Travel Beauty | Nourish London Skincare Minis review #OrganicSeptember

If you're about to go away on a lovely September break, you're probably thinking about what skincare to take with you. Make the packing easy peasy with Nourish London's range of skincare minis and you're ready to go!

Nourish London is a natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand that I've been a huge fan of for many years. A lot of their products are available in handy travel-sizes, but even if you're not lucky enough to be going away, these miraculous minis are a great way to try the brand before deciding if you want to invest in the full-sizes.

Here are four of my favourites to get you started.

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm* (15ml, £13)

This little jar of multi-tasking goodness is perfect for those who are struggling to fit a full skincare routine into their carry-on. You can use this as a deep cleanser, gentle exfoliator, face mask, and an intensive moisturiser. Supercharged with antioxidants and omega-rich plant oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so there's no fear of running out whilst you're on holiday.

Nourish London Antioxidant Peptide Mist* (15ml, £7)

Many friends that I know forget to take a toner/mist with them so make sure to add one of these to your shopping basket before you go. Personally, I love a hydrating facial mist to keep my skin looking fresh and revived, and this Peptide Mist is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Liquorice for a quick and easy instant brightener for any complexion that's not looking its best after being on a plane for several hours!

Nourish London Argan Skin Rescue* (5ml, £10)

Travelling can take its toll on your skin so this suits-all-skin-types Argan Skin Rescue Facial oil is an essential of mine. Just a few drops will transform and boost your skin thanks to a clever formulation of organic Argan Oil, Vitamin C and Abyssinian Oil. Your complexion will feel smoother due its collagen-repairing properties and feel much more hydrated even after the first use.

Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse* (30ml, £9.50)

With its cool colour changing formula, Nourish's award-winning Kale 3D Cleanse makes short work of all your makeup and sunscreen whilst gently removing impurities for overall clearer skin. Suitable for all skin types, it features key ingredients such as Kale, oxygenating extracts, Hyaluronic Acid and Probiotics. I love using this after a long day of sightseeing to literally take the day off!

Have you tried Nourish London?

Shop the full range at nourishskinrange.com

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Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Ready for another empties post? I know I am! Here's everything beauty-wise that I have used up over the past month or so with lots of skincare favourites.

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30 (travel size)

A great primer and sunscreen all in one, this goes on smoothly and makes applying foundation a breeze. I find it quite hydrating so feel free to skip the moisturiser with this one. Repurchase? Yes.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti Wrinkle Booster Serum (travel size)

I've gone through a fair few of these over the years and it's still one of my favourite anti ageing serums where you can actually see a noticeable difference to fine lines from using it. Repurchase? Yes.

17 Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara (reviewed here)

Cheap as chips, this no-frills mascara is less than a fiver and cruelty-free. If you're looking for an easy everyday option that adds length to your lashes, give this a go. Repurchase? Maybe.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter*

I love the heady lavender-based relaxing scent of NEOM's Perfect Night's Sleep range, so naturally, I was a big fan of this body butter which is infused with magnesium to help relax you further. Thick non-greasy texture and very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes as a luxury treat. 

PHYTO Apraisant Soothing Treatment Shampoo* 

If you have a sensitive scalp, you need to try this. It does feel quite clarifying so I'd recommend following it up with a good hair mask/moisturising conditioner if you have dry hair. Repurchase? Yes.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Renewing Cleansing Oil* (reviewed here)

I think this is the third or fourth bottle that I've gone through. It's a brilliant cleansing oil that's affordable and gets the job done, plus it lasts ages as a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

I don't think I'll ever tire of the gorgeous fresh citrusy scent of this hand cream - it's one of my all-time favourites and I've been using it for years. Repurchase? Yes.

Creightons BAMbeautiful Thickening Conditioning Masque (travel size)

Discovered this gem in a beauty box and I'll definitely be checking out the brand further. I have very fine hair and this hair mask adds noticeable bounce and volume without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum*

I loved using this serum in the morning as I felt it injected some brightness and life back into my skin, especially if I hadn't been sleeping well that night! Gorgeous texture and works well underneath makeup and moisturiser. Repurchase? Yes.

