12 August 2014

Mangle & Wringer Natural Cleaning Products

(Gifted PR Samples)

UPDATE JUNE 2021 - Mangle & Wringer has put their company on hold

You know you are getting old when you find cleaning products exciting. Many of the mainstream cleaners found at the supermarket make me wheezy and I never have liked the thought of breathing in chemicals. I discovered Mangle & Wringer on Twitter and got in touch with them regarding their products. Mangle & Wringer have a range of traditional, non-toxic cleaning remedies. Products are also fragrance free and not tested on animals. There is a delightful back story to the company which you can read over on the website.

I have been lucky enough to put the entire range to the test - Spray & Go, Kitchen Cleanser, Laundry Powder, Good for Glass, Bathroom Balm and Natural Bleach. Each product has impressed me but there is one in particular which I can use to demonstrate the strength of these products. I gave the Kitchen Cleanser the ultimate test on my nasty kitchen sink. My sink should be a light grey colour but it always had a nasty tangerine brown stain thanks to previous tenants. No matter how hard I tried I have never been able to budge the discolouration, well that was until now. The Kitchen Cleanser is a paste, I scooped a little from the tin and then rubbed onto the sink using one of those cheap non stick washing up sponges. I worked at the sink for 5-10 minutes, reapplying product and rinsing in between. I started to notice a vast improvement in the colour almost immediately. The stain had faded and in some areas I have almost restored the original colour. What I like about the Mangle and Wringer Kitchen cleanser is it rinses away easily without leaving a noticeable chalkiness from dried paste. At the suggestion of Mangle & Wringer, I later filled the sink with hot water, added a scoop of natural bleach and left it for a few hours. Since taking the pictures below, I think my sink is looking even better with continued cleaning. I don't think it will ever be restored completely but it certainly makes me happy to see it look less disgusting. 
Mangle & Wringer Natural Cleaning Products
Just for guidance, the consistency of the Bathroom Balm is slightly different. It has a mousse like texture but it worked equally as well on soap scum. The Spray & Go is a multi purpose product which I make sure is on hand for quick clean ups on surfaces around my home. The only minor downside is lack of fragrance. Prior to trying this spray, my cleaner of choice is Greenscents in mint and I have missed the fresh scent. In my bedroom I have mirrored wardrobe doors and the glass cleaner made light work of finger prints. I found the task quick and easy without too much smearing. I have never used a bleach powder before now so I can't compare to anything else but I have been using it in the washing machine to brighten up white shirts.

I highly recommend Mangle & Wringer for eco-friendly household cleaning. I am not sure I would replace every product when they run out (e.g laundry powder & bleach) but I certainly wouldn't want to be without the kitchen cleanser.

Sarah x

11 August 2020

Ocean Saver All Purpose Floor Cleaner Eco Drop Rhubarb Coral
(I paid for this product, price correct at time of publication)

I've remained loyal to the same household cleaning products for years. I've been using a combination of Bio-D, Tincture LondonGreenscents and I have a favourite product from each brand. During lockdown and with the loss of my job I was seeking accessible and budget friendly options. I thought that might be mission impossible but I'm pleased to say I found Ocean Saver.

6 August 2019

Tincture London Eco Friendly Cleaning Products for around the home
I've been using eco friendly products around my home for years and I have some firm favourites on repeat purchase. I shall place links to my reviews at the end of this article. For me, one of the most common causes of allergic reactions has been household cleaning products. My allergy diagnosis to MI (Methylisothiazolinone) came much later in life but it certainly helped shed light on past situations. I'd reached the point where I had to ban the office cleaner from using their products on my desk due to experiencing itchy skin on my arms.

6 November 2012

greenscents natural organic vegan cleaning products for around the home
(Gifted PR samples)


I have mentioned before that I prefer buying household cleaners that are cruelty free, vegan, environmentally conscious and free from strong synthetic ingredients (e.g bleach or SLS) and artificial fragrances. I have previously used around my home products from Method, Astonish and Ecover but I recently discovered Greenscents, a family business based in Somerset.


Christina established Greenscents because her family has allergies, sensitivities and food intolerances. Products are formulated using organic ingredients with essential oil fragrances (fragrance free options are also available). They are certified by the Soil Association, Allergy UK (for nonscents range), Vegan Society and BUAV. Bottles are recyclable and sustainable.

