facial oil

19 February 2022

Review Dee's Organics Soothe Facial Elixir and Petals & Clay Cleanser
(Gifted)

I've come to know Dee's Organics Skincare through the Free From Skincare Awards and Dee has also been in touch over social media. To give you a bit of background, Dee is passionate about skincare and has been working in reflexology and aromatherapy since 2003. She is also a Formula Botanica graduate so you know you should be in good hands with these products.

Dee's Organics Soothe Facial Elixir was the first product I tried. I was attracted to the beautiful formulation which includes prickly pear, chamomile and calendula. You'd naturally assume that this facial serum would be full of essential oil (and their allergens) with Dee's background in aromatherapy. I was of course delighted not to see that dreaded word 'linalool' on the label.

I find the Soothe Facial Elixir to be a gorgeous lightweight golden oil which feels soothing on my skin. As the name suggests Dee has this product in her collection because she has considered the needs of customers with sensitive and rosacea prone skin. Its natural fragrance is very mild so it comforts but never overpowers the senses. Something I appreciate as I easily sneeze at fragrance in skincare. This facial oil is suitable for all, it can be used whenever you choose and it's suitable as a makeup primer or post shave oil.

Dee has kindly adapted the Petals & Clay cleanser to suit my allergies but its original formulation contains lavender, chamomile and calendula flowers blended with brightening hibiscus and vitamin C. These are combined with kaolin clay, coconut powder and collodial oatmeal to draw out impurities and soothe sensitive skin. Powdered products are interesting to work with. For this cleanser it is recommended to add a few drops of water to half a teaspoon of powder in the palm of your hand and combine together. It can be a little messy but equally quite fun to use because it's unique from other cleansers. I image it is the hibiscus which gives the earthy red tones to this cleanser.

I recommend visiting Dee's Organics website to explore all of the products available. If you are in the local area you can also book bespoke facials and reflexology.

Sarah x

3 January 2022

Top 8 Natural, organic and vegan skincare for 2021
(includes items gifted by PR which have previously been featured on this website)

Happy New Year everyone! I thought I would have a look back at 2021 and let you know which products have made a lasting impression. 

I'd rarely used hand sanitiser before the pandemic because it can be very unkind to delicate, eczema prone skin due to the high alcohol content and fragrance allergens. Needs must over the past couple of years and I was grateful that one of my favourite budget brands launched a sanitising gel which was free from linalool. Since my initial review back in January you can guess we've been through several bottles of Organii Purifying Hand Gel.

In March it was Silvan Skincare Pure Face Cream that was a hit. I recall a lovely whipped texture with ingredients that are calming on sensitive skin. Finding a decent fragrance free moisturiser has been a mission for many years and this is up there with my favourites.

Since April I've been through several jars of Maison Meunier Skincare Gentle Cleansing Gel Balm. I like this cleanser because it's an balm-oil to milk formulation. It has a beautiful golden syrup like texture which feels great massaged into my delicate skin and can be easily removed with water or damp cloth.

Over the summer Lily & Rabbit added to their product range with a vegan soap bar collection. The Coconut soap has been a pleasure to use and the bar recently came to an end. I've been impressed with how well it lasted and of course how gentle it has been on my skin.

I'd always been a fan of Odylique Repair Lotion but it can back into my life in last year and has been here to stay. I use it top to toe including on my face. Despite the name it's not a watery, runny product and is very much a light but rich cream. I've been using it as a general moisturiser but it is perfect on itchy eczema patches.

I was on a huge cleanser kick in 2021 and the next product to win me over was Adaptology Red Avert Cleanser. I loved the beautiful and unusual blue colouration from Blue Tansy with an aroma that reminded me of candy. As I mentioned balm-oil textures are one of my favourites and this one did not disappoint. 

In November I wrote about Nudge Boutique Whipped Body Butter and it has been a joy to use. I've seen a lot of body butters over the years but this one stands out. Not only do I enjoy the coconut aroma but it rarely feels greasy on my skin. I've always had a sensory aversion to heavy products and I think it stems back to years of eczema emollients. It is probably a odd thing to mention but my skin doesn't feel overwhelmed or suffocated by this product.

I rounded off the year with a review of Terre Verdi ThéBianco Camellia Oil. I think it beautifully sums up my love of simplicity. Skincare doesn't have to feel complicated and there is joy to be found in stand alone ingredients.

I don't know about you but I'm already excited to see what I discover in 2022.

Sarah x

19 December 2021

Lucky Cloud Clean & Pure Unscented Natural Soap Bar
(Gifted)

Long time readers will know that my quest for unscented, free from essential oil skincare products is never ending. I am always trying to seek out the best natural products for people like me that experience allergies. With that in mind let me introduce to you a couple of new items that I've been testing.

