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Friday, 7 November 2014

natures-kin / review / skin care / natural





Coconut and lime foot cream




Product description

A light whipped foot cream with softening sweet almond oil, nourishing safflower oil, vitamin E, olive oil , shea and cocoa butters to  moisturise, nourish and protect and also to stop the skin from drying out.
Scented with the exotic fragrance of real coconut (natural ecocert aroma), and refreshing lime essential oil.

Review

This is a soothing foot cream which has a lovely unusual smell of the coconut and lime mixing together which is great because peppermint all the time can get a bit boring.

I had no adverse reaction itchiness or redness.

What I also found was that my skin stayed soft for quite a while after I used this product which was good because when I use things like baby oil on my feet to try and give them moisture they get dry again really quickly.



Grapefruit and chamomile nourishing skin balm





Product Description

A  facial moisturiser  to nourish and soothe all skin types including those that are sensitive and irritated , with cold pressed avocado oil which contains vitamins B5, D and E and gives lustre to tired skin, apricot kernal oil to soften and smooth, Panthenol to moisturise and strengthen cells, Evening primrose extract – contains 9% GLA and is a good source of omega 3 & 6, uplifting grapefruit essential oil and chamomile essential oil to calm sensitive skin. 





Review

As I have sensitive skin on my face this was a good cream for me as I get a lot of dry patches especially when I wake up in the morning.

No adverse reactions to this skin itchiness or red patches.

Again an intriguing fragrance that works well and I like that it contains omega 3 and 6 as well from the evening primrose oil.







Aloe vera cream




Product Description

A light moisturising cream which can be used on the face and body, it contains soothing aloe vera , coldpressed avocado oil to nourish and feed the skin, protective shea butter,  rice bran oil for its softening properties and virgin olive oil to moisturise.
This cream is unscented and comes in a 90ml airless vacuum pump container which is hygienic to use and ensures that all the cream is pumped out.



Review

I thought this was a great product. I first used it on my face when I was doing my eyebrows as I thought it may soften the redness you get after.

Then I used it all over my face and it was easily absorbed left no greasy residue and my skin felt really soft and dewy.

I have to be careful what I use on my face because of my sensitive skin but I have used this quite a few times now and it has been really good for my skin.

I also used it on my body as is it suitable for face and body and again I had no adverse reactions no itchiness or redness.

This is a product I would definitely recommend to people with sensitive skin.

Another great thing about all the products by this company is that they contain natural ingredients and no sls.









A little about this company from their website:



Natural skincare

I started using natural skincare products  when I became aware of the benefits of natural products; I had developed an irritated scalp which disappeared after using a natural shampoo so I started looking at what was in the products I was using.  After reading an article about using certain vegetable oils to help skin conditions in my massage magazine, I attended courses in natural skincare with Aromantic, (part of the Findhorn Foundation) and started making products for my clients. I got so involved and fascinated that I went on to making them for the general public.   Each product is carefully made with the best natural ingredients for the purpose for which it is intended.


Natural skincare contains vegetable oils and ingredients from natural sources which are easily absorbed by the skin and nurture it; they contain Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals which stimulate the skin to function better and become healthy and vital.Natural products feed the skin many of the nutrients it needs and do not block the pores, leaving your skin glowing with health. Natural skincare works with the skin,allowing it to breathe and secrete normally. By using different vegetable based oils and active ingredients, skincare products can be made to suit different types of skin.When you consider that the skin is the largest organ in the body it is important what we put on it Many of the chemicals that are used generally in skincare are cheap to produce and appear to give good results, but do not benefit the skin in any way and may be detrimental to it. Two of the most commonly found chemicals are mineral oils and sodium laureth sulphate:  

Mineral Oils :  

Non natural skincare ( and also some natural skincare ) often contains mineral oils (paraffin and vaseline) which soften and protect the skin in the short term by forming a layer on the surface of the skin. However by doing this they may block the pores; this prevents normal functioning of the skin and used for a long time makes the skin dry, lifeless and reliant on the oils. Mineral oils may also enlarge pores allowing blackheads to form.  

Sodium Laureth Sulphate:  

This is a commonly used ingredient in skincare and an efficient cleanser. However it is a very aggressive detergent and its degreasing power is too strong to be used in skincare although it makes very good washing up liquid. Long term use of SLS in skincare, especially shower gels and shampoos, may cause dry, itchy skin and flaky patches





new dawn organic skin and hair care / review / natural / hair growth / hair loss

This is a review of a great company I found on ebay and they were good enough to send me some samples to try.
 
 
 
 
 
Peppermint shampoo and conditioner
 
Shampoo ingredients
 
Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, *Aloe Barbadensis 70% (Aloe Vera), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, *Mentha piperita Oil (*Pure Peppermint Essential Oil). Allergens: Limonene. (*Certified Organic). Vegetable origin/not tested on animals.
 
