Dr Organic Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream - Review

Here at Dr. Organic, we seek out the treasures of the natural world to discover the purest and most potent extracts, delving deep into centuries-old traditions and supercharged botanicals to create breakthrough formulations that make you look and feel incredible. We trust in nature, and we were inspired by the beneficial properties of natural ingredients to create our unique range of multi-award-winning, organically enhanced health and beauty products. The green revolution has seen significant rises in environmentally conscious products that are good for us and good for the planet. We ethically source the finest sustainable natural extracts, enhance their purity by keeping them organic, and insist on staying completely cruelty-free and vegetarian because we believe in luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth.

Organic Tea Tree Cream provides a natural solution to help cleanse and soothe the skin. By using only bioactive and organic Tea Tree Oil, we ensure that the plant’s powerful antiseptic and protective properties are maintained and captured. Tea Tree Oil has been used for thousands of years by the indigenous population of Australia. This Dr. Organic Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream contains antibacterial Organic Tea Tree Oil, combined with Aloe Vera, Sunflower Oil, and Cocoa Butter to provide an effective and cooling cream. The unique properties of Tea Tree ensure that this cream can be applied to large areas of skin, making it ideal for cleansing minor irritations and problem skin. With its gentle cooling action, the Dr. Organic Tea Tree Cream is safe to use on insect bites, irritated and sun-damaged skin.

I've been using this Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream by Dr. Organic for my spots for a few months now. When it gets to that chilly time of the year my skin tends to get very dry (but still prone to spots), so I prefer to use cream-based spot treatment at this time of year. Besides the dry skin, I tend to have quite oily skin too, so I only need to use a small amount of this cream as it can become quite thick and oily based due to the Cocoa Butter. When used day and night the cream really seems to calm and soothe both my spots and dry skin which is great. And for the price of this tube you're really getting your money's worth as a little does go a long way! I'll definitely be repurchasing this cream again when that chilly time comes around again next year.

£5.99 Holland & Barrett

Madara Ultra Purifying Mud Mask - Review*

The especially effective plant ingredients in MADARA products are nurtured in the rough climate of northern Europe by the Baltic Sea. With severe winters and short Summers, unique plants have evolved with high concentrations of bioactive molecules which protect them from these climatic extremes. MADARA is entirely natural and ecological cosmetics certified by ECOCERT.

This deep-purifying detox mask with Nordic forest lake mud cleans, tightens pores and conditions, leaving skin fresh, matt, and revitalised. Effects: 1. Clarify: Absorbs excess oils, cleans, refines pores, reduces outbreaks 2. Detoxify: The power of mud binds toxins and heavy metals and helps to eliminate them 3. Rejuvenate: Eliminates traces of acne and minor inflammation. 4. Recharge: Recharges with trace elements and vitamins for a revitalised and glowing complexion 5. Hydrate: The colloid structure of mud helps to retain the skin’s hydration. Recommended twice a week as clarifying treatment for oily, combination skin, skin with enlarged pores, blemishes, acne. Recommended once a week to combat skin dullness, tiredness, and occasional inflammation.

I decided to try out this new vegan and cruelty-free product that MyPure was selling as it looked interesting and sounded like it would be great for my type of skin! I really love the smell of this mud mask as it smells a little bit like Parma Violets, very sweet but subtle. The product itself is thin but creamy and it feels like you would need a lot of this product to cover your face with the product, but it seems to work well with just a thin layer covering the face. I've used the mask a few times now for around five to ten minutes each time and I've noticed that when I've washed it off it's made a slight difference and has left my face looking fresh and very feeling soft. Overall I do really like this mud face mask and I'll be looking into buying it again in the future.

£22.25 from MyPure

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

Acorelle Eau de Parfum Vanilla Blossom Roll-On - Review*

Acorelle is a French range of certified organic fragrance, skincare, body care and baby care. Acorelle mood-enhancing perfumes make you feel good. Acorelle perfumes are certified organic and made from 100% natural ingredients. They are popular with Olfactotherapists who use the power of natural fragrance molecules to enhance mood and feelings of well-being.

This 100% Natural Eau De Parfum with essential oils of Peru Balsam and Patchouli create a sense of comfort and reassurance. This roll-on size is perfect for travel and for slipping in your handbag. Certified by ECOCERT, contains no phthalates, artificial colours, artificial musk or synthetic chemicals and is also cruelty-free and vegan. 

This month I decided to try out the newly stocked Acorelle Eau de Parfum Roll-On in Vanilla Blossom from MyPure. I have two perfumes that I've liked for a while now which I use most days, but unfortunately, they're not vegan or cruelty-free. This is my first try at a vegan and cruelty-free perfume and although it's my first time I think I've already found my new favourite scent! I love the size of this product, at only 10mls small it's the perfect size to fit into your handbag or to take away with you when travelling. The rollerball is a great idea for a perfume as it allows you to apply how little or how much of the product you would like to have on you depending on your desired strength of smell. My first disappointment with this product is that the ball seems to be a little too small for the top as it tends to leak all around the lid, leading to a messy bottle. This means I probably won't be leaving it in my bag unattended unless it was protected in another bag, as I wouldn't want it to leak everywhere. My other disappointment is that I don't think I would pay £13 for a product that is this small and not very well designed. Other than those two downsides I really love the flowery vanilla scent of this product and shall be looking out for a spray pump to come out in this size.

