Bedtime Routine with Nourish London | Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask & Sleepy Pillow Mist review

These two additions to my bedtime beauty routine from Nourish London make an excellent team for getting a good night's sleep and gorgeous glowing skin come the morning. Now if only they could stop the alarm clock from going off so early...

Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of Nourish, and guess what? These two featured products are actually a re-discovery of old favourities from the brand. For those who are new to these parts, Nourish is a particularly lovely natural and organic skincare brand based in London with vegan and cruelty-free accreditations.  There's a lot to love from this company so feel free to check out my previous reviews and feature on Nourish here. 

For now, though, let's take a closer look at two of their bestsellers that you can add to your bedtime beauty routine; the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask and Sleepy Pillow Mist.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £26, link)

When I'm winding down for the evening and have some spare time on my hands, I love to indulge in a proper pampering skincare session. Think of a deep cleanse, a good facial massage, and of course, a luxury treatment to really get those relaxing spa-at-home vibes going. 

Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask is a nutrient-rich, anti-aging face mask that delivers all the probiotic minerals that your skin needs to help repair itself and to support a healthy skin barrier against the elements. This award-winning treatment boasts ingredients such as Magnesium to calm down any inflammation and redness, whilst Zinc, Copper, and Iron helps to further repair and protect. Damask Rose and Lavender are also included to boost collagen, restore firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The inbuilt pump makes applying this mask super easy and I like to apply a generous layer all over, avoiding the eye area. This mask gets to work in just five minutes before it's rinsed off with a warm flannel and it doubles up as an intensive overnight treatment that you can leave on while you sleep if your skin requires more TLC.

 

Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £20, link)

As a chronic insomniac, I'm a bit addicted to pillow sprays and always have to use one to help me to drift off to sleep. I've tried pretty much every one out there on the market and often come back to Nourish's Sleepy Pillow Mist as it's very effective. 

This is a beautiful aromatherapy blend of nine carefully chosen essential oils, all famed for their calming and soothing properties such as Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Geranium, and of course, the most famous sleepy essential oil of them all, Lavender. There's also the addition of Epsom Salts which are rich in Magnesium; great for reducing stress, all wrapped up in an alcohol-free mist.

To use, simply spritz a few times over your pillow and bedding before going to sleep and breathe in the relaxing scent to help you to unwind.

Discover more at nourishskinrange.com

What products are in your bedtime beauty routine?

Read more

Health & Lifestyle | Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection review

Freshen up your home this Spring with a delightful set of 100% natural essential oils from Clarity Blend, which you can use in your diffuser or burner. 

Using essential oils in your home is one of the easiest ways to explore the exciting world of aromatherapy and its many benefits. I particularly enjoy using different blends in different rooms to create a particular atmosphere, or to simply help change my mood. 

If you're new to aromatherapy, Clarity Blend's Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection offers the perfect introduction with a set of five essential oil blends that covers all bases.

It's always a good sign when you first open a boxed set like this and you can immediately smell a strong natural fragrance of all the oils; you know you have purchased something that's high quality and potent!

Clarity Blend was recommended to me by an aromatherapist friend who uses their products a lot for her personal and professional work. Handcrafted in Berkshire, this lovely English natural brand was founded by a wife and husband team who have an immense passion for reconnecting with nature, and capturing its essence in bottles so that everyone can benefit from its properties.

All of Clarity Blend's products adhere to strict practices as outlined in the Good Manufacturing Guide and there is a strong focus on sustainability too; the brand do not use any essential oils that are from endangered or vulnerable plant species such as sandalwood or rosewood, and everything is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and SLS. 

The Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection comprises of five essential oil blends.

Try These In The Bedroom

Sweet Dreams will help you to get a restful night's sleep with its calming blend of crisp, organic French Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Geranium. Heart Chakra is another good choice for the bedroom and can aid in setting the mood for love thanks to an exciting blend of exotic spices such as Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit.

For The Home Office

If you need help finding your focus again try Active Life which has an uplifting and invigorating selection of essential oils which features Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Grapefruit (this is also an excellent choice if you're feeling under the weather). I personally love Energy Boost when I have a deadline to meet as the combination of Rosemary, Sweet Orange, and Peppermint instantly awakens the senses which helps with my concentration.

