foundation

15 May 2018

Love Lula: Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation, Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15
(Gifted)

This is one of two new foundations from Ere Perez and there has been quite a buzz around them. There is no denying that the product is presented beautifully in a frosted glass bottle with a pipette applicator. Quinoa Water Foundation currently comes in three colour shades and I have the lightest. I'm never sure how products like this are expected to match all skin tones, that seems impossible. Haze seems to work with my skin tone but as you can see it's on the yellow side and I often favour pink tones.

As the name suggests this foundation has a super runny texture which dries to a natural finish. I wanted to love this foundation but I can't get on with it. It just doesn't sit well on my skin and often clings to dry patches. I personally find it hard to work with and I simply don't have the patience. I've tried applying with my fingers, brushes and a sponge but it comes off streaky. The foundation is similar in consistency to the Green Booster Serum and I'm beginning to realise my skin definitely prefers a creamier product. The coverage is light which I have no issue with but I imagine if you have insecurities about your skin you are going to need a concealer. I am curious to see how the Quinoa Water Foundation compares to the Oatmilk Foundation so I may try that out in the future.

If you've been a reader for some time then you'll know I'm a fan of Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid. I use it on a daily basis but the only element this product lacks is SPF. This is where the Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream takes it to another level. This CC cream is a thicker consistency to the Tinting Fluid which I'd expect from a product with natural SPF but it doesn't feel greasy or heavy. I can wear the CC Cream alone or under powder foundation to give a medium coverage. It evens out my skin tone but I would suggest any imperfections or pimples may require a touch of concealer. I'm happy with SPF 15 for daily use because I work in an office so my exposure to sunshine is limited to lunch break. I know some readers may prefer a higher factor but I not overly bothered. The alternative would be Madara Plant Stem Cell Age Defying Face Sunscreen SPF30. Back in the day I religiously used Clinique City Block and struggled to find natural alternative but Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream is the perfect replacement. The minor criticism in comparison to the Moonflower Tint is the CC cream contains beeswax. I was torn when ordering because in recent times I have tried to make a conscious switch to vegan suitable skincare. Overall I'm very happy with Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream and I would be tempted to purchase again. If you are spending longer in the sun then you should be applying a suncream (SPF 30 is the recommendation*) and Madara CC Cream isn't intended for that purpose.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? What are your thoughts on them? If you missed last month review then follow this link - Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum, Sukin For Men Shaving Gel

Sarah x

*As a side note if you have any questions about sunscreen then I will direct you to The British Association of Dermatologists sunscreen fact sheet

24 October 2017

Natural Skincare Acure Organics, Ere Perez, Herbfarmacy, Lyonsleaf
Disclaimer – contains affiliate link. I'm part of the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select PR samples each month, I am not obligated to review and all opinions are my own. Prices correct at time of publication.

Time is flying by and I'm back with another selection of short reviews for products available through Love Lula.

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub
I chose this exfoliator for my holiday because after a day at the pool nothing feels better than scrubbing off the layers of sun cream. My skin is delicate so I need to be cautious, it was a gamble picking Acure but seem to have paid off. The scrub is a wonderful dark forest green colour which I find a little messy but I’m someone who exfoliates in the shower so it easily washes away. Walnut shell has been crushed into a fine grain which feels good on my skin. The aroma is interesting. At first I thought it was ginger but once I looked closer at the ingredients I realised I was mistaken and it's spearmint and sage. I still have to take my time with this scrub because it can feel a little scratchy but I enjoy using it.

Note of caution for those with fragrance allergies: I've noticed a lack of essential oil allergens listed on Acure products. In October I ordered the Night Cream and alarm bells went off because it smells strongly of lavender, which I know contains the allergen linalool. The US doesn't have the same labelling regulations as the EU but as Acure sells products here they would be expected to comply. Under the EU Cosmetic directive there are 26 fragrance allergens which should be identified on products if the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Only Acure knows whether this is applicable to their range and I raised the question with them. They failed to give me a straight answer and simply told me "Please refrain from using any product that you feel may cause a reaction"

Ere Perez Correcting Calendula Powder Foundation - Light 6g
If you’ve followed my blog for years then you know my foundation of choice and I rarely try anything new. Disaster struck when it went out of stock weeks ago and I didn’t have the patience to wait an order from USA. I’ve tried a couple of Ere Perez products and liked them so the foundation seemed a good choice. The downside is there are only three colour options so I was really sitting on the fence whether Light would be the right one for me. I was pleasantly surprised that it doesn’t make me a ghost or tangerine. It layers on lightly so perhaps doesn't cover all imperfections and I have a fair amount to redness that I like to hide. As with my regular foundation if I want to improve coverage I’ll layer over my Madara Tiniting Fluid. It’s a super fine milled powder with a lovely silky texture so it’s the closest I’ve found to my favourite brand. It also gives a nice sheen to my skin, not glitter ball shimmer but a little sparkle of sorts to make you look airbrushed. I am impressed as most other brands I’ve tried are patchy and heavy on my skin. The downside for me is Ere Perez costs £27 for 6g which makes it more expensive than my usual brand.

Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm 20ml
Herbfarmacy is a great brand and when I ordered this Easy Breathe Balm I was suffering with a horrible cold. I must admit I was slightly disappointed because I wanted this product to pack a punch in scent but found it weak. After my cold passed it smelt a little stronger but still didn’t quite hit the spot. 

Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil - Unscented 
I’m very excited to see one of my favourite brands launch unscented facial oil. As you may know essential oils are hit and miss for my skin so fragrance free eliminates this worry. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients (baobab, borage, rosehip marshmallow, avocado) so it’s no surprised that I am loving it. It feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin but used sparingly I’m sure other skin types would enjoy. I highly recommend but I’m bias as I’ve been using Lyonsleaf products for a few years. If you prefer there is a scented facial oil. 

Have you tried any of these products? If you missed last months reviews then follow this link - Love Lula reviews - Acure Organics, Preserve, Sukin

Sarah x

13 June 2017

monthly reviews love lula natural skincare madara john masters organics inika
(Gifted PR samples)

The months are whizzing past at the moment and I wish they would slow down. If you're unsure how this works basically I'm part of Love Lula's Blogger Programme and every month I can chose products from their site. I usually aim to test for 3 to 4 weeks and then I publish these monthly mini reviews. I provide honest reviews and I'm always critical where necessary so I hope that helps.

John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-In Conditioning Mist - I’m always looking to treat my hair since I colour regularly leaving it a little frizzy and dry. You’ll probably know my usual heat protecting mist is something I've been using for the past four years but I thought I’d branch out and try John Masters Organics. Key ingredients include green tea, calendula, broccoli seed, chamomile and rosemary. I have fine hair and so far this mist is not weighing it down or creating a build up. I’m impressed by how light it feels. I like to be honest in all my reviews and I will say I’m slightly disappointed by the scent. The note that stands out to me is ylang ylang which I dislike and it's not a pleasant fragrance for me (personal preference!) however the scent doesn’t linger for long so I can live with it. I class John Masters Organics as a luxury brand so feel the product needs to be a worthwhile investment. I can't prove that it's protecting but I'm loving how my hair feels however I have cheaper products that do the same so that leaves me undecided. Sorry if that doesn't help but I am pretty sure this conditioning mist is ideal for anyone with fine hair that struggles to find something to protect without that greasy feeling.

Inika Trial Kit (Shade: Light)I spotted this trial kit on the Love Lula site and I thought this would be perfect for testing. The kit is also suitable for cabin allowance which saves hassle of decanting product. Despite the size the pots/tubes have lasted 7 days (and counting!). I definitely prefer the liquid foundation over the mineral powders, the latter doesn’t sit well on my skin and the colours are not the correct match for my skin tone. Obviously discovering these flaws is what makes a kit like this ideal as investing in full sizes might be a costly mistake. I'm still undecided whether I would go ahead and make a full size purchase however I know Inika is a great brand and it's often overlooked.

Madara Protecting Hand Cream - This is by far my favourite product for the month, it’s a lovely rich hand cream which sinks in easily and perfect for my very dry skin. I love how it feels and I’m not using it as often as I was because my hands feel so much better now. In comparison to my favourite hand cream Madara is identical in performance and costs less (at current prices I'd be saving £6 a tube!). I highly recommend and I'm so pleased I decided to order, I would buy another when it runs out.

Rossi Uvema Seabuckthorn & Hyssop Face Moisturiser - At the moment I’m back to favouring cream moisturisers over oils, no particular reasons for this just my current mood. As I was almost out of the Triology Very Gentle cream it seemed like the perfect time to try this one from Rossi. The Seabuckthorn & Hyssop Face Moisturiser does not contain essential oils making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Whilst there is no added fragrance it does have an unusual natural scent from its ingredients which takes a bit of getting used to. This Rossi moisturiser is a good every day product and does work for my skin type (dry, sensitive, eczema prone) but if I’m honest I’m not completely sold on it due to the aroma so I doubt I would replace when it runs out. 

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned here? Do you enjoy these mini reviews? Do they help you decide what to try next? 