This is another company who I am very familiar with and have gifted their products to friends and family. I thought it was time to try out their soap bars so naturally I gravitated towards the Unscented one (fragranced versions are available). Lucky Cloud handcraft their soap bars in Edinburgh and package the product in recycled sustainably sourced kraft boxes and print with eco-friendly toners.

Not only does this Lucky Cloud soap look beautiful with it's swirled edge, neutral colour tone and brand stamp but it performs well. Soap bars aren't exactly the most thrilling of skincare products. What I am looking for is a bar that holds its shape, remains sold throughout use (aka doesn't go mushy) and most importantly doesn't dry out my skin. Lucky Cloud ticks all these boxes and for those reasons becomes an easy recommendation to everyone.
I've known Terre Verdi since 2015 and Alessandra, the founder, participated in an event I co-hosted in 2016. This is a luxurious brand that is certified by Soil Association COSMOS, vegan and cruelty free approved. When I selected ThĂ©Bianco Camellia Oil, I was drawn to it because it stands out from the crowd in terms of an ingredient that offers something a bit different. According to the product write up this ingredient has been.... 

"widely used in Japan for centuries, white tea oil was incorporated into the daily skin and hair routines of Japanese women due to its highly beneficial skin properties. This 100% certified organic superfood for skin is cold pressed from the seeds of the Camellia Oleifera flower, also used to make white tea."

Apparently this oil is suitable during pregnancy and can be used on babies and children so I knew it was going to be perfect for my delicate skin type. It's rich in fatty acids and vitamins and good for all (dry, mature, acne prone and oily skins). 

Terre Verdi ThéBianco Camellia Oil can be used across the body, face and hair. I would describe this oil as dry and by this I mean it disappears quickly without leaving a greasy feeling to your skin. It really is a beautiful ingredient which I enjoy using on my face and body. Personally the simplicity of using a stand alone ingredient has always been appealing due to my reactive skin type. I am comfortable applying to delicate and sensitive areas of my body.

Sarah x

21 November 2021

Hydrate sensitive skin with Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum and Odylique Repair Lotion
(Gifted)

When the colder weather arrives I usually reach for the thickest of moisturising creams however this year it has been a little different. I adore luxurious facial creams but recently I've found the unpleasant effect of feeling too clammy and sweaty (I blame the hormones!). Through a little trial and error I discovered light layering suited me better and so far it has been the right decision. Currently my morning facial moisturising routine consists of Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum and Odylique Repair Lotion.

I'm already a regular user of the Green People Scent Free 24 Hour cream however having recently run out I took the opportunity to try the Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum. If you don't like facial oils then you might enjoy the texture of this serum. It's runny but feels cooling and lightweight. You don't require too much product and one pump seems sufficient for me. After cleansing my skin I apply the serum allowing time for it to sink in before following with up with other products. This mighty formulation contains Everlasting Flower, Chamomile, Tara Bush, Green Marine Macro Algae, Marshmallow and Aloe Vera, ingredients which are soothing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory. The Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum feels like to is working well with my skin type. My skin feels lovely and looks happy (by that I mean it feels free from irritations). I don't really ask for much more than that when it comes to moisturising. 

I've previously reviewed the Odylique Repair Lotion but if you haven't seen that post I shall give you a quick run down. Repair Lotion is for irritated, itchy skin on the face and body. It's lightweight and soothing, working quickly to calm skin. I am prone to eczema patches so this product is very handy to have in the bathroom cabinet. Even when I don't have irritated skin I still enjoy using Repair Lotion because it's a good staple all-rounder that I can rely on. I can comfortably use on my face knowing that it won't trigger or upset any underlying conditions. Layered on top of the Green People Calming Serum provides me with the type of moisturisation I am searching for. Dryness is kept at bay for the day and I can apply makeup over the top. Perfect as far as I'm concerned.

If you experience delicate skin but don't enjoy heavy creams or oils then consider trying one or both of these products. 

Sarah x

13 November 2021

12 Christmas Gift Ideas including sustainable stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts
(Unpaid/previously gifted items included/from Press Release or my own research)

Butterwhips Christmas Gift Set (Purple)
A duo of balms to help you relax and unwind. Warmly Relaxing is aromatic with bergamot and lavender to relax the body and Planted Feet contains peppermint and black spruce to ease tired feet and soften skin.

3 x Caroboo bars packaged in a bright cracker cardboard case. A treat for all but especially those with dietary requirements as these carob bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

A luxury brand with results driven skincare using ethically sourced and organic ingredients. The recyclable Miron glass packaging looks beautiful but also protects the integrity of the ingredients. The range consists of two facial oils, an eye elixir, powder-to-foam cleanser and a facial steam. I personally can recommend the Soothe Facial Elixir as I've tested it for myself, it has been formulated for dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.

A new conditioner bar to complement the fragrance free shampoo bar, The Sensitive One. It can be purchased full size, as part of a gift set (with the shampoo bar) or discovery size (30g - great for a stocking filler). Kind2 bars are vegan, plastic free, palm free, UK made and they plant a tree with every order.

