Friday, December 8, 2017

Green Beauty Christmas Gift Guide from Love Lula



Hi Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕


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Green Beauty Presents from Love Lula
Are you guys ready for Christmas yet, all shopping done and all? If you are like me, you still might have some bits and bobs to buy, so I thought I would give you some ideas for your Christmas shopping, would you like that? The main idea behind my blog is to be helpful to you guys, and what better way than recommending great natural products at all price points? Love Lula has great Christmas Shop and here are my recommendations from it. I thought you might like the idea of getting all your presents in one shopping spree not leaving the house, and it is all delivered to your door? Me too! Oh, the joys of internet shopping! You can also rest assured everything you will pick is natural and cruelty free, with focus on organic ingredients where possible. All that, and the delivery is free worldwide for all orders above £15. Do I need to say anything more? I think not! One stop shop for all your needs. And no harming of bunnies or humans here. I will limit each category to five items as not to overwhelm you, I hope that's ok.


Stocking fillers for under 15€

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Love Lula Stocking Fillers

⛄ Hurraw lip balms
I love all of them, but the Moon Balm is my fave, plus it is winter proof as well, so that is the one I am going to recommend. Priced for a bit less than 5£.

⛄ Organic muslin cloths
These are always handy, it is something I always appreciate as a gift. After all, the gift that you use every day is the best kind of gift in my opinion.Priced from 2.50£ for one, the one you see in the picture is a set of three for 12.50£ and comes in a gift envelope.

⛄ Pacifica Colour Quench Lip Tints
Great for someone like me, who wants a light wash of colour in their natural lip balm. Perfect everyday lip if you ask me.Retails for 7.49£ or 8.50€. Well worth it in my opinion.

⛄ Beauty Brews Teas
 Organic teas in cute tins, what's not to love? I really enjoyed their Nettle and Mistletoe one I got in Love Lula Beauty Box, and I have my eyes on Strawberry and Ginger one next. Tins retail for a bit less than ten pounds, but you can get refills too, which are cheaper.

⛄ Glossworks Nail Polishes
These are always handy in Holiday period, even for someone like me, who does not wear nail polish for the rest of the year - there's something in the air that makes you want to get all dolled up for Christmas! 12£ each. Their cuticle oil is fantastic too, I just finished it.



Best gift sets for under 35€

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Best gifts under 35€ in Love Lula



Wouldn't be lovely to get this set consisting of Damascus Rose Candle and Rose Bath Milk? All well under €30, I think it is a perfect present to give or receive. Just think of that relaxing bath time!

Great value gift set that features full size (50ml) Global Protection Day Cream, which I have used before, and I am happy to say it suited my sensitive skin just fine. The set is valued at 43£ and you get it for 29£ (which is roughly about 32€ with some change), so I think it is a great value set, which comes with Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask 15ml and Keep Young And Beautiful™ Instant Firming Beauty Shot 10ml. I would be happy if I got this set!


Now, how can I do a gift guide without mentioning my current favourite face cream? DrHauschka Rose Day cream is my current favourite and I repurchased it at least five times in the last six months, so let it be sort of testament on how much I love it! Normally it retails for £30.50 (or just under €35) in Love Lula, but in this set you get two free sidekicks, which are their Soothing Cleansing Milk and Facial Toner, both in generous 30ml sizes. Psst, I bought this set myself, shh, don't tell! 


This is a perfect set for someone who loves facial oils, and for someone who is new to them as well. Comes with five minis, housed in the cutest little bottles - my favourite is definitely rosehip oil, but you also get cacay, argan, moringa and marula oils. They last for ages too, so you will definely get the feel of whether these oils are for you before investing in the full size of one of them. Retails for 20£ or just below 23€ for a box of five samples.


This is the bargain of all gift sets for only 9.99£ (or just over 11€) of the bunch - and you get to give (or receive) a gift of clean skin, it comes with the cleansing balm, two muslin cloths to remove the balm and the face flannel as well. All is well and useful here!




For men in your life


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Love Lula Gifts for Men


Let's start from the most expensive things in descending order with these men's gift sets shall we?
This Ermana gift set costs 45£ (or just above 50€) but it will give your man almost a year use, I find facial oils and balms do last for ages! I picked this set because it is suitable even for most sensitive skins. All natural ingredients too.


Now, you can't go wrong with giving a shaving set, can you? It is a classic present and I am sure any man in your life would appreciate that, be it your husband, dad, uncle or friend. This set is priced at 30£ (or around €34) and it comes with award winning moisturiser. Can't be bad, right?

Trevarno is a great organic brand that I have my eyes on for ages, and this moisturiser for men is specifically designed to protect the skin from harsh elements and daily shaving. Priced 19£ or just above 21€ for 60ml, which should last your man a long time.

Facial scrub is something men need but never buy for themselves, which is why I think it is a great gift. I would rather buy this than another useless novelty gadget any day. Sukin have more products for men, so if you don't want to get a scrub for your man, you can choose something else. All priced extremely well too. This scrub retails for 8.95£ for example.

