Hempz Milk & Honey Exfoliating Herbal Body Whip Review

Posted on September 13, 2018 by Fiona Martin

Hempz Milk & Honey Exfoliating Herbal Body Whip is part of the new Milk & Honey range. Featuring fully vegan products packed full of natural ingredients including 100% pure Hemp oil, I was excited to check it out and see how if faired on my skin.

Upon opening the pot of Milk & Honey Body Whip the smell of this product is amazing – I can’t stop sniffing it! The texture is whipped making it ultra lightweight and it feels really soft as you massage across damp skin. With finely cut walnut shells to exfoliate it feels really gentle and natural but effective as you use it to revive and liven up your top layer of skin.

Key ingredients include:

100% Pure Natural Hemp Seed Oil
Agave Extract, Rice Extract
Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil
Cocoa Butter
Shea Butter
Vitamins A, C and E

Perfect for use in the shower, I couldn’t wait to give it a try and include it in my daily bodycare routine several times a week. To keep dry Winter skin at bay or get that Summer smooth body this is perfect for year round use. Keep reading to see what I thought about it below.

This Hempz Milk & Honey Exfoliating Herbal Body Whip is really easy to massage across your body and feels really gentle but stimulating helping to bring the skin alive. I loved the light but effective texture and it also has lots of moisturising properties that left my skin really soft and glowing. The fragrance lingers and my skin feels ultra supple after use. This is a really fabulous, luxurious exfoliating product that gets a big thumbs up from me for both it’s results and it’s natural, vegan ingredients!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Vegan Friendly Toiletries from A Pony Called Steve

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Fiona Martin

A Pony Called Steve is an ethical and vegan friendly company that produce the most utterly divine scented products to fill your bathroom with joy. With a quirky edge and retro feel, the array of fragrances are ones that bring back memories and sound edible but have been brought up to date in a modern natural way and can now be part of my daily bathroom routine.

If you’re wondering where the name ‘A Pony Called Steve‘ comes from then I suggest you read this, but for me I’m won over by their unique but familiar fragrances. It’s clear from the initial sniff that they source high quality, cruelty free ingredients to make the most highly fragranced, but natural smelling products. Their range is toiletry based so think along the lines of soap bars, liquid hand soap, body wash, bath fizz, body lotion and even candles.

The quirky scents are what draw you in with names such as Pear Drops, Cherry Cola, Parma Violets, Mojito, Honeyed Raspberry to name just a few, they all sound great and if they smell as good as the Pink Lemonade then I can assure you that they will be worth worth trying out. Everything is packaged in fun, colourful designs that will look great in your bathroom and make delightful gifts.

Onto the Pink Lemonade products that I’ve been trying out, the hand soap and bar of soap. To be quite honest these smell totally luscious – I could sniff them all day and I do love smelling my hands after washing them. The fragrance is just divine – not at all artificial, just natural and quite frankly amazing. The product itself lathers well in both liquid and solid forms and leaves my hands/body beautifully clean. I love these products and they are most definitely the sort of thing I’d add to my birthday/Christmas lists and think would make a great gift for others too. Being as natural as they can, no testing on animals whatsoever and vegan friendly, they are well worth checking out as one of the fresh new brands around and one I’d be more than happy to receive myself!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Vegan Flower Peel Serum by Spa Technologies

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Fiona Martin

If you are looking for cruelty free and vegan skincare products with natural active ingredients then Spa Technologies is the place to go, with a vast array of products designed to improve your skin with a strong emphasis on anti ageing so helping to combat those fine lines, wrinkles and dehydrated skin issues we start to suffer from as we age. Being in my 40’s I’m also keen to seek out nutrient rich products that really work for my skin and help me attain that youthful glow.

