D I Y | Gentle Exfoliator

I've found so many physical exfoliator's to be incredibly harsh and scratchy. Some are even having a detrimental effect on the environment especially any that contain "micro beads" which are actually made of polyethylene. Tiny plastic beads that get washed down your drain and end up in the ocean where they are being ingested by sea life.
So in a bid to find a gentle exfoliator that does more good than harm I rediscovered an old beauty favourite: Rolled Oats.

Exfoliator Ingredients |

Rolled Oats
Chamomile Teabag

Method |

Empty one teabag in to your grinder with a handful of oats, and grind in to a fine powder. Transfer to a tub of your choice and your done!
Easy as pie!
To use simply take a couple of pinches of the powder and wet it a little, then massage on to skin. Rinse with warm water. You may need to use a face cloth to remove all traces of oats. You can this once a week, twice a week or its gentle enough to use every day.
I'm sure I don't need to say that if you have an intolerance to oats, not to use this, bur you know if you do, don't.

The exfoliator has a soft milky texture that smells all oaty and delicious. A few great benefits to know  about is that this is a great skin softener and natural moisturiser. It has anti-inflammatory properties, great at dealing with dry, itchy skin and wonderful and speeding the process of small cuts and abrasions. Perfect for anyone with acne prone or sensitive skin.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Jeni xo

Review | Boots Botanics 81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream

As you may know I've started to incorporate more natural products in to my life. I had been using argon oil as a daily facial moisturiser but decided I wanted to try something different for a little while and when I found this in Boots and it didn't cost the earth I grabbed up a tub to try.

Information |

Brand | Botanics
Product | Hydrating Day Cream (81% organic)
Price | £8.99
Size | 50ml
Purchased from | Boots
Made in |
Would I re-purchase | yes

Ingredients |

Aqua (Water), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, Glycerin*, Rosa canina seed oil*, Cetearyl glucoside, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) seed butter*, Cera alba (Beeswax)*, Glyceryl stearate, Alcohol denat.*, Cetearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Sodium benzoate, Limonene, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Citronellol, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract*, Linalool, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Geraniol, **Parfum (Fragrance), Citral

* Ingredients certified as organic by the Soil Association for use in cosmetic products

** Ingredients certified as organic by the Ecocert Association for use in cosmetic products

Product Description |

This hydrating organic moisturiser glides onto the skin to soften and help improve texture.

Rosehip is combined with Jojoba Oil and Cocoa Butter to instantly nourish and leave skin looking fresh and radiant.

Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking.

Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work.

• We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey.
• Formulated without parabens.

I love how plain and simple the packaging is. Its not loud and shouty just simple white with a little colour, nice and clean looking.

I've been using this for over a month maybe even 2 months now. The scent is rosehip and its really lovely and fresh but quite strong which I personally don't mind but others might.

The cream itself is very thick but once your rub it between your fingers it melts and smooths in well enough. 

On application it feels wonderful and soothing and leaves my skin looking matte. Its a bit hit and miss under different foundations though due to the mattifying effect. If you have a foundation that's more on the thicker side eg/ Revlon Colour Stay it can be a bit difficult to get an even coverage, in my personal experience that is. If the foundation is lighter its not too bad, but I have found my self reaching for a little coconut oil to add after to make my face more slippery for foundation application.

Its a brilliant formulation with so many organic, natural ingredients and because its so thick a little goes a long way so it lasts a really long time. I know I have at least another months worth of product in the tub so makes it good value for money. I'd love to try more from the line, not all of the Botanics range is as organic and natural as this one, but the ingredients are much nicer than your run of the mill.

Hope you've enjoyed this review,

Till next time

Jeni xo

I Had a Reaction

Hi guys!

Long time, no post!

Sorry about that, my life's been a bit crazy of late and I've been uber distracted and its likely to continue on off, but when the time comes I'll do a 'Life Update'...maybe to explain all the craziness!

Anyhoo...you may of read at the beginning of last month I had started using a natural, homemade deodorant that I loved, super, super much. Well I had a reaction to it, so I've had to stop using for the time being. I think/know its due to the amount of Baking Soda I used in the formula. I hadn't realised how bad it could be, the amount of baking soda + daily usage left my poor pitty's looking rather sorrowful and sore.

***WARNING GRAPHIC ARMPIT PHOTO PROCEED WITH CAUTION***

Each one of these spotty bumps was so painful. I wasn't sure what was happening so continued to use my deodorant for a bit longer, then when they didn't get better, hit up google to find out what was wrong. When I did, I immediately stopped using my DIY deodorant and forwent all deodorant until the inflammation went down which took about 1-2 weeks. Since then I've gone back to using my Dr.Organic Manuka Honey deodorant. And you know what, it sucks! I've been getting uber sweaty and sometimes a bit smelly, que sad face :(

So I have decided to try and re-formulate this DIY deodorant using much less baking soda and more types of oil. I haven't fully figured out what yet but I'm willing to give it another shot.

Cross fingers it works better this time and once I'm 100% sure its good and proper I'll post a Natural DIY Deodorant 2.0!

Jeni xo

*****UPDATE 31st MAY*****

10 days ago I made my new natural deodorant and started using it, and 8 days ago my armpits got sore so I quit my deodorant, today I had 2 big painful spots, one in each arm pit :( Needless to say I have 100% given up with making my deodorant. I used the Dr Organic Manuka 'Honey deodorant again today but decided to apply 2 coats, and it actually worked 1000 times better this way. So I think I'll continue with it and hope for the best!

Jeni xo

Review | Sukin Cream Cleanser

As you may know, over the last few months I've become increasingly aware of what products I'm using and what I'm allowing my body to absorb through topical application. Its an on going and slow transition between the using up of old products and the replacing with newer, healthier ones. Today I'm sharing my thoughts on the Sukin Organics cream cleanser. But before I move on to the review I thought I would share a bit of research on the brand. I love a good bit of research and I think knowing where your product has come from is becoming a must for me.

About the Brand |

Sukin Organics are an environmentally conscious Australian company that offer over 50 carefully crafted personal care products produced with the best natural ingredients. Free from harsh chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), synthetic fragrencense, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, mineral oils, EDTA, or parabens. 

Sukin also aim to 'give back' to local communities, aligning with a variety of eco-initiatives each year.

Product Information |

Brand | Sukin

Product | Cream Cleanser Sulphate & Paraben Free

Price | £8.15

Purchased from | Holland & Barrett

Made in | Australia 

Would I re-purchase | Yes!

Let me start by saying how beautiful this smells. It has a fresh citrusy-orange scent. Its light and creamy and a dream to use. I use it both morning and night, at night as a secondary cleanser to my oil cleanse. It doesn't dry out my skin and leaves it feeling clean and fresh and ready to take on the day!
Its not what I would choose to remove my makeup at night but can get the job done if needed.
There are a couple of ways to use this, you can either apply the cream, the swipe off with a cotton pad, or how I use it which is massage it on then remove with water. I don't take this off with my flannel, just water and my hands. Its become a firm favourite for me and something I will definitely buy again, and maybe even try more of this wonderful brand!

Jeni xo

H.H.A | Bantu Knot's

Hi Guys!

Its been a while since I've done a Heatless Hair Adventure, and when I saw the tutorial for the Bantu Knot and the beautiful Spiral Curls it creates I had to give it ago! So true to HHA I haven't ever done this before and its my very first attempt! So here's a lovely little pictorial on how to do them!

Step 1: You want to brush out all of the knots and tangles in you hair. It needs to be nice and smooth.

Step 2: Start with a front middle section and begin twisting and wrapping the hair to form a spiral bun, it should sit on top of your head all crazy like, then bobby pin in place.

Step 3: Repeat. So Grab more sections, these can be as big or as small as you like twist, wrap and pin all over your head. 

Step 4: Mist with water and leave over night or for at least 4 hours.

* Tip * try not to wrap too tightly at the base, they start to get tighter as you go, and they can be a tad uncomfortable!* 

4 hours later...

After 4 hours my scalp was screaming at me so I decided to de-pin and unravel my knots and separate them. The end results were...not how I'd imagined/hoped. I'm not sure if I should of maybe put some product in or dampened my hair more before wrapping but these are my curls after 4 hours, I have added in some serum and some curl gel.

I do plan on trying this method again, and when I do I'll be sure to update!

Jeni xo

A P R I L F A V O U R I T E S

Its been a long ol' time since I've done a favourites post, and its something I should really start doing more of! So today I wanted to share with you the handful of beauty I've been loving and using tirelessly.

