My March Favourites:
This month's beauty favourites were a mix of new products and old favourites....
1.Lavera Wild Rose 24h Moisturising Cream
(30ml- RRP £14.90)
Product Info
Organic 24 hour moisturising cream is full of moisture-rich fluids from Organic Grapes, Peaches and Apricots along with skin smoothing Organic Macadamia Seed Oil to support your skin's regeneration process. Organic Wild Rose leaves a naturally uplifting aroma, whilst helping to brighten and protect from harsh weather conditions without a greasy texture.
Ingredients
Lavera Faces Wild Rose Organic 24hr Moistursing Cream - Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Alcohol*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Squalane, Shorea Stenoptera Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Sodium Lactate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil*, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract*, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Lysolecithin, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Citronellol**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Limonene**,citral*
** natural essential oils
Price & Packaging
Price wise it is not too expensive, a tube should last 2 or 3 months. It comes in a squeezy plastic tube which makes application easy.
Review
I received a number of samples from Lavera to test out. The wild rose collection is aimed at dry/ mature skin so when I used the Wild Rose moisturiser I used it sparingly as I have oily skin. The moisturiser has a medium consistency and is non greasy yet incredibly hydrating. It has a very strong rose scent that lasts for hours which I loved (if you don't like rose scents you probably wont like this). It left my skin so soft afterwards. It's perfect to use on colder days or as a night time moisturiser. There is a Lavera moisturiser for oily/ combination skin that would probably be better suited to my skin type, but I loved the scent of this so much I would probably purchase this version. I also tried the Wild rose night cream but this was far too rich for my skin and broke me out terribly. So I would only recommend the night cream moisturiser if you actually have dry/mature skin. This version is perfect for anyone who has dry skin and suitable for oilier skin types if you use in moderation. I'm very keen to try more from the Lavera line and will probably pick up some more of their products in the near future. Their body care range looks especially nice. The Lavera line is also a 100% organic and suitable for vegans too which is a plus.
Pros
. Very Hydrating/ Long lasting hydration
. Perfect for colder months
.Certified Natural/ Organic
.Replenishes Dry Skin perfectly
.Rose Scent that last for hours
.Leaves Skin Smooth
. Safe Ingredients e.g no beeswax/ moderate alchol only for antibacterial purposes & contains hyaluronic acid
.Easy to use packaging
. Reasonable Price
Cons
.Needs to be used sparingly if you have oilier skin
. Strong scent (if you dislike that)
.Can irritate sensitive skin in some cases
Review 8/10
2. LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
(£5.25- 25g)
Product Info
Our lip scrubs are made from castor sugar to act as a gentle scrub and jojoba oil to be wonderfully moisturising but light enough not to leave you feeling greasy.
Keeps lips in tip top condition, for kissing, pouting, talking or anything else you wish to do with them. Provides a great base for lipstick, which looks much better on smooth prepared lips.
Ingredients
Caster Sugar, Organic Jojoba Oil, Methyl Lonone, Flavour, Colour 45410, Colour 45380
Price & Packaging
Small glass pot with screw cap. Small enough to carry around. Good value for amount should last a few months
Review
This is an old favourite of mine that I recently repurchased. I forgot how much I loved it. I've had quite dry chapped lips lately and this has really helped. I use it about 3 times a day to make sure my lips are exfoliated. It leaves them so soft and smooth. The sweet bubblegum flavouring is amazing, good enough to eat! It's a great product to use before applying lip colour, use a lip balm after wards and then lip colour and it makes the application so much smoother. It also comes in two other flavour/ scents if your not a fan of this sweet bubblegum version. The downside is the pot, there is no sifting cover so you have to be careful not to drop/ knock it over or you'll loose all of it (what happened to my last pot). I'd fully recommend this and will be repurchasing when I finish this pot.
Pros
.Perfect for exfoliating lips and keeping dry skin at bay
.Helps with creating a smooth base for lip colour
. Sweet bubblegum flavour (or alternatives if you don't like this flavour)
.Sturdy glass pot
. Reasonably priced for quantity
Cons
. No protection cover inside pot so product can be easily to spill if not careful
. Apparently can be made at home more cheaply
.There is some discussion whether pot is breeding ground for bacteria (advise always have clean hands when using)
. Its a bit sticky
Review 9/10
3.Neal's Yard Remedies Power Berry Facial Mask
Product Info
Boosts radiance and protects YOUTHFUL skin.