If you would like to see my Love Lula reviews from April then follow this link - Ere Perez, Hurraw, RMS, Sukin

Sarah x

27 September 2016

Review Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream Light Tint

Liquid foundations haven’t been a part of my life since I discovered Everyday Minerals Semi Matte powder but for those that followed my wedding planning you’ll know I used a tinted moisturiser. My favourite is Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid but more recently I wanted to see what else was out there. I should mention that finding something linalool free was my top priority and I was interested in products with SPF as I was looking to buy before my holiday. In the end I decided on Yes To Grapefruit CC Cream (light tint).

The Yes To range is affordable but I feel it can be a slight compromise with ingredients. I do however appreciate that some products are accessible in Boots. The CC cream states “colour corrects and hydrates” which I am feeling a little 50/50 about. Yes to the hydration but I’m not sure when it comes to colour correcting. This doesn’t cover every imperfection any more or less than Madara but it does provide a nice base for my Everyday Minerals. I feel the combination works nicely together. The tint is the right colour for me as I have a pale complexion and I don’t find it too dark or orange. 

When it comes to SPF the website I purchased from stated it was SPF 18 broad spectrum but when the CC cream arrived there was no mention to it on the packaging. I questioned the retailer about the claim and received the following reply –

"The Yes To Tinted Moisturiser is certified as an SPF18 under US regulations and guidelines, however as UK regulations are different it has not been certified here, hence the UK packaging does not show the SPF certification, whereas the US packaging does"

Now I wouldn’t suggest that this CC cream should be relied upon for sun protection but it’s nice to know you have little bit of something rather than nothing. I bought for my holiday in mind and I was using it for the evenings when going out for dinner so the sun is setting.

The one big criticism I have for the Yes To Grapefruit CC Cream is the scent. It smells like plastic with a hint of grapefruit and honestly I can’t get past that. It lingers up my nose for so long. I’ll use up this bottle but I wouldn’t repurchase again on this basis. If you are someone who likes minimal coverage for lazy days then I wouldn’t say don’t try it. If you are really picky about scents then I’d say be warned you’ll either love it or hate it like I do. 

Have you tried this Yes To Grapefruit CC Cream? What are your thoughts about this product?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - I purchased this product 

16 April 2016

Wedding Bridal Makeup Natural Organic
Disclaimer - *PR sample, contains affiliate links

I never got around to uploading this blog post before the Wedding. I mentioned a few times about experimenting with makeup for the Big Day. I had shown you a few product hauls in the run up but here is what made the final cut. I asked my sister to help me on the day and I think this covers everything we ended up using. A couple of products were missed from the picture.

Everyday Minerals Semi Matte Foundation (Rosy Beige 3C)
You’ll be familiar with Everyday Minerals because it’s the only foundation I use and I am forever talking about it. I could have gone out and found something new but instead decided to stick to what I know works well for me.

I am using this as a base for my foundation just to give me a boost and provide longevity for my mineral powder.

This was the favourite blusher out of all the ones I tried. At first I wasn’t sure about the shimmer but now I like it, this eliminates the need for a highlighter

This is a slightly pink toned shimmery cream which for someone like me who doesn’t wear makeup, gives a hint of something but without being OTT and not looking myself. I think my sister did end up applying Silk Naturals Score to give a very subtle "smoky" eye effect.

Inika Natural Mineral Eyeliner in Crystal White
I intend on using this as an inner corner and brow highlight. The Crystal White has a really nice shimmer and is soft so easy to blend out. 

Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Mascara
This mascara gives a natural boost to my lashes and doesn’t smudge, it held up for the day so I was very pleased

Silk Naturals Beach Bunny Bronzer 
I am not confident with bronzer but my sister worked her magic with this little sample I had ordered on a whim. Beach Bunny is recommended for pale skin.

This is my perfect colour, it is similar to my natural lip but just gives a little extra something without making me feel uncomfortable. I had intended using the gloss Bridesmaid but it was left out on the day.

I generally wear nail polish on my toes but have decided to go the whole way and paint my finger nails. As it was slightly out of my comfort zone I wanted colours which were natural and not too crazy but I had to have a little sparkle for my ring finger.

Sarah x

9 December 2015

Review Madara Moonflower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid
I think I’ve had a million samples of Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid over the years as they get included with orders. Originally I was not a fan because I found the scent overwhelming but my attitude towards this has changed with time. I feel it may have been reformulated at some point as the scent doesn't seem as strong or linger for as long.

