The Perfect DIY Mask

I've been in lack of a cleansing face mask for quite some time. I passed my Origins charcoal mask on to my sister a couple months ago and since then, my skincare routine has been - in the category of a good clay mask - absolutely null.

I recently purchased Kae's incarnation of the ever-so-popular Rhassoul Clay powder and I've been using it as the main ingredient in a mask that is both deep cleaning, clearing, calming and wonderfully nourishing. Rhassoul is a light coloured clay powder that is cultivated from Morocco. It's purifying and detoxifying properties make it the ideal candidate for a quick DIY mask that rivals the famous Problem Solver (although, that one is still absolutely number one!). If you find the May Lindstrom mask a little too potent, this might be for you. The powder can be mixed with any number of natural ingredients - such as apple cider vinegar, jojoba oil, essential oils or just plain water - to create a truly bespoke treatment, designed to battle your current blemishes.

My favourite recipe is a simple one, and includes the basic addition of warm water and a couple drops of Acure's Organic Argan Oil. I find that this combination stops the clay from completely stripping and drying my skin. Leaving it clear, but also plump and glowy. The preparation and mixing is messy, so make sure you apply with an old foundation brush and remove with a cloth to avoid any extra clean-up.

Tell me about some of your favourite DIY mask recipies!

  

Review: John Masters Organics Sea Mist

Summer is fast approaching. And what says summer more than luxe beachy waves? I'm lucky to be blessed with naturally thick and wavy hair, however, sometimes said hair can be more "frizzy madwoman" than "surfer goddess". Sometimes the lazy summer look calls for a bit of dirt and grit, and when we don't want to forgo our scalp hygiene, along comes the trusty salt spray. Namely, the John Masters Sea Mist.

Salt sprays are notorious money-grabbing rip-offs. And yes, this would still come under that category. But, have you ever tried to make a salt spray and succeeded? It's damn hard! Do-it-yourself woes aside, I'd say this John Masters offering is worth your pennies. For one, the ingredients are simple. Water, organic lavender oil and salt. No preservatives, no silicones and no synthetic fragrance. Awesome. Two, it smells nice. Three, you get a lot more for your money than the cult alternative (rhymes with Rumble and Tumble Malt Pray). And finally, it doesn't involve desperate attempts to work out the perfect salt-to-water ratio while simultaneously spilling sea salt in every possible nook and cranny.

I reach for this when my hair needs a little hold and a little texture and it works great. I never have to worry about my hair being too neat, or too fluffy. Aerosol texturising sprays are currently having a bit of a moment and salt sprays seem to have bagged a bad rap for making your hair feel crunchy and dry. You won't get that with this little wonder. You'll be left with perfectly textured hair, which still retains its natural movement and feel. It's during moments like these that I'd like to remind you of the humble spray bottle Sea Mist which is both better for your hair and better for the environment.

iHerb or Vitacost? A UK Gal's Guide

I have been meaning to write this post FOREVER. It seems that lately, a lot more of my fellow #greenbbloggers have been looking in to making orders from the heavens that are iHerb and Vitacost. For those that don't know, the aforementioned are amazing online stores that carry hoards of enticing green/natural/vegan beauty products and food items. They make it easier for us internationals to purchase popular American brands like Acure Organics, Andalou Naturals and Honeybee Gardens. However, purchasing usually comes with looming customs fees and I'm here to inform you about how to decide on which website to use and ways to minimise fees and optimise spending value ;-) This guide is based on UK shopping, but would be helpful for others in European countries!

Before even thinking about making an order, ask yourself the following questions:

Is what I want available from a UK source? If so, is there much saving from importing? Am I even allowed to import this product?

These are the main things you will need to consider. If you can get the product from a site such as Amazon without much price difference, go for it. You will find a lot of US sellers on Amazon UK who export many popular beauty products for affordable prices. I would suggest this for brands such as Devita, Andalou Naturals and Sibu Beauty which are all found on Amazon for pretty good prices. You are less likely to suffer with customs charges this way as sellers will either include these in the product price and send via Airmail rather than a courier. Finally, make sure you check whether you are actually even legally allowed to import the product as there can be restrictions on items such as nail polish and large amounts of liquid.

iHerb or Vitacost?

