2013 Must Have Organic Beauty Buys

• Raw, organic coconut & rose cream (My own formulation) I can't live without this product now. I use coconut oil to remove my make up, nourish dry skin, as a body moisturiser, on the ends of my hair to give it a gloss and as a lipbalm. I have added rose to give a therapeutic, uplifting, floral dimension and it smells incredible. Coconut oil has to be my biggest discovery of 2013. If you're not already using it I implore you go get some!
• Soapwalla Deodorant Cream  I have spent years looking for an effective, natural deodorant (synthetic deodorants often contain nasties such as parabens and aluminium) which can be absorbed into the blood stream and into breast tissue. Soapwalla have created a great alternative deodorant cream that works brilliantly. Made with simple clays & powders it has been a staple product for me throughout 2013.
• Shiffa Healing Balm At the more luxe end of organic beauty I love this healing balm. Full of wonderful ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, arnica and meadowfoam, this balm is another staple that I keep in my handbag at all times for dry skin flare ups. I adore the packaging and calming scent.
• Lotus Wei Infinite Love As you all know I can't get enough of the Lotus Wei products! This perfume is just magic! It smells amazing and contains rose, red mandarin & honey along with various healing flower essences. I'm looking forward to seeing where this incredible, therapeutic brand goes in 2014. 
• Intelligent Nutrients Total Body Elixir Restore Created by the founder of Aveda this is a wonderful eco-consious, organic skincare/ haircare line. My favourite product is the total body elixir in 'Restore' it smells of warm, spicy incense and brings a calming, peaceful moment into my evening routine. 
• Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm  This is a lovely, natural cleansing balm that a good friend introduced me to last year. Smooth, light and deeply cleansing. I use this balm with my Clarisonic and nothing else I have tried leaves my skin looking so radiant and bright.
• Neal's Yard Beauty Sleep Concentrate  This moisturiser is heavenly. It smells of ylang,ylang, patchouli, benzoin and clary sage. It is lightweight and easily absorbed. Best of all it's like giving yourself an aromatherapy facial every night.
• Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence By far the best organic toner I have ever used (If only it wasn't so expensive 125ml $85!) It contains hyaluronic acid to preserve the skins natural hydration, beetroot extract to minimise fine lines and gotu kolu extract to improve the skins elasticity. My skin was in the best condition it has been all year when using this toner.
• Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate oil I have been a big fan of rosehip oil for many years but in my opinion this is the best one on the market. Not only does it contain the seed oil but also that of the rosehip fruit. It is amazing at reducing skin damage, fine lines and to heal scar tissue and stretch marks. 

What were your favourite organic beauty buys of 2013?

Therapi Honey Skincare. A review.

A couple of months ago I was sent some products from a new organic skincare line called Therapi.
The line was created by apiarist Tanya Hawkes who wanted to create a highly therapeutic, organic skincare range using honey.
I am sure many of you already know that honey is a wonderful moisturiser. It has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures and is rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants. I often incorporate honey into my homemade masks and am a big fan of its moisturising effect on my skin.
I was intrigued to find out how effective the Therapi formulations would be if they contained honey.
Therapi has great eco credentials and gives 5% of profits to support the conservation of bees. Therapi is made in England and has certification from the soil association.

I have reviewed two of the products from their line; Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser and Orange Blossom Honey moisturiser. Here are my thoughts;

Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml £25
Nourishing for normal/dry skin
This has to be my favourite product from the line, I loved it. I usually stick to balm/oil cleansers as I find foaming/gel cleansers often strip my sensitive skin and leave it feeling tight and dry.
I think Therapi's gel cleanser is the first I have used in years that has the opposite effect.  The cleanser uses honey and yucca to gently lift grime and impurities, it is a honey coloured liquid (possibly a tad watery for my liking) and is dispensed through a beautiful, glass pump bottle.
When I used on my face it gently lathered into a soft foam. I have now been using it for 3 weeks and I haven't had any adverse effects, my skin is clear and well hydrated.
As much as I am a huge advocate for cleansing balms there is nothing quite like giving your face a good wash! This is a quick and easy alternative product to the balm cleansing systems if you have very sensitive skin. It has a subtle scent of rose and geranium essential oils and it feels like you're applying nothing but pure 'goodness'.
I also felt £25 was reasonably priced for the quality and quantity of this luxe, organic cleanser.

Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser 50ml £30
Balancing
This is another great product from this range. I was a little worried when I saw I had been sent a moisturiser for 'normal' skin (as mine is anything but 'normal'...)
However, I liked this moisturiser. It was light, nourishing and gentle. It didn't cause any irritation or flare ups and it soaked in well. The moisturiser contains honey, calendula extract, sea buckthorn oil and orange blossom and if, like me, you're a sucker for beautiful scents then you will fall in love with this moisturiser. It smells of sweet, uplifting neroli and reminded me of wonderful trips to the south of France.
My only real negative point was the container. I am not a fan of jars for moisturisers (especially those that only have a 6 month shelf life and are easily contaminated). I would have preferred this moisturiser to be in an airtight pump jar instead (by the end of the first week using I already had bits of fluff, hair and dirt in it...)

This is a lovely organic skincare line. I really like the focus on honey and the fact bees & 'Britishness' are at the heart of the Therapi brand. If you are looking for a gentle, therapeutic, eco-concious skincare products then do try the Therapi line and let me know your thoughts.

http://www.beingcontent.com/filter/brand/therapi-honey-skincare.html/viewall

Vintage'13 by Abel. A new organic perfume.

A few weeks ago I decide to go on a little mission to find a new, organic perfume. There are a couple of perfume brands that I really love (and I've previously written reviews on); Strange Invisible Perfumes, Honore des Pres and Lotus Wei.

To my delight my mission to find a new brand didn't last very long, I very quickly came across an exciting, organic perfume called Vintage '13 by the brand Abel.
I contacted Abel's founder (the lovely) Frances Shoemack who is an native New Zealander living in Amsterdam.  Frances started her career in the wine industry so she has a real taste for the finer things in life. After looking to wear an organic perfume and not being able to find a good one Frances decided to create one of her own scent. Vintage'13 was born. Frances hired Milan trained 'Nose' Issac Sinclair to help create her perfume (Issac has also been part of the team to launch Ecoya candles. http://ecoya.com/discover-ecoya/) and has worked for the world's leading perfume houses.
Vintage '13 oozes style and class. Its bottle (which can be personally engraved) is made from reclaimed wood and recyclable glass and was designed by skilled craftsmen and designers in Amsterdam.

So what's the verdict?
Frances sent me a Vintage '13 sample to try. It is a complex scent that has a warm, woody, smoky soul as well as some sweet, fresh top notes which give it a subtle fragrance. I could really smell the vetiver, black pepper and clove which were comforting on these cold, winter evenings. The perfume also has a hint of fresh bergamot, thyme, vanilla and sandalwood and is suitable for men and women.
For me its warmth made it the perfect evening scent.

I love the fact this perfume is 100% organic. It is far more sophisticated than any synthetic perfume you might find in a department store.
At 115 euros for 50ml it is pretty pricey, but it does make a truly stylish, hand-crafted, unique gift. You can find out more Vintage '13 here:

http://abelorganics.com/

Have you tried any organic perfumes recently? What are your favourite organic scents?

A review. Pai Skincare.

Pai was created by Sarah Brown, who after suffering with a bad skin allergy caused by chemicals in skincare, decided to create a clean, plant-based skincare line that was created for people with sensitive skin.

I suffer with a hormone related dermatitis which can flare up at any time and is aggravated by chemicals in skincare. I therefore only stick to organic products and was delighted when this brand launched.
I am a huge fan of Pai's Chamomile and Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, it has worked a treat on my delicate skin and has become a staple product on my bathroom shelf.
Check out a previous review here http://liberateyourskin.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/today-star-organic-beauty-buy-is_18.html

Pai BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil 30ml £20 
I am now besotted with Pai's Rosehip BioRegenerate oil. (The evidence is the empty bottle below...)
I love Rosehip oil and have been using it for many years but this one is of an exceptional quality (you can literally smell the fruit and feel its intense healing and nourishing properties as soon as it is applied). Unlike many other Rosehip oils which are made from just the seed, this oil is made from the fruit AND the seed via CO2 super critical extraction, meaning it has five times the carotenoids of most Rosehip oils.
The BioRegenerate oil is brilliant at helping to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines. I use mine at night for a moisture boost and I like to think it does all the hard work whilst I sleep, after using it I wake up with glowing, bright, beautiful skin.

Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner 50ml £30ml
I am also a big fan of Pai's Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner. I am quite fussy with toners, I want them to be light, refreshing and hydrating but I often struggle to see the difference they make to my skin tone.
However, like my all time favourite toner (Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence) this toner makes a significant difference to my skin.
 Pai's Lotus & Orange Blossom Affinity Toner contains 'living waters' from lotus root which are rich in amino acids, vitamins and trace minerals, they are incredibly hydrating and soothing on any inflammation. I also love this toner because unlike many others it doesn't contain alcohol (which dehydrates and irritates the skin). It is simply made with a variety of gentle flower waters and a glycerine to help draw moisture into the skin and to help maintain the skin's natural PH. I noticed after using this toner for a couple of weeks that my skin felt plumper and less irritated. It smells incredible too.

Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream 30ml £30
Finally, I decided to swap my Chamomile and Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream and try the Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream. In all honesty I was expecting to dislike this moisturiser in comparison to the former, but to my surprise I really liked it.
I actually preferred the scent (May Chang and Jasmine) to the Chamomile. The consistency is quite thick and nourishing which is perfect for these cold winter days when my skin is dry, delicate & far more reactive than usual. The cream uses wonderful oils such as avocado and jojoba which are known to soften and combat dryness.
However, I do think overuse with this hydrating cream could possibly make my skin feel a little clogged and in the summer I think I wouldn't appreciate the consistency quite so much as I do right now.
This is a lovely moisturiser and would suit those with very dehydrated, dry skin. Due to my highly sensitive skin my one true love from this range continues to be the Chamomile and Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream.

http://www.paiskincare.com/

Have you tried any products from Pai? What are your thoughts?

5 'Must Have' Winter skincare products

Winter is coming....

Yesterday the weather in London turned very cold. Over the past week my skin has changed quite radically, my dermatitis is in flare and I have a patch of eczema that has appeared out of nowhere on my right eye lid. My skin is literally freaking out at the change in temperature, that is why it is so important to keep my skin hydrated and nourished.
In the winter I try to improve my diet. I eat even more foods with omega 3,6,9 such as linseed and flaxseed, fish oils and eggs. More dark green veg (minerals and iron) and plenty berries and juices that are high in antioxidants. I also increase my liquid intake, in the summer I drink lots of water but as the cold sets in my thirst diminishes so I have to make an extra effort to ensure that I am staying hydrated.

It is important to protect your skin during the winter and we need products that are highly hydrating and nourishing to help with dry, raw, cracked skin. These are my top 5 buys for Autumn/ Winter 2013.


1. Autumn Facial Oil de Mamiel £60

This beautiful facial oil is perfect for cold autumn days. You massage a couple of drops into your face in upward strokes morning or night and it promises to:

• Soothe post summer skin and hydrate in time for autumn and winter.
• Helps to regenerate the skin and tone the complexion
• Deeply nourishes to help heal and plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of ageing.
• The ingredients are organic and include: Jasmine Sambac, Green Mandarin, Grapefruit, Geranium, Argan oil, Prickly Pear oil, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Rosehip and Carrot oil.

2. Goe Oil 85gm £32.00

This years ultimate beauty product. Goe oil is wonderfully multifunctional. I keep one in my handbag to use on my hands, cuticles and lips during the day.  I also keep one in the bathroom to use as a shaving oil, to nourish the tips of my hair, as a moisturizer for dry patches of skin and as a make up remover. Goe uses Jojoba oil and the beautifully scented Monoi oil, Pumpkin oil, Avocado oil, Meadowfoam, Chamomile and Calendula. It smells heavenly and works a treat. Who needs Elizabeth

Arden 8 hour cream when you have this totally natural version?!!

3. Organic Rose Water

It is important to keep your face well hydrated during the winter months. If I'm indoors with central heating on my skin can feel dry and tight so I love to keep a bottle of rose floral water nearby and give my face a hydrating spritz.