Another bargain present for any man in your life that shaves already - designed to give close shave and packed with essential oils. The official blurb is too funny - it says it's citrussy lather boosts moisture and ego in equal measures! Priced at 7.95£ or 9.04€



For a lipstick lover

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Love Lula Lipstick Recommendations




⛄ Inika Lipstick, for example Nude Pink (18£)


⛄ RMS lipstick. Or two (30£ each)

⛄ Neek Lipstick  (15£)

⛄ Budget option - Pacifica Lip Quench (7.50£)





Christmas gifts for a tea lover

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Christmas gifts for a tea lover



This set is fabulous because it contains everything you need to make matcha, including the high quality matcha from Japan itself. I have had it and loved every bit of it. it retails for 39.90£, and it is an ultimate gift for someone who loves matcha tea! But if your budget does not stretch to it, you can gift Teatox Matcha Starter kit, which consists of tea and the whisk, called Chasen, and it retails for 25.90£


Now, does it not look adorable? I find the double glass and the bamboo lid simply stunning! Retails for 24.90£ which is somewhat normal with all these reusable glass bottles selling at more or less the same price point. I do have it myself, and it one of those things that is paws-off-policy for the rest of the family members. What? I can't risk them breaking it, #sorrynotsorry!


For a bit less than 30£ you will get three full sized matcha jars, one regular and two flavoured matchas. I am well familiar with them too, having repurchased multiple times already.


Mentioned in the stocking fillers section already, you can choose from an array of organic loose leaf teas in cute tins. I know I appreciate organic teas, how about you?




For a lover of candles




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Natural candle gifts from Love Lula



Now, if you fancy a gift not only for your other half, but for yourself too, as well as a bit of a sexy time, why don't try this set of massage candles? You get tree candles in a cute box, all made with natural oils and without paraffin. The scents are musk, ginger and amber. Retails for 41.50£ or a bit over 47€


Now, there's nothing 9.95£

Comes in three sizes, larger one is 38£, middle one 24£ and the travel size is 14£, so you can pick and choose which one you want to try.

You had me at sandalwood! If that is not your cup of tea, there are other scents available. 14.90£


 These have the most gorgeous packaging, you don't even need to wrap these! 36£





For vegans in your life

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Vegan presents in Love Lula




My fave is A Different Drummer for sure, and you can check out my review o on them here. 30£ for a kit of five samples. 

49.95£ and you get everything you need for the perfect complexion. You get 8 pieces in the set, some full size, some samples, plus a brush and a bag. Inika is a wonderful vegan make up brand that holds a special place in my hear.

This set retails for 22.50£ and you get a full size shampoo and conditioner. There are other sets available, so you can choose.

For 33.99£ you get the palette that will give you multiple looks for every occasion! The Solar Complete Mineral Palette is a full set of eye shadows, blush, bronzer and coconut highlighters all in one beautiful, recyclable palette. 

Ultimate festive treat for your face! Value 43.95£ 




For new mums & babies



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Mom & Baby gifts from Love Lula



Ermana is a range of skincare products made from a blend of botanicals and all things natural. Products are all preservative free and contain no parabens, sulphates, artificial fragrances or colourings. Ermana is nourishing and hydrating nutrition for your skin.
44£ set contains 50ml Soothe Mama body oil and 60ml Soothe Mama balm


I am about to publish a review of Innersenses oil on my own, and I can truly recommend this line of products created by aromatherapist with 25 years of experience! 18£


While candle seems like a good choice for a new mum, I would advise choosing a reed diffuser over a candle, for one simple reason. I don't know how about you, but I certainly didn't get enough sleep for the first couple of years when my kids were little, and I certainly didn't light any candles until they were at least 1. With all the sleep deprivation I was afraid I would burn the house down. Insert blushing emoji here. 24.95£


Aviela is a brand who uses wonderful shea butter as a base for all their products, and shea is something all mums and babies need, it softens and soothes the skin like nothing else. 35£ set contains Pure Shea Butter – 100g Shea Foot Butter Mini – 35g African Black Soap – 120g Pure Shea Butter Mini – 15g





For The Luxury Lover




ARgENTUM utilises the inherent strength of silver to deliver unique and powerful skincare. After years of research in the field of anti-ageing they have formulated a patented fusion of two vital ingredients ~ Silver Hydrosol & DNA HP. The result is a range of natural, super hydrating, restorative products that encapsulate ARgENTUM's essential balance and deliver an unsurpassed sensory experience. The products are~ 99.5% from natural origins ~ Paraben and SLS free ~ 100% free from animal testing ~ Suitable for Vegetarians and have a few award under their belt too. Retail value 82£.


This award winning range is taking green beauty world by storm and if you want to, a piece of it in a form of body serum can be yours for 49£. Choosing core performance oils and naturals to bring your skin back to fabulous condition. Oils for calming skin, oils for rejuvenating skin, creams for protecting skin, balms for cleansing skin, essential oils for performance and fragrance and much, much more. Formulated for great skincare results because there really is no other reason to apply. FIRM BELIEVER is a treatment oil for the body. The core oils blend to bring lustre, luminescence and glow back to your skin. The fragrant essential oils have a double effect. The blend including neroli, red mandarin and *bergamot is based on the original eau de cologne formulation derived from the French fragrance houses, but not only does this smell divine and is beautiful to wear, the therapeutic qualities of these essential oils are toning, skin softening and regenerative.

