And the adventure begins...

Hello! Just a quick update to let you know that on Sunday, I am moving away from home and starting university! This means I probably won't be writing any posts for a week or two while I get settled it. I'm pretty much all packed and ready to go now, I'm very excited! As I will soon be a student with no money, this blog will really start to show what natural and organic products I love which are affordable!
Thanks for the continued support from you all by reading and commenting on my blog! 

Looking forward to posting again soon!

Love ,Katie xx

Biopha Crème Mains Review

Hello there! How are you? Today I'm reviewing a hand cream by the French brand Biopha. You may have noticed it in a previous haul I posted. 

Thanks to Google translate, I have been able to read about the brand on their website! The products are of natural origin and are certified organic. Their products are practical and economical and are affordable as they can be bought in the supermarkets. They say they use sweet, fresh, 100% natural scents such as apple, pear and grapefruit. 

The Hand Cream contains Aloe Vera and Argan Oil which will moisturise and nourish the skin restoring suppleness and softness to the hands. 

It all sounds very good, so what did I think of the product?

Price

It was €4.90.

Packaging

150ml. Good basic packaging. Nothing too fancy. Quite a lot of product for price. 

Scent

Argan oil and Aloe Vera. The cream smells like sherbet to me. Unexpected but lovely!!

Liked

*This is a non greasy hand cream. You can get straight on with what you were doing after applying it.

*It has almost a cooling effect as it dries. 

*The bottle is going to last for ages!!

*It makes my hands feel soft.

*It soothing to my hands if they are dry or irritated.

*A good everyday cream.

Disliked

*This is not the product for you if you want a rich hand cream which will be incredibly moisturising for your hands. 

*Bottle is almost too big for your bag.

Recommended For:

*Somebody wanting an everyday hand cream

*Somebody who likes sweet sugary scents.

*People who want a good product where you get a lot for your money.

Repurchase?

Yes. If I happened to be in France and saw it in the supermarket, I would get another one! I would be interested to see what their other products were like.

Rating

7/10

A decent item. You can't go wrong for the price.

Buy From

In Supermarkets in France. I have not been able to see anywhere online selling it for people outside France.

Have any of you tried a good French Skincare/ beauty brand?

Song of the day:

Colbie Caillat- Think Good Thoughts. 

Good Enough To Eat(Almost!): Beauty Food-> Sea Salt Hair Spritz

After writing my review on TIGI Body and Waves styling mist, it suddenly occurred to me that there is no reason why I couldn't make a spray similar to this. It is something I have heard of before and after a bit of research I thought I would give it a go. Although it is part of my Good Enough To Eat series, this spritz is a not one that you would be able to 'eat'. :)

Here are the results:

Thanks for reading!! I hope you enjoyed seeing a DIY version of the Tigi product I reviewed!! 

Let me know if you make it or have any questions on the recipe!

xx

Song of the Day: 

Tusk-Fleetwood Mac

TIGI Love Peace & the Planet Hair Styling Product Review

Hello! Today I'm doing a review on the Tigi Love Peace and The Planet 'Volumizer &Thickener' and 'Body and Waves Styling Mist'. I have been using these products a while now and am now ready to give them a review. I have already reviewed the Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner which you can check out here. It also tells you about the brand so you can have a read if you want to. 

So I'm going to jump straight into the reviews!

FREAK OF NATURE

VOLUMIZER & THICKENER

This product is supposed to add volume and thickness to your hair. It can be applied on wet hair and blow dried to create thickness. You can use a tiny amount on dry hair into the roots to add volume. 

Price

RRP £9.95. But can be found cheaper online.

Packaging

250ml bottle. Young, fun packaging. 

Scent

Lavender, Citrus & Eucalyptus. This smell is gorgeous and fruity. The citrus scent is lovely.

Liked

*It does what it says on the tin. I use this product as if it were a mouse for volume. 

*It gives more life to my hair in seconds.

*When applied on wet hair, it makes your hair look very thick and healthy.

*You get instant volume when applied onto dry hair. You can run your fingers through the roots to recreate the volume if it gets flat.

*It does not leave my hair feeling greasy even when applied onto dry hair.

*I love the smell.

*A little goes a long way. I have loads left and have been using it all the time since June.

Disliked

*I couldn't say for sure, but it might not be suitable for oily hair. 

Recommended For:

*People with normal hair.

*Somebody who wants to make the transition from mainstream to natural/organic.

*People who want a replacement for silicone mouses.

*People who want thick healthy hair.

Repurchase?

Yes. Although I'm not sure I would pay £9.95 for it, I will be sad when it runs out and will probably want a new bottle! 

Rating

9/10

I've been really happy with this product.

Buy From

Currently instore at TK MAXX or online from www.fragrancemad.com

TOTALLY BEACHIN'

BODY & WAVES STYLING MIST.

This product says it will give you sexy, surfer chic tousled hair. The coconut water and Sea Kelp will nourish hair while the pineapple and sea salt add texture to your hair. It can be sprayed onto dry or damp hair and air-dried or blow-dried to finish.

Price

RRP £8.89. But can be found cheaper online.

Packaging

177ml bottle. Random size in my opinion. Slightly taller, narrower bottle. Same cute packaging.  

Scent

Coconut, Mango & Vanilla. This scent is heavenly to me. I absolutely love the smell of it. Some people might not like the sweet scent but its a winner for me. It reminds me of my childhood and I want every product to smell like this!! 

Liked

*The scent of course.

*This product works. I have naturally wavy textured hair but It creates slightly more wave and definition.

*It doesn't give that crunchy dry effect that scrunched hair normally has.

*It gives my hair more volume.

*It doesn't run out quickly.

*Did I mention the scent?!

Disliked

*I think the scent attracted wasps on my holiday!

Recommended For:

*People with any hair type.

*Somebody who wants to make the transition from mainstream to natural/organic.

*Somebody who wanted to create a natural looking texture/wave to their hair.

*Someone who loves the smell of coconut and vanilla together!

Repurchase?

Although I love the smell, I'm not sure I would repurchase. There are lots of similar products out their and this product does a good job but I want to see what else will be as good. 

Rating

8.5/10

All round a good product worth checking out.

Buy From

Currently instore at TK MAXX or online from www.fragrancemad.com

Hope these reviews were helpful. the products work wonderfully together and I have been very happy with them.

Song of the Day:

Draw the Stars- Andreya Triana

Good Enough to Eat: Beauty Food- No More Yellow Nails

White Rose Soaps Mango and White Clay Face Mask Review

As my mum has a business selling handmade soap and natural skin care, you become a guinea pig trying all sorts of concoctions until the final product has been created to sell. This is great fun and I end up having favourite beauty products that I otherwise would have never tried. The process of making and testing one item takes months until the product is ready to sell. The face masks started being created in about March/ April and I can genuinely say I have been using and enjoying the Mango and White Clay Mask a lot since then. I have tried lots of different varieties and I always come back to this one!

This is an honest review on the face mask because I truly love the product. I wouldn't be using it once a week if I didn't like it. 

So on to the review.

Price

£6.50 for one jar. This is 50g and you get about 10 uses from one jar.

Packaging

A glass jar with waterproof label and secure lid. I'd like to think the label was nice but I designed it so that would be biased!

Scent

*The smell is gorgeous. It smells just like mangos- believe it or not!


Application
Mix powder to paste with water/milk/yoghurt and apply to face. Leave for 10 mins and wash off!

Liked

*My skin does not become irritated when the mask dries.

*You only need about 1 teaspoon, so the dry powder lasts forever.

*The dry formulation means your mask won't go off. 

*Its convenient, you don't need to start mixing up lots of products to create a face mask but you get the joy of a natural handmade face mask.

*Its an easy application.

*The morning after, my skin looks really fresh and feels smooth. The mask pulls outs all impurities!

