Tatcha Forest Awakening Body Care Review

I’m such a big fan of Tatcha, everything I have tried to date I have just loved, especially The Water Cream, now I'm so delighted that there is a body care range and in true Tatcha form, it has the wow factor. 

The Tatcha Forest Awakening collection is based around the concept of forest bathing. The Japanese have long held sacred their connection to the natural world and Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing to you and I and it involves immersing the five senses in nature and it is proven to increase well-being with benefits such as reducing stress, improving sleep and boosting the immune system.

The new Forest Awakening Body Collection is rooted in naturally healing essential oils and proven skincare ingredients to nourish the mind and soul and there is two key ingredients to note:

• Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend - Includes cedar, hiba, and hinoki, oils known to contain organic compounds proven to reduce stress, lift mood, and help improve well-being.
• Hadasei-3 - Tatchas proprietary complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae to support the skin barrier, provide antioxidant protection and plump the skin with hydration.

So the three products within this range make up a three-step ritual and I am hoping this will soon become a quartet with the addition of a bathing product!

Starting with Step 1 - The Purifying and Polish step using the Hinoki Body Wash (£35). As a scrub it isn't overly abrasive as it uses eco-friendly cellulose to work its magic, instead of those dreadful microbeads we used to see everywhere. Add to that is the inclusion of that Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend: Includes cedar, hiba, and hinoki, oils known to contain organic compounds proven to reduce stress, lift mood, and help improve well-being.

I adored this product from the first use, its a silky smooth as a body wash can be but it does a wonderful exfoliating job and as the description states, the scent is simply magical and it just transports you to a place of calm and relaxation.

Step 2 is Nourish and for this step you need the Hinoki Body Milk (£50). Ideal for use on dry skin, this milk works to strengthen the moisture barrier as it calms and relaxes the mind for a restorative moment of self-care. 

Alongside the Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend you will also find Peach Tree Leaf Extract which is known for its ability to renew dry skin to give that smoother, healthy-looking complexion and then Plant-Derived Squalane which is a natural component of the skin’s lipid barrier which helps to lock in moisture to restore smooth, soft, and supple skin. It is hard not to love this body milk, it is lightweight, it has that addictive scent found in the body wash and it absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue behind, just lovely supple skin.

Then finally we have the third step and that is Cocoon with the Hinoki Body Oil (£61). Designed to seal in moisture and soften rough patches, this body oil is simply divine. Non-greasy, this oil again uses that Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend and with it a Natural Hinoki Oil Blend which helps lock in moisture and provide suppleness to the skin.

I use this oil after showering and often before applying the body milk because I feel my skin gets more of a benefit from the two being applied that way.   I love that it is a non-greasy oil and the scent is again, just pure magic.

As you can see, I absolutely love this range, I love the while story behind its conception, the idea of being at one with nature and of course how it leaves my skin feeling. It isn't on the affordable side of body care products but if it is a collection you want to try, then Space NK has a set of the three in a gift box for just £54 HERE and it is definitely worth trying before splurging on the full size offering.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Dry Body Brush

One of the best gadgets you can own is a body brush. They come in all shapes and sizes and It might not come as a surprise that Aldi has launched their very own as part of their Lacura beauty range and it is similar in style to Mio Skincare body brush.

Handy because this is a rounded body brush with a handle that is made from 100% natural undyed cotton, so that means you can easily hold it in the palm of your hand. The brush is also both vegan and cruelty free.  

The brush section is made from with PP fibre bristles which work to naturally exfoliate the skin without being too overly abrasive, there is also a number of Thermoplastic Rubber Massage Nodules which are made soft rubber and these nodules, of which there is 18 in total, work to gently massage the skin to help smooth and firm

So why dry body brush? This body brush both massages and exfoliates the skin's surface at the same time all in an effort to reveal skin that is smoother and fresher looking underneath. The practise of body brushing not only helps to reduce cellulite but it is also a really effective way to remove dead and dry skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft whilst at the same time helping to encourage the renewal of surface skin cells through that exfoliation and this helps to reveal a much healthier-looking skin.

