Personalised Birthday Gifts with Historic Newspapers

*Gifted (AD)

Lockdown hasn't been easy for any of us but potentially more so for those with special birthdays during lockdown when celebrating with family and friends hasn't been possible. My auntie turned 80 in April and my dad will be 60 next week and neither of them were able to celebrate sadly. However, a thoughtful and extra special present can be a lovely gesture.

I'm always an advocate for personalised gifts and I've reviewed many on my blog over the years so visit my other gift guides for my ideas! As well as special birthdays, Father's Day is just around the corner in the UK (on the 21st June) so I think now is a great time to look for gift ideas and hopefully today's post will give you an idea of the amazing personalised gifts on offer with Historic Newspapers.

*Historic Newspaper - Birthday Newspaper Book (from £49.99)

Today's post features a very special gift that I think would be ideal for those celebrating an extra special or memorable birthday. I was very happy about reviewing this beautiful birthday newspaper book from Historic Newspapers because my dad turns 60 next week so it will make a fantastic and extra special gift for him on such a milestone birthday. I think personalised gifts are great to give at any occasion and I think the range of personalised gifts including this luxury birthday newspaper book, on Historic Newspapers is fantastic as there's something for everyone including football books, children's books, vintage cookbook newspapers, year books, gift sets and more.

The birthday book I'm reviewing features a luxury A4 sized black leather cover (this option comes with a free embossing which I think makes the book look even more luxurious), inside message and a beautiful gift box (£7.50) that can be used to store the book. The option for personalising and adding extras is available such as the box and various cover options so there's something for multiple budgets.

Within the birthday book, there are newspaper headlines from the birthday year you choose and every birthday after so for my dad the headlines are from there 2nd June 1960 onwards which shows a wide range of news stories with each page. From the title page with describes the book and features your gift message to all of the newspaper headlines pages, the print quality is fantastic and it's interesting to remember the headlines of the past with images, articles and advertisements to look through.

I have reviewed a newspaper gift before of my blog, although it wasn't as luxurious or impressive as this gift idea, but I loved looking through the advertisements of the time as they show the trends and products which are usually quite different to the advertising and products of 2020. The years range from the birthday year to 2019 for the book I was lucky enough to receive and highlight the shocking, important and influential news from that day in time, such as the falklands war, scandals, sporting headlines, celebrity stories and much more.

I couldn't be happier or more impressed with not only the luxurious design and quality of the gift but also the special personalised touches, the presentation and all of the interesting headlines to read through. I know my dad loves personalised gifts and history so this is the ideal gift for him, especially for such a special birthday!

Do you you think of this luxurious personalised birthday gift from Historic Newspapers? 

*gifted

Read More

DegustaBox - May 2020

It's the time of the month again for my review of the DegustaBox food subscription box! I am lucky enough to receive a box to review each month but I cannot recommend them enough especially for families or to share with others as there's something for everyone in each box. If you use the code DTPL4 you can get £3 off your first box (the discount has changed from £5 to £3 off your first box). If you use the code above, your first box will be £9.99.

*DegustaBox - May 2020 

The theme for the May box is 'BBQ and snacking' which is perfect for the absolutely gorgeous weather we've been having in the UK for what seems like the past couple of months - I've been reading so much in the garden because of the lovely sunshine! The box contains a great selection of ingredients you can use for a BBQ or picnic as well as snacks, sharing treats and drinks. There aren't nearly as many vegan items in the box as there usually are (cries) but I do love the vegan options from the box.

*Skinny Tonic Water (75p)

I'll start with the drinks within the box and as with the last box (and all of the box from now on), there isn't an alcohol box and a non-alcohol box so they are combined. The drinks within the May box range from vegan energy drinks and wine to these mini cans of tonic water. You should receive both flavours in your box - Indian and Mediterranean tonic waters. The Indian flavour is a blend of botanicals including Sicilian lemon, orange and thyme. Whereas the Mediterranean flavour contains fresh citrus, thyme and sweet basil notes. They are both delicious!

