hand wash

19 December 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah x

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

2 October 2021

unscented vegan soaps for sensitive skin
Long time readers will know that I have to avoid linalool, it's a naturally occurring allergen found in essential oils. These days I'm mindful of my plastic waste so I've been introducing solid soap bars into our home. It's not easy to find fragrance free products, especially those that are truly unscented. When pitching to brands I'm often presented with claims of fragrance free but products are full of essential oils. The language we are using is interpreted in different ways as many are more likely referring to not adding artificial perfumes/fragrances.

I've decided to compile a list of brands with at least one or more soaps that are unscented and free from fragrance allergens. My other focus is suitability for vegans. I hope that you will find this helpful and who knows you may find a new soap that you adore. Even if you're not interest in unscented products soaps do check out these companies as they also have fragranced options.

Beam Naked Unscented - made with coconut, olive, castor oils and kaolin clay

Isle Soap Naked & Oatmeal - two great options available

Lily & Rabbit Coconut - I recently reviewed this one, it's made from coconut oil and coconut milk

Lucky Cloud Clean & Pure Soap Bar - Made with certified organic ingredients including shea butter, sunflower seed and castor oils this soap is rich and creamy

Nathalie Bond Gentle Unscented - like many others it's made from coconut, olive oil and shea butter

Odylique Olive Soap Bar - made from hydrating extra virgin olive oil and moisturising cocoa bean butter, suitable for delicate skin types. Get 20% off your order using my affiliate code SUGARPUFFISH

Organii Neutral Cream Soap Bar - plant based, organic ingredients in a mild formula specifically for those with sensitive and allergy prone skin

Pure Thoughts Olive & Castor - contains nourishing oils and butters including olive, shea and coconut.

Soap Daze Oatmylk Unscented - a base of coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil, with Oatmylk instead of water to add creaminess

Soap Folk Calendula - an olive oil based soap with calendula flowers

The Kentish Soap Co Naked & Oatmeal - another company with two unscented options

The Wrinkly Elephant Simply Natural Unscented and Natural Oats - great to see two unscented options, both made with Shea Butter from Ghana harvested by a women's cooperative.

Wild Sage and Co Pure Olive Oil - this soap contains only olive oil and water, that's quite an interesting formulation. They also have Mama & Baby soap which has a chamomile and calendula infusion (no essential oils)

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 November 2020

faith in nature grapefruit and orange hand wash
(I purchased this product)

I've used products from in Nature for many years and they have featured on my blog a handful of times. In fact let me be nerdy and tell you their Chocolate Body Wash was the fourteenth post I ever wrote. Sadly that has since been disappeared off their site but I wanted to give a shout out to Faith in Nature Grapefruit & Orange hand wash. It was one of many soaps I purchased during lockdown.

When you plant a tree, you commit to a long term vision of how beautiful that tree could be in decades to come. Sometimes even centuries. Starting Faith In Nature back in 1974 was a bit like that. It was a vision of what could be possible one day. A belief that the best companies could be ethical. That natural could be affordable. That doing right by the planet and its people was not only a choice, but our duty. Change doesn't always come quickly. But that's exactly why Faith matters so much.


I'm only a few years younger than this brand but it's great to see Faith in Nature has stood the test of time. I've seen it go through many changes over the years from branding to product range but you can rely on their quality and affordability. Currently the range includes hair care, body washes, soaps and hand washes and refill options.

Faith in Nature does have fragrance free options but I went for Grapefruit and Orange as it doesn't contain linalool (Citral and Limonene are present on the label). I love a citrus scent so it was a winner straight away. It doesn't feel drying on skin and foams up well making it easy to use. I'm not a fan of the bottle cap as you need to pour onto hands but that is easily resolved by decanting into a soap dispenser.

Faith in Nature is an affordable product to have in the home and suitable for all the family. You can purchase directly from their website but you'll also see them on the shelves of independent retailers, Holland & Barrett, Boots and Sainsbury's.

Sarah x

20 August 2020

Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
(gifted)

Lily & Rabbit had three soap shortlisted in the Free From Skincare Awards and they came away with a Silver for Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint and Bronze for Nettle with Spearmint. This adorably named company are handcrafting soaps in North Yorkshire. Lily & Rabbit have focused on their favourite ingredients olive oil (inspired by Italian soaps) and raw goat milk. They are mindful of sensitive skin and use natural colourants, exfoliators and essential oils. For fellow vegans, Lily & Rabbit are in the process of creating suitable soaps and so you may wish to follow them on Instagram for launch information.

