Cruelty-Free Makeup: Top 5 Best Natural Concealers

 

Concealers are an essential in many people's makeup bags, yet it can be notoriously difficult to find 'the one'. I've tested out a lot of concealers over the years and wanted to share a quick post on my current Top 5 Best Natural Concealers which are all from cruelty-free brands.

Finding Your Perfect Concealer

Finding your perfect concealer can be tricky and my main advice would be to opt for a format that you like as a starting point. Many concealers come in liquid tubes with an applicator wand or have a convenient twist-up mechanism which makes them quick and easy to apply (ideal if you're always in a rush in the morning!). Other concealers come in more solid set formats in a pot or jar, and quite a few from the green beauty world are loose mineral powders. Bear in mind your skin type as well, for example, drier skins will need more hydrating formulas that won't crease into fine lines, whilst oilier types usually require something lighter with a good setting powder to keep it in place.

Next, you want to choose your shade and I'd recommend finding out what your undertone is first to get the right match - this video is brilliant for explaining the differences between warm, neutral, and cool undertones and you'll find this info helpful when you're choosing foundation shades as well.

Why You Might Need More Than One Concealer

Whilst some concealers promise to conceal every single imperfection on your face, in my experience, it's rare to find one that truly does it all (though I have included one below!). When I'm applying makeup, I tend to want a lighter, more reflective concealer for banishing dark circles and a slightly thicker concealer for making blemishes disappear. You might also want to try using a salmony-pink coloured concealer as an undereye corrector and then apply a light reflective concealer over the top if you have particularly dark circles that you want to get rid of (again, more on this below).

My Top 5 Best Natural Concealers

1 - Mádara The Concealer* (4ml, £20, link)

Organic, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly, Mádara's bestselling The Concealer is a multi-tasking superstar and by far the best natural concealer that I've ever tried for handling both dark circles and blemishes. The success of this concealer lies in its innovative perfecting and illuminating formula which is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and simply glides on beautifully, blending seamlessly for a 'my skin but better' finish. I'd say it's suitable for all skin types.

2 - The Organic Pharmacy Luminous Perfecting Concealer* (5ml, £19, link)

Best for dry and more mature skin types, The Organic Pharmacy Luminous Perfecting Concealer is an ultra-moisturising concealer so if you find your under eyes are very dry, this is the one for you. That said, it's not the most pigmented, but the Medium shade is the perfect salmony-pink colour to really help correct dark circles so I like to use this underneath my undereye concealer for the most flawless results. 

3 - Dr. Hauschka Light Reflecting Concealer* (2.5g, £18.25, link)

Many people have asked me on social if I know of a natural dupe to the infamous YSL Touche Eclat concealer and perhaps the most similar one that I've tried to match it is Dr. Hauschka's Light Reflecting Concealer. I particularly love their Transulent shade as it brightens and illuminates dark under eyes without looking cakey or creasing into fine lines. A lovely light, hydrating, silky feeling liquid concealer that's suitable for sensitive skin.

4 - Emani HD Corrective Concealer* (4g, £20, link)

For those who prefer a solid compact concealer, Emani HD Corrective Concealer offers a highly pigmented coverage and in my opinion, is best suited for covering up blemishes and marks. It has added Vitamin C and works incredibly well for uneven skin tones. Super easy to work with and blend, I'd say it's great for acne-prone and troublesome skin types the most.

5 - RMS Beauty Un Cover Up* (5.6g, £34, link)

I couldn't do a Top 5 Best Natural Concealers post and not feature this absolute gem from RMS Beauty. Their Un Cover Up is by far one of the most well loved products, and it's adored by A-list actresses, celebrity makeup artists and conscious beauty consumers alike. I've been using it for years and always have it in my stash. Best for blemishes and imperfections, this clever concealer is thick and creamy so you can really layer it on if desired for more coverage. Also doubles up as a foundation so you get more bang for your buck and it comes in the widest shade range.

Swatches - from top to bottom: Mádara The Concealer in 25, The Organic Pharmacy Luminious Perfecting Concealer in Medium, Dr. Hauschka Light Reflecting Concealer in 00 Translucent, Emani HD Corrective Concealer in Neutral and RMS Beauty Un Cover Up in 22.

What's your favourite natural concealer?

