La Belle Lune Organic Skin

One skincare product that I always have on hand is a face oil. My journey with face oils begun with the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which I used for years and still think is a great one. After that I transitioned to Dr. Alkaitis Nourishing Treatment Oil, which is fantastic value for money and has a very clean list of ingredients. However, recently I came across an indie brand, La Belle Lune and its Organic Skin face oil, which had amazing reviews and story. I decided to pick it up and have been using it for a few months now. As such I am well equipped to share my thoughts, and if you care to know more, then keep on reading! 

La Belle Lune Organic Skin 

Let's start with the experience of actually getting the product to Finland (the company is based in the UK). First of all, La Belle Lune offers free international shipping (big YES!). They make their products in small batches, therefore it takes a few days before they ship it out. When they do ship it out, you get a notification and I believe I received my parcel within a week after that. The product came in a sturdy black box, very nicely wrapped and packaged (I was pleasantly surprised). It also included a separate note listing all the ingredients - nice attention to detail if you ask me. The overall presentation and the initial contact with the brand has been excellent (better than what you get with bigger, more established brands and retailers). 

About the product packaging itself. The branding is not particularly to my liking, but I can appreciate how different/alternative it is. The product is stored in a black/dark blue glass bottle which protects the ingredients from being overexposed to light (highly appreciate that). You get 20ml of product as opposed to 30ml (standard size). I was aware of this prior to ordering, hence it did not come as a surprise. Personally I don't see it as an issue, since you don't need a lot (1-3 drops) and I'd rather re-order a fresh one once I run out. It comes with a pump, not a dropper applicator. This is something that occasionally makes me a little bit frustrated as the pump can get stuck and fails to work properly.

La Belle Lune Organic Skin

What does it contain? The oil is packed full of vitamins and nutrients such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Milk Thistle Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rose Otto Essential Oil, Frankincense Essential Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Rosemary CO2 extract. I was especially thrilled to see the Chia and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil among the top ingredients as they're not something you can easily come by. A more detailed description of each ingredient can be found here. 

This oil didn't disappoint. It feels luxurious, has heavenly scent (if you like lavender) and is non-greasy. It hasn't broken me out: on the contrary I wake up with calmer and plumper looking skin. Besides the amazing results and ingredients, La Belle Lune is an organic and cruelty-free brand that won't break the bank (compared to Vintner's Daughter, May Lindstrom, Sunday Riley etc.). In my opinion the price (£46.00) is very reasonable considering the quality you are getting. 

Overall there is nothing more I can say other than I won't be looking to try something new in the face oil department anytime soon! I am, however, looking forward to seeing what other products La Belle Lune will be bringing out in the future.

I hope you found this post useful. If you know of any other indie brands that are cruelty-free and worth trying do let me know!

Until next time,

Muffy

The Natural Deodorant Co. - Gentle Deodorant Cream

I have been on a hunt for a new natural deodorant, since Net-a-Porter has ceased to offer the occasional free shipping option. I have been previously using the La Vanilla one, which is too expensive now with shipping costs being more than the actual product itself. However, not so long ago I came across a completely new brand, at least to me, called The Natural Deodorant Co. As the name implies this independent British company specialises in organic natural deodorants. I decided to give it a go and see if it's as good as it claims to be.

The Natural Deodorant Co. Gentle Deodorant Cream in Tangerine

Let's start with the packaging which I personally really like. It's a simple yet sturdy glass jar which might not be ideal for some people but I highly appreciate that I can later re-use it, without just throwing it away as I would a regular deodorant stick. I think the whole product presentation has a retro vibe to it which I do enjoy. 

The Natural Deodorant Co. currently has three types of deodorants in their offering: Clean, Active and Gentle. I picked up the Gentle one as it's aimed at sensitive skin and does not contain baking soda. In each category they have a few scent options, I personally went for tangerine. 

Consistency of the deodorant

In terms of consistency and ease of application I was pleasantly surprised. The texture is not too runny. In a way it reminds me of a non-gritty cookie dough. I just scoop a pea-size amount of deodorant and apply it directly to the armpits. It's non-sticky and dries instantly to a powdery finish. You don't have to wait around for it to soak in, instead you can just proceed with your normal routine. It doesn't leave white marks on clothes which is a big plus. The tangerine scent is very pleasant without being too overpowering. 

When it comes to the ingredients list it's short and clean. It contains: Arrowroot, Magnesium Oxide, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Clay and Tangerine Oil. The deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free. It's free from gluten, parabens, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance, fillers and aluminium. You can also find the best before date handwritten on the jar.  

Now, does it get the job done? Absolutely yes. It has kept me feeling fresh and comfortable all day. I do have an office job, therefore I can't say how well it will hold if you have a more active lifestyle. I think in that case I'd recommend checking their Active deodorant line. 

Overall, I think it's a great option if you have been looking for an everyday natural deodorant that actually works and doesn't cost a fortune. I have picked mine from Naturisimo but you can also get it from The Natural Deodorant Co:s own website. If you don't want to commit to a full size product you can order samples from Naturisimo and The Natural Deodorant Co. as well. This is super handy and I think more online retailers should do that!

Let me know if you have tried The Natural Deodorant Co. deodorants and, if yes, what your favourite scents are!

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

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Embrace

I am not a fan of cream blushes. When I think about cream blush I can't help but feel like it's messy, will slide off my face and leave a greasy residue. But recently I came across a new brand of makeup called Kjaer Weis. Her cream blushes seem to get exceptional reviews and I decided to give it a go. I picked up the lightest shade in the collection called Embrace.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace

Kjaer Weis is an organic luxury brand. Her products come in a modern yet sophisticated packaging which is refillable. I highly appreciate the brand's zero-waste packaging ideology. As I already have a few z-palettes I opted for a refill option just to see how I get along - plus it's cheaper. I do wish to get a proper compact eventually. 

Now let's talk a bit about the actual blush. It's a nude-pink colour which would look stunning on fair to light-medium skin tones. On me it looks more pink as I have a light-medium complexion but, for instance, on my friend who is paler it pulls more nude. It's made in Italy from certified organic ingredients including castor seed oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, rosa rubiginosa seed oil and gardenia florida fruit extract. It doesn't contain coconut oil which makes it suitable for sensitive skins prone to breakouts.  It's free from  gluten, petroleum, parabens, artificial colouring and fragrance. It has a shelf life of 12 months after opening.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace

In regards to performance I can't say enough good things about this blush. It's highly pigmented, easy to apply and lasts on my cheeks for a good 8 hours. It doesn't leave a greasy residue but rather sets to a demi-matte finish. It blends effortlessly and is foolproof. You can apply this blush with your fingers or a synthetic brush. I use the Makeup Geek Angled Stippling Brush and it gets the job done. Since this is a cream product it doubles up nicely as a lipstick. I am not a fan of such pale colours on my lips but I can totally see myself using the more darker colours from the range.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace swatch from the pan

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace slightly blended

Overall I am very happy with this purchase. It has fast become my go to blush and I will keep getting a lot of use from it especially during Spring and Summer months. In Finland you can purchase Kjaer Weis products from Jolie. If you have been unsure about cream blushes, this would be a good place to start. If not for yourself I think Kjaer Weis products would make great gifts especially for someone in your life that appreciates niche brands, design and makeup. 

Let me know if you have tried any other products from the Kjaer Weis makeup range, I'd love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy