hand cream

20 August 2022

Review Green People Scent Free Hand and Body Lotion
I'm going through a phase right now preferring body lotions over butters and balm. Saying that I struggle to find vegan body lotions without essential oils or at best without linalool. Long time readers will not be surprised to find me mention Green People again. I've a long history to this brand that stretches over many years. If you're not already in the know, Green People have a Scent Free collection of products that I'm always talking about but I don't think I've given blog space to their hand and body lotion.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the texture and look of a body lotion and this one from Green People is no different to the norm. As you may expect it doesn't feel greasy and hydrates to moisturise the skin. The formulation is packed full of ingredients including Chamomile, Marshmallow, Organic Perilla, Evening Primrose, Olive and Shea butter. You will probably find that a little goes a long way which I think is common for natural skincare. The less is more thing is often true due to concentrated formulas. From top to toe this body lotion feels good on my skin. I have dedicated hand cream in my collection but this works in a pinch, it saves on space when travelling to have a multipurpose product. Personally when using as a hand cream I'd say the packaging is probably a little large for carrying in a handbag so it will likely be something you keep at home.

As I've said before dedicated reliable skincare which is free from perfumes and essential oils can sometimes feel like a mission to find. I honestly can't fault Green People products, perhaps the only very small and silly criticism is never knowing when you're about to run about due to the airless pump packaging. Moral of that story is always have a back up on hand.

Sarah x

12 March 2022

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day
(from press releases/not sponsored/chosen by the editor)

Beam Mother's Day large luxury gift set and Mother's Day soap & dish gift set
Two gift options available - the Luxury gift set includes two full sized soaps, an eco cotton and bamboo fluffy wash cloth and a beautiful hand tied posy of dried flowers, tied with natural jute twine. Alternatively the other gift box includes a hand thrown stoneware soap dish by a local potter and a full sized soap.

This pampering gift set includes Cranberry Facial Grains which leaves skin super soft, a mask applicator, mixing bowl and Bamboo & Cotton face cloth. The mixing bowl also doubles up as a lovely keepsake, the perfect size to pop earrings and rings onto. This set comes in a signature kraft gift box with pink recycled tissue paper.

An independent roastery based in Rutland who hand-roast speciality coffees and source premium loose leaf teas. Their quirky named teas are ethically sourced, vegan and contain whole leaves. A climate positive company who make a special effort to source sustainable, fully traceable loose leaves. One idea you might like to consider for Mother's Day is the Best Selling Tea Lovers gift set.

Perfect for anyone with a busy life or stressful job, who dreams of sleep or just some restful calm, comes ready to give in a recyclable card box. Set includes - Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask 30ml, Sleepy Pillow Mist 100ml, Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum 15ml

Everyone’s hands need a little TLC right now and Mums are no exception. Odylique’s new Hand Spa Set is guaranteed to soothe, gently exfoliate and moisturise the most sensitive, cracked, hard-working or dry hands. It includes Coconut Candy Scrub (20g) and Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie, packaged into a white pillow box with a pink ribbon. Use my code SUGARPUFFISH for a 20% discount off any orders (affiliate link)

Violet Bee - personalised T-Shirts from a sustainable fashion brand
Being a mom can be a tiring full-time job, but it is also one of the most rewarding things to be. Nothing makes her prouder to see (and show!) what her little bundle of joy has grown into. Get her children’s drawings printed on Violet Bee’s recycled and sustainable T-shirts that she can wear with pride and keep forever.

Sarah x

27 November 2021

5 hand care duo sets suitable for any gifting occasion
(I have previously been gifted items from BAO & Nourish)

Surely I can't be the only one who secretly loves a luxurious hand care set to adorn the bathroom or kitchen sink. It makes a mundane daily task a little more special and can add a finishing touch to a stylish bathroom. Perfect for treating yourself and guests in your home. I believe hand wash and hand lotion can make the perfect gift so let me share with you some personal picks which you may wish to check out for yourself.

The Brightening Hand Cream nourishes sensitive, cracked, and dry hands with shea butter, baobab oil and vitamin e. The matching hand wash has an SLS free formulation which is kinder to skin, never leaving it feeling stripped or dry. Products are scented with Sweet Orange and Geranium

This set contains SOS Skin Shield+ which kills 99.99% germs, Fragrance Free Organic Vegan Soap Bar, Hand Wash and Hand and Body Cream. Beauty Kitchen states "this kit will not only have your hands and face squeaky clean but beautifully moisturised as well"
Lucky Cloud Soothing Hand Care Duo
This set contains a soap bar and balm ideal for reducing plastic waste. The soap contains shea butter, sunflower seed oil and castor oil for a luxurious feel and gives a rich, creamy lather. Pair it with the super soothing balm which contains oat oil to help itchy and dry skin.

Zesty lemon, ho leaf essential oils and black pepper leave your skin smelling fresh with a naturally antibacterial formulation. Nourish don't include sulphates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, retinyl palmitate, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban or formaldehyde in their ingredients, making products better for your skin and the environment. Follow up with the matching scented hand lotion to help keep skin feeling nourished with added shea butter.

