Introducing / Maple Holistics + #Giveaway

I was recently contacted by an over-the-sea brand - Maple Holistics - to be featured on my blog.

After a tour on their website, I was taken by their unique and committed approach to deliver a range of high quality, effective and natural products.

They kindly sent me their Maple Holistics Ancient Clay Facial Mask* to try; face masks are a paramount step of my beauty routine and I use 2/3 times per week.

My skin tends to be combination, so I make sure that I use a clay/charcoal mask once a week.

Clay is brilliant at drawing out impurities and this product in particular contains only 100% blend of french green clay, bentonite clay and fuller's earth. They all have their own therapeutic benefits and play their part in synergy to deliver impeccable results: french green clay absorbs and removes impurities from the skin; bentonite clay revitalises and softly extracts toxins; fuller's earth helps clearing from white and blackheads whilst hydrating.

The mask comes in powder form and with a measuring cup; you need to mix 1 cup of product with 2 cups of water to create a paste and then you leave it on the skin for around 10 minutes. 

I love the dry composition which means the product will last longer; you also get a very generous amount so you can decide to use it for a body detox session.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

You can also get the chance to try their products, thanks to the generous people at Maple Holistics, join the giveaway below (sponsored by edumuch.com).

The lucky winner will receive :

- Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo for dry & itchy scalp with oil treatment;

- Maple Holistics Silk18 Natural Hair Conditioner with Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil.

Giveaway is running for 1 month and the prize will be sent from Maple Holistics directly. Giveaway open internationally... and Good Luck!!! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Introducing / Naturalmente Haircare

It's no secret that after a pregnancy, women may struggle with their locks; apparently, as a consequence of all the hormones leaving your body, you tend to see an increase in hairloss and I certainly noticed this unpleasant 'side effect'.

For this and other reasons, I have also started to made a conscious choice of using more natural products and when I heard of Naturalmente - an Italian brand - I couldn't pass on the chance to try this line from my home land.

As the name suggests, their products are created using pure essential oils and substances of flowers and plants that are grown organically and protecting the ecosystem; even the energy used to produce comes from wind power generated in Tuscany and with very low CO2 emissions. 

The fragrances also service as Aromatherapy for the soul and  they have banned silicons, parabens, petrochemical oils and by products, artificial colouring and SLS too.

Basically, Naturalmente strongly believes in the respect and nourishment of both the person and the planet.

I was surprised to see such a huge range of products for a (relatively) small and local company and they really cater for every need; you have shampoos and conditioners but also masks, styling products, treatments and colour enhancers.

The first product I'm testing is the Naturalmente Solution-Pac Ricostruttore Multivitaminico Aloe e Sandalo*.

I have never heard of a 'Solution Pac' before which is a protein rebuilder to be used pre-shampoo; it is full of vitamins, minerals and proteins to repair and protect the scalp & hair from environmental and mechanical factors, like heat styling tools.

I've also been trying out the Naturalmente Shampoo Agrumi Volumizzante e Rinforzante* which has a lovely citrusy scent. 

Because of the lack of chemicals, I wasn't expecting any or very little foam, but I actually found that the shampoo lathered  and spread well.

The volumizing effect is real and my hair were left full of body, light and silky to the touch - and because of the impressive result after the first wash, I have no reason to doubt the revitalising benefits in the long run.

In conclusion, I can hearty recommend the Naturalmente range for fast results and ethical approach. You can easily pick up these 50ml sample bottles from http://gentlebeauty.co.uk  for around a fiver each.

 Have you tried this brand yet?

Introducing / O'right Green Hair Care

Hair O'right is an award-winning haircare range from Taiwan and a new launch for 2014, on the UK market. 

They have an innovative eco commitment and the whole philosophy of the brand revolves around sustainability and natural ingredients - without compromising on quality. 

They have a wide selection of shampoos, conditioners and treatments for any hair type, infused with ECOCERT certified ingredients like goji berry, purple rose and ginkgo leaf.

I chose the O'right Green Tea Shampoo* to test out.

It's a damn good shampoo! It's extremely cleansing and with a lovely fruity scent. 

The consistency feels runnier than your regular high street brands, but it foams up nicely and a little goes a long way. 

We normally take in the benefits of green tea, drinking it but its anti-oxidants properties are also beneficial for the hair in this form. It can help eliminate toxins and inhibit the growth of Dihydrotesterone, which can increase hair loss; it also contains vitamins E and C which, make the hair shinier.

It simply feels right (or should I say O'right?) - It's effective and without nasty chemicals for me or the planet!

