foot cream

9 January 2016

natural organic skincare for winter

For reference, my skin type is dry, sensitive & prone to eczema.

Products mentioned in this video listed below (*indicates PR sample)
Vedani Botanicals Bespoke Cleanser & Facial Oil* 
Evolve Cleansing Melt
Angela Langford* Repair & Renew oil
Green Keratin Rosaforte Oil & Anti-Oxidant Boost Serum* 
Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil*
Crazy Rumors & Hurraw Lip Balms
Nom Nom Stretch Butter 
Deep Steep Snowflake Argan Oil Body Butter
Herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm
Chilly B Foot Butter*
FOM Hand Serum*

Sarah x

9 October 2014

Chilly B Mint & Rosemary Restoring Foot Butter
UPDATE: 2017 - Chilly B rebranded & are now known as Love to B

I am preparing my feet for winter. My dry skin battles during cold weather are never ending so I want a head start before the frost and snow arrives. I mentioned in my September Favourites that I had purchased Chilly B (now known as Love to B) Mint & Rosemary Restoring Foot Butter. It has been working out great for me so I wanted to share a review with my readers. 

As the name suggests this is a rich butter packed with fabulous ingredients which should help keep tooties smelling fresh and feeling soft. Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Peppermint, Vanilla, Rosemary, Eucalyptus. This is definitely a product that needs applying in the evening before heading off to the land of nod. I often will treat myself and recreate a spa pedicure by simply adding bath salts into a bowl, soaking my feet and then apply a generous layer of foot butter. This extra attention makes all the difference for me and hopefully I'll survive winter without my feet snagging my tights and socks (oh yes I went there).

Chilly B products are handmade in Dorset and free from undesirable ingredients. I think prices are affordable, the foot butter will last you a long time and costs £7.50 (50ml jar). I think it's fair to say that Chilly B is fast becoming one of my favourite brands.

If you looking for other recommendations, check out my recent Chilly B bath soak review.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - I paid for the foot butter but Chilly B have sent other products free of charge, my own opinions from testing, no affiliated links

4 September 2014


To Lush or not to Lush
Lush has been a hot topic around here since the preservative ‘debate’ which aired a few weeks back. The post I wrote has been very popular and greatly received so I’d like to thank everyone who took time to comment.

My Lush journey was short and sweet. When my attention was first drawn to natural skincare Lush did spring to my mind based on what friends had told me about products. In my teens I was a devoted Body Shop customer. Anyone remember the Banana Conditioner? I thought it was fabulous. In my mind, Lush had the potential to fill a gap in my heart after The Body Shop sold out to L'Oreal. That fondness for earthy and authentic ingredients is what led me over the Lush threshold and I was enticed by Dream Cream. I had seen many reviews which practically declared it as the “cure” for eczema. For me, sadly the dream was short lived because my eczema hated this product. In hindsight, the ingredients in Dream Cream make sense as oats, rose, cocoa butter, olive oil, chamomile and lavender are ideal for sensitive skin. However, with further research I began to understand that tea tree, triethanolamine, perfume and parabens were potiential irritants. It was a lesson learned and in a small way was a bit of a life saver because I was a step closer to understanding my skin.

I am writing this post in collaboration with Amber and Tamara. The idea is we each will show readers that cleaner ingredient dupes for Lush products are available. I have chosen three products from the Lush website and I will give you alternatives which in my opinion have better ingredients.

Lush Butterball Bath Bomb - Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Coca Butter, Synthetic Musk, Ylang Ylang & perfume

You could replace with -

Natural Bubbles Bath Creamers - Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Zea Mays Starch, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter), Theobroma Cacao (cocoa butter), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

Strong scents of bubblegum and candy are delightful but they will be artificial. This has the potential to cause problems for your skin, so whilst natural alternatives may not have the same allure with sugary scents at least you shouldn't get an itchy lady garden after bathing. Alternatively, I would also recommend Quintessentially English. They produce lovely bath bombs with flower petals if you want a bit of something extra in the tub.