If you've decided to make an order, next you need to decide whether to use iHerb or Vitacost. Both have great prices, but each site has benefits and disadvantages in different situations. As a rule, I see it like this: If you're ordering a single item or only a couple items, use Vitacost and select DHL Global Mail. Shipping is slower (but still only 2-ish weeks), but you'll get a refund if your item is lost (iHerb doesn't offer this for Global Mail) and avoid fees if the product price is under £15. In the UK, only imports over the value of £15 are subject to customs fees. Sometimes you will get away with a bit more, but use this as a guide. I'd also note that unlike iHerb, Vitacost doesn't include shipping in the value printed on the package, so you'll get away with ordering something of slightly higher value without fees.

If you are ordering multiple items with considerable group value (£30 and upwards) or need something quickly, I'd suggest using iHerb. The only shipping option worth using on iHerb is DHL Priority Mail. It will arrive in 3-4 days and is fully tracked and refundable if lost. However, this shipping method is notorious for fees and you can expect at least £5 added to your order. I'm yet to master who these fees are worked out (their website isn't too informative either), but I've come to understand it as follows. The minimum charge is a £5 admin fee and this is all I was charged on my first order. It's worth noting that my unlike my other orders, my first was delivered to a home address and there's been speculation that you're likely to incur higher fees when shipping to your place of work. My first order had the value of £22. It's likely that because it was my first order and it was only just over £15, I got away without paying customs. If you're impatient like me, it might be worth the risk. Usually you will receive a text or email asking you to pay these fees before the package is delivered, but sometimes they will deliver then send you an invoice later.

My second and third orders were worth £39.55 and £29.58. These landed me £15 in fees each. Now before you gasp and run away hiding, even with these fees, my orders were still cheaper than they would have been had I ordered all the items from UK sources. Savings will vary when it comes to importing and it's worth budgeting £15 fees as a standard before deciding whether it's cheaper to order from iHerb. For example, if I were to order my Acure shampoo and conditioner from the UK, I would be paying nearly £20 a bottle. If I order from iHerb? With fees included, it's only about £9 a bottle. Before deciding on a website, work out what you would roughly be paying though all three sources; a UK importer, iHerb and Vitacost.

Other hidden fees?

Unfortunately, iHerb also seems to bring with it, hidden fees. As they only allow you to pay via Credit or Debit, most banks will lumber you with a international transaction fee which can be up to 2%. Vitacost, luckily, offers PayPal so no transaction fees and you have the added buyer protection that is standard when using PayPal. However, I would still suggest using iHerb when making particularly large orders as transaction fees and customs are a small price to pay instead of having the possibility of £50+ worth of beauty products going missing in the postal system (oh the horror!). Tracking really is worth it with bigger orders.

So, basically...

Basically, small orders under £30 = use Vitacost. Larger orders over £30 or urgent orders = use iHerb. Always consider fees and make sure there is a saving over using a UK supplier. Get delivered to a home address when possible.

Hope this has been marginally informative and hasn't sent everyone to sleep...

Naturisimo Haulin'

If you've seen my recent Naturisimo wishlist post then you would have gathered that I've been doing some shopping lately... Above are the items that I ended up ordered a grand total of 2 minutes after publishing that post.

The product that kicked off this spending spree is the Kae Moroccan Natural White Clay. This wonderful cleansing Rhassoul clay powder can by mixed with any liquid of choice to great a nourishing mask for either skin, hair or body. I've been following the on-board instructions and mixing with water and a couple drops of argan oil, and cue a  wonderfully smooth complexion. My other skincare indulgence was the One Love Organics Morning Glory Complexion Booster, something that has been on my radar for quite some time. Brianna hails it as an awesome primer and I have got to agree. I use it on days when I plan to wear makeup and as well as brightening the skin, it creates a perfectly smooth and balancing base for foundation.