*Beronia Rioja Crianza (£2.99, 18.75cl)

As well as the mini cans of tonic water, there's also a mini bottle of win in the May box too which would be great for a picnic for two! The Beronia Rioja Crianza is a wine from Spain that is fruity, with hints of blackberry and strawberry as well as vanilla and spice from being aged in French and American oak barrel for 12 months before bottling.

*Xite Energy Drinks (1.49)

I've never been a fan of energy drinks in any form so I didn't have high hopes for either of these but they are vegan and very low calorie so I decided to give them a go and I'm so glad that I did as they were both delicious. You should receive two flavours in your box and I cannot recommend them enough. These are the first energy drinks that I've tried that I actually loved and would 100% buy in the future!

*Hartley's Juicy Jelly Shots (£2.79)

Moving into the snacks in the box and the first is a box of jellies from Hartley's which I know my friends toddlers will love so I've passed them on and I'm sure they're very happy with them. Growing up, I used to love jelly packets and pots like this! The box contains four of the strawberry flavour which is was always my favourite flavour of jelly, closely followed by blackcurrant. I think they'd be great as a snack or as part of a picnic.

*Hellmanns Dressings (£1.65 each)

Another item I think would be ideal for making picnic or BBQ snacks is these two dressings from Hellmann's. You should receive both in your box, the far free vinaigrette and the classic house salad dressing. The vinaigrette is vegan but sadly it isn't something I'd eat although both of my parents have been loving both of the dressings and the bottles are almost empty so I think they have the seal of approval!

*Bull's Eye BBQ Sauce (£2.49)

Another essential BBQ item is BBQ sauce which is something I'm starting to love. This one is based on the original US BBQ sauces and contains sweet and smokey flavour that can be added to any meat or even veggies. After a quick search online, I think this original sauce is vegan but it isn't stated on the label - it sounds delicious and I can't wait to confirm whether it is vegan so I can finally open it!

*Mission Street Tacos (£1.20)

As well as the energy drinks, my favourite items from the May box have to be the two packet soft street tacos! There are two flavours you should receive, original and chilli and lime, both of which I have used and loved. The chilli and lime flavour is definitely my favourite of the two and it's delicious when combined with vegan cheese and smoked tofu for a super quick and easy taco snack. The small size is perfect for a snack or as a small side dish too - I will definitely be buying these in the future!

*Yes! Snacks Bars (£2.99)

Moving onto the sweet treats in the box as there are always a good range of sweeter snacks each month. The YES! brand has been included in previous boxes and I'm sure the bars were vegan but sadly these aren't. I received the dark chocolate, pecan and banana flavoured bars but you could have received another flavour option. We all know by now how much I love snack bars, I always have one in my car and one in my bag at all time as they are just handy to have if you need a quick energy boost throughout the day.

*Barebells Hazelnuts and Nougat Protein Bar (£2.50)

The penultimate item is another snack bar but it's from a brand I haven't tried before. I love the packaging and the protein content but sadly it isn't vegan as far as I am aware. It sounds delicious though as hazelnut and nougat seem like a perfect combination!

*Lindt Lindor Milk Bar (85p)

Last but definitely not least is an item I think so many people would be very happy to see in their box - a heavenly Lindt chocolate bar! When I was vegetarian, rather than vegan, I always received one of these smaller bars as either part of an easter present or birthday present. They are so silky smooth and delicious - I wish they made a vegan version.

Have you tried any of these products? Don't forget to use the code DTPL4 to get £3 off your box!

*gifted

Read More

April + May Favourites 2020

During the lockdown period I've discovered so many new favourite products so I wanted to share them with you today. From one lifestyle favourite to skincare, body care and a fragrance favourite. I do have so many more favourites than what I'll be reviewing in today's post but they will be reviewed in my very belated winter favourites post which will showcase all of the genuinely fantastic products I used and loved throughout the months of December, January and February.

