Antipodes Grace Cream Cleanser

Antipodes is probably my favourite skincare brand, I have tried quite a few products from them and every single product is bloody amazing! I adore their moisturisers and serums in particular but I'd recommend every product I've tried from them - I have reviews on my blog so you can check them out if you want.

I was very kindly sent the *Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser (£24.99, 120ml) which contains anti-inflammatory vinaza oxifend as well as avocado oil and marigold flower. I love the packaging, it comes in the same tube packaging as the amazing Antipodes Joy Body Lotion which I adore.

The cleanser has a creamy consistency and texture as the name would suggest, it feels nice on the skin and as with every product from Antipodes that I've tried, it doesn't irritate my skin which is fantastic as my skin is sensitive, eczema prone and quite temperamental so to find a fantastic, effective and natural range of products that don't irritate it, is amazing!

I mainly use the cleanser after I have removed my makeup with Bioderma or on a makeup free face and it leaves my skin feeling smooth, cleansed and comfortable; I find it doesn't remove makeup well so I use it after using a micellar water. It doesn't dry out my skin as some cleansers can but it isn't massively moisturising either; it's a great no-fuss cleaner that is perfect for my sensitive skin! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Have you tried anything from Antipodes? 

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Skin Sincere Samples

When it comes to skincare and bodycare I do prefer more natural products so when this package arrived with samples from the natural and organic brand Skin Sincere, I was excited to give the samples a go. Skin Sincere products are made in the UK and are 100% cruelty free which is fantastic! All of the products are free from parabens and sulphates.

- *Skin Sincere Whipped Coconut Shea Butter: This body cream contains lovely ingredients such as Vitamins A & E, organic shea butter, organic avocado oil and many more fantastic natural and organic ingredients. I love the smell of coconut, it is so summery and this cream smells heavenly. It says that it is non-greasy but I personally wouldn't fully agree with that although maybe I'm just using too much. It does leave my skin moisturised and it doesn't irritate my skin. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

- *Skin Sincere Aloe Vera Body Lotion (currently on sale/offer): Aloe vera is a well known ingredient to help soothe the skin so I first tried this lotion on my hands were I have eczema and it's fantastic. It doesn't leave a shiny or greasy residue, it smells so nice and it absorbs quickly leaving my hands smooth and soft. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

- *Skin Sincere Gentle Body Lotion (currently on sale/offer): This is another winner for me, it doesn't irritate my eczema and it doesn't have a scent to it. It feels light but moisturising and it leaves my skin smooth, moisturised and fairly soft. I do prefer the aloe vera body lotion but this one is a close second. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

- *Skin Sincere Coconut Sugar Scrub Souffle: I didn't know what this was at first *the souffle part threw me a bit* but it is a sugar scrub - I love the sugar scrubs from Lush so I was interested to see how this one would be. The consistency is like a thick, grainy body lotion which is a bit unusual but it is actually really effective without being harsh. Also as with the coconut body butter, the scent does linger on the skin which I love. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Overall, I love the ethos and use of natural ingredients, which is important to me personally when looking for products. The aloe vera lotion, gentle lotion and the sugar scrub souffle are all fantastic products! I especially love the aloe vera lotion and the fantastic sugar scrub souffle - highly recommend.

Have you tried anything from Skin Sincere? 

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Introducing: Barefoot SOS Skincare

As I have sensitive skin, I am always on the look out for great, natural brands and products that could be suitable for my dry, eczema prone skin. I've been lucky enough to find quite a few brands that tick all of my requirements over the past year or two. Barefoot SOS is an award winning natural skincare range that contains natural ingredients. They don't test on animals, the products are suitable for vegans and the products do not contain parabens, silicones, dyes, fragrance or sulphates which is fantastic!

The product I was most excited to try was the *Barefoot SOS Daily Replenishing Cream (£21, 30ml) which contains 98% natural ingredients and claims to reduce scarring, blemishes and rosacea as well as repairing against the effects of UV rays, intensely moisturising the skin and toning the skin which reduces the appearance of fine lines. 

The cream, to me, feels like a lightweight balm although it smoothes onto the skin so easily and even though initially it can look a little greasy it doesn't stay that way. I've been using it on the drier areas on my skin on and off over the past few weeks, especially around my nose and mouth because of a cold and it has been a lifesaver. The cream feels like a nourishing, moisturising barrier on the skin and it helps to relieve the look of dry and tired skin. A little goes a very long way so even though the tub looks a little small, it will last a long time. It hasn't irritated my eczema and it definitely feels like it is repairing and pampering my skin. The only negative point for me is the tub packaging which looks pretty but I would have personally preferred a tube container. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

I also have the *Barefoot SOS Face + Body Rescue Cream (£10.50) which may also be suitable for those with eczema and psoriasis as it is gentle, very moisturising and contains natural ingredients. I've been using the cream on the eczema on my hand and it definitely reduces the look and tight feel of the perpetual dryness associated with eczema and it doesn't irritate at all. As the cream is so rich, although it feels fairly light. I've been using it as a general hand cream and cuticle cream too. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Overall, both products are fantastic basics to have in my skincare routine as they are natural and they don't irritate my skin at all. Both creams are so moisturising, nourishing and gentle so I know I will be getting even more use out of them over the upcoming colder months when my skin becomes dull and even drier. I would definitely recommend checking out this brand if you have dry and or sensitive skin - they also have lotions, cleansers, facial oils, body washes, serums and scalp treatments in the range, the latter I definitely want to try. 

Have you tried anything from Barefoot SOS? 

*Check out TreacleMoons new #BeYou campaign with the charity BulliesOut which is lovely idea about just being yourself and how we should all be ourselves as that is the best we can be - If you have time, check out the charity and spread the message that you should just #BeYou* 

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CÎME Beautifying Dry Oil

One of the best things about being a blogger, apart from being part of this amazing supportive online community, is having the opportunity to try brands and products that I wouldn't otherwise have known about; CÎME is one of those brands! CÎME is a luxury line of certified organic skincare using himalayan plant extracts and oils, vitamins, essential fatty acids and other natural ingredients. All of their products are cruelty free and vegan, suitable for sensitive skin types and use fair trade ingredients; additionally for every product sold CÎME will donate to the Nepal Trust charity organisation - can this brand be any more amazing! Also the products do not contain parabens, perfumes or other ingredients that can be harmful or irritating to the skin. 

I was very kindly sent the *CÎME L'Huile Beautifying Dry Oil (€22.90, 100ml) which is a multi-purpose, 100% natural oil for the skin, hair and nails. The suggested uses include: using it as a moisturising oil for body, a hand/nail oil, a bath oil, a wash out hair oil and mixed with your face cream to add a boost of moisture.

The oil comes in a cute glass spray bottle which makes it so much more convenient and easy to use - it takes the fuss out of using a body oil. It does have a scent although it is subtle and the scent is very plescent - it is light, sweet and floral. I have been using the oil on my legs, arms and chest about three times a week after a shower/bath to add a much needed boost of moisture as well as making the skin look and feel smoother and less dull. I have used a few body and facial oils over the past couple of years and all of them take a while to absorb but not this one, by the time I have massaged the oil into the skin, it is absorbed and I can get dressed without worrying about the oil getting on my clothes. It is definitely the fastest absorbing body/face oil I've used which makes it SO convenient so I am reaching for it more instead of my thick body butters and lotions. 

I have also used it on my dry hair as a treatment and as a finishing product on the ends of my hair to add shine and to tame flyways and it works so well although as with any hair oil you have to use a tiny amount otherwise it will just make your hair look greasy. It is great as a hand and nail oil too while I'm sat at my desk because it is moisturising and smoothing but it sinks in quickly so I don't have to wait around, I can get on with typing.

Overall, I am loving this multi-use dry oil as not only is it a lovely and effective product but it is so fuss free and convenient, particularly because it absorbs quickly. I love it as a body and hair oil and I will definitely be trying it as a bath oil too. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Have you tried any products from CÎME? 

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Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser

When it comes to skincare, I have to be a little bit cautious as I do have dry and sensitive skin which is prone to eczema. Thankfully I've found a few brands over the past couple of years of blogging that work so well with my skin such as Nivea, Bioderma, Lush skincare and Antipodes. I've reviewed a couple of Antipodes products on my blog already including the Antipodes Hosanna Serum which I adore, the Antipodes Vanilla Pod Day Cream which I use every single day and the lovely Worship serum which is one of their latest releases - all three products have featured in my monthly favourites posts. 

I have been testing the *Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser (£22.49, 75g) over the past few weeks which contains 100% natural ingredients such as Vinanza Grape, Harekeke Flax and Hibiscus Bloom. The cleansing balm/butter is suitable for all skin types but I would really only recommend this cleanser if you have combination, dry or very dry skin. 

The cleanser looks a little unusual, I don't know if you can see from the photo above but the yellow balm has small white bits in it that looks like miniature clouds - I think it's the Hibiscus Bloom. The cleanser scent is also a little unusual, it is floral and sweet but also quite earthy and natural; it might not be for some but I personally love it. 

I've tried a few cleansing balms and I love them especially at this time of the year when my skin is even drier and needs a nourishing protective layer. I use the cleansing balm on dry skin or if I have worn makeup that day then I will remove it with a micellar water first, then cleanse with this balm. The cleanser is very thick but when massaged into dry skin it almost instantly turns into a silky oil with the white particles acting as mini exfoliators - they do actually feel like they exfoliate the skin fairly well. 

It leaves my skin feeling clean but very moisturised, smooth and nourished, if that makes sense as it is like a comforting rich layer over the skin which is why I wouldn't recommend it unless you have dry skin or dry patches. The cleansing balm doesn't irritate my skin, even if I have an eczema flareup and it also doesn't make my skin feel greasy. 