Designed in collaboration with Australian artist Anna Cole, you can cleanse and moisturise your hands, while indulging in an enhanced Sukin Signature scent of of Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender and Vanillin

Sarah x

4 July 2021

Green People Scent Free Hand Cream
I don't know about you but a huge bottle of hand cream is exactly what is needed at the moment. Constant hand washing and sanitising has taken its toll on my delicate skin so I want a lotion that absorbs quickly and instantly hydrates.

Green People is a brand I have trusted for many years. They are reliable, good quality and offer fragrance free options. The Green People Everyday Hand Cream is a whopping 300ml bottle so that works out great to share around your household or provides a plentiful supply if you're the only one using it. The simple white packaging looks elegant in the bathroom, bedroom or office. The pump generally works well but sometimes needs unclogging otherwise it will fly across the room. To be fair I'm sure most of us have experienced of this with pump dispensers, I find it a common problem with my products.

Green People highlight the following key points on their website -
Vegan, scent-free and suitable for all the family
Ultra-gentle on sensitive skin of all ages, with no synthetic fragrance
Naturally abundant in the Omega-3&6 fatty acids that are essential for healthy skin
Leaves hands nourished, soft and protected against dryness

So what do I think? Green People Everyday Hand Cream has a light lotion feel but it still manages to hydrate my skin. This cream sinks in quickly which suits me as I don't enjoy applying greasy thick creams during the day. It's nice to be able to get on with daily tasks and not have to wave my hands around waiting for absorption. 

There is a matching Scent Free Everyday Hand Wash which is on my 'to try' list for the future. You can purchase these products individually or as a set. Overall, I believe Green People Scent Free Everyday Hand Cream is the perfect staple skincare product to have in your home. 

If you'd like more information for the Green People Scent Free Everyday Hand Cream or any other products, then I recommend checking out their website - greenpeople.co.uk

Sarah x

3 May 2021

Review A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Shampoo and Calming Hand Cream
(I purchased these products)

A'kin and I go way back. I've mentioned many times before how they were one of the first brands I discovered on my 'green' beauty journey. Last year I decided to revisit their products starting with the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner. I've since repurchase and sized up to the 500ml bottle as I enjoy using it. After much deliberation I decided to buy the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Shampoo. This was a huge deal for me as I've been loyal to Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo for around eight years and never switched in that time.

I remember in those early years I never rated the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Shampoo because I wasn't used to low foaming haircare and hadn't purged my hair of mainstream products. Now I have experience behind me and this A'kin shampoo performs better than I remembered. I can achieve a nice lather, my hair feels clean and I can do this without scalp irritation associated with fragrance. My hair does feel a little dry in the washing stages so I always follow up with conditioner (the same goes for Odylique). Now that I've experienced this A'kin shampoo again I'm confident to recommend to readers. At this time, the 500ml bottle does work out a little cheaper in comparison to Odylique.

Changing the subject over to hand creams, I don't know about you but the pandemic has been rough on my skin. I've had lots of issues with extremely dry hands and eczema. It's possible I've used A'kin Calming Hand Cream in the past but I couldn't quite remember. The fragrance free formulation contains jojoba and shea butter which offer soothing and hydrating properties. The texture of the cream feels non-greasy, nourishing and my skin absorbs the cream leaving me quickly free to go about daily tasks. I've got a couple of hand creams on the go at the moment but A'kin Calming Hand Cream does feel as if it's having an impact on maintaining the on going battle against dryness. The important part is to be consistent with using hand creams, reapply regularly and the effects on skin should become noticeable.

A'kin products are available to purchase through their website but you'll also find stockists online. All products are vegan and cruelty free. Alongside their fragrance free range you can find scented alternatives.

Sarah x

7 November 2020

Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for 2020 featuring Natural Skincare, Jewellery, Toys and Vegan Chocolate
(includes PAID placement/gifted Ombar chocolate)

As we go into another lockdown I think many of us will be shopping Christmas presents online and I would encourage you to support local independent businesses. There are so many wonderful eco-friendly sellers out there that it becomes impossible to feature them all. I've put together a small selection of brands offering beautiful handcrafted gifts which I am sure many of you will love and cherish.

Beth the founder of Bao handcrafts natural skincare in Dorset. When visiting the website make sure you select the 'Christmas' tab to discover a beautiful collection of gift boxed products. I am sure you will find something to suit your budget. I can recommend the Brightening Hand Wash and Cream, this certainly has been a tough year on our hands so I sure this combination would be a winner for your loved ones.

This year the gift of hand sanitiser might be the perfect present for some. If you know of anyone experiencing eczema or they're prone to dry skin then Balmonds is brand I recommend. 

Delicious biscuits which are handmade in a variety of themes, available as selection sets, individual cookie cards, letterbox sets and suitable for Vegans

A beautifully curated website which supports artisans, they incorporate the principles of fair trade to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. Harfi has a collection of unique handcrafted quality products which include jewellery, towels, accessories and homeware. Using the 'Gift' tab you can filter according to your budget. The Sylvia Ring and Earrings are eye catching, ethically handmade jewellery with azurite gemstones.