Lush Fairtrade Foot Lotion - Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Arnica Infusion, Fairtrade Almond Oil, Fairtrade organic cocoa butter, Glycerine, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Spearmint Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tagetes Oil, Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume, Colour 17200, Methylparaben Propylparaben 

You could replace with -

Chilly B Restoring Foot Butter - Ingredients: Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulas).

I have been testing out Chilly B and think it works very well on my dry feet. It is super easy to find a foot cream without lanolin, perfume, parabens and colours. Most natural and organic brands have one in their range.

Lush Dream Steam - Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Perfume, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute, Chamomile Blue Oil, Tea Tree Oil *Citronellol *Geraniol *Limonene *Linalool, Rose Petals 

You could replace with - 

Bathing Beauty Face Tea for Shy Skin - Ingredients: Dried Calendula Officinalis, (calendula), Anthemis Nobilis (chamomile), Chickweed 

In regards to Lush Dream Steam, aside from entertainment value (the tablet will fizz), the sodium bicarbonate in Dream Steam doesn't offer any benefits to the skin. Bathing Beauty products come without the fizz but also avoid the dreaded PERFUME! 

If you have a favourite Lush product and you would like a ditch it for better ingredients, get in touch with me (or Amber and Tamara) and I am sure we can find you an alternative.

Sarah x

18 February 2014

The Aromatree Company Foot Creams
I discovered The Aromatree Company in a magazine and they specialise in natural foot care. The company was founded and created in 2010 by Kirsten Luff, a qualified Holistic Therapist. "Kirsten decided to develop a range of natural foot care creams which worked therapeutically and systemically with the body and used the power of 100% pure essential oils so she could utilise these within her Reflexology treatments and so adding another dimension to her treatments."

The range of creams available not only nourish your feet but the blend of essential oils may help with your emotional wellbeing. You can choose from Release, Relax, Revive, Repair, Energise, Immune Boost, Clear and a foot scrub. I bought the Revive cream because the blend of oils (Lavender, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Juniper Berry, Peppermint and Rosemaryappealed to my personal taste in fragrance. "An easily absorbed moisturising foot cream to help revive tired, achey or swollen feet. When massaged into the feet can have a cleansing, tonic effect and help stimulate circulation. Not suitable for pregnancy, high blood pressure or epilepsy."

I find the fragrance enjoyable and the lemon tea tree gives this cream an uplifting and fresh aroma, a nice change from traditional peppermint associated with products targeted to feet. I would describe the cream as light and certainly not a butter, for this reason I would hesitate to recommend to those with extremely dry feet. You would probably want to use this in a routine where you rotate with a heavier buttery foot cream. I do find this sinks into my skin with ease so no slipping and sliding across the bathroom floor or wearing socks to bed. My feet are in good shape at the moment as I had a couple of pedicures last summer but I still have dry patches on my heels. The Revive cream will improve dry areas as long as I maintain application on a daily basis. I rarely experience tired, achey and swollen feet but from my limited knowledge of aromatherapy, I can see that the oils should target these issues.

I only have one minor criticism to mention and that is ingredients are not listed on the website. To give you a quick overview, here are some of the ingredients (not the complete list & in English rather than INCI) as per my jar - water, olive oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter vitamin E, cocoa butter, essential oils of lavender, lemon tea tree, juniper berry, peppermint, rosemary and the preservatives are phenozyethonal & ethylhezglycerin. It is suggestsed that this cream can be applied to hands. I have not specifically used it for this purpose but on the basis of having to apply to feet, I notice it's ideal for anyone who hates greasy creams. 

I have the 30ml jar which costs £4.95 and there is a larger size available (120ml/£18). If you enjoy foot care and aromatherapy this company is well worth looking at. Let me know your thoughts? Has my review tempted you to try for yourself? Do you like pampering your feet or do you neglect them?

Sarah x

16 June 2013


As you may have read I recently visited The Allergy & Free From Show. There were a large number of food exhibitors but thanks to the Free From Skincare Awards there is also a beauty side to the show. One exhibitor I was keen to meet was George of Bathing Beauty; her Up Close Men’s Shave Oil won Silver in the Men’s Grooming category. 

