17 September 2015

allergies intolerance bad advice gluten free dairy free
This week I read an article on Femme Intemporelle which caused me great concern. I was deeply saddened by the post titled "Living with Food Allergies: How to make it easier on yourself." When I was told over twitter that the article would not be changed and it was written and edited by people with intolerances/allergies, I was left scratching my head. 

31 August 2012

Marks & Spencer versus Customer with Allergies
Moaning about eating out when you have allergies is a common subject on my blog. I am determined to highlight the problems and demonstrate how we are being let down. Non allergy sufferers see Free From ranges and think we have it sorted but it is far from the truth. Stores are making an effort but my experiences demonstrate they can get it very wrong.

Let me set the scene. Every other week my girlfriends and I frequent our local Marks & Spencer cafe for tea, cake, gossip and shopping. Whilst they (M&S) have never catered for me in the hot food or sandwiches section I could always grab a spiced ice bun. One of my friends is Coeliac and she could have a Gluten Free chocolate muffin. A simple pleasure for the both of us and neither one of us has to feel left out.  

Recently our M&S opened a new fancy cafe so we were all very excited to see what they had created. Well it looks like "Coffee Club" will be seeking a new location.  No more ice buns, no more gluten free cakes and nothing on the hot food menu for vegans. Can you believe they have removed jacket potato with baked beans? Pretty much any cafe you visit guarantees that option.  It’s a life saver for the majority of allergy sufferers, a staple safe option.

When we asked staff why these items had disappeared they did not have an explanation. My friend and I had assumed that since they have tripled the size of our cafe that would ensure a wider selection for us but how wrong we were. We over heard someone suggesting purchasing an item from the food hall to eat in the Cafe.  Wow what a telling off they received from staff who told the customer it’s not allowed.....what? Are you serious? It’s not like you are bringing in competitors food.  Instead I have to sit watching my friends devour a massive slice of cake, seems a little unfair. 

In general M&S food hall is hit and miss for allergies. There are some items I can have and buy regularly but I was disheartened when M&S launched a Gluten Free range. I am beginning to sound like a broken record. I have started to begrudge gluten allergy sufferers when really we should all stick together.  I know firsthand that Coeliacs have been struggling to get catered for as my sister has the problem but wait a minute my two main food allergies (milk & egg) are two of the most common out there. Why are we suddenly being left out?  The Gluten Free market is obviously more exciting and appealing at this time, other allergies are old news.  

I often wonder who stores consult with when launching or extending a free from range. Do they consult with allergies sufferers? Do they have staff with allergies?  Often it feels like they are pretty clueless, that they are second guessing what the market wants. I challenge these stores to spend a day in my shoes. See what I and many others battle against on a daily basis. All I want is to enjoy the company of friends and not have my allergies spoil the fun.

What are your experiences with eating at Marks & Spencer (in the cafe or food hall)?

Sarah x

Image source: Marks & Spencer Media Library

10 December 2014

Labelling EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation 14 Allergens

Back in September 2013 I wrote about the preparations companies were making for new European labelling aka Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011. It finally comes into force this weekend (13 December 2014). These new regulations affect the way allergens are labelled on pre-packaged and loose foods.

When I first heard about the changes I was initially critical. I think my reaction was understandable. I have been reading labels in a certain way since the day I left home (long time ago!) and here I am now having to re-learn my ways. Of course as with most things you slowly adjust and I have become familiar with recognising new labelling. Whilst I still think there are issues which need ironing out, on the whole I can see the reasoning behind the new rules. I still think that some brands need to work on how they highlight the allergens as there are occasions when the font colour or style just isn't clear enough for me. 

The new legislation also affects restaurants, deli counters, cafe, basically anywhere selling unpackaged/loose foods. These types of businesses must be able to provide allergen information to customers. Sadly, judging from social media this particular element of the regulations has not been warmly accepted by some. Many appear to be critical about the added cost to their business and the leg work involved. Lets remember the regulation did not come in over night, this has been on the table since 2011 so people have had plenty of time to prepare. On Monday, BBC Breakfast aired a segment about labelling changes and invited a conversation on their Facebook page. Sadly, the thread was full of "nasty" comments directed at people with allergies and coeliac disease. For a brief overview the conversation has people without allergies saying they are paying the price for the new regulations, people with allergies should stay at home and not eat out, allergies and gluten free are fad diets, no one had allergies 40 years ago blah blah blah. Someone who makes /sells sandwiches left the following comment

Barbara Kent - "I make sandwiches for the general public in a small store , apparently I will have to list all ingredients , this means buying some kind of posh labeling machine that we can ill afford . We will probably stop making them ,thereby stopping all the locals who rely on us for their lunch , they will have nowhere to go . They say that 2 million people have food allergies , that leaves a huge amount that don't and now we are all penalised . Is it too much to hope that people take care of themselves and leave the other 58 million to eat in peace?" (BBC Breakfast - Facebook page)

What puzzles me is why chefs/cooks (and sandwich makers) seem to be struggling with the concept. Why is it so difficult for them to be knowledgeable about the ingredients of the meals they are making? Is it really that difficult to breakdown the allergens in a ham, cheese and pickle sandwich? There is no need for posh labelling machines, just a requirement to know if a sandwich contains one or more of the 14 allergens*. The advice from the FSA is "... information on any of the 14 allergens used as ingredients will need to be provided for foods sold without packaging or wrapped on site. This information could be written down on a chalk board or chart, or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided."

