Bamford Botanic Lip Balm

I have to say that I am quite picky with lip balms, as such I am always on the hunt for a perfect one. In the past I have really enjoyed Nuxe's Reve de Miel Lip Balm, but Nuxe is not cruelty free. When I came across the Bamford's Botanic Lip Balm it visually reminded me of the Reve de Miel Lip Balm but also ticked the boxes in terms of ingredients and being cruelty-free. I decided to pick it up and give it a go. 

In term of packaging it comes in a recyclable glass pot with a clean design. I know that many people will say that pot containers aren't the most hygienic nor user-friendly but I personally don't mind it.  You get 15ml of product. The list of ingredients is very lean including coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, grapefruit peel oil, bergamot fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, peppermint herb oil, rose flower oil and arnica herb extract. It's 100% organic and free from parabens, petrolatum and mineral oil. It has a shelf life of 12 months.  

The lip balm has a minty scent, since it contains peppermint. Usually I am not a fan of minty lip balms as I don't prefer the tingly sensation they provide. This one however has a very mild barely there tingly sensation which I don't mind at all. The texture of the lip balm is not too thick nor gloopy. It feels very comfortable on the lips. It doesn't sit on top of my lips like a lot of lip balms containing petrolatum do. I can feel that it's actually doing something for my lips by keeping them hydrated and soothed. I usually use it before going to sleep or if needed throughout the day. It also works really well under a liquid lipstick. 

Overall, I am very satisfied with this product. It has an affordable price point, it's cruelty free, doesn't contain any nasties and does a good job at protecting my lips. If you have been looking for an effective organic lip balm, I think this one is worth checking out. 

Let me know what's your go to lip balm! 

Until next time, 

Muffy

True Organic of Sweden - All You Need Is Me



Hello people of the internet, long time no see. Today I am going to review the All You Need Is Me multipurpose balm by the True Organic of Sweden. Even thought it's called a multipurpose balm I bought it with an intention of using primarily as a lip balm/treatment.   

I am not going to lie: things that attracted me to this product were Scandinavian minimalistic packaging and a list of ingredients. There is really nothing to say about the packaging design other than it's simple, functional and aesthetically pleasing (at least to me). An added bonus is that the outer packaging is made out of sustainable carton and the actual tube of green polyethylene (not plastic), which is obtained from sugarcane. The product comes in a tube of 15ml and 50ml. The one featured here is a smaller size. In terms of ingredients I can't stress enough how much I appreciate that it doesn't contain petrolatum. Instead it has castor oil, beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, vitamin E, blueberry seed oil and sunflower oil. It's certified organic.

True Organic Of Sweden, All You Need Is Me, multipurpose balm (15ml)

It promises to protect from dry, flaky, cracked or thirsty skin. You can apply it on the lips, nose, knees, feet, elbows, cuticles or hair. Sounds like an awesome allrounder, right? Well, I can't attest to that since I used it only on my lips. Having used up almost an entire tube, I can say that it's an OK product. I don't dislike it and I don't love it. Mainly because it's not hydrating enough. I like the texture and that is has almost no scent. You can perhaps detect a little hint of olive oil but nothing overpowering. However, when I put it at night I still wake up with relatively dry lips, despite the numerous amount of oils. It does work better during the warmer months simply because my lips are not as flaky and dry to begin with compared to winter seasons. 

I think it's good value for money, especially if you purchase a bigger tube. I bought mine at a discount for about 9,90 euros (usual price 12,90). The larger size costs 24,90 euros and you get 3 times the amount of product. In Finland you can get it at the local department store - Sokos or otherwise at the True Organic of Sweden website. 

Overall I'd say if you are not particularly dry and looking for an organic alternative to the oh so famous Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (which was not mosturizing enough for me either), this is a good one to check out. 

Let me know what your suggestions are for an extremely hydrating lip balm that is cruelty-free and doesn't contain petrolatum. I am all ears!
   
Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 vs Lush Honey Trap

Nobody likes the look and feel of dry lips. Lip balm is an essential product in anybody's everyday routine. Despite being such a staple, it is difficult to find one that actually works. Now I became even more picky as I want it to be cruelty free, paraben free and do it's job. Lately I have been testing out Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush's Honey Trap lip balm. If you want to hear my thoughts, then keep on reading!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm

Kiehl's lip balm comes in a squeeze tube which I think is a big plus, as you don't have to dip your finger to get the product out. You get 15ml of product, and it retails for 8,00€, which is reasonable. It doesn't have any distinguishable fragrance, but to me it is very reminiscent of vaseline scent. My biggest problem with this lip balm is the consistency. It is very slippery, it doesn't absorb into my lips and just pretty much sits on top of them. Hence, you are left with a glossy finish on your lips. The list of ingredients is not too impressive either. At the very top you get Petrolatum and a few natural ingredients appear at the end like the Aloe Leaf Extract. Kiehl's is considered a brand that tests on animals since its products are sold in China, which requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals.

Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm and Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Packaging

Next up is the Honey Trap lip balm from Lush. Unlike Kiehl's lip balm it comes in a pot so you have to scoop the product out, which I am a little bit iffy about. It comes with 8g of product and is sold for 11,50€. I really like the consistency, it is very moisturising without feeling greasy. It gives your lips a slight sheen but nothing too glossy. I personally really like the scent, I can definitely pick up the notes of honey and vanilla. In term of ingredients it is packed with nourishing goodies like shea butter, almond oil, honey and extra virgin olive oil. It does contain Beeswax, so it is not suitable for vegans. But don't you despair, Lush also has a vegan version called None of Your Beesewax. It replaces beeswax with an extra virgin coconut oil and shea butter to give it a light texture and a slip. Among other ingredients are exotic mandarin oil, murumuru and cupuaçu butters. I don't own this one but I tried it at the store and I think I will be picking it up when I run out of the Honey Trap.

Overall my verdict is that Kiehl's lip balm #1 is an overrated vaseline with not so good ingredients. Honey Trap on the other hand
ticks all the boxes for me: it is cruelty free, paraben free and helps my dry lips. If you are looking to try a new lip balm, I say skip Kiehl's and check out Lush's Honey Trap instead! You can get it at your nearest Lush store or online. 

If you know of a good cruelty free, paraben free lip balm with an spf, let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy