Tuesday 24 November 2009

Weleda Skin Food Reviews

Review of Weleda Skin Food
by Linda B.
Packaging: The Weleda Skin Food comes in a metal tube in a recyclable box. The tube and box have different shades of green on them and both have a clean and neat design.
Application: The texture of the Weleda Skin Food is a very rich cream which glides over the skin easily. It absorbed very well and did not leave a greasy residue. This organic cream is gentle enough to use on the face yet effective enough to use on very dry areas such as elbows, hand, knees etc. I used it on the dry patches on my face every night for 4 nights and it corrected the dryness so I then only had to apply it once every 3 or 4 nights If you pat the Weleda Skin Food onto the face it avoids dragging the skin. Other areas can can have the cream rubbed in until it is absorbed. I also used it as a lip balm and my lips became soft and smooth after 3 days. As my hands can get very dry I applied a liberal amount at night and put on cotton gloves. I have never used such an effective hand cream before and my hands were soft and supple after 4 nights. I used it on my elbows, knees and ankles and it was very effective after a few days. These areas are now ‘flake‘ free and I cannot recommend this Weleda product highly enough. I will certainly make sure I always have some in my home. You only have to use a very small amount as a little goes a long way so use sparingly. Weleda Skin Food has been around since 1926 and is a nourishing, deep penetrating and hydrating treatment for the whole body. It is perfect as a skin remedy and helps protect the skin against the winter weather. After soothing the rough, dry irritated areas you do not have to use it every day as it is so effective.
Ingredients: Weleda Skin Food is completely natural and the full list of ingredients are printed very clearly on the box in Latin and English. The essential fatty acids and vitamin E from the organic sunflower seed oil moisturises and conditions the stubborn dryness. The organic Pansy and Rosemary leaf extract have mild antiseptic properties that calms dry irritations. The biodynamic and organic Calendula flower exctract has anti-inflammatory properties. The delicate fragrance is formed from refreshing essential oils including Sweet Orange and Lavendulae. It also contains lanolin and beeswax and is suitable for vegetarians.
Results: After using Weleda Skin Food for over 2 weeks my skin is soft, smooth and repaired. The results are amazing. I have not found anything so gentle and yet so effective to use on all areas of my face and body. This one product does the job of several other creams which are sold for one purpose.
I would recommend Weleda Skin Food to everyone especially if they have sensitive skin.
Pros:
1. It is gentle enough to be used by the whole family even on the most sensitive skin.
2. It is very effective at moisturising and conditioning all dry and rough areas no matter how bad they are.
3. It can be used as a protection against the winter weather - ideal for people who work outdoors.
4. It leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
5. You only have to use a very small amount so it lasts a long time.
6. It is one product to replace several others.
7. It is very reasonably priced and has a long shelf life. (Up to 2 years)
Cons:
1. The scent takes a few minutes to disappear.

Weleda Skin Food (£6.95) and the full Weleda skincare range is available at Naturisimo.com.

Thursday 19 November 2009

Pai Macadamia Rose Cream Reviews

Review of Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream
by Kelly B.
Packaging: I tried the sample jar of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream which is a clear glass screw top jar with white plastic lid. However the 30ml full size is a clear glass pump action bottle which would be more hygienic for more lengthy use. The Pai lettering is black and simple yet classy. The ‘P’ of the word Pai extends into a leaf like shape which appears to appropriately depict the natural ingredients always used by the brand.

Application: The texture of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Cream for dry skin is quite buttery and greasy. A little goes a long way as it seems to melt into your skin as butter would. I found the formulation uncomfortable on my skin as it was just too greasy for my taste. This texture must be due to the high content of macadamia nut oil. I found it too rich as a day cream so I used it as a night cream only. The sample pot gave me 7 uses for my face and neck, more than ample for you to decide if you like it enough to purchase the full size.The Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream's fatty texture seemed to create a film over my skin rather than ever being properly absorbed. My skin appeared to find it hard to breathe through the cream and after the third or fourth application it caused me to break out in a few spots. On the plus side, this organic face cream is gentle enough to use on the delicate eye area. It does not create any puffiness which rich creams used on the eye area often can. The scent of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream is extremely gentle, almost no scent, but very faint undertones of rose can be detected. I like the fact that the Pai organic cream is white so it will not stain the neckline of clothing.
Ingredients: The mainly organic ingredients of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream seem to be an impressive list of known skin hydrators and nourishers, such as; macadamia nut oil, apricot kernal oil, borage oil, shea butter, vitamin e, vitamin a, and manuka oil. Many of these ingredients are also tremendously anti-aging as is the added rose water, rose geranium and frankinscense. Plus importantly, no toxic preservatives.

Results: The Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream is certainly nourishing and my skin was noticeably softer and silkier whilst I was using it. It seemed to reduce some fine dehydration lines and took away a little redness. However I found it far too oily and it appeared to create a water tight barrier that my skin couldn't easily breathe through. I feel there are so many superior natural creams for dry skin such as Logona face creams, and particularly the Comvita Huni range which is fantastically hydrating and gives the skin a real glow.

Pros- A little goes a long way
- Suitable for delicate eye area
- Reduces dehydration lines
- Reduces redness
- Softening and nourishing
- Gentle scent
- White cream (no clothes staining).
Cons- Too greasy
- Difficult for skin to breathe through
- Too oily for daytime use
- Can cause break outs

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream Reviews

Review of Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream
By Elisabeth O.

I couldn’t have been happier on the day the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream landed at my door. Having wanted for some time to try a more natural alternative to the conventional shaving creams and gels that I have used before, I decided to put it to the test and set about waiting until the growth on my legs resembled Sherwood Forest before putting it to use.