Balance Me Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum*

With three different types of hyaluronic acid in the formula, this serum is one of the best hyaluronic acid-based ones that I've tried. Plumps up the skin beautifully and keeps essential moisture locked in. Repurchase? Yes.

Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser (travel size)

From a GWP goody bag, I enjoyed using this dual-action primer moisturiser for when I felt that my skin needed a bit of extra glow factor. Delivers a juicy dewy finish so is something that I would probably use more often in the cooler months. Repurchase? Maybe.

Hugens Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum (travel size)

This was lovely and I really liked the light texture, however, the Balance Me serum above performs better in my opinion. Was nice to try though. Repurchase? Probably not.

The Beauty Crop Fill & Tame Brow Gel* 

Another beauty box discovery that I loved! The shade was perfect for me and it helped to fill in the gaps in my brows, whilst still keeping them looking natural. Repurchase? Yes.

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

Finishing this post off with a much-loved skincare favourite of mine - if you're looking for a high-end hydrating mist with clean ingredients, you absolutely can't go wrong with this! I also use it as a makeup setting spray over mineral powder foundation to keep my skin looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Currently Loving | The Golden Hour Edit

In between the torrential downpours that we've been having here in the UK (hello Climate Change), there have been these odd little glimpses of sunlight peaking through now and then. As we approach the end of July, I wanted to share a few products that I've been loving lately to celebrate those precious Golden Hour moments and to help brighten your mood if you've been feeling like it'll never stop raining!

The Fruity SPF Lip Balm | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango* (10g, £4.99, link)

A delightfully cheap and cheerful lip balm with SPF 50+ protection, Bondi Sands has really hit the ball out of the park with this range. Ideal for dreamy beach days and al fresco picnics with friends, these hydrating lip balms soothe dry lips and come in several different flavours. My current fave is Tropical Mango and I'm also quite fond of the Juicy Watermelon. An absolute bargain for only a fiver.

The Perfume Rollerball | Farryn Amber Perfume Oil Roll On in Floral Oud (10ml, RRP £18)

I'm a huge fan of perfume rollerballs and feel that they truly come into their own during the summer months when you want something small and convenient to throw into your carry-on or beach bag. This one from Farryn Amber is a gorgeous heady floral scent with plenty of musky Oud thrown into the mix.

The Luxury Aromatherapy Treat | Prismologie Rose Quartz + Manganese Comforting Meridian Balm (75ml, prices vary)

I came across this Prismologie aromatherapy treat whilst browsing the beauty section of TK Maxx (a great place to find a whole host of bargains from big and niche brands) and I instantly fell in love with the box packaging. Upon opening it at home, I was delighted to be greeted by the beautiful scent of fresh roses. combined in a chunky twist-up balm stick. This multi-purpose balm wand glides onto the skin and is infused with Rosehip Oil to gently moisturise whilst delivering aromatherapy benefits. A lovely treat for less than a tenner and they had plenty of others to choose from if you're not a fan of Rose.

The Glowy Bronzer/Highlighter | Iconic London Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow in Date Night (5g, £25, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose product and I fell head over heels for this much-hyped newbie from Iconic London. Yes, this was definitely one of those 'Instagram made me do it' moments and I have no regrets! These Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glows are insanely beautiful and I had a hard time choosing a favourite. In the end, I opted for Date Night which is the most perfect glowy bronzer-meets-highlighter for olive skin tones. This baby really pops against a summer tan! The powder compact is buttery soft and super blendable so you can apply a light dusting or go to town and layer it up for a more intense glow.

The It-Girl Aviators | Versace Aviator Sunglasses (gift from a friend)

Despite my ever-growing collection of sunglasses, I didn't actually own a pair of aviators until one of my good friends kindly gifted me this pair of Versace Aviator Sunglasses for my birthday last month. Since then, I've been wearing them all the time and I love how they go with pretty much every summer outfit imaginable. Smart and chic, they are one of those classics that never goes out of style so I know I'll be wearing these every summer until the end of time.

