Odylique by Essential Care

Odylique means Power of Nature and I have been lucky enough to use three products from the brand over the past few months and it has been such a delight. Odylique, formulated by Margaret, is hand-made in our Suffolk workshop – not outsourced to a factory. Margaret began making skin care from natural ingredients over 30 years ago. ‘Conventional’ cosmetics didn’t suit her allergy-prone skin and she was desperate to find a remedy for her family’s eczema problems. She felt there must be a healthier, more effective way to make skin care than using petroleum and artificial additives. So, armed with qualifications in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and a passion for the genius of nature, she set about creating truly effective formulations, based only on organic herbs, plant oils and natural active ingredients that were compatible with the most sensitive skin.

So, I was very kindly sent the Rose Velvet Body Lotion, Lemongrass Hand and Body Wash and the Honey and Oat Cleansing bar from the range and honestly, there are so many products to choose from (here) that I cannot believe I've never heard of them before.

What really stands out with this brand is the uncomplicated meaning behind it and the simplicity of the product packaging. Nothing overly complicated yet somehow you can see that a lot of thought has gone into it. 

The first item I am sharing today is the Rose Velvet Body Lotion (£29 100ml). Anyone who reads my blog will know I adore the scent of rose, but it has to be a scent which isn't synthetic, it needs to be the rose scent that is the same as walking into the garden and walking up to a rose bush to take in the scent.  Within this body lotion, you will find Aloe Vera, Avocado, Cocoa Beans, Coconut and Rose petals which together make one incredible lotion to use. 

There is also the inclusion of Powerful CO2 extracts of rosehip and sea buckthorn fruit which work to replenish the skin with radiance-enhancing omega 3, 6 and 9. What makes this lotion a delight to use is the oil from the organic damask rose petals uplifts the senses and infuses the skin with a really subtle hint of fragrance.

I admit that I am lazy when it comes to using body lotions, there is something about them which feel like a bit of a faff, but... when I find one I like, I use it until it has all gone and that is exactly what has happened with this.  Using it every single day after showering for the last 3 months, this lotion is quite something and it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch, it doesn't sting or irritate and it is the kind of scent I would happily bottle.

The second product, which is probably my favourite of the three, is this Lemongrass Hand and Body Wash (£9.50 200ml). I like a product that has a bit of a kick to it when it comes to a scent, something that I know I have used a good half an hour of using it and you definitely get that with this.

Ideal for having either your kitchen or your bathroom (or one in each) this hand and body wash has an incredibly refreshing yet zesty scent, think lemon sherbet sweets zesty and this is the scent. Added to the lemon scent is a hint of spearmint and the two work so well together, it also contains Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus, Coconut and Olive oil and as you might imagine, not only does it cleanse and clean your hands without drying them out, it leaves them smelling just divine.  

After doing a bit of housework, I find that my hands feel a bit taut and dry, even if I am wearing rubber gloves, so I always ensure I thoroughly clean my hands to remove anything lingering on them (grim) and then moisturise using hand cream.  Using this handwash, it is so soft and gentle it does everything I need all in one!

The final item in my little trio is the Honey & Oat Cleansing Bar (£6.50). Described as being a gentle natural face scrub and hand soap in one, this Honey & Oat Cleansing Bar is both exfoliating and moisturising. 

I have only used this on my hands, I haven't yet tried it on my face because I am in the midst of trying a few other products right now, but given how lovely it has been to use on my hands, I wouldn't say that it is a no no for the face. Made with hydrating honey and coconut oil as well as soothing oats, this cleansing bar is designed to gently polish your skin. I do like to exfoliate my hands and have in the past bought products especially for this, but this product works just as well. The oats are non-abrasive on the skin and don't scratch, but as you massage the lather onto the skin, you can feel them working on the skin.

I love that this cleansing bar is so nourishing and I like that there is an option to use it on the face as well as the hands especially as it is non-drying.

Odylique is an organic skincare brand who are also cruelty-free and they pride themselves on using organic products which also means that you are helping to support the sustainability of our environment.

.  

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

Emma Hardie Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum

If you are a fan of Emma Hardie, and let's face it, how could you not be, there is always something a little exciting about new releases arriving.  The Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum (£49 link) is the newest addition to the Midas Touch family, joining the Face Serum and it looks just so incredibly luxe with the signature gold coloured packaging. 

