Category: beauty

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser and Hydrating Night Cream 

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We are all aware of the effects of hyaluronic Acid on our skin to give us glowing, tightened and hydrated appearance so the Dermatologically recommended brand Cetaphil is a lovely choice as a Christmas gift this year.

We were sent both the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser and Hydrating Night Cream this week. Both fight the 5 signs of skin sensitivity, don’t clog pores and are either fragrance free or have no added fragrances. 

The Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser for sensitive skin boasts long lasting hydration that fights dryness, irritation, roughness and a weakened skin barrier.  It works for 24 hours, but can be added throughout the day. The handy 88ml size is great for handbags and as it’s under 100ml, it can be taken on a flight as hand luggage to keep skin hydrated and keep away the effects of jetlag and flight dehydration.  The cream itself is cool and fresh, absorbs easily and isn’t heavy at all.

Cetaphil Hydrating Night Cream is a heavier cream, designed to be absorbed into the skin during the night when the body repairs skin the most.  This 50ml tub protects skin from dryness for over 24 hours, so working in combination with the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser, it will enhance the effects of each other.  This cream is for normal to very dry skin, hence the richness. It’s still luxurious though, and you can feel the moisturiser seeping into your skin, and your fingers, as you apply it.

The combination of both the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser and Hydrating Night Cream give a lovely combination of daywear and nightwear creams that work together to give 24 hours of skincare. They’re so gentle on the skin as well that it’s hard not to keep them handy to just top up throughout the day to give you that silky feeling.  As we go into winter, this is a lovely gift for Christmas to anyone who appreciates the change in seasons but not the changes to their skin.

Daily Hydrating Moisturiser from £9.66: https://www.cetaphil.co.uk/moisturisers/daily-hydrating-moisturiser/5020465201779.html

Hydrating Night Cream from £14.50: https://www.cetaphil.co.uk/moisturisers/hydrating-night-cream/5020465203018.html

Annabelle Minerals Eye Pencils

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I’m sure I am not the only one who finds applying eyeliner tricky – I struggle to apply it evenly and invariably end up poking myself in the eye in the process! Over the years I have tried lots of different eyeliners and now favour the pencil style ones like these from Annabelle Minerals which I find are much easier to apply.

They recently sent me a selection of Eyeliner Pencils and Jumbo Eye Pencils in the most gorgeous shades of purple, the pencils are extremely gentle to the delicate eye area and incredibly easy to use, the creamy texture glides onto your eyelid and lash line without dragging the delicate skin. The intensity of the colours is fantastic, they are very rich and vibrant and highly pigmented.

I especially like the Jumbo Eye Pencils as they can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner and primer and I have been using all three shades – Catmint, Fuchsia and Midnight – to create both day and night looks. Fuchsia is a gorgeous deep purple which is the perfect colour for anyone who’s looking to make a change from traditional black or brown but doesn’t want anything too bright just yet.

I don’t have the steadiest of hands, but the eyeliner pencils are nice and soft and I found it easy to apply to my lash line, adding a little flick at the corner of my eyes to lift them and make them stand out more.

After applying for the first time I went to work and put the eye pencils in my makeup bag, fully expecting to have to reapply at some point during the day. I was therefore quite surprised when I found I didn’t need to as the colour lasted on my upper eyelid for the whole day. As well as being easy to apply the eye pencils were easy to remove too, a wipe with eye make up remover and the colour was gone.

Annabelle Minerals products are based on only 4 ingredients and are 100% organic. Their products are suitable for every skin type as well as vegetarians and vegans.

Jumbo Eye Pencil £11.90 (available in 6 shades)

Eye Pencil £9.90 (available in 6 shades)

APHRODITE Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Christmas has come early at The Review Studio as we’ve been trying a selection of fabulous APHRODITE gift sets that will make fantastic presents or Secret Santa gifts for loved ones this Christmas.

APHRODITE are a Greek skincare company who were founded back in the 90’s by George Zacharioudakis. George’s Greek heritage meant he was already aware of the benefits of olive oil for skincare and used this knowledge to cultivate an exceptional grade of organic extra virgin olive oil on his home island of Crete which he then used to create APHRODITE products.

When I looked at the APHRODITE website I discovered they have a fantastic selection of gift sets, so I guarantee you won’t have any problems finding the perfect gift for everyone this Christmas – these are a few of my favourites.

Happy Feet Gift Set €13.20 Containing a Sage & Lavender deodorant foot cream, Olive oil soap with lavender and a pumice stone this set contains everything you need to pamper your feet. After washing my feet with the soap and then leaving them to soak for 5 minutes I used the pumice stone to remove dry skin. The foot cream smells divine and it was a lovely relaxing self-care ritual rubbing it into my feet each night.

Donkey Milk Collection Hand & Foot Pamper Set €9.90 – Containing 30ml tubes of hand cream and foot cream this set is perfect as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift. The hand and foot cream are lovely and hydrating and will keep hands and feet soft over the cold winter months. The handy sized tubes are perfect for travelling too.  

Anti-age Face Care Treats €16.50 This set contains Day Cream, Night Cream and Face Scrub and is the perfect introduction to APHRODITE skincare. Specially formulated for mature skin types they offer round-the-clock hydration while fighting early signs of ageing such as fine lines and sagging skin. The creams absorb easily without needing to rub and the face scrub gently exfoliates leaving skin clean and refreshed.

Olive Oil & Donkey Milk Soaps €4.95 I am trying to be more sustainable and have switched liquid soap for a bar of soap so was pleased to see APHRODITE have some lovely soap gift sets. The Olive Oil & Donkey Milk soaps lather nicely creating a creamy foam that washes dirt and grime away leaving hands beautifully soft and gently fragranced.

So, if you have a friend or family member who loves beauty products, have a Secret Santa gift to buy or need a few thank you gifts for teachers then have a look at the APHRODITE website – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula

Autumn, beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Last week my inbox was bombarded with Christmas gifts and whilst we’re only in September it does make sense to start shopping early as it means you can get gifts before they sell out it and it also helps spread the cost too.

I’m on a hunt for stocking fillers at the minute and when the Palmers Cocoa Butter moisturisers arrived I knew they would fit nicely in the stockings this year. Palmers are a natural cocoa butter and coconut oil skincare and haircare brand whose products are not only reasonably priced but are brilliant at caring for dry skin. I’ve used Palmers products for years as I have dry, eczema prone skin and the moisturisers really help care for my skin, leaving it lovely and soft and hydrated.  