Whipped to perfection the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream is like a thick but light and silky creamy mousse. It smoothes over the skin with ease performing as though a lusciously protective barrier between the blade and the surface of the skin has been created. Due in part perhaps to the inclusion of a range of fortifying oils such as jojoba seed oil and pomegranate oil with organic shea butter, it feels more like a nourishing balm once applied and nothing like any other shaving cream that I have ever used. Owing to this the blade travels along the skin with a glide rather than dragging and even though there was an abundance of hair on my legs for it to see to, only a small amount of the Whis product was required for each. Both immediately after use and on the following day the skin on my legs appeared calm and moisturised in place of the dry and flaky aftermath brought on by shaving that I have become accustomed to. Whilst the product rinses away from the skin effortlessly, it took a few more swishes under the tap than I am used to before the blade on the razor appeared to be squeaky clean.

Whish shave cream does not produce any foam and once on the skin it is virtually translucent so calls for one to keep track of the areas that have just been shaven as there is no colour or foam in this product to act as a guide for you in use. The gorgeous and yummy scent is more bubble gum like than pomegranate and lingers subtly on the skin for some time after it has been used. This natural shave cream comes contained in a simple plastic bottle with pump dispenser functioning which takes a good few attempts to get working the first time but goes on to deliver just the right amount of product with a few pumps thereafter.

Having wanted to switch to more natural shaving creams for some time I found this one to be a great addition to my routine. Delivering on its promises to moisturise, soothe and nourish, those looking for a new shave cream who are undeterred by the significant price tag will discover that the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream performs well, smells absolutely lovely and is loaded with plenty of ingredients that will have you saying yes please.
Pros: *Performs well and rinses away from the skin easily
*Leaves skin feeling moisturised after use
*The scent

Cons: Translucent appearance on application makes it difficult to distinguish between the shaved and unshaven areas
*Took some time to rinse blade clean
*The scent may deter some from the product


Whish Shave Cream with Pomegranate (£16.40) and the Whish Body range are available from Naturisimo.com.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Pai Organic Cleanser Reviews

Review of Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser
by Sally S.
Packaging The Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser is in a bottle with a pump action top, what a great feature! I firmly believe that the less you dip your fingers in a pot of cream the better. Dipping simply adds bacteria and the product goes off more quickly. The bottle comes inside a cardboard box, the font and packaging in general are classic, no fuss and clean in appearance.

Application The Pai Camellia & Rose cleanser has a soft light textured cream. This Pai product felt gentle and light as I massaged it into my face and neck, it quickly dissolved my make up and did not sting my eyes as I cautiously decided to test their claims that it is suitable for removing eye make up. The fragrance is light, a little rosy and geranium smelling, pleasant and very subtle. I removed Pai cleanser from around my eyes with damp cotton pads and it removed my entire eye make up, for my face and neck I used a muslin cloth which was perfect for gently exfoliating too.

Ingredients
The ingredients list is refreshingly simple and nutritious. The camellia oil is said to be packed full of omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E and sweet almond oils nourish the skin whilst the rose water soothes. There appear to be no dubious ingredients sneaked in which could be due to it having the soil association stamp of approval.

Results I used the Pai cleanser for several days and found it kept my normal (ish) skin balanced and even. My skin felt soft not taught after using and completely fresh and clean.

Pros: It softened my skin whilst it cleansed.
Wonderful for sensitive skins, so gentle yet thorough.
I love the pump design to prevent waste and contamination.
The 125ml bottle should last 8-12 weeks- fantastic value for money!

Cons: The smell is so subtle it’s a little boring to use.


The Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser (£20.00) and Pai Organic are available from Naturisimo.com

Monday 16 November 2009

Rawganic Product Reviews

Review of Rawganic Moisturising Soap
by Ruth H.

Packaging
: The Rawganic Moisturising Soap is packaged in a simple but effective paper wrapper, which contains details of the product itself and the ingredients. It also shows that the product has met the Soil Association organic standard.

Application
: Although I don’t usually use soap as I find it makes my skin dry, this Rawganic product was surprisingly effective. The Rawganic bar contains bitter orange and juniper oils which make is smell beautiful, and the texture is very creamy. It doesn’t lather like ordinary soap does, but this is due to the lack of sodium laureth sulphate in this product. The lack of lather did not detract from its effectiveness, and my skin felt thoroughly clean after using the soap, but without the usual dryness I associate with ordinary soap.

Ingredients: The Rawganic soap contains over 98% of certified organic ingredients, and uses essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance. The product is non-GM and doesn’t contain parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, synthetic colourants, formaldehyde or urea which can all cause skin problems. The ingredients are clearly listed and give you confidence that the product itself is of a high quality, and will be kind to your skin.

Results: The Rawganic soap is marketed as ‘a gentle cleansing and moisturising soap containing organic juniper and bitter orange’. I think that this product lives up to the claims. The texture of the soap is creamy and it does smell beautiful. The Rawganic company also claim that their products are suitable for everyone including those with sensitive and delicate skin, and again this organic soap lives up to the claim. From the usage so far it appears that the bar will last for some time, and this is another of its advantages. I would definitely buy this soap again, and now I have tried this item from the Raw Organic range I will be looking to see what other items are available.
Pros: Lovely scent
Long lasting product
Ingredients which are good for sensitive/dry skin
Cons: None noted as yet.
The Rawganic Moisturising Soap (£3.50) and the Rawganic skincare line are available from Naturisimo.com

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Cream Reviews

Review of Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Face Cream for sensitive skin.
by Caroline S.
Packaging Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Face Cream is supplied for use in a glass pump-action dispenser bottle, which prevents contamination of the cream with fingers and helps to ensure freshness. The packaging is clear and enables you to see how much product is left at all times. Definitely something you would be happy to have on display in the bathroom.