Nourish have launched a beautiful new collection of gift sets. I have choosen to mention The Antioxidant Duo caught. This set contains Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm a cleanser, mask and intensive moisturiser and Antioxidant Peptide Mist, a make-up primer, hydrating skin protector and night-time soothing skin repair boost. Products are presented in a reusable fair trade organic cotton bag from Freeset.

As a skincare enthusiast with sensitivity to perfumes I'm often told I'm tricky to buy for, well not any more, it seems people forget that Fragrance Free is always an alternative option. This Body Care gift contains Fragrance Free Body Butter and 2 x 65g Oatmeal Handcrafted Soap slices

An adorable stocking filler and plastic free alternative to Kinder Surprise. Each box contains organic chocolate (which is vegan, dairy, nut and gluten free) plus a 3D puzzle and fun facts card to play with, learn with and collect. You can also purchase their chocolate separately if buying for older children and adults. I'm happy to recommend as I had a free sample at a Vegan Fair, the 'milk' chocolate is delicious and creamy.

A range of gift sets are available from Pure Thoughts. I've picked out the Peaceful Moments Gift Box which comprises of a Peace Meditation Candle, Lavender & Lemon Natural Handmade Soap and Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak. This set offers a calming blend of essential oils to help soothe a tired mind and body.

The range includes Bamboo Cutlery Set, Bamboo Straw Set and Bamboo Toothbrush. The cutlery and straw sets come with cotton carry pouches available in 8 designs. A total of 20p from every purchase is donated to 100 Tons of Plastic, a charity aiming to remove plastic waste from shores and seas while raising awareness about plastic pollution globally. Bamboo products are BPA-Free, sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. A perfect gift for anyone interested in living a sustainable lifestyle.

Formulated with gentle hydrosols rather than essential oils which makes Seilich more suitable for sensitive skin. Over 80% of the ingredients are grown in their wildflower meadow in Scotland, in addition to having Wildlife Friendly Certification. Several gift options are available and I've selected the Treatment Set containing three products which work together - a meadow face mask, meadow face oil and a seasonal hydrosol.

A present that fits through the letterbox is ideal for long distance gifting. The Self Care set contains Bath Salts in a kraft pouch enough for 2-3 baths, lip butter, fragrant wax melts, a Pukka tea bag and Green and Black Dark Chocolate

A discovery I made this year was the Bright Spark Enzyme Oil and it made a long lasting impression. It's a lightweight facial serum to help soothe and balance skin. A brilliant element to Wildefruit formulations is they use upcycled ingredients. This oil includes papaya, strawberry and blackcurrant seeds from jam and juice production that would otherwise go to waste.

Sarah x

31 October 2021

Pumpkin skincare for glowing skin
(not sponsored collated from research)

Pumpkin season is upon us and if you don't fancy carving them up for Halloween consider looking out for this ingredient in your skincare. The nutrients in pumpkin are mighty. It's full of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (omegas) and zinc which are ideal for dry, mature and damaged skin. If this sounds like an ingredient you need, then here is a little selection of products with pumpkin in their formulations-

Angela Langford Skincare A Little Lift - this plumping and firming serum contains electric daisies, frankincense, pumpkin seed, argan and hyaluronic acid to nourish, refine and hydrate skin.

Awake Organics Frankincense Brightening Serum - this is said to target fine lines and discolouration because it's contains Vitamins A, C and E found in Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed, Rosehip and Pumpkin.

By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil - a nourishing formulation which includes Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil that can be used day or night, all year round. It's also free from fragrance and essential oils so for me that makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

BYBI Acid Gold AHA Resurfacing Face Mask - an exfoliating face mask packed with natural AHAs to banish dulling, dead skin cells. The pumpkin enzyme in this mask derives from pumpkin flesh, a by-product of the pumpkin seed industry and usually gets thrown away.

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil - formulated with omega-rich oils to lift, firm and hydrate the skin. Improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It includes pumpkin seed for toning and protecting the skin.

Pai Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed 2-Step Stretch Mark Oil A fragrance free stretch mark oil and cream duo to support you through pregnancy and beyond.

Skin & Tonic Inner Glow Face Oil - packed with vitamin C, alongside rosehip oils to rejuvenate your skin and pumpkin seed oil for skin-loving vitamin E and nourishing omega oils.

Sarah x

25 July 2021

natural skincare routine for mature, sensitive, allergic, eczema prone skin type
(some of the products featured have been Gifted/Unpaid)

It has been a while since I took a snap shot of my skincare routine. Whilst my products do vary over time I try to stick to the same core principals - minimal (cleanse and moisturise), fragrance free and vegan friendly.