Relaxing Living Spaces

To de-stress and relax, you can't go wrong with adding a few drops of Mind Spa to your diffuser or burner, so this one's ideal for use in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. The blend of Blue-Gem Eucalyptus with Patchouli and Bergamot feels very grounding and calming so that you can take a step back and just appreciate being in the moment.

Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection* retails for £29.99 and is available from various stockists including clarityblend.com

Do you use aromatherapy in your home?

Read more

Top 4 Bath Salts To Help You Relax & Sleep | featuring This Works, M&S Apothecary, Westlab & Bloomtown

Once only used by women of a 'certain age', bath salts are enjoying a long-awaited revival thanks to the self-care movement and I'm totally here for it! There are so many different blends and compositions to choose from these days that it can be a little overwhelming knowing what to buy. To point you in the right direction, I've put together my top four favourite bath salts post to help you to relax after a long day, and get a good night's sleep.

If You Love Floral Scents Try: Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden* (285g, £10, link)

Most bath salt products on the market are generally made up of Epsom salts, Magnesium flakes, or Dead Sea salts (or even a mix of these), so I wanted to feature a Pink Himalayan Salt product as they are also becoming much more popular. Not only does it look pretty, but Pink Himalayan Salt is famed for containing over 80 trace minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. This gives the salt a unique composition which is great for drawing out toxins and rejuvenating the skin. Just make sure to really stir these salts around the bath as they are harder to fully dissolve if you don't.

I'm a big fan of the Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden scent which smells incredible; if you love heady floral fragrances mixed with musk, this is the one for you. It's also a good alternative for those who aren't keen on lavender scents, but still want something that's relaxing.

If You Want A Good Night's Sleep Try: This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak* (200g, £24, link)

For my fellow insomniacs, you must try This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak. In fact, the entire Deep Sleep range is incredible for those of us who really struggle to get to sleep, however, the Bath Soak is something special. Infused with the brand's signature Deep Sleep natural fragrance, these sea salts are saturated with an expert and clinically proven mix of Lavender, Vetivert, Patchouli, Ho Wood, and Wild Chamomile essential oils. 

A truly relaxing and luxurious bath is sure to follow when these magical salts are added to the water and This Works recommend that you use them about two hours before you want to go to bed for the very best results. They are expensive, but it's worth pointing out that you only need to use a spoonful for each bath as they are so potent.

If You're On A Budget Try: Westlab Mindful Bath Salts with Frankincense, Bergamot & CBD* (1kg, £3.79, link)

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything from Westlab. I have used their products regularly for years, and the quality is always wonderfully consistent, with excellent results. It was difficult to choose just one product from them as they have such a good range, but their Mindful Bath Salts are brilliant and they're something that I've recommended countless times to family and friends.

Here we have a mix of both Epsom and Himalayan mineral salts, along with the addition of CBD oil to promote a feeling of tranquility and essential oils of Cedarwood, Orange, Geranium, Frankincense, and Bergamot. You can pick up Westlab Bath Salts from a wide variety of stockists including many budget-friendly stores such as B&M and Saver's where you'll usually find a big 1kg bag for around £3.50 - £3.79, which is such a bargain!

If You Want Your Bathroom To Feel Like A Spa Try: M&S Apothecary Sleep Bath Salts* (300g, £7.50, link)

OK, so all of the bath salts in this post will make your bathroom smell amazing, but if you're looking for one that's going to go the extra mile and make it feel like a proper spa experience, M&S Apothecary is the range to look into. They have a couple of different blends available, and the Sleep Bath Salts are a clear winner in my humble opinion.

Housed in a beautiful smoked grey glass bottle with a classic apothecary style vibe, these sea salts instantly hit you with a really strong and heady fragrance of Lavender, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, and Jasmine. This fragrance will quickly fill your whole bathroom, evoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Best of all, you can purchase refills which not only help to cut down on your packaging waste, but also make these bath salts more affordable in the long run.

Are you a fan of bath salts?

