Xmas 2015 / Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern

Weleda is one of my top favourite brands all year round.

I will say it again, again - their baby range is also fantastic and worth investing in and I also used their products during my pregnancy because it's a brand that I trust.

For the Festive Season 2015, they came out with the cutest little stocking fillers in the form a Christmas Tree Lantern decorations - they will look lovely hanging from a tree branch too! :)

You can choose from a few different scents, I got the Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern* which contains a miniature Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash & a miniature Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil.

The Pomegranate range is nourishing and regenerating to help fight the signs of ageing; it improves firmness and elasticity. The milky body wash is refreshing and invigorating to the senses, thanks to sandalwood and neroli too.

I like to use the oil on damp skin, just out of the shower; the oil is rich in nutrients and it has shown to accelerate renewal by 50% in only two weeks... a real treatment for the body.

Anyway, I recommend that you visit www.Weleda.co.uk because they have an excellent selection of gift ideas for every budget. The Weleda Christmas Tree Lanterns are only £5 which is a really fantastic price for these luxurious items.   

Have you tried Weleda before? Which is your favourite range?

New In / Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Lotion

The Almond range is a new addition from Weleda for 2015.

I'm always excited to see new releases from them since it's a brand that doesn't disappoint and that I trust - so much so that I use their products also on my baby (more on that on a future post)... and I don't think there's a better testament than that, right?

The Almond line already has a  facial lotion, facial oil and cleansing lotion and now also includes a body lotion, body wash and hand cream to take care of the body.

The mild and gentle formula is particularly suitable for irritation-prone skin and it's been formulated with just a few, selected ingredients to minimise any reaction.

The Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Lotion* is a velvety moisturiser for the body with a milky consistency.
It contains organic almond oil that strengthens the skin own protection abilities against harsh elements, a bit like mimicking the hard shell that protects the almond inside; it is also high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
I have sensitive skin and I found it to be soothing and calming, especially now that the wind & central heating are leaving my skin particularly dry. It's not thick or sticky and easy to massage into the skin and provide lasting hydrating for the whole day.
 It also envelops the body with a fabulous almond scent, but not the sweet and sickening marzipan-like - a true grown up and natural version.
I absolutely adore it!

Have you tried this range yet?

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Don't forget to enter the current giveaway here ;)

Pregnancy / Bodycare

I went off beauty products straight away at the beginning of the pregnancy; mainly the different scents didn’t agree with my morning sickness but I also couldn’t stand the feeling of the products on my face :S

I still tried to keep up my routine to a minimum with cleansing in the mornings and nights - I must admit that I skipped few nights - but hopefully not much long-term damage has been done to my skin. I basically didn’t wear any make up at all – I just couldn’t cope with removing it at the end of the day.

I did was very consistent with moisturizing my enlarging body, tho. I used an oil every night after a shower on wet skin and then sealed up the hydration with a bump butter/cream... and I'm happy to report that I didn't end up with any stretch mark at all. Yay!!! :)

I chose products specific for pregnancy to try and avoid nasty ingredients and brands that I already trusted.

At about 20 weeks, I stepped up the bump routine to twice a day and used a moisturizer in the morning too.

Oil-wise, I tried the followings: 
My favourite was the Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil that felt like a proper oil; both Sanctuary Mum To Be Stretch Mark Oil and Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil felt too watery.
Although, the Weleda smells pretty herbaly and the Burt's Bees was the one that I tolerated the most with a hint of citrus.

For the Body Butters – 

I loved both the Sanctuary Mum To Be Collagen Boosting Body Butter and Burt’s Bees Belly Butter; they both sank into the skin quickly and the only difference is that the Sanctuary is quite heavily scented but it didn’t bother me. They also felt really refreshing on the skin which can be a relief, if you experience itchiness.

What bothered me instead was the smell of the Mum & Me Bump Stretch Mark Cream: I only tried a sample and then didn’t purchase for that reason.

I found the Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks pretty good too but too thick for the bottle and ended up throwing away half of the sample; real shame because it was a cheap alternative.

I didn't like the Palmer's Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks at all; wayyyy too thick, like a proper butter - just too greasy for my liking.

Have you tried any of these yourself? Which products do you swear by during pregnancy?

Empties / Summer 2014

Hello chicas!