The Greenscents range includes multi-surface spray, washing up liquid, floor soap, loo cleaner, liquid laundry and conditioner. Depending on the product you select the fragrance options are Citrus, Herbal, Lavender, Minty or unfragranced (nonscent). My parcel included the citrus washing up liquid, minty multi surface spray and lavender laundry conditioner. I opted to test fragranced products because I always wear rubber gloves when cleaning so I'm not concerned about skin reactions. When it comes to the laundry conditioner I'm selective about how and for what I use it on. 

I abandoned mainstream washing up liquids such as Fairy a long time ago because I was plagued with allergic reactions and wanted to be cruelty free and eco-friendly. I've tried a number of brands but first thing I noticed about the Greenscents washing up liquid was the lovely citrus aroma. Even though this is formulated without SLS and SLES you can expect a good amount of soap suds.  Of course suds don't clean dishes but I think people find a level of comfort in a product that foams. Pictured above you can see the soap suds it creates in our washing up bowl. My partner and I are very happy with how clean we can get the dishes and oven tray. You still require elbow grease on tough stains but Greenscents compares well to leading brands.

As sad as it sounds I do enjoy using the minty surface cleaner in our kitchen. It has a fantastic punchy mint aroma which lingers. The fragrance definitely evokes the feeling of cleanliness and freshness. It cleans away spills easily without the need for effort even if it's sticky fruit juice or grease splatters. I've been very impressed by this product and I can see myself re-purchasing (2020 Update - still buying this product & it continues to be a part of my household cleaning routine)

Lavender is one of my favourite scents so the laundry conditioner was always going to be a winner on aroma. I'm impressed that I can still notice a hint of fragrance after clothing has been tumble dried. The ultimate test for me is on bedding and towels and this leaves them as soft as other brands. I do struggle a little on measuring out the correct quantity. The dosage suggestion per load is 30mls and what initially threw me was not having measuring markers on the cap which is generally standard with supermarket brands (for comparison I pictured above the Greenscents cap (on right) against Ecover (yellow on left). Christina has informed me that two full caps is roughly the amount you require.

How do these products compare on price? You are going to pay a little more than in the supermarket however if you are concerned about supporting British business, the environment, allergies and cruelty to animals then I think you are probably the type of consumer who is willing to spend a little extra.

Sarah x

Note: I'm aware that Method & Ecover are controversial brands regarding their cruelty free status and since writing the reviews linked in this article they were acquired by SC Johnson

15 October 2020

review Fill steel and glass cleaner
(I purchased this product)

Cleaning is a chore but we all have to do it at some point. For years now I've been seeking out household cleaning products with plant based ingredients. I've always struggled with sensitivity to mainstream brands that are highly perfumed or overbearing with bleach.

I was having trouble re-purchasing Tincture London Glass, Mirror & Steel Cleaner during lockdown so I was looking for an alternative. I ended up buying Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner. What stood out to me with Fill products is there are fragrance free options

"WE MAKE EVERYTHING OURSELVES, AT OUR OWN FAMILY RUN FACTORY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WITH REAL CHEMISTS… COMBINING BIODEGRADABLE INGREDIENTS TO CREATE SIMPLE, MODERN & EFFECTIVE ECO CLEANING & LAUNDRY PRODUCTS. NO DYES. NO HARSH CHEMICALS. NO PLASTIC BOTTLES. LESS WASTE."

You may wonder why I buy a specific glass and steel cleaner over using a multi purpose product. Well the reason is I have found that some surface sprays don't cut through the grease and leave streaks on the steel hob and my glass back splash. I've a shiny new home and like to keep it that way.

Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner makes light work of cleaning surface around my home. It doesn't take much elbow grease to get everything looking 'spick and span'. This cleaner is packaged in a glass bottle and I purchased with a spray nozzle which is plastic but if you re-purchase or re-fill you can hang onto this part and re-use it. I did opt for the fragrance version and the scent of geranium is pleasant and not over powering.

I've been happy to discover Fill. Their ethos looks great with options to bulk buy and refill, products are vegan and cruelty free, packaging is cardboard and glass, ingredients are biodegradable and you can support local business. If you would like to buy the steel and glass cleaner or explore the entire product range then visit fillrefill.co

Sarah x

29 October 2013

Greenfrog Natural Cleaning Products
(Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated, opinions are my own, I was not compensated for this video)

I was recently asked to review products from Greenfrog, a UK company based in Brighton. Products are free from nasty ingredients, 100% biodegradable, not tested on animals and safe for aquatic life. 

I was sent trial size samples of handwash, washing up liquid, all purpose cleaner and a bag of soapnuts. The cleaning products are fragrance with essential oils and contain soapnut extract.

I hope you enjoy watching and if you have any questions leave a comment below or over on my YouTube channel - 
Click here to watch video

Sarah x

13 August 2012

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

On occasions I've received emails asking for recommendations on how to manage skin prone to eczema. Often people have ended up in a vicious circle of flare ups and are unsure what to try next. I know how it feels, I grew up with atopic eczema which became manageable with the diagnosis of allergies but has never truly left me. There is no cure for this condition and it's heartbreaking, often all we can do is cope and try to put on a brave face. I can only offer advice based off my own experience but it is important to remember eczema takes on many forms and what works for one may not for another. I've decided to put together my survival tips as a quick easy reference. Always consult your Doctor if you have any major concerns or require further advice and treatment.

If you experience eczema you'll know that your skin is as super dry. Your skin isn't producing as much fats and oils as other people and your protective barrier is weaken. You need to moisturise daily, sometimes hourly to try and soothe itchiness and soften dryness. One of the reasons I started a "green" and holistic skincare journey was because I believe the ingredients in emollients exasperated my condition. As someone with Atopic eczema clearly linked to allergies it was time to start reading labels.

Tip 1 - Find your triggers
I quickly ditched SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulphate), a detergent and surfactant found in skincare and household products. This is the ingredient that helps products foam. Sulphate is believed to irritate and potentially dry out skin. Speaking from experience I believe SLS can effect my skin but in order to provide fairness in my anecdote there has been no solid evidence that confirms or denies that SLS is a cause of concern.

I made a personal decision to avoid prescription emollients and steroids. I was tried of ineffective creams and worried about side effects. Paraffin is a key ingredient in emollients and I have previously blogged about why I dislike it - Why I choose not use Petroleum JellyI strongly believe that a lifetime use of steroid cream has caused pigmentation issues.  My back no longer tans evenly in the sun instead I suffer white patches which remind me of Vitiligo. Alternative plant based emollients which I highly regard are shea butter, coconut oil, avocado and cocoa butter. 

Tip 2 - Changing old habits
Sometimes you have to think outside the box. A very simple solution for me has been washing my hair over the bath.  I switched to SLS free body care long before changing over my shampoo.  I noticed mainstream salon shampoos caused irritation during showering. I have eczema on my body so washing my hair over the bath reduces the areas that products come in contact with.  Also if you use aerosol styling products I find wrapping a towel around my shoulders helps to eliminate the product coming in contact with my neck and shoulders.  Keep hairdryers and water at low temperatures as high heat dries out the skin.

Tip 3 - Cleaning your Home
I don't clean my home without wearing a pair of gloves as it reduces contact with cleaners which are often full of irritating chemicals and fragrance. When I had eczema on my hands I made sure I used latex free gloves. Bonus tip is consider your work environment as well. I once was getting itchy skin on contact with my desk, turned out it was the cleaning products used by my employer's cleaning staff.

Tip 4 - Clothing
The type of clothing you wear and the products you wash them in are worth consideration.  Cotton is often most comfortable on skin and allowing it to "breathe" when sweating.  I find wool an irritant which can quickly trigger eczema. I am constantly battling with laundry detergents, often overly fragrance products which cause itchiness. I opt for Non-Bio and keep perfumes and dyes to a minimum. I recommend this article Odylique put together covering "Best Washing Powders for Eczema Prone Skin"

Tip 5 - You are what you eat
Gut health is believed to play an important role in managing skin conditions. I personally would find it hard to argue against dietary changes as there is a clear correlation between my atopic eczema and allergies. I think most of us can agree we would all benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

Tip 6 - Favourite Skincare
Odylique is a brand I heavily rely upon and they have many products which I have found helpful in managing my skin. In particular the Ultra Rich Balm and Repair lotion may be helpful on eczema prone skin
Lyonsleaf have an excellent range of creams, I have found the Calendula one to be effective
Balmology Comfort Balm is a beautiful product for dry skin. The key to finding a good balm is looking at the ingredients that suit you best
Balmonds formulate for skin prone to conditions such as eczema, many of their products are fragrance free and vegan friendly.

If you have not mastered the art of understanding ingredients then look for websites that stock natural product and have strict policies on ingredients. There are many online retailers competing for your money, check out my Where to Shop post.

Tip 7 - Useful Resources
It can help to speak to other people with eczema and there are useful resources online. I'd recommend checking out the following:-
National Eczema Society (UK)
National Eczema Association (USA)
Allergy UK
Anaphylaxis Campaign
Skins Matter & Free From Skincare Awards

I hope this post has been helpful. If you have any tips to share please let me know, you can email or contact me via social media.