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

MÁDARA Nourish & Repair Shampoo & Conditioner - Review*

The especially effective plant ingredients in MADARA products are nurtured in the rough climate of northern Europe by the Baltic Sea. With severe winters and short Summers, unique plants have evolved with high concentrations of bioactive molecules which protect them from these climatic extremes. MADARA is entirely natural and ecological cosmetics certified by ECOCERT.

Shampoo

Rich and silky shampoo with Northern Nettle and Quince. Gently cleanses and repairs dry, damaged hair. Fights fatigue and helps to prevent breakage and split ends. Hair becomes reinforced and naturally smooth.

Conditioner

Rich and creamy conditioner with Northern Nettle and Quince deeply nourishes and repairs dry, damaged hair. Helps prevent breakage and split ends. Hair becomes silkier and easier to style.

I was running low on both my shampoo and conditioner, so this month I decided to try out the vegan and cruelty-free MÁDARA Nourish and Repair shampoo and conditioner from MyPure. Both products are nut-free which is great if you're sensitive or allergic to nuts, and both the shampoo and the conditioner bottles are packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles which are super! I haven't tried out many shampoo and conditioners since becoming vegan so I thought I'd go for this lovely-looking duo. To me, my hair looks (but doesn't feel), dry and damaged and I have quite a few split ends due to heat damage over the years. My hair also tends to come out quite a lot after I've washed it so I'm always looking for both a repairing shampoo and conditioner that works.  The first thing I noticed when using these two products was that they both have an unusual smell, it's not overly strong or overpowering but it does remind me of a damp earthy smell. The shampoo seemed to lather up well, which is what I like from a shampoo as it feels like I'm getting a good thorough hair wash. And the conditioner coated the ends of my hair evenly avoiding that heavy slimy conditioner feeling that you can get sometimes. When drying my hair I felt that my hair felt really clean and untangled, it was a lot easier to brush and style once dry and my hair seemed to be less wavy and thick looking like other shampoo and conditioners leave my hair once dried, this then meant I didn't have to straighten my hair as much as usual afterward. My hair felt really nice after using these two products on it together so I will most probably be buying these again.

Shampoo £12.95 from MyPure
Conditioner £12.95 from MyPure

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

LUSH Cosmetics Big Blue Bath Bomb - Review

LUSH Cosmetics is highly against animal testing and uses only ethical ingredients. All of their products are handmade and are 100% vegetarian-friendly, not all are vegan-friendly, so make sure you lookout for the Vegan Society Approved stamp!

This calming bath bomb evokes a summer’s day at the seaside: perfect for drifting off. Big Blue’s key ingredient is a type of kelp called arame seaweed, which softens in your hot bathwater. Arame is rich in vitamins and minerals including iodine, which helps to regulate metabolism. Sea salt softens the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells, while lemon oil clears the mind and, like lavender oil, is antiseptic and cleansing.

When I visited my first vegan festival back in August at the Kensington Town Hall in London, I excitingly ended up making my very own Big Blue bath bomb with a LUSH demonstrator! The experience was really fun and I recommend making your own at a store if possible. Luckily this is one of my favorite LUSH bath bombs, so when the bath bomb we were going to be making was announced as this one I was happy. I used the bomb not long after placing it into my LUSH goodie box as I was excited to find out what it had turned out like. It turned out to be just like a store-made Big Blue Bath Bomb and I really enjoyed using it. As you can see from my photo above this bath bomb turns your bath water a lovely deep blue ocean colour whilst also filling your bath with soft seaweed! The bomb takes a nice amount of time to completely disappear leaving you with a lovely salty smell in the air. I love this bomb as the seaweed leaves your skin feeling really soft, even when you're finally out of the bath. I really recommend this bath bomb to you if you enjoy salty seaside swims.

£3.95 each from LUSH Cosmetics

LUSH Cosmetics Solid Dirty Toothy Tabs Toothpaste - Review

LUSH Cosmetics are highly against animal testing and use only ethical ingredients. All of their products are handmade and are 100% vegetarian-friendly, not all are vegan-friendly, so make sure you lookout for the Vegan Society Approved stamp!

Squeaky clean teeth and spearmint fresh breath are a brush away. Wherever you go, these solid alternatives to toothpaste will keep you feeling cool, with kaolin powder, neroli and spearmint oils. If you're feeling dirty, keep it clean by nibbling a tab between your teeth and brushing all over. The boxes are also great for the environment, stopping the need for aluminium tubes that end up in a landfill. All you have to do is simply nibble one between your front teeth to break up the tab and start brushing.

I honestly think that this could be one of LUSH's best product yet. I was quite excited when I first got around to trying these 'Dirty' vegan Toothy Tabs out. The flavour 'Dirty' for me is just the perfect spearminty taste and smell which leaves my teeth feeling clean and my breath smelling fresh. I haven't tried any of the other flavours yet but I am curious to try out the 'Chou Chou I Love You' flavour as I love Turkish delight! At first, I found the method of crunching the tab quite strange but I quickly got used to it and I've been using them ever since instead of toothpaste for around two months now. Even after a couple of months of using these Toothy Tabs I still haven't gotten used to how much they actually froth up in my mouth when water is added, they're so much better than normal toothpaste and especially the non-frothing vegan ones I've tried before. I also really like that these are so easy to take away with you when travelling, they're so light you won't even know that you're carrying them with you! Simply crush, wet and brush away. And at only £2 for forty tabs which lasts me just over one month, I've most definitely converted over to these Toothy Tabs instead of tubed toothpaste.