George is an osteopath and ex international fashion model and when combined with three sensitive skinned children, she created the beautiful product range that is Bathing Beauty. Products are handmade in Ruthin, North Wales and most of the ingredients are sourced locally. All products are free from animal testing and many are suitable for Vegans. 
George very kindly gave me some sample products – POP effervescent foot reviving tablet, SOCK foot salve and SOOTHE body oil infusion. I really enjoyed using POP and realised that I do not pamper my feet as often as I should. It was very relaxing to sit in front of the TV and soak my feet. The tablet dissolved quickly in the water and the aroma came from peppermint. There is peach kernel oil in the tablet so that explains the silky texture to the water. I did not find it greasy so it was not problem walking around after using the treatment. SOCK is a balm that compliments POP and advisable to use overnight. It was equally a pleasure to use and I will continue to pamper my feet with it. As for the body oil, its early days but I am putting it through its paces on my stubborn eczema. It contains lavender and calendula so it is something I would naturally gravitate towards. 

I know I have not had these products for a great length of time but first impression are positive and I am planning to buy some more products, POP is on my shopping list. I highly recommend browsing the website (bathing-beauty.co.uk). Definitely have a look at the Face Tea as it's rather unique and intriguing. Hand on my heart, I can tell you it’s companies like this one that give me a genuine passion for natural skincare. I really do not understand the attraction of high street products when you can find truly natural skincare from a wonderful company such as Bathing Beauty. 

What do you think? Are you tempted to buy some products?

Sarah x




Disclaimer - PR samples, 100% my own opinion, links are not affiliated

22 May 2013

Love to B skincare
Sadly Miss Polly Natural Skincare has ceased trading. I'd like to offer an alternative recommendation in Love to B. Back in 2010, the Love to b story began in Dorset when an anxious Julie was looking for an effective natural and non-steroidal treatment for her daughter's eczema. If you love handmade, natural skincare then visit Love to B shop in Ringwood, Hampshire or order online, you will not be disappointed.

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

19 July 2012


Botanicals Natural & Organic Skincare
(gifted PR samples)

I have previously written about Botanicals when I brought a sample kit. The other week I volunteered to try other products from the range. I received the Rose & Camellia body lotion and Mint & Tea Tree foot balm. I was sent sample sizes so I can only give you initial thoughts after a couple of applications. For those not familiar with the brand Botanicals is an award winning range. Products are natural, organic, free from synthetic ingredients, not tested on animals and vegan friendly.

The body lotion and foot balm have pleasant natural fragrances which are in no way overpowering. I can’t remember the last time I used a body lotion as my beauty stash is full of shea butter. This one is light and runny but easily massaged into skin. It certainly leaves skin feeling soft. As you know my ultimate test for body products is to use them on my legs immediately after shaving. My legs are hyper sensitive and I am prone to irritation. This lotion passed the leg test, no redness or irritation to report.

The foot balm is nice and soft, easy to scoop from the pot and easily massages into skin. The scent is gentle and not over powering on the mint, which I personally prefer. I know balms tend to be on the heavier side but compared to others I own this is light in texture. I always think foot treatments are best used overnight. This one sinks in, does not leave a greasy residue and I am impressed with the result. I always thought my feet were terrible but a therapist recently told me they were pretty good considering I don’t pamper them very often. However I am prone to dry skin on the base of my heels and this foot balm does appear to be helping.

I recommend taking a look at Botanicals website as they offer a wide choice of products for the face and body.

Sarah x

14 May 2012



After falling in love with the Deep Steep body mist, I decided to purchase another item from the range. Since my feet are a much neglected part of my body, I brought the Candy Mint Foot Stick. As you can tell from the picture the packaging is similar to that associated with lip balm, only bigger in size. The fragrance is exactly as the name suggests, it does remind me of mint sweets. I do not feel it is overpowering or artificial as Deep Steep use essential oils in this product.


"This super hydrating stick works wonders on heels and cuticles." 