As for the concern that the new regulations are penalising those who don't have allergies I am lost for words. Seriously, I don't get it, would someone like to explain how this is affecting non-allergy folks? I'm guessing most won't even notice the new changes as they go about their daily lives. I bang my head against the wall with some attitudes. I hope this is just a small portion of the population who appear to have no common sense. Saying that, these are probably the same people who make a fuss about it being their human right to eat peanuts on a flight.

As far as I'm concerned, from Saturday I am hoping to sit down in a cafe or visit a deli counter and have confidence in ordering food. No longer will wait staff be able to say they don't know the allergens and can't advise me. If you can't cater for me, I have no issue with that, there are a number of places that are capable of accommodating my dietary requirements. For the businesses that see this as an expense, I would ask them to see this as an investment for the future. Think of the number of new customers you are about to receive. People with allergies/intolerance/coeliac disease are a supportive group who rely on one another for recommendations of safe places to eat. I am confident you will be rewarded with loyal customers who will shout about you from the roof tops.

If you would like to help promote awareness about the new allergen information, join the FSA's (Food Standards Agency) Thunderclap campaign.

Sarah x

*The 14 Allergens are - cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide, lupin and molluscs

9 January 2014

Eating Out with Allergies and Intolerances
You all know that I follow the Free From Food and Free From Skincare Awards. I am certainly very interested in the recent addition of The FreeFrom Eating Out Awards. Back in September I wrote about changes being made to how food allergens are labelled on products. The new requirements come into force this year, in December. Along with how packets are labelled it also effects the information given to us when dining out. The new regulations allow allergen information to be provided orally by wait staff. This concerns me a great deal.
I enjoy eating out but it can be a little daunting when you have allergies/intolerances. There are many restaurants who do a good job at providing information and others that fall short. I stick to the same restaurants where I have gained knowledge of the food on offer or they provide separate detailed allergy menus. For me, Wagamamas is a shining example of how it should be done. Yes, they are not 100% perfect and I've encountered some hiccups but wait staff always seem attentive and assist with difficulties or mistakes. However, I have come to noticed that it does depend on what allergy/intolerances you have or maybe the branch you visit. I remember my Twitter timeline singing the praises of Nandos, Zizzi and Pizza Express but they were Coeliacs. I've had terrible experiences in all of these restaurants and will not go back. I know Italian food traditionally contains egg and dairy but I manage to not starve when I visited Rome. I ate my own body weight in dairy free gelato and no one questioned me when I ordered cheese free pizza. I can order from Papa Johns without a fuss but how come when I'm in Zizzi and Pizza Express wait staff look at me like I just asked them to poop in my shoes.

A recent email grabbed my attention and I wanted to share the findings of a survey conducted by the Freefrom Eating Out Awards team at the Allergy and Free From show in Liverpool in October. According to the survey, only 17% felt that asking their wait-person or the front of house staff about allergens would be a safe and reliable way to go. 54% thought that talking to the chef was the safest option although many of those (45%) also wanted to see a written list of ingredients for each dish, or to be provided with an ‘allergen-free’ menu. I have to agree. Whilst I don't feel the need to speak to a Chef, I do want to see an allergen menu as I would like to take responsibility for ordering and not be reliant on second hand information. Also, if you are in a noisy and busy restaurant, it allows me time to select my meal without a fuss, especially if a number of items on the menu take my fancy.

Other findings from the survey were -

Asked how often they ate out:
19% ate out twice a week and 18% only ate out once a week
25% ate out twice a month and 19% only ate out once a month
(A Survey of eating habits in London conducted for the Zagat Restaurant Guides in September 2013 showed that, in the London area at least, people now eat out, on average, four times a week)

Asked why don’t they eat out more?
67% said there was not enough choice to make it worth their while eating out.
53% said that they did not trust most restaurants to understand their allergies or special dietary needs
44% said it ‘was too much hassle’
16% said that they did not like ‘to feel different’

Asked which were the best and the worst places to eat if you have an allergy or coeliac disease: 
Best were fine dining restaurants and family run restaurants, scoring 3-5/5
Worst were sandwich bars and Indonesian and Indian restaurants, scoring 1-2/5.

Asked what precautions they took to ensure that they get safe food:
53% phoned in advance to discuss their needs
50% asked to speak to the chef on arrival
(32% both phoned in advance and asked to speak to the chef when they arrived.). However, the largest number, 75%, whether or not they had phoned in advance and/or spoken to the chef, just chose to stick to simplest menus anyhow.

Of those who filled in the survey: 46% had coeliac disease, 20% suffered from wheat allergy/intolerance, 14% suffered from dairy/cow's milk allergy/intolerance, 20% suffered from a range of other allergies/intolerances

I would be very interested to hear if you agree or disagree with the findings of this survey. What would your answers have been to the questions? Do you have good or bad experiences when dining out with your allergies/ intolerances? Do you have a favourite restaurant/cafe that caters to your needs?

