coconut oil
29 April 2013
I find it very hard to judge a heat protection spray. What I try and rely on is how my hair feels. I look for whether it feels unusually dry or frizzy or soft and smooth. It can also be hard to tell because I am never too sure what is as a result of the spray or from a conditioner.
When I reviewed the Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist, I was pretty certain that it was working some magic on my hair but I wanted to try something else for comparison. I switched to Desert Essence Coconut Hair Defrizzer and Heat Protector. I think I stuck with this one for about two or three weeks and then repurchased the Giovanni.
In all honesty I can’t quite put my finger on why I dislike the Desert Essence but I am definitely not happy with it. I have been switching around my hair care products and experimenting with combinations but I am almost certain that Giovanni is the better of the two. It is the one I reach for more often. I always feel that my hair is soft and smooth with the Giovanni. With the Desert Essence my hair feels rough to the touch when I sweep my hands or straightening irons over it. I wonder whether ingredients are the key to why I feel a difference. The Giovanni is argan oil based but as the name suggests the Desert Essence is coconut oil. On my skin coconut oil is amazing but perhaps it’s not so great for my hair type. Prices for the two products are comparable when looking at ml for ml value. The Giovanni RRP is £7.99 for 118ml and the Desert Essence is £11.39 for 237ml.
Overall, I am not really sure whether to recommend this product or not. I think the fact that I do not reach for it very often, speaks volumes for how my gut feels about it. To some people it may be an amazing product so I certainly would not want to discourage you from trying it. As always let me know your thoughts if you have experience of using these products.
Sarah x
In all honesty I can’t quite put my finger on why I dislike the Desert Essence but I am definitely not happy with it. I have been switching around my hair care products and experimenting with combinations but I am almost certain that Giovanni is the better of the two. It is the one I reach for more often. I always feel that my hair is soft and smooth with the Giovanni. With the Desert Essence my hair feels rough to the touch when I sweep my hands or straightening irons over it. I wonder whether ingredients are the key to why I feel a difference. The Giovanni is argan oil based but as the name suggests the Desert Essence is coconut oil. On my skin coconut oil is amazing but perhaps it’s not so great for my hair type. Prices for the two products are comparable when looking at ml for ml value. The Giovanni RRP is £7.99 for 118ml and the Desert Essence is £11.39 for 237ml.
Overall, I am not really sure whether to recommend this product or not. I think the fact that I do not reach for it very often, speaks volumes for how my gut feels about it. To some people it may be an amazing product so I certainly would not want to discourage you from trying it. As always let me know your thoughts if you have experience of using these products.
Sarah x
11 February 2013
I thought I would give you a quick look into my current skin care routine. Since drafting this post I have finished up my Pai Cleanser and haven't brought a new one as I'm using up some samples.
Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - I wrote a review the other day for this cleanser so I won't bore you all again.
Antipodes Ananda Antioxidant-Rich Gentle Toner - I picked this up in the January Sales. I normally would use the Resurrect toner but decided to give this a try. It's fantastic and I'm completely in love with it.
Livpurely Coconut & Vanilla Moisturiser - as much as I love my Dr Organic Pomegranate cream the cold weather has been too harsh so I dug this product back out of my stash. I am loving this as a facial moisturiser. The bottle pictured is empty as I transferred the contents into a pot for ease of use.
Lip Balms - I have a stash of lip balms, all of which I love and think are fantastic. I like having a variety of flavours to suit my moods. I only use 100% natural lip balms.
Sprout Shea Butter - this is what I use on my body and eczema, it does a great job of keeping my skin in tip top condition.
Dr Organics Manuka Hand Cream - despite having many hand creams dotted around my home, this is the one that works best for me in the current cold temperatures.
As you can see I keep things very simple. I don't believe in using lots of products it's not appropriate for my skin type. I also like to stick to one product until it runs out and then I either decide to repurchase or try something new. Having several specific products on the go at once, e.g. moisturisers or cleansers, sends my skin bonkers.
Have you tried any of the products I am using?
Sarah x
Sarah x
19 January 2013
UPDATE 2021: 10 years on and Tropic Skincare has gone through several changes and now boasts a vast collection of products. My original review may be outdated due to product changes but it remains on this page for reference. The image has been updated and shows the latest version of the products mentioned in this review.
Tropic Pure Plant Skincare is a natural brand which I have known for a few years, long before I had a blog. It has changed a lot since I first used it but products never fail to impress me. The range continues to grow and recently two Organic Luxury Oils have been added to the collection. I have been sent the White Frangipani & Magnolia to review.
The first thing that catches your attention is the elegant glass bottle. The silver tear drop at the top unscrews to allow you to pour the liquid. The ingredients are some of my favourite oils – coconut, rosehip, jojoba and macadamia. What is great about this product is that it is versatile. Use it as a body moisturiser, massage oil, bath oil, nail & cuticle or hair treatment.
The oil is solid at room temperature you need to warm the bottle in warm water to transform it to liquid. Any Elemis fans reading this will probably be thinking of the similarity with Frangipani Moisture Melt. This is not a quick fix product you need to set aside some time for a pampering session. Have the bottle in the sink whilst taking a shower or float it in the bath so it is ready to use when you have relaxed. It is a beautiful silky oil which sinks into my skin with ease (I am dry like the Sahara). If you are familiar with Frangipani you will know it is a heavy and exotic aroma. However, if you are not a fan of this feminine floral then maybe try the Bergamot, Lime & Neroli. Overall, it’s a beautiful product and perfect for anyone who likes a home spa treatment.
