sun cream

26 December 2022

Green Beauty Brands that stood the test of time: A look back at 2011 Blog Posts

As 2022 draws to a close I thought it might be interesting to look back on my first year of blogging. It all began in May 2011 and I was curious to see how many of those early posts had stood the test of time. Sadly there a several brands that no longer exist but there are some products that remain staples in my home.

Whilst the Faith In Nature Cacao Body Wash has long since disappeared I'm still using their products. Currently in my collection I have the Jojoba and Avocado body washes and Dragonfruit hand wash. I've always found Faith in Nature to be a reasonably priced brand and these days you can find on the high street and local refill stores. I had paired up my original body wash review with a post about Nakd raw fruit & nut bars. I'm still a loyal customer and eat them on a daily basis. Current favourite flavours are Bakewell and Peanut.

I don't use Dr Bronner's as often as I once did but you'll still find it in my home as it's the best liquid soap to use for washing out makeup brushes. Over the years I found it a little too drying on my skin so for me, its main purpose is now household cleaning.

I'm still using Naturtint Hazelnut Blonde hair colourant but honestly I'm now contemplating whether it's time to ditch it and embrace the grey; only time will tell.

I can safely say that I'm still bitter that Alpro still haven't launched the Macchiato drink which I had on my trip to Amsterdam.

Konjac Sponges have remained in my life but I now only use the body sponges. Over the years I tried out several brands but we (my husband and I) are currently re-purchasing from Friendly Soap.

I'm still sadden to this day at the loss of Brownearth body butters. They were a favourite for a long time. You can of course find lots of decent green brands offering different variations of shea body butters either with this standalone ingredient or combining with others such as coconut or cocoa butter.

I'm can't quite believe that I first discovered Evolve Organic Beauty back in 2011. I remember the branding was very different back in the day. Evolve is definitely one of those brands that I revisit over and over again, dipping into products as the range has expanded. Currently I'm trying out the Bio-Retinol + C Booster and I've placed an order for the Bio-Retinol Gold Mask in the Boxing Day sales!

I remember using Organic Surge shower gels regularly back in the early years. I thought they were lost forever but recently discovered they re-branded to Organic Works (OW).

Oh my the photo on this post about TK Maxx is terrible but I wanted to say that I still visit stores looking for beauty bargains.

In my first month of blogging I wrote about my struggles with sun cream that was suitable for eczema prone skin. I just wanted to say that through many trials I eventually settled on Green People. This is a brand I had been using long before the blog started. It is very much a staple to this day. I am a fan of their scent free moisturisers and of course facial sun cream.

I hope that you have enjoyed this look back over 2011 and comparing it with 2022. At this time I'm not sure whether I'll continue blogging into 2023 but you can always find me over on social media if you'd like to connect.

Happy New Year to you all!

Sarah x

17 July 2021

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Untinted and Tinted Light/Medium
(Gifted/Unpaid)

I was stalking the launch of Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen and was happy when it came back in stock. I've documented my struggles with both physical and chemical sunscreens over the years. My skin is fickle with eczema, urticaria and allergies so I've found sun creams are likely to contribute to breaking me out in a rash. As I age I've become more aware of how my face catches the sun and the pigmentation it causes in my skin tone.

Our natural, sheer touch tinted sunscreen has been designed with daily use in mind, and heroes natural Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient for UVA & UVB broad spectrum protection. Our reef friendly formula is oxybenzone and octinoxate free and is non-greasy, doesn’t leave a white cast and is sheer to touch. Contains an antioxidant rich blend of Rosehip Oil, Green Tea and Cucumber to nourish the skin.

For those not aware Sukin is an Australian brand, their products are suitable for vegans, cruelty free and formulated with natural plant extracts. Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen is available Untinted and Tinted in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. 

Sukin suncreen does live up to the "sheer touch" in it's name. I do find the texture and consistency easy to massage into skin and it feels lightweight. Perfect under makeup and when wearing the Untinted version I pop my Madara CC cream over the top without feeling overload with products. The Light to Medium tint looks very dark straight out the tube but because it is sheer in texture I'm not left too orange. However I think it's fair to say it is a fraction too dark for my skin tone in comparison to Light Madara CC cream and I'm self conscious that it's not the right colour. 