Antioxidant-rich acai, bilberry, cranberry and grape in a gel refining mask, revitalises for fresh, glowing skin. Contains Faitrade Brazil nut oil. Benefits include: Instant radiance boost, Replenishing and protecting, Gel to milk formulation, with moisturising fair trade Brazil nut oil, Dermatologically Tested.
Ingredients
Price & Packaging
Lovely glass jar with screw cap lid. Easy to use. Looks nice on bathroom shelf. The price is rather expensive but it is a higher end skin care product.
Review
This is a wonderful mask that not only exfoliates and brightens but also moisturises the skin. It is quite expensive so I use it every week or so. The formula is medium consistency quite sticky with small granules and has an over powering cranberry scent (which really reminds me of Xmas dinners). This is a mask you apply to dry skin and leave for 10 minutes before applying water, turning it into a facial scrub. I love that it is effectively both a mask and scrub in one. It's a great pick me up for fatigued skin, a lovely pampering product to use at the weekend. It has a great ingredients list with nothing bad for the skin. It is certified organic and vegan approved. The mask is non irritating and very gentle on the skin. Suitable for all skin types. I really love Neal's Yard products and will definitely be trying out a few more of their masks.
Pros
.Works as both a mask and exfoliator
.Gentle formula
.Good ingredients list
.Nice packaging
.Organic
. Leaves skin brighter/ softer
Cons
.Expensive
.Glass jar is not convenient to travel with
.Strong cranberry scent (if you dislike that)
Review 9/10
4.LUSH - Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo
A mild surfactant base that washes well – we’ve added yeast, which is a protein conditioner, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice to close the hair cuticle, give shine and help the hair to lie flat.
Ingredients
Stout, Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate, Fine Sea Salt, Lauryl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fresh Organic Lemon Juice, Cognac Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Yeast, Balsamic Vinegar, *Citral, *Geraniol, Perfume, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
*occurs naturally in essential oils
Comes in a range of sizes. Smallest size is enough to last a month or so. Plastic bottle ideal for travelling.
Very reasonable price for such a good shampoo
This is an old favourite of mine. I picked up a bottle recently and remembered how much I loved it. If you have curly/ frizzy or slightly unruly hair this is the perfect thing to tame it (the beer ingredient does this). The shampoo leaves hair so clean but gives it enough weight to smooth it out and leave it thick and shiny. It makes hair very manageable. You really only need a tiny amount, it lathers so easily. I've read a few reviews were people found it to be drying but I've never experienced that, I'd always advise using conditioner anyway after shampooing your hair. I like the smell of the product but I know this is another issue some people have with the shampoo. Also just a note this is a shampoo for dark hair only. It has a great ingredients list and is organic/ vegan approved which is also a plus. After remembering how much I loved this shampoo I will be repurchasing this more often. I recommend this for people with dark curly/ frizzy hair.. Overall a great shampoo.
. Leaves hair clean, shiny and manageable
.Comes in a range of sizes
. Has a strong beer type scent
.Some people find it drying
.Only suitable for dark hair
Review 9/10
5.LUSH Ocean Salt
(100g- £6.95)
Product Info
For the zingy, astringent feeling we chop up organic limes and soak them in vodka overnight and then mix this with coarse sea salt and add fresh grapefruit infusion and lime essential oil. This will give you a scrubby mix that is antiseptic, takes away dead skin and tightens the skin. But we also wanted to soften the skin and leave it moisturised and supple, so we also add avocado butter, extra virgin coconut oil, lanolin, seaweed absolute
Ingredients
Fine Sea Salt, Fresh Grapefruit Infusion, Coarse Sea Salt, Stearic Acid, Fresh Organic Lime Extracted in Vodka, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Triethanolamine, Avocado Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Lime Oil, Lime Oil, Seaweed Absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute, Glycerine, Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume, Colour 42090, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Price and Packaging
Plastic tub with screw top lid. Easy to use and travel with. Also can use empty pot as part of their take back program. This product has gone up in rice a lot but is still semi reasonably priced for how long it lasts ( a few months).