75£ for 50ml, but boy, let me tell you, I am enamored with this brand, and I have their face cream on the way to me as we speak! Natural aromatherapeutic cream based on essential oils botanical extracts and the most advanced Biotechnology. The cream is designed to provide you with a unique feeling of relaxation, repair your skin cells and slow down skin's aging process. The cream contains 21 active ingredients of the highest quality and revolutionary in skin care, making our cream highly effective and unique. Our active formula includes antioxidants such as Ginseng and Green Tea, probiotics like Propolis, and skin’s regenerators as Reishi and Rose Wood Bio essential oil. You will look and feel great! Won Beauty shortlist editor´s choice award on 2016 

This palette features 18 pieces, and it's got  8 Eye Shadows • 4 Lipsticks • 4 Blushers • 1 Bronzer • 1 Finishin Powder. • Shades that suit all skin tones • For all skin types • Great for sensitive and acne prone skin PHB Ethical Beauty is a family business - 20% of profit goes to charity. Key Benefits: • 100% Natural • Vegan • Cruelty Free • Halal Certified • Gluten Free • Paraben Free • No Nano Particles • No Talc or Fillers • No Mineral Oils • No GM Ingredients. 69.95£ for 90gr of product

Probiotic skincare is all the rage at the moment, and this serum is what I want myself, so that is why I picked for this gift guide. This is something you might be a bit hesitant to buy yourself, but would love to get as a present, right? The firming and lifting effects of this age-defying serum are enhanced with long-term use. Inactivated probiotic Lactobacillus cells are added to stimulate the skin’s production of β-defensins. These peptides shift the populations of microbes in the skin to favour beneficial species so that they can out compete pro-ageing species.

Suma Root, Muira Puama Bark, and Madonna Lily extracts are used in combination to improve the strength of capillary walls and aid in tissue repair. Over time, skin firmness and youthfulness improve.
147£ for this magical potion, but it that is too pricy for you, Esse have many other products, starting from 14£, so you can pick and choose.



For A Gift That Keeps Giving


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Love Lula Beauty Box - the gift that keeps on giving




And finally, there is a wonderful option if you want to give a gift that keeps on giving! A Love Lula Beauty Box is a perfect choice either for yourself or for a friend who loves natural beauty and discovering new products. I myself am getting this beautifully curated box for about half a year now, and I can say it is really worth the money, as the boxes often come four times more the value of what you pay for, and it is so fun to discover new products this way. And now it is a perfect time to get it, as Love Lula are running a promotion on it, up to 20%. Fabulous or what?


(39.76£ instead of 41.85£, 5% savings)

(75.33£ instead of 83.70£, a 10% saving)

(133.92£ instead of 168.40£, 20% savings)



(49.88£ instead of 52.50£, saving you 5%)

(168£ instead of 210£, whopping 20% savings)


So that is all for now, hope you will find it helpful! Happy shopping!


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Lots of Love,
Renata.

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Products I Can Live Without. Green Beauty Edition



Hi Lovelies,


Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

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Green Beauty Products I Can Live Without

There's a tag going on YouTube and spilling onto Instagram about five products people can live without. I liked this idea, and I was going to self tag myself (why, that is how I roll, baby!) but luckily Free Range Diva saved me from embarrassment and tagged me. Knowing myself I already know I will spill over five items limit, but each to their own, right? Some items I will mention I never used for years, so they were easy to pick, and then I started thinking what products I wouldn't miss if they all disappeared tomorrow. Can I do without it? Can I replace this product with something else? The thing is, I come from a hardship background, so I know the value of a dollar/euro/pound very well, and my brain is always looking for ways for products to work harder and multitask where possible. Or DIY if it is easy enough. I mean I will happily pay up if I deem the product worth it, but I don't splash my cash on things that aren't necessary, easy to do myself or on things that can easily be replaced by something else.  Then I added some products and categories I can't use due to my specific skin type, which is very sensitive and prone to dermatitis, and the list grew from there. Some will be a bit controversial, but we all have to remember we are all different, and that's ok.

Shall we get started? 

Here is a list of items I can live without:

🆇 Anything priced above 100€ (except one item)
That's my limit as stay at home mom for the time being, and I would really struggle to recommend anything above that price point to my readers. I just don't believe luxury price point products are worth it or are any better than their lower ended counterparts. I can firmly say you can get great products at all price points, and paying more you are not guaranteed to get a better product (Vintner's Daughter, anyone?) The only product I am making exclusion to is Mahalo Rare Indigo balm, and only because I know for the fact it is my holy grail balm that doubles as a dermatitis treatment and triples as my night cream and an eye cream too. Serious multitasker that makes my skin amazing, it is the only product worth paying a bit over 100€ for.

🆇 Self tanning products
Not interested, never been to a sun bed, used "conventional" self tanning cream only once in my life time. Can't be arsed if I am honest, and I turn all the self tanner products offered for reviews down. I can admire the beautiful tan on other people, but for me, pale is fine. Besides, in real life you will rarely see beautifully done tan, streaky and patchy tan completed with orange hands is all I see around, and I don't want to be one of those people.