*Barley Cup Cereal Drink 

I'll begin with the one lifestyle favourite I have for the past two months and it's a new drink! I was sent a couple of samples of barley drink which is a vegan friendly cereal drink that is made of barley, rye and chicory. It is naturally caffeine free and low calorie which is something I've been looking for recently as I have wanted to reduce my caffeine intake. I used to love Horlicks drinks growing up and it is very nostalgic to me so I hoped these would be a little similar and they are to an extent. The flavour is very nutty, roasted and earthy which I love but it's much stronger than I thought; however I do love it and I will be looking out for it in the future (when the world is a little less chaotic).

*Bubble T Soapscription 

I've already reviewed this shower gel subscription service a few times on my blog so I will keep this section short and sweet. I've been lucky enough to receive a few of the soapscription boxes over the past few months and I loved each one. I think it's such a great idea, especially as we are currently in lockdown until mid-June. I've liked every scent I've tried from them, particularly as they all tend to be quite unique. Click on the link above for more subscription box recommendations to help you get through lockdown!

*Daisy by Marc Jacobs via Perfume Direct 

Another favourite is one I've also reviewed on my blog previously but I wanted to include it in todays post as it is the fragrance I've been wearing non-stop since I received it back in April. The 'daisy' range from Marc Jacobs is very nostalgic to me as it is a fragrance I grew up wearing so I was very happy to receive a bottle to review from the lovely people at Perfume Direct. If you're looking for the perfect spring fragrance that will last all day, look no further.

*Pixi Glow Tonic 

One of my winter favourites has to be the First Aid Beauty radiance pads but I used up them up and since then I've been loving the Pixi glow tonic. I find the First Aid Beauty pads to be instantly smoothing, softening and exfoliating but the glow tonic is just as effective. I have found the tonic to be gentle, effective and it has been helping massively with the breakouts I've been having. I cannot recommend it enough as it's helping my skin to stay smooth and clear during all of the stress of lockdown.

*Bomb Cosmetics Build Your Own Soap (£7.99)

Last but not least for today's post is one of my more recent favourites and it's the soap I designed via Bomb Cosmetics. I'm lucky enough to be a Bomb Cosmetics ambassador so I receive their products to review but I have been using their products since before I started my blog! One of their newer products is a 'build your own soap' feature which I think is a fantastic idea and it would make a very cute and practical personalised gift. Check out the link above for more information on the soap and don't forget to use the code: STAYSAFE10 to get 10% off your order as well as a free slice of soap!

Stay tuned for my upcoming lockdown empties and winer favourites posts for more product reviews and recommendations!

Have you tried any of these products? What have you been loving recently? 

*gifted

Read More

Take Care Of Your Hands with Green People

Happy Friday, I hope everyone is well and staying safe! Today's post features a product duo from the lovely people over at Green People that is perfect for our current global situation with an added benefit of helping charities too! I've been lucky enough to work with Green People a few times since 2014 and I cannot recommend their products enough, especially their sensitive skincare range and lipsticks (the velvet matte lipstick in 'berry nude' is my ideal everyday lipstick). 

*Green People Scent Free Everyday Hand Care Set (£25) 

I was very kindly sent their new scent free hand care duo which I've been using everyday for the past week or so. Before I get into the review, I'll mention that for every purchase of the hand care set, the two items individually or some of their other products, a donation of £1 will be given to NHS charities if you make your purchase before the 31st May so go, go, go! Click on the link above to see a list of all the products that are eligible for the donation if you want to make an order with Green People and support the NHS. 

*Green People Scent Free Hand Wash (£10, 300ml)

Let's start with the product everyone has been using in abundance (hopefully) over the past couple of months, hand wash. I've been using a mixture of generic hand wash and my Lush soaps that I needed to use up ('honey I washed the kids' is my all time favourite soap). The generic anti-bacterial hand wash and hand sanitisers I've been using have all left my hands feeling quite tight and dry which isn't very pleasant especially as we're all having to wash our hands more often so I'm very glad to have this new hand wash from Green People as it's the most gentle and non-drying hand wash I've ever used. 