To get the best use out of dry brushing, it is advised to do so before showering on dry skin and you start at your feet using short, lifting strokes in the direction of your heart to stimulate circulation and eventually work the brush all over your entire body for maximum effect. As mentioned, the bristles on this brush are not as abrasive as I have found on other brands, but you will find a slight reddening of the skin after using, this is quite normal.

Once you have completed your dry brushing, shower as usual to remove all the dead and dry skin and moisturise, preferably with a thick moisturiser and repeat the process at least once if not twice a week.

This Aldi Lacura Dry Body Brush retails for just £4.99 and is worth looking out for in the middle aisle.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

L’Occitane Almond Delightful Mist

The best L'Occitane range as far as I am concerned is the Almond Collection and there isn't a single product from that range I dislike. In recent weeks as part of a QVC offer, the L’Occitane Almond Delightful Mist was part of it and it is just delightful.

This Delightful Mist is described as being a lightweight emulsion which you spray on to the skin to hydrate, smooth and protect with the addictive scent of fresh almonds. Anyone who is familiar with the L'Occitane Almond Collection will recognise that subtle fresh scent.

Almonds are quite the ingredient and are not only known for their subtle fresh scent but also for their skin-loving properties which help to keep the skin nourished and moisturised. This particular mist is:

• Enriched with almond oil and glycerine to moisturise your skin all day long.
• Contains antioxidant properties which help to protect the skin from external aggressors, such as damages caused by pollution.

I have been using this mist after showering and before adding the L'Occitane Milk Concentrate, which really helps to bring that Almond scent to life and linger on the skin. Together, with the Almond Shower Oil (my HG) it is a great little routine, though it is also perfect for using on the go too! 

I hope to see L'Occitane make it a permanent feature of their mist range!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wild Deodorant

If you hadn't heard, Wild deodorant is the world-first, plastic-free and sustainable natural deodorant that loudly shouts it is here to change the planet, and our way of thinking.

As a beauty blogger, I am all too aware about packaging waste and how important it is to do my bit. I have already stopped using wipes, many years ago, In fact as they just irritated my skin, I don't use cotton wool pads, I switched to reusable pads a few years ago now and haven't looked back. I also have a bundle of products that I can re-fill and that is one of the plus points with Wild Deodorant, it is a re-fill, it is a subscription service and it might just have won me over.

This is a reusable deodorant applicator and it is made from aluminium so will last you a whole lifetime, better still, Wild state that every time you refill your case, you will save 30 grams of plastic going to landfill. Unlike the other deodorants I use, this one doesn't contain aluminium salts, instead you will find the likes of tapioca starch which works to absorb moisture throughout the day and to keep you feeling fresh. 

I'm not one of those overly sweaty people, but I am self-conscious about not smelling of body odour, and that is the only reason I had yet to switch to a more natural deodorant. However, Wild is an all-natural product which has no sulphates, aluminium or parabens plus, it has been dermatologically approved so it won't disturb PH levels.

The Subscription or High Street

Wild deodorant is a subscription service and it starts with the purchase of the starter pack which is just £12 and for that you get a reusable case and a refill in the scent of your choice. It is worth noting that there is a choice of 7 scents to choose from. From then on, you'll be charged £15 every 8-14 weeks (depending on the schedule you've chosen) and the package you receive will feature 3 refills, so it is just £5 per re-fill.  

If you decide the subscription isn't for you, then the good news is that you can get the starter kit and one re-fills from the high-street and you can find Wild stocked in a variety of different places both online and on the high-street such as - Holland & Barrett, Selfridges, Sainsbury’s, Boots and Amazon. However, using my code Beautyqueen will give you 20% off but it is only valid until the 31st March!

The Re-fill

Depending on your usage, the re-fill should last 2-3 months and it is so easy to put together and use. When your package arrives, you will find the aluminium case and a re-fill which you need to connect together.

