Beauty Review - Ally Aldridge

June 7, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Skin Organics Box, Skincare, Uncategorized

Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box (May)

What is it?

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?

Beauty Balm

This months theme is Beauty Balm. Inside the box were seven products.

The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.

View this post on Instagram
Skin Organics (May edition) unboxing #BeautyBalm
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on May 27, 2018 at 8:04am PDT

A.S Apothecary: Wild Beauty Balm (website lists price at £42 for 30mls & sheet lists price as £21.00)

This is an everything balm. The brand hand make all their products using natural ingredients. They think of the way they do this as an artistic or meditative process. They even create bespoke products for individuals as one of their services.

Just Be Botanicals: Loved Aromatherapy Chocolate (website & sheet lists price as £2.75)

I’m not really a fan of dark chocolate. I think I’ll pop round to see my mum and share it with her. I’ll try a tiny piece to check if I’m missing out but I think it will be more her thing than mine.

I checked their website and they do different chocolate like milk or white (more me) and a ton of other beauty products, tea and home-ware. They appear to be pretty big – I’m surprised I’ve never come across them.

Isla Apothecary: Neroli Body oil (website lists price as £32 for 100mls & sheet lists price as £4.50)

This body oil was the winner of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 for best Body Oil. It sounds very promising and I look forward to using this as specially as one of the benefits is preventing stretch marks which is great as I am in my third trimester of pregnancy and need to improve on remembering to use a body oil.

Bodhi & Birch: Desert Rose Facial Oil (website lists price as £38 for 15mls and sheet lists price as £9.95)

This facial oil also won the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018. I do love the scent of rose so perhaps this face oil will be a winner with me too. This oil is designed to even skin tone, boost cellular regeneration and diminish age blemishes.

Lucky Cloud: Nourishing Cleansing Balm (website and sheet lists price as £8.00)

This certainly looks like the sort of cleaner that I love. I do have a few cleansers on the go at the moment so I am not sure I’ll get a chance to use it this month but I’ll try to give it a try just so I can let you know my thoughts at the end of the month.

Roques O’Neil: Himalayan Detox Bath Salts (website and sheet lists price as £10.00 travel size)

There is a warning on website to say that this product is not safe to use during pregnancy – perhaps because it is designed to make you sleepy and pregnant women are already struggling to stay away.

However, I’ve read that a salt bath is very healing after birth so I’ll use it when I return from hospital as a little pamper.

Botany Blend: Meru Facial (sheet lists price as £2.50 sample size)

This facial oil was the winner of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 for Editors Choice. Another award winner and appears to be suitable for all skin types for reducing aging. I hope the sample will be enough to get a good idea of what I think of the product.

Would I recommend?

Once again this is another great box, introducing the sort of brands I want to know and use. Everything feels like good quality and was beautifully wrapped.

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.

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 April box:

Sadly, I have been a bit stressed at work and returning home too exhausted to even pamper myself which has resulted in some products not getting used as expected. In addition, the past two weekends my little boy has been ill which steals my time and energy. Hopefully, June will be a better month and I’ll find a little bit of ‘me’ time.

Wild Source: Radiance Mask (website RRP £24.00 & sheet lists price as £15.00)

I’ve not had a chance to use this. Mixing up a face mask whilst my little boy was being sick didn’t seem like a good idea. I feel like I’ve constantly been doing laundry this month and I forgot face masks even exist.

Mono Naturoils: Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (website & sheet lists price as £20.00)

I have used this oil almost everyday and love it. It is a bit rich on a hot day but my skin has been less problematic when I have used it. My skin is definitely more hydrated by this product.

Mono Naturoils: Facial Steam (This trial size is a gift from the founder of Mono. No price is given.)

I still haven’t had a chance to use this. I have been a little stressed at work this month and it has resulted in me being too tired to even pamper myself. I really want to use it and I got as far as taking it to the kettle.

Naissance: Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (website & sheet list price as £8.99)

I haven’t used it. I don’t feel I need it at the moment so it is just sitting in my bathroom cabinet until I do.

Green People: Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel (website RRP £9.99 (100ml), £4.00 on the sheet for sample size)

I have used this every time I’ve had a shower. I can’t decide if I like the smell or not but it is friendly to my skin. I’d definitely try other Green People products but doubt I’ll replace this one when it is used up.

