This post contains *Gifted items
Trying out new things this year has been something I haven’t done much of, as I’m on a strict no-buy year. If you want to know more about that then I wrote about it HERE. However, in the last couple of months, I have carefully accepted a few items to review. I really haven’t agreed to review them lightly, wanting to choose things that fitted with issues that are important to me, and I think important to you as my readers. So I’ve been looking particularly at organic products, fair trade or cruelty-free. Also in terms of the skincare, packed with actives. Some have packaging that is either mostly or partly made from recyclable materials.
So first up are two body products.
*Shea Moisture
Their ‘free-from’ formula (sulphates, parabens, phthalates, paraffin and mineral oil) is enriched with the finest, ethically-sourced ingredients, making sure to not upset your skin no matter your sensitivity.
I would describe this cruelty-free collection as luxurious, it looks modern and expensive and feels that way too whilst using it. However, I would describe the price point as low to mid-range. I reviewed the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration body wash and body lotion. Available from boots for around £10.99 – 384ml. Yes, it’s gentle enough to use every day, but I’ll be honest and say the body wash I would use when I am feeling like a pamper. It’s the kind of product I want to savour and use slowly. A blend of coconut and Acacia Senegal, it left my very dehydrated skin lovely smelling and soft. Layering it then with the body lotion I felt perfectly tropical and smelt that way too. The scent isn’t overpowering though and both were a real pleasure to use.
*Green People
Green People founder Charlotte Vøhtz has proudly put her name to what is now her signature range, Age Defy+ by Cha Vøhtz. The range is the result of Charlotte spending years exploring key actives, oil blends and luxurious scent profiles.
I really do feel like I have been spoilt with both of these products, luxurious body oil and a sleep mask. Both of the products come in glass bottles and are vegan and cruelty-free. Designed for women aged 35+ it combines nature and science. The packaging is a really beautiful black, white and gold theme with hand-drawn botanical designs.
Age Defy+ Hydra Glow Sleep Mask £32
This mask is the final step in your nighttime routine. It’s rich and hydrating with Green Algae and plant Squalane to help stimulate collagen production and lock in moisture where your skin needs it most. It also has vitamins and Omega-3&6-rich oils. They are there to soothe and soften the skin. I’ve used this twice now, as we were lucky enough to be reviewing it before it came out. It’s very good, locking in any products you have used underneath but also working away as an individual product whilst you sleep, much better than my usual nighttime moisturiser. When I woke I could still feel it slightly on my skin, even though it was 9 hours later. As I cleansed my face, I was blown away how supple and soft to the touch even the most dehydrated areas of my skin felt. My face felt glowy and brighter, I was very impressed!
Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil £25
Just the smell of this transported me to a spa! I fell in love with this body oil and used it after I had exfoliated my skin in the shower. It’s rich and nourishing perfect for just after a shower or bath to lock in the moisture. I wrapped myself in a warm bathrobe and felt it really did leave me feeling relaxed as I smelt the oils and my skin incredibly soft.
Rich in Pomegranate and Phospholipids, this perfecting formula envelops the skin, giving a beautiful satin-soft finish. Safflower, rich in linoleic acid, promotes elasticity and regenerates skin texture. Neroli revives the skin at a cellular level, boosting elasticity to smooth and tone.
Odylique – Organic Makeup
100% natural – 86% organic mineral lipsticks, bursting with botanical ingredients that soothe the most sensitive lips. The first lipsticks certified to Soil Association and Fairtrade standards!
These cruelty-free lipsticks are £18 each and have great credentials. All had a good ‘payoff’ in terms of colour. From left to right and from bottom to top on my hand, here are the colours that I tested.
- Peach Melba No. 19 – Peachy nude
- Praline No. 15 – A taupe nude shade
- Apricot Sorbet No. 17 – Apricot-orange shimmer
I’ve recently changed my hair colour, and it’s been the perfect opportunity to try a new lipstick colour – Apricot Sorbet No. 17
The Lipstick Case is recyclable and made in the EU and the box is printed in the UK on FSC certified board by a carbon-neutral company. Compostable and recyclable.
They feel creamy and nourishing on the lips, I think that’s thanks to the organic plant oils and butters including jojoba and Fairtrade shea. They are the first lipsticks certified to Soil Association and Fairtrade standards.
- No synthetic dyes, lakes or carmine
- Highest purity mineral colour, free from toxic chemicals
- Long-lasting colour
- Moisturising and conditioning with vitamin-rich 100% organic plant oils, butters, fruit and flower extracts
- Vegetarian
They all have a soft sheen as a lipstick, and the three I have tried, have a great colour that lasted well, and faded in an equal way. It’s so annoying when lipsticks fade strangely. One of the lipsticks was quickly snatched by my 17-year-old, so I can see they have an appeal to the younger market too.
Huge thanks to the brands for sending me these items to review.
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