3 Alternative, Natural Ways to Look After Your Skin

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Everyone wants their skin to look and feel as nice as possible, but they often don’t know what they’re doing. A skincare routine can be great, but many products can be filled with chemicals people mightn’t want to use.

If you want to look after your skin while avoiding any harmful ingredients and chemicals, you could feel like you don’t have many options. Thankfully, there are more than a few things you could do. Three of these can help a lot more than you’d think.

Look After Your Skin: 3 Alternative, Natural Ways

1. Hydrate Often

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to make sure you’re as hydrated as possible. Dehydration leads to more than a few issues with your skin, with dry patches just being the tip of the iceberg. It’s worth avoiding these as much as you can.

At least seven or eight glasses of water a day is recommended. If you exercise regularly, then you’ll need much more than this. You shouldn’t have to go out of your way to do this, so you’ve no reason not to drink enough water every day.

2. Control Your Stress Levels

Stress plays a large role in how you feel, but it can have an impact on how your skin looks, too. It’s worth cutting down on this as much as you can, and there are plenty of ways you can do that. If you’re taking medical cannabis or CBD, then lowering your stress levels could be a welcome side effect.

There’s also yoga, meditation, and more than a few similar techniques. The better you’re able to deal with your stress, the better your skin should look. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t put some time and effort into it.

3. Cut Down On Fast Food

Fast food is more popular than ever, despite the fact it can be unhealthy for you. This doesn’t just affect your health, however, and obesity is far from the only thing you risk by eating it a lot. It can also have a serious impact on your skin and how it looks.

It’ll make your skin look greasy, and it can even lead to minor skin irritations when eaten too much. Cut down on this as much as you can to avoid that. You’ll also help with your overall health, so you’ve no reason not to cut down on it or avoid it completely.

Look After Your Skin: Wrapping Up

Trying to look after your skin can feel like a chore at the best of times, but it can be more confusing when you’re trying to avoid harmful ingredients and chemicals. Thankfully, this doesn’t need to be as complicated as you could think.

By using a few particular strategies, you shouldn’t have a problem doing this. While it can still take a little time, it shouldn’t be as confusing or as complicated as you could think. You’ll have healthy skin that looks and feels great before you know it.

Travel Skincare from Nourish London

 (post features samples)

 If you’re fortunate enough to be jetting off to somewhere a little less dreary this summer, you’re probably thinking about the beauty bits you’re going to take with you. So many of us travel with hand luggage only these days, so we’re unlikely to be taking our full-sized favourites with us. With that in mind, Nourish London have us all covered with their range of beauty minis – perfectly portable and ideal for popping in your zip lock bag before you head through security.

Not only do Nourish have ready-made skincare kits packed with mini versions of some bestsellers, but they also offer a great selection of travel minis. If you’re a frequent reader you’ll know that I’ve tried a lot of the range over the years, so here are my picks.

Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser – Travel Size (15ml)

Designed to soothe and quench dry and dehydrated skin, this moisturiser is perfect for use after sun exposure. Omega-rich Argan Oil is the star of this cream, with Tripeptides to boost collagen and antioxidant Vitamin E also in the mix. It contains Frankincense, Myrrh (no gold though unfortunately), Borage and Rose of Jericho, and you can really smell the Frankincense on application, though this dissipates quite quickly so don’t fear if you’re not a fan of that scent. I like this cream at every time of year but particularly during summer and when winter dries my skin out and I need some relief.

Shop the Travel Size Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser for £11

Kale 3D Cleanse – Travel Size (30ml)

I’ve actually just finished a full sized bottle of this cleanser so I’m very much prepared to sing its praises! Kale 3D Cleanse is unique in that it changes colour as you cleanse, which adds a touch of novelty to the whole experience. My son in particular likes the fact that it turns green, Hulk style! The 70% organic cleanser is gentle yet effective, with Kale, Griffonia (a touch of shrub) Hyaluronic Acid, Probiotics and oxygenating ingredients leaving the skin feeling fresh, clean and comfortable. I really like using this cleanser for my second cleanse.

