Tag Archives: vegan beauty

The Ultimate Guide to Natural + Vegan Deodorant.

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Need some new deodorant in this heatwave??

Vegan deodorant is not that difficult to find and neither is deodorant that uses clean natural ingredients. But when you combine the two you narrow your search pool even further as a lot of natural deo’s are balms that use beeswax. I was worried there wouldn’t be too many options on the market, but to my surprise there are loads! So many in fact that I struggled to narrow this guide down to just 6. I easily could have bought 10 more to try and include, but with 6 deodorants on the go this past couple of months things were getting out of hand!


The Roll-On’s 

Neal’s Yard Peppermint & Lime Roll-On Deodorant / £8


One of my most used simply because of the ease! It’s a roll on! No melting a solid stick or sticking your fingers into a pot. The scent I chose isn’t my favourite, the lime & mint combination smells a little like citronella. I would choose the rose & geranium if I could go back in time.


In terms of doing its job? It promises 24hr protection but I think it begins to falter before a full morning to evening’s wear time is up. And obviously, it’s not an antiperspirant so you will sweat (which is healthy and normal!), but it does contain some moisture absorbing ingredients, not that I’ve ever noted them working.. 6/10

Benecos Apricot & Elderflower Roll-On Deodorant / £5.95


The least expensive and my least favourite, unfortunately. The scent is delicious and so fruity and fresh, it’s a real shame that the scent doesn’t linger and the deodorant really doesn’t work that well, especially in this summer heat. Reapplication is needed, but even then, you just sort of feel tacky and body odor lingers. Lovely. 2/10

The Unusual One & The Plastic Free One

Pacifica Deodorant Wipes / £7.99


I bought these oh so many moons ago to take with me to the hospital when I had Oliver. My thoughts were if I ended up stuck in bed for some time, these could freshen me up! And I actually did use them, just once, but still. I’ve used them a couple of times since then, they’re just handy for sweaty moments that catch you off guard, but they’re not essential, and you can’t really keep them in your bag or anything because the pack is pretty large! 5/10

Ben & Anna Natural Soda Deodorant – Vanilla Orchid / £9.95


Deodorant in a card tube! I love that it means there’s no waste at all, the packaging does get grubby and greasy over time but it’s deodorant, it’s not a fancy bottle of perfume you keep on display. This is the most expensive but does work quite well to keep you dry for awhile thanks to the arrowroot and starch combo. My one dislike is that the stick isn’t the easiest to use – it doesn’t really melt into the skin, you have to rub it under your arms to deposit some of the cream and then rub it into the skin yourself as it’s so thick (winter application would be a pain I imagine!). I do love the vanilla scent and it lingers for quite a while, but there’s a whole host of other scents if you’re interested. 7/10


The Charcoal Ones

Native Unearthed Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm / £6.99


My new favourite! The balm is really creamy and easy to use, it melts between your fingers and under your arms really easily and I love the scent – it’s fresh and a little lavender-y. Like every other, it doesn’t really stop you sweating, but after walking to and from work, a day in the office and then cooking tea in a kitchen that gets the evening sun and quickly turns into a furnace in this mega heatwave, I was hot and bothered, sure, but not a hint of any stink could be detected. (Also worth noting that mine is a smaller size pot!). I don’t like deo’s in pots, but this is a good ‘un! Does charcoal make it better, though? I really couldn’t say… 8/10

Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant  / $10


I really wanted to like this deodorant, and I tried really hard as I’ve used it for aaaaaages (this is a sample size that just won’t quit) but the scent is meh and it doesn’t last very long in terms of B.O. and sweat suppression. Luckily you can’t get this in the UK as there are better out there. It’s one redeeming quality? The solid stick melts quite easily into the skin so you don’t have to wait around holding it under your arms. Oh and, it’s baking soda free. 3/10

Got any recommendations for me once I finish all of these? 


xo

Magical Masks.

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You can never have too many face masks.

Feeling stressed? Face mask.