Sarah x

1 January 2013

new year 2013

When I started my blogging journey my aim was to spread the word about natural personal care products but also share my experiences of eczema and allergies. I have been passionate about natural beauty for many years but there are ingredients I still do not understand fully. I never want to preach about the bad stuff but simply raise awareness. I do not get it right every time and even get lazy with checking ingredients (that goes for food & skincare). I have even caused controversy blogging about products containing ALS (ammonium lauryl sulphate) and Phenoxyethanol. It was not a negative experience as I like the interaction with readers.

On the flip side I have enjoyed sharing my free from food discoveries. I don’t have the time to run a separate blog on this topic so I see it as a way to break up the beauty reviews and appeals to a wider audience. I am now heading into my 27th year since being diagnosed with allergies. 2012 has been the year I learn to make dairy & egg free cupcakes. It’s important to share that baking for allergies is not difficult.

Joining Twitter opened up many great opportunities not only for product reviews but for “meeting” natural beauties and free from foodies. I discovered many natural bloggers from around the world. Of course on the allergy side there is a group of dairy free ladies who brighten my day with chats about living with our allergies/intolerances – special thank you to @lovelactosefree, @N1C79 & @dairyfree.

Looking forward at 2013 there is not much I want to change about my blog. I want to keep introducing you to new brands and discover more from my favourite ones. 2012 has been a tough year financially for many so I have made a conscious effort to keep a balance between high end and budget product reviews. I will continue this into 2013. Even though my blog focuses on a natural and free from lifestyle I want it to appeal to everyone. I hope those who don’t have eczema or allergies will still try the products I recommend. If your New Year's resolution is to go organic and natural then here are some words of wisdom -

1. Take small steps, the easiest ingredients to eliminate are mineral oil/petroleum, SLS and parabens. 

2. Remember natural products does not always mean high end prices. Shop around as handmade products can often be budget friendly. 

3. Beware of Greenwashing. Just because a product contains natural plant extract it does not automatically mean it is free from synthetic ingredients.

4. Research your product ingredients and manufacturers. If a Company does not list ingredients on their website or respond to an email when you request this information, generally they have something to hide.


Thanks for sticking with my blog during 2012. I wish you and your family a healthy, prosperous and happy new year!

Sarah x

22 October 2022

Italy Rapello Portofino Santa Margherita Sestri LevanteI love Italy with its beautiful scenery, pizza and gelato. I recently was asked if it was expensive to holiday in Italy and my response is simply as with any destination it can be as cheap or luxurious as you want to make it. To travel around by train always feels affordable compared to home and a Marinara pizza usually sets me back five euros.

A few weeks ago we flew into Pisa and hopped a train up the coast to Rapello. The Italian Riveria is truly beautiful. Using Rapello as our base we visited Santa Margherita, Portofino and Sestri Levante. The weather was perfect, we ate plenty of pizza and gelato and had aching feet from wandering picturesque towns.

Next stop was Genoa where we embanked on a completely new to us travel experience; a cruise ship! We had found an cheap last minute deal and booked three nights/four days with MSC on board the Poesia. I always like to focus my travel stories on how I managed as a vegan with mild food allergies. I was absolutely worried about how I would cope on a ship but knew our time was short and I could always eat well when in port.

After booking the trip I complete a Special Needs form and the reply received was....

"Please note that on board you will find in all the menus in the bars, main restaurants, buffet, speciality restaurant a little note close to the list of food where is specified if food is Vegan, in case of any doubt do not hesitate to contact the personnel in the dining outlet and they will give you all the information required."

I felt that my allergies had been overlooked in the email which was disappointing. We boarded the ship at lunch time so we unashamedly made the lunch buffet our first stop. We scoured every inch of the buffet but there was never an indication on signs to state an item was Vegan. The hustle and bustle of onboarding was overwhelming. As a typical Brit, I struggled with having to catch the attention of staff to inquire about suitable food. You're also face with the most enormous buffet and I felt embarrassed to hold up a queue to ask questions. 
vegan food onboard MSC cruises
Our first formal evening meal was a bitter disappointment. The menu arrived with only one dish marked vegan; a main course. I spoke to the waiting staff and mentioned my allergies first followed with "I'm also vegan". There was a difficult moment where milk allergy was misunderstood and reference was made to lactose intolerance but I keep stressing the difference. As you may know these are two very different dietary needs. I was surprised that by registering a special needs form that staff didn't seem informed ahead of time. You are assigned a table where you are sat every evening so it wouldn't be impossible to do this, maybe? Once I stressed the fact I was also vegan I was told it counteracted my allergies because after all vegans exclude milk and eggs. With a heavy heart I sighed because cross contamination does matter. It's hugely important and my biggest risk is a stomach ache for others it could be anaphylactic shock. Moments later I proved that point when I couldn't select any bread from the basket because one of the choices available was a cheese topped roll.

What happened next was comical, keeping in mind I was also on a table of strangers. I had requested a salad for starter. It was an attempt to veganise an existing dish on the menu that evening. Out came quarter of an iceberg lettuce with tomato, carrot and possibly radish with no dressing. I was then served two bagels which were cold to the touch, as if they had been defrosted. I requested balsamic and olive oil in an attempt to make the salad more exciting. My main course was the only labelled vegan dish of Tuscan style stewed legumes. I skipped dessert as I was only offered fruit platter or lemon sorbet. After four days of vegan cakes, croissants and ice cream in Italy, a fruit platter was the most boring things I could be offered (not to mention my OAS).
dinner menu msc cruise poesia
Our waiter advised me to pre-order for the next evening informing me that they could adapt dishes. To keep things easy I opted for the vegetarian starter minestrone soup followed by the vegan dish of spinach, quinoa and potato burger. For the third evening we ended up skipping the formal dining last minute but my choices had been carrot & ginger soup and Tofu morsels (stir-fry).