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotion (RRP: £5.99 – 400ml) smells amazing and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The pump action bottle makes it easy to dispense the lotion and it is easy to apply, absorbing effortlessly. It has really helped soothe the dry skin on my arms and legs after only a couple of applications.

When my skin is particularly bad I find a thicker product is best to help soothe the redness so the Palmer’s Original Solid Formula Jar (RRP: £7.49 – 200g) is perfect when my skin flares up. This is more of an intensive moisturiser and the balm is thicker and greasier than the lotion, but my dry skin just soaks it up and it does a brilliant job at keeping my skin soft and smooth and calming the redness. I let it warm in my hands first to make it easier to apply and find it is Incredibly soothing on my skin.

With a uniquely rich and creamy blend of Cocoa Butter, made from ethically and sustainably sourced cocoa beans, and Vitamin E these moisturisers are just what you need in the winter months to keep your skin hydrated and soft. As well as buying some for stocking fillers I will be treating myself too!

Protein Formula For Nails Nail Strengthener

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Anyone who knows me knows that my nails are always painted – fingers and toes!  Since my teens I have always had colour on my nails and it’s very rare that I’m seen without it.  I think this is why my nails are usually very strong and hardly ever break. However, if you’ve been in and out of the pool in the summer, or doing housework, gardening or anything else that puts a strain on your nails or gets them wet, it’s a different story.

Thanks to each of the above, I have had particularly weak nails for several weeks. Being in the pool doesn’t help, but I’ve also been on long term medication which has slowed the growth of my nails therefore making them difficult to condition and grow stronger. I had no idea how to go about getting advice on them or how to improve how they look.

Protein Formula For Nails works on the protein aspect of nails called Keratin.  Keratin gives nails their strength and resilience and the proteins help cell turnover to provide room for newer, healthier cells. Protein Formula For Nails offer a Nail Analysis online which tells you which formula is best for you. I came out with formulae 2 and 4; (2) I Grow for thin, peeling nails and (4) I Strengthen for weak, damaged nails. 

Each 15ml formulae are clear nail varnishes which are worn on clean, bare nails.  You paint on the solution and reapply every other day to allow the proteins to work and build up strength over time. Every 7 days, remove all traces of the formula with non-acetone remover and repeat. Your nails should start to improve fairly quickly and just one coating leaves them with an even, nourished texture.  Once you’ve worked on one formula, move onto Protein Formula 1, which maintains nourishment of nails. 

It’s really easy to apply the treatments, it’s just like putting on nail varnish and the bottles are handy enough that you can take them with you on holiday and apply before you go in the pool and protect them from the chlorine or sea water.  I started with the I Grow Formula 2, which built up over the week so that my nails were rock hard. The solution is clear so you can’t really see it and it doesn’t look like a varnish but it did protect my nails, nourishing the nail bed underneath.  You can continue to use any of the Protein Formula For Nails until your nail condition improves enough that you can paint them again but I found a week was enough to see a difference. I will continue to keep using the formulae to see how strong I can get them especially as we go into winter and I want my nails in the best condition possible for Christmas!

Each nail solution available from £14.95 at: https://protein-formula.com/collections/shop-all-protein-formulas

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Blemish Control SPF25

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

If you’re looking for a way to moisturise and at the same time a way of conditioning skin so that you don’t get blemishes, then Oxygenetix have a product which might be of help.

The Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser works as a foundation to create a smooth canvas of your skin whilst using Salicylic Acid to clear the skin.  As a product it has skin care benefits as well as making you look great and reducing the need for multiple products.

Most make-up products block the skin from ‘breathing’ but not allowing oxygen to the skin surface, upset the pH of the skin and can cause pores to be blocked when either too much make-up is used or is used frequently.  Oxygenetix products all contain Ceravitae™ which promotes collagen production. The aloe vera base also helps to calm, soothe and cool the skin and is the friend of those with sensitive skin.  Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser also has an SPF of 25 UVA/UVB to protect against the sun and prevent skin damage. 

How well does it work? The Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser is cool to the touch and glides on your skin beautifully. It’s very rich so takes a little while to absorb into your skin but once it does, it leave a lovely base for either a moisturiser to go on top, or for your make-up to be applied.  I found that the moisturising effect lasted all day, and my make-up didn’t slide off after a few hours. It left my skin very dewy and soft, which is a relief when I don’t get time to reapply my skincare throughout the day.

Oxygenetix Blemish Control Foundation is available from £90 at:

https://www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/oxygenetix-blemish-control-moisturiser.html

Weleda Arnica

beauty, cruelty-free, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I have been fan of natural beauty brand Weleda for years and their Skin Food is one of my favourite beauty products as it has a multitude of uses. Weleda harness the vitality of nature and all their products work in harmony with your body’s own restorative abilities, so it’s no surprise to discover that they have a range containing Arnica – a herbal remedy for bruises, aches and pains which is prized for its ability to ease muscle tension and aid recovery from over-exertion.

With a number of long walks and bike rides planned over the summer, it was the perfect opportunity to try them for myself and once I started using them I was left wondering how I have managed to overlook the Arnica range, when I have been purchasing Weleda products for years?  

There are few things in life more relaxing than a long hot bath, especially after a long bike ride or walk when my legs are aching. The Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (£16.25) was a welcome addition to my post exercise bath and the wonderful blend of arnica, flowers, birch leaves and rosemary and lavender essential oils helped not only my muscles to relax but my mind too. I came out of the bath feeling relaxed and using it before bed definitely helps me sleep better.

As a keen cyclist I couldn’t wait to use the massage oil (£18.95) on my aching legs after a gruelling 50 mile ride. After a hot bath it was just the thing to soothe all my aches and pains away. The pump dispenser made it easy to dispense just the right amount of oil and I found I only needed a small amount to massage my weary legs. It glides onto skin nicely and as soon as I applied it, I could feel the warming and soothing ingredients getting to work. My skin felt nourished and it helped my tired muscles relax. The lavender fragrance isn’t overpowering, just nice and calming.

The Weleda Sport Arnica Energising Shower Gel (£8.25) is perfect to pop in your gym bag for a refreshing post exercise shower. With an invigorating organic rosemary and lavender scent it revitalises both  body and mind, whilst the arnica gets to work on tired muscles. It’s also one of the very few sports shower gels available that is also 100% certified natural.



