Showing posts with label NATURAL BEAUTY. Show all posts

Like many, I also have a list of natural products that I would be happy to be equipped with for the upcoming summer season. This selection is with active souls in mind, who already lead a healthy lifestyle and want some serious boost form the nature to enjoy the hot months to the full.

Take a look.

1. There's nothing more powerful than awakening aromas of pink pepper, Jamaican bay and lemon in Lotus Wei Inspired Action Mist. With extracts of Fire Star Orchid, Red Bird of Paradise Chandelier Succulent, Euphrasia and Pink Lotus this organic vapour is to bring relief to a frustrated mind and set it back on track towards the big goals. It's recommended to nurture creativity and focus on long term projects. This would make a perfect gift to web writers whose everyday job is to come up with compelling content. One spritz around the face and shoulders could mean job done and more time on the beach sipping a refreshing smoothie. Inspired Action Mist is exactly what I wish for. My order nearly completed from HERE

2. You must have noticed I mentioned Fushi on a few occasions in my blog lately. The Fushi Wellbeing Store is the ultimate destination for all things healthy and natural for me, and it certainly deserves an ongoing praise. I have picked an Energiplex and Proflex Supplements that were formulated to promote active lifestyle. With long hot summer days ahead it's not worth going into a sudden slump or risking an injury after a "too much too soon" bikini prep workout. Fushi tablets can provide that protection plus they don't contain any binding ingredients and fillers. They are also formulated with addition of vitamins and plant extracts in its purest form. Which one would you pick? See HERE

3. Finnish brand Kide has impressed me with its wide selection of natural face powders, blushers and bronzers. I have included a KO Reflective Highlighter in my beauty wish list for two reasons: it beautifies a sun kissed skin with minimum effort and it is a multi-use product which makes a summer makeup routine super quick and easy. Kide products are free from parabens, talc or perfume. Enclosed in sleek contemporary casing, Kide wins it for me this summer. Read more HERE

4. If there was only one part of my body I'd have to choose to take extra care of this summer, it would be my hands. Chronically dry, constantly exposed to detergents they could really do with an extraordinary product. Offering the very best of nature through added biodynamic spelt oil, AEOS Spelt Hand Cream is an award winning product that I can't wait to slather on my skin. With rose flower water, argan oil, dandelion extract and many more plant actives this product simply excites. Visit AEOS website HERE

If you do sports, there's no better way to care for your skin than using natural body oils. I have chosen four natural formulations that in my opinion can provide the best muscle recovery, skin protection and aromatherapy benefits.

My picks are:

1. Ishga Invigorating Body Oil - this oil is a true re-energiser and it picks you up after even the hardest workout. I love using it as it contains unique Scottish seaweed extract that stimulates the skin to self-repair and boosts blood circulation that can be felt in deeper layers of the skin. This unusual yet balanced blend of citrusy notes like Lemon Grass and more sensual Geranium Rose makes the whole moisturising experience so much more pleasurable.

2. Weleda Arnica Massage Oil - recommended to prepare muscles for high intensity action by warming them up with its special blend of Arnica Flowers, Birch Leaves Extracts and Rosemary Essential Oil. Formulated to be used as a massage oil for when your body feels pushed over the limits.

3. de Mamiel Slavation Body Oil - the ultimate liquid gem of super potent oils like Baobab, Argan, Coconut, Camellia and Rosehip would be a perfect rescue for all the athletes that need to regain their focus. I'd be using it the night before a hard training or a tough match to feel calm and collected thanks to sensual Jasmine, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils.

4. Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Massage and Body Oil - hard working personal "physiotherapist" in a bottle, not only does it target muscle aches but also it relieves joint stiffness and brings anti-inflammatory effect to the areas treated. It warms the body by aiding healthy blood flow not to mention skin nourishing benefits. Hero ingredients - Coconut Oil, Cajuput Oil, Ginger Root and Pine Leaf Oil.