You can buy floral waters for anything up to £40 (which is very expensive) I find the basic ones from organic suppliers are just as effective. My favourites are Primevera Rose Water Hydrosol (£13) or Rose Floral Water from Materia Aromatic (£7 for 100ml).

4. Intelligent Nutrients Total Body Elixir 'Restore' £22

A favourite of mine. I adore this body oil. It is a thick, viscous body oil but strangely it is not greasy. It sinks in very quickly to leave your skin feeling like silk and very hydrated. It smells warm and spicy using many ancient medicinal oils such as Cinnamon, Ravensara, Oregano, Thyme and Patchouli. Perfect for a cold winter night after a bath.

5. Pai Organic Bergamont Lip Butter 10g £7.00

It's really important to protect your lips from the cold and wind during the winter months. There is nothing worse than sore, cracked lips!

My 'must have' lipbalm for this winter is by new, cult organic skincare brand Pai. It is very nourishing and contains Beeswax and Almond oil with the sweet citrus scent of Bergamot.

Rosemary & Lemon DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe

Sugar scrubs are amazing for your skin. They are fab for exfoliation and deeply hydrating but at prices ranging from £15-£50 it may be easier to make your own and save some pennies! They are so simple to make there is no excuse.
This scrub can be used for the body and I keep mine for use in the bath and shower (do not use on your face as the sugar granules are too abrasive)

Here's how it goes...

Basic sugar scrub recipe
1 cup of brown, fair trade cane sugar
1/2 a cup of organic coconut oil
1/2 a cup of almond oil
If you want to add scent:
6 drops of Lemon essential oil
6 drops of Rosemary essential oil

Ta da!

Today's star organic beauty buy....

The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan (100ml) £29.95 

With the days becoming shorter and darker summer is starting to feel like a distant memory. Alas, my lovely, golden colour is starting to fade and it is time to pull out my Organic Pharmacy Self Tan.
This is a staple product of mine during the autumn and winter months. I really like it because it is the first, effective, organic self tan I have used, gone are my days of using St Tropez, covering sheets in bright orange stains and smelling like a chemical cocktail!
This self tan creates a subtle, natural, golden tone that I absolutely love. It contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and DHA (the tanning agent) produced from 100% natural Sugar Beet. The consistency is light and smooth and it absorbs into the skin well. I use it about three times a week to maintain a 'healthy glow' during the winter months.
The real selling point for me is that this self tan is free from preservatives, colourants, fragrances and petrochemicals.
I apply the self tan to my face and neck after cleansing and moisturising. It can also be applied to the rest of the body if needed.

Score 7/10

Coconut oil. My saving grace.

It wasn't until recently that I became convinced of the benefits of coconut oil. In the past I was put off by its heavy, oily consistency. However, I thought I'd see what all the hype was about and give it a try... I now freely admit that I have become a total coconut oil convert! I buy fair trade, cold-pressed, unrefined, organic coconut oil which hasn't been heated and therefore still contains all its nutrients. I finally 'get' the coconut oil phenomenon: it's not for everyone; these are the best uses I have discovered and why I now can't live without it...  (I'd love to hear your experiences of using coconut oil).

1.) It makes an awesome make up remover
Far more effective than any cleansing wipe or petroleum based make up remover. I put a couple of drops of warm coconut oil on to a cotton wool pad and it gently lifts the grime off my face and is great for removing even tough, clumpy make up such as mascara. It has become my everyday make up remover that I always follow with a deep cleanse. Remember, oil removes oil, that is why it is so effective and it doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. I believe there is no better organic make up remover for your skin.

2.) Everyday body moisturiser
I have started using coconut oil as a body oil after my showers in the morning. I put it on when my body is still warm and damp so it soaks in quickly. It leaves my skin feeling like silk and I like the summery scent of coconut. If you don't like the scent of coconut a brilliant alternative is Monoi oil from Tahiti which is coconut oil that has been infused with frangipani flowers and smells AMAZING!

3.) A conditioner for dry hair
I only use a few drops of the oil and run it through the ends of my hair to hydrate it and make it look glossy. You only need a few drops but I think it is just as effective as Argan oil on the hair.