When I’m cycling, I always end up with bruises on my legs where the pedals have caught them so the Arnica Cooling Gel (£8.95) has come in very handy. The tube is small enough to fit in my bike bag giving instant relief to my legs.  

It’s important to relax and unwind after any sporting activity and these are just the products you need to aid recovery. Available from Weleda here

Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Collection

beauty, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Dreaming of sunshine? July was incredibly wet and I’ve not seen much sunshine yet, so to get us in the holiday mood we’ve been using a selection of products from the Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Collection. I don’t know about you, but coconut scented products always remind me of summer holidays and as I’m not going anywhere exotic this summer these are the next best thing.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Palmers before but if not, they are a natural cocoa butter and coconut oil skincare and haircare brand who focus on delivering luxurious and naturally inspired products that are highly effective, affordable and featuring unique scents and textures, enabling all people with different skin and hair types to ehance their natural beauty.

The Coconut Oil Formula Moisture Boost Protein Pack (£2.99) is just what I needed to give my curls a much needed hydration boost I applied it after conditioner and left for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and as well as smelling amazing it worked wonders with my dry frizzy curls, leaving them shiny and bouncy and in tip top condition.


My skin tends to be quite dry so I was really pleased to be able to try the Coconut Oil Coconut Hydrate Daily Body Lotion (£6.49). The rich moisturiser contains green coffee bean extract which is known to be rich in antioxidants that help to improve the skins radiance, giving you that healthy looking summer gleam for up to 48 hours. The body lotion simply melted into my skin leaving it gently perfumed and feeling moisturised all day long.

One of my handbag essential is hand cream so the Coconut Oil Coconut Hydrate Hand Cream (£2.79) quickly found a place in my bag. This rich cream melted into my skin effortlessly leaving my hands hydrated instantly. With a beautiful scent this is a fantastic product and very reasonably priced – I am going to be stocking up on this!

In summer I wear sandals so need my feet to be in tip top condition, the Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Foot Scrub (£4.49) is just the thing for pampering your feet. With natural coconut sugar to exfoliate and buff away rough, callused skin the scrub has plenty of grains yet doesn’t feel scratchy, in fact I found it quite soothing to use. The coconut and peppermint fragrance is nice and  invigorating and after the first use my feet felt instantly smoother.

These are a great selection of products and if you’re watching the pennies at the minute are very purse friendly too.

Malibu Sunscreen

beauty, camping, Days Out, Summer, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We’re all going on a summer holiday…….and one of the most important things to pack in your suitcase is suncream. There’s such a lot of choice when it comes to sunscreen but the most important things to look at are the UVA star rating and SPF level, which indicate the level of protection the sunscreen offers. The higher the SPF the better the protection.

We tend to spend our holidays in this country and depending on the time of year I generally use sunscreen with SPF15 to SPF30. I’m not one for sunbathing but I do spend a lot of time walking and cycling so it is important to protect the parts of my body not covered with clothes – usually my face, arms and legs, from the powerful rays of the sun.

Malibu sent me a couple of bottles of their sunscreen to try, the SPF30 Lotion and the SPF15 Dry Oil Spray which both have a 4 star UV rating, are clinically proven to be kind to skin and are water resistant too. In addition, these products will protect you from UVA and UVB rays. The Lotion offers high protection and contains Vitamin E & Aloe Vera whereas the Dry Oil Spray only offers medium protection but is vitamin enriched, non-greasy and suitable for vegans.

I have used the SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray when overcast – just because the sun isn’t showing doesn’t mean you can’t get burnt! The oil is really easy to apply and doesn’t feel greasy on my skin. The handy 100ml bottle is small enough to fit in one of the pockets of my cycling jersey so I can reapply during the day. The thing I love about the oil is it doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky after application. It also has a lovely coconut fragrance which always reminds me of summer holidays!

The lotion has a much more gentle fragrance and is a nice consistency. It rubs in very easily, absorbing very quickly and is non greasy.

Both products have protected my skin from the sun and I will happily use them on all my family. With its UVA, UVB and water resistant properties, Malibu sunscreens offer great all-round protection, whether you are on the beach, walking, cycling or just out and about.

Malibu products are available as lotions, sprays, SPF face creams, lip balms and hair & scalp protectors with SPF10 to SPF50, so there is something to protect everyone this summer.

Lotion 200ml 100ml £3.99

Dry Oil Spray 200ml £5.49

FFØR All:In Oil

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Frizz can be one of the most frustrating problems to deal with when you have naturally curly hair so any product that can tame the dreaded frizz is a real winner for me. My curly hair has been a lot easier to manage since I discovered FFØR so when I heard they had launched a new weightless wonder oil called All:In Oil I couldn’t wait to try it.

FFØR stands for Free From, Original, Real and they are an ethical company who believe in Clean Beauty, both for you and the planet. Their products are vegan, cruelty free and free from nasties and they only work with likeminded, ethical suppliers who can provide verified information about their sourcing, and who share their important values. They are also winners of the Marie Claire 2022 Hair Awards and the Global Green Beauty Awards.

The new hair oil is packed full deeply nourishing ingredients – vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which not only add shine but helps to define my curls, leaving them lovely and smooth and frizz free.

The oil is incredibly lightweight, with quite a thin texture that barely feels like oil. There’s a very fine line between glossy hair and greasy locks and I found I didn’t need much to coat my shoulder length hair. I recommend starting with just one drop and adding more gradually, otherwise you can easily end up using too much. I found the best way to apply it was by putting a drop in the palm of my hands and then rubbing them together before distributing the oil through my hair. 

The formula creates maximum shine and hydration without feeling oily or greasy and like all the other FFØR products smells amazing. I have used it on damp and dry hair with equally good results. Used overnight it hydrates and nourishes my hair and used after styling it helps to banishe frizz, helping define my curls and leaves them looking in tip top condition.  

If you are going away this summer, then you really must put one of these in your suitcase, put it on your hair overnight or before you go to the beach to give your hair the chance to soak up every bit of the goodness contained within the oil. It will help keep your hair smooth and frizz free in the heat and protect it too.

All:In Oil is a hair taming gem and the perfect addition to your holiday haircare routine.  