If you are interested in other reviews I have written for Tropic Skincare, please click the links - Polishing Mask, Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream and ABC Collection
Sarah x
7 September 2012
UPDATE 2018 - SW Basics is no longer available at the website listed below, you can find it at A Beautiful World
CutECOmetics got in touch and asked me if I would like to try a product from the Sprout skincare line which they have started stocking. Sprout is a US company making products that are 100% truly natural using five ingredients or less. They are also Fair Trade, ethically sourced and organic. Sounds awesome and totally up my street hence why I accepted the offer to test a product.
I have been using the Sprout cream which is made
from Wildcrafted unrefined shea butter,
Extra-virgin coconut oil and Extra-virgin olive oil. You know me I am forever harping on about the
amazing benefits of shea butter and coconut oil. It would be pretty hard for me to not to like
this cream. It smells delicious for
starters. It has a soft butter
consistency which transforms to oil when it comes in contact with body
heat. This is a cream suitable for the
face and body which leaves skin silky smooth and soft. In my opinion, it is the simplicity of this cream which makes
it so wonderful. It goes to show you
do not need synthetic fillers. I can not be without shea butter so I would be more than happy to purchase this product.
The rest of the range is small but
perfectly formed and includes cleanser, toner, makeup remover, exfoliant, body
scrub and lip balms.
Sarah x
Disclaimer - PR sample, 100% my own opinions, links are not affiliated
Sarah x
Disclaimer - PR sample, 100% my own opinions, links are not affiliated
26 July 2012
(* indicated gifted PR sample)
I thought I would write a little update on my current skin care routine. These are products that I have been using for a number of months and have repurchased.
I thought I would write a little update on my current skin care routine. These are products that I have been using for a number of months and have repurchased.
Dr Organic Manuka Face Scrub – it takes me ages to finish a tube, but this is my 2nd purchase since reviewing
Dr Organic Manuka Face Mask – a recent purchase, I do not use face masks on a regular basis but have found myself reaching for this one. Look out
for an upcoming review.
Bodhi – I quickly
fell in love with this brand and have gifted to friends, pictured here is Mint
The which was a Birthday Gift, I absolutely adore this fragrance. It’s fresh
and perfect for summer weather. I also think it helps unblock my stuffy nose, a symptom from hayfever.
Livpurely Coconut & Vanilla Moisturiser – this was part
of a beauty swap and I adore it, the fragrance is heavenly.
Dr Organic Pomegranate Cream – a wonderful budget
moisturiser and a little goes a long way, I am still using the same jar which I reviewed in April.
Tropic Pure Plant Vitamin Toner – a rediscovery which I am
enjoying every day.
Organic Surge Mositure Boost Shampoo – I think this is now my
third tube, I like how it lathers, it is affordable and does not irritate my scalp.
Giovanni 50/50 Conditioner – this is my second bottle it takes me
several months to use this product up as I need the tinest amount, a great
conditioner which has yet to be beaten.
Deep Steep Body Mist – I am still using up the same bottle
that I reviewed several months back, I do not use daily as I am a bit forgetful
but I love the fragrance, perfect to freshen up with.
Salcura Gentle DermaSpray – I have just repurchase my second bottle,
resurrected from a drawer, I now can not be without, by far the best product
for my eczema, the spray is cooling and calms itching. A little tip for eczema sufferers is to keep creams/spray in fridge, the cooling sensation can be very nice especially if skin is hot and sticky from warm weather or irritation.
100% Organics – At the moment I try a new cleanser every month and this is
the current one which I have been using every day.
Green People Eye Cream – this is the same tube I reviewed, I often forget to apply but I do like this, lasts ages and budget friendly.
Green People Eye Cream – this is the same tube I reviewed, I often forget to apply but I do like this, lasts ages and budget friendly.
Antipodes Rejoice Day cream* – can you believe this is the
same tube I reviewed back in May. It’s like
Mary Poppins handbag it never runs out. I have used this once a day since it was sent
to me, defiantly great value for money.
Let me know if you have tried any of these products. Also did you enjoy this post would you like to see them on a regular basis?
Sarah x
Let me know if you have tried any of these products. Also did you enjoy this post would you like to see them on a regular basis?
Sarah x
24 April 2012
UPDATE 2022 - this product is no longer available, you can seek alternative coconut oils from the following brand - Handmade Naturals
Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention in natural beauty circles due to its amazing health and beauty benefits. The Livpurely Organics Coconut Oil Moisturizer with Vanilla (pictured above) was part of my beauty swap with Mary of Pure Makeup. This product is free from chemicals, preservatives, alcohol and solvent. The ingredients are simply coconut oil and vanilla, nothing else.
When it comes to scents I am definitely attracted to food smells. I adore Coconut and Vanilla so it has been instant love with this product. The scent is not overpowering but it does make me hungry. I love the Caribbean cupcake scent (that's how I describe the fragrance). For me it lifts my spirits and I can not stop sniffing my skin. This is coconut oil so it is packaged in a bottle with a pouring spout but it also comes with a spatula. When I first received this I placed the bottle in some warm water to turn it back into an oil. I had assume it had solidified in transit, after all it had just travelled on a plane from USA. Trouble is it does not stay liquid for very long (less than 24 hours). Since I have been unable to keep this product in oil form it currently remains solid and I simply use the spatula to dig it out of the bottle. If you rub the product in between your palms, it melts easily and can then be applied to your body. The bottle does say to store in a cool dry place and warns that it may solidify.
I love this moisturiser. When I first used it I was very surprised how light and non greasy it feels on my skin. It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Although this is suitable for face and body, I prefer this on my body.
If you do not like vanilla you can choose from coconut oil with blood orange, or lemon or lime, alternatively there is a plain coconut.
Who else love coconut oil? What do you use it for?
Sarah x
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