You may have noticed that I’ve been absent for some time; I haven’t been feeling really well lately but now I’m better and I thought to easy myself into the Blogosphere again with an inoffensive (and overdue) Empties post. ;)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash: I adore these body washes, especially for the shower since they don't foam up a great amount; they are so creamy, don’t dry the skin and last ages. I really like the tube, which is practical for the shower. Wild Rose is not my favourite scent but it’s pretty delicate.

Repurchase: yes, I already have a stash ;)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Plus: I don’t use self-tan products regularly, but I like to keep a bottle in my stash for special occasions (e.i.: weddings, holidays); this is fool-proof to apply and develops slowly, so also risk-free. It has firming properties - which is always a bonus - a fresh scent and no 'biscuity' at all.

Repurchase: Yep.

The Body Shop Shea Sugar Body Scrub: You can't go wrong with The Body Shop scrubs; they come in all different scents and consistencies. The shea is one of my favourites - love the buttery scent and the sugar particles provide very good exfoliation; it's a tad oily, so be aware if this is not your thing.

Repurchase: Absolutely!

Nip+Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment: This was a sample from a magazine and I had been wanting to try it for ages; quite a generous size for a freebie too. The product itself is very pleasant on the skin, lightweight & not greasy and a comforting scent... but it's too pricey in my opinion.

Repurchase: no, because of the price tag.

Nourish Radiance Purifying Cleanser: This is a cleansing milk and it has been a staple in my routine for many many mornings; I like to be 'delicate' in the morning and simply put some on a cotton wool, followed by a toner - no stripping products for me, thank you!

I love that it's 93% organic, which is something that I'm starting to pay particular attention to, lately.

Repurchase: maybe - I really like it, but you can easily find cheaper alternatives too.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This is a lovely mask, but I kinda of find that all REN masks are very similar. This provides a chemical exfoliation, thanks to the acids in it, and it has a lovely fruity/pineapple scent. It left my skin super clean and brownie points for the natural approach too.

Repurchase: probably no - I'm currently addicted to the REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. 

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is a lip balm as strip down as it can get; no perfume, colour - simple wax to sooth and repair the lips. I've been using it on-and-off for over 10 years now... and it delivers! It's also recommended if you suffer from allergies and rashes.

Repurchase: yes.

Empties / February 2014

Bodycare:

Radox Eastern Spirit Bath Soak: I quite like these Radox bath products. I had this bottle for ages and don’t know if it’s still available since it was a limited edition, but they have a wide range of scents and it’s an affordable way for a bit of pamper. My husband is also a fan of the muscle soak version, especially. 

Repurchase: yep.

Kiko Anti-Cell Serum Spray: I bought this product mainly because of the spray bottle - It’s faster to use in the mornings. It has a fresh awakening scent, which was helpful for early starts, but can’t say it made a huge difference to my skin (if any improvement at all). Also - like with many sprays - it wasn't too reliable, the nozzle got clogged a couple of time but... it was a good price.

Repurchase: probably not.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant: This is the perfect deodorant! Lovely scent, kept me fresh all day and I didn’t experience any staining on my clothes. Although it’s quite small, I’ve come to realize that it’s not very travel-friendly because of the glass bottle… nevertheless, I love it! I also love that it hasn't got all the nasty chemicals, aluminium salts and I think natural deodorants is definitely the way to go.

Repurchase: yes!

Skincare:

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel: Another sample bites the dust! I have gone through countless wee tubes of this Ren eye cream. I love it! The gel consistency is perfect for the eye area and even better if you keep it in the fridge. I shall definitely invest in a full size bottle. 

Repurchase: definitely!

Bioderma Eye Contour Gel Sensitive: This eye cream was disappointing, instead. It wasn’t hydrating enough for my needs and not a good base for concealer either. Shame, since I love the other products from this range and I had high hopes. 

Repurchase: no.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift: Sad face that it's finished :( I tried to use this parsimoniously and only before special occasions (considering the price) but it has come to an end, unfortunately; this serum is a great boost for the skin and it also gives a beautiful glow, thanks to the subtle sparkle particles.

Repurchase: wish I could afford it!

Review / Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream

We may not have been affected by the arctic vortex but still have our fair share of freezing temperatures in the Uk.