4.) A hydrating bath milk
You only need a couple of drops to create a lovely, nourishing bath milk. Add a couple of drops of essential oils to your coconut oil for a scented bath. I love to add either lemon for a refreshing bath or rose for a relaxing one.

5.) Dry skin healer
It has proven to help dry, cracked skin and to help heal scar tissue. It has also been known to help soothe dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. I use it on my dry elbows and heels.

Coconut oil has so many benefits: it is brilliant for boosting your immunity, raising your metabolism and improving mental alertness once digested.
Coconut oil has become a staple product in both my kitchen and my bathroom cabinet. I am so hooked I think I'd really struggle if it was taken away from me! It is reasonably priced and lasts for ages. Here are some of my favourite organic coconut oil suppliers and some lovely, scrummy coconut recipes!!

Suppliers:

http://www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/100-Organic-Raw-Virgin-Coconut-Oil-P534.aspx

http://www.biona.co.uk/page-204.html

http://www.tiana-coconut.com/

Coconut Recipes:
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/09/10-best-coconut-recipes

The Truth about Mineral Oil in Skincare.

One of my pet hates in modern day skincare is the overuse of mineral oil, it is used in SO many products on the market. Even the most expensive, luxe brands use it as a primary ingredient. Why you may ask? What therapeutic properties does it have? The answer is none. Most cosmetic companies use it because it is very, very cheap.
The Environmental Working Group explain that Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum (crude oil) and was predominantly used as a mechanical lubricant. It contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) that are carcinogenic. It essentially acts as a plastic film on your skin, stopping the skin from breathing and functioning normally. By effecting the skin's functionality mineral oil causes the skin to age prematurely.

NAME AND SHAME.
Examples of famous skincare brands that use Mineral Oil.

1.) Johnson's baby oil.

2.) Creme De La Mer.

3.) Vaseline.

4.) Clarins, Shu Uemura, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden.

5.) Nivea.

The Summer Skincare Wishlist

There are just SO many new beautiful, organic products on the market that I am keen to try and review. Here are my Top 5 'Must Haves' for this summer.

1.) Jiva Apoha Sundara.
I've heard wonderful things about this facial oil with Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose and Roman Chamomile. Unfortunately, they only ship to the U.S at the moment but fingers crossed they will be shipping to the UK soon.

2.) Aurelia Miracle Cleanser.
The new brand everyone is talking about. This probiotic, organic cleanser looks heavenly and a perfect treat to clean all the city grime away on these hot summer days! Can't wait to try it soon.

3.) Oskia Renaissance Mask. 
Known as the 'best anti ageing mask on the market' Full of good active, organic ingredients such as  MSM, Papaya and Rose and Chamomile. I am really looking forward to experiencing this luxe face mask for myself!

4.) Captain Blakenship Days at the Sea Dry Shampoo.
Another U.S brand I am keen to try. I've always had hit and miss experiences with dry shampoo but
I've heard this is one of the best on the US market. I'm going to give it a go and sea how it fares.. no pun intended ;-)

5.) Hurraw! SPF 15 Sun Protection Lipbalm
I adore the other Hurraw lipbalms I have tried and love the sound of this Tangerine, Vanilla and Chamomile balm to nourish and protect my lips on hot summer days.

Orico Skincare London. A Review.

I have read a lot of press about Orico and then almost out of nowhere a little shop popped up just down the road from where I live on the Kings Road. I decided to go and investigate their products for myself.
Orico is the brainchild of Shirin Valipour a pioneer in natural and organic beauty who decided it was about time to create a brand that is modern, urban, ethical and suitable for life in the city - working against pollution, heating, air conditioning and stress. So does it live up to all the hype? Well,  yes I think it does. There are lots of things I really love about these products, however,  in terms of the packaging and look it just feels very sterile, certainly some people may appreciate this but it lacks the heart and connection with the therapeutic that Pai or Neal's Yard do so well. That, my friends, is my only real niggle with this brand.
The products are effective and functional, well priced and work well for city living. Perfect for men and women. They are very well formulated and well priced.

I went to the shop on the Kings Road and met a very friendly, helpful lady behind the counter who advised me on the three products that I would find most useful for my dry/ sensitive skin. These were: 'Streetwise' Hydrating Make-up Remover which doubles up as a gentle cleanser and the 'Streetwise' Oxygenating Day Cream and 'Skin Jive' Revving Body Exfoliator for my dry body. Here are my thoughts after two months of using the products.