I'm not much of a breakfast person and with the hurdles of an unlabelled buffet I stuck to the classics. Fruit was readily available and I cobbled together some beans on toast. I did manage to hunt down plant milk but it was only upon request.
travel, Italy, Spain and France
As I found the level of food onboard to be average at best I made the most of my time in port. I had gelato from Amorino in Marseille. In Palma de Mallorca I ate some wonderful empanadas at Las Muns, a giant cookie from Anita Cakes and ice cream at Rivareno. We left the boat in Barcelona and I had a late lunch at Green & Burger. 
vegan food in Palma, Marseille, Barcelona
I'd like to think that other cruise companies may handle allergies and a vegan diet better but it's unlikely we will cruise again. It wasn't just about the food but we actually didn't enjoy the experience of this style of travel. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the ship or our room but I hated being stuck with so many other people. You really noticed the volume of tourists when three cruises come into port at the same time.

I don't expect the world to accommodate me all the time and I understand I'm fortunate to have never experienced anaphylactic shock. However some foods make me really sick and it ruins a holiday to be caught out. If you can't accommodate my needs just be honest and I'll make sure to pack lots of snacks. 

Sarah x

Note: MSC should also reconsider their formulation of body wash and shampoos, although permitted the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was not welcomed by me.

20 October 2020

Pamoja Skincare Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free
(gifted product)

You may recall my interview with Sarah founder of Pamoja Skincare back in lockdown. I had the pleasure to try Restore Multi-purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free through the Free From Skincare Awards. I'm keen to support small business and Sarah's journey to formulating skincare shares similarities to my own struggles. I feels this adds a level of trust which gives a unique selling point over their competitors.

I suffered severe skin sensitivities on my face and contact dermatitis. As a family living with food allergies, we were already conscious of what we were eating and the importance of fully understanding a product label. So, I began a journey to understand better what I was putting on my skin and found a solution in nourishing botanical ingredients jam-packed with nutrients, that would soothe, hydrate and protect my skin - Sarah, Pamoja Skincare

When you live with allergies there are so many hurdles to overcome and your day consists of reading labels. I'm always super excited to discover formulations without essential oil and Pamoja Skincare provide this choice to customers. For those of you lucky enough not to worry about allergies, there is the option to buy a fragranced version of Restore Multi-purpose Beauty Oil.

Restore Beauty Oil (essential oil free) is packed with interesting ingredients which includes Sacha Inchi, Kahai, Sea Buckthorn, Blackcurrant and Pomegranate. It's packed full of fantastic minerals and vitamins including Omega 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 essential fatty acids, vitamin A and E. Restore is a golden oil with a distinct natural earthy aroma similar to fresh cut grass. I've been applying in the evening after cleansing. The key is to apply to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. My skin absorbs the oil beautifully, feels fresh and hydrated. It can be use in the mornings and would make a good base for makeup. Packaging is simple, effective, nicely branded and practical with a push button pipette dispenser.

Restore is ideal for facial massage, nourishing dry, brittle nails and cuticles, softening elbows and knees, smoothing hair and soothing skin that's spent time in the sun and sea - making it a perfect multitasking holiday companion!

My final thoughts are that Pamoja Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil Essential Oil Free is a lovely facial oil which I'm very happy to recommend. I'm sure it would suit many skin types but especially appealing to people with sensitivity and essential oil allergies. If you would like to explore the product range in more detail then please visit Pamoja Skincare.

Sarah x

4 May 2014

may contain dairy and vegan food labels
Followers of my blog will know I write about Vegan food because a) I have not eaten meat for 18 years b) I am unable to eat milk and eggs. I personally get a little tired of the argument that a Vegetarian/Vegan lifestyle is a choice and when you have allergies it's a lifestyle forced upon us. I can not argue with the fact, it is true but as someone who sits on both sides of the fence, I am saddened that my Vegetarian lifestyle should be regarded as less important than any other diet on the planet. If someone attacks my right to not eat meat, I take it personally, it’s insulting. For the record, I don’t give a c**p if you eat meat just don’t shove it in my face and we will get along just fine. I live with a meat eater and I do not expect them to stop eating burgers because of my personal beliefs. In the same way, I do not ban them from eating dairy products, you will find Ben & Jerry's in my freezer. If my allergies disappeared tomorrow, I would still follow a Vegetarian diet. I would not go back to dairy or eggs as I think farming practices are cruel. 

I want to address something which often becomes a hot topic within the Allergy/Intolerant community on Twitter. On the whole, a product carrying the Vegan Society logo will be suitable for my needs but I would not recommend for those who experience life threatening allergies. That would be foolish on my part. I've got plenty of years experience under my belt to understand we can't cater to everybody. The problem is Vegan food manufacturers can often face the same issues as those making dedicated Free From Food. Products can be made in factories which handle food allergens. You will often see Vegan food labelled "may contain dairy" or similar warnings. Some will argue how can a product be certified Vegan if it contains trace of milk but I will also point out the same occurs with Free From products. I have eaten products labelled dairy free but they may contain milk. You could argue this one until the cows come home but in the case of Vegan products, it is a question I have asked The Vegan Society but to date I have not had a reply. I believe decisions should be made on individual ethics. I guess some Vegans will be strict, others may allow for possible traces and of course these products will still appeal to Vegetarians. I think people forget it's not all about what we are avoiding to eat, the heart of any Vegetarian or Vegan argument centres on animal cruelty. 

