Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder

Saturday, April 09, 2016
Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder
When it comes to superfood/superfruit powders and smoothies, I've tried quite a few as I'm a vegetarian and I want to get as much nutrition into my diet as possible as well as the all essential (and lacking in a vegetarian diet) protein.

I received the *Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder (£7.99, 80g) recently and I was excited to try it. Firstly, I love the packaging, it's so colourful and vibrant; although I wish the container was different as the powder can go everywhere. The Aduna Baobab powder is almost 50% fibre and it has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit in the world! It also contains calcium, vitamin C, thiamin and potassium. Additionally, it's 100% natural and it doesn't contain preservatives or additives.

I have been using the powder in my smoothies, I've been making so many recently and I wrote a post not long ago about some of my favourite smoothies recipes which you can check out, if you want. But for this powder I have been having a new smoothie concoction.

Green Apple, Mango, Orange Juice & Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder

It's such a lovely, refreshing and summery combination - I love mango, apple and orange together and the superfruit powder adds extra nutrition such as fibre, vitamins and protein to my smoothie which is amazing. I only use about a teaspoon of the powder per smoothie but I'd add more if I made a larger smoothie. The powder doesn't add much flavour, just a hint of a sweet citrus flavour to my smoothie. It also doesn't add a powder taste to the smoothie which is fantastic and it isn't always the case with some of the powders I've tried. I also have a couple of samples of the *Aduna Moringa Green Superleaf Powder which I haven't tried yet but when I do, I'll update this post. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any superfruit powders? What is your favourite smoothie recipe? 

Spring/Summer Handbag Wish List

Thursday, April 07, 2016
Spring/Summer Handbag Wish List
Spring is here and that means I want to change up everything and spend a little too much money on new clothes, books, makeup and accessories, you know because you have to when the seasons change, right? This is a sponsored post.

Ollie & Nic Gina Tan Satchel  -  DKNY Light Pink Cross Body Bag  -  Ted Baker Trelcon Bowcon White Floral Tote  -  Accessorize Rose Gold Leather Panel Shopper  -  Accessorize Cassidy Bag  -  Radley Clerkenwell Grey Cross Body Bag

Oh that DKNY bag *swoon*, I am a sucker for blush shades and light greys for spring/summer...who am I kidding, I mean all year round! Also the Ted Baker tote is so cute, I think it is a new print/design for spring. House of Fraser have such a wide range of womens handbags, I could spend all day browsing the handbag section alone!

Are any of these bags on your wish list? 

Veeda Natural Sanitary Products

Wednesday, April 06, 2016
Veeda Natural Sanitary Products
Ok, so this post is going to be about tampons, pads and periods so if you don't want to read about that or if you're not that interested, then maybe go to another post. I don't know about you but I've always used pads, they are just convenient and easy - even though they can feel like a nappy/diaper at times! However, I've never thought about whether the pads should be made of more natural products, whether they should be hypoallergenic or whether they contain dyes or chemicals - I don't know why I haven't ever thought about that before now!

I always look for more natural skincare and bodycare products so why shouldn't I look for more natural sanitary products. Veeda make a range of sanitary towels and tampons that are all made from 100% natural cotton; they don't contain dyes, chemicals, artificial fragrances, they are hypoallergenic and even the packaging is environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable.

I have the *Veeda Natural Cotton Towels (£2.49, pack of 14): There are only a few types of towels available, at least on their website and I wish there were more variations. I have the ultra thin towels which are definitely less padded and bulky than the Always ones I usually use which do make them more comfortable and less like an adult nappy *oh, the glamour of being a woman*. They work just as well as all of the other pads I've ever used. You do get less towels in each pack when compared to the mass market packs available but I think they are worth it for a more natural alternative that can reduce the risk of allergic reactions or irritation as well as generally being a safer product to use than the mass market pads that I've been using for years. I will definitely be buying these pads from now on! They can be purchased from the Veeda website and Boots stores as well as Amazon and eBay. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

I also have the *Veeda Natural Cotton Regular Tampons (£1.85, for a pack of 16): I think the price of the tampons from Veeda is fantastic and they have more variations to choose from compared to the pads. As with the pads they are made from 100% natural cotton, they don't contain dyes/chemicals/fragrance and they are hypoallergenic. I have never actually used tampons, probably because of high schools rumours about the mess and potential dangers of tampons but I might have to try these and see how I get on with them.

Have you heard of Veeda? Have you tried the towels or tampons from this brand?

March Beauty Favourites

Monday, April 04, 2016
March Beauty Favourites
How is it April, where is this year going?! *Cue every blogger in the world saying the same thing*. It's the end of another month which means that it is time to do my monthly favourites and this month has a mixture of high-end makeup, high-end bodycare, skincare, nail polish and a much coveted palette.

Makeup 
March has been an fantastic month as I've been lucky enough to receive some amazing blog packages from the lovely people at House of Fraser. I have three makeup favourites and they are all high end, sorry! First up we have the gorgeous Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette which I have wanted for years and now that I have it, I've been using it pretty much every time I wear makeup. Another two products I cannot stop using are both from Giorgio Armani. Until I received these products I hadn't really tried anything from Giorgio Armani and now I know that I have been missing out. The Giorgio Armani Maestro UV Primer is one of the best primers I've ever tried and the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is one of the best foundations I've ever tried - highly recommend!

