Spandau Ballet are on repeat in my head as I write this. Don’t get me wrong, there are worse things to have worming away inside your ear than Gold but I know it will now stay for days…

The Bio-Retinol Gold Face Mask from Evolve Beauty (£18.00/£30.00/£50.00) is one of my go to face masks. If I am going out and need a quick fix, want a little glow or simply want to look like I haven’t done a 70 hour filming week then this face mask is one of the first products I reach for. This mask is a beauty – to use and look at.

Launched about five or six years ago, I’ve been using this mask since the beginning and it has become a mainstay of my bathroom cupboard. Whilst I have dabbled with other gold masks, I always return to this one.

When you first open the jar, you are in for a visual treat. Inside the jar is a beautifully thick and creamy, rich golden colour. This stunning shimmery gold comes from ethically sourced mineral mica which gives the mask truly decadent appearance.

It looks good but what’s in it?

Rich in essential fatty acids (omega’s 3 and 6) to help fight signs of ageing, the mask also contains organic Argan and Rosehip oils which both work to nourish and moisturise the skin.

The Bio Retinol in the mask is produced from Bidens Pilosa, a herbaceous flowering plant from the daisy family. Like conventional retinol it rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen renewal, plumping fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing skin texture, but without the irritation that is often found from retinol use. It also has been proven to reduce free radicals, the unstable, highly reactive molecules (found in everyday environmental aggressors such as UV rays and pollution) that damage healthy skin cells, leading to premature ageing. This, combined with the blend of oils makes it an ideal product for mature skin.

Excuse the poorly lit photo above… I apply a generous layer (with my fingers) onto freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the eye and mouth area and leave for five to ten minutes (depending on how much of a rush I am in!) before rinsing away with warm water. Make sure your hands are dry when applying the mask and avoid letting water into the jar as this may affect the consistency of the mask.

Once removed, the mask leaves the skin with a gorgeous, healthy glow. It always seems to knock 10 years off which is appreciated more and more.

Have you tried this gold mask?

Ingredients:
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Glycerin*, Kaolin, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel oil*, Silica, Sucrose laurate, Rosa canina (Rosehip) fruit oil*, Parfum (Fragrance), Bidens pilosa extract, Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) seed oil, Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) fruit water*, Gossypium herbaceum (Cotton) seed oil, Tocopherol, Sucrose palmitate, Vanilla planifolia fruit oil, Sucrose stearate [ ± Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, Tin oxide, Iron titanium oxide].
Details:
Certified vegan and cruelty free
Certification and sustainability claims are independently verified by Provenance
www.evolvebeauty.com

I haven’t written a makeup review for such a long time which is more than a little remiss of me. I shall be rectifying this however as I have a few makeup reviews lined up to share with you in the coming weeks so watch this space…

I first came across the “Re” Evolve Natural Finish Foundation (£53.00 / £43.00 refill) from RMS Beauty a couple of years ago when I received a sample pack in an order from somewhere or other. From the moment I tried it I was hooked; I absolutely love this foundation and it is has become a staple of my pro kit.

A silicone-free, skincare infused liquid foundation. It is formulated with soothing, moisturising aloe Vera, hydration boosting vegetable squalane and smoothing, toning Tightenyl, an ingredient which has been developed to help reinforce and restore the skins structural network that provides firmness, elasticity, and overall skin integrity. All this is combined with the signature RMS adaptogenic herbal blend, a proprietary blend of 9 herbs which help to balance  and soothe the skin. The blend includes Golden Jojoba, St. John’s Wort, Horsetail, Marigold, Sarsaparilla, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Liquorice root, and Olive leaf.

Note: The foundation does contain Hydrogenated Polydecene which according to my trusty Beat The Micro Bead app is a sceptical microplastic – a synthetic polymer for which there is not enough information available for them to judge it either way.

Re-Evolve goes on to the skin like a dream. One pump (roughly) gives a good sheer coverage and two will give you a more medium coverage but to be honest you really wont need that much. Application method is always personal preference; I’m not generally a fan of applying beauty foundation sponges (too much product waste for one thing), much preferring fingers or a brush but each to their own. I generally apply this particular foundation with a flat brush and then buff over the skin using a buffing brush. This way I think gets the best results.

On the skin it feels lovely; super smooth and nourishing. ReEvolve gives medium coverage with a natural looking satin finish. It is one of those foundations that looks great when first applied but give it a few minutes it seems to find it’s feet and look amazing! As you know the majority of the products I write about are written from the prospective of a Makeup Artist working primarily in moving image and the efficacy of the product when used in this context. This foundation looks amazing on camera!! 

Shade wise there are sixteen options.  The spectrum opens with 000 which is a light alabaster through a range of shades with varying undertones to 122, a rich ebony. A great selection for a green beauty brand but it would be great to see the range expanded further. I currently have a few different shades from the shades all from the lighter to mid end of the spectrum (I currently have a good selection of other branded products for darker skin and I don’t want to create unnecessary waste) but will definitely be gradually adding more to my kit going forward.