Here's some feedback from the testers for the Free From Skincare Awards -

“Still rock solid after a month’s testing … didn’t go soggy, break or lose fragrance … An extremely gentle, non-drying soap that lathers lightly over the skin and leaves hands feeling clean and refreshed” (Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint)

“Really enjoyed this product .. Lather wasn’t excessive, but worked efficiently without drying out skin … cleansed effectively, leaving clean, fresh and reassuring fragrance, which wasn’t lost throughout month long use … It delivered constantly and I would buy it again” (Nettle with Spearmint)
Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
Lily and Rabbit kindly sent me three soaps - Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender. It's my husband who has carried out the majority of testing and we have started with the Naked soap. This one is a simple gentle soap with no scent and formulated with goats milk, olive oil and castor oil. In comparison Bee Naked includes the addition of oatmeal and honey. It is these two soaps that I would recommended for sensitive skin and some people may find oats beneficial for skin prone to eczema.

I agree with the testers in that Lily & Rabbit soaps are solid and don't go soggy. Over the years we've had soaps that turn to mush almost instantly but these hold up to daily use. The lather produced is gentle and just enough (to be expected from a product free from SLS). As I'm prone to dry hands the Naked soap hasn't worsen this condition and leaves skin feeling soft and not stripped of moisture. I've been impressed and as for my husband he's commented a few times on how he is enjoying using the Naked soap, how it holds up well and feels nice and solid.

If you would to explore the full soap range from Lily & Rabbit then please consider visiting their website - lilyandrabbit.co.uk

Sarah x

4 August 2020

Annwyn Botanicals Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion with A Hint of Patchouli, Natural Body & Hand Wash with a Hint of Patchouli, Exfoliating Cleanser with Papaya, Soft Citrus & Herb, Sensitive Skin Moisturising Cream Fragrance Free
(gifted PR)

I've been introduced to Annwyn Botanicals through the Free From Skincare Awards 2020. Annwyn have picked up two medals - Gold in Face Care Wash Off for the Exfoliating Cleanser with Papaya, Soft Citrus & Herb and Bronze in Body Care Leave On for the Sensitive Skin Moisturising Cream Fragrance Free. Tester feedback was very complimentary for both products.

Lets me fill you in on a little background information for this natural skincare brand. Annwyn Botanicals give consideration to the environment when it comes to their packaging and ingredients. Products are lovingly handmade and inspired by the North York Moors. Where possible they responsibly source local herbs and essential oils and also use Fairly Traded Women’s Cooperatives from around the world. Many of their products are suitable for Vegans. Packing is recyclable amber glass and sustainably produced biopolymer bottles. I was kindly sent Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion with A Hint of Patchouli, Natural Body & Hand Wash with a Hint of Patchouli, Exfoliating Cleanser with Papaya, Soft Citrus & Herb but the stand out product for me is the Sensitive Skin Moisturising Cream (Fragrance Free).

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

25 June 2020

Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Hydrating Body Lotion and Lavera Berry Care & Gentle Care Hand Wash
(Gifted)

I hope you well and coping through current world events? There have been plenty of ups and downs for me and I'm finding blogging a welcomed distraction. As I now have plenty of time on my hands, I am able to explore new products and build relationships with brands so I hope you will join me in this latest review.

Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Hydrating Body Lotion
Lets start with whats important to me. This body lotion is suitable for Vegans and does not contain fragrance allergens making it a good all-rounder for a variety of skin types including sensitive skin. It's key ingredients are Coco Butter and Coconut oil both of which work to hydrate, smooth and restore. For me this is a light cream which works well in the summer weather as it disappears quickly without feeling sticky or greasy. As someone with very dry skin when applied in the morning it will last through to the evening but visible flaky skin does return so I need to reapply regularly. This isn't a major negative just something to keep in mind and I almost come to expect this from a of a body lotion as I'm prone to eczema my skin barrier is weakened. I was hoping for a rich coconut and cocoa scent but it's not there, now it might just be my hayfever stricken senses however the neutral aroma is pleasant and doesn't clash with other skincare products. Over the years I've tried a handful of Dr Botanicals products, each one has it's own merits but I've never been won over enough to repurchase. This body lotion wouldn't get me through the winter months as I'd need to layer with oils but it's great for warm sunny days. I recommend Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Hydrating Body Lotion if you enjoy a simple skincare routine without overpowering fragrances.

