April Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time again! An Empties round-up of everything that I've used up recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing in the near future.

Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a more natural and affordable Self-Tanning Lotion to try out, Lavera's is a good one to pick up as it's easy to use and gives a gorgeous sunkissed glow to the skin with not a hint of orange in sight! This is my second or third tube. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant (reviewed here)

Long time readers may be familiar with this one as I've been using it on and off for years now. I love the scent of it and it's free from lots of common nasties. Repurchase? I'm using up one from Evolve at the moment but will happily buy this again at some point.

Tropic Blue Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum* (reviewed here)

Anyone else suffering from spotty skin since lockdown began? Luckily, this little gem from Tropic has been stopping my complexion from having a full-blown breakout! I tend to use it as a preventative measure twice a week as part of my evening routine. Repurchase? Yes.

Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm* (reviewed here)

First featured in one of my Winter Wellness posts at the start of the year (link above), I've now finished off Herbfarmacy's fantastic chesty balm which came in so handy whenever I was suffering from a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses. Repurchase? Yes.

S5 Neutralise Cleanser* (reviewed here)

One of my favourite high-end cleansers, I can't recommend this enough if you have oily or sensitive skin. It's a super lightweight oil-free cleanser that just works so well for my troublesome skin. Particularly lovely for soothing any irritation or redness. Repurchase? Definitely!

Badger Balm Sleep Balm* (reviewed here)

Like many, I haven't been sleeping well at all recently so I've been using Badger's Sleep Balm every single night to try and help calm my stressed mind. It's lasted a long time as you only need to apply a tiny amount to wrists/pulse points and then breathe in the relaxing scent. Repurchase? I'm testing out a few other similar products at the moment so we'll see.

Human+Kind Watermelon 3-in-1 Cream

No surprises to see a hand cream in this round-up! I finished off this multi-purpose moisturiser from Human+Kind which has a fresh and fruity watermelon fragrance. Perfect for dry hands, rough elbows and cracked feet. Repurchase? Might do in the future.

Trilogy Blemish Control Gel* (reviewed here)

I like to use a targeted blemish treatment on those pesky 'under the skin' spots and Trilogy's Blemish Control Gel has been my go-to for quite some time. It works but doesn't sting or dry out the skin like similar products do. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (reviewed here)

If someone asked me to only choose to use one toner product for the rest of my life, you guys all know it would be this beauty! Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, it never fails to give my skin a hydrating boost! Repurchase? I'm currently using the new formula here.

Dafna's Eye Care* (reviewed here)

It sure was a sad day when I reached the bottle of this one recently :( It's such a gorgeous formula with a silky texture that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth the investment. Repurchase? On my wishlist.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (reviewed here)

Anyone know how many of Antipodes Divine Face Oil bottles I've gone through over the past couple of years? I have no idea, I've simply lost count! Here's another empty to add to that growing list - it's amazing for fussy combination skin types. Repurchase? Yes.

Badger Balm Cuticle Care* (reviewed here)

All that handwashing has left my cuticles feeling cracked and sore so I've been giving them some much needed TLC with this Cuticle Balm from Badger. I try to remember to use a small amount each night before going to bed to help soothe and rehydrate. Repurchase? Yes.

Soapology Secret Garden Soap

Speaking of washing your hands, I finished off this lovely bar of soap from Soapology which I kept next to the kitchen sink. This one's specially formulated for gardeners so it's extra gentle and caring, plus it's palm-oil free.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass, aluminium tins and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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Health & Lifestyle: Blooming Blends - Immunity Botanical Tincture Blend & Protection Sensory Facial Mist review

Give your immune system a natural boost and enjoy a moment of protective calm with these two botanical remedies from Blooming Blends. 

Founded by Fleur Sladen, a former cook who was working long hours in a busy kitchen, Blooming Blends was born when she was looking for something natural to help give her mind and body an energy boost. Other than being natural and plant-based, there were two other important criteria to tick off; products that were both effective and easy to use, so Fleur decided to make her own unique range of botanical boosting blends, experimenting with different formulas to help balance and strengthen the mind, the body and the soul. 