Anita Grant: Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter Sample (website & sheet RRP £3.45 for 15g sample size)

I can’t use this. It smells too edible and makes me hungry. I really like the brand, it has a very luxurious feel to the products and I am keen to check out more they have to offer.

Anita Grant: Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (website & sheet RRP £2.99 for 15ml)

Maybe this product is the reason my skin is looking so good. Every time my skin looks a little stressed I’ve dabbed a little of this oil on. It feels lovely on my skin. I wasn’t sure I’d have a need for this but I really love it and would buy again. Did I mention how good it smells? Mmm….

June 1, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Pip Box, Uncategorized

Review: The Pip Box (May)

What is The Pip Box?

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.

Cost: £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

Refer a friend scheme: Every time you refer three friends, you get a free The Pip Box. If you’d like to sign up, use my friend link: https://www.thepipbox.co.uk/refer/Aliso-SJFXKEDD

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

Conscious Skincare: Shampoo (sheet lists price as £3.99)

Conscious Skincare: Conditioner (sheet lists price as £3.99)

I can’t find either the shampoo or the conditioner on their website so I am assuming that they are new products (there are other scents available though).

The product clearly states that if you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before use! This is a bit alarming but at least they are clear about this rather that hide the information away. As I am currently pregnant, I won’t be trying this product this month. Instead, I plan to put it in my hospital bag to use after delivery as they are both a handy travel size.

MoYou: Nail Plate, Stamp & Scraper (sheet lists price as £9.99)

I am really excited to give this a go. I feel need to buy another colour polish like white or gold to be the print as all my current polishes are very ‘samey’. After pay day, I guess I’ll have to treat myself to a new nail polish.

Bloomtown: Roll on infused oil (sheet lists price as £4.80)

I already have a few products by this brand. They donate 10% of their profits to environmental and social causes. The brand is from Cornwall, UK and started in 2016 and already winning awards for their products.

I had quick sniff and it smells lovely. It reminds me of my favourite Rose perfume by Acorelle (I don’t recommend them for their sun-care products). I love how affordable Bloomtown make their products and how ethical the brand is. I can’t wait to start using this product.

Glo By Glory: Semi Matte Liquid Lipstick (website & sheet lists price as £16.99)

The brand is from America and all the prices are in dollars. One of the first things they say is ‘We are feminine’ but they also say their products are for men. They are vegan and cruelty the free.

The lipstick is available in 4 shades, the shade I have is Sugar Dumpling (described as a dusty rose nude). I’ve tried it on and it is a very dark brown against my pale skin and a bit messy and unforgiving. I’ll keep trying it to see if I get better with practice and looks better with a full face of makeup. I’ll also test how well it stays on.

Reflect on previous box

This is how I got on using the products from my April box:

The Konjac Sponge Co: Body Sponge (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £11.99)

I never would have though to buy a sponge or that I would love it so much but this is the best sponge I have ever used. Even my 4 year old could tell the quality and insist on using this in the shower over his fun character flannels. I plan on buying the whole family one each.

Weleda: Evening Primrose Body Oil (website RRP £24.95 full size, Sheet lists price as £3.99 sample size)

I haven’t used it. I have do have a lot of body oils on the go at the moment and really appreciate the travel size of this sample. I am putting it in my maternity bag for use after my shower in hospital.

FRUU: Colour Balm in Strawberry (website & sheet lists price as £4.99)

I’ve been using this almost every day. It is moisturising and fun to have a pop of colour. The pink-coral shade is a little bright for me but the colour doesn’t last long. I will use it up but if I rebuy, I will try a different shade (there is 8 to choose from).

Balade En Provence: Apple Hand Cream (website & sheet lists price as £9.99)

This smells so good. I haven’t used it much as I neglect caring for my hands. I’m sure that once the baby is here and I’m cleaning my hands after nappy changes, this will be in regular use. I also love the cute apple design of the pot and decided that it would make a lovely gift for my sons key workers at nursery as he graduates this summer and my little boy will start school in September.

Peony Cosmetics: Pink Glow Luminizing Stick (website RRP $22.00, sheet lists price as £16.99)

This product is fine but I have really pale skin and the colour just doesn’t show up on me. I’ve had this problem with other highlighters. I’ve used it a few times as it has a very subtle shimmer on my skin but isn’t light enough to highlight for me. It is friendly to my skin – no irritation or doing weird stuff like flaking – so I think if you have darker skin then this could be great for you.

Would I recommend?

I continue to subscribe to The Pip Box and really like the reward scheme, supporting a charity and discovering more cruelty free brands.

