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/

Andrea Garland. A review.

I decided to try out some Andrea Garland products after reading an article about her unique, natural skincare line. What is the appeal you may ask? Well, Andrea has a very unique take on skincare and aromatherapy, she has combined her love of vintage packaging and design with skincare to create what can only be described as a very eclectic, interesting beauty brand. Andrea began her skincare career on a market stall in East London and now stocks her products in the likes of the Conran store.
I tried three of Andrea's products; Lemon Balm Body Gloss, Rose and Hazelnut Day Cream and a Liberty Print Pill Box Lipbalm. There were some surprising results.

Lemon Balm Body Gloss 100ml £24

I think the first thing that strikes you about this body gloss other than the lovely packaging is the scent, it smells very strongly of lemon balm. I really like the smell but for some people I think it may be a bit too overpowering (so check you like the smell of lemon balm before you buy!). I found the gloss very nourishing but light and silky at the same time, it is a lovely consistency. This body gloss uses a variety of oils such as Avocado to help soothe irritated skin, Camellia to add a vibrancy to dull and lifeless skin and Coconut, Crambe and Broccoli Seed to help boost the radiance of the skin.  I can imagine this would be the perfect product to take on holiday and would be lovely to apply before an evening out in the summer as it adds a beautiful sheen to the skin, however this sheen only lasted about 30mins before it soaked in, leaving the skin feeling soft, moisturized and smelling of lemon balm and summertime.
The ingredients in this product are all natural, unlike the below product.

Rose and Hazelnut Day Cream 60ml £22.50
I have to say I really love Andrea Garland's unique quirky packaging and personally it was the best thing about this product. I'm afraid I really wasn't a fan of this day cream. The scent again was too overpowering and sickly sweet. I know this products uses benzoin, vanilla and rose, I think the combination is a bit of a overload of sweet scents. I only used this for about three days because I really didn't like the smell and I didn't see it having a positive effect on my skin. It's very light and watery but leaves a greasy film over the skin, I think it was too rich for my skin (even though I have dry/sensitive skin) I ended up getting a couple of pimples.
Unlike the body balm this product seems to be less natural containing the preservative Phenoxyethanol (which can cause skin irritation and according to the FDA can depress the central nervous system). I also discovered the list of ingredients of the jar was different to the list of ingredients on the website which is very misleading for the consumer. All in all I felt this was a real shame because I was hoping this brand would have avoided using such ingredients, especially as Andrea is an Aromatherapist and I presume understands about the health implications of this toxic ingredients. A bit of a let down I'm afraid.

Liberty Pill Box Lipbalm- £18
Other than the very cute Liberty print pill box tin, I was underwhelmed by this product. The lipbalm is 100% natural using sweet almond oil, shea butter, beeswax and rasberry seed oil (thumbs up). It was though very, very hard and was quite a job to scoop any on to my finger to apply to my lips. When I did manage to apply some it soon softened and was quite moisturizing. I liked the packaging and the little mirror, it's a sweet touch but I felt this product was worth about £10 max and I felt £18 for a little tin of lipbalm is very expensive.

The Verdict
Personally, I feel it is the quirky, beautiful packaging that has set Andrea Garland apart from other natural brands. It was a shame to discover not all of her products are as natural as I hoped. I think the unique packaging such as the replica vintage pill boxes, trinkets and rings make the products a very unique gift but I'm afraid this brand is just not for me.