Disliked

If you use it more than once a week, your skin might start to get irritated but apart from that I have no 'negative' things to say.

Recommended for:

*Normal skin types

*All ages- from teenage skin to mature skin

*Somebody who enjoys having a natural face mask but doesn't have the time to make one from scratch.

*There is also a Apricot and Honey mask which is good for all skin types and a strawberry one coming soon for oily skin. 

Repurchase?

Yes! This is my go-to product for great looking skin especially before and after a night out. 

Rating

10/10

Buy From

www.whiterosesoaps.co.uk

Shipping is £2.95 for UK buyers, £5.00 for everywhere else. 

Song of the Day

Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch me

Weleda Skin Food

White Rose Soaps Mango and White Clay Face Mask

Tigi Love Peace and the Planet Body and Waves Styling Mist

Lily Lolo Soft Brown Eyeshadow

Velcro Rollers

If I haven't already, reviews of the products will be on the blog at some point.




Song of the day: When the night feels my song- Bedouin Soundclash

Good Enough To Eat: Beauty Food. ->Rough Body Scrub.

Hi! How are you all?
I am starting a mini series on here called : 'Good Enough To Eat: Beauty Food'. This will be showing you easy and cheap ways to feel pampered and lovely by using items in your kitchen cupboards! You will be able to eat 99% of the ingredients that will go into the recipes. Pure and Simple!
Today I have a post showing you a simple body scrub which will leave your skin feeling really soft and nourished. The scrub contains Rock Salt, Ground Almonds, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice. All of which combine to make your skin feel gorgeous. The salt and almonds exfoliate while the olive oil moisturises and the lemon juice helps to smooth out any skin imperfections. 

The quantities I have used are enough for me for one use but change the quantities to suit your needs. 

Let me know if you try this recipe. Have you got a good body scrub recipe I should try?

Enjoy. xx

Song of the day: Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

EcoTools Brush Review & How I clean them.

Kabuki brush(far right) is by Lily Lolo.

EcoTools. Everybody has heard of them, everybody who likes natural make up has probably tried them. They are available in your local pharmacies such as Boots and Superdrug and are extremely affordable. As far as i'm aware, you can only get their brushes in the UK, but they sell other cosmetic products too. Ecotools.com say about their brand:

"EcoTools^® cosmetic brushes are what started it all! The iconic look of the sleek bamboo, gorgeous recycled aluminum and incredibly soft bristles are only part of what makes EcoTools, EcoTools.

Our cosmetic brushes are beautiful and show respect for the earth. They are 100% cruelty-free, have incredibly soft bristles made of synthetic taklon and have handles made of bamboo and recycled aluminum ferrules.

We also package every product in an eco-conscious way including: reusable pouches, post-consumer recycled plastic and recyclable packaging."

I bought the 6 Piece Brush set which includes Blush brush, Eyeshading brush, Eyeliner Brush, Lash and Brow Groomer, Concealer Brush and a case for your brushes.

 

I also own the Foundation brush and Eyeshadow Brush.

Price

£15.31 for 6 piece Brush set

£8.67 for Foundation Brush

£5.61 for Eyeshadow Brush

Packaging

The brushes come in a little storage pouch which you could use for putting your brushes in if your travelling. The brushes are made of Bamboo so have a nice look to them.   

Liked

*The brushes are extremely soft.

*They do not shed.

*They hold their shape after they have been washed.

*Their price. 

*The case my brush set came in. I use it all the time when travelling. 

*The variation of brushes. 

*High quality.

Disliked

*That I don't own any more!!

Favourite Brushes.

The eye-shadow brush as its great for blending and putting a colour over my eyelid. The blush brush as its a perfect size and shape and blends the blusher in well. The Eyeliner brush is also wonderful for using with my Lily Lolo mineral Eyeshadow in Moonlight.

Recommended For:

*Anybody interested in eco-friendly cosmetics. 

