4.28.2014

Review: Silk Naturals Slick Sticks


I've recently become a little obsessed with Silk Naturals and my favourite try so far has been their vegan lipgloss/lip balm hybrids, the Slick Sticks. They come in a multitude of gorgeous shades and the combination of hydration and pigmentation is something I cannot resist, especially as we're creepin' upon Summer. I only have two shades at the moment but TRUST ME... I'm going to have all the Slick Sticks. All of them. All. I mean, they kind of smell like cake.

First is Sea Breeze which is a lovely bright orange coral which is acting as first steps in to the orange lip trend which is something that up until now, I have admired from afar. I feel that this one really sticks around throughout the day, with the colour not showing a sign of fading. That is, unless you decide to eat anything... My favourite of the pair has to be Bramble which looks quite dark in the tube but translates to a lovely sheer wash of purple which makes a change from your usual pale pinks. I find it to be really flattering on my pale skin tone, and although it's a great deal sheerer than Sea Breeze, it's very different and I haven't really come across anything like it before - natural or otherwise.

I've been wearing these two non-stop, nearly as often as I've found myself trawling through the Silk Naturals website. I may have made two orders in April alone! I'm currently waiting for an order including some dupes for the Naked 3 palette so that's pretty exciting!





4.23.2014

Recent Empties #2


Yay for more empties! I get a great deal of satisfaction out of finishing a product, especially when it's a conventional one because that means I can go out and purchase some lovely green replacements!

First up is three bottles of Acure shampoo and conditioner... yes the addiction is real. I didn't really care for the green bottle which is the Lemongrass range that I had previously reviewed. It makes my hair feel dry and weak. The Argan oil range on the other hand is wonderful and my hair has never been in such good condition since switching to this beautiful vegan, natural and sulfate-free alternative. I really suggest you give the duo a go if you don't mind hunting the web for your fix. They're pretty much impossible to source in the UK and I get mine from either iHerb or Vitacost.

Next up is the REN Clarifying Tonic Lotion. I really enjoyed this toner and the gentle glycolic action really did wonders for my skin. However, now my skin is behaving itself, I prefer to use lighter and more hydrating toners with simpler ingredients. It is also pretty pricey for how fast you go through the bottle! The formula is quite dry and thin so you'll find yourself drowning the cotton pad in more product than you'd expect.

The Loreal Elvive Conditioning Repair Spray has been hanging around for ages and I'm really suprised that I've managed to use it up. It wasn't anything special and I'm glad to see it gone as it was my last remaining Loreal product. I know that doesn't sound like too much of a big deal but Loreal are one of the top companies for animal testing and cruelty.

And finally, I actually used up a couple makeup products! First being, the S&G One Heck of a Blot Powder which was my translucent powder of choice pre-natural. I tend to find myself skipping powder these days so I will not be repurchasing. However, if you don't mind about ingredients but are looking for a cruelty-free powder that really stays matte, this is your guy. I also used up the They're Real Mascara from Benefit which I loved. Nevertheless, I've moved on to my lovely clean, and cruelty free Ilia mascara and I haven't looked back! The Ilia offerring is actually a little more expensive (ouch) but I don't mind paying out as it really is magic stuff.

4.16.2014

Favourite Natural Makeup Tag


I was tagged by the gorgeous Jen from Jen's Green Skincare to do the Favourite Natural Makeup Tag! Well, without further a do...

What is your favourite foundation?
Honestly, I've loved all three of the natural foundations I've tried! My first love was Lily Lolo's mineral foundation but I'm currently adoring the Vegan Cream Foundation from The All Natural Face.

What type of foundation do you prefer - mineral, liquid, or cream?
I was always a tinted moisturiser kind of girl (I still am - but yet to try any natural!). Lately, I think I prefer mineral formulas as they work well with my combo skin and give a light coverage which I've always enjoyed.