🆇 Nail polishes (and nail polish removers)
Why change a habit of a lifetime? My nails a neat and manicured, mind you, but nail polish free. Was never interested, and why start at nearly forty? I am most likely to colour the nails once or twice for Christmas season, and always think to myself "hey, this is nice, I should do this more often" but then a week later it never happens. Besides, chipped nail polish, urgh! Pet peeve for sure. Better without.

🆇 Body scrubs. Hand Scrubs. Lip scrubs.
Body scrubs were the first thing I stopped buying once I learned how easy it is to make it myself. A bit of sugar, fine salt and good quality oil, and you are good to go! Same goes for lip scrubs, and it blows my mind when I see those tiny lip scrub post for like 18€ - I am like, are you serious here? Besides, having tried a few body scrubs here and there, I was disappointed with budget options, and I am not the one to shell out 30€ plus for something I can easily DIY! If you want me to make a post on how I DIY my body scrubs, let me know. And let me tell you, nothing works as good as body brushing.

🆇 Armpit primer
I mean, really? That's one product I will skip forever, thank you very much. And for over 20€/20$? It's a double no from me. Use a thin layer of coconut oil if you feel the need to add extra layer and step in your routine, that will protect and prime your armpits just as good. I got some comments where people didn't know of such products existence, and yes, it is totally a thing. Just check Meow Meow Tweet.

🆇 Clay Face Masks
This is due to my skin type, I don't get on with them. Hydrating type of masks, that's what my skin loves. Now we are talking.

🆇 Any "Relaxing" or "Bedtime" Products - Anything With Lavender in It (& Peppermint too)
If there are two scents I don't care about in my products, it's lavender and peppermint. In fact, I am from that rare breed of people who can't stand lavender. So I stay away from it as much as possible. We all have some scents we can't stand, haven't we? As for peppermint, I can't handle anything pepperminty on my body, so no plumping lip glosses, or invigorating face or body washes for me. Thanks but no thanks! Just a personal thing.
 

🆇 Any product with synthetic vitamin A in it. That's right, no retinols/retinoids for me.
I'll just stick with my beloved rosehip oil, which is a natural source of vitamin A. Synthetic vitamin A is shown to have adverse reactions to the human bodies, and shouldn't a warning "do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding" be enough for us to get suspicious? It is proven to play a major role in birth defects for God's sake. So I don't care if retinoid/retinol makes your face smooth and irons out fine lines, it is something not researched long term, and I would rather be safe than sorry. Free Range Diva goes into much details in her video, and I will link it here in the case you want to go and watch - she lists all the studies and their findings, and I think it might be an eye opener for some of you. Natural alternatives for me please.
Plus, here is a clipping from a Radical Beauty book by Deepak Chopra and Kimberly Snyder about synthetic VitA: "retinoids, or retinoic acids, come in different forms, including retinols, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin and tanzarotene, are considered to be toxic. The EWG (Enviromental Working Group) states, "Data from an FDA study shows that retinyl palmitate when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, might speed the development of skin tumors and lesions". 

🆇 Eye Shadow Primer
It is something I don't need as I use eye shadows so rarely. I use a thin layer of a concealer if I decide I need a primer for that day.

🆇 Make Up Wipes
Again, why break a habit of a lifetime? I have had one packet of make up remover wipes in my life, when I won them in the giveaway with some other goodies. Haven't repurchased, so that was the end of them. I see it as a extremely wasteful thing that is so bad for our Mother Earth, plus it is no substitute for a proper face wash anyway. 

🆇 Micellar Water
I am yet to come across one suitable for my sensitive skin, and the one that wouldn't burn my eyes too. Having had a few samples here and there, I own a full size of this type of product now, but neither me nor my elder daughter like it. I don't see myself trying more of them.

🆇 Sheet Masks
Again, trendy and extremely wasteful thing. If they all ceased tomorrow, I wouldn't even miss them! Just think of all that packaging that is going to landfills after just one use. 

🆇 Hair Spray
Something I haven't used in about 15 years or so and no plans to suddenly start now either. 

🆇 Spot Treatments
I have used only tea tree oil for spots for so many years. But be warned to put tea tree oil on the top of the pimple ONLY and not the skin around it. Tea tree oil burns are very real, and I don't want you to experience them. Or try Living Nature Tea Tree & Manuka gel, that is fabulous for all kinds of skin boo-boos, including pimples.

🆇 False lashes +lash fibers
Let's just say I am not good at them, and leave it at that, haha! 

🆇 Neck & chest creams
I totally have forgotten about such products existence until my blogger pal Organic Beauty Lover commented on my IG post. Yes, I will gladly skip these unnecessary in my mind products too - just take your face moisturiser down the neck and the chest, and you are good!  

🆇 Body shimmer
I am too old for all kinds of body shimmer products by now, but I never liked or used them before either. If I needed to, I could always use a bit of highlighter or light shimmery eye shadow on my collarbone. That is as far as I would go when it comes to body shimmer. 