The Flower Peel Serum is a multi purpose vegan skincare product and with it’s natural ingredients promotes gentle exfoliation along with nourishing the skin using antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients. Stimulating new cell growth leaves skin smoother and more youthful looking which is what most of us aim for.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Hibiscus Flower Acids : A complex of pure hibiscus flower extract comprising of a wide variety of acids (Phytic, Pyruvic, Mandelic and Azaleic acid), as well as powerful antioxidants and anthocyanins which are bio-flavonoids providing cell protection. Concentrate of pyruvic acid for gradual exfoliation; converts into lactic acid in the dermis without irritation. Clinical studies show: 9% more hydrating and 15% more keratolytic than Lactic Acid and non-irritating, 20% greater cell renewal compared to other AHA’s, 30% greater anti-wrinkle activity compared with AHA’s
Salicylic Acid: Beta-hydroxy acid decongests pores in treatment of problem skin. Gently exfoliates surface skin which decongesting pores.
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant concentrate.
Laminaria Algae: Pure paste of this nutrient rich marine seaweed harvested off the coast of Iceland, it has an abundance of vital elements including zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, iodine and magnesium. Soothing emollient, it promotes circulation for a healthy glow.
Hyaluronic Acid: Intense moisturisation.

I found the serum a pleasure to use, it easily glides onto skin and then is absorbed quickly ready for a layer of moisturiser on top. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and renewed and definitely boosts your skin compared to not using it. Having used it for a couple of weeks now I would definitely miss it if I didn’t include it in my skin care routine as it really makes a difference leaving skin brighter and smoother. If you are on the look out for some vegan skincare products that work, then definitely check this out!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

BioCare’s Immunity Boosting Supplements

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Fiona Martin

BioCare have added some new supplements to their range to make sure that your body is prepared for the colder months and help prevent Winter colds and runny noses. Usually probiotics have to be kept in the fridge but the new Everyday BioAcidophilus comes in a very convenient capsule form which makes it easier for people with busy lives to take.

Being great for your gut and an additional source of friendly bacteria naturally found in your digestive system, this is a great way to boost your immune system in addition to a healthy eating and balanced lifestyle. I like the way there are 7 capsules to each strip in the box. That way I can easily tell if I’ve had each days supplement as by taking the first one in a strip on a Monday and then you can tell which day of the week you are due to take.

In addition to the adult’s version there is a tasty children’s supplement, the Red Berry BioMelts containing a unique live bacteria with added vitamin D . The innovative product is a no mess, no fuss supplement makes giving your kid’s their daily dose of vitamins a whole more fun. The delicious berry flavoured sachet dissolves on the tongue, designed to give children the essentials they need for immunity support. I tried this with 9yr old Miss M who actually though this was quite nice and has been happily taking one each day in the morning. I find children’s supplements can be hit and miss as to whether my children will like them and finish the packet but so far so good with this one.

Overall I’m pleased with the BioCare range of supplements keeping our immune systems boosted, they are simple to use and so far we are all feeling well and in good health!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Oyster Brightening Eye Serum

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Fiona Martin

Oyster Brightening Eye Serum is a brand new premium brand formulated in British laboratories. It is also vegan and contains a multitude of natural active ingredients to produce a lightweight serum that gives results. Although perfume free it has a subtle aroma of essential oil – lavender, grapefruit and mandarin.

It comes in an easy to dispense pump style bottle and just enough serum comes out to use around both eyes. It’s easily absorbed and I found it great to use both morning and at night time. It’s more powerful ingredients include smoothing Hyaluronic acid, anti-wrinkle Pentapeptides and Co-enzyme Q10 along with antioxidant Green Tea & Raspberry Extracts and gently soothing Cornflower. Combined the ingredients tackle anti ageing, puffy eyes and dark circles.

I have been using this for the last couple of weeks and love the feel of it around my eye area. It is a transparent gel like serum that feels soothing and hydrating on application but you can also feel it’s gentle firming effects. My eye area looks brighter and more youthful which is a great way to start the day and the perfect base for my eyes before applying moisturiser and make up.

I’m really pleased with the Oyster Brightening Eye Serum and will enjoy continuing to use as well as being a product I would be happy to purchase again in the future.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Vegan Beauty Must Haves for Spring

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Fiona Martin

The world of cruelty free and vegan beauty has come a long way in the last few years and I’ve been lucky to try out some amazing products that will be perfect to fit into your Spring beauty regime. From various brands, all of these products stand out for me with premium ingredients and high quality results that leave the products desireable to use and a pleasure to place on my skin. Not only that, they look gorgeous on your dressing table too!

*************************************

The Jojoba company 100% natural Jojoba and Rosehip Oil is a multipurpose oil, perfect for hair and skin. The combination of ingredients is crucial to the benefits in that they help deliver the product to the deeper layers of your skin where it is really needed. By massaging 2-3 drops onto clean damp skin the product is absorbed and nourishes where needed. I loved using this before bed to really hydrate my skin as I’ve found with age I get dry around the chin area. I love to let this work it’s magic overnight for a really healthy glow and thoroughly moisturised skin in the morning. The bottle is stunning by the way – you won’t forget to put this on, because it’s a must have on your dressing table!

*************************************

Embryolisse is a French brand I’ve used before with their Radiant Eye Cooling Stick so I knew the quality would be good. I don’t normally use a CC cream, just foundation so thought this would be interesting to try out. The product has colour adapting technology and literally changes on your skin to suit your tone and colour. With SPF 20 included and high coverage I absolutely love this product and was amazed at how well it applied to my face. It covered all my blemishes, is moisturising, left my skin fresh, glowing and blurred away those fine lines – definitely a replacement for my current foundation.

*************************************

The Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque from Shea Moisture is a luxurious treat for your hair that leaves it ultra soft, shiny, nourished, strengthened and more. I found this easy to use in the shower by applying then letting the water run down my back while the hair masque worked it’s magic before rinsing off. As you put your fingers through to rinse, you can feel that your hair is so smooth and soft, it feels fabulous, like a real treat and worth doing once a week when you have a few minutes to prevent dry, ageing hair.

*************************************

No Bleeding Lips from Know Cosmetics is a secret lip liner, clear in colour that can be applied around the edge of lips before lipstick or gloss to prevent bleeding. I found this super soft and easy to apply, leaving me with a well defined lip line and lipstick that looked well applied. Definitely a staple for the make up bag!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Save

Amla & Clary Sage Shower and Bath Gel from AA Skincare

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Fiona Martin

AA Skincare prides itself on it’s products being full of natural ingredients and the best quality essential oils so I was keen to try the Amla & Clary Sage Shower and Bath Gel. With a busy lifestyle it’s nice to get my 5 minutes of me time in the shower and indulge in a luxury shower gel full of premium ingredients, that also benefit from being vegan.

The ingredients in this are suitable and appealing to my skin with Amla (also known as Indian Gooseberry) which is packed full of natural antioxidants to help your skin glow, just what I need especially in this colder weather. Clary Sage essential oil is included which helps balance out oily complexions and reduce the signs of breakouts and the addition of Lemon Oil is refreshing, cleansing and adds to the fragrance.

I found the Amla & Clary Sage shower gel from AA Skincare to be very gentle and cleansing, with a good foaming action to cleanse my skin. It smelt really invigorating and fresh, perfect for a morning wake up shower gel. My skin was left soft and clean and throughly refreshed after a nights sleep, leaving me energised and ready for the day ahead!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Save

Nothing But Snacks – Review

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Fiona Martin

Nothing But. are a new, healthy snack that not only contains real vegetables but each pack contains 1 of your 5 a day portions of vegetables. I was fortunate to receive a couple of packs of Beetroot & Parsnip and Mange Tout & Red Pepper flavours.

I was really excited to try these for many reasons, I love vegetable snacks, I’m trying to follow a healthy eating plan and I’m vegetarian. They are also suitable for vegans, are gluten free with no added fat, sugar, salt or preservatives.

These are literally freeze dried vegetables in a packet with just 26 calories a pack for the Mange Tout & Red Pepper snack and just 36 calories for the Slice Beetroot & Parsnip snack. You can’t get better than that!

I was amazed by the bright, vibrant colours of the vegetables, they looked crunchy and inviting. When you bite into them they are light as air, although the taste of the vegetable clearly comes through.

I enjoyed these and think with them being one of your five a day and low calorie makes them ideal for healthy eating, although you have to bear in mind that they won’t be overly filling. I also would have liked to have seen a few more in each bag than there was.

What I did discover though it that these make the perfect low fat accompaniment to houmous. I had some red pepper houmous in the fridge and dipped the freeze dried vegetables into it – absolutely divine!! It gave an added burst of flavour and for me is an ideal healthy, low calorie snack.

Nothing But, for me, make a delicious snack with houmous and I’d definitely have this again. They are also available in another flavour, Pea and Sweetcorn which would be interesting to try.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write the review.