Shop the Travel Size Kale 3D Cleanse for £9.50hop the Travel Size Kale 3D Cleanse for £9.50

Argan Skin Rescue – Travel Size (5ml)

Skin Rescue is my current post-retinol skin treat. This is a thick, nourishing oil treatment formulated with Argan Oil, Abyssinian and Neroli Oil to improve the skin’s suppleness, elasticity and hydration levels. It’s designed to soothe and repair stressed out skin, enhance collagen and protect from future damage. This stuff is like a fire blanket for your skin – instantly calming and comforting. It’s very rich, so you only need the tiniest amount for your whole face, making the £10 price point very much worth it.

Shop the Travel Size Argan Skin Rescue for £10

Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm – Travel Size (15ml)

One of my favourite beauty products. Seriously. I’ve been through pots of the Super Balm since I was introduced to Nourish years ago, which is a pretty good indication that it’s one of my personal ride or dies. I can almost guarantee that if you try the travel size you’ll have the full size ordered and waiting at your doorstep for when you’re back from holiday. With natural plant oils and extracts, antioxidants and Marine Algae, this omega-rich balm does it all. Use it as a cleanser, paired with a flannel or muslin to exfoliate, as a really nourishing overnight mask, as a makeup primer, highlighter, dewy moisturiser and much more.

Shop the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm for £13

 

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

 (sample)

 Sunday Riley Good Genes had a huge moment a few years ago but did you know that the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is now the brand’s global number one best seller? Back in the day, Good Genes was hailed as a first-of-its-kind of formula that exfoliated and brightened the skin, giving us that coveted healthy looking and glowing complexion, with fast results. At the time, the Good Genes we had here in the UK was formulated with Lactic Acid but it’s since been reformulated with Glycolic Acid.

Why was Sunday Riley Good Genes reformulated and is it as good? 

Basically, EU regulations (which differ from the U.S) were changed in recent years to state that Lactic Acid products with a concentration of 10% or more could no longer be sold. This was a real blow to lovers of Good Genes in the UK so Sunday Riley set about creating a new treatment for the U.K market which incorporates exfoliating Glycolic Acid with Lactic Acid salt and so Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment was born. I had only previously tried (and loved) the old formula, so this is my first foray into the Glycolic Acid version.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is designed to:

• Exfoliate the skin
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Target sun damage, dullness and congestion.

Does it work? In short, yes. Below is my experience of using the treatment.

When I first pumped out a dollop of the treatment I was met with that familiar Good Genes scent – a refreshing whiff of lemongrass. Lemongrass is part of the formula to act as an astringent that tones the complexion and I love that you can actually smell it. Prickly Pear is also in the mix to soothe and calm the skin while the Glycolic Acid is, of course, there to exfoliate and improve the appearance of congestion and sun damage.

I’m determined to stick to a retinol regime this year, so Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment will be my morning serum and I’ll use it at night on the in-between retinol days. I’ve only been using it daily since Boxing Day (so around two weeks) and I can already see results in terms of my skin looking brighter and clearer. I can usually feel a little bit of congestion on my chin but now there’s just smooth, even skin. The same goes for around my nose – I sometimes feel and look a little congested around my nostril folds but Good Genes seems to be taking very good care of that too. It instantly adds glow too, almost in the same way that a tinted moisturiser might. I love it. Truly. It’s worth mentioning that if you are someone who finds Glycolic Acid irritating (I do in some products), this does not personally irritate my skin because the acid is buffered with the soothing Prickly Pear. Sunday Riley do recommend you start off using it every other day and then using daily once skin is used to it.

Overall, I’m SO pleased to be using Good Genes again and I’m actually delighted that my skin does not seem to be reacting to the Glycolic. I need to be strict with the SPF now because not only do I have retinol going on at night, the Glycolic Acid is also going to be increasing sensitivity to the sun. Now to find a lightweight, no-fuss SPF I can mindlessly apply every morning so I don’t undo all of the work my skincare is doing!

You can find Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment at lots of retailers but I’ll probably be buying mine from Space NK (it retails for £85 for 30ml and £128 for 50ml).

 

Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence

 (sample)

 The newest product from organic beauty brand Nourish London is the Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence and I've really been enjoying it!

As soon as winter rolls around it's like the moisture is just sucked out of my skin all of a sudden, so this product couldn't have been released at a better time.
Designed to be used after cleansing and toning, the essence is designed to add an extra layer of moisture before you add your serum and/or moisturiser.
Milky and light weight, the essence has been formulated to prevent dehydration and is perfect for menopausal skin and complexions affected by hormonal changes.
It's rich in Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, along with something called Trehalose which mimics the skin's natural moisturising factor, helping it to retain moisture, protecting against dryness and reducing signs of ageing.
Probiotic Minerals including Magnesium, Zinc, Copper and Iron calm and help to rebalance the skin and a Supergreen blend including Kale Sprout extract and upcycled Olives is also in the mix, to fight oxidation and encourage radiant, nourished skin.

Willow Bark is a natural exfoliant that’s included in the essence to balance sebum levels, unclog pores and also help with hydration. Vege Ceramides help to repair the skin barrier while increasing moisture, reducing dryness and soothing the skin, while Hyaluronic Acid replenishes hydration and nourishes the skin.

It’s very, very lightly scented with natural Vanilla and Benzoin, for a slightly sweet, warm and comforting fragrance that adds to the overall experience.

Speaking of experience, this essence is a really pleasant product to use – I’m loving ‘sandwiching’ it between my products for an extra nourishing boost but I think I’ll also appreciate the lightness of the essence in warmer weather too.

Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence is £25 from Nourish London.

Christmas Gifting with Nourish London

(samples) 

Looking for some gorgeous, organic and vegan beauty gifts this festive season? Nourish London have once again got you covered with their offering for Christmas 2022! Here's a look at what's available this year.

Argan & Kale Collection £75

I have this collection myself and can confirm it is a standout, luxury skincare gift option. It contains four full sized items and takes care of all your cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising needs! So if you know someone who needs a whole new routine, this is a good shout. This gift contains Kale 3D Cleanse 100ml - a lovely cleanser that changes colour as it works, Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator 50ml, Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum 30ml and Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser 50ml.

Like all of the gifts this year, this collection is presented in a sturdy black card box which is easily reused (and recycled).

Geranium & Jasmine Body Duo £20

This sweet-smelling pair includes a Geranium & Jasmine Shower Gel (200ml) and Geranium & Jasmine Contouring Body Cream (50ml). The shower gel and cream contain soothing Jasmine and Geranium essential oils, moisturising and protective shea butter and Trehalose and firming prickly pear and brown algae. I think this is a great little fail-safe gift because not everyone has a bath but most people will have a shower in their house! The packaging for both products is fully recyclable too.

Lemon & Black Pepper Handcare Duo £25

This gift features a Lemon & Black Pepper Hand Wash and Lemon & Black Pepper Hand Lotion (both 300ml) and I think it would make a wonderful present for anyone really! I've tried the Lemon & Black Pepper Hand Wash before (you can read my blog post here) and really like it. It's made with 100% natural plant-based cleansers (Potassium Oleate and Potassium Cocoate) and has been lab tested to kill 99.9% of bacteria. Ho Leaf Oil and Lemon Peel Oil are blended with Black Pepper Seed Oil - which are all naturally antibacterial- to create a fresh, invigorating scent that takes hand washing to another level. The Hand Lotion has the same refreshing scent and features a blend of Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil blended with humectant Glycerin.

Nourished Hands Trio £30

This set contains three 50ml Hand Creams including the Lavender Hand Cream, Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream and Damask Rose Hand Cream. The Hand Creams are designed to nourish and hydrate and feature natural, organic essential oils. Like every one of the gifts from Nourish, this is presented in a recyclable and reusable black card box.

Antioxidant Duo £15

This set includes the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml). The Multi-Tasking Balm is one of those does-everything products that every bathroom cabinet, handbag or bedside table needs. It works as a gentle but effective cleanser (and exfoliator when used with a flannel or muslin) that emulsifies and rinses away, makes an instantly hydrating and moisturising mask that can be left to work overnight (perfect in this cold weather) and is also brilliant on dry patches virtually anywhere on the body. It's also great as an intensive moisturiser for lips and cuticles.The Peptide Mist is a dual-phase formula that you shake to activate, which can be used to protect and prepare the skin as well as refresh a bare face or makeup throughout the day. Of course you can also use this in the 'misting' step of your skincare routine, before or after your moisturiser or both! I've reviewed these products separately before and rate them both, so I think that this not only makes lovely gift but it's a great-value way of trying out both products yourself. You can read my review of the balm HERE and the mist HERE.

 

  

Croma Skincare Pure HA Liquid Mask

 (samples)

 In all my years blogging about beauty it's unbelievable that it's taken me this long to try a liquid mask. The Croma Pure HA Liquid Skin Mask is my second product from the brand and my first time trialling a liquid mask and it's made me interested to try more from both fields!

Croma Pure HA is a highly concentrated mask with an odourless, gel consistency that comes in 1ml doses in ready to use syringes.

The formula contains 1.8% Hyaluronic Acid that works to smooth, moisturise and revitalise the skin while improving hydration levels and enhance elasticity at the same time. It’s designed for all skin types, is extremely lightweight and is made from minimal ingredients including water and glycerin. This mask is designed to be used one to two times a week for best results – so far I have only used it once.

The consistency is like a thick serum and you simply spread it over your face (onto clean dry skin) then rinse it off after fifteen minutes.
The mask sort of absorbs/dries down into the skin so you can go about your business with no worries of product sliding off and splatting onto your keyboard or floor, so in that sense it’s an extremely user-friendly masking option. Perfect for work-from-home days; I even wore my glasses after applying the mask with no worries.

When it comes to removing the gel mask, I used a flannel and warm water and it was similar to removing cleanser, though it took a little more time. Immediately afterwards, my skin felt the same as when I’ve removed my cleanser – just quite clean and refreshed. It was after I dried my face that I really felt the effects of the mask.

In a nutshell, my skin felt like it had had a big drink. If you’ve ever had a Hydrafacial, it felt quite similar to that really. My skin was soft, yet firm at the same time and things just felt a little more plump, in the best way. While I couldn’t see these immediate effects, I could certainly feel them. Maybe with further uses I’ll be able to see the difference I can so obviously feel?

Revelling in this lovely hydrated feeling, I left it a few hours before applying my skincare. As I write, it’s been almost 24 hours since I used the mask and my skin is still feeling bouncy and hydrated. I would liken it to feeling like a sponge that’s plumped up after sucking up a load of water. A fantastic product. 

The Crome Pure HA Liquid Skin Mask comes in a box of a set of four 1ml syringes, with an rrp of £75 at Croma. but if you google it you’ll see it available at a few retailers for less than half that price. Croma aslo make a variety of serums and other skincare - you can read my review of their Farewell Dry Skin Serum here and I also have some sheet masks from the brand that will be on the blog very soon.

Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Cleanser

(affiliate links)

Dior OFF/ON Foaming Cleanser has been around for a little while now but I’ve only just recently got a tube myself. Because I buy a lot of the products that feature on the blog, or receive them as gifts from loved ones, I don’t often review new to market products – I review things that are new to me and this cleanser is my latest new-to-me bit of skincare!

Dior say that this cleanser combines the smoothness of a cream with the effectiveness of a foaming cleanser and having now used it several times I have to agree. OFF/ON is a very, very beautiful facial cleanser.
I was initially drawn to the name of this product as it is a little unusual. The OFF/ON name refers to the removal of dirt, impurities, makeup and sunscreen (Off) and replacing them with beneficial ingredients to soothe and preserve hydration levels and skin barrier function.

It has a silky, mousse-like texture that feels light and airy on the skin. Only a very small amount is needed and you simply massage it into damp skin before rinsing off. I was worried it was going to leave my face feeling tight, dry and squeaky clean but as it turns out, my skin almost feels like I've applied a very lightweight moisturiser, but there's no residue, if that makes sense? In a nutshell, this cleanser leaves skin feeling fresh, clean, comfortable and hydrated. In fact, I don't find myself rushing to apply my skincare afterwards, which is testament to how lovely I find this cleanser leaves my skin feeling.
In terms of ingredients, I love that this cleanser features Water Lily which is grown in the Dior Latour-Marliac garden in France. As a side note, Dior's private gardens are really beautiful. If you haven't seen the Dior fragrance documentary The Nose, I really recommend you do- there's lovely footage of the gardens and a scene that shows the gardeners hand picking jasmine that's remained in my mind! It’s literally a dream of mine to visit these gardens.

Water Lily (Nymphea) is known for its purifying properties, so it makes sense that it's extracts are in the formula of a cleanser. The addition of soothing corn flower floral water and liquorice extract make the cleanser a very gentle option, which should in theory make it suitable for sensitive skin.
While I personally prefer a balm or oil for makeup removal, Dior OFF/ON is quite capable of the job, I'd just be a little cautious when using it to remove eye makeup. It also doesn’t claim to be a makeup remover and the ingredients just seem a bit too luxe to waste on that job.

Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Cleanser retails for £40 for 150ml but so far I've found the cleanser cheapest for £34 at Escentual and £35.90 at Sephora UK.

Nourish London Summer Sun Kit

(post contains sample)

 The Summer Sun Kit from Nourish London is a dinky little skincare trio perfect for travel or just trying out the brand. Presented in a Freeset black organic cotton bag, the skincare set includes the Argan Skin Rescue (5ml), Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF25 (15ml) and the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (5ml).

The idea is that this kit is ideal for sunny days; prep the skin before you go out in the sun with the Argan Skin Rescue, protect and moisturise with the Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser (you can read my post about that here) and then soothe skin at the end of the day (or overnight if you fancy it) with the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask.

The Argan Skin Rescue is rich in Vitamin C and nourishing oils. It can really be used anytime and does feel really soothing on the skin so is a good option for post-sun treating. The inclusion of Vitamin C makes it perfect to apply in the morning though because Vitamin C is not only great for brightening, but it provides some protection against sun damage too.

I reviewed the Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser quite recently but to recap, this is a Zinc Oxide based sunscreen with antioxidants including Camellia and Rosehip oils. The consistency is quite thick and I noticed that Nourish have added the following to the product listing on their website in case customers are confused about how best to apply it:

“Please note, the consistency of the product needs to be thicker than normal moisturisers without SPF to ensure that once applied to the skin the level of SPF is at the level stated on pack (in this case 25).  The product can thicken over time, particularly with fluctuations of temperature.  We would recommend applying a serum before hand which will prep and hydrate the skin to help the moisturiser skin into the skin more easily.  Also if you massage the product between your fingers for a few seconds to warm it up it will help loosen the product so that it will then apply more easily.”

The Probiotic Mineral Mask is just gorgeous – I’ve actually got it on now as I type! It’s a thick cream mask that feels beautifully soothing and cooling. Exactly what’s needed after a hot Summer day in or out of the sun. With calming Magnesium and infused with Damask Rose and Lavender, the mask is designed to calm inflammation, boost collagen, firm and restore. You can leave the mask on for anything from 5 minutes to overnight and remove it gently with a damp cloth. Strictly speaking, it’s a single use sachet but I think you could squeeze a couple of uses out of it to be honest!

As with all Nourish London products, the serum, moisturiser and mask in this kit are 100% vegan and made with organic ingredients.

If you're interested in trying these three products for yourself, this is a great, affordable opportunity to do so. The Nourish London Summer Sun Kit is £15 at Nourish.

Croma Farewell Dry Skin Face Serum

 (post features sample)

 When I first opened the box containing the Croma FarewellDry Skin face serum, my initial thoughts were all about how exquisite the packaging is. I mean, a frosted glass dropper bottle presented atop its very own little wooden podium with the company name debossed into it is very much next-level skincare product presentation and I am completely here for it! It really is quite gorgeous and makes the product feel even more luxurious.