From my perspective the downside to the sheerness in the tinted version is it doesn't provide coverage to imperfections. I feel as if I only reach for the Tinted version when I feel confident in my skin. You could of course rectify this issue by using concealer and finishing powder over top. 

I have seen negative feedback for the fragrance of Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen. I'll be honest I quite agree it is not the best and I find it hard to describe but over time I just tolerate it. For me it doesn't linger too long, after the initial five minutes I'll only noticed it again when I wash my face. I guess you could say I've ended up becoming nose blind to it. The unpleasant smell is a minor inconvenience for me because I'm happy that this sun cream lacks fragrance allergens. If all the complaints lead Sukin to reformulate I hope that they could do it without including these types of allergens.

I think it's fair to say I'm torn between Untinted and Tinted both have their merits. I will say that I have noticed on days when I go into the office I reach for the Untinted and layer products over the top. Either way I'm pretty happy with these sunscreens as they don't feel heavy or sticky on my skin. I also feel that the price point is reasonable. I like that the Sukin sunscreen offers a higher protection (SPF30) as my beloved Madara CC cream is only SPF15. Also I'll add that Madara contains beeswax and I had been looking for a vegan friendly allergen free alternative for a long time.

If you have the opportunity to try Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen then I would recommend testing it out. The Tinted version might be a little hit or miss depending on your natural skin tone. In the future perhaps Sukin might consider changing things up and adding more variety to the colour options.

Sarah

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

AD - Are you looking for a vegan, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and reef safe sunscreen? check out Odylique (affiliate link) use coupon code SUGARPUFFISH at checkout for 20% off your order (no expiry date!)

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.

21 April 2020

review Organii SPF 50 Sun Milk and After Sun Cream
(Gifted PR)

It's important to use SPF when enjoying the sunshine whether you are at the beach, in your garden or on a walk. I often mention Organii products because I repeat purchase and think they offer good value for money. The liquid soaps and shower gels are essentials in my household but did you know they also have a range of suncreams? This includes SPF 20 Sun Milk, SPF 30 Sun Cream, SPF 15 Facial Sun Cream, SPF 50 Sun Milk and After Sun Cream.

Organii kindly sent me SPF 50 Sun Milk and After Sun Cream just in time for the glorious sunshine we had Easter weekend. Organii SPF 50 Sun Milk protects against UVA & UVB with a formulation containing Non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. The ingredients are skin nourishing and moisturising with extracts of organic Calendula, Mallow Leaf, Argan, Jojoba, Sunflower, Olive Fruit, Linseed, Rice Bran, Karanja oils to protect while keeping skin soft and supple. Chamomile works as a anti-inflammatory and Vitamin E defends the skin against radicals.

Organii SPF 50 Sun Milk and After Sun Cream are both fragrance free (no essential oil allergens). SPF 50 is going to be the one you'll use on the whole family (babies, children and adults) as it's suitable for delicate skin. Sun Milk does imply a fluid consistency which I would agree with and this was a pleasant surprised because from personal experience natural sun cream can often be thick and gloppy. It was my preference to apply SPF 50 Sun Milk on my body because I didn't like the feeling on my face. I am extremely fussy about texture and it wasn't right for me. On my arms and legs I thought it was quite good at not leaving whiteness but felt a little tacky at the end of the day however this is not an uncommon sensation with sun cream. I'm not sure why but I felt this product applied differently on my face and left a whiteness to my skin but I didn't think the same of my legs and arms. I have a medium fair skin tone so this might be something to be mindful of if you have a darker complexion. You may be able to combat this by mixing in some foundation before application.

When it comes to the Organii After Sun Cream it's the perfect follow up product but suitable for daily use for moisturising and soothing your skin. It's formulated with some lovely ingredients - shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, calendula and Vitamin E. It's a lovely light lotion, which applies easily but also fragrance free. I struggle to find scent free body creams and after sun so I'm very pleased to be able to recommend this one. It's a very pleasant lotion, ideal for use during warmer weather regardless of whether you've been out in the sun.

