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 ThéBianco 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

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