I am disappointed that I cannot use the shampoo and conditioner because I am pregnant but I’ll stick them in my hospital bag as they are a good travel size. I’m most excited this month about trying trying the nail art as I never give my hands any attention – I’ll try to take some pics on how I get on.

May 4, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Pip Box, Uncategorized

Review: The Pip Box (April)

What is The Pip Box?

It is a beauty subscription box with a selection of cruelty free products. The box contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.A donation from the cost of the box goes to an animal friendly charity (This month is Animal Free Research). In addition, you earn loyalty points for each purchase which can then be used for money off future boxes.

Cost: £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

View this post on Instagram
April’s The Pip Box unboxing ?
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on Apr 24, 2018 at 1:51pm PDT

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

The Konjac Sponge Co: Body Sponge (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £11.99)

This wasn’t an easy product to photograph. It’s also a product you would not expect to have won so many awards but this sponge has!

It 100% natural, biodegradable and despite being gentle it is able to deliver a deep cleanse and boost circulation.

This sounds amazing and I’m putting it in my shower right away.

Weleda: Evening Primrose Body Oil (website RRP £24.95 full size, Sheet lists price as £3.99 sample size)

I really like this brand as they’ve been creating natural products for a long time now.

It’s described as being ideal for dry/mature skin. I’m hoping that it’s going to prove beneficial for a growing pregnant tummy. I don’t suffer with stretch marks but I am living oils at the moment as a precaution.

FRUU: Colour Balm in Strawberry (website & sheet lists price as £4.99)

Wow, I wasn’t expecting the balm to be so pigmented. It’s like a lipstick but really soothing, nourishing and smells delicious.

I love the colour but saw there are more shades to try on their site! This is a brand I’ve not heard of before and pleased to discover.

Balade En Provence: Apple Hand Cream (website & sheet lists price as £9.99)

This is another new brand to me. That produce vegan skincare with natural ingredients. I think they are relatively new as there is currently only two products.

I love the cute ’apple’ shaped jar the hand cream comes in. The other product they do is a pear hand cream in a pear jar. I’m excited to try this product to see if it is as good as not looks and I want to leave it out somewhere so I can show it off to guests.

Peony Cosmetics: Pink Glow Luminizing Stick (website RRP $22.00, sheet lists price as £16.99)

It uses natural ingredients (92%), gluten free, paraben free and cruelty free.

The product had fallen out the tube when I first got it out the box. I pushed it back in the shaft and it fixed it. *phew*

The only highlighter I currently have is my RMS one and it’s almost run out. This will be a useful addition to my makeup. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Reflect on previous box

This is how I got on using the products from my March box:

Dr Botanicals: Tropical Invigorating Cream (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £44.00)

This really light moisturizer has been a joy to use on those really hot days. I do find I have to be ever so careful squeezing the tube as the gentlest touch will release a generous amount – either that or I am very heavy handed. I still can’t get over how beautiful it is. I love seeing this tube in bathroom cabinet.

Saturated Colour: Make Me Matt (website and sheet RRP £8.00) and Moisturising Lipstick – Naked Pink (website and sheet RRP £7.00)

I’ve found the ‘Make Me Matt’ quite dry so I haven’t really used it much. It is a useful product to hang onto for any occasion when I need to make a lipstick have a matt lip. However, I have been wearing the lipstick on its own, most days. I really like the colour. It is a strong pink and very pretty.

Okko Skincare: ‘Try me’ Natural foot balm stick (£21.00 RRP for 50g on the website, £3 on the sheet for 4.5g ‘try me’ size)

I don’t really suffer with cracked heels so I haven’t felt the need to use this product much but it was a lovely treat. I still think I have another use left in the ‘try me’ size, I will use it again.

Raw-Ganic: Refreshing Aloe and Green Tea Facial Wipes (£2.99 on the sheet and website)

I was planning to save these for my maternity bag but I really like it. Especially, when I am tired at the long day and can’t be bothered to spend ages in the bathroom – I just want to go to bed. These are so quick and easy and have a nice gentle smell. I will be buying this product again.

Would I recommend?

I am a regular subscriber to The Pip Box and never been disappointed by the contents. I really like the new reward scheme, supporting a charity and discovering more cruelty free brands.

The hand cream looks really cute. I’ve tried the highlighter and lip balm and they are beautiful universal colours that would suit most people. I can see myself using all these products. I am really happy with what I got.