Sarah x

8 October 2013

Bentley Organics has been on my radar for years and I finally got around to ordering a couple of products. If you are not familiar with the brand, Bentley Organics offer affordable products which are certified organic by The Soil Association. The range consists of body, hair and baby care plus household cleaning products. I bought the Calming & Moisturising Hand Wash and Washing Up Liquid. 

Let’s start with the hand wash. There are a couple of fragrance options but I chose the calming and moisturising version as it contains lavender and aloe vera. It has a lovely mild lavender fragrance which I like. This does not produce a large amount of lather and does not dry out my hands. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance but it is average, nothing luxurious about it and that is reflected in the price (250ml £3.65) 

Sadly, Bentley Organic washing up liquid has been a huge disappointment. That opinion has been backed up by my boyfriend who I must admit does wash up more often than me, I have trained him well ;-) Previously, we had been using Greenscents which in comparison works brilliantly. The problem with the Bentley one is it loses cleaning properties too rapidly. You end up with a bowl of water without bubbles very quickly. It is fine for lightly solid plates but does not perform well if you have a heavy load with anything greasy like oven trays. I would not repurchase. 

If you would like to look at ingredients for these products they are listed on Bentley Organic's website. I bought these products from mypure.co.uk which is a site I have used a number of times and they offer free UK delivery. Has anyone else tried products from this brand? What did you think? 

Sarah x

10 November 2011

Toxic Ingredients in Perfumed products
Disclaimer – I am neither a medical expert nor a scientist all information in this article has come from my own research and personal experiences.  

Do you have a beauty product to hand? Perhaps a hand cream in the depth of your handbag or better still go to your bathroom and grab your favourite moisturiser. Now read the ingredients label do you see the word “fragrance” or “parfum” or “perfume”? 

Synthetic fragrance is found in a wide variety of products from skin care to household items such as air fresheners, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, candles. Fragrance/Perfume is a blanket term. Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients that are used to formulate the scent you adore because they are protected by trademark laws. 

"The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. We have been brainwashed by the industry to feel we must cover up our natural scents with toxic chemicals. Many of the same chemicals in perfumes are the same chemicals that are in cigarette smoke." allnaturalbeauty.us/chemicalsensitivities

There are over 500 potential chemicals that can be used under the term “fragrance”. This is a widely discussed topic and there are many informative articles online explaining the possible health risks should you wish to research further. Many of us (including me) have allergic reactions to fragrance in household and cosmetic products. Symptoms vary and range from headache, sinus pain, sore throat, breathing difficulties (such as asthma) or skin irritations (rash/itching/hives). 

So what should you look for when buying beauty products? You are probably thinking that fragrance free or unscented is your best option but this is only partly true. You have to be careful of these terms as a product may still contain perfume to mask ingredient odours so it is covered up but not to the extent needed to be noticeable to the consumer. The alternative is to opt for products containing natural essential oils. Consider purchasing from companies that eliminate certain ingredients in favour of natural alternatives because on the whole greener brands often do not include synthetic fragrance. However do remember that essential oils can also be allergens or skin irritants so hyper sensitive skins should still be cautious. The key is to read ingredients and become familiar with the language. If you see fragrance or perfume listed check for a footnote to explain the source as it may be derived from essential oil. 

Over the years I have noticed sensitivity to household cleaners and air fresheners. Usually my breathing is affected by these products. If you are feeling thrifty you can make your own cleaner from items like white vinegar, baking soda and lemons. There are many natural cleaning tips online if you wish to do more research. I learnt from Earth Friendly Beauty that Clove oil can be used instead of bleach to kill mould. If making your own cleaning agents sounds like too much effort consider brands such as The Bio-D Company, Bentley Organic, Earth Friendly Products, and Soda Crystals. Sadly the majority of these brands do not appear on Supermarket shelves you have to order them online or seek them out in a local health food store.



I recently switched to Soap Flakes (purchased from Tesco) for hand washing delicate items.  I've broken out with eczema where my bra sits so decided I need to avoid my laundry liquid for the time being.  Soap Flakes is pure soap with no added fragrance or perfume, vegetable origin, contains no animal products, not tested on animals and is palm oil free.

I guess my overall message is to inform you to be aware of what you put on your skin and breathe in.  Next time you purchase the latest celebrity perfume, beauty product or fashionable candles and air freshener consider what may be lurking in the formulations.    