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The Weekend Post: Wedding Bartender Cost Guide - Everything You Need to Know #AD

 

As a wedding planner or the bride, one of the things you will be confronted with is the number of bartenders you will need. As the premier bartender hire London folks trust, Bar Brothers Events have the expertise in organizing the perfect wedding bar t make your special day even more memorable. As to whether one wedding bartender can suffice, or you will need more, this depends on a few different factors. The number of guests you invite is just one of these. You will also need to factor in the venue design layout, the skill level of mixologist hire, and the types of drinks you want to be served.

Basic Wedding Bartender Calculations

The standard rule is that you will need one bartender for every 15 guests. This will allow you to serve them as many drinks as possible. Wedding bartenders are skilled at their work and serve drinks much faster than your best friend or a waiter would.

The other thing to be taken into account is the event venue layout, particularly with regard to how it affects guest movements. Even when it may appear that you only need one bartender hire London the worst thing that can happen is your guests standing around waiting to be served drinks. Mobile bartender servers and bartender stations with trays of drinks provide a readymade solution to this problem. More importantly, mixologist hire also keeps the party moving and avoids subjecting your guests to those frustrating delays.

Wedding Reception Bar Costs To Keep in Mind

Corkage Fee

In case you want to be the one stocking your own bar, chances are that you will be required to meet the corkage fee of the venue you have hired to enable you to bring alcohol onto the site. The fee may be charged per bottle or per person, which can make it add up pretty quickly. If you intend to serve your own alcohol, make sure the contract stipulates the corkage fee before you sign between the dotted lines.

Liability Insurance

It does not matter whether you decide to use a professional service, a third party, or even want to stock the bar yourself. The most important thing is that you ensure there is liability insurance in place to protect you from any eventuality. If the caterer or the venue is insured, you may be covered. Otherwise, it is advisable to get liability insurance that protects you from an alcohol-related incident during the wedding or after the event.

Tips

Where your contract does not have gratuity or a service fee, it is advisable to tip your bartender London 20% of a final bar tab. But if the fee is included already, you need not tip, unless you choose to.

Physical Bar and Glassware Rentals

For venues that don’t have a bar, you will either need to rent one or look for an alternative. Also, if you choose to stock your bar, you will also have to rent glassware. You can hire your glassware through your caterer or a rental company.

Questions to Ask When Hiring Bar Staff

There are many questions that you need to ask when it comes to mixologist hire. The first one is the type of drinks that they can serve. Also, let them gauge the number of bartenders they think is necessary.

Bar Brothers Events has special packages based on what your preference is for a party or a reception. We even let you order special glassware for making your champagne toast more memorable and elegant. Or, you can ask our specialist bartender London to serve you a signature cocktail.

The best thing about using a professional service like Bar Brothers Events is that they know just how to staff any event. We will bring all the appropriate glassware and accessories. Also, we enable you to save money when you purchase your own alcohol through us. We will ensure you get just enough drinks and don’t have to pay for extra that you don’t need. The savings you make on bar accessories, glassware, and liquor will enable you to remain within your budget.

When it comes to mixologist hire, quality is just as important as quantity

While getting a sufficient number of bartenders is crucial for the success f your wedding, it is also important that you get highly skilled bartenders. Your wedding is a rare occasion, and so you want to ensure that everything proceeds like clockwork. Getting inexperienced bartenders is dangerous because they cannot be trusted to keep up with a packed party. Even worse, guests will have a bad memory of your event if they are made to wait around for long only to be served incorrectly mixed cocktails.

The only way to avoid these problems is to opt for first-rate bartending professionals. Also, you will need to ensure that you are using a licensed bartender London for your wedding. This is to avoid a situation where your most important occasion becomes a legal nightmare. Bartenders like Bar Brothers Events have trained bartenders that operate within the law and follow all the laid-down regulations, for instance, not serving drinks to minors.

Conclusion

Whether your guests are big drinkers or not nearly all wedding receptions will have one kind of a bar or another. But the sheer number of options at your disposal can overwhelm you when planning a wedding. Do you go with a cash bar or open bar? Should you choose a drink package or not? Fortunately for you, we have broken down all these details to save you from stress.

Better still, you can opt for professional mixologist hire from a reputable bartender service. These experts are trained at making the best cocktails for your guests. Whether you want a signature cocktail or special glassware accessories to compliment your drinks, they can do it all. Moreover, they are licensed and fully insured. When you hire a specialist bartender hire London like Bar Brothers Events, you can rest easy that your guests will be attended to properly. This allows you to fully enjoy your day without worrying about your guests. Call us today to speak to our representatives.

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - October 2021 review

 

If you're looking for a beauty subscription box where all the products inside are cruelty-free and from natural brands, LoveLula is most definitely the box for you! Delivered every month, October's box is worth £55 and contains all of the following beauty treats for you to discover.

Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm & Muslin Cloth Duo

With Christmas around the corner, this Frankincense-infused Cleansing Balm from Balm Balm is sure to bring some seasonal joy into your skincare routine! With its rich blend of nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Beeswax, Sunflower, and Jojoba Oils, this balm offers a deep cleanse to remove all impurities from the skin. The handy muslin cloth that's included is perfect to use with it.

Madara Shape Cellulite Cream

Anti-cellulite creams are a little controversial these days due to the body positivity movement, however, I personally do feel they can play a part in improving body confidence for those who aren't a fan of their 'wobbly bits'. It's important to remember though that only exercise and a healthy diet can achieve a toned body, but these targeted creams do help to have a smoothing, firming, and moisturising effect, particularly on 'orange skin effect' cellulite. 

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Organic Baobab Face Oil

I'm a huge fan of the Ooh! Oils Of Heaven Face Oils range as they have something for everyone and are brilliant for those who have skin allergies as each face oil is based on just one superstar ingredient. Case in point, this Organic Baobab Face Oil is rich in Omega fatty acids for beautiful, healthy skin and absorbs quickly without clogging pores. 

Greenfrog Botanic Shampoo Bar 

Moving onto haircare, zero waste fans will love this clever Argan and Rose Oil Shampoo Bar from Greenfrog Botanic. Formulated with 96% natural ingredients, it also contains Aloe Vera to keep hair hydrated throughout the colder months ahead, and this solid bar format is an easy way to cut down on your personal plastic waste as each bar replaces up to three plastic bottles of shampoo.

Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum

The final product is a sample of the brand new Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum. I've already had the pleasure of trying this out when it recently launched so you can check out my review of it here - it's amazing! 

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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Foodie Friday: Introducing Flower & White - Delicious Fairtrade & Vegetarian, Sweet Treats Under 100 Calories

 

Here's an extra special Foodie Friday post this week just for my lovely vegetarian readers, let me introduce you to the blissfully sweet world of Flower & White!

Every now and then, there's a brand that pops up that ticks all of the right boxes when I'm looking for something to satisfy my massive sweet tooth, and Flower & White have exceeded all of my expectations in this area.

Based in Telford in nearby Shropshire, this independent business has grown from humble beginnings making giant Swiss meringues in a shed, to being a hugely successful brand with stockists selling their yummy products across the UK.

Their USP? Making delicious chocolate-covered meringue bars that are wholly indulgent, but which come in at under 100 calories. They're suitable for vegetarians, made from only natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours, additives, E-numbers or preservatives, and they're also gluten-free. Take all of my money now!

That's not all though. Flower & White are an ethical brand in every sense of the word. The egg whites used to create their melt-in-the-middle fillings are all free-range, and they use fairtrade ingredients to ensure that farmers are paid properly. To help the environment, all of their products are made without palm oil and their packaging is made from 100% recyclable paper.

Coveted for their original chocolate-covered meringue bars, these are currently available in five different mouth-watering flavours so you can take your pick from Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Crunch, Raspberry Crumble, Hazelnut Praline and Salted Caramel. 

The rich flavour and creaminess of the chocolate perfectly compliments that light and airy meringue filling which really does melt in your mouth. Each bar is just 95 calories, yet they are so sweet and satisfying that you won't feel like you've eaten a typical low-calorie bar.

It's easy to fall in love with these sweet treats, and whilst the bars are the ideal serving size for one person, Flower & White also sell larger 75g pouches of mini meringue bites in all of the above flavours so you can share them with friends and family. They'll be a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together for sure! Like the bars, the pouches are also made from 100% recyclable paper packaging and each bite comes in at just 26 calories.

Shop the full range at flowerandwhite.co.uk

Are you a fan of meringues?

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Health & Lifestyle: Are Chocolates Bad? Not At All! #AD

When you think of it, it is almost impossible to know that an ovoid, long and yellow to red-coloured fruit that has pulp-covered seeds, can be turned into the yummy treat that we now know. This aromatic product which can be in the forms of liquid, bars, paste, or powders, are widely used in confectionery and can also be used in cooking.

