Bodhi & Birch Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil

Anyone who knows me will know just how much I adore tomatoes, for me, the scent of them growing is one of life's pleasures and there isn't a year that goes by that I don't grow my own, in fact, this year, we have managed to plant a whole host of veggies, but perhaps that is for a different blog post.  The fabulous Elijah, from Bodhi & Birch, who make some of the most amazing products, kindly sent me the Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil and wow!

As with all products from Bodhi & Birch, they look just stunning and I so luxurious when sitting on your shelf, though admittedly, this beauty has not been sitting still for that long! The Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil is part of the Superfoods Series which makes them mixable, multi-use, essential oil-free skincare featuring potent superfood ingredients and pure natural minerals.

This Cleansing Oil is described as being a gentle cleanser that is packed with a whole list of incredible ingredients. For me, the joy of using a product is understanding what ingredients it uses and why they are used - whether it is an essential oil, Hyaluronic Acid or even a Retinol, I want to know what its purpose is and why I should be using it on my skin. It will come as no surprise that making an appearance within this oil is Organic Tomato Seed Oil. Tomato Seed Oil is packed with Vitamin E, antioxidants, minerals and phytosterols. On the skin, these all help to smooth out fine lines and diminish age spots to give the skin that fresh glow. However, it also helps to promote the quick healing of scars. Further ingredients within this cleansing oil include:

• Organic Plum Kernel Oil - This is so incredibly nourishing and rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid vitamin E, B and pro-vitamin B5. With its ability to also moisturise, protect and support the health of your skin, Plum Kernal Oil has a scent you might not be expecting to find associated with it and that an almond marzipan scent, which whilst I hate Marzipan as food (it is vile so don't @ me), I absolutely adore its scent.
• Organic Rosehip Oil - One of my favourite oils to use on my skin and it is which is known for its skin regenerative, softening and moisturising properties. It is also said that Rosehip Oil helps and is proven to decrease signs of premature skin ageing and thanks to its broad spectrum of essential fatty acids and vitamins help the skin against surface blemishes, skin pigmentation and it also helps with restoring the skin back to its radiant youthful glow.
• Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil - Helps to fight free radicals as well to add protection against sun damage. Used because it helps to fend off free radicals to keep skin ageing at bay as well as providing protection against sun damage. This oil also contains punicic acid which is a unique omega 5 fatty acid which acts as an anti-inflammatory. This oil also has the ability to stimulate the production of keratin which in turn strengthens the skin.
• Organic Cranberry Seed Oil - High in the Vitamins of A, C, E and K which together work to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Powerful antioxidants and phytosterols work to protect the skin from free radical damage,, before Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids help keep skin feeling hydrated.
• Organic Camellia Oil - This is a cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the tea plant and in turn is a rich source of Omega 3, 6 and 9 which along with Vitamin E works to deeply moisturise the skin to leave it feeling soft, smooth and looking radiant.

What I love, despite all of these oils playing their part within the cleanser, is that on the skin, you don't have a heavy product, it is much more lightweight than you expect, but still does an amazing job at cleaning the skin.

As you can see, the cleansing oil is bright tomato orange and on the skin, it actually doesn't turn you into an Oompa Loompa, but, I would advise you to use a darker cloth to wipe your face with because it does stain white muslin cloths. That aside, my skin absolutely loves this cleanser, it is calming and soothing and does an incredible job at removing pretty much everything in its path and for those of you, like me who love to double cleanse, then this is a great product to start with.

When I apply this oil, I do so using my hands by warming, as advised, 4 to 6 pumps between palms and then gently massage into skin.  As I massage the oil onto my skin, my cloth to remove is sitting in a sink of hot water and then, using the steamy cloth, I place it over my face for a minute or two before gently removing the cleansing oil. It is such a treat every time I use the cleansing oil because the scent is one that I can identify with reference to freshly growing tomatoes in the greenhouse, so with it comes that earthy scent that I just adore and there is just a slight hint of fruitiness, which is unsurprising given the other oils that are used.

