muscle rub

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

2 May 2014

Review Badger Balm Arnica Blend Joint Rub
Muscle rubs are not the most exciting of skincare products but it is something I have been using for a number of years. I have desperately been trying to replace my ibuprofen gel with a natural alternative. In a recent Haul Video, I mention Badger and Gwdihw products and explained that several years ago I had sustained an injury from a road traffic accident. The problem with ibrupofen gels is they contain alcohol and petroleum and they aggravate my eczema, hence the desire for a natural alternative.

I have been doing some research and there are a number of products on the market. One thing I was warned about is the essential oil ingredients in muscle rubs can be strong and they may not suit my skin type given my problems with irritation. I decided I had to take the risk as I needed to find a solution to my ongoing pain. The first product I purchased was Gwdihw Magic Muscle Rub. I went for this because I had previously used their lip balm and the price is a reasonable £4.49 for 25g. I will mention that the product label is terrible, no INCI (only English), no best before date and no batch number. Packaging is adequate but the lid does not close properly and keeps falling off. Putting that aside, in terms of effectiveness, this muscle rub did nothing for me.

I decided to look at Badger Balm products and I ended up buying Badger Arnica Blend Joint Rub. I went for this one rather than their Cayenne & Ginger Muscle Rub because I have used Arnica gel before and was pleased with the results. The Joint Rub is not the softest of balms and we have been using a spatula to remove from tin. I say “we” because my Boyfriend has the task of rubbing this onto my shoulders as I can't reach. It does melt on contact with warm skin so you can massage with it. I like the fragrance; it’s a soft gingery scent with a hint of sweetness. The important part for me is Joint Rub works. I use the balm at night time and by the morning I feel a lot better and it has relieved pain. Herbal/Aromatherapy treatments like this one are of course an individual experience but in my eyes this is a little miracle worker and I highly recommend it.

I would say that Badger Balm has a large following in the Green Community, it’s up there with Dr Bronner’s and you rarely read a negative review. Ingredients are 100% natural, USDA organic certified and cruelty free. I bought my balm from feelunique.com and it cost £3.99 for a 21g tin. 

Are any of my readers Badger Balm fans? Do you have a favourite product? Do you use one of the muscle rubs?

Sarah x

1 June 2013


Here are my empties for the month of May. I did not feel like getting in front of the camera this month, editing can be time consuming when you have other things to do. Sorry if that disappoints anyone. 

Sarakan Mouthwash – a staple product for me and a regular in my empty posts 

Blue Labelle Cleansing Oil (Dry or Sensitive Skin) – I have really enjoyed using this and will definitely repurchase in the future once I have finished up a stash of cleansers I have. 

Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo – this product took me by surprise and I really enjoyed using it. I received compliments on my hair which is always nice to hear. I will repurchase again.

Faith in Nature Intensive Moisturising Cream – I was sent this to review. It’s a good budget friendly moisturiser. My boyfriend ended up using this and when he ran out he appeared to be disappointed, put it this way, he doesn't rate the replacement I gave him. 

Salcura DermaSpray (gentle) – a staple product for me to have in my collection. I find it very useful to soothe itching eczema when skin is feeling hot and sensitive. I will continue to repurchase this product for the foreseeable future 

Anita Grant Virgin Mango Butter Coconut Whip – a nice product which I enjoyed using as I love rich body butters. I wouldn't repurchase this as it isn't to my taste when it comes to the scent but that does not stop me recommending it to others.

Natural Hero Hot Ginger Muscle Rub – I do have permanent damage in my shoulder from a car accident I had 8 years ago. My injury flares up now and then so I am always looking for natural ways to treat pain. This is an interesting product but I don’t think it did anything for me.

What was in your empty stash this month? Any thoughts on the product featured in this post?

Sarah x

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