The Body Shop Lotion-To-Oil from their avocado range is a bit of an odd one because it has the consistency of a moisturiser, even after you have applied it but later on, it does feel like you have layered up with a light moisturiser and a body oil.
Over the summer me and the Bloke have used this on incredibly dry skin, as an After-sun replacement, I’ve used it on my face (having a fan on all night is way harsh) and even on my hair as a leave-in conditioner!
It has such a lovely, fresh scent and isn’t greasy at all.
When I applied this Boucleme Curl Defining Gel (with flaxseed) to wet hair it helped my natural curls to form so easily I was amazed!
However, I noticed my hair lacked it’s usual shine and then went frizzy in the rain. Usually the rain just revives any gel I use but not this one.
The next morning when I woke my curls were dull and stretched out, although they remained perfect nearer my roots.
So for my hair type, this gel is perfect for a night out but not over several days. I think my thick, dry, coarse hair needs lightly oiling and then a moisturising curl cream instead.
If you have fine hair which gets overloaded with products easily, then I highly recommend this for you.
I’ve decided to try Wild refillable natural deodorant. I didn’t sign up for a renewable, letterbox subscription but instead, bought a one-off package with the metal case (I chose the Aqua shade) and 5 refills.
I chose 2 limited edition Lemon Meringue (you will smell like desert for hours) refills and 3 Coconut ones.
The case is recyclable and the refills are compostable!
I’ve been using natural stick deodorant for around three years now so I’ve not needed time to adjust and it’s working really well!
One thing I struggled with (possibly because of Dyspraxia and Hypermobilty) was pressing in the little buttons at the side to change the refill. Easier to get my carer to that as you do need some strength and it’s a bit fiddly.
Would you make the swap to a refillable natural deodorant?
This has quite a thick consistency but still glides on easily. Soothing Aloe and Banana extracts. Good colour payoff but I should have chosen Cherry as it’s too pale for me. My lips are really happy with it and so is my purse!
This doesn’t glide on easily but it is hydrating and moisturising with Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter. Sensibly priced for something you would use everyday. The Garnet shade would be a moody sort of nude for people with olive – darker skin tones.
Sadly, the colour of this balm is incredibly sheer. Not quite as long-lasting as some other lip balms but it is a very purse friendly fiver. Cannabis Sativa extract to soothes chapped lips.
Anyone else hate the title of this, just me?! The colour of this balm only shows up on the palest part of my wrist, it’s that sheer. It works wonders on dull, dry, dehydrated skin. I apply this on my lips, my cheekbones, the tip of my nose and my chin to instantly make me look fresh and awake too.
A tube full of air! I was half way down the tube, squeezing with both hands before any of it came out. I love the colour but it’s too thick to spread consistently. This felt great on my lips at first but when it wore off (rather quickly) my lips felt dryer than they were before!? More like lipstick than a balm. Contains active ingredients of Olive Oil, Paw Paw and Aloe.
This is like the lip gloss you’ve been dreaming off. Glides on easily, with a sheer but noticeable tint and shine. The Jojoba, apricot and Vit E ingredients stopped my lips from drying out.
This oil (with Almond Oil with extracts of Cherry) works well and stays put, without feeling too thick or goopy. I love the retro packaging but sadly there isn’t any colour pay off, just a very subtle iridescent shine.
*In the above image I called this colour ‘Sugar’ by mistake*
Vegan
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Which one’s would you use? Do you have any recommendations?
Hello lovely people! Between the wind, rain, cold and central heating it’s no wonder our skin can become sensitive, dehydrated and dry, or like mine, freak out and become oily and dry in different places.
A really light, easily absorbed daily moisturiser which can be layered with serums and balms. This moisturiser contains (plant based) Squalane to improve moisture balance and elasticity, Peptides to protect skin, B3 to brighten and even the complexion and Hyaluronic Acid to help the other ingredients sink deep into the skin.
This serum uses repurposed coffee extract, which is rich in antioxidants and rosehip and jojoba oils to brighten and care for dry, dehydrated skin. I apply this serum and before it sinks in completely I apply moisturiser, which helps the moisturiser to sink in easily. It does have a tiny tingly sensation at first but doesn’t make my skin flush or react.
This has the most delicious chocolate scent! It also has the most amount of oil (cacao seed butter and Shea butter) and scrubby bits (cacao seed powder) in anything I’ve ever used before. It’s really easy to hold in your palm and one melt covered my whole body. I don’t think I’ll have dry skin again for the next year! Okay, a slight exaggeration there.
This balm contains Oat Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Sweet Almond Oil to calm dry, sensitive, itchy skin. The Lavender and Geranium Oils also calm body and mind. It’s a little miracle in a pot!
I normally have very cold hands so I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to use this but it melted into my palms straight away! Containing Cocoa Butter and Apricot Kernel Oil, this cream is both hydrating and moisturising, without clogging pours or creating an oil slick on your pillow.
Quite the dream team and all plant based!
Feel free to Like, comment (ask questions), follow and share.
These are the products I’ve been using and purchasing repeatedly over the past year. They have been perfect for balancing my combination-type skin and hair.
Skincare
Haircare
General
I hope you’ve found this helpful and, as always lovely people, leave any questions or comments.
Extra…
Over the next couple of months I’ll be reviewing more skincare and beauty (including tinted lip balms and super moisturising lipsticks), as well as self-care and pampering products. Keep an eye on my Insta for a heads up!
This year I’m going to be doing a series of posts focussing on independent business, starting off the year with skincare.
Love Absolute was created by Holistic Therapist Sarah Bisset and specialises in botanically derived skincare. The brand is 100% cruelty free, vegan, organic and uses locally sourced ingredients, to support farmers, biodiversity and to cut down on carbon emissions.
I love their minimalist and recyclable packaging and it’s also good to know that their products are natural, fresh and free from unnecessary chemicals.
Vamp It Up Manchester 