🆇 Any face product with coconut oil in it
For one simple reason, it breaks me out! There are very few exceptions to this, but as a general rule, I almost expect a product with coconut oil in it to break me out. Same goes for make up (Kjaer Weis foundation, iconic RMS products, anyone?) and for skincare. Some people are able to use straight up coconut oil as their facial moisturiser, and I am not one of those people.

🆇 Any face products with essential oils in it
Again, goes with a territory of having extremely sensitive skin. There are very few exceptions to this rule, but in general, my face skin is too sensitive to handle much, if at all, essential oils. Body is a different story. 

🆇 Liquid or Cream Foundation
I don't know if I have one of "those" skins where no foundation is lasting on me for more than a couple of hours, or it has to do something with the fact my skin is dry, but having tested about ten green beauty foundations and BB creams I found myself not reaching for them at all anymore. Besides, I wear make up so infrequently, it does not make sense for me to buy liquid foundation just to have it sit in my stash and slowly expire on me. Mineral powder foundations is where I am at these days. Don't get me wrong, I am not bashing any of them, and I will probably get back to them once I will get a high flying job or something, but for the time being, I am good with my mineral powders.

🆇 Primers
Please read the above, and having no liquid foundations eliminates the need for a primer too. I do know powder primers exist, but I do not use them.

🆇 Body Oils & Lotions
This was thinking along the "what if they disappeared" lines - I could use coconut oil on my body, maybe adding some nice essential oils to it - just like I did for some many years before all these beautiful products came into my life. Lotions, I am simply not a fan of that stickiness and white residue that is so hard to rub in. I love body butters or plain old coconut oil as I mentioned.

🆇 Shower Gels and Liquid Soaps
Thinking along the same lines here, why don't we all ditch all these plastic bottles and switch back to the bar of soap? Think of how many bottles we throw away each year, and most often than not it comes in plastic, not glass? Bar of soap on the other hand tends to come in cardboard box most often, meaning zero waste. I think we all could do with improvement in this area of our lives, no?


🆇 Anything I can easily DIY with the kitchen ingredients
One of my favourite past times are perusing the ingredients of luxe green beauty products and seeing if I can hack them at home. I am not the one to buy extra DIY ingredients, but if I see a line who use 10 ingredients or less, and if that's exactly that I have at home, it is a no brainer for me, really. Please see my super-easy-DIYs-with-ingredients-you-already have post here and also my DIY manuka masks post here, where I came up with 12+ different manuka masks variations.  

🆇 Conditioner
Again, thinking "what if all products disappeared" lines. When I test the shampoo, I never test it with matching conditioner, as I need to see how it performs on it's own. Conditioner is only needed to undo the damage done by the shampoo, and if you have good shampoo, you shouldn't need a conditioner. I am more of leave-in-sprays and hair oils kind of gal. Apple cider vinegar rinse is also good, but I keep forgetting to do it.

🆇 Liquid Eye Liner
Was never good at it, and I find it is extremely hard to do with my hooded eyes. I never have time to do it either, so it is more likely to dry out quicker than I am able to finish it off. I can always DIY it with my black eye shadow anyway. See this post here.

🆇 Lipsticks plus Lip Liners
I know, shock horror, right? If all the lipsticks disappeared and we would be left with tinted lip balms and glosses, I would not cry. I am definitely eyes, not lips kind of person. People say you need lipstick to bring back the colour back into your face, as apparently the lips lose the colour? Well, I am on the wrong side of the 30s, but my lips are as pigmented as ever, if anything, I colour them to take the natural colour down! I never liked the "creamy" feel of the lipstick, it is almost yucky to me, and I sure chuck mine out the minute they start smelling like crayon, or rather shea butter, I definitely can't stand that feeling on my lips! 
And I definitely don't need lip liners for my tinted chapsticks or glosses.

🆇 Foot Cream
I appreciate the foot cream as a separate product when I have it, but I don't cry if I don't, which is most of the time if I am honest. I use regular lotions/butters/oils on my feet.

🆇 Under Eye Cream
I am just like French people on this - I don't feel the need to have a separate eye cream product. While I wouldn't use my regular face cream as an eye cream, as I know they have to be different molecular weight, but then again, I see no problem using my serums and face oils as under eye products! I find eye cream give me millia, when serums and oils don't, and how come they all cost 50€ for a tiny 15ml bottle? 

🆇 Masks 
Nice and all, but I am forever forgetting to use mine. Plus this category of products tends to be one of the priciest categories, and my play money don't stretch to almost-hundred-bucks-a-jar I am afraid. It's just we are sold this "me time" concept a lot, and somehow we are beginning to think it is ok to splash that kind of cash on masks and other pampering products, when in reality, the same can be achieved for a lot less, with DIYs too. See my manuka masking post linked above - I am very happy with my DIY masks I should say. 

🆇 Highlighter 
It is nice and all, but with my Inika's creme highlighter and a few powder ones that came in palettes, I feel I am set for life, and I do not feel the need to get any more of them.

🆇 Any more brushes
I am content with what I have, and I certainly don't need any more, especially those fancy new ones.