Edit (August 2015): I've stopped using Toothy Tabs as they made my teeth become very sensitive.

£6.50 from LUSH Cosmetics

Alva's Organic Deep Black Mascara - Review*

Alva is the first European natural cosmetics brand to launch a range of makeup products all of which are certified organic and vegan; Alva is the first European cosmetics brand to use research-proven patented beta-glucan in makeup products, making it suitable for anti-aging skincare regimes as well as for those with sensitive skin. And there are more innovations to come as we continue to develop what we believe to be one of the most comprehensive, environmentally-friendly, organic, natural & ethical cosmetic ranges on the market today.

This certified organic and vegan mascara gives more volume to eyelashes and exceptional radiance to the eyes. Vibrant and durable thanks to gum Arabic (Acacia), this mascara is fortified by patented beta-glucan, wild rose oil, natural vitamin E, and candelilla wax. Our extensive testing, as well as the responses from people that have already bought this mascara, provide testament to its staying power, ease of use, and functionality. The phrase: "at last, a natural mascara that works, doesn't run and doesn't need almost constant re-application for normal daily wear", is now commonplace from first-time users of Colour Deep Black Mascara. Although this mascara isn't waterproof, under normal conditions, which include light exercise, it will last throughout the day. The inclusion of beta-glucans makes them suitable for those with sensitive eyes. 

This is my first product of two that was sent to me this month from the lovely people at MyPure. I decided to go for mascara this time as I haven't found a good cruelty-free vegan one so far, but that was until now! I ended up choosing the Alva 'Organic Deep Black' Mascara as I had seen quite a lot of good reviews on it and I wanted to try it out for myself. Now bearing in mind that I haven't worn any make-up for the past four months due to not feeling the need to, as soon as I received the products I really wanted to try out my new mascara. So I curled my lashes with my eyelash curler and got to work with the new mascara. This is the only mascara I have ever smelt and thought 'yum!' after smelling it, I would describe the smell like a strong but non-lingering sweet marzipan and almond scent. I found the brush to be just the right size for me and it was comfortable to hold and easy to use which is always a good thing for mascara. I also found that you don't need many coats of this mascara to give your eyelashes definition and extra length. Like previous mascaras I've used in the past this one doesn't seem to clump my eyelashes together and it doesn't go dry and flakey, like other vegan and cruelty-free mascaras I have read about do. And when It came to taking the mascara off I found it so easy when removing it as it all came off in a just few wipes when just using water on a cotton pad. So as you can see I found this mascara so good that I don't think I'll be searching around for another one.

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

Natracare's Organic Cotton Baby Wipes - Review*

Natracare is more than just organic and natural products. We are an award-winning, ethical company committed to offering sustainable solutions for personal health care that leaves only a soft footprint on the earth. Established in 1989, Natracare is a small family-run business based in the UK and today is the global leading brand of natural and organic menstrual and personal care products. All of our menstrual, incontinence, and baby care products use only organic and natural materials. Everything we use, do, and create is a commitment to the highest ethical standards whether focussed on organic principles or biodegradability. Our entire supply chain, from raw materials and processing, shares in our commitment to manage and monitor resources respectfully and ethically.

Many conventional cleansing wipes contain a host of harsh chemicals including formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, foaming ingredients, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, all linked to irritation. Dermatologists have long voiced concern about these ingredients and their possible effect on the skin. Natracare award-winning organic cotton baby wipes are soft, gentle, and effective cleansing wipes for daily use on a baby’s sensitive skin. Our soft and strong, certified organic, 100% cotton baby wipes are infused with organic essential oils of chamomile, apricot, and sweet almond oil as well as natural plant extracts, all of which will cleanse and refresh, leaving the skin softened. The gentle formula is free from detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or any of its close relatives, parabens, SHG, and other types of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

The lovely people from Natracare were kind enough to send me a few products a while ago for me to try out. As a regular user of the Johnson's Baby Gentle Cleansing Wet Wipes, I wanted to find something to replace them with something that was vegan, cruelty-free, and much more eco-friendly! I first came across the Natracare wet wipes on their website and instantly wanted to swap over to them instead of my current wet wipes that I was using. I was contacted by Natracare after posting my first post about a few Natracare products I had bought here. And after being suggested some products that I might like due to my previous post, I was asked what else I wanted to try out, so I went for the wet wipes! The wipes have a lovely strong smell of apricot which is unlike any other wet wipes I have smelt before. They're also a lot thicker than I thought they would be, which is great as they hold a lot of moisture. The wipes are really soft to touch but they did leave my hands feeling a bit sticky after using them and the scent seemed to stay on my hands for a while afterward. Overall I quite liked these wet wipes and I'll keep them in mind when I run out of wet wipes.

