Bow Tied Beauty

Exciting News! - The Little Skincare Shop

2013-05-14T14:49:00.002+01:00

In the past few months I've been working on an exciting project and I'm so happy to be finally able to share this news! I opened up 'The Little Skincare Shop' on Etsy a couple of weeks ago and my main Little Skincare Shop website a few days ago - my first venture into selling natural skincare!

This has been a long time coming as I've wanted to do this for about a year, since I first started making products at home. Eventually I'd like to sell lip balms, body butters and all types of lovely things, but as it costs quite a bit to get formulas tested, I've decided to sell floral waters from a reputable UK family run company for now, who specialise in the growing and steam distilling of a range of aromatic herbs. Floral waters are produced from this steam distillation to make a gentle water that retains all the beneficial properties, but in a mild form that can be generously applied to the skin. I've personally fallen in love with floral waters in the past year and purchased them from many different brands as I find them incredibly refreshing, soothing and calming for my skin. They're perfect to use as a toner, 100% natural and each one in the range that I've chosen can help a different skin type and problem.

As I've just started selling, to celebrate, I thought I'd give a 10% DISCOUNT for any purchases made by the end of this month, by including the code FLORAL at the checkout :) I've also just started using Twitter (literally in the past hour) for The Little Skincare Shop and want to offer a 15% DISCOUNT for anyone who follows and tweets this message. "Follow @litskincareshop and re-tweet this message for an amazing 15% discount off all products until 1st June! Ask for the discount code using the contact form". Then just simply contact me on either site using the contact form to ask for the discount code, which can be entered at checkout.

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Little Skincare Shop Main Website

Little Skincare Shop Etsy Store

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I'm so happy to be finally doing this and I hope you'll take a quick peek at the products, and as this is all very new any feedback, comments/questions are definitely welcomed!

April Favourites

2013-05-06T17:13:00.000+01:00

In the past month I've bought products from some great new brands as well as re-discovering some from my own stash. I've put myself on a bit of a budget and so everything new I've purchased is pretty reasonably priced.

Australian Organics Evening Primrose Body Lotion - I saw this brand a few weeks ago in John Lewis whilst looking for an affordable body lotion, and at £4.85 I thought it was worth a try. The product doesn't have any fancy packaging or frills but the actual lotion has been lovely to use and is full of great, natural ingredients. The scent is a lovely, rich, calming fragrance and the texture is light and silky, which leaves my skin hydrated and moisturised. I definitely think I'll be purchasing more from this brand.

A'kin Orange Blossom Body Wash - I bought this back in March and am now almost finished, so it seems to have lasted a good while, and as my first purchase from A'kin I'm pretty impressed. The scent is a subtle sweet herbal/orange mixture and the formula is like a clear gel that glides onto skin and feels soothing and moisturising. The price, £8.50, is a little steep for a body wash, but the natural non-drying formula that's free from chemicals and parabens has really benefited my skin and been well worth it for me.

Deep Steep Grapefruit and Bergamot Dry Oil Body Spritzer - I love Deep Steep products and this is one I reviewed and was using last summer. I have a little bit left, so am spritzing it on all over after showing in the mornings and love the amazing, refreshing scent, the light moisturising effect and how quickly I can apply it and then not have to wait a lifetime to get dressed! It's 100% natural with no alcohol so perfect for sensitive types like myself.

Neal's Yard White Tea Facial Mist - This has to be absolute my favourite this month from the bunch! I will definitely be writing a full review soon as I have so many great things to say about this product, like most NYR products I purchase. I got this from their sensitive range and every time I spray the fine mist on my skin I find it's instantly calmed and cooled. The scent is lovely too, and with infused white tea and aloe vera it's also refreshing and re-hydrating.

Trevarno Organic Calendula Ointment - I recently came across Trevarno and thought their products were reasonably priced and loved the simplicity of their natural ingredients. With my ongoing ezcema problems I often try to combat this with balms and ointments, and after running out of my Essential Care balm, I decided to try this Calendula ointment (£9) out. I'm so glad I did because it's as good if not better! The balm contains olive oil, beeswax, essential oils and infused lavender, calendula and St. Johns Wort. The formula melts onto skin and soothes itching, and I've found it's very efficient at clearing up stubborn patches - full review will be coming soon!

Pure Thoughts Honey & Oats Face Scrub - I got this little sample last year with some other purchases from this brand and completely forgot I had it. I found it hiding behind some other products in the bathroom yesterday and tried it out. The dry powder is a mixture of honey powder, ground oats, almonds and kaolin clay - mixed with a little water it turns into a paste. I massaged it in and noticed how gentle it was and how soft and lovely it made my skin feel after. The best thing about this scrub though is it's calming and soothing effect, I really had no irritation whatsoever which I can often experience with exfoliaters, and I'll definitely be thinking about purchasing the full size which is a very affordable £7.

What are your favourites from April?

April Empties

2013-05-02T21:16:00.002+01:00

Sorry I've been a bit absent recently but the last couple of weeks have been a little hectic!

For April I've gotten through quite a few products at an alarming rate, so I guess that's an excuse for more purchases soon! Here's my thoughts on this month's empties...

Essential Care Calendula Balm - This little miracle pot is a wonder product for me and is simply amazing for when I'm suffering with patches of eczema. I've realised in the past few months that Calendula is one power-house ingredient for sensitive/reactive skin and since then I've been on the look-out for more calendula based products, a couple of which I'll be reviewing soon. (Full Review)
Re-purchase? Yes

Essential Care Ultra Rich Balm - I've been using Essential Care products since December, and I've found that they're 100% worth the purchase, not only because of their quality, but also due to how long they last. This pot of Ultra Rich Balm has lasted me a good 5 months and has been lovely to use, which I've been multi-tasking as a intensive night treatment, for patches of dry skin and as an occasional cleanser/barrier cream. The rich ingredients means a little goes a long way, and I always find that my skin is calmer and smoother after each application. (Full Review)
Re-purchase? Yes

