Beauty. Fashion. Lifestyle.
Body
#bodyUNashamed
1Turn on the TV, scroll through social media, or open any magazine or newspaper on any given day, and you’re almost guaranteed to find a negative statement about how someone looks. Bodies and appearances are being shamed left, right and centre, and quite frankly I’m sick of it. Too fat, too thin, too hairy, not enough hair, too much make up, not enough make up, bad fashion sense etc etc. Basically, the media tries to sell us a completely unattainable and contradictory standard of “perfection”, and trying to achieve this impossible look just leads to unhappiness and low self-esteem. So, when Penny of Lillies and Love launched her #bodyUNashamed project, I knew I had to take part.
Penny’s project is simple, and aims to promote positivity and body confidence in all of us, whilst trying to put an end to body shaming and bullying, and it starts with bloggers like myself. Everyone taking part has been paired with another blogger, and must highlight three things about that person that are great, before highlighting three things about themselves that they love. I’ve been paired with Jan Ennis of StayHappyBeaut, and as soon as I saw her Twitter feed I knew it would be easy to find three great things about her.
1. Jan’s bio states that she is “obsessed with the value of a positive mindset”, and encourages us all to “stay happy stay beautiful”. Such infectious positivity is a really wonderful thing to have, and is perfect for this project as it promotes happiness and confidence, which can be difficult to achieve when we’re constantly being bombarded with negativity. Well done Jan for being such a positive person, and for advocating positivity in the rest of us!
2. Jan also has really pretty eyes! They look so striking and kind in her Twitter profile picture, and her eye make up also looks fab.
3. Her hair is gorgeous. The colour, the length, the style, the way it falls – it just suits her so much, and she knows how to dress to make the most of it. I wish I could get mine to look so nice!
A few years ago, I would have struggled to find three things about myself that I love, but over the past few years, particularly since starting this blog, my self-confidence has grown, and I’m now really content with myself. So here are my three things…
1. I really like my eyes. They’re bright blue and a nice shape, and people always tell me they’re very expressive. They’re definitely my favourite thing about my face.
2. I’ve always been the “tall one” – at school I was taller than my friends and I’m one of the tallest people in my family, and it bothered me for years. I always felt like I looked the odd one out and hated all the “wow you’re tall!” comments I’d get, but recently I’ve been embracing my height. So what if I’m 5’10″? If I want to wear heels, I’ll wear heels! Admittedly I still have issues finding trousers and jeans to fit my 36″ inside leg, but at least I have the advantage of being able to see over everyone’s heads at the cinema/concerts/crowds!
3. I’m also quite proud of my current level of fitness. A few years ago I was slightly overweight, which in itself wasn’t a problem, but it was affecting my health. I have mild asthma, but it was made a lot worse by my excess weight, and I got out of breath very quickly. I worked hard to improve my diet and lifestyle, and have since lost weight, which has led to me becoming a lot healthier. My asthma is now pretty much non-existent, and I can do so much more than I used to be able to.
If you want to join in with Penny’s #bodyUNashamed project, then please do! Compliment people whenever you can. Smile at people in the street. Call people out for body shaming others. Make a stand to the media for doing the same. And most importantly, be proud of who you are! Everyone is unique and that’s what makes us beautiful, so recognise your positive attributes and show them to the world!
Naomi x
Summer Saviour: Superdrug Buzz Off Mosquito Bite Relief
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6 years
Over the next couple of months I’ll be publishing a series of short posts about my ‘Summer Saviours’ – those absolute essentials that make summer’s little niggles that little bit easier to deal with.
