Elderbrook Cordials - The Not Squash

00:11

Hands down, tea is my favourite drink. In fact, seldom you will find me in my own home without a warm cuppa in my hand, sipping away (or setting aside to cool and completely forgetting about it - oh, the British tragedy!). While teas are excellent at keeping me warm during the cool winter season (and the current spring, it was snowing just a few days ago), the fast approaching summer made me remember that I was rather resistant to drinking my usual earl grey last year when the long-awaited temperature went over 20 celsius. I absolutely love the sunshine and warm weather, however, what can I drink if not the favourite herbal infusion? I am not keen on just water and store bought diluting squash is full of sugar so an alternative must be found! Luckily, I was registered with Thrivo which allows accessing different discount codes. I came across the Edlebrook cordial which were offering a whopping 75% off so I was too curious to pass on this opportunity.



balm balm

Current lip balms

12:59

Hey, lippy you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind!

The packaging of lip balms can be a bit of dilemma - on one hand, a balm that comes in pots tend to be made from tin or glass hence more environmentally friendly than twist up plastic tubes. On the other hand, twist up tubes are more hygienic when you are on the go and waste less product as balm remains on your fingers. What to choose?
Hurraw! lip balms are my favourite lippies because the ingredients are top notch, the oval shape is unique and the flavours are very yum (my previous review is here). I have been using Hurraw! balms for several years in a pretty religious fashion but lately I thought about exploring the field a bit more. Somehow it got out of hand when I realised how many lip balms I have on the go at the moment.
Balm Balm Rose Geranium Lip Balm in Pot RRP £5.50 for 7ml
When I went green, this was the first lip balm I started to use because it was widely available in my local Boots and the range was quite budget friendly. The smell of geranium is quite strong so it could be a problem for those sensitive to strong smells. The texture is a bit grainy, which is frequently encountered with beeswax-based balms. The finish is very rich so it is great for people with very dry lips but not the best base for lipstick application (unless you blot it first). I typically use it before bedtime to ensure my lips are moisturised for the night. The balm comes in a plastic pot and it is pretty much a more solid version of their squeezy tubes balms.

Ingredients: Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), helianthus annuus (sunflower oil), cera alba (beeswax), calendula officinalis (calendula oil), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), pelargonum graveolens roseum (rose geranium oil)
Vegetarian (beeswax), UK brand, 100% organic

Eco Lips Mongo Kiss with Pomegranate Lip Balm RRP $2.99 for 7g
This was the last moment purchase from iHerb. Typically, if I shop on iHerb and my order is less than £14, I try to make it up by getting a lip balm and my choice went to this unfamiliar brand. The main selling point is the ingredient called Mongongo oil, which is rich in micronutrients and vitamin E. This unique ingredient is 100% organic and sourced from a local village in Zambia, providing local women with additional income. The lip balm is a whopping 7g and a large diameter means applying lip balm is very quickly. The pomegranate flavour is slightly sour, personally, I like it but I have seen the reviews complaining about the smell (the unflavoured version is available in the range). The texture is very smooth and my lips feel very moisturised. The balm comes in a twist up plastic tube. Because of the large size, it can be an all over body balm on the go.

Ingredients:   *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Cera Flava (Beeswax), Fair Trade Certified TM *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Pomegranate Flavor, *Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract.  *= Certified Organic Ingredients
Vegetarian (beeswax), organic, fair trade

Fushi Hydrating Lip Balm RRP £5 for 10ml
I picked up this little glass pot when it was massively reduced so I decided to see if the price is justified. To be honest, you do get 10ml of product which is more than a typical balm from a twist up tube. On the other hand, this means having to warm up the balm with your finger for a little longer because this balm is very solid. The balm is super smooth and glides evenly on my lips. It gives a very sheer coverage so I like to use it before applying lipsticks. The lightness of the formula means the lipstick colour will still be pigmented but my lips are nicely moisturised. The smell is of peppermint with a hint of lemon which really floats my boat. The peppermint does not give a cooling sensation though. I really like this balm, however, I would not recommend it to those with very dry lips. Fushi is certified organic and committed to having environmentally friendly practices (such as incorporating biodegradable packaging material and reducing energy expenditure by turning off their equipment at the end of the day), however, I was surprised to see the lip balm does not have any organic ingredients (or at least, none were marked as organic).