Have you found a favourite natural mascara?
I've only ever tried one! I do love it though. It's the mascara from Ilia Beauty. It's rather expensive and isn't all great (it has a very wet formula) but other than that I can't fault it. It's really hard to find a good vegan and natural mascara! Next on the list to try are offerings from The All Natural Face and PHB Ethical Beauty.

In your opinion, what company makes the best pigments for eyeshadow?
I've heard that Silk Naturals are pretty top notch all though I've never tried them myself. At the moment I'm really loving some pigments from Shiro Cosmetics.

Have you tried to make any of your own natural makeup? If so, how did it turn out?
Nope. 

What makeup item was the hardest to switch over to a natural alternative?
I haven't really met with any considerable challenges as of yet. However, I see mascara and concealer being the hardest to find a true holy grail.

Do you have any holy grail natural or non-toxic makeup products?
Not as of yet. However, my TANF cream blushes are slowing getting there! My collection is slowing picking up pace...

What is your current go-to non-toxic lip product?
Definitely the Hurraw Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm. It's super moisturising, and easy to slap on in a rush without a mirror.

What is your favourite natural cosmetics brand?
I haven't tried many but my favourite discoveries have to be The All Natural Face and Ilia Beauty.

I tag:


4.14.2014

Review: Andalou Naturals Untinted Beauty Balm with SPF 30


Finding a good facial SPF is hard enough when you're going natural. Add in oily skin and a complexion that's sensitive to silicones and boy that's a challenge.

Andalou Naturals is a brand that's really captured my heart. I adore their formulations, packaging and a good deal of their products are vegan. Unfortunately, the brand is pretty hard to get your hands on in the UK. Select products are available on Amazon but they're much cheaper on sites such as iHerb and Vitacost if you don't mind risking hefty customs fees.

I picked up the Andalou Naturals Untined Beauty Balm with SPF 30 in an iHerb haul recently, and I'm extremely impressed. It's a wonderfully hydrating lotion with the added benefits of mineral SPF protection. It's lovely under makeup but a tad heavy over moisturiser so I tend to use it as a SPF/moisturiser/primer all in one. It comes out the bottle quite thick but you only need a little amount for your entire face. If you're pale like me, there's no need to fear a white cast either. It smells of lemongrass (my absolute favourite scent) and harbours lots of gorgeous essential oils that offers unique skincare benefits as well as everything else. A true multi-tasker! A tinted version is also available if you'd like to skip another step in your routine.

As mentioned, the main reason I like this product is because it feels so damn nourishing. Usually I associate SPF with greasy and dehydrated skin, but my skin feels plump and just happy after application. For my first foray in to natural facial SPF... I'm impressed!

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide 20% (sunscreen).
Inactive Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis juice*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) and helianthus annuus (sunflower) oils*, sorbitan stearate, glyceryl stearate, fruit stem cell and bioactive 8 berry complex*, caprylic/capric triglycerides, hyaluronic acid, salvia officinalis (sage), serenoa rapens (saw palmetto) and salix alba (willow bark) extracts*, punica granatum (pomegranate) oil*, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), algae extract, zinc gluconate, magnesium sulfate, aspalathus linearis (rooibos), hibiscus rosa-sinensis and camllia sinensis (white tea) extracts*, phenethyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, citrus tangerina (tangerine) and cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) oils*.
*Organic



4.09.2014

Balance Me Treats


My birthday was on the 22nd of March and I spent the day exploring my favourite parts of London with my boyfriend and my younger sister. These places include Covent Garden, Content Beauty and the Wholefoods in Piccadilly. The latter has the most amazing beauty hall and while I was there I couldn't help but pick up some goodies from Balance Me, which is a brand that I have been wanting to try for quite some time.