Application The Pai organic cream initially appeared to be quite thick, of an almost custard-like consistency. However, upon application, you realise that, yes, it is thick, but thick in the same way as whipped cream - dense but very light and silky. It absorbs almost instantaneously into the skin, which I have to admit, surprised me given that its consistency. This Pai cream feels thick but is not greasy in the least. It does not sit on the skin and it does not clog. In fact, I actually found that it absorbed so quickly that I was using more of it than I had expected to, in order to adequately cover my whole face. Once the cream has sunk into the skin, it leaves a very matte finish and "dry" surface, so it is perfect for applying underneath make up. It is also great for people who don't like the feel of a "heavy" cream - as it certainly does feel as though you are bare-faced, it is so light. The smell of this Pai face cream is rather strong upon application and it lasts for a considerable amount of time. If you like the smell of chamomile then you will like this - but if strong herbal smells are not your cup of tea then you might find this a little difficult to adjust to.
I could definitely also smell the rose geranium oil in the cream, however the lavender and neroli oils were overpowered by the chamomile, which was a shame as neroil is probably my favourite essential oil and helps to lift your mood.

Ingredients Certified organic, cruelty free and suitable for vegans.Chamomile, vitamin e and manuka oil are known for their soothing and calming properties. Rosehip, vitamin e and manuka oil are renowned for their ability to heal the skin. Neroli, rosemary and lavender are used to balance the skin and prevent outbreaks of spots/rashes and help to prevent blockages in the pores.

Results For the past few weeks I have been using medicated eye drops, which have caused me to have raised sore, red areas on the skin around the outer corners of my eyes. I tried the Pai organic cream morning and night and was surprised to find that there WAS a noticeable difference after only a couple of days. There was a significant reduction in redness and also skin sensitivity. My skin overall is slightly sensitive but this organic cream was soothing and moisturising and didn't irritate in the least. After using it twice a day for two weeks, I can honestly say that it does moisturise and soften the skin with obvious results. I found it easy to apply and it left me with soft, smooth skin. It wasn't too heavy to use sparingly around the eye area either - which is a brilliant way to save money if you don't want to spend on a separate eye cream. I am impressed with the price of the Pai Chamomile and Rosehip cream as, even though I feel like I am using a large amount per application, I don't actually appear to have used as much as I thought and there is still plenty of product left. This compares very favourably to more high-priced moisturisers I have used and I am definitely going to explore the rest of the Pai skincare range. I am prone to very dry areas around the chin and cheeks (especially in Winter), so I am going to try the Pai Macadamia and Rose cream specifically for dry skin. I feel that the Chamomile and Rose might not quite meet the needs of skin that is especially dry - although it definitely WILL soothe and help to heal dry areas that are also sore. I will certainly continue to use the Pai Chamomile & Rosehip cream for the foreseeable future and mix it with others from the range as the needs of my skin alter.

Pros Fantastic texture, rich and creamy but light
Absorbs quickly with no need for rubbing
Brilliant for wearing under make up
Very soothing on delicate/sore areas
Helps to reduce visible redness of sore areas
Great price for a really high quality product
Cons Strong herbal smell which doesn't wear off quickly - may not appeal to everyone
May not be moisturising enough for very dry skin types

Friday 6 November 2009

Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion Reviews

Review for Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion
by Elisabeth B.

Packaging:
The Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion is contained within a metal tube. I particularly like this form of packaging - it is easy to see how much product you have left and it is also possible to squeeze every last drop from the tube. Many of the Weleda products come in glass bottles and are therefore not ideal for travel, but the Weleda Almond cleanser would be perfect as it is lightweight with no extra bulky or unnecessary packaging. It is simple and wholly recyclable in line with the company’s ethos.

Application: The Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion is light, creamy and cooling on application. I have sensitive skin but did not experience any adverse reactions whatsoever. I used this product to cleanse in the morning and did not have to wait any amount of time for my skin to completely settle before applying moisturiser - something I often have to do when using other cleansing products. The Weleda Almond cleanser is unperfumed but has a light almond fragrance, which is very pleasant. I only wear a light amount of makeup but as this product is so gentle I did not expect it to be able to adequately remove it. However, on testing it did so perfectly. The cleansing lotion is easily removed with warm water, but adding a muslin cloth to the routine adds a little exfoliation to an otherwise extremely gentle product

Comments:
I particularly like to apply the Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion before my morning shower and to leave on for a couple of minutes whilst in the shower before washing off. Normally my skin feels dry, taught and slightly irritated after a hot shower, but when using this product my skin is calm, comfortable and hydrated.

Ingredients: Weleda skincare is a range that believes in the consistent use of biodynamically grown, fresh ingredients. Reassuringly there isn’t a long list of ingredients for the Weleda cleansing lotion - good news for sensitive skin. Although very gentle this product still provides an effective cleanse, lactic acid is one ingredient that gently loosens dirt from the pores without irritating skin.

Results: This is one of the first cleansers I am able to use without experiencing even the slightest irritation at all. I would highly recommend it to those with sensitive skin or to anyone looking for a gentle cleansing product. As I have already mentioned, the fact that the Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion does not cause any reaction at all, leaving my skin so calm that I can immediately follow with moisturiser and makeup is the reason I will almost certainly purchase this product in the future.

Pros: Extremely gentle and perfect for sensitive skin
Leaves skin feeling soft, calm and clean
Packaging is minimal and ideal for travel
Inexpensive but very good quality

Cons: Perhaps won’t give a deep enough cleanse for some skin types
May struggle to remove heavy, waterproof makeup

Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion (£6.95)and the full range of Weleda skincare products are available from Naturisimo.com