Let me know on social media if you have tried Organii suncream and whether you enjoy using these products.

Sarah x

14 August 2018

Skincare in a Heatwave (Dry & Sensitive)
This article sat in my draft folder for a few weeks and typically as I sit and edit it's pouring with rain. Brits love to complain about the weather but we have been sweltering through a heatwave that seemed never ending and completely out of our comfort zone. Over time I noticed myself subconsciously gravitating towards products that had a lighter feeling on my skin. My usual day creams felt heavy, giving me that sweaty top lip sensation on application and I couldn't bear it any longer. As someone with dry skin it's important to find a happy medium between hydration but feeling comfortable in my skin.

I love balm cleansers but they all melted in the heat of my bathroom. Of course you can store them in the fridge but I switched over to Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser and Harborist Balm-Gel Cleanser. These feel great on the skin but still cut through grime and makeup.

Facial mists are a dream in the heat. Use them anytime of the day and store them in the fridge to give a cooling spritz. My favourite is the Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist as it contains hyaluronic acid which helps give a moisturising boost. Facial oils are a staple in my routine but I've been cutting back on the amount I use so I might use two or three drops, rather than four or five, depending on the brand. My top tip is to apply whilst your skin is damp, the product goes further and gives a lighter sensation on the skin. Alternatively serums with a watery texture can feel refreshing. I've been reaching for the Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum which at first I wasn't a fan of but it came into its own in the hot weather.

My favourite moisturisers are thick and creamy to combat dryness but I switched over to Green People Light Day Moisturiser. I find that as long as I look after my skin in other ways I can get away with a cream that is thinner in texture. I can always pop a serum underneath plus a sun cream can double as an extra layer of hydration. SPF is important and if you are spending a considerable amount of time in the sun you should be using a separate sun cream, don't rely on an SPF in your face cream. I enjoy using Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream.

If you find makeup slides off your face then now is the time to embrace your natural beauty or switch heavy foundations for BB creams and tinted moisturisers. I like Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 or  Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid and Joik Moisturizing and illuminating BB cream. You can always add a touch of concealer, blush and a lip tint.

Are you reaching for different products in the heat? What are your current favourites?

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

26 June 2018

Green People Sun Care Natural Sunscreen Scent Free
(Gifted/Unpaid)

For our recent trip to Italy I decided to pack Green People Sun Lotion SPF 30, Facial Sun Cream SPF 30 and Soft Lips SPF8 all from the Scent Free Range. We were only travelling with cabin allowance so the 100ml and 50ml sizes were perfect for airport security. Green People sunscreens are marine friendly and offer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

I've been using Green People sun care on and off over the years, having first tried and reviewed them in 2014. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the formulation has been improved over time. The products feel a little lighter and easier to rub in. The scent free option is always welcome here as it eliminates my worries over essential oil allergens. 

Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF 30
We had an active holiday visiting a number of cities across Tuscany and the 100ml Sun Lotion lasted us the full trip (12 days with application to legs, arms and chest, no sunbathing). I am prone to prickly heat but I didn't have any issues this year, that could be down to sheer luck or Green People sun lotion. I previously hadn't tried the Green People facial sun cream so was interested to put that to the test. Again application didn't feel too greasy and it rubbed in easily without leaving a lasting ghostly white cast (I have fair skin). I did layer over the top Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 as foundation coverage, the two products worked well together and stayed put in the heat. I always wear a hat and sunglasses but my face still gained a little colour and I felt protected against burning. I always forget about SPF lip balms and opted to try Green People Soft Lips. This was another great product, a nice balm texture with easy application using fingers or direct from the tube.

Green People remains one of my first choices for natural sun creams and I do recommend them quite often. The smaller sizes are great for on the go and allow for testing without too much commitment should you decided it isn't right for you. 

Have you tried these products? If so let me know your thoughts on them.

