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?

Maternity / The Things That Noone Tells You About

When you are pregnant, google becomes your best and worst friend. I learned to stick to 'reputable' message boards and NHS endorsed websites, but in any case you will most likely find yourself googling A LOT: a new twitch in your pelvis area or kicks (umm) down there.. and as soon as the mighty line starts auto-populate, you feel relief and that you're not alone.

On your dozen searches a day - kidding (not really!) - you will read A LOT and come across the same stuff/tips all the times... so why the hell was I not prepared for these??!!:

- Growing Spurs: at around 3 weeks, your newborn will want to feed ALL THE TIME! Like that, out of the blue, she started wanting to feed every hour and I was pretty much nursing around the clock. Again, a quick search on the web and you come across the growing spurs... AND WHY NOBODY PREPARED YOU FOR THIS? They are exactly what they sound like: baby growing, hence wanting more food. And rejoy, there are several in the first year - but you will learn to recognise them.

- Wonder Weeks: so your baby is 12 weeks and has become incredibly cranky, doesn't sleep well and putting 2 & 2 together, you realise that he is going through another development leap. These are basically like growing spurs but for the brain where babies learn new skills/reach milestones.

- The 4 month Sleep Regression: (Touch wood) Lara has been having a smooth transition with this change. I don't like the word 'regression' - it's more like a change where the infant starts to sleep in cycles like an adult so having 'light sleep phases'  where she is prone to wake up because she hasn't learnt to self-soothe yet.
And your best defence is the attack: teach your baby to self-soothe from the beginning! It will probably save you a lot of stressful and tearful time when you attempt to sleep training, later on.

- TMI ALERT!!! Your first Number 2 after birth... is like giving birth all over again! And I had a c-section, mind you, so it's possible that I may be a tad exaggerating here but - BELIEVE ME - I was kind of glad that I had a caesarean. 

Sure! You may be worried to pull stitches down there but I was also wary to pull my stitches inside and outside (which I really hope it takes more than that!).
 It's not only a psychological block, so if you're still pregnant get your doctor/midwife to give you some Lactulose that is like a sugary syrup and makes all the difference (also safe for breastfeeding). That way you don't need to waste time to the GP once your newborn is here and a million other things to think about. 

Please, be aware that  this is to be viewed like a checklist - Topics that I'd recommend you read about because there are reasons behind your baby suddenly temperament changes. There are plenty of exhaustive information out there and what I found interesting is that, althought very baby is unique, they do follow the same developments/stages in quite a set timeframe... and it's reassuring to know that it is 'normal'!

New In / Urban Decay Summer 2015 Collection

I know, we have all seen sneak peeks of the Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette but there are even more Urban Decay reasons to jubilate this summer!

The star of the collection are the new Urban Decay Afterglow 8-hour Powder Blush(es), in my opinion.

Coming in a healthy selection of 12 shades, this powder blush is finely milled - making it foolproof to blend and butter-like on the brush - and you can choose from a matte finish or a glowy look. 

Rapture* is a plummy, berry shade with a hint of golden shimmer. It reminds me of Nars' Sin but the Urban Decay quality is far superior; I find Sin disappointing regarding colour pay-off, whilst Rapture is extremely easy to modulate to the desired intensity.

It feels dreamy on the cheeks - lightweight and soft like a caress - and stays put for the whole day!

The packaging as always doesn't disappointing either: it comes in a gunmetal compact with fishnet detailing that reveals the colour inside; it closes with a magnet (which I also find extremely satisfying!) ;)

Urban Decay Revolution High Color Lip Glosses coat the lips with a generous helping of colour with only one swipe! They are extremely high pigmented and high shine, just as you can see in the tube. They come in 14 shades from neutrals to brights and - as per the blushes - they are now a permanent line of the UD family.

Vice* is a dark purple with cool-toned small glitters that help the teeth look whiter. 

It is very comfortable on the lips and contains Hilurlip™, which hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller.

The gunmetal cap and waved design compliment the Revolution Lipsticks and the flat shape is pocket-friendly too! Genius!!!

The collection also includes the Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil - a multitasker to correct mistakes, prevent feathering or fill in fine lines - and 8 new Eyeshadow colours.

Yep, it is time for a summer treat... What are you going to pick up?

Review / Nourish Balance Vita-Boost Body Cream

Nourish have recently relaunched their body creams and I'm pleased to see that they have been repackaged in a pump tub; there are still 4 lines - Balance, Radiance, Protect and Relax - that complement the relevant shower gels. 

I'm a big fan of the Radiance range (you can read more here) but this time I decided to go for the Balance moisturiser because I'm still in full post-partum body crisis and this product promises to smooth and tone the skin.

 Nourish Balance Vita-Boost Body Cream* contains natural apple extracts that boosts elasticity and photo-active marine algin, hyaluronic acid and peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis to improve suppleness and firmness.  

The crisp apple scent and comfortable & refreshing consistency make it perfect for Spring/Summer, especially. It has become a pleasant ritual and - although it's too early to see any difference on the firming front - it is a very good moisturiser so far, thanks to African shea butter.

This product is 81% Organic and remember that Nourish is certified organic by the Soil Association and Cruelty Free - All products available from nourishskinrange.com.

Have you tried this brand before?

New In / Spring 2015 from The Body Shop

The new exciting collection, signed by The Body Shop is the Fuji Green Tea.

I had great expectantions for these products and they certainly exceeded my hopes - This collection is beautiful! 

 The scent in particular was a lovely surprise, since I was apprehensive that it would be too leafy, like the drink can be; instead, it is crispy fresh and calming on the mind. 

This line is infused with real green tea leaves, picked from the Mount Fuji area in Japan so you also benefit from the antioxidant  and detoxing properties of this plant.

 This is instantly become my favourite range from The Body Shop... and it comes in my favourite colour, too - Mint Green! :)

It includes: Exfoliating Soap, Body Scrub, Body Butter, Body Sorbet, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Eau de Cologne, Bath Tea & Bath Infuser - to recreate a perfect Tea Ceremony for the body!

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Butter* has a light, air-whipped consistency that doesn't feel sticky and absorbs easily. It also provides 24-hour hydration and adds a velvety touch to the skin.

Lovely to use in the morning and leaves your skin softly scented for the whole day.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub* comes in a 250ml transparent jar.

It has a jelly consistency with green beads to gently exfoliate the skin; it's like a splash of water on the skin and the ideal to get rid of dead skin cells at the end of a hard week. I also find that the gel doesn't strip moisture or leave my skin feeling tight.

The Body Shop Vitamin E range has been a best seller for over three decades and to celebrate this achievement and icon status, the products have received an all British makeover. The packaging has been redesigned, incorporating the Union Jack and with a pink, feminine touch. You can pick up the Vitamin E Moisture Cream, Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil in store now.

The latest addition to the line - The Body Shop Vitamin E Eyes Cube* is an anti-fatigue stick that revitalise and refresh the eye area; the stick helps massaging this area and to attenuate puffiness and dark circles. 

I usually apply the product from the tube and then tap it in with my ring finger; I also keep it in the fridge, to enhance the cooling effect.

It is a best way to wake me up and start a new day, paired with the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet which has become my Springtime moisturiser of choice. You can read the review I wrote last year here.

Have you tried any of these products before?

Which are your The Body Shop staples?