Review
This is another old favourite of mine that is a regular repurchase for me but I've been especially loving it this month. I love this scrub, it's great to use every week or so. It has an incredibly fresh scent. The presence of vodka acts as an stringent and makes it ideal for oilier skin types or for use in hotter months. Consistency wise it is made up of large salt granules. This means that you have to use it properly or you will do more damage to your skin than good. You have to make sure your skin is thoroughly wet before applying the scrub. I use a very small amount and mix it with enough water so it is more of a paste than a thick scrub. There is a lot of criticize of this product that it far too abrasive for the face so I would only recommend using it in the way I recommended once a week or every two weeks. It is definitely not suitable for sensitive skin types. After use I find my skin is incredibly soft and deeply cleansed after use, it really helps me to reduce pores and get rid of blackheads. This month I found it a real benefit as I had a few issues with my skin being dryer than usual, although I always pick a tub up when I run out. I'd recommend this if you have normal/ oily or non sensitive dry skin, not sensitive skin. It's a great occasional scrub and is excellent for summer months or if you're in a hot climate. It also is an organic product which is a plus.
Pros
. Fresh scent( smells like the ocean)
.Lasts forever
.Acts as an astringent, which makes it good at clearing blackheads
.Semi reasonably priced
.Leaves skin soft and smooth
.Organic
Cons
. Can't be used more than once a week or every two weeks
. Slightly abrasive
. Not suitable for sensitive skin
Review 8/10
6.Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask
This creamy mask hydrates and soothes parched, stressed and sensitive skin. It contains West African shea and borage seed oil to enhance the skin’s natural barrier and comfrey to calm, while the uplifting fragrance of rose-scented geranium helps refresh your senses. Naturally active ingredients include comfrey, borage and rose-scented geranium.
Ingredients
Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
This essential oil provides a wonderfully uplifting fragrance. Pelargonium graveolens, known as rose-scented geranium has a powerful rose-like odour. This luxurious oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy for its toning and balancing properties.
Price and Packaging
This comes in two sizes a mini 15ml and the full size 50ml. The smaller size although handy is very expensive for the amount, you can only get a few uses out of it. Squeezy tube makes application easy.
Review
I was sent a selection of mini face masks from Liz Earle, but because the smaller size is so small this is the only one I got a lasting impression from (I probably need to repurchase the others to get a clear idea whether they are beneficial to my skin or not). This mask noticeably left my skin looking better, and I've been enjoying using it this month (my skin has been slightly drier than usual). I've been using it in the mornings when I wake up and leaving it on for half an hour (twice as long as recommended) before getting ready, I find it really perks up my skin and adds the extra moisture and nourishment needed for tired skin. I can see a visible difference in how bright my skin looks after use.You have to apply it to clean dry skin and then remove with a hot muslin cloth. This is really refreshing to use, and I'd recommend using it in the mornings as a perfect wake me up product. It also soothes irritated skin making it great to use if your having breakouts. It is suitable for all skin types and contains all natural ingredients which is a plus. I've heard a few people compare this to Dermalogicas multivitamin mask, I'm personally not sure about that myself, but it is a fraction of the cost. I'd recommend this product for anyone suffering from dry or tiered looking skin, especially now while the weather is still cold.
Pros
.Leaves skin nice and soft & a lot brighter
.Refreshing on the skin
.Natural Ingredients
.Gentle on the skin, suitable for all skin types
.Subtle fragrance
.Easy to use Packaging
.Larger size is semi-reasonably priced
Cons
. Standard tube doesn't come with a muslin cloth
.Smaller size works out very expensive for size
Review 8/10
7.MAC Fix+ Spray
(100ml- £13.50)
Product Info
An aqua spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm the skin blend of Green Tea, Camomile, Cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energising scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!
Ingredients:
Water, glycerin, butylene glycol, cucumber fruit extract, chamomilla, camellia leaf extract, tocophryl acetate, caffeine, panthenol, hydrogenated castor oil, fragrance
Price & Packaging
Twist cap spray plastic bottle. easy to use. Reasonable price for how long it lasts.