Sarah x

30 May 2017

suncream sunscreen eczema sensitive skin natural organic
(Disclaimer - not sponsored by brands mentioned)

Over the years I've had more than my fair share of reactions to sun creams and my skin doesn't care if it's a natural product or one loaded with undesirable ingredients. When you have eczema prone skin you just have to go with what works. On more than one occasions I've been on holiday, experienced a reaction and had to throw all my principals out the window because the the risk of skin cancer far outshines them at that moment in time. Does this make me a bad person? No but I feel incredibly guilty however I do wish more brands would look at their ingredients and help us sensitive folk out.

6 September 2016

review Odylique SPF 30 Natural Sun Screen for Sensitive Skin
September crept up on me so quick and my summer holiday feels like a distant memory right now. Greece was the perfect place to trial *Odylique’s new SPF30 Sun Screen. I am someone who has regularly experienced irritations and heat rash with sun creams so it was the ultimate test to use this in 30+ degree heat whilst basking on a sun lounger (in the shade of course!).

25 July 2016

To be honest I've got a little behind with the blog as work and life are generally busier during the summer months which I'm sure everyone can appreciate. This post is a round up of recent launches which have come my way. 

Odylique Natural Sun Screen Vegan Fairtrade Organic

Odylique* - launched a new SPF 30 Natural Sun Screen for sensitive skin, it's the first to be approved by the Fairtrade Foundation and organically certified. It is also Vegan and cruelty free. The British weather has been so fickle up until recently that I had stashed this away to try on a beach holiday next month. 

31 May 2016

ten 10 summer holiday essentials vacation
I am looking forward to my Summer holiday and whilst chatting about it with Amber of Amber's Beauty Talk, we decided to write a collab piece on our summer holiday essentials. Here are my ten picks for your suitcase this summer.

1. Suncream
We all know the importance of using SPF but in the past I have found some natural formulations too heavy or sticky and ended up with prickly heat rash. Saying that I have found over the years natural SPF formulations are improving and I often use Lavera

2. Lip Balm
Sometimes we forget to protect the smaller areas of our bodies like mouth, ears and bottom of our feet. The latter are worth protecting when dangling them over the edge of a boat on a sailing trip. For lips I’d suggest Hurraw Sun Lip Balm which is vegan and uses non nano zinc oxide for sun protection. 

3. Hair care
Sunshine, swimming pools and the beach can often have a negative effect on my hair so I like to protect my colour and limit the frizz. I find hair oil is a great way to add softness and moisture. I’m currently loving Evolve Nourishing Hair Elixir which is available in two sizes – 30 ml & 10ml – the smaller size is handy for travel and airport security. 

4. Skincare - Facial
Tinted moisturisers are great for summer days and warm evenings. There are plenty of natural and organic options with or without SPF. I like the Madara Moon Flower Tinted Fluid but if you want a product with SPF then I know the Green People Age Defy SPF15 DD Tinted Moisturiser is popular. 

5. Skincare – Body
If you have spent time in the sun your skin should receive some extra pampering and an aftersun product is essential. Your favourite body butter or lotion is a great place to start but if you have caught the sun and need soothing then the old faithful aloe vera is a must have. You might like to try Sukin Aloe Vera Gel.

6. Travel stress
Some of us find travelling stressful and at times like this I rely on aromatherapy products. I am never without my Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist which also comes in a pulse point roll on which is pocket/purse friendly. Check out the Bloom Remedies Wellness Therapy range which also includes Peaceful Mind, Clear Vitality and Deep Release.

7. Insect repellent 
Exotic locations might mean you have to protect yourself against pesky little biters. Try Odylique Mosimix a body oil with a lemony aroma or Intelligent Nutrients Bug Repellent Serum.

8. Nails
I don’t know about you but flip flops need some glamorous toes to shimmer and sparkle at the pool. Little Ondine is a firm favourite. I love the fact that you can change up your look quickly because these polishes simply peel off (also one less product to carry as you don’t need nail polish remover). Use my *code ASC10 to receive 10% discount on orders.

9. Wet Wipes
I always have a pack of wet wipes to hand. They are great for sticky fingers and freshening up at the beach. I discovered the Yes To range on my last trip when I grabbed a travel pack in the airport. Even though these are facial cleansing wipes I have used to clean my hands. Yes To’s ingredients were a better choice in a Boots store when compared to other brands available.