I have been using Nirvana exotic body wash for a week now and every time I step into the shower room I discover new qualities of this product. My choice was based on internet research only, and a few important factors lead me to a final purchase: the family size of the bottle (500ml); the natural and unique formula; the good value for money deal. I bought this shower gel at £11.99 price tag, which was a discounted value found in this online shop - click here.

The Texture and Scent:

Antipodes Nirvana Body Wash has the texture of a runny gel, when applied on a hand it ran through my fingers so extra care is needed in order not to waste any of this cleansing liquid.

The first application brought a burst of refreshing spearmint fumes - exactly what I needed after a hard uphill training session. The minty aroma is a sweet type, just like the one you get when you tear up a few fresh leaves for your salad. While lathering up this gel exploded with ever so pleasant scents of blackcurrant, reminding me of a hot summer blackcurrant season in my mum's garden. Then came the spicy cardamon with just a sprinkle of cinnamon at the very base notes. A truly comforting and uplifting at the same time sensation.

The Ingredients:

Antipodes Nirvana is formulated using only natural extracts with some very exotic plant actives:

>Hibiscus Flower (moisturising the skin)

>Harekeke Oil - in other words New Zealand Flax (antibacterial and deeply cleansing properties)

>Kiwi Fruit and Green Tea Extract (antioxidant and protective functions)

>Avocado and Jojoba Oil (nourishing and protecting the skin)

>Cardamon (scent)

Additionally you will find a blend of well known in UK and very effective herbal extracts:

>Chamomile (soothing)

>Parsley Seed (purifying and boosting micro-circulation)

>Spearmint (scent)

>Blackcurrant (scent)

Note for the sensitive skins and strict natural beauty enthusiasts: Nirvana has sodium benzoate and sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate on their ingredients list.

My opinion:

I am happy with how this body wash worked. It gave my skin a squeaky clean feeling with a slight tightening effect, not uncomfortable, but rather, ready for my body moisturiser. It didn't lather a lot under the shower even when I used a bath sponge, but was enough to feel thoroughly cleansed.

It is a great aromatherapy treatment for all who need reawakening the senses after a tough day or before a long day at work.

I would recommend it to people who lead active lifestyles and who appreciate benefits brought by natural plant extracts. The smell is unisex and can be enjoyed by both men and women.

The only drawback is the controversial chemicals' existence - I would have definitely repurchased if it wasn't for those potential skin irritants.

I would love to hear of your personal recommendations when it comes to natural body washes, please leave a comment.

Next up...I have a Trilogy Face Cream Review post, coming live very soon.

Increased awareness of how beauty industry overloads products with toxic ingredients leads to the need of safer and more natural alternatives. This trend takes place in every European country. This month, I had a look at Polish natural beauty industry. Read on if you'd like to find out what I discovered.

1.Tolpa Peat Bath Concentrate - it contains highly effective detoxifying and firming mud called "BOROWINA"- a natural and powerful product of nature to draw out toxins, boost microcirculation in cells and to speed up the burning of fatty tissue. It is therefore used very often in SPA salons. On top of that, "borowina" will help allieviate muscle pains, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties It's recommended to use twice a week or after a tiring day. Infused with natural lavender, petitgrain, geranium and sage it will relax the mind and regenerate the body. It is formulated with no PEGs, SLSs, frtificial fragrances, silicones nor formaldehydes. The price tag is next to nothing - 29.99PLN which in £s equals circa £5.87 per 270ml

For a list of harmful ingredients please visit here List

2. If you love abundance of natural extracts and active components in your skincare then Synesis Diamond Face Cream is the one. It surprised me with its list of ingredients that reads as follows: Olive Oil, Acmella Oreacea (toothache plant), Sea Buckthorn Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Wheat Protein, Vitamin E, Centenella Asiatica (Gotu Cola), Diamond Dust. The lesser known Acmella Oreacea stimulates and strengthens collagen stores in the skin, the oils nourish and Centenella Asiatica has anti ageing properties. The description does not mention how the Diamond Dust works on the skin, so this will need further investigation. The cream is available online from a luxurious boutique called Synesis and costs 350PLN (around £68) per 50ml tub.