Sudden changes between hot & cold are also extremely damaging for the skin and every winter, I'm left with dry patches and cracked lips.

It's particularly important to protect from the wind and if you're - like me - a fellow commuter then I'd recommend to try Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream* that caters for the whole family. In fact, Weleda Calendula range has been specifically formulated for the delicate skin of babies, therefore suitable for adult and sensitive skin too.

The whole line (includes body lotion, soap, massage oil, nappy cream, …) contains calendula officinalis which helps wound healing, reduce inflammation, and - as an antiseptic - is also prescribed for minor burns, cuts and ulcerations. 

Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream comes like a balmy yellow gel and appears a bit oily straight out of the tube; I was pleasantly surprise with the consistency because it's not sticky at all and whilst it creates a barrier, it also absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. 

I've been putting a layer on my lips, nostrils and hands before leaving the house in the mornings and I can put my gloves on in a matter of minutes; then I reapply it at lunchtime when I go for a wee stroll with my walking group at work.

Whilst Weleda Skin Food is a reliable cream to repair needy skin at the end of the day, Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream has become my go-to product to prevent damage from chilly weather.

Have you tried the Weleda Calendula range yet?

Xmas Ideas / Signed by Weleda

I rely on Weleda myself all-year-round, and Christmas is the perfect time to share/introduce this brand to the people in my life too.

For the Holidays 2013, they are proposing these new Mini Crackers, filled with iconic products like Skin Food and Hand Creams. My favourite is the blue one which comes with a Moisturizer for Men; it's ideal for that colleague that you don't know too well and you're stuck with for the office Secret Santa (and let's face it, it's more difficult to shop for men!). They are also perfect as stocking fillers with the cute packaging and affordable prices, starting at only £3.50.

The Weleda Christmas Duo 'Handbag' Gift Set is a luxurious present to pamper a loved one, instead. It contains a full size 200ml Creamy Body Wash and full size 200ml Body Lotion.

Again, great attention has been paid to the packaging and they come presented in an original handbag box.

Sea Buckthorn* is a new introduction for me - I can say that I have pretty much tried any other fragrance from Weleda - and it's especially recommended for dry skin. 

You can also choose from Pomegranate - for ageing skin - Wild Rose - for  normal to dry skin - and Citrus - for normal skin.

In particular, the body lotions are a new 100% natural range rich in pure oils and fatty acids to help the skin regain and maintain its natural balance.
Weleda's Sea Buckthorn berries are harvested from the Tuscany countryside and the seeds are pressed to release its replenishing oil, full of antioxidants too.

They have the same creamy consistency like the body wash, but melt into the skin without leaving any residue. 

Sea Buckthorn is a refreshing scent with citrusy tones that also invigorates the senses… A new favourite for me!
Which one would you like to see under the tree? :)

Review / Weleda Citrus Refreshing Body Oil

Weleda oils are some of the finest you can find on the market. I was first introduced to this brand a few year ago and since then I have also tried the Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and the Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil. I love the green philosophy of the brand and the attention to absolutely avoid artificial preservatives; the dark glass bottle is also not by accident but will protect and preserve the natural ingredients inside, from the light.

I like how their selection of plant oils caters for different needs, on top of supplying for moisturization.

The Citrus Refreshing Body Oil* is ideal for this time of the year when - maybe after an holiday in the sun - our skin could suffer from dehydration.

This Collection is created using Sicilian sun-kissed lemons, extracting essential oil, juice and flesh from 75,000 tonnes of fruit in one season; in this oil you will only find pure, essential lemon oil and it takes 100kg of lemons to product 100gr of essential oil, involving amazing artisan and harvesting work.

It feels refreshing on the skin and also invigorating and stimulating, thanks to the zesty scent; almond oil and unsaturated fatty acids leave the skin subtle and super-soft and the lemon is a natural astringent which can also help with the appearance of cellulite.

I've been enjoying using it every evening after a shower and it's great to nourish slip-ends, without weighting the hair.

Just In / Weleda Minis

I was pretty excited to hear that there's now a whole line of Weleda minis available on the market.

So many times I have been caught in the conundrum of packing - what to leave behind? Especially with these new airline's rules where they keep reducing the weight you can carry and sometimes it's the dilemma between taking a pair of sandals or that particular lifesaver cream that you *might* need.