10. Hair removal
If you are someone who opts to shave rather than wax then Bathing Beauty And Personal Ladies Shave Oil contains calendula and hypericum to calm and soothe the skin when shaving. For the men there is the Up Close shave oil. 

Sarah x

26 July 2014

Green People Sun Lotion SPF 25 (scent free)
I am often asked for sunscreen recommendations but it’s a difficult one for me because I react to natural and "chemical" based brands. I face an uphill battle every summer because the one brand that does not irritate my skin is full of ingredients I advocate avoiding. I face a moral dilemma between the need to protect against sun damage and the desire to rid myself of manmade toxic ingredients. In the past I used Lavera, last year I trialled Badger but for my trip to Lisbon I took with me Green People Sun Lotion SPF 25 which is scent free (50ml is a travel size). 

Green People are a reliable brand for anyone with sensitivities or if you wish to cut out certain ingredients. This sun lotion is free from parabens, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), lanolin, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants (vegetarian approved but not suitable for vegans as contains beeswax). It offers natural broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. 

I have found over the years that formulations of natural sunscreen are improving. In the past, I found some were very heavy and definitely caused me heat rash. I trialled Green People on my décolletage because it’s the one area of my body which instantly react to products and always catches the sun (the joy of having ample lady lumps!). I was comfortable with the formulation; it didn’t feel sticky or heavy. I was able to rub into my skin quickly and I did not notice a whiteness which is often associated with natural sunscreen. That being said Mr Sugarpuffish used on his face a couple of times and I noticed he was looking a bit grey! He had not shave whilst we were on holiday and the sun lotion was not disappearing into his skin in quite the same way it had done for mine. 

Overall, I think Green People Sun Lotion is a good product in comparison to other I have tried. I would consider purchasing for my next holiday but I think Mr Sugarpuffish would need to use a different sun lotion. Unfortunately, I think mineral sunscreen and hairy men are not always compatible.

Have you tried Green People Sun Lotion? Do you like it?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR Sample, affiliate links

26 May 2013


The sun is shining today so I thought I would gloss over the topic of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Lets start with a few facts and then I'll discuss it from my own personal perspective.
  • Wearing sunscreen helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and the effect of ageing to skin caused by the sun
  • SPF refers to the UVB protection but you want to use products with UVB & UVA protection.
  • UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin, through clothing and accelerate skin ageing
  • UVB rays stimulate tanning and are partly stopped by the upper layers of skin
  • It is recommended to use SPF30
I have mention before my trials and tribulation with sunscreen. I'm Queen of the Allergies when it comes to sunscreen and it does not matter if it's natural or chemical. When I refer to a natural sunscreen I am looking at products that do not contain oxybenzone and Vitamin A (also known as retinyl palmitate and retinol) along with the usual ingredients I avoid such as parabens, mineral oil, artificial fragrance.

My parents educated me from a early age about the importance of sunscreen and I have also lived in Australia where it is part of your daily skincare routine. I know the media is now trying to educate people that whether it's sunny or cloudy, winter or summer you should think about protecting your skin. I admit I got out of the habit of applying this winter because I spend nine hours a day in an office. I tend to hibernate whereas in Summer I'm more inclined to head outside on my lunch break. 

When I go to the beach I use Ambre Solaire (chemical) or Lavera (natural) without major issues but that's usually only two weeks out the year when I'm applying it from head to toe. During the working week I am more concerned with how I protect my face during those rare occasions when I escape on my lunch break. Finding a natural facial SPF that will work under make up has been causing me brain ache. According to the The British Association of Dermatologists – 

"SPF used in moisturisers are tested the same way as sunscreens, so an SPF 15 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 15. However, these formulas are less likely to be rub-resistant and water resistant, and most importantly are likely to be applied a lot more thinly than sunscreen. They therefore are unlikely to offer the same level of protection. A moisturiser with an SPF will help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure, such as when you walk to the car or pop outside to hang out the washing, but sunscreen is better suited for longer, more deliberate UV exposure, such as spending your lunch hour outside. It is also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF may not contain any UVA protection." source - www.bad.org.uk