By Sarah London Raspberry Seed Cleansing Oil is a product I received back in April. I mention this because I want you to understand that I give products a lengthy testing before they get a write up. This cleanser is an oil that transforms into a light cleansing milk on contact with water. Long time readers will know these are my favourite types of cleansers. Oils are nourishing on my delicate dry skin and By Sarah cleanser promises to remove daily pollutants and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural pH balance. I would say that my experience would back up this claim as my skin always feels great and never stripped after using this cleanser. I'm more than happy to recommend this cleanser to anyone.

Green People Anti-Ageing Cream came back into my life in 2019 and it has pretty much been a staple ever since as I always have a back up in my drawer. Whilst I'm happy using this face cream during the winter months I do think it's a great summer addition. I find it provides the hydration I require without feeling heavy or greasy making it perfect for brief summer heatwaves. Green People have been around for years and I've been using them long before I established this website. I like the fact that they always have reliable scent free skincare and because of this I'm a loyal customer.

Wilde Fruit Bright Spark Enzyme Oil came into my life through judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. It went on to win Bronze in the Face Oils and Achievement categories. I was excited for their wins because I honestly felt so happy to have this oil in my routine. It's been a pleasure to test and I would purchase for myself. Wilde Fruit formulate with upcycled leftover ingredients from the food industry and this in turn helps to reduce waste. Bright Spark Enzyme Oil is suggested for oily, combination or blemish prone skin and my skin type is quite the complete opposite but it still works. Its formulated without essential oils, includes hemp, papaya, watermelon, cacay, tamanu with strawberry and blackcurrant seed oil upcycled from the production of jam and juice. I highly recommend giving this facial oil a try and I'm going to check out the rest of the Wilde Fruit product range.

I wasn't always successful in adding sun protection to my routine due to ingredient allergies. It's been a constant battle to find suitable products. You'll see that I recently reviewed Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch face sunscreen and I've been using it daily since June. It doesn't smell great but it works and that's all that matters to me right now.

I hope you have enjoyed this little overview into my current skincare routine. If you have any questions drop me an email or message on social media.

Sarah x

8 February 2021

favourite skincare for dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin
(features products I have purchased & PR Samples)

I thought it might be interesting to update you on my most recent skincare routine. I've downsized my collection during lockdown and I'm happy with the products I'm currently using. My skin has been through a rough patch over the past year and I had to focus on ways to address these issues. I feel like winter is a battle in comparison to the summer months. At this time my morning and evening routine is super simple, just cleanse and moisturise. I'm trying to maintain a balance so refrain from additional products to avoid further irritation. 

Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream - I'm on my third tube of this Lucy Bee cleansing cream. I like to use it in the mornings. It doesn't smell the best but it's fragrance free and I've always found my skin responds well to coconut oil. Often we believe that oils and balms are best for dry skin but depending on formulations it is possible for these types of cleansers to still feel stripping as wash off oils will behave differently to leave on products. I enjoy a lighter cleanser in the morning and that's why cleansing creams are my preferred choice.

Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm - Oils and balms are heavy duty making them perfect for dissolving dirt and makeup. I use them as part of my evening routine. Vemel is a recent discovery and I'm working my way through this jar. I like the ingredients and it seems to work well for my skin type; this is also fragrance free. My only negative thought is I do prefer a softer textured balm and this one is pretty solid in the jar.

Typology Almond Oil - single ingredient oils are what I turn to when my skin is at its worst. When I want a break from products I take my routine back to barely anything. I will cleanse and moisture with almond oil or apricot kernel oil. I don't really have a preference to which brand I use and I have Typology to hand at this time.

Madara Rich Hydra-Barrier CICA Cream - I'm in the process of drafting a full review on this product which I will publish soon. As the name suggests this cream is an intensive product. I have temporarily ditched other moisturisers in order to try and repair the skin issues I've been experiencing. This is currently the only product in my routine that contains fragrance.

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate - when not using the Madara CICA cream I will opt for an oil and for a number of weeks I have gone back to this old faithful. You know I have a soft spot for Odylique products and this Superfruit Concentrate Serum is no exception. I can always rely on it. The ingredients are not overly complicated and it just works for me. I'm always happy with how my skin looks and feels after using this facial oil.

Odylique Calendula Balm - I'll use this calendula balm on stubborn dry patches, it's suitable for use all over the body. I often experience eczema patches on my face and I dab some of this balm on to soothe my skin. 

Lyonsleaf Zinc & Calendula Cream - I've been using this product to manage a seborrheic dermatitis outbreak on my face and body. It's a rich cream which I use sparingly. When I first tackle a breakout I will apply every day and then when my skin feels better I just top up occasionally to try and prevent further issues.

If you'd like to compare my 2021 skincare products to what I was using last year, here's a link to that post - My Skincare Routine April 2020

Sarah x

17 November 2020

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

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


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

 

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

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

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

Sarah x

20 October 2020

Pamoja Skincare Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free
(gifted product)

You may recall my interview with Sarah founder of Pamoja Skincare back in lockdown. I had the pleasure to try Restore Multi-purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free through the Free From Skincare Awards. I'm keen to support small business and Sarah's journey to formulating skincare shares similarities to my own struggles. I feels this adds a level of trust which gives a unique selling point over their competitors.