Review
I've been using this for years but until recently I only truly realized the benefit of it. This is a product that people largely misunderstand the use of, and usually when people dislike it it is because they are not using it correctly. This is a "fixing" spray not a setting spray to lengthen the longevity of makeup on the skin as a lot of people believe. It can be used in a number of ways. The general use is that you can freshen up your make up through the day with a few sprays, the presence of cucumber and caffeine makes it refreshing, and really perks up your makeup. However be weary and cover your eye makeup when spraying, it can remove even the toughest waterproof eye makeup. My personal favourite use is that if you've made your makeup too powdery you only have to give it a quick spritz with this and it's fixed. I also like to spray my face with it before applying makeup as a base. Some people also spray their brushes with it to adhere products or to use it to dilute thick formula, I haven't tried that myself though. I know there are a lot of facial sprays that people use in the same way and I'm not sure if they are better or worse per say. I myself often use Caudalie Beauty Elixir in much the same way. However this formula does contain caffeine which specifically perks up the skin. It is also a formula specifically created not to remove makeup when spraying it on the face. Price wise it is good value, a full size bottle lasts me a year or more. I would recommend purchasing the travel size over the full size though, this way you can take it in your makeup bag, after all it is a product to use when your out and want to fix your makeup. I read a few reviews were people claimed it broke them out, I haven't experienced that but after doing some research a lot of beauty experts said that this is caused when you spray it too close to your skin( it is highly concentrated and you shouldn't overload your skin with it on close range). I'd recommend this to anyone who wears makeup for long hours, or anyone who wants to set their makeup with powder but doesn't want to look "powdery". If you have sensitive skin I'd say try this before you buy it just to make sure it doesn't break you out. I have oily skin and find my makeup wears off if I wear it for a whole day so a product like this is a godsend for me. I've got plenty left in the bottle so I don't need to repurchase yet, but I'll probably repurchase a small bottle when it's empty.
Pros
. Makes makeup less powdery
.Perks up makeup through the day
.Has mulit-uses
.Reasonably prices
.Comes in a handy travel size
Cons
. Can remove eye makeup if your not careful
.In some cases can cause breakouts
Review 8/10
8.STEAMCREAM
(75g- £11.65)
Product Info
Freshly handmade using high-quality, natural ingredients that are fused together by a shot of steam. This unique method makes the cream very lightweight, providing long-lasting hydration for the face. The texture also makes it a perfect nourishing treat for your body and hands too. Handmade in the UK and Japan with fresh, traceable ingredients. It’s super-moisturising, sinks deep down instantly and revives your skin straight away. It makes your skin simply the best it can be, naturally. Award winning product, winning the CEW (UK) Award for Best Everyday New Skincare and Pure Beauty Award for Best Design & Packaging. Once you’ve tried it you’ll understand why!
Ingredients
Ingredient list
These are the ingredients and at one glance, they look almost natural:
Oatmeal Infusion (Avena sativa), Orange Flower Water (Citrus Aurantium amara, Aqua), Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Glycerine, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Lavender Oil (Lavandula augustifolia), Chamomile Blue Oil (Chamomilla recutita), Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus Aurantium dulcis), Rose Absolute (Rosa damascena), Neroli Oil (Citrus Aurantium amara), Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, *Coumarin, *Geraniol, *Citronellol, * Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. *Occurs naturally in essential oils
Price & Packing
Reasonably priced. Comes in a steel tin in a multitude of collectible designs. Great size for travelling.
Review
This is a product I had for months before I actually tried it, the thought of a cream that could go on the face and body made me apprehensive. I can't believe it took me till recently to try it, it's a wonderful product. Invented by the creator of LUSH this product is often compared to Lush's Dream Cream (I haven't tried that so can't say myself), this is a multi-purpose product made using the innovative process of using steam. The ingredients are natural and it is handmade. Using steam to bind the ingredients creates a looser emulsion which helps the cream to better penetrate the skin leaving it incredibly hydrated The consistency seems thick at first but applies so lightly to the skin. It has a wonderful fragrance that I really love. I've been using this as a night time moisture a few times a week. You can really feel your skin drinking it up. I find that if my skin is dry or irritated this really helps to sooth it. I especially like to use it after exfoliating my face as a gentle way to put the moisturiser back into the skin. I've also been using it on the tops of my arms were I tend to get a stress rash and found it has really helped with that too. It's not hard to see why this is an award winning product. It's reasonably priced and the tins are a good size for travelling. being multi-purpose it is also a great space saving product for holidays/ travelling. Best of all are the cute designs of the tins, you can get a new design with every purchase to brighten up your bathroom. I'd fully recommend trying this, don't be put of my the fact it can be used on face and body like I initially was. It's suitable for all skin types. Especially good for anyone with irritated skin or sensitive skin as it is ultra gentle, and people with dry skin as it completely eradicates any dryness or dehydration. I will definitely be repurchasing this, I can tell it will be a life long favorite.
Pros
. Light formula that's hydrating but not greasy
.Cam be used on face and body
. Lovely scent
.Natural ingredients
.Soothing on irritated skin
.Good value for money
.Cute collectable tins
Cons
. It's so good you may become addicted
Review 10/10
9.Evolve perfect Radiance Facial Polish
(100ml- 12.99)
Product Info
A deliciously creamy facial scrub to polish and perfect, suitable for all skin types. Organic Acai buffs away imperfections whilst Brazilian Acerola brightens and moisturises for a flawless finish. This remarkable face treatment leaves skin smooth, radiant and visibly hydrated. Suitable for sensitive skin. Certified Vegan 99.6% natural 15% organic Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT
INGREDIENTS:
aqua (water), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, cetearyl alcohol, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, euterpe oleracea (acai) pulp powder*, glyceryl stearate, lauryl glucoside, glycerin, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, gluconolactone, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, cetearyl glucoside, parfum (natural fragrance), malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, tocopherol, arginine, maltodextrin, calcium gluconate. *ingredients from organic farming
Price and Packaging
Simple recycled plastic screw top tub. Extremely reasonably price for quantity and quality of product
Review
Evolve is a natural/ organic brand that is seriously underrated. I discovered Evolve last month when I finally got around to trying the samples they had sent me months ago. I quickly realized how great the products were and ordered a range of products from their skin and hair care line. This product in particular has been the shinning star from the range and I've already recommended it to everyone I know. No matter how little sleep I've had or how dull my skin is one use of this makes me radiant and glowing. The effects are noticeable and instantaneous. The granules are small and non abrasiveness so it does not cause irritation, and is suitable for sensitive skin types. Being organic the ingredients are all safe to use on the skin too. It smells so lovely too. It's a real treat to use on the skin. I've already got a long list of other products I want to purchase from the line.
Pros
Leaves skin soft, exfoliatated and radiant
.Heavenly scent
Gentle orgainc formula
.Easy to use tub
.Reasonable price
.Suitable for all skin types
Cons
. Available online only (as far as I'm aware)
Review 10/10
10.L'Occitane Shea Butter Rose Petals Handcream
(30ml- £8)
Product Info
Shea Butter Rose Petals Hand Cream is enriched with a high concentration of Shea Butter to help protect, nourish and soften the skin. Enhanced with a floral fragrance evoking sugar-coated rose petals, this richly textured cream leaves hands soft and smooth with no oily traces, and can be applied as often as needed.
The striking design of this Limited Edition collection recalls the baskets made of natural materials used by women in West Africa, where L'OCCITANE Shea Butter is sourced. The colours and patterns of each product are inspired by these hand-made baskets and the blazing African sun.
Price & Packaging
Easy to use squeezy tube, perfect handbag size. Quite expensive for amount.
Review
This was a free sample I received that I've only just got around to using. I'm a big fan of L'Occitane in general and this is one of my favourite products. The hand cream has the most divine rose floral scent. It is thick and moiturising without being greasy. It leaves the skin so soft for hours after use. Sadly this version is limited edition (although it is still available). It is pretty much a dupe for the Body Shop's rose hand cream, which is £3 less if you wanted something cheaper. I'd recommend trying L'Occitane hand creams as the few I've tried have all been excellent. If you love rose scents then this one for you. I'm not sure I'll repurchase this, maybe if it is on offer as it is not the cheapest hand cream.
Pros
. Extremely hydrating
.Divine rose floral scent
.Easy to use squeezy tube
Cons
.Quite expensive for amount
.This version is limited edition so wont be available forever
Review 8/10
