spf

15 April 2022

Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25
(Gifted)

Nourish London recently launched their NEW certified organic and vegan Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25. This anti-ageing moisturiser has natural mineral SPF non nano zinc oxide to protect the skin from daily pollution and environmental damage, whilst providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

The formulation is full of great ingredients with antioxidants, including Turmeric, Bisabolol and Tocopherol. Hyaluronic Acid and Hexapeptide hydrate skin, whilst ceramide rich Argan, Kale, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rose of Jericho protect the lipid layer. Soothing actives of Aloe Vera and Borage Oil calm redness and inflammation. For those who are sensitive to essential oils, the ingredient list doesn't list these allergens so I have been able to try out this moisturiser.

What do I think of Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25? To the touch it feels like a lightweight moisturiser but on contact with skin you can tell it contains Zinc Oxide. It takes a little more effort to massage into skin as you're trying to work with a noticeable whiteness. I have a fair to medium complexion and this may be more noticeable on darker skin tones. I'm finding it hard to put into words how I feel about the sensation this product leaves on my face. Whilst my skin feels smooth it has an almost dry texture and it doesn't feel dewy. As someone who experiences eczema and dryness it leaves me feeling a little stuck on the fence. This is also a feeling I've had with other natural sun creams so it's certainly not unique to this product.

If you are in the sun for extended periods of time then I wouldn't solely rely on this face cream. You are likely to want to top up throughout the day. Many of us will use moisturisers sparingly and you'll probably apply a pea sized amount however the recommendation for SPF is at least half a teaspoon. The British Association of Dermatologists has advised that moisturiser with an SPF will only help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure. Of course there is always the logic that something is better than nothing so a product such as Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser with SPF 25 can have a place in your routine so just be mindful about how you use it.

Nourish London’s New Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 at the time of publication is priced at £28.00. It is also dermatologically tested (suitable for sensitive skin), pediatrician approved (safe for use on babies) and reef safe. You can purchase this product from nourishskinrange.com

Sarah x

23 May 2021

Grüum SPF50 5* UVA Dermatologist Face Sunscreen
(Please Note - I purchased this item/ingredients were correct at date of publication/always check with company for up to date information as formulations can change)

UPDATE JULY 2021 - I have seen a few comments on Gruum's IG that their SPF is not Vegan as has been claimed on their website and in adverts. I understand the formulation is from Altruist and their FAQ page states "Given the interest in this issue we have investigated further and we know that the components are fully vegan except for Xanthan Gum as there are enzymes used during a fermentation process to get Xanthan Gum. The typical production process of Xanthan uses Iysozyme derived from the egg white of chicken eggs."

I was window shopping for a facial SPF and a well timed instagram advert from Grüum had me placing an order. Grüum sunscreen appealed to me for several reasons. It's fragrance free, cruelty free, affordable, with high UVA and UVB protection.

We built grüum on three core principles: Simplicity, Honesty and Fairness. We’re committed to creating clean skincare products that are kind to you, your skin, and our planet.

Yes, I too am here for the dinky cute bottle, it's a standard 50ml and you'll probably get through it quickly if applying every day. According to the FAQs it is a plastic bottle made from either HDPE or LDPE (caps from PP) these are recycled plastics but it is going to depend on whether your local council accepts it. I know that this will be a deal breaker for some readers.

Grüum SPF is lightweight and feels like a standard lotion. I have a pale skin tone and so I don't notice a white cast. In that respect it's much better than other mineral sun creams I've tried over the years. I think it's possible that it could also suit a deeper complexion and suggest it's worth trying out. I'm happy to apply my tinted CC cream over the top without any noticeable issue so I'll say this works well under makeup.

I've not experienced any breakouts or irritation and I'm happy to keep using Grüum facial sunscreen for the foreseeable. Obviously with the weather being shit at the moment and no overseas summer holidays on the horizon, I can't say how it holds up on a very sunny day. For day to day activities at home I'm happy with how it feels on my skin.

I recommend checking out the Gruum website - www.gruum.com for more information and to browse their other products.

Sarah x

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6 April 2021

Gwyneth Paltrow and that Vogue video
We've all seen the now infamous video of Gwyneth Paltrow and her skincare routine. I do not support the message she gave in regards to SPF application. It is potentially dangerous and irresponsible but with the backlash came other criticisms which I wanted to address. I personally don't like the words non-toxic, no nasties and clean beauty as I agree they are truly problematic within the Green Beauty Community however I am a supporter of Free From and that isn't changing any time soon. I choose to avoid certain ingredients but that doesn't mean I'm here to 'scaremonger' my readers.

I chose the Green Beauty path because I believe it has many great qualities. It's against animal cruelty, it often supports veganism and it helps promote greater understanding for our environment. I think more of us are concerned about the ingredients that wash down the drain into our oceans. We want to rid ourselves of unnecessary plastic bottles and to recycle or repurpose our beauty waste.

I believe in products 'free from' certain ingredients because I experience eczema and allergies. I want to do the best for my skin after years of suffering. Of crying myself to sleep and feeling ugly in my skin. I'm allergic to both synthetic and natural ingredients because life isn't simple but mainstream products are of no interest to me. I want natural plant extracts without synthetic fillers as more often than not the latter causes irritation.

There are no good or bad ingredients but for someone with sensitivities sadly we can experience side effects which lead us to class something as 'bad'. You can not ignore the fact that we have seen a rise in dermatitis and its root cause is open to further investigation. All I know is I don't want paraffin emollient and steroids in my life. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a problem which isn't always acknowledged in the medical community. Call it anecdotal or coincidental but I'm seeing changes in my skin when I move away from mainstream product formulations.

I acknowledge that Gwyneth Paltrow, EWG and elements of the 'clean beauty' movement are problematic but I won't walk away from Green Beauty as I believe it has its place. I want to try and do my part to help save our planet from the devastation we have impacted on it as humans. The Green Beauty community may need to overhaul its message with brands needing to re-evaluate their marketing pitch. Behind the scenes I have encouraged some to drop certain words and ditch the "60% goes into our bloodstream" message but I'm just one voice in a sea of many stronger influencers.

Our lives are overwhelmed with beauty products and we have to decide what makes us happy and this is my chosen path. You may disagree with me and I'm OK with that but I hope we can all agree to take care in the sun. Whether you use physical/mineral or chemical SPF protection make sure to apply liberally and use the recommended amount for your face and body.

Sarah x

16 June 2020

Odylique natural and organic skincare and makeup
(Gifted Press Samples)

Many of you know that Odylique is one of my favourite skincare brands and I've spoken about their Gentle Herb Shampoo for many years. I thought it might be interesting to share with you other products because there is more to Odylique than hair care. Lets start off with a little background information for any new readers. Originally known as Essential Care, the business was founded by Margaret who started making skincare from natural ingredients to help her family's eczema problems and her own allergy prone skin. The company was launched in 2003 with daughter Abi, products are hand made in Suffolk and re-branded to Odylique in 2014.

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