3. This product caught my attention as it is a Handmade, Natural Eye Make Up Remover Oil, that with its simplicity of ingredients - Jojoba, Chamomile and Olive Oils is formulated to gently take off all impurities off your eyes and soothe irritated skin. 50ml bottle ranks at 27PLN or £5.28. Something my eyes really need.

4.Zielone Laboratorium (Green Laboratory in free translation) Body Wash is a pure product with no SLSs, SLSEs, Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, PEGs or artificial colourants, it is sutable for Vegans as no animal related ingredients were used in both production process and the formula itself. I decided to pick this gel for it has a coconut extracted cleansing active. Apple Juice Extract and Cranberry Seed Powder is fruity blend protecting skin's natural barrier at the same time. Refreshed body at an instant. (Price- around £7.50 per 250g)

5. This little hero is a Soothing Eye Cream by Sylveco for a very sensitive skin. It won a mention in my post due to its ingredient list - protecting Grape Seed Oil, anti ageing Argan Oil, brightening Tree of Light Extract, puffiness diminishing Cornflower Extract, Shea Butter, Squalane - but the most intriguing amongst these is a LUPEOL, this phytosterol widely found in fruit and vegetables has proven pharmacological activities like wound healing or anti inflammatory properties. In an eye cream this can result in skin cell renewal. For those of you who like to look in more details, see the full ingredient list:

Ingredients/INCI: Aqua, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Stearate and Sucrose Cocoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betulin, Xanthan Gum, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lupeol, Oleanolic Acid.

The cost ranks at £5.30 per 30 ml pump bottle.

6. Tolpa Peat Soap - another product with "BOROWINA", in a form of cleansing bar this time, it can assist with your everyday body care regime to support your skin's detoxifying process, and therefore improve its condition on the surface and deeper level. Rose Tree, Ylan Ylang, Bergamot and Sage Essential Oils will give your senses a lasting feeling of balance and harmony.

7. My last pick from Polish natural beauty market is Put&Rub Rose Water Mist - to refresh face and body. Created for hot Summer days, gentle and soothing formula may astonish even the most demanding and irritation prone individuals. I just love anything with Rose in my beauty products at the moment and it looks like I am not alone as this Rose Water got many positive reviews from happy Polish customers. It costs- 29PLN - £5.67 per 100ml.

Hope you enjoyed learning about the above natural beauty products. Do you use any skincare or make up that is other than British made? Any recommendations?

This evening, I applied Arabelle Blissfully Sensual Body Oil. If you read the first part of this series you would have learnt that the whole range has a fantastic base of Organic Apricot Kernel Oil and Organic Sweet Almond Oil that feed the skin with vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12 and E. This fact alone is a good enough reason to consider trying but I have found something else that makes me melt... It's the unique Essential Oils composition. So, what's inside of the Blissfully Sensual Body Oil?

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Basil Essential Oil

Patchouli Essential Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Neroli Essential Oil

I am sat here now with my senses calmly euphoric, if this state is even possible. Patchouli and Sandalwood envelope my skin in warm, sensual aroma, whereas Basil, Ylang Ylang and Neroli create a more ravishing sensation of a sexy fragrance - not wild however - very much balanced and harmonious rather.

Who is it for?

Everyone looking for a unique natural body care product that will nourish and tone the skin and who would love to pamper their senses with ecstatic scent of mind blowing essential oil blend.

Interesting fact about Arabelle Skinsense Body Oils

The formula has some Rosemary Oil Extract added to it that acts like a natural plant active to extend shelf life of Arabelle Oils. If this isn't convincing enough, let me just mention anti-ageing properties of this ingredient. It will tone and provide you with natural glow, also has some proven benefits to fight acne and oily skin.