Being a firm believer in holistic wellness, Blooming Blends immediately struck a chord with me when I was introduced to their website and I was kindly given the opportunity to try two of their products. From their range, which currently includes Botanical Tinctures, Booster Blends and Sensory Mists to help a variety of modern lifestyle ailments such as stress, fatigue, mood, digestion, poor sleep etc, I decided to choose their Immunity Botanical Tincture Blend and the Protection Sensory Facial Mist to test out.

All of Blooming Blends products are handmade in small batches in Cheltenham, England, using traditional methods and 100% natural herbal ingredients. The botanicals are carefully sourced from sustainable suppliers and everything is packaged in dark glass to protect the botanical actives.

Blooming Blends Immunity Botanical Tincture Boosting Tincture Blend* (30ml, £22, link)

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic took hold of the world, I've regularly used immunity-boosting products to try to strengthen and protect my overall health. Admittedly, this isn't always easy when you have an autoimmune illness, but I do find that they help and I always notice a difference when I don't keep on top of the various natural blends and supplements that I take on a regular basis. Unsurprisingly then, the Blooming Blends Immunity Botanical Boosting Tincture Blend naturally jumped out at me when I was browsing their website and within a week of it arriving, I began taking it every day to help ward off any potential colds that often come about with the change of season.

This Immunity Blend has been specially formulated to do just that, keeping lurgies and sniffles at bay thanks to a mix of three of the most beneficial botanicals that Mother Nature has to offer; Elderberry, Echinacea and Lemon Balm. These are blended into an alcohol-free tincture with an extract ratio of 1.3-1.1 herb to liquid and you can take 1/2 a pipette up to four times a day (each bottle contains 45 servings).

It's worth noting that this won't protect against Coronavirus or any strain of Flu, but it will help to boost your immune system against the Common Cold, so if you're someone who often gets every cold going around, it may well be worth investing in for your natural medicine cabinet at home. 

Blooming Blends Botanical Protection Sensory Mist* (50ml, £18, link)

Like the Tincture Blends, Blooming Blends' range of Botanical Sensory Mists help to address many of life's concerns and this Protection blend is an interesting one for anyone who wants to be shielded against negative energies. Created from a balancing formula of homemade floral waters including Cedarwood and Geranium Rose, Protection also contains oils of Frankincense, Clary Sage, Witch Hazel and Juniper Berry, the latter of which has been traditionally used by herbalists to protect them against dark and negative forces.

If the overall concept is a little too 'out there' for you, you can still enjoy the wonderfully soothing, refreshing and instantly calming benefits of the essential oils in this blend and spritz whenever you need a reviving boost for your skin and your mind.

Shop the full range at Blooming Blends with free delivery on all orders in the UK and EU 

Are you interested in natural botanical formulas?

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Foodie Friday: Wholemeal Spelt & Fennel Seed Flatbreads / Naans (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe)

Everyone has gone baking crazy during this lockdown, but if you're not quite ready to make your own sourdough, why not try this simplistic Wholemeal Spelt & Fennel Seed Flatbread / Naan recipe instead?

I have a confession to make - despite my love of fresh, toasted sourdough, I'm not very good at making it myself from scratch. I'm sure one day I'll have the patience and inclination to produce a cracking sourdough loaf, but until then, I'm going to stick with a couple of 'easier' recipes to satisfy my carb cravings.

As I've been making a lot of homemade curries lately, I thought I'd share a really simple way to make Wholemeal Spelt & Fennel Seed Flatbreads which also double up as vegan-friendly Naans as there are no dairy ingredients involved. I prefer to use Wholemeal Spelt Flour as I love the distinctively nutty flavour that it has (plus it's packed full of goodness), however, you can use half wholemeal spelt flour and half plain white flour if you'd like for a softer and fluffier result.