April 26, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Skin Organics Box, Skincare, Uncategorized

Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box

What is it?

Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

This is my second subscription to this box.

I have created a video to go with this post but it’s my first attempt and I think it needs a little edit before putting on YouTube. My plan is to figure out ‘how’ this weekend and update my post then. Sorry for the delay. Here is my written first impressions:

What was in my box?

Radiance

This months theme is Radiance. Inside the box was seven products!

The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.

Mono Naturoils

There were two products by this brand. Their products are cruelty free, vegan, zero waste, and the purest ingredients from the earth. The ingredients are botanical and infused with energy from crystals. For customers they have a loyalty program and free shipping.

Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (website & sheet lists price as £20.00)

I’ve always wanted to try a cleansing oil as I’ve heard that contrary to logic that it can be good for acne prone skin. However, I’ve never got around to putting the theory to the test.

Since receiving the oil I’ve switched to give it a try and so far I like it.

Facial Steam (This trial size is a gift from the founder of Mono. No price is given.)

I haven’t tried this yet but I do get clogged skin so I think a steam will be really good for my face. I’m looking forward to giving this a go soon.

Wildsource Apothecary

Built on an understanding of aromatherapy, these botanical products use natural ingredients. The website hosted a number of interesting looking products that are very tempting.

Radiance Mask (website RRP £24.00 & sheet lists price as £15.00)

I almost tried this after my bath but I must confess, I am not great at mixing my own masks. I tend to get inpatient with adding water and then make them too runny. I will try and do it this month and share my thoughts.

Naissance

This brand provides ingredients to make your own organic beauty products (and sets to get your started). These oils come with a card with three uses and one is a serum recipe.

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (website & sheet list price as £8.99)

I already have an Oil by this brand and found it to be of good quality. It smells just like an oil so I think they honestly don’t add anything to it – you really are getting what you pay for.

Green People

For a long time I’ve wanted to try this brand but never got around to buying it. They are all organic and worked with soil association to create a recognised standard for other brands to aspire to. They are ethical and support charities. Cruelty free.

Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel (website RRP £9.99 (100ml), 4.00 on the sheet for sample size)

I haven’t yet used this as I wanted to get some nice pics before jumping in the shower with it. It is SLS free (as are all their products), paraben free and a whole list of free from synthetic ingredients. The natural ingredients are all added for a reason such as Quinoa to lock in moisture.

Anita Grant

There were two generous sample size products in this box. The brand is….

Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter Sample (website & sheet RRP £3.45 for 15g sample size)

This body butter is sensitive enough to use on babies and suitable for pregnant women to treat stretch marks.

It has a very strong rich chocolate smell. The body butter is very moisturising and becomes oil like when it warms up. I really liked the texture but found the smell a little much for me. I’d be interested in trying it again with another scent.

Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (website & sheet RRP £2.99 for 15ml)

The dried rose floating inside makes it feel special and pretty. This is suitable for combination and dry skin. It also can be used on your hair. I really like the smell. It’s early days but so far I’m very fond of this product and have been using it on my face to treat problem areas.

Would I recommend?

Once again this is another great box, introducing the sort of brands I want to know and use. Everything feels like good quality and was beautifully wrapped.

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.

Reflect on previous box

I’m going to include a new part to my article where I look back at the previous months box to see how I got on with the contents. I hope you find it useful.

This is how I got on using the products from my March box:

Apothaka: Rejuvenating face oil – normal/combination skin (website RRP £19.50, Sheet lists price as £19.95)

I haven’t used this as much as I though I would. It’s been so hot, I’ve wanted something lighter than an oil.

NKnaturals London: Delicate – Healing Cleansing Balm (website RRP £25.00 for 60ml, Sheet lists price as £15.00 for 30ml)

This was being used every day and my skin loves it. I only stopped when it got so hot and I desired a lighter cleanser (a gel one). I am still using it to remove eye makeup as it is so gentle on my skin. I like the strong honey and lemon smell.

The Salt Parlour: Calm – Salt and Sulphur Scrub (Rose and Shea Butter) (£15.00 RRP for 200g on the website, £5.90 on the sheet for 60g tin)

I keep forgetting I have this but when I did use it I was really impressed. I don’t usually like scrubs but this is the best one I’ve ever used.

