contains Radiant Glow Mask and Serenity Candle. The Bowe Organics set contains their popular brow oil and our nourishing lip rescue balm.

Marian is the founder of Silvan Skincare, her ethos is to create gentle skincare that is natural and doesn't irritate or harm the environment. The product range includes balms, face oils, creams, lip balms and body oils. Depending on your budget, you could choose individual products or select the 'Gift' tab for skincare sets. As 2020 has been such a rough year for everyone I feel as if the Silvan Soothe Duo gift set could be a perfect gift as it includes a full size Face Oil and a Sleep Balm. 

Beautiful soaps that are handmade using traditional cold pressed methods, formulated without palm oil and using certified organic ingredients. Explore the website because the range includes individual bars, soap dishes, bundles and gift box sets. I'm sure there is something to suit most budgets and Vegan options are available.

If you are looking for fair trade toys and gifts for children then visit Weaving Hope. Toys are made by artisans in Sri Lanka, working within a guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Products are made from cotton woven on traditional handlooms. The toys are vegan friendly, plastic free and coloured with non toxic dyes and compliant with safety regulations (CE mark). Check out the latest addition to the range which are cute food baskets, for a play kitchen.

Sarah x

29 September 2020

lyonsleaf unfragrance beauty balm
(Gifted/Lyonsleaf Affiliate Link)

I introduced the green community to Lyonsleaf back in 2013 when I stumbled across their website. I believe I was the first blogger to write about them and I introduced my readership to this fantastic natural skincare brand. Over the years I've watched them grown in popularity, expanded their product range, re-branded and win multiple awards. I had to put my love of Lyonsleaf on hold due to my diagnosis of a linalool allergy but I'm pleased to say they have slowly introduced fragrance free products. I have previously reviewed Lyonsleaf Unscented Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil if it's of interest to you.

Lyonsleaf products are cruelty free and handmade in the UK. They formulate with home grown herbs harvested by workers earning a living wage. The packaging is mostly plastic free and can be recycled. Lyonsleaf are committed to an ongoing program of reducing carbon emissions, environmental impact and waste. 

Lets focus our attention to Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm which is the unscented version of their best selling Beauty Balm. This multi purpose skincare balm contains babassu oil, shea butter, macadamia nut, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, calendula flower extract and vitamin E. The bonus with a water free formulation is it does not require the addition of preservatives and emulsifiers. Beauty Balm is designed to protect, nourish and rebalance skin making it ideal for all but especially suitable for people prone to acne, perioral dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Beauty Balm is one of a handful of Lyonsleaf products which are suitable for vegans.

Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm is a rich and luxurious balm which suits the oil cleansing method, this is a very popular way to cleanse skin. Beauty balm feels heavy in texture but easily melts with the warmth of your skin. After massaging into your skin simply wipe away using a damp wash cloth. For an additional spa like treatment at home, try holding a warm cloth to your face for a few seconds before removing the product. Beauty Balm doesn't leave a greasy residue behind but there is a noticeable difference and your skin feels extremely hydrated. It's a sensation which you will either enjoy or dislike but if you ever cleanse and feel parched of moisture this is the cleansing balm I would recommend to you. Speaking as someone with dry skin, Beauty Balm can be applied as a rich facial or body cream so it's perfect for those biting Winter winds which often leave skin feeling parched and uncomfortable.

Lyonsleaf products are available to purchase through their website. If you missed last months reviews for this retailer then click this link - Nature's Kitchen Summer Skin Box, Poa Poa Soap Dish, Skinlove Shower Gel 

Sarah x

9 June 2020

Natural skincare brands Happy Carrot Skincare, Naturekissd, Skin Genius
(This is not a sponsored post, the following brands are known to me through the Free From Skincare Awards, Skin Genius did gift press samples in 2019)

There are so many amazing skincare brands out there and I want to introduce more of them to you. I can't review every single product but I can offer some background information which in turn might lead you to visit their websites. I think now more than ever it's important to support small business. With this in mind lets explore the following brands.

Happy Carrot Skincare is sure to bring a smile to to your face with their bright and cheerful branding. Their "superhero" range is plant based, vegan, cruelty free and eco-friendly. It focuses on a maximum of ten natural ingredients which are high in anti-oxidants to help keep combination and acne prone skin happy and glowing. The product range is small but perfectly formed and includes - Incredible Carrot Hero Balm to cleanse and moisturise, Terrific Tomato Facial oil to nourish skin and Awesome Apricot Lip Balm to hydrate and soften your luscious lips. If you fancy trying Happy Carrot Skincare but are not to sure about committing to full sizes then choose the mini versions. To learn more please visit happycarrotskincare.com

Naturekissd was founded by organic Skincare Formulator Mary Cummings, out of her desire to tackle her family's sensitive skin, naturally. Mary realised that with three of her family members trying to cope with different skincare challenges, drastic changes had to be made. Many of these changes were initially to the hair and skincare products they had been using for years but hadn't given a second thought to - some of which were laden with common skin irritants. Naturekissd's focus is on using botanicals that heal, soothe and moisturise sensitive skin. Core products are unfragranced moisturisers and body butters. Additional products include botanical facial oils, a gentle hand wash, and a treatment set formulated for people with a sensitive scalp. For more details please visit etsy.com - naturekissd

I was introduced to Skin Genius last year when they achieved Bronze in the Free From Skincare Awards. Julia, the founder, experienced spots and acne throughout her teens and early 20s so the product range was created on the basis of this personal experience. Skin Genius receives excellent feedback from customers of all ages and is multi award winning. Products are formulated using natural plant derived vegan suitable ingredients which target bacteria, redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. The range includes cleansing face wash, leave-on purifying gel, soothing moisturiser and a pocket sized spot treatment to target individual pimples. Visit skin-genius.co.uk for further information.

Sarah x

31 March 2020

Managing dry skin caused by excessive hand washing
(features gifted samples and purchased items)

Constant hand washing has taken it's toll on everyone's skin. It makes you sound very scummy but I promise I was washing my hands prior to the current crisis, I just wasn't scrubbing them like a surgeon with strong antibacterials soaps after touching EVERYTHING - door handles, postal deliveries, grocery trolleys etc. The skin on my hands has always been delicate, in childhood I had a lot of hand eczema and I think that leaves a lasting effect. My hands are on the brink of cracking and feel as rough as sandpaper. At first every cream I applied stung, that included products I was using for years but the sensation does get better with time as the skin starts to repair itself. Personally, now we are in self isolation I can have a break from intensive hand washing. Of course I haven't stopped this practice, I can just relax a little as I figure my own home environment is safer than the office I was in last week.

18 February 2020

Review Odylique Lemongrass Body Wash and Ultra Rich Balm
(features gifted items/unpaid, links to Odylique are not affiliated)

Odylique have been in my life for many years ever since I was introduced to the Gentle Herb Shampoo. Before I found this shampoo I was battling eczema and an itchy scalp, it changed all that within a week and I've been banging on about it ever since. Odylique is a family run business set up by Abi and Margaret. I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with Abi over the years and her knowledge of ingredients and formulations is inspiring. I choose Odylique not only for their products but they understand skin conditions such as eczema and formulate without lanolin, wheat, dairy and soya derivatives, salicylic acid, peanut oil, common allergen tree nut oils and more.

22 January 2019

Reviews for Love Lula Crazy Rumors, Ethically Organic, Fair Squared & Mono Naturoils
(I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site each month, I am not obligated to review)

It always amazes me how I never seem to run out of product to try from Love Lula. I face the restrictions of allergies, yet I still manage to fill my basket. I've a lovely selection to tell you about so lets crack on. Just as a heads up everything here is suitable for Vegans and free from linalool (an ingredient that natural occurs in essential oils and happens to be one of my allergies).
If you're a regular reader then you'll know I adore Crazy Rumors lip balm but I hadn't tried any from their tinted range. I'm not much of a lipstick wearer so thought this would be my perfect lip product. Coral is described as medium neutral pink which I would agree with. It's sheer and provides a wash of colour with a hint of shimmer. I was won over straight away. Very easy to wear and all the benefits and flavour you'd expect from this brand of lip balm.

Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face Soufflé 
A new-ish brand for Love Lula and it caught my attention because some of their products are free from essential oils. The Glow Face Souffle appealed to me based off the ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. This is a super rich formulation thanks to the shea butter but in all honesty it's far too intense for my face and that saying something given my history with eczema. In order not to waste an great formulation I'm loving this as a body butter as it tackles dry skin with ease. I certainly would champion this brand on the basis of simple but effective ingredients and for offering a fragrance free solution for consumers with sensitive skin. 

I've spoken about Fair Squared in the past and it's an interesting brand. I consider them to be family friendly and their range includes skincare but also extends to intimate items such as condoms and period cups. The vanilla shower gel is suitable for the entire family and formulated with Olive oil to gently cleanse and moisturise the skin. The scent is delicate and reminiscent of foam ice cream sweets; it's very pleasant without being over powering. It's nice to see a formulation without an overly lengthy ingredient list. The consistency is runny and low foaming which is to be expected. 

I was initially attracted to Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil because it ticked a couple of boxes for me. Firstly, no essential oil allergens and secondly a blend of ingredients which personally appeals to my skin type. There is no escaping that Mono is a luxurious brand with packaging and prices reflective of that image. This cleansing oil is light with a delightful delicate scent, its the cucumber that hits my senses first followed by undertones of rose. If you're a fan of Mallow + White Soothe cleansing oil (as I am) then this one will also be an instant hit. Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil is an absolute pleasure to use and it turns your cleansing routine into a ritual that you don't want to skip.

If you missed my December reviews then here's a link for you - Silvan Skincare, Benecos, The Handmade Soap Co

Sarah x

27 December 2018

Reviews for Love Lula, Silvan Skincare, Benecos, The Handmade Soap Co
(Note: I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site, I am not obligated to review)

Here’s my final Love Lula review for this year and yes seems crazy to say that. On several occasions I’ve was convinced I would eventually run out of products to test from their site but I kept going strong.

I’ve slowly been converting my husband over to greener products and he’s been experimenting for a couple of years now with shaving soaps. I realised I hadn’t given this particular shaving soap a shout out and this is the second one I’ve ordered. Whilst this does cost a little more than others we tested you do get value for money, I’m not totally certain but I think he possibly made it last 8-9 months. You can create a nice creamy lather with this shaving soap which I know hubby likes. I definitely would recommend to others.

Sadly Madara seem to have discontinued my favourite hand cream so I’ve been in need of a replacement. Once the temperature dips and the heating goes on my hands are prone to eczema if I don’t maintain my dry skin. I chose the Benecos Classic hand cream because it’s free from linalool. I wasn’t expecting much from a cream that is a super affordable £2.95 but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It is a runny lotion but I still manage to get a decent level of hydration. It suits me well when at work because it disappears quickly without stickiness and I am happy to re-apply when needed. I often top up applications in the evening with a “heavier” cream/balm (e.g Pure Potions is a favourite).

I’ve been on the hunt for a linalool free muscle rub for a while now. Hubby is moaning about a sore arm and I’ve got a dodgy shoulder which is an old car accident injury (what a pair we make!). Silvan has featured on my blog before so it’s a brand I’m familiar with. The muscle balm is one of eight balms recently launched (Sleep, Breathe, Gardener's, Radiance, Muscle, Rescue, Mama's and Bliss). Muscle balm contains organic oils, shea butter, comfrey, arnica, marjoram, eucalyptus and cedarwood, it is also suitable for Vegans. From my own experiences, I find some balm formulations tricky to work with; some products don’t melt easily on contact with skin. Silvan Skincare balm is different and I would put that down to the absence of beeswax which is often found in other products. Silvan Muscle balm is soft and buttery making it very easy to massage which is what I want in this type of product as an injury which flares up often needs a light touch. Whilst I can’t vouch for removal of pain I can say that I do find massage can have a positive effect. There is certainly no harm in giving ourselves a little down time and attending to our wellbeing. I would be interested in trying other products from the range in the future and would recommend giving them your consideration.

Sarah x

18 December 2018

sugarpuffish natural and organic favourites for 2018
*picture above & referenced within article includes PR samples/gifts & products bought with my own money*

As Christmas approaches I start to think about winding down for the holidays and what better way to draw a close than to look back on my blog favourites. I have felt that this year my beauty habits have peaked since I’m reaching for the same trusted favourites and I’ve reviewed less this year. This is possibly because my linalool sensitivity has limited choices and there haven’t been as many launches which have drawn my attention. My skincare collection isn’t too bad considering the avoidance of this one ingredient; of course everything remains natural, organic and ethical. I have always avoided certain animal derived ingredients (e.g carmine, silk, shellac, bee venom) but this year I think I made a conscious move towards skincare labelled suitable for Vegans.

Top of my repurchase list
It will come as no surprise to most that I continue to purchase Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo as I dare not try anything else. I don’t want to upset my delicate scalp. I’ve settled into a routine pairing my shampoo with Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner and have finished off several tubes this year. For makeup Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Everyday Minerals remain my daily go to products. I’ve been pretty fickle with cleansers swapping between handfuls of favourites but my moisturiser choices are firmly stuck on Evolve Daily Renew and Antipodes Rejoice.

Favourite new skincare discoveries for 2018
In March I tested Pure Potions Intensive Hand Cream and it quickly won me over by making light work of my dry skin. This is super rich and hydrating and remains a go to even more during Winter. April saw the arrival of Ere Perez SOS Marmalade Balm and this changed my skin overnight. I had been experiencing dermatitis on my chest for months and nothing seemed to help until I applied the SOS balm, it truly lived up to its name. Myroo is a brand I’ve trusted and discussed for several years and in May it was the Superfood Balm (fragrance free) that stole the show. For me its the formulation of ingredients that provides intrigue with mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. It’s a great all rounder with a soft texture that melts into dry skin patches with ease. In the same month I reviewed Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 and later went on to repurchase. This CC cream is seriously good and it’s a tough choice between this and my beloved Moonflower Tinting Fluid. In the end I decided that since the CC cream contains SPF it will be my go to in the summer months, that way I get to enjoy both products throughout the year. It’s no secret that the Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil is one of my favourite products so in June I was excited to review the Soothe Balm. For anyone who experiences dry skin and fragrance allergies Soothe Balm is a must in your beauty collection. I think the most exciting launch of the year was Bodhi & Birch’s Superfoods Series and I quickly fell for the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm and Super25 Botanical Serum. I didn’t get around to writing a full review for the Super25 serum but trust me it’s beautiful. I believe both products make a difference to my skin in the long term. From my perspective, to create a range that is free from essential oils but still smells amazing is totally genius. So much love and attention has gone into the range and it really shows in quality and performance.

Favourite new free from/vegan foods for 2018
This year has been the year Vegan food has taken off and I for one love it. The Wicked Kitchen range at Tesco has doubled in size and let’s not forget all the pizzas, so much pizza! Waitrose introduced an own labelled product range which I am totally loving and still working my way through. I have developed a serious Vegan Magnum addiction, almond is the favourite. Fry’s Kitchen has arrived in Sainsbury’s and I love this as it’s more convenient for me. Veganise has become an alarming habit and I always have minimum two jars in the fridge, the supply issues experienced earlier in the year at Sainsbury’s were traumatic times (lol) Livia’s Kitchen Brownie Nugglets and Rhythm 108 Sweet n Salty Almond chocolate bars are the reason why none of my clothes fit.

I truly hope that all this innovation continues but the Free From Community has taken some hits this year. The effects of the Pret case are being felt. I hope that my love of eating out doesn’t take a step backwards in 2019. The the allergy and coeliac community are waiting to see what happens next.

I'm looking forward to what 2019 brings but in the meantime what are your favourites from this year?

Sarah x

20 November 2018

christmas gift ideas at love lula
(Gifted) 

I hope that my Christmas Gift ideas are helpful. I enjoy putting them together and often I’m buying them for friends and family. I enjoy the gift of skincare. I love introducing people to natural products and helping them to discover new brands. If people are unsure or reluctant to take their first steps to Green Beauty you can assist in this for Christmas. Love Lula offer a range of products for all budgets and ethics so I decided to choose some gift options and share my ideas with you.

