A vegan's guide to choosing the right sunscreen for summer travel

All seasons call for the use of sunscreen. Safeguarding your skin against sunburn and UV ray damage is crucial now more than ever because everyone is in the middle of summer, and your skin is exposed to the sun all day. Applying sunscreen liberally is an excellent precaution, but with the variety of lotions with SPFs available, most are loaded with toxins that could endanger the health of the body's major organs.

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Many of us are currently replenishing our stock of sunscreen, however, given the knowledge of SPF, UVA, and UVB protections. It's okay to need clarification, so here is a fast summary of everything you should know to choose the best sunblock creams.

Pay heed to your skin type

Verify that the sunscreen you use is labeled as "non-comedogenic" if you have pimples or acne-prone skin because this indicates that it has been proven not to clog pores. If you suffer from dehydrated skin, search for sunscreens containing moisturizers or moisturizers with replenishing elements.

Select an organic or substance sunscreen instead if you have delicate skin. Physical sunscreen defends the skin using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are safe for use around the eyes. They create an obstacle to protect your skin when they rest on the surface of your skin.

Are you planning a cruise vacation this summer? Pack all the essential things along with sunscreen for your skin before a cruising adventure from Southampton.

Verify the water-resistance level of your sunscreen

Summertime beach or pool trips make it easy enough to bring water-resistant sunscreen. However, it's also a sensible choice for everyday use. Since individuals should apply another layer of sunscreen every two hours, making water-resistant sunscreen products is brilliant.

Water-resistant sunblock provides further defense even when individuals aren't in the water. Many people don't realize they're dripping off their sunscreen during the day, mainly if it's hot outside.

Don't buy sunscreen containing Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl palmitate should be avoided since, despite research showing it to be a potent antioxidant and mild on skin prone to irritation, it may raise the risk of skin aging, malignancies, and skin harm when subjected to UV rays from the sun. It is commonly found in sunscreen products.

Consider the SPF

A sunscreen's SPF rating indicates how much UVB rays it can block off. Dermatologists advise using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Around 93 percent of UVB rays are blocked by SPF 15, and 97% by SPF 30.

Any exposed skin area needs to have adequate sunscreen applied to it every day when you'll spend a lot of time in one of the best summer destinations in Europe, such as alluring European beaches.

In a nutshell, you must apply sunscreen approx. 30 minutes before stepping out of your home, and always consider buying sunscreen with SPF 30 at least. You may safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays by restricting direct exposure to the sun by seeking shade and covering up your face & hair with a scarf or hat.

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Boots x Elemis Premium Beauty Box 2023

Boots has launched a brand new beauty bundle and this time it is with Elemis. The Boots x Elemis Premium Beauty Box, which is an online offer only, is said to contain products worth £120 altogether but it is priced at just £55 and is on sale now.!

In recent months, Boots has released quite a few exceptional beauty boxes, notably the Spring Skincare Edit was just £25 and it featured brands such as Mario Badescu, Pixi, Byoma and more, if you missed out on this box, there is apparently going to be a re-stock, so worth keeping an eye on the boots site for that.

Featuring a five-piece collection, alongside the much loved Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, you will find a whole host of other best-selling products from Elemis.

What's inside the Boots x Elemis Premium Beauty Box?

• Balancing Lavender Toner 200ml (worth £28)
• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml (worth £37)
• Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm 20g (worth £13)
• Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence 28ml (worth £23)
• Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser 20ml (worth £19)

The Boots x Elemis Premium Beauty Box, which is an online offer only is priced at just £55 and is on sale now

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

Key Reasons Natural Skincare is Better for You

Have you been looking to switch from traditional skincare products to natural ones? Well, you are in the right place. Natural skincare refers to products made using plant-based ingredients free from synthetic chemicals and additives. In contrast, most traditional skincare products often contain synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

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More and more consumers are becoming aware and conscious about what they put on their skin, and thankfully today there are many great brands that make high quality products with clean ingredients; for example, the Blue Lagoon Natural Skincare line combines the power of natural ingredients with the efficacy of modern day science.

Here are some of the primary reasons as to why natural skincare is great for you!

No Harmful Ingredients

Natural skincare products do not contain harmful ingredients like parabens, PFOAs, and phthalates. Parabens are preservatives commonly used in traditional skincare products that have been linked to hormonal disruption and other health concerns. PFOAs and phthalates are used to make water- and stain-resistant products, but they have been linked to health issues like cancer and thyroid problems.

Potent Plant Power

These skincare products harness the power of plants to nourish and protect the skin. Many plants contain natural antioxidants that help prevent aging and wrinkles without adverse side effects. For example, green tea extract and vitamin C are potent antioxidants that can help brighten and firm the skin.

Science Based

In addition to the potency, natural products use science to extract the right components from natural ingredients. This process ensures that the products are effective without harmful additives. For instance, natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract can keep products fresh without synthetic preservatives like parabens.