Essential Care Rose Petal Tonic - For the past few months I've been using this as a toner and as a spritz on my skin whenever I need a little refreshing or my skin needs some hydration. With rose water and rose essential oil it really soothes, cools and calms my skin, and I've loved using this up, even more so because of the absolutely lovely rose scent! (Full Review)
Re-purchase? Yes

Deep Steep Candy Mint Foot Stick - This is a product I've complelty fallen in love with and raved about before. (Full review) The scent is heavenly and really does remind me of candy canes, and I love the handy twist-up stick it comes in which makes it easy to apply and to take with you. The stick itself is made from Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, and leaves my feet smooth and soft. This will be something I'll be getting again to ensure summer-ready feet!
Re-purchase? Yes

Brown Earth Mango Butter With Shea & Cocoa Butter - I finished this body butter in record time, and the bad thing is that I'm already thinking about purchasing another. The mango-cream scent is incredible and the texture is a rich, satin butter that glides onto skin and easily absorbs. (Full Review)

Re-purchase? Yes -maybe with a couple of other things from Brown Earth!

What have you got through this month?

Brown Earth Mango, Shea & Cocoa Butter Body Cream Rave Review

2013-04-15T16:26:00.000+01:00

Brown Earth Mango Butter with Shea & Coco Butter Body Cream - £10.95 | 120 ml

After my first ever trip to Wholefoods last week I was practically giddy with all the natural skincare and makeup choices I came across. As I was browsing the various brands I came across Brown earth, which had lovely looking products with gorgeous packaging. Once me and a friend picked up a sample of the Mango butter body cream we both fell in love with the amazing scent immediately, and there was no point in pretending that I wasn't going to immediately purchase it after that.

Looking at the Brown earth website when I got back, I also found out that the ingredients used in the products are sourced fair trade by working with local communities and supporting rural development projects. The company also never test on animals or use ingredients from animal sources.

I've now been using the body cream for about a week, but am already loving the results as well as the rich mango-cream scent that made me want to purchase it initially. The product is formulated with mango butter, an emollient, hydrating ingredient, as well as Shea and cocoa butter that both help moisturise and protect skin. The texture is very unique, creamy and soft, with a satin like finish, and whilst the cream is rich and intensive, it also absorbs well and sinks into my skin quickly. I've been applying it to dryer areas, such as knees and elbows and seen a real difference in how smoother and softer they feel.

I really don't think there are any negatives with this product - maybe just that I'm going through it a little too fast, but as it is very addictive I won't blame myself for this too much. I'll definitely be purchasing more products from this lovely brand in the future!

Have you tried anything from Brown earth?

Green People Volumising Mascara Review

2013-04-14T17:20:00.001+01:00

Green People Volumising Mascara in Brown-Black - £14.75 | 7mls

In March I was excited to purchase my first ever mascara from a natural brand. I'd been wanting to try the brand Green People for a while and decided to opt for their Volumising mascara, that promised to volumise, lengthen, condition and define lashes.

The price, £14.75,is a little pricier than the usual budget highstreet mascara I often buy, but in my opinion paying for naturally sourced, quality ingredients felt worth it. There are actually over 98% natural ingredients in the mascara, including vitamin E, sunflower oil and organic beeswax. Even better, the formula is free from the usual formaldehyde, parabens, petrochemichals and synthetic colours. As I suffer with sensitive skin that can often feel irritated and react to chemicals this definitely made me feel better about what I would be putting near my eyes.

I got the colour brown-black, as I was looking for more of a daytime mascara, and after the first application I realised that it would definitely be more suited to wear during the day than at night. The brush isn't as big as I'd hoped so the effect is less volumising and more lengthening. This still produces a lovely effect, but the thin bristles don't give thick lashes that you might expect, so no big dramatic lashes here.

The formula also clumps slightly, so takes a little longer to apply, and while it does last most of the day, I've also experienced some fallout, ending up with small black flecks under my eyes occasionally. Having said that, I love the colour which looks subtle and natural, and the formula feels conditioning and nourishing on my lashes, leaving them super soft at the end of the day rather than drying them out. There are many positives with this product and I'll definitely be using it up as it's a decent buy, but for me I'm not sure it will be a re-purchase.

Have you tried Green People's Volumising Mascara?

Honey and Grapefruit Butter Cleansing Balm

2013-04-12T17:53:00.000+01:00

As I'd just run out of my cleanser a couple of days ago I was about to buy another online, but as I'd already ordered some raw butters, oils and waxes, I decided to try and make a new one myself. After scouring some of my natural skincare recipe books for inspiration I came across one that sounded amazing and luxurious from Feeding Your Skin by Carla Oates. I've tweaked the original recipe a little by using different carrier oils, wax and less essential oils, but it still sticks mostly to the idea of creating a hydrating butter cleansing balm for dry skin using only natural ingredients.

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Honey and Grapefruit Butter Cleansing Balm

20g cocoa butter

10g jojoba wax

30g peach kernel oil

30g castor oil

1 teaspoon honey

10 drops grapefruit essential oil

2 drops peppermint essential oil

2 drops rosemary essential oil

1 drop eucalyptus oil

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This recipe is so easy to do and took me about 10 minutes to make. I first weighed out my ingredients and placed the butters and wax in a double boiler to melt them.

Next, I mixed the castor and peach kernel oil, as well as the honey together, and poured them into the butter/wax mixture once I'd taken it off the heat, mixing to ensure the ingredients blended well.

After I'd waited for the mixture to cool slightly (but not for too long as it thickens quickly!) I added in the essential oils and made sure they were properly stirred in, and then poured the finished balm mixture into a pot.

Once poured into the pot, the mixture should start to thicken quickly and already look like the picture below.

In about half an hour the balm should be ready and be lighter in colour. Once it's ready pop the lid on and use as a cleanser at night by massaging a small amount into skin, and wipe away with a muslin cloth soaked in warm water. It should last a good six months.

After trying out the cleanser a couple of times now it has really left my skin feeling so hydrated and soft after each use. With a rich combination of nourishing cocoa butter and replenishing oils it's perfect for drier skin and litreally melts onto the skin. The combination of essential oils also makes such a refreshing and clean, crisp scent with a little citrusy, sweet undertone. The grapefruit also works to decongest, whilst peppermint calms inflammation and eucalyptus helps clear and heal skin.