*Somebody who wants to make the transition from mainstream to natural/organic.

*People who don't want to break the bank buying a new brush.

*Somebody who wants long lasting good quality brushes.

Repurchase?

I plan on buying more of these brushes. I love them! I have nothing negative to say about them. They are wonderful brushes. My next purchase will be the powder/bronzing brush!

Rating

10/10

Buy From

Instore at Superdrug or Boots. Or online at Boots.com or Amazon.co.uk.

HOW I WASH MY BRUSHES

I thought it might be interesting to show you how I wash them. This doesn't involve buying any fancy brush cleaner. I simply use natural shampoo or natural soap. 

Step one. Run the brushes under warm water. Making sure to point the brush downwards so that you are not getting the rest of the brush wet as the glue that holds the bristles in might 'unstick'.

Step two. Lather up some shampoo or soap and swirl the brush around. Wash off with warm water and repeat until the water runs clear.

Step three. Squeeze out any excess water and reshape the brushes with your fingers. Leave on a towel until completely dry. I put mine in the airing cupboard as its warmer.  

Step four.Repeat with all brushes. I also use the same method for my Lily Lolo Kabuki Brush.

Thanks for reading guys! I love writing this blog. I have so many things to review for you so I think I will start doing more posts a week. Don't forgot to follow via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'. 

Have a nice day x

Song of the day: L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. - Noah and the Whale.

'TIGI Love, Peace and The Planet' ECO AWESOME Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Hello readers, how do you do?

I have almost finished using up my Shampoo and Conditioner by TIGI. They brought in a range called 'Love, Peace and The Planet' which seems to be in every TK MAXX I see around. I had never tried TIGI before as they are slightly pricey for me and so when I saw them discounted in store, with a range of organic products, I couldn't wait to try the reputable brand!

The company say these products are:

*Free of parabens and Laurel/Laureth Sulphates

*Rich with renewable/ organic and biodegradable ingredients

*No animal by products(except beeswax)

*No artificial colours or fragrances

*50% post consumer recycled packaging which is 100% recyclable

*Recyled/FSC Paper/Soy/Water based ink where possible.

The website answers some FAQs I was wondering about the products, such as whether they use petrochemicals. These can be checked out on here if you are interested to see.

There are a few ingredients that I am a bit unsure about such as Sodium Coco Sulphate but the majority of the ingredients list look very good. I often find that mainstream beauty companies which create a natural/organic line will still have tonnes of bad ingredients in them. So TIGI have done pretty well.

Price

RRP £8.95. But can be found cheaper online.

Packaging

I like it. They have obviously got a target market aimed for young people, so making their packaging cool and fun means that somebody young wouldn't walk past the product thinking its boring because its 'natural'. 

Scent

Cranberry, Orange and Mint. This is a really interesting choice of scent, and I think it is a lovely refreshing smell in the shower which is different to every scent I think I have smelt! I think some people wouldn't like it, but I do!

Liked

*I didn't need to wash my hair twice like I normally do with natural shampoo. 

*TIGI have made the shampoo 250ml and the conditioner 200ml so that you don't have loads of conditioner left after the shampoo runs out.

*My hair feels clean, refreshed and soft.

Disliked

*This product has Sodium Coco Sulphate in which is a milder SLS. 

*The shampoo seemed to go down quicker than my other natural/organic shampoos. 

*My hair wasn't as moisturised as I was expecting.

Recommended For:

*People with any hair type

*Somebody who wants to make the transition from mainstream to natural/organic.

*People who want something fresh and fun.

*A good everyday shampoo and conditioner.

Repurchase?

I would make a repurchase. I have also tried two other products by this range which I will be reviewing soon so keep an eye out for that. The products feel good quality and TIGI look like they have tried hard to offer an interesting line of items which natural and organic lovers will like. 

Rating

8/10

Buy From

Currently instore at TK MAXX or online on Cheap Smells

Thanks for reading! Hope it was a useful review.