Benecos Winter Dream Gift Set & Men’s Gift Set (£10.95/£11.90)
If you caught my recent review of budget shower gels you’ll know that I’ve enjoyed trialing Benecos products. I think Benecos offer affordable prices for everyday essentials which are not only BDIH certified but also suitable for Vegans. There are a handful of gift set options organised by scent, each presented in a gift bag. The Winter Dream set contains Winter Dream Shower Gel, Winter Dream Body Lotion and Vanilla Lip Balm and the Men’s set contains 3 in 1 Body Wash and After Shave Balm 2 in 1

Ermana Mini Balms Gift Set (£24)
I’ve tried a couple of products from Ermana and enjoyed using them. This set is beautifully presented in a box with ribbon and contains Cleanse mini balm, Refresh balm and Comfort mini balm (each item is 15ml size). I have previously reviewed the cleanse balm and think this is a lovely way to introduce someone to multipurpose products.

Madara Smart Glow Vitalising Moisture Soap 300ml and Madara Smart Glow Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml (£9/£8)
Another one of my favourite brands and I regularly use their products. Madara recently re-vamped their hand creams but I’d been a big fan of their Protecting Hand Cream for quite some time. I thought the Smart Glow soap and hand cream could be gifted together as a set or individually. I like to think this as a useful and practical gift which would look lovely next to the bathroom or kitchen sink. Both products are suitable for Vegans.

Crazy Rumor Lip Balms (£3.99)
I’ve been a fan of Crazy Rumor for years in fact I first reviewed them back in 2013. The packaging looks different these days but they still have a fabulous range of flavours such as Hot Cocoa and Pina Colada. I think lip balms make the perfect stocking fillers and Crazy Rumor are suitable for Vegans.

Benecos Natural Nail Polish Sharp Rose (5ml £4.95 or 9ml £6.95)
Another great stocking filler idea and I like that Benecos have two size options. I picked up the 5ml and it’s the cutest size. You could create your own pamper manicure gift set by pairing a nail polish with Madara Infusion Vert Repairing Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml and a nail file.

If you would like to shop for these products or discover other gift items then head over to Love Lula

Sarah x

5 June 2018

review Mallow and White Soothe Balm Fragrance Free
A few weeks ago I received a surprise package with a little card inside that read “I was thinking of you when I concocted this balm”. I was not only extremely honour but also delighted that Mallow & White had sent me their Soothe Balm (fragrance free) to test out.

For anyone new to Mallow & White they make skincare products based around the ethos of six ingredients or less. They demonstrate perfectly how skincare doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Often ingredients lists can be lengthy, even with natural brands and I've always believed simple is best. When people speak of skin issues the first thing I say is “strip back your routine”. I feel many people complicate their skincare and stress their skin out by overloading it with too many ingredients and products.

1 May 2018

Myroo Skincare Fragrance Free allergies
UPDATE 2022 - MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING

I'm giving Myroo a shout out today because they recently re-branded and given their image a makeover. I think you'll agree it is looking very smart. Myroo Skincare is always top of my recommendation list for anyone who experiences sensitive skin and allergies.

I've watched Myroo evolve and grow since I first connected with them back in 2012. Rachael, Myroo's founder took part in our Gorgeously Green Event in 2015 and I relied on her products in the run up to my Wedding in 2016. She has first hand experience of allergies which gives her a unique understanding and expertise on these matters. All the products are natural, organic and vegan. They are fee from all 14 food allergens and known synthetic irritants (for example no parabens, SLS or MI). Myroo also offer a fragrance free version of every product, which is free from all 26 cosmetic allergens.
Myroo Skincare Superfood Balm Fragrance Free
I've previously written a brief overview of the Gentle Cleanser, Skin Boost Facial Serum and Lip Balm and these are products I still highly recommend. The Superfood Balm (fragrance free) is new to me so I want to give that my attention. The formulation is very interesting and lives up to its name. Ingredients include mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. This balm is super soft, it easily scoops from the jar and comfortably massages across skin. It's one of those product that can be used for every little dry skin emergency, perfect for knees, elbows, heels, cuticles and when used overnight you can give yourself an intensive treatment. When I first received the Superfood balm I was suffering from a cold so I immediately applied generously to my face. Even with the softest of tissues I can still end up with an eczema breakout across my nose and upper lip because my skin is so delicate.