Read more

Beauty Tips: Adding Some Luxury To Your Nightly Beauty Routine

 

Having a nightly beauty routine can allow you to have a bit of pampering at home, while hopefully keeping you feeling good about yourself. This could involve paying attention to your face, skin, hair, or nails, as well as general well-being. Adding a bit of luxury could remind you that, no matter how busy you are, you are certainly worth the effort you put in. This could also allow you to enjoy your beauty routine even more, as well as to make certain aspects of it significantly easier.

Improve your bathroom fixtures

Being able to see what you’re doing, clean yourself, and even store your products can be incredibly important. The installation of a new vanity unit could help to tick all of these boxes. A new sink basin could allow you to brush your teeth, floss, and remove makeup and other debris from your skin. A mirror hung above it, matching its décor, could be ideal for checking that you haven’t missed anywhere, as well as dealing with trickier tasks such as administering eye drops. Matching cupboards affixed to the basin may help to really transform a small bathroom, allowing you to maximise the space available and keep your products out of sight.

Upgrade your products

To keep your skin fairly smooth, reduce wrinkles, and even promote more collagen, you may have a number of products you like to use. Keeping an eye on their expiration dates may help to prevent damage to your skin. When you want to replace products, you might want to look for some key active ingredients that can have more of an effect while feeling rather luxurious. Additions such as hyaluronic acid and even real gold could lead to a noticeable improvement in the quality of your skin. Buying known products, rather than knock-off brands that may be available at a lower cost, can be a good idea as you may then be able to trust in what you are using and reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions due to poor quality.

Think about your sleep

You may already have a sleep routine in place that helps to keep insomnia and stress at bay. While that is a great idea, it can also be useful to think about the ways you can maintain or improve your hair and skin while you sleep. Using standard cotton pillowcases may be comfortable, but this can also cause oils to become deposited within your skin. At the same time, the roughness of the fibres can lead to unnecessary breakage in your hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase could help to prevent this from occurring. You may find that, after a while of doing so, your hair may be less frizzy in the morning, especially if it is naturally curly, and your face is subject to far fewer breakouts than before.

Having a nightly beauty routine may be just as important as a morning one. By imbuing it with a bit of luxury, you may be able to feel more pampered before bed.

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm, and Magnesium+ Double Strength supplements review

 

This month's Health & Lifestyle post features three bestselling supplements from JSHealth. Founded by a clinical nutritionist and one of Australia's most well-loved health and wellness experts, Jessica Sepel, JSHealth offers free shipping in the UK and has a wide range of bundles and offers to get you the best price of your essential vitamins.

You may have seen JSHealth on Instagram lately as the brand continues to grow and grow, with a following now firmly established here in the UK. They have pledged to use more sustainable ingredients and their formulas are free from a long list of undesirables; you won't find any harmful binders, fillers, or preservatives. Their products are all free from gluten, GMOs, MSG, and added sugars as well.

With such wide and diverse range of supplements to choose from, I let Instagram decide for me and picked up their recent widely promoted AM & PM supplements, as well as a two-month supply of their bestselling Magnesium+ Double Strength.

JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm (£34.99)

Packaged in a travel-friendly container that twists off to unveil the AM and PM duo in separate tubs, this handy formula has been designed to support energy and wellbeing during the day, whilst promoting healthy relaxation and deeper sleep by night. Let's check each blend out individually, shall we?

The AM supplement features all of the usual suspects that you would expect to find in an energising formula, such as Vitamins C, B12, B5, B6, and Biotin B7. There's also the essential minerals Zinc and Selenium, with a good dose of everyone's favourite natural power booster, American Ginseng. And not forgetting an ingredient which is more unusual and that's Rehmannia root which is hugely popular in Chinese medicine for supporting healthy kidney function. This makes the AM supplement stand out from the crowd,  and provides a well-rounded and well-thought-out blend that can be used every day for optimal energy levels.

The PM supplement by contrast, is centered on just four key ingredients and boasts three different types of Magnesium (Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate). This carefully chosen triple blend of Magnesium covers all bases for enhanced absorbability to support a healthy nervous system and promotes relaxation of the muscles. Lavender Oil is added as the fourth ingredient in this blend for its traditional natural properties of calming, soothing, and relaxing the mind and body.