North-burN: Revive – Luxury Bathing Salts (Orange, Lavender and Palmarosa (£4.00 on the sheet)

I still have not used this product as I am saving it for after I have my baby (in August) as salt baths are a great way of healing after labour.

Beauty Kubes – Organic shampoo for normal to dry hair (£1.00 on the sheet)

They now have a video on their website showing you how to use these kubes. I think they are a really affordable and eco-friendly way of shampooing your hair and will think about repurchasing them in future.

April 20, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Skincare

Holland and Barratt – shop

Early last month, I got some products from Holland & Barratt and have been waiting to have a chance to use them to write about what I got.

Yes To – Sleep Mask (RRP £2.99)

Coconut – moisturising (RRP £1.99)
Tomatoes – detoxifying (RRP £1.99)
Grapefruit – vitamin C Boosting (RRP £1.99)
Cucumbers – calming (RRP £1.99)

These masks were on offer, enabling me to buy them a pound less that the usual RRP £2.99.

I bought these because I wanted a mess free and quick method to give myself a facial. These certainly lived up to the claim.

You apply the mask before bed. It feels like a thick intense moisturiser. The product dries but didn’t feel crusty, more tacky. As you sleep, you skin absorbs the product. In the morning you wash your face as normal and you can feel it coming off as it becomes slimey once you add water to your skin.

I was pleased with the product and would consider buying again. I’m keen to try the brands sheet masks and more of the detoxifying tomato range.

Yes To is an organic and cruelty free skincare brand that produce affordable products available in many high street shops.

Salt of the earth – deodorant (RRP £5.99)

This is a popular organic deodorant as it was one of the first to go mainstream. Some time ago, I got the original version in a travel size and kept it in my handbag. I always intended to buy it again and seeing this scent tempted me.

I wasn’t sure I would like the smell as I’m not a fan of Lavender but it did smell lovely and lasted all day. You ought to know, that when you first spray it on, it makes your pit wet. You do need to give it a moment to dry before getting dressed. It didn’t irritate my skin and I felt good I wasn’t putting chemicals somewhere so sensitive.

Salt of the Earth have won awards for their vegan friendly deodorant. It lasts all day, doesn’t leave white marks and is 100% natural.

Dr Organic – Tea Tree Blemish Stick (RRP £4.99)

I have tried other Dr Organic products in the past and found then to be good quality, however, I wasn’t a fan of this. It worked to some degree but it didn’t feel hygienic. I wonder if the tea tree kills any bacteria on the application roller ball… I found the thought off putting.

Dr Organic aim to use organic or natural ingredients. Their products are suitable for vegetarian (some are not vegan, i.e. honey or snail slime). They don’t use mineral oils, harsh chemicals of GMs.

Good Bubble – Body care

Bubble bath – Dragon Fruit (RRP £3.99)
Hair & Body wash – Dragon Fruit (RRP £3.69)

This was a repurchase as I’m a big fan of Good Bubbles. My son loves it and I secretly steal it. The whole range is awesome – I’ve tried it all.

Click here for my Gruffalo Prickly Pear range review.

Click here for my Dragon Fruit range review

Good Bubble is a body care brand aimed at babies and children using gentle and organic ingredients. It is cruelty free.

April 6, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Makeup, Pip Box, Skincare

Review: The Pip Box (March)

What is it?

The Pip Box is a beauty subscription box with a selection of cruelty free products. A donation from the cost of the box goes to an animal friendly charity (This month is Animal Free Research). The box contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.

Cost: £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

View this post on Instagram
The Pip Box (March) Unboxing ?
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on Mar 28, 2018 at 12:38pm PDT

How to get a free box?

In each box is a card encouraging consumers to share their pictures on social media. They then choose a winner to get their next box free. Last month, they chose my February pictures and I got my March box free.

View this post on Instagram
Thank you @thepipbox, I’m so pleased you liked my pics & I’m so excited to use the contents of this box!
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on Mar 24, 2018 at 5:02am PDT

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

Dr Botanicals: Tropical Invigorating Cream (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £44.00)

Dr Botanicals is a London based vegan skincare brand and made from pure natural ingredients, paraben-free and no harmful preservatives. They pride themselves on their products being kind to your skin and animals.

The cream is really light but moisturising and sinks in fast. The tropical smell isn’t strong and reminds me of grapefruit but that’s not listed as an active ingredient. These are:

Elderflower: to protect the skin from free radical damage
Chamomile Flower Extract: to heal and soothe irritated and damaged skin
Tiara Flower Extract: to deeply nourish and purify the skin

I’m still really enjoying their day cream from last months edit too – click here to read.

