Foodie Faves // Nákd raw fruit and nut bars Review

I thought I would share my new favourite healthy snacks on the blog today as I have been enjoying them immensely. The product in question is the raw fruit and nut bars from nákd. I had previously never heard or tried anything from this brand, but on a food shop I noticed these bars and thought I would give them a try - and I am so glad that I did.

Firstly I love that these bars are individually wrapped and portable, so they can be easily thrown into a handbag and taken to work or school - no more excuses for buying a chocolate bar come midday! I have a sweet tooth and am often tempted to snack on sweets or biscuits, but in an attempt to be more healthy, I was looking for an alternative to those naughty treats. I like these nákd bars because they satisfy my sweet tooth whilst containing good raw ingredients. The bars consist of dates, cashews and raisins as the base ingredients, then depending on the flavour either some natural flavourings or cocoa is added. There is no added sugar or syrups, they are 100% vegan and count as 1 of your 5 a day (woohoo!). They are also gluten, wheat and dairy free. I like all the flavours from the range, but my personal favourite is the cocoa orange. It tastes indulgent, but minus the guilty conscience! 

With other flavours such as Ginger Bread, Caffé Mocha, Cocoa Mint, Cashew Cookie and Pecan Pie available I am eager to try some more varieties from the range! Nákd also make a protein crunch bar that sounds equally as delicious.

Nákd bars are available from Natural Balance Foods, Holland and Barrett, Amazon, Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's. Do you have a favourite healthy snack? Have you tried anything from nákd before? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Max Benjamin // Mimosa & Sweet Amber Natural Wax Candle Review

I am a fully-fledged candle lover. There is something lovely about lighting a candle in the evening and relaxing whilst the warm glow and scent fills the room. In winter I find myself using candles more regularly as they help to get me into the festive spirit. The latest addition to my candle collection is the Mimosa & Sweet Amber candle from Max Benjamin. Max Benjamin is an Irish company that creates hand-made candles in County Wicklow. They use a 'blend of pure natural waxes, essential oils and lead free wicks' meaning that their candles are made from 100% natural resources. The wax itself is created from Soy beans and other natural waxes, which means that it does not contain paraffin. This results in the candle burning cleanly without petrol-carbon soot. 

The Mimosa & Sweet Amber scent has the most incredible fresh yet sweet smell, and unlike some scented candles that I have tried in the past, this candle is strongly scented and fills the room with scent. Max Benjamin describe this scent as 'delicate top notes of green leaf, a gentle heart of mimosa, with soothing elements of sweet ambered sandal.' It is certainly a calm and relaxing scent, ideal for cold evenings in.

I have thoroughly enjoyed burning this candle and adore the Max Benjamin brand! I will definitely be exploring more of their scents in the future. I think that these candles would make a lovely gift as they feel very luxurious and are of such a high quality. Max Benjamin also have a fantastic selection of reed diffusers and skincare items - so there is something for everyone! 

The Max Benjamin candles retail for £19.95 and are available from the Max Benjamin website, House of Fraser and Ocado. Do you have a favourite candle?

How To: Make a Banana Loaf // Recipe

This is a recipe that I have been using for many years. When I have left-over bananas that need to be used, or I fancy making a quick and easy cake for friends or family, this is the recipe that I reach for! You can make a plain banana loaf, or you can easily jazz up this recipe by adding nuts, raisins, chocolate or even nutella! This recipe is incredibly versatile, so why not experiment and try adding your own extra ingredients? 

To make this yummy banana loaf...

Equipment:

• A mixing bowl
• A fork
• A spoon
• An Oven
• A loaf tin
• Loaf tin liner (optional)
• Scales

Ingredients: 

• Bananas (ripe) - 2 
• Self-raising flour - 8oz (227g)
• Margarine - 2oz (57g)
• Caster Sugar - 5oz (142g)
• Eggs - 2
• Nuts/Raisins/Chocolate/Nutella - optional

Step 1. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until soft with a fork.

Step 2. Measure out the sugar, margarine and add to the mixing bowl. Cream together with the eggs.

Step 3. Measure out and add the self-raising flour. Stir until the mixture has combined.

Step 4. Add any additional ingredients such as nuts, raisins, chocolate pieces or nutella. I chose to add a handful of chopped walnuts.

Step 5. Add the mixture to a greased or lined loaf tin. Bake at gas mark 5 (375°F/190°C) for 40 - 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6. Check that the loaf is baked by inserting a skewer and checking that it comes out clean. If it is, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack.

Step 7. Eat and enjoy your banana loaf! It makes the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.

This recipe is so quick and easy to recreate and makes a very tasty loaf. Let me know if you try this recipe! I would love to hear your thoughts.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion // Review

I am naturally pale and sometimes find myself yearning for a warmer skin-tone. At these times I like to use a gradual tanner, nothing too obvious but something to add a hint of colour to my fair complexion. I have experimented with a few gradual tanners over the years - some too orangey, some too dark, some too light, but think that I have finally found my ideal gradual tan in the form of Palmer's Natural Bronze.

The Palmer's Natural Bronze Body Lotion appealed to me as I have loved the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion for many years. The Natural Bronze lotion has the same delicious cocoa butter scent of the original, but with the added benefit of a gradual tan. I found that this product creates an easily build-able tan, and with one application over night I wake up with a noticeable hint of colour which lasts me a good 3 to 4 days before I have to reapply. If you prefer a darker tan you can easily build up the colour by applying the product more regularly. This lotion creates a natural looking colour and I have had no problems with patchiness or streaking as it is very easy to apply. I love the addition of a pump to the packaging. Not only can you control how much product you use, but it also results in clean mess-free applications.

The lotion itself is quite thick for a gradual tan, meaning that it is incredibly moisturising. Formulated with Vitamin E, I found that the lotion kept my skin feeling soft and supple. The Palmer's range is also against animal testing and is paraben free - hoorah!

The only downside to this product is that the smell does develop from the lovely cocoa butter scent, to the classic fake tan smell. For this reason I prefer to use the lotion over night so that I can wash of the scent in the morning. The scent however does not put me off using the product as the results are the best that I have encountered from a gradual tan. The cocoa butter formula also seems to make the fake tan smell less obnoxious than usual, which can only be a bonus. 

This product has definitely become my favourite gradual tan, and I will be repurchasing it as soon as I run out! The Palmer's Natural Bronze body lotion retails for £5.35 for 250ml, and is available from Boots and Superdrug. Do you have a go-to tanning product? 

Carmex Moisture Plus - Berry Tinted Lip Balm Review

There is nothing worse than chapped flaky lips. It can be both uncomfortable and unflattering, and as we approach the winter months the colder weather draws out more moisture from our skin. To tackle the issue of dry lips I always carry a lip balm with me. I have tried numerous brands over the years, but Carmex is one that I have always found  to be extremely effective.

Rather than repurchasing the standard Carmex in a pot, I thought that I would try the Moisture Plus Tinted version instead. These 'ultra hydrating' lip balms come in a handy tube and are available in four shades - Clear, Peach, Pink and Berry. I opted for the berry shade as I thought it sounded the most autumnal. I found the shade to be more red than berry, but nonetheless a lovely colour. The pigmentation is sheer so ideal for day-to-day wear and adds just a hint of colour to the lips. The finish is slightly glossy, but not as glossy as a lip gloss.

As for moisturisation, I found this product to be incredibly hydrating and tackled any stubbon dry patches. When using this lip balm, my lips were kept hydrated for a few hours before having to reapply. Pretty good going for a tinted lip balm! According to the packaging the balm is formulated with Vitamin E, Aloe, Shea Butter and SPF 15. The balm was easy to apply and is very convenient as you do not need a mirror. It has a pleasant scent - the traditional Carmex smell with a hint of vanilla. Noticeable, but nothing too overpowering.

Overall I have really been enjoying this lip balm and have been reaching for it whenever I feel that my lips are getting a bit dry. I think that this product will quickly become a winter handbag essential! The Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balms retail for £4.49 and are available from Boots, Superdrug and Feel Unique.

Do you have a go-to lip balm for the colder months? Let me know your favourites!

Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Hairspray Review

There is something that you should know about me, I'm fickle. I very rarely repurchase the same product as I am always eager to try new things. I am also a sucker for nice packaging, and appreciate well thought out graphics and designs (thanks GCSE Graphics!). On the search for a new hairspray, I came across this little beauty in the aisles of Superdrug. Fudge is a brand that I have a limited experience with. Before using this hairspray I had never used a Fudge product, and only knew of the brand as my boyfriend used to use a Fudge hair wax a few years ago. I really did not know what to expect from this purchase, but was enticed by the pretty packaging (well done Fudge design team).

The packaging, oh the packaging. A brightly coloured pink and orange affair, it should scream tacky but it doesn't. Somehow the packaging manages to retain a grown-up feel, perhaps due to the lovely brushed metal tube that adds a (literal) touch of class. All in all the packaging is eye-catching and fun, and makes a welcome addition to my dressing table.  

The product itself claims '...soft to touch hair and 24 hours of hold. Anti frizz properties smooth and seal loose ends leaving your hair feeling natural while keeping your style in place all day.' In terms of performance this hairspray is a strong hold. I tested the staying power by using this product on an up-do, and the results were fantastic! My hair stayed in place all day and with minimum frizz. The bottle claims that the hairspray is 'soft touch' which I do not necessarily agree with as I found that when applied liberally this hairspray does create the dreaded 'crispy hair' effect. However, this could be easily remedied as the product was incredibly easy to brush out, leaving my hair feeling soft.

The scent, Iced Raspberry and Vanilla, is pleasantly sweet, not too overpowering, and lingers in the hair throughout the day - a huge bonus! I usually avoid trying to use hairspray as I detest the smell, but this Fudge hairspray scent is so lovely that I find myself using the product for the scent alone.

I am very impressed with this Fudge Urban hairspray and will definitely be repurchasing it. I liked this product so much that will also be looking to purchase more products from the Fudge brand in the near future - I currently have my eye on the Raspberry and Vanilla styling mousse! The Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla hairspray retails for £4.99 is available from Superdrug.

Have you tried any Fudge products?

A Soap & Glory Love Affair

Last month it was birthday and I was lucky enough to receive some lovely presents from my family. Knowing that I have a great love for the Soap & Glory brand, they bought me some lovely goodies from the range. 

The Daily Smooth Body Butter - £9.00 for 250ml

This Daily Smooth body butter is fragranced with Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Magnolia, Freesia, Vanilla and Musk - which equates to a lovely feminine scent. The body butter itself is a reasonably thick cream that lives up to its promise of being an 'amazingly-effective dry skin formula'. I find this body butter incredibly moisturising and lovely to apply after a shower. The scent lingers throughout the day and my skin is left feeling soft and supple.

The Breakfast Scrub - £8.00 for 300ml

The Breakfast scrub is made from oat, shea butter and sugar with organic cupuacu bio scrubs, bananas, almond and honey extracts. With these ingredients you could assume that the scrub smells like honey or banana, but it does however smell like maple syrup. The scent is so deliciously sweet that I found myself sniffing this product non-stop. I have a personal preference to sweet smelling products, however I know that not everybody will want to smell like a walking pancake, so some people will find the scent of this scrub far too sickly. Scent aside, this is really lovely scrub to use and is very effective at smoothing the skin. I can also see this tub lasting me a long time as you only need to use a small amount of product per shower.

Clean On Me Shower Gel - £6.00 for 500ml

This shower gel has the 'classic' Soap & Glory signature scent - very reminiscent of Dior's Miss Dior Cherie. I found the gel to be a very creamy and luxurious consistency and lovely to use, especially in conjunction with the scrub gloves! It claims to also have the addition of a built-in body lotion, and I can certainly say that after using this product my skin felt soft and moisturised without having to use a separate lotion. As with all Soap & Glory products I adore the cute retro packaging, and the pump makes it easy and mess free to use in the shower.

Smoothie Star Body Milk - £10.00 for 500ml

A relatively new scent to the Soap & Glory range, the Smoothie Star Body Milk contains Almond, Cocoa, Yogurt, Oat and Honey and smells like Almonds, Brown Sugar and Oats. I adore anything sweet or edible smelling, so this is probably my favourite Soap & Glory scent. The lotion itself is incredibly moisturising and claims to feature a 'waterlock' moisture trapping matrix - although I'm not sure exactly how this technology works, this lotion certainly left my skin feeling super soft and moisturised all day long.

Scrub Gloves - £4.00 for one pair

These cute scrub gloves are a great way to exfoliate without the need to use a scrub. They are lovely to use in conjunction with the Clean On Me Shower Gel and they leave my skin feeling really cleansed and soft - fabulous for dry knees or elbows! 

Soap & Glory products are available to buy from Boots stores and online. I would recommend all of these Soap & Glory products, and they make lovely gifts! Do you have a favourite Soap & Glory product?

Autumnal make-up trends for 2013

The deep, berry lip

Deep berry shades were very popular last autumn, and they are back and in full-force for 2013. This look can be daunting for some, but berry shades needn't be scary. If you are not confident enough to pull off a full on dark lip, options such as tinted balms and stains can enable you to achieve this trend in a more subtle and wearable way. One of my favourite products for the berry trend is the Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Crush. This product is a balm stain so is easily build-able from a lighter coverage to a more dramatic colour. The wonderful thing about using a stain is that they have fantastic longevity - I find the Revlon Balm Stain to last throughout the day, even when eating and drinking! Another favourite of mine is the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 107 (reviewed here). This lipstick is more on the red side of berry, and has a matte finish which not only increases the longevity but is a key  textural trend for autumn 2013.

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Crush - applied lightly

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Crush - applied heavily

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107

The neutral, nude eye

Simple eye makeup compliments a dark berry lip and is incredibly easy to create! You could simply apply mascara alone, or apply a light coloured eyeshadow across the lid first. For a sheer amount of colour and shimmer the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Pink Gold can be used to create an easy neutral look. To warm up a simple eye look, apply a light amount of bronzer through the eye crease with a blending brush, this ties the look together nicely and prevents a dark lip from washing out the complexion.

Neutral eye look using mascara alone

Nude eye using the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pink Gold

Another upcoming trend for autumn 2013 is the berry coloured eye. Much like the dark lip, a berry eye can seem daunting and difficult to wear. I am currently experimenting with a few new products to create the perfect smokey berry eye look, so keep an eye out (excuse the pun) for an upcoming post on the berry eye trend! 

What are your favourite makeup trends or products for autumn 2013? 

Tutorial // A Brown Smokey Liner Look

Today I fancied changing up my makeup look and opted for a brown smokey cat-eye. I think that brown makes a nice alternative to black and can still add drama and a sultry quality to a look.

This look was easy to achieve with three products, and would be suitable for an everyday look or an evening out. To achieve this look I used two brown eyeshadows from an Esteé Lauder palette - one a medium brown which went all over the lid, and the other a dark chocolate brown which I blended into the crease. I then used a warm brown gel eyeliner from Collection (reviewed here) in a small flick along my top lash-line. I then blended some of the brown eyeliner along my lower lash-line and smudged it in with a pencil brush. To finish the look I used Esteé Lauder Sumptuous Volume mascara (reviewed here). To add extra drama you could add false lashes, but as I was wearing this during the day I chose to skip this step.

Do you prefer black or brown eyeliners?

BaByliss Glamour Waves Review

My ideal hair is volumised with some movement as you would get from a professional blow dry, but I find achieving this look at home quite difficult. One tool I use to try and achieve this look is the BaByliss Glamour Waves. I have been using this tool on and off for a few years now, but recently I have been gravitating towards it to create soft loose curls and added volume to my hair.

The tool itself is a large barrelled curling wand (38mm) with four heat settings - the highest being 200°C. I find that the tool heats up quickly and is incredibly easy to use. I just wrap my hair around the wand towards my head, hold for about 10 seconds, then release. After completing this action around my whole head, I run my fingers through the curls to separate and finish with hairspray. Et voilà - added volume and movement with minimal effort! 

For an extra boost, try tipping your head upside down and then spray with hairspray. The BaByliss Glamour Waves retails for around £20.00 and is available to buy from Boots, Argos and Amazon.

What products do you use to achieve a volumised look?

Looking behind the labels // Parabens

Many of us use cosmetics and health-care products without looking in detail at the ingredients. We trust that what we are using on our bodies is safe and has had the appropriate tests to ensure no nasty side effects - but do we really know what is in the products that we use? There has been a recent trend for products to include paraben-free and organic labels, but why is this? What are parabens, and should we be actively trying to avoid them?

What are Parabens?

Essentially parabens are chemical compounds that are used in cosmetics, health-care products and even some foods to preserve and prolong their life. They act to kill mould and fungi, thus helping the product to stay fresh and have a longer shelf life. Sounds pretty convenient for both companies and consumers, however parabens have received negative press due to their link to cancer.

Chemical structure of a paraben (a para-hydroxybenzoate) - what a mouthful!

Why are some people worried about Parabens?

Parabens have been linked to cancer, specifically breast cancer. Parabens have caused worry as they have an ability to mimic the hormone oestrogen - which is known to have a major role in the development of breast cancer. It is still not clear whether parabens contribute to the development of breast cancer, but they have been found in some breast cancer tumours. 

The chemical was found in 99% of samples from 40 women with breast cancer in a study by the University of Reading in 2004. Though this percentage seems worryingly high, this study did not compare the cancerous samples against women with healthy breast tissue - thus it does not prove that parabens are a cause of the cancer. It is important to note that the link between parabens and cancer has neither been proven or disproven. However, as a result of these studies those with a family history of breast cancer (myself included) may choose to opt for paraben-free alternatives to eliminate any possible cancer risks.

How do you look for Parabens?

Parabens are used in many different products as they are a cheap way to preserve goods. As they are so readily used, it can be difficult to find effective products that are paraben-free. If you are interested in using paraben-free products look out for labels and stickers stating that the product contains no parabens. Alternatively you can look at the ingredients. The most commonly used parabens are:

• methylparaben
• ethylparaben
• propylparaben
• butylparaben
• heptylparaben
• isobutylparaben

...though there are others.

How do you avoid Parabens?
There are many paraben-free brands available on the market and more companies are beginning to ditch parabens in favour of more natural preservatives. Some great paraben-free brands include: 

• Good Things
• Boots Botanics
• Badger
• Yes To
• Nivea's Pure & Natural range
• Pai Skincare
• Balance me
• Amie

Some paraben-free products replace parabens in favour of organic acids that act to preserve products without the need for parabens. Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and diazolidinyl urea are just three examples of these organic acids. If you are interested in paraben-free alternatives or organic products The Organic Pharmacy is a great resource for looking up and learning more about organic ingredients.

It is a personal choice whether or not to avoid parabens, but either way I think that it is important for consumers to be aware of what is in the products they use. Take a minute to look at the ingredients, if a product is packed full of unpronounceable chemicals maybe consider what you are putting onto your body. Personally my ethos is to try and avoid as many chemicals as I can as a precautionary measure, but it can be a bit of a hassle so it is not for everyone!

What are your thoughts on parabens? Do you worry about the chemicals that are in your health-care products? If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Sources: NHS UK, Wikipedia, Paraben.co.uk, breastcancerfund.org

MAC Lipstick in Vegas Volt // Review

This last week I have been on my summer holiday. I enjoyed sun, sea, sangria - and shopping (oh duty free how I love you!). Although it was only 5am when I got to the airport, I made a bee-line for the MAC counter in duty free looking for a summer lipstick to take away with me. I have my fair share of reds and pinks so I was looking for something a little different to add to my collection. 

I opted for Vegas Volt which is a coral - not too pink and not too orange, just a happy medium. MAC describe this colour as 'full power coral' which I think is pretty apt. For me this is a shade that epitomises summer and it looks fantastic with a tan! It is bright, but at the same time not 'in your face' bright. You can also tone the brightness down by blotting to get a different look and to make it more daytime appropriate (though personally I would wear this at full capacity day or night). This lipstick is quite interesting as it looks different in different lights; sometimes looking more pink, sometimes more orange, and sometimes brighter than others. To me this is a quirk that only adds to the uniqueness and appeal of this colour!

Vegas Volt is a amplified creme finish meaning that it is highly pigmented and lasts fantastically on the lips. The creme finish also prevents this lipstick from being too drying, which a great bonus if you decide to wear this in holiday sun! The lipstick has the classic MAC smell - a sweet vanilla scent which is not everyone's cup of tea, but I personally love it.

The only downside of this lipstick is that it can settle in the creases of the lips after a few hours of wear, but this can be easily rectified by reapplication. Overall this lipstick is a joy to wear and whenever I wear it, it will remind me of happy holidays! 

Vegas Volt retails for £15.00 and is available from MAC counters and online. Do you have a favourite summer lipstick?

Boots Ingredients Coconut & Almond Body Butter // Review

In my first blog post I confessed how much I love body butters, and this is a love with no foreseeable end in sight. The most recent addition to my body butter collection is the Boots Ingredients Coconut and Almond body butter. What drew me to this product was firstly my love of anything coconut scented, and secondly the very reasonable price - £3.05 for 200 ml. 

Boots describe this product as follows, 'With extracts of Coconut & Almond, Boots Ingredients Body Butter is specially formulated to moisturise and hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.'

The product itself smells coco-nutty (albeit slightly synthetic) and the scent lingers on the skin after application - a factor that I look for in a good body butter. The scent of coconut reminds me of summer holidays and always brings a smile to my face, and this Coconut and Almond fragrance is no exception. The butter does take a while to sink into the skin, so is perhaps best applied at night or first thing in the morning when you are not in a rush to get dressed. That being said, once it had absorbed it left my skin feeling hydrated and soft.

I can't say that I have fallen in love with this product, but for a cheaper body butter it does the job nicely. This body butter is available from Boots stores and online, retailing for £3.05. 

Do you like coconut scented products? Or do you have a favourite body butter?

Lasting Finish Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in 03 // Review

Nude lipstick. Two little words that fill me with fear. For years I have lusted after the thought of a perfect nude shade that compliments my skin-tone and does not leave me with the dreaded 'invisible' lips phenomenon, but I have never found the correct shade. In the past I have attempted the nude lipstick, but my attempts were either too pale, too brown or too pink, just never looking quite right. 

As a result I soon gave up my nude lipstick endeavours and opted for brighter shades, favouring pinks and reds. However, around a fortnight ago I realised my graduation ceremony was looming... should I go lipstick-less? Lip gloss was a no-no due to the embarrassing likelihood of the 'wind-sticking-my-hair-to-my-lips' scenario that all us girls have experienced at one time or another, and pink or red shades seemed a little too daring for such a formal event. So once again I found myself toying with the idea of nude.

My first port of call on the hunt for a nude lipstick was Rimmel. I have had good experiences with their lipsticks in the past, particularly the Kate Moss line which I have featured on the blog before. I know that the formulas work well and leave a nice finish so I was confident that the line would be the right option to choose. As for shade choices there were a couple of nudes in the range that caught my eye, but I eventually opted for the shade 03.

03 is a nude with a slight pinky undertone. It is not too pink and not too brown, in my opinion the perfect balance of both for my skin-tone. The lipstick made my lips look like a polished version of themselves, nothing too obvious or over the top, so perfect for formal occasions such as my graduation.

On the day I was really happy with the way the lipstick looked. I had to reapply a couple of times, but it was comfortable to wear and felt moisturising. I also love the smell of these lipsticks so was quite happy when it came to reapplying because I could catch a whiff of the sweet vanilla scent! This lipstick has quickly become my favourite nude choice and I will definitely be wearing it on a regular basis.

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss Lipsticks retail for £5.49 and are available from Boots and Superdrug stores and online. 

Do you have a go-to nude lipstick? Let me know your favourite in the comments!

Nivea Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes // Review

When I am travelling or feeling particularly lazy, there is nothing easier than cleansing face wipes to remove make-up. This week I was away from home for a few days so picked up some new facial wipes to use. I like wipes for travelling as they are convenient, take up little space in your luggage, are easy to use and easily disposed of. Quick and simple, just what you want when you are away from home.

For my trip away I opted for the Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing wipes. I chose these wipes firstly because they were on a half price offer, but also because their ingredients are 95% of natural origin (something that instantly caught my eye and appealed to my chemical awareness radar). These wipes are free from parabens, silicones, colourants, mineral oils and alcohol - a promising list of things that I would like to avoid in my skin care routine. 

The first thing that I noticed when using these wipes was the strong scent. The scent, although pleasant and fresh, was particularly strong and overpowering for my personal preference. The packaging claims to remove make-up and mascara whilst being suitable for sensitive eyes, however I would disagree with this. I found that whilst removing the make-up from my eyes, I had problems with irritation and a stinging sensation. I have never encountered this issue with other facial wipes so I believe that it may be caused by the strong scent. For this reason I would suggest that those with sensitive skin or eyes may have issues with the scent of this product causing irritation in spite of the claims that these wipes are suitable for all skin types.

Despite the reaction that my eyes had to this product, the wipes did perform well. They effectively removed all traces of make-up (including a particularly stubbon waterproof mascara!) and left my skin feeling fresh and clean. 

Although these Nivea Pure & Natural wipes sounded ideal for me, I have to say that I am disappointed due to the issues I had with the scent of this product. If Nivea had a fragrance free version of these cleansing wipes I am sure that I would love them, but unfortunately they do not and thus I shall not be repurchasing these Pure & Natural wipes.

The Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes retail for £3.09 and are available from Boots and Superdrug stores as well as on the Nivea website.

Do you use cleansing facial wipes to remove make-up? If so, which is your go-to brand for facial wipes? Let me know in the comments as I am always looking for new suggestions!

Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm // Review

Lip balms are an important staple in most people's beauty regimes. You want something that hydrates the lips and combats any unsightly dry skin, whilst being easy and pleasant to apply. That's where Nivea's Milk & Honey lip balm steps in. 

This lip balm is a part of the Pure and Natural range where up to 95% of ingredients are from natural origin - right up my street! This particular lip balm contains natural ingredients that are organically grown and is 100% free from preservatives. As the name suggests this lip balm has a sweet milk and honey scent, very pleasant but at the same time not too overpowering. If (like me) you tend to favour sweet and edible scents then this product is definitely one to try.

The product itself is in stick form so very easy to apply and more hygienic than a pot lip balm. The balm is a bright yellow colour, something that would perhaps be a little off-putting to some people, however there is no colour transfer when the product is applied to the lips. When I use this product in public places I do wonder whether people think I'm applying a yellow lipstick and I have had a few funny looks!

I found this lip balm effective at moisturising my lips and it did not feel too greasy or sticky, so is comfortable to wear. Overall I really enjoyed using this lip balm and would definitely repurchase it. 

Nivea's Milk & Honey lip balm retails for £1.99 for 4.8g and is available from supermarkets, Superdrug and Boots stores, and on the Nivea website.

Do you have a favourite lip balm product? Let me know in the comments as I am always looking for new recommendations! 

Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz // Review

I love the idea of using natural products in my skincare routine. The thought of applying products that are filled with chemicals and unnecessary ingredients bothers me. I do not see the point of using bad ingredients when there are alternate options that don't cost the earth! (both literally and metaphorically).

With this ethos in mind, my first port of call was the Boots Botanics line, and in particular, the organic range. This range is free from parabens and is made using natural plant ingredients that have been approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It certainly sounds impressive but the important thing is do the products work?

The first product that I trialled from the line was the Rosewater Toning Spritz. This is a 100% organic toning spritz that you spray onto your face to cleanse and refresh. Personally I like to spray this product on liberally after cleansing and remove the excess with a cotton pad. This product is great to use just before bed or even in the morning before applying make-up. It leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and prepped for the day without being at all harsh or stripping.

I found the toning spritz both refreshing and effective in removing any last traces of makeup. The scent is delightfully rose, but in no way artificial, just very natural and pure. This product only contains five ingredients; Aqua (water), Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Rosa Damascena flower oil, Citronellol. Plus it is 100% organic. Simple.

I thoroughly enjoyed using this product and would definitely repurchase it. I think that it is reasonably priced and contains good natural ingredients so I did not feel guilty spritzing this liberally all over my face! I found that the bottle lasted a good amount of time, especially considering that I was using this daily. The spray bottle is easy to use and it dispensed just the right amount of liquid - no case of unnecessarily drenched faces here! 

The Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz retails for £4.99 for 150ml. The Botanics range often has regular offers available so keep a look out if you're interested in trying anything from the line. The Botanics line is available from both Boots stores and online. 

I will be reviewing more Botanics products in near future so keep an eye-out if you are interested in what else is available in the range. What do you think about Organic skincare? Have you tried anything from Boots Botanics? Let me know in the comments below!