Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - February 2021 review

Treat yourself to a LoveLula Beauty Box subscription, and every month you'll receive a box full of natural, organic and cruelty-free products from a wide range of exciting brands. Curious to find out more? Here's what's inside this month's box.

Bass Brushes Bio-Flex Style & Detangle Brush (RRP £15.99)

Made with low carbon production, this clever patented Bass hairbrush has been created using sustainable materials so that it's kinder to the environment. The handle is crafted from Bio-Flex, a unique combination of corn, potato and cassava starch which is strong and durable, but when it comes to the end of its life, it will biodegrade into carbon dioxide and water making it an ideal fertilizer. The bristles are made from 100% wood pins which can withstand the heat of hairdryers, unlike nylon pins that melt over time, so this brush will offer excellent styling and detangling properties for a long time!

Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo & Conditioner Travel Duo

Free from sulphates, silicones and harsh chemicals, this haircare duo from Sukin promises to be gentle for your hair and scalp, and keeps everything nicely balanced for healthy-looking hair. I'm always interested in trying out new shampoos and conditioners as my hair is notoriously fussy, so I'm looking forward to testing these out shortly.

Woobamboo Toothbrush (RRP £4.99)

It's never been easier to swap your single-use plastic toothbrush for a more sustainable alternative thanks to brands such as Woobamboo. Made with natural and biodegradable, fast-growing bamboo, this toothbrush works as well as a mainstream toothbrush, just with 95% less plastic. LoveLula has also included a mini Bubble Berry Toothpaste that kids and adults can try out with it.

Naturtint Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner Bar (RRP £12.99)

Finally, that last product in this month's LoveLula box is a zero-waste Shampoo & Conditioner Bar from Naturtint.  Each bar delivers around 75-90 washes which is the equivalent of three bottles of 300ml liquid shampoo so that's saving a lot of plastic waste in your bathroom! This solid strengthening formula is 99% natural and is perfect for weak and damaged hair types.

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.

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Health & Lifestyle: Get Glowing Skin with HUM Nutrition Mighty Night & Glow Sweet Glow Supplements

Achieving healthy-looking, glowy skin isn't easy during a pandemic, but these goals can become more achievable with some help from HUM Nutrition supplements.

Whilst supplements are no substitute for a healthy and varied diet, they can definitely help during busy or stressful times when you want to make sure that you're getting everything that your skin and body needs to look and feel its best. With this in mind, I was excited to try out some supplements from HUM Nutrition, a high-end, Los Angeles based brand that you can find stocked in the UK via Cult Beauty. 

HUM has a huge range of supplements that are vegan-friendly, GMO-free, have no artificial colours or preservatives, and use only sustainably sourced ingredients.

Let's check out two of their bestsellers; Mighty Night and Glow Sweet Glow.

HUM Nutrition Mighty Night* (60 capsules, £44, link)

We've all heard that getting a good night's sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and the term 'beauty sleep' reminds us that it's important for our skin as well. Mighty Night is a specialised dietary supplement that helps to boost overnight cell renewal for the skin and body. You know how your evening face serum or overnight sleeping mask helps your skin whilst you sleep? Well, this does the same, but from within, so it works well alongside your existing skincare routine.

Mighty Night's key superstar is Ubiquinol which is the most absorbable and bio-available form of CoQ10 that helps to repair the skin's natural barrier, strengthening and smoothing it over time. Other skincare friendly ingredients include Ceramides to support the lipid barrier (a must if you have dry skin issues) and a dose of Ferulic Acid, an anti-ageing antioxidant that protects against free radicals.

That's not all though as Mighty Night also includes a triple blend of natural herb extracts, Passionflower, Hops and Valerian Root, all of which have been proven in clinical trials to promote a good night's sleep. 

How to: take two easy to swallow, vegan-friendly soft gel capsules with a glass of water before going to bed. I find that you need to take these every night for at least two weeks before you start to see the benefits, but it is different for everyone.

HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow* (60 gummies, £27.25, link)

If you don't need the added sleep benefits of Mighty Night but are still looking for a daily supplement to help boost your skin's health, I'd recommend trying HUM Glow Sweet Glow instead. These vegan-friendly, heart-shaped gummies are packed with 120mg of low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin hydrated and plumped up for longer, as well as 15mg (100%) of Vitamin E to ramp up healthy collagen production. To help your skin to glow, there's also 90mg (100%) of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) derived from Amla Fruit, known for its brightening and skin-shielding properties. 

