Posts about makeup, skincare and haircare that I love or reviewed. Often include beauty subscription boxes, cruelty free products, and products with organic ingredients and sustainable ethics.
So to wrap up the year, I am having a look back at what my favourite beauty products were. These are the ones that got all used up and needed to be replaced.
This shade of lipstick gives my lips a natural but better look. In addition, when I am in a rush, I have applied it to my cheeks as a highlighter/blush and think it looks awesome.
In addition, I love the tube of these lipsticks. You click the bottom to pop the lipstick up.
This foundation is brilliant. Not only is it all the good stuff and none of the bad stuff but it is also a really effective foundation. You can build up the coverage until you are happy and it has a really nice smell.
This can be used as a primer or just as a light product to even out your skin tone. I use it everyday for the school run as it gives a really natural look and is light on my skin.
I’ve had my eye on this shampoo for ages and glad that I finally gave it a go. This shampoo makes my hair feel so good. I was seriously impressed by the customer service in answering my queries.
I bought two massive bottles and they have lasted ages so they are really reasonably priced. It is almost empty and I know I will have to repurchase.
Whenever my skin needs a little TLC, I reach for this moisturiser. It comes out in a yellow colour but it is full of so much goodness and my skin really soaks it up.
As someone who finds no joy in body scrubs as they are scatchy and nasty, this one has truly converted me. It scrubs the skin but it is so rich in moisture your skin doesn’t feel raw afterwards. I look forward to using it as it is a real treat.
I saved these salts for after labour to help with healing and loved them. I look forward to when I can find time to have a bath to enjoy these are they are a real treat.
Whenever hormones makes my skin play up, this cleanser brings it back to being balanced. It is so gentle I have even used it to remove eye makeup. I like the strong honey smell but that might not suit everyone.
I never thought I would trust a scrub on my face but this polish is really gentle and feels like a treat on my skin.
What I want in 2019
I discovered a lot of the above products through my Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. If I can afford to subscribe again then I definitley will.
Other than replacing the above products when they run out, I would be interested in trying out other products by the brands.
I also enjoyed using a lot of lip balms, body oils and facial spritz but although I loved using them, I wasn’t in love with one that it was my most favourite. I think in 2019, I would like to try more of those products to find the one.
Have you tried any of the above products? Have you got any recomendations for me.
I’ve had a total of six Skin Organic beauty subscription boxes! At the end of this article, I will include links to reviews and first impressions of those boxes.
When I started taking more interest in the ingredients used in my heart products, I was horrified. There I was thinking I was treating myself only to discover all the harmful chemicals I was putting on my skin.
Switching to organic skincare wasn’t easy and I had to do it gradually. I began by switching the product I use most first – my cleanser. I wish I had known about the Skin Organics box back then as it is a great affordable way to discover new organic products and brands.
What ingredients to avoid?
There are many harmful ingredients in highsteet/designer makeup and skincare products. Once you are aware what these ingredients can do to your body it is shocking that they are even allowed.
Here are some examples to give you a taste of what you might be putting into your body through your skin everyday.
Parabens: can cause breast cancer, skin cancer, decrease sperm count. Some types will disrupt the endocrine system, cause reporductive and development disorders.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): can cause skin irratiations, canker sores, disrupt natural oil balance, eye damage and cystic acne.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): can cause skin depigmentation, liver damage, stomache cancer, interferes with the repoducitve system and thyroid hormone leveles.
There are more but that is not the purpose of this post. I just want to illustrate why you might want to rethink ‘treating’ yourself and start looking into products created using natural and organic ingredients.
Why get a Skin Organics subscription?
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Your box will contain five products. All of these will be free from nasty harmful ingredients like Parabens, SLS, pthalates, petrochemicals, suylphastes, silicones and GM ingredients. And, the brands with be ethical and cruelty free.
If you don’t want to subscribe you can buy a one off box (or send one as a gift), you can also buy gift vouchers and buy seasonal boxes (for example, this Chrsitmas they have a Christmas Gift box with 5 festive products or a Mini Christmas box with 2-3 festive products).