I bought Madara Moon Flower because I was looking for bridal makeup. I wanted to avoid the costly outlay of finding a perfect natural liquid foundation. Tinted moisturiser is great during the summer months for a minimal beach look but it works equally well layered with mineral powder foundation. Pairing this tinting fluid with my Everyday Minerals powder gives longevity and a perfected look which I am looking to achieve especially on my Wedding Day. I do feel as if the Madara tinting fluid provides an extra layer of moisture which helps combat dryness and the tint helps to even out skin tone. With powder applied on top coverage is flawless and the effects last for longer. I also specifically wanted a tinted product without SPF for photographs. Unfortunately, the tint colour choices are limited at two - Moon Flower and Sun Flower which doesn't make it inclusive for darker complexions. I have fair skin and the shade Moon Flower does appear to adjust to my skin tones and Sun Flower did not suit me.

I'm very happy with the Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid. I think it works with my dry skin and provides a look I wish to achieve. I have never enjoyed heavy foundations and spent many years wearing no makeup. As I get older I have redness and imperfections that I would like to cover but I don't want to apply concealers; I'm not looking to mask flaws but disguise them so they are a little less obvious.

Madara are Ecocert Organic, cruelty free, nut free, gluten free and the majority of their products are suitable for Vegans. Full ingredients are available on their website so you can verify suitability for you. Mardara are available to buy from several online retailers including Content BeautyNaturisimo and MyPure

Sarah x

17 July 2014


Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm and Inika foundation powder
The gorgeous Chesca of Fern & Moss agreed to take part in my series about Blogger Holy Grails. I love Chesca's blog because she has excellent taste in natural and organic skincare and is passionate about good ingredients. She recently took an amazing Californian Road Trip and I loved reading about her holiday.  Here is what Chesca has to say about her favourite products.

Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm
I think I'm in love with this cleansing balm. I've never used a product that has made my skin so much better in such a short space of time as this has, and I can't use anything else. 100% organic and blended with a variety of beautiful oils, it draws dirt and impurities out of the skin, but whilst still retaining moisture and nourishing your skin to keep it plump and healthy. It includes calendula oil to sooth skin, grapefruit oil to refresh and frankincense to rejuvenate (as well as give it that beautiful scent). I have very breakout prone skin, but this has kept my skin clear and free of spots for the first time in my life. At only £7.99 it's amazing value, and I usually buy two at a time so I know I'll never run out. I highly, highly recommend Balm Balm products. They are an amazing company with wonderful ethics and even better products.

Once you use a good mineral powder foundation, it's easy to become addicted to how good it makes your skin feel. This one from Inika is easily a rival for the more conventional Bare Minerals Foundation. It has excellent coverage but is very light, feeling like a second skin yet still covering up redness and uneven skin tone. I apply this with a medium powder brush, and it gives an airbrushed finish with a healthy, natural glow. It doesn't mattify my skin as it's not a pressed powder, and instead softens my skin, looking better than a liquid foundation does on photographs. Made without bismuth oxychloride, it's a genius blend of mineral pigments with the added benefit of SPF 15. Inika are another brand who have incredible ethics, whilst also making amazing organic make up that rivals that of conventional cosmetics companies.

I am a huge fan of Balm Balm products but so far I have not tried anything from Inika. What about you? Do you like these brands or are they on your wish list?

Sarah x

12 May 2014

Everyday Minerals Spring Matte Blush and Tinted Lip Butter
Last time I ordered my Everyday Minerals foundation I must have been feeling a little wild because I picked up matte blush samples in “pink for flower” and “at first”. I have never been much of a makeup girlie because I’m a lazy person, I can't be bothered to spend extra time in front of the mirror. I chose blush colours that were natural, nothing that popped in an Aunt Sally kind of way. My skin has a natural pink/red undertone so I have to be a careful not to go crazy. 

I know everyone wants to see makeup on the skin but I struggled to capture these blushers in all their glory. I went in a different direction and I hope these pictures will satisfy your curiosity. I describe both colours as true soft and subtle girlie pinks which mimic a natural flush. Everyday Minerals says: Pink For Flower - A sweet bouquet of soft hints of pink blossoms in a field of flowers. At First - Light, warm pink, will give you a rosy flush for any kind of weather. 

I order Everyday Minerals from cocktailcosmetics.co.uk and samples cost 30p each. You’ll find the full size blushes listed under Everyday Minerals Spring Blush Collection (£9.95 each). There are eight colours in the collection (including the two I have). I will definitely look to buy a full size when I next place an order. Both colours work for me and I am enjoying embracing my inner wild child. By the way, I am loving the Tinted Lip Butter in Sweet Secret (I mentioned it in a video) so check those out as well. It gives a subtle hint of colour but the product is nourishing on the lips, not sticky but definitely buttery.
Everyday Minerals Spring Matte Blush and Tinted Lip Butter
Has anyone else tried these products? What are your favourite colours?