How to: take two gummies a day at any time, with or without food. As before, I'd recommend choosing a supplement that you can afford to stick with on a regular basis as the best results for your skin will be seen the longer you take them, but you should see a difference within 30 days to begin with.

Shop the full range at CultBeauty.co.uk

Have you tried anything from HUM Nutrition?

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The Weekend Post: Personalised Cute Animals Socks from The Sock Butler

There's a lot to be excited about when your life seems to now revolve around waiting for the postie to deliver your subscription boxes! From DIY burger kits, new books, Gin deliveries and of course, the monthly beauty boxes, opening up a subscription box really does instantly brighten up my mediocre day!

The most exciting package I've received recently which has made me smile so much has been these adorable personalised socks from The Sock Butler.

I mean, have you ever seen anything so damn cute?!

The Sock Butler is a monthly subscription box that delivers new socks straight to your door. Not only does it make an awesome gift for the person who has everything, but I feel it's a really fun and practical treat for yourself as well.

When you sign up to The Sock Butler, you can choose how many pairs of socks you'd like to receive each month and you can select your favourite sock style (men's and women's are available). These include a wide variety of options such as Classic, Fun, Sport and Trainer styles to pick from, or if you can't choose, you can let The Sock Butler select for you with a Surprise option.

Prices start from £6.49 for one pair per month and you can save extra money with 6 and 12-month subscription lengths, with the option to cancel at any time. There's free UK delivery too.

I was very kindly gifted a sample box to show you all and I couldn't be happier with the designs that The Sock Butler chose for me! I requested something cute with animals and these socks really do tick all of those boxes. As an extra bonus, I opted for their personalised service which has embroidered EVE onto each pair - I love them all!

I'm also impressed with the high quality of these socks. The Sock Butler work with a range of luxury brands such as Pringle, SockShop Wild Feet, Glenmuir and Jeff Banks so you're guaranteed to receive a high-end product every time. My socks are from SockShop Wild Feet and they are ultra-soft and comfortable.

 

Subscribe at TheSockButler.co.uk

Have you treated yourself to a new subscription box this year?

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Foodie Friday: The Ultimate Lockdown Banana Bread Recipe - Vegan Chocolate & Caramelized Pecan Banana Bread #LoveFoodHateWaste

Adapted from one of my favourite vegan cookbooks, the original BOSH!, I've perfected the ultimate homemade Banana Bread recipe. It's rich, indulgent and is truly the best way to use up any leftover bananas that are going brown in your fruit bowl!

As it's been almost a whole year of on and off lockdowns since the pandemic began, it's safe to say that I have experimented with a LOT of banana bread recipes over that time. Banana bread is really easy to make which perhaps explains why it caused a baking sensation when the first lockdown happened last year, and to be honest, it's difficult to go wrong with any recipe that you try.

However, I am a bit of a perfectionist and after testing out over 40 different banana bread recipes, I've discovered 'the one' from BOSH! The original recipe is near damn perfect in my opinion, especially if you're looking for a vegan version, but part of the fun of cooking and baking for me is to adapt recipes, so here it is - my take on the famous BOSH! Banana Bread recipe with a seriously indulgent twist that amplifies it to the next level!

The key difference is that I've opted to use half the amount of sugar because I've added in more chocolate, and I've used caramelized pecans instead of just regular pecans for an extra sweet hit. My version also uses less non-dairy butter and a bit more non-dairy milk to make the bread softer and more cake-like, so the final product is the perfect afternoon (or let's face it, anytime) treat. 

Ingredients (makes 1 Banana Bread loaf)

• 250g Self-Raising Flour
• 75g Coconut or Light Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp Cacao Powder
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 50g non-dairy Butter
• 3 large & very ripe Bananas (the browner/blacker, the sweeter they will be)
• 75ml non-dairy Milk (I used Almond Milk)
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 100g vegan Dark Chocolate
• 50g Caramelized Pecans (or you can use regular pecans)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 170C / Gas Mark 3 and line a loaf tin with baking paper, set aside.
• Pour all the ingredients except the Dark Chocolate and Pecans into a food processor and blend into a thick mixture. You may need to take the blade out and scrape down the sides once or twice during this process to ensure everything is nicely mixed together.
• Break the Dark Chocolate and Pecans into small pieces and with a wooden spoon. Gently stir them into the mixture.
• Pour the mixture into the lined loaf tin and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Check that it's cooked in the middle by inserting a skewer into the middle of the loaf - it should come out clean. If not, bake for a further 5 minutes and try again. 
• Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the tin and allow it to cool before slicing and serving. Try a slice with ice cream, custard, cream or simply with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Enjoy!

What's your favourite banana bread recipe?

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Introducing: Moor Spa Skincare - Hydrating Serum, Nourishing Facial Oil & Kelp Enzyme Mask review

Moor Spa are a natural Canadian skincare brand who I was introduced to at the end of last year by the wonderful team who run the CertClean Beauty Awards. 

Unlike some green beauty brands which can be 90 or 95% natural, Moor Spa prides itself on only creating products that are made from 100% naturally derived ingredients which makes them an attractive brand, not just for skincare obsessed consumers like you or I, but also for spa destinations around the world. This strong commitment to natural formulas means that their products are happily free from the likes of synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances and petroleum-derived chemicals, such as PEG, propylene glycol and mineral oil.

In addition, Moor Spa is certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny programme and has been certified by CertClean, leading certification for safer skincare. Based in Vancouver, BC, this intriguing Canadian brand is also looking into ways to transform their packaging by sourcing biodegradable alternatives, so with all this in mind, you can see why I was excited to try out some of their bestsellers!

I've been trialling the following three products for the past month or so which has served as an excellent introduction to Moor Spa.

Moor Spa Hydrating Serum* (30ml, link)

A high-quality hydrating serum is an absolute must during the Winter months and the recent cold snap in the UK has provided an optimal time to put this serum through its paces! Featuring natural actives such as Marine Phytoplankton, Hyaluronic Acid, Kelp Extract, Vitamin C and Ectoin, this hard-working serum does a fantastic job of moisturising, protecting and nourishing the skin and I've found that it works well underneath any brand of moisturiser or facial oil to sandwich all that hydrating goodness in. Skin feels much less dry and more plumped up. I imagine all skin types will enjoy using it.

Moor Spa Nourishing Facial Oil* (30ml, link)

100% natural face oils are relatively easy to find in the green beauty world, however, the formula is truly what makes the vital difference here and I tend to use facial oils that are composed of a variety of plant oils, rather than just one singular ingredient. This perhaps explains why I love this Nourishing Facial Oil so much as it has a seriously hydrating INCI that boasts Rosehip Oil, Kukui Oil and Argan Oil, all of which are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to feed the skin exactly that it needs. It also contains Vitamin E and is delicately scented with a hint of Rose Otto Essential Oil for a truly relaxing experience - very 'spa' indeed!

Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask* (80ml, link)

No spa brand bestsellers feature would be complete with mentioning at least one face mask and it's clear to see why Moor Spa's Kelp Enzyme Mask is so popular with its client base. This exfoliating treatment is packed full of mineral-rich fossilized Sea Kelp enzyme which is made up of 70% calcium in a bio-available format and has an incredible profile that includes over 70 trace minerals such as Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Manganese, Selenium, Phosphorous and Iodine. It has a fresh and clean scent, and a thick layer applied to a clean face and neck allows the mask to get to work in just 10-15 minutes. As it dries, it has a tightening feeling similar to a clay treatment, and after rinsing with warm water, my skin looked instantly clearer and felt much smoother.

Discover the full range at moorspa.com and oshadhi.co.uk

Are you missing Spa Days?

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Getting Ready for Spring with Typology Tinted Serums - Review & Swatches

 

Spring may be a couple of weeks away at the moment, but I cannot wait for the warmer weather, longer days and this miserable lockdown to finally lift! Spring is also a great time to experiment with some lighter bases for your makeup and these Typology Tinted Serums will be demanding a place on your vanity table.

I'll have to admit that I haven't been wearing much makeup at all recently, which probably explains why this particular review is so long overdue. I received these Tinted Serums from the Parisian luxury brand Typology late last year, and it's only been in the last couple of weeks that I've felt the desire to pick them up (lockdown has not been kind to the state of my mental health). 

Thankfully, this extended period of time has allowed me to properly play around with these serums and they really are pretty special indeed!

These cruelty-free, vegan-friendly Tinted Serums are made from 99% naturally derived ingredients and are enriched with plant-based actives such as Vitamin C, Squalane and Aloe Vera to care for your skin and protect it against the elements. Think of them like 'makeup with skincare benefits', rather than just a stand-alone makeup base and they are free from a long list of common nasties and irritants such as fragrance, silicones, parabens and nanoparticles. 

Packaged in sleek square glass bottles, they feature a very long dropper applicator as shown above which I have a bit of a love/hate relationship as sometimes it dispenses just the right amount and sometimes it can get a little stuck and nothing comes out - argh! You definitely need to give these Tinted Serums a good shake as instructed!

Available in just six shades which are based on the Fitzpatrick Phototype Scale, Typology promise that there's a shade to match every skin tone and they can be mixed & matched to create the perfect bespoke colour. Usually, I would raise my eyebrows at such a tiny shade range, however, as they are tinted formulas, I believe there is some truth in the matter here as they do blend effortlessly into the skin.

As the name suggests, these serums are ultra-light, adaptable and feel like water, just like a regular serum. The concentration of pigment is higher than I initially imagined so you can use more product for a little more coverage if required, but they won't, of course, cover blemishes or facial marks so you'll still need a concealer for those.

I have tried the shades 3 (bottom swatch) and 4 (top swatch), and 3 is definitely more of Spring/Summer shade for my Olive skin tone. I would wear 4 in the height of Summer when I'm at my most (fake) tanned, and the finish of these is truly beautiful with a radiant glow.

It's worth noting that if you find that you're between shades, you can purchase the second Tinted Serum for half price which allows you to mix two shades together for less - thank you Typology!

At the end of the day, take it all off with these lovely Reusable Makeup Remover Pads* (£15.80 for a pack of 8 pads in a canvas bag) which are made from sustainable bamboo fibres. They are super soft and high-quality, and you just pop them into the washing machine after each use - easy and eco-friendly!

Typology Tinted Serums* (£24.80, 30ml each) are available from typology.com

Are you a fan of light makeup bases?

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The Treat For Your Home: La Montaña Scents Of Spain Home Fragrance Discovery Set review + Exclusive Reader Discount Code!

We may not be able to enjoy a holiday in Spain right now, but you can transform your home and any room's atmosphere with this innovative Scents Of Spain Home Fragrance Discovery Set from La Montaña.

If you're a fan of luxury candles and unique scents, you may already be familiar with the high-end brand La Montaña. I was first introduced to them back in 2015 (they were featured in one of my Christmas Gift Guides) and loved their Spanish inspired scents. It's been a pleasure to see the brand grow over the years and they're now stocked on Net-a-Porter which is a huge achievement - well done guys!

Last month, I received an email from La Montaña inviting me to review their latest release, an exciting new range of Home Fragrances. A few days later, their beautifully presented Scents Of Spain Home Fragrance Discovery Set arrives through the letterbox and I couldn't wait to start spritzing them around the house.

The set consists of 9 x 2.5ml Home Fragrance samples, packaged neatly in a card wallet, each with a description of its unique scent. These incredible luxury room mists have been created using sustainable, plant-derived and biodegradable ingredients to ensure a low carbon footprint, and most importantly for home fragrance products, they are non-toxic to humans and the environment.

Inside the wallet, you'll also find a set of mini blotter strips to test out the sprays with, or simply mist a few pumps into any room, wait a few seconds and then step into the fragrance to fully experience and appreciate it. The concept behind the Discovery Set is to allow customers to find their new favourite fragrances and then they can be repurchased as candles or reed diffusers.

So which ones are my personal favourites? They are all beautifully interesting fragrances so it was difficult to choose. Winter Oranges immediately jumped out at me as it's a lovely uplifting and juicy scent of Oranges, Cinnamon and Cloves so it's perfect for this time of the year. I also love Cloudburst which evokes a fresh and clean scent of a mountainside after rain, and Fig Grove is another gorgeous fragrance of Fig Trees and Jasmine. You can't beat Siesta though which is the perfect calming balance of Lavender, Juniper and Thyme - I may need to order this one as a candle ASAP!

La Montaña Scents Of Spain Home Fragrance Discovery Set* (£25) is available from Lamontana.co.uk

Exclusive reader discount code! Use beautywolfgirl at the checkout to get the set for just £5!

Do you love home fragrances?

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