Overall thoughts

Having tried these AM and PM supplements for a month, I can say that I noticed a slight increase in my day-to-day energy levels, and for the most part, I did find that I slept better (or at least this is how it was logged on my health app so I must have been getting some extra zzz's!). The only downside that I experienced is that these supplements are much larger than what I'm used to from other brands, and I did find that I had to break them into two to swallow them properly, which made them less convenient to consume. For this point alone, I'd be hesitant to say that I would re-purchase them, but if the size isn't an issue for you, definitely check them out.

JSHealth Magnesium+ Double Strength (£16.99)

If you only take one supplement, make it Magnesium. Magnesium is described as nature's muscle relaxant, and most of us are deficient in it as we don't get enough of it from our typical Western diets. Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports and maintains healthy bones, improving density and supporting healthy teeth too. It's also amazing for reducing muscle cramps and is vital for supporting a healthy nervous system. 

Magnesium+ Double Strength is basically the same as the PM formula above, minus the Lavender Oil and with a higher strength of magnesium (this blend has 200mg per dose vs 151mg that the PM has). The triple mix of Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate is present here so that your body absorbs it easier, so if you've been looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to incorporate into your daily routine, this could be it. Again though, I must point out that the tablet sizes are much bigger than regular supplements so do bear this in mind when purchasing - I do feel that it's something that JSHealth needs to revisit.

Shop the full range at uk.jshealthvitamins.com

What supplements do you take?

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: The Fine Bedding Co - De-Stress Biocrystal Bedding for a Better Night's Sleep - One Month Trial Review

 

Searching for a new solution to help you to get that good night's sleep that you desperately need? Why not try the De-Stress Biocrystal range from The Fine Bedding Co?

Insomnia has plagued my life since I was about 11 or 12 years old. I've always been a poor sleeper and have found that it's unfortunately gotten worse the older that I get due to the stresses and worries of modern-day life. This perhaps explains why I'm willing to try literally anything to get a good night's sleep! 

In addition to a consistent sleep hygiene routine, I've had some good successes with a number of different products and techniques; from taking specialist supplements, using natural aromatherapy products, to interviewing wellbeing experts for their best-ever sleep tips. 

However, trying out bedding that has been designed to help you de-stress, is a first for me and as I'm always keen to try something new, I couldn't wait to try out these two products from The Fine Bedding Co.

What is the De-Stress Biocrystal range?

This specialist sleep range combines 16 different crystals to bring about an innovation of nature, science, and technology to help promote good quality sleep. A mixture of crystal powder is immersed into the actual fabric of this bedding via the geometric printed pattern that you can see above - how cool is that?! 

These sleep crystals are carefully chosen for their unique benefits to calm your heartbeat, slow down rapid breathing, relax muscle tensions and reduce stress, thus helping you to get a good night's sleep. 

Does it work with my usual bedding?

Yes. Radiating up to a distance of 50cm, the patented Biocrystal technology works through bedding so there's no need to purchase anything else.

Do Crystals Work?

It's not an area that has had much scientific evidence backing it, however, The Fine Bedding Co report the following stats on their website which will be of interest to any prospective customers:-

• 45% of users experienced decreased pain
• 53% reported better body circulation
• 76% of users had an overall improved night’s sleep

I tested out the De-Stress Biocrystal Sustainable Cotton Pillow* (£35) and the De-Stress Biocrystal Sustainable Mattress Protector* (double size, £77.50) over the course of a month to note down my findings. First up, the high quality of both of these items is fantastic. The materials used are luxurious and the cotton is sustainably sourced, so if you're simply looking for a new pillow and a mattress protector, I would recommend them purely based on that aspect alone.

My Thoughts

I opted for the double-sized Mattress Protector which fitted perfectly and has a lovely, softly padded protective layer. The matching Pillow utilises the same materials with plump Smartfil Microfibres and a soft cotton cover. I particularly loved the Pillow as it was described as 'medium', which meant it was both comfortable and supportive. As normal, I used my usual bedding over the top of both of these and noticed that it didn't 'feel' any different - the geometric pattern that you see above is completely flat and not raised as it may appear.