Let me know if you try this!

'Wake Me Up' Makeup

2013-04-10T15:51:00.002+01:00

There are plenty of days I wake up feeling a bit groggy or under the weather, take one look in the mirror and realise that my skin needs to look a bit perkier and brighter before I can face the world. On these occasions I have a few reserved makeup items that work especially well, and that I'll find myself repeatedly reaching for...

Clarins Illuminating Prodige Blush in Lovely Rose (review)

This has become one of my favourite blushers to wear because I love the subtle rosey, pink glow it creates. The colour, Lovely Rose, is perfect for pale complexions, but there are also many other shades to choose from in the range. With a very subtle shimmer too, the blush also creates a highlighted effect when I sweep it across my cheekbones and on the whole I just love the result.

Vivo Eyeliner in White

When my eyes are looking a little tired, then a great trick is to line the inner rim with a white eyeliner. This makes my eyes look so much brighter, and makes me look much more awake! Vivo's eyeliner is a budget staple of mine that's ideal for this. At just £1.50, it's an absolute bargain, and stays put through most of the day.

L'Oreal Touche Magique Concealer

This was one of my first buys when I started purchasing makeup. It's truly a lifesaver for hiding any dark circles and pigmentation, whilst giving a luminous, brightening effect on the skin to. I always apply this under my eyes, on little bits of redness and as a highlight down the bridge of my nose on days that I need it! It's a little miracle worker.

Soap And Glory Thick and Fast Mascara

To open up my eyes I try using a volumising mascara and usually apply to my top and bottom lashes. I've been using Soap and Glory's Thick and Fast Mascara for a while now and I'm still not tired of it. It really does give amazing volume without any clumping, and for me lasts almost the whole day.

L'Oreal Caresse Sheer Lipstick in Impulsive Fushia (full review)

If my skin's looking dull, then I always find a pop of colour helps. I love L'Oreal's Caresse Sheer Lipsticks as they feel so silky and really hydrate, and impulsive fushia is the loveliest deep pink that really brightens my complexion when I wear it.

MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette

I love this palette as a basic go-to for everyday looks, and it has some great neutral and lighter shades that I like to use to make my eyes look a little brighter. I usually take a little of the lightest shade on my finger and dot it in the inner corner of both eyes.

Tarte Marajuca Blush and Glow in Moonlight

This two-in-one blusher and highlighter has a creamy, slightly rosey tint with a little shimmer, and really makes my skin glow when I add a little on top of the Clarins blush. I use the highlighter part on the tops of my cheekbones and a tiny bit on my browbones as well, to create a subtle, but glowing finish. I've also tried adding a few drops of the highlighter into tinted moisturiser which works incredibly well too!

What are your go-to products when your skin needs a little perking up?

Mavala's Spring/Summer Nail Polish Collection

2013-04-09T16:25:00.000+01:00

Mavala Spring/Summer 2013 Nail Polish Collection*

Recently I've been trying out some polishes from the Mavala Spring/Summer collection. The shades are inspired by laidback, feminine, beachy fun, achieved with playful candy, pastel hues. The result are these four sweet colours that are perfect for wearing in the coming months.

L-R: Lemon Cream, White, Lagoon, Aquamarine

I'm a sucker for pastels and I've really fallen in love with these oh so pretty and chic shades. The consistency of the polish is great too which makes it quick and easy to apply, and I've also found it wears for a good while without chipping. My favourite out of the four definitely has to be Aquamarine, which has a creamy mint tone with subtle golden shimmer. I'm definitely thinking about mixing all the shades together for some summer pastel nail art too! Mavala polishes are also free from formaldehyde, toulene and camphore, which is a great added bonus and a bit of a relief to know that I'm not breathing in any nasty chemicals.

Mavala Polishes are available from Mavala website, John Lewis, Debenhams and Boots stores, and are priced at just £4.50

*PR Sample

Favourite Lip Balms Right Now - Korres, EOS, Naturally Balmy

2013-04-08T14:00:00.001+01:00

L-R: Korres Jasmine Lip Butter | EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm | Naturally Balmy Mango and Lime Lip Balm*

I've been using lip balms and butters quite a bit in the last few months and have found three that I absolutely love, and for the moment are my favourites to wear everyday.

I think my favourite out of the bunch would have to be the EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm. I've had this balm for quite a while, and it's only recently started to wear down, which I'm a little sad about but also excited as it gives me an excuse to purchase more flavours from the range, such as Lemon Drop, Honeysuckle Honeydew and Sweet Mint, all of which sound incredibly tempting! The reason I love this balm so much is firstly for the pure, skin loving ingredients that are 100% natural and 95% organic, including Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. The result is a very nourishing formula that glides on and hydrates, moisutrises and actually helps heal my chapped lips. The scent is also amazing and really does remind me of eating sugary sweet strawberry sorbet - yum! The design is perfect too, with a twist off lid that reveals a sphere shaped balm that makes for an easy and practical application.

The most recent balm I've been trying out is Naturally Balmy's Mango and Lime Lip Balm*. I love this brand and the products I've tried from them so far, and this deliciously flavoured product is no exception. It's 100% natural formula is made up of Apricot Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, and natural Mango and Lime Aroma. The scent makes it such a lovely, fruity and tropical treat, and the ingredients really do mean that the balm nourishes and hydrates and protects lips. The tube is also practical I find, and means it's easy for me to use on the go.

I've been using Korres Jasmine Lip Butter since December and am pretty addicted to the caramely, buttery flavour. The texture is light and creamy, and melts onto my lips with a slight dusky rose tint. The butter is based on a combination of Shea Butter and Rice wax to soften and hydrate, and I've definitely found this to be the case for me as whenever I apply it I find my lips are well moisturised which will last for a good while too.

What are your favourite lip balms right now?