Before it became chocolate, it all started from the tree called Theobroma cacao which literally translates to "food of the gods" in Greek. The fruit referred to as cacao pods are harvested when ripe, where you can get sour beans covered in a white pulp. These trees are native in South America spread across southeastern Mexico to the Amazon River. When the popularity of chocolates surged, plantations in West Africa, South and Southeast Asia were established. At present, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Brazil account for most cocoa production in the world.

But how does it become chocolate, you ask? The process of turning these white seeds into the brown coloured treat that we know nowadays takes time. The seeds are typically taken out of the pods first and placed on fermentation trays before it gets covered and left for two to seven days. This process is an important step because it gives the chocolate its aroma and flavour. After the fermentation, the seeds are then dried under the sun for another three to five days. Many manufacturers use rotary driers for faster drying, but it is said that drying naturally under the sun gives the best tasting product. Afterwards, the beans are cleaned and roasted until all the remaining components are the nibs. These cacao nibs are then turned into thick paste consistency called chocolate liquors.

Chocolates are undeniably one of the best treats there is, and we are lucky to be living in these times where this simple fruit can be turned into the sweet treat that we know. At the same time, there is more to it than just being a plain bar of sweets. Chocolates can also provide health benefits when consumed moderately.

Health Benefits of Chocolates:

Chocolates have been coined as an unhealthy treat, creating a bad reputation for it. This is due to its high sugar and high-fat content that has been associated with health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, acne, heart disease and high blood pressure. But unbeknownst to many, moderate consumption of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can actually provide health benefits. Here are some:

• Contains fibre and minerals. A bar of chocolate with a high cocoa content of 70–85% can be a good source of a decent amount of fibre and minerals that can benefit our body. It contains iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and small traces of caffeine and theobromine.

• Good source of antioxidants. Chocolates, especially the dark kind, contain compounds, such as polyphenols, flavanols and catechins that are active antioxidants that are believed to aid in fighting free radicals in the body.

• Helps improve blood flow. The flavanols in dark chocolate are known to stimulate the lining of arteries, making them relax, which influences the blood flow reducing the blood pressure.

• Increases HDL (good cholesterol). Aside from the ability of dark chocolates to decrease insulin resistance which is often associated with diabetes and heart disease, cocoa powder is found to be helpful in increasing the HDL or the good cholesterol while preventing the oxidation of LDL, the bad cholesterol.

• Reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Due to chocolate's ability to help improve blood flow and reduce the bad cholesterol in the body, it is said that it has the potential to help lower the risk of developing heart disease.

• Protects the skin. Skin benefits like protection against sun damage, increased skin density and hydration are associated with flavanols which can be found in chocolates.

• Improves brain function. Since it contains stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine, cocoa and dark chocolates can help improve the brain's function in a short term period. Additionally, it contains flavanol, which helps increase the blood flow not only in the body but also in the brain, which also helps with cognitive function.

Different Kinds of Chocolates:

Although you can find tons of different kinds of chocolates in the market nowadays, there are only three main types of this sweet and aromatic treat.

• Milk Chocolate - This type of chocolate is the most common in the market. It is mixed with milk or cream, sugar and contains 10% to 50% of cacao solids.

• Dark Chocolate - This type of chocolate is hailed to be the most healthy kind. It is also mixed with milk and sugar, but the cacao solids percentage can go anywhere from 50% to 90%.

• White Chocolate - This white-coloured type of chocolate is made from milk solids, sugar, and sometimes vanilla. Unlike the two other types, this chocolate does not contain cocoa solids but cacao butter instead.

Other Types of Chocolates:

• Semisweet Chocolate
• Bittersweet Chocolate
• Unsweetened Chocolate (or Baking Chocolate)
• Cocoa Powder
• Sweet German Chocolate
• Couverture Chocolate
• Ruby Chocolate

Healthier Options:

If you are looking for chocolates with other health benefits, here are some healthier choices:

Ashwagandha-infused Chocolate - Known to reduce blood sugar levels, this powerful adaptogen can be found infused in chocolates sold in the market. Aside from chocolate's health benefits, additional advantages of having ashwagandha on it are reduction of stress, anxiety, risk of developing depression, and it is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.

CBD Oil-infused Chocolate - Becoming popular in the market, many people use CBD oil for pain, anxiety, sleep and even skin conditions. Different edibles like CBD gummies UK, CBD cookies and CBD oil infused-chocolates are considered the perfect option because you can get your CBD oil dose conveniently even when you're on the go.