Saturated Colour: Make Me Matt (website and sheet RRP £8.00) and Moisturising Lipstick – Naked Pink (website and sheet RRP £7.00)

This month I got two products by Saturated Colour. This is a UK brand (Essex), cruelty free and vegan friendly. The brand is affordable and they products have great colour and some clever ideas.

The Naked Pink lipstick is a gorgeous colour that would suit almost anyone. It is a daytime pink and you could wear it to work. The ‘make me matt’ is a clever product that can turn any lipstick matt. If you have an old favourite that is the perfect shade but want it to be matt, then this is for you. I think it is genius.

Her are some pics and swatches of the lipstick, Make It Matt and Lip Lock (another Saturated Colour product for longer lasting lip colour).

Top pic: Make it Matt (over lipstick)

Middle pic (L to R): swatch of lipstick alone, lipstick with Make it Matt, lipstick with Lip Lock, lipstick with Make it Matt & Lip Lock

Bottom pic: Naked Pink Lipstick

Okko Skincare: ‘Try me’ Natural foot balm stick (£21.00 RRP for 50g on the website, £3 on the sheet for 4.5g ‘try me’ size)

Okko Skincare use natural and organic ingredients in their products. They are proud of their balms in a stick format as this enables you to throw it in your bag without the risk of spills.

I was impressed go easily the stick was to apply to my foot. It instantly turned into an oil. I used it straight out my morning shower but think this would be better before bed to allow the oil more time to penetrate. It has a nice smell and I’d be interested in trying more of their sticks.

Raw-Ganic: Refreshing Aloe and Green Tea Facial Wipes (£2.99 on the sheet and website)

Raw-Ganic is an English brand (Oxford). The brand uses natural and organic ingredients that are environmentally sustainable and affordable. It is vegan and cruelty free.

I like these wipes. I’ve used them to remove Make-up before bed and in the morning. I also tested them on removing the searches from my arm and it came off easily, even the swatches with Lip Lock. I’m thinking of putting them away in my overnight bag or next to my bed for when I’m too tired to take my makeup off with a full cleanse.

Would I recommend?

I am a regular subscriber to The Pip Box and never been disappointed by the contents. It was really rewarding to get my box for free and goes to show that the company really do care about their customers.

I’m starting to grow a nice collection of Saturated Colour and Dr Botanics products and I am interested in buying more. I like being introduced to new brands I may not have discovered otherwise like Okko Skincare and Raw-Ganic both organic brands with great ethics.

January 15, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Makeup

Axicology Beauty Review

For my birthday (in November), my husband treated me to a lipstick and a lip crayon by organic beauty brand Axicology and I loved them. Working off his previous success, he bought me another lipstick for Christmas.

I thought it only fair that I share these with you so you too can discover this brilliant brand.

Axiology

Axiology is a brand that makes natural organic lipsticks that are vegan friendly and cruelty free. Their packaging is from recycled paper and made by women in Bali giving them employment opportunities. Plus, they donate a portion of their profits to charities that support the welfare of animals like PETA and Orangutan Foundation (so it’s ginger friendly).

By buying their lipsticks you are helping reduce pollution and support women in Bali and raising funds to support animal friendly charities. Wearing lipstick has never felt so good.

Lip Crayon

Bliss is a lip crayon.

Bliss: Is a summery coral so I haven’t worn it much yet. I have found the crayon more drying than the lipsticks but I’ll probably wear it in the summer. It costs £23

Lipsticks

Goodness and Fundamental are both lipsticks. It costs £24

Goodness: This is a nude colour and very natural. It has a hint of gold shimmer to it and is very hydrating. You could easily wear this colour everyday but if you wanted to make a statement the colour would be too subtle.

Fundamental: The first time I wore this colour to work, I got so many compliments. It was great. It is a darker and more daring shade than I’d usually wear but I’m so glad I braved it because it is now my favourite.

The case

I have never been so impressed by a lipstick case. The outside has a brushed gold affect. You push the base and then it ‘pops’ and your lipstick unlocks, you slide the top off to reveal the beautiful polished gold lipstick inner tube. I made a little video on Instagram to show it off because I love it so much. Please check it out below to see what I’m talking about.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd7bdu-h6T4/?taken-by=redfae

I discovered the brand via the online organic beauty store Glow Organic.