Gaia - Introduction to Vegan Skincare

As I have mentioned previously, one of the things I enjoy the most about this hobby is being introduced to new brands that I might not ordinarily come across and today's brand is one of those. As part of my Gift Guide series for 2024, meet Gaia.

Gaia, a female-founded award-winning skincare, spa and wellness brand which was conceptualised alongside the five-star Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel in Devon and is now enjoyed at 50 spas and hotels across the UK and Ireland. 

I was kindly sent the Introduction to Vegan Skincare kit (£30) and it features a selection of all-vegan products, this set offers nourishing skincare the way nature intended.

Inside the box is a range of products for the face and body, including the award-winning Crystal Purifying Mask and Nourishing Cream, complemented with a muslin cloth to gently refresh the skin. Then there is the Awakening bath Oil and Balancing Body. This mini set allows you to sample the brand's range of ethically made vegan skincare.

Starting with the Purifying Mask which is said to combine the energy and healing properties of rose quartz crystal with the purest natural ingredients.  The rich pink hue comes from pomegranate and hibiscus, both packed with antioxidants that protect against damage and slow collagen breakdown. Pomegranate, a natural source of vitamin C, helps regulate sebum production and promotes cell rejuvenation, leaving your skin refreshed, firm, and silky smooth.

Then we have the Nourishing Cream and this is described as being jar full of the integrity of natural ingredients, the healing properties of rose quartz crystal and the aroma of blue tansy and subtle essential oils.  The vibrant blue tansy, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, is a powerhouse ingredient in creams designed to nourish, calm, and soothe your skin.

My favourite product in this kit is the Awakening Bath Oil, described as being a natural and handmade containing GAIA's signature awakening blend and bespoke elixir. Using Organic sunflower and jojoba oils, combined with vitamin E to gently hydrate your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and beautifully scented. The invigorating aromas of work to uplift your mood, inspiring a sense of renewal and optimism.

Then finally comes the Balancing Body Oil and it is a great addition to the routine following the use of the Bath Oil.  Again described as being a natural and handmade containing GAIA's balancing blend and bespoke elixir. This oil uses a blend of pure essential oils—lemon, ylang-ylang, and palmarosa which when combined with skin-soothing organic safflower and calendula oils work to promote a sense of peace and balance, leaving you feeling grounded and centered.

Inspired by Gaia, who if you didn't know, is the ancient Greek goddess known as mother nature. Worth also noting that GAIA Skincare products are handmade in Britain using traditional production methods and it is such a beautiful brand, I want to visit one of the spa's and try absolutely everything they have to offer.

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

The Ultimate Oil for Hair - Edition 29

Do you remember back in the day when everyone would swear by the holy grail of hair oil from VO5? The one you would float in a cup of hot water to make your hair feel incredible?  Well... life has moved on since them and hair oils have evolved and got a whole lot better and here is one I am about to share with you. 

I’ve been using Ches Editions - The Ultimate Hair Oil Ed.29 for a few weeks now, and I’m completely hooked! As someone with fine hair but a lot of it, finding the right product to smooth and hydrate without weighing my hair down has always been tricky—especially since I struggle with dry ends and greasy roots. But this luxurious hair oil has completely won me over.

Ches Editions - The Ultimate Hair Oil for Hair Edition 29 (£39) is a game-changer in the world of hair oils. Award-winning and free from silicones, it features the brand’s patented plant-based base oil and is a 100% natural formula that can be used as a mask, an intensive treatment, or for everyday nourishment. This multi-use oil is one of the most effective natural formulas I’ve found for hydration, growth, and shine, and it’s suitable for all hair types.

What really stands out is the blend of oils it contains—Camellia, Argan, Pumpkin Seed, Castor, and Cedarwood Atlas, as well as Bergamot, Rosemary, Black Pepper, and Neroli. And then there’s the scent which is a beautiful, deep combination of Jasmine, Mandarin, and Patchouli, I honestly wish could be bottled as a fragrance on its own.

Curious about the name Edition 29? It’s an odd one, especially since it’s not the 29th oil in the collection (there are just two in total), but in numerology, 29 is thought to symbolise the universe guiding us towards our true calling, which adds a lovely layer of meaning to the product.