A lovely business based in Hampshire making handmade skincare to include soaps, lotions, soaks and gift sets. Love to b Skincare is now stocked in some of the South West’s finest spas, hotels and boutiques. 

Discover Nourish London’s natural, organic, vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free Seasonal Gift Sets powered by plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and our planet. The Antioxidant Duo Gift Set is a vegan and organic stocking filler to hydrate and replenish the skin. It contains Nourish London’s Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), encased in an organic and handmade toiletry bag from Freeset.

When you have allergies, it's no fun watching everyone tuck into the Quality Street so make sure you don't forget dietary needs this Christmas. Ombar chocolate is vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugar (not recommended for nut allergies). 

Seekology
An independent beauty and wellbeing with a wide selection of products. On the site click "trending" and select the Christmas Gift Sets option, here you will find curated gift sets. I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and would select the Candlelight Glow Collection which contains Radiant Glow Mask and Serenity Candle. The Bowe Organics set contains their popular brow oil and our nourishing lip rescue balm.

Marian is the founder of Silvan Skincare, her ethos is to create gentle skincare that is natural and doesn't irritate or harm the environment. The product range includes balms, face oils, creams, lip balms and body oils. Depending on your budget, you could choose individual products or select the 'Gift' tab for skincare sets. As 2020 has been such a rough year for everyone I feel as if the Silvan Soothe Duo gift set could be a perfect gift as it includes a full size Face Oil and a Sleep Balm. 

Beautiful soaps that are handmade using traditional cold pressed methods, formulated without palm oil and using certified organic ingredients. Explore the website because the range includes individual bars, soap dishes, bundles and gift box sets. I'm sure there is something to suit most budgets and Vegan options are available.

If you are looking for fair trade toys and gifts for children then visit Weaving Hope. Toys are made by artisans in Sri Lanka, working within a guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Products are made from cotton woven on traditional handlooms. The toys are vegan friendly, plastic free and coloured with non toxic dyes and compliant with safety regulations (CE mark). Check out the latest addition to the range which are cute food baskets, for a play kitchen.

Sarah x

7 July 2020

BAO Skincare Natural Organic Vegan
(Gifted PR Samples)

At the heart of BAO Skincare is its founder Beth who created her organic and vegan products to managed sensitive skin. I think it would be fair to say it's a familiar back story as to why Beth started creating her products. Many of us turn to a holistic and natural lifestyle when experiencing skin issues or ill health. BAO skincare is handmade in Dorset and formulated without the synthetic ingredients that many of us choose to avoid. When using preservatives BAO states they will be free from palm oil. Products such as balms, salts and scrubs are formulated without water and do not require the same preservation systems. You can also be assured that products are certified by COSMOS Soil Association and The Vegan Society. I was kindly sent a couple of products from BAO's skincare range so let me talk you through my thoughts. For my readers with sensitivities please note these products contain nut oils and essential oil fragrance allergens.

Brightening Hand Cream (with sweet orange & geranium) - a light texture cream infused with the scents of orange, geranium and may chang. The formulation includes moisturising oils of avocado, macadamia, apricot, shea butter and sweet almond. The glass bottle with pump not only looks stylish but it's practical and recyclable. BAO hand cream doesn't feel sticky or greasy yet it hydrates the skin with lasting performance. You can pair this with Brightening Hand Wash for a complete hand care routine. Overall it's a lovely hand cream which I am sure many people would enjoy using.

Luminosity Body Scrub (with coconut & grapefruit) - I don't naturally gravitate towards scrubs but I can experience flaky skin with seasonal changes so I need to tackle that a couple of times throughout the year. I think the recyclable aluminium pouch is not only creative but practical, it's resealable and safer than glass jars. The scrub isn't swimming in oil and drier than others I have tried. This isn't a criticism as I prefer this type of formulation, some body scrubs are impractical and leave you with a dangerous slippery bath/shower. The scrubbing action comes from cane sugar but also includes green clay, almond oil, apricot kernel, coconut and cocoa butter to help moisturise the skin. It has a delicate scent from grapefruit, may chang and red mandarin. I found the scrub comfortable to use and it didn't leave my skin red raw but was suitably rough to be effective in removing visible flaky skin. That being said I would always advise caution when using scrubs as they disrupt the skin barrier.

I've enjoyed using the Brightening Hand Cream and Luminosity Body Scrub and appreciate the consideration that has gone into the naturally derived formulations. From my own experiences I am happy to recommend BAO Skincare and would suggest you visit their website to explore the full product range.

Sarah x

28 May 2020

Typology Paris based natural skincare brand
(gifted/press samples)

In between the junk mail there is the occasional gem that peaks my interest and Typology did exactly that. Products ticked all the right boxes for me - vegan, cruelty free, minimalist formulations, ethical and fragrance free (with exception of Eaux de Parfums). This is a genderless brand which is 100% online model and created by Ning Li, Founder of MADE.com. Typology designs and produces concentrated, natural products in France that are active, effective and sustainable. Many of the products are designed to mix and match to allow you to create tailored formulations.
Typology solid soothing cleansing bar
I honestly think my heart skipped a beat when I realised this is a range free from essential oils. Any long time followers will be aware of my issues with linalool (allergen present in some essential oils). When I accepted the offer to receive products I wasn't expecting so many to turn up and I'm very grateful to be able to explore the range in such depth. It certainly makes for easy reviews as there is so much to cover so I will start with the products that I would naturally gravitate towards.

