body scrub

20 June 2021

Bloomtown, Butterwhips and Grüum
(gifted/unpaid)

Here we are again with a round up of products I've been testing from Love Lula. An important note for readers with allergy prone sensitive skin, these products are fragrance free and do not contain essential oil allergens.

Bloomtown The Spring Sweet Almond & Shea Sugar Scrub - I know this brand having sampled their products on the judges table for the Free From Skincare Awards. Over the years I have stayed away from exfoliating because my delicate skin can't handle it and it can be damaging. Saying that the one place that gets a yearly scrub is my feet as my tough trotters can handle the course sugar grains which I can't tolerate anywhere else on my body. I'm really bad at looking after my feet. I'm guessing most of us have had that moment of panic when the sun starts shining, the flip flops came out and the horror of cracked heels are unveiled to the world. Bloomtown sugar scrub is course and gritty but with the right amount of oil to give moisturisation and not a trip to A&E (slippery bath tubs are not what we want). Spring is the unscented version but there are five fragrant options in the sugar scrub collection. It comes in two sizes, I have the smaller 60ml jar which gives the perfect amount to road test before investing further. Overall a good product but I'd use sparingly as over exfoliating skin can cause issues.

Butterwhips Perfectly Pure Apricot Whipped Butter - If you enjoy using shea butter for hydrating your skin then I am sure this brand will appeal to you. Rich and luxurious which works well for dry skin. I have been using this butter on my legs which leaves them feeling silky smooth and lasts the day. I'd sum up Butterwhips as simple recyclable packaging with honest and straight forward ingredient formulation. Fragranced versions are available.

Grüum Pür Gentle Moisturiser - having previously shopped directly with Gruum to purchase their facial sunscreen. I'd refer to Grüum as affordable, uncomplicated, genderless and no gimmicks. The gentle moisturiser isn't promising to deliver any miracles but it will hydrate as expected. It's a lightweight lotion which works well on my mature, naturally dry skin. I will say that my skin generally glows in the summer months so it's easier to look after in comparison to the dryness of winter. The only criticism I have is with the packaging. The compact size is great to reduce waste but I struggle to squeeze product from the bottle. I have to shake hard, hold upside down and nudge the cream out. 


Sarah x

7 July 2020

BAO Skincare Natural Organic Vegan
(Gifted PR Samples)

At the heart of BAO Skincare is its founder Beth who created her organic and vegan products to managed sensitive skin. I think it would be fair to say it's a familiar back story as to why Beth started creating her products. Many of us turn to a holistic and natural lifestyle when experiencing skin issues or ill health. BAO skincare is handmade in Dorset and formulated without the synthetic ingredients that many of us choose to avoid. When using preservatives BAO states they will be free from palm oil. Products such as balms, salts and scrubs are formulated without water and do not require the same preservation systems. You can also be assured that products are certified by COSMOS Soil Association and The Vegan Society. I was kindly sent a couple of products from BAO's skincare range so let me talk you through my thoughts. For my readers with sensitivities please note these products contain nut oils and essential oil fragrance allergens.

Brightening Hand Cream (with sweet orange & geranium) - a light texture cream infused with the scents of orange, geranium and may chang. The formulation includes moisturising oils of avocado, macadamia, apricot, shea butter and sweet almond. The glass bottle with pump not only looks stylish but it's practical and recyclable. BAO hand cream doesn't feel sticky or greasy yet it hydrates the skin with lasting performance. You can pair this with Brightening Hand Wash for a complete hand care routine. Overall it's a lovely hand cream which I am sure many people would enjoy using.

Luminosity Body Scrub (with coconut & grapefruit) - I don't naturally gravitate towards scrubs but I can experience flaky skin with seasonal changes so I need to tackle that a couple of times throughout the year. I think the recyclable aluminium pouch is not only creative but practical, it's resealable and safer than glass jars. The scrub isn't swimming in oil and drier than others I have tried. This isn't a criticism as I prefer this type of formulation, some body scrubs are impractical and leave you with a dangerous slippery bath/shower. The scrubbing action comes from cane sugar but also includes green clay, almond oil, apricot kernel, coconut and cocoa butter to help moisturise the skin. It has a delicate scent from grapefruit, may chang and red mandarin. I found the scrub comfortable to use and it didn't leave my skin red raw but was suitably rough to be effective in removing visible flaky skin. That being said I would always advise caution when using scrubs as they disrupt the skin barrier.