RRP £28 available here

Read our other FFØR haircare reviews – Re:Vamp Spray, Show Off Leave In Conditioner and Super Shine Gloss Mist and Re:Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner and Re:Plenish Hair Mask

Naturally European Milk Travel Collection

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The school holidays are almost here and whether you’re jetting off to far flung exotic places, camping or visiting friends and family the chances are you’ll want to keep your luggage as light as possible. One easy way to save both weight and space in your suitcase is to choose beauty products in travel friendly sizes like the Milk Travel Collection from Beauty Naturals. This suitcase friendly set contains all the essentials for a trip away –  Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Lotion and comes in a handy fabric gift bag which will be perfect for keeping bobbles and scrunchies in once the bottles are empty.

Fragranced with cedarwood and patchouli, these products will add a touch of luxury to any holiday and keep your hair and body lovely and fresh whilst you are away.

RRP £8.95 but currently on offer at £4.45 on the Beauty Naturals website

ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Ageing Hair Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Eureka moment!! You know when you find a product that transforms your hair and you can’t imagine using anything else – this is how I feel about the Caviar Anti-Aging range from Alterna. When the box of haircare products arrived, I had been struggling with my shoulder length curly hair, which in the last year has become incredibly dry and frizzy. Despite spending a small fortune on new hair products nothing seemed to be helping and I had almost given up hope on finding a product that could transform my frizzy mop back into smooth curls again.

Alterna isn’t a brand I had come across before despite being around since 1997. They wanted to create a range of luxury hair products based on the science of skincare and developed products for professionals using natural eco-certified ingredients with no sulfates or parabens in sight.  

I received the Caviar Anti-Ageing range which is designed to nourish and protect hair and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that help to strengthen and hydrate your hair. The vibrant purple bottles looked stunning, and I couldn’t wait to see if they would help my frizzy locks.  

The shampoo and conditioner are very easy to work through hair and rinsed out easily. The shampoo lathered nicely, creating a rich foam that cleansed my hair and smelt gorgeous. The conditioner left my hair feeling hydrated, soft and manageable and helped bring back my bouncy curls.

The Priming Leave in Conditioner was nice and light on my hair and didn’t weigh it down like thicker products tend to do. It removed the tangles effortlessly adding some much needed moisture to my hair.

The Shampoo/Conditioner cost £39.90 each for a 250ml bottle and the Priming Leave in Conditioner is £34.70 for 147ml.

The Caviar Replenishing Moisture Intensive Ceramide Shots (RRP £52.10) are a potent ceramide concentrate in individual capsules that hydrate, reduces breakage and strengthen hair. It is easy to twist the capsule open and then apply to damp hair. I used them after the leave in conditioner and before the CC cream.

I’ve used CC Cream on my face but not on hair before so this was a new step for me. The cream feels like a conditioner and smells amazing and is applied to towel dried hair. This miracle leave in product and styling cream delivers 10 benefits in one easy step – Moisture, Shine, Smoothness, Softness, UV Protection, Manageability, Strength, Anti-Breakage, Heat Protection & Light Hold. It is suitable for all types of hair and once applied all you need to do leave it to work it’s magic. RRP £35.85

These products have really helped hydrate my curls and after only a couple of washes my hair was smoother and the dreaded frizz was gone. Thanks to this range I now love my curls again, my hair looks fantastic – shiny, smooth and nourished from the scalp to the ends – what more can a girl ask for?

Available from the Alterna website they also have smaller sizes which are perfect for travelling or if you are trying the products for the first time.


Altruist UVA Sun Protection 

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, health, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We love summer. Summer isn’t always great in this country for skin though, either the direct sunlight, which we’re not used to, or the dry temperatures which our skin hates. My skin is always dry in summer no matter the weather though, so I have to make sure that I not only wear sunscreen when I have to but that it’s hydrating.  

The biggest threat to skin and the most common cancer is skin cancer.  Altruist Sun Protection was developed by dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie, Skin cancer is undoubtedly caused by exposure to sunlight, especially powerful sunlight if you’re not used to it throughout the year and get a blast of intense sun all in one go.  As well as refraining from burning, using sunscreen, as well as a hat and shirt are the best way of preventing melanomas.

With a lot of research, Dr Birnie has developed the Altruist range of sun protection for the whole family.  From bumper 200ml tubes of SPF 30 to a Face Fluid at SPR 30 (Dr Birnie admits to using this as an after shaving lotion!) and a handy invisible spray which is SPF 50 and PPD 42.  There’s an even bigger range online so you can find what you need for yourself and your family.

All of the products in the range are fragrance – free and have UVA, UVB and broad spectrum protection.  The Family Sun Spray is particularly useful because it packs away flatter than tubes and has the gun action which makes it easy to supply. It’s fabulous for holidays too because there’s a seal which prevents it from leaking in luggage and the shape doesn’t break easily either. It’s suitable for babies and children so at SPF 50 and 250ml it’s the only sunscreen you need to take on holiday!

The Face Fluid works great as a daily moisturiser as it contains vitamin E and it’s an anti-oxidant sunscreen too. It’s pretty rich, and takes a while to absorb into the skin so I wouldn’t recommend it under make-up but it’s great for the beach or by the pool.

The Invisible Spray works differently because it’s such a fine mist, but it’s also non-sticky. I would wear this in the evening so that my clothes and make-up don’t get ruined and it won’t show when you’re no doubt taking photos and in unnatural light. 

No matter what you use Altruist Sun Protection for, there’s a product for you and the reassurance that you’re using the right kind of protection from a skin care expert.

https://altruistsun.com/where-to-buy/ and available at Amazon, Lloyds Pharmacy and TheSkinClinic UK.

https://altruistsun.com/sunscreen/sunscreen-spf30-200ml/ priced at £5.25

https://altruistsun.com/sunscreen/sunscreen-spf50-100ml/ priced at £5.25

https://altruistsun.com/sunscreen/altruist-face-fluid-sunscreen-spf30-50ml/ priced at £8.50

https://altruistsun.com/sunscreen/family-sunspray-250ml/ priced at £12.50

https://altruistsun.com/sunscreen/invisible-sunspray-spf50/ priced at £6.75

RINGANA Summer Sunscreen and Light Legs

beauty, Family Life, health, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Summer often brings a need for different, and new, beauty products. RINGANA have sent us these 3 skincare products which are imperative for summer sun life, whether it be in this heatwave we have at home, or to take away on holiday with you.