7 Ingredient Makeup Removing Oil - I adore using a cleansing oil and naturally opt for ones with minimalist formulations as I don't require a long ingredient list. Typology has created a good product here which is light and easily removed without leaving greasy residue. It's a winner for me and I honestly can't fault it.

Dry Skin Serum (100% Squalane) - Before anyone panics this squalane is derived from olives. I've never use squalane as a stand alone ingredient so I was keen to see how my skin would react. It sits on my skin for some time which is interesting but feels nice and hydrating. At first I didn't feel there was much "wow" factor to this ingredient but it has grown on me with time. I think this is an ingredient which would do well in combination with products and it is suggested to follow up with your daily cream or oil.
Typology Dry Skin Serum and Hydrating Serum
Hydrating Serum (3% Hyaluronic Acid + 2% B5) - As name suggestions this serum could be ideal for those who experience dry skin. Hyaluronic acid has been a buzz word in skincare for quite some time. The B5 in this serum stands for Pro Vitamin B5 (aka Panthenol) like hyaluronic acid it helps retain moisture and softness. I have to be truthful and say that hyaluronic acid as a stand alone ingredient does very little for my skin and I would argue it can have a drying effect. For me, the mix and match concept of Typology comes into play with a product like this one. 

10 Ingredient Hand Balm - at the moment we are all battling with dry skin and a decent hand cream is a must have item. Despite the name, this is a cream formulation which feels silky on the skin without greasiness. It sinks in beautifully and feels lovely. The packaging is stylish and practical. The formulation is simple with hydrating ingredients including Hyaluronic acid. I quickly became a fan of this one and again one that I can't fault at this time.

Sweet Almond Oil - Typology have a full range of single ingredient oils which can be applied daily to the face, body or hair. Almond has always been a personal favourite and I can understand why it was sent to me. Almond oil nourishes and protects which is exactly what I need when dealing with my sensitive skin. I will use this to cleanse and moisturise (body & face).

Roman Chamomile Hydrolate - as with the oils there are several hydrolates to choose from according to your skin type and needs. Chamomile is known for soothing sensitive skin and would be one I would select for myself. I use this as a toner step in my routine, it will remove traces of cleanser whilst calming the skin.
Typology Eaux de Parfums
I can't really find a reason to fault Typology. The packaging is recyclable (more info available on their website) and you can't deny it looks super stylish in your bathroom which is an added bonus. As someone with sensitive skin it's lovely to be able to select products to my individual needs and Typology would easily slot into an established skincare routine. I also believe the price point will appeal to most people. I will always celebrate brands with fragrance free products. Essential oils can be wonderful and uplifting ingredients but some people do not understand they are potent and contain allergens. If you ever feel your skin is fragile and sensitive then it could be worthwhile leaving out fragrances be it artificial or plant based. There are so many products in the range that I highly recommend exploring the Typology website for yourself.

Sarah x

25 May 2020

Reviews Alba Botanicals, Balmonds, Giovanni, Madara, Raw Halo, Viridian
(I have purchased these products but they may have previously featured on my site as gifts/press samples)

During lockdown a handful of products ran out so I've been ordering replacements and I thought you might be interested in discovering more about my favourites. I hope this shows that my positive reviews are honest and demonstrates how products become staples in my self care routine.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cream Shave - this was something I originally picked up at TK Maxx and I wasn't expecting much however it turned out to be the perfect product for me. I've always experienced dry skin and shaving can be a struggle especially in the winter months. My legs are prone to soreness and bleeding despite the upmost care and attention paid to my skin. When it came to repurchasing the coconut lime was out of stock so I selected mango vanilla instead. I spent years finding the perfect shave cream so I truly hope I can continue to source this one as it leaves my skin silky smooth and undamaged by the razor.

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - this cream tackles my dry skin with ease and it's suitable for across the entire body including my face and hands. This is a reliable product and appeals to me from a budget conscious perspective as it can cut three creams down to just one. It's suitable for all the family and when the shops are open again readily available on the high street at Holland & Barrett. 

Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray - this product has been working well for me so I'm sticking with it for the moment. Unlike other leave in sprays this doesn't make my hair feel greasy or weigh down in. It doesn't appear to 'build up' over time which is great as it doesn't conflict with my hair washing routine.

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 - I've been using this since circa 2018 and it has now replaced my long time love affair with Madara Moon Flower Tinting Fluid. Both products are excellent but it was the SPF that clinched it for me in the end. This is the only non-vegan (contains beeswax) product in my routine and if that's a deal beaker for you then opt for the Tinting Fluid which is suitable for vegans. Depending on how my skin looks I'll often wear Madara CC cream over moisturiser or layer it under a powder mineral foundation, either way I like how it evens out my skin tone. 

Raw Halo Organic Raw Chocolate - you came here for skincare and here I am throwing in a food item but it's one of my lockdown essentials. Chocolate that is suitable for Vegans but without trace warnings for milk is really hard to find but Raw Halo ticks that box and tastes delicious so I treated myself to several bars.

Viridian High Five Multivitamin and Mineral Formula - I originally introduced readers to Viridian in 2015 (Viridian Essential Female Multi Vitamin). Supplements are very much personal choice and should be tailored to individual needs. I take vitamins on the advice provided when seen in Allergy Clinics (NHS). A balanced diet is always preferable and I do my best where I can. The High Five formula offers me everything I need in one tablet and I've been taking them for a few years. I chose Viridian over other brands because of their ethics and quality of ingredients. 

Sarah x

31 March 2020

Managing dry skin caused by excessive hand washing
(features gifted samples and purchased items)

Constant hand washing has taken it's toll on everyone's skin. It makes you sound very scummy but I promise I was washing my hands prior to the current crisis, I just wasn't scrubbing them like a surgeon with strong antibacterials soaps after touching EVERYTHING - door handles, postal deliveries, grocery trolleys etc. The skin on my hands has always been delicate, in childhood I had a lot of hand eczema and I think that leaves a lasting effect. My hands are on the brink of cracking and feel as rough as sandpaper. At first every cream I applied stung, that included products I was using for years but the sensation does get better with time as the skin starts to repair itself. Personally, now we are in self isolation I can have a break from intensive hand washing. Of course I haven't stopped this practice, I can just relax a little as I figure my own home environment is safer than the office I was in last week.

10 March 2020

review Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap
(gifted)

Madara Ocean Love is a limited edition collection created to celebrate seas and oceans. The packaging is recyclable and made from recycled ocean waste or plant based plastics, with artwork by Klāvs Loris. The formulations are ocean-friendly and vegan. As Ocean Love products are limited I wasn't sure whether to review but the collection is currently still available from Love Lula.

If you order Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap, please note that the ingredients listed on the Love Lula website are different to the bottle. I've pointed this out to customer service but it remains the same at the time of writing this. It was bittersweet disappointment because the website had me believe this soap was free from linalool and sadly it is not. Coincidentally, the fragrance for Ocean Love is meadowsweet and jasmine which matches with Madara Infusion Blanc Moisture Soap so I suspect it's the same product re-packaged.

I placed the Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap in my guest bathroom and received compliments on the pleasant aroma. It has a gentle sweetness which I enjoy. I know bar soaps are favourable for the environment but I find them a little messy and impractical in certain circumstances so I continue to use liquid soaps in my home and at work. I've used Ocean Love sparingly but I have been happy with how it feels on my skin. I would say that in comparison to other liquid soaps, it does feel non-drying so holds up to its name. For me, winter is my worst enemy, cold weather and flu season take their toll on how my skin behaves and feels, the constant washing to protect from illness means I have to hit up hand creams more often than in Summer. I'm always grateful for a soap that isn't stripping and doesn't contribute to skin feeling parched and rough.

When it comes to Madara as a brand, there are a couple of products I've repeat purchased over the years so I'm confident to make recommendations (Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Madara City CC Cream). I might not be able to test more products from them due to linalool sensitivity but I am happy to gift to others and when I do they have been gratefully received. If by the time you read this the Ocean Love collection has vanished, I would still recommend taking time to consider other products from Madara.

Sarah x

14 January 2020

favourite green beauty skincare reviews for 2019
(features previously reviewed products gifted through a blogger partnership programme for Love Lula)

I had the idea to look back over the last year of reviews for Love Lula. There are a number of products which impressed me and have made it into my routine for the foreseeable future. I have gone on to re-purchase a number of products since my initial review which I think says a lot about them.

My April review featured Jason and Organii and whilst I did not go on to purchase these particular products again, I did explore product range for the brands. Jason Smoothing Coconut Body Wash has been a staple in our shower which both myself and my husband have been using. The giant 887ml bottle is very economical and it's nice to have found something which we can share as it was getting a little cluttered having separate bottles. Organii liquid soaps and shower gels are a firm favourite and I've re-purchased plenty of times. I generally have the fragrance free hand wash and shea butter body wash in my home but I will mix it up from time to time.

In June and August I reviewed the Giovanni 2-Chic conditioners and they have been very economical as I am only now reaching the end of the bottles. It's surprising how a change of scenery makes all the difference to performance of hair care products. It seems so silly but in our new house I'm not sure if the water or a better shower is the key factor but I switched up my preference from the original review. All three conditioners have their own merits but I will be repurchasing either the Repairing or Ultra Sleek and won't be swapping back to Madara.

In September it was Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream that won me over and I'm still using up the bottle. My thoughts remain the same and I've been reaching for it more often in recent weeks following a break out in eczema. It's an excellent staple for all the family and I can't imagine not having it in my routine.

October featured Green People Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream which I immediately re-purchased when it ran out. I still don't like the anti-ageing message but the formulation and performance is spot on for me. It's been a long time since I was 100% sold on a face cream. Of course there are other creams I enjoy from different brands but I was going back and forth between them. Green People fits my skin type perfectly and I'm feeling much better about my appearance. I had struggled with dermatitis and redness and whilst I would never claim to be "cured" I am definitely feeling happier when using this product.