Sarah x

7 May 2014


My Beautiful Earth Mineral Foundation
Cast your mind back to my review of My Beautiful Earth samples. I gave the samples a positive review but you all know I continued using Everyday Minerals. That was until last month when my colour was out of stock. Cue panic and activation of emergency plan which prompted me to order My Beautiful Earth foundation in Light Neutral Beige (£5.95 excludes P&P 20ml/4g jar). 

I thought I would write an updated review because now I have experience of using My Beautiful Earth foundation on a daily basis over the period of a month. On the whole, I am pleased with the product but there are a few flaws. Firstly, I never did find a perfect colour match in the samples so Light Neutral Beige was the compromise. Yes, I could have mixed and matched but truthfully I cannot be bothered with the hassle especially when Everyday Minerals Fair Medium is perfect for me. I also have found that coverage can become patchy or slips. It will last me a work day but there were a few times when I had a build up of foundation on my jaw line. I suspect it is not compatible with my heavier and slightly oily face creams. In comparison with Everyday Minerals, I do not feel My Beautiful Earth gives the perfect airbrushed finish. I think Everyday Minerals is a finer and better quality powder. 

My Beautiful Earth is not my perfect foundation but I cannot grumble for the price and I think it is perfectly adequate. The price point is amazing compared to similar products out there so I can see an appeal to the budget conscious. I did go on to purchase another jar of Everyday Minerals and My Beautiful Earth is remains my emergency back up. For anyone who prefers a liquid foundation, I shall give you a heads up, this company does have one and you can buy samples.

Sarah x

28 April 2014

Review Vegan Faces Skin Deep Foundation
Vegan Faces is a company I came across when I was researching for my carmine free lipstick blog post. I was intrigued about the Skindeep Foundation so ordered a couple of samples. It is described as a cream foundation which can be used dry or wet. It is 100% natural and contains Organic Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5. It is also free from dyes, preservatives and fragrance

I selected shades 101 (fair skin with peaches & cream undertones) and 109 (light-medium skin with pink undertones). Both shades are too pale for me, 109 is the darker of the two. I like the idea of this foundation but found it difficult to work with. It is creamy but there is an element of chalkiness. Once applied to the skin I find it takes a fair amount of effort to work across the face. It does not feel heavy but there is something about it that makes me think of face paint rather than foundation. I used a sponge to blend out but the end results are not as good for my skin as Everyday Minerals powder. I feel as if this emphasizes every line. 

I like the the ethics of this company and I do not wish to put you off so if you are a lover of all things makeup, check out Hephzibah’s blog Good For Me, Good For You, for reviews and swatches of Vegan Faces lipsticks and eyeshadows (blues, pinks and nudes).

If you have tried Vegan Faces foundation, I would be interested to know if you liked it.

Sarah x

26 January 2014

Honeypie Minerals Foundation Samples

Firstly, I have no idea how bloggers have the patience to photograph makeup and swatches. I am never happy with how colours translate to the screen. This is the best I could do and hopefully you get a general idea of the foundations I chose.

For the past year my mineral foundation has been from Everyday Minerals. I am very happy with the product and was not looking to switch any time soon but once again curiosity got the better of me when I came across Honeypie Minerals.

I ordered samples for 49p each and opted for Fair, Light, Lightly Medium and Golden Fair. Honeypie Minerals are cruelty free and free from synthetic ingredients including bismuth, talc, starch, rice, harsh chemicals, parabens, artificial colour, fragrance, paraffin, petroleum, oil, animal derived products, parabens, preservatives, alcohol, fillers, lanolin.

I have enjoyed playing around with the samples and trying to colour match. Light is probably the closest match to my skin tone. I think these foundations wear very well on my skin. The finish feels natural and looks fresh but allows me to even out my complexion and hide small imperfections.

If you like mineral makeup then have a look at the site. Honeypie Minerals also have blusher, eyeshadow, corrector, brushes and kits. UK delivery is free for orders over £20.

Sarah x

20 December 2013

Repurchase Products of 2013 featuring Desert Essence, Sarakan, Naturtint, Giovanni
If you have been following my empty posts you will have notice there are a number of products I have repurchased time and time again throughout the year. I thought it might be nice to summarise them into one blog post.

Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy - my original Bodhi review was published in 2012 and my love for their products has never ceased. I was introduced to Mint Thé when I received it as a GWP, it wasn't a fragrance I thought I would enjoy but it took me by surprise. I adore the fresh minty scent and this has been a repurchase and on my Christmas/Birthday wish lists ever since.