Gentle on the Skin

There is nothing as sensitive as the skin, especially on your face. With natural products, you are sure they are gentle on your skin, and you won't suffer any irritation, burning, or scarring. They contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender. All these are known for their soothing properties. They are a great option for all skin types, including the sensitive ones.

More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Using natural skincare products is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Many natural skincare companies prioritize sustainability in their packaging and manufacturing practices. Most natural skincare companies use biodegradable packaging materials or offer refillable options to reduce waste. By choosing natural skincare, you can support companies committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

If you're ready to make the switch to natural skincare, there are a few tips that can help you get started. First, research and read ingredient labels carefully to ensure that the products you choose are natural and free from harmful additives. Second, start slowly and introduce one new product at a time to give your skin time to adjust.

Lastly, consult with a skincare professional specializing in natural products before you start or in the event of any issue. They will help you find the right products for your skin type and offer solutions for your concerns.

written in collaboration with Hanna Johnson

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

L’Occitane Limited Edition Lavender CBD Collection

Lavender has been part of the L’Occitane collection for as long as I can remember and it is said to have been one of the first flowers used by founder, Olivier Baussa. As a scent, Lavender is one which I link to relaxation, unwinding, de-stressing and I also happen to just adore that fresh scent.  The latest collection within the Lavender set is the Limited Edition Lavender CBD Collection.

The Lavender CBD range is described as being an expertly blended body care formula containing CBD Isolate, an ingredient which is derived from hemp and it is with the much loved Provençal lavender, to crete a range which brings an instant calm and relaxation when you need it most. Boasting aromatherapy benefits of lavender AOP essential oil and anti-inflammatory active CBD isolate, this Lavender CBD collection formula helps you to feel relaxed on a deeper level, easing away the physical and mental stresses of everyday life.

Starting with the Lavender CBD Relaxing Shower Gel (£17.50) it is perfect for using first thing in the morning, but my personal preference is to use it in an evening as part of my winding down to relax time.

This Shower Gel is enriched with the relaxing and soothing aromatherapy benefits of AOP Lavender and CBD essential oils, it creates a moment of wellbeing and relaxation.  On the skin, this shower gel is soft, it lathers like a dream and as soon as it comes into contact with your skin the scent is just delightful.

Then we have the Lavender CBD Relaxing Bi-Phase Body Milk and this is one of my favourite products from the range.

Again, this bi-phase body milk is enriched with those relaxing aromatherapy benefits of AOP Lavender and CBD essential oils which are present in the shower gel. but this time the body milk, which is a spray  works to moisturise and it also helps to soothe the skin to leave it feeling really hydrated. 

To use, you simply give the bottle a good shake to combine both phases and then spray a small amount directly onto your body and then massage into the skin, using slow, circular movements.  I absolutely love the texture of this body milk, it is lightweight, non-greasy and it absorbs really quickly and leaves no trace behind, other than that amazing lavender scent.

Also within this Lavender CBD range is a Massage Oil and it is one of those products you didn't know you needed, until you use it.

Again, this oil is enriched with the very same relaxing and soothing aromatherapy benefits of AOP Lavender and CBD essential oils found in the products shown above, but for this product there is also what is described a being a bouquet of grapefruits, lavender and amber notes which come together to create a moment of well-being and relaxation.

Ideal for use all over the body, this is an oil which isn't greasy or tacky and is a great excuse for some TLC on those tired aching muscles, especially the shoulders!

If you love L'Occitane hand creams, I am obsessed with them, then this range also has the Lavender CBD Relaxing Hand Foot Cream.

Ideal for everyday use, this cream does have the Lavender and CBD but it is also enriched with shea butter which helps to deeply hydrate the skin for up to 8 hours while at the same time leaving it perfumed with a wonderfully calming scent.

On the skin, this is a really light-textured cream which is incredibly smooth and when applied to the skin and it massages in with minimal effort before becoming fully absorbed and anyone who uses a L'Occitane hand or foot cream regularly will know just how nourishing these products are.

The final product within this range is the Relaxing Mist for body and hair and for me, this was the surprise product within this collection because I hadn't expected to use it as much as I have.

Enriched with essential oil of Lavender and CBD and this multi-purpose mist is formulated to leave the skin and hair delicately scented whilst giving you the chance to enjoy a moment of well-being thanks to its relaxing fragrance. Unlike the rest of the products within this range, this mist has a set of notes. Starting with the top notes which include Grapefruit, Lemon and Cardamom, followed by the middle notes of Lavender, Sage and Elemi and finally the base notes of Benzoin, Patchouli and Incense, together these notes are really quite something, you get that wonderful citrus hit but with it a calming and earthy scent which lingers for a really good length of time.  This is a scent I hope to see L'Occitane turn into a candle and a fragrance.

This is an amazing collection of products and for anyone who, like me, adores the Lavender collection from L'Occitane, then this is just as delightful

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