Thankfully, the box which your package arrives in does explain how to put your deodorant together in seconds, but it honestly could not be more simple. It is simply a case of slotting the refill into the slot by twisting the base of your Wild Natural Deodorant case clockwise all the way down to the bottom. Then on the side of the case you will see two buttons which you need to press and this gives you the ridged slow where you place the refill and then you are ready to go.

As mentioned, Wild has got 7 scents to choose from and each one is packed full of premium natural ingredients that work to stop the growth of odour-causing bacteria whilst at the same time working to keep your armpits smooth and moisturised.

My Experience

The one thing that worried me the most about switching to a natural deodorant was the unknown. Having mentioned I am self-conscious about not smelling of body odour, especially as my sense of smell is practically non-existent after Covid, so I have to rely on other people to tell me about scents and smells.  I also read that it can take a few weeks for your body to adjust to a natural deodorant and thankfully, I have not had a single issue with body odour at all.

I use 2-3 swipes of the deodorant stick under my arms, I have the scent Fresh Cotton and Sea Salt:

Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt

Energising and clean. Like freshly-laundered linen drying in a salty, seaside breeze.

In a nut shell, that is exactly the scent. It is incredibly fresh scented but also reminds me of a blustery walk down the promenade taking in that fresh sea air and I can't get enough of it.  So I put it to the test over the course of a few busy days of having to get the tube and anyone who uses the Central Line will know despite the weather outside, it is hotter than the depths of hell and you sweat from places you didn't know you could sweat from. But... I am so delighted that I did not get to work and back home again a sweaty mess, there was no musty odour and I didn't feel the need to switch back to my usual deodorant, I am so far still using Wild and that in itself is quite the win!

It is fair to say Wild has won me over and I have already got my refills ready to go. So,

if you want to try Wild Deodorant for yourself, my code Beautyqueen will give you 20% off but it is only valid until the 31st March!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lush Grass Shower Gel

I do love a good Lush shower gel and despite The Comforter still not being a permanent Lush fixture as a shower gel, aside from Snow Fairy, I still want to try everything else on offer, today it is turn of Grass.

In recent weeks having tried Lush King of Skin Body Butter, this shower gel is described as being gorgeously green and uplifting, this shower gel is not only packed full of green wheatgrass juice it also uses the delightful uplifting scent of bergamot too. Perfect for that time when you want a shower gel that doesn't only have a wonderfully fresh scent, Grass also leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth, not to mention my entire house.

As always with a Lush product, it is packed full of amazing ingredients and within this shower gel alongside the Wheatgrass which is said to be a powerhouse of nutrients that give a fresh, bright and toned condition to the skin and hair it is also rich in vitamins A and E and superoxide dismutase - antioxidant compounds that help maintain the skin firm, you will find:

• Sandalwood which has a warm sweet woody scent and its oil is an astringent, emollient and soothing to the skin
• Neroli which is both floral and citrus in scent is renowned for its uplifting and stress-relieving effects
• Bergamot with its sweet and fruity and with its zesty fragrance it is not only refreshing and uplifting but also clears the mind and encourages a sense of well-being

Putting all of those together and this lovely green shower gel is just delightful to use in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up and of course want your skin to smell amazing too!  Priced from £10.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Body Scrub

Is there possibly any other incredible product that anyone could ever need from Emma Hardie? Well I cannot think of one currently because there is an amazing Cleansing Balm, an amazing skincare and bath range, plus a candle and now I have been lucky enough to work my way through an entire jar of the brand new Moringa Luxury Body Scrub.

Formulated to gently buff and exfoliate skin leaving it soft, smooth and refreshed, this luxurious body scrub is made from an amazing blend of natural oils which work together to moisturise and condition skin leaving skin velvety and radiant. Using the likes of:

• Himalayan Pink Salts which are rich in minerals and have the job of improving the condition of your skin through exfoliating. 
• Crambe Oil - a natural emollient which helps leave the skin feeling soft and smooth 
• Hemp oil - also a natural emollient which has both Omega 3 and 5 fatty acids and helps to calm and soothe irritated skin
• Blackcurrant Oil - rich in fatty acids and Vitamin C, it is used to regulate and soothe dryness and irritation
• Sweet Almond Oil - rich in Oleic and linoleic fatty acids, it helps to condition the skin 
• Magnesium PCA - has moisturising and hydrating properties, ideal for giving dull skin a boost.
• Vitamin E - known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it helps to provide moisture
• Moringa Oil - the much loved cleansing balm scent which is rich in Oleic acid and is a great moisturiser.