RINGANA is an Austrian company that prides itself on the natural ingredients it uses for its skincare, beauty and supplement products. Unlike other companies, RINGANA, founded in 1996, use fresh ingredients to make the products from scratch and ship out worldwide to 34 countries, including many which they post products to for free. You won’t find RINGANA in the department stores or High Street, only online where their products are vegan and free from preservatives and additives.

With that in mind, their products are unlike any makeup you’d typically buy. We were sent three summer products to try, the RINGANA Fresh Sunscreen Medium SPF 20 (for medium sun days), RINGANA Fresh Sunscreen Face SPV 15 (face moisturiser for every day) and the delicious RINGANA Fresh Light Legs.

Starting with the RINGANA Fresh Light Legs, I didn’t know what it was so had to look it up on the website to find out what it was used for. Light Legs are for when your legs (or feet) are tired in the summer and need some rejuvenation.  Think about walking around on holiday, in the heat, probably wearing shoes which are totally inappropriate for the weather and terrain.  RINGANA Light Legs is for just this purpose!  I sprayed some on my calf as a test to see what it was like. The light spray sits on the skin and you rub it in slowly so that it penetrates into the muscle.  The feeling on your skin is a slight tingling as the ingredients work away to “pep up” your limbs.  Looking at the ingredients, it includes magnesium, which is a known topical tonic for tired muscles and is absorbed through the skin easily.  The fragrance is that of summer citrus, which also acts to boost your mood as you wear it.  The effect of the Light Legs was to keep my legs (I eventually used it all over) fresh and tingly, giving me some extra energy in the long run, relaxed my leg muscles.

The RINGANA Fresh Sunscreen Face SPF 15 can be used in summer but with the SPF protection it can be used all year round too as your daily face moisturiser. Made with natural plant oils and fragrance free, it protects against UV rays, antioxidants and blue light.  The breezy formula is designed for sensitive skin and is COSMOS certified, leaving your skin matt and smooth.  I like this formula because it’s so light on your skin but gives you all-round protection and is easy to wear under make up, as well as on its own. My skin was super hydrated but not greasy and stayed that way throughout the day.

The final RINGANA product we tried was the Fresh Sunscreen Medium SPF 20. This product can be used daily, but is more for occasions such as holidays or being outside for long periods of time. It’s waterproof and nano-free and relies on the natural mineral that is zinc oxide as a sun protection filter. 

The formula is perfume free, except for the ‘fresh’ smell of the natural ingredients as you apply it, and absorbs with a little effort leaving no film on the skin.  It’s nice and rich but also cooling and leaves skin moisturised.  I like this Fresh Sunscreen Medium because it doesn’t smell of the synthetic sun creams you get in the pharmacy.

All of the RINGANA products feel so soft and luxurious as they are made with fresh ingredients and not kept in unfavourable conditions for months on end.  The whole range of products are designed for everyday living, and summer especially is a great time to start using them.  You won’t find many places that make your skin products with fresh, fragrance free, artificial ingredient free and vegan like RINGANA.

RINGANA Fresh Sunscreen Medium SPF 20 (£38.45) https://www.ringana.com/produkt/fresh-sunscreen-spf-20/?lang=en

 RINGANA Fresh Sunscreen Face SPF 15 (£27.75) 

https://www.ringana.com/produkt/fresh-sunscreen-face/?lang=en

RINGANA Fresh Light Legs (£23.93) https://www.ringana.com/produkt/fresh-light-legs/?lang=en

Super Facialist Skin Perfecting Primer

beauty, Gifts for Her, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Summer is a traditional time for beauty brands to launch new products and when it comes to make up there is a plethora of summery, shimmery eye shadows, lipsticks and highlighters available to enhance your sun kissed skin.  

Whilst I love summer and being able to try out lots of new make up products, there is always the risk that as the temperature rises the make up I carefully applied first thing in the morning will start to slip and slide off my face, leaving it looking patchy. So how do we stop this happening? Well, this is where a good primer comes in, applied after moisturiser and before foundation, adding this extra step to your routine means your make up will still be in place long after the sun has gone down.

Primers work by minimising/blurring the appearance of fine lines and pores and create a smoother surface for make-up, meaning your make up goes on smoothly and stays put for longer. It’s been really hot this last couple of weeks and the Skin Perfecting Primer from Super Facialist has kept my make up in place despite the heat. This innovative multi-tasking product not only looks incredibly summery thanks to the swirls of lavender, peach and green but also primes, colour-corrects, moisturises and brightens skin to create a flawless complexion.

The pump dispenser is really easy to use and a pea sized amount is ample for your face. It is a dream to apply, absorbing instantly into your skin and it doesn’t leave it feeling sticky or greasy. It left my skin super smooth and I definitely noticed an improvement in terms of a dewy finish. My foundation looked more even and didn’t go patchy by the end of the day, despite the heat. It made a real difference and from the second I applied it I could see my skin looking more awake and radiant.

It’s also great for days when you don’t need to wear foundation, it blurs, smoothes and gives a fresh glow to skin and once you’ve tried it you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. A real make up bag essential!

RRP £17 available here

Balmonds Cooling Cream

Baby, beauty, Children, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

With these summer temperatures, everyone looks for new ways to stay cool especially if we’re spending time outdoors. Balmonds Cooling Cream is for that reason; to keep cool and sooth your skin with its aloe vera, menthol and lavender extracts.  

A completely vegan recipe, Balmonds Cooling Cream helps moisturise dry or flushed skin, creating a barrier to dehydrated skin to prevent it feeling any more tired.  The medicinal effects of lavender help heal skin that is mildly damaged from dehydration whilst the aloe vera soothes the top layers of skin. It’s ideal for the whole family as it only contains plant ingredients. The cooling cream is fragrance-free, paraffin free and cruelty free so also makes for a great gift.

The 99% natural cream is cool to the touch and takes a little while to absorb into the skin but when it does it gives a matt finish. It can be used as an after-sun lotion, hand or face cream, for hormonal hot flushes and for after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It’s very gentle, very soft and can be taken anywhere with you, especially on holiday!

Available for £19.00 from: https://balmonds.co.uk/products/cooling-cream-100ml-skin-salvation

Lova Skin Instant Foot Peel Essential Kit Black Edition

beauty, Father's Day, Gifts for Him

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

A foot care set probably isn’t the first thing you think of when it comes to Father’s Day gifts but it’s an incredibly practical present especially for Dad’s that are on their feet all day. Long periods of standing and walking as well as badly fitting shoes can cause hard skin to form and if the men in your life are like the ones in mine, foot care and beauty products aren’t something they even think about!