Today’s post is about Superdrug‘s Buzz Off Mosquito Bite Relief, which doesn’t leave my side during the summer months. Unfortunately for me, I am really prone to insect bites at this time of year, especially as I tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in nature. Mosquitos, spiders, horseflies – you name it, they love me, and boy do their bites itch! Every time I get bitten I end up with a massive, swollen, red, itchy bite that lasts for weeks and usually scars, and up until this year I hadn’t found anything to stop the itch. I tried pretty much everything on this Wiki; ice packs, hot water, ointments, hot spoons, toothpaste, deodorant. But nothing worked, until I tried Superdrug’s little contraption…
To use the Mosquito Bite Relief, you have to press the end directly onto the bite, and press the button five times to administer five tiny zaps. It may sound painful, and it does feel slightly uncomfortable, but it’s no way near as bad as the discomfort caused by a bite, so it’s definitely worth it! And surprisingly, those little zaps are a miracle cure, as they localise the poison in the bite, and prevent the release of histamine, which causes itching. It’s best to use the Bite Relief as soon as you can after being bitten, and if you do it can even stop the swelling, and it truly works!
Superdrug’s Mosquito Bite Relief can be used on any kind of insect bite, and can treat up to 1000 bites, without the use of batteries. It’s also completely safe, non-allergenic, and free of chemicals, so is perfect for use on any skin type. I carry mine with me wherever I go, and it’s been an absolute blessing. A summer must at just £4.99, especially if you’re going travelling!
Naomi x
*This Superdrug Buzz Off Mosquito Bite Relief was sent to me by Superdrug for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
miamoo travel goodies
1As a sufferer of dry, sensitive skin, I am always on the lookout for delicate skin care products that may be able to help me, so when I discovered miamoo via Twitter I was keen to give them a try.
miamoo is the brainchild of ‘The Apprentice’ runner-up and TV personality Saira Khan, who herself struggles with very dry and sensitive skin. After spending years trying (and failing) to find high street products to suit and soothe her skin, Saira took it upon herself to create a range that eliminated the chemicals that made her condition worse, and miamoo was born.
All miamoo products are formulated especially for those with dry, sensitive skin, and are 98% natural; only using synthetic ingredients when absolutely necessary. As such, miamoo is free from Parabens, Petrochemicals, SLS, Synthetic colours and fragrances, and PEGS, as well as other nasties that can irritate sensitive skin.
I was recently lucky enough to receive a miamoo travel goodies set to try out. The set contains miniature versions of six miamoo products, and a lovely cotton wash cloth which is kind on the skin. One thing that stood out to me about miamoo is the packaging. It’s simple and soft-looking, and also very cute with the little cow drawings, and though it looks like it’s aimed towards children, the products are suitable for any age group. Granted, the miamoo website says the travel set is ideal for mummy-to-be’s hospital bag, and can be used for both mum and baby, but that just shows how gentle the products are! If it’s good enough for baby, it’s good enough for my delicate skin too.
Together, the travel goodies form a 3 step skincare routine that not only moisturises dry skin, but also keeps it clean and clear.
Step 1 – Cleanse
Fresh Locks Shampoo
‘bursting with lavender and geranium’
My thoughts: This shampoo has a sweet, fresh scent which is nice and soothing. It’s also a pleasure to use as, unlike chemical-laden shampoos, it doesn’t cling to the hair. As such, it leaves hair feeling soft, clean and bouncy rather than heavy, and doesn’t make my head itch at all!
Splashy Wash
‘brimming with lemon oil & aloe vera’
My thoughts: The lemon oil in miamoo’s splashy wash gives it an invigorating citrus scent which is ideal for a refreshing morning wake up. It has quite a runny consistency, but it foams up incredibly well and a little goes a very long way! A lot of shower gels make my skin feel tight and dry after use, but this one does the opposite and actually leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised.
Spritz and Wipe
‘overflowing with lime water & minerals’
My thoughts: spritz and wipe can be used to cleanse away dirt, moisturise the skin, or even just refresh and cool the skin, so it’s a fab little product to carry with you when you’re out and about as it covers all bases. I personally like to use it to remove my make up and it does a pretty good job. It doesn’t have much of a scent, but it does what it says on the bottle which is ultimately what matters.
Step 2 – Moisturise
Huggy Lotion
‘crammed with sweet almond oil & marshmallow extract’
My thoughts: The huggy lotion is my favourite product from the whole set. It’s light and pretty much scentless, but it’s intensely moisturising, and also has a slight cooling effect on sore, sensitive skin. It’s non-greasy and easily absorbed, but seems to create a protective barrier which is just what I need in the harsh winter weather. This one gets five stars from me!