🆇 Pampering Bath Salts 
Another overpriced "me time" type of product that is pushed on us, and so many people don't realise it is so easily do-able at home. I make two exceptions to this rule, and that's magnesium and epsom salts for bath, because they are more of healing type of products. But all those other "pampering" type of salts in fancy Kilner jars with a bit of dried lavender and/or rose petals and maybe some essential oils? No thanks, I can easily DIY it at home at a fraction of a cost. Why overpay when you can easily DIY it and save yourself a nice chunk of cash?
 

And some things I could do without for the next two years or so, because of the extensive harem I currently own and sort of struggle to use up:

🆇 Facial Oils

🆇 Oil based Face Cleansers

Oils (and oil cleansers) are wonderful, but first of all, dermatitis hates oils, and as much as I didn't want to admit it to myself, I definitely saw a huge improvement in my skin when I ditched them. Now I am very careful with what products I am allowing back into my skincare routine. Same goes for oil cleansers, and it is something I don't need for every day use, it gets too much for my skin after a while. I primarily use them as a first cleanse to take my make up off, which I rarely use now.  



So that is it for today, see you here again on Monday!
What about you, what products can you live without?
Please share, I would love to know.




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Lots of Love,
Renata.


green life in dublin

All my skincare posts can be found here. 



Body and hair care links live here.


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Make up lover? Find my reviews here.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Natural Beauty Series - Meet Jana from Smallbitsofloveliness



Hello Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕


Jana from Smallbitsofloveliness


I am so excited to present my interview with gorgeous Jana from Small Bits Of Loveliness! I am sure we all know her, but if you don't, you are missing out, her blog is amazing and you should definitely check it out!


💕 Please introduce Yourself to those who don't know you.

Hi everyone! My name is Jana, it’s lovely to meet you all. I’m from Slovenia and I’m an author of Small Bits of Loveliness. On my blog I mainly share one of my biggest passions in life which is natural, organic and cruelty free beauty. Besides various beauty products I’m also very much in love with vegan, plant based food, mindful living, fun times with family and friends (of course!), succulents, and much more. Describing yourself is hard so I will rather hop to the second question. :)


💕 How has going natural and non toxic in your beauty regimen changed your overall health and beauty?

I can’t really say that changing up my beauty regimen to natural products changed my overall health but in addition to discovering green beauty products I got even more into healthy food and healthier lifestyle in general and that is definitely something worth mentioning. As for beauty, I have to say that my skin has never been this soft and radiant. Oil serums and honey are just the best thing I ever did for my skin and I can’t rave about them enough. No matter what skin type you have, there is an oil out there that can do absolute miracles for your skin.


💕 Three things that make You happy?

Only three?? Nature (either be the sea, sun, my plants or forest), delicious vegan food and my beauty products.


💕 What is the best advice You've been given?

Hmm I had to think about this and the first “advice” that popped into my head was “don’t whine” which has been said to me years ago when I was still working as a student in Zara and I was probably complaining about working till 9pm yet again haha. Even though it wasn’t really meant as an advice it is a thing that I try to do and don’t complain because you really can’t change anything by whining and feeling sorry for yourself. Harsh but true. Another advice I like and that is especially nice to hear if you’re in the green beauty community (or just in general) – you don’t have to be perfect, everyone is on their own journey and that is ok! Yes, I do feel pressured to be on top of things when it comes to ingredients, to use less plastic, think of the environment, support ethical brands, and so on. It can be a lot but knowing that it’s ok to try and strive to be the best you can be (and not comparing yourself to others) puts a lot of pressure off my shoulders and that’s also why I’m still loving blogging so much.


💕 What people inspire You? 

Girlbosses. Need I say anything else? Also people who try to give back to the gorgeous Earth and to our communities.


💕 What are Your three (or five) can't-live-without-it green beauty products? Picture please 😊

I don’t imagine my life without honey (so please keep the bees safe) and it’s funny because I’m writing these answers with honey on my face. It’s just SO softening, hydrating and the fact that it’s also anti-bacterial is just another massive plus. One of my favourite honey based masks is hands down the one and only Mermaid Mask from Leahlani Skincare. Life without masks would be such a dull life, am I right? I also couldn’t live without my facial oils (and balms) but here it is definitely harder to choose my fave because I tried many amazing serums through the years. To mention a few loves from this year – Earthwise Beauty Ruby, Maya Chia The Super Couple and H is for Love Rapha Harmonizing Oil Cleanser. But there are so many more! I also can’t live without the amazing powdered sunscreen, the Farizad’s Veil from Earthwise Beauty. Based on non-nano uncoated zinc oxide this sunscreen can be mixed with whatever serum, balm or a cream you want and that is what I love most about it. It’s customizable as hell + it gives a powerful sun protection and also helps to heal breakouts. I also want to quickly mention my Lily Lolo mascara and Hurraw lip balms. Have been a fan for years and I can’t see myself ever being without at least one of their balms.




💕 Your best DIY recipe?

I was really into DIY a few years ago. I still am but not as much. My fave DIY is probably a 3-in-1 cleanser, exfoliator and mask with ground oats, clay and different herbs & flowers. When you mix it with water you get a lovely morning cleanser and a gentle exfoliator, and then you mix in some honey and oil and get a beautiful mask. 