My single colour cosmetics purchase was the Beauty Without Cruelty Soft Kohl in Cedar Green. Green is my favourite colour and I've been wanting an eyeliner in this shade for what seems like forever. I love a little just smudged along my water line this spring, it's an unexpected feature and really brings out my deep brown eyes.

Finally, we've all heard of konjac sponges right? Well, what about one designed for the body? I picked up the Konjac Sponge Co 6 Wave Body Sponge on a whim and although the jury is still out, I enjoy the routine of washing more when using this 100% natural sponge. I suffer from extremely sensitive skin on my neck and decolletage and I'm hoping the absence of harsh scrubbing and shower gels will only improve the issue!

Have you bought anything from Naturisimo recently?

What's in My Handbag

1. {nail file, dr bronners lavender hand sanitizer, pacifica island vanilla perfume, crazy rumours candy mint lip balm, collection concealer}

2. {twist bands} 3. {river island purse} 4. {ipad mini} 5. {iphone 5} 6. {keys} 7. {parker pen}

8. {zara office city mini}

The Five-Product Face

Currently, makeup seems to be very simple around these parts. Just a slap of this and a dab of that. I'm a massive lover of these kinds of posts so prepare to meet my five most worn products of the moment, all super quick and super effective.

Due to a skin freak out recently, my first port of call is concealing. I'm still trying to use up my hoarde of Collection Concealers and my favourite way of doing such is by slapping all over my face and then blending out with the Expert Face Brush in a very foundation-like fashion. The result is beautifully smooth looking skin with reduced redness but no cakey-ness. I've then been setting with my Lily Lolo Foundation which I have recently fallen back in love with after an affair with cream formulas. This manages to actually change the texture of my skin, making it look airbrushed. My rouge of choice lately has been just that, The All Natural Face Cream Blush in Dusky Rose. An almost muted red tone which just screams health and vitality when softly blended on the apples. Brow definition comes in the form of my S&G Archery pencil which while unnatural, has really stolen my heart (It's cruelty-free and vegan!). Featuring both a felt tip pen and waxy pencil, it's the perfect duo for faking some arches. Finish with lashings of Ilia Beauty Mascara in Nightfall and that's my makeup done.

Monochrome

1. {strappy sandlas - new look} 2. {satin pyjama shirt - monki} 

3. {vegan leather panel jeans - mango}

I feel like lately, I've been nothing but black and white. How trendy of me. I've worn this outfit a good three times this week.

Naturisimo Wishlist

Naturisimo is 100% a green beauty junkie's mecca. Think BeautyBay but dedicated to green, non-toxic and natural beauty. Heavenly. If you haven't had a browse already, you really need to as they stock so many amazing brands including Deep Steep, OLO, Zoya and BWC that I'm featuring in this post!

After making a quick stop to purchase the Kae Morrocan Natural White Clay, I got sucked in and an hour later I had a wishlist as long as my arm. Top picks of said wishlist can be seen above and below...

I'm FINALLY coming to the end of my ghastly Lush Snow Fairy (which I used to love... how?!) and I'm in the market for some new body washes that won't leave my skin red and plagued with itchy spots. I've heard really great things about Deep Steep and their Honeydew & Spearmint and Tangerine & Melon Body Washes sound lovely. Melon, tangerine and spearmint happen to be my favourite scents along with lemongrass! 

The Morning Glory Serum from One Love Organics is something I have lusted after for a while. It's hailed as a wonderful primer as well as a daytime oil fit for any skin type. My fast-growing oil collection is definitely missing this gem! 

I recently picked up my very first Zoya polish - a gorgeous silver called Trixie - and deary me am I hooked. I love everything about Zoya, from the 4-free formula (free of formaldehyde, DBP, toulene and camphor) to the super endearing shade names. Next on my list are Robyn, Pandora and Wednesday.