The Vintage Summer Bag | Jane Shilton Round Bag (charity shop find)

Quick confession, every year I hate the trend of those straw/wicker bags, mainly because I dislike the feel of them so much. Instead, I was on the hunt for a light-coloured small bag and found this beautiful vintage Jane Shilton bag in a local Oxfam charity shop for the bargain price of £6.99. The soft woven texture gives off beach vibes and the long strap can be worn across the body. One of my favourite purchases of the year so far!

What products are you currently loving?

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Foodie Friday | Fudge Kitchen review | AKA The Best Luxury Artisan Fudge in the UK

Need a sweet pick-me-up? Fudge has always been a real nostalgic treat for me and I've been searching for the best fudge in the UK for a while. Guess what? I think I've finally found the holy grail of all luxury, artisan fudge thanks to Fudge Kitchen.

Scattered across six different locations across the UK, Fudge Kitchen has been making handmade fudge since 1983 which is always a good indicator of a successful business in these chaotic times we live in. And when I say handmade, I really do mean handmade; they've gone viral online for showcasing their 'theatre for fudge', where you can see their makers pour incredible mixtures (based on traditional recipes from the 1800's) over Italian marble tables and shape it into the most incredible fudge you'll ever taste in your life.

You'll find Fudge Kitchen in tourist hotspots such as Bath, York, and Edinburgh, and fudge addicts can even book onto courses to learn how to make fudge in their stores. For those not near a bricks and mortar shop, don't despair because you can order Fudge Kitchen online and have it delivered straight to your door. Perfect for birthday gifts and special treats!

Having sampled this holy grail fudge in their Bath store, I had to order some more as soon as I got home. Fashioned into thick slabs (this really is a million miles away from any other kind of fudge I've tried in the past)  and made with only minimal natural ingredients, they have a delectable range of flavours to choose from so there's something for everyone. 

From classic favourites such as Clotted Cream and Sea Salt Caramel, to experimental delights like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Pina Colada, you are truly spoilt for choice. There are also special seasonal additions available throughout the year; Eton Mess is the current one as a celebration for Wimbledon, and I'm happy to say that vegans are catered for as well with Fudge Kitchen's unique vegan recipes.

I highly recommend the 'Build A Box' option which allows you to choose five flavours and arrives beautifully packaged with no plastic. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the heavenly sweet fragrance of butter and sugar, and I couldn't wait to sample everything!

Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge

Chocolate and orange is just one of those classic, to-die-for flavour combinations that I can never get enough of. Here Fudge Kitchen has created a vegan, dairy-free version made from a finely honed sugar-crafting technique that incorporates ingredients such as oats and oat drink to form the base. I have tried some different brands of vegan fudge in the past and I have to admit, they have been disappointing, but it's safe to say that Fudge Kitchen has truly nailed its vegan recipe here with a smooth, dense, creamy texture that doesn't feel bitty or gritty like others do. As expected, this Chocolate Orange Vegan Fudge is a dream come true; not too sweet, very chocolatey and with a good dose of orange mixed in.

Creamy Coffee Fudge

I'm one of those people who doesn't drink coffee but loves the coffee-flavoured things (bizarre I know!), and this Creamy Coffee Fudge hits the spot perfectly. The buttery texture melts in your mouth and the infusion of coffee is strong, but not overpowering if that makes any sense. Absolutely superb and one of my favourite flavours.

Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge

Following on from the success of the Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge, my attention quickly turned to the moreish Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge which is another culinary winner. I'm a huge fan of peanut butter so this was an easy choice to win me over with, but again, that unique dairy-free texture is so impressive. I particularly enjoyed the crunchy pieces of peanuts which kept my tastebuds interested with every bite.

Chocolate Swirl Fudge

Imagine a classic clotted cream recipe with a generous swirl of chocolate sauce and real chocolate chunks added and this is what you get. Beautifully buttery and creamy, this one had a slightly softer and subtly chewier texture than the previous flavours, with that insane melt-in-your-mouth quality. This one was very popular with everyone who tried it!

Butter Pecan Fudge

Saving the very best til last, the Butter Pecan Fudge is what sweet dreams are made of. My goodness! This is the flavour that I sampled in their Bath store, so of course I had to purchase another slab of it because the first one didn't last long! Butter Pecan is just sublime with a rich, nutty flavour, coupled with caramel, sugar and butter, and a dense, yet slightly crumbly texture. Heaven on earth right here.