The first product which was almost a no-brainer was the Congested Skin Serum. Described as a 'skin savior' this is a blend of essential oils and aloe vera designed to calm and balance skin in times of congestion. You really don't need much of this serum and it's very cooling which is lovely when I'm looking to tame some rather painful cystic demons. However, this is definitely not something you'd want to use on the entirety of your face as all the essential oil increases your photo-sensitivity. I would suggest using only at night, on isolated areas. Although this isn't a wonder overnight sensation, it really helps to lessen redness and swelling without any drying.

My impulse purchase of the day was the Radiance Face Mask. I had been eyeing this one up for a while, but due to it being almost continuously out of stock everywhere, I had pretty much forgotten about it. Oh how glad I am that I picked this up. Although marketed as a face mask, I would call this more of a manual face scrub with added chemical exfoliation benefits. It's a light cream with finely ground walnut-shells which subtly slough away dead skin cells, leaving your skin beautifully smooth. The addition of AHAs help to clear out your pores, making your skin glow. Please me aware that this product does contain benzyl alcohol, so if that's something that your skin reacts to, stay away! Although I like to stay alcohol-free when it comes to toners and moisturisers, I'm not too bothered when it comes to products like cleansers and treatments.

Have you tried anything from Balance Me?



4.08.2014

Review: Opulentia Organics Ylang-Ylang and Lime Body Oil


A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be given the chance to try one of the amazing Opulentia Organics Body Oils. Opulentia Organics is a natural skincare and body care range that was born out of one of life's true tragedies. The inspiring female creator founded the range after suffering from extremely dry and itchy skin following chemotherapy for aggressive cancer.

These particular body oils are of supreme quality and use only the best vitamin-rich vegetable bases and healing essentials to deeply nourish the skin. I usually suffer with horribly itchy skin on my shins and since using this lovely oil regularly post-dip, I haven't experience a single tinge or tingle. The oil is lovely and light without forgoing any vital moisturising properties. I find that after applying, in only takes about twenty minutes to sink in completely. However, in that twenty minutes, you're also free to do whatever without the worry of leaving oily smears in your wake. And I mean look at that gorgeous packaging. I really am I sucker for a nice metallic bottle and sleek black pump (swoon). The product feels very exclusive and luxe considering its mid-range price and it's definitely a must-try for any green goddess interested in smooth, soft skin and and intoxicating aromas.

The scent I tested was Ylang Ylang & Lime which I found to be very similar in smell to the OLO Morning Glory - heady but very very fruity. It's a smell that personally, I really enjoy, but it may not be to everyone's tastes! In spite of this, it's worth noting that it manages to be both relaxing for the evening and invigorating in the morning which is very useful. I feel like sometimes I can even forget about perfume after applying this. I find the scent be quite therapeutic, which points to the product's additional aromatherapy benefits. The ingredients are pretty amazing and after being highly commended in the 2014 Free From Skincare awards, how else can it be described other than "unusually good stuff"?

4.07.2014

The One-Step Smokey ft. Shiro Cosmetics


As you may all know by now, my favourite way of doing my makeup as of late is with an effortless one-product, slightly smokey but defined eye. And my favourite eyeshadow shades to use for this endeavor? Taupes. I just love me some taupes. My number one favourite product for this look is a very dirty and cruel Rimmel kohl pencil. However, I've finally found a perfect natural and vegan alternative. A gorgeous pigment by Shiro Cosmetics called Hodor. It's pretty much the eyeshadow version of the Rimmel pencil with a 10x better ingredients list and a 100x better name. Yes, it's Game of Thrones inspired (if the artwork on the lid didn't give it away already!).

I would describe the shade as a cool-toned true taupe with slight silver shimmer which doesn't really appear on the lids. I just take a fluffy eyeshadow brush, dip the tip in the pot, tap off any excess and get to work. This method allows for application and blending in just a couple seconds. Add a few lashings of mascara and what you get is a look that instantly looks a little more put-together. If you're more of a warm-toned kind of gal, I would suggest No Men Like Me from the same GoT collection. It's a very similar shade but this one has a beautiful golden bronze sheen to it that is really flattering on my brown eyes. I'd also suspect that it'd look stunning on the blue-eyed of us.