Splash without hesitation. Arabelle Skinsense Blissfully Sensual Body Oil can be bought online for £18.50 per 200ml bottle.

In October 2013 I was introduced to Arbonne Skincare by one of the UK consultants. I was sent samples to try and a catalogue to look at. After some research I was full of admiration towards the ethics the company preached:

"More than just grounded in green values, we are putting them into action. We're taking "pure, safe and beneficial" to the next level through our efforts to match the purity of our ingredients with the earth friendliness of our packaging. So what's good on the inside is also good on the outside." Read More here

These powerful statements plus my growing eager to switch to safer, more natural skincare products, contributed to my decision to purchase the Arbonne Calm Gentle Moisturiser

Why this cream? (Arbonne offers many skincare lines)

- Irritated skin - I decided to try this gentle moisturiser because had suffered from irritations and redness on my face for a while. At that time I was still looking for the optimal face cream that would have been the most suitable for my sensitive skin.

- Savings - The cream cost was £26 per 118ml tube - that hugely helped with the purchase decision.

- Novelty - I have never heard of Arbonne products before so curiosity and my personal tendency to buying new skincare having to read about it, led to popping Calm Moisturiser to the online basket.

Facts I liked about this product.

- Texture and fragrance- very light, whipped cream texture, absorbed easily, no sign of oily residue on skin, it also had this barely there scent, that I would compare to the smell of an oat milk.

- Hydration - the cream hydrated my skin perfectly, it worked well as under makeup base and I realised it made my foundation stay put for longer.

- Diminished redness - the cream made my skin less prone to irritations, especially around my chin and evened out the tone of my skin significantly.

- Paraben, sulphate and colourant free - I am very strict as to what additives I allow near my skin now so great job from Arbonne they didn't include these three baddies.

Fact I didn't like about this product.

Unfortunately, Arbonne is a brand that doesn't list the ingredients on its products' labels. I learned from the website (had problems finding the info) about "key ingredients", but the full list was not provided. It did worry me that the brand based on social selling scheme compromised on its transparency. The key ingredients were as follows:

Aloe Vera
Cucumber
Chamomile
Mallow
Sea Mayweed
Japanese Green Tea

All of these natural actives have a proven history of being particularly beneficial for sensitive skin by hydrating, soothing and protecting it. Calm Gentle Moisturiser worked well for me, it didn't last for as long as I'd expect though, it took me just over two months to finish this tube (apllied onto neck too).

Overall, It is a quality face cream that helps alleviate problems associated with sensitivity and the damage is usually less visible after just a week of regular application. My redness around chin area took two weeks to disappear. I would have bought it again if it wasn't for the lack of honest labelling.

Have you ever tried any of Arbonne skincare? I would love you to share your opinion.

Are you looking for a SPA experience at home? Do you prefer the comfort of your own bathroom to that found in beauty salons? Are you in search for that perfect beauty product top accompany you? Here is my suggestion - Tropic Organic Luxury Oils - they will make your relaxation an unforgettable routine, that you would want to relive every evening.

WHITE FRANGIPANI AND MAGNOLIA

I have literally splashed and rubbed this oil on myself obsessively since I put my hands on this sleek, modern, luxurious, glass bottle. What's so addictive? Two factors: DIVINE AROMA AND SMOOTHING EFFECT ON MY SKIN. If you really watch what you apply on your body (if you don't then please start today!!!) you will appreciate the goodness that this heavenly silky mixture brings - it's s 100% organic and it is a blend of Eco Certified, high performing HERO ingredients:

Organic Coconut Oil

Organic Rosehip Oil

Organic Jojoba Oil

Organic Macadamia Oil

Vitamin E

Macadamia and Rosehip Oils strengthen the structure of my skin and help with cell regeneration preventing all future problems (stretch marks, Cellulite), Jojoba Oil nourishes and protects whereas Coconut Oil - it softens my skin, smooths it and adds that pampered feeling to my home spa regime.

