Simple Facial Wash Gel

Ever since I can remember first buying skincare products Simple products have always been a brand I have trusted. The brand is famed for being aimed at those with sensitive skin but unlike so many brands I like does not have a hefty price tag.

The issue I have with so many affordable cleansers is how so many of them actually make me breakout far worse than not using them. After experimenting with so many face washes I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to go back to basics, not buying products containing numerous amounts of chemicals. All these cleansers are actually doing is stripping my skin of any goodness that needs to be there. Even after a few washes with my coconut oil and Simple I saw notable differences in how my skin felt and looked. I don’t have that horrible squeaky feel but skin that feels clean from all my makeup being removed and any breakouts have been dramatically reduced.

With the inclusion of Vitamin E and Vitamin B5 means this gel is designed to heighten how healthy and glowing your skin looks and feels. Containing no fragrance, I believe is also vital against skin that can become irritated and potentially prone to breakout. My skin has reaped the benefits of swapping to the use of my Simple skincare products so if you think you suffer with similar skin concerns then maybe it is time to reconsider your skincare routine too.

My Love of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has for a long time been on my radar for its numerous health and beauty benefits. I am constantly in disbelieve how versatile one jar of coconut oil can be. The Real Food Company Coconut Oil is 100% raw, organic cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil meaning it is the purest it can be. When choosing coconut oils so many different ones are on the market, therefore it is very important to check carefully you are not buying one which contains anything but 100% coconut.

Coconut oil has been an absolute winner as an alternative to other types of oil for cooking. However, I’ve been particularly loving experimenting with coconut oil in some of my baking creations. I’m totally loving how different my baking is tasting using other types of ingredients other than butter and conventional flours and sugars. Somehow it also makes having an extra piece of cake slightly more justifiable too… Side note: coconut oil is so yummy on toasted fruit bread instead of butter.

Not only has this been brilliant in cooking, but also in my haircare routine. With hair that is pretty in need of a cut at the moment I have used this melted between my fingers as a hair mask once or twice a week through the length of my hair for 10-15 minutes before showering with my normal shampoo leaving my hair beautifully soft and looking nourished. Apparently, coconut oil is also ideal for heat protection so that is a brilliant natural bonus for me.

With regard to the beauty aspect of coconut oil whilst finishing up some of my sample cleansers I apply this onto my face and neck through melting the oil between my fingers. I then wash this away with warm water. The oil is really safe for use around the eye area and seems to get into my pores to pick up all that dirt and makeup that may have accumulated throughout the day. Sometimes I like to use a double cleansing method to get rid of some of the coconut oil residue left but more often than not just using the coconut oil is enough for me.
My Mum now also keeps her jar near the kitchen sink for applying after washing up as this makes the best hand cream.

I’ve spied many other ways coconut oil can be used. I am not totally sure how I feel about brushing my teeth with it but I truly can see a lot of other things working well with coconut oil.

The smell just seems to add to the appeal- I imagine yummy cocktails and exotic summer holidays to smell like this. Absolute heaven.

June Favourites

June has been an extremely busy month for me both working most days of the week and also trying to fit in seeing various friends and family. This month has not seen many new favourites but here are three things that I have been really loving.

* I apologise for the poor quality of picture. I couldn't take this with my normal camera and I didn't realise how poor it was until it came to editing and sorting this post out.... Sorry!!*

Calumurid Pro Hand Cream: I have been trying a range of the Calmurid products because these are designed for people with particularly dry skin and eczema. The hand cream has deserved a particular mention this month though because working and being on the go has at times left my hands in need of a little TLC at the end of each day. I don’t rate the smell to be honest but my hands have obviously reaped the benefits of regular use.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Rose Gold: A definite range of matte and shimmery eyeshadows I go back to time and time again. I find with this a little definitely goes a long way and combined with some of my other eyeshadows I absolutely last the staying power and finish it gives to my makeup which can be made to be bold or a subtler shimmer.

Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ‘Wich’: Oh boy if you love Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough is definitely the thing for you! This is two cookies sandwiched together with vanilla ice cream. Eating these I honestly think I’ve died and gone to heaven. These come in various sizes a smaller eight pack or the larger 3 pack. Plus, they now do this in tubbed ice cream form too. I really hope they consider doing these in other flavours too.

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo

Recently, I’ve been trying out a range of new shampoos and conditioners. I find I either get quite bored of using the same brand of hair products or I find it’s quite beneficial for my hair not becoming reliant on a series of products. I often fear my hair takes a bit of a battering from being exposed to heat frequently, so often I like to look for new products that keep some of those concerns at bay.

The Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair range which includes shampoo, conditioner and also a hair treatment mask which all contain keratin shown to improve the strength and health of hair. I bought the shampoo as a trial as in the past I’ve found the consistency of both the Dove shampoos and conditioners to be a little too thick for my liking. However, this shampoo definitely seems to be a much better consistency that allows you to create a good lather that can be rinsed out easily. I’ve been combining this with my current conditioner, a Tresmee one, that to be honest I don’t love but needs using. The results have definitely been pleasing with a good lasting scent, hair that looks super silky and best of all I don’t feel such an urge to reach for any dry shampoos as grease is not an issue between hair washes. Hooray!!

I’m definitely considering going to purchase the conditioner and hair treatment mask to try as I would be interested to see in combination how well the range as a whole will work for my hair.