I was also kindly gifted a Bodhi & Birch Cleansing Cloth with this oil (£15) and it is described as being a luxuriously soft organic cotton cleansing cloth specifically designed for use in the Superfoods Series cleansing ritual.

What makes this cloth all the more special is that they have been crocheted by hand and it is so soft and smooth and just an absolute delight to use. It also works really well with the oil and it doesn't show any of the stains that I found on my white muslin cloths.  I have also washed this cloth 5-6 times now and as you can see, it looks just as good above as it does when it first arrived (first pic) because I have followed the washing instructions by Bodhi and Birch.

You can find out more about the Bodhi & Birch Superfood series online and see what other products are within the series, for me, this Cleansing Oil has been an absolute delight to use and I love, having now read further about the range, that it can be used with others in the collection.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Marks & Spencer Summer Beauty bag

Marks & Spencer has really upped their Beauty game over the last few years, with new products such as their Apothecary range and some big brands such as Pixi and Emma Hardie now shoppable, my nearest Beauty Hall is a dream to wander around and browse. Right now, M&S has launched their Summer Beauty Bag and with contents worth over £110 it is worth having a look at.

Priced at £15, you get 11 products but as always there is a slight catch - you do need to spend £25 across clothing, home and beauty to get it. Now that is really easy to do and a great treat when you stock up on some favourites.

Inside the bag you will find:

• Nuxe Sun Melting Cream SPF50 30ml - A high-protection fondant cream with anti-ageing cellular protection. It helps limit the appearance of dark spots, too – perfect for fair skin and sensitive areas.
• REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 50ml - An effective skin-resurfacing toner to exfoliate and brighten your complexion, gentle enough for daily use. I have a full review of this product on my blog.
• Full Size Pure Super Hydrate Day Cream SPF15 - A lightweight day cream that moisturises for 12 hours thanks to its nourishing natural ingredients. Made in the UK, it’s non-greasy, hydrating and helps protect your skin from the sun’s rays
• Full Size Sun Smart After Sun Face Mask - Hydrate and nourish sun-exposed skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple and smooth. Formulated to deliver instant benefits, such as peeling prevention and a prolongued tan
• Color Wow Color Security Conditioner Mini 75ml - The ideal partner to Color Security Shampoo – smoothes, detangles and hydrates colour-treated hair
• Color Wow Color Security Conditioner Mini 75ml - The ideal partner to Color Security Shampoo – smoothes, detangles and hydrates colour-treated hair
• Full Size Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen - An incredibly long-wearing gel eye pencil that glides on and stays in place all day long. I have a full review of this product here on my blog.
• Full Size Autograph Colour Shine Lip Lacquer - An ultra-shine formula with cushioning technology to make lips appear fuller
• Seasalt & Freesia Perfume 10ml - Wonderfully refreshing, this sea salt & freesia eau de toilette has a lovely citrus and floral scent

Plus to keep everything in, you also get the Transparent pink cosmetic bag, which is described as being practical and pretty to carry your summer beauty essentials in style in this easy-to-clean pouch.

I would love to know what you think to this offer - it is 

available right now.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun Eau De Parfum

Working from home might mean I am not wearing office attire every single day, but I am still functioning as a human being and getting dressed as though I am going to work, even though that means moving from the bed to the sofa with my laptop.  One product I wear daily is perfume, it is almost a robotic action after getting dressed and completing my skincare routine.  New to my collection is a fragrance I had never come across until it was kindly sent to me and I absolutely adore it. Meet Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun.

Laboratorio Olfattivo was born in 2009 when Daniela Caon and Roberto Drago’s love for niche perfumes. Fast forward to 2020 and there is now a collection of Eau de Parfum, Room Fragrances, soaps, sample kits, toiletry collections and more besides.

Like all fragrances, they are created to tell a story, usually through their notes and brand history. This one is no different.  

By this palindrome word, the Ancient Egyptian meant the primordial water, in other words the God Nun. According to the legend, this water gave birth to the Lotus, a flower which was used to hide into the water during the night, to open up again at the sunshine. While blossoming out the flower revealed the Sun God Atum. Hence the symbolism of the Sun God, of rebirth.

This fragrance arises from the Nun and opens up at the sunshine, while its scented molecules spread out into the air. It’s a tribute to this iconic, symbolic flower.

Now if that isn't a story behind a fragrance then I don't know what is. It opens with a real burst of citrus notes - Pear, Bergamot, Lemon and Neroli which individually are quite dominant notes but together, the pear brings about sweetness and allows the heart notes of blossoming lotus, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang to come into their own. I love a fragrance which has Jasmine as a note, I can guarantee that 90% of my perfume collection is jasmine based as it just works with my skin oils so well. The heart notes are floral notes, they don't allow the top notes to dominate and instead, as the fragrance settles, the base notes of Woods, Amber, and Musk give the fragrance a fresh earthy scent which is just beautiful.

On this skin, this is a fragrance which lasts all day, by that I mean I apply it around 8am and I can still catch its scent around 5pm, though not as strong as it was after application. If I was going out of an evening, then I would re-apply.

I love everything about this fragrance from the outer box packaging to the luxurious bottle with the stylish label to the actual scent itself. Perfect for these warmer days and a definite fragrance for uplifting the mood.

Priced at £90 for 100ml, you can find Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun Eau De Parfum 

at Liberty.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Typology Skincare - Vegan, Ethical and Effective

Popular French skincare brand Typology has just launched here in the UK and boy-oh-boy is it just stunning. Created by Made.com’s co-founder, Ning Li, you can see just how much of an eye for detail he has because what Typology is giving to you is luxurious skincare at affordable prices and I was sent a whole host of products to try.

The brand has seven ranges covering moisturisers, facial soaps, lip care, hair care and you will also find perfumes too, but despite the broad range of products available, each one, as mentioned is affordable, but what the brand really concentrates on is ingredients and sustainability - both of which are important in skincare. The formulas are referred to as minimalist and with everything superfluous having been removed and everything that has remained within the products is clearly explained.

Typology was born out of a mission: to demystify the skincare industry through a simple and honest approach. We make naturally active, effective and sustainable skincare in France.

For Typology staying true to their philosophy of simplicity and transparency means they intend to remain uncompromising in their mission to offer consumers a premium natural skincare alternative. More of this can be ready on the Typology website.

Within my lovely box of products, I have no less than 8 products and they have been sent to be after a brief conversation with the lovely Marie about my skincare, my routine and what I want to achieve from the products I use. This kind of conversation with brands is too rare for me, very few do it and it is important.  Within my box of products, I also have six sample vials of fragrances to try and they will appear in a separate post.

The first product I tried was the Plantes 1002 Solidy Purifying Cleansing Bar (£11.80) also known as the Purifying cleansing bar with nettle and it can be used on both the face and the body. This purifying face and body cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially combination to oily skin that's prone to blemishes. 

It uses three purifying actives and four botanical butters and oils, so you will find Organic eucalyptus globulus essential oil which helps to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands and regulates sebum production, Nettle Powder which is rich in mineral salts and helps to rebalance oily skin and Organic olive oil which calms skin prone to redness. This Cleansing Bar lathers like a dream, it smells absolutely incredible and during this hot and sticky weather we have enjoyed recently, it brings about a coolness to the skin, which I really enjoyed.

I am a huge fan of Cleansing oils, so was delighted to see the Ten 2002 Cleansing Oil (£14.80). Designed to remove your make-up, this oil is fragrance-free and non-greasy, so when applied to the skin, either by hands or with a cotton pad, it doesn't leave a film after use. 

Made using over 7 ingredients, you will find the likes of Sweet almond oil which nourishes and improves the elasticity of the skin, as well as hosting soothing properties which calm the skin and reduce tightness. Then there is Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate which is an emulsifier derived from coconut and it makes the job of rinsing the make-up remover oil off the skin straightforward.