Ingredients: Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter), Persea gratissima (Avocado oil), Simmondsia chinesis(Jojoba oil), Cera alba (Beeswax), Mentha piperita (Peppermint essential oil), Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium essential oil), *Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), +Limonene, +Linalool, +Citral, +Geraniol, +Citronellol.
Vegetarian (beeswax), UK brand

Evolve Organic Beauty Lip Treat Vegan Lip Balm RRP £10 for 30ml
This little pot came in Naturisimo vegan discovery box so it is only a sample size. I find it very similar to the lip balm by Fushi except it is a bit more solid (for example, you would not be able to apply it with a lip brush) and almost odourless. The full tub will cost £10 for 30ml which is a steal compared to other balms. The lip treat is, of course, a multipurpose product and can be applied all over the body, not just lips. The ingredients do not feature any waxes, instead, there are nourishing shea and cocoa butter. This probably accounts for light texture when applied to lips and solid consistency in the pot. Just like Fushi lip balm, I like to apply this lip treat before putting on lipstick. I keep them both on my table, so when I am getting ready, I can easily reach out.

Ingredients: Helianthus annuus seed oil,* Butyrospermum parkii butter*, Theobroma cacao seed butter,* Glycerin, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed oil*, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil*, Sucrose laurate, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water*, Tocopherol.
* Organic.
Vegan, organic, UK brand

Epic Blend Pineapple-Mint Vegan Lip Balm RRP £3.99 for 4.2
This lippie comes in a white and green plastic twist up tube which gives me a vibe of very conventional lip balm, something you can pick up in any shop (but in the UK you definitely have to order it online). The brand has a designated vegan line which features carnauba wax instead of beeswax. The flavours are offered in a decent variety and went for pineapple and mint. I find this balm very similar to Hurraw because it gives the same richness of the application and fun flavour does not feel overpowering or synthetic. If you are looking for a good dupe for Hurraw balms, this is pretty close.

Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Flavor, Peppermint Essential Oil, Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract
Vegan, organic

Trevarno Skincare Lip Balm Stick RRP £3.90 for 4.5 ml
Last but no the least this hypoallergenic all natural and organic balm only has 4 ingredients. This is a great find for those who are sensitive to smell because it is absolutely odourless. Great alternative for people with sensitivities, however, this balm still features my favourite calendula - this wonderful plant has been used for centuries due to its healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Calendula petals are also a great addition to the tea. Personally, I like a big of fun smell so this balm is too plain for me but it is great at moisturising my lips so it definitely has its place on the market.

Ingredients: Olea Europaea Symphytum Officinale* (Olive Oil infused with Comfrey), Olea Europaea Calendula Officinalis* (Olive Oil infused with Calendula Petal), Cera Alba* (Beeswax)
Organically Produced*
Vegetarian (beeswax), 100% organic, UK brand

Lip balms are my favourite skincare products and despite the rich diversity on the green market, Hurraw! lip balms still remain my favourites and I cannot forsee any other lippie replacing them in my handbag. The Epic Blend lip balm comes very close in this competition and I am interested in exploring their range further.

Disclaimer - products are bought by me with my own money. Please check the official website for up to date information regarding every product. All information presented in this article is the opinion of the author and cannot be taken as a fact.


Agave Bun x 

Benecos

The Natural Beauty Box March 2017

16:51

The month has flown so quickly and I am already unpacking another box from the Natural Beauty Box. The theme of this month is English Garden. To my mind springs fields of flowers and intoxicating aroma. Vivid colours and whispering wind. (My English teacher would be so proud of the demonstrated alliteration).


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