I suffered severe skin sensitivities on my face and contact dermatitis. As a family living with food allergies, we were already conscious of what we were eating and the importance of fully understanding a product label. So, I began a journey to understand better what I was putting on my skin and found a solution in nourishing botanical ingredients jam-packed with nutrients, that would soothe, hydrate and protect my skin - Sarah, Pamoja Skincare

When you live with allergies there are so many hurdles to overcome and your day consists of reading labels. I'm always super excited to discover formulations without essential oil and Pamoja Skincare provide this choice to customers. For those of you lucky enough not to worry about allergies, there is the option to buy a fragranced version of Restore Multi-purpose Beauty Oil.

Restore Beauty Oil (essential oil free) is packed with interesting ingredients which includes Sacha Inchi, Kahai, Sea Buckthorn, Blackcurrant and Pomegranate. It's packed full of fantastic minerals and vitamins including Omega 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 essential fatty acids, vitamin A and E. Restore is a golden oil with a distinct natural earthy aroma similar to fresh cut grass. I've been applying in the evening after cleansing. The key is to apply to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. My skin absorbs the oil beautifully, feels fresh and hydrated. It can be use in the mornings and would make a good base for makeup. Packaging is simple, effective, nicely branded and practical with a push button pipette dispenser.

Restore is ideal for facial massage, nourishing dry, brittle nails and cuticles, softening elbows and knees, smoothing hair and soothing skin that's spent time in the sun and sea - making it a perfect multitasking holiday companion!

My final thoughts are that Pamoja Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free is a lovely facial oil which I'm very happy to recommend. I'm sure it would suit many skin types but especially appealing to people with sensitivity and essential oil allergies. If you would like to explore the product range in more detail then please visit Pamoja Skincare.

Sarah x

8 September 2020

Green People Nordic Roots Scent Free Cranberry Micellar Foam
(gifted PR sample)

I was very excited to learn of Green People's new skincare launch, Nordic Roots. Why was I so excited? because every product is scent free and I don't have to worry about fragrance allergens. I'm a long-time customer of Green People products, I trust the brand and I was keen to explore this latest addition.

Nordic Roots is inspired by the upbringing and heritage of Green People's founder, Charlotte Vøhtz. It celebrates native flora and fauna offering Scandinavian values of simplicity with scent free, gender neutral, clean and functional skincare that delivers results. Key ingredients include sugar beets, apple cellular water, hop flowers, oat kernel and Atlantic seaweed. Care and attention have also been applied to the packaging which is made with 25% grass, a renewable raw material that requires less water and energy during production. The Nordic Roots collection consists of four products - Hyaluronic Booster Serum, Scent Free Apple Complex Moisturiser, Scent Free Marine Facial Oil and Scent Free Cranberry Micellar Foam. 

Scent Free Cranberry Micellar Foam
A foam cleanser takes me out of my comfort zone as I usually opt for cream and oil products. This dispenses as foam out of the pump bottle and so naturally it's a very gentle and soft sensation when applied to skin. Your instructed to massage one or two pumps over the face and remove with a soft cloth and rinse with warm water. The key ingredients are antioxidant cranberry extract and apple cellular water to refresh and hydrate. Cranberry Micellar Foam is suitable for all but I can see the benefits of using on very sensitive skin. During the heatwave this cleanser was the one I reached for. It's ideal to use when you're feeling hot and sweaty as the lightweight foam feels refreshing, it's also a quick and easy cleansing process. I'd recommend following up with a toner if wearing makeup as on occasions I couldn't quite achieve the perfect level of removal and need that extra step. Cranberry Micellar Foam is still a little out of my comfort zone but I do find it an interesting and innovative new product. I would certainly look to purchase other products from the Nordic Roots collection.

If you would like to explore the Nordic Roots range or discover other products from Green People, please visit their website for further information - Green People Nordic Roots Skincare

Sarah x

3 June 2020

Pamoja Skincare vegan, palm oil free, free from allergens
(not sponsored)

Pamoja is a Swahili word which means ‘together’ and that feels like a great place to start this interview with Sarah, the founder of this wonderful natural skincare brand. Pamoja caught my attention because products are vegan, palm free and free from many of the major declarable food allergens. For those of you with sensitivity to essential oils they offer a fragrance free option.

23 April 2020

Clean Beauty Awards 2020 Caldera Lab winner of face serum category
(I received a parcel of products in 2019 so that I could participate in judging, it included the items pictured above)

Last year I once again participated in a judging round for the annual Clean Beauty Awards. A parcel of face serums landed on my doorstep and I set to work looking at formulas and putting products to the test. We're now at the point where the Winners have been announced in all categories and you can locate the full information here - www.cleanbeautyawards.com. The awards were launched by CertClean and recognises the best performing green beauty and personal care products from across the globe. This year there were 21 categories, 127 judges, 371 entrants and 146 finalists. Products were primarily evaluated based on overall performance and ease of use.