Sarakan Mouthwash - not a sexy product I know but I do like this mouthwash, it has a pleasant taste and it helps keep my mouth healthy.

Desert Essence Red Raspberry Conditioner - I experimented with a couple of products from this hair care range and the one that stuck with me is the red raspberry conditioner. It leaves my hair silky, smooth and soft but never greasy or weighed down.

Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo - I think it is fair to say this is now my Holy Grail. I spent many years searching for a shampoo that did not irritate my scalp but also gave me the results I wanted. It took a while to get use to the low foaming but now I can not be without it.

Everyday Minerals Semi Matte Foundation - at the start of 2013 I wrote about how I was finally going to ditch high street foundation. I fell in love with Everyday Minerals and I've used it every day since. 

Giovanni Ultra Chic Flat Iron Styling Mist - once I discovered this product I never looked back. I often buy in bulk as I don't want to run out. Only issue I have is the website that stocks this is not the greatest and I've had issues with orders. I wish it was available elsewhere in the UK.

Naturtint - I'm cheating with this one as I've been using for many years but this is the hair dye that works for me so I have stuck with it. I like the colour options, how it doesn't make me want to pass out with toxic fumes and it appears to leave my hair in reasonable condition even after all these years of colouring.

Deep Steep - You are probably wondering why I left this one out of the picture. I frequently purchase from the brand but I always try something different. I think the body wash is probably the one item I have bought several times this year.

Let me know what products you have repeat purchased this year.

Sarah x

4 July 2013


I had already tried a number of mineral makeup brands before I settled on Everyday Minerals. There was Elemental Beauty, Green People, BM Beauty (rebranded as Beautiful Movements), Funky Fresh and Karma Naturals. Out of curiosity I had another browse of the web to see what else was out there and that is what lead me to My Beautiful Earth

MBE use 100% minerals and is free from nanos, preservatives, bismuth, ultramarines, kaolin, (except our concealers), talc, soya flour, rice flour, (except our sensitive formula), corn flour, artificial colours and no Animal Testing. The mineral powder foundations are available in four formulations – Normal, Healing, Sensitive & Rosacea and Pure Pearl Skin Renewal. If you are not keen on powder foundation there is a liquid version. 

I ordered samples of the normal foundation in Light Honey Beige, Light Neutral Beige and Natural Fair, a finishing powder and a blush (Rose Pink Glow). The website is not the best for swatches so I chose from the descriptions. The colour range seems good and it looks to me like there is a colour for everyone starting from light (snow white) to dark (afro Caribbean). 





I found it very difficult to photograph swatches. My skin is pale and so are these products so they don't show up easily. The Finishing Powder blends into my skin and has a delicate shimmer. The blush is pigmented and gives a strong flush of colour to my cheeks, it's nice but not to my taste. I think out of the foundations I would chose Light Neutral Beige or Light Honey Beige as they both work well for my skin tone. I definitely would look to buy one of these when I use up my Everyday Minerals. Overall, I am impressed with quality and performance so I recommend you have a look at the website.

Sarah x

5 June 2013

Today I have a Guest Post for you from Hephzibah of Good For Me, Good For You. 

Mineral Foundations: Elemental Beauty (with Lily Lolo comparison)

In switching to more natural beauty products, foundation/tinted moisturiser was the first thing that I needed to find and everyone seemed to be using minerals. Elemental Beauty was the first British mineral brand that I came across, and after a detour via the very popular Lily Lolo I recently decided to order some more of their (very generous) sample sizes. So, I thought that I would take this guest post opportunity to share some swatches with you. :)

Luminous: A cool yellow toned foundation for extremely pale skin

Oatmeal: A light peachy toned foundation for extremely pale skin



English Rose: A cool pink toned foundation for very fair skin

Nude: A neutral toned foundation for very fair skin

Barley: Our most popular, neutral toned foundation for fair skin

Sunshine: A warm peachy/yellow toned foundation for fair skin

I think that their descriptions (above) are fairly accurate. The only criticism I have about them is that on the website, they don't appear to be in a distinctive order. They go from fair to dark, but otherwise it appears to jump about which can be confusing if you're already not sure where to start.

The samples arrived beautifully presented in a organza bag, and in little plastic vials. There is usually around 2g worth of the product in each vial which in my experience lasts over two weeks. The full sized product comes in a standard pot with sifter and holds around 9-10g.