Cheeky Cream
My thoughts: Cheeky cream is another favourite of mine. This one has a thicker consistency than the huggy lotion and perhaps doesn’t massage in as easily, but it has a lovely softening effect and is very gentle. I’m not sure I’d use it in the morning as I found it didn’t make a very good base for make up, but it’s an excellent, rich night-time moisturiser.
Spritz and Wipe
Step 3 – Massage
Baba Oil
‘infused with lavender & sweet almond oil’
My thoughts: Baba oil is another versatile product as it can be used on the skin, but also as a hair treatment. I like to use this one at night as it has a calming lavender scent which helps me to relax before I go to sleep. The oil warms up nicely in the hands and feels amazingly silky on the skin.
This little set would be the perfect way to try out miamoo’s products and see whether they suit your skin, and it would also be great for travel – just throw it in your suitcase and off you go! I’m really impressed with the quality and effectiveness of the products, and am considering buying full-size versions of the huggy lotion and cheeky cream.
miamoo’s travel goodies set costs £15, and can be purchased here. You can also view the rest of the miamoo range here, and if you use the code ‘blog13′ at the checkout, you can get 10% off all products!
Naomi x
*This miamoo travel goodies set was sent to me by miamoo for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
STEAMCREAM for Face, Body & Hands
1There are probably thousands of STEAMCREAM reviews floating around in the blogosphere, but for what it’s worth, I thought I’d add my tuppence worth to the mix today.
So first, a bit of background. STEAMCREAM is a multi-purpose cream for the face, body and hands, and is produced in a unique process using steam (rather than emulsification), to create a lightweight but moisturising lotion. It contains natural, high-quality ingredients, including oatmeal, orange flower water, lavender oil, organic jojoba oil, cocoa butter and essentials oils such as rose, and is 100% vegan and handmade.
I hate to admit it, but one of the first things that attracted me to STEAMCREAM was the packaging. The cream comes in a 75g, eco-friendly aluminium tin, which is the perfect size to take with you when out and about or travelling, and each one is decorated with a different gorgeous design. The tins are just so eye-catching and pretty, and I can see how you could get addicted to collecting them! My particular design is a limited edition called ‘Buttons by Lisa Milroy’, and though it wouldn’t be my first choice (it’s a bit too understated for my liking), I still really like it. There are so many to choose from, but some of my favourites from the STEAMCREAM Design Gallery have to be Light From Space, She, and Cosmos.
I’ve seen some bloggers say that they don’t like the smell of STEAMCREAM, but I think it smells absolutely beautiful. It’s quite earthy due to the natural ingredients, but the sweetness of the lavender and rose really shine through. Overall it’s a nice relaxing scent, and I like to use the cream before I go to bed as the lavender is soothing and helps me sleep.
Now, the important bit. STEAMCREAM has a light and loose consistency that is very gentle on the skin. I find it pleasant to use as it massages in well, is non-greasy and absorbs nicely, and it leaves my skin feeling cool and refreshed. I’m sort of in two minds about its effectiveness though. It makes the skin on my face and body feel soft and smooth, but it’s nowhere near intensive enough to help the dry skin on my hands. I do suffer quite a bit with it in the winter, so perhaps it will do my hands more good in the summer, when the dry skin eases off.
All in all, STEAMCREAM is a fab little handbag essential. It’s versatile, smells great, feels nice and looks amazing, and gets a thumbs up from me! STEAMCREAM retails for £12.95 with free worldwide delivery, and can be purchased here.
Naomi x
*This STEAMCREAM was sent to me by STEAMCREAM for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
‘Spend or Save’ Fashion and Beauty Christmas Gift Guide
2Whether you’re on a tight budget, or you’re able to flash the cash this Christmas, today’s festive post features a selection of ‘Spend or Save’ fashion and beauty gift ideas for women. The ‘Spend’ section includes a variety of luxury options for those who want to spend that little bit more on a loved one, and the ‘Save’ section includes some great alternatives that are just as good, but don’t cost the Earth.