I've enjoyed using the Brightening Hand Cream and Luminosity Body Scrub and appreciate the consideration that has gone into the naturally derived formulations. From my own experiences I am happy to recommend BAO Skincare and would suggest you visit their website to explore the full product range.

Sarah x

5 December 2017

I've been part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for a year and thought I might look at my favourite products that I've found through the site. I chose to work with Love Lula because I shopped with them long before I started blogging and outside of the program I continue to buy products.

13 July 2017

Love Lula Green People Pure & Light Pure Chimp Odylique
(Gifted PR samples)

Here we are again another round of trialling skincare selected from Love Lula. June product testing has been full of hits and misses as you will read.

Green People Organic Children Smoothie Berry Bath & Shower
Green People are a reliable well known brand and it’s nice to see Love Lula as a stockist. Most of you know I stick to fragrance free body wash but it does get a little boring however finding a suitable product free from linalool feels like mission impossible. I was delighted to discover that the smoothie berry range was suitable and already bought the conditioner from the range a few months back. I enjoy the aroma as I like food scents so raspberry and apple is very appealing, it’s not overpowering and very pleasant. Whilst the Smoothie Berry Shower gel is linalool free I still have to be mindful of other ingredients as I’m protecting myself against triggering dermatitis. You get a very good lather from this body wash because it does contain sodium coco-sulfate. I enjoy using the Smoothie Berry wash but my only criticism is with Green People’s marketing. I’ve mentioned this many times over the years and I will always be disappointed to see “no nasties” on the front of the tube.

Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub
If you adore the scent of coconut then this scrub is for you. Combined with the Green People shower gel it reminds me of sugary desserts and cupcakes. I am head over heels in love and no word of a lie that has NEVER happened with a scrub before now. I shy away from these types of products because of my delicate skin. The other day my dermatitis was super itchy so I took the plunge and very gently scrubbed. Wow not only did I feel relief but I’m certain that the coconut helps my dermatitis because of the beneficial properties to this ingredient. What I love most about the candy scrub is it’s not swimming in oil, simply the perfect amount which doesn’t leave greasy residue on skin or a slippery bath tub. Worth every penny, Odylique has done it again with another gorgeous product and that comes from someone who body scrubs once a year!
Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub
Pure Chimp Lemon Matcha Green Tea - 20g Pouch
A great size to try without too much commitment. Always nice to support smaller companies so worth a try if you enjoy green tea. Other flavour options are available.

Pure & Light Organic Essential Family on-the-Go Cream 
After reading the blurb I thought this cream might be a good one for my problem skin areas however I’ve been an idiot. I forgot that based on past experiences I think my skin doesn’t like tea tree. I want to be totally honest and testing hasn’t gone to plan. Despite this don’t let it put you off just be careful if you’re a delicate flower like myself. I can see how this on-the-go cream might be handy in your bag or medicine cabinet. I’d perhaps like to explore more from Pure & Light in the future.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts on them? If you didn’t see my May choices then follow the link - Inika, John Masters Organics, Madara, Rossi

Sarah x

15 March 2016

Bridal Beauty Pre-Wedding Skincare

April is wedding month and in preparation I have been giving my skin extra attention. I am very good at facial routines but I’ll admit I am lazy when it comes to my body. In the run up to the Wedding, my main priority is keeping things simple and trying to avoid eczema/dermatitis breakouts. I made a conscious decision not to try too many new products and at the beginning of March every Sunday is home spa day. I thought I would share with you some added extras which have become part of my new weekend routine.

Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Plankton Skin Remedy
I am not a regular user of masks, I am a little lazy but they can trigger my Urticaria, however, the Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Plankton Skin Remedy is safe for me to use. This product can be used as a cleanser or 10 minute mask and promises to “Restore brightness, increase elasticity and firmness. plump skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliate, rebalance moisture levels.” I will wear it whilst having a shower because I don't like masks to dry out completely and the steam will keep it slightly moist.

I shy away from scrubs because of my sensitive skin but this Estelle & Thild is lovely. It gives enough scrubby action without leaving me red raw. I am still careful and limit how often I use it but in the final weeks this is now part of my Sunday routine.

I am taking care to moisturise my body from top to toe after scrubbing. I'm using a combination of this Nathalie Bond body oil and Deep Steep Snowflake Body lotion (not pictured). I'm generally lazy with body products so I've promised myself to do this at least once a week.

I’m taking care of my hands because I want to show off my ring without feeling embarrassed about flaky skin. My hands take a beating in the winter months and I get very frustrated how dry they become. This Rather Lovely hand cream is unscented which eliminates irritation from essential oils. It feels nice and nourishing but without being heavy or sticky.