Croma is an Austrian brand that, quite interestingly, specialises in the industrial production of Hyaluronic Acid Syringes. It seemed like quite a natural progression then for the family owned business to start producing their own skincare ranges.

The Croma Farewell collection is a range of vegan and cruelty free serums designed to target specific skin concerns. Each of the serums contains high and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid at the core, with other ingredients added to address particular issues/areas. The collection includes Farewell Ageing Skin, Farewell Irritated Skin, Farewell Oily Skin, Farewell Puffy Eyes and Farewell Dry Skin, which is the serum I’ve been trialling.

With Hyaluronic Acid, D-Panthenol, Aloe Vera and Niacinamide, Farewell Dry Skin delivers a hefty dose of hydration and moisture to skin that needs a little extra help. The ingredients also work to strengthen the skin’s barrier and maintain softness and elasticity. The lightweight serum is designed to be used morning and night, with the recommended dosage of 3 drops to be applied after cleansing and before any moisturiser and SPF you might like to use.

I really like the texture of this serum; it’s so light and sort of feels like thick water on the skin. It’s therefore incredibly easy to apply and spread, with my face feeling like it’s had a big drink of water almost instantly. It absorbs well too and doesn’t really leave an obvious sign that I’ve just applied anything to my skin, except that it makes me look a little more awake and healthy, but there’s no sheen or shiny finish. I do however notice an immediate difference in the feel of my skin - there is an instant softness and sort of bounciness, almost like fine lines are being plumped and everything is being rehydrated. It's a very welcome sensation!

The Farewell Dry Skin Serum also plays very well beneath other products – I absolutely detest products that ball up and pill and this is not one of them, so it gets a big tick from me in that department too.

The serum does not have a scent and feels incredibly gentle so unless you are sensitive to Niacinamide it should be suitable for virtually everyone. All in all, a lovely luxury serum that I would suggest to anyone dealing with dry skin.

Croma Farewell Dry Skin target-specific face serum for dry skin is £109 for 30ml at Croma.

New! Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25

 Post contains sample

 The latest launch from Nourish comes just in time for the sunnier days we've got coming. The new Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 is formulated with a blend of skin-benefiting ingredients and zinc oxide - a natural mineral sun filter.

Zinc sunscreens are generally pretty good for people with sensitive eyes (and skin for that matter) and as someone who's eyes often react to sunscreens, I can attest that this doesn't irritate me in the slightest. It’s worth mentioning that this product is actually completely safe to use on babies, which is always reassuring!

While the Zinc protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays, the moisturiser is supercharged with antioxidants and anti-ageing active ingredients to nourish, protect and firm the skin.
Turmeric, Tocopherol, Rosehip Oil and Camellia protect against environmental stressors and pollutants, while good old Hyaluronic Acid and Hexapeptides hydrate.

Argan, Kale, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rose of Jericho are rich in Ceramides, protecting the skin's lipid layer and working to protect and smooth. To round things off, soothing Aloe Vera, Borage Oil and Bisabolol calm inflammation and redness.

The Daily Moisturiser is a satisfyingly thick consistency. In fact, it sort of just looks like a lovely jar of old school zinc sunblock, though on application it does melt into the skin and blends out sheer, on me. I would be interested to see how this blends out on dark skin. It leaves a semi-matte finish and works just fine under base makeup like tinted moisturiser and foundation. I usually need a little extra hydration underneath Zinc suncreams and while I find this moisturiser quite comfortable without anything else, I do like to use the Nourish London Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum underneath. Nourish actually recommend using a serum beneath the moisturiser to make it easier to apply and spread.


The reef-safe moisturiser is 55% organic (COSMOS certified organic) and comes in at a reasonable £28 for 50ml/with a wooden spatula or just £10 for a min 15ml travel size pot. You can find it online right now at Nourish London.

Dr Jackson's Skincare

(samples)

 Dr Jackson's debuted a few years ago now and it's one of those brands I've been interested to try but, until now, never quite got around to it.