Nootropic herbs-infused Chocolate - Nootropic herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm, Bacopa, Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu kola are powerful herbs that are known to boost your brain functions and cognitive health. You can find nootropic herb-infused chocolates in the market if these are the benefits that you are after while enjoying the yummy treat.

Mushroom-infused Chocolate - While there are many kinds of mushrooms in the world, many of them are used due to their health benefits. Mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps are said to be the most potent kind of mushroom and can be beneficial to heart health and boosting energy. It also has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Eating chocolates infused with these mushrooms in moderation is surely a great way to rake in these benefits.

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Sustainable Beauty: Just One Switch Campaign with Counter Culture #JustOneSwitch

 

This month, I've been taking part in Counter Culture's online campaign to encourage consumers to make more environmentally friendly purchases. The focus has been on making 'just one switch' in your daily beauty routine to get you started towards a more sustainable lifestyle, one step at a time.

Counter Culture is an online UK store that is home to some of the best sustainable beauty and wellbeing brands, and it's proud to champion female founders and indie/boutique brands as well. Their #JustOneSwitch mission resonated with me as soon as I received an email about it because I often see people on social media saying how difficult it is to go from using conventional products to finding more eco-friendly alternatives. 

It can be a consumer minefield out there and thoroughly overwhelming at the start, so by shifting the focus on making just one switch at a time, the journey to a more sustainable lifestyle suddenly becomes a much more attainable goal. But where to start?

Counter Culture kindly asked me to choose a couple of products from their online store to show you how easy it is to make 'just one switch'! 

Switch Your Deodorant: POSY Grapefruit & Lemon Deodorant* (70g, £9.95, link)

Get rid of polluting aerosol deodorants that are full of nasties and switch to a clean, natural, eco-friendly one instead. There are so many brands out there nowadays that do them, so my advice would be to pick one in a scent and format that you like the most. 

For this challenge, I decided to try POSY Grapefruit & Lemon Deodorant which comes packaged in a plastic-free cardboard tube that has an easy push-up, solid cream stick of deo inside. I find this ultra-convenient to use and I just love the fresh scent of grapefruit and lemon essential oils. It's made from natural and organic ingredients, and comes in a card tube or tin format, as well as a range of different scents.

Switch Your Hand Wash: Flamingo Soap Co Citron and Coffee Soap Bars* (£6 each, link)

Washing our hands has become more important than ever for obvious reasons and I honestly dread to think of just how many plastic bottles of hand wash have been used up and thrown away during the course of this awful pandemic. However, it's super easy to switch to using a bar of soap instead! I'd recommend buying a couple of these and placing them next to every sink in your home - you'll be amazed by how many plastic bottles just one bar of soap can replace as they really do add up throughout the year. 

I love these soaps bars from the Flamingo Soap Co as they're affordable, free from palm oil, parabens, and SLS, and they're vegan-friendly too. They're a completely zero waste solution to plastic hand wash bottles and even the label is embedded with wildflower seeds so you can plant it and feed the bees and butterflies in your garden. My two faves are the Citron and Coffee soap bars, and if you're already thinking of doing another sustainable switch, why not pop one of these into your shower to use instead and save even more plastic waste?

Switch Your Face Wipes: Bamboo Collection Bamboo Flannel* (£3, link)

When you're thinking about moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, one of the easiest ways to adapt is by making a pledge to yourself to stop using anything that is single-use. From face wipes to cotton wool rounds, there are reusable replacements for all of these things that are kinder to your skin and the planet. 

I would suggest starting with disposable face wipes because they are so commonly found clogging up our rivers and beaches; a soft and luxurious Bamboo Flannel is the perfect switch for these. This one is made from a blend of 50% bamboo and cotton so it's naturally anti-fungal and super absorbent. When you've finished using it, simply put it in the washing machine along with your towels, dry, and reuse it again and again. A super easy switch!

Visit CounterCulturestore.co.uk for all of these eco-friendly products and more

What product have you switched to?

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Home Decor: How To Utilise That Blank Wall Space #AD

When arranging your furniture sometimes you find yourself with a huge blank wall space that looks too empty. However, when you try and fill it with furniture, you may find that it looks too cluttered and cramped! A big blank space can really upset the flow of the room and nag at you every time you see it, wondering what you can do with it. Here are some tips for utilising that wall space without overdoing it.