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash Reviews

Review of Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash
by Shona B.
Packaging
The transparent flip top plastic bottle of the Balance Me Body Wash is quite squeezy so you can get the last drops out. The packaging is practical but a bit boring and not that stylish on your bathroom shelf. The white writing on a yellow background is very hard to read and it is not clear weather it’s a body wash or face wash. On further investigation I found that it was a body wash.
Application
This Balance Me product claims to nourish, cleanse and clear impurities whilst calming dry or irritated areas. I found it cleaned my skin well but left it a little dry and itchy and I had to use body oil after using the wash. The gel like texture of this wash is smooth and pleasant. It feels quite light but thick. You only need a little as it spreads well but it doesn’t foam very much. If you want foam I would suggest using a body puff. I also tried it as a hand wash but it didn’t foam enough to make me feel like my hands were clean after using it.
The smell was pleasant enough, mainly a sort of musky patchouli smell with a slight sweetness. It didn’t linger on my skin, which is probably a good thing because I think it would probably clash with a lot of fragrances. It was quite a relaxing smell so better for an evening bath rather than a morning shower. I found I liked it best after the gym to soothe and relax my muscles. The bath was easy to clean after use, which is always a bonus!
Ingredients
Almost 99% natural the Balance Me moisturising body wash is free from parabens, sulphates, DEA, PEGS, petroleum, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and colours, silicones and propylene glycol. It does contain shea butter, lavender, patchouli, geranium, bergamot and yarrow. The product carries the EcoCert stamp but the 5% organic ingredients do not carry the Soil Association mark.
Results
Although I’ll happily finish the bottle I have I don’t think I’ll buy it again. Personally I prefer zestier fragrances and I like lots of foam! I will however be trying other Balance Me products in the range as I was impressed with the ingredients and the quality of the wash (even if it doesn’t quite suit my dry skin).
Pros:
Easy to use and wash off
Fragrance doesn’t linger on the skin so won’t clash with any fragrances
Relaxing smell
Good ingredients
Cons:

Left my dry skin a little drier and itchy so that I had to use body oil afterwards
It wasn’t clear what the product was actually for
Doesn’t foam very much
Best For: A relaxing evening bath for people who have “normal” skin and like musky fragrances.


Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash (£12.00) and Balance Me Skin Care are available from Naturisimo.com

Friday 30 October 2009

Organic Apoteke Eye Cream Reviews

Review of Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Eye Cream
by Danny S.
Packaging
The Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Eye Cream comes in a transparent 15 ml glass bottle with a plastic pump dispenser inside a 100% recycled green and white box. The dispenser pumps out just enough eye cream for application of both eyes and the lips.
Application
The texture of the Organic Apoteke Eye Cream is like a cream-gel type consistency allowing easy glide and application. It can very easily be smoothed on to the eye contour area and then it can be dabbed followed by lightly tapping in the cream. After about 30 seconds or so it will then be completely absorbed without a trace. The eye cream feels silky, smooth and very hydrating and my eyes feel relaxed after application. I use it very close to the eye and it does not cause any irritation what so ever. If there any product left over I put the remainder of the cream on my lips so that none of the product is wasted.
Ingredients
I am actually quite impressed with the purity of the ingredients of this organic eye cream. It has lots of anti ageing and advanced ingredients, such as a peptide complex, Bilberry and Eye Bright to name a few. The eye cream is 93.89% certified organic and 100% natural, amazing! The most amazing thing I love about this natural eye cream is there no alcohol in the product, which is very rare to find in organic skin care products.
Results
After using the Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Eye Cream for some time, the results I have are excellent. As I’ve gotten older fine and dehydration lines have started to show however after using the eye cream my dehydration and fine lines have significantly diminished. I’m very impressed with this amazing eye cream.
Pros:
- Its 93.89% Organic and 100% natural.
- It contains no alcohol.
- It’s very hydrating and suitable for all skin types and for all age ranges.
- Contains some excellent anti ageing ingredients.
Cons:
- Sometimes the pump pumps too much product out (although this can be used on the lips).
- It hasn’t got airless packaging.

Monday 26 October 2009

Green People Gentle Cleanse Reviews

Review of Green People Gentle Cleanse
by Louise M.
Packaging
Green People Gentle Cleanse comes in a smart blue and white pump that would look good on the bathroom shelf. The packaging is also recyclable and not air-freighted, testament to the high environmental standards of the Green People UK company, and their attention to detail.
Application
I am a regular user of cream cleansers which suit my dry skin, but I had never used this Green People Cleanser before, so I was excited to try it out. By contrast to many other cleansers I have experienced, this has quite a light, milky consistency which would also make it ideal for normal skin or skin prone to break-outs. I applied a 50p-sized amount to my dry skin, massaged it in and washed it off with warm water and a muslin cloth. It foams slightly when it gets wet (without the aid of sodium lauryl sulphate) which makes it feel luxurious and it removed all of my makeup, including waterproof mascara easily. So often products which leave my face squeaky clean also dry it out, but this was not the case with Green People Gentle Cleanser, there was no ‘tight’ feeling so I didn’t need to rush to slather moisturiser on afterwards!
Ingredients
The formula for this organic cleanser is certified organic, suitable for vegetarians, not tested on animals, contains no nasty chemicals and is ideal for even very sensitive skins. It contains chamomile, aloe vera and marshmallow to soothe inflammation and a blend of oils including hemp and olive which nourish the skin; however it isn’t remotely greasy or heavy so would be well suited to all skin types. Perhaps the nicest ingredient however is the rose geranium oil that gives it a divine fragrance and makes something routine like cleaning your face feel like a real treat.
Results
I was extremely pleased with the results of Green People Organic Cleanser, it delivered on all of its promises: removing makeup, cleansing my skin and leaving it soft. It is also pleasant to use; it is easy, quick and feels luxurious which make it a great way to start and finish your day. Using this product means you don’t need to buy a separate makeup-remover and cleanser, so it offers great value for money and speeds up the morning and evening routines. I would certainly use it again.
Pros:
*It suits all skin types, even sensitive.
*It removes makeup and cleanses thoroughly without drying the skin out.
*It smells very luxurious and expensive.
Cons:
*Extremely dry skins may prefer a cream cleanser with a thicker texture.
*It requires a generous amount of cleanser to cover the face, so it is not very concentrated.
*It is not available as fragrance-free for those sensitive to even natural perfumes.


