Neal's Yard Review: 3 Favourite Cosmetics (Organic Beauty Week)

Au Naturel

I'm not the sort of woman who uses lots of cosmetics. I don't ever wear make-up (in fact I don't even own any). I don't have a problem with it, by which I mean for me it's not a polemical feminist choice not to wear it: it's not a statement as far as I'm concerned, I just can't muster any enthusiasm for it. And besides, I was alway useless when I tried to put it on to go out in my younger days. 

Neal's Yard Organic Skincare

However, I do like good skincare, and I am trying to take better care of my skin as I get older. I've dipped in and out of Neal's Yard products over the years (when I dipped out it was because I could't afford it), but I do have a few favourites amongst their delightful range, so I thought I'd share them with you here, in time for Organic Beauty Week next week- which I am delighted to discover exists: 

What's so great about Organic?

There is a great explanation on the Neal's Yard website, which you can see here- I can't put it any better!

My Three Favourites: 

Rose & Almond Night Cream: this is an intense, nourishing cream which smells heavenly and comes in a delightfully old-fashioned tin tube. It's probably best for drier skin, but I find it absorbs easily enough and makes me feel like I'm really ready for some restorative sleep. 75% organic ingredients, and packed with anti-oxidants and vitamins. 

Wild Rose Hand Cream: 92% organic, this cream again smells divine. It is easy to apply, and is well absorbed whilst leaving your hands delicately scented. Plus, it has really pretty packaging. Perfect to counteract anything strenuous you might do with your hands.

Starflower Cleansing Milk: I'm pretty sure that one of the things I used to love about this cleanser was that it was a splash-off sort of thing. This seems to have disappeared from the instructions for use, however it is still a lovely light cleanser which doesn't leave a residue or let your skin feel overly dry. At 95% organic it is reassuring to know that you don't need man-made synthetic chemicals to leave your skin feeling bright and awake. 

Something for all skin types

Do click the banners to go straight to the Neal'sYard site. With a comprehensive range of products there is bound to be something which smells delicious and suites your skin type. On my list to try is the Palmarosa Purifying Face Mask to tackle congested skin. 

Organic Make-Up

If you are more interested in make-up, you might be interested to know that you can organic too! Click below!

The Down Side

My only comment about ordering from Neal's Yard online would be the over-the-top packaging that everything seems to come in- think huge boxes full of padding, and thermal envelopes. Seriously, is that the most economic and eco-friendly way of sending things...? I wonder.

Incidentally, in case you are wondering, also pictured is the delightful ikat clutch bag that I won from Teixits Vicens, in the instagram competition they ran to showcase items made from their stunning fabrics. Thank you Martina! 

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Review

Skincare:

Here's a skincare confession: I am a bit lazy when it comes to my face. I always wash it in the morning, in the shower or after I work out, but I often just hop into bed of an evening without so much as the lick of a wet flannel. That's pretty lazy isn't it?

So, when I was offered the chance to try out these beautiful products from Liz Earle, I jumped at the chance to mend my ways and build up some better habits. Would it make any difference, I wondered...?

About Liz Earle:

Based on the Isle of Wight and founded in 1995, Liz Earle founded her skincare brand on the principles of botanical goodness and a fuss-free dependable routine. The brand is also committed to being environmentally friendly, which is laudable. 

Naturally Active:

There is an A-Z of ingredients on the Liz Earle website here, which is very informative, and actually flags up just how committed to the "Naturally Active" tag the brand is: it's a very long list. 

I also love this spirit of openness: we are getting smarter about what we consume in our foods, but given that the skin is our biggest organ, are we lacking behind in an understanding of what is in our cosmetics?

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

The Products:

I received some Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, accompanying muslin cloths, and a tub of Superskin Moisturiser.

My first impressions were of quality: the elegant packaging is neither too girly nor dripping with too much hard-sell. I loved the understated no B.S. feel of everything. 

Superskin here we come!

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser:

This is sort of across between a face wash and a cleansing lotion: you apply to dry skin and wash off with the muslin cloths. This is a really pleasant sensation, and being a stress-relieving experience is  now a little part of the day that I look forward to. 

I can see why this product has won a huge number of awards: it smells really fresh and it cleans without leaving a residue or over-drying the skin. 

The muslin cloths were easy to chuck in the washing machine, although I have to confess that I did switch to my crocheted wash-cloths, which seem to work just as well. I would be interested to try the Rose & Cedrat limited edition Hot Cloth Cleanser too. 

Award-winning Hot Cloth Cleanser

Hot Cloths, of the crochet variety

Superskin Moisturiser:

The first sensation I had of this cream was the gorgeous smell emanating from the (very full) tub, which I suppose must be the neroli- it's heavenly. I soon discovered that the cream is very rich, and a little goes a long way. It has a shelf life of six months- I know this because I actually did wonder whether I would get through it all before it has gone out of date!

Applying it in the mornings and at night (yes indeed, check me out and my new routine!), I found my skin looked fuller and felt really supple. I definitely felt like I looked healthier, and I actually do believe that, as the packaging claims "Superskin can't turn the clock back, but helps slow the ticking". 

I found that it was fairly easily absorbed, but the little how-to-apply guide that comes with it is actually really useful. I'd never thought about the best way to apply face cream... until now.

I will continue to use the cream overnight. Although it felt like amazing protection if I was out in the Cornish elements, it was however just a touch heavy for the daytimes, especially if I was getting sweaty at the gym. I might invest in a lotion for the day times: perhaps Skin Repair light moisturiser might be a better go-to option if you don't have really dry skin. 

Superskin Moisturiser with Neroli

How to apply face cream, who knew...?

The Verdict:

It felt like a real treat for my face (as well as my sense of smell) to use these products. I love the fact that they use natural ingredients, and I would definitely shop the Liz Earle range, especially as I want to get behind the company's aims. 

If, like me, you struggle a little bit with good skincare habits, a new regime that feels like a few minutes of luxury might be just the ticket! 

Products kindly supplied by Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare, opinions are my own.