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