As I snuggled into bed that first night, I was feeling pretty good after having a relatively relaxed day, and I slept well and woke up feeling refreshed. As the month progressed, I had a number of particularly stressful situations to deal with, and I have to admit that on some nights, I tossed and turned for hours as insomnia reared its ugly head. However, I did experience a higher number of good sleep nights in my sleep journal than the previous month, so I have been wondering whether it's due to the crystals or the softer and cozier feel of my bed? What do you think?

Shop the De-Stress Biocrystal range at finebedding.co.uk

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: Top 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

 

Deciding to live a healthier life is about much more than just losing weight. Going on diets and creating short-term exercise plans can work for quickly achieving weight loss goals, but while losing weight can be beneficial for your health, improving your lifestyle in the long term is the best option. By improving your lifestyle with these tips, you can stay at a healthy weight consistently and also feel more energized and positive day-to-day.

Start exercising

Exercise is incredibly important for your health because it can lower your risk of serious complications such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. Additionally, exercise increases flexibility and mobility, making it easier for you to complete certain physical tasks. Since exercise releases endorphins, it can also improve your mood and reduce stress, and this is all in addition to the aesthetic benefits of exercise such as becoming slimmer and more toned.

Regarding this last point, many people take up exercise in order to improve their confidence by getting in shape. However, you may find this difficult if you have a lot of excess skin from previous weight loss as exercise can’t completely tighten up this extra skin. In this case, you may benefit from abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) to remove this excess skin if it becomes an issue for you.

Eat a balanced diet

Crash dieting may help you lose a bit of weight before an important event, but it’s not sustainable or good for your health. Although it doesn’t produce the instant results that many people crave, a balanced, healthy diet that you can stick to in the long term is much better for you. This means that instead of cutting out unhealthy foods entirely, you simply reduce your consumption of them and replace them with healthy cooked meals and snacks like fruit between meals if necessary. Banning foods often just leads to cravings and a lower chance of sticking to a healthy diet, so make sure you eat appropriate amounts of each food group instead.

Get more sleep

You should aim to get around 8 hours of sleep per night if possible as this is the amount recommended by doctors. Plenty of sleep will allow your body enough time to rest and recover each night so that you feel energized the next day. Sleep can also reduce stress and regulate your hormones and blood sugar levels, which are important health benefits. It has even been proven that chronic sleep deprivation can shorten your life expectancy!

Drink water

Water is absolutely essential for our bodies. Water carries nutrients around our bodies and helps to get rid of waste and toxins, and since we are constantly losing water through sweating and urination, we need to replace it throughout the day. Rather than drinking sugary drinks that are bad for your health, try to drink more water instead.

Focus on mental health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. To improve your mood and reduce stress, it’s important to practice mindfulness and take time each day to do some self-care and things you enjoy. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid diseases and live a long and happy life. Try following the advice listed above to see how this can help you!

Read more

November Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Another month is drawing to a close so it's time to have a quick recap to see what I've used up recently. Here are my beauty empties! 

Nuori Sun Repair Serum* (reviewed here)

A beautiful fragrance-free serum for sensitive skin that helps to repair sun damage and restore moisture levels. I'm pretty good at applying sunscreen on a daily basis but I'm not always so good at re-applying it later on in the day (I know, I know...), so this helps in those times where I've been caught out. This serum has a light moisturiser-type of feel to it, yet sinks in quickly and layers well underneath any moisturiser or facial oil. Repurchase? It's not easy to find in the UK as it's a Danish brand, but if I do see it, I'll definitely repurchase.

Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist* (reviewed here)

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy pillow mists to help me to sleep, though I'll admit that I often chop and change between a few different brands. This one from Neal's Yard Remedies is one I've used many times, and it has a lovely blend of relaxing organic lavender, vetiver, and mandarin essential oils. Repurchase? I'm using one from Nourish at the moment, but I'll pick this up again soon I'm sure.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

Great natural mascara with good ingredients and a high-performance formula that doesn't flake or smudge. Lengthens lashes really well with excellent pigmentation so I'd say this is in my top 3 natural mascaras; I just wish it was a bit more volumising. Repurchase? Maybe -  I'm testing out one from Inika currently which I might like more...