Beauty Without Cruelty are a long-standing brand within the green beauty community and their recent makeover came with some wonderful new products. One of those being, the soft kohl pencils. My pick is Cedar Green, a deep mossy colour reminiscent of mountain pines. For those of you who don't know, this is my absolutely favourite colour and I actually just bought a car to match...

Right now you can get 10% off your Naturisimo order with the code SAVE and they offer free worldwide shipping. In fact, most of the above may have just found their way in to my shopping basket during the writing of this post...

How I've Been Washing My Face

I seem to be requisitioning cleansers like no other lately. I've bought three within the last two months. However, I'm happy to say that they're all working wonderfully and each of them have fallen in to place in my routine, offering individual benefits and uses for when my skin is at varying stages of freaking out.

When my skin is particularly well-behaved, I like to use a simple cream cleanser. Something light and hydrating that isn't going to spark any rebellions that'll ruin my good skin streak. The Pai Camelia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is perfect for this as it harbors some beautifully calming and pure ingredients that do not irritate or disrupt the skin's fragile pH balance.

When things are starting to look a little congested or lack-lustre I reach for the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser. This combination of lemongrass and natural sugars gently exfoliate and cleanse, leaving behind a positively 'lit from within' complexion. At water's touch, the firstly grainy texture melts in to a luxurious foam that removes dirt and leaves skin clear of impurities. The scent of this product is really amazing and one whiff transports me back to childhood summers sucking on lemon ices.

Lastly, the Herbivore Botanicals Blue Clay Soap is a - you guessed it - clay-based bar soap that is suitable for both face and body. Many have likened it to REN's clay offering and you can see why. It leaves your skin with the same deep cleansed feeling, but for a fraction of the price. I like using this during the shower and the twice-weekly ritual seems to be keeping my skin clear and calm.

5 Things That Make Me Happy

It's late-ish on a very emotional Sunday night and it seems I need some cheering up. I've always loved the '10 Things That've Made Me Happy This Week' posts on Cider With Rosie and so thought I'd create my own list. Bits and bobs that make me smile and help me realise that life really isn't all that glum.

1. Fresh ripe fruit: I cannot think of anything else I'd rather eat. Nothing can beat the sweet taste of mother nature and I regularly indulge in fruit mono-meals. Ten peaches for lunch, a seven banana smoothie? No biggie.

2. Clean white pages: The defacing of a brand new notebook is one of life's more simple pleasures. The smell of a newly bound canvas, waiting for the flow of ideas to begin... well, truth be told I have many un-started notepads lying about.

3. Crystals and stones: I'm a bit of a crystal-hoarder and nothing makes me moan more than a freshly buffed piece of bloodstone. Meow. The Crystal Bible is a must-have for me.

4. Zombies: I'm definitely a horror/gore fan and what's better than a load of undead corpses with an equally un-dying hunger for human flesh? The Walking Dead is an obvious vice of mine and more recently, The Girl With All The Gifts is proving to be a heart and gut-wrenching addiction. (Pssst thanks Annabel!)

5. Writing: Whether it be blogging, short story writing or just to-do list scribbling, I'm always penning something. Unfortunately, my passion has taken a back seat since going full-time and the last short story I wrote (a trilogy of monologues from a sororicidal psychopath in various stages of madness) was almost a year and half ago. However, I begin my English Lit degree in September and hopefully the addition of a few Creative Writing modules will rekindle the writing bug!

6. Rhys: Okay okay, I said five... but how can I forget my other half? When I was younger I never really understood that saying, having an 'other half'. I was always so independent. I may not be much older, but I now I get it. When someone makes you so feel ecstatic and feel so complete, how can they be anything else than your other half? Yes things are getting a little mushy but he really is the best thing that's ever happened to me and it's going to take a hell of a lot to top that. Cheeky couple selfie below.

Let me know if you want to see more lifestyle-esque posts here on KV. I'm not feeling the beauty-only blog experience anymore. I've got a few more lifestyle post experiments planned so keep your eyes peeled...