And of course, we all do tend to over-pack but  - being the sensible gals that we are - we need to be prepared, right?! ;)

It's not secret that I'm a big FAN of Weleda because of their environmentally conscious methods and wide range of body and face items that cater for the whole family. 

AND just in time for the holiday season!

Some of these best selling products are Birch Cellulite Oil (because you gotta keep fighting that orange peel), Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion (we all know how important is a good cleanse for your skin), Baby Calendula Lotion (for the little ones... and not so little ones), Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash and Skin Food - you can read the reasons why these are essentials here!

There are more than 30 minis available and you can mix & match your set but there are also ready kits for a bit of extra saving.

Recently, I've been using the Weleda Citrus Deodorant* which is free from aluminium and doesn't clog pores. The zesty scent is well refreshing for spring/summer time and uplifting.

I have tried to switch to more natural deodorants since the beginning of the year and this is definitely my favourite: it does effectively keep me bo-free for the whole day and the pump works very well.

If lemon & orange is not your thing then there is also a divine Wild Rose Deodorant and a woody Sage Deodorant option, too.

Of course, this is not only for holidays but ideal to keep in your handbag and personally, I'll make sure to stock up on the full size when this bottle is over!

You can check the whole selection of minis at www.weleda.co.uk ... and Happy Shopping! :)

Review / Weleda

I'm a great fan of Weleda products! 

I like their ethical respect for the resources and natural approach in every aspect of the production where only pure natural ingredients are used and artificial preservatives are never used.

  I swear by the Birch Cellulite Oil that I use every night, after bath/shower, on wet skin; lately, I was lucky enough to had the chance to try more from their bodycare line...

Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash*

This body wash can be used both in the bath or in the shower - and the convenient tube is, also, ideal for travelling.

The creamy consistency creates a milky film which nourishes and gently cleanses the skin.

The fragrance is, actually, pretty mild - it's not your typical rose smell: rosehip oil is blended with damask rose which gives it a musky twist.

To be honest, I've been won over by the scent and I want to try the Wild Rose Deodorant, next!

The product is, also, free from synthetic fragrances, colours, preservatives and derives from mineral oils.

Skin Food*

This cream is one of my favourite discovery from this month!

It presents itself like a very thick cream (a bit like nappy rash cream) and performs like a multi-use balm. It has, totally, be a savior for my hands: we've been redecorating/painting walls and my hands were in such a state - dry and flaky from the scrubbing and nasty chemicals. 

Well, I applied Skin Food every night, before bed, and in 2 days I could see an amazing improvement; It, totally, restored the skin on my hands to normal form and replenished my weak cuticles, too.

As I mentioned, this is an all-round product: it can be used on the whole body, wherever you have some dry or rough skin in need of rescue - also perfect as a protective cream in harsh weather.

What's your favourite Weleda' product??

GLOSSYBOX #3 - in depth

CIATE Nail Enamel in Big Yellow Taxi no74 : I'm glad I got this product. That is my first CIATE nail polish, the bottle is so cute with the bow and the formulation also gets a thumb up: Formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and toluene free. The colour wouldn't have been my first choice - it's a good dupe for the Chanel' Mimosa (which maybe I was going to buy) but bottom line is I'm not going to wear it too often. Also, it appears a bit streaky even after 2 coats and that's why i've teamed it with the Barry M shatter coat. how do you like it? Hey, it's a full size bottle! :)

ILLAMASQUA Pure Pigment in Marvel : I'm glad I got this colour in this case as I was planning on getting Nars eyeshadow in Etrusque and this is close enough. Also, full size! :)

yes, awkward smile everyone! anyhow, I'm wearing the pigment in this photo and I  like the effect with black kohl.

Inlight Organic Daily Face Oil: never heard of this product before. It is a new concept: daily face oil (which I suppose to be used instead of a daily cream). I'm looking forward to try it but I'm a bit sceptical; main concern is to end up with shiny face. Full size, get in! :)

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil: I'm really excited about this one! I was planning to buy the cellulite oil so I can try this one first and see how it works - this is a firming oil and smells divine. I start repeating myself, but also full size!!!

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe in Dark: oh well, I don't care for self-tan much, I prefer to stay pale so I will probably try this on my body, instead of face. Sample size.