Spend:
Alexander Wang Kirsten Bag $295 from ialexanderwang.com / Jurlique Rose Shower Gel (300ml) £14.40 from LookFantastic / Urban Decay Naked2 Palette £33.30 (was £37.00) from Debenhams / Ciaté Tree Trinkets £21.00 (was £30.00) for 6 from Ciate / No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (30ml) £23.95 from Boots / Dr Martens Cherry Red 1460 Boots £100 from Dr Martens
Save:
Multi Belt Two Way Bag £38 from Rings & Tings / Bayliss & Harding Wild Rose and Raspberry Leaf Shower Creme £1.99 from Superdrug / MUA Undress Me Too Palette £4 from MUA / Lacura Multi Intensive Serum Aqua £3.49 from Aldi / Limited Collection Mini Nail Polish & Lip Gloss Bauble £5.00 each from M&S / Burgundy Boots £24.99 from H&M
I’ve been lusting after Alexander Wang’s Kirsten Bag for ages, but it’s really quite expensive and difficult to track down, so when I spotted the copy on Rings & Tings I just had to share it with you all! I don’t yet have either bag myself, but from photographs the copy looks pretty impressive.
I currently have both the Jurlique and the Bayliss & Harding rose shower gels in my bathroom, and they are equally lovely. The Jurlique one foams better, but each has a distinct sweet rose scent and luxurious packaging, making them both gift-worthy.
The Urban Decay Naked2 palette is perhaps one of the most highly sought after beauty products in the blogosphere, so would make an excellent gift for any beauty blogger. If it’s a bit out of your budget though, MUA’s Undress Me Too palette is the perfect dupe. I have it myself and the eyeshadows are all excellent quality, and at £4.00 you really can’t complain!
I’m new to serums, but have recently started to use the Lacura Multi Intensive Serum from Aldi. It’s aimed at women aged 25-35, so I’m almost in that age bracket, and it makes your skin feel so soft and plump. It’s lovely, and an absolute steal, but if you want to gift a more classic brand then No.7 is the way to go.
When I first put this guide together, Ciaté’s Tree Trinkets were £30 for the set, but they have now been reduced to £21 which is actually a pretty good deal, especially if you want to split the set up as smaller gifts. If you want more for your money however, M&S’s beauty bauble contains a nail polish and two miniature lip glosses for £5. I also spotted a Primark equivalent earlier this week, costing £2 for a bauble containing 3 little lip glosses, which is even better value for money!
I absolutely adore Dr Martens and am building up quite a collection. They last forever and, once they’ve been broken in, are incredibly comfortable. But if you’re looking for a cheaper version for your fashion-loving friend this Christmas, H&M’s burgundy boots look fab.
Check back soon for another ‘Spend or Save’ gift guide!
Naomi x
Imperial Leather Foamburst Luxurious Body Wash
1I’ve been seeing a lot of adverts lately for Imperial Leather’s Foamburst Luxurious Body Washes, and have been quite curious about them, so when Imperial Leather asked me to review a couple of Foamburst products for them I happily accepted! The range features seven fragrances, and each one has its own eye-catching Genie to represent it…
See what I mean? The two scents I received are Uplifting Lime & Grapefruit, and (one that really suits my blog) Bewitching Blackberry & Wild Fig.
As far as appearance goes, these body washes definitely look the part. I love the contrast of the bright colours on black, and the curved cans emphasise the luxury element. They look fab lined up on my bathroom shelf, and the cans are practical too as the press down top is easy to use and prevents too much gel coming out, which is essential with these!
When I first saw that I’d been sent Uplifting Lime & Grapefruit, I was slightly dubious as I’m not usually a fan of citrus bath and shower products – they remind me too much of washing up liquid! This one is actually quite nice though, as the zestiness of the lime is cut through with an earthy undertone of grapefruit, which makes for a refreshing morning shower. I think my fiancé would like this one as the scent is quite masculine.
Bewitching Blackberry & Wild Fig is easily my favourite as it smells rich and beautiful. I’m a sucker for sweet scents, and the Autumnal fruity fragrance of blackberry and fig has a hint of vanilla running through it that adds a touch of decadence. This one’s perfect for a pampering evening bath, which is just what you need during these cold months.