Sarah x

16 April 2015

Review Greenfrog Botanic Body & Hand Washes

I have previously mentioned Greenfrog on my blog. Back in 2013 I reviewed samples of their cleaning products and soapnuts. The brand has undergone a makeover and the cleaning products are currently being reformulated. In the meantime, Greenfrog have launched body and hand washes. The range is formulated from certified organic soapberries (Sapindus Mukorrossi) with essential oil blends (Peppermint & Geranium and Neroli & Lime) that have been considered for different effects on skin and mood.

I have found both products a pleasure to use. They are low foaming but that is a trait to be expected from using soapberries. Whilst Greenfrog does not use SLS/SLES or ALS the surfactants are cocamidopropyl betaine, potassium cocoate, lauryl betaine and coco-glucoside. These are synthetic ingredients derived from coconut oil and sugar beets. The preservative system is levulinic acid and potassium sorbate. Whilst you may not get an overload of bubbles, the Peppermint and Geranium combination is a pleasure on my senses, something unique when comparing to similar products in my collection. It’s a floral delight with a minty kick.

Greenfrog should be commended for their ethos. Products are Vegetarian/Vegan, biodegradable and free from palm oil, petrochemicals, sulphates and parabens. According to their website they are working towards obtaining the Leaping Bunny trademark. Both the handwash and bodywash certainly do the job they are intended for so I am more than happy to recommend them.

Have you tried Greenfrog products? What did you think of them?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR sample, links are not affiliated

27 July 2012

Method Bathroom Cleaner
Cleaning your home when you have allergies can often cause a headache, quite literally. I try to limit chemical based cleansers in my home but I am not perfect. Yes, there are natural ingredients which work well on grease, grime and limescale (e.g bicarb, lemon and vinegar) but sometimes I want to have a back up available from the supermarket. I can always be tempted by a promotional offer so this time I picked up the 
Method Bathroom Cleaner.

Method have a range of products for your home, hands and laundry and all made with plant based, biodegradable cleaners. The aroma of the bathroom cleaner comes from eucalyptus and mint. It is pleasant and no too overwhelming which is good because I do not struggle with my breathing when spraying this around the bathroom. This can be a common problem with other household cleaners. Unfortunately, I have to be honest and say I do feel it lets me down in performance. This makes a perfectly adequate surface cleaner but despite the manufacturer's claim I do not feel it removes greasy soap scum. The problem with using balm and oil cleanser is they have a habit of building up residue round the sink (or is that just in my sink?). I often have a nice brown tan line from foundation and I feel this Method doesn't quite cut it with removing this type of grime.

What I do like about Method is they are approved by PETA as a cruelty free and vegan company. Products contain naturally derived ingredients and are environmentally friendly. I recommend you take time reading the website to learn more about their practices. Whilst this bathroom cleaner was not up to my standards I am happy to use for other purposes around the home.

Sarah x

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

23 January 2018

Looking for Eco Friendly Laundry Products suitable for allergies and vegans
Ethical, cruelty and allergen free laundry products are the biggest headache in my daily life. I feel like the worst person ever for the products I currently use and I've beaten myself up about it but I'm stuck in this really difficult place. I desire a more natural formulation, I don't want it to be tested on animals, I'd like it to be Vegan, I want fragrance but need to avoid linalool, there is the dreaded MI (methylisothiazolinone) to avoid and accessibility is important.

I think the most eco-friendly laundry product available is soap nuts. I experimented with these some years ago but it just didn't suit me for the long term. I wasn't happy with the way my clothes were feeling and smelling over the long term so I ditched that plan.

When looking for ethical products available in supermarkets, most people think of Method and Ecover but both brands were acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son in 2017, a company not associated with ethical or cruelty free values. Seventh Generation has hit the shelves at Tesco, its a popular US brand but despite the claims of suitability for sensitive skin, I was shocked to see it contains methylisothiazolinone (MI). This can also be said for Tesco's own brand Eco Active. Astonish and own brands from Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer carry the Leaping Bunny logo which gives reassurance for cruelty free but you're not getting a "natural" formulation and on my last inspection I was struggling over MI and linalool (I do need to re-visit this to check labels as things can change).

I know of Greenscents, Bio-D and Mangle & Wringer which are greener brands so tick all my boxes. I do use various cleaning supplies from their ranges and have repurchased from time to time.  Since I can only buy online (no local stockists) this leaves me agonising over courier charges and delivery slots which I find expensive and stressful. It also requires me to be organised and when you're down to the last drop it's much easier to pop to the supermarket. 