Described as being an eye treatment which has got the golden touch, this serum is packed to the brim with firming and brightening ingredients which include:

• Beautifeye - An extract from the Persian Tree, Beautifeye works to strengthen the dermal structure, lifting folds and lessening crows feet. It is also said to work to reduce pigment accumulation in order to fade dark circles and diminish puffiness.
• Hyaluronic Acid - HelpThis acts as a natural shield to protect against environmental damage
• Liftonin X-press - This is an innovative polymer matrix which provides a visible tightening effect that is instantly noticeable 
• Inca Inchi Oil - Coming all the way from Peru, this oil is the richest known in Omega3 and t helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and hydration
• Sweet Almond Oil - Rich in fatty acids, this oil also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6. Great for conditioning the skin due to its penetrating, smoothing, softening and moisturising properties.
• Raspberry Seed Oil - Again rich in fatty acids, it also contains a high level of Vitamin E which provides protection and moisture retention for the skin.
• Aloe Vera - Provides hydrating, cooling and soothing properties.

What I really like about this serum is how lightweight it feels on the skin. As a serum, it is much lighter than a cream would ever be and that means it isn't too thick either. One of my bugbears with an eye cream is those that are so thick no matter how little you use.

Whenever I have my skin scanned to look at dryness, hydration, elasticity levels and sun damage, one report that always comes back is dehydration under my eyes.  This is partly owing to the fact I spent a lot of my working day looking at a PC screen and once I am home, a few nights a week I put the laptop on.  I also have an iPhone and a Kindle and all of this contributes to the dryness, as do environmental factors.  So I always use an eye cream or serum every single day and they form part of my skincare routine.  I also, at least one a week, use under eye masks for added moisture and care.

So, for the past few months I have been using this serum from Emma Hardie and my gosh it is every bit as incredible as I knew it would be. You need the smallest amount on your ring finger, one pump is more than enough for both eyes and to apply you simply tap it onto the skin gently ensuring that you cover the entire contour area. Ideal to be used both mornings and just before you go to bed, this serum isn't greasy or tacky on the skin and nor does it contain any synthetic colours or fragrances, it is mineral oil free and there are no animal ingredients as the Emma Hardie brand does not test on animals.

Priced at £49 you can find it online via Cult Beauty and LookFantastic.

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

OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub

One of my favourite hair care discoveries this year has been Ouai, without exception, everything I have tried has been amazing and I didn't think anything could be the Rose Hair and Body Oil (review here) which I absolutely love... until I tried the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub and literally, this is possibly the best product for my scalp that I have tried.

If you haven't come across Ouai before, it is the brain child of Jen Atkin the lady who is very much responsible for maintaining the manes of Klan Kardashian, Gigi Hadid and Gwen Stefani to name just a few, a range of products has been developed and if it is good enough for them, well it is good enough for me. With shampoos, conditioners which are sulphate-free, they use a smart keratin to repair and improve hair strength. Even the styling products are designed to nourish hair and bring out its natural beauty.

I have combination hair, so I have greasy roots and dry ends, so whenever I am using any shampoo, conditioner, mask or treatment, I have slowly learnt over the years which ingredients irritate my scalp and which ones do not. When I am stressed or feeling run down, it is at this point my scalp acts up and becomes dry and itchy and I need a product to exfoliate my scalp but not exacerbate the problem and in all honesty, there are seldom few products that I have come across to do just that.

Within the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub, the use of exfoliating sugar crystals works to give your scalp a real deep clean without irritating or scratching and the sugar crystals are also paired with a probiotic blend to help balance out and defend against harmful bacteria. Alongside which we have the fatty acid-rich coconut oil which works to replenish the skin's natural oils as well as to nourish the scalp, all while conditioning and treating hair. The final ingredient is CBD Oil which works to naturally calm inflamed and irritated skin.

As this scrub can be used on both the scalp and the body, you only need a small amount. If I am using it before going in the bath, I apply it to damp skin, massage it on in circular motions and then scrub it off once I am in the water, making it perfect for hard to remove skin.  On my hair, I always ensure my hair is damp and then section my hair and apply as directly as I can to my scalp and gently massage in.  You can also add a small amount to your shampoo if you feel your scalp needs a little more attention.

As you might expect, this scrub smells just incredible.  If you have used any of the Ouai products the scent of bergamot, rose, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk are all present alongside the coconut oil, which isn't overpowering and if Jen could make this scent into a candle, it would be amazing!

Priced at £32 you can find this scrub and the rest of the Ouai collection here.

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