Here are the highlights:
Here are links to my first impressions and reviews of the Skin Organics box when I was a subscriber. I’ve also tried really hard to choose a favourite product each month.
I am not a fan of scrubs but I loved Revive Body Polish by Butter Bar Soapery. I am going to buy it as a gift for people at Christmas (and for myself). And, I’ve shocked myself by loving BAO Skincare‘s Apricot Rose Face Polish. Both of these are products I never would have bought myself but I now look forward to using as a treat.
I have loved most of the items in this box. I must confess I’ve not really used the Lola’s Apothecary Body & Massage oils but everything else is well used. It’s trick to pick just the one but I am going to go with the Green People‘s Damask Rose moisturiser and face oil.
From this box, I have still not used the Lucidlure Allava Hair Mask although due to my hormones changing, my hair is currenlty falling out so I have been thinking about using this – just need some me time. The Bespoke Aroma Peppermint and Lomongrass Pulse Point Oil was a life saver when I got a cold whilst pregnant. I also loved their facial mist in the hot weather.
This has to be one of my favourite edits as I am really struggling to choose a favourie. I’m going to tell you my three favourites! A.S Apothecary‘s Wild Beauty Balm is so good that I am wondering how I will afford it on materntiy leave – it makes my skin so happy. I also love Roques O’Neil Himalayan Detox Bath Salts. These were my go to after labour for a soothing bath and now I can’t get enough of them. Sadly, I did not like the dark chocolate – yuck, not for me!
I really love NKnaturals‘ London’s Delicate – Healing Cleansing Balm. It has been so delecate I have used it to on my eyes to remove make up. Although it is delicate it has still removed waterproof makeup. I must re-buy this!
My first impressions of this box can be found here.
Overall thoughts…
If I could afford to subscribe to only one beauty box, it would be this one. I love the chemical free, cruelty free and ethical products and brands that I recieved. All the products were of good quality and didn’t cause me any irritation. My only wish is that they’d sometimes include a makeup item.
Being a redhead, I have always had a love for the Little Mermaid, ever since Disney released the movie.
https://youtu.be/ai1RlvqicrU
It was one of the first films I watched at the cinema. It was my birthday and my mum took me and my best friend. Before the cinema we went swimming and pretended to be mermaids. Afterwards, we ate at McDonald’s who had Little Mermaid toys and we both got Flounder. It was late night Christmas Shopping and the Body Shop had just opened. Mum treated us to a bar of soap and when we got home, my best friend and I had a bath together.
I’ve continued to love mermaids and if you follow my blog you’ll know I have even written a YA novel about one.
Today is Little Mermaid Day!
To celebrate, I thought I would share with you my wish list of mermaid themed ethical beauty products.
They also do a mermaid dry shampoo, hair oil and face mask.
Tropics Skincare – Blue Lagoon Blemish Prevention Skincare
This is a brand new product to this ethical brands collection! Mermaid’s need flawless skin to capture sailor’s hearts. With a name like ‘blue lagoon’ it’s a siren call to your nearest ambassador or visit their site – costs £42.
Bellapierre – Eye Shimmer Kit in Deep Ocean
I found this gorgeous kit on Naturismo for £29.99 (worth £81). This kit makes uses of blues and complimentary shades, perfect for fans of the ocean. The brand uses natural ingredients for their pigmented mineral products.
100% Pure – Fruit Pigmented Mermaid Palette
If blue is not your thing then this alternative eye palette with shades of coral, gold and green might be more your thing. The fruit pigmented palette costs £45.26.
Tarte Cosmetics
This cruelty free brand has so much for mermaid lovers to choose from. Here is a small selection of their fintastic products:
I love makeup and could spend a small fortune if I had money to burn. Here are some beauty products I am lusting after that have a Halloween vibe:
Lily Lolo
I’ve lusted after Lily Lolo’s black mineral eye shadow called WitchyPoo for years but never got around to buying it. With a name like that, it has to be the Halloween feels winner! RRP £6.50
This natural beauty brand is proud to be chemical free and cruelty free.