💕 What do You like and dislike about yourself?

I really like my positive & “I always see something good in everything” personality. What I don’t like? Well sometimes I would prefer if I was a bit more ambitious. 


💕 Your proudest achievement?

I’m actually very proud of myself and extremely fortunate to be working with so many amazing people and brands. Starting my own blog has been the best thing ever! and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities and new friendships I’ve made. 


💕 What are You currently reading?

You got me there Renata. I created this horrible habit when I was still at university when I felt guilty if I read something else that the books about anthropology so I just stopped reading for the pure joy of it.  Such a sad answer I know! Every once in a while I read something but it’s nothing like it was when I was younger. Well my boyfriend did get me a bundle of books in pdf version so I’ve been reading those on his kindle and the latest one was about mindfulness. Others are about crystals, chakras, yoga, stretching your body, all that good stuff.


💕 What food do You like to cook/eat?

Oh gosh I love me some foods! I could live of vegan pizza. I love making it from scratch, even cheese and then topping it with loads of veggies. Have you tried adding avocado on top once it’s done? Do it! I also love making soups, curry, sushi and smoothies. My relationship with food is on point haha.


💕 If You were to formulate a natural skincare or beauty product, what it would be?

I want to think of a product that’s missing on the market but who am I kidding, I would go with either a face mask or a face oil. Ok maybe I could try formulating an amazing shampoo bar because those are the hardest to love. Have any recommendations for me?


💕 Your guilty pleasure?

I don’t think it’s really a guilty pleasure because I don’t feel guilty when doing it but I love me some TV shows. I could watch them all day long. 


💕 Your top tips for being healthy and happy?

It’s no secret, eat healthy food, go for a walk (in the forest if you can), stretch your body, do some yoga, laugh a lot, be grateful and try to always see the positive things in your life. Do the things you love to do and that will make you happy.


💕 What scents excite You?

Floral and fresh but also sweet, but not sickly vanilla sweet but more like fruity sweet. I adore scents of Leahlani products, MuLondon’s White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer makes me smile with its rich chocolate scent and Skin Owl’s Maqui Berry oil scent is just dreamy.


💕 What is Your mantra in life? 

Be kind and grateful. 


💕 Favorite affirmation if You have one?

I change my affirmations constantly but lately I’ve been really into “I feel” affirmations, like “I feel abundance all around and within me”.


💕 What's Your favorite beauty trend at the moment?

I don’t think I have one because I have no idea what’s trendy at the moment. Perhaps that’s a lie because I’m really into gua sha-ing, which has been quite trendy I think. I’m all ears when it comes to routines that help my lymphatic system. From a simple lymphatic drainage massage, to gua sha, compressing and now I’m dabbling into dry face brushing. I already love dry body brushing so I think I’m on a right tract.


💕 Once an week for my health...

I medidate. It seems I can’t master this practice do make it a part of my daily routine just yet but I would really like to do it every day. At least I stretch and do some yoga where I also focus on my breath and quiet my monkey mind just for a bit.


💕 What do You do to de-stress?

My favourite thing to de-stress is to take a bath. It’s just so relaxing and I love it. A walk in the woods works as well.


💕 Last thing you do at night?

After checking my Instagram and watching a YouTube video or two, I like to take a few moment to write in my The Five-Minute Journal. Thinking about good things before I fall asleep is something I strive to do every evening.


💕 A few words to Green Life In Dublin readers?

I would like to say a big thank you for reading my interview and I hope you liked it. I loved answering the questions and just be a little bit more personal that I’m used to. Renata, thank you so much for having me, I’m so grateful and honoured to be featured on your blog. Thank you.


That is all for now, thanks for reading my lovelies!
It is fun to get to know Natural Beauties from all around the world, isn't it? If you want to, you can also check out interviews with lovely Modesta from Grozio Gurmane, Sasha from Balanced Beauty Bristol, Vita from Vita Lives Free, Michele from BVGAN and Andie from Andie the Green Queen,Andrea from Organic Beauty Lover, and last but not least, Linda or Lindalu19.


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Lots of Love,
Renata.


green life in dublin
Green Life In Dublin - green beauty blog

Enjoy my content? A  tip into my PayPal Tip Jar -  will get You my eternal gratitude and more awesome green beauty reviews Your way! I weed out all the greenwashing products so You won't have to.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Green Beauty Bloggers Wishlists




Hi Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

green life in dublin
Green Beauty Bloggers Christmas Wislists


Ever wonder what's on green beauty blogger's Christmas wishlists? Now it's your chance to find out!

I asked a few of my blogger friends to spill the beans on the top three (or four) green beauty items they wish to find under the Christmas tree, and here's what I got. My own wishlist is to be found at the end. I have to say I had so much fun creating this post, and I hope you will enjoy it!



green life in dublin
Naturally Keri Christmas Wishlist

Naturally Keri from TheGreenlyGuide

⛄ Flourish Naturals Body Care - Hair Heaven Bundle

 
Haircare is not something I typically spend a ton of money on, but I have found the Flourish products to work amazingly well for my hair and I would love to replenish my stock of their hair care goodies!