You can make the flatbreads as big or as small as you want, and just double the recipe if you wish to make a big batch of them to freeze for later. 

Ingredients (makes around 4 standard size flatbreads)

• 80g Wholemeal Spelt Flour (or use 40g Wholemeal Spelt and 40g Plain White Flour)
• 90ml Water
• Handful of Fennel Seeds

Method

• In a large bowl, sift in the Flour, making a well in the centre. Add the Water and use your hands to mix into a dough. Knead the dough in the bowl for around 5 minutes until it's smooth - it should feel slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tiny amount of extra water such as a teaspoon's worth and knead again.
• Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, place a damp tea towel over the top and leave in a warm place to rest for 30 minutes where it will double in size.
• Sprinkle some extra flour onto a clean work surface and remove the rested dough from the bowl. Divide into four balls and roll each one into a thin circle, roughly 15cm in diameter. 
• Place a non-stick frying pan or well-seasoned griddle pan over a high heat for 2 minutes before adding each flatbread - depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook them separately. Reduce to a medium heat and flip over after 20-30 seconds when you start to see bubbles on the surface. Repeat on the other side; these flatbreads cook fast so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Transfer to a warm plate and serve immediately - enjoy!

What have you been making during lockdown?

Want to try another easy recipe? Make this Seeded Soda Bread!

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How To Create A Luxury Spa Experience At Home With Rabot 1745 Beauty #StayHome

Your favourite spa is currently closed but don't worry, it's super easy to recreate a luxury spa experience at home with Rabot 1745 Beauty!

Love at first 'smell' is how I would sum up my recent introduction to Rabot 1745 Beauty. This new-to-me brand is based here in the UK, but is influenced by the sunny Caribbean island of St Lucia where its star ingredient, Cacao, has been farmed since 1745 on their very own Rabot Estate (hence the name!). You'll find cacao at the centre of Rabot 1745's range of products which include skincare, body care, candles, fragrances and more, and given my love for all things remotely chocolate-related, I jumped at the opportunity to try out some of their luxe pampering treats. 

Everything is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and suitable for vegetarians (with many products also vegan-friendly), and I'm impressed with the company's ethics regarding their recycling investment with Plastic Energy. Plus, Rabot 1745 are currently helping the NHS with the #RabotHelpingHands initiative that includes donating hand creams and hand gels to frontline NHS workers which is fantastic to see.

Moving onto the products themselves, here are three easy steps to creating some much-needed personal relaxation time in your bathroom.

Start With Clean Hands

The importance of clean hands has never been clearer and I find that washing your hands thoroughly before a pampering session helps your mind to reset itself, as you shift your focus to the more blissful task of unwinding and closing the door to the outside world. The Cacao & Aloe Hand Wash* is a vegan-friendly cleanser that utilises the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera, alongside Cacao Seed Butter to keep hands soft and supple. 

Available to purchase alone or as part of a bundle with their brilliant Cacao & Coconut Hand Cream* - with each Helping Hand Duo bought, Rabot 1745 will donate a 60ml bottle of their brand new Hand Gel to the NHS so it's a good time to stock up (buy yours here). 

Prep With A Body Scrub

One of Rabot 1745's bestsellers are their amazing Body Scrubs which all come packaged in a reusable coffee cup - how awesome is that?! I decided to try the Sugar & Sour Orange Body Scrub* (280ml, £16, link) which has an instantly uplifting citrusy scent that's wonderfully awakening and summery. Made from a blend of plant-based oils such as Sweet Almond, Shea, Argan and Jojoba Seed with pure Sugar and lots of citrus essential oils, this easy-to-use scrub buffs away dull, dead skin cells for a smoother and softer result all-over.

Pamper Yourself In Liquid Chocolate

Body masks are often the pièce de résistance of many a luxury spa experience and the Liquid Chocolate Body Mask* (200ml, £14.95, link) is one of the most indulgent treatments I've ever had the pleasure of testing out at home. This utterly delectable creation does indeed smell like the richest chocolate on earth, and with skin-friendly ingredients such as Kaolin Clay, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, it's easy to see why I'm such a fan. 