I believe Myroo is a brand that you can put trust in to offer wonderful natural ingredients and deliver results. Definitely check them out if you haven't done so already.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples

24 April 2018

Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade, Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum, Sukin For Men Shaving Gel
(Gifted)

Let's jump straight into this month's review for Love Lula as I'm sure you are all interested to hear my thoughts on these natural and organic skincare products.

Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade
A fantastic product name that sounds so inviting. When choosing skincare I am quick to assess an ingredients list for suitability and with papaya I know we are off to a good start. The SOS marmalade is a multi-purpose balm to aid all those little skin care emergencies like dryness, irritation, bites, cuts and scars. Alongside papaya there is almond oil, coconut, hemp, mango, jojoba, shea butter, calendula, buriti and chia seed. You need to scoop the balm from the jar but once it hits the warmth of your skin it transforms into oil making it a delight to massage across your skin. The comfort factor is super important if you experience eczema because your skin is delicate and you don't want to drag a product across the surface as it can be painful. 

Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade is formulated without essential oils so it has a natural, fairly neutral scent from the ingredients. I initially started testing on dry skin but then I had a rotten outbreak of dermatitis across my chest. I had even drawn blood from scratching. After patch testing I applied the Papaya SOS Marmalade overnight and it made a huge difference. Irritation had calmed by morning and my skin looked much better. I’ve continued applying as and when needed. It's worked fantastically at treating the condition and I'm super impressed with the results. I can’t promise everyone gets miracle results but definitely worth a shot if all else has failed. The Green Beauty market is full of amazing balms so I champion this one based on the ingredients. It is sometimes hard to find a balm that is suitable for Vegans but Ere Perez ticks that box. 

Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum
It’s no secret that I love serums so again Ere Perez was an obvious choice. I was intrigued by the ingredients and vibrant green colour. The formulation is quandong (for vitamin C), chlorophyll, spinach, alfalfa, raspberry seed and Sodium hyaluronate (the salt of hyaluronic acid and it has lower molecular size). This serum feels like water and I find it works best mixed with other products. Curiosity may have got the better of me with this one. I’m appreciative of the formulation but I’m not completely sold on whether I need the extra step in my routine. The jury is out but if you are a skincare junkie then I think you’ll feel that pull to try it. I'm sitting on the fence with Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum, it is a lovely product but it's not doing anything special for me to ditch everything else I'm using.

Sukin For Men Shaving Gel
You may remember last month I selected the Sukin body wash from the same line. Have you noticed how shaving products in the Green Beauty world are marketed to men? You’d have thought there could be unisex marketing and packaging. When shopping online I always have to hit up the Men’s section to find shaving products rare that you see them listed under women's beauty.

My husband and I usually opt for a solid shaving soap. Since we have only tried a couple of natural shaving gel/creams over the years I was curious about Sukin. As with the body wash this is free from linalool which makes it a great option for me. It contains baobab, Tasmanian pepper, sesame and chamomile. The fragrance isn’t overpowering and has a hint of citrus spice probably from the cinnamon, lime and mandarin. The pump dispenser is handy for in the shower, cuts down mess in comparison to a soap dish and I don’t need a shaving brush for application. The gel doesn’t generate a bubbly lather, it's creamy but easily softens skin and protects from the blade. I like how my legs feel during and after shaving. My husband has used on his face without any complaints. Overall I think it’s a good product to consider so don’t put off by the labelling.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them? If you missed my reviews for February then follow this link - The Handmade Soap Company, Santaverde, Organii

Sarah x

27 November 2017

Review Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream & Face and Body Oil
If you’re not familiar with Organii they are an affordable organic vegan brand with top to toe products suitable for all the family. They recently launched Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream and Organii Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil, both are intended for very dry and sensitive skin and may be suitable for those prone to eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.