The foundation comes in a refillable pump tube. I don’t actually own any of the actual refillable tubes but simply use the refills (they work perfectly well on their own, they just don’t look so nice) as it all helps to keep weight down in my pro kit.

Have you Re Evolved yet?

Ingredients: (*organic)
Water/Aqua/Eau, Isoamyl Laurate, C9-12 Alkane, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Silica, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Squalane (vegetable), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lysine, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Magnesium Chloride, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Sodium Glucuronate, Beta-Sitosterol, *Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract, Squalene (vegetable), *Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wart) Flower Extract, *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Leaf Extract, *Hemidesmus Indicus (Country Sarsaparilla) Root Powder, *Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, *Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract, *Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
Details:
Vegan
Cruelty Free
Gluten Free
Soy Free
Non-GMO
Non-Nano
www.rmsbeauty.com

Images: LJS – OMUA

I’m pretty sure everyone is feeling the financial pinch at the moment, particularly post-Christmas and for those self-employed amongst you, I’m sure you need no reminder that the tax decline is looming. With that thought in mind, I decided to share five of my favourite budget makeup brands which are not only cheap and cheerful but have some great products in their range. (I appreciate that for those of you with a January spending band in place, this may not be a helpful post…)

Before I start, what do I mean by budget beauty? In my mind budget beauty means that it is affordable and sustainable. It also means that a product costs less than £20.00 – ideally under £10.00! A budget brand is a brand whose entire makeup range comes in at under £20.00*. This sounds far fetched I know but believe me, these brands are out there.

*I do make a small allowance for good sized palettes which contain multiple products (at least 6), as these do sometimes tip the scale slightly – but not by much. Gift sets and multi-packs don’t count!

Benecos
Benecos (bene meaning good in Latin and cos for cosmetics) were founded in 2008 by German husband and wife team Silke and Stephan Becker. Formulate using natural and organic ingredients, the entire range is free from petrochemicals, GMOs, synthetic dyes or fragrances, silicones or parabens, microbeads, ethoxylated raw materials, nanoparticles, phthalates and of course not taste on animals. All of the products are certified BDIH Natural and some are certified COSMOS Organic and many are also vegan.

What’s the cost? Prices range from £3.25 (lip balm) – £22.95 (for an 8 product palette), with most individual products coming in around £6.00!

Favourite products? I’m a big fan of the Benecos eye liner pencils and the jumbo lipsticks. The eyeshadows are also really good – I’ve introduced the brand to my teenage daughter over the past year or so and she loves them too.

Honeypie Minerals
Claudia established multi-award winning Honeypie Minerals in 2012 after she started handcrafting mineral makeup for herself and her family. I discovered them not long after and have been a fan ever since. The range is 100% natural and contains non-GMO ingredients, using natural minerals and pigments. None of the ingredients have been irradiated or contain nano-particles and the mica has been ethically and sustainably sourced and is of course totally vegan.

What’s the cost? Prices range from £15.00 (mineral foundations – you can get sample sizes for £2.99) – £5.00 (eyeshadow refills).

Favourite products? I like the mineral foundations and the pearlescent highlighting powder is dreamy!

Lily Lolo
I came across mineral makeup brand Lily Lolo way back in 2011 but they were the brainchild of founder Nikki Khan who created the brand in her bedroom in 2005! A range of high quality, all natural mineral make-up that is free from nano sized particles, Bismuth Oxychloride, synthetic dyes and fragrances, petrochemicals and parabens; many of the potentially toxic ingredients found in conventional make-up and even some mineral brands! Although not entirely vegan friendly, Lily Lolo is approved under the BUAV and Leaping Bunny cruelty free schemes.

What’s the cost? Prices range from £10.00 (lip and eye pencils) – £19.00 (cream foundation). The 8 pan eyeshadow palettes combine at £24.50.

Favourite products? The Finishing Powder is a staple in my pro kit. I also like their lip pencils

Avril
Born in 2012 in northern France, Avril was founded by Alexis Dhellemmes who, seeing a gap in the market wanted to create a range of high-quality organic beauty at low prices. Fast forward 13 years and the brand now has 50 stand alone stores across France, Belgium and Morocco! The range is certified organic (excluding nail polish and the COSMOS Natural range) and over 70% of the products are vegan.

What’s the cost? Prices range from €4 (£3.50 – lip pencil) – €12 (£10.50 – cream foundation). Please be aware, Avril are based in France so transcontinental shipping costs would be incurred.

Favourite products? I love the Avril eyeshadows and they also stock great range of coloured eyeliner pencils.

