shave cream

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

3 March 2020

Review Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cream Shave
(I purchased this product)

Alba Botanica is a US brand and they have been established for some time, 1979 to be precise. Majority of their range is suitable for vegans aside from a handful of products that contain beeswax and honey. They are cruelty free and Leaping Bunny approved. Alba Botanica are passionate about ingredient formulations using natural and organic plant extracts.

I've had the Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cream Shave (coconut lime) since October and I realised the other day it might be nice to give it a little review. It caught my eye in TK Maxx as I love a bargain and Coconut and Lime spoke to me. I've always struggled with dry skin on my legs and when it comes to shaving I am prone to soreness, bleeding and stinging. I've tried all sorts of tips and tricks over the years so wasn't expecting much from this shave cream. I was very wrong and now I love it. It's a really interesting texture, a silky thick gel like consistency and soap free so it doesn't foam. The razor does glide across the skin and you get a close shave. It can clog the blade a little so you need to rinse off a couple of times but that's standard practise when shaving. I believe it's a unisex shave cream and suitable for the face as well. I don't have a huge amount to say about it other than it works for me and I will be buying again. The Very Emollient shave cream is also available in unscented and mango vanilla. The coconut lime doesn't contain linalool but limonene and perfume are listed ingredients (please double check suitability for yourself as formulations can change).

If you are looking for a UK stockists then check Google as I find I'm unable to rely on one particular retailer. I have purchased again from a variety of sources since discovering in TK Maxx

Sarah x

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