Naturally Balmy Skincare Review and Reader Discount

2013-04-07T11:07:00.001+01:00

A little while ago I came across a lovely website, called Naturally Balmy. I was on the hunt for new raw ingredients to use for whisking up some home-made products, and found a great range of tempting butters, oils, extracts and delicious sounding natural lip balms flavours. What I was most impressed with on the site is this company's emphasis on sourcing natural, as well as organic and fair trade ingredients where possible, that have not been tested on animals. Not only do naturally Balmy sell wholesale ingredients though, but they also have a retail site which I was even more delighted to discover. Handmade in Dorset by a mother and daughter team, the products are all 100% natural and range from lip balms, to body butters to face masks, and much more. I now am so delighted to say that I write weekly articles for the Naturally Balmy site, which I've enjoyed doing so much, and was kindly sent a small selection of lovely products to try out recently.

Orange Blossom Bath Milk-£12.95*

I have tried out this bath milk a couple of times now and am happy to report that I've absolutely fallen in love with it. The fruity, citrus scents of Orange and Neroli are mixed with the rich, calming herbal aroma of Petitgrain, which makes for such a relaxed bath . I love the consistency too, which is milky and creamy, and fills the tub with a luxurious and moisturising feel that leaves my skin super soft and with the most gorgeous scent afterwards!

SOS Balm - £9.95*

This 'SOS' Balm has been formulated to be used on blisters, bites, rashes, and even eczema and dermatitis. It's gentle ingredients means it can be used on the whole family, which include healing Calendula, soothing Aloe Vera and moisturising Shea Butter.

For me this product has been a life saver. Having recently run out of the balm I was previously using for my eczema, I decided to try this instead, and not only has it helped, but it's improved and further healed my eczema too! The scent is lovely and calming, whilst the texture is light and absorbs well, not heavy or greasy at all. This is by far one of my favourite products and one I highly recommend!

Skin Rejuvenating Facial Balm - £12.95*

I've been using this balm after cleansing recently and have been loving the effects. It is a balm, yet like the SOS balm, it has a light, airy and easily absorbed formula that melts onto skin. I've seen a real difference after using this, not only in terms of hydrating my dry skin but also in having an overall improvement in the tone and texture.

This is down to the luxurious ingredients in this incredible balm that includes Organic Rosehip and Avocado Oils that help repair the skin, and essential oils of Rose Otto, Lavender and Neroli that rejuvenate the skin. The addition of Titanium Dioxide also makes it a natural and safe sunscreen, that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays - something I always try to look for in a product.

Mint Paradise Foot Balm - £6.50*

Another of my absolute favourites! This balm smells incredible, like peppermint sweets and really reminds me of Deep Steep's Candy Mint Foot Stick. This is a true balm and is rich and intensive, with incredibly hydrating butters and oils, such as Virgin Coconut Oil and Organic Shea Butter.

This is such a treat to use and perfect to apply at night as a treatment before going to bed. When I wake up in the morning I'm left with much smoother, softer skin, and feel just a little bit more prepared for summer!

Cream of Youth Night Balm - £12.95*

The last product I've been trying out is the Cream of Youth Night Balm, which I apply in the evening after cleansing. Whilst I don't neccasirly need an anti-aging treatment, this lovely cream has left me with softer, plumped skin. The bonus is it the scent of Monoi De Tahiti and Gardenia flowers which is incredible, and the addition of Vitamin E and Wheatgerm oil helps to nourish, rejuvenate and also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

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Naturally Balmy have kindly offered my readers an amazing discount on their retail site!

Customers will receive 10% off their purchases and a free lip balm on orders over £20.

Just enter the code BOWBEAUTY at checkout and write what flavour lip balm you'd

like in the special instructions. Offer ends 20th April.

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Boots Botanics Refining Body Scrub Review

2013-04-04T20:54:00.001+01:00

Botanics Refining Body Scrub - £7.99 | 300ml

I've been trying out a few Botanics products over the last couple of months, and the most recent one I've used up is the refining body scrub. For £7.99 you get quite a bit of product and the scent is a lovely, calming mix with rich notes of vetiver.

The scrub is salt based, and also contains nourishing cocoa butter and sweet almond oil. The texture is my favourite part of the scrub, which is light and has the consistency of a whipped, airy mousse. It literally glides over my skin and moisturises my skin whilst effectively exfoliating as well. Afterwards my skin is always left feeling nice and smooth.

My only complaint with this product is that as it's salt based the scrub is slightly abrasive for my sensitive skin, although that's probably my fault for picking it. However, that could also be that despite the number of natural ingredients, I've also spotted a few chemicals in the ingredients list. So I'm not sure I would re-purchase, but having said that it's still a lovely product which I've enjoyed using up.

Three Ways To Use Lavender Flowers

2013-04-03T20:10:00.001+01:00

A little while back in February I went on a small trip up north to Richmond, and stumbled across a quaint little market where I indulged in some beauty buys, including some lavender flowers. I love the calming scent lavender has, but once I got home I realised that I wasn't quite sure what to do with them. So after scouring the web for a couple of ideas I came up with these 3 D.I.Y. products that I've loved using.

1. Lavender Draw Freshener

Lavender is quite fragrant and as mine came in this lovely blue bag I decided to leave half the buds in there and keep it in a draw to create a great fragrance every time I open it and keep my clothes nice and fresh.

2. Vanilla, Ylang Ylang and Lavender Bath Salts

I love taking baths, especially when the weather's cold and there's nothing better than filling the tub with beneficial and relaxing salts, herbs and oils. I usually use Epsom salts for my baths, so decided to combin it with the lavender and some ylang ylang essential oil - an amazing combination.

I also put a vanilla pod at the bottom of the jar to give an even more delicious fragrance.

Once I added the vanilla, I poured in the mixture of Epsom and lavender, and then shook it all up so everything was well mixed. To use I put about a couple of tablespoons in the bath.

3. Lavender Coffee Sugar Scrub

I also decided to make a sugar scrub as I'd just run out of my current one, and included coffee for it's stimulating properties that reportedly helps to fight cellulite. I used light brown sugar for the base of the scrub and castor oil to bind the mixture together.

I spooned the mixture into a glass pot, and scoop up a little every time I want to use some in the shower.

Let me know if you have any more suggestions or tips on great ways to use lavender :)

Dreaming of Summer . . . and Mint

2013-04-02T19:25:00.000+01:00

I can't wait for summer to come around as quickly as possible this year, and hopefully get rid of the ongoing miserable, chilly weather. Pastel shades remind me of holidays and sunny days, when you can walk around happily in shorts or a dress, and I absolutely love mint colours in particular, which I've been stumbling across on lots of my favourite sites recently. I've made sure to bookmark these as future purchases!

1. Topshop Lace Skater Dress - £39.99

2. Mango Sunglasses - £14.99

3. Laqa & Co Nail Polish Pen in Squid Ink - £10.50

4. Modcloth Mobile Satchel - $174.99

5. Modcloth Cool Mint Bracelet - $14.99

What are you lusting after for this summer?

Sensitive Skin Tips and What I Do With Products I React To (Part 2)

2013-03-24T14:36:00.000Z

Yesterday I discussed a little about how sensitive my skin is and how often my skin will react to a product, how to avoid this and what to do with a wasted product. But actually treating and managing sensitive skin is definitely a big issue here so that it's not left irritable and red half the time. Whilst I'm not sure the sensitivity of my skin will ever fully go away, I've learnt and realised in the past year or so how to treat and manage it a lot better. So here's a few more tips from my own experience:

1. Keep a simple skincare routine

When my skin started to get really bad and wouldn't calm down about a year ago, I tried to combat this by overloading it with moisturisers, different cleaners, toners, night creams, serums and face oils. Turns out that just made my skin angrier. When I just simply washed my face with water in the morning, put on a little bit of moisturiser and did the same at night (with a makeup remover too), this regime began to work and I gradually was able to start building up the products that I wanted to use again. It's also best, I've found, to buy products with subtle or no scent and a simple ingredient list. Plus I now know not to exfoliate more than 1-2 times a week (this may vary for different people), and to use more kind-to-skin ingredients when I do, eg. using a sugar body scrub rather than a salt one, which is more abrasive.

2. Avoid chemicals and steroid creams

With a wide array of natural eczema creams now available there's no need to buy steroid creams. I used to use these about every other month to rid of an eczema flare up, but got worried after being told of the effects, such as thinning skin, that these creams can have. Likewise, products full of chemicals could solve a problem short term, but might be damaging for your skin in the long term, and cause irritation and reactions for sensitive skin, not to mention what nasties you're absorbing.

3. Use a barrier cream/balm against heat

This tip sounds a bit odd, but works wonders! When my skin was highly sensitive and reacting to everything I put on it, I would dread my morning shower as the heat would irritate my skin and I would come out looking bright red, which would take a while to go down. To try and combat this I started putting balms and heavier creams on before showering that would sit on the surface, providing a barrier against the heat, and then simply wash it off after. This not only prevents irritation, but leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth and hydrated!

4. Treat your skin very gently

Rubbing your skin vigorously is never advisable, particularly with sensitive skin, which is often more delicate. For instance when you come out the shower, try to pat skin with a towel rather than rub, and the same applies to your face after cleansing. This will help prevent irritation, but also the appearance of broken capillaries and premature wrinkles. Definitely be particularly careful around your eyes.

5. Homemade is best

Whilst I love all the natural brands out there and the array to choose from now, sometimes products can be a little pricey, not to mention the fact that you could still react to a natural ingredient. A cheap and cheerful, not to mention fun, way to get to know what ingredients suit your skin is simply to whip up your own homemade products and come up with your own remedies. For instance, I've found dropping slithers of Cocoa Butter in the bath is amazingly soothing and moisturising for my skin, whilst Shea Butter is a great eczema-combating ingredient to put in a whipped body butter or moisturiser. Ingredients can be easily purchased from a number of websites,

I would recommend: Gracefruit, Plush Folly, Naturally Balmy, Shea Butter Cottage and Soap Kitchen... to name a few!

Hope some of these last tips were handy if you're a sensitive skin sufferer like myself!

I'd also love to know any other tips you might have yourself :)

Sensitive Skin Tips and What I do With Products I React To (Part 1)

2013-03-23T15:56:00.000Z

I have such sensitive and delicate skin, and with this comes redness and inflammation, with flares up that can feel itchy and irritable. My skin has also always been pretty dry and I've suffered with eczema that will come back with a vengeance if I react to a product I've used. Because of this, around a year ago, I started to take more notice of what exactly was going into my products, and most of them turned out to be full of chemicals and synthetic ingredients, such as SLS, formaldehyde and parabens, leading me to start buying more natural and organic products. After I started doing this my skin calmed down, but with naturally sensitive skin, I still experience flare ups if I have a reaction to certain ingredients, even to an 100% natural product. So I've learnt a few things in the last year to deal with this and how not to end up wasting money:

1. I look for products without heavy scents, endless ingredients and that are designed for sensitive types.

I know this sounds quite obvious, but in the past when my skin's felt a lot better and stronger - almost in the 'normal category' - I've bought a product for dry or normal skin and had a reaction, which then takes weeks to go down. This has happened with great quality brands, like Korres, Origins and Decleor, when the ingredients have just been too strong for me. Now I've learnt it's just not worth the risk (and money), and the best products really are those designed for my skin type.

2. I try and buy samples first now.

Buying a £20 big pot of moisturiser, only to apply it and see your face turn a more tomato-esque shade is possibly the most frustrating thing ever! Samples will usually last me a week, so plenty of time to see how my skin reacts before I decide to make a full purchase.

3. I give products away that I can't use.

Whilst I've found I've reacted to a fair few products in the past, I try never to throw them away. Giving them to friends who don't have sensitive skin is always a great option!

4. I'll make a moisturiser into a body cream.

If I'm using a product on my face, such as a moisturiser, serum or oil, and I have a reaction, sometimes I'll try using it on my body instead. Here the skin is much thicker and more resilient and can stand ingredients that your face might be irritable to. For instance after using a Korres moisturiser for a week my skin began to get quite irritated around my cheeks, so I decided to stop using it, but instead I now apply it to my feet as it's so rich and moisturising. (However I wouldn't recommend this if you've had a very bad reaction)

5. I'll try and make the packaging re-usable.

If you're having trouble passing the product onto someone else or don't want to use it at all, then sometimes the best option is just to dispose of the product, but keep the pot or what it came in, so you can use it for a number of other things. I usually do this by thoroughly cleaning and sterilising the pot or bottle and then filling these leftover pots with hand-made scrubs and creams.