There are several brands on my list which I need to do further research on including Faith In Nature, Ecozone and The Gentle Label. I'd be interested in getting feedback from readers who have tried any of their products.

I guess I'm writing this as a personal rant because sometimes I think living your best "green" lifestyle can get a little stressful. I wanted to demonstrate that I don't have the answer to everything, I do struggle with decisions. I've spent months going round in circles but I determined to find a solution. Anyone else in the same position?

Sarah x

1 September 2020

Fiini Naturally Oat and Bilberry Powder Face Mask
(Gifted)

I discovered Fiini Naturally through the Free From Skincare Awards having entered several products over the past couple of years. Fiini was founded by two friends, Heidi and Essi, they developed their own skincare taking inspiration from natural raw ingredients in their homeland of Finland. They have an understanding of sensitive skin and several of their products are fragrance free. As the brand is based in Finland this plays an important role with nature and the environment having a strong influence. It's not just a cosmetic range, they also make household cleaning supplies. Fiini's ethos is proudly Finnish with honesty, naturalness, purity, ecology and animal welfare at the heart of the business.

I tend to shy away from face masks, more often than not these are products formulated for solving problem issues but are simply too harsh for my sensitive skin. I was attracted to Fiini Oat and Bilberry powder mask for the properties in the ingredients. Oatmeal is often an ingredient highly recommended to eczema prone skin and I've had many an oat bath during my lifetime. It's the vitamin E, fatty acids, amino acids, and beta-glucans that protect, soothe and moisturise skin. Bilberries are also known as European wild blueberries and they are packed full of vitamins and nutrients. The bilberry powder is made by freeze drying which helps retain the vibrant natural properties. Other additional ingredients include pink clay and rice powder.

If you've ever used a powder mask before you'll know to mix with water or serum to create a smooth paste which you then apply to your skin. It doesn't look like much in the jar but the bilberries created a gorgeous deep purple colour which makes you smile, think Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when she chews the gum. After 10 to 15 minutes the mask can be removed using warm water, I find a damp flannel can help with this process. The end results are soft skin and no I wasn't left with a purple tinge, I looked good as new.

Fiini Naturally Oat and Bilberry Powder Face Mask is a simple and honest product. Fun to use as part of a relaxing routine and beneficial to dry and sensitive skin. It doesn't promise you the world and I'm OK with that. Powder face masks can be a little messy for some people but I'm not overly fussy about this aspect. If you take your time it doesn't have to create a bathroom disaster just don't use your best white towels as I'm not sure if you'd experience staining (I have coloured flannels  so it wasn't an issue for me).

If you would like further information or to explore the product range, I recommend visiting Fiini Naturally website.

Sarah x

26 September 2017

Love Lula Natural Skincare Acure Sukin Preserve
Disclaimer –  contains affiliate link. I'm part of the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select PR samples each month, I am not obligated to review and all opinions are my own. Prices correct at time of publication.

How are you doing? I'm writing this with a stinking cold feeling very sorry for myself. The month started well as I went to Majorca but within 24 hours of being back on home turf I was struck down with germs. So moving on from my endless complaining, once again I find myself writing about products I chose from Love LulaI really hope you are finding these mini reviews of use, if you have any feedback leave me a comment or send an email.

Acure Organics Day Cream
The Acure cleanser I tried last month won me over so I decided to try the day cream. It’s become a firm favourite and I am really enjoying how it feels on my skin. I probably say this quite often when it comes to moisturisers but it gives me that nice balance between hydration without feeling too heavy. The scent is an added bonus, it’s citrus specifically orange and reminds me of chewy candy but without being overbearing or sickly. The only minor criticism I have over Acure is in the USA this brand is known for being affordable. Through Love Lula you will pay £26 which puts it up there with Antipodes and Trilogy but I guess that’s the price of importing goods. 

Preserve Recycled Plastic Eco Friendly Toothbrush (Medium) 
I wrote about Preserve back in 2012 and I’m slightly embarrassed to say it took me this long to try a toothbrush. The concept is great. Preserve make the handle from recycled yoghurt pots and they have a scheme to take back your old brush for recycling (applicable for both USA & UK more info on their website). I must admit I threw this toothbrush into my basket with no expectations and its ended up being my favourite find. The curve on the brush is fantastic as I’ve always struggled to reach my back teeth and with this it’s so easy. I ended up dragging out all my old brushes (I use them for cleaning around the home) and none of them had the same degree of angle. These are more expensive than my usual toothbrush but I’m sold on the fact that I can comfortably clean my teeth; it really has made a difference. Of course the eco-friendly nature of Preserve products is an added bonus. I’ve been using for a month and the bristles still look in good shape. My one criticism is you can’t pick the colour when you order.........yes I am that person! 