Streetwise Hydrating Make-Up Remover Face and Eyes
75ml £14
This is a creamy, gentle cleanser/ make up remover and that I enjoyed using. My skin is quite sensitive and responded well to this cleanser, looking fresher and more hydrated after just a week of use. The ingredients include coconut oil, orange essential oil and aloe vera. I used this make up remover by gently massaging into the skin in circular motions and removing it with warm water and a muslin cloth. I liked how it was functional and perfect for everyday 'wash and go' use but I missed the luxe therapeutic element of some of my favourite cleansers by Pai and Emma Hardie. However, if you are a busy body with not much time on your hands this is perfect and so reasonably priced for a sophisticated organic formulation.


Streetwise Oxygenating Day Cream
75ml £26
A beautiful, light moisturiser perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It absorbed into my skin straight away and didn't feel greasy like other formulations. It contains Lysate extract which has the ability to increase oxygen intake in the cells increasing cell renewal and collagen, minimising stress to the skin and wrinkles. It also contains Argan and Macadamia oil to reduce wrinkles and prevent the skin ageing from environmental issues such as pollution, air conditioning etc.  Perfect for everyday use this left my skin feeling plumper, smoother and well hydrated. I added a drop of the 'Superico' face oil (30ml £28) which is rich in vitamins, omega oils, essential fatty acids and antioxidants to give a more luxe, moisture boost before bed and really loved the combination of the two products, the face oil smells wonderful too! This is a great, organic moisturiser for a fast paced lifestyle.

Skin Jive Revving Body Exfoliator
125ml £15
This was the only product I wasn't so keen on. For me it was too light and not rich enough for a body exfoliator (it felt more like a light facial exfoliator) it fell off my skin quite quickly when I used it in the shower and didn't give me the hydration and deep exfoliation I need in a body exfoliator. Personally, I love a good sugar or salt scrub so this exfoliator couldn't compete! However, like the other Orico products it is functional and reasonably priced. It contains Boabab (promoting skin renewal), Coconut and Aloe Vera.

I like Orico and think it works well for a busy, stressful, urban life. It is a great organic alternative to brands like Clinique or Avene.

I also love the fact Orico is an ethical, modern skincare company! Supporting the World Land Trust (a UK based conservation trust working in partnerships to save critically threatened habitats around the world). Orico products are Eco Cert, Cruelty Free and support the elimination of harmful chemicals in cosmetic products.

http://www.oricolondon.co.uk/

EOS Lip balm. Top USA Organic Beauty Products

My second discovery whilst on my California trip was a brand called EOS. These wonderful lipbalms have been designed with an ergonomic look and feel and are great for both men and women. The lipbalms are a Hollywood 'must have' beauty buy and I can see why.  I have been using the sweet mint flavour which is beautifully smooth, fresh and easy to apply. It kept my lips moisturised for longer than most lipbalms so there was no need to keep reapplying all day.

The packaging makes applying the lipbalm slick and fun. I am truly hooked and there is no turning back! EOS lipbalms are 95% Organic.  

You can buy EOS lipbalms in the UK from here: http://www.naturisimo.com/index.cfm?nme=eos

Juice Beauty. Top USA Organic Beauty Products.

I have recently returned to London after a beautiful, inspiring month in California. Whilst on my trip I decided to check out some of the best organic beauty brands stateside. Over the next week I will be sharing some of my favourite US discoveries....