Overall, I love this cleanser, as I love all of the other Antipodes products I have tried which is fantastic as I do sometimes struggle to find products that work for my temperamental skin. I love the use of all natural ingredients as well as certified organic ingredients (it is still #OrganicSeptember after all). Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Have you tried any products from Antipodes? What are your favourite organic products/brands?

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Antipodes Worship Serum + Vanilla Day Cream

Antipodes is a certified organic, certified vegetarian skincare, bodycare and makeup brand that I have reviewed on my blog before - I reviewed the amazing Antipodes Hosanna Serum which has been in a monthly favourites post. So when the opportunity arose to review more from the brand, I jumped at the chance! It's a gorgeous brand, I love their ethos and my skin (which is dry and sensitive, prone to eczema on occasion) gets on well with Antipodes products. 

Antipodes have released a new serum, the *Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum (£34, 30ml) which is 100% natural and claims to fortify the skin against the early signs of ageing and free radical damage as well as hydrate and plump the skin. The serum contains kiwi fruit extract, raspberry water, coffee berry extract, vitamin E, blackcurrant extract and more - the ingredients list is a dream, no nasty chemicals, colourants or parabens in sight! 

The serum comes with a dropper, it is red and smells like berries which to me makes it more enjoyable to use! The serum is very runny so the dropper makes it easier and far less messy to use. It feels very gentle and hydrating on the skin but it does absorb quickly. I've been using both products consistently for just over two weeks and I love them; when I use this serum it leaves my skin feeling hydrated, plumped to an extent and it doesn't irritate my eczema or cause any other negative effect. 

As the serum is water based, it feels light on the skin and it just adds a much need moisture boost to my dry skin as well as protecting it. Since I opened the bottle, which is glass and very luxe, I have noticed that the scent has changed slightly from a very strong and sweet berry scent to a more subtle scent which I imagine is to be expected with a product that is all natural. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

I have wanted to try the *Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream (£27.99) for so long so I was really happy to receive it! Firstly, I have to say that this cream is one of the nicest smelling skincare products I own - it has a heavenly creamy vanilla scent. As with the serum, the cream is natural and vegetarian society approved. The cream contains avocado oil, rosehip oil. grapeseed extract, shea butter and manuka honey, among other natural ingredients. The cream is very thick but applies and absorbs into the skin easily. It leaves my skin so moisturised, radiant and comfortable; it doesn't irritate my eczema. I find that during the hotter days we have had then it can be a little too heavy on my skin so I've been using it as a night cream on those days but this cream in the autumn and winter will be a lifesaver! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Overall, I'm so happy with both products on my dry, sensitive skin! I love the packaging, natural organic ingredients and the effectiveness. The only reason the serum has one less star is because on the whole I prefer the Hosanna serum for my skin personally but all three products are fantastic for those with dry and or sensitive skin types, although keep in mind that everyones skin is different. Antipodes have such a great range of products, from their almost cult status Manuka Honey mask to cleansers, hand creams, foundation and setting powders. 

Have you tried any products from Antipodes?

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Review: Pai Camellia + Rose Cleanser

Pai is a skincare brand that I have wanted to try for a while, I know a lot of bloggers, youtubers and celebrities rave about Pai skincare. So when Pai were asking for volunteers to test their Camellia & Rose Cleanser I immediately said I would love to. Honesty as always, to check out my disclaimer, click here. I am taking part in the Pai Cleanser Challenge, are you?

*Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (100ml, £25): I have been using this cleanser twice a day for exactly 8 days now and usually I would be a bit more cautious with new products as my skin is sensitive but I haven't had any problems with this cleanser and it is for sensitive/all skin types. Firstly, the cleanser comes with a muslin cloth and I LOVE the packaging! 

The cleanser itself is suitable for vegans to use, it is cruelty free, it is alcohol free and 80% of the ingredients are organic. The cleanser has a pump dispenser which makes it super quick and easy to use as well as allowing more control over how much product is dispensed so there is no waste. The cleanser is thick, smooth and it smells fresh and floral - although it is not overpowering or irritating! I use one pump and massage it into the skin which feels quite relaxing actually because of the scent. I find the cleanser removes makeup really well and it cleanses without stripping the skin or making it feel tight.

To remove, I soak the muslin cloth in hot water and ring it out then gently buff away the cleanser in small circular motions. I LOVE the muslin cloth, it adds an exfoliating element to what is a creamy cleanser but it is not harsh or overly abrasive on my dry, sensitive skin. Also the muslin cloth is made of 100% organic cotton. 

Overall, I love the packaging, quality and scent of the cleanser and the addition of the slightly exfoliating muslin cloth leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft, comfortable and moisturised - exactly what my dry, sensitive skin needs! It can only be ★★★★★, 5/5 from me!

Have you tried anything from Pai Skincare? #PaiChallenge

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