I have a few other colours from the collection but these are the two that have really been impressing me. There is no doubt that I'm going to be making another Shiro order. The geeky undertone of all the products really tickle me. I'd definitely suggest taking a look at the Shiro Cosmetics website and supporting small cruelty-free/vegan/female/woman-owned businesses!

4.03.2014

Review: MuLondon White Chocolate Elbow, Knee & Heel Cream


I suffer with quite severe eczema on my feet. It's something I've always felt that little bit insecure about and I'd frankly had enough of it. I was sick of not being able to wear cute heels and sandals, being stuck in boots throughout every season. And then I bought the MuLondon White Chocolate Elbow, Knee & Heel Cream, and let me tell you, it has almost completely cleared up said eczema in the space of about two weeks. It's amazing.

I've just been applying it every night before slipping on some fluffy socks and in the morning I wake up with heels that have never been smoother. It's done masses for my confidence and although it's affected something so trivial and superficial, it really has made a massive difference to my general mood. It's a soft almost balm-like consistency that melts on contact with your body similar to the likes of coconut butter which is one of its main ingredients. And the ingredients... well they are as pure as heaven! Coconut oil is joined by the likes of shea butter, jojoba oil and carnauba wax which are all certified organic and of the highest quality. The final addition of vanilla and cocoa extracts encapsulate the most gorgeous aroma of white chocolate which gives the product its delicious name!

When I came across this, I was in the market for a vegan friendly balm and I'm so glad that I decided to pick it up as I don't think I could live without it now. A massive thank you goes out to Boris who crafts these delectable treats. I'll certainly be back for more! Maybe that Hemp Moisturisier?

4.01.2014

Current Favourites #3


I've got some really lovely products to talk to you about today. Only one of them is unnatural so I think I'm doing pretty well on that front!

 First we have the Andalou Naturals Untinted Oil Control Beauty Balm. To be honest, I do not have a clue why they call this a beauty balm. Definitely some bandwagon hoppin' going on here. Plain and simple, this is a SPF moisturiser with amazing skincare benefits. It's a white cream typical of SPF and while it feels kind of heavy, it really isn't. However, it is very easy to use too much and that is what will  leave you a greasy mess. You only need a tiny amount to cover your whole face, leaving your skin nourished and most importantly, protected from the evil sun. I'm pale so I don't experience a white cast but if you're even a tone darker than me, be wary! It comes with chemical-free protection from UVA/UVB rays, as well as some beautiful hydrating and protecting ingredients such as aloe vera, rooibos, hyaluronic acid and pomegrante oils. I'm loving this so much that I may even do an in-depth review in the future!

You may have seen my earlier post on The All Natural Face. Originally I thought the cream blushes were the star of the show but I cannot stop reaching for the Vegan Cream Foundation! I had always associated cream foundations with being heavy and greasy but this beauty really isn't. It's hydrating, but not slimy and it's buildable coverage means I can get a really light but effective application (my fave!).

Let me start by saying this isn't natural, vegan or cruelty-free. And it's one of the products in my stash that I'm freaking out about when it comes to finding a worthy replacement. Everything about this kohl pencil is perfect, the shade, the texture, the colour pay-off... except maybe the fact it causes harm to wee bunnies. Nevertheless, the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Pencil in Taupe is great for that one-step smokey if you're not particularly cruelty-free.

Finally, a soap *GASP*. I can positively feel Caroline Hirons' piercing scorn when I profess that I use this for washing my face... Herbivore Botanicals Blue Clay Soap is a 100% natural and handmade soap that is suitable for both face and body. It smells amazing and the clay content does a good job of keeping my skin clear. I used to favour REN's clay offering for my shower face cleanse but this has well and truly taken centre stage as a slightly more natural - and purse friendly - option.

Have you tried any of these products?