JUICE BEAUTY 'TO GO' SET $29

Juice Beauty is a revelation. Born and bred in California these products bring high efficacy and authentic organic beauty to the masses. All products are made with certified organic ingredients including organic apple juice, aloe vera, honey, botanicals and plant oils from sustainable farming. They use support local farmers (their pomegranates sourced from central Californian farms), recycled packaging and soy ink, no animal testing and run all their labs from solar power.
I love this range and found it perfect for everday use. There is nothing luxe about this brand but it is clean, modern and functional and is results driven.The products are 95% organic and
the product line is huge with a great choice of products for all skin types.
Cleansing Milk 200ml $22.
The cleansing milk comes with a muslin cloth and is really lovely to use. Light, milky and very gentle it removed all my makeup and soothed my skin with calendula, chamomile and organic juices. I highly recommend this cleanser for all skin types.
Antioxidant Serum-50ml  $40
After cleansing I applied the Antioxidant Serum which is packed full of Vitamin C and peptides. It is a light, clear gel the pumped some life into my tired, slightly weather damaged skin. I personally prefer oil serums than gel on my sensitive skin as I find them more nourishing but this was nice and light and not sticky like some gel serums. This serum has been clinically proven to prevent free radical damage by 85% so is great for city living.
Hydrating Mist 200ml $22
I wasn't too sure about was the Hydrating Mist as it seemed to irritate and sting my skin. I think it may have been a little too astringent for those with sensitive skin. It is recommended for those who fly regularly to give your skin a moisture boost at high altitude. It contains aloe vera, organic white grape juice and rose hip fruit.
Nutrient Moisturiser-60ml $36
This moisturiser is great for dry and ageing skin and I found it very hydrating and nourishing. The consistency is perfect, it doesn't sit on the skin but absorbs quickly leaving my skin feeling beautifully soft. The moisturiser contains carrot seed (a powerful antioxidant), calendula, chea butter, borage seed, linseed oil, chamomile and evening primrose. This is one of the best moisturisers I have used this year. A real must have.
Green Apple Peel Sensitive 60ml $39
Wow! This peel blew me away! It was wonderful on my sensitive skin, gentle and rejuvenating at the same time. It has been tested for those people who have very sensitive skin and is particularly good for those who suffer with rosacea. I applied this peel to my cleansed face and left it on for 10 mins then I rinsed it off. It is crammed full of lovely ingredients such as lemon, organic white grape juice, algae extract and apple peel ofcourse. Left my skin feeling very bright and soft.

http://www.juicebeauty.com

Lotus Wei Flower Essences. Why I'm hooked.

I have tried using flower essences on and off for several years. In all honesty I have never been convinced by their effectiveness. That is, until now.
I recently read a great interview with the founder of Lotus Wei (Katie Hess) by fellow beauty/ lifestyle blogger Galina.  You can read the interview here; http://www.galinka.co.uk/interview-with-the-lotus-wei-founder-katie-hess/ 


I went to Being Content last week to buy a few skincare goodies before I travel to California for a month. I quickly spotted the bright bottles of Lotus Wei lined up on the shelf.
It feels like Katie Hess has managed to bring the art of blending flower essences into the 21st Century. Fresh, modern and effective.
My two favourite flower essences at the moment are the energy mists Infinite Love and Inspired Action. I spray them throughout the day to give me a boost, to centre me or to calm me.  They are crammed full of healing plant essences, Infinite Love for instance contains; Red Mandarin, Rose Absolute, Hong Kong Orchid, Lotus and gem essence of Pink Tourmaline.
I think Lotus Wei is particularly effective for city living. I, like many of you, spend hours in front of a computer with the rush of traffic and city chaos outside my door. I spray the Lotus Wei mist around my face and neck and inhale deeply, it works subtly and seems to break the frenetic energy of the city life. I shut my eyes I am transported to some other place, the delectable scent of bright flowers and nature surrounds me. Used over time these flower essence can revitalise the body and soul, encourage personal growth and help 'eliminate non-constructive patterns'.
I know, that's a big claim right?! But I am convinced they make a radical difference to your sense of well being and your energy levels. I am totally, utterly hooked to their delicate scent too. It is easy to sit back and say it's  hocus-pocus but I implore you, if you feel the world is getting on top of you, give them a go.  These beautiful, natural essences can make a real difference to your well being and may just astound that inner sceptic too!

As Paul Hawken's states far more eloquently:

"The variety and nuance of the different flower essences are a part of my daily life. I cannot imagine a life without them. They are as basic as salt and water, as needed as fruits and vegetables, as lovely as sleep and joy. They are not magic, they are a dimension of life, a portal to a world that has been exquisitely mapped and expressed by Katie." ~Paul Hawken, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Author of The Ecology of Commerce

https://www.lotuswei.com/shop/

http://www.beingcontent.com/