With a focus on clean formulas, the sustainable, cruelty free beauty brand was voted Eco Brand of the Year at The 2021 Beauty Shortlist & Wellbeing Awards. Now that I've got my hands on a few products I can understand why.

I've been using the 07 Face Wash, 01 Day Cream and 03 Everyday Oil for around a week now. Here's what I think so far.

07 Face Wash 200ml - £33.00

A gorgeous, hydrating facial cleanser that's both gentle and effective. Suitable for sensitive skin, this cleanser is sulphate-free and is formulated with botanical ingredients that remove

dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Mildly exfoliating thanks to Pomegranate Fruit acid, this cleanser is made with Baobab, Roman Chamomile, Kigelia, Mandarin and Lemon. I really love how this cleanser smells - it has a beautiful, sort of sweet citrus scent that I find really uplifting. With a Coco Glucoside (a surfactant derived from coconuts) and Glycerin base, the cleanser creates a light froth and washes away with ease. It comes in an eco-friendly glass bottle with a pump included. 

01 Day Cream - 30ml - £42.00

The first thing I noticed about the Dr Jackson's Day Cream is the colour. It's a kind of natural grey shade, rather than the typical bright white shade you might expect.

Formulated with a range of botanicals, the moisturiser features vitamin and antioxidant-rich Baobab seed oil, Kigelia fruit extract to firm and even skin tone and moisturising Marula seed oil and Shea fruit butter. This moisturiser is very lightweight and my skin really drinks it up, leaving a slightly dewy, velvety finish. I think I'll enjoy the Day Cream as much in the warmer months to come because it just absorbs so beautifully. 

03 Everyday Oil 10ml - £15.00 

I love this little rollerball. The Everyday Oil is a blend of natural oils that can be used on the face and body. The lightweight formula has a pleasant, subtle botanical scent (it smells slightly sweet to me) and is designed to work on everything from reducing the signs of ageing to aiding the appeqarance of scars, stretch marks and blemishes. The oil has been especially developed for use on sensitive and acne-prone skin and features a blend of nutrient-dense Baobab seed oil, Marula seed oil, soothing Calendula and anti-inflammatory Arnica. I have started using the oil on my c-section scar so I'll be interested to see how that goes. A really pleasant, luxurious do-it-all oil.

The brand also have a night cream, do-everything balm and a range of delicious sounding teas!

You can find Dr Jackson's products online at Dr Jackson's and Look Fantastic.

The Body Shop Wellness Range

(affiliate links)

The Body Shop® have just released a new Wellness Range, with three different collections: Breathe, Sleep and Boost.

With products enriched with natural essential oils, all of the three collections feature bath and body products perfect for gifting, sharing or keeping.

The Breathe Collection

With scents of Eucalyptus and Rosemary, The Breathe Collection is all about invigorating and rejuvenating body and mind. This is probably the range I'm most interested in because anything invigorating is always welcome here! This collection features a Massage Melt, Essential Oil Blend, Weightless Body Gel-Cream (yes!), Calm Balm and the rather intriguingly-named Whisked Body Polish.

The Sleep Collection

The Sleep range is a whole relaxing routine, with a focus on winding down and relaxing. The products in the sleep collection are enriched with calming Lavender and Vetiver to help get you in the mood for snoozing. This collection features a Bedtime Balm, Pillow Mist, Relaxing Hair and Body Wash (yes please), Essential Oil Blend, Relaxing Massage Oil, Rejuvenating Body Scrub-in-Oil and Balmy Body Cream. 

The Boost Collection

The Boost Range sounds right up my street, with zesty, citrus infused products. This range features the Shine On Hair and Body Oil, Uplifting Hair and Body Wash, Exfoliating Hand Wash, Essential Oil Blend, Whipped Body Cream, Hand Cream and Sugar Body Polish.

Everything in the new Wellness Range is Vegan Certified and made using minimum 90% natural origin ingredients. The packaging is completely recyclable too.

Right now, if you buy any 3 products from the Wellness Range you'll receive a free gift pouch crafted by the brand's Community Fair Trade Partner in India. Even more reason to treat yourself or a loved one! You can shop the Wellness Range right here.