Smooth it all over, relax for around 10 minutes or so until it feels dry, resist the temptation to lick it off (seriously, it smells so good you'll want to eat it!), and instead rinse with warm water. It'll leave your skin feeling velvety soft and looking glowy and gorgeous - what more could you ask for?!

Shop the full range at rabot1745beauty.com

Are you a fan of chocolate and cacao beauty products?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - April 2020 review

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box is worth £57 and April's edit will definitely appeal to anyone who loves their clean, natural and organic skincare! Here's a rundown of the contents:-

John Masters Organics Lip Calm (RRP £7)

I'm a lip balm addict and have used this brilliant Lip Calm from John Masters Organics in the past. It's a great all-in-one, twist-up lip balm treatment that intensely moisturises and protects and it has a lovely, relaxing scent to it. If you find some natural lip balms too hard or waxy, try this one as it melts into the lips easily.

Madara Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules (RRP £29.30)

The star of this month's box for me is this new formula box of Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules from Madara which are worth nearly £30 on their own. Each ampoule is filled with a targeted serum that's packed full of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen to help address fine lines, wrinkles, very dry and tight skin by hydrating and improving the overall texture of your skin. Use them underneath your favourite moisturiser day or night to give your routine a real boost! 

Ayumi Neem & Tea Tree Body Wash (RRP £6.99)

Funnily enough, I'm currently testing out the matching soap from Ayumi's Neem & Tea Tree Body Wash at the moment for an upcoming blog post so I have a feeling I'm going to get on well with this body wash! I'm a huge fan of anything Ayurveda inspired, and the combination of Neem & Tea Tree is a fresh and invigorating sensation that I know I'm going to enjoy.

Nature's Kitchen Berry Beautiful Skin Polish (RRP £12.99)

Next up, I found another full-size skincare treat, this time from Nature's Kitchen. Their Berry Beautiful Skin Polish uses natural Bamboo Cane and Red Berry Fruit extracts to gently buff away dull, dead skin cells for a smoother result. 

INIKA Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Eye Cream (sample)

To round off this month's LoveLula Beauty Box, there's an assortment of INIKA skincare sachet samples which have been included and I was pleased to receive the Phytofuse Renew Resveratol Eye Cream to try out as I haven't used it before. Thanks LL!

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Spring Beauty Picks: 3 Products To Try This Month

Need a Spring Beauty pick-me-up? Pop one of these products into your next online basket and try something new this month.

The Multipurpose Product That Can Be Used For Almost Everything: PHB Ethical Beauty Lavender Hero Gel* (150ml, £18, link)

PHB Ethical Beauty have been busy with a whole host of brand new releases and one that's caught my eye is this latest Lavender Hero Gel. Regular readers will know how much I love a good quality multi-purpose product and Hero Gel has SO many uses! This clever organic and natural gel moisturiser has a light texture that sinks in quickly and with active ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Lavender, Neem and Arnica, it's a soothing multi-tasking wonder. Use it to calm down any form of skin irritation including eczema and psoriasis flareups, as well as taking the sting and redness out of pesky insect bites. New mums can apply it on their baby's bottoms to soothe nappy rash, and makeup fans will love it as a smoothing face primer and oil-free moisturiser. You can also dab a little onto blemishes to help them heal faster, and you can slather it all over your body as an instant cooling hydrator for dry or sunburnt skin. 

It's not just for skincare purposes either though - Hero Gel lends itself to a multitude of haircare uses such as a treatment for irritated scalps, adding definition to curls, sealing split ends, taming flyaways and as a hydrating leave-in conditioner for dry and damaged hair. What a superstar!