*Green People Scent Free Hand Lotion (£15, 300ml)

Last not not least is an equally as important hand care step, lotion! We've all been told to wash our hands and use hand sanitiser multiple times per day but using lotion after hand washing is so important to keep the skin comfortable, moisturised and supple. If you have been following my blog for a couple of years then you might know that I used to suffer with horrendous, itchy and dry eczema on my face and hands (thankfully I don't have any eczema now due to switching to a vegan diet) but I used to need hand lotion constantly so I know the benefit to provides to the skin. Due to my eczema I've tried countless hand creams and lotions, most of which work well but if you are looking for a quick to absorb lotion that is gentle but effective then you really can't go wrong with this lovely Green People hand lotion! 

Have you tried anything from Green People? 

*gifted

Read More

Latest In Beauty: May 2020

It's that time again for my review of the monthly beauty subscription box from the incredibly lovely people over at Latest In Beauty which has to be one of my favourite subscription boxes ever! I am lucky enough to review their monthly boxes and some of their limited edition boxes on my blog. I cannot recommend them enough - I've bought their boxes myself too!

*Latest In Beauty - May 2020 

As always I receive the one off 'beauty enthusiast' box which contains six items, all of which you can choose. One of my favourite things about the Latest In Beauty boxes is the wide range of choice each month, from luxury products, makeup and skincare to tea, beauty tools, sheet masks, hair dye and much more. Additionally, each month has a designated 'hall of fame' product which I always choose as it is typically a more expensive and luxury item and this one is no different.

*Umberto Giannini Flowerology Vegan hair Colour 

I'll start with possibly the most beautifully packaged and designed hair dye ever! I chose a hair dye for last months box too but as we are still in lockdown, I wanted to choose another for May as the greys are getting out of control. I haven't tried either hair dye yet as I'm at home constantly but I'm interested to give them a go, especially this one as it claims to be kinder to the hair and scalp. It is also vegan which is a bonus!

*SGX NY 3 in 1 Dry Texture Spray

The second and final haircare product I choose from the May selection was a texture spray from a brand I haven't heard of before. I don't typically love hair styling products, mainly because my hair always rebels against them and ends up looking worse off afterwards but this one seemed ideal for the warm weather we've been having over the past couple of months as a quick hair boost in a can. It definitely adds a little texture to my hair which I love and helps it look more refreshed and volumised.

*Remove and Chill Reusable Nail Polish Remover Pad

This next item was too unusual and frankly amazing to pass up. A nail polish remover pad that can be reused is ideal as I'm trying to cut down on the disposable items I've been using. The pad is similar to the other reusable makeup remover pads I have from So Natural (which I'm still loving) but the material is thicker so I think it will stand up well against removing stubborn polish. I haven't tried it yet but I'm definitely intrigued and hopefully it works well so I don't have to buy cotton pads anymore.

*Beauty Laundrette Sheet Mask 

How could I not add this adorably packaged sheet mask to my box! I don't want admit it but I am definitely a sucker for cute packaging especially if the product itself is also vegan. The Beauty Laundrette mask is designed for dry, dehydrated skin and claims to soothe, soften, hydrate and refresh the skin which sounds perfect. I will be trying this mask tonight and I can't wait - check out my instagram stories (@ofbeautyand) for updates, unboxings and mini reviews.

*Rodial Vic C Energising Face Mask 

The 'hall of fame' product for the month of May is the Rodial Vic C Energising Face Mask. I have tried quite a few products from Rodial, their fantastic superfood range, and adored them so I'm happy to try another product. The mask claims to rejuvenate, illuminate and plump the skin which is something my skin needs desperately after all of the stress of lockdown.

*Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist Intense - Deluxe Edition 

The final product is another luxury item and it's from a lovely skincare brand, Jurlique. I've also tried a few products from Jurlique and I've loved every single one especially the rose water balancing mist so I had to have another bottle. Firstly, let's take a moment to appreciate how utterly gorgeous the packaging and bottle is (angels singing). The mist itself smells lovely, it is very refreshing on hot summer days and it also adds a boost of moisture and radiance to the skin.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the selection for the May box? 

*gifted

Read More

Create Your Own Soap with Bomb Cosmetics

Bomb Cosmetics has been one of my favourite brands for years and I am lucky enough to now be part of their Bomb Babe Squad to review their new products and launches which is amazing! The first product I tried from Bomb Cosmetics (before I started my blog back in 2012) were the bath mallows, specifically the Violet Night bath mallow which isn't available anymore but since then I've been impressed with everything I've tried.

*Bomb Cosmetics Soap (£7.99, 160g)

I'm always happy to receive a lovely and colourful package from Bomb Cosmetics and this one was no different. In fact, it was even more exciting as my latest parcel from Bomb Cosmetics contained a soap I designed! I have only tried a couple of the soaps from Bomb Cosmetics before including the lemon meringue soap but I've loved each one especially as they always look so cute and smell heavenly.

The new 'build your own soap' feature on their website allows you to design your own slice of soap, for yourself or for someone special as a little lockdown treat. I think it would also make a lovely birthday gift, thank you gift or even as a Father's Day gift, the latter is coming up next month in the UK - I will be posting a gift guide with ideas at the end of the month so stay tuned.

You can personalise everything about the design, from the scent, base colour, soap shapes or letters included and the personalised message. The scents range from fruit options such as cherry, lime and watermelon to more unusual scents including: rainy day, pink bubbly, oceanic, jelly baby and more. Naturally as lavender is my favourite scent so I chose the pink base colour with a lavender fragrance (double lavender!) and I opted for my initial and a couple of daisy shapes. I'm so happy with not only the gorgeous scent but the cute design too. Also the soap is very gentle, non-drying on the skin and smells wonderful!

You can make your own soap on the website as they are still operating as normal and if you use the code STAYSAFE10 you can get 10% off your order and they'll include a free slice of soap too!

Have you tried anything from Bomb Cosmetics? What do you think of their personalised soap? 

*gifted

Read More

8th Blog Birthday + Giveaway

I type this every year but I can't believe that my little blog is another year older and this year marks 8 years of consistent blogging which is a little overwhelming as it doesn't seem too long ago since the start of my blog back in 2012 when the world was a far nicer place! I started on Blogger, as I still am, but back in 2012, blogging was completely different compared to how it is now but I'm grateful for the change as it has allowed my blog to grow, the opportunities I've received through my blog have been amazing and it has become much more mainstream now so I don't have to explain what blogging is anymore to baffled relatives!

My blog is enabled me to improve my photography and writing abilities (although there's still so much more progress to be made) and to connect with other like minded people as well as being able to review a wide range of products and being invited to blogging events. I never thought that blogging would provide so much and not just in terms of products or events but financially as well. I never thought I'd earn anything from my blog as I solely created it for the purpose of reviewing all of the makeup I loved but I'm incredibly grateful to be able to earn a small income from my blog and to gain freelance writing jobs as a result.

To celebrate my blog's 8th birthday, I'm hosting a little giveaway which I think is something we all need right now when the world isn't at its best! Sadly this giveaway is UK only, especially now as it is difficult to send packages within my own country. Also, shipping of the prizes might be delayed as well, it all depending on the lockdown measures in place then the giveaway finishes at the end of May.

All you have to do to enter is fill in the Rafflecopter form below - the more entries you fill in, the more chance you have of winning. I wanted to include a range of skincare and makeup prizes so there's a variety of Korean sheet masks, lip and eye masks, palettes and beauty tools as well as a few surprise extras.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This winner has been contacted - thanks for entering!

Good luck!

Read More

Lockdown Loungewear with Femme Luxe

Our current lockdown has very few benefits but thankfully their are some - being able to try new hobbies, indulging in more time for reading, helping others in our communities and being able to wear all of our comfy clothing! I have been self employed and working from home for years and while I do like to have a routine of getting dressed in jeans or comfy trousers everyday, I think it is more than ok for us to work from home in loungewear or pyjamas now and it is something I have easily become very used to!

I was very kindly gifted a couple of petite loungewear sets from the lovely people over at Femme Luxe which is a Manchester based company that has a huge range of loungewear to choose from. Since the lockdown has been in place, I've realised that I own very little that could be described as 'loungewear' apart from a couple of pairs of leggings and jumper dresses so I was very excited to choose a couple of sets from Femme Luxe to add to my wardrobe.