Here's how I use Tropic White Frangipani and Magnolia Organic Oil

After quick shower I run a bath and add a few drops of Tropic Oil to immediately release delicate, comforting, floral and natural aromas around the bathroom.

Next, I light some candles, dim the light and enjoy the bath and as I do so, I sparingly apply the oil on my hair and scalp - for a head to toe pamper moments. I massage my head for a while (you can ask your boyfriend to help you, promise him the same later :)). I wash my hair after 15 minutes, or just leave it until the next morning.

After that, I give myself a whole body rub with Tropic Bamboo Organic Cloth . Its main use is for face but I found it works perfectly on my body, gently buffing away last impurities. This is great method of exfoliating if you suffer from sensitive skin.

The final and the most blissful stage of my spa regime is when I apply the Tropic Organic Oil warmed up and melted in hot water ( it can settle due to natural ingredients used). Ahhhh!!! Mind, Body and Spirit fully relaxed.

My next purchase is going to be the invigorating Tropic Lime, Bergamot and Neroli Organic Oil, I am hoping for a energy boosting, kick ass effect. Expect more posts very soon.

TROPIC LIME,BERGAMOT AND NEROLI ORGANIC OIL

After years of experimenting with beauty products I have developed my list of favourites that met my expectations, were pleasure to use and gave my skin healthier treatment. When choosing my skincare, I always have certain criteria in mind, some are obvious like texture, scent, ingredients used, some are quite peculiar like aesthetics of the packaging or psychological impact. Read on if I got you intrigued.

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Body Cream

I chose to start my list from a body cream to emphasise the importance of looking after your skin all over, not just on your face. This Aromatherapy Associates product is an absolute favourite in body care range. It strengthens the structure of your skin by locking in moisture, improving elasticity and encouraging healthy cell formation. All these benefits mainly thanks to miraculous Damask Rose Water, Rose Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Jojoba Oil. Although not usually mentioned in the product description found on beauty websites - there are other ingredients that make this cream stand out - Sandalwood Oil, Patchouli Oil and Gapefruit Seed Oil. Combined together they give you a truly pampering experience on application by releasing their natural aromas.

This cream glides on wonderfully, sinks in immediately and leaves you smelling with delicate and not overpowering rose notes. Blissful moments tend to stay with you for hours after application. It significantly softens and smooths out your skin.

Still not sure if this is for you? This product has powerful skin firming properties, although not listed in other product descriptions, you do get it on top due to the quality plant extracts used. You will prevent stretch marks too.

Weleda Birch Body Scrub

If I had to describe this product in three words, I would say: QUALITY, QUALITY QUALITY. Yes, it's that good - for my skin and it will be for yours, even if it's sensitive. This beauty hero assists with the basic skincare process - exfoliating at surface level and detoxifying at deeper level mainly thanks to birch leaf extract. It gently massages your body with natural wax pearls to reveal glowing and purified you, it is packed full with essential oils and will fill your bathroom with aromas of robust green nature in its purest form - ENERGY AND HAPPINESS in a tube. I swear by it. You can also have peace of mind knowing that this brand puts sustainability and ethical approach at the top of its values so everybody benefits - from suppliers to customers. Brilliant.

Roger & Gallet Fleur d'Osmanthus 150th Anniversary Fresh Fragrant Water Spray 100ml

This sleek, limited edition bottle contains fresh fragrance which is water based - a great alternative if you are not happy spraying alcohol on your skin which is present in so many other perfumes. It is a blend of natural essences that create captivating impression of exotic garden. Essential oils of Mandarin, Grapefruit and Neroli revive your senses and uplift your spirit. I am not a fan of "citrusy" blends but this particular one is balanced with magical osmanthus, sensual sandalwood with added sweetness of benzoin essential oil and balmy tonka bean. Once you spray this remarkable water on your skin, you will notice a distinctive aroma of creamy apricot like notes. This is what attracts me to this creation at most. I call it an "active fragrance" as it encourages to take action of any form. Psychological impact at its best positive outcome. Invigorating properties of this scent will give you a lot of satisfaction when lingering on your skin. The lasting powers of this fragrant water are exceptionally good, I could smell it after three hours but it will depend on an individual.