The New Microbiome Friendly Toner: Gallinée Face Vinegar* (200ml, £23, link)

OK, so the name Face Vinegar doesn't exactly sound the most appealing, but stick with me for a minute because you'll want to add this 97.5% natural toner into your Spring skincare routine ASAP. Formulated by the French brand Gallinée who are famous for their pre and probiotic infused skincare, their Face Vinegar has been specially developed to help support your microbiome by purifying, soothing and repairing the skin's natural barrier. 

It contains Actibiome, a novel prebiotic that instantly calms stressed skin and a host of postbiotics which work together to boost the beneficial bacteria that live on your complexion. So where's the vinegar? Well, this actually comes from the Hibiscus Flower which is rich in Acetic Acid and AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that has natural astringent properties so it's brilliant for getting rid of impurities, leaving the skin super smooth and looking clearer than before.

Gallinée's Face Vinegar is light and refreshing to use which makes it perfect for the warmer months ahead, and it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin (always patch test first though!).

The Most Soothing Natural Shampoo You'll Ever Try: Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo* (200ml, £12, link)

The arrival of Spring often brings with it the onset of many seasonal allergies and it's quite common for eczema and psoriasis flareups to also occur at this time of the year. As the body's inflammatory response system is linked throughout, it's no surprise that the skin might feel drier and itchier overall and that your scalp can feel particularly sore or irritated as well. 

Luckily, help is on hand with Odylique's award-winning Gentle Herb Shampoo. I always have a bottle of this in my bathroom and have used it for several years now - I honestly can't recommend it enough! Not only is it made from 100% natural ingredients (of which 70% are certified organic by the Soil Association), but this ultra-gentle, SLS-free shampoo features some of my favourite ingredients that work like magic to soothe irritated skin such as Aloe Vera juice, Coconut Oil, Nettle, Horsetail and Rosemary extracts. If you've been suffering with an irritated, dry and flaky scalp, please give this shampoo a go and I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.

What are your favourite Spring Beauty products?

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Mid-Week Pamper Treat: Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask review

We could all do with a mid-week pamper treat right now, so take a break from whatever you're doing, cleanse your face, and reach out for the most luxurious face mask that you can lay your hands on. And relax.....

Before our lives all turned upside down, I received this ultra-sleek Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask to test out. Made here in the UK, this luxury facial treatment is crafted from 99% natural ingredients and includes a combination of natural and certified organic botanicals. It's cruelty-free, suitable for vegans and needless to say, I couldn't wait to slap it onto my face!

What's In It?

Key ingredients are Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Orange Oil, Geranium Flower Oil, Clary Sage Oil and Bay Leaf Oil. Full INCI can be found here.

What's Not In It?

Being 99% natural means numerous 'nasties' are naturally excluded and it's free from parabens, mineral oil and sulphates, as well as animal-derived ingredients. 

What Does It Do & Who Can Use It?

As the name suggests, Mont Trod's Purifying Clay Mask is a treatment to use when you want to give your skin a really good deep cleanse to remove impurities, and it also helps to brighten and rejuvenate the complexion. It's suitable for all skin types, though I would recommend sensitive and dry skin types to only use it once a week, whereas oily and combination types can benefit from 2-3 times a week treatments.

How Do I Use It?

This is a pre-mixed clay mask so you can use it straight from the jar - a small brush is provided in the box to help with the application. Cleanse your face first then apply the mask with the brush all over, avoiding the eye area - I found that it was easy to spread onto the skin in this manner and it didn't drip down or run during the process. I tend to add a bit more to the oilier areas of my face such as the T-zone and any places that feel particularly congested or blemish-prone. Leave on for 15 minutes and remove with a warm flannel. Follow up with your favourite serum and moisturiser.

Overall Thoughts

I always have at least two or three purifying masks in my skincare cabinet as they are fantastic for my oily/combo skin and this Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask is no exception. The combination of the two base clays with the medley of nourishing plant-based oils and beneficial herbal extracts means that it really does work a treat, but it never leaves your skin feeling dry or stripped afterwards like some other clay-based masks do. My face looked noticeably clearer and brighter after just the first use so this would be ideal to include as a weekly facial treatment as part of your skincare routine.