The stick contains shea and cocoa butters which are ingredients that perform well on dry skin. Application of this product is simple and great for targeting specific problem areas. On contact with warm skin this melts into oil. If you have very dry cracked heels then I suggest you use an intensive cream and use the stick in conjunction.  It would work well on days when you have little time to pay full attention to your feet.

Deep Steep products are certified by the 'Cruelty Free Bunny' and free from Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Mineral Oil, Artificial Fragrances, Chemical Preservatives.

I buy Deep Steep from Feelunique.com and the Foot Stick costs £4.95 (14g)


6 November 2011

Botanicals natural and organic skincare try me duo
I thought I would share with you some natural beauty products that I have discovered on Twitter. When you have allergies being able to purchase samples is an important step to finding suitable products. It enables you to patch test without investing in a full size which might turn out to be unsuitable.

Botanicals is an award winning organic and vegan body and skin care company. They offer customers a free 'try me duo' of the awarding Nourish Rose & Camellia cleansing melt and Mint & Tea Tree foot balm. The pack also includes a 20% off the full size. Alternatively you can purchase skincare mini sets.

The Nourish Cleanse melt is suitable for dry and mature skin. It's a gentle way to cleanse your skin and is formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, sesame seed, green tea, rose geranium, rose and palmarosa. The way to use this balm is to melt between finger tips and massage into your face, you can then remove with a damp cloth.

The Foot Rescue Balm helps soften dry skin and is naturally antibacterial. It is formulated with jojoba, apricot kernel, shea butter, spearmint, tea tree and mint. As you would expect this is a balm you massage into your feet and let it work its magic.

I have found both products are effective and enjoyable to use. I think the cleansing melt is the one I would go one to purchase in a full size. I'm recommending check out the website and picking up some products for yourself.

Sarah x



13 July 2011

Suti - Fabulous Organic Foot Balm
Let me introduce you to Suti a luxurious holistic skincare range. Suti products are organic and not tested on animals so when they offered me the chance to review some products I jumped at it.

I would like to share with you the company background as I found it rather interesting. Suti is relatively new, founded in 2010 by Suzannah Jenkins and Tina Steadman. Their collaboration came from a mutual desire to use natural products. Suzannah is a qualified homeopath, aromatherapist and complementary medicine practitioner. She set up a practise from home and created tailored products for clients following on from that Suti skincare was born. There are seven products in the range Rejuvenate Face Oil, Nourish Face Oil (for night), Facial Cleanser, Rose Water Toner, Peppermint Water Toner, Purity Moisturising Balm and Fabulous Foot Balm. 

I am not ashamed to admit that I pamper the rest of my body with lotions but neglect my feet. I generally am not a fan of my feet I suffer from extremely dry skin. When I read the product description I realised my feet were crying out for this product.

“A luxuriously rich and nourishing foot balm especially blended to rehydrate and revive chapped, tired and aching feet. Fabulous Foot Balm* is especially formulated to melt straight into tough, leathered skin and brittle nails to deliver soothing, intensive nourishment exactly where it’s needed.”

The balm is very luxurious and melts into oil with the warmth of your skin. I am not a fan of overpowering peppermint foot creams, however, this has a gentle hint of peppermint combined with rosemary, it is very pleasant. This balm contains some other fabulous ingredients like olive oil, avocado, carrot, calendula and pumpkin seed. I prefer to use a foot cream just before I go to bed. I tend not to remember to apply every night but I aim for at least every other day. With this product a little goes a long way, you do not need much I have been using a 5p/10p size of the balm. I am really impressed with the results gradually over the past two/three weeks the condition of my skin has improved. My cracked heels are looking smooth and nourished. When applying a foot cream I am always conscious of irritation on my hands but I have not have any problems with this product.

I highly recommend Suti skincare as they are very luxurious and feel like a spa treatment. I have tried many foot creams but this one is now a top favourite for banishing my cracked heels. Suti foot balm can be purchased from sutiskincare.com


Sarah x


Disclaimer – I was sent this product free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

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