21 November 2021

Hydrate sensitive skin with Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum and Odylique Repair Lotion
(Gifted)

When the colder weather arrives I usually reach for the thickest of moisturising creams however this year it has been a little different. I adore luxurious facial creams but recently I've found the unpleasant effect of feeling too clammy and sweaty (I blame the hormones!). Through a little trial and error I discovered light layering suited me better and so far it has been the right decision. Currently my morning facial moisturising routine consists of Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum and Odylique Repair Lotion.

I'm already a regular user of the Green People Scent Free 24 Hour cream however having recently run out I took the opportunity to try the Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum. If you don't like facial oils then you might enjoy the texture of this serum. It's runny but feels cooling and lightweight. You don't require too much product and one pump seems sufficient for me. After cleansing my skin I apply the serum allowing time for it to sink in before following with up with other products. This mighty formulation contains Everlasting Flower, Chamomile, Tara Bush, Green Marine Macro Algae, Marshmallow and Aloe Vera, ingredients which are soothing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory. The Green People Scent Free Hydrating Calming Serum feels like to is working well with my skin type. My skin feels lovely and looks happy (by that I mean it feels free from irritations). I don't really ask for much more than that when it comes to moisturising. 

I've previously reviewed the Odylique Repair Lotion but if you haven't seen that post I shall give you a quick run down. Repair Lotion is for irritated, itchy skin on the face and body. It's lightweight and soothing, working quickly to calm skin. I am prone to eczema patches so this product is very handy to have in the bathroom cabinet. Even when I don't have irritated skin I still enjoy using Repair Lotion because it's a good staple all-rounder that I can rely on. I can comfortably use on my face knowing that it won't trigger or upset any underlying conditions. Layered on top of the Green People Calming Serum provides me with the type of moisturisation I am searching for. Dryness is kept at bay for the day and I can apply makeup over the top. Perfect as far as I'm concerned.

If you experience delicate skin but don't enjoy heavy creams or oils then consider trying one or both of these products. 

Sarah x

13 November 2021

12 Christmas Gift Ideas including sustainable stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts
(Unpaid/previously gifted items included/from Press Release or my own research)

Butterwhips Christmas Gift Set (Purple)
A duo of balms to help you relax and unwind. Warmly Relaxing is aromatic with bergamot and lavender to relax the body and Planted Feet contains peppermint and black spruce to ease tired feet and soften skin.

3 x Caroboo bars packaged in a bright cracker cardboard case. A treat for all but especially those with dietary requirements as these carob bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

A luxury brand with results driven skincare using ethically sourced and organic ingredients. The recyclable Miron glass packaging looks beautiful but also protects the integrity of the ingredients. The range consists of two facial oils, an eye elixir, powder-to-foam cleanser and a facial steam. I personally can recommend the Soothe Facial Elixir as I've tested it for myself, it has been formulated for dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.

A new conditioner bar to complement the fragrance free shampoo bar, The Sensitive One. It can be purchased full size, as part of a gift set (with the shampoo bar) or discovery size (30g - great for a stocking filler). Kind2 bars are vegan, plastic free, palm free, UK made and they plant a tree with every order.

Nourish have launched a beautiful new collection of gift sets. I have choosen to mention The Antioxidant Duo caught. This set contains Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm a cleanser, mask and intensive moisturiser and Antioxidant Peptide Mist, a make-up primer, hydrating skin protector and night-time soothing skin repair boost. Products are presented in a reusable fair trade organic cotton bag from Freeset.

As a skincare enthusiast with sensitivity to perfumes I'm often told I'm tricky to buy for, well not any more, it seems people forget that Fragrance Free is always an alternative option. This Body Care gift contains Fragrance Free Body Butter and 2 x 65g Oatmeal Handcrafted Soap slices

An adorable stocking filler and plastic free alternative to Kinder Surprise. Each box contains organic chocolate (which is vegan, dairy, nut and gluten free) plus a 3D puzzle and fun facts card to play with, learn with and collect. You can also purchase their chocolate separately if buying for older children and adults. I'm happy to recommend as I had a free sample at a Vegan Fair, the 'milk' chocolate is delicious and creamy.

A range of gift sets are available from Pure Thoughts. I've picked out the Peaceful Moments Gift Box which comprises of a Peace Meditation Candle, Lavender & Lemon Natural Handmade Soap and Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak. This set offers a calming blend of essential oils to help soothe a tired mind and body.

The range includes Bamboo Cutlery Set, Bamboo Straw Set and Bamboo Toothbrush. The cutlery and straw sets come with cotton carry pouches available in 8 designs. A total of 20p from every purchase is donated to 100 Tons of Plastic, a charity aiming to remove plastic waste from shores and seas while raising awareness about plastic pollution globally. Bamboo products are BPA-Free, sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. A perfect gift for anyone interested in living a sustainable lifestyle.

Formulated with gentle hydrosols rather than essential oils which makes Seilich more suitable for sensitive skin. Over 80% of the ingredients are grown in their wildflower meadow in Scotland, in addition to having Wildlife Friendly Certification. Several gift options are available and I've selected the Treatment Set containing three products which work together - a meadow face mask, meadow face oil and a seasonal hydrosol.