 

*Oversized T-Shirt and Leggings Loungewear Set (£13.99, sale) 

Let's start with the Everleigh set which comes with an oversized, long t-shirt with short sleeves and a pair of leggings. I have the size Small (UK 8/10) and the black colour option which is currently out of stock but there are white and grey options too. I initially wanted to choose the grey version but it was out of stock at the time, although I am happy with the black set. I never usually wear leggings but they are so comfortable and perfect to pair with an oversized t-shirt - it's the ultimate, easy loungewear option that still looks put together.

I have a size Small in both petite loungewear sets and they fit perfectly! I am a size small in most clothing brands or between a UK 8 to 10, depending on the brand so I think they are very accurate in terms of the sizing. The leggings are a little see through but with the oversized t-shirt it's something I don't have to worry about. If you're looking for an everyday, lightweight and simple loungewear set, I can't recommend it enough, especially as it is currently on sale.

*Loungewear Tracksuit Set (£18.99, sale) 

Even though I love the previous set, I think this grey tracksuit set has to be my favourite and I know that I'm going to be wearing it constantly while we are still in lockdown. The fit is perfect, the length of the trousers is ideal (which I was very happy about as most loungewear trousers are ridiculously long on me) and they are both so soft. I thought the material might be a little heavy or not as soft as I hoped it would be but thankfully I was wrong as both the long sleeve top and trousers are both super soft and stretchy so they are very comfortable. It is a loungewear set I have wanted to wear constantly since I received them, they are that comfortable.

Overall, this is my first experience trying anything from Femme Luxe and I'm impressed with the quality for the price point, the huge range of styles available and the fit which is very true to size. They currently have so many of their loungewear items and sets on sale so go, go, go to grab yourself some lockdown loungewear!

Have you tried anything from Femme Luxe? 

*gifted

Read More

The Ultimate Spring Fragrance with Perfume Direct

While autumn may be my favourite season, spring is a very close second place and there's nothing more spring-like than blue skies and the scent of newly bloomed flowers. Every season I alternate the skincare, makeup and fragrances I'm using to suit the season, weather and trends. Floral fragrances are some of my favourites and there are a couple that I've loved for years that always remind me of spring and summer holidays and happy memories.

One of the fragrances is Daisy by Marc Jacobs which I've tried a few variations of and adored all of them but I think the original will always be one of my all time favourites, closely followed by Daisy Dream. I was very kindly sent a bottle of the original Daisy by Marc Jacobs fragrance from the lovely people over at Perfume Direct - thank you for reintroducing me to one of my all time favourite fragrances!

*Daisy by Marc Jacobs (EDT, 50ml)

Let's take a moment to appreciate how utterly adorable the bottles are for all of the entire Marc Jacobs Daisy range! My favourite bottle design is the original Daisy fragrance but the Daisy Dream is a very close second - I reviewed and included it within my January 2016 beauty favourites post! The box is also adorable so it would make a lovely gift and it is very spring-like too.

The fragrance itself is described as a sparkling, fresh and youthful fragrance which I think makes it ideal for spring and for any age as it is a fragrance that I think would suit anyone and almost any occasion. It has a range of uplifting floral notes combined with fresh fruit and creamy musky notes which makes the most intoxicating spring and summer fragrance.

Top notes: Violet Leaf, Blood Grapefruit, Strawberry
Middle notes: Gardenia, Violet, Jasmine
Base notes: Musk, White Woods, Vanilla

The notes are perfect and it makes me instantly happier when I spray the fragrance onto my skin and clothing. As well as being such a glorious, spring-like fragrance, it is also one of the most long lasting fragrances I've ever tried. It is an EDT which tend to be less long lasting and weaker compared to EDP equivalents; however the longevity of the Daisy EDT is very impressive as I can smell the fragrance clearly on my clothing or accessories the day after I initially applied the fragrance.