Hope these tips might have been helpful :) Tomorrow I have a few more

on how to handle and treat sensitive skin.

Favourite Handcreams: Neal's Yard, Botanics and Balance Me

2013-03-19T14:39:00.001Z

My hands have really suffered this winter, and I've been trying out various brands to try and combat my dry skin, with these three winning as my hands-down favourites at the moment!

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream - £10 | 50ml

I received this hand cream in the lastest addition of Marie Claire, and whilst it's already been talked about quite a bit, I just have to join in and say how much I love it! The feel is so silky and softens my hands to leave them feeling incredibly smooth after every application. The cream is a little heavy because it's so rich, but I often get dry hands so it's perfect for me, and a little goes a long way. I also absolutely love the rich, uplifting orange-citrus scent and that this product is helping to raise money for various bee-friendly projects!

Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream - £14.50 | 100ml

I've bought this hand cream a couple of times now, and there's a few reasons why it's a re-purchase for me. The cream sinks in straight away, and is perfectly light, whilst very moisturising too. The scent is lovely and calming, with a bit of a herbal aroma, and I always find that it's just the right size for traveling with, and the first thing I reach for when going out to pop in my bag.

Boot's Botanics Soothing Hand Cream - 50ml

This is one of my cheaper buys, yet still one of my favourites. I love the Botanics range from Boots, which has a good amount of natural ingredients featured in their products, with very affordable price tags. Their soothing hand cream is blended with shea butter, almond oil and pro-vitamin B5, and always leaves my skin more calmed, soothed and hydrated. The cream doesn't seem to be advertised on Boot's website, however I know they sell it instore.

What are your favourite hand creams at the moment?

Epsom, Atlantic and Himalayan Bath Salts

2013-03-09T09:55:00.001Z

It has to be said that England's weather is pretty miserable most of the time, especially during winter, which is when I find taking baths to be the best thing to warm up. Over the last few months I've enjoyed using and trying out different bath salts in the evening to relax and have been testing out various brands and types, including Epsom, Atlantic and Himalayan salts, and thought I'd post some mini reviews on each and their benefits.

Gracefruit Epsom Salt - £3.39 | 1kg

I love to make home-made, natural products when I can and one of my favourite sites to purchase ingredients from is Gracefruit. I've been using their Epsom Salts in making products and alone in the bath to test out exactly what it does and the benefits. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which is absorbed into the body when bathed in, and has countless benefits, such as reducing inflammation, removing toxins and easing muscles, to name a few. This fine salt dissolves straight away and I usually put in about a capful's worth. After using it I always feel more relaxed and better within myself, as well as finding an actual reduction of muscle tension. It's probably my favourite among the three for it's amazing benefits that have genuinely made me feel better with regular use - I may just experiment with adding fragrance or some butters to it to make it more of a luxury treatment.

Geo Organic Atlantic Sea Salt For Bathing with Aloe Vera - £2.25 | 250g

This was my first buy from Geo Organics, when I picked up their Atlantic Bathing Sea Salt in Waitrose a couple of months ago. The traditionally harvested sea salt crystals are meant to cleanse the skin as you bathe, whilst the organic Aloe vera added to it soothes and nurtures with its natural healing properties. After using this a few times I'm still a little undecided on whether it's a product suited to me. It feels a little harsh sometimes as I find my very sensitive and eczema prone skin stings a bit when a use this, and the salt really doesn't dissolve all that well in the bath, making it a little uncomfortable. I think it cleanses well and could work for someone with a normal skin type, but for me I won't be re-purchasing.

Absolute Aromas Detox Himalayan Bath Salt - £4.25 | 290g

Out of the three, Absolute Aromas Detox Bath Salt wins hands down for packaging and is overall a more luxurious, pampering product. The salts are infused with 'detoxing' pure essential oils to encourage the elimination of toxins, with a combination of Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Juniperberry, Palmarosa and Geranium Bourbon. The scent of this mixture is heavenly, and so lovely and calming. Whenever I use this I'm instantly de-stressed and relaxed and also feel better afterwards. The Absolute Aroma range also features a lot more tempting products such as salt scrubs and body treatment oils, all with pure, natural ingredients.

Review: Clarins Illuminating Prodige Blush in Lovely Rose

2013-03-07T18:38:00.001Z

Clarins Illuminating Prodige Blush - £26

I bought Clarins Illuminating Prodige blush about six months ago and have been wanting to rave about it ever since! It comes in six shades and I chose to go for 'lovely rose' as it looked like the perfect dusty pink that would be ideal for my pale skin tone.

The design of the blush is a mosiac palette, with two slightly different shades and finishes. The strip across the top and the small one in the bottom left corner both have a slightly shimmery finish to create a highlighted, illuminating effect. But both shades are the perfect rosey pink that complement each other to create a lovely finish, and I always feel like I have that perfect 'healthy glow' when I wear it. The powder is also incredibly silky, blends well and stays put for a good few hours.

Clarins are a great brand and one of the first things I noticed about the product was the stunning packaging. The compact is lightweight and gorgeously designed with a handy brush and mirror inside that I've found really useful. The sweet brush is really a great addiction, and may not work for everyone, but I've found it applies the blusher evenly and gets just the right amount with one or two strokes - and is also just pretty handy on the go.

As you can see below the pigmentation is subtle and the colour really is the perfect pink rose. It definitely won't be suitable for everyone, but for ultra pale girls like myself the shade creates such a lovely everyday look.

All in all this is one of my favourite blushers to use. The colour is absolutely gorgeous, but subtle and builable, whilst the compact is handy and a great design. Clarins are a little pricey, but the quality matches the price tag and I've been using this for over 6 months and am yet to see a dent!