Medusa makeup
I love their Witch Lash mascara, RRP $12.00, but if you look through their site you’ll find plenty of Halloween theme names for their products, like Kiss Me Deadly lip gloss or Blue Moon lipstick.
This brand with it’s bold colours is vegan and cruelty free.
Vapour Beauty
The highlighters have a Halloween feel to their names like Halo or best of all Trick Stick. RRP $20.00. I already love their Atmosphere foundation and Illusionist concealer.
This brand delivers high performance and quality organic products.
Jane Iredale
I choose this one not for the products name but for what it does. Just Kissed – Lip and Cheek Stain comes in three shades. This lip stain magically transform into a unique shade just for you (without harmful chemicals). Choose pink, peach or red.
This brand is clean, green and cruelty free organic brand.
My Halloween makeup
I think together they’d make a great evening look. Perhaps, by next year, I’ll have bought it and be in a position where I am confident to leave the little ones with a baby sitter and go out for the night.
Going green, I was reluctant to try natural deodorants for fear that they might not work. But, I didn’t need to worry as there are some great alternatives to the chemical ridden formulas.
If you want to smell fresh without compromising your health, check out these natural deodorants:
If you would prefer a spray deodorant, I personally love Salt of the Earth. I like the handy travel size bottle for my handbag (and a great way to test the product). I also really like the pink one (Lavender & Vanilla) and the turquoise one (Melon & Cucumber).
When you first spray it, it feels different to mainstream deodorants that tend to coat your armpit in a thick white powder. This spray is wet. It doesn’t take long to dry and it keeps me fresh all day without any harmful ingredients. As you can see it made it into my hospital bag (click here to see what else I packed).
To be more green, you can buy refills for the deodorant and save money – I’ve not done this yet. I love that they’ve thought about how to reduce waste with their product too.
I bought the Under Arm Deodorant Wipes (see picture above) for my hospital bag. I thought they would enable me to freshen up if I didn’t have access to a bath/shower during my stay. However, I was in and out of the hospital within a few hours of birth (click here for my labour story).
However, after arriving home, I hit a spell where my little one was very fussy and very difficult to put down. I found I couldn’t get even five minutes to jump in the shower. The deodorant wipes gave me a chance to freshen up first thing so I could leave having a shower until later when she was more settled.
Grumpy Skin is one of my favourite bloggers as she is so honest when she reviews products. Below is a link to her article on how she got on using Funkless Deodorant. I think you will enjoy how she tells it like it is.
Check out the link below to find out if this product was a winner or a loser… and subscribe to her blog for more frank reviews.
You know the no plastic kick is getting serious when I start buying deodorant that comes in a glass jar. I’m no stranger to ~natural~ deodorants. I jumped on the no aluminum train about ten years ago when I started using the crystal. Now I think that the aluminum fears have pretty shaky evidence. Which […]
I’ve had a total of 10 The Pip Boxes! At the end of this blog, you will see links to reviews and first impressions of the content. Each month you are guaranteed 5 full size products from cruelty free brands.
You would be surprised the number of brands that mislead consumers into believing they are cruelty free and are not. I was heartbroken when I discovered that my makeup bag was full of products by brands that invest in testing on animals. I had to replace key items and it wasn’t easy.
Once, I started thinking more about the products I was using, I also started taking an interest in organic products, natural ingredients and being chemical free – but that’s another post.
Leaping Bunny
Cruelty free brands may have a leaping bunny on their product, however, some brands, will posts a ‘rabbit’ style logo next to the ingredients to make it look cruelty free when actually they are not. If it’s not the trademark leaping bunny, it might not be bunny friendly!
Animal testing by law
Another thing brands do is give a statement like “Our products are cruelty free and never tested on animals, unless required by law.” This basically means, they do test their products on animals as they are selling in a country that requires them to by law. China has a law requiring products to be tested on animals before they can be sold, therefore, if a brand is selling in China, they are selling out on being cruelty free. A lot of well known high street and designer brands are guilty of this.