I believe that Vegan and Free From Food can co-exist, as in my own diet, but I would not automatically assume a Vegan product to be safe for my allergies/intolerances. No one should ever assume something is safe for them; you should double, hell no, triple check the labels.

Sarah x

20 September 2011

Today's post has been written by My Perfume Diaries. Do check out Su's blog she has a wonderful writing style and it is always an enjoyable read. Thanks once again Su for taking time out to write this lovely post :)


When my son, Baby Elephant was about 2 years old, he broke out into hives after just tasting a dessert made of almonds. I freaked out, called the hospital emergency and rushed him there. Thankfully, after all the tests, it was a relief to hear that he does not have any allergies that should concern us. But I can never forget what went through my mind at that time. The idea of him having an allergy was so scary and something that would change our lives forever, even for a little fighter like my son.

I can only imagine how people who have allergies lead their everyday lives. I am always in awe of the lovely Sarah who deals with her allergies in the most beautiful way, while letting the world know about what can be done to make the most of life. I am sure many people will draw inspiration from her.

My guest post today will be all about nasty-free makeup. Though I blog about perfumes, I am a makeup junkie. I have come across various brands that use the best of ingredients, avoiding allergens and unnecessary chemicals, are still as good or even better than the drugstore/department store brands and don't cost a fortune. I want to share some of my favourite Indie, Mineral Makeup companies that I have had the pleasure to try and love.


Everyday Minerals
A great mineral makeup brand, which has a great range of foundation shades with different finishes and coverage. The fabulous eyeshadow come in gorgeous colours, packed with pigment and come in three finishes. There are samplers available for purchase to find the perfect foundation match to your skin tone. They are good value for generous samples and come in pots. They have synthetic brushes (vegan, no animal hair) which are great. The mini kabuki is a mush have!

The makeup is vegan, not tested on animals and free from petroleum products, preservatives, fragrance, talc, bismuth and all the binders that can irritate the skin. According to the website, the skin care is organic, which I am yet to try.

Lucy Minerals
They have amazing foundations with great coverage. It is really long lasting, natural looking and light as air! The eyeshadows are well pigmented and have the most beautiful, fine shimmer. They have trail sizes and sampler packs to try and find a match too. Customer service is great. Shipping is super quick and cheap. They have some great deals every week which are worth checking out. The products have no parabens, micronized minerals, or petroleum products, free from bismuth, talc, fragrance, preservatives and not tested on animals. They are infused with some really great extracts that are good for the skin.

Sassy Minerals 
A natural mineral makeup company. I was gifted the blushes and eyeshadows by a friend and I love them! The blushes especially give the much needed glow to my skin. The ingredients are listed after each product. By what I see, they have no preservatives or fillers, not sure about the vegan status though.

Fyrinnae
Not technically mineral makeup, but vegan and use great ingredients. The eyeshadows are gorgeous! The shade range is ming blowing and just pure magic! They have a very famous primer for eyeshadow called Pixie Epoxy* (check for the ingredients), which is a great product that holds all the shimmer and makes the eyeshadow last longer. The only downside is that the website is frequently down, has been happening since last two years!

Pure Luxe
Is one of my favourite mineral eyeshadow makers! The eyeshadows are beautiful beyond description! They range from wearable to whimsical: Speciality colours like glow in the dark, duo/triochrome, unique Aura collection. The EyezCreme is a beautiful creamy eyeshadow that can be used alone or topped with powder shadow to make it last longer. The samples come in pots and are just $1 each! The ingredients are minerals with no fillers, no bismuth, no talc, no preservatives.

Ritual Eyes
Michelle is a magician! Her passion for makeup is evident in her amazing mineral makeup. She used quality pigments and materials. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and go on and stay on very beautifully. The foundation feels like silk on the skin! I have a great personal experience with the foundation and getting ready to buy a full size.

These are some of the brands I have tried and loved. Some companies like Aromaleigh and The She Space are long gone, but my love for them is still here! This list is in no way a comprehensive one because there are numerous companies out there which specialise in mineral, chemical free makeup. The world of Indie cosmetics and mineral makeup is fascinating! If you have a question about any specific ingredient and worried how you'd react to it, always ask the companies before you order. Usually they are very helpful. 

I hope anyone with allergies like Sarah (Sugarpuffish) will find my post useful to feel more beautiful!

2 July 2013

review Opulentia Organics Body Oils

Opulentia Organics approached me to review because they were interested to hear of my allergies, eczema and love of natural products. I accepted an offer to try their body oils and received Untouched and Lavender & Chamomile. 

Sally, the founder of Opulentia, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and whilst having chemotherapy found that her skin became dry and itchy. In her quest to find a body oil to help she “was horrified to discover all the synthetic chemicals and potentially harmful ingredients that were in the so called 'natural and organic' skin care products on the market, so started to blend my own.” 