For obvious reasons we are getting through hand soap like it's going out of fashion. It's important to me that our soap is free from ingredients that may strip the skin of moisture. Pre-existing dry skin and eczema have been tricky to manage as the stresses of extra hand washing takes its toll. Lavera has been around for 25 years so they are one of the first pioneers into the world of natural and organic skincare and makeup. I've never been disappointed in their products and they offer affordability for the entire family with an extensive range of products. The liquid hand washes are new and suitable for Vegans, they are available in 250ml pump bottle or 500ml at home refill which is a great option and allows you to reuse packaging. Basis Sensitive Gentle Care Hand Wash is extra mild and caring (it replaces the Lavera Basis Sensitive Liquid Soap), Berry Care Fruity Hand Wash has a fruity fresh fragrance and Lime Care Hand Wash is for citrus lovers. I've been very happy with the performance of these liquid hand washes. I would have preferred if the Gentle Care hand wash was formulated without fragrance allergens but these are in my home for my husband and any future guests to use. Lavera is always my recommendation for any budget conscious consumers.

If you missed my review for May, please follow the link and support that article - Nature's Kitchen Face and Body Milk Smoothie and Berry Beautiful Skin Polish

Sarah x

28 April 2020

Alteya Liquid Soap, Benecos Lip Balm, Organii Shower Gel, Nature's Kitchen Moisturiser
(Gifted from Love Lula)

As you may know I've been working with Love Lula for a couple of years. I'm able to select products from their site and pass on my feedback to readers. Last month I chose the products pictured above so let me give you an overview of my thoughts and recommendations. As a side note every product featured is free from linalool but may contain other fragrance allergens. Remember to always  check the labels as formulas can change.

Alteya Certified Organic Liquid Soap (Chamomile & Calendula and Grapefruit & Orange) - this is a 'new to me' brand and I've merely dipped into their range by choosing to try their liquid soaps.

"Alteya Organics is a fast growing and a multiple international award-winning family-owned USDA and NaTrue certified organic beauty and skin care company with our own rose and lavender fields, distillery and a state-of-the art skin care manufacturing facility in the heart of The Rose Valley in Bulgaria"

Alteya liquid soaps come in a variety of aromas and two sizes - 250ml and 500ml. The consistency of these soaps is fluid in comparison to others I have in my home. It generates a good amount of lather which I know some people may find important as it creates enjoyment and ease of usage. Chamomile & Calendula is a calming fragrance where as Grapefruit and Orange is uplifting. Overall this soap is fairly good at not leaving my hands feeling dry but like most people at the moment my skin has suffered damage prior to trialing the Alteya liquid soaps. 

Benecos Lipbalm Vanilla  - I am already familiar with Benecos lip balms as the classic version was Winner of the Overall Award for 'Best Free From Skincare Product' 2017 at the Free From Skincare Awards. What I like about these balms is they are affordable and suitable for Vegans. They are formulated with natural and organic butters and waxes (shea butter, coca butter and jojoba oil) which protects and cares for lips helping the skin to feel soft, smooth and kissable. 

Nature's Kitchen Super Protein Skin Boosting Gentle Care Moisturiser - I've tried a couple of products from Nature's Kitchen and really enjoyed them however with this moisturiser I have decided it doesn't quite suit my needs. Even though Nature's Kitchen Super Protein Skin Boosting Gentle Care Moisturiser is packed full of interesting ingredients, for me, the consistency is too light and it doesn't tackle my dry skin. My personal opinion would be that if you have sensitive skin which is younger and less demanding or you enjoy a lighter texture of cream then it would be worth a try. 

Organii Shower Gel Argan - I've been using Organii Shea Butter shower gel for some time now but thought this was a good opportunity to try the Argan version to compare. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and full of fatty acids so it's a good natural moisturiser. In terms of fragrance this one is milder than the shea butter but neither are overpowering it's just a delicate hint which I appreciate. I apply my body washes with a Konjac Sponge and Organii produces a decent amount of foam which I enjoy. I'm always happy to give my recommendation for Organii as I honestly do love using their products.

If you missed my last review please click this link Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap

Sarah x

13 April 2020

Natural Soap Bars for Hand washing
Washing hands is at the forefront of our minds at the moment and stocks in the supermarket have been wiped out but there are lots of independent soap makers on the internet. Solid soap bars have become even more popular in recent years thanks to the zero waste movement. If you are still struggling to find soap then I would suggest turning your attention to smaller business and supporting them through this difficult time.  With that in mind I have put together a quick list of soap makers and retailers for you to browse and maybe place an order with them.

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 -

23 April 2019

Reviews for Love Lula Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap & Organii Cream Soap Almond
(Gifted PR Samples)

Everyone has heard of the brand Jason right? Is it possible to be part of the Green community and not know them? Jason was established in 1959 in the US and one of the original pioneers for green beauty. For those that may consider the brand name unique, I read on their website that Jason means "healer" in Greek. They have a simple ethos with no artificial colours, no animal by-products, bio-degradable packaging and recycled and/or recyclable containers and all products are certified vegetarian. I believe Jason to be family friendly and affordable so I decided to try the Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap.