Conditioner ingredients

 
Aqua, Cerearyl Alcohol (from vegetable oil), Betaine, Coco-Glucoside (from coconut oil), *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), *Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil), *Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Oil), *Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut Palm Oil), *Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba oil), *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (Aloe Vera), Xanthan Gum (natural thickener from sugar), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol. *Mentha piperita Oil (*Pure Peppermint Essential Oil). Allergens: Limonene (*Certified Organic). Vegetable origin/not tested on animals.
 
The organic Peppermint essential oil in the shampoo and conditioner is said to stimulate blood circulation and therefore hair growth also. Couple this with Aloe Vera which is said to reduce hair loss and you have a recipe for success.
 
Review
 
As I have particularly thin hair I was happy to try out the shampoo and conditioner in the peppermint range.
 
I really like the smell of both these products they are very light and not overpowering.
 
My hair did feel slightly fuller at the roots and the conditioner left it feeling particularly soft so I would say I was quite happy with the results after just one wash.
 
The best thing about this company is that they use all natural ingredients and my hair seems to respond better to that.
 
 
 Soap/Cleanser Bar for Face, Hands, Body & Scalp 'Patchouli Healer' 
 
Ingredients:
 
Aqua, Glycerin, *Sodium Palmate, *Sucrose, *Sodium Cocoate, *Aloe Vera, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, *Patchouli Essential Oil
 
Review
 
I hadn't heard of patchouli oil before so I did a little research and I found there were lots of benefits to using this oil including preventing infection if you have a cut and also helping with eczema prone skin which I have especially on my hands.
 
I had no allergic reaction itchiness or redness.
 
Again like I said with the shampoo and conditioner my skin responds so much better to natural ingredients.
 
Another good thing about this company is that they do not test on animals.
 
There are so many other healing remedies in the shop so definitely visit them at the link at the top of the page.

clarity products / review / joanna lumley / celebrity trio / blind disabled charity

 

Product Description
 
A stunning collection of 3 luxury body washes developed in conjunction with 3 of CLARITY’s best known supporters: Samantha Fox, Joanna Lumley and Fiona Phillips. Comes in a stylish gift box.
 
 
Review
 
I have now had the chance to try these products and I'm very impressed with them.
 
They come in a nicely presented silver gift box so are suitable to be given as a gift.
 
The bath products themselves come in a plastic pop up top bottle which is handy.
 
The fragrances are nice and light so would suit most peoples taste.
 
But with these products what is most impressive is the idea behind the company.
 
By purchasing the products, you are helping to give blind and disabled people the opportunity to contribute to society and to support themselves and their families.
 
 



Check the website above for similar products from this company.

 

yin yang skin care / review / aromatherapy salts / orange flower tonic / natural

 
 

Product description


Bath and simmering aromatherapy salts - neroli citrus , mandarin , lavender and rosemary.


Review


These dissolve well in the water and do not leave a thick residue in the bottom of the bath.


They have a nice light relaxing fragrance.


My skin felt really supple and refreshed after using them and you don't need a lot in the bath because they disperse really well.


As the ingredients are natural I did not have a reaction to them as I do with other things that contain more toxic ingredients.










Product description

 This gentle combination of pure spring water and energetic ingredients is a real tonic for all skin types. It energises with the refreshing fragrance from Essential Oil of Sweet Orange, and the wonders of witch hazel support the fine tissues around the eyes, relieving strain and making this super hydrating tonic an integral part of skin de-tox and an anti-ageing regime. Lightly fragranced with Neroli - the oil from orange flowers.


Review


I hadn't used this type of product very much until recently but its one that I am reaching for much more and this is definitely up there as one of my favourites.


It has a lovely light orange scent to it which is naturally sourced from orange flowers.


A great detox for the skin to make it feel refreshed especially in the morning.



 
A little about them from their webpage:

Organic Skin Care Products

Yin Yang Skincare was born in 1973 when Katie May formulated a range of plant based natural skincare products, free of chemical additives, and often using organic botanical ingredients,  that were designed to work with the skin's own systems of renewal and defence. Pure skincare, effective skincare and affordable skincare - the three principal qualities of our natural skincare products for 36 years. Launched at Cranks iconic "green" store and restaurant on Carnaby Street, London in 1973, Yin Yang Skincare quickly became the natural skin care range of choice for the early advocates of chemical free botanical products.