Tropic Organic Hot Bamboo Smoothing Cleanser

This is my recent discovery in natural beauty. I have to be very careful not to go overly excited now to keep my writing informative - not - irritating. This product is a heavenly blend of natural extracts of Golden Jojoba, Avocado, Green Tea, Eucalyptus and Camomile. All natural and pure extracts squeezed directly into a practical bottle with pump that dispenses just the right amount of product. This cleanser comes with Organic Bamboo Cloth which is a star on its own as it gently removes impurities form your face, buffs it and stimulates cell renewal - perfect! You first apply a product by massaging it into dry skin, then use your bamboo cloth soaked in warm water to remove all impurities and make up.

Guys, you have a facial spa, skin renewal program, problem free complexion - all these benefits in a humble yet hard working beauty must have. It deserves a place on your bathroom shelf as well as much more bloggers' praise.

Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Cream

People tend to suffer from dry skin or premature ageing around the eye area very often. This is also a very delicate part of our face so a special attention is required. When it comes to eye creams, I literally went through tens of products promising what I was after - plump, make lines less visible, nourish, firm and protect the skin. I discovered that its the creams that have a broad array of active ingredients derived from nature, and don't use harmful parabens or sulfates work best. In other words THE DENSER THE CREAM THE BETTER RESULTS YOU ARE LIKELY TO GET. Ole Henriksen fulfills the above criteria. Just look at this ingredients list:

African Red Tea - slows down anti-ageing process, strengthens skin

Vitamin C - stimulates collagen production with 10% of active vitamin C complex

Jojoba Oil - retexturises and smooths fine lines

Sodium Hialuronate - locks in moisture

Turmeric Root - nourishes skin

Zinc, Copper, Manganese Gluconate - soothes the skin and boosts collagen production

For me it is important that the cream helps with collagen production, it is the building block of our skin structure so an absolute staple of effective eye cream formula. Vitamin C - a star that prevents free radicals from their aim to damage our skin on many levels is another ingredient I always look out for. Natural oils and extracts are crucial in nourishment and moisturising process so they should be included too.

I hope you enjoyed this description of my natural favourite five. Do you have a similar list you can't go without?

Not many of you have heard of Tropic Brow Define Palette but it has already caused a stir in beauty world. This is because, Tropic - a proudly British brand, has come up with an innovative way to create that perfectly groomed look.

Why is it innovative?

Firstly, it is a PURE, HONEST and EFFECTIVE product. All of Tropic range, both skincare and make up abides by the above virtues. They are products of nature - in a jar. Yes, the term "natural" has become a buzzword in beauty industry over the recent years and credibility of many brands has been questioned. Tropic however, is gaining more and more trust amongst its customers as not only it delivers cosmetics that are good for your skin but also provides you with clear, honest list of ingredients.

Secondly, Tropic's innovative mindset is backed by the QUALITY of its products. I was absolutely astounded when my first Tropic Brow Define palette arrived. The packaging is sleek and modern, palettes have mirrors inside, and they seem to be "tough cookies" if you wanted to carry your brow kits in your handbags. The product itself is a masterpiece. It stays put for hours after application, doesn't stain your skin and is created on "all in one concept" which delivers desired make up look plus nourishment for your skin. A busy "multitasker" .

Palette is designed to be used with stencils which gives you the confidence when applying the colour over your brows. Stencils can be bought separately from palettes, but I recommend you consider buying the whole Tropic Brow Perfection Gift Box Set together with Organic Dual-End Bamboo Brush and Stencils.

Tropic offers Brow Define Palette in three shades: Bistre, Ochre and Taupe. See pictures below

BISTRE

I was especially impressed with the highlighter, it finishes the whole look by adding definition to the eye area, I tried it on the apples of my cheeks and it worked wonderfully.