Parent company ethics
Some cruelty free brands, have parent companies that are not cruelty free. If you are against animal testing, you are likely to not want to fund a company that is profiting a company that tests on animals. Sometimes, small cruelty free brands will get bought out to expand their business but at the cost of their ethics.
Why get a The Pip Box subscription?
The Pip Box will only send you products by cruelty free brands – these companies need to be fully compliant in that. Many popular beauty subscription boxes will include brands that are not cruelty free so if this is something you feel strongly about, cancel those subscriptions and subscribe to pip.
If you are ethics are not enough, here are some more reasons:
Donation to charity – 50p from each box goes to an animal friendly charity
Reward points – each subscription or referral earns you reward points which can be traded in for money off your next box
And, discovering new and established brands.
Here are the highlights:
Here are links to my first impressions and reviews of The Pip Box when I was a subscriber. I’ve also tried really hard to choose a favourite product each month.
Most of the items in this box are still waiting to be used (false lashes, tan accelerator, makeup eraser) but I did like the eye pencil by La Ritzy which after a long time not wearing eyeliner it really made an impact. I didn’t get on with the BB powder which was too dark for me.
I loved the toner by Dermadeli and used it up before the end of the month. The travel size was small enough to fit in my purse and during the heat wave (and being heavily pregnant), I used it to freshen up and it felt so good. I also was a fan of the bonus gift – all natural chewing gum by Chewsy. Bonus gifts are added into boxes in addition to the five items promised.
The Spring edit was probably my least favourite as I was so excited about the nail kit but just didn’t get on with it. However, I did love the Bloomtown Botanical infused oil. I use it as a perfume and find it very calming.
Again, I loved all the products in this edit but the item that truly stood out was the hand moisturizer by Balade En Provence which came in a pretty apple shaped pot. It is actually in my daughter’s nursery as I think it looks so pretty. I’m planning on buying it for my son’s teacher at the end of the school year.
For this month’s edit, I love the Dr Botanicals Tropical Invigorating Cream. This cream not only smelt lush but also came in a truly beautiful tube. I was also really pleased with the other products and began wearing the lipstick every day. It also got me to try a foot balm stick which I never would have thought of buying but really loved.
Oh my, I still crave JOM Organic candy today. This stuff was lovely and I almost bought a box full when I was pregnant. It is tricky to buy in the UK unless you want to buy in bulk which is why I’ve not bought this again (yet). I loved all the products in this box.
It has to be Medusa’s Make-up mascara that I loved, however, it isn’t an easy brand to buy in the UK. I loved almost everything in this box – I just wasn’t keen on the body scrub but I’ve never been a major fan of scrubs.
It’s hard to choose my as I used them all up… except the vegan chocolate. The Bloomtown lip balm gave a gorgeous red tint and was very hydrating. I also used the face steam by Freyaluna when I had a cold and it made me feel so much better – I need to repurchase this before flu season hits.
This was my first box and included a green clay mask by one of my top brand’s Akamuti. I now often buy their body oils too. I also really liked all the other products in my box and can honestly say there wasn’t one that didn’t get used up.
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
*****
As I am now on maternity leave, I have cancelled my subscription so there is no new box of cruelty free products to reveal.
My skin likes this mist and I’ve been using it daily as a toner. I, however, do not like bottle. When it is screwed up, it doesn’t spray. I have to loosen it for it to work and then it is still tricky to mist.
Although I’m not keen on the bottle the product is effective. I am still interested in trying lip venom by this brand and have high expectations that it will perform well.
Casa Mercarelli: Lemon & Clay Face Mask (sheet lists price as £8.00)
When am I suppose to have time to do a face mask? I now have a few face masks waiting. I feel my daughter is starting to get a routine but I don’t want to jinx it or scare her by appearing to attend to her wearing a face mask.