• Sukin Cream Cleanser £8.15 from H O L L A N D & B A R R E T T
• Skin79 BB Super+ £9.40 from E B A Y (I can't seem to find it anymore? And when I can its well overpriced!)
• Hugo Boss Jour Pour Femme £38.50 from B O O T S
• Miaflora Argan Oil £14.99 from H O L L A N D & B A R R E T T (I'm sure I paid £11.99 for it)
• Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Ole Flamingo £8.99 from B O O T S

So starting with the cream cleanser, can I just say how much I love this! It smells divine and works like a treat! I don't want to give too much away as I will be doing a full review on this but I LOVE IT!

The Skin79 BB cream has been a firm favourite for a while and again I have a review coming up, but its so easy to use the colour matches so perfectly I don't even have to think about it, just smooth it on and away I go!

Jour Pour Femme, ah how I adore you! This was a gift for either a birthday or christmas I can't recall, and it is honestly the most perfect spring/summer scent. Its light and fresh and clean. Something I would definitely recommend and buy again!

My Miaflor argan oil is something I've been using for both hair and skin. I was using it both morning and night as a moisturiser but I have just bought a new organic/natural moisturiser so have now kept to using this just at night and on my hair. Its very nourishing and protecting for both skin and hair a total must!

And finally, one of my most favourite lip colours in the world! Ole Flamingo is a bright, vibrant pink shade with red undertones. I only need apply one coat all day. It stays on through food, drink and more food. It dries to a nice matte finish and doesn't hardly rub. I really want to buy some more but I'm holding back till I get me some boots points! But if your after long wearing beautiful matte lippies check these out for sure!

I hope you have enjoyed my April Favourites!

Let me know what are yours?

Jeni xo

Review | Brow This Way Styling Gel

I never used to care about my eyebrows, and thus left them alone, naked for years. A few years ago I discovered that most women actually filled in there brows and how much it could change and finish your look. And since then I have been on a quest to find eyebrow products that work well for me. I never know what shade to use and sometimes its helpful to have a variety anyway. So a few months back there was a 3 for 2 offer on at Superdrug and I decided to pick all 3 of these up!

Information | 

Brand | Rimmel London
Product | Brow This Way Styling Gel
Colour | Blonde, Mid Brown & Dark Brown
Price | £3.99 each
Purchased From | Superdrug
Made in |
Would I re-purchase | yes

Ingredients |

CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, AQUA/WATER/EAU, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TALC, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ACRYLATES CROSSPOLYMER, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, AMMONIUM ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 DIMETHICONE, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, TRIBEHENIN, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, LAURETH-7, LECITHIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, CHLORPHENESIN, DIMETHICONOL, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, ALCOHOL DENAT., PROPYLENE CARBONATE, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERIN,DISODIUM DECETH-5 SULFOSUCCINATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, LAURETH-30, SODIUM PCA, UREA, LAURETH-4, HEXYL CINNAMAL, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, LIMONENE, TREHALOSE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL,POLYQUATERNIUM-51, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, BHT, CITRONELLOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TRIACETIN, SODIUMHYALURONATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE. [May Contain/ Peut Contenir/+/-: IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]

The gel like most eyebrow gels comes in a little tube with a spoolie applicator. They are very easy to use and are very light weight. You can wear them alone or over another brow product as a form of setting gel. When I'm in a rush I have used them on their own and they do offer just enough colour for you not to look naked face.

My most used shades are the Blonde and Mid Brown. I find that the Dark Brown is too dark for me but can really aid in adding drama to a dramatic look. Also I have found with the 2 darker shades a light hand is needed in application, otherwise you end up with too much excess product on your eyebrows. These are simply to coat the hairs but using too much of a heavy hand gets it all over the skin.

 I have very sparse dark blonde brows that are very hard to match

You can see what I was talking about with the tail of my eyebrow the product getting on to the skin if your not light enough

The product boasts being smudge proof, fade proof, and keeping your brows fixed all day which surprisingly I would have to agree on all three things!
Over all I think these are very good gels and the pigmentation I'm really happy with. Out of the 3 colours I would go back and pick up the Blonde shade, but I'm so glad I've tried all 3! I find this shade works best for me as it just adds a nice finish to my brows.
If you have any brow product suggestions I would love to know! 

Jeni xo