My husband is diabetic, so it is important that he looks after his feet, he’s not the sort to go to a salon for a pedicure so The Lovaskin Instant Foot Peel Essential Kit Black Edition is perfect for him, it contains everything you need to transform feet from rough and dry to silky soft in under 2 minutes.

The kit contains

  • 1 Instant Foot Peel spray bottle 75 ml Black Edition – 25 applications 
  • 1 professional double-sided stainless steel foot file.
  • 1 organic cotton pouch.

The kit is simple to use and there is no need to soak feet first as the product is used on clean, dry feet. Spray the Foot Peel spray 7 times per foot – on the heel, sides of the foot and toes. Once the foot is completely covered leave it for 60 seconds (no touching) and then massage the dry skin off using your fingers. Once you have done that then you can use the rough side of the foot file to remove excess dead skin and then flip the file over and finish off with the fine side. Once you have filed your feet all that is left to do is rinse them and see the difference it has made to your feet.

I thought the spray was incredibly effective and a quick and easy way to treat your feet. The process is very straightforward and so easy to do and the fact that my husband has been finding the time to time to use it shows how good it is! This set makes a great Father’s Day gift and goes well with the traditional socks!!

RRP £59.90 (enough for 25 applications – which is much cheaper than going to the salon for a pedicure)

Balmonds Tea Tree Balm

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, health, Plastic free, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

My make up and beauty regime changes drastically as we go from winter into summer, and when it’s hot summers like this (remember last year?) then there have to be even more changes. What I was not expecting though, was to have a full virus in June which left me off work for a few days and completely incapable of ridding myself of the dreaded summer sniffles.  

I would have liked to tell you about my fantastic Mediterranean holiday where I perhaps got sunburnt, or had to slather myself with body lotion because of the amount of time I spent in the sea or the pool but no, the Balmonds Tea Tree Balm came in extra handy when my nose was a scaling mess, thanks to the amount of tissues I needed. It was not pretty. However, the balm arrived just in time and I could put it through its paces for less glamorous reasons.

Balmonds are a British brand who make all their products with natural ingredients. Their healthcare products are particularly good for people with eczema and other conditions which need more gentle apothecary.  The Tea Tree Balm can be used on holiday for everything from bites, scratches and grazes and any dry skin, including skin on the heels. However, my nose and face were drier than a British summer… and looked it.  So on went the balm, which is particularly rich but thankfully very smooth and glides on easily. It contains 100% natural products with organic tea tree and safflower and comes in an aluminium tin. Perfect for travelling, but the screw lid also means it doesn’t leak if it melts in the hot summer.

The balm itself has very little scent and isn’t offensive. It hydrated my skin instantly, causing a barrier and allowing the skin around my nose to dry. Applying it to dry skin on my eye brows too, and to my lips for added gloss as well as protection.  I couldn’t feel the balm on my skin, it absorbed very quickly but it also allowed my skin to heal underneath. You can feel the texture of the beeswax in it too, which explains why it feels so rich.

The Balmonds Tea Tree Balm is a lovely addition to the holiday bag, and does so many things, including keeping dry skin hydrated, that it can be used at home too. The smaller size (there’s either 15ml or 50ml available) fits in your handbag too, or the baby bag for children from 6 months.

Available for £4.65 for 15ml from:

Tea Tree Balm

Wahl Colour Trim Stubble & Beard Trimmer

beauty, Christmas, Fashion, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Father’s Day is just over a week away and we have some great last minute gift ideas for you. My husband likes practical gifts and will be thrilled with the Wahl Colour Trim Stubble and Beard Trimmer which will be a very useful for keeping his beard tidy.

The Colour Trim Stubble & Beard Trim is a small, re-chargeable trimmer that comes with eight different guides, a blade guard and the usual cleaning brush, comb and clipper oil. Also included is a zip up case to keep everything together.

Uniquely the guides are all colour coded and this isn’t just for show, it is a lot easier to find the right guide once you know the colour so there is no more rummaging around in the bag for the correct size – just remember your colour, snap it onto the blade and you’re off!

The guides come in half sizes from 1.5mm to 13mm (#½ to #4) giving you plenty of choice when grooming your beard. So, whether you want a close cut or something a little longer you can easily achieve it with this set. 

Although much more compact than a standard hair trimmer with just a 2.5cm cutting width, the trimmer feels comfortable in the hand and whilst made of plastic the sides of the trimmer are ribbed and allow for a good grip. It has a good weight and a quality feel that I’d expect from Wahl and is backed by a 3 year warranty.

Wahl have chosen to not fit lithium batteries to this trimmer so it is best to fully charge it before use and then re-charge once the power starts to drop. You can’t overcharge it so leaving it plugged in overnight is fine. Wahl say to expect around 60 minutes of trimming from a full charge but if you do run out it can be used whilst plugged in.

A nice touch is that the instructions include directions on how to remove the battery for when it comes time to re-cycle the trimmer.

RRP £32.99 but currently on offer at £21.99 at Wahl here

Superfood Face Firming Serum Made by Coopers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We have had face creams for daily repair for a few decades now. Then there were night creams, designed to repair whilst you’re asleep and your skin is rejuvenating. Nowadays, we have serums to take care of your epidermis during the day, or in the case of the Superfood Face Firming Serum Made by Coopers, this serum works during the night to keep your skin soft and supple.

The Coopers Superfood Firming Serum is made with a blend of bio-active plant oils to instantly firm and regenerate cells. The vegan serum, which contains organic black cumin, pomegranate, chia, broccoli, baobab and passion flower also contains no parabens and isn’t tested on animals. The combination of all the plant extracts gives you a brighter, more youthful complexion. 

Although vitality serums are usually used at night, and under moisturisers, the Coopers Superfood Face Firming Serum can be used on clean skin during the day as well and on the neck. Just a few drops warmed in the finger tips and massaged into the skin gives extra moisturisation.  The serum is a rich, oily texture with a strong cumin fragrance which reminded me of the CBD oils, although this formula does not contain CBD.  It takes a while for it to soak into your skin but when it does, it leave the skin super hydrated thanks to its rich texture. The effects last over night until the morning when you can either apply it again, or use your usual daily skin routine.

This is especially good for vegans who want products made of plant extract but also not tested on animals but still has the same moisturising effect as High Street cosmetics.