Butter Bar Soapery: Revive Body Polish (Exclusive product for subscription box – not yet for sale. Expected RRP £15.00)
I’m not a fan of scrubs so it has to be pretty special to win me over and this one did. This scrub deep cleaned my skin, removed any dryness and really hydrated my skin. My legs felt so soft, like silk. I was blown away! This felt like a luxury spa treatment. I would buy this again. It is so good!
BAO Skincare: Apricot Rose Face Polish (RRP £14.00 for 50ml)
Again, I’m not a fan of scrubs but I’ve been using this once a week and I look forward to using it. It’s very gentle although you can feel it working. My skin looks better as a result. I think it gets rid of dry skin and enables my moisturiser to be more effective. I’d buy this again too!
Eden Days Body: Hawaiian Haven Whipped Body Butter (Sheet lists price as RRP £6.50)
My underfloor heating has ruined this product. After melting into a messy oil, it has partial solidified. It is not in two parts, one oily and the other waxy. I can mix it up and it’s still great a moisturise but I don’t think the product is as good as it would have been in its original state.
It is a very affordable price so I may buy it again and give it another chance. I did really like it as an oil so I may let my underfloor heating melt it again lol.
Would I recommend?
My subscription is now cancelled but only while I adjust to a ‘maternity pay lifestyle’. I can’t express how much I will miss these monthly edits. I have loved discovering new products and organic brands.
If you are interested in being chemical free then this is the beauty subscription box for you! It contains a range of organic products from brands that are high end, award winners or start ups. I have not been disappointed by the contents and it’s encouraged me to try products I otherwise wouldn’t have and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you.
I shall soon be looking back at past boxes and sharing the products that stood out. Please share if you’ve tried any of these and what organic products or brands you love? Are your skin/body care products chemical free?
It’s a cruelty free beauty subscription box and contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too. Plus, a 50p donation from the sale of each box goes to an animal friendly charity (Animal Free Research). In addition, you earn loyalty points for each purchase which can then be used for money off future boxes.
As I am now on maternity leave, I have cancelled my subscription so there is no new box of cruelty free products to reveal.
*****
Reflect on July’s box
This is how I got on using the products from my July box:
Green People: Sun Lotion SPF 15 (sheet lists price as £6)
Although August has been cooler than I expected, I haven’t used this and I forgot to give it to my husband to try.
Make-up Eraser: Mini Travel Cloth (sheet lists price as £5)
I really like the idea of this and the cloth is so soft. I intended to put it in my hospital bag but can’t find it. I’m really disappointed as I was looking forward to trying such a simple idea. I really hope it turns up and I didn’t do something daft like leave it in hospital…
This was not for me. Against my pale skin it gives an orange glow that looks like I have too much makeup on. It may blend in better if you have darker skin but for me it didn’t.
I was saving these for our family pic but trying to leave the house with a hungry newborn at 9am was near impossible. My makeup was the bare minimum and I didn’t have time for false lashes. Keeping them in the draw means they’ll be ready for the next special occasion.
La Ritzy: Black eye pencil (she lists price as £15)
I have been using this eye pencil and it is pretty good. It lasts all day, doesn’t give panda eyes and hasn’t irritated my eyes even when I’ve put it on the waterline.
Would I recommend?
If buying cruelty free is important to you then this is a your subscription box. They have enabled me to discover new and established brands. The boxes have a decent mix of products so you don’t get lots of the same type of thing.
I like their reward scheme and knowing my purchase goes towards supporting an animal friendly charity.
I plan to look back over my past boxes and work out what was great or not.
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
What was in my box?
Refresh
This months theme is Refresh. Inside this box are five products.
The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.
The Neroli essential oil in this mist has antibacterial properties to help combat breakouts and boosts skin elasticity. The Orange gives skin a vitamin C boost and is anti-inflammatory.