Tuesday 20 October 2009

Trevarno Organic Eye Cream Reviews

Review of Trevarno Organic Eye Cream
by Beverley S.
Packaging
Trevarno eye cream is beautifully presented in a small opaque purple glass jar with an aluminum coloured screw top lid. It was totally different from any other eye products I have used although I would have preferred it to have a tiny spatula as this organic eye cream is in a jar with very fresh ingredients which are in contact with the air as soon as the jar is opened.
The 4 month shelf life is clearly shown with a reassuring list of natural ingredients. I was pleased to see Eyebright listed as one of the ingredients as I use this in another eye care product & know it is gentle but effective.
Application
Trevarno is intensive and incredibly nourishing! My eye area is extremely fine, possibly finer than most, although I need hydration I mistakenly used too much on the first night. I then used a tiny spatula to lift the tiniest dot out of the jar, applying around the orbital bone. It was vital to use a lot less than I thought I needed, gently tapping around then smoothly massage the cream taking care to avoid the eye lid. The Trevarno eye cream is full of highly nourishing ingredients which is incredible when I considered the price point compared to other products I have tried.
Comments
The cream is almost balm like in texture which relates to the fact it is so intensive. The smell is not artificial, it is definitely natural reminding me of a herb garden after the rain. I would consider other products from Trevarno’s range as I now know how nourishing the ingredients are. The eye cream would be something I would use although I would probably apply as an intensive course at the change of seasons or during the daytime as I found it could be too rich for my very fine skin over night. I feel Trevarno’s eye treatment cream is most suited to anyone who really needs to hydrate their eye area. A “little goes a long way” I don’t think I would use all of the cream before the 4mths and this is most unusual for me.
Results
I loved the fact the Trevarno cream didn’t sting & once I learned I only needed to use a dot application was easy. Normally I would use a richer eye product at night but I found my the skin around my eye area tolerated the richer texture during the day time giving a plumper appearance.
Pros
• Extremely nourishing
• No hidden nasties just pure ingredients hand made which is wonderful
• Price point is excellent considering the quality of ingredients used
Cons
• The intensity could be too heavy for anyone who needs light hydration or has paper fine skin
• The open type jar would concern me with an eye product especially without preservatives.
• A clean spatula would be best to use for cleanliness & lifting the tiniest dot.

The Trevarno Organic Eye Cream (£7.83) and the Trevarno Skincare range are available from Naturisimo.com.

Monday 12 October 2009

John Masters Body Wash Reviews

Review of John Masters Organic Blood Orange and Vanilla Body Wash
by Caroline S.
Packaging: the bottle is a rather classy frosted plastic which looks expensive and is appealing to both men and women.
Application: I've always been tempted by John Masters Organics products but I've never actually tried any until now - so I was genuinely excited when I opened the bottle for the first time.
Don't be put off by your first sniff of the body wash in the bottle. It may seem rather strong and sweet - but this is because it is very concentrated and the vanilla is what hits you first.
When you actually lather up in the heat and steam of the shower, you quickly discover that the foam of the body wash is as far removed from sickly sweet as you can imagine. The vanilla undertones do come through but the main blast of the fragrance is pure, fresh orange. I say "blast" because that is truly what it is. A full assault on your senses of exquisite, juicy, organic orange - the sharpness of the citrus really wakes you up, as though someone has decided to peel an orange right under your nose!
Personally, I love the smell of orange but I generally am not the biggest fan of oranges for actually for eating. However, using this John Masters body wash genuinely made me crave a big, juicy orange to bite into! My mouth was watering! I've never yet tried any orange-scented body wash/bath foam that smells so genuine - and I've been using natural products for years. If you are coming to this straight from regular use of synthetic soaps, then you are in for the biggest surprise of your life!
The vanilla lingers underneath as a gentle, soothing fragrance and takes the edge off the citric tang. It has the effect of making you feel as though you are being wrapped in a huge, soft, fluffy, warm towel. The gel and lather feel very silky and luxurious on the skin and you really do get a sense of indulgence - so it is perfect for grabbing a bit of "me" time, even when you are in a rush!
The only problem I had was that the gel is very thick and concentrated and was difficult to squeeze from the bottle. I would have preferred a pump dispenser - or even a more easily squeezable bottle. I also found that the best way to create a really foamy lather was with a puff - when you apply straight onto the body, the wash slides smoothly over the skin but does not really foam. The end result is the same, however I found that I used far more product when I didn't use a shower puff, so it is not as cost-effective this way.

Ingredients: The key ingredients are: blood orange, bourbon vanilla, pink grapefruit and milk thistle. Blood orange and pink grapefruit are known for their stimulating properties and vanilla is claimed to be soothing and comforting to the senses. Milk thistle is widely used in detoxification. The cleansing agents in the John Masters body wash are derived from corn and coconut - and so are creamy and gentle on the skin, without stripping any natural oils. It does not contain parabens, SLS, DEA's, MEA's or TEA's, artifical colours or GMOs. Certified organic by EcoCert/QAI with no ingredients tested on animals.

Results: Not only did this organic body wash leave me feeling mentally and emotionally uplifted, it also made my skin feel thoroughly cleansed and fresh. It is difficult to get the right balance between moisturising and feeling squeaky clean - but this does both brilliantly. Safe for use even on babies, it is suitable for washing intimate areas and also for use after shaving and on delicate skin - it does not sting at all. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and moisturised but without any greasy/oily residue. I didn't find that the smell lingered on my skin particularly, so it wouldn't interfere with the smell of your perfume etc - unless you specifically wanted to layer the fragrance by using the accompanying John Masters Blood Orange and Vanilla body milk.

Pros:
The smell is truly uplifting and refreshing
It leaves skin feeling clean and soft
Is suitable even for sensitive skins
It is a very concentrated formula
A small amount goes a long way if used with a puff
Suitable for use on the face

Cons:
The very thick gel can be difficult to squeeze from the bottle. This product would really benefit from a pump dispenser
It doesn't lather easily
It may be too expensive for everyday use.


Friday 2 October 2009

Rosa Fina Rejuvenating Masque Reviews

Review of Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Rejuvenating Masque.
by Nicky B.
Packaging
The Rosa Fina Rejuvenating Masque comes in a white plastic tube with a flip top lid. With its black, pink and silver lettering it looks fresh and expensive!