Earthnicity Minerals
London based Earthnicity Minerals was established in 2009 by Edna Fauziah Mohd Zin who was on a mission is to produce all-natural mineral makeup for all ethnicities in accordance with their motto: Beauty For All The Colours of The World; consequently, the makeup shades based on real world complexions. The vegan friendly range is free from preservatives, parabens, mineral oil/petroleum-derived products, FD&C dyes, talc and Bismuth Oxychloride, an ingredient found in many mineral makeup ranges.

What’s the cost? Prices range from £7.20 (eyeshadow) – £20.40 (mineral foundations).

Favourite products? I love the mineral blush.

Screenshot

At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity. The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Remember these? I loved writing these annual forays into colour trends and having taken a few years(!) off, I thought I would resurrect this exploration of colour and see what 2026 has to offer.

Let’s just say this one was a challenge….

PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.

The Pantone Colour of the Year always draws some level of debate but this years choice of colour has certainly drawn a line in the sand. With some camps suggesting it brings  a feeling of clarity and invites fresh ideas; that it’s timeless, clean and modern. Those views have been countered with suggestions that Pantone are in fact Pantonedeaf and that Cloud Dancer gives hospital vibes, is seen as elitist and even dystopian; that it lacks inspiration and is frankly plain boring! Whichever side of the fence you sit, it seems that the 2026 colour of the year has caused a fair amount of controversy.

Never one to shy away from a challenge. I put controversy aside and assembled a selection of green beauty products which are inspired by PANTONE 11-4201…Not such an easy one I admit as there are not a huge amount of white makeup products on the market – particularly natural and organic ones!

White eyeshadow may be the most obvious choice although I doubt many would go all out and cover the lid but a light shimmer on the brow bone or in the corners of the eyes can add a highlight and detail. Lily Lolo’s Angelic (£8.50) is as loose mineral shadow with a lovely soft sparkle, alternatively 101 Pearly White from Zao (£5.95) are both great highlighter shadows.

Whilst we are on eyes, liners are also an easy way to add a little white, be it along the water line to open up the eye a little or more boldly along the lash line. Try Bencecos Kajal Liner in White (£4.95) or Lavera’s Soft Eyeliner, also in White (£10.90).

Nails are probably by far and away the easiest great way to add a block of colour. My suggestions are White Rose from Earthy (£7.99) a clean, pure white shade with a high shine finish; alternatively Snow (opaque, pure white) or Milk White (a softer milky white) from the Manicurist Green Range (£14.99). My favourite brand for my pro kit is Mavala and it’s not only for their super handy tiny bottles! They have a huge spectrum of shades, including (depending on where you are in the world) at least six white/off-white shades (£6.60); so there is a Cloud White inspired polish for everyone!

Whilst white blusher isn’t a thing, highlighter is and I’m going with the Pearlescent Powder from HoneyPie Minerals (£9.00), a delicate, light defusing and multi-tasking loose powder; add it to your brow bone, cheeks or even use it as a primer!

Finally, no face makeup list would be complete without the iconic Living Luminiser from RMS Beauty (£39.00). So it’s not pure white but it has a white-ish appearance (in the jar) and gives your skin a gorgeous glow… I got away with that one right..?

(For a bonus point, I’m throwing in the White Face Paint from Natural Earth Paints(£2.95). Just because. If you are looking for face paints then these are formulated using natural ingredients including organic, fair-trade shea butter and castor seed oil and are free from all the things found in many regular face paints such as heavy metals, parabens, formaldehyde and petroleum-based dyes.)

What are your thoughts on Cloud White as Pantone Colour of the Year 2026?

Images: (1) Pantone; (2) LJS-OMUA

Wow! That’s was a quick one! After what seems like a preposterously short space of time, it’s time to turn up those festive tracks and rock around the Christmas tree or just hang up the stockings and settle down in front of the fire. Either way, it’s Christmas and a time for many of us to to wind down for a few days or at least trying to – whilst wrangling a nut roast or yet again trying to prevent the cat from climbing the Christmas tree…. Maybe winding down isn’t exactly on the cards…

It’s definitely been a year of ups and downs but we’ve made it through. A new house and heading up a feature film have been top of my list of achievements this year and I am hoping for more positives to come in the year ahead.

I’m not one for resolutions as anyone who has stuck with me over the years may remember, but writing is very much up there on my goals for 2026. Whilst I hadn’t made the blogging come back I had planned on this year, I have started to re-emerge and published a couple of posts over the past month or two. I do plan on adding more to the blog over the coming weeks and will aim to start posting at least once or twice a month to start with – who knows, I may go further. Lets see how we go :)

I haven’t written a winter skin post in a while and so, kicking off the bid to get this little blog back on track, I thought I would share some updated tips on looking after your skin during the colder months. We’ve had a very mild autumn but we are now seeing some sharper temperatures here in the UK and the changeable weather combined with central heating can play havoc with your skin. Let’s not even contemplate throwing in the inevitable winter bugs too…

It’s important to pay particular attention to your skin prep through the colder months as if nothing else,  winter ravaged skin is not an ideal base for makeup. During the winter months our skin can be dry (even if your skin isn’t naturally disposed to being so), dehydrated and dull and it can also be more prone to irritation and patches of eczema so it may be necessary to look at the products you are using on your skin possibly switch them up for something else.