Human skin is in a constant process of renewal as young fresh cells from the dermis migrate up to the surface epidermal layer to flatten, harden and finally peel off, and all the while the skin is being challenged by hostile external forces ranging from the weather to pollution and man-made chemicals. From the very start, Yin Yang Skincare products have been formulated to nourish & hydrate the skin, and to help maintain & restore the critical balances of acidity and microfloral cover that keep the skin looking healthy and beautiful. Because acidification is important for the maintenance of the skin's barrier function, all Yin Yang skincare products have a pH value of 4.5 – 5.0 which is perfect for the health of the skin’s protective microflora. This so called “acid mantle” is the first line of defence for the skin and the body beneath.

Thursday, 6 November 2014

2 sisters soap / samples / handmade / natural





I have received these lovelies from this company to review

Silk rose

A truly indulgent bar made with Floral essential oils which create a scent reminiscent of Turkish Delight. Shea Butter and real Tussah silk are added for a fabulously luxurious feel!
The Shea Butter and Olive oil in this recipe makes for a highly creamy & conditioning slice of soap whilst Palm & Coconut oils provide a cleansing balance to our bars. The combination of Palmarosa and Geranium essential oils are ideal for slightly drier skins. This is a very special bar containing real Tussah Silk and Palmarosa essential oils with just a hint of romance.


Wild liquorice

A spicy deodorizing masculine scent of Star Anise with a hint of Cedarwood containing conditioning Shea Butter.
Luxurious Shea Butter makes for a highly creamy & conditioning bar of soap. The Olive oils in this recipe also provide conditioning properties whilst Palm & Coconut oils provide a cleansing balance to our bars. Men love the scent of this bar and it is highly deodorizing making it a favourite of fisherman as the Star Anise allegedly hides the smell of skin oils and the Cedarwood is a natural bug repellent! However, don't be fooled, this bar is suitable for everyone as it has great skin balancing properties!

Lemon grove

A very mild but bright and inspiring wake me up scent. Cocoa Butter and Olive Oils are combined with Lemon, Lemongrass & May Chang to provide an uplifting soap slice. Helps balance oily skin.
Luxury Cocoa Butter and Olive oil in this recipe makes for a highly creamy & conditioning slice of soap whilst Palm & Coconut oils provide a cleansing balance to our bars. This is a perfect bar for oily type skin

Au natural

An unscented soap slice with no additives. This bar is ideal for extremely sensitive skin. It is suitable for use on the face, body and hands.
The Shea Butter and Olive oil in this recipe makes for a highly creamy & conditioning slice of soap whilst Palm & Coconut oils provide a cleansing balance to our bars. This is a perfect bar to try when you have delicate skin. 

Containing no artifical colorants, fragrances, Parabens, SLS’s or any similar chemicals.

So please be sure to go on the website for similar products and check back for my review of these four featured soaps.






Wednesday, 5 November 2014

zaza & cruz / review / lip polish / make up / cosmetics / skin care / anti ageing





Product description




 
It is in the shade pink bubblegum and the description says that it is highly moisturising and will help keep lips from being dry and flaky.


Review


I have never used one of these lip polishes before but this is something I would definitely use again. After just one use my lips felt really moisturised and smooth.


It was absorbed really easily so I wasnt left with stuff on my lips that I had to get off. You only need a very tiny amount.

I had no reaction redness or itchiness on or around my lips

 
The product smells really nice and even has a nice sugary taste not that I would recommend to eat it!


I also like the fact that this is made with natural ingredients because my skin is quite sensitive so it always responds better to natural products.

So be sure to see the website above for other similar products from this company.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

aromatree company / review / pure essential oils / foot cream / aromatherapy / essential oils

 
 
I have now tested each of the creams sent to me by this company and I have picked my top two

 
Product description
 
A rich, nourishing cream scrub to moisturise and soften, with Apricot Kernal Seeds to gently exfoliate dead skin cells to leave feet soft and smooth which you can see in the picture below.
 
Review
 
This product worked really well on my feet as an exfoliator.
 
I tend to find that foot scrubs can sometimes be too harsh for me as I have sensitive skin but the natural apricot kernel seeds have a lovely texture and work well, especially on my heels.
 
The smell of this is lovely which I was surprised because I don't usually go for lavender but it worked well with the peppermint.  


 
 Of the foot creams my favourite was the revive foot cream.

Product description

 With aromatherapy Essential Oils of Lavender, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Juniper Berry, Peppermint and Rosemary. An easily absorbed moisturising foot cream to help revive tired, achey or swollen feet. When massaged into the feet can have a cleansing, tonic effect and help stimulate circulation.

Review

The lemon scented tea tree was the smell that stood out for me, which I liked, because sometimes tea tree can be overwhelming and yet it is a fantastic oil so it worked well with the lemon scent.

It definitely was easily absorbed and did not leave a greasy residue.

So overall a lovely set of foot creams from this company.

I also love that all the products are made from pure and natural ingredients.

This company were awarded winner of the Natural Health Beauty Award 2013 in the foot cream category and have since also been awarded it once again for 2014.