⛄ Savvy Rest Organic Wool & Latex Pillow

 
My pillow is shameful. It has not been replaced in several years. It offers me no support at all and is very uncomfortable. I would love to finally get myself a good quality replacement pillow!

⛄ Mahalo The Vacation Glow

 
This super luxurious body and hair oil has been on my wishlist for over a year, ever since sampling it and falling in Love! After my little one is born, I honestly couldn't think of anything more decadent to treat my skin to!

⛄ Cariloha Bamboo Bath Towels

 
After recently purchasing some bamboo wash cloths for my kiddos, I was immediately obsessed with how soft they were - more so than organic cotton, so I would love to replace my super old towels with these made from bamboo.




green life in dublin
Wonderlusting Lynda Christmas Wishlist


Lynda from Wonderlusting

⛄ The 7 Virtues Matte Lipstick

 
I think you know that I'm a lipstickaholic :) This is a new lipstick range from a fabulous natural fragrance company with a wonderful mission statement of "make perfume not war" to help regions rebuild after conflict/disaster. This lipstick is infused with Afghan rose to help free girls from the opium trade, organic castor oil from Haiti and fairtrade shea butter from Ghana. My pick 1918, the purple shade (obvs.) named for when women got the vote in Canada.

⛄ Vertue Box subscription

 
I'm not keen on many subscription boxes as they often contain brands/products I already know. Vertue seems to offer a wonderful selection of beautifully designed, artisan items to discover that cover beauty as well as wellbeing, which I think is great as they're all connected. It's also bi-monthly which means you have the chance to actually use up the products! This choice is a bit like picking a buffet for your final meal I know but I'm greedy :).

⛄ Julisis Elexir Eau De Parfums

 
Two perfumes one for day and one for night, described as an alchemy inspired scent for souls who are not attracted to common fragrance! I've smelt them and they are heavenly. The 'Elexir Du Jour' is citrusy with a blend of blood orange, lime and pink grapefruit with a woody base that I think would lift the spirit in the bleak winter months.






green life in dublin
Smallbitsofloveliness Christmas Wishlist

 

Jana from Smallbitsofloveliness

⛄ Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

 
Do I really need to say anything? The wishlist wouldn't be complete without a Josh Rosebrook product and this one is said to be a wonderful product.


⛄ Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Serum


For me this serum is super hyped up and I'm really curious if it would meet my high expectations.


⛄ Laurel Whole Plant Organics Anti-Inflammatory Facial Serum


In all honesty, all Laurel WPO products are on my wishlist but I picked this one because I hear it's amazing at soothing inflammation. Loved everything I've tried from Laurel WPO before & I highly recommend this brand.

⛄ Can I bend the rules and rather than naming one product, name a brand? I'm so intrigued by Mono Naturoils and Tracy's products. For me they tick all the boxes + the products are also infused with crystals. Yes!




green life in dublin
Organic Beauty Lover Christmas Wishlist


Andrea from Organicbeautylover

⛄ May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon


I tried a sample of this and loved the scent, texture and the ingredients.

⛄ Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask


Mainly because I'm curious about his newest product and because I'm in need of good hydration mask.


⛄ Kjaer Weis Foundation


I've heard amazing reviews of this foundation and have yet to try anything Kjaer Weis.





green life in dublin
WhippedGreenGirl Christmas Wishlist

Angie from WhippedGreenGirl

My Christmas “green list” this year is based on products that have few ingredients, and that I can also use on my entire brood. Proof - only a few ingredients can really send your skin to happy land! 


⛄ Maison Jacynthe - Shea Butter

⛄ Saje Natural Wellness

⛄ Peaceful Warrior Deodorant

⛄ Huna Apothecary - Nourishing Lip Shine 




green life in dublin
GreenLifeInDublin Christmas Wishlist

And it's finally my turn, isn't it?


⛄ Sungod mask by Earthwise Beauty


I currently have a sample of this, and after just one use I know I want a full size - amazing for my sensitive and inflamed skin!

⛄ Rare Indigo balm by Mahalo

I am singing praises for this balm all over my social media for the last two years. Enough said. Damn expensive, so I hope Santa is listening, because I need a full size of this.

⛄ Leopard print Z-palette or two

Not quite green beauty, but it is something I want, and I would make a good use out of them. In the best colour ever, leopard print! Meow!

⛄ Beauty Heroes yearly subscription

Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl this year!

⛄ Boxwalla Beauty yearly subscription

Santa, are you listening?? 


Hey, I am allowed five, it is MY blog post after all. And make it five
years subscriptions! My post, my rules, haha!

What is on YOUR wishlist? Please share, I would absolutely love to know!



So, I hope your curiosity has been satisfied? I had so much fun creating this post, and I was so interested to find out what other bloggers want - you can say that was the main idea behind this post, I wanted to know their wishlists, haha. I wish I could be the Green Beauty Santa and grant everyone's wishes!


FOLLOW ME ON

  BLOGLOVIN, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER,

 PINTEREST,

 FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE. 


Lots of Love,

Renata.



Enjoy my content? A  tip into my PayPal Tip Jar -  will get You my eternal gratitude and more awesome green beauty reviews Your way! I weed out all the greenwashing products so You won't have to.