I believe the best tactics during the winter months are to keep skincare simple, focus on skin-nourishing ingredients and layering up your skincare.

Cleansing
I’m a big fan of cleansing oils and oil-based cleansing balms and switching your regular cleansing cream or foam wash for a richer alternative can help make the world of difference to unhappy winter skin. If you’re wearing makeup or have been out and about it may be worth doing a double cleansing and using two different products to give a deep, nourishing cleanse.

Cleansing oil wise, one of my favourites is the Kalahari Cream Cleansing Oil from Evolve Beauty (£21.00); it’s lightweight but super nourishing. Another favourite is Good Oils Cleansing Oil from Terra Verdi (£29.00) which is great for replenishing the skin during the winter months. Another one on my radar is Balmonds Omega Rich Cleaning Oil (£16.00), which is full of nourishing organic oils.

I love a cleansing balm in the winter months and Balance Me Super Berry Cleansing Balm (£45.00) and the Wild Rose Beauty Balm from Neals Yard Remedies (£40.00) are both wonderful products. If you want a balm that’s a little more wallet friendly then check out the Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm (£13.50) or Evolve Beauty’s Gentle Cleansing Melt (£27.00), both are gentle but packed full of nourishing ingredients.

If you want to just keep it simple, use an organic base oil such as the Fushi Jojoba Oil (£18.00).

Serum-ing
I LOVE a serum and have learnt over the years that they can really make a difference to your routine – even just by adding a couple of drops to your moisturiser!

If you are looking for a product to put directly onto your skin after cleansing then look no further than the Peptide Serums from Nourish London. My favourites by far are the Argan Anti-Ageing Serum (£35.00) and the Radiance Rejuvenating Serum (£27.00) but there is something for everyone. I have a post on the former coming in the new year so stay tuned for that and the latter I discussed back in 2021 (you can read more about it here).

A couple more suggestions are the Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar from Ere Perez (£36.00) and the SuperFruit Concentrate from Odylique (£34.00), which is a kind of hybrid oil/serum but a product I have been a fan of for YEARS!

If you just want to save time and simply add a few drops to your moisturiser then Boosters are for you. I had huge respect for the BYBI Booster serums (the Strawberry and Bakuchiol boosters in particular) but sadly the company sold up in 2024. Filling the gap are the Serum Booster Drops from Weleda (£12.95). Despite having only launched in September (2025), the range is already gaining traction and I can say they are lovely, so take a look!

Also worth a mention are the Boosters from Pai (£19.00). There are a few in the range so take a look at see what you could do with topping up on in your skincare.

Exfoliating
Winter skin can look a little lacklustre so use an exfoliator to remove the dead cells and debris. Just once or at a push twice a week can make a difference but make sure you choose a gentle exfoliator as anything too abrasive can cause irritation.

I currently have two exfoliators on the go; Vicious Circle from Pai (£34.00 – although weirdly not on their website at the moment) and Rose Quartz Facial Polish from Evolve Beauty (£24.00). Both a gentle on even the most sensitive of skins and leave your skin feeling clean and clear – with a glow!

Moisturising
Top all this off with a rich, nourishing moisturiser. Some of you may find it enough just to add a booster to your regular day and/or night cream but I definitely need a richer moisturiser during the winter months.

Like most of my products I am inconsistent and rarely use the same product time and time again. Previous winter favourites have included the Jasmine Enriching Cream from Neal’s Yard Remedies (£32.00), Pai’s Love and Haight (£39.00) and Rose Otto Honey Moisturiser from Therapi (from £14.00).

Masking
Face Masks can be a real treat for skin and there is nothing I like more than slathering on a mask and seeing a pretty much instant difference. In the winter I tend to favour hydrating masks over an exfoliating, clay or enzyme mask or peel; I find them much kinder on unhappy skin.

There are some absolute bangers out there at the moment but I adore Resurrection Girl from Pai Skincare (£44.00). This mask smells and looks delightful and works like an absolute dream, I’ve used it for a good two or three years now and shared my love for it while back. Another frequent visitor to my bathroom is the Intense Hydrating Mask from Evolve Beauty (from £17.00), gorgeously creamy and rich, it’s a treat for skin. Finally the Honey Rich Nutrition Mask (previously called the Honey and Jasmine mask) from The Organic Pharmacy (£35.00). Just beautiful!

Miscellaneously
Multi-tasking balms can be a great product to have around during the winter months. For every sore bit, dry bit or wind chapped bit, multitaskers can protect, soothe, hydrate and nourish your skin.

There are some truly fabulous balms out there but my favourites (in no particular order) are Beauty Kitchen Handbag Beauty Balm (£14.50), Ultra Rich balm from Odylique (£23.50 – they also do a vegan version Ultra Rich V [£24.50]) and Nourish’s Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Beauty Balm (£36.00).

Two final recommendations are real winter essentials for me, particularly when it’s sub zero. I usually have both on the go but I tend to use them for different things; Weleda’s Calendula Skin Protection Balm (£9.95) and Odylique’s Calendula Balm (from £10.00).

Do you have a winter skincare routine? What are your go-to products?

This week NATRUE, the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association are celebrating the second edition of Natural Cosmetics Week (17th-23rd November).

This year’s theme is Natural Care, Real Impact: Trust What’s Behind the Label and over the course of the NATURE are encouraging us to celebrate natural and organic ingredients and are promoting awareness, education and best practices across the industry and commitment to sustainability. Helping us see through the green-washing! All this will be done through a series of activities, panel discussions, podcasts, presentations and much more.

To celebrate the week, NATRUE have kindly sent me a package containing a selection of products from brands whose products carry the NATRUE certification. I have to say that surprisingly despite knowing and liking all of the brands, there are a few  items in the box which are new to me. Always game for trying new products, this made it all the more exciting! So let’s have a closer look at what’s inside…

Weleda – Skin Food Body Lotion
Weleda’s Skin Food needs no introduction and I’m sure neither does this gorgeously thick and long lasting body lotion from there same range. This is a product I have in my bathroom much of the year and is a firm favourite. So happy to see this in here.

Trilogy – Vitamin C Super Serum
I haven’t used Trilogy products for years (circumstance not by design) and I’m excited to try this one. A brightening, tightening, smoothing all-in-one ‘super’ serum that combines a super blend of active ingredients: collagen alternative, Peptide, Ceramide, Hyaluronic acid, AHAs, Glycerin, high concentrate 10% vitamin C & 2% natural retinol alternative.

Dr Hauschka – Lip Care Stick
Funnily enough I have this very balm in my bag at the moment! It’s a lip balm I have gone back to many times over the years. It’s hydrating and nourishing and contains shea butter, protective plant waxes, beeswax, almond oil and anthyllis extract. I’ve nearly run out so this is excellent timing!

Dr Hauschka – Hydrating Hand Cream
Another classic, the Dr Hauschka Hydrating Hand Cream is a product that has crossed my path many times. I don’t use as much hand cream as I should to be honest but I do often use it in the nail bag in my pro kit. Hydrating, nourishing and quick to absorb. It’s a good ‘un.

Dr Bronner – Rose Bar Soap
I think I have used almost every flavour (?) of this soap over the years. I love the scent of roses and this doesn’t fail on that front; subtle yet fragrant. Formulated using certified fair trade ingredients and organic hemp oil for a soft, smooth lather.

AEOS – Refreshing Hydrating Mist
A beautiful citrus-y facial mist which hydrates as it refreshes and balances your skin and mind. Containing organic and biodynamic botanicals along with alchemical spagyric quintessences (liquid gems and crystals prepared using ancient alchemical techniques over a 12 month period) of opal, amethyst, charoite, turquoise, emerald, quartz and chrysoprase crystal to rejuvenate the skin and balance emotions. I haven’t tried this mist before so looking forward to giving it a whirl.

Lavera – Glow Illuminating Sheet Mask
This biodegradable sheet mask is new to me. An intensive, moisturising and fruity mask formulated with organic dragon fruit and vitamin C to brighten the complexion and raspberry to protect the skin against harmful environmental factors, leaving a fresh and radiant complexion. I haven’t used a sheet mask in a long time and so looking forward to trying this.

Ben & Anna – Aloe Vera Solid Deodorant
A fragrance free deodorant stick packed with nourishing ingredients such as organic shea butter, organic sunflower oil and aloe vera extract. Protecting against odour whilst gently moisturising sensitive skins. I have yet to try this but will definitely be giving it a go.

I think you’ll agree, a lovely selection indeed.

If you are interested in getting involved with Natural Cosmetics Week then head over to the NATRUE site where there are a wide range of activities to get involved with both online and in person wherever you are in the world.

Share and engage on the socials with #NaturalCosmeticsWeek, #NCW25 and #ChooseTrueBeauty

The school holidays are now sadly over and although the weather in recent days has begun to cool, it’s been a pretty glorious summer overall. I’ve spent much of the summer in special effects workshops and on set so the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine was fairly limited. C’est la vie.

For those of you who did manage to get their skin sun-kissed, then the arrival of September may herald the rooting out of the autumn wardrobe or of fresh starts now the kids are back in school but for some it’s concerns over a fading tan; or rather keeping it.

If I’m honest, I haven’t always loved Bronzer. For many years I was put off by products which were too orange, glittery/shimmery or strangely pigmented; I’m thinking back to those Body Shop Bronzing Balls… Remember them? Thankfully things have moved on significantly and formulations are much improved and pigments much more natural. It’s still not my favourite product but it’s growing on me.

These are my favourite bronzing products to help to keep your summer skin glowing for longer…

Inika – Baked Mineral Bronzer (£42.00)(V)

This is my (current) favourite powder bronzer and it’s been a fixture of my pro kit for a good couple of years now. Available in two bronze shades, this lightweight baked bronzer has a beautiful matte finish which gives the skin a gorgeous radiant glow.

Baked on a terracotta tile in Tuscany, Italy (like many of us may be wishing to be doing right now) it is enriched with calming, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich Magnolia Bark extract which reduces the appearance of fine lines. I love this powder. It’s not shimmery, orange or over pigmented; it’s all the things I want in a bronzer!

Dr Hauschka – Bronzing Tint (£22.00) (V)

This is a staple of my pro kit and a product that I have used for YEARS! A tinting fluid perfect for to even-ing out skin tones, giving a healthy glow or natural looking tan to fair to medium skins. I love using this on my male clients to create my hero tans. 

Designed to be blended with a moisturiser, I have a tendancy to use it neat for a little more density of colour; depending on the skin tone it can add a delicate glow or look positively tropical!

Pai – The Impossible Glow Drops (from £19.00) (V, O)

Beautiful bronzing drops that boost luminosity, creating that lit from within glow. The drops are formulated using Hyaluronic Acid and Sea Kelp to hydrate and soften the skin whilst vitamin C-rich lemon fruit water brightens and moisturises the skin to leave it glowing and radiant.

Available in three shades (Champagne, Rose Gold and Bronze) the drops can be mixed with moisturiser (face or body) or used directly on the skin. They come in super handy travel sized bottles too – perfect for my pro kit!

RMS Beauty – Buriti Bronzer (£29.00) (GF)

Formulated using wild crafted Buriti Oil from Brazil (apparently the oil with the highest levels of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene), Buriti Bronzer has become a bit of a cult classic like it’s sister product Living Luminizer.

A beautiful sheer bronzer which gives the appearance of sun-kissed skin on most skin tones (and can work as a highlighter on darker skin). A little goes a long way so apply sparingly with fingers (or a brush) over the high points of the face for that natural bronzed glow. Like many of the RMS products it’s a multi-tasker and can also be applied to the lips and eyes for that summer tonal look!

Kjaer Weis – Cream Bronzer (from £28.00) (O)

A gorgeous cream bronzer designed bronze and sculpt giving the skin a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Enriched with nourishing cold-pressed Sweet Almond Oil, Rosehip Oil and Vitamin E to hydrate and soften the skin. Available in four shades, there is pretty much something for everyone!

*Sadly founder Kirsten Kjaer Weis stepped away from her namesake company early this year leaving the company in the hands of an investor so I’m not sure what this will mean for the brand going forward. I have noticed that many products seem to be out of stock in various places so I guess we will wait and see…

What is your favourite bronzing product?

Key: O – Organic; V – Vegan; GF – Gluten Free
Images: (1) Unknown; (2) Inika; (3) Dr Hauschka; (4) Pai; (5) RMS Beauty; (7) Kjaer Weis

In my previous post I wrote about sunscreen and keeping you and your skin safe in the sun so picking it up from there and continuing with a discussion on SPF in makeup and skincare seems only right. A little shorter than my last post but hopefully it will answer some more of your questions. 

My moisturiser already has SPF in it. Do I really need a separate sunscreen? 

I mentioned in my last post, I am neither a healthcare professional or an expert on sunscreen or for that matter a cosmetic formulator however I personally don’t believe an all-in-one hybrid moisturiser/sunscreen product is as effective as individual products. 

The main aim of a moisturiser is to hydrate the skin, where as SPF is formulated to provide a protective film on top of the skin to shield it, protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whilst a hybrid moisturiser (one which contains SPF30 for instance) will moisture your skin and give it some level of protection, the chances are that it will be nowhere near the level required to actually protect the skin to the same extent as a standalone, sole-purpose SPF30 sunscreen.

So, whilst the answer is you don’t need a separate sunscreen, I would recommend that you do use two different products. 

Do I apply SPF before or after my skincare and makeup?

Sunscreen should be treated as a very important layer in your skincare routine and should always be applied after you have applied your skincare products.

I would suggest applying your usual skincare products, waiting a few minutes for them to work their magic before then applying a separate SPF. Once your SPF has had a few minutes to sink in, then apply your makeup. You can then top up your sunscreen and makeup throughout the day.

I know I’m supposed to top up my sunscreen. How can I reapply my SPF if I am wearing makeup?

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours of so, particularly if you are swimming or sweating a lot but let’s be honest, the idea of applying a creamy SPF over a face full of makeup is not in the least appealing or practical.

Some makeup products contain sun protection but as with skincare, they aren’t enough on their own however mineral powders are a great way to touch up makeup doing the day.  Mineral powders are broad spectrum by their very nature and so will not only matte out any shine when you apply them but they will also add a layer of SPF that protects you from UVA and UVB rays.

You can apply these to top up your base and then go over with your blush/shadow/lip etc if you need to.

I am a big fan of the Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base powder foundations (I wrote a post on these a while back – you can find the link here) which contain an SPF of 15-20 and the Inika Loose Mineral foundation (£38.00) which has an SPF20. Other favourites include Honeypie Minerals foundation (£15.00) and the Classic foundation from the English Mineral Makeup Company (£43.00)

With all mineral powders and dry sunscreens, It is important to remember to press the powder onto the skin using a good dense brush rather than wiping/brushing it on to ensure you get a good coverage. 

A quick note on dry powder sunscreen

Dry sunscreens can be really useful when you are on the go. I love the Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF30 Dry Sunscreen which you can wear alone or over makeup. As I mentioned above, press it onto the skin rather than brushing it on to ensure a good coverage. 

If you have any more questions about SPF and makeup, then do get in touch and I’ll update this post with any further questions and answers.

Have a wonderful summer

L x

Resources:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/sun-safety

After what seems like an inordinately long wet, windy and generally grey spring, the sun has finally made an appearance and seems to be sticking with us for a bit. There is even rumour of an impending heatwave here in the UK but let’s not count our chickens… With school holidays not that far off (we have just started ours), the possibility of holidays (both home and abroad) and a whole host of sporting fixtures ahead (Tour de France, the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Euros to name but a few), the potential for catching some rays is high.

We all know the principles of best practice when it comes to sun exposure but when it comes to it, do we always abide by them? Hopefully this post will help answer any questions you have on staying sun safe.

Sunshine is a vital source of vitamin D and does wonders for both our metal and physical health. We all need vitamin D to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body which keeps our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Conditions like psoriasis can improve when exposed to the sun (being a psoriasis sufferer myself I know this from experience) but exposure to sunshine can also improve our moods, lower our blood pressure and just make us feel good. That sense of bliss you experience when you go outside on a sunny day is caused by the brain increasing the release of serotonin, a hormone which makes us feel calm and focused.

The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors and from late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D their bodies need from sunlight however the optimum amount of vitamin D  you need and produce will be personal to you and depend on your skin type, where you live and how sensitive you are to it.

It is very tempting to soak up all your sunshine in one day by laying out there baking yourself but that is also the best way to do damage to your skin. Little and often is the best approach to topping up on sunshine.

N.B: Whilst I’ve written a few over the years, I’m always wary about writing about SPF because it is such a potential minefield. Whilst it is skincare it also somewhat crosses over into healthcare and I think there are a lot of misconceptions about sunscreen and how it should actually be used which can lead to potentially dangerous consequences. I do my research but ultimately it I am not a healthcare professional or an expert on sunscreen so make sure you do your research too.

The Nitty Gritty

Let’s be honest (and the there is no judgement here). Most people have a tendency to just slap on the cream whenever they go on holiday or if the sun is super strong but forget about it for the rest of the time or as soon as they get back home.

I’m sure we are all guilty of fair weather application at times (I know I am) even though we know what we should do to stay sun safe.

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Never burn
• Cover up – wear suitable clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Use SPF – at least factor 30 sunscreen
• Stay hydrated

The NHS has a highly informative page on their website on sun safety (you can find it here). They recommend that in the UK Sunscreen should been worn daily between the months of March and October when the sun is at its strongest (as a rough guide that’s between and 11am and 3pm).

When should I apply my sunscreen?

It is recommended that should apply sunscreen about 20-30 minutes before you go outside and allow the cream to fully settle in before dressing to avoid it rubbing off onto your clothes.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours, more frequently if you are in the water or sweating heavily.

How much should I apply?

I can almost certainly guarantee that most people do not apply enough sunscreen. You know the drill, a quick squeeze of the tube, slap it on the back of your neck, face and chest and get on with your day. Not enough sunscreen.

The NHS suggest that you use six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen over your entire body. That is roughly equivalent to about two tablespoons or one 25ml shot glass.

If you are a little larger or particularly tall then you will need to use more. It isn’t a one size fits all situation. If you are wearing clothes then this will obviously reduce the amount needed but any exposed skin should have have sunscreen on.