Sukin Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser 
I’ve once again encountered an issue with Love Lula not listing ingredients correctly. I’ve ended up passing this moisturiser on to my husband because there are essential oil allergens on the product label which are not listed on Love Lula's site (F.Y.I - I avoid linalool that's why it matters to me). I've used other Sukin products so it is a brand I trust and recommend. My husband is a man of few words but he tells me he likes this moisturiser, he's happy to use it, his skin feels nice after application and he would replace when it runs out. I think it has a unisex fragrance which is not too overpowering and it’s affordable. I’d recommend as a good all rounder for most families.

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned? What are your thoughts on them? If you missed my July picks then follow this link - Love Lula Reviews for July - Acure Organics, Madara, Trilogy.

Sarah x

14 November 2011

My Allergies and Eczema Triggers
I thought it might be of interest to my readers to share a list of my allergens, intolerances and eczema triggers.  Some of these are medically diagnosed using skin tests at hospital but others are self diagnosed.  My symptoms are varied - eczema, rash/hives, itchy throat, sinus problems (blocked nose & glue ear) vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, stomach pains, mild asthma, swollen joints.  I may suffer just one of these or a combination.  

Foods
Milk, Eggs, OAS to fruits (orange, strawberry, melon, kiwi, pineapple)

Medicines
Penicillin, Ibuprofen

General Living
Wool, Cats, Dogs, Feathers, Dust, Pollen (grass & birch tree), Laundry Detergents, Air Fresheners, Perfume, Washing Up liquid, Soaps, Bubble baths, Lanolin, sun creams, shaving gels - there are many personal care brands that I can't touch - Fairy Washing Up Liquid, Comfort, Lenor, Johnson & Johnson, Nivea, Dove, Balsam Tissues, Radox, Simple, Imperial Leather. I have hayfever and also can't let my skin come in contact with freshly cut grass as it brings me out in hives. If I peel a vegetable without wearing rubber gloves my hands flare up with a rash and I experience this with potatoes.

Difference between Allergy & Intolerance
As far as I understand the difference is an allergy is connected to how your immune system responds to a substance where as an intolerance is to do with digestion.  It is complex hence why the two are often confused.  Follow this link if you would like to learn more www.allergyuk.org

Handy Tips to reduce Allergens
  • When dusting use a damp cloth that way dust does not fly around the room making you sneeze. 
  • Invest in a good vacuum cleaner there are ones with specialist filters to reduce allergens. 
  • If you have eczema on your body wash your hair over the bath or sink so that the shampoo does not wash over your skin. Your body wash may not cause you irritations but a shampoo/conditioner could be the cause. 
  • When bathing try to keep the water temperature moderate otherwise if it is too hot it does you no favours and dries out your skin. 
  • Always use rubber gloves or disposable gloves (latex free) when washing up or cleaning your home. 
  • Regularly vacuum the mattress. You can also buy special allergy covers for pillows and mattress. 
  • Make sure you remove mould from bathrooms or curtains or anywhere else in your home.
Sarah x

16 July 2020

Plastic Free July easy swaps you can make to reduce plastic in your home
(not sponsored, internal & external links)

350 million tonnes of plastic are being produced each year so Plastic Free July feels like a good campaign to get behind. According to facts available on Plastic Oceans "8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. If waste management practices don't improve, scientists predict this amount could increase tenfold by 2025." If you can't commit to changing your entire lifestyle then lets encourage each other to make a few swaps. When choosing products look for packaging that is made from glass, metal, bamboo, compostable or biodegradable cardboard, silicone and recycled plastic.

14 January 2014

Bio-D fragrance free washing up liquid
I mentioned this washing up liquid in a Favourites
video. What can I say good eco-friendly washing up liquid is hard to find. Bio D has a wide range of household cleaning products and they are free from Phosphates, E.D.T.A. (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Chlorine Bleach, Petroleum derived additives, chemical plasticisers, Formaldehyde, Glycerine (vegetable sourced not animal derived), lanolin, Sodium Tallowate, synthetic dyes, synthetic perfumes and titanium dioxide. Products are approved by The Vegan Society, Naturewatch Trust, BUAV and The World Wildlife Foundation. I note that laundry products carry Allergy UK logo on the website.