What initially drew me to this oil was its rich yet lightweight texture. It absorbs instantly into my hair, leaving it nourished, soft, and silky smooth with no greasy residue. My ends, which usually feel dry and brittle, are now softer, healthier, and much more manageable. And the shine it adds? Absolutely gorgeous!

Priced at £39 for 50ml, if you want to try a non-greasy, lightweight, wonderfully scented hair oil, then look no further than this The Ultimate Oil.

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

INLight Beauty Body Recovery Kit

A brand that I have really enjoyed getting to know over the past year is INLight Beauty. Described as being a natural, organic Skincare and Beauty Brand that uses Science and Nature to fuse their our expertly formulated skincare collections which are designed to work with your skin, rather than only on it, bringing beauty to life.

Handcrafted in Cornwall, UK, the brand is 100% Organic Certified and of course, Cruelty-free.

I have the INLight Body Recovery Kit (£27) to share today and if ever there is a way to introduce you to a brand, a gift set like this is definitely it.  The INLight Body Recovery Kit is made up of three products - The Firm and Tone Oil (30ml), the Rosemary & Hypericum Recovery Balm and the Foot Balm (15ml).

Starting with the Firm & Tone Oil, if there's ever been a product that invites you to pause and inhale for its uplifting benefits, this is it. The fragrance alone is stunning, thanks to the vibrant notes of ylang ylang and geranium. 

Designed for all skin types, this oil is packed with a potent blend of active plant oils and astringent herbs that work together to tone, boost circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage. Key ingredients include rosemary, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which also helps reduce swelling and calm redness. Evening primrose, rich in Vitamin E, supports skin elasticity, deeply nourishes, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Burdock root, celebrated for its detoxifying properties, helps to draw out impurities and supports the lymphatic system.

Next, we have the Foot Balm which is specially formulated to melt away rough, dry skin while soothing tired, aching feet and legs.

Designed to improve circulation and support weak veins, the balm combines the vasotonic and astringent properties of witch hazel and cypress with the healing, restorative qualities of marigold, lavender, and plantain. Together, these ingredients work to calm, tone, and nourish. This makes the balm perfect not only for massaging feet and legs but also for tackling dry or cracked heels.

The balm comes with a spatula, and I find that one scoop is plenty for each foot. If you're planning to use it on your legs as well, you may need more, but a little really does go a long way. For best results, apply the balm after bathing or showering when your feet are clean and fresh. Simply massage it into your toes, soles, and heels, paying extra attention to any dry or cracked areas. The balm melts quickly upon contact with the skin, so be mindful if you're planning to walk around afterwards.

The final product in this trio is the Rosemary & Hypericum Recovery Balm a product you didn’t know you needed until you tried it. This dynamic botanical balm is perfect for soothing aching joints and relieving tense, strained muscles. 

It features the calming properties of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum), which combats bacteria and inflammation while easing irritation. Meadow-sweet adds its anti-rheumatic benefits, helping to soothe discomfort, while also containing Salicylic Acid to support skin renewal. Ginger helps protect against oxidative stress and is known for easing joint pain, while Rosemary, with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, works to reduce swelling and calm redness.  Together, these powerful ingredients create a balm that’s not only deeply restorative but incredibly effective at targeting muscle tension and joint discomfort.

A really lovely gift set from INLight Beauty and most definitely a brand I want to learn more about and use more products from.

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

St Tropez Golden Getaway Kit

As part of my Gift Guide series for 2024, today is the perfect gift for those of you who are fans of self-tan then this amazing St Tropez Golden Getaway Kit and it is on offer right now via Boots!

Described as being "St Tropez Golden Getaway Kit" this kit features Ashley Graham’s golden essentials guaranteed to fast-track ticket to a beach-worthy bronze in as little as 1 hour.

This travel-friendly kit includes the brands award-winning Self Tan Express Mousse as well as a Velvet Applicator Mitt and a full-size Purity Face Mist with a new, limited-edition scent formulated with Ashley Graham herself that transports you to island breezes and sandy shores.

Packaged inside a handy to gift box, it is a must-have gift for any self-tan fan and priced at just £28 it is a great gift.

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