Nature's Kitchen featured three times this year as I reviewed the Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover, Purifying Skin Toning Gentle Care Face Mask and Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream. I enjoyed using all three products but it's the Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream that stood out to me the most. I struggle with dry hands over the winter months and it can be hard to find creams that are not thick and greasy but effective in protecting my skin. Nature's Kitchen ticks this box for me and the rescue cream has become a staple for my bedside table. The price point is great, a little goes a long way and I can see myself replacing once this tube is used up.

Sarah x

Further reviews for Love Lula in 2019 can be located through these links -

26 November 2019

Nature's Kitchen Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream
(Gifted)

Eczema can be seasonal, some people flare up in the summer months and for others its the winter that causes them discomfort. For me as soon as the temperature drops I see a visible difference in my skin, it becomes overly dry, flaky and I feel like my eczema is laying in wait to jump out and yell "surprise remember me?". In winter my skincare routine switches from lotions to balms and rich creams with my entire body feeling rough but in particular my hands and legs. Balmonds is still a firm staple at the moment but through Love Lula I have the advantage to explore other brands for comparison. Nature's Kitchen has been a bit of a hit with me recently so the Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream was next on my list.

Nature's Kitchen Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream is intended to target dry skin and maintain moisture. It can be used anywhere on the body and the 50ml tube is the perfect size for carrying around in my handbag. Obviously it's a bit small for using as a daily body cream, that wouldn't be economical, but it's purpose would be to offer an intensive solution to smaller dry patches. I'm finding this product particularly useful as a hand cream. Straight away it get a tick in the box for being free from essential oils and vegan friendly. The ingredient formulation is packed full of ingredients which moisturise, calm and protect sensitive skin. This isn't a sticky or heavy balm consistency, it's a medium thick cream which my skin has no issue absorbing. As a hand cream it sinks in and I can quickly return to daily tasks without a greasy sensation. 

To round up this little review, I'm very happy with the Nature's Kitchen Gentle Therapy Rescue Cream. I would recommend to others and considering purchasing when this tube runs out. 

If you didn't catch my last review for Love Lula then this link will take you to the article - Green People Neutral Scent Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream and Nature's Kitchen Purifying Skin Toning Gentle Care Face Mask

Sarah x

26 September 2019

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
(Gifted)

You might already be familiar with Balmonds under their former branding of Purepotions. I've been a fan of their products for some time now having previously reviewed their hand cream which quickly became one of my top recommendations. It's a hero product for me especially during the winter months when I'm prone to eczema breakouts. I wanted to explore more of the product range and I was looking for a new body cream so Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream seems like a suitable choice.

As a brand, Balmonds is marketed towards customers with dry and sensitive skin which may also be prone to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The Daily Moisturising Cream is fragrance free which is great for people like me with a sensitivity to fragrance allergens. Many natural ointments marketed towards eczema contain beeswax so it's nice of Balmonds to offer a vegan friendly alternative. Overall the formulation is well considered and contains fantastic soothing and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, hemp seed, chickweed, chamomile and calendula.

The Daily Moisturising Cream is multi-purpose so you can use it on any areas of the body but it's especially good for targeting dry patches and keeping skin hydrated. I've mainly been using this cream on my legs as they are going through a stubborn phrase and I'm battling dryness. This moisturiser is super hydrating but I like how it doesn't feel heavy or greasy and it disappears fairly quickly. I've also trialled this cream on my face and I was super happy with the results. I can see The Daily Moisturising Cream coming in handy for the winter weather when I usually switch from my lighter summer products. I really think this could be a good all-rounder for the entire family. Only the other day I was also considering how handy this would to take on holiday as you could cut down on products. It would be easy to ditch hand, face and body cream bottles for this one cream.

I think it's fair to say Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream could easily become a permanent part of my skincare routine and I would happily buy myself another tube when this one runs out.  Have you tried Balmonds? Which product would you recommend?

If you missed my last review then follow this link Giovanni 2Chic Conditioners

Sarah x

31 July 2019

Review Urtekram No Perfume Hand Cream
I've been on the lookout for a budget friendly, vegan and linalool free hand cream in what felt like forever. I had previously been using Balmonds (they re-branded from Pure Potions) it's a great product but I was curious to see what other options were out there. I eventually came up with Urtekram No Perfume Hand Cream.

27 December 2018

Reviews for Love Lula, Silvan Skincare, Benecos, The Handmade Soap Co
(Note: I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site, I am not obligated to review)

Here’s my final Love Lula review for this year and yes seems crazy to say that. On several occasions I’ve was convinced I would eventually run out of products to test from their site but I kept going strong.

I’ve slowly been converting my husband over to greener products and he’s been experimenting for a couple of years now with shaving soaps. I realised I hadn’t given this particular shaving soap a shout out and this is the second one I’ve ordered. Whilst this does cost a little more than others we tested you do get value for money, I’m not totally certain but I think he possibly made it last 8-9 months. You can create a nice creamy lather with this shaving soap which I know hubby likes. I definitely would recommend to others.

Sadly Madara seem to have discontinued my favourite hand cream so I’ve been in need of a replacement. Once the temperature dips and the heating goes on my hands are prone to eczema if I don’t maintain my dry skin. I chose the Benecos Classic hand cream because it’s free from linalool. I wasn’t expecting much from a cream that is a super affordable £2.95 but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It is a runny lotion but I still manage to get a decent level of hydration. It suits me well when at work because it disappears quickly without stickiness and I am happy to re-apply when needed. I often top up applications in the evening with a “heavier” cream/balm (e.g Pure Potions is a favourite).

I’ve been on the hunt for a linalool free muscle rub for a while now. Hubby is moaning about a sore arm and I’ve got a dodgy shoulder which is an old car accident injury (what a pair we make!). Silvan has featured on my blog before so it’s a brand I’m familiar with. The muscle balm is one of eight balms recently launched (Sleep, Breathe, Gardener's, Radiance, Muscle, Rescue, Mama's and Bliss). Muscle balm contains organic oils, shea butter, comfrey, arnica, marjoram, eucalyptus and cedarwood, it is also suitable for Vegans. From my own experiences, I find some balm formulations tricky to work with; some products don’t melt easily on contact with skin. Silvan Skincare balm is different and I would put that down to the absence of beeswax which is often found in other products. Silvan Muscle balm is soft and buttery making it very easy to massage which is what I want in this type of product as an injury which flares up often needs a light touch. Whilst I can’t vouch for removal of pain I can say that I do find massage can have a positive effect. There is certainly no harm in giving ourselves a little down time and attending to our wellbeing. I would be interested in trying other products from the range in the future and would recommend giving them your consideration.

Sarah x

18 December 2018

sugarpuffish natural and organic favourites for 2018
*picture above & referenced within article includes PR samples/gifts & products bought with my own money*

As Christmas approaches I start to think about winding down for the holidays and what better way to draw a close than to look back on my blog favourites. I have felt that this year my beauty habits have peaked since I’m reaching for the same trusted favourites and I’ve reviewed less this year. This is possibly because my linalool sensitivity has limited choices and there haven’t been as many launches which have drawn my attention. My skincare collection isn’t too bad considering the avoidance of this one ingredient; of course everything remains natural, organic and ethical. I have always avoided certain animal derived ingredients (e.g carmine, silk, shellac, bee venom) but this year I think I made a conscious move towards skincare labelled suitable for Vegans.

Top of my repurchase list
It will come as no surprise to most that I continue to purchase Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo as I dare not try anything else. I don’t want to upset my delicate scalp. I’ve settled into a routine pairing my shampoo with Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner and have finished off several tubes this year. For makeup Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Everyday Minerals remain my daily go to products. I’ve been pretty fickle with cleansers swapping between handfuls of favourites but my moisturiser choices are firmly stuck on Evolve Daily Renew and Antipodes Rejoice.

Favourite new skincare discoveries for 2018
In March I tested Pure Potions Intensive Hand Cream and it quickly won me over by making light work of my dry skin. This is super rich and hydrating and remains a go to even more during Winter. April saw the arrival of Ere Perez SOS Marmalade Balm and this changed my skin overnight. I had been experiencing dermatitis on my chest for months and nothing seemed to help until I applied the SOS balm, it truly lived up to its name. Myroo is a brand I’ve trusted and discussed for several years and in May it was the Superfood Balm (fragrance free) that stole the show. For me its the formulation of ingredients that provides intrigue with mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. It’s a great all rounder with a soft texture that melts into dry skin patches with ease. In the same month I reviewed Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 and later went on to repurchase. This CC cream is seriously good and it’s a tough choice between this and my beloved Moonflower Tinting Fluid. In the end I decided that since the CC cream contains SPF it will be my go to in the summer months, that way I get to enjoy both products throughout the year. It’s no secret that the Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil is one of my favourite products so in June I was excited to review the Soothe Balm. For anyone who experiences dry skin and fragrance allergies Soothe Balm is a must in your beauty collection. I think the most exciting launch of the year was Bodhi & Birch’s Superfoods Series and I quickly fell for the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm and Super25 Botanical Serum. I didn’t get around to writing a full review for the Super25 serum but trust me it’s beautiful. I believe both products make a difference to my skin in the long term. From my perspective, to create a range that is free from essential oils but still smells amazing is totally genius. So much love and attention has gone into the range and it really shows in quality and performance.

Favourite new free from/vegan foods for 2018
This year has been the year Vegan food has taken off and I for one love it. The Wicked Kitchen range at Tesco has doubled in size and let’s not forget all the pizzas, so much pizza! Waitrose introduced an own labelled product range which I am totally loving and still working my way through. I have developed a serious Vegan Magnum addiction, almond is the favourite. Fry’s Kitchen has arrived in Sainsbury’s and I love this as it’s more convenient for me. Veganise has become an alarming habit and I always have minimum two jars in the fridge, the supply issues experienced earlier in the year at Sainsbury’s were traumatic times (lol) Livia’s Kitchen Brownie Nugglets and Rhythm 108 Sweet n Salty Almond chocolate bars are the reason why none of my clothes fit.

I truly hope that all this innovation continues but the Free From Community has taken some hits this year. The effects of the Pret case are being felt. I hope that my love of eating out doesn’t take a step backwards in 2019. The the allergy and coeliac community are waiting to see what happens next.

I'm looking forward to what 2019 brings but in the meantime what are your favourites from this year?

Sarah x

20 November 2018

christmas gift ideas at love lula
(Gifted) 

I hope that my Christmas Gift ideas are helpful. I enjoy putting them together and often I’m buying them for friends and family. I enjoy the gift of skincare. I love introducing people to natural products and helping them to discover new brands. If people are unsure or reluctant to take their first steps to Green Beauty you can assist in this for Christmas. Love Lula offer a range of products for all budgets and ethics so I decided to choose some gift options and share my ideas with you.

Benecos Winter Dream Gift Set & Men’s Gift Set (£10.95/£11.90)
If you caught my recent review of budget shower gels you’ll know that I’ve enjoyed trialing Benecos products. I think Benecos offer affordable prices for everyday essentials which are not only BDIH certified but also suitable for Vegans. There are a handful of gift set options organised by scent, each presented in a gift bag. The Winter Dream set contains Winter Dream Shower Gel, Winter Dream Body Lotion and Vanilla Lip Balm and the Men’s set contains 3 in 1 Body Wash and After Shave Balm 2 in 1

Ermana Mini Balms Gift Set (£24)
I’ve tried a couple of products from Ermana and enjoyed using them. This set is beautifully presented in a box with ribbon and contains Cleanse mini balm, Refresh balm and Comfort mini balm (each item is 15ml size). I have previously reviewed the cleanse balm and think this is a lovely way to introduce someone to multipurpose products.

Madara Smart Glow Vitalising Moisture Soap 300ml and Madara Smart Glow Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml (£9/£8)
Another one of my favourite brands and I regularly use their products. Madara recently re-vamped their hand creams but I’d been a big fan of their Protecting Hand Cream for quite some time. I thought the Smart Glow soap and hand cream could be gifted together as a set or individually. I like to think this as a useful and practical gift which would look lovely next to the bathroom or kitchen sink. Both products are suitable for Vegans.

Crazy Rumor Lip Balms (£3.99)
I’ve been a fan of Crazy Rumor for years in fact I first reviewed them back in 2013. The packaging looks different these days but they still have a fabulous range of flavours such as Hot Cocoa and Pina Colada. I think lip balms make the perfect stocking fillers and Crazy Rumor are suitable for Vegans.

Benecos Natural Nail Polish Sharp Rose (5ml £4.95 or 9ml £6.95)
Another great stocking filler idea and I like that Benecos have two size options. I picked up the 5ml and it’s the cutest size. You could create your own pamper manicure gift set by pairing a nail polish with Madara Infusion Vert Repairing Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml and a nail file.

If you would like to shop for these products or discover other gift items then head over to Love Lula

Sarah x

10 July 2018

Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
(includes gifted PR samples)

Travelling light with cabin only luggage is something I am slowly getting used to but the liquid allowance sends me into meltdown when it comes to my skincare. I make the separation anxiety a little easier by decanting favourites into 100ml bottles but sometimes that’s not practical due to the natural of the product. I’ll often top up on small samples or travel sized skincare and products which are multipurpose. Just for fun I thought I would run through a list of everything that came with me to Italy. Full disclosure I do take over my husband allowance he’s minimal with skincare and just uses mine.

Pictured above are the products that qualify for cabin allowance so they are 100ml or less. On this last trip we were trailing Green People sun creams so I have the scent free range of SPF 30 sun lotion (for body), facial cream and lip balm. I opted to take cleansing oil as balms don’t hold up well in the warm weather. I’m currently using Myroo (fragrance free) so that came along for the trip. I personally think oil cleansing is a great all rounder which easily removes daily grime without stripping the skin. I picked up Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Light Day Cream as it’s one of my favourites. A little goes a long way with this cream so the 15ml size was ample and we didn’t use it up. I did travel with my Everyday Minerals powder foundation but also took along my Madara CC cream. This contains SPF and evens out skin tone; it simply gives me a little more confidence to go makeup free. I really liked how this stood up against the heat and I look half decent in our holiday photos. I also packed Ere Perez Carrot Pot in Harmony for cheek and lip colour but didn’t end up using it but that qualifies as a non-liquid so takes up no room or allowance. Lastly, I love that Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic are available in 15ml travel size and chose argan as a suitable all rounder. I know I can use this on my hair, face and body so if one of my other products runs out or I need additional hydration I’m covered. 
Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
My favourite products (shown above) were the ones I decanted into smaller bottles. You all know I can’t be without my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo but my 500ml bottle isn’t travel friendly. My Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner also came along for the trip. Both my husband and I are currently using Sukin for Men body wash and you can see that’s another super size bottle only suitable for the bathroom. I was not about to part with my Evolve Organic Daily Defence Moisture Mist so that was a must have. I also included Green People Scent Free Body & Hand lotion as a good all purpose cream but truth be told I didn't end up needing it.

What are your travel essentials? Are there any beauty products you can't be without on your holiday?

Sarah x

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