Due to my allergies I provide my own hand wash for the bathroom at work. I've been on the hunt for budget friendly options after discovering it was secretly being used by others. No surprises there considering the alternative. The Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap contains Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Aloe Vera, Sunflower Seed and Wheat Germ Oils to help soothe and hydrate the skin. It does contain fragrance (parfum) but there are no essential oil allergens plus it's suitable for vegans. This hand soap lathers up nicely, has a pleasant aroma and doesn't feel overly drying on my skin. I have naturally dry hands so I always struggle regardless. The bottle is a whopping 473ml so great value for a family or shared bathroom. If Aloe Vera doesn't take your fancy this soap is also available in Lavender, Rosewater and Tea Tree.

You'll have noticed that Organii is featuring in a few of my reviews as I'm really enjoying discovering more from this brand. It's another one which I class as affordable and also suitable for Vegans. At home we try to use solid soap bars where possible so when we recently ran out it was a good excuse to try Organii Cream Soap Almond. My husband has taken to using this one as I've made an error and overlooked the presence of linalool (one of my allergies). I have given it a whirl but I can't use daily. Is it odd to say I like the size of this soap bar? I say this because some can be large and bulky which makes it a little harder to circulated in your palms to generate a lather. It's a lovely creamy soap which so far is holding up well in the soap dish, in the past we've had bars that become mushy very quickly. My husband randomly commented the other day that he like the new soap over the old one which trust me is high praise from him. Organii Cream soap comes in a few scents - wild rose, lavender & lime blossom. When we run out I'll probably pick up the "Neutral" which is unscented because that will be more suitable for my sensitive skin.

I think it's fair to say Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap and Organii Cream Soap Almond have been a great success and I'm more than happy to recommend. If you missed my review last month then follow this link - Lovea Ideal Hydration Organic Coconut Fabric Face Mask.

Have you tried these products? What did you think of them?

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

19 June 2018

Five Natural Skincare Favourites for May
Disclaimer - contains PR samples

Here are five favourites which I've been reaching for consistently every day. Links will take you to full reviews (or stockist) but here's a small re-cap on each one.

Deep Steep Argan Oil Fig & Apricot Hand Wash - I've been using Deep Steep hand washes for years and I often pick them up at TK Maxx. I'll clear the shelves of them so I never run out. It's the fragrances that I love and I describe Deep Steep as a more natural alternative to The Body Shop.

Green People Light Day Moisturiser (Scent Free) - despite the name I do find this lotion hydrating and it's perfect for warmer weather. If you use heavier lotions but get that sweaty feeling on your face during humid days, then this Green People moisturiser would be my recommendation. You can always layer with other products is your skin is feeling particularly parched. I also love that Green People have a range of fragrance free skincare making it ideal for those prone to sensitivity and allergies.

Saint Come Aromaspray Mint Eucalyptus - I picked this up from Love Lula on a bit of a whim. Due to my allergies home fragrances can be a little tricky so natural alternatives are more appealing. Aromaspray is vegan and contains premium grade essential oils, packaging is recyclable and there are no hidden propellant gas or synthetic ingredients. I will say that the Mint Eucalyptus does smell reminiscent of toothpaste or mouthwash so I might opt for a different fragrance next time. I mainly use this for kitchen and bathroom smells and yes I could open the window but sometimes you want a quick fix.

Zkin Organic Brightening & Hydrating Masque - this mask allows me to relax and take some for myself whilst treating my skin. I enjoy the temporary lift it gives me when my skin is feeling dull and tired. It's also very easy to remove which is important to me because I have delicate skin. 

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - I had the pleasure of being part of the focus group for a new range from Bodhi & Birch. At some point I'll write a full review but the Superfoods Series are beautiful products which also happen to be free from essential oils. This is a luxurious natural and vegan friendly balm created with so much passion and love, Elijah has used one of my favourite ingredients plum kernel which gives a delicate marzipan aroma without allergens. It's a bold step to make given that other Bodhi products have been formulated around essential oils but I for one am delighted.

Sarah x

20 February 2018

Love Lula Elsa's Organic Skinfoods, Madara, Stop the Water, Sukin
(Disclaimer – 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)

Elsa's Organic Skinfoods Sensitive Deodorant (unfragranced) - up to this point I haven't been using natural deodorants because I've experienced reactions and prefer stick/roll on packaging (many come in jars).  I thought I'd have another punt and chose Elsa's Sensitive Deodorant as its a stick applicator, it does not contain sodium bicarbonate (which I suspect irritates my skin) and it's fragrance free (eliminates linalool, one of my sensitivities).