Skincare, Bodycare & Nails 
Let's start with the nail polish favourite, I haven't really been wearing nail polish for months but the Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Hyde Park Place is too pretty and chic. I love grey nails all year round and this shade is just perfect. The one skincare product I've loved over all others I've tried in March is the new Green People Scent Free Hydrating Serum which is perfect for my sensitive and dry skin - it has been a constant in my current skincare routine and I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you do have sensitive skin. Last but not least is another staple, the Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Lotion. I received this lotion last year and I instantly fell in love with it, not just because it is so effective but it smells heavenly too - I keep it on my desk and use it as a hand cream. I need to try more Molton Brown products!

What products have you been loving throughout March? 

Cohorted March Beauty Box

Sunday, April 03, 2016
Cohorted March Beauty Box

Beauty boxes were such a big hit over the past few years and I, like most of my other bloggers and beauty lovers, subscribed and for a long time the boxes were fantastic (I think Birchbox was my favourite as well as the pretty amazing My Little Box) but they seemed to be in decline now. However, there is one that always seems to catch my eye - the Cohorted boxes!

Now, I'll be honest and say that the first Cohorted box, which I bought, was a bit disappointing but now they seem to be so impressive every time a new box comes out. I was kindly sent the *Cohorted March Box (£35), however the value of the box is a whopping £88.50 so it's such amazing value for money. I don't know how long this box will be available for but when I do, I'll update this post.
Cohorted March Beauty Box
The contents of this box, for me, are so impressive and I'm happy with all of them! The box they come in is great too as it can be re-used and you also get a booklet that tells you about each product and how to use them. All but one of the products included in this box are full size, unlike most other beauty boxes I've tried when the majority of the products are sample sizes or the worst thing ever...sample sachets!

- TheBalm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £35): I have wanted this eyeshadow palette for at least two years so I am happy that I finally have it and it doesn't disappoint. The packaging is gorgeous, it is lightweight, thin and has a magnetic closure so it would be great for travelling and the range of shades is perfect. The shades go from light, neutral shimmery shades to deep bronze and brown shades and rich matte browns and blacks.

There are eight shimmery/metallic shades and four matte shades in this palette and if I was being picky then I would say that I wish there was a matte beige or matte white but sadly there isn't so this won't be my all round go to palette but it's still SO pretty. The shades are all smooth, creamy and pigmented and they blend well. Check out my video at the end of this post for closeups and swatches!

- TheBalm Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer (£5, 0.125ml): I haven't been impressed with an eyeshadow primer since the amazing Nars smudge proof eyeshadow primer came into my makeup collection three years ago so I don't have very high hopes for this primer but I'll definitely give it a go.

- Bare Escentuals Heavenly Face Brush (£25): Now, I don't know if it is just me but I'm always confused by Bare Escentuals and Bare Minerals - are they the same brand? Anyway, as well as eyeshadow palettes, I also love brushes - I have so many, it's a bit of a problem. This brush is a super soft flat top kabuki style brush that I know will be perfect for my loose mineral powder foundation by Antipodes.

- Nails Inc London Polish in Cadogan Square (£9, 10ml): Nails Inc make some of my all time favourite polishes and I do love the formula and shades; however this shade just isn't for me. I think it would have been better to include a base coat, top coat or a nail strengthener in this box rather than a shade that some people, myself included, might not like.

- Pixi Crayon Combo in Super Natural (£14.50): I have only tried the Pixi liners before, nothing else from the brand so I'm interested to see how this product works for me. The shades are pretty and wearable so I think I could get a lot of use out of them.
Overall, I am really impressed with this box as with some beauty boxes you just get samples but four out of the five products in this box are full size and from well know and famous brands! I love the eyeshadow palette, brush and the Pixi eyeshadow/liner crayon. From my experience of this box, I'd definitely recommend it and I'd love to see what the April box contains! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any of the Cohorted beauty boxes? Do you have any of these products? 

New In: Green People Sensitive Skincare

Friday, April 01, 2016
New In: Green People Sensitive Skincare
I love trying out new skincare, as I like to try new makeup, because I'm always looking for better, more effective, natural or more affordable products. However, as I have sensitive skin it is always a little difficult to find products that don't irritate my skin but thanks to my blog I've been able to find some amazing brands/products that are perfect for my skin and these two new products from Green People are no different.

- *Green People Sensitive Scent Free Hydrating Serum (£17.50, 50ml): The serum contains 96.7% organic ingredients such as chamomile, marine algae, marshmallow and aloe vera. It's suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The packaging is fantastic, it is simplistic and it has a pump dispenser.

The serum has a light, gel texture which feels so refreshing, smoothing and lightweight on the skin so it is perfect for this tie of the year when I reach for lighter products. It applies like water to the skin and it absorbs very quickly! The serum leaves my skin very smooth and moisturised; a perfect base for moisturiser. It doesn't irritate my skin at all, even where I have eczema. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

- *Green People Sensitive Scent Free Light Day Moisturiser (£16.50, 50ml): As with the serum, the moisturiser is suitable for vegetarians/vegans, it doesn't contain alcohol and it is scent free. The moisturiser contains 88.8% organic ingredients such as chamomile, prebiotics, avocado oil and jojoba oil, among others.

Again, I love the packaging! The moisturiser has a creamy but light texture that applies smoothly and absorbs SO quickly as with the serum but because of that I do seem to need to apply a couple of layers of this moisturiser. It doesn't irritate my skin and I have been absolutely loving the pairing as it is such a simple skincare combo but it's effective. Overall raing: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried anything from Green People? What do you think of this brand? 

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