The Untouched oil is a blend of vegetable oils without essential oils making it an ideal product for those with allergies. Sally says “It is great for those undergoing chemotherapy as even if you are not normally allergic to anything, your skin seems to react differently when you are having treatment, and many people find their skin gets really dry and itchy.” 


Both oils are a pleasure to use. The unscented version is nice for when skin is feeling sensitive and the Lavender & Chamomile is equally as soothing but nice to apply at bedtime because of the relaxing aromas. I like the packaging of the oil. The pump ensures that I do not make too much mess. I am a little lazy with applying this to my entire body but I like to use it to keep my legs in good condition. I always feel my legs are the driest area of my body probably due to shaving. These oils do sink into skin but as expected it does take a few seconds longer compared to a lotion. You can apply whenever suits you but I enjoy using after a shower. 

I think it is difficult to find fault with these products. I like Opulentia's philosophy and will always favour those with awareness for sensitive skin and allergies. The oils are also available in Geranium & Mandarin, Bergamot & Patchouli and Ylang Ylang & Lime.

Do you like to use natural body oils or do you prefer lotions?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR Sample, links are not affiliated, 100% my own opinions

30 May 2012

Are Yves Rocher telling the truth? Are we being Greenwashed?

Updated 31.07.12 - Yves Rocher have been stripped of the leaping bunny logo

You're probably familiar with the brand Yves Rocher as it is successful in Europe and USA. A while ago I was approached by someone representing them with a friendly but bold statement - "I thought you might be just the person to work with as I can see that you are interested in natural and free from products - Yves Rocher have a wide range of organic and natural products and pride themselves on their botanical ethos". 

Personally, I won't accept products without giving consideration to formulations and sadly Yves Rocher do not make that easy since they do not list full ingredients on their website. My response to this situation is to ask the representative for clarification on the following -

Do you have Vegetarian or Vegan approval? What is your policy on Animal Testing? Can you tell me more about your ingredients policy is? For example, do your products contain any of the ingredients listed below: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Parabens, Mineral oil and petroleum derived ingredients, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Artificial Fragrance or Parfum, DEA or TEA (di- or tri-ethanolamine), Phthalates (DBP/DMP/DEP) and Lanolin

I have been waiting for a reply and completely forgot about it until this week when an email finally arrived. The following has been copied straight from the email so if the grammar looks out of place the writer has translated French to English.

"According to the European directive, "products launched on the cosmetic market cannot damage the human health when they are applied in normal or predictable conditions of use". We study all the raw materials entering into our products composition and we realise series of tests on our finished products before their launch on the market. These tests are realised on cell cultures then on human volunteers to confirm that these products are tolerated well. Moreover, our products are no more tested on animals since 1989. 

All our products are conceived from plants directly: we select among more than 1,100 ingredients from plants origins that are studied by our laboratories, each best adapted to the specific cosmetic profits of every product, while defining their just concentration. Also, we always give priority to components from natural origins in our formulas, as long as the efficiency and specifically the safety - of these natural materials are guaranteed. In case they were not entirely guaranteed, we prefer using synthesis ingredients. Finally, we do not use neither aldehyde, triclosan nor lanolin in the formulation of our products. Only two of our products still contain Diethylphtalate used for alcohol distorting: those products are Eau de toilette Plaisirs Nature flavour "raspberry" and the Perfumed Deodorant of the So Elixir Purple perfume (launch 09/2012)" 

It's an honest response but I have to weigh up the contents. I'm not completely against synthetic ingredients as they can serve a purpose e.g preservation but I would still like to know specific ingredients. I decided to do a little digging on the internet and came up with a couple of resources that lead me to believe Yves Rocher formulation can contain parabens, mineral oils and perfume. These are ingredients I am avoiding for a variety of reasons.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how some brands really don't wish to give away much about formulations. When you can't physically get hold of a product then you become reliant on the information presented online. What brands fail to recognise is that for customers with allergies and sensitive skin, every ingredient is important. I'd spend my entire time returning products if I could never read a full ingredient list. I prefer to work with smaller indie brands who are open to transparency and willing to share their formulations in detail. I do not doubt that Yves Rocher use botanical plant extracts but there are potential fillers (synthetic ingredients) that may be a concern if you have allergies and/or sensitive skin. I will always ask brands questions because I can not take personal risk with my allergies. I hate wastage so would rather not receive products that I can't test and I'm not keen to pass them along to friends/family if I don't personally approve of the formulations.

I'm not comfortable working with Yves Rocher, as I suspect them of being "Fake Natural Skincare" and I would argue a case for potential greenwashing. Why? because they market on green credentials but use ingredients which other natural brands would avoid. Products that are produced on a mass scale and sold around the world are often formulating on filler synthetic ingredients to keep consumer costs low, quality botanical ingredients are not necessarily going to be budget friendly.

Sarah x

AD - Let me recommend a brand you can trust - Odylique (affiliate link) use coupon code SUGARPUFFISH at checkout for 20% off (no expiry date!)