Application
The Rosa Fina masque felt creamy and fresh on my face and even though I had applied a fair amount within 15 minutes it had nearly all absorbed into my skin. It felt incredibly moisturizing, non-sticky and smelt glorious – a gentle hint of sensual frankincense, one of those rich relaxing essential oils that I love. I didn’t know quite what to expect and I can tell you I was so pleased it didn’t turn into one of those masques that you have to peel off. My experience of these is that lots of ‘bits’ get left behind and you end up more stressed than when you started.

Ingredients
I haven’t used any Barefoot Botanicals products before as I’ve previously thought they were quite expensive. However on closer inspection I see that the ingredients of the Rosa Fina mask actually include a whole range of wonderful and I’m sure quite pricey ingredients including essential oils, mowrah butter (from the seeds of two species of the Indian Madhuca or Butter tree), kokum (obtained from the seeds of the Indian Garcinia indicia tree) and rosa moschata (musk rose) – its origins are thought to lie in the western Himalayas. There are no ‘chemical nasties’ in this masque, it is ‘cruelty free’ and ‘suitable for vegans’. The ingredients are 100% ethically-sourced plant derived. Fabulous!

Results
My skin (and I) certainly felt in need of a bit of rejuvenation so I had high hopes for this organic facial mask. I have very sensitive skin and sensitive eyes and my eyes did tingle a little when I first applied the masque, but this sensation immediately disappeared and they felt fine. My skin felt nourished and pampered. I’m going to use the Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina masque to brighten up my complexion before an evening out next time.
Pros:
Smells wonderful and full of lovely exotic ethically sourced ingredients
My skin felt rejuvenated and pampered
It is apparently good for many different types of skin e.g. combination, sensitive, blemished and mature
Cons:
· It is quite expensive but the quality ingredients are the reason why.

Thursday 1 October 2009

Living Nature Tinted Moisturiser Reviews

Review of Living Nature Clear Lights Tinted Moisturiser
by Louise M.
Packaging
Living Nature Clear Lights Tinted Moisturiser comes in a sleek black flip-top dispenser which can easily be stood upright and is recyclable. The packaging feels very robust, and I would put this in my handbag confident that it wouldn’t explode everywhere!

Application
I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of the
Living Nature Tinted Moisturiser, which felt thick enough to be moisturising, but thin enough to glide over the skin without dragging the tinted colour and leaving streaks. It absorbed quickly without irritating my skin which can sometimes be very sensitive after my morning shower. I do have very dry skin however, and the product sunk in so quickly that I found I needed to apply my usual moisturiser, wait for 5 minutes and then apply the Living Nature Tinted Moisturiser over the top. This formula worked really well for me, but would not be necessary for anyone with a normal/combination skin.

Ingredients
I have already tried some of the other products from this New Zealand company and have always been impressed by the quality of their ingredients.
Living Nature Clear Lights Tinted Moisturiser does not contain any parabens, mineral oils, irrigated, genetically modified, pesticide-treated, synthetic or animal ingredients, and has not been tested on animals. Instead, the active ingredients in this natural tinted moisturiser are macadamia nut oil and manuka honey which are both very nourishing; and although these are all natural ingredients the 50ml tube has a shelf life of 18 months. As well as the beautiful flora I am sure some New Zealand sunshine finds its way into every bottle!

Results
I was pleased with the colour-match of this product for my fair skin tone, but on balance I found it too thin to be sufficiently moisturising on its own and it has very sheer coverage. I ended up mixing a little with my usual concealer to provide more coverage where needed and this worked well.

Pros:
· It suited even my very sensitive and inflamed skin;
· The colour was a good match and did not streak;
· It is made from high quality ingredients.

Cons:
· The coverage was too sheer for my uneven skin tone;
· The light geranium smell may irritate some people;
· I needed to use an additional moisturiser for my problem areas.


Tuesday 22 September 2009

Green People Organic Aloe Vera Shower Bath

Review of Green People Organic Aloe Vera Shower Bath
by Kelly B.

Packaging
The packaging for the Green People Aloe Vera Shower Bath is very simple, being a white plastic tube with ‘Shower Bath’ highlighted in a bold green colour. I feel the packaging is unisex making it suitable for men too. I would prefer a pump action or a shower gel container that can be hung upside down to make dispensing the product a little easier whilst showering.

Application
The Green People Shower Bath has a lovely smooth and silky texture. It is very concentrated; a little goes a long way with this product. My skin felt extremely silky soft immediately and this organic shower gel was so gentle and calming on my sensitive skin. It is fantastic for shaving my legs with, they felt beautifully smooth afterwards. It is great for shaving the bikini line and under arms too as although these areas can be more sensitive the gentle soothing formula of the Green People Shower Bath means absolutely no sign of irritation or redness. If you love a smooth body and shave daily this is the product for you! What I also loved was that it foamed so little which meant that it was easy to see was I doing whilst shaving my legs. Since this product is so soothing I feel it would be great on sunburnt skin, so ideal for holidays.

The fragrance is really gentle and pleasant. I feel it resembles a mixture of citrus freshness with orange blossom. This scent smells unisex.

Ingredients
Green People Organic Shower Bath is chemical preservative free. So you can feel assured that your body will not be exposed to cancer causing parabens which are present in many commercial shower gels. It is also free from colorants, lauryl sulphate, alcohol, synthetic preservatives and fragrances. A truly gentle product free from potential irritants that can be both drying and toxic to your skin. It is great to know that such a gentle formula can be so effective.

This product contains organically grown vegan ingredients the main one being Aloe Vera, which accounts for the soothing results.

Results
The Green People Shower Bath is so soothing it seems to take away any minor irritations on the skin. In addition it appears to prevent any irritation that may occur from shaving. It appears to seal in moisture and create a barrier as you shave. It is so gentle I feel it is suitable for the whole family. It cleans very effectively in such a soothing way. I highly recommend this product!