Tropic Repairing Foot Remedy* (reviewed here)

An easy and simple one as it does what it says on the tube - if you have dry or tired feet in need of some TLC, this is for you, especially if you love fresh minty scents. Repurchase? Yes.

Mádara Ocean Love Polishing Scrub Soap* 

For a plastic-free body wash option that also offers some exfoliation, you can't go wrong with this scrub soap from Mádara. It has volcanic sand embedded into the soap that gently removes dead skin cells, and the soap itself is luxurious and hydrating with an uplifting natural cedar and lime fragrance. Lasts a long time too! Repurchase? Yes.

Ogario Hydrate And Shine Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've used this Ogario Hydrate And Shine range on and off for around five years and I still love it. The conditioner, in particular, is amazing for fine hair like mine as it adds moisture to dry ends without weighing it down, and I always get incredible shine with it in addition to a lot less frizz. Pricey but worth it. Repurchase? I've switched back to Tabitha Kaan for now, but I have no doubt this will be in my bathroom again in the near future.

Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser

I was excited to try this as I've loved everything else that I've used from Omorovicza, but this cleanser didn't seem to suit my skin. I found it much too drying unfortunately so I'd say it's better suited for oilier skin types. Repurchase? No.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: 3 Supplements To Try This Autumn/Winter

 

Give your health a boost this Autumn and Winter with a range of new supplements that you may not have come across before. This edit includes a natural sleeping beauty blend, a herbal tincture for clear skin, and a CBD Oil to help with creativity.

Try For Better Sleep: Complete Me Sleeping Beauty Relaxing Blend* (60 capsules, £14.99, link)

A good night's sleep is not only essential for your physical health so you are well rested to get the most out of your new day, but it's also vital for your mental health as well. Complete Me's Sleeping Beauty Relaxing Blend combines carefully selected vitamins and minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins B3 and B6, with 5HTP, Lemon Balm and Chamomile, to promote a healthy, good night's sleep. It achieves this by helping the body to naturally relax and unwind, and balances your hormones so you're in the right frame of mind to catch up on those all-important ZZZs. 

How To Use: take two capsules with a glass of water before going to bed. Suitable for vegans, gluten-free, non-GMO and contains no artificial colours or preservatives. 

Try For Clearer Skin: Herbfarmacy Botanicals Dandelion & Burdock Extract* (100ml, £13.50, link)

As many of my regular readers will know, I've been a big fan of Herbfarmacy's skincare for many years now, yet it's only been recently that I discovered that they also sell a range of herbal botanical tinctures so I thought I would check out their organic Dandelion & Burdock Extract. Used for centuries as an internal skin purifier to support the healthy function of the liver and kidneys, extracts of Dandelion and Burdock root have been widely researched as a tonic to help with digestion, and there's been growing evidence that they're beneficial as a way to internally treat common skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. 

How to use: add half a teaspoon to a glass of water or fruit juice and drink two-three times a day. This tincture has a strong earthy and herbal flavour and is suitable for vegans.

Try For Increased Creativity: Amphora Inspire CBD Oil Drops* (30ml, £99.99, link)

New from Amphora is a premium range of high-strength CBD Oil Drops which have been specially formulated to support different aspects of daily life. Each product boasts an impressive high strength of 6000mg CBD Oil; the equivalent of a full dropper's worth of 200mg pure CBD extract, plant-based terpenes, and MCT oil for quick absorption. Unlike cheaper brands, Amphora's CBD is sourced from 100% organically grown hemp and contains no harmful additives. I've been testing out the Inspire CBD Oil Drops that help to promote increased concentration and creativity. It's early days yet, but I'm hopeful it can aid my mind out of its procrastinating ways - we shall see!

How to use: squeeze a dropper full under the tongue, hold for 30 seconds and swallow. Inspire has a slightly citrusy, earthy flavour.

Have you tried any supplements this season?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: Optml Rise & Rest Supplements review

With life returning to its normal pre-Covid busy routines for many of us, you may feel like you're struggling to keep up with this crazy new burst of social activities after nearly two years of being told to stay at home - I know I am! Luckily, there are some very handy supplements on offer from Optml to help boost your energy levels and improve your sleep, the natural way.