First Haul of the Year! - Green People, A'kin, Sante and Tsi-La

2013-03-06T10:26:00.002Z

After browsing, and umming and ahhing over whether to get something from all the tempting products on Naturismo last week, I just decided that a cheeky haul was in order. I've never tried any of these brands before so can't wait to test each product out and review them over the next few weeks.

As someone who has incredibly sensitive skin I no longer use any unnatural skincare, but I haven't quite been so strict with makeup! However, I decided that since there's such an array of good lookin' makeup choices on Naturismo's site I'd go for a couple of products to start gradually making my way towards chemical free makeup too.

A'kin Orange Blossom Body Wash - £7.90 | 225ml

My usual body wash had actually run out last week and I was in the mood for something new, and then spotted this Orange Blossom Body Wash. The name alone tempted me and I've always wanted to try a product from A'kin. I love citrus fragrances and as soon as I received this I opened it to take a sniff and am completely in love with the fresh and delicate orange-floral scent.

Green People Organic Volumising Mascara - £12.75 and Sante Coverstick Concealer - £8.95

Green People is a brand I've wanted to try for quite some time after reading fantastic reviews about their products. I got their Volumising Mascara which includes 98% of the ingredients from natural origin, making me feel a little better about what I'm putting near my eyes. I got their brown-black shade to wear as a daytime mascara and from my first use I have to say I'm really impressed with the quality and effect.

I hadn't actually heard of Sante before but I was looking for a new concealer and love using concealer sticks, which are always so quick and practical. I love that the ingredients are 100% organic and natural, and so far I've found the creamy consistency and pigmentation of this Coverstick Concealer to be great in covering up any imperfections.

Tsi-La Fiori D'Arancio Eau de Parfum Sample - £1.50 | 0.65 mls

Lastly I picked up this small sample of perfume from the natural brand Tsi-La. I've never owned a perfume based truly on certified organic ingredients, so this was a bit of a treat but not something I would ever purchase full size given the hefty price tag of £75. Still I've been loving the amazing scent of caramalised vanilla and neroli in this luxurious perfume for the past couple of days and am going to make this sample last as long as possible!

The Concealer Series: Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer

2013-03-05T20:10:00.000Z

Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer SPF 35 - £37 *

It's been such a while since I've done a Concealer Series post, so this review has been well overdue and I'm glad to be doing another of these posts with a product I've heard a lot about and had my eye on for a while. Perricone MD are well known for their product, No Foundation Foundation, so I was very excited to try out their No Concealer Concealer to see if it equally matched up to the hype.

The product is described as a "multi-tasking, anti-ageing concealer that delivers coverage while protecting with broad spectrum SPF 35". I love that it has SPF 35 in, which is also mineral based and chemical free, to protect the delicate eye area, as I'm always worried about this fragile area being affected by the environmental elements. In England this might not be so relevant, but SPF is still great to wear even if the weather a bit cloudy and heading towards spring now this will definitely come in handy.

Another thing I love is the packaging. The product comes in a brown glass bottle with a practical dispense pump that delivers the perfect small amount needed for application.

The product is meant for camouflaging imperfections and dark circles, whilst also acting as a primer and brightening the skin. When you use the pump, you can see a little comes out, which is more than enough to use as the rich, creamy consistency is incredibly pigmented and covers up any marks and my dark circles seamlessly. The feel is smooth and lovely on, probably because it's not just a concealer, but also packed full with skin loving and repairing ingredients like Vitamin C Ester and hyaluronic acid, to help preserve the fragile skin around the eyes. I can see over time how using a multi-tasking product like this would really benefit my skin, rather than drying it out as I often find ordinary concealers can.

Once on, I don't even feel like I'm wearing anything, and it blends so easily and even covers dry areas of skin well. The only downside for me is that the concealer comes in one universal shade which is a tad too dark for me - but probably perfect when I have a tan, so this will definitely come out during summer! The product is also a little pricey at £37, but I would actually say well worth it for the quality of the ingredients and long-term benefits for your skin.

Have you tried the No Concealer Concealer?

*PR Sample

3 Ingredient Moisturising Hair Mask

2013-03-04T21:05:00.001Z

My hair has felt so dry and damaged lately (possibly from a little too much straightening) that I decided to make myself a hair mask. I've run out of a lot of ingredients I usually use to make products, such as butters and waxes, so I rummaged around the kitchen to see what I could find and came up with this amazing thing. I only used three ingredients, so it's such an easy recipe and it also smells incredible!

Ingredients:

3/4 of a banana
two tablespoons of raw virgin coconut oil
2 eggs

As my hair is in a poorly condition I chose these ingredients to help hydrate my scalp and nourish my hair. For example, bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils and vitamins that help soften the hair and strengthen it, even repairing split ends. Coconut oil has such a number of benefits, and it's a naturally effective conditioner and highly moisturising and excellent in treating damaged skin or hair, whilst eggs contain lots of protein that will help to strengthen the hair follicles and produce shine, and will also bind this mixture together.

To create the mask, I first mashed the banana together with the coconut oil in a bowl, and then added in the eggs. If you have a food processor or blender, it's worth using that for the banana to avoid any lumps.

Next I blended the eggs, banana and coconut oil with an electric whisker until all ingredients were thoroughly combined.

At this stage the mask is perfectly fine to use, however I like mine a bit fluffier and thicker, so stuck it in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Once out the fridge it should look much thicker, like the picture above. The final stage is then to simply whisk it all again for about 4 to 5 minutes until the texture and consistency is like a light and fluffy mousse.

Use straight away by massaging the mixture onto the scalp and all over hair, and relax for 20 minutes. Then rinse hair thoroughly (I normally do this two or three times to get all the oil out) and you should be left with ultra smooth, shiny, soft hair, with a lingering tropical scent.

Shealife 100% Pure Whipped Shea Butter Review

2013-03-02T18:17:00.001Z

Shealife 100% Pure Whipped Shea Butter - £6.95 | 100g

Shea Butter is a natural ingredient that I completely love and it's great that as a pure, unrefined butter it's readily available to buy from many beauty brands. As one of my natural remedies I use it for eczema, dry skin and any rough areas, and have in the past bought from the brand, Read The Label because of their lovely packaging and the quality of their products. However when I recently spotted Shealife in my local pharmacy I decided it might be worth giving a new brand a go.