I'm delighted to see that two products I handled have succeeded in their category. The Winner of Face Serum is Caldera + Lab The Good. This brand was founded in the US by Stacy and Jared, they decided that there wasn't a green and clean men's beauty brand that stacked up against women's skincare. Their product is formulated with naturally superior ingredients backed by clinically proven results. Caldera + Lab is the first men’s skincare in the USA to be certified by both ECOCERT and MADE SAFE®.The Good is a lightweight all in one treatment designed to restore, nourish and protect the skin.

Runners up in the serum category were Immersion Botanica Rosehip Facial Serum for Dry/Damaged Skin and Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm Sensitive Skin Face Serum (the later was not in my judging parcel). Immersion Botanica was founded by Cydney who is passionate about nature and loves formulating herbal personal care products. The Rosehip serum is packed full of botanical ingredients which replenish and nourish. This is a face serum rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids. The clue is in the name with Okanagan, this is a family run farm on which they grow the plants and herbs used in their products. They compliment home grown ingredients with sustainably sourced, organic and Fair Trade oils, butters, essential oils and botanicals.

Participating in the awards process is always a delight. The awards are open to International brands but I think the large majority are based in USA and Canada so may not offer shipping to Europe and UK. If you have allergies please be mindful that labelling regulations are different outside of Europe. The biggest issue I personally come up against is many overseas brands are not detailing fragrance allergens however I saw an improvement on previous years when it came to INCI labels.

Congratulations everyone and I look forward to seeing what next year brings for the Clean Beauty Awards.

Sarah x

6 April 2020

Introduction to Lucky Cloud Skincare
Let me introduce you to Lucky Cloud Skincare. I recently made a gift purchase from them and wanted to offer support at this difficult time. Lucky Cloud Skincare are based in Edinburgh, Scotland and produce natural and vegan skincare. Products are handmade in small batches using plant based ingredients to formulate beautiful oils and balms. They have a fantastic ethos with recyclable packaging, no animal testing plus high quality and ethically sourced ingredients. Lucy, the founder of Lucky Cloud has struggled with sensitive skin and created products to try and address her needs. All products fully comply with the European cosmetic regulations and have been tested for their safety and stability by leading industry assessors. 

I encourage you to explore the product range especially if you love balms and facial oils. Lucky Cloud Skincare also have a range of solid soap bars but you need to be quick as at the time of writing only peppermint remains in stock. I am sure they will re-stock in the future so bookmark the page. I tend to judge a brand on their lip balm flavours and opt for food scents so coconut and vanilla are sure to be a winner.  

If you have the opportunity and means to support indie brands then now is your chance. Come back and let me know on social media what you purchased.

Sarah x

18 December 2019

Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive, Mature and Eczema prone skin
(some of the products featured have been gifted and previously reviewed)

It has been a while since I talked about my skincare routine and I thought it might be a nice way to round off the year. For anyone who is new to my blog for reference my skin is mature (I'm over 40) dry, sensitive, allergic and prone to eczema. I keep things very simple because I feel some times using too many products at once can contribute to eczema flare ups. I choose to avoid linalool (present in some essential oils) so many of the cosmetics I use are fragrance free.

I'm still very much a fan of cream cleansers and have switched back to Handmade Naturals Unscented Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser. It's a budget friendly option which I find effective and gentle on my delicate skin. It isn't scented with essential oils but has a lovely aroma from plum kernel oil. When I want to switch over to oil cleanser I generally opt for Handmade Naturals Cleansing Oil. I'm not currently using a toner, it's often the first item I skip when tightening the purse strings and it's also one of the hardest products to find without my allergens. My day cream is currently Green People Neutral Scent Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream. I recently ran out and repurchased so that should indicate how much I enjoy using this product. I feel it has been keeping my skin hydrated and soft throughout the day. In the evenings I switch over to a facial oil and I currently have two products on rotation, it really just depends on what mood. Myroo Super Boost Brightening Blackberry feels like a nice treat and a little different for me since I've never used Blackberry as a stand alone ingredient. I've also been reaching for Apothaka Comforting oil booster which I picked up in the Summer when judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. The ingredient blend includes cucumber, jojoba, macadamia, seabuckthorn, calendula and co-enzyme Q10. Both products are free from essential oils and helps maintain the balance to avoid further dryness.