Fudge Kitchen's Build A Box costs £20 for five thick slabs plus shipping - order online & discover more sweet treats at fudgekitchen.co.uk

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Summer Beauty | Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box 2023 review

British weather may be temperamental at the best of times but that rarely stops us from making the most of the great outdoors, and festivals are a big part of the summertime experience. Make sure you don't get caught out when the next heatwave hits with Caroline Hirons' amazing Skin Rocks Festival Box!

Worth nearly a hundred quid (well £94.96 to be exact!), this specially curated edit of summer skincare must-haves offers consumers a whopping saving of over 48%. The legendary skincare guru has put together this box for all the festival-goers out there, so whether you're camping, raving, or just getting out in the sun to have a catch up with your besties, Mrs Hirons has got you covered. 

All of the products included are suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and of course, there's a key focus on sun protection with not one, not two, but three different types of SPF. 

The Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for just £45 whilst stocks last so here's a rundown of the contents.

Step One | Sculpted By Aimee Fresh Faced Makeup Remover

One of the best things that you can possibly do for your skin (other than wear your sunscreen every day) is to make sure that you remove said sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. This Fresh Faced Makeup Remover from Sculpted By Aimee is a super gentle water-based cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E to calm, brighten and remove all traces of daily dirt, pollution, SPF, and makeup. Simply pour a small amount onto a reusable pad and sweep across the face as your first cleanse.

Step Two | BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Next up, there's a fantastic moisturiser from BYOMA. Formulated with a clever Tri-Ceramide Complex to hydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier, this deeply hydrating, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is super lightweight and can be used AM and PM - just what you need in a festival travel bag. Smooth on 1-2 pumps and you know your skin is being properly cared for.

Step Three | COOLA Sun Silk Drops SPF 30

COOLA are definitely the 'cool' skincare brand of the summer and I've been really impressed with several of their products so far so this is perhaps the one I'm most excited to try out from the box. These Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 are ideal for anyone who hates sticky and heavy-feeling sunscreens because they feel the exact opposite and are much more like a light serum in texture and application. Quick to absorb into the skin without any greasiness, these innovative drops protect against UVA and UVB free radical damage, plus they help to mitigate the effects of HEV light (AKA Blue Light). Clever stuff indeed!

Steps Four & Five | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ & SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion

Bondi Sands is one of my favourite sunscreen brands (check out my previous review here), mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Australians have much higher standards when it comes to making sure that their sunscreen does what it's supposed to do. Secondly, they are affordable, available readily on the high street and online, and they're cruelty-free. Needless to say, I was delighted to find two of their products in this box.

For body, there's the SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion. With Vitamin E, this water-resistant lotion is great for sensitive skin and offers 72-hour hydration. Shake the tube well before applying and it applies easily just like a body lotion without any stickiness. And don't forget your lips with the Lip Balm SPF 50+ which comes in a delicious juicy watermelon flavour - yum!

Bonus | Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches

Don't let a blemish or two ruin your festival selfies! These Starface Party Pack Pimple Patches are not only super cute as they're star-shaped and brightly coloured, but they really do work wonders on your spots thanks to a specially formulated hydrocolloid dressing. Hydrocolloid is clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation so that your blemishes basically shrink overnight - magical!

The Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Festival Box retails for £45 and is available whilst stocks last from skinrocks.com

Will you be picking up this box?

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Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Are you ready for a bumper Beauty Empties post? It's always the way isn't it; this is about two months' worth of empties as I didn't feel like I had enough to warrant writing a post last month, and now the recycling bin is overflowing. Grab a cuppa and settle down, there's a lot to discuss here!

Bloomtown Natural Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (reviewed here)

I've been using natural deodorants for the best part of 10 years now and I haven't looked back. Admittedly, it can take some trial and error at first to find one that works for you, but a long-time favourite of mine is this deodorant bar from Bloomtown. It lasts a good 2-3 months, is plastic-free, I love the scent and it keeps me fresh all day. Repurchase? Yes.