The scent of both Foambursts also lingers on the skin for a long time after use, which is what I look for in a good body wash, so these definitely pass the test.
Foamburst is a very apt name, too. The body wash leaves the can as a pretty coloured gel (green and purple to match the cans), but when rubbed turns into a gorgeously silky soft white foam, which feels lovely and luxurious on the skin. You only need a small amount of gel (about the size of a £2 coin) to produce enough foam to cover most or your body, which is really impressive! You can get 40 washes out of one can as well, which is absolutely worth the money.
The can also states that the foam is great for shaving, and though I haven’t tried it yet, I’m definitely going to be using it when I next shave my legs. I currently use a gel to foam shaving foam which doesn’t smell that nice, so it’ll be nice to use something a bit nicer! It’d be good for men to shave with too, I imagine.
Imperial Leather’s Foamburst Luxurious Body Washes usually retail for around £3.50, which is well worth it if you want a luxury shower product that goes a long way, but they’re currently on offer in Boots for £2.00, and on Ocado for £1.99, which is even better!
Naomi x
*These Imperial Leather Luxurious Body Washes were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
NIVEA In-Shower Body Moisturiser Skin Conditioner for Dry Skin
3For me, moisturising is one of the most important parts of my skin care regime, but sometimes (especially on work days) I just don’t have the time to moisturise properly. So, when I saw NIVEA had launched their In-Shower Body Moisturiser a couple of months ago, I couldn’t wait to give it a try as it seemed like it would slot nicely into my morning routine and save me a bit of time each day. The In-Shower Moisturiser comes in two varieties – one for normal skin which comes in a white bottle, and one for dry skin which comes in the classic NIVEA blue bottle, which is the one I opted for.
The instructions on the bottle are simple – Use your normal shower product and rinse off, apply the In-Shower Body Moisturiser while still in the shower, rinse off, dry yourself, get dressed and go. What could possibly go wrong? As it happens, quite a lot.
NIVEA’s In-Shower Body Moisturiser has a creamy, smooth consistency, massages in nicely and has that typical, fresh NIVEA scent, but that’s where the positives end. After applying the skin conditioner I rinsed and rinsed, but the moisturiser left a thick, greasy coating on my skin that just wouldn’t budge. Even after drying myself the residue remained and it felt sticky. I even tried scraping it with my finger nail and a gloopy, white mess gathered behind it, eurgh! After leaving such a thick layer on my skin I at least expected the In-Shower Moisturiser to make my dry skin feel softer… Nope! I could still feel the dry patches through the grease, which is not a nice feeling.
Overall, I’m disappointed with NIVEA’s In-Shower Body Moisturiser. I bought my bottle half-price from Superdrug a couple of months ago, but full-price this 400ml bottle costs £5.09, which would be better spent on a good quality, normal moisturiser. I still use it every now and then if I’m in a real hurry, but I’ve learnt my lesson and I’d much rather take those extra few minutes to moisturise properly, even if it nearly makes me late for the bus!
Have you tried this product? What do you think of it?
Naomi x
Purity Organic Skincare Facial Wash and Cleansing Lotion
8A few weeks ago I started to experience unsightly breakouts on my face, particularly around my jaw line, and nothing I tried seemed to make them go away. Even the medicated gels that my doctor prescribed did nothing but make my skin feel sore and dry! So, when I received a set of face care products in the post from Purity Organic Skincare I didn’t expect them to do much for me, but two weeks on my skin has improved more than I could have hoped.
Purity Organic Skincare are a British brand who focus on using hard-working and sustainably grown ingredients to create gentle but effective skincare products, which are also affordable, using the tagline ‘Less is more in beauty’. Most of their ingredients are organic, and the brand is officially EcoCert certified, vegetarian and does not support animal testing, so they are all round skin, animal, environment and purse friendly – what more could you ask for?