I need to hold this deodorant against my underarm for a few seconds to get the product to melt otherwise application drags across the skin. It doesn't always go in my favour on cold mornings and I've experienced mild soreness from rubbing. I'm a delicate flower thanks to all my skin ailments. So far I've found Elsa's deodorant works well throughout the day but I have a desk job so I'm not running around the place. I haven't noticed any bad odours but I guess the ultimate test won't happen until the summer months. At this stage I'd say that Elsa's Organic Skinfoods Deodorant has left me with a good first impression but I'm not ready to ditch my regular deodorant just yet.

Madara Cleansing Milk - unfortunately I experienced soreness across my cheeks on more than one occasion so I stopped using this cleanser. I had tried samples in the past without problems so it just goes to show how our skin changes over time. I use Madara hand cream and tinting fluid on a daily basis without any issues so it's just this cleansing milk causing me problems. 

Stop The Water While Using Me! Cucumber Lime Liquid Soap (200ml) - as the brand name suggests these products are a reminder that saving water is important. Stop the Water created the 'Good Water Projects' and donate a share of revenue to projects that provide fresh and clean water where it is needed most. The cucumber lime soap is suitable for vegans and lime is the dominant fragrance note. It feels nice, lathers well and doesn't seem to contribute additional dryness to my already flaky winter skin. A 200ml bottle costs £14 which is more than I would normally spend on a hand wash.

Sukin For Men Body Wash - I really like Sukin as they offer good affordable options. I selected the body wash for my husband but since it is free from linalool I've been pinching it for myself. On first use I was very surprised by the delicate orange aroma because from past experience natural skincare for men tends to have musky, earthy and strong scents. This body wash lathers up very well with my konjac sponge and feels pleasant on my skin. I could see myself replacing once empty and I wouldn't be put off by the labelling for men, I'd say it's unisex.

Have you tried any of these products? If you'd like to catch up on my December reviews then click this link - Skin & Tonic, Isla Apothecary, Ere Perez

Sarah x

4 April 2017

Love to B Natural Skincare Handmade Dorset
Digging through my archives I realised it had been a long time since I had talked about Love to B (they recently re-branded from Chilly B Soap Company). Julie has grown her business to a point where she has up-sized manufacturing from the family home to a new unit in Ringwood (Dorset). I managed to squeeze in a visit on Friday to see the new premises as we have family in the local area and were passing by.

28 December 2016

Top 6 Green Beauty Products and Brands of 2016
I wanted to take a look back over my reviews for 2016 and pick out my favourite discoveries and brands.

January - Sugar Loaf Soaps
I've known Sugarloaf Soaps for as long as I've been running this blog so I was delighted to have Sam make the favours for our wedding. Her soaps are super lovely and create a creamy foam. I love them for shaving. Our guests also complemented us on the favours and how they have enjoyed using their soaps.

February - Skin & Tonic
My struggles with linalool have been well documented this year and my focus has definitely been on fragrance/scent free products. The Naked Beauty Oil took the top spot alongside other existing favourites. This oil includes all my favourite ingredients so it's perfect for my delicate skin and I can't recommend it enough.

April - Myroo
This year Myroo re-branded and went top 14 food allergen free (with options for fragrance free as well). It was such a huge step to make but one that was so important to the allergy community. I know many of my readers have nut allergies and want to use natural products but really struggle so I hope Myroo has filled that gap. Myroo has finished the year with great success as they are now stocked at John Lewis (Leeds) and Anthropologie.

A beautiful new launch from Bodhi & Birch was the Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash. I've been using as a hand wash and love the delicate scent. It is pure luxury but well worth the indulgence.

September - Ermana
A new brand discovery and I immediately became hooked with the Soothe Mama Body Oil which is free from essential oils. The blend is perfect for sensitive skins and you don't need to be a Mama to use it. I think I proved that when you struggle to find products for delicate skins it is worthwhile looking in unexpected places. Products aimed at children or Mums (even men!) are not limited to these target customers.

October - Evolve
I'd known this brand for a number of years but the re-branding has made Evolve stand out again. I haven't stopped raving about them. A number of their products do not contain linalool and its been wonderful to have beautiful aromas back in my life bathroom. My favourites are the Nourishing Hair Elixir and Daily Renew Facial Cream.

What have been your favourite products (or brands) for 2016?

Sarah x

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