I ran out of weeks to squeeze in more haircuts so I have to go a little longer between cuts and colouring. In preparation for this I’m applying a hair mask every Sunday and using this one from Lulu & Boo. This is a good product which works well for me and helps combat dryness.

Lip Balms – Cray Rumors & Myroo
These are just a couple of the lip balms I currently have in my collection. The main reason for mentioning is again I’m putting in effort to have the perfect kissable lips! I want my lipstick to feel comfortable to wear and it helps to have skin in tip top condition. 

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR samples

16 February 2016

Review Estelle & Thild Cleansing Milk Fragrance Free and Body Scrub Violet
I’ve had my eye on Estelle & Thild for a long time so when I spotted products in TK Maxx I snapped them up. I scored the fragrance free cleansing milk and body scrub for £6.99 each, bargain! If you are not familiar with Estelle & Thild it’s a Swedish brand, products are organic (EcoCert) and free from ingredients such as PEGs, parabens, sulphates etc.

Cleansing Milk Fragrance Free Sensitive
Typically I shy away from cleansing milks as I like a thicker formulation but this one took me by surprise. It’s nice and creamy when massaged on skin and not at all milky to me. I’m enjoying using this product. I’m very keen on fragrance free at the moment because of my dermatitis and sensitivity to linalool so this one ticks that box. I simply remove with a damp muslin cloth and I’m left with happy, soft skin. 

Body Scrub Violet
Again another product I don’t regularly use because I find scrubs a painful experience and my sensitive skin often kicks up a fuss. However, this Estelle & Thild scrub is fantastic. It’s similar to what you might expect for a facial exfoliator with a cream base and small non scratchy scrubby bits (micro- crystals according to packaging). I honestly feel like I have found my true love with this body scrub. It doesn’t leave my skin red raw, I’m not gritting my teeth in pain and I’m left with beautifully soft skin. Also worth noting as it’s a cream based formula it rinses off easily and there is no greasy residue. 

Now here’s the sad news, whilst researching for this review I can see the cleanser has been reformulated and the body scrub is available in different scents plus packaged in jars. So whilst you might not be able to get these exact products, I’m hoping that my review can still give you confidence to try Estelle & Thild. I’m definitely going to explore more of the range in the future. In the UK you can purchase Estelle & Thild at Naturisimo.com 

Have you tried Estelle & Thild? Do you have a favourite product?

Sarah x

21 January 2016

Environmental Issues Ban Microbeads in Cosmetic Products
Back in 2013 I wrote a brief article about microbeads in scrubs. If you are unaware Microbeads are the little balls of plastic in an exfoliator that help you scrub away the dead skin cells. The problem is they are not biodegradable and find their way into our oceans which in turn threatens the marine wildlife. Fish are eating the microbeads and then you eat the fish! Why do companies use plastic? I'm guessing the simple answer is money, I am sure plastic is cheaper than natural alternatives. I really wish manufacturers (and consumers) would see past this and pay a little more to help protect the world around us.

The reason I decided to re-visited this topic is because the US has taken steps to ban plastic microbeads. President Obama signed into law the The Microbead-Free Waters Act on 28 December 2015 but now we need the UK/EU to follow their example. At present the UK Government is relying on a voluntary phase out by the European cosmetics industry but is that good enough? If consumers are unaware of the problem and products continue to be purchased that isn't much incentive for manufacturers to make the change. The site www.beatthemicrobead.org have set up a petition which you can sign. It needs to reach 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament. There is also an app to download enabling you to check products when out shopping. 

If you are looking for a facial scrub without microbeads and need a natural/organic recommendation, let me suggest Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator, Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Pearl ExfoliatorPai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant.

Sarah x

15 December 2015

review PHB Gentle Cleanser Olive & Plum for sensitive skin and eczema
You’ll have noticed that I mention PHB Ethical Beauty a fair few times in blogs and videos. They have a large product line and I have slowly been exploring some of the products mainly those from the fragrance free range. A couple of months back I bought the Gentle Cleanser with Olive & Plum and Avocado & Olive Sugar Scrub.

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.

3 February 2015

natural skincare on Etsy
My previous posts about Natural Skincare on Etsy have been popular so I decided to put together another one. You can read the previous two posts here - Etsy Wish List No 1 and Etsy Wish List No 2

Laila London - my attention was drawn to the beautiful jar and wooden spoon. This is bodycare which looks good enough to eat. A variety of scrubs and butters are available.  