Buy all Natracare products here

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

Dr Organic Vegan Pomegranate Shampoo & Conditioner - Review

Here at Dr. Organic, we seek out the treasures of the natural world to discover the purest and most potent extracts, delving deep into centuries-old traditions and supercharged botanicals to create breakthrough formulations that make you look and feel incredible. We trust in nature, and we were inspired by the beneficial properties of natural ingredients to create our unique range of multi-award-winning, organically enhanced health and beauty products. The green revolution has seen significant rises in environmentally conscious products that are good for us and good for the planet. We ethically source the finest sustainable natural extracts, enhance their purity by keeping them organic, and insist on staying completely cruelty-free and vegetarian because we believe in luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth.

Organic Pomegranate Shampoo provides an energising and vibrant bioactive treatment, rich in antioxidants, particularly Ellagic Acid. By combining this natural fruit extract with our proprietary blend of bioactive, natural, and organic ingredients such as Aloe Vera Juice, the hair will be left feeling completely replenished, shining with health and protection against the elements. A nourishing conditioner suitable for all hair types formulated with Organic Pomegranate, Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Panthenol, Sunflower oil, and Vitamin E. Formulated to help rebuild the hair’s strength and elasticity; it protects against the damaging effects of environmental stresses; it de-tangles and strengthens, leaving hair soft, shiny and manageable creating a revitalised appearance without weighing it down.

I've been using both of these products together for about a week and a half now and I can honestly say they're worth the money and I can definitely see an improvement in my hair! First off, the smell which is divine stays on your hair for the rest of the day which always a nice thing to get from shampoo. I've found that you don't need a lot of this product for it to froth up, so the bottles should last me a while, which is also great if you're not sure about the prices. I've also found out that when using the shampoo and conditioner together my hair looks and feels cleaner for longer, is a lot less tangled after washing, and is also a lot easier to maintain when I'm styling my hair. I really like this shampoo and conditioner from the Dr. Organic range. I'd happily buy them both again for a special hair treat every now and then!

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub - Review

All of our products are made with at least 95% natural ingredients, and you can tell the exact percentage on the front of each package. We know the next question – what exactly is a natural ingredient? Natural ingredients are those that come from or are made from a renewable resource found in nature Flora, Fauna, and Mineral. We are all about saying YES, but there are some things that we very clearly say NO to. They include parabens, chemical sunscreens, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Yes To is Cruelty-Free and a certified member of the Leaping Bunny Program. Our products are tested on YES TO employees, friends, and family, but never (ever) on animals.

The Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub is a gentle daily exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells and restore your skin's natural radiance. It is formulated with Lemon Balm to help calm and repair damaged skin and Grapefruit, which naturally evens skin tone and enhances luminosity, leaving skin soft, smooth, and naturally hydrated. This face scrub is Petroleum, SLS, and Paraben free, it is also 99% natural, vegan and cruelty-free. 

This facial scrub is the first one I have ever actually fully disliked because of one thing, the smell. I ended up using this product once before realising that I hated it and that I wouldn't be using it again because of its scent! I'm guessing the smell is meant to be a light scent of lemon and grapefruit but to me, it smells kind of off and I couldn't get it off of my face quick enough. I wasn't really keen on how liquidly the product was either as I prefer a cream-based scrub. It's a shame that I don't like the smell because I quite like the product itself as it's loaded with really fine grains which is great to help remove any dead skin cells from your face. As you can probably guess, I won't be purchasing this product again as I've come across many better-smelling products compared to this one.

£6.99 from Holland & Barrett

LUSH Cosmetics Aromaco Solid Deodorant & Square Tin - Review

LUSH Cosmetics is highly against animal testing and uses only ethical ingredients. All of their products are handmade and are 100% vegetarian-friendly, not all are vegan-friendly, so make sure you lookout for the Vegan Society Approved stamp!

This solid deodorant is packed full of gentle, natural ingredients to keep you feeling fresh. Utilise the power of absorbent sodium bicarbonate and witch hazel to stay dry, while antibacterial chamomile vinegar and cooling, fragrant patchouli keep you smelling sweet. Think of Aromaco as a roll-on deodorant without the extra packaging. Simply rub under clean, dry armpits and you’re ready to go.

I fell in love when I read that it had an ingredient in it that tightens the pores rather than blocking them, as I've been looking for a vegan deodorant that will minimize perspiration for a while now. I have to say this is the best deodorant I've ever come across since I've been searching for a vegan and cruelty-free deodorant. I can finally say that I've finally found my perfect vegan deodorant, hallelujah! I decided to also buy a square LUSH tin to store my solid deodorant in as I didn't want to have it out on the side all of the time. The tin does its job at keeping the deodorant dry and safe. The solid deodorant comes in a block of 100g which looks like it will last me quite a long time. I ended up cutting the deodorant up so I could keep some in the tin to use every day and the rest I could put away for future use. All you have to do with this deodorant is rub a nice layer over your armpit and you're ready for the day It does have an odd smell to it but you do get used to it and you can hardly smell it on you during the day. The deodorant seems to leave my underarms feeling really soft and the product doesn't dry out like other deodorants do. I really love this deodorant for travelling as well as you can take as little as you like and it weighs hardly anything! I've been using one of the black LUSH sample pots to store it in when I go away which is just the perfect size. Overall I will most definitely be buying this solid deodorant again and I don't think I'll ever look at another deodorant again.