29 May 2014

Vegan cooked breakfast

When a press release for the 'Free From' Eating Out Awards arrived in my inbox, it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. I spent the Bank Holiday weekend away from home and the hotel breakfast was what I like to affectionately call "allergy roulette". I admit, I didn't want to cause a fuss, we rocked up at the end of service, so I made do based on my instincts rather than identifying myself as "the weird customer with allergies". Funniest moment was asking the Wait Staff if dairy free milk was available and getting the response "no, but we have soya milk". Bless, I will say that English probably wasn't their first language so I guess things got lost in translation, which I can forgive to a certain extent. A Vegetarian cooked breakfast was available so I did some guess work and adapted it to Vegan (dairy & egg free). First attempt at this breakfast had to be returned as I was served bacon and sausages. The Continental breakfast buffet was a no go zone. Unlabelled cereals, what a headache, I would have had to ask staff to show me ingredients for ten cereals to determine which ones I could eat and frankly I can't be bothered with that. I declined toast because these days milk keeps sneaking up on me in bread.

This experience certainly wasn't a one off and it is why I will follow the 'Free From' Eating Out Awards with great interest. My experience at the hotel was a prime example of the frustrations when trying to enjoy a meal away from home. Those who have allergies/intolerances are often faced with limited choices on menus and the food service industry lacks understanding about food allergy and coeliac disease.

The awards are being launched to coincide with the build up to the new Food Information Regulations (FIRs) coming into force in December 2014. These will require all food service outlets to provide accurate information about any of the 14 major allergens in the food that they serve. The 'Free From' Eating Out Awards are designed to raise awareness of the opportunities offered to food service providers by the growing numbers of those either needing, or choosing, to eat ‘free from’. The new awards will celebrate not only imaginative and exciting gluten, dairy and egg free menu offerings but good allergen awareness, both in the kitchen and front of house.

Perhaps you know of a good place to eat that caters for allergies and coeliacs, may be you should encourage them to enter these awards? Tell them to visit Free From Eating Out Awards site and follow the links. The awards open for entry on the 27th May and close on the 31st August. Categories include: Restaurants and hotel restaurants, Pubs and pub restaurants, Cafés, coffee shops and ‘take-aways’, Guest houses and B&Bs, Schools, Not for profit services: hospitals, prison services & the military, Food manufactured for food service. A shortlist will be published in mid September. The presentations will take place on November 19th at the Food Matters Live Event at Excel.

Sarah x

1 May 2018

Myroo Skincare Fragrance Free allergies
UPDATE 2022 - MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING

I'm giving Myroo a shout out today because they recently re-branded and given their image a makeover. I think you'll agree it is looking very smart. Myroo Skincare is always top of my recommendation list for anyone who experiences sensitive skin and allergies.

I've watched Myroo evolve and grow since I first connected with them back in 2012. Rachael, Myroo's founder took part in our Gorgeously Green Event in 2015 and I relied on her products in the run up to my Wedding in 2016. She has first hand experience of allergies which gives her a unique understanding and expertise on these matters. All the products are natural, organic and vegan. They are fee from all 14 food allergens and known synthetic irritants (for example no parabens, SLS or MI). Myroo also offer a fragrance free version of every product, which is free from all 26 cosmetic allergens.
Myroo Skincare Superfood Balm Fragrance Free
I've previously written a brief overview of the Gentle Cleanser, Skin Boost Facial Serum and Lip Balm and these are products I still highly recommend. The Superfood Balm (fragrance free) is new to me so I want to give that my attention. The formulation is very interesting and lives up to its name. Ingredients include mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. This balm is super soft, it easily scoops from the jar and comfortably massages across skin. It's one of those product that can be used for every little dry skin emergency, perfect for knees, elbows, heels, cuticles and when used overnight you can give yourself an intensive treatment. When I first received the Superfood balm I was suffering from a cold so I immediately applied generously to my face. Even with the softest of tissues I can still end up with an eczema breakout across my nose and upper lip because my skin is so delicate.

I believe Myroo is a brand that you can put trust in to offer wonderful natural ingredients and deliver results. Definitely check them out if you haven't done so already.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples

23 July 2022

Winners announced in 2022 Free From Skincare Awards

Last month I had the pleasure judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. This has now been a yearly invite since 2013. You might not realised but my day job isn't connected to blogging so I thoroughly look forward to a day off work for talking about skincare. This year I judged in the categories Face Care (Rinse Off), Body Care (Leave On), Men’s Grooming and Toners & Waters.

Aside from all the amazing brands I encountered it's interesting to have discussions about ingredients, labelling and allergies. You may know that I experience both cosmetic and food allergies. One of the hot topics coming out of the judging sessions is concerns about food allergens in cosmetics and how to promote good labelling practice, better understanding and transparency.

The British spa skincare brand SenSpa has been crowned overall champion and Best Free From Skincare Product 2022 for their Relaxing Talc Free Body Powder. Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, SenSpa’s winning product beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants LUMI (from Estonia), MERME Berlin (Germany) and White Moon Skincare (Jersey).

The Best Free From Brand Award went to North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, which won two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Odylique picked up Gold in the Best Labelling category. You'll know they are my favourite brand so I fully support the win. Odylique provide 'plain English' alternatives alongside INCI ingredients with 'free from' labelling which includes food allergens. Consumers are given lots of helpful information which is a step above other brands and can be vitally important to those who are managing allergies and skin conditions.