Optml is an ultra-convenient subscription service that bundles together two unique supplements that work in synergy to provide your brain and your body with a multitude of essential vitamins, minerals, and carefully chosen botanicals and nootropics. They're gluten-free and vegan-friendly without any additives, fillers, or bulking agents.

Instead of taking loads of different supplements and spending a fortune on different brands, with Optml, there are just two capsules a day to take, and although this is a monthly subscription, you can cancel at any time. There's also an option to simply make a one-off purchase to try them first if you prefer.

So what do you get? Each month, you'll receive two bottles of supplements which will last for 30 days. These are called Rise and Rest and I'll explain more about them below.

Optml Rise Supplements

Rise has been developed to give you a head start as it helps to improve your mental focus, whilst increasing your natural energy levels over the course of the day. It contains the popular natural energy booster Ginseng that helps to reduce mental fatigue and improves the overall function of the brain, especially when it comes to memory, behaviour, and mood, so if you're cranky in the mornings, you should see a change from taking this! Also included is Maca Root, another natural mood booster that reduces blood pressure and increases endurance, and Guarana Seed which helps to reduce fatigue and improve your focus.

Each capsule contains Vitamin C (160mg), Guarana Seed (100mg), Thiamine B1 (10mg), Riboflavin B2 (7mg), Niacin B3 (24mg), Vitamin B6 (10mg), Vitamin B12 (500ug), Iron (14ug), Iodine (150ug), Maca Root (1500mg) and Panax Ginseng (400mg). 

How to use: take one capsule a day, first thing in the morning with a glass of water.

Optml Rest Supplements

Rest is a really interesting supplement blend that offers nighttime balance and support and I feel it's especially useful for those who can't sleep and/or suffer from anxiety and stress. No energy supplement in the world will work if you don't get a good night's sleep so I love the yin/yang vibe here from Optml that makes perfect sense when you think about it!

Key ingredients here include one of my favourite Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, Ashwagandha Root, which has been used for centuries to reduce cortisol levels within the body (the stress hormone) and promote a sense of calm. Perhaps more well-known is Chamomile Flower, a common herbal ally to those who struggle to sleep as it reduces inflammation and boosts relaxation. There's also 5-HTP which has some very interesting clinical studies that show it can increase the natural production of both serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and melatonin (the hormone that tells the body to sleep).

Each capsule contains Magnesium (57mg), Hop Extract (200mg), Chamomile Flower (80mg), Ashwagandha Root (50mg), Lavender Flower (50mg), L-Theanine (50mg), Montmorency Cherry (30mg) and 5-HTP derived from Griffonia Seed (25mg).

How to use: take one capsule a day, before bedtime with a glass of water.

Overall thoughts

If you're looking for a balanced set of supplements to boost your overall energy levels and health, Otmpl can offer a convenient subscription service that addresses your body's needs for increased energy in the day and a good night's sleep at night. This is ideal for those who don't want to take lots of different supplements every day, making it a more affordable option for many who wish to improve their long-term health.

Prices start from £17 for your first month with free delivery at optml.co.uk

Are you interested in a subscription service like Optml?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

May Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

A little later than usual but here are my recent Beauty Empties, plus some tips on how you can recycle them.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (reviewed here)

I love all of Antipodes Hand & Body Creams but Joyful is definitely my favourite. Not only does it transform dry skin into silky smoothness virtually overnight, but the natural fragrance is just heavenly with a divine fruity floral scent. As this is pretty pricey, I save it for my hands! Repurchase? Yes.

Odacité Black Mint Cleanser* (reviewed here)

I feel that Odacité is such an underrated luxury natural skincare brand, however, their bestselling Black Mint Cleanser is certainly popular for a reason. This is one of the best purifying cleansers that I've tried for oily/combination skin and it's so refreshing to use first thing in the morning. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

REN Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a truly uplifting and fresh luxury Body Wash for your morning showers, you can't go wrong with this hidden gem from REN. Infused with Magnesium to give your energy levels a boost, it makes a real difference to how I feel when I'm tired or under the weather. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream* (reviewed here)

Quite possibly my all-time favourite Eye Cream ever, I've used Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream on and off for years now and keep coming back to it - it's that good. Perfect for those who have dry and sensitive eyes, if you've been struggling to find an eye cream that actually makes a difference, try this. Repurchase? I'm using up a few others at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this in the near future.