Imagine this: a man in long trousers and a short sleeved shirt. That’s a minimum of three teaspoons of sunscreen needed – two exposed arms and his face (you will want a bit more for the ears and neck!).

You can see why that one tube will not last you (and your family) the whole summer despite what you may think.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) light travels towards earth from the sun. UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so your eyes can’t see UV, but your skin can feel it.

Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. It is associated with skin aging.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. It is associated with skin burning.

When choosing a sunscreen you should look for one which offers brand spectrum protection agains both UVA and UVB rays.

There is also a UVC but unless you are in space this isn’t something you need to worry about as the wavelengths are so short!

Will I get twice a much protection from SPF50 than SPF25?

Sunscreen is measured in its UVB (Ultra Violet B) protection by it’s Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF ratings are the measure of time which an individual can stay in the sun whilst wearing a sunscreen compared to how long they could stay in the sun without it. For instance:

A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 would provide 30 times the protection of no sunscreen.

If an individual stayed in full sun without sunscreen for 10 minutes before they began to burn, technically they would be able to to stay in the sun for 300 minutes (or 5 hours) if they had applied  the correct amount of a sunscreen with an SPF30 (obviously this is a rough guide).

SPF ratings aren’t a sliding scale; an SPF 50 is not twice as effective as an SPF25. The higher you go, the coverage becomes more negligible. If the sunscreen is properly applied then it works something like this…

SPF 4 will protect you against 75% of UVB rays

SPF 10 will protect you against 90% of UVB rays

SPF 15 will protect you against 93% of UVB rays

SPF 25 will protect you against 96% of UVB rays

SPF 30 will protect you against 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50 will protect you against 98% of UVB rays

SPF 100 will protect you against 99% of UVB rays

Remember: Nothing will 100% protect you from the suns rays.

Personally I can’t bare SPF50 on my skin as I find it to thick and heavy and it exacerbates my heat rash and so at most I apply factor 30 and top up regularly.

What’s the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?

The primary difference between chemical and physical sunscreen is the active ingredients they contain. Sunscreens which contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide (or a combination of both) are considered a physical sunscreen. If your sunscreen doesn’t contain either and has ingredients such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, then it is a chemical sunscreen.

Mineral or physical sunscreens create a physical barrier on your skin that reflects UV light. They don’t absorb into the skin. They are often recognised by their thicker consistency and can leave a white cast on the skin – although formulations are constantly improving so some no longer to this. Dermatologists often recommend physical sunscreens for people with sensitive skin.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. They are usually have a thinner constancy and usually absorb quicker. They are often available as sprays.

*Some sunscreens are called hybrids because they contain one or more active ingredients found in chemical and physical sunscreens.

What does Reef Safe mean?

Ingredients found in sunscreens are damaging our marine life. According to studies, Scientists have found that an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is deposited into our oceans and reefs every year. Oxybenzon and Octinoxate, two ingredients commonly found in many chemical sunscreens are contributing to coral bleaching and are leaving reefs deformed.

Some sunscreens are marked as Reef Safe; free from the chemicals that are known pollutants in many different aquatic environments. Sadly Reef Safe is not a regulated claim and so you need to ensure the product you are buying is genuinely

The Hawaiian-based, not-for-profit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL) sets the standard for reef-safe sunscreen and personal care products. If a sunscreen displays the Protect Land & Sea certification seal ( pictured below), it has been rigorously tested and found reef-safe. HEL holds companies accountable for the ingredients they use and continues to randomly test to ensure companies are maintaining reef-safe standards.

Unfortunately PL+S certification is not widely used in Europe at present however you can ensure the sunscreen you buy is reef safe – suck check the label!

Make sure your sunscreen does not contain the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Any nanoparticles or nano-sized zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t say micro-sized or non-nano,  it’s probably nano-sized)
• Any form of microplastic (such as exfoliating beads)

Want to buy reef safe sunscreen?

If you are looking to buys some sunscreen this summer which ticks all the boxes (ie. ethical/organic/natural/conscious) and is reef-safe then here are a few suggestions:

Tropic Skincare sunscreen range is the first in Europe to carry Protect Land + Sea certification.

Green People have been working in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, a UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. All of the sunscreens they produce are reef safe.

Odylique sunscreen is also reef safe. I have written a post on this sunscreen in the past.

Wow! That was a long one. I hope you found it useful. Next up will be a post about wearing makeup containing SPF and also how to best to combine both sunscreen and makeup, so keep an eye out for that in the next couple of weeks.

Have a sunny day :)

Resources:

BBC – Just One Thing 

NHS – Vitamins

NHS – Sun Safety

Cancer Research – Sun Safety

American Academy of Dermatology Association

M Anderson Cancer Centre

Science Daily – Sunscreen & Coral

Images:

1 – LJS – OMUA; 2 – Daniel Capilla;  3 & 4 –  Natural Science; 5 – Raw Pixel