I've an interesting fact for you if you are a natural skincare nerd like me. If you know Gentle Green Soothing Cream then I can tell you that they have partnered with Organii so it's the same formulation just under a different name. I was already familiar with the popularity of Gentle Green through judging on the Free From Skincare Awards, in 2013 they won Gold in the Problem Skin category. Sadly, I’m not going to be able to review the Intensive Organic Soothing Cream as it does list linalool in the ingredients so I’ve pass it on to a friend who has psoriasis. I’m intrigued to see how they get on with it and initially they have been positive about the product. 

The Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil is free from essential oils which means I don't have to concern myself with those allergens. The blend of ingredients is sunflower, rosehip, nettle leaf, chickweed and ribwort plantain leaf, the latter is one I’m not familiar with. Rosehip is an ingredient that I find works well for my skin and one that I always look for in skincare. This Organii oil has a rich orange colour and easily sinks into my dry skin. It's a good all rounder which you can use across the whole body. I think affordability of products when it comes to eczema is very important as it can be a demanding skin condition so my only criticism with this body oil would be the price point. 

As I mentioned at the start, Organii is worth considering for the entire family and so I am more than happy to recommend them to readers. Have you used any Organii products? Do you have a favourite?

Sarah x

Disclaimer: PR samples

31 October 2017

Favourite Fragrance Free Natural and Organic Skincare for Sensitive Skin
I thought I would write a round up article of all the fragrance free/unscented products which I love to use. When I talk about fragrance free I’m referring to formulations which do not contain artificial fragrance or natural scents from essential oils. Why do I choose this type of product? For me, it lowers the risk of skin reactions and in 2015 I was diagnosed with sensitivity to linalool (which occurs naturally in some essential oils).

Cleansers
My absolute favourite unscented cleanser has to be Handmade Naturals cleansing oil. It’s a delicious blend of Japanese Camellia, Rice Bran, Coconut oil and Monoi de Tahiti oil. I would also recommend Mallow & White Soothe Unfragranced Cleansing Oil, Siskyn Hot Cloth Cleansing Oil and Rossi Uvema Rice Bran & Borage Seed Face Cleansing Oil. If you prefer balms then look at Alucia or Harbour Elements. I’ve tried a number of fragrance free cleansing creams over the years but nothing has left a lasting impression. Regular readers know that I love Odylique Creamy Coconut because it’s free from linalool but it does contain limonene (from lemon oil). 

Moisturisers/Facial Oils
One ingredient oils such as Rosehip or Baobab are easily found but I have two hero products, Odylique Superfruit Concentrate and Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil. It’s the blend of ingredients which I enjoy most and they both work beautifully on my skin. Alternatives to try are Lyonsleaf Unscented Marshmallow Soften & Rejuvenate Facial Oil, Silvan Skincare Skin Therapy Extra Gentle Face oil or Myroo Skin Boost Facial Serum (available Fragrance Free). If you prefer a traditional moisturiser then I like Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream. I’ve not found other fragrance free creams that I enjoy as much. I highly recommend Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew and Antipodes Rejoice, they are linalool free but technically not fragrance free as scented with vanilla.

Haircare
You all know exactly what I’m going to mention.....yes it’s my beloved Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo. My favourite conditioner isn’t fragrance free but I can point you towards John Masters Organics Bare products and Green People has scent free shampoo & conditioner. I’m not sure if fragrance free styling products exist as I currently use scented products. 

Bodycare
I use plenty of plain shea body butters and they are widely available but I don't favour a particular brand over another. I think the nicest unscented body oil and cream I have used to date is the Ermana Soothe Mama Oil and John Masters Organic Bare Body Lotion. Both products perform well and keep my skin hydrated. I recently discovered Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil. In the shower I like to use John Masters Organic Bare Body Wash but alternatives to try are Green People Scent Free, Desert Essence Fragrance Free or Odylique Aloe Vera body wash.

Do you have a favourite unscented skincare product? Have you tried any of the ones I've mentioned?

Sarah x

24 October 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah x

17 October 2017

Review Sukin Paw Paw Ointment
(PR sample, affiliate link marked *, price correct at time of publication)

If you delve into the archives you’ll know that I declared my love for paw paw balm from the start. I wrote about three different brands and during that time my favourite closed their business. I guess over the years other multi-purpose products came my way and I never re-purchased. When Sukin, a brand I already enjoy using, came to me with a press release for their new paw paw ointment it certainly sparked my interest.