The brand is cruelty free, organic, vegan and uses sustainably sourced ingredients. Founder Luigi, created the first product, Lip Venom, for his sister and her friends as he didn’t agree with luxury skin care companies charging a fortune for products full of harmful ingredients and I must say, I was impressed with the prices. I never would have guessed this affordable brand is organic. I plan to return to try more, especially the debut product!
Casa Mercarelli: Lemon & Clay Face Mask (sheet lists price as £8.00)
The Lemon will exfoliate skin and remove dead skin. The uncontaminated mineral rich green clay from Sicily will draw out impurities and toxins from your skin.
This Italian brand is organic (certified by the soil association), has recyclable packaging and is free from nasty ingredients. The founder, Lucia, developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and had to change her lifestyle to recover from her illness. As a result, she developed this Italian inspired organic skincare brand.
Butter Bar Soapery: Revive Body Polish (Exclusive product for subscription box – not yet for sale. Expected RRP £15.00)
Packed with organic ingredients to buff & repair, cleanse & calm, boost circulation & target cellulite, and to firm & tighten skin tone. That’s a lot of promises!
I love that the products are created in a little workshops in London. The products are cruelty free, palm oil free and don’t use preservatives. They also had some beautiful and reasonably priced gift sets on the site and offer to custom make a gift set.
BAO Skincare: Apricot Rose Face Polish (RRP £14.00 for 50ml)
This product will exfoliate to reveal soft, smooth skin. It is full of nourishing ingredients so it won’t dry your skin out.
The founder has over 10 years experienced in the beauty industry and created a skincare line that actually delivers the results promised using botanicals and plant ingredients. All packaging is recyclable.
Eden Days Body: Hawaiian Haven Whipped Body Butter (Sheet lists price as RRP £6.50)
NB: think the underfloor heating has melted this product – I don’t think it should be an oil!
The Ylang Ylang is to nourish dry skin. The Neroli is to heal stretch marks and broken capillaries, and prevent scarring. It also rejuvenates and regenerates skin. The Lavender is to reduce scaring and speed up healing. It also reduces redness and blotchiness. Geranium is to fade scars and marks on the skin and improves melanin levels.
This 100% natural brand was born from a desire to go chemical free due to skin problems. This mother & daughter team handmakd all their products fresh for their customers.
First impressions on August’s edit:
I’ve recently fallen in love with face mists so I’m really pleased to have a new one to add to my collection. I’m not really a big fan of scrubs but I’ve already tried these since receiving and both the body polish and face scrub are so good I could be converted. I’ll try to find time to use the mask but I’m not a fan of the dry powder one’s as I find them messy, tricky to get right and time consuming.
Reflect on previous box
I’ve had a month to use the products I received and share my thoughts.
This is how I got on using the products from my July “Rose theme” box:
This box arrived just before my newborn arrived. The last week of pregnancy was exhausting and once my baby girl got here on 6 Aug 2018, I forgot all about me. It was a struggle to even find time to do this post – Aghhh!
However, all the products in this box are the usual high standard I’ve come to expect from skin Organics. They meet my ethical desires and feel luxurious. For me, this is the beauty box to beat.
Lola’s Apothecary: Delicate Romance Perfume Delux Roll On (sheet lists price as £20.00)
As pretty as this looks, I’ve not had a chance to use it. I was fortunate enough not to get any stretchmarks whilst pregnant and that could be down to the products I use or good genes. I will keep this in my cupboard as I do sometimes get trouble in the winter with dry skin and this helps with that too.
Odylique: Lip Liner – Rose (sheet lists price as £12.50)
I didn’t have time to check online how to use it so I just applied it how I felt worked and I really like it. The pencil is smooth and doesn’t drag along the skin but it has decent staying power. I used it with my …. lipstick and felt they were a good colour match.
Green People: Price of sample is unknown… Damask Rose Facial Oil (full size 30ml is £29 on website) & Damask Rose Moisturiser (full size 30ml is £20 on website)
The Damask Rose duo from Green People didn’t disappoint. I don’t know if I was meant to use them together but I did. They smelt lovely and made my skin feel so hydrated which was great as I have been suffering with some dry flakey skin recently.