I ordered five vials and received a free sample of Barley. I do feel a little more secure using these than the Lily Lolo sample pots as they are easier to dispense small amounts from, and I'm slightly less likely to tip them over! Speaking of Lily Lolo, as I had all these samples lying around I thought it would be interesting to compare the two brands. So I picked the two lightest shades that I have of LL and swatched them next to the EB ones. As you can see, EB appears to cater for a wide range of light skin, whereas LL shades are nowhere near as pale. I don't have Porcelain (LL lightest shade) so it may be that that one caters adequately for anyone with a paler complexion.


I also thought it would be interesting to compare the texture. In the picture I've just pressed down the LL Popcorn and as you can see some of the product came away, unlike with Sunshine from EB. I found with Lily Lolo that the minerals clumped together a bit, which made it a little harder to distribute them over my brush. The EB minerals seemed to be a bit finer and easier to manipulate.

Good for me - I like the coverage that EB gives me but I'm still torn between buying a full size product (£10.99) and continuing on with my search for a new foundation. Having dry skin, I do feel that I might be better off with a liquid foundation than a mineral one, but if I can find a powerful moisturiser to combat any dryness then I would like to stick with English Rose/Nude.

Good for youSample sizes are available from their website at 99p each, with postage dependent on where you live, so it's really easy to give them a go. International posting is available (if you search YouTube for Elemental Beauty, you'll see they have a strong Italian following). 

If you’re pretty pale like me, I think the range of light shades is excellent and has a real variety of tones.

It is worth noting that unlike LL, EB is not SPF certified. From the ingredients, it seems that they should provide you with some protection, but that's not something you can be certain of and you might like to wear a sunscreen or use another form of SPF if you chose to wear these minerals.

For more information on Lily Lolo and Elemental Beauty, you can find them both on Amazon, or their respective websites: www.lilylolo.co.uk and www.elementalbeauty.co.uk

Thank you to Sarah for the opportunity to guest post, I hope this has been helpful and not too much of an essay!

18 April 2013

Charlie of Sophia's Choice asked me "What's your take on Titanium Oxide in Make-up?". To be honest I had not given it much thought. I consulted my trusty ingredient bibles, No More Dirty Looks and Toxic Beauty. Now I understand why Charlie said "I've found that in a lot of free-from make-up but when I Googled it, there were concerns about it. It just seems so very confusing!". I'm going to do my best to explain how I view the situation. 

Titanium dioxide can cause a whitish effect, you may have experience this if you use a natural, physical blocker sunscreen. To counteract this, companies are using smaller particles known as nanos. Concerns have arisen because it is thought nanoparticles can be absorbed by the skin and no one knows what effect they can have on the body. Cosmetic manufacturers argue that they do not present a problem as they remain on the outer layer of dead skin cells, however, anyone who suffers with eczema or acne knows that we can have broken skin so that could be a way for nanoparticles to enter the body. 

EWG’s Skindeep database scores titanium dioxide 1-3 Fair depending on usage. It suggests that there are concerns when inhaled or airborne. That does not bode well for mineral powders which are applied near your nose. (source link)

I think it is fair to say I really don’t know what advice to give. I have been recommending my foundation Everyday Minerals, but it does contain this ingredient. You may be wondering whether I am now concerned about Titanium Dioxide but in all honesty, I am sitting on the fence. I do have concerns about toxins in our skin care but it can be difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to avoiding ingredients. As is often the case, I think the decision to use products containing titanium dioxide rests with the individual. Until there is better research we cannot be sure whether it is good or bad for humans.

If anyone has more information or a viewpoint to share on this topic, please leave a comment below.

Sarah x

Sources of information - No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O'Connor & Alexandra Spunt, Toxic - Beauty How Hidden Chemicals in Cosmetics Harm You by Dawn Mellowship

27 January 2013

Vive Soy Sheese Desert Essence Fry's Koko Clive's Pies Vegan Dairy Free
Feast your eyes on my Free From haul and finds. I stocked up with goodies in my health food store. Then discovered a new range of soya milks from Vive Soy and flavoured Kara (now Koko) in handy lunch box size cartons (strawberry & chocolate). I brought the cappuccino but I'll get the Koko ones another time. Everything you see before you is dairy, egg and meat free.

Now for some make up....

Everyday Minerals Semi Matte Foundation Powder

I just wanted to update you on my foundation quest which I wrote about here. From the Everyday Minerals samples I purchased, Fairly Medium ended up being the perfect match so I got the full size. I've mentioned before I have no interest in make up brush but everyone said having a decent Kabuki was a must for mineral foundations. I have no knowledge about brands, my only priority for brushes is they have to be cruelty free and Vegan. Cocktail Cosmetics stocks many brushes and I choose the Neve Cosmetics Bunnybuki. I think it needs no explanation why I chose this one, bunny and pink who can resist. Aside from the cute factor it's the softest brush I've ever tried and fantastic for buffing the foundation, I love it. If bunnies are not your thing then how about Deerbuki or Catbuki (visit cutecosmetics.co.uk if you want Catbuki).