I also love the fresh and slightly floral natural scent that it has which only adds to the 'home spa' experience - a lovely and relaxing pampering treat!

Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask* (60g, £39.90, link)

What pampering treats have you been using recently?

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Health & Lifestyle: CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg review for Mild Anxiety & Natural Pain Relief

CBD Oil is one of the most popular ways to treat a wide range of health problems, including mild anxiety symptoms, and it's been proven to be an effective natural pain reliever that many people can benefit from. But what exactly is CBD Oil?

I've personally used CBD Oil for a few years now since it became commonplace in many health food stores and online shops, and it's something that I feel has helped to reduce some of the milder symptoms of anxiety that I experience day-to-day. It's not a cure-all for severe anxiety though, but rather something that I see as a useful supplement to take alongside other recommendations such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and CBT sessions (Cognitive Behavioural Therapies). As always, I want to point out that I'm not a GP and can only speak from personal experience, so please seek professional medical advice if you have any health concerns.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD stands for 'cannabidiol' which is one of the many cannabinoid compounds that are found in the Cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are also found naturally within the human body and we have chemical receptors all over as part of our own endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate lots of different bodily functions related to mood, memory and how we feel pain. The human endocannabinoid system is usually quite good at regulating itself as we naturally produce our own endocannabinoids, however, sometimes things go out of balance which is where CBD based supplements can help.

Will It Make Me Feel High?

No, CBD Oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant so that it contains less than 0.2% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the illegal psychoactive element that makes you feel high when you smoke or ingest Cannabis in its whole form. Hence why you can purchase CBD Oil from a retailer in the UK, but you can't purchase actual Cannabis for consumption as the latter is illegal unless prescribed by a GP for strictly medical purposes.

Who Can Use CBD Oil?

The numerous benefits of CBD Oil are constantly being researched into, but it's been generally proven to be beneficial to anyone who has mild symptoms of mood disorders such as Anxiety and Depression, and pain-related issues such as Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. As I mentioned earlier, please take advice from a GP if you have any concerns about taking CBD Oil or want further information about any potential impact on current medications that you take.

If you're interested in trying out CBD Oil, I feel that it's important to note that there are a lot of unscrupulous CBD retailers out there selling fake or inferior products, unfortunately, so I highly recommend doing some research to ensure that you're purchasing a high-quality product that's safe to consume. Check out reviews from actual customers online and have a look at the shop's social media pages for further comments - if there are lots of people complaining, avoid that shop and buy elsewhere! In the interests of transparency, I was sent a sample of CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg to trial over the past month, who are reputable sellers in the CBD market.

CBDshopy is an established online retailer who offers a huge range of CBD products, many of which are their affordable own-brand products that have been formulated to the highest standards with ingredients that are non-GMO, organic, vegan-friendly and ISO certified. All the products that they sell have also been tested by an independent third party and you can read the lab test reports on their website here. 

In addition, CBDshopy are developing their Instagram page (follow them here) to be a reliable and trusted source of CBD related education based around mental and physical health, wellness and the latest CBD news and updates.

My Thoughts on CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg*

CBDshopy's own-brand CBD Oil comes packaged in a typical small glass bottle with a dropper pipette and looks and feels like a high-quality product from the offset. This full-spectrum oil features 500mg of CBD (Cannabidiol) which includes high levels of Terpenes, Phytocannabinoids and essential oils that are found naturally in the buds of the Cannabis plant. I would always recommend trying out a full-spectrum CBD Oil like this to anyone who is new to using CBD products as I feel they offer the most benefits and 'bang for your buck'. 

How Do I Use It?

Take 1/2 dropper under the tongue twice a day. It's important to try and keep the oil in your mouth for as long as possible to increase the bioavailability of the CBD. What sets this oil apart from others that I've used in the past is the natural Peppermint flavouring which helps to somewhat mask the strong, bitter and earthy flavour of CBD Oil. Again, a flavoured oil is going to be more palatable to those who perhaps haven't used CBD Oil before and it makes it much easier to tolerate when holding it in your mouth for longer!

Like all supplements, you'll need to take it on a regular basis for at least 3-4 weeks before you start seeing any results. After this period, I found that I felt a bit more relaxed and less anxious about certain things that were bothering me, and some of the chronic pain that I get in my lower back had significantly dissipated. Side effects with CBD Oil are incredibly rare and I always prefer turning to a natural product like this before taking any unnecessary over-the-counter pain killers.

CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg* (£27.95, buy here) - Use BEAUTYWOLF5 to get 5% off your first order

Have you tried using CBD Oil?

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March Empties: Products I've Used Up

The days seem to be blurring into one another at the moment which made me completely forget about posting my monthly beauty empties! Fear not, March's round-up is below - here's what I've finished off recently and which products I'll be repurchasing again. 

Tropic Summer Skin Gradual Tanning Lotion* (reviewed here)

Tropic's Summer Skin lotion is one of my favourite gradual tanning products and I've lost count of how many tubes I've gone through of these over the past few years! It's a tinted body lotion so you can see where you're applying it and it soon disappears into the skin after you've rubbed it in. I find it very moisturising and within a couple of days of applying it, you'll start to see a gorgeous, natural-looking tan appear. Repurchase? Definitely.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream* (reviewed here)

Like virtually everyone else in the UK, my hands have become drier than the Sahara thanks to a more rigorous hand-washing routine, but luckily this award-winning pot of magic from Lyonsleaf has helped enormously to restore essential hydration. Calendula Cream is fantastic for eczema flareups too and a tiny amount goes a long, long way. Repurchase? Already have!

Fushi BioVedic Enzyme Face Wash* (reviewed here)

This is a light gel-based cleanser from Fushi which has tiny, natural exfoliating particles to gently buff away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking clearer and brighter. Repurchase? Probably not as I kept using it on and off over the past year, and there are other similar products that I use more often.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream*

I love REN's Evercalm range for sensitive skin and their Global Protection Day Cream is perfect for when my skin is playing up. It has a beautiful formula that sinks right in and gives me the hydration that I need without overloading my skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will know that I'm a big fan of Antipodes and regularly use several of their products often in my skincare routine. Worship is an amazing water-based serum which is ideal for those who are starting to see the first signs of ageing. Repurchase? Definitely.

Ogario Revive & Shine Shampoo*

Brilliant SLS-free shampoo from Ogario for hair that needs an added boost and some extra shine. Always delivers soft and glossy results so it does what it says on the label! I also found it to be a concentrated formula so this bottle lasted me a good while. Repurchase? I've recently switched to this plastic-free shampoo bar but I may consider buying it again in the future.

Botanicals Gentle Cleanse Melt* (reviewed here)

I really enjoyed using this balm cleanser from Botanicals. It has a thick and rich texture but easily melts into the skin for a good massage and proper deep cleanse. Removes all traces of makeup, sunscreen and daily grime/pollution with no greasy residue afterwards. Repurchase? Yes.

The Humble Co Natural Charcoal Toothpaste* 

Discovered this natural toothpaste in a beauty box and I absolutely love the ethics of this brand who donate dental products to less fortunate children all over the world. Results-wise, this SLS-free toothpaste did the job and the charcoal formula helps to remove everyday stains. Repurchase? I'm currently using this plastic-free alternative from Ben & Anna, but again, I may repurchase in the near future.

Bali Balm Cinnamon & Burnt Orange Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

I've used a few different flavours of Bali Balm and Cinnamon & Burnt Orange is a firm favourite. Lovely hydrating balm that keeps chapped lips at bay. Repurchase? Hopefully in the future when my lip balm stash has decreased a bit!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash* 

A really luxurious body wash, I adore everything from REN's Moroccan Rose Otto range because it just smells incredible! Lathers up well for a relaxing spa-time feeling at home. Repurchase? Yes.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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