On the skin, the body scrub can be as abrasive as you need it to be with the right amount of pressure applied, obviously there are some parts of the body with don't need over-zealous exfoliation, and others that do.  But to use, you need to just massage a fair sized blob over damp skin to work its magic.

If you are familiar with the rest of the Emma Hardie Moringa collection, with the cleansing balm often being referred to as a 'spa in a jar', then that much loved scent, which runs throughout all of the products in this range is present within this scrub and one of the best ways to get the absolute best out of that scent, if you love it as much as I do, is to the layer the Amazing Body products to shower and then moisturise your skin afterwards.   So you would start with massaging the body scrub onto damp skin to buff away those dead and dry skin cells, then grab the Emma Hardie bath and shower oil to ensure your body has been properly cleansed after exfoliating and then apply the Emma Hardie body butter for a complete body treatment - of course there is also then your skincare routine to complete too!

Priced at £42, you can find the Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Body Scrub right here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Elemental Herbology - Water

When you get to the end of a collection of products you have been using, you know they are not only good, they are great. Elemental Herbology is a natural skincare and body care brand, aiming to provide ultimate skin nutrition inspired by the five elementals of traditional Chinese Medicine - Fire, Wood, Earth, Water and Metal. Elemental Herbology believes that a balance of all the elements is needed depending on your skin type, environmental factors, lifestyle and the seasons. Combining the most innovative ingredient technology with natural botanicals to transform your skin and improve your well-being.

To choose the element which most aligned to me based on my skin type, environmental factors, lifestyle and the seasons, I took the virtual quiz and was not surprised by the results, especially being a Cancerian and the element of Water being the outcome. 

Aligned to Winter, a time to nurture, support, turn inward and be calm. Skin in this element tends to be dry and dehydrated.

The Moisture Replenish range will provide extra moisture and nourishment. The Sensitive range will also be suitable if you have sensitive skin that needs to be soothed and calmed.

Armed with that information, I was kindly sent four products from the Water range to try and it has been a great insight into the range, which features a lot more products.

Starting with the Calm & Soothe Cleansing Balm, which as you might have guessed was my favourite product of the products I have used.

Luxurious and almost buttery to the feel, this cleansing balm is rich in nourishing botanical oils which work to gently and effectively remove make-up and impurities from the skin whilst at the same time nurturing the delicate barrier function. Inside the box with this Cleansing Balm is the Inclusion of a muslin cloth for exfoliating and expert product removal. Formulated with the likes of Inca Inchi which contains high levels of Omega 3,6,9 to keep skin smooth and hydrated, there is also the inclusion of Angelica Flower which helps to nourish, strengthen elasticity and stimulate new cell renewal, before Argan Oil: Nourishes the skin with Essential Fatty Acids and improves the barrier function, helping to protect against wind, cold and dry air.

On the skin, this cleansing balm is really lightweight and delightful on the skin, its silky smooth and one of my favourite ways to use it is to apply it before getting into the shower and then remove it afterwards to really give it time to work its magic. It leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and nourished.

The second product is the Elemental Herbology Facial Soufflé Ultra-Rich Cream which is described as being an intensely hydrating cream to help firm and plump the skin while replacing lost moisture.

This cream is exactly as it is described to be, it is ultra-rich without being too heavy because that texture is very much lightweight and souffle-like It can be used as either s day or night moisturiser and if you feel your skin need a little bit of extra TLC, then it can be used as an overnight mask too. Formulated using Rose Damask which helps to tone, hydrate and soothe sensitivity whilst protecting the skins natural moisture barrier. Up next we have Aquarich® and this is a 24-hour moisturising complex that locks moisture into the skin and visibly improves hydration before finally Argan Oi, which is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E helps to promote elasticity, hydration and repair.  I have enjoyed using this cream straight from the fridge, allowing the coolness to really calm and soothe.