A product I have never quite been excited about is a Micellar Water, I've tried quite a few and I have liked them, but I've not been excited by them. Now this one changes everything for me and that is quite a huge statement. The Ten 2001 Micellar Water (£11.80) has been developed using only the most essential ingredients and in this case - just 7! 

Suitable for all skin types, you apply the Micellar Water to your cotton wool pad, hopefully, a reusable one, and wipe away the day. Alongside Purified Water you will also find Glycerin which moisturises the superficial layers of the skin and Poloxamer 184 which is described as being a surfactant that removes make-up particles from the entire face.

One product I am never without is a lip balm and from Typology I have been using the Ten 1004 Lip Balm (£9.80). Described as being a minimalist fragrance-free formula which nourishes the lips to reduce tightness and dryness. 

Like other products within the range, this Lip Balm has been made using essential ingredients and within this balm, there are just 9. Some of the ingredients within this balm include Shea Butter which offers anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties and protects the lips from feeling dry, Lemon Extract which offers a cooling, refreshing effect while applying. Plus Sunflower seed oil which is rich in antioxidants and protects the lips against free radicals while nourishing and softening.

Within my collection are two serums, the Lab 1006 Niacinamide 12% (£11.80) and the Lab 1008 Glycolic Acid 10%, both of which I was delighted to see.  Firstly with the Niacinamide, it is an ingredient my skin just loves and it is used to help reduce redness caused by skin inflammation as well as helping to diminish the appearance of pimples and blemishes, whilst at the same time working to smooth and refine the texture of the skin. This serum is really easy to apply, all you need is 3 to 4 drops to your clean and dry skin in circular motions and you can use it every morning and evening. 

I suffer from redness to my skin whenever I am stressed or feeling run down, so I am delighted to have discovered Niacinamide as an ingredient as it does go some way to calming and soothing for me.

Then we have Glycolic Acid (£11.80) an ingredient which is known for its exfoliating properties on the skin as well as its ability in reducing the presence of blackheads, caused by the accumulation of sebum in the pores.  This Glycolic Acid also features Chamomile Extract which is known for its soothing and repairing properties, plus mastic pistachio extract which tightens pores, reduces shine and helps to reduce the appearance of blackheads.

As with the Niacinamide, you need 3-4 drops of the serum, but this is only to be used of an evening and if you do use it, SPF is an absolute must the following day, though you should be applying it anyway. Once on the skin, it is usual to feel a slight tingling and even experience some redness. After using, my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth to the touch and because I have combination oily skin, it does go some way to helping to reduce that shine.

The Typology Raw Collection is one that absolutely fascinates me. Directly extracted from plants, these botanical oils are 100% pure, natural, and almost entirely sourced from organic farming and they are ideal for every part of the skin, these oils can be applied daily to the face, body or hair. From the collection, I the organic Hazelnut Oil.

The Hazelnut Oil (£11.80) is something I had never used anything like before and was really intrigued by it. Described as being the product to regulate sebum production and soften the skin and is therefore ideal for combination or oily skin. It is non-greasy, it doesn't strip the skin and it is ideal for applying before you go to bed, as advised to do so.  

The final product I have to share is the Orange Blossom Hydrolate (£8.80) is one of my favourite products from this entire collection. As well as being refreshing and soothing, this product is also said to offer noticeable radiance to the complexion while regenerating the skin. In aromatherapy, orange blossom hydrolate is one which, thanks to its properties, is known to calm nerves, promote self-confidence, and create comfort, so in a product like this, because it can be used morning and evening, it is one of those oils in which you should give yourself time to use and really take in the scent, because it is just beautiful and a definite in times of stress and need.

If it isn't already obvious, I absolutely love this brand. I love the concept, the story, the use of ingredients and better still, there is still so many products that I really want to try from the brand! I am really excited to see where this brand will be in the next few weeks, months and year! Have any of these products caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.