Nip + Fab Purify Salicylic Fix Spot Patches

These were from a Glossybox and sadly, I didn't find them to be very effective. They didn't dry out my skin, but they also didn't do much to reduce the size of blemishes. Repurchase? No. 

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts & White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica Bath Salts* 

Epsom salts are amazing for reviving the muscles after exercise or just to help you to relax after a stressful/busy day. I'm a big fan of the Westlab Bath Salts which are one of the most affordable brands on the market; the Reviving ones are fragrance-free, whilst the other pack is infused with White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica. Repurchase? Definitely.

Saach Organics Henna Orange Oil Shampoo* (reviewed here)

If, like me, you use henna to colour your hair, then this is a fantastic shampoo that contains henna orange oil to keep your colour looking vibrant for longer. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

It's always a very sad day when you finish up a full-size bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil! I adore these so much, and although they are a luxury splurge, a tiny amount goes a long way. This is the De-Stress blend which is amazing for tired and sore muscles. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

This Works Sleep Balm

A cute little pot of scented balm that I like to apply to my pulse points before going to bed. If you have trouble sleeping, I can't recommend the This Works Sleep range enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

Another one that I found in a Glossybox, I originally really liked this, but over time, I began to find the coconut flavour too sickly sweet. Repurchase? No.

Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This is the classic original formula which has peppermint and Vitamin E in it. You really can't go wrong with these lip balms, I must have gone through loads of them over the years! Repurchase? Yes.

Emma Hardie Brilliance Face Oil* (reviewed here)

An absolutely beautiful product, Emma Hardie's bestselling Brilliance Face Oil is just sublime. I love the blend of natural plant oils and my skin always feels healthier and more glowy whenever I use it. Repurchase? Yes.

Dook X Jupiter Artland Salt Soap

My favourite brand discovery of this year so far has been Dook. Their famous handmade Salt Soaps are not only exquisite and works of art in their own right, but the compact formula means they never go mushy, even after using them every day for the past few months. This one was a special Limited Edition collaboration that they did with the Scottish artist Jupiter Artland. Repurchase? I will buy more from their main range for sure! 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Bath and Shower Gel (travel size)

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and Rhubarb & Rose is quite possibly my favourite scent from them; it's so fruity with a touch of floral and a little sherberty zing. A lovely touch of luxury for the bath or shower. Repurchase? Yes.

Tisserand Mandarin & May Chang Uplifting Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

Another beautifully scented product is this hand cream from Tisserand which has a lovely oriental floral and spicy fragrance. My top tip is to stock up on these when they're on offer in TKMaxx. Repurchase? Yes.

Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ 

An excellent choice for sensitive skin, this sunscreen does the job and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

Another good option for sensitive skin is this bath & shower oil from Evolve Organic Beauty has a very delicate and gentle formula so I tend to use it a lot when my skin is having an eczema flareup. Repurchase? Yes. 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I only use micellar water to remove waterproof mascara as I prefer cleansing oils/balms for the rest of my face, so one of these big bottles lasts me around six months or so. It gets the job done and is fragrance-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream*

Gorgeous softening formula with a gorgeous cheerful scent, I've been using these for years and always have one in my stash somewhere. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturecan Purify CBD Clay Mask* (reviewed here)

Whilst I enjoyed using this, I did feel like it's a pretty basic clay face mask and there are other brands that I prefer a lot more. Repurchase? No.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight (travel size)

One of the best, if not the best, natural mascaras you'll find on the market right now. I love this mascara so much! It lengthens, adds volume and doesn't smudge or budge all day long. Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Tarteist Brow Gel

As far as clear brow gels go, this works really well and keeps fluffy brows in place. But is it worth the money? Nope; you can find the same kind of product elsewhere for a much more affordable price. Repurchase? No.