The next two products I have are for the body and I am always the first to admit that I am not the best person at remembering to use body products, though on occasion, one totally grabs my attention and I use it all.  That is the case with these two products.

First we have the Soothe Bath & Body Oil which is designed to relieve stress and tension with this calming oil to promote a feeling of relaxation and encourage a peaceful nights sleep.

What I love about this product is that you can add 2-3 pumps into your bath water, or you can do the same and add it directly on to your skin, or if you are like me, you can do both of those things. Neither greasy or tacky, this bath and body features three incredible ingredients. Firstly we have Lavender which not only relaxes the body and mind, but it also helps to induce sleep. Next there is Ylang Ylang and it helps to promote feelings of well-being and it is also said to encourage positivity, then finally we have Rose Damask which works to deeply nourish the skin and to also bring about feelings of joy, happiness and hope.

I have found this oil to be really moisturising in whatever capacity I have used it and if I feel my skin needs a little something extra, then I also apply the Neroli and Damask Body Cream on top of the oil, once it has been absorbed.

This body cream is described as being a deeply moisturising body cream infused with natural oils and botanicals to instantly hydrate and soothe parched skin. On the skin, this body cream is lightweight and I find it is slightly thicker than a serum. On contact with the skin, it absorbs almost immediately without leaving a trace on the skin, other than the wonder scent of Rose with an undertone of Neroli, which is just delightful. Again this priduct features many amazing ingredients such as Neroli, used for its ability to help balance and restore as well as helping to replenish the skin and calm the mind. Then we have the wonderful Rose Damask, which as with the Bath and Body oil, helps to tone, hydrate and soothe sensitivity whilst at the same time also protecting the skins natural moisture barrier, then finally there is Aloe Vera and it helps to heal and rejuvenate the skin while protecting it from free radical damage.

My favourite way to use this body cream is on top of the body oil above, it adds that extra layer of moisture to dry skin.

As you can tell, this has been an incredible range of products which I have really enjoyed using and look forward to trying more from the range as well as to find my nearest Elemental Herbology Spa and work my way through the treatments!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Body Shop New Avocado Bath & Body Care Range

I do love a bit of Avocado on toast, preferably sourdough but I'll take whatever is offered with a perfect poached egg please.  Adding to my love of Avocado is The Body Shop with their Avocado range.  Like all ranges from The Body Shop, this one is quite extensive and I have kindly been sent the two newest launches to try.

Featuring the Avocado Cream Body Scrub and Body Yogurt, they join a collection that is made up of a shower cream, body butter, body lotion-to-oil and a hand balm and they have all been made with sustainably sourced avocado oil.

Starting with the Avocado Body Scrub (£18) which is described as being a rich body exfoliator which to look at, looks just like a pot of smashed avocado with its delightful green colouring and the texture isn't too dissimilar either.

The Avocado scrub has been made with 96% ingredients of natural origin, this includes sustainably sourced Hass avocado oil from South Africa. Avocado Oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins and it is known for being naturally nourishing. Being rich in fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid it is said to be a good source of enrichment for dry skin as it helps it to retain moisture. You will also find Shea Butter and Sunflower oil alongside Walnut Shell powder which acts as the exfoliating particles within this scrub.

On the skin, this scrub is a lovely rich and creamy, as soon as you massage it onto wet skin or dry skin if you prefer, it immediately gets to work to exfoliator and buff away dead and dry skin cells to leave your skin feeling softer and smoother to the touch.

Following on from your exfoliation it is time to apply the Avocado Body Yogurt (£12) and if you are familiar with The Body Shop Body Yogurts then you will know the texture is just so very similar to a yoghurt - light, creamy, smooth and cooling on the skin.

This Body Yogurt is made using 92% ingredients of natural origin including avocado oil from South Africa, just like the Body Scrub. Alongside the Avocado Oil you will also find Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil.