Want to indulge? Face mask.

Dry skin, spotty skin, dull skin? Face mask.

I’ve used countless, I’ve loved loads, and yet I know there will always be more to try. I suppose that’s one small benefit of having problem skin, you know when you’re using a really good mask because the results are extra visible. 

I’ve been using the two masks pictured in a rotation for a couple of months now, and finally, have the time to document my thoughts.

Kimberly Sayer Deep Cleaning French Green Clay Mask. 

I feel like Kimberly Sayer is a bit of a secretive cult brand. There’s not a lot of talk about them online. They have a very clinical and professional sort of look and for quite some time this put me off trying the brand as, typical me, I’m drawn to pretty packaging. 

This clay mask sounds like it should be incredibly harsh and drying, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth if you catch a glimpse of the ingredients list.


Safflower seed oil, aloe vera leaf juice, vegetable glycerin, lavender water, oat beta glucan… It reads more like a creamy moisturising mask. And it does feel creamy to apply, it doesn’t make your skin feel tight of painful as it slowly dries, honestly, I forget I even have it on sometimes.

All of this sounds dreamy, and you wouldn’t think it would pack such a punch after all of that, but it really lives up to the term deep cleansing as this always brings any gunk to the surface and clears up my skin. 


Isla Apothecary Refine Radiate Beautifying Face Mask.


With just three luxurious ingredients, the Refine Radiate mask has been created to “soothe, restore moisture, and nurture even the most sensitive skin types to greater resiliency.” It does this with coconut milk powder, turmeric and sandalwood powder, and as you can see from the incredible orange shade, it looks pretty potent.


I was initially drawn to this mask because of the sandalwood powder, said to be wonderful for oily skin it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to combat breakouts. It’s not an ingredient I had come across before and I was keen to try it out!

Because of the coconut milk powder, I reach for this mask whenever my skin is irritated or dry. It really does soothe and leave my skin soft, bright and calm. And maybe a little yellow tinted. You can remove the staining with a cotton pad and some toner but I try to leave the residue on overnight and just apply some moisturiser, as I’m sure I read once that the benefits of the Tumeric can work their magic better if you leave it.

This is my favourite mask of the two for sure, I love the benefits, I love mixing my own mask up with some water and I love the way my skin looks the day after!

£22.00 for 120g here.

Look beautiful naturally with LoveLula, the world's natural beauty shop. Free delivery over £15. Shop now!

Until next time, xo

Loving Lavera…

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My love for Lavera Shampoo started with a hunt for a bargain. I don’t like paying a lot for shampoo, I mean I totally will if I’ve tried everything else and nothing is working for me, or I’m sold on the swishy ingredients list and marketing lingo, but I’ll always try something cheaper if I can.


We’ve gone through a lot of shampoo in this house, both myself and Michael have fussy scalps that get itchy and sore if we use anything harsh (usually if it’s not natural) and we’ve tried a lot of shampoo labelled specifically for a sensitive scalp that works for one or two bottles and then the pain returns and we need to move on. Hair does actually get used to products, so switching it up is no bad thing at all. We’ve been using Lavera (the blue bottle) for just over a year, and it’s just now that I’m starting to need something new.

The Lavera Basis Sensitiv Moisture & Care Shampoo, £6.95, is that perfect blend of cleansing with no build up or greasy residue, but leaves my hair so soft, shiny and conditioned that I rarely needed conditioner. Made with almond milk, aloe vera and avocado it sounds like a fancy green smoothie. It kept my scalp in perfect condition and my hair feeling healthy bottle after bottle (I think I’ve gone through 5 or 6!). What I also love about this shampoo and the other Lavera shampoos that I’ve been using, is that they foam up. I can’t be dealing with a shampoo that has no bubbles, I never feel like my hair is clean!

The green Freshness and Balance Shampoo, £6.95, was a purchase for Michael who’s hair gets oily quicker than mine, but I’ve been using this too if I’ve used a little too much dry shampoo or hair oil. It removes residue with ease and leaves hair feeling clean, a little squeaky perhaps but not super stripped or dry. I do always follow up with a little conditioner though.

Lastly, I purchased the Volume & Strength Shampoo, £6.95, most recently because postpartum hair loss is real, guys. I feel like I might be bald soon at this rate! 😉 I can’t say I’ve noticed a difference in hair loss slowing down yet, but I do like how it makes my hair feel. The formula contains Vitamin C and Green Tea to strengthen those all-important roots. Perhaps I need to use this exclusively to see a major difference because I still like to use the Moisture & Care most often.

I’m now on the lookout and ready to try a few new brands and products in the bathroom because I think my hair is used to these now. Michael is starting to complain about his hair too… maybe it’s the warmer weather!


I did just see that they have a new 2-in-1 Deep Care & Repair Shampoo and Conditioner which sounds diiiiivine! Perhaps I’ll pick up a bottle of that for testing purposes, of course 😉

Have you tried any Lavera haircare? See the full range here (Note that they are all vegan except for the pale pink Gloss & Bounce range)


Sweet Dreams.

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Hands up, who needs more sleep? Or better sleep? Or struggles to fall asleep? Can I put my hand up for all three?

Before Oliver I could sleep for 12 hours no problem, I’m a natural night owl who can sleep until noon, easy. But my baby has other ideas, he is still waking regularly all night, even more so because he’s teething at the moment, and even when I do put my head on the pillow I find it really hard to fall asleep. It’s like I perk up the moment I lie down, I’m suddenly awake! It can take 2 hours to fall asleep some nights, and just as I drift off… I’m up to feed the baby. Damn it.

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to find ways to combat this and help make drifting off easier because I could really do with those two hours sleep, please.

Some things I have been trying include:

  • No sugary treats after tea/dinner (this is the most difficult for me as I’m a chocoholic!)
  • A warm bath instead of a shower in the evening
  • Not using my phone when I get into bed.
  • Going to bed when I’m tired instead of waiting for Michael to want to go to bed, too. 

Along with these simple things, I’ve been including the two beauty products pictured above into my routine.


The Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist has quickly grown to be a firm favourite of mine, helping me associate the divine, calming scent with sleep. I love lavender so it was obvious I would love this too, but it also includes a lush blend of Rosemary, Chamomile, Frankincense, Rosewood, Eucalyptus and Rose Geranium essential oils too. These oils come together to create something a little more complex than just your standard lavender pillow mist, it’s not overpowering but strong enough that I only need to spray my pillow once for a long-lasting scent that calms me down. If I focus on the scent and breathing slowly, then I’m often asleep before you know it.

For skincare, I have been including the Neal’s Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate. A night time serum/light moisturiser that’s dreamy in all the right ways. The cream contains cocoa butter, grape seed oil and aloe vera, along with ylang-ylang for that dream-inducing scent and a host of other good skin ingredients, too. If my skin isn’t too dry I tend to use this alone, but it does also pair well with a facial oil or thicker night cream on top. Smooth over skin and breathe in deep for all those sweet aromatherapy benefits.

Do you have any tips for better sleep?


Operation Hydration.

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I’ve been mentioning a lot lately that my skin has changed so much in recent months, it’s honestly been all over the place! I experienced seriously dry skin postpartum, which has gradually lessened but my lips and around my chin continues to be a problem. My usually oily skin hasn’t returned yet but I have been getting the odd spot and congested areas.

To remedy all of these little issues I’ve been trying out quite a bit of new skincare over the past 2-3 months, and have found some real gems. I stepped out of my comfort zone and picked some new brands to explore and have been really happy with my choices! All of my picks are cruelty-free, vegan and made with natural ingredients, I also try to avoid coconut oil and shea butter because my skin does tend to break out when I use products that include those two. I tend to look for products that are going to be soothing, calming and good for sensitive, acne-prone skin. All too often there seems to be just two categories of skin care; for oily and spotty skin, or dry and sensitive. My skin is sometimes all 4 (thanks, hormones!) and this can be hard to handle.

Let’s start with the product I would reach for first in the bunch pictured above, the Alteya Certified Organic Rose Water Spray, £7.10. Rose is so beneficial for all skin types and this beautiful mist is so pure it’s actually food grade and totally edible.


This mist is:

Therapeutic


Anti-inflammatory and acne-preventing

Balancing


Anti-ageing and moisturising


Rejuvenating, stimulating and harmonizing

& smells so good!

I spray this generously all over as my traditional “toner” step and whilst my skin is still wet I apply any oils I’m using if it’s the evening or move on to serum/moisturiser. 

I have a whole collection of face oils that I use regularly for different reasons (and need to review!) but for the moment two have been standing out for me. The Ooh! Oils of Heaven Tamanu Oil, £9.50 and the Oskia Restoration Oil, £64. These two oils couldn’t be any more different, a simple single oil and a complex, high tech blend. Both give me great results; proof you don’t need to spend a lot … but you sure can if you want to! The Tamanu is great for when my skin is feeling red and spotty, it really calms it down and is amazing for healing scarring over time, the oil is thick and pretty pungent smelling, but it works so well for me that I can live with that. In contrast, the Oskia oil has a light texture, smells divine and offers a whole host of skin benefits with it’s cocktail of ingredients. After using this at night, my skin looks brighter and any patches of dry skin are a thing of the past, it doesn’t seem to help a lot with blemishes though or else I would use it more regularly. 


Whilst I chop and change with my evening skincare, I’ve been using this next duo religiously every morning since January.

The PHB Ethical Beauty Hydrating Gel Serum, £18.95 and the Atlantis Skincare Glowing Skin Day Cream, £64.99 are my favourite beauty discoveries so far this year.

The PHB Serum is an aloe based gel, with argan oil and chamomile, so as you can imagine it’s incredibly soothing and instantly hydrating. It offers me instant relief for irritated, dry skin and the ingredients are also great for reducing blemishes. My skin loves aloe and argan oil so it’s no wonder this is helping me.

I really wanted to try a new day cream that wasn’t from Madara (still love them, but also love finding new brands!) and it took me what felt like forever to eventually click on the product page and read the description/ingredients. I was so impressed with what I saw, the ingredients list is lush and includes some really unique ingredients. A blend of hydrosols are listed first and they make this cream feel gorgeous and light on the skin. Then there is a blend of oils and butters, everything from coffee seed butter to tomato and walnut oil. There is some shea butter, but it’s in such a small quantity that it doesn’t bother me. Finally, the addition of Hyaluronic Acid ensures my skin has been slowly but surely recovering from dehydration. I really need to look into Atlantis Skincare more!

The cream sinks in easily and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, just a little glow. Makeup applies perfectly over the top of the serum and day cream duo, and my skin has been improving day by day.

Ingredients:


Hamamelis virginiana (Witch hazel) hydrosol, Rosa damascena (Rose Otto) hydrosol, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) hydrosol, Glycerin, Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuacu) seed butter, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry) seed oil, Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) seed butter, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil, Juglans regia (English walnut) seed oil, Astrocaryum tucuma (Tucuma Palm) seed butter, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) seed oil, Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) seed oil, Benzyl alcohol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan gum, Sucrose laurate, Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) leaf oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) fruit water, Sodium hyaluronate, Salicylic acid, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, Punica granatum (Pomegranate) fruit extract, Cylindrotheca fusiformis (Microalgae) extract, Styrax benzoin resin (Balsamic resin) extract, Jasminum officinale (Jasmine) flower extract, Sorbic acid, Rosa damascena (Rose Otto) flower oil, (Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, d-Limonene, Linalol, Farnesol-naturally occur in essential oils)

P.S. Want to WIN over £100 worth of Vegan Skin and Bodycare from the Balance Me? I’m hosting a giveaway on my Instagram now so be sure to check it out! Click here.