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

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel - Magic in a Bottle

As promised here is a review on one of the best discoveries I made during 2015 - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. This is by no means a cleanser I use to take off my makeup, that would be such a disgrace since this thing is darn expensive. I use it as my 2nd cleanse. But let's start from the beginning, shall we. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Illuminating Vitamin Melting Cleanser

Oskia is a British skincare brand whose products are formulated by a team of nutritionists, cosmetics scientists and skincare specialists. It combines the best of both worlds, science and nature.  Renaissance Cleansing Gel comes in a 100ml bottle, which in my opinion is a descent amount. I love that it has a pump, so you don't have to bother with the squeeze tube. However, I don't like that I can't see how much product is left, which means I would be one unhappy person when it runs out without me anticipating it. Anyhow, it's packed full of wonderful ingredients and is suitable for the most sensitive of skins. I can totally vouch for that since I have extremely sensitive, atopic and eczema prone skin and this cleanser doesn't irritate it. It's also paraben free and suitable for use during pregnancy.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel Comes With a Pump

In terms of ingredients it contains vitamins A, C and E, Omega 6, Pumpkin Enzyme, Chamomile and Rose. Omega 6 is especially important for those people suffering from dry itchy skin, eczema or psoriasis. The consistency of this cleanser as the name suggests is of a gel. It has a pinky colour and a lovely rose scent. It's not an artificial rose, it's that of a real rose bush that blooms in summer. I adore the scent! How this product works; you simply rub it onto dry clean skin and it turns into an oil. I usually take a good amount of time to work it into the skin and wash it off. The skin is left feeling nourished and smooth without over drying it. I have been on a hunt for a cleanser that would not dry my skin out and offer actual skincare benefits. I have to say this ticks all the boxes for me. I don't think I will be trying a new cleanser anytime soon. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel Contains

Compared to other higher-end cleansers of a similar kind this one actually doesn't seem too bad price wise. For instance Tata Harper, Black Chicken Remedies, Sarah Chapman and Dr. Alkaitis come at a much heftier price tag. 

If you have been looking for a really good cleanser to pamper your skin and if everything else is simply too drying , give this one a go. Plus, Beautybay (that's where I got mine) occasionally runs some nice discounts site wide, so you can get it slightly cheaper.

Let me know what is your current favourite cleanser and if you can recommend one for extremely dry and sensitive skin. I would love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Facial Spray with a Handful of Ingredients

The hype is real around facial sprays. I see more and more brands coming out with their versions of the product. Facial sprays are commonly used to add glow and hydration to your skin or help to remove the overly powdery look from the face. I have tried quite a few (e.g Lush Eau Roma Water, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Vera Herbs and Rosewater, Vichy Thermal Water Spray). However, my search did not end there, until I stumbled upon the La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toner.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toner 150ml

La Roche-Posay is a hypoallergenic brand that falls under the L'Oréal umbrella. I have used several products from this line and some of them have earned a holy grail status, including the Serozinc Toner. It is a soothing, cooling yet mattifying facial mist that is not stripping for the skin. It is targeted for oily, blemish-prone skin. I have combination, sensitive and blemish-prone skin and it works great for me. It comes in a 150ml bottle, which is a good amount. It contains three ingredients: Aqua/Water, Sodium Chloride and Zinc. Zinc is good for fighting redness and irritation. Sodium Chloride or simply put salt, if used in moderation acts as an antiseptic, de-greases the skin and removes dead cells and dirt. I usually use this product before applying my makeup, or if I have nowhere to be I would spray it during the day to refresh my skin and take the greasy shine away. I don't necessarily use it as a replacement for a toner (but you can), even though it is marketed as one.

The majority of facial sprays (at least the ones I tried) contain alcohol which dries the skin out, parabens and fragrances. Serozinc is free from all the aforementioned and I really appreciate its simplistic ingredient list. It is easy to apply and can be used in multiple ways. You can use it as a toner, as a means to take the shine away, as a pick me up kind of thing or as a setting spray for your makeup. The possibilities are endless!

I purchased mine from Feelunique and it retails for 11,99€. Feelunqie offers free international shipping on orders over 15,00€. Usually they run some kind of promotions or discounts, which means you can save a few pennies as well.

If you have tried this product I would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers,
Muffy