Botanicals Balancing Detox Mask

When I received this product, I was so excited to try it out and tell you all what I think of it! I've been on the hunt for a decent, organic face mask for a while now, and this product may just be my new holy grail face mask.

So Botanicals are a Soil Associated organic, vegan and cruelty free skincare company that specialise in creating products that are not only natural, but are also environmentally friendly. 

The product itself contains 70% organic ingredients and of course contains no parabens, SLS or any other nasties. I have combination skin, and found that after using this mask my skin would feel incredibly soft, clean and smooth. It doesn't dry the skin out or cause it to go red like some face masks do, yet it still manages to deep clean the skin. 

As it's a clay mask, I was expecting it to be really thick and heavy on the skin, but actually it melts and doesn't dry, which I really like.

You can buy this face mask here! 

Simplifying Your Beauty Products

In today's society, we are exposed to companies advertising their beauty products on TV, in magazines and of course all over social media. We're given a false advert that buying all of these products will make us happy and we'll get so many benefits from them. 

But in reality, are these companies actually thinking about our well being or is it all about numbers and profit? Are we essentially poisoning ourselves with all these products that we buy that contain a whole list of ingredients that we can't even pronounce? It's time to step back and really look at what we're consuming. 

For me, the first step was to simplify the actual amount of products that I put on my skin. You really don't need 20 different facial moisturisers that contain a whole list of dodgy ingredients. Instead, cut it down to the bare essentials. 

Ditch your toner that contains 30 different ingredients, and consider using a floral water instead. I use the Balm Balm Rose Floral Water as a toner, which contains ONE ingredient. It's incredibly gentle on the skin and of course smells amazing. It's simple, organic and isn't over priced.

When it comes to moisturising my face, I personally think you can't beat using facial oils. I've seen some moisturisers contain parabens and a load of other harmful ingredients. The whole point of using a moisturiser is to sink into the skin and hydrate it. I personally use a combination of the Balm Balm Rose Geranium Organic Face Balm and Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Natural Cacay Anti-Aging Face Oil. They are 100% organic and natural, and starting early with the whole anti-aging thing never hurt anyone!! My skin is left feeling hydrated, smooth and loved! 

Another important part of your skincare routine is what you remove your make up with. Before, both me and my mum were using make up remover that contained parabens, but now we've switched over to these Yes To Coconut Cleansing Wipes. They're free from parabens and SLS and they're also compostable! 

Last but not least, using an organic, fragrance free lip balm with minimal ingredients is very important. Your lip balm is most likely going to end up in your mouth, so think of all the chemicals you could be swallowing! The Balm Balm Fragrance Free Lip Balm is one of my favorites at the moment as the days get colder and my lips become drier. 

Oh and one more thing, I read this article about non-vegan perfumes the other day, and it will put you off mainstream perfumes for life. I've switched over to this organic lavender perfume, which contains lavender oil and alcohol, and that's literally it! 

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Zero Waste Starter Kit

I've been trying to reduce the amount of waste I produce and attempt to live a zero waste lifestyle! One of the most important things for me is reducing the amount of plastic I throw away, which all starts with buying plastic alternatives.

So far I've switched over to using stainless steel straws, bamboo toothbrushes, replaced disposable cotton pads with reusable ones, started using a shampoo and soap bar, and switched from tampons to a menstrual cup!

Buying in bulk and making my own products has also reduced the amount of waste I produce, and of course getting a sturdy reusable shopping bag is a must!

Cruelty-Free & Vegan Autumn Make Up Essentials!

It's officially Autumn... the leaves are turning, the days are starting to cool down, oh and it's my birthday tomorrow! Therefore it seems like the perfect time to share my cruelty free and vegan autumn make up essentials. 

Kat Von D Serpentina Eyeshadow Palette

This palette has the perfect fall inspired shades! Think orange/red leaves and pretty colourful fireworks! Read my full review and swatches here. 

Avril Cosmetics Single eyeshadows in the shade Marécage and Terre.

Slightly more subtle autumn inspired shades with their beautiful earthy tones. The pigmentation is incredible and these two eyeshadows would look amazing with a dark berry lip! 

Barry M Nail Polishes in the shades in Sprint Finish and Slip Stream 

Is it really autumn if your nails aren't painted either dark red or purple? Nope, thought not! These are quick drying, vegan and inexpensive, so no excuse! 

Kat Von D Lolita 

Everyone loves this liquid lipstick. It's the perfect dark mauve nude and a great alternative to your berry and bright red lipsticks! 

Lippy Girl Lipsticks in the shades Boss Lady and Snog Me

These lipsticks are not only the perfect shades for autumn, they are incredibly creamy, pigmented and long lasting as well! And not to mention they're vegan, organic and eco-friendly, what's not to love?! Check out the full range here. 

Left to right: Single eyeshadow in the shade Marécage and Terre, Kat Von D Lolita, Lippy Girl Lipsticks in the shade Boss Lady and Snog Me. 

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DIY Facial Wash

I've been trying to transition to a chemical free and zero waste lifestyle recently, which includes trying to make more natural alternatives to some of the beauty products I own. Whilst the facial wash I've been using is actually organic, it still contains a lot of ingredients that I have no idea what they are! By making your own, you're in control of what you're putting on your face, whilst reducing waste and saving money at the same time. 

Both me and my dad have been using this facial wash, and we absolutely love it! My dad even wants me to make a whole load of it for him!!

You will need: 

A bottle with a pump (remember to reuse, rather than buying one)

1 cup of Dr. Bonner's Unscented Pure Castile Soap

1 tablespoon of organic Rose Water

1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil 

5 drops of tea tree oil

5 drops of lavender oil

Distilled water 

Pour the Castile Soap into your reused bottle, and then add the rose water and the almond oil. Next add the tea tree oil and lavender oil. Shake it all up well! Your bottle at this point will be about 3/4 full, simply fill the rest up with distilled water and shake it all up again!

Also make sure to shake well before use, as I found the ingredients would separate when left.  

Let me know if you give it a try!!

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