The ingredients are simply 100% raw Shea Butter which is exactly what I was looking for and I think the price is very affordable for the amount (I normally use a little amount at a time because the butter is so rich and highly moisturising). Shealife is also a great company and I love their ethos and how they source their ingredients, working closely with communities and women's co-operatives to ensure fair trading, whilst promoting organic, vegan products.

After trialling the butter for a couple of weeks I can say that I do like the product, however there are a couple of drawbacks for me. The product is hard and not what you would think a 'whipped' butter would look like. I've found myself having to scrape it out and then warm it up in my hands for a while before I can use it. The texture is also quite grainy (which can happen with natural Shea Butter), although the grainyness melts away, but it just doesn't feel great at first. If I compare it with Read The Label's natural Shea Butter bar, I have to say that theirs applies much easier and goes on smoothly, but still gives all the same benefits.

I definitely do like this product and the great value, and am always going to love any natural Shea based product, but I'm a little torn whether to re-purchase this again or whether to go back to my old favourite.

When thinking about this I actually recently discovered that Shealife is stocked on a number of great sites, such as Lovelula, and have a great range of variations from their plain Shea Butter, like their mango and rosehip balms. So I may have to give a couple of these a go before I'm completely decided on the brand!

Have you tried any of Shealife's products?

My February Favourites and Empties

2013-03-01T18:22:00.002Z

This month, like the last, I haven't seemed to have used up that many products, but the ones I have are also mostly my favourites. I've really been loving a couple of natural skincare buys I received in January from Kat, and some makeup that I've been testing out for a little while.

Sukin Cream Cleanser (£7.99) - This cleanser comes from Sukin Organics and is the first product I've tried from their range. I've loved using this since the second I received it and it seems to work wonders for my dry skin, as I ofter find cream cleansers do. The scent is a lovely vanilla/marshmallow, and the texture is rich yet light on the skin.

This Works Turbo Balm (£10) - This little balm has really been great for any dry patches that need a little bit more intensive treatment. It's an all-rounder and I've been using it on my lips, cuticles and even elbows! I'll definitely be re- purchasing this once the pot's all used up.

Clarins Prodige Blush in Lovely Rose (£23.40) - I'm not going to write too much about this product as I'll be reviewing this blusher soon, but I have to say that I absolutely love the quality and gorgeous, subtle rosey pink colour.

Benefit Speed Brow (£12) - I've been using this for a while now and can't be without it for my everyday makeup. I love the natural, groomed finish it gives and that I can quickly apply it in about ten seconds. I've now run out of this, so this will be a definite re-purchase.

Lacura Concealer Pen (£3.59) - I've used this up in record time, probably because I've been using it everyday to cover up my dark circles and as a general concealer. It's a great brightener and gives a lovely, radiant effect, but also has great pigmentation. The colour was a great match for me, which is always a bonus as I'm super pale and I also can't believe the quality you get for the price!

Batiste Blush Mini Dry Shampoo (£2.49) - I've used Batiste before and I still think it's one of the best on the market for dry shampoos and is a great price too. I love the range and this mini is great for travel. The lovely, floral scent is an added bonus and I definitely have my eye on the volumising one next.

Favourite Peaches and Pinks For Spring

2013-02-28T12:53:00.001Z

This year already seems to be going so quickly and I'm excited to be having some longer days and warmer weather. I love to wear apricot and peach shades, as well as rosey pinks as spring comes around that will suit my fair complexion, and these are some of my favourite blushers and tints that I'll be wearing over the next few months.

The Balm FratBoy Blush | Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Glisten (review) | Physician's Formula Cashmere Wear Blush in Rose (review) | Clarins Prodige Illuminating Blush in Lovely Rose | Sleek Bush in Pixie Pink

Vivo Blush and Highlighter Duo in Sweet Peach (review) | Benefit Cha Cha Tint Mango Lip and Cheek Stain | Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach | Collection 2000 Shimmer Shades in Way To Glow

What are your favourite blushes/tints and shades to wear during Spring?

Brands To Try This Year

2013-02-27T14:53:00.001Z

1 - 100% Pure

This is a brand I've had an eye on for a while now, and like the name says there are no synthetic ingredients or chemicals in any of the products. The cosmetics are actually coloured purely through fruit and vegetable pigments, such as their cheek tints, and there is such a large range, from scrubs, to creams, to lip glosses to try out!

2 - Antipodes

I've read nothing but great reviews about the products from this New Zealand based company. Ingredients are organic, vegetarian, and based on scientifically validated protein rich formulas. Even though this isn't a budget brand I think their products might well be worth investing in, and I definitely have my eye on the Grapeseed Butter Cleanser and Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream.

3 - Hurraw

Hurraw balms come in every tempting flavour possible and I think I want to try them all! From Root Beer, to Chai Spice, Coffee Bean and Cinnamon, I'll definitely be picking up a few of these soon. Ranging in price from £3.45 to £4 I think I can definitely justify this, and also be reassured that there are no nasties in these raw, vegan, organic balms.

4 - Butter London

One thing I definitely want to try this year are more natural nail polishes. I hate the idea of breathing in the horrible chemical filled fumes every time I do my nails at the moment, and Butter London products are formulated without ingredients like Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP. The colours are also gorgeous, and I can't wait to try out so many of the different shades!

5 - Juice Beauty

This organic beauty brand has a really unique concept as they use organic juice bases for their products, whilst also including other pure and effective ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, plant oils and raw cane sugar. One of their collection is also collaborated on with Alicia Silverstone, and there are quite a few lovely products from this collection that I'd love to try, such as the Glow Facial Highlighter, that also come in the sweetest packaging.

6 - Ilia

Ilia products are filled with up to 85% organic bio-active botanical ingredients to create pure products that help nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Their lipsticks come in an array of lovely, vibrant colours and their multi-stick illuminators are the most gorgeous shades, reminding me of NARS The Multiple.

What new brands or products are you thinking of trying out this year?