Weleda: Price of sample is unknown… Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash (full size 50ml is £3.95 and 200ml is £7.95 on website) & Wild Rose Body Oil (full size 100ml is £25.95 on website)
Blame it on ‘baby brain’ but I have no idea where I put this. I’m sure it’s somewhere to prompt me to use it but I’ve no idea where. It will turn up and when it does, it’ll be a lovely surprise.
Zenon Kition: Floral Beauty Mist (sheet lists price as £9.99)
This has been refreshing on the hot days and first thing in the morning. Dare I say, I found floral scent a bit heavy for me – although it doesn’t last long. I’m not sure I would buy again but I’d certainly try other products by the brand.
Balm Kind: Alpine Rose & Lysine Lip Balm (sheet lists price as £12.00)
Initially, I didn’t like how oily this is as I hadn’t expected that. I continued to use it each morning and I really like it. It will last a long time as you only need a tiny amount for your whole lip. It’s very moisturising. I really like it and would consider buying again.
Alteya Organics: Age Defense Certified Organic Hand Cream (sheet lists price as £6.20)
My hands are seriously neglected so this was a lovely treat and the ideal size to throw in my changing bag. It had a rich traditional rose scent. It has a runny texture but dries quickly and leaves hands feeling well nourished.
Would I recommend?
My subscription is now cancelled but only while I adjust to a ‘maternity pay lifestyle’. I can’t express how much I will miss these monthly edits. I have loved discovering new products and organic brands.
If you are interested in being chemical free then this is the beauty subscription box for you! It contains a range of organic products from brands that are high end, award winners or start ups. I have not been disappointed by the contents and it’s encouraged me to try products I otherwise wouldn’t have and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you.
I shall soon be looking back at past boxes and sharing the products that stood out. Please share if you’ve tried any of these and what organic products or brands you love? Are your skin/body care products chemical free?
This has been one of the hottest summers in a long time and sun safety is important to me.
What I love about this product is the twisty caps to open and close meaning you never worry about loosing the lid. Being able to spray makes application quick and I can reach everywhere easily. It is clear, so I don’t get white streaks and it doesn’t stain my clothes.
The Kids bottle is my 4y old son’s but when my sensitive one runs out, I have used his. The kids one smells great with a fruity scent – an added bonus. We have reordered both more than once this summer!
The product is free of nasty chemicals, has a broad spectrum protection and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s non-sticky and biodegradable. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes!
The frangipani flower on the front of the bottle is my wedding flower and first attracted me to the product.
What I love is that this summer scent is designed to stay fresh in the heat with ingredients that are photosensitive. It has a beautiful light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering. All the ingredients are natural and will leave skin soft and not sticky.
This lip product is moisturising and protective in the sun. The zinc oxide in it, is a natural sun protection and I think it does lighten my lip slightly but I like the look. It is meant to have a flavour but I can’t smell or taste it so it’s very light. All the ingredients and organic.
Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist (mine is a sample/travel size. The full 60ml RRP £24.00)
I have been loving facial mists this summer to keep myself cool but this one was my favourite.
In addition to refreshing my skin and being free of harmful chemicals, this product protects your skin from pollution and boosts your defences. I don’t live in a high pollution area but it made my skin feel great and I noticed a difference.
Salt of the Earth
Natural Deodeant (RRP £5.99)
I have been using the pink Lavender and Vanilla one for a while now and love the scent. Sometimes, I think lavender can smell a bit old fashioned but this is a gentle clean smell.
I decided to give the melon and cucumber one a go. The cucumber smell is stronger than the melon, it gives off a refreshing unisex scent.
At first, I found it strange that it felt like I was spraying my underarm with water as it feels wet. My old deodorant coated my pit in a dry powder. I gave it a go and I am so glad I did. It is gentle on the skin under there which is often forgotten and doesn’t make me feel itchy whereas my old deodeant did.
Smelling fresh all day in the heat without irritated skin makes summer so much better so it made my list.