I love the slim design of the bottle and the bamboo cup - the bottle itself is also biodegradable!
In fact, their 'Tree In A Bottle' design is an award-winner and is the world's only beauty product that from manufacturing to disposal will yield a negative carbon footprint.

It's made from PLA, which is the most eco-friendly material and it's extracted from waste fruits and vegetables.
Once you finish the product, you can bury it into soil and it will turn into compost within a year.
There are also seeds hidden inside the bottom of the bottle that will grow into a tree - How Cool Is That?!
Now I can't wait to finish my shampoo and wait for my cute plant to make an appearance. ;)

Apart from joking, I was well impressed with the actual product and I'm definitely planning on try more from this brand; the green approach is certainly a bonus and I know that many of you also appreciate an environmental commitment in the beauty industry.
Hair O'right will soon be available at leading premium salons and department stores - in the meantime, you can place an order on www.hair-oright.co.uk

Liz Earle Advent Calendar / 13

December, the 13th - Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo

This is truly great! I've been meaning to change to greener shampoos and conditioners - 50ml is a very decent size, both for trying out the product or for travelling. Hoping to find the conditioner tomorrow, hehe ;)

Boots Christmas Gifts

I love the Boots Christmas catalog!

 Every year, I'm so excited and I can't wait to grab my copy when It comes out, at the beginning of October.

I usually take advantage of the Christmas Events to collect the most points possible and get some stocking fillers for friends and family. I think these sets are fantastic: great value for money, the 3x2 offer is unbelievably good and very nice brands!

Typically, I also end up treating myself - these are my 2012 picks :)

Umberto Giannini Beauty Secrets in a Bag

Firstly, I fell in love with the bag (dah!) - then I was pleasantly surprise with the content too: no styling products (that I don't really use much) but 4 treatment items.

This set targets hydration and, not having particular issues with my hair, I usually go for moisturizing products anyway.

The bag is pretty heavy - you don't get tiny samples in here but I would classify them as full size bottles:

1 shampoo (250ml), 1 conditioner (250ml), 1 mask (200ml) and 1 leave-in conditioner (200ml).

I have only tried one product from Umberto Giannini before - the Sleek & Chic Easy Straight Blow Dry Spray - and I was so impressed that it's one of my favourite hair product ever... so I have high hopes for this items as well.

The bag will also come in handy: it has a zip compartment inside that will be perfect to store small jewellery and rings whilst travelling.

Ted Baker The Name On Everyone's Lips

Again, the packaging is a beauty! I mean, look at this tin: it's not some floppy piece of cardboard but it will last forever, love the design and it also got a cute ballet shoes print inside.

I really like lip pencils/crayons/chubbysticks... however you wanna call them (Ted Baker calls them pens!) and I was attracted by the colours in this set, too.

At first, the colours may look quite 'ordinary' but I actually couldn't find any dupes in my current collection.

The shades don't have names so I will just call them 1,2,3,4 - left to right - for the sake of this post.

Shades 1 & 3 are the most interesting to me... they are quite bright pinks, with 1 being corally, too.

Shades 2 & 4 instead, I was mostly worried about because I don't suit purples on my lips... I was pleasantly surprise as they are very wearable and flattering.

top to bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4

All of them have a great colour pay off and they are very glossy on the lips. I find they last 4/5 hours on me, getting a bit dry and loosing the shine but leaving the pigmentation behind.

Only criticism is the packaging: the actual crayons don't feel properly attached inside and a bit wobbly, in fact shade 4 is already broken after 1 use.

To be honest, I can't be bothered to return it and exchange it and I managed to push it back inside; I reckon I can still use them with a lip brush, if they all happen to have the same issue, in the future.

For the price, tho... I can't recommend them enough!

Have you got your eyes set on any gift from Boots?

x

Delivery / The Body Shop

A couple of weeks ago, I placed an order on The Body Shop website.

I don't shop in their stores regularly, I'm not sure why but I just don't find it particularly exciting. To be fair, I have never given the brand a chance (only bought some make up in my teenage years)... but recently, I noticed that they always have some type of offer on so I decided to give it another go.

Coconut and Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub

The body scrubs, I love!

The lemon one is my favourite so far but I decided to try some of the others, this time; coconut is a no brainer for me - if there's an option for coconut, that's what I go for. :)

Pink Grapefruit is a recent obsession, instead; I have never ever ever eaten or drunk grapefruit juices before in my life... but in the last few weeks I've been having freshly squeezed juice 4/5 times a week.