On the skin, this Body Yogurt is incredibly soothing on the skin, especially when being used after having a hot bath or shower.  As soon as it comes into contact with the skin, it immediately sinks in and absorbs without leaving any greasy trail behind. Instead my skin was left feeling moisturised and soothed, which when you have a new kitten (see instagram) you need all the soothing you can get when your arms and legs have been turned into a pin cushion!

Two absolutely delightful products which do exactly what they say they are going to do and you can find them, alongside the rest of the range on sale right now.

The Body Shop Avocado Bath & Body Care Range

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ole Henriksen Introduces Touch

There has been some amazing launches from Ole Henriksen and the latest launch from Ole Henriksen is called Touch and quite simply put - Your body deserves the same attention as your face and that is so incredibly true. Touch is the brand new body care collection which is said to feature potent formulas that deliver visible, and touchable results. The two products I am sharing today is the Ole Henriksen Touch BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturiser and the Ole Henriksen Firmly Yours Toning Dry Body Oil

Starting with BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturiser, it is just wonderful. Admittedly, as a beauty blogger, I am absolutely useless at remembering to use a body moisturiser of any kind, but since this arrived I have used it more than I have used any other product for a while.

“This ultra-nourishing body cream plumps skin with hydration and exfoliates for silky soft arms and legs—or whatever part of your body needs smoothing and moisturizing! Packed with glycolic and lactic acids, caffeine and essential fatty acids, it visibly reduces discoloration (aka dark spots), fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthens your skin barrier"

Packaged inside a frosted coral plastic jar, with a white lid and the cream inside has a really light smooth whipped texture which just glides effortlessly onto the skin and absorbs leaving behind a wonderful light citrus scent .

As the description states, this cream is packed full of amazing ingredients and they include the likes of:

• AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) & fruit enzymes - These chemical exfoliants help loosen and lift dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more even skin texture. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Caffeine - Helps energize & invigorate skin. 
• EFAs (essential fatty acids), rich butters and oils which act as building blocks for healthy-looking skin; help nourish & condition.​

The first thing I noticed when I started using this cream is just how silky smooth my skin was left feeling, especially my arms and shins, which are usually my driest areas in need of hydration.  ​Priced at £32, here, you can find this cream at Boots.

The second product within the Touch range is The Ole Henriksen Firmly Yours Toning Dry Body Oil and it is described as being a quick-absorbing dry body oil that improves firmness by 53%, boosts elasticity, hydrates and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

For use on all skin types, the Toning Dry Body Oil is packaged in a recyclable coral glass bottle and it has a pull off lid which allows you to freely pour the oil into your hands to apply to your body.

“This ultra-hydrating, lightweight dry body oil locks in essential moisture to reveal supple, bouncy skin ALL OVER your body. Packed with nourishing Scandinavian botanical oils, peptides and sweet white lupin, it renews and revives dry, dull, stressed skin for a healthy-looking, luminous glow.“

Once again, packed with incredible ingredients, you will find the inclusion of:

• Peptides - These are chains of amino acids that are bonded together in unique ways to help build strength & condition skin.
• Elderberry, blackcurrant & cloudberry oil - Native to Scandinavia these oils help hydrate, strengthen & bring back bounce.
• Sweet white lupin - helps to support skin’s elasticity.
• Black currant extract & vitamin E - work to infuse skin with antioxidants & help condition.

Quick absorbing without being greasy, this dry oil is said to be best used after the application of BeamCream and as soon as it applies, it sinks into the skin with no trace left behind and it has a really delightful light citrus scent, similar to the body cream and it is my favourite product of the two.  Priced at £36 for 100ml, this oil is also available at Boots.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lush Co-Mingle Body Scrub

In need of a new body scrub, it was Lush to the rescue with their recently launched product Co-Mingle. Described as being a 3-in-1 Lavender Dream, it’s an absolute delight to use.