Pros:
• Extremely soothing and gentle
• Excellent for shaving your legs
• Gentle refreshing scent
• Unisex
• Suitable for the whole family
• Leaves skin silky smooth

Cons:
• Container would be better if it was a pump action
• If you prefer a foaming showing gel you may not like the lack of foam


The Green People Aloe Vera Shower Bath and the Green People products range is available from Naturisimo.com

Thursday 20 August 2009

Essential Care: NEW!

This month we bring you Essential Care, an award-winning range with cult status. This organic skincare classic line is certified to Soil Association organic standards and hand-made in Suffolk with pure plant oils and biodynamic herbs.
This complete range is well-known among eczema sufferers and it offers products suitable for different skin types, extensive body and hair care lines and specialist baby and sensitive skin products.

One of the top sellers is the Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser (£18.50). Top 3 in the Soil Association Organic Beauty Awards 2007 and recommended by top beauty journalists Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey plus actress Denise van Outen says she "can't live without it!"

This week I have been using the Essential Care Coconut Cleanser (£14.00). This is a deliciously scented, vegan and organic cleanser is mild yet very effective. The test coincided with a particularly dry patch for my skin. Generally, I would not try a new product at this time to avoid an itchy flare but this cleanser is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. My veredict is that this Coconut Cleanser is one of the most gentle and soothing cleansers I have ever tried. Most cleansers cause some stinging or residual dryness to dry skin but this cleaned my skin safely, dealing with my foundation and mascara effectively. Taking into account the ingredients are a mild and a totally vegan blend of skin-conditioning coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and essential oils including clary sage is not bad. The cleanser has a fresh, delicate scent that is entirely a product of these oils, so there is no need for stingy, artificial fragrances.
If your prefer a face wash or have oily or acne-prone sensitive skin, then the Essential Care Lemon & Tea Tree Facial Wash (£14.00) may be preferable and leaves skin scrupulously clean smooth and refreshed.


A special mention goes to the Essential Care 2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask (£20.00), the first ever product to be both Organic and Fairtrade UK certified!

The full range of Essential Care products is available from Naturisimo.
Shop for Essential Care now >>

Tuesday 4 August 2009

Free Organic Beauty Products

Interested in trying free organic beauty products? Naturisimo.com, UK’s leading organic beauty store, is looking for people who love organic skincare and cosmetics to write product reviews. Currently our editorial team is inundated every month with new natural eco-friendly cosmetics and we are looking to improve our expert product analysis with a wider variety of views.
If you are passionate about organic beauty, willing to try new products and have good english grammar, the Naturisimo Editorial team will offer you free beauty products, insider views on all the latest natural and ethical beauty trends and the prestige of being part of the Naturisimo Editorial team.
So if you are interested, please contact us today. Simply enter your details and ‘Editorial Team’ as the subject of your email. We apologize in advance if we are not able to respond to all emails once our vacancies are filled.
Thanks everyone!

Thursday 23 July 2009

Honeybee Gardens Cosmetics

It has been in my radar for the last couple of years, appearing when I was looking for completely toxin-free natural nail polish (not so easy to find!) and eventually ticking all the right boxes for natural and cruelty free cosmetics. And finally this month, Honeybee Gardens has arrived to the UK to join our fabulous organic makeup collection and as always completely free of animal testing.
This remarkable natural makeup range was created in 1995 by herbalist Melissa J. Hertzler. Honeybee cosmetic products are made from only the finest organic ingredients, offered at reasonable prices and never tested on animals.
Honeybee nail polish and renowed nail polish remover are entirely natural and free from toluene, formaldehyde and other toxic solvent-based chemicals usually found in conventional products. Honeybee French Manicure Kit (£16.99) really is fantastic. It contains everything you need to create in only three easy steps, a sophisticated, natural French manicure and it’s completely toxin free!
Another favourite is Honeybee Truly Natural Mascara (£10.99) which allows you to create either a lovely natural look or, thanks to its non-clumping formula, more dramatic sophisticated looks by simply re-applying it. Its weightless light base boasts zero clumping due to the absence of clay in the superior lash-conditioning formula.
Honeybee cosmetics are now available from Naturisimo.com. Naturisimo is offering a FREE Honeybee Lipgloss in Hollywood worth £9.99 with product spend of £40 or over at Naturisimo before 31st July 2009. Enter code HONEY4 at checkout. Terms & Conditions apply.
Shop for Honeybee cosmetics >>

Saturday 11 July 2009

Whish Shave Cream

It is not often that the Naturisimo office gets really excited about a natural shaving range. However, that is what happened when the new luxury shaving and body range from Whish landed in our shelves.
Shaving my legs isn't so top on my priority list. Plus the boring task of shaving generally ends with some blood stains and dry, itchy skin. However, my shaving experience totally improved when I tried Whish Shave Cream in Pomegranate. It has a thick cream consistency and spreads well over the skin, providing a close shave and left my legs quite moisturised, a feat for any shaving product. Then there is the aroma. The scent of pomegranate is subtle, yet distinct, twisting the notes of fresh fruit with the intense sweet-tart fragrance of the seeds. In short, this is a great product. Don’t take my word for it and try the FREE Whish samples available at Naturisimo.com.
Whish offers us a luscious line of all-natural and organic shave creams, washes, scrubs and butters to pamper you from head to toe. Whish products do not contain any parabens, sulphates, TEA, DEA and petrochemicals and are a truly natural and luxury shaving experience for the ultimate wet shave.
Shop for Whish Products >>

Wednesday 8 July 2009

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel

The high temperatures of the last few weeks meant that I have needed to use a lighter moisturiser so it was the ideal chance to use the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel (£44.05), a product I have wanted to try for a while. And what a fantastic product! This restorative botanical concentrate is wonderfully light so ideal for summer. It has the most delicate revitalising scent with herbal and precious flower aromas and its hydrating serum-like silky texture feels completely oil free. It left my thirsty skin completely nourished and refreshed. I simply love this product!
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel and its counterpart for sensitive skin, Jurlique Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel (£44.05) are not only potent effective moisturizers ideal for warm climates but also antiageing concentrates to help minimize the visible signs of aging with daily use so they can be used as treatments to bring out your skin's most youthful glow. Now this is a potent concentrate so if your skin is delicate or very sensitive you may need to use the Jurlique Soothing Recovery Gel and in extreme cases, even that can prove too potent to some. Other than that, there is no faulting Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel as a skin treatment or moisturiser.