Evy Jo & Co - Bath and skincare product that are organic, vegan and handcrafted in Montreal, Canada. I was drawn to the stunning photographs and elegant packaging. Pictured above is the Pink Clay mask and soap set.

French Girl Organics - this brand boast an impressive free from ingredients list "Almost 100% VEGAN, ORGANIC or WILDCRAFTED, with ingredients grown on our Urban Farmstead in Seattle, others from farmer friends in the Pacific Northwest or around the world." As well as skincare French Girl Organics have a line of lip tints and perfumes which caught my attention. 

The Holistic Science Co - another US based brand with great kerb appeal when it comes to packaging "our formulas contain no animal byproducts, parabens, petrochemicals, irritants, toxins or artificial colors." A lovely looking range which covers skincare and candles, pictured above is their mineral toothpaste 

Batty's Bath - a brand based in Canada with a range of skincare, bodycare and mineral makeup. I pictured above the Green Tea & Pineapple Liquid Facial Cleanser. When I saw this product I instantly thought of several bloggers who would probably like the sound of it

Sarah x

Disclaimer - not sponsored, no affiliated links, selection based on information provided on seller Etsy page and/or websites, I am trusting these companies have good ingredients. 

18 October 2014

frecklefarm organics
Back in March, I wrote a post about Global Natural and Organic brands I discovered on Etsy. Fast forward to the present and I spent another lunch break snooping around and here are the gems that caught my eye.

I think we can all see why I was drawn to Frecklefarm Organics. The super cute designed packaging is a winner but the product range also looks divine.

herb & root skincare
Herb & Root - With products like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Body Scrub and Spiced Vanilla Glaze Massage Oil, Herb & Root makes me hungry for dessert.

herbivore botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals - I like the look of the modern and minimalist packaging. Katie of katievibes.com informs me that their Blue Clay soap is one of her favourites.

I don't wish to bombard this post with lots of pictures but can I also suggest checking out - ELUCX, Metta Skincare, Ginger Chi, Coast & Clearing

Sarah x

Disclaimer - not sponsored, no affiliated links, selection based on information provided on seller Etsy page and/or websites, I am trusting these companies have good ingredients.

17 September 2013

You all know Deep Steep is one of my favourite brands. I have worked my way through hand washes, shower gels, body oil, body mist and foot stick. The scents are gorgeous but recently I have gravitated towards Lavender Chamomile. Back in July I picked up the Sugar Scrub out of curiosity. Body scrubs are not my favourite products but I am mindful that my flaky skin needs attention and I am prepping for a holiday in the sun. 

I like that this scrub comes in a tube, much better than having to stick damp hands into a jar. It is also not swimming in oil but it does contain shea butter and coconut oil which helps soften the sugar and leave the skin with a silky moisturised feeling. If the oil feels too much on my skin I simply wash down with shower gel to help remove some residue. The sugar granules are large and scratchy but I am not finding it too harsh as long as I use it in the shower on damp skin. I think Deep Steep’s lavender scent is perfect. It is a soft and gentle fragrance but not overpowering or reminiscent of your Grandma. 

If you like body scrubs I am 100% certain you will like this product. I defy anyone to say otherwise, a bold statement but you can’t fault this brand. The ingredients are good, in fact really good considering the price tag. Fear not if you don’t adore lavender and chamomile as much as I do as the sugar scub is also available in grapefruit bergamot, passion fruit guava and brown sugar vanilla. I satisfy my Deep Steep addiction via Feelunique.com and the sugar scrub currently retails for £9.95 (226g tube). 

Have you tried this Sugar Scrub?

Sarah x

1 August 2013


It crossed my mind the other evening, after my shower, that I have a bit of a lavender obsession. I always gravitate towards the fragrance when buying products. I love a clean and fresh lavender scent. It is a wonderful ingredient with many amazing properties such as -

  • anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties
  • can be used for treating headaches, insomnia, fever blisters, acne, disrupted digestion and even anxiety, stress and depression
  • may also help Eczema, Nausea, Nosebleeds, dry or chapped skin, Chapped or sunburned lips, Hay fever, Dandruff, Cold sores
  • Fresh Lavender is edible and can be added to cakes or raw chocolate

Some of my favourite lavender products are -

Do you enjoy products containing Lavender? Which are your favourites?


Follow me on

26 March 2013

Mimi's Miracle Natural Skincare
I went to the Vitality Show on Saturday. I'm not going to talk much about it because it tends to be a popular blogging topic. I think this was the fourth year I have visited but I did feel it was not as good as previous years.