A present that fits through the letterbox is ideal for long distance gifting. The Self Care set contains Bath Salts in a kraft pouch enough for 2-3 baths, lip butter, fragrant wax melts, a Pukka tea bag and Green and Black Dark Chocolate

A discovery I made this year was the Bright Spark Enzyme Oil and it made a long lasting impression. It's a lightweight facial serum to help soothe and balance skin. A brilliant element to Wildefruit formulations is they use upcycled ingredients. This oil includes papaya, strawberry and blackcurrant seeds from jam and juice production that would otherwise go to waste.

Sarah x

6 November 2021

Review Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar and Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter
(Purchased Products)

2024 - THIS STORE IS NOW CLOSED

I adore oil to milk cleansers and happily received a recommendation over on IG to check out Nudge Boutique (thank you Emma). I decided to order the Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar and Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter.

By now you've realised that using skincare that is free from essential oils is of huge benefit to me. I will always champion new and innovative products that consider consumers with sensitivities. Nudge Boutique Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar stands out from the crowd for being a solid cleanser. This is a great way to reduce waste and refill options are available. It's also super handy for travel because I'm sure like many of you know leaking bottles can be a problem. There is nothing worse than loosing a precious oil to your wash bag.

Nudge Boutique cleansing bar fits perfectly into the palm of your hand which makes application easy. All you need to do is rub the bar over dry skin and your natural warmth melts the cleanser to leave a lovely oil on the surface of your face. Then you can take the time to massage across your skin to remove dirt and makeup. When you are happy to finish cleansing simply apply water to emulsify the oil into a milk and rinse away. After a bit of experimenting I decided my chosen method is not to emulsify on the skin but to wipe the oil away with a damp cloth. Not only is this cleanser a joy to use but it has a delightful aroma that naturally comes from cocoa butter.

I've been using Nudge Boutique Cocoa and Avocado Oil to Milk Cleansing Bar for weeks now; morning and evenings dependant on my mood. It has felt kind and gentle on my skin. I have to be honest and say that sometimes I experience a little dryness immediately after cleansing but there could be a number of factors for me to feel this way. It's not unusual for me to experience this when using an emulsifying cleanser. As it's only an occasional issue then I am happy to continue using the product. It would not be recommended to do so if you felt this way after every cleanse.

You can say that overall the cleansing bar has been effective and enjoyable to use but for me it's the Nudge Boutique Fragrance Free Whipped Body Butter that has made a lasting impression. This body butter contains delicious ingredients perfect for dry skin like mine - Coconut Oil, Kokum butter, Murumuru butter, Shea butter and Cocoa Butter. There is no added fragrance so it's aroma comes naturally from all the ingredients but in particular coconut oil. I use a spatula to scoop the butter from the jar as it's not as soft as other butters I own but it will melt when in contact with warm skin. What I love most is this feels like a 'dry' body butter and by that I mean it doesn't feel overly greasy. The absorption rate on my skin leaves me feeling silky smooth without any lasting stickiness. This experience has been quite unique in comparison to other body butters. I really rate how it vanishes fairly quickly. I find the best time to use a body butter like this one is straight after a shower. I feel comfortable using Nudge whipped butter on all areas of my body and it keeps dry, flaky skin at bay for the entire day. 

On behalf of consumers with sensitive skin, I'd like to thank Nudge Boutique for offering fragrance free skincare. It's lovely to see this inclusion and consideration when formulating products. I recommend you check out Nudge Boutique and browse their entire store. 

Sarah x

31 October 2021

Pumpkin skincare for glowing skin
(not sponsored collated from research)

Pumpkin season is upon us and if you don't fancy carving them up for Halloween consider looking out for this ingredient in your skincare. The nutrients in pumpkin are mighty. It's full of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (omegas) and zinc which are ideal for dry, mature and damaged skin. If this sounds like an ingredient you need, then here is a little selection of products with pumpkin in their formulations-

Angela Langford Skincare A Little Lift - this plumping and firming serum contains electric daisies, frankincense, pumpkin seed, argan and hyaluronic acid to nourish, refine and hydrate skin.

Awake Organics Frankincense Brightening Serum - this is said to target fine lines and discolouration because it's contains Vitamins A, C and E found in Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed, Rosehip and Pumpkin.

By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil - a nourishing formulation which includes Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil that can be used day or night, all year round. It's also free from fragrance and essential oils so for me that makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

BYBI Acid Gold AHA Resurfacing Face Mask - an exfoliating face mask packed with natural AHAs to banish dulling, dead skin cells. The pumpkin enzyme in this mask derives from pumpkin flesh, a by-product of the pumpkin seed industry and usually gets thrown away.

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil - formulated with omega-rich oils to lift, firm and hydrate the skin. Improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It includes pumpkin seed for toning and protecting the skin.

Pai Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed 2-Step Stretch Mark Oil A fragrance free stretch mark oil and cream duo to support you through pregnancy and beyond.

Skin & Tonic Inner Glow Face Oil - packed with vitamin C, alongside rosehip oils to rejuvenate your skin and pumpkin seed oil for skin-loving vitamin E and nourishing omega oils.

Sarah x

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