Sarah x

6 January 2013

Everyday Minerals Powder Foundation
I have been reading "No More Dirty Looks" and it got me think that I slightly fell off my natural beauty wagon during 2012. The hard part about going natural is knowing your ingredients. Parabens, Petroleum and SLS/SLES are common knowledge but what about the likes of Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. These are ingredients which I am spotting in my Free From products. When I wrote about Sukin's cleanser they later sent me an article about their use of Phenoxyethanol. Their justification "Sukin use this ingredient at less than 1%, well under the limits set for this preservative." Trouble is companies do not have to tell us this, there is no way of knowing what percentage of ingredient a product contains by looking at the labels.

Where am I going with all this? Well, I am overhauling my skincare products. First on the list is ditching my high street foundations. They have gone in the bin as I broke out with eczema on my face. It’s only a small patch and probably not noticeable to most but blooming annoying to me. Now that Boots has discontinued my No 7 foundation there is no longer an excuse to buy this crap any more. 

I am sure I have mentioned it elsewhere on my blog but when shopping for mineral foundations the advice is to avoid bismuth oxychloride. It is non toxic but it can cause irritation and dry skin. Non mineral powders will contain parabens, silicones and PEG. According to No More Dirty Looks (page 138) acne prone girls should avoid cornstarch (zea mays) as it can feed acne causing bacteria. 

I am currently using Green People foundation which I reviewed but I am still not happy about it containing talc. I decided to look for something different. I already experimented with Funky Fresh, Karma Naturals, BM Beauty, Lily Lolo and Elemental Beauty but wanted to keep looking at the market. Everyday Minerals is often talked about by bloggers across the pond. I was slightly overwhelmed by the colour choices so opted to buy some samples. My advice is study the information available on the Everyday Minerals website before making a purchase, you will find instructions regarding colours for specific skin tones.

Yesterday I tried the Jojoba Base in Nude. I like the coverage and feels silky on skin but the colour is not correct for me. My boyfriend said I looked like I was wearing more make up than usual. I took that to mean the coverage was heavier than I usually wear. My foundations are normally very light plus I think the colour was not helping matters. I have yet to try the two other samples. I ordered semi matte base in Fair Medium and Fairly Light. My suspicion is my colour choices may be a little off the mark. Once I get the correct colour I do intend to buy the full size.

Samples are inexpensive and the best way to trial products. Have you tried Everyday Minerals? Any suggestions which colour may suit a light complexion with red undertones?

Sarah x

27 December 2012

Green People Pressed Mineral Powder
I finally used up my stash of high street foundations and was ready to make the jump to natural. I'm still not fully committed because of the price, lack of colours and availability. I decided to buy Green People Pressed Mineral Powder in Honey (for skin with pink undertones). Before I discuss performance I am going to jump straight into ingredients. This product may cause controversy among my readers who are choosing to commit to a natural/organic lifestyle. I admit I purchased Green People Mineral Powder from a third party website without studying the ingredients. 

"This certified organic mineral face powder is made without Parabens, Bismuth Oxychloride, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, Unnecessary Bulking Agents and Synthetic Colourants to bring you the purest powder that nature can offer."

So why am I making a fuss? The first ingredient is Talc, Green People's explanation - "In pressed form, talc is perfectly safe to use. Concerns about talc are related to the use of loose powdered talc, the main ingredient in baby powders, body powders and loose foundations, if breathed in it can be harmful to the lungs or if using around the genital area, talc particles can become imbedded in the lining of the ovary and is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer."

I shall leave it up to you how you feel about this ingredient. I have continued to use the product as I paid £20 for it but I doubt I will repurchase. It does take a bit of time buffing into the skin to get a good coverage and I am still using a concealer to touch up any blemishes. The finish is nice and looks natural. I do not find make up the easiest to photograph but below is a before (left) and after (right). I focused on my chin as this is my problem area. I did not use concealer in these pictures.
Sugarpuffish Reviews Green People Pressed Mineral Powder
The packaging is sleek and you can purchase refills. There is a message on the website that new mineral powders are launching in 2013. The compact will be biodegradable and have a mirror.

So what do you think? Has this review been helpful? Have you tried this product? Do the ingredients concern you?


Sarah x

Disclaimer - contains affiliate link

UPDATE 15/07/13 - THESE POWDERS WERE REFORMULATED & ARE NOW FREE FROM TALC

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