Available from £35 at: https://madebycoopers.com/products/superfood-firming-serum-30ml?_pos=1&_sid=ed0b148ff&_ss=r

Modibodi Basics Period Pants

beauty, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Plastic free, REUSABLE, Sustainable, Tech, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Period products have come a long way in just a few short years, not just because of the environmental impact of throwing away disposable pads and plastic but because the materials which can be used for more innovative products has greatly improved as well.

The company Modibodi.co.uk have created a range of products for everyone, from pregnancy pants, incontinence clothing and period knickers.  We were sent a sample of the Basic Mid-Rise Brief Period Pants (in pink!) to try as part of their bigger range.

The briefs come in 6 different colours including black and various shades of skin-colour plus sizes from UK 8 (extra small) up to UK 24 (5XL).  These pants are different to what you buy in the clothes shops for one particular reason – you don’t need to use pads or tampons when you are on your period because there is built-in technology to prevent you from needing them. You can of course, still wear them but just use the Modibodi Period Pants for insurance!

These Modibodi period pants have a moderate to heavy absorption, which is good to know if you find that other brands aren’t good at keeping up with your needs. There are other varieties which are light to moderate absorption available too, also in a range of colours.  At present, there’s an online deal on of 5 pairs of briefs for under £80 in a mix-and-match offer. One pair costs £15.50 without postage so it’s worth buying 5 pairs or more so that you have the choice of colours. Bearing in mind how much you’ll save on tampons and pads over the next few years, it’s an economic save in the long run too.

As for using them, I loved the colour of these Modibodi mid-rise briefs, and was very pleased to see where the absorptance technology was. Other brands don’t re-enforce in the right areas so you’re still prone to leaks, or the threat of a leak because you’re not sure how well they fit.  These lasted as long as any pads would, and in conjunction with a tampon worked really well especially as I was wearing an evening dress and didn’t want to be uncomfortable.  When it comes to washing, I try and soak them as soon as possible as well as put them in a cool wash as soon as I could – 20 Centigrade would be ideal but 30C works just as well.  The pink colour comes up well in the wash and they do keep their shape and absorbency over time. 

I would take advantage of the 5 for Under £80 deal online, with different colours and different types of brief so that these last a long time and can also be used in a variety of ways with different outfits. They work brilliantly and give you peace of mind as well as help to save the planet and a lot of fuss with remembering what to bring with you when you go out! The Modibodi online site also has period bikinis for holidays and new products coming out all the time.

£15.50

RINGANA Travel Sets

beauty, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Sustainable, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

It’s the start of June and thoughts are turning to holidays, whether you are planning on staying in the UK or heading for more exotic locations it’s even more important to look after your skin as the heat, humidity and long haul flights can play havoc with your skin.

Many beauty brands now have miniature versions, enabling you to stick to your favourite tried and trusted products whilst you are away. I don’t miss the days of decanting favourite products into travel sized bottles and then finding myself using body lotion instead of face cream as the pen has rubbed off the bottle and I can’t tell which is which – I’m sure I’m not the only one that this happens to!!

If your holiday plans involve a flight, travel-sized products are perfect as not only do they keep the weight down they are essential when travelling with only hand luggage. Airlines still have restrictions on liquids and containers must hold no more than 100ml and fit in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures around 20cm by 20cm.

RINGANA are an Austrian skincare brand and their products are vegan, natural, ethical, eco-friendly and aren’t tested on animals. We’ve tried a few of their products recently and they also have a fantastic selection of travel sized products to suit all skin types. They sent me a couple of sets to try and I have enjoyed discovering some new RINGANA products.

The WASH sample box contains a great selection of holiday essentials to keep your hair and body lovely and fresh.

FRESH BODY WASH 50ml which lathers nicely to clean and freshen my skin after a day on the beach.  

FRESH SHAMPOO 50ml this gentle shampoo leaves hair lovely and soft and shiny.

FRESH STAY FRESH 50 ml, a gentle foam that you spray onto toilet paper to leave your skin fresh and clean.

FRESH DEODORANT 5 ml, this handy bottle protects against unpleasant body odours and is small enough to keep in your bag to freshen up whenever you feel the need.

FRESH TOOTH OIL 15ml, used instead of toothpaste this oil-based tooth care is derived from the ancient practice where oil was swished in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. It doesn’t foam like toothpaste and I wasn’t keen on the taste but I did find it left my teeth feeling surprisingly clean and fresh.

I loved all these products but I would have liked to see a conditioner in this set as my hair can get wild and frizzy on holiday and I prefer to use the same haircare brands for shampoo and conditioner to get the best results.  

€27.10

The BODY sample box contains smaller samples that are perfect for a weekend away.

FRESH BODY MILK 15 ml This rich body milk nourishes and soothes dry skin with high-quality plant oils, restoring its suppleness.

FRESH FOOT BALM 15 ml – Just what you need to soothe tired feet after all that sightseeing.

FRESH HAND BALM 15 ml – This hand and nail balm melts into my skin and doesn’t feel greasy. It leaves my hands beautifully soft and smooth.

€14.90

The FACE RICH Sample Box is ideal for trying out RINGANA’s skincare range, the samples are in now in handy sachets with a screw top lid which take up very little space in a wash bag. The set contains

FRESH CLEANSER 15 ml – Apply to damp skin, massage in and rinse with warm water, this cleanser is great at removing all traces of make up and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

The FRESH TONIC CALM 15ml is gentle on skin and removes the final traces of dirt, grime and impurities after cleansing.

FRESH CREAM RICH 10ml – This rich cream is perfect for my perimenopausal skin, it sinks into my skin effortlessly and leaves it nice and hydrated.

FRESH ANTI WRINKLE SERUM 5ml – The highly-concentrated serum nourishes the skin and RINGANA claim that over time it will boost the skin, correcting and smoothing wrinkles.

€29.80

These are just a few of the RINGANA sample sets so whether you are looking for miniature versions of your favourite products or looking to change your skincare routine then I recommend taking a look at the RINGANA website. In time for the holiday season the popular RINGANA travel sets are now in the eco-friendly foil pouches which are 100% PCR – post-consumer recycled plastic. Mono-material is the ultimate pioneer in terms of recycling, and its 100 per cent recyclability makes it a real winner. Other improved sustainability features are a 20% reduction in the packaging weight, and they are much easier to empty so no wastage. Thanks to the oxygen barrier layer the high-quality formulations are protected even better than they were before. 