Gold winners in the categories I was involved in (with exception of SenSpa) were all new to me. They included Merme Berlin Facial Powder Cleanser with Purple Carrot, White Moon Skincare Pink Clay Detox Mask, Lumi Men Aftershave Toner and Ani Skincare Hydrating Facial Toner.

If you would like to view a full list of winners and medallists then you'll need to visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk/winners-2022

Sarah x

17 May 2018

Natural Organic Skincare Free From Nuts
If you have nut allergies switching to natural skincare can be a little tricky and it's a common asked questions from readers looking for recommendations. As the topic came up in conversation again I thought I would put together a list of brands that should fit your allergy requirements. Please do research and note your allergen in INCI as this will help you shop for skincare. When you find a suitable product always patch test to ensure suitability for your skin. Always check ingredients with every purchase as products can be re-formulated and may no longer be suitable.

Awake Organics - all products are nut free, their focus is hemp oil for its skin benefits and eco-sustainability

Harborist - currently just one product, a cleanser, all ingredients in the cleanser are considered low on allergy risk, it does contain triglycerides from coconut but I understand that most people with tree nut allergies are fine with coconut but if you have doubts consult your Doctor and patch test. 

Odylique - free from wheat, dairy, soy and all common allergens such as, tree nut oils (almond, apricot, walnut etc and peanut oil).

Mel Millis - they have confirmed all products are nut free

Mulondon - all products are gluten-free and free from wheat or nut ingredients but advise the following "for people with extreme sensitivity to traces of these ingredients, we can't make such claims as we don't have certifications in place for that yet"

Natorigin - specialist in skincare and cosmetics for sensitive skin and approved by Allergy UK, free from peanut oil.

Balmonds - they confirmed "Yes, we are totally nut-free. Everything is made in our own workshop, no nuts allowed"

If you have any other suggestions for this list please let me know. This fact sheet from Anaphylaxis Campaign may provide useful reading material - Cosmetics, personal care products and medicines Some of the questions asked by people with food allergies

Sarah x

9 May 2011

To give you some background, I have atopic eczema which is linked to food allergies. This was diagnosed 24 years ago by Doctors through skin prick tests and food diaries. Back then things were very different, information was limited (no internet!) and specialised products were hard to find. 

About five years ago my eczema started to flare up again. Since my diet was not the problem I set to work finding a solution. I do not remember how it started or where I plucked the information from but I became interested in possible links between "chemicals" in beauty products and allergies. Armed with this new information I slowly overhauled my beauty cabinet with natural and organic products and my eczema almost disappeared overnight. Now I'm not claiming that I'm cured but I certainly have things back under my control.

I have been following a variety of beauty blogs and vlogs in recent weeks and I have a few favourites. I enjoy what they offer but I feel there is a lack of recommendations for people with sensitive skin, eczema and allergies. I am also horrified at the price some people are willing to pay for beauty products. Like many people in this current economic climate I do not have the money in my purse for "high end" brands.

So this is where I begin with my blog, with the idea that I can provide informative tips to fellow eczema and allergy sufferers. Wish me luck!

Love Sugarpuffish (aka Sarah)

P.S to my future readers, this post never had a photo attached to it so I updated it with one taken a few years later, just in case you're wondering how I had this vegan ice cream in 2011 as time machines are yet to be invented :)

5 May 2020

How I maintain healthy hair when prone to eczema and allergies
(affiliate link marked *)

I always talk about skincare but rarely mention the products I use on my hair. If you are interested in looking back through the archives, I think the last hair care routine was written in 2017. I refrain from continually swapping out products because I spent years trying to manage a sensitive scalp and eczema covered my neck which I attribute to shampoo (and stress). I never want to return to those dark days however I'm now armed with a piece of information I was lacking back then and that's my sensitivity to linalool and MI, a diagnosis which I believe made a huge difference to my life.

One product I would never switch out is my *Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo and I've been banging on about it since 2013. It just works really well for me, it did take a bit of getting used to at first but once I figured things out I truly believe it contributed to balancing out my skin and maintaining a healthy scalp. The formula does not contain SLS but lathers up well and the trick to that is to have very wet hair and thoroughly massage. I have now managed to get my husband switched over to Odylique shampoo and have seen a reduction in his skin irritations (on back of his neck). A common question I've had over the years has been that Odylique doesn't sell a matching conditioner. They believe many people doesn't feel they need one with their shampoos however I have continued to use a conditioner. My hair is thick and can get super knotty so I need this type of treatment to help smooth my hair.

If you've been following my routines over the years then you will know I've used a variety of conditioners. I usually stick to one for several months or years until I hit a problem with it - discontinued, formulation changes, unavailable through stockists or budget constraints. Last year I experimented with three conditioners from Giovanni. I ended up settling on Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner and have repurchased a couple of times. I believe it makes my hair softer, more manageable and doesn't weigh it down. I've always tried to incorporate a heat protection and leave in conditioner type product to combat dryness from styling tools and in recent months I added Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray to my routine. At the time of writing this I'm almost at the end of this bottle. I really notice a difference if I don't apply a styling spray and I'm hoping its working even though it might not always be visible to the eye. I am now contemplating purchasing another bottle but am also tempted to try something new (that's easily said than done with my allergies).

If you are interested in purchasing these products, they are widely available online either direct with the brand or through online retailers.

Sarah x

Instagram

Sugarpuffish. Theme by STS.