Artwork or Prints

The most obvious choice for how to decorate a wall is to hang a picture or two. However, this might feel a little boring or basic when you are trying to create a trendy or chic space that accurately reflects your own personal style. You can get your photo printed on wood or order aluminum prints to create a display that is a little different. You can create your own photo collage display with varying sizes or use different coloured frames for a more quirky look. In building up your photo display you can also interpret script or scenic pictures interspersed with your personal photos which can be swapped and rearranged whenever you feel like it.

Hang some wallpaper

Wallpaper does not have to go all around the room, it can be used to create a cool feature wall. Patterned or floral wallpaper makes a blank space appear as though there is more going on without being too busy. A great invention is removable wallpaper which can easily be hung up and torn down without damaging the wall underneath. If you do not fancy the hassle of repapering or maybe you find yourself getting a little bored and like to change things up regularly, this is the perfect solution. This is also a great option for people who are renting because it does not damage the walls meaning you can redecorate without the risk of losing your deposit or upsetting your landlord.

Hang a decorative blanket or tapestry

Hanging a cool tapestry or blanket can be a really interesting alternative to traditional pictures. It can perfectly fit in with a hippie or bohemian vibe but if you pick the right piece it can also really help style a more modern space too. Consider the theme of the rest of the room and shop around for something that you feel will fit in without looking silly.

A mirror

I am obsessed with mirrors when it comes to interior decorating. Mirrors are miracle workers – they create the illusion of more space and make rooms look larger, they reflect light and make the place brighter and they provide a practical purpose too! This is a great choice if the room is already fairly full and you do not want to overcrowd it. Mirrors can also fit into any room and can accommodate any theme or style. Depending on the amount of space you can hang something large and ornate or use a series of smaller mirrors slotted together to create a sleek, modern display.

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Health & Lifestyle: Musclemary Not Just Protein - Chocolate Crush review

The start of a new week is always a good time to reassess your health goals, and if you're currently getting back into an exercise routine, make sure this Musclemary Not Just Protein powder supplement is at the top of your healthy shopping list.

Whether you're vegan or not, Musclemary has a range of premium plant-based protein blends that work for all fitness levels, and they're a great way to incorporate more healthy protein into your daily diet. 

Unlike other protein powders which focus simply on the macro element of protein, Musclemary's vegan blends contain a carefully selected superfood mix that's rich in antioxidants and vitamins to not only support your muscle gain goals, but also your overall health by boosting your immune system and energy levels at the same time!

 

I was kindly sent one of Musclemary's Not Just Protein powder supplements to try out and naturally, I had to choose the Chocolate Crush flavour as we all know how much I love anything chocolate flavoured.

The large pouch comes with a handy scoop and each 30g serving boasts a whopping 18g of plant-based protein thanks to a mixture of pea and white hemp protein. In addition, each serving provides 100% RI of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Panthothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C and the all-important Vitamin B12. Many of these essential nutrients are derived from superfoods such as Flaxseed, Maca, Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Baobab, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blackberry and Matcha Green Tea so that's a lot packed into this supplement. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, low in fat and has no artificial sweetners.

How to Use and Taste

Start the day with a scoop of powder blended into your favourite smoothie or simply mix on its own with water. It has a thick milkshake-like consistency with a tasty hit of raw cacao flavour. I found it to be quite sweet, although there's no added sugar as the sweetness comes from natural Stevia instead. Alternatively, you can add it to pancake/waffle/cake batter or stir it into overnight oats or porridge.

Charity

For each product sold through their website, Musclemary donates £1 to their chosen charity Stonewall which helps to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people.

Musclemary Not Just Protein* (600g, £35, link)

What's your favourite vegan protein supplement?

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New In Beauty: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask, Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha & Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum review

 

Time for shiny newness in the green beauty world with these amazing new kids on the block from Beauty Cleanse, Samaya and Antipodes. Let's go!

The New Multi-Tasker: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask* (45g, £27, link)

Designed to declutter and simplify your skincare routine, Beauty Cleanse's new Nearly Everything Powder Mask is a true multi-tasking genius that will transform how you view your beauty products. As the name suggests, this is a 'do it all powder mask', which will help all skin types and concerns and is made from 100% natural ingredients such as Liquorice Root extract, Rice extract, Organic Aloe Vera extract, Vitamin C powder, Charcoal powder and Orange Turmeric extract. 