You all know I like Niki's Organic Balms. She was at the show so I popped by for a chat. Niki pointed me in the direction of Mimi's Miracle and I decided I'd like to share this discovery with you. As you know I love to support small natural brands and Mimi's ticks all the boxes for me. The story behind the products is a familiar one. Mimi and her family suffer from eczema, allergies and psoriasis. After a recommended brand product flared up Mimi's skin her mother created the products as she saw a need for natural ointments for her family. Products are 100% natural and free from SLS, SLES, alcohol, parabens, lanolin, perfume and petrochemicals. They also do not contain nut derived ingredients as the family have first hand experience of this allergy. 

The range includes body butters, scrubs for face, body and feet, soaps and facial oils. Prices are fantastic value for money everything is under £8. I ended up buying the foot balm and I can not wait to start pampering my feet as the cold weather has left them in a terrible condition. Most of the creams are shea butter based and you all know I love my shea butter!

If you would like to learn more about Mimi's Miracle or buy products, please visit Mimi's website and Facebook page.

Sarah x

4 July 2012



Last year I picked up a Caudalie mini kit in France (review link) so I have been interested in trying more products from the brand.  Since the Beauty Exlixir does not appeal to me I decided to change things up in the bathroom and switch shower gels. I purchased Caudalie Pêche de Vigne Gel Douche aka Peach Shower Gel (£9 for 200ml). 

Ingredients are derived from plant origin and free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oils, SLS and animal ingredients. 

INGREDIENTS : AQUA (WATER), DECYL GLUCOSIDE*, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE*, GLYCERIN*, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), SUCROSE COCOATE*, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, CITRIC ACID*, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE*, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LINALOOL.* Plant origin 


The fragrance is fruity from peach but not sugary sweet. According to the description it also contains almond milk and mint leaf, the latter must be providing the fresh twist to the scent. Overall it is a nice every day shower gel which lathers well. I have not had any problems with skin irritation. There are three other shower gels in the range - Zeste de Vigne Shower Gel, Thé des vignes Shower Gel and Fleur de Vigne® Shower Gel


I also received with my order a free sample of Crushed Cabernet Scrub. I have only tried this once. It is fairly abrasive so I would not recommend for delicate skin.  I notice on the website it claims to have "slimming action".  This is not something that interests me but I am sure others out there will be keen to give this a try.  The full size does comes with a hefty price tag (£21.50).

Have you tried these products or any others from Caudalie?


Amendment 03/08/12 - It has been announced that Caudalie have been ban from using the BUAV Leaping Bunny Logo as they plan to sell in China. I feel very strongly about this and will no longer buy or support the brand with reviews. Click here to read an article from The Independent on this subject.

6 April 2012

Five Natural Ingredient Body Scrubs Free From Microbeads
(includes affiliates links)

Body scrubs are physical exfoliants that provide a satisfying and invigorating massage to freshen up and brighten skin. You may choose to use a scrub in preparation for applying fake tan, to smooth and soften rough dry skin or to free ingrown hairs from shaving. Natural scrubs are usually formulated with salt and/or sugar. The difference between them is sugar granules are rounder and feel less abrasive than salt. Body scrubs should be used in moderation and choose a product that feels gentle because some scrubs have harsh ingredients that can cause injury and tear the skin.

Botanicals Nourishing Sugar Body Polish - formulated with essential oils of Organic Wild Rose and Rose Geranium essential to soothe, tones and replenish the skin, blended with cane sugar and nourishing shea butter.

Evolve Tropical Blossom Body Polish - tropical scent with Tahitian coconut Monoi macerated in exotic Tahitian blossoms of Gardenia, it's sugar based scrub that turns from a clear balm into a creamy milk when combined with water.

Lavera Body & Wellness Smoothing Body Scrub - a budget friendly option, formulated with organic Coffee, organic Green Tea, organic Rosemary to  invigorate the mind and body.

Made By Coopers Blood Orange & Mango Body Scrub - a fruity scrub made from Himalayan and Dead Sea salt scrub with vitamin-rich mango butter and hydrating avocado oil. Also available in Coffee & Mint

Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub - feels luxurious and is made with cane sugar, it also contains exfoliating poppy seeds, coconut oil and cocoa bean butter which leave the skin feeling silky smooth. If you'd like 20% off Odylique products then use my code SUGARPUFFISH at checkout. Click here to read my review of Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub

Sarah x

Instagram

Sugarpuffish. Theme by STS.