With Spring and Summer on their way, my legs have been suitably hidden underneath leggings or cozily wrapped in chunky knit tights, away from the cold and blistering wind, much like the rest of me! As the sun (finally) looks like she is to stay for a few weeks, it is time to remove the scales and the lizard skin and try my best to look presentable! Starting with a body scrub.

Packaged inside the tell-tale black pot, Co-Mingle is a cute pastel pink shade, reminiscent of Strawberry Angel Delight in colour and in many respects texture too. Lightweight and an almost whip-like mousse feeling as it touches the skin, but there is a light scrubbiness, not too harsh or overly abrasive.

Like all Lush products, Co-Mingle is packed full of amazing ingredients, in this case it starts with ground tagua nut and bamboo combo which give it that ability to exfoliate those dead and dry skin cells without being too rough and without scratching the skin. Added to that we also have the inclusion of 

• Glycerine which helps lock in moisture and effective ingredients, such as essential oils, into the skin.
• Cypress Leaf Infusion which helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce congestion
• Almond Oil - which is soothing, moisturising and packed with vitamin E
• Organic Brazil Nut Oil - which moisturises, protects and gives a gorgeous glow
• Vanilla Pod Infusion - which has soothing and antimicrobial properties as well as a sweet scent 
• Fair Trade Shea Butter - is an emollient which moisturisers and softens the skin 
• Argan Oil - knows for its ability to soothe, condition and moisturise the skin 
• Cupuaçu Butter - often used as a vegan alternative to lanolin, it moisturises and protects the skin 
• Lavender Oil - Cleanses, balances and soothes the skin as well as being relaxing and calming
• Goji Berry Juice - antioxidant rich, it has cleansing and toning abilities for the skin
• Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter - Moisturising and soothing for the skin 
• Carrageenan extract - helps to enhance hydration and soothing of the skin.

Those are just some of the ingredients within this scrub and anyone who shops regularly with Lush knows that each ingredient has its purpose.

On the skin, this scrub is designed to be used when wet. You need just the smallest, walnut sized amount, mix it in the palm of your hands and then apply to your skin, ideally in circular motions to your legs, arms, body and if you have time, paying attention to those areas which are drier than others - knees, elbows, shins and I’ve used it on my feet too! 

Priced at £18 for a 225g tub, if used once a week, it is going to last quite a good amount of time, slightly on the expensive side, but an absolute treat and better still when combined with the Sleepy collection!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Laser Hair Removal - Why is it so popular?

We all have hair on our bodies, some say that it has occurred through the evolving process and others like to come up with far more weird and wonderful reasons as to why.  Whatever that reason is, we all have it and some wish they didn't have it in certain parts and others wish they did.  For me, hair is hair, some I choose to remove and other bits I don't. It is a personal choice.

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Now I have tried using an epilator, waxing, creams, gels, sugar waxing and a whole lot more besides when it comes to hair removal and like many things, I start off using devices and having a routine for a while, then I forget and I am back to square one and have to re-start the process all over again.  

A few friends of mine are currently having laser hair removal in various clinics for varying reasons and some of the results are simply incredible, so as it is becoming so popular as a treatment within my group of friends.  Having done my own research I found that laser hair removal works thanks to pulses of highly concentrated light which are emitted from the laser, which by the way come in all different shapes and sizes, directly into the hair follicles. The pigment in those follicles absorbs the light and that destroys the hair - sounds simple enough, but I wanted to know more as to why that is and also what the benefits are, in their words and there were a few similar comments to stand out.

• Quickness - One friend of mine said it has proven to be the quickest route to get rid of unwanted hair.  She had a course of 4 treatments on her arms and it was quick, painless and had no down time.

• Pain - We all know that waxing can be quite painful especially around those more sensitive parts and whilst there is a varying degree of pain, depending on your tolerance threshold, the one comment two friends made was it being like an elastic band hitting your skin - that I can handle, waxing round the ankles - no!

• Precise - Have you ever found that when shaving or waxing your legs, there is always a bit that you miss? Well with laser hair removal, because it targets direct areas, it doesn't miss, plus those much smaller areas including the upper lip, chin, bikini line are much better dealt with.