As it's waterless (which is better for the environment and your wallet as you get twice as much product), you simply mix a teaspoon of powder with a 1/3 of a teaspoon of water to create a smooth paste that you apply directly to clean skin. Leave for around 20 minutes and then rinse away with warm water. You can also use it as dedicated spot treatment, applying where it's needed, as well as a hand and foot mask too.

Thanks to the clever combination of ingredients, the Nearly Everything Powder Mask is brilliant for a deep cleanse to remove impurities and unclog pores, and it's amazing for giving the complexion a brightening and revitalised boost. A winner all round!

The New Luxury Eye Cream: Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha* (15ml, £59, link)

Fans of luxury ayurvedic skincare are going to fall in love with the new range of eye creams from Samaya. When I originally tried out Samaya a few years ago, I thought it would be a good idea for them to bring out an eye cream to compliment their cleansers and moisturisers, so it's fantastic to finally see this come to life and the wait has definitely been worth it!

Mixing together clinically proven plant-actives such as Probiotics, Caffeine and Green Tea, with specially selected potent Ayurvedic botanicals like Ashwagandha, Sandalwood, Vetivert and Gotu Kola, Samaya have created eye creams for each dosha type and I've been trialling the Kapha one with excellent results. Since using it over a month ago, my undereyes feel much smoother and my eyes look brighther overall. I'm also intrigued by the anti-pollution and photo-protection properties against different light forms such as UV and blue light to see what the long term results will be like.

The New Vitamin C Serum: Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum* (30ml, £35, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention in this New In Beauty round-up is the latest release by New Zealand brand Antipodes, who you all know I'm incredibly fond of and have used a lot of over the years. Again, I was very excited to see this newbie come onto the market as Antipodes are famed for their serums and I've always felt like they've been missing a Vitamin C based one - lo and behold, the Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum has been born!

Suitable for vegans, this serum is described as 'golden hour in a bottle' and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dull ones. The key superstar ingredient in this is called Kakadu Plum which contains 100x more Vitamin C than oranges. It's also rich in Bakuchiol and plant-based Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin, boost collagen and protect against free radicals that cause premature ageing. The brightening effects can be seen within less than four weeks of regular daily use, so get a head start on your glowing Christmas selfies and add this to your skincare routine now.

What's new on your beauty shelf?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

A little later than planned with my Empties post, but here's everything that I've managed to use up last month and my thoughts as to which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Dafna's Active Mist*

A beautiful luxury toner spray that I mainly used throughout Summer. Lovely fresh scent and it made my skin look so healthy and dewy, whilst giving it an instant boost. Repurchase? Will do next Summer. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Detox Facial Wash* 

Another luxury green beauty favourite, I loved using this Evolve gel cleanser again during the hotter Summer months as it feels so refreshing, and is perfect for balancing oily skin. Repurchase? Yes, I'd definitely buy this again next Summer. 

DHC Cleansing Oil (travel size, reviewed here)

Regular readers know how much I adore the simplicity of DHC's amazing Cleansing Oil as I've used this so many times over the years. It literally takes off everything; waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation and all the day's grime and pollution. Repurchase? Already have.

Ying Yang Skincare MSM Cream Tissue Repair* (reviewed here)

If you're a fan of running or stretching exercises likes pilates and yoga, this stuff is a real lifesaver. Infused with MSM, you can apply it to tired and overworked muscles for instant relief. It smells gorgeous too! Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask* (reviewed here)

Suitable for all skin types, Green People's Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask is one of those face masks that I tend to reach for when my skin is feeling congested and on the verge of breaking out. It draws out all impurities including stubborn blackheads for clearer, smoother skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Bains & Nature Baja Moana Cream*

One of my friends brought me this back from Paris and it's one of the most decadent luxury body moisturisers that I've ever had the pleasure of trying. Not only does it smell incredible but the texture just sinks right in. Repurchase? I will keep an eye out to see if it's available in the UK!

Love Beauty And Planet Shea Butter & Sandalwood Shower Gel*

I think this came in a Glossybox - lovely and moisturising for dry skin and also has a beautiful comforting and clean fragrance. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other shower gels.

Dr. Konopka's Restoring Foot Cream* (reviewed here)

Finally, my last empty product is another one that I've used up mainly over the Summer when my feet were permanently in sandals and flip flops. Great for dry skin and cracked heels, it's a good one to try if you want something different from the usual 'minty' footcare as it smells like raspberries instead. Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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