I have some firm favourites when it comes to body products. Urtekram No Perfume Hand Cream currently lives in my handbag as the winter chill plays havoc with my hands and I'm battling constant dryness. On my bedside table I have Nature's Kitchen Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream to use at bedtime. Since my original review back in September I have continued to repurchase Organii Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel and team it with my Konjac Pink Clay Bath Sponge. My shampoo is still Odylique Gentle Herb and I'm working my way through a trio of Giovanni 2Chic Conditioners. I'm forever changing my mind on which one I prefer the most and it's a toss up between the Ultra-Moist and Repairing Conditioner. Before styling I'm still using the Evolve Organic Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir and it takes me about a year to get through the bottle as you need very little. 

I recently bought in TK Maxx Alba Botanica Very Emollient Shave Cream (Coconut Lime) and I wish I had discovered it a lot sooner. My legs are super flaky in the winter and shaving can become an issue because my skin bleeds however the Alba emollient shave cream helps to prevent this from happening. Keeping my legs and body moisturised feels like a full time job during Winter but Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream helps make the task a little more bearable and is effective at hydrating my skin. Regular applications are worthwhile to keep on top of flaky skin issues. If I want to target a specific patch of eczema my go to is Ere Perez SOS Marmalade balm, it's very soothing and quickly calms redness. 

I hope you have found this article of interest and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sarah x

15 October 2019

15 natural skincare brands with fragrance free products
(I have linked my reviews which include PR gifts & affiliate links are marked *)

For me the term "fragrance free" isn't just about artificial ingredients it also includes essential oils. I am someone with a sensitivity to linalool which is one of 26 fragrance allergens which needs to be declare on labels (when applicable to the formulations and present at a specific percentage). I thought I would offer readers a little recap list and recommendations for fragrance free products I've tested. I hope that some of you will find it a useful resource. As a heads up there is a mix of vegan and vegetarian friendly recommendations.

1. A'kin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser - one of the first brands I discovered on the start of my 'green' journey and to this day remain a reliable source of fragrance free products. The range includes hair, body and face products.

2. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser - a firm favourite of mine for many years for it's simplicity because this is coconut oil with no added ingredients. Balm Balm also have some balms and a body oil which are fragrance free

3. Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - worth checking out if you experience skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. A number of products are fragrance free and suitable for Vegans

4. Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - just one favourite from the amazing Superfoods series, totally free from essential oils but magically scented with the natural formulations, luxurious and beautiful.

5. Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum & Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter - I think (don't quote me) that majority of the Ere Perez skincare line is free from essential oils. The SOS Marmalade balm is a dreamy product and a total lifesaver when it comes to my eczema.

6. Ermana Soothe Mama Body Oil - the Soothe range is formulated without fragrance and includes balm, body oil (my personal favourite) body wash and lotion.

7. Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face SoufflĂ© - there are a couple of fragrance free options in the range,  this is a super rich formulation with simplistic ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. 

8. Green People Scent Free - probably one of the few brands that offer customers an extensive range of fragrance free products to include hair, face and body care including sun cream. Over the years I've reviewed a number of products from this line (moisturiser & hand cream review).

9. Handmade Naturals Unscented Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser - like A'kin this was one of the earliest brands I discovered and I've purchased from them many times over the years. Several of their products come in a fragrance free version. Alongside this cream cleanser the Face Cleansing Oil with Organic Coconut, Monoi de Tahiti, Japanese Camellia & Rice Bran is one of my all time favourite cleansing oils.

10. Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil (Unscented) - I found Lyonsleaf in 2013 and was one of the first to blog about them, they have done so well over the years and I love to see the growth in popularity. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients and feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin. This is not the only fragrance free product available there is the Calendula & Marshmallow Balm, Zinc & Calendula Cream and the newly launched unfragranced Beauty Balm.

11. Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil & Balm - an ethos to use six ingredients or less and whilst that sounds simple enough it makes for an interesting formulation. Both products are fabulous and offer the consumer fragrance without essential oil allergens.

12. Myroo - offering fragrance free versions of their products, also free from top 14 food allergens, it's a personal favourite which I will have recommend to many of you. It's difficult to pick one favourite but I'd probably say the Superfood Balm and the new Super Boost Drops(UPDATE 2022 - MYROO IS NO LONGER TRADING)

13. Nature's Wish Cleanse Unscented Facial Cleansing Oil - 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. Nature's Wish also have an unscented facial oil which I am yet to try.

14. Odylique Aloe Vera Bodywash - I've been using this body wash on and off over a number of years, this gives creamy foam and feels good on my delicate skin, I'm pleased that it now available in 500ml bottle. My other favourites which are also free from essential oil allergens are the Superfruit Concentrate, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm, Repair Lotion.

15. Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil - a simple but effective blend of my favourite ingredients - rosehip, pumpkin, apricot oil - I wish Skin & Tonic would branch out more with their essential oil free blends as they do have a lovely ethos when it comes to ingredients. Also worth noting that Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover and Naked Lip Balm are also free from essential oils.

You can shop these products online direct from the brands or at the following online retailers.