Consistency-wise, the coconut one is grittier and creamier, whilst the pink grapefruit is very fresh and perfect for summer.

SpaFit Toning Concentrate

Now I remember why I don't shop in The Body Shop - they can't do good body treatment products.

This was a total disappointment! The bottle is small: I used it twice a day and it lasted barely a week.

The pump is not user-friendly at all and the product itself is sooo greasy.

It looks like a yellow gel but it's actually oily and it takes forever to get dressed afterwards.

I also didn't notice any improvment on the texture of my skin.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Fragrance Mist

Another fixation of mine - Cherry Blossom! :)

It smells lovely, fresh and fruit but not too sweet; the bottle is really pretty, too.

I've been carrying it in my gym bag so, personally, I would have preferred a plastic bottle but the glass bottle is perfect for a present, for example.

Apricot & Basil 100% Biodegradable Shower Gel

I got this for free - I think for placing an order of 5 pounds... Good deal!

Smells so nice: the apricot hits you first but then the basil emerges delicately - lovely combo!

Only criticism is that it's quite thin as a shower gel (nearly liquid) so you tend to use more than a normal one... but hey, it was for free!! ;)

Rainforest Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo was also for free because I bought their Rewards Card.

Well, where do I start? The fact that you need to pay 5quid for a loyalty card is absurd plus it lasts 12 months.

The card took 3 weeks to arrive (from Serbia??!) and upon arrival I realised that I actually didn't get any points for my online shopping.

I thought it was a normal pounds/points covertion but it works with stamps and you can only get them when shopping in store. Pretty pi**ed about it... I know, I know It's all in the T&Cs but I just think it's a poor reward system - that's all.

So, what's your favourite The Body Shop product??

x

Delivery / REN

Hello lovelies!

Few posts ago - here - I was telling you about the amazing offer REN is running and last week, I received my order.

Six of the Best

This set was part of the offer and completely free with any purchase!

I've been wanting to learn more about REN so this is perfect as the samples are generous and they are a mix of everything: a cleansing gel, serum, eye cream, mask, .., ..,

It contains:

- Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel

- Jojoba Micro Bead Invigorating Facial Polish

- Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

- Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

- Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream

Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Travel Kit

I decided to order this because the set above already gives me plenty to try about skincare; also, it comes in a clear zip bag which is going to be useful for carrying your hand luggage allowance.

This kit includes:

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Cream

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash

- Oat and Bay Conditioning Shampoo

- Pro-Vitamin Hair Conditioner

Finally, I picked this additional samples:

- Photoactive Sun Veil SPF15

- F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

*UPDATE*

Being the serum junkie that I am, I decided to start with the Omega 3 Night Repair Serum; it smelled really fishy and the consistency didn't seem right so I read online that it could have gone off, as the normal smell is more peachy.

I contacted REN on Twitter and they offered to check it for me and to send it back freepost; apparently, it was fine but it clearly wasn't right for my skin as it's a very oily serum... so they offered to send me another serum to try: I chose the Keep Young and Beautiful SH3C Serum.

Very impressed with their friendly and prompt service! :)

Have you tried any of these?

Which one is your favourite? :)

Boots Haul

... apologies - I wrote this post back in October but then It got forgotten in my draft so these offerS are no more available in store, I think...

Sanctuary Warming Microbrasion Polish - I love this product! It's a thick, creamy exfoliator to use on wet face and the water will active it, warming it up and helping drawing all the impurities out.

I have been using it regularly (I just requires once a week, personally) for over 2 years but I was running out so I decide to stock up again because Boots was giving the 2nd Sanctuary item for free.

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask - as just mentioned, I got this for free! It's a full size bottle and works with the same principle of the polish: heat! The only criticism is that it's quite glue-ish and I found difficult to spread uniformly so ended up using more than necessary.

Also, it will not dry completely, which is a bonus as it's easier to remove.

I find these mud, clay masks really effective - especially with heat.

After using one or the other - my face feels so smooth and free from any oiliness.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening MOisturiser SPF15 - I like many things about this product but somehow failed to wow me.

I got it because I read many positive reviews and it was on promotion with 3 pounds off.

I like the packaging, the bottle comes with a pump; I like that it got a SPF15 and the smell is nice too and fades away quickly.

'Skin brightening' because it has sparkling particles that reflects the light and helps hides imperfections - (well, in my opinion - I don't really think all that 'diffuse, trick the eye'-concept makes much of a difference!).