£6.50 for 100g from LUSH Cosmetics

Acorelle Sugar Wax Roll-On Kit With Strips - Review*

Acorelle is a French range of certified organic fragrance, skincare, body care, and baby care. The Acorelle epilation range is one of the first and best certified organic hair removal and waxing ranges.

This easy-to-use roll-on was made with beginners to waxing in mind. The roll-on applicator applies just the right amount of wax for the best results. The convenient format is ideal for difficult-to-access areas. The product is most commonly used on legs and underarms and is effective even on short hairs. The formula is combined with organic cane sugar and lemon to remove hair and hair bulbs for approximately three weeks. Keep stored on the cap to make further application easier.

So I ended up getting around to trying out the second product that I chose from MyPure to review for them this month. I picked the vegan and cruelty-free Acorelle Sugar Wax Roll-On Kit that also comes with ten washable and reusable waxing strips.  To heat up the wax all you have to do is pop it into the microwave for 15 seconds or if you're like me and don't have a microwave, simply pop it into a jug of warm water and leave it for 4 minutes. One of the good things about this kit is that if the wax gets too hot a line of 'NO's appear down the side of the bottle. If this warning does appear don't use the wax until that's disappeared, once it has then you can start using the wax. It's always best to apply the wax in the same direction as your hair growth. Once you've applied about two layers of the wax get your wax strip, firmly smooth it down, taut the skin, and then quickly pull off the strip in the direction that's opposite of your hair growth. I've always found waxing my armpits on my own difficulties as it's hard to taut the skin whilst holding the waxing strip and then also trying to pull it off all in one go. I seemed to do pretty well this time and quite a few hairs came out, I was left with a few that I couldn't get out so I just plucked them out afterward. Next time I think I'll get my Boyfriend to help me pull the wax strips off so that I can taut the skin a bit better. When it came to cleaning and putting the product away, I was happily surprised at how easy it all was. To clean the kit all I did was rinse the roller and the waxing strips under warm water. When I did this the wax just seemed to melt away leaving me with a clean and non-sticky kit which was really surprising. Over time I've used quite a few waxing kits and so far this one seems to be the easiest and non-messiest one I've ever come across! 

£13.49 from MyPure

This product was sent to me to review, all views are my own.

Green People Peppermint & Aloe Vera Toothpaste - Review

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Green People offers a complete range of certified organic products for all of the family. Green People products are packed with up to 99% active natural and organic ingredients to protect, nourish, balance, and, most importantly, respect your body. 

The Green People Mint Toothpaste is made without fluoride, SLS, triclosan, sorbitol, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial sweeteners, petrochemicals, and colourants to bring you the purest toothpaste that nature can offer.

I've been using this Green People Peppermint and Aloe Vera Toothpaste for about a week now. I still can't believe how many natural toothpastes there are out there! I'm also really glad that I've found another toothpaste that is vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and has no nasties in it. When brushing with this toothpaste I feel like I need a lot of this product to feel like my teeth are getting a good clean, this might be because it's quite a thin paste (due to no SLS) and I'm used to a thicker paste. I'm also not really keen on the taste of this toothpaste, it's not overpowering, but it does have quite a strong flowery taste to it. And for the price you're paying, I think you're getting a pretty small tube of the product, which would get used up quite quickly when brushing twice a day. I don't think I'll buy this toothpaste again as it's not my favourite taste and texture, but I am really excited to try some other products that the Green People have to offer from their range. Even though this isn't my favourite vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste, I do recommend you try it as it might be perfect for you!

£4.85 for 50ml from The Green People

Aloe Dent Aloe Vera Mouthwash - Review

Aloe Dent is a line of revolutionary products for oral hygiene. With regular use, as part of a proper oral hygiene program, AloeDent offers valuable support in the fight against tooth caries and gum disease, in a natural way and leaving an incredibly fresh mouth. Aloe Dent Mouthwash offers natural oral hygienic protection for the whole family. It cleans, protects, and freshens breath with its blend of all-natural ingredients including peppermint oil, menthol, and tea tree essential oil. Use it daily after brushing, to cleanse the mouth and teeth after eating, or whenever you want to feel fresh. Its clean minty taste is all thanks to nature's powerful ingredients. There's no alcohol or saccharin in Aloe Dent.

This is the second cruelty-free vegan mouthwash I've tried on my journey so far. I went for this mouthwash as I thought the aloe vera ingredient wouldn't be as strong as the other minty mouthwashes I have tried. I was quite wrong though, I found it to be very strong and too minty for me and unfortunately I couldn't finish using it because of this. For the size of this bottle (250ml) I expect it would go very quickly when using it twice a day, so for this price, I would rather look elsewhere to suit my taste buds. I'm still yet to find the perfect mouthwash for me though... I'm very picky when it comes to mouthwash, I don't like it overly minty, overly strong, or overly anything really. Here's to still looking for my perfect cruelty-free vegan mouthwash!

£4.49 from Holland & Barrett

Laidbare Pack Your Bags Tighten & Lighten Eye Cream - Review

Laidbare naturally-inspired beauty is an everyday collection of natural skin and body care products. Laidbare offers a healthy way to achieve clear, radiant, and youthful skin, without the high-end price tag. The Laidbare regime has been developed free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, to ultimately keep your skin healthy and looking as young and fresh as possible! The Laidbare range is simple, yet delivers super active, multi-tasking results, saving time and money. Laidbare highlights the benefit of every ingredient, with each natural extract defined. Our natural formulas are highly beneficial for all skin types, whatever your age. Their products are also from Parabens, Petrochemicals, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrance, Synthetic Colours, and Glycols.

This eye cream is made from buckwheat wax and green tea. Buckwheat is an incredible ingredient and is known to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. The green tea aids moisture whilst the shea butter hydrates and the eyebright helps reduce the appearance of redness and brightens the skin.

At this stage of my life, I'm not prone to having heavy bags or overly dark circles under my eyes, so I use eye cream to prevent me from getting them in the future. I've been using this cream for a couple of months now, but I can't really say that I've noticed much difference due to not having any bags or dark circles under my eyes. However, I can say that the underneath of my eyes seem to look brighter, tighter, and are smoother than beforehand! The texture of the cream isn't heavy or greasy like others, so it soaks into your skin really quickly, taking only you seconds to apply. This product is a must-have in your skin routine if you're approaching your twenties or your mid-twenties. I really recommend this eye cream and I'll be buying it again!

£9.50 from Love Lula

Natracare's Organic & Natural Tampons & Pads - Review

Natracare is more than just organic and natural products. We are an award-winning, ethical company committed to offering sustainable solutions for personal health care that leaves only a soft footprint on the earth. Established in 1989, Natracare is a small family-run business based in the UK and today is the global leading brand of natural and organic menstrual and personal care products. All of our menstrual, incontinence, and baby care products use only organic and natural materials. Everything we use, do, and create is a commitment to the highest ethical standards whether focussed on organic principles or biodegradability. Our entire supply chain, from raw materials and processing, shares in our commitment to manage and monitor resources respectfully and ethically.

Before I 'fell in love' with my Mooncup, I purchased a few products from Natracare. Natracare creates wipes, tampons, pads, and liners in so many different sizes and shapes, which are all organic and natural. Their products contain no chlorine bleaches, no Rayon, they're perfume-free, plastic-free, over 90% biodegradable, and are also compostable when under the correct conditions, how cool is that! 

Regular Applicator Tampons

I found the regular applicator tampons comfortable and easy to use. The applicator is totally chlorine-free with biodegradable cardboard and the tampons are made from 100% organic cotton, as well as being free from synthetic materials, chemical additives, and bleach. I would prefer a thicker string on these tampons though, so I probably wouldn't use these on a heavier day. Unlike other branded tampons the packaging of these is really cute and girly! 

Mini Panty Liners

The mini panty liners are made with certified organic cotton and totally chlorine-free, plant cellulose, and are also plastic-free. These liners look and feel thick but are quite narrow in shape. I found that when using these liners they seemed to bunch up quite a bit and came apart easily, but saying that they were still quite absorbent. I'm thinking of giving the curved liners ago, to see if that helps with the shaping and bunching of the mini liners. These mini liners are also available in a normal range which comes individually wrapped, unlike the ones I bought. 

Ultra Regular Pads with Wings

And lastly the ultra regular pads with wings. These pads are individually wrapped and are made with certified organic cotton and renewable and sustainable plant cellulose. They're plastic-free and chlorine-free just like all of the other products. Even though I chose the regular size for these pads they seem to be very very thin! I think if I buy these again I'm going to go for the supersize with wings just for the extra padding. 

Overall my favourite product so far from Natracare has to be the regular applicator tampons!

I would also like to try out the organic baby wipes and the organic intimate wipes that Natracare also produces.

Buy all Natracare products here

Naturally Fresh Lavender Roll-On Crystal Deodorant - Review

Naturally Fresh is a range of Crystal Deodorants suitable for people who are allergic or sensitive to conventional deodorants and are also great for people who want to avoid harmful Aluminium and chemicals. Naturally Fresh products are free from harmful chemicals and propellants, are environmentally friendly and ozone-safe. They provide 24-hour hypoallergenic protection, are fragrance-free and will not stain your clothes. 

A deodorant crystal roll-on combining all natural ingredients to eliminate odour causing bacteria while providing for 24 hours, non-staining, hypoallergenic protection. Chamomile is added to soothe and moisturise shaved underarms. Non-sticky, non-greasy and quick-drying, in fact, it feels like a luxurious skin lotion. The crystals work by forming a thin layer over the skin, creating a salt environment in which the bacteria cannot live. They, therefore, kill the odour, rather than masking it as conventional deodorants do. The 100% pure mineral salts act as an astringent which partially closes the pores whilst still allowing the excretion of toxins from the body.

I've been using this Lavender Crystal Deodorant, made by Naturally Fresh for a while now. At first, I thought I had found the perfect roll-on deodorant, that was until the hot weather and sun hit us here in the UK. When walking anywhere in the heat, whatever I was wearing would stick to my underarms from where it was so wet, so I've had to stop using it until I find another one. It's unfortunate that this deodorant makes me sweat so much as I really love the lavender smell it has and unlike others, it doesn't leave my underarms sticky! I think this is a good deodorant if you're not going to be doing any form of quick activities during your day. I'm still looking for my 'perfect' vegan and cruelty-free deodorant that will stop me from sweating, so if you have suggestions please drop me a comment below, thanks.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic Toothpaste Mint - Review

The core of Lavera’s philosophy can be found in its name: which literally means ‘the truth’, which is the founding principle of the company and the cosmetics they produce. Lavera is totally committed to bringing you the healthiest and safest, high-quality, pure natural, and organic products. They are proud to be certified organic by NATRUE and have over 100 products certified vegan by the Vegan Society. All Lavera products are free from animal testing. And the products do not contain Parabens, SLS’s, synthetic sunscreen actives, artificial dyes, or fragrances. Lavera is committed to making sure that you and your family are safe from potentially harmful ingredients by providing you with effective and chemical-free options with wholesome values.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic Toothpaste with mint and fluoride helps to effectively remove plaque and tartar, and fight against tooth decay by hardening the tooth enamel. The natural minty flavor keeps your breath fresh. The formula of the organic toothpaste contains sea salt which has been carefully selected to effectively clean the teeth. Plant extracts from organic echinacea and arnica protect the gums and oral flora. When used regularly, the mint toothpaste helps to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth.

I found the flavoring of this toothpaste to be minty but not overpowering. The only downside with this toothpaste is that it has tiny granules in it, and not everyone might like that. I didn't really like it at first but I got used to it and I tend to just rinse the bits away with my mouthwash. I feel this toothpaste gives my teeth a really good clean, also leaving my breath feeling fresh and minty. 

£3.95 from Parvera

How To Turn A LUSH Cosmetics Toner Tab into A Facial Spray

LUSH Cosmetics is highly against animal testing and uses only ethical ingredients. All of their products are handmade and are 100% vegetarian-friendly, not all are vegan-friendly, so make sure you lookout for the Vegan Society Approved stamp!

Could your skin use a little TLC? If so, then you should try this powerful yet gentle treatment of tea tree oil and aloe vera. The tea tree is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties and helps to combat the bacteria that causes spots. And aloe vera is kind, cooling, and wonderfully gentle on the skin. 

I've used the Tea Tree Toner Tab from LUSH Cosmetics many times before and I love it! I love the smell of it and I feel it really gives my pores a deep clean and it also leaves my skin feeling soft. This is one of the many products that are vegan and of course, cruelty-free. The other day I was looking on the LUSH Cosmetics website reading about the Tea Tree Toner Tab and I came across a great tip, so I thought I'd share it on my blog!

What You Need:

1. One Tea Tree Toner Tab from LUSH (£1 /5g).
2. Hot water (enough to gently steam your face).
3. A bowl to fit your face over.
4. A towel to drape over your head.
5. And a spray bottle, so that you can reuse your product for a further week!

What To Do:
Drop the Tea Tree Toner Tab into a bowl of hot water (not too hot though, as you don't want to burn your face!). Then place your head over your bowl with the towel draped over your head, this will keep the steam inside the towel. You want to stay there for a few minutes, long enough to open up your pores and soak up the steam to allow the essential oils to be absorbed. After you have done this, gently pat your face dry and apply a facial moisturiser.

How To Make Your Product Last Longer:
All you have to do is wait until your bowl of water has cooled down, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle and place it into your fridge. Now you have a cheap facial mist/toner spray that will stay fresh for another whole week!

£1.50 from LUSH Cosmetics

My Crazy Rumors Lip Balm Collection - Review

Crazy Rumors are wonderfully colourful and flavourful vegan lip balms from the USA with a BIG personality. Established over 15 years ago, the exceptional 100% natural lip care is still handmade in small batches for the purest and freshest balms. Clean, tasty and ethical, the balms include super moisturising delights like Certified Organic Shea Butter & soothing Jojoba oil. The mouth-watering flavours are sourced from fruits, vegetables and spices, no synthetic lab-created flavours in here, ever. Nature creates it all, and what’s better than that? There’s something for everyone: Mild to Wild, we’ve got you covered!

I've only just recently come across these lip balms and the more I checked them out the more I wanted to try them! I've only tried out a few lip balms from Crazy Rumors at the moment but I can't wait to try out more. I was drawn in by the fact that they were all vegan and cruelty-free. Also because of the cute bright packaging they had and the variety of different flavours they had available. The first flavour I purchased was the Raspberry Sherbet, I love the smell of this one! Although I did find it quite sickly when I had it applied to my lips. I then bought the Lemonade and Black Cherry flavours not long after. I wasn't too keen on the lemonade one as I found it quite citrusy, but my Mum seemed to like it so I happily gave it to her! I've saved my favourite flavour so far, until last. The Black Cherry flavour has a lovely rich and deep smell of cherries and it really reminds me of Cherry Coke / Dr Pepper, so if you like those, buy it now! I'm yet to try out the many other wonderful and unusual flavoured lip balms that Crazy Rumors have created so I'll be buying again.

£3.99 from Love Lula

Sarakan Mouthwash & Sarakan Toothpaste - Review

Free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Flavoured with geranium oil, an unusual taste that leaves your mouth sweet and fresh. Sarakan is carefully formulated using high-quality natural ingredients to maximise effective teeth cleaning. Sarakan includes the natural extract of the shrub Salvadora persica, sometimes known as the "toothbrush tree." For centuries, Salvadora in its natural state, like twigs, has been rubbed on teeth and gums for dental care. It is still used by millions every day. Regular brushing with Sarakan may help restore the natural colour of your teeth leaving them feeling exceptionally clean and smooth and your mouth naturally fresh.

Sarakan toothpaste contains a natural extract of Salvadora persica, also known as the 'toothbrush tree' - used for centuries in its natural state as an effective way to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. It's still used by millions every day. Regular brushing with Sarakan toothpaste helps to restore the natural colour of your teeth, leaving them feeling exceptionally clean and smooth and your mouth naturally fresh. 

 For me personally, I found that the flavour of the toothpaste was quite strong for me which put me off of the toothpaste straight away. Although I did feel like it gave my teeth a good and fresh clean, despite the flavouring! Unfortunately, I won't be buying this toothpaste again due to not liking the strong flavours.

Sarakan anti-plaque mouthwash contains natural extract of Salvadora persica - the toothbrush tree - to help fight plaque and tartar and to promote and maintain gum health. Rinsing with Sarakan mouthwash helps reduce plaque formation to keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean and your gums healthy.

I've been using this mouthwash for a while now. I find the taste of it to be quite strong but I feel that it gives my teeth a good clean and fresh feeling. It also leaves my breath feeling fresh for a good length of time. I don't think I'll be buying this mouthwash again as I'm not very keen on the taste that it leaves in my mouth afterwards. 

 The Sarakan Toothpaste from Holland & Barrett
 The Sarakan Mouthwash £3.79 from Holland & Barrett

LUSH Cosmetics Rose Jam Shower Gel - Review

LUSH Cosmetics is highly against animal testing and use only ethical ingredients. All of their products are handmade and are 100% vegetarian-friendly, not all are vegan-friendly, so make sure you lookout for the Vegan Society Approved stamp!

Turkish rose absolute and conditioning argan oil dances their dizzyingly floral fragrance over the skin, leaving a gentle, lingering perfume behind. The petals used to make exquisite rose oil and rose absolute are picked by hand at dawn, in Senir, Turkey, when they are at their most fragrant and have the most beautiful scent. Sweet vanilla pod infusion, combined with cleansing Sicilian lemon oil and fresh goji berry juice, adds a refreshing edge to this floral gel, inspired by sticky, delicious Turkish rose jam. So lather up and smell the roses!

This shower gel is made up of a bunch of gorgeous smelling ingredients which include, Turkish rose absolute, Geranium oil, and Sicilian lemon which I absolutely adore. These scents mixing all together will leave your nose wanting more! You only need a little squeeze of this shower gel as it lathers up really well, a little does go a long way. Even after I've showered with this I can still smell the scent lingering around the bathroom which is wonderful. And unlike most products from LUSH Cosmetics, this shower gel has quite a long lifeline date of just over a year, which is great if you want this product to last like me!

Varied prices available from LUSH Cosmetics

My First Time Using The Mooncup Menstrual Cup - Review

The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup that will last you years and years. It's made of soft medical-grade silicone and sits a lot lower than a usual tampon. While a tampon absorbs your period (and everything else), the Mooncup just collects it and nothing else. The Mooncup is also said to collect three times as much as a tampon does! And because the Mooncup is reusable, you only need one of them, so whilst you're saving money, you're also saving the environment.

There are two sizes of the Mooncup, so make sure you're getting the right size for yourself. Size A is recommended for women aged 30 or over, it's also recommended for women who have given birth vaginally, regardless of age. And size B is recommended for women under the age of 30 who have not given birth vaginally.

The cup has a long stem at the bottom to make it easier for removal. If the stem sticks out you should trim it, as this will rub and have a pinching effect which isn't very comfortable at all! But this is different for every woman, so I definitely recommend using your Mooncup a few times before you cut the stem so you can get used to it.

 

It comes with a little bag to keep it safe in when it's not in use. And you also get a really detailed leaflet about a lot of things, including insertion and removal. I won't go into too much detail about insertion and removal as it's quite personal to me and it may be different for you. It's all about finding out what's best for you! But I personally prefer the technique of folding the cup in half and then again a second time, making a 'U' shape. And for removal, I prefer pulling the stem and pushing my muscles downwards to remove it. Insertion and removal are done with practice, and practice makes perfect!

As worried as I was about cleaning it, it's actually nothing to be scared or worried about. A simple take-out and tip down the toilet and then a rinse under tap worked fine for me! Now and again it is recommended that you do boil your Mooncup just to give it a more thorough clean. I haven't got round to using my Mooncup out and about for a few hours in public yet, but I'm sure it'll be fine. I did, however, use it for around 8 hours straight whilst I was asleep, (I did have a leak but realised I didn't have the cup inserted properly) and for around 4 hours at a time when just at home.

I've personally found the Mooncup a pleasure and exciting product to try. It was a lot better than I had expected and not as messy as I worried it might have been! Whilst still using tampons and pads as well as my Mooncup, halfway through my period I was really surprised at how little waste I had collected from also using the Mooncup. I will most definitely be using my Mooncup again and I can't wait!

If you feel that you need any more information about the Mooncup please visit their website here.

Buy the Mooncup here.

Edit (05/2015)- I've used my Mooncup a few times out and about now and it's been great. I haven't had any more leaks since my first one and I don't think I'll ever look back at not using my Mooncup!