The two products that I was sent to review are Purity’s Facial Wash and Conditioning Cleansing Lotion, which both come in Purity’s characteristically simple packaging. Here are my experiences of both so far…
Facial Wash – 150ml – RRP £4.99
I use Purity’s Facial Wash every morning whilst in the shower, and it adds a lovely bit of luxury to my morning routine. The wash contains a mixture of natural ingredients, including sweet almond oil for moisturisation and aloe vera to soothe the skin, and is fragrance free so is suitable for sensitive skin, which is excellent news for me! I find that the wash has quite an oily consistency, but if you rub a coin sized amount between your hands before use it warms up and develops into a light foam which is enough to cover your whole face, and feels gorgeously silky when massaged into the skin. Despite the oil, the wash washes off with no trouble and leaves no greasy residue on the skin, and doesn’t go the other way and dry the skin out either. Rather, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean and incredibly soft.
Conditioning Cleansing Lotion Make-Up Remover – 150ml – RRP £4.99
Every evening, before I go to bed, I remove my make-up using Purity’s Conditioning Cleansing Lotion. The cleanser has a creamy texture which acts as a moisturiser and, like the facial wash, has no fragrance. The main ingredients derive from coconut and avocado oil which cool the skin, and were specifically chosen for their abilities to break down make-up and dirt. To use, you just need to massage a small amount of the cleanser onto the face and neck before removing it with a clean cotton pad, and believe me when I say it does its job very well! The cleanser I used to use never fully removed everything from my face, so when applying toner there would still be make-up coming off on the cotton pad, but this gets rid of everything in one go. The only downside is that it can’t be used to remove eye make-up, so I’ve had to continue using my usual one, but I would switch to Purity straight away if they did launch an eye make-up remover!
Combined, these two products have worked miracles on my problem skin. I put the breakouts down to the overuse of scented products packed full of harsh chemicals which irritated my skin, and the gentle but effective ingredients in the facial wash and cleansing lotion have sorted that right out. Though my skin still isn’t perfect, it looks a LOT clearer and feels a lot smoother, which has seriously boosted my confidence.
Purity Organic Skincare’s products are available online and in Superdrug stores across the UK, and are extremely affordable, ranging from £4.99 to £8.99 each. I really can’t recommend the brand highly enough as their products actually work and have sorted my skin out in no time at all – thank you, Purity! I am definitely going to be repurchasing both the facial wash and cleanser, and will be investing in the moisturiser too.
Naomi x
*The Purity Organic Skincare Facial Wash and Conditioning Cleansing Lotion were sent to me by Purity Organic Skincare for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
Bionsen Japanese Spa Minerals Deodorant
7Since my teenage years I have struggled greatly to find a deodorant suited to me, for several reasons. Firstly, I suffer from sensitive skin which is easily irritated, and the majority of high street deodorants make my skin red and itchy. Secondly, I have asthma, so aerosol deodorants are out of the question as they make my breathing bad. And thirdly, the (unproven) links between antiperspirants and breast cancer have always bothered me, but whether they’re true or not, who wants to be smothering their body with unnecessary chemicals anyway? With all this in mind, I am always on the look out for new deodorants which are chemical-free and suited to delicate skin, so when I came across Bionsen I was positively intrigued, and was keen to try their products when they were sent to me to review.
Bionsen’s deodorants contain a blend of skin nourishing Japanese Spa Minerals which are found in the volcanic spas of Japan (known as ‘Onsen’), and the deodorant’s hypoallergenic formula helps to neutralise the body’s bacteria which is responsible for bad odour. They are also aluminium and paraben free, so are gentle on sensitive skin and, if the claims about cancer causing chemicals are correct, they reduce these risks too.
The deodorants I received from Bionsen are the 50ml Roll-On and the 100ml Pump Spray. Over the last few days I have given both deodorants a go, and I have been suitably impressed. Here is what I think of each…
Bionsen Roll-On Deodorant
Bionsen’s roll-on deodorant has a light, fresh scent which isn’t overwhelmingly strong like some deodorants. The roll-on applies quite wet and feels instantly cooling on the skin, which is lovely after a shaving or a hot shower, but it does take a while to dry. I admit I got a little impatient the first time I used the deodorant and got dressed before it was completely dry, but it didn’t leave any white marks on my clothes at all. Overall, the deodorant lasts an incredibly long time. The fresh scent lingers all day (and I’m talking ALL day, from before work until bedtime), and most importantly, the roll-on causes me no irritation whatsoever. It’s a winner in my book!