Organic Works Bergamot Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

I love fresh scents as you can probably tell from this post and this big bottle of body lotion from Organic Works has served me well! Lovely light non-sticky formula and a lovely fresh fragrance. Repurchase? Yes.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist* 

An essential on my bedside table, I always like to spritz my bedding with a sleepy pillow mist before calling it a night. This one's in my top three favourites but I do feel that the This Works mist performs slightly better. Repurchase? Maybe.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (travel size)

Lastly, I've used up a travel size of REN's bestselling Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream which is something that I have recommended countless times to friends and family. If you have sensitive skin, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Foodie Friday | Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce review

Calling all my fellow hot sauce fans, this post is especially for you! Add lots of flavour and that all-important HEAT to your favourite dishes with these tasty offerings from Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce.

Hot sauce is one of those essentials that you'll always find in my fridge. In fact, you'll always find a mighty fine selection to choose from; I believe at last count, I had at least nine or ten different bottles opened! #sorrynotsorry

If hot sauce also equals life in your household, keep on scrolling to read more about Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce - my latest condiment obsession.

With its bright and colourful packaging and neat small glass bottles, Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce has got their branding on point. Needless to say, these award-winning hot sauces have gone from strength to strength since starting out back in 2013. Handmade with the utmost attention to flavour and that delicious heat, this small brand is based in Berlin and has been a firm favourite at the USA World Hot Sauce Awards and Britain's very own Great Taste Awards.

What sets Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce apart from the competition is the team's passion and dedication to bringing interesting flavour combinations to life, and their mission is to set your tastebuds on fire, one hot sauce at a time! 

With only the best high-quality ingredients and no additives, preservatives or sugar in their sauces, it's easy to see why Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce has grown so much in popularity over the past few years. 

Let's take a closer look at some of their bestselling flavours!

Like all well-rounded hot sauce brands, there is a wide range of flavours and different levels of heat to suit everyone; from those who just like a little kick of the hot stuff on their chips, to the serious chilli connoisseurs, you'll find something that's right for you.

Jalapeño & Date gets the party started with the lowest level of heat and the perfect balance of Jalapeños and Dates to give it a little sweetness. This is the kind of sauce that you can use on pretty much anything and everything. Scoville rating 3,000 SHU

Scotch Bonnet & Caribbean Spices offers a medium heat level with a zesty blend of Scotch Bonnets, Caribbean Spices, Garlic and Ginger. Usually, I'm not the biggest fan of Scotch Bonnets but this sauce is something different and very special from others that I've tried with no bitterness at all. Scoville rating 7,000 SHU

Chipotle & Pineapple is a really unique hot sauce with lots of smoky flavours, ideal for drizzling over grilled meats and veggies. Again, the Pineapple provides just enough sweetness to make it incredibly addictive! Scoville rating 10,000 SHU 

Habanero & Tomatillo is perhaps my personal favourite. This hot sauce is just utterly moreish with a bold flavour profile thanks to Habernero Chillies and ultra tangy Tomatillos. Scoville rating 25,000 SHU

Ghost Pepper & Mango leads the way to the hotter end of the chilli spectrum. Made with Bhut Jolokia Ghost Chillies and juicy Mangoes, it will add some serious heat to your favourite dishes and truly packs a punch! Scoville rating 30,000 SHU

Trinidad Scorpion & Clementine is one of the most unusual hot sauces that I have ever tried. Crafted with fiery Trinidad Scorpion Chillies and sweet Clementines, it's another great example of how to make a hot sauce that's tasty and complex, but without any bitterness or weird aftertaste. Scoville rating 50,000 SHU

Carolina Reaper & Blueberry is described as a 'flavour bomb' and well, that sums it up perfectly! Made with the world's hottest Carolina Reaper chilli peppers, the touch of Blueberries helps to balance out the flavour and surprisingly, it works beautifully. Scoville rating 65,000 SHU

Superhot Naga, not recommended for the faint of heart, this fermented creation is one of three different 'superhot' flavours which represent the brand's 'hottest ever sauces'. They're certainly not joking either. Made with a hell of a lot of Naga Bhut Jolokia Chillies, you'll also find White Wine Vinegar, Ginger, Garlic, Onion Powder, Madras Curry Powder and a touch of Salt in this complex but tasty blend. Add a little to your homemade curries/stir-fries/stews when you want to feel the burn! Scoville rating 250,000 SHU

Discover the full range at crazybsauce.co.uk

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Health & Lifestyle | Optibac Every Day, Adult Gummies & Intimate Flora For Women Probiotics review

There's not a day that seems to go past without someone mentioning how they are improving their Gut Health on social media, and this post is yet another reminder of how important it is to look after your gut. In addition to eating a wide variety of different foods, taking probiotic supplements can also help to boost the number of friendly bacteria that live in your gut, thus helping to revitalise your overall health in the process.