My next grumble with finding a suitable natural facial SPF is this country’s obsession with SPF 15. I want to use a higher protection, I'm talking minimum SPF 30. I had set my sights on Badger Balm Daily Aloe 30+ sunblock only to discover it is not sold in the UK, here we can only obtain the version which is SPF 16. Aside from Badger Balm there are only a handful of facial sunscreens with high SPF's, not labelled as a moisturiser, that have caught my attention. These products are -
  • Bare Minerals SPF30 Natural Sunscreen
  • John Masters Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen
  • Lovea Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Daily Face Cream (but from the reviews I have read I am not sure of its suitability under makeup)
So there you have it this is my on going saga of finding a natural product that fits my needs. To recap I want a facial product, not a moisturiser, that is free from as many nasties as possible, SPF 30+ that I can wear daily to the office under a mineral foundation. If you have a product recommendation I want to hear about it.

18 April 2013

Charlie of Sophia's Choice asked me "What's your take on Titanium Oxide in Make-up?". To be honest I had not given it much thought. I consulted my trusty ingredient bibles, No More Dirty Looks and Toxic Beauty. Now I understand why Charlie said "I've found that in a lot of free-from make-up but when I Googled it, there were concerns about it. It just seems so very confusing!". I'm going to do my best to explain how I view the situation. 

Titanium dioxide can cause a whitish effect, you may have experience this if you use a natural, physical blocker sunscreen. To counteract this, companies are using smaller particles known as nanos. Concerns have arisen because it is thought nanoparticles can be absorbed by the skin and no one knows what effect they can have on the body. Cosmetic manufacturers argue that they do not present a problem as they remain on the outer layer of dead skin cells, however, anyone who suffers with eczema or acne knows that we can have broken skin so that could be a way for nanoparticles to enter the body. 

EWG’s Skindeep database scores titanium dioxide 1-3 Fair depending on usage. It suggests that there are concerns when inhaled or airborne. That does not bode well for mineral powders which are applied near your nose. (source link)

I think it is fair to say I really don’t know what advice to give. I have been recommending my foundation Everyday Minerals, but it does contain this ingredient. You may be wondering whether I am now concerned about Titanium Dioxide but in all honesty, I am sitting on the fence. I do have concerns about toxins in our skin care but it can be difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to avoiding ingredients. As is often the case, I think the decision to use products containing titanium dioxide rests with the individual. Until there is better research we cannot be sure whether it is good or bad for humans.

If anyone has more information or a viewpoint to share on this topic, please leave a comment below.

Sarah x

Sources of information - No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O'Connor & Alexandra Spunt, Toxic - Beauty How Hidden Chemicals in Cosmetics Harm You by Dawn Mellowship

11 May 2011

Sensitive Skin issues Eczema and Sun Creams

Yesterday the sun was shining and that made me think about sun creams/lotions. We all know that sun protection is important but finding a brand suitable for my sensitive skin and eczema is not an easy task. The dilemma for me each year is whether to buy a natural ingredient sunscreen or a chemical one. I have had skin reactions from both types so I sit on the fence with this. Often my reason for purchase simply boils down to my budget at that time.

The only high street brand that does not bring me out in a rash is Garnier Ambre Solaire. My personal favourite from the range is the Light & Silky Milk. It really does what it says on the bottle. It is easily to apply and disappears into the skin with little effort. By the end of the day I do not get that sticky feeling that makes you want to head straight into the shower and exfoliate.

If you have a few more pennies in your pocket and want to try a natural sun cream I recommend Lavera Sun Care. From the range I have tried the sun cream for body, face and the shimmer after sun. I loved them all. The lotions have a nice fragrance, are easy to apply as not to heavy and disappear on the skin nicely. Another brand you could try is Green People. They have Scent free options which is helpful to those who have fragrance allergies. 

The other year I was on a beach holiday in Europe and I came out in a nasty rash. I can not be sure of the cause but the first thing I did was buy a new sun cream. I purchased Avene sun care in a local chemist. The lotion was light, easy to apply and no chalky residue.

Have you tried these brands? What did you think? What are your thoughts on natural ingredient sun protection? Do you have any recommendations for me?

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