Bionsen Pump Spray Deodorant
As I mentioned earlier, I can’t use aerosol sprays due to my asthma, so when I first saw Bionsen’s pump spray I was incredibly pleased to have an alternative to my usual roll-on! And indeed, it doesn’t trigger my asthma at all. Like the roll-on, the pump spray is extremely cooling, and has a light, fresh scent which lasts all day. The spray cap is moveable, so it’s easy to angle the bottle in the right direction, and I find that two sprays of deodorant on each armpit is plenty enough for long-lasting protection. The spray dries a lot quicker than the roll-on too, so if you’re looking for a deodorant that’s suited to a busy lifestyle then this one’s for you.
Bionsen’s Japanese Spa Minerals roll-on and pump spray give everything I could want from a deodorant. They smell nice, they’re free from nasty chemicals, they last a long time and they don’t irritate my sensitive skin. They’re really affordable too! The roll-on retails for £2.35, and the pump spray is £2.75, which is the same (if not cheaper) than most high street deodorants. If roll-ons and sprays aren’t your thing though, Bionsen also do a deodorant stick, aerosol spray and Deo Total Body crystals, so there’s something for everybody. The range was launched last month in Morrisons supermarkets, so if you want to try them for yourself they’re very easy to get hold of, and I highly recommend you do!
Naomi x
Natural Honeycomb Sea Sponge
6In an attempt to go even more natural with my skin care routine, I recently swapped my synthetic sponge for a natural sea sponge, which was kindly gifted to me by the lovely folks at The Sponge Market. The Sponge Market are a Sheffield-based skin care company who concentrate on supplying luxury natural bathing products. All of their sponges are collected by expert divers who make an effort to protect the environment and encourage new sponges to grow, which is very important and reassuring.
The sponge I received is a 5.5″ Honeycomb Sea Sponge, which is said to be the ‘most luxurious and longest lasting sponge of all the sea sponge family’.
The 5.5″ Honeycomb Sea Sponge is the ideal size for every day use in the bath or shower. When wet, it has a silky soft texture, but it remains firm so is perfect for all over cleansing. It feels so gentle on the skin and far more luxurious than a synthetic sponge. I like to use my sponge before I go to bed to wash off my make up, and it makes my skin feel so soft and refreshed.
The sponge also makes a small amount of shower gel go a very long way. I usually end up using an overly generous amount of gel in the shower as it never foams up enough, but the first time I tested the honeycomb sponge I used a marble sized amount of gel and it foamed up immensely. In fact, even after use when I was rinsing the sponge the foam kept coming. Impressive, and I’m definitely happy to be saving money by not wasting shower gel any more!
After use, the sponge dries quickly so it doesn’t sit there getting soggy and smelly. It keeps its shape as well and doesn’t fall to bits in a few days like synthetic sponges tend to do, which is a definite plus point.
Overall, I am pleased that I made the decision to switch to a natural sponge. Its incredibly soft texture is one that cannot be replicated, and the difference it has made to the way my skin feels is amazing. I won’t be going back to the synthetic variety, that’s for sure.
This particular sea sponge retails for £16.50, but they come in a variety of sizes (which you can view here), and start at just £10.50. The Sponge Market also stock two other types of sponge for other skin needs – Natural Grass Sponges which are ideal for exfoliation, and Natural Silk Sponges which are perfect for babies and delicate skin. If you’d like to try a sea sponge for yourself, The Sponge Market have kindly given me a special discount code so you can get 20% off everything on their website, which is a massive saving on already low prices. Just enter ‘TWEET20′ at the checkout.
Have you ever tried a natural sea sponge? What are your thoughts?
Naomi x
*This Honeycomb Natural Sea Sponge was sent to me by The Sponge Market for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
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