Sarah x

4 June 2019

Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner and By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil
(Gifted PR Samples)

I never know if anyone cares about a back story to products but circa 2011, I regularly used Giovanni hair care and my review for Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist remains one of my most popular blog posts. As new conditioners came to my attention I moved on from Giovanni and for the past two years I've been happily using Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner but I fancied a changed. Long story short it's one of the last remaining products I use which contains linalool. I decided to re-visit the brand and try Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner.

Giovanni is a long standing company (est. 1979) who I appreciate to be cruelty free (leaping bunny certified) and the vast majority of their extensive product range is suitable for Vegans. Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner is marketed to damaged and over processed hair claiming to protect, nourish and restore with a formula that contains blackberries and coconut milk. For reference my hair is fine but plentiful, I colour it regularly and use heat styling tools. Lets talk about performance of this conditioner. In comparison to Madara it doesn't have the smoothing and detangling effect on application and it's not until styling that I notice softness. The aroma is pleasant and remains me of a salon brand, it's fairly perfumed which admittedly disappointed me at first since I had expectations of a fruity tropical scent from blackberries and coconut milk. The scent is strong but not too over powering and more noticeable after styling in comparison to Madara. I enjoy the overall feeling to my hair but it just misses the mark on softness and oddly I've experienced more static. I like the price point but it's not making me want to ditch my other conditioner any time soon however I would definitely like to branch out and try another from their range. I'll happily recommend but I don't think it's quite right for me. It's super tricky to find linalool free hair care so I celebrate that Giovanni fits that requirement.

Moving onto facial oils, I picked up By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil which is registered with the Vegan society and fragrance free (no essential oil allergens). I love a good facial oil and over the years I've tried out what feels like a million of them. Despite their popularity they do vary between brands. For me it's about the blend of ingredients and this one contains almond, apricot, pumpkin, argan, evening primrose and vitamin E. It's a good choice for most skin types but it is going to lend itself very well to those with sensitive skin. It feels great on my skin without greasiness. If facial oil isn't your thing then the By Sarah London range also includes cleansing balm (contains beeswax), bath salts, lip balm (contains beeswax) and body oil.

If you missed my last review then follow this link - Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap & Organii Cream Soap Almond

Sarah x

26 February 2019

Current Skincare Routine sensitive, eczema prone, dry, mature
(includes Gifted & Purchased products/unpaid)

UPDATE JULY 2021 - S5 Skincare has been discontinued and replaced with a new company, Adaptology

It has been many months since I discussed my skincare routine, in fact looking back it was May 2018. Whilst I may change up my brands the general principals to my routine don't change. I'll use cream, oil or balm cleansers, follow with a toner, then moisturise with either creams or oil serums. For those who are new readers my products are always natural and/or organic, my skin is sensitive, dry and eczema prone. I also have to avoid linalool (an allergen which is naturally present in some essential oils).

In the mornings I generally opt for a cream cleanser but it's entirely down to mood. At the moment I'm using Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser which is a "go to" product for me. I delved into the archives and found my original review from 2013. I know some people struggle with coconut in skincare but I love it. This cleanser is lightweight and easily removed with a damp cloth, my skin always feels cared for and never dry or upset as I am prone to sensitivity. In the evenings I'll switch to an oil cleanser because I'm at the point in my day when I want to return moisture to my skin plus remove pollution and makeup. The Mono Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil has been working out perfectly for me. It's gentle on my skin and a real treat at the end of the day. I am always very happy to discover products formulated on ingredients which have their own aroma. Majority of my products are fragrance free so it's nice to return scent to the routine without the worry of fragrance allergens. The Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist has been a staple in my routine since 2017. I honestly don't ever want to be without it. This mist preps skin for creams and serums and since it contains hyaluronic acid it gives the sensation that I'm restoring order to my often parched skin. 

S5 Skincare is the sister company to Evolve, products are vegan, cruelty free, suitable for sensitive skin and free from fragrance allergens. Products are formulated to care for skin suffering from the effects of modern living and provide effective solutions for five specific skin concerns: blemishes, sensitive skin, ageing hyperpigmentation and dry skin. For the daytime, I'm currently enjoy using the S5 Serenity Cream which is designed to calm and hydrate sensitive skin prone to redness with ingredients of Prickly Pear and Hyaluronic Acid. The texture of this cream is similar to my favourite from Evolve and I certainly benefit from the hydration it appears to offer. I am prone to redness and can see improvements with time. In the evenings I like to switch things up and use Bodhi & Birch Super25 Botanical Serum which is an amazing blend of 25 super seed, fruit, nut and berry oils. Super25 is luxurious oil and it’s been amazing at balancing my skin. I’m almost certain it has helped clear up my dermatitis. Bodhi & Birch products are a serious investment and it’s been an absolute pleasure to experience. I will genuinely miss this serum when the bottle is empty.

Have you tried any of the products featured here? What does your skincare routine look like?

Sarah x

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