Jurlique skincare range is available at Naturisimo.com. Naturisimo is offering a completely FREE Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel (15m) worth £22.50 when you spend £60 in any products at Naturisimo before 31st July 2009.
Shop for Jurlique Products >>

Thursday 11 June 2009

Spiezia is back!

Spiezia is back!
This week it is a pleasure to welcome back one of our favorite brands. After an absence of over 2 years, the newly re-launched Spiezia is back on our shelves. Spiezia is the ultimate organic skincare brand. Unlike many others, it offers a truly 100% organic and natural experience to such an extent that their products are actually edible. Using only certified ingredients, unique maceration formulas and hand-made in harmony with the lunar cycle on a farm in Cornwall, Spiezia Organics was the first to be accredited 100% organic by the Soil Association.
The Spiezia Organic Gentle Cleanser (£21.55) is still one my all-time favourites. This 100% Organic Cleanser was voted 10/10 by The Times and one of the top 25 skincare products. This deliciously scented cleanser melts away every trace of dirt and leaves skin incredibly clean and soft.
One of its latest additions of the range is the Spiezia Rose & Chamomile Gentle Face Scrub (£19.10), which benefits from a luxurious oil base. Thanks to the tiny pieces of organic chamomile stamen, skin is buffed so gently it's suitable for sensitive skins too.
The full newly launched Spiezia Organics is now available at Naturisimo.com.
Shop for Spiezia >>

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Makeup Summer09

Natural Makeup Update - Summer 09.
Green goddesses, it’s time to have a close look at your make-up as the new Summer 09 season is officially here and it’s the ideal time for a makeup update. We have been searching for the ultimate trends and testing the latest organic beauty products to help you choose only the best for this season. And here we go….
Bold lips are the biggest makeup trend this season. Winter was all about eyes and this season is about lips. If there’s one thing you do this season, it is to load your lips with colour. Statement lips were all over the catwalks with brilliant shades from tangerine and orange, to glossy corals and reds to dark rich chocolate browns.
Our natural lipsticks contain nourishing oils like jojoba, minerals and vitamins that make blending easy and replace artificial preservatives and petrochemicals. The latest formulas have a staying powder to rival that of its conventional counterparts. We love Suki Color Lip & Cheek Stain (£21.49) in Vermillion which is very durable and is best applied with a brush. For strong color with easy application, the Elysambre Organic Lipstick (£13.61) in Matte Carmine Pink Red is just perfect for summer.
If you are a lip gloss fan, you can still be on trend by choosing playful pinks, coral, raspberry red or strong fuchsia. We love the pigment-rich and hot pink gloss of Nvey Eco Lip Lustre (£15.95) in Temptress. For everyday shine, Living Nature Lipgloss in Berry Essence will give you lips a hint of delicious burgundy colour.
Complete your look but keeping eye makeup to a minimum. Define lashes lightly with soft eyeliner and mascara so attention is only brought to your lips. Lavera Natural Mascara (£10.70) and Lavera Natural Eyeliner Pencil (£6.12) are gentle on your eyes and are available on a number of shades to suit your complexion.
Shop for organic make up >>

Sunday 31 May 2009

Suki Spa

Suki Spa launches at Naturisimo.

It's amazing how quickly Suki Spa products have gone from being just an exciting new organic skincare range to one of my favourite skincare lines. Despite the price tag, when you start using Suki Spa on your skin, its pure natural feel and immediat
e effectiveness, makes you want to get the complete Sukispa range into your skincare routine.

Not only the packaging screams luxury but the soft creamy textures inside are just as good as they look ... smooth, creamy and light with the most incredible soothing smells and more importantly, visible results. Seeing Suki herself and her luminous, completely blemish-free and even skin, is enough to convince anyone she knows what she is doing when she formulates her Suki products.


I particularly love the Suki Spa Facial Lift Firming Cream (£125.95), Suki's most advanced combination of proven active ingredients to combat visible signs of ageing. This ground-breaking treatment formula protects and heals skin and feels firming and deeply nourishing. It contains a unique tetrapeptide complex to firm skin and high performance antioxidants such as olive leaf, green tea (10x more potent than vitamin e) & resveratrol (exceptional free radical scavenger) to protect skin from the ravages of stress, sun & environmental aggressors.

I was also very interested in testing the performance of the Suki Spa targeted bio-brightening face serum (£62.95) as my skin is slightly over pigmented due to excessive sun exposure while I was growing up in Spain. This highly concentrated, oil-free serum is specifically designed to brighten & diminish the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, scars, spots & redness for a more overall radiant, even complexion and it certainly delivered. My skin appeared more luminous and even after just one application. It contains bio natural arbutin, rare songyi mushroom & licorice root (safe alternatives to hydroquinone & other toxic bleachers) to help correct & prevent unwanted discolorations while ime-released vitamin c glucoside targets unwanted spots & hyper-pigmentation and prevents future pigmentation triggers.

Overall I am truly impressed with the entire Sukispa product line. This high-end pure and organic skin care is certainly able to complete with conventional high performance skin products but without any of the toxic and risky ingredients. I am loving this range so expect to see an update from me on more Suki Spa soon.

Suki Spa skincare products
and Suki Spa samples are now available at Naturisimo.com:
- suki SPA facial lift ultimate firming cream
- suki SPA targeted bio brightening face serum
- suki SPA renewal bio resurfacing facial peel
- suki SPA bio C 10% formula face serum
- suki SPA bio active purifying face serum