Song of the Day: Fast car- Cover by Kina Grannis and Boyce Avenue. See the great cover here

Skinfood New Zealand Review

Hello! Today's review is on Skinfood New Zealand. I had not heard of this company until I saw this travel set in TK MAXX. I was after a new moisturiser and like to try out new brands that I haven't heard of so decided to give this set a go. 

So this company are not to be confused with Skin Food by Weleda. They are two separate brands. Skinfood New Zealand are a brand from New Zealand(obviously!) whose products are designed to be unisex and for all ages. They launched in 2002 to be an affordable, good quality, natural skincare line-that's what I like to hear! They are natural based and made with the finest ingredients from New Zealand and the South Pacific. 

So Far, So Good.

The products that I bought in this travel set are all 50ml, the full sized products are 100 ml. In the set, I got the Cleans All Cleanser, Exfoliating Scrub and the Nourishing Moisturiser. I think I  got the set for about £4.99(Bargain) but  you can buy the full sized products for £5.99 each on Amazon.co.uk, or $12.99 on their website for international readers. 

These products have had a good testing as they came camping with me so had some tired, dull and sunburnt skin to work with! 

So lets get on with the review!

CLEANS ALL CLEANSER

To use this cleanser, I mostly applied it with my fingers then washed off with a flannel or used a cotton pad. It is quite a thin, creamy cleanser which is nice for applying to the face. It sunk in quite quickly which did mean if I was using a cotton pad, it was hard to get every bit of dirt and make up of my face. The cleanser wasn't amazing at getting the make up fully off. If I wanted every last scrap of make up off, then I would have to do a double cleanse. The cleanser was really convenient for camping as I didn't need water to use the product so that was useful! It had Aloe & Manuka Honey in which I liked because I like the properties of these ingredients and how they work on your skin. However the smell of these ingredients didn't really come through much. The smell of the cleanser was quite nondescript, but fresh. I do think this is good though because it is designed to be unisex and ageless so anyone could enjoy using it.

It wasn't the best cleanser I have ever used but did an OK job.

Overall rating for Cleans All Cleanser- 6.5/10

EXFOLIATING SCRUB

This scrub was very similar to the cleanser in the fact it did the job I bought it for, but didn't blow me away with brilliance. This scrub had Aloe & Sweet Almond in which again I like. It had very fine particles in which gently exfoliates my skin. I found I didn't use this product as much because I prefer a Muslin Cloth for exfoliating, but it definitely helped to smooth out my skin. It was much thicker than the cleanser and the instructions suggest applying a thick layer of this to your skin. It wasn't a bad product but I wouldn't choose to buy it again. I am going to try and use it up as a general exfoliator for my body as I like to use up all my products. 

Overall rating for Exfoliating Scrub- 6/10

NOURISHING MOISTURISER

Out of the three products, this was my favourite. I think it is a good moisturiser for everyday use. On holiday, I did find it wasn't 'nourishing' enough as my skin was quite dry, but as my skin has balanced itself out again it does a good job for day-to-day use. Again, their was little smell but it means my brother or my grandma would use it with no problem! I think the moisturiser does not sink in very quickly which isn't good if your in a rush but it leaves my skin soft and smooth for applying make up onto. 

Overall rating for Nourishing Moisturiser- 7/10

I would consider repurchasing the Moisturiser but I don't think I would buy the other two products again, simply because I have found alternatives which I like more. However these products have a lot of great qualities. The ingredients are safe, and like they say, the products are all unisex and great for any age. I think this is something which a lot of companies haven't taken into consideration. The products are really affordable and mine have lasted pretty long. 

I liked this brand and would recommend people checked out their skin care. They have some other products which look good, such as the facial wipes and the body butter. I think they are most suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Overall rating for Skinfood New Zealand- 6.5/10

Have any of you tried this brand?

Thanks for reading again! I really enjoy writing posts on here and hope you enjoy reading them! 

Song Of The Day: Train- Hey, Soul Sister

xx