Dentek Eco Friendly Products

beauty, eco friendly, health, Plastic free, Sustainable

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

It’s World Environment Day today and the perfect opportunity to tell you that the popular dental hygiene brand Dentek has gone green! Their interdental brushes and floss picks now have handles made from a naturally derived, organic, plant based resin and the interdental brushes have plant based bristles. In their efforts to become more eco friendly they have also changed their packaging – it is now made from 30% recycled material which can be recycled.

The Dentek Plant Based Floss Picks are perfect for cleaning between your teeth and removing those stubborn bits of food that don’t get removed when brushing. They are easy to hold and can be used in 3 different ways.

Flossing– the floss pick has a soft ribbon that gently removes food and plaque without irritating sensitive gums. It is perfect at getting in the gaps between teeth where a toothbrush just can’t reach.  

Pick – it has a curved pick to enable you to gently massage gums.

Tongue Cleaner– this helps remove bacteria from your tongue and can help prevent bad breath.

I’ve been trying out two different floss picks from the range – the Sensitive Clean and the Whitening floss picks. They are both easy to use and I especially liked the minty taste which leaves my teeth feeling fresh. Flossing is a great way to remove plaque and help prevent tooth decay by removing the small pieces of food that get stuck between your teeth

The slim interdental brushes are just what you need to remove food and plaque from the gaps between teeth helping prevent cavities and gum disease. There are 32 brushes in a packet and it is recommended that you replace the brush after 3 uses, or when it is worn.   

I found the brushes very easy to grip and they do a great job of removing those little pieces of food that get stuck between your teeth.

Using both products is a great way to keep your teeth clean which is bound to keep your dentist happy!

DenTek products are available at Boots, Amazon, Waitrose, Ocado and from the the DenTek website. 

MooGoo Travel Pack

beauty, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

I suffer with very dry skin and eczema and when it flares up it my skin becomes red and itchy and the skin on my hands and feet starts to crack which can be incredibly painful. I grew up on a dairy farm and remember my mother using the cow udder cream on her hands as it really helped her eczema, so when I heard about MooGoo, whose first ever product was based on cow udder cream, I knew I had to try it.  

MooGoo is a Australian company which came about by accident after the founder, Craig Jones noticed his Mum using cow udder cream on her hands. Udder cream is quite thick and hard to apply so he decided to reformulate the cream, creating a lighter, non-greasy version which was a big hit with family and friends – so much so that he ended up going into business with this new cream which was aptly named MooGoo. Initially they only made one product but over the years the range has expanded to include 40 products.

If you haven’t tried MooGoo products before then the travel pack is perfect to start with as it contains four different products in a handy travel bag.

Milk Shampoo 100ml – Made using a combination of gentle Coconut and Glucose based cleansers it is designed for people with sensitive scalps, itchiness or flakiness. The shampoo lathered well and left my hair lovely and clean and after a couple of washes I noticed my scalp wasn’t as flaky.

Conditioner 100ml – This conditioner contains Jojoba Oil which moisturises hair leaving it soft, hydrated and free of tangles. It left my hair lovely and soft and it helped hydrate my curls leaving them shiny and bouncy.

Milk Wash 100ml – Made with a combination of 6 gentle, natural, low-irritant cleansers and designed to be used for the face and body. It is nice and gentle on my skin and a little goes a long way.

Skin Milk Udder Cream 100g – This is the original product that Craig first created. It is designed to hydrate skin using the natural ingredients and oils that contain the types of fatty acids needed for healthy skin. I have been using this on my hands and feet and it has really improved the condition of my skin in only a couple of weeks.

All the bottles have handy pump action dispensers, and they are just the right size to pop in my bag when I go away this summer.

RRP £19.50 Available here

RINGANA Fresh Baby Products

Baby, beauty, Children, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

RINGANA the Austrian award-winning vegan, luxury skincare and supplements brand have recently launched a new product range which is specially formulated for babies and children.

Called FRESH baby the products are aimed at children aged 0 -4 years and consist of four essential products, which like all the other products from RINGANA, are vegan, free of synthetic colours, perfumes and preservatives, mineral oils, parabens and PEG emulsifiers. All four products are dermatologically tested and suitable for the delicate skin of babies and young children. We’ve been trying them out on our mini reviewers and are really impressed with them.

FRESH baby bum cream

One of the essential things in every changing bag is a nappy cream. The FRESH baby bum cream comes in a handy 50ml tube and the gentle cream, which contains effectively soothes nappy rash and redness. It strengthens the skin barrier and forms a breathable protective film on the skin and is perfect to use after every nappy change.

I liked the smooth consistency and non-medicinal scent of this cream and found it easy to apply. I only needed a small amount and any redness disappeared after a couple of applications.

RRP 50 ml, £9.48 

FRESH baby bum foam

Whilst baby wipes are convenient, we are hearing more and more about their environmental impact, so I was pleased to discover RINGANA have an eco-friendly alternative.

The FRESH bum foam is applied to a soft, washable cloth and is very effective at cleaning delicate skin. The foam contains the same skin-soothing ingredients, witch hazel extract & cotton extract as the bum cream and is an excellent alternative to baby wipes. It’s also good for cleaning hands and faces too! This is an essential for any nappy bag!

RRP 50 ml, £8.61 

FRESH baby body & hair wash

The mild body wash is very gentle on skin and does exactly what it says, getting our mini reviewers lovely and clean whilst leaving their skin lovely and soft. The gentle formula means there are no tears at bath time, and it also leaves hair squeaky clean and tangle free too.

The great thing with this body & hair wash is it doesn’t irritate our mini reviewers eczema prone skin, meaning they can enjoy bath time without me worrying that their eczema is going to flare up.

RRP 50 ml, £6.70

FRESH baby oil

Baby oil not only keeps skin lovely and soft but it is perfect for baby massage. Gently stroking your baby with the oil as part of your bed time routine can help soothe them and wind them down ready for bed.

The oil is specially developed for sensitive baby skin which easily dries out and can suffer from a lack of moisture. FRESH baby oil is a multipurpose skin care and massage oil which restores lipids, strengthening the skin barrier, and is gentle enough to be used daily.

The bottle is so easy to use, you can dispense a couple of drops easily and it doesn’t spill if you accidentally knock it over.

RRP 50 ml, £7.66 

RINGANA have a wide range of products, you can read about the haircare products here , soap here and tinted moisturiser here