Over the past couple of years I've slowly decreased the amount of beauty products (and all items in general) I've been purchasing but fragrances are always items I'll invest in as they are little luxuries that I love to use everyday. I think that finding not only the right fragrance for you is important but one that is as long lasting as it can be too and I think the balance is perfect with the Daisy range from Marc Jacobs. The range is a little pricy but the quality, heavenly scent and impressive longevity (so a little goes a long way) more than makes up for the price tag.

Have you tried any of the Marc Jacobs Daisy range?

*gifted

Read More

Eco Friendly Choices with So Natural Cosmetics

One of my goals for the year was to make more environmentally friendly choices; I am already vegan which is my most significant eco-friendly choice and I recycle as much as I can but I think I can make better choices when it comes to the everyday products I'm using in terms of the packaging used, ingredients and if the items are recyclable. Thankfully there are many more natural and environmentally friendly options now and one of the new-to-me brands that ticks all of the boxes is So Natural Cosmetics.

I was very kindly sent a few of their products to try out and I've been loving using them. They have a wide range of natural, plant-based skincare, body care products and accessories. I was sent the waterproof makeup remover, lip balm, deodorant stick and the reusable makeup pads and wash bag, the latter is an item I've wanted to try for months.

*So Natural Cosmetics Moisturising Lip Balm (£4.99)

Let's start with the lip balm which is packaged in paper tube that is not only utterly adorable but it is also made in the UK and is fully recyclable. The lip balm is vegan and contains organic ingredients including: castor oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and more - check out their website for a full list of the ingredients for each product.

The lip balm also contains peppermint essential oils so is smells lovely and it makes it feel very refreshing to use. On the topic of using the product, as it comes in a paper tube, you have to push up the base to dispense more of the product rather than twist the tube as you would with plastic packaging. It's a very effective, moisturising but gentle lip balm that I can't recommend enough.

*So Natural Effective Deodorant Stick (£8.95)

Next up is probably my favourite product of the four I was sent, very closely followed by the makeup pads, it's the So Natural deodorant stick. They offer a gel deodorant and a stick version, the latter comes in a paper tube like the lip balm. I love the packaging and that it is vegan! The deodorant contains lovely natural ingredients such as coconut oil, rosemary leaf extract and castor oil, to name a few.

I love the scent as it is minty, coconutty (not a word) and very food-like to me which might be something you love too or it might be a little too unusual. I've tried a couple of natural deodorants and I did like them but they were both in glass pot containers which made them a little less convenient to use so I'm glad this one is in a handy stick format. It isn't irritating on the skin and it doesn't feel heavy or sticky thankfully. For me personally it is a gentle but effective deodorant and I'd highly recommend it if you want to switch to a natural deodorant without having to make any compromises.

*So Natural Waterproof Makeup Remover (£9.95)

The penultimate item from So Natural is their waterproof makeup remover which contains vitamins, castor oil and olive oil as well as a few other natural ingredients to create a gentle and soothing makeup remover. I haven't been wearing much makeup while we've been in lockdown apart from brow pencil and a little mascara so I don't think I've really tested this makeup remover to it's limits just yet but it did work well removing my CC cream, brow pencil, lipstick and non-waterproof mascara. I haven't used it on my stubborn waterproof mascaras yet or my long lasting lipstick but I hope it will work equally as effectively as it has been.

*So Natural Eco-Friendly Reusable Makeup Pads and Wash Bag (£18.95)

Last but definitely not least is an item I've wanted to try for months and I had a set in my Amazon saved list ready to purchase so I'm glad I was able to review this set from So Natural. I have the set that comes with the wash bag but you can buy the pads and wash bag individually too. The pack contains 10 pads (8cm in diameter) as well as the mesh wash bag which is made of recycled cotton.

I did wash the pads by hand before I used them and I have been using them for removing my makeup since I recently them a couple of weeks ago. The pads is the perfect size, they are hand sewn and they can be reused over and over again. The pad is soft and smooth but one side is slightly rougher than the other which makes it great for makeup removal. I'm so happy with the pads and now I don't have to purchase any more cotton pads!

Have you tried anything from So Natural? Are you trying to make more environmentally friendly choices? 

*gifted

Read More