Finally back in the blogging groove, I’ve got lots of new natural beauty to show you but rather than do a mammoth post, I thought I’d go for more regular and often, hence the ‘bitesize’…!
Raspberry Seen Cleansing Oil
Starting with the just-launched Raspberry Seed Cleansing Oil from By Sarah London, which is refreshingly light and gentle and the oil soaps up into a milk on contact with water; I just splash off with warm water but you can also use a cloth. It’s just so lovely to use – I’ve been using it nightly for a quick face cleanse before bed and in the shower in the mornings when back from my run! I also love the packaging, so beautifully fresh and inviting…
And I’ve very pleased to see the aluminium screw-top cap instead of a still-difficult-to-recycle-properly pump, which I think is a great decision on Sarah’s part and one I would happily embrace on other products. Very happy to lose a modicum of ease-of-use for saving the planet!
*This post contains items gifted for review & some affiliate links
Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum
Next up is a new serum and retinol alternative from Balance Me – the Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum. It smells good and feels equally good to apply to freshly cleansed skin. I use it under a face moisturiser in the morning and it slides on beautifully and really freshens the skin.
Balance Me is another brand I am so happy to use – last year they took real, tangible measures to make their packaging more sustainable and eco-friendly. This coincided with the re-brand you now see – I went to a talk where owners Rebecca and sister Clare Hopkins spoke about all the efforts and research they had put into getting the best possible options available for improved, more sustainable and better recyclable packaging. Really impressive and encouraging!
Elevate Blend46
Also just launched is new face oil Elevate Blend46 from a Scottish beauty brand. Clearly already a firm favourite with quite a few of you – when I popped it on Stories I had several messages saying how loved it was! From Glasgow facialist Jo Findlay, it is a blend of oils including grapeseed, neroli and rosehip and comes out as an extremely lightly and delicately scented oil, for application day or night.
I’ve been putting it on in the evenings before bed and it’s one of those ones that you can’t help but take a deep breath in as you bring your fingertips to your face. I love the simplicity of just an oil at night and nothing else and this feels like a wonderful combination of letting your skin breathe while gently prepping for the the next day. It says for all skin types, and I think this is the perfect oil for anyone who doesn’t feel that comfortable with oils, worrying that they might be too thick and clog up the skin.
Perfect Cleanser
Oskia is a such a gorgeous award-winning skincare brand (I’ve been loving using the new £8 Safe Hands Sanitiser) and this Perfect Cleanser, collagen boosting for mature skin, is super soothing and really feels like it gets in there and removes whatever dirt is there.
I only really do a cleanse at night, and use this at the sink before applying a night oil. It’s smooth and calming to the skin to apply and can be splashed off or wiped off with a warm cloth.
Vetivier Sponge
I bought this vetivier sponge – so invigorating on the skin and anti-fungal – from The Small Home (along with a whole load of beautiful homeware) and just love it!
I’ve managed to establish a dry body brushing routine before my morning shower and anytime I have a bath now (I have a brush by the bath, and a loofah fabric by the shower!). This is quite course – which is why it gives such a fantastic skin-awakening buzz – so I use lightly on delicate areas. The subtle woody aroma is so calming and a beautiful bathroom accessory to boot!