19 September 2017

National Eczema Week 2017 Natural Skincare for those prone to eczema
Disclaimer - PR samples

Eczema is part of who I am. I'm very fortunate that the atopic eczema I experience as an adult is very mild in comparison to my childhood but it doesn't make it any less irritating. There are different types of dermatitis so it has to be treated individually but letting people know what you use can perhaps help narrow down choices. I'm mindful of recommending products because what works for one person might not be the answer for someone else.

As it's National Eczema Week (16-24 September 2017) I thought I would bring together some brands who have recently approached me. These products have been formulated by people who have first hand knowledge of eczema and whilst they can't label them as eczema products (because that's a medical claim) the ingredients have been chosen based on suitability for sensitive skin. This in theory should help reduce the likelihood of irritation but of course with every product I must stress that you patch test first.

Honest Elements Truly Gentle cleansing balm certainly lives up to its name. The formulation is fragrance free and contains natural ingredients but Honest Elements make sure to avoid natural allergens and irritants. The cleansing balm is lovely to use and transforms from gel to milk with a splash of water. This product is British made, suitable for vegans and cruelty free.

Mrs Frisbee offer a fragrance-free service which could be ideal if you have sensitive skin prone to reactions. I often find avoiding essential oils can be beneficial at times of flare up.

Poppy's Natural Skincare Soothing Neem & Chamomile Balm has been formulated with eczema in mind. The key ingredients of Neem and Chamomile are known for soothing properties and helping to treat dry and sensitive skin. Poppy kindly formulated my balm without linalool something which they can do for customers. I've also been using the Unfragrance Super Moisturising Body Butter which is a simple blend of shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, almond oil and cocoa butter. It's super rich with a lovely light whipped texture and ideal for very dry skin.

XO Balm was created by founder Charlotte, a long-term sufferer of contact dermatitis. XOBalm is a natural, multi-purpose balm containing emollient ingredients ideal for sensitive, dry and eczema prone skin. Free from preservatives, sulphates and fragrance. Packaging is a mirror compact tin with applicator perfect for daily use. As the formulation contains beeswax I find the balm very firm so you need to scoop and warm it up before applying.

Visit www.eczema.org to find local events in your area for National Eczema Week. A past post that might be of interest - 7 Tips for managing Eczema - speaking from personal experience

Sarah x

6 March 2017

Mothers Day Gift Ideas Natural Organic Vegan

Mother's Day in the UK falls on Sunday 26 March 2017. I appreciate that it can be a difficult time for some but I am lucky to enough be able to shop for my Mum. I've put together a selection of ideas which I think anyone would like regardless of the occasion.

Pure Thoughts - I've chosen from this site the Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak as it sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Not only is this bath soak suitable for Vegans, it does not contain SLS and artificial colours and fragrances.

Sugar Loaf Soap Company - have a lovely collection of gifts. I particularly like the draw string jute bag containing rose geranium heart shape soaps. Hop across to Sugar Loaf's facebook page and you'll discover a code for 15% off gifts during March.

Skin & Tonic - everyone loves a lip balm so that is why I picked out this set from Skin & Tonic containing all four of their certified organic balms.

Kiss the Moon - I discovered Kiss the Moon at last years Free From Skincare Awards and they focus on night time well-being. I picked out the Dream After Dark Balm which is pulse point balm with a blend of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood. I recommend checking out the entire range of products.

Evolve Organic - you all know I have some favourite Evolve products so no surprise I'm recommending their gift sets. The one picture above contains luxury trial sizes of Superfood Shine Shampoo, Superfood Shine Conditioner, Nourishing Hair Elixir.

Nectar & Bumble - this site is full of beautiful gift options but may I suggest the Beefayre Mummy Bee Votive Candle, a natural wax candle with lavender & geranium essential oils.

Vegan Chocolate - most of us enjoy a sweet treat so can I suggest to you the delicious Ethico, Consider It and Booja Booja

Sarah x

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.

Instagram

Sugarpuffish. Theme by STS.