Anyway, the main issue I have with this cream is that it's too heavy. It looks like soufflé when out of the bottle but then I can feel it on my skin for many hours and it doesn't seem to sink it very well; in fact, I'm only using it when in the house or when I don't wear make up.

TRESemme' Naturals - Nourishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner - I never used to be too fuss about hair brands but now I wanna try to use more natural products. 

This new line says is 'hypoallergenic, no added colour with certified organic aloe vera and avocado oil'. Also, shampoo is lower in sulphates an conditioner silicone free.

I like this combo: my hair feel clean, not heavy... not sure about all the claims but I would recommend them. Promotion was buy 1 get 1 free.

No 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush - much raved about brush, Mac 217 dupe... you all know... Used the £5 off voucher so it only cost me about £2.25

Finally, I got these samples:

Ojon Damage Reverse - Restorative Hair Treatment: Unfortunately, my face didn't like it. :(
 I put it on my hair, all was good and I really enjoyed the treatment but when in the shower, rinsing it off, I had an allergic reaction on my face. it was pretty bad, all red and burning so I, definitely, can't use this product but I would recommend to others.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 in Nude - to be honest, I was pretty disappointed!  This is supposed to be The Daddy of all tinted moisturisers but I found it too thick for my liking. I wouldn't want a foundation this heavy, nevertheless a tinted moisturiser. 

Colour-wise is a good match and it's a shame because I seriously love other LM products... just not this one. I'm glad I didn't cave in and bought without trying.

Lancome Teint Miracle - Lancome regularly send out vouchers to go and try products in store and this time it was for the foundation. I tried it before and I love it! That much in fact that it's on the short list for my wedding make up kit!

Anyway, I went in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots and I got matched 3 times with 3 different colours!

l-r: 010, 01, 03 swatched

blended

My shade is 010; the others are too dark or too yellow or too pink - I'm neutral.

Previously, I tried 02 which is also pretty good for me.

I really can't recommend this foundation enough! Have you tried it yet?

Boudoir Prive' -November and LAST issue

Here goes the LAST BP review. In few days, we should all received the first JolieBox. I'm excited and looking forward to it - it seems really promising.

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Silky Smooth Body Lotion

I'm a big fan of Dead Sea Spa Magik (have a read here if you're interested in check my history with this brand). I had never tried this product before but It's a lovely cream. They also suggest to use it on damp skin, which I did, and I felt absorbed really quickly, leaving my skin comfortably moisturized. Consistency is pretty light and non-greasy plus it has a lovely scent too.

KORRES Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser

This face cream delivers 24h moisturization. The smell, as you may guess, is really nice. I like Korres and the natural philosophy they follow. This cream, in particular, was very lovely to use and sinked in nicely into my skin but it didn't blow me away.

RAHUA New Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner

Amazing!!! and I'm not easily impressed with hair products. I could really see a difference in my hair - definitely in volume and general healthiness. Both shampoo and conditioner were a joy to use, lathering very nicely and easy to rinse. I got 2 uses out of each satchet but at £27/28.50, I'm pretty sure I can't efford to purchase, I'm afraid. :(

I know this items were already send in September GlossyBox but there're not in my box - I'm glad I got a second chance to try them!

VINIES AYURVEDA'S SOUL Luminous Skin Mask

We received 2 small pots of this product, which I thought it was nice - also because it should prolong the durability of the second pot (if you keep it sealed, whilst you finish the first).

Personally, I liked this face mask! I read many girls experienced nasty side effects like redness and burning sensation but luckly everything was normal with me. The first time, I left it for the minimum 2 minutes and then increased to 5, for the following applications. I didn't feel anything different when it was on my face but I experienced tingling after I washed it off. I'm thinking, maybe, the trick is to use COLD water (as directed). I did see (and felt) a difference and althought it says you could use it daily, I'm happy using it only once a week. It feels like 'heavy-duty' treatment and I wouldn't want to put my skin under too much stress - if you know what I mean.

It smells quite strongly of liquorice but I'm totally fine with that - I like chewing liquorice roots, so yeah not a problem for me!

STUDIOMAKEUP Rich Hydration Lipstick

I, actually, received the truly red shade but I swapped it for the tender pink. Mainly because I already have too many reds but now I'm in two minds about the pink; It's quite nice swatched on my hand but I'm not sure it really suits my skintone. I reckon I'm put off by the frost but maybe mixed with another pink, I'll manage to use it. What I learnt? Never impulse swap!!! ;)

November-wise: this was my favourite box, out of the three I receive. Which beauty boxes do you get? Which was your favourite?

xx