I stumbled across Bio D when I visited Vegfest and decided to buy the washing up liquid because at the time, I had been using and disliking one from Bentley Organics. The Bio D formula is concentrated so you do not need to use very much. The bottle is still going three months later and we wash up daily. It generates a nice amount of bubbles which do not disperse within five second of the dishes hitting the water. I'm not someone who cooks greasy food but this washing up liquid does clean up residue cooking oil on oven trays from chips or veggie burgers. I should point out this is an unscented product and should anyone prefer scented there are lavender and grapefruit options.

Bio D washing up liquid does what I require it to do and that makes me happy (it's the simple pleasures). I certainly feel as if I have got value for money as I paid £2.30* for this giant 1 litre bottle. I will be looking into the entire Bio D range when I am next requiring laundry liquid or loo cleaner.

Has anyone else tried Bio D products? Do any of you get excited about eco friendly washing up liquid? 

Sarah x

*Prices correct at time of publication

4 May 2012

Review Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaner
I would like to share something different with you and it's a product that I've been using for a few years. Most of us are probably doing housework from time to time but when you have allergies or sensitivities it can be a tricky to find cleaning products that don't trigger reactions.

Astonish Oven & Cookware cleaner is made from vegetable soap, costs under £2 for a 500g tub and works miracles on ovens and around the home. It is very simple to use. You scoop the desired amount from the tub and using a damp cloth scrub the area and then wipe clean. I use this on my oven but I have also found it great for the bathroom. If you use oil based cleansers and get a dirty tide mark on the sink then the Atonish cleaner removes it with ease.
Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaner
Astonish products are Vegan and cruelty free which is fantastic because household items are still subject to testing. The oven cleaner doesn't contain a cocktail of questionable ingredients which makes me feel more at ease using around the home. Some oven cleaners take your breathe away with a noxious scent which can be overwhelming when scrubbing surfaces especially in a confined space like the oven. 

You can purchased Astonish Oven & Cookware cleaner at Lakeland, Robert Dyas or visit the Astonish website to find more stockists.

Sarah x

8 May 2013


Recently I've seen requests for "Green Bloggers" and was wondering what exactly that means? Should a blogger who switches between natural and main stream products really be classed as a "Green Blogger"? Clearly there are several shades of green (yes, I realise what I just did there!).

Swapping out my skincare to natural products does not automatically mean that I will be out there hugging trees and saving the whales. However, using natural products generally means avoiding certain synthetic ingredients which could be harmful to the environment. Buying local handmade products supports the Country's economy and cuts down on air miles and carbon footprints. Often companies with Greener ethics are giving back to the local community and using recycled materials for packaging. Knowing what ingredients to cut out can be tricky. My advice is do your research and decide what is important to you, your skin and the environment around you. I have a page on my blog (under the header) which gives a basic list of ingredients which I look to avoid. I've argued many times that labelling a product natural does not make it a green product, so watch out for "Green Washing". 

I do think being Green should also extend to your lifestyle not just skincare. There are basic principles that you may wish to adopt

  • reduce pollution
  • conserve resources
  • conserve energy
  • reduce consumption and waste
  • protect the earth’s ecological balance

I'm not talking living in the woods without electricity and foraging for foods but I think it's important to think about small changes around the home. Here are a few I came up with
  • Consider the products you buy, are you wasting food or not recycling packaging? 
  • Do you use environmentally friendly cleaning products around your home? You can either buy eco-friendly products or make your own with ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and lemons 
  • Wash laundry on low temperatures
  • Sign up for paperless billing to cut down on paper and help save trees
  • Stop junk mail by signing up to Mail Preference Services 
  • Print on both sides of the paper
  • Do you buy Organic produce? 
  • Do you walk to the shops or take public transport or drive the car? 
  • If you have access to a garden, plant a vegetable patch or create a compost pile. 
  • Conserve water by not letting the tap run whilst brushing teeth or when washing up. 
  • Take reusable bags to the supermarket. 
  • If an appliance breaks down and is beyond repair, when buying a replacement consider the appliance energy rating. 
  • Donate or recycle old electrical/mobile/clothing
  • You can probably borrow books, movies, CD's from friends, neighbours, family or a public library
  • Re-purpose unwanted beauty products e.g a conditioner you don't like could be used to shave legs  
Obviously all the products I review are natural but here are some blog posts which have a environmental/green message.
What does the term "Going Green" mean to you? Do you have any "green" tips to share with readers?

Sarah x

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