Seascape Island Apothecary Sleep Oil* (reviewed here)

I'm a terrible sleeper (thanks insomnia!) so I rely on a range of aromatherapy products to help me count those sheep at bedtime. Whilst I enjoyed using this one from Seascape Island Apothecary and found it relaxing, I thought the essential oil blend was not as potent as some other brands that I've tried. Repurchase? Probably not.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

• All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-
• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Mother's Day Green Beauty Gift Guide 2021

Make mum's day a special one with a green beauty treat! Here are my top picks for Mother's Day this year from Green People, Nourish London, Farryn Amber and Evolve Organic Beauty.

The Skincare Gift Set: Green People Infinite Beauty Vitamin C Age Defy+ by Cha Vøhtz Set* (£40, link)

This latest release from Green People's founder Cha Vøhtz's Age Defy+ range, is a gorgeous Vitamin C infused Infinite Beauty Gift Set. The set is compromised of three organic beauty treats for the skin; a full-size Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum, a travel-size of Age Defy+ Cell Enrich Facial Oil and a sample sachet of Age Defy+ Hydra Glow Sleep Mask. Specially formulated for skin aged 30+, this is a brilliant introduction to Charlotte's innovative signature range and a great way to try out some of their bestselling products for the best organic routine for skin regeneration, hydration and brightening.

The Multipurpose Treat: Green People One Balm* (30ml, £20, link)

Another exciting new release from Green People is their fantastic One Balm which is described as a multi-tasking skin saviour and I couldn't agree more! Made with 99% certified organic ingredients, this wonder balm helps to bring instant moisture and relief to any dry skin area so it's ideal for elbows, feet, hands, cuticles, lips and more. Key plant-based ingredients include Myrrh Oil to soothe and reduce inflammation, Frankincense to rejuvenate the skin, Pomegranate Oil which is rich in antioxidants to deeply nourish and protect and Rosehip Oil, famed for its natural tissue regenerative properties. One Balm is also packaged in the UK's first-ever 100% biodegradable pot!

The Gift Of Sleep: Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £18, link)

Give the gift of sleep with the brand new Sleepy Pillow Mist from Nourish London. Crafted from a unique blend of magnesium-rich Epsom Salts and nine carefully chosen aromatherapy essential oils, including Lavender, Rose, Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Geranium and Bergamot, this luxury alcohol-free Pillow Mist smells beautiful! Spritz a little onto your pillows and bedsheets, and enjoy the calming and soothing fragrance to help relax your mind and body. 

The Natural Fragrance Gift: Farryn Amber Floral Oud Perfume Oil* (10ml, £18, link)

No gift guide would be complete without a fragrance mention and I've completely fallen in love with this divine Floral Oud Perfume Oil from Farryn Amber. Vegan, cruelty-free and organic, this convenient handbag-friendly rollerball format can be dabbed onto the pulse points whenever you want to cocoon yourself in its luxury scent with sweet hints of Vanilla mixed with woody Oud, Cedarwood and Frankincense, and topped off with floral notes of Ylang Ylang and Jasmine. Heaven in a rollerball!

The New Mum Pampering Treats: Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil* (100ml, £24, link) and Bath & Shower Oil* (250ml, £24, link)

Shopping for a new mum or mum-to-be? Treat them to the latest releases from Evolve Organic Beauty! The Super Berry Body Oil is not only a seriously indulgent and pampering treat, but it's incredible for hydrating dry skin and improving the appearance of stretch marks and scars. 100% natural, organic and safe to use during pregnancy, it's packed with Chilean Rosehip Oil to revive and regenerate, Upcycled Raspberry Oil to promote healthy cell regeneration with a lovely fresh and light scent, and Pomegranate Seed Oil which helps to assist skin recovery thanks to its composition of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

It's worth splashing out on the matching Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil too which has a clever water-free formula which transforms into a light cleansing oil. The perfect at-home pamper treat for busy new mums as it's so hydrating and naturally nourishing for the skin, they won't need to apply a separate body lotion afterwards!

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more