• Long Term Results - With one friend having completed her treatment, her results have been permanent for as long as I've known her, no longer does she need to worry about whether or not she shaved her legs before a big night out.  Another friend is part-way through her treatment and the results for her are just incredible and it has really helped with her insecurities.

• Cost - If you weigh up how much it costs for razors, shaving gel, blades or even the price of your at home device and all those associated costs, the price is in some times a whole lot less and in others slightly similar.  Depending on your goal, it is worth working out a rough idea as to what you think you spend in a year v's the cost of the treatment you want.

Some of the reasons given by friends are the ones I have thought about when it comes to laser hair removal, the whole faff of removing hair, the ingrown hairs, the pain when you slightly nick yourself with a razor, remembering to buy them or new blades, it is a continuous process.  So if you do find that you are bored of tweezing, tired of waxing and like me, always forgetting to buy razor blades, Laser hair removal could just be the answer.

Have you had laser hair removal? is it something you have thought about? I would love to know.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Body Shop Joy & Jasmine Collection

The final seasonal fragrance from the Body Shop that I am sharing with you today is the Joy & Jasmine Collection and my favourite of the three.  I have already shared Love & Plums and Kindness and Pears and they all offer something a little different at this time of year and, despite all being part of gift sets, they are available to purchase individually so you can create your own little gift.

This collection features around 8 different products as well as 3-4 gift sets priced for different budgets and today I am sharing 3 of the products from the range with you - the Joy & Jasmine Hand Wash, the Body Butter and the Shower Gel.

The collection is described as being enriched with jasmine extract from India and notes of orange flower, rose and sensual jasmine, this is one of the most wonderful scents I think I have ever tried from The Body Shop, I absolutely love it, but then I do love Jasmine as a fragrance note in most products.

The first product from my trio is the Joy & Jasmine Shower Gel and I am about to start my second bottle, having bought another last week whilst stocking up on the Ginger Shampoo, which we both just love.

What I love about all shower gel's from The Body Shop is just how little you need to create a lather, one squeeze of the bottle and you have enough to wash your entire body. With this lather, the scent of Jasmine definitely intensifies and it is beyond beautiful and for anyone who isn't a fan of the big floral scents like Rose of Geranium, then this sits somewhere in the middle, though in my opinion, far superior a scent.  It is fresh, light and lingers wonderfully on the skin after use. The Shower is priced between £2 and £6.50 depending on your size choice.

We all need beautiful handwashes and this one is ticking all the boxes for me right now. Sitting on the sink of my almost finished redecorated Kitchen is the Joy & Jasmine Hand Wash.

This hand wash is enriched with jasmine extract and has notes of orange flower, rose and finally sensual jasmine. The gel-to-foam formula is dispense from the pump dispenser and I have found just one tap is more than enough to wash and cleanse your hands. When it comes into contact with water, it lathers quickly and leaves behind that scent I am a tad obsessed with, all without stripping or dry out the skin. This hand wash is priced at just £6.50 but it sells out pretty quickly, so if it catches your attention, grab it as soon as you see it!

The final product I am sharing within this trio is the Joy & Jasmine Body Butter. I am pretty lazy when it comes to using body butters, I admit it, it starts of okay for about a week and then I forget. Not with this, I have barely enough left in the tin to get me through the next few days, that is just how much I have enjoyed using it.

Alongside the jasmine extract and the notes of orange flower, rose and sensual jasmine is Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Sesame Seed Oil and together they create a luxurious non-sticky, non-greasy moisturiser that smells delightful.  I apply this to damp skin after being in a fairly hot shower and when used in conjunction with the Shower Gel shown above, the scent is intensified and it lingers on the skin much longer. You only need a small dollop of this as a little goes a very long way, but I do tend to smother myself in it. Priced at £18, this is a big 200ml tin and it has lasted me almost 6 weeks of using it 3-4 times a week.

So there you have the third and final seasonal fragrance from The Body Shop for 2021 and this one is my absolute favourite and one not to be missed.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.