What Are Probiotics?

First things first though, what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are the name for the numerous strains of live bacteria and yeasts that live in your body. They can be found in lots of different foods that are mainly fermented or cultured in some way such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and certain types of yogurts. If you eat a healthy plant-based diet, you're probably already consuming a lot of these! 

Why Do We Need Probiotics?

Probiotics are essential to supporting a healthy digestive system; one easy way to remember them is to think of them as the 'good guys' as they are the friendly bacteria that we need to keep our gut nice and balanced. Unfortunately, many of us don't eat a varied diet in the Western world, and things like alcohol and junk/ultra-processed foods can upset the delicate balance of the good versus bad bacteria in the gut. This imbalance can lead to digestive problems such as IBS and 'leaky gut' (where your body finds it difficult to retain essential vitamins and minerals), as well as issues with your immunity. 

On top of this, stress and antibiotics also cause gut imbalances, so much so, that countries such as Germany and Sweden often provide a course of probiotics when you're given a prescription of antibiotics to counterbalance the side effects on your gut. It's also a useful reminder to only take antibiotics when you absolutely have to. 

How Do Supplements Help?

Probiotic supplements can be a very useful way to top up the friendly good bacteria that your body needs but not all supplements are created equally, so make sure you read the label before purchasing. Brands such as Optibac offer expert advice online to help you to choose the formula that's right for your individual needs, and with a good range to choose from, there's something to suit everyone. Here are just three examples of what they have to offer your gut health, all of which are packaged in glass jars or compostable pouches. And for everyone who has a vagina, there's a specialist supplement just for you at the end of this post!

Optibac Every Day* (£12.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

For a good all-rounder that will suit most people, Optibac Every Day is an excellent choice. This daily supplement contains six highly researched strains of friendly bacteria which have been proven to survive the acidity of the stomach so that you can properly reap the health rewards. These strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11®, Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175, Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058, Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70, and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71. Optibac has also added FOS fibres which are scientifically proven to increase your natural gut bacteria. 

With five billion live cultures in each capsule, this supplement is vegetarian-friendly, yeast and gluten-free, contains no added sugars, is free from artificial colours, and is safe to consume during pregnancy. I've tried many probiotic supplements over the years from various brands and you really can't beat the price point vs quality from Optibac, making them the most affordable in the market.  

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, ideally with breakfast. Can be increased to two capsules a day if professionally recommended and is suitable for ongoing use.

 

Optibac Adult Gummies* (£12.99, 30 gummies, one month supply, link)

If you're not keen on taking capsules or have difficulty swallowing them, the Optibac Adult Gummies are a brilliant alternative. These gummies have a delicious mixed berry flavour, are gluten-free, contain no added sugar and have no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. They are also Vegan approved so there's no nasty gelatine. This formula contains the scientifically proven strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 and is combined with FOS fibres, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Calcium to provide a gut and immune health supplement all in one. Each gummy has five billion live cultures of the good stuff.

How to use: take one gummy per day, with or without food, do not exceed this recommended daily dosage. Can be used on an ongoing basis, but please consult with your GP/medical professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious medical condition before consuming.

Optibac Intimate Flora For Women* (£19.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the Optibac Intimate Flora For Women because I have personally found these so useful for helping me to lessen the number of UTIs (and to recover more quickly from) that I used to experience. If you have a vagina, you need to try these! This is a very specific and specially formulated supplement that contains friendly bacteria strains which are naturally found in the vagina and urinary tract; all of which have been scientifically researched and proven to reach the vagina, with over 30 years of research to back up this all-important formula to support the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. So to recap, this isn't one for your gut!

Each capsule boasts three strains; Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® with 2.5 billion live cultures. As the bacteria in the vagina is different from the gut, it makes sense to support it with a specialist supplement, so you can take this alongside one of the other gut formulas above. These are vegan-friendly, gluten & yeast free, and suitable to take during pregnancy.

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, preferably with breakfast. You can take these on an ongoing basis or intensively to help rebalance your vaginal health if you have a UTI (if the latter, I would recommend increasing to two capsules per day which is what I have done in the past - and it worked really well for me!).

Shop the full range of Optibac supplements and take advantage of 15% discounts when you subscribe and save: optibacprobiotics.com/uk/

Have you tried any probiotics?

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Summer Beauty | Naturisimo - The Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box - 2023 review

Clean beauty fans! The latest Naturisimo discovery box edit is an absolute steal and packed full of summer-friendly skincare that is simply perfect for your next holiday or weekend trip away. Worth £103, this Limited Edition selection features cruelty-free brand favourites such as REN and Indie Lee, and retails for just £24, whilst stocks last.

The Naturisimo Discovery Boxes are released as a one-off purchase (no subscription necessary) every month and each one has a different theme.  The last one that I bought was the Go Love Yourself Box which was a gorgeous pampering treat for Valentine's Day, and I'm a huge fan of their hugely popular Makeup Discovery Boxes which always sells out so fast!

Don't just take my word for it though; here's a rundown of everything that's inside the Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box so that you can judge it for yourselves!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (travel size)

First up, you should always start off your skincare routine with a cleanser, and what better one to opt for than Indie Lee's bestselling Brightening Cleanser? This lush gel cleanser is packed full of antioxidants to brighten your complexion and it's perfect for the hot and sticky summer months. It also has a gorgeous texture that simply melts away all traces of makeup and impurities.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (travel size)

I've used Balance Me's Wonder Eye Cream on and off for years and I'd have to rank it as one of my top 3 favourite eye creams of all time. Brilliant for gently brightening up the delicate undereye area, it goes on smoothly so concealer applies like a dream on top. And for my fellow hayfever sufferers, it's fantastic for de-puffing puffy eyes.

REN Global Protection Day Cream (full size)

Worth £42 on its own, this full-size of REN's Global Protection Day Cream is the undisputed star of the box and like the Balance Me Eye Cream above, it's another product that I have enjoyed using over the years. It's incredibly rare to find a face cream that works for all skin types, but somehow REN has managed to create an amazing 'fits all' formula here that keeps everyone's skin healthy and hydrated.

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum (travel size)

A new-to-me brand, Everyday Humans have been getting a lot of hype online recently for their Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Serum and here you can try it for yourselves! Sunscreen serums are a fab alternative for those who hate the feeling of thick or sticky SPFs as it feels almost weightless and sinks into the skin quickly without any greasy feeling. 

Madara Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 (travel size)

Tinted sunscreens have come on leaps and bounds in the clean beauty world, so if you're the kind of person who loves that fresh 'no-makeup makeup' look, Madara's Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is the one for you. This mineral SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays and the tinted shade ensures that you don't have any problems with the common white cast that's associated with most sunscreens, making it ideal for all your holiday selfies.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size)

OK, so we all know the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours whilst we're out and about, but in all honesty, how many of us actually do this? Fret not though because Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 has your back! This ultra-handy handbag-sized spray allows you to top up throughout the day to make sure that your skin is fully protected without you having to reapply your makeup.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Treat yourself to some serious luxury pampering whilst you're away with this mini Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath & Shower Oil. Regular readers will know that I'm a huge fan of these bath oils and have been using them since forever so I was thrilled to have another travel-size bottle to add to my stash. No bath in your hotel room? Don't worry, you can use this in the shower; just apply it directly to your body, breathe in that beautiful natural scent, and rinse off.

Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)

Last, but not least, there's a travel-size duo of Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner to complete your beauty carry-on bag. I love Rahua haircare and I haven't tried out this new Enchanted Island range yet so I'm looking forward to giving these a go on my next weekend away. Formulated without any nasties such as silicones or sulfates, they promise to leave your hair luxuriously soft and shiny.

Naturisimo Clean Beauty Travels Discovery Box retails for £24 whilst stocks last - grab yours today at naturisimo.com

Will you be treating yourself to one of these?

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