I hope you’ve all had a great weekend. I’ve had a quiet one at home, in fact yesterday I worked from home for the first time. Just a few months ago working on live TV programmes from home would have seemed ludicrous, but thanks to technology it’s all possible!
These last few months have prompted totally unforeseen lifestyle changes – some good and some not so good. At the start of lockdown I found it very difficult to focus and finish planned tasks. Three months on, I feel more settled and able to concentrate better. Most of the products in this June beauty favourites roundup were actually planned to feature in a much earlier post. But you know, best laid plans and all that!
Some months ago I was kindly sent these Age Defy+ by Cha Vøhtz products to try. It’s taken me until recently to trial them consistently (I like to use new products for at least two weeks before coming to a conclusion on them). I’ve almost finished the Pure Luxe Body Oil, and I’ve been carefully ekeing out the last few drops. It’s perfect for dry elbows and shins, and particularly good to use after shaving. I usually epilate my legs, but I shave when I’m in a rush, which always irritates my skin. A good oil soothes any sore, itchy patches. The Pure Luxe Body Oil contains bergamot, mandarin, pomegranate and neroli oils to balance, rejuvenate and replenish the skin. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, wth 84% certified organic ingredients. The body oil costs £25 for a 50ml bottle at Green People.
The Ultimate Wonder Balm is a multi-tasking product that can be used as a cleanser, or as an SOS balm to protect sensitive lips, tame eyebrows, nourish cuticles or soothe dry skin. I use it as a cleanser and find it really effective at removing makeup. It’s solid in the jar but warms up and melts on contact with the skin, leaving it clean, moisturised and soothed. A little goes a long way so I’ve still got loads left. The Ultimate Wonder Balm is scented with the warm and uplifting aroma of jasmine, champak flower and orange peel. It’s cruelty-free and 99% organic.
The Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask is my favourite of the three Cha Vøhtz products. The first thing I noticed about it was the delicious fragrance; the blend of warm citrus notes is aimed at clearing the mind, soothing nervous tension and aiding a restful sleep. Well it certainly does that for me. It’s recommended that you use it 2-3 times a week but I have to resist the urge to use it every night! I adore neroli…it’s like catnip to me!
As for my skin, well I definitely look more rested in the morning after using the mask. My complexion appears more even and smooth. The green macro algae in the mask is rich in penta-saccharides to stimulate collagen production. Plus, the caesalpinia spinosa delivers intense skin hydration and long-term firmness. As with the Wonder Balm, a little goes a long way. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, and contains 91% certified organic ingredients. A 50ml jar costs £32, which I think is great value for money. I’ll definitely be re-ordering it when I run low.
Age Defy+ by Cha Vøhtz is a signature range from the founder of Green People, Charlotte Vøhtz, tailored for women aged 35+. Charlotte’s drive to create truly organic skin care began when her young daughter was battling multiple skin allergies and eczema. She searched the high street for natural products but found that many so-called natural skin care brands used almost entirely synthetic ingredients. In fact you only need to have less than 1% natural or organic ingredients in the formulation to call it ‘natural’. Charlotte: “From that moment, I realised that we all are children of the chemical age and that man-made chemicals found everywhere, combined with changing dietary habits, profoundly affect us all”.
After years of product research and development, Green People was founded in 1997. Charlotte pledged to never use aggressive ingredients or synthetic chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, alcohol (ethanol) or synthetic fragrances or colourants, and to never test on animals.
I’m really impressed with Green People’s values and ethics. I’m trying hard to buy more ethical and natural products, both for myself and the home. I’ll definitely be exploring the other ranges available on the website.
I received these lovely mini balms from Scentered just before Christmas…hence the little stocking in the photo below. Well, I did say it had taken me a while to knock this post into shape! In hindsight, they couldn’t have arrived at a better time with the pandemic just around the corner. If ever there was a time I needed aromatherapy it’s been these last few months!
Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin contains five of Scentered’s best-selling 100% natural balms: Sleep Well, De-stress, Happy, Focus and Escape. They are formulated with a blend of moringa and shea butter, to ensure a non-greasy finish. Each balm can be used individually to target a specific need or together, as a personal mood and lifestyle support ‘tool kit’.
De-stress is a soothing blend of chamomile, neroli and mandarin to help keep you calm and support feelings of well-being.
Sleep Well harnesses the therapeutic benefits of lavender, chamomile, palmarosa and Ho Wood, balanced with Bois de Rose and geranium. The patchouli, clove and Ylang Ylang heart brings a modern oriental twist.
Focus is an invigorating blend of rosemary to increase alertness and boost memory, mint to stimulate mental activity and increase focus on cognitive tasks and clary sage which relieves mental fatigue and promotes clarity.
Escape blends Oud, as used in Eastern spiritual practices to enhance clarity of mind, sandalwood for strengthening, and frankincense for balance.
Happy is described as “sunshine in a stick“. This uplifting citrus and mint blend delivers an instant burst of positivity. The grapefruit helps lifts your spirits, while lemon myrtle energises and refreshes. Spearmint is both uplifting and positive.
The de-stress stick is the one I’m drawn to the most; again, the neroli probably has a lot to do with that! This selection of mini balms would make a lovely gift; at £26 they won’t break the bank either. They’re so handy for popping in your handbag to take to work, school or a big event. They’d be great for travelling too, especially if you suffer with nerves. When Isobel starts high school in a few months I’ll give her the de-stress balm to quell those first day nerves!
We all know the importance of looking after our skin, but I’m probably not the only one to concentrate on the face and neglect the neck area. Am I right? Recently I’ve noticed that my neck looks a bit stringy at certain angles so I thought it was time to invest in a dedicated throat cream. A while ago I saw a post by Suzi of Alternative Ageing, showing the results of using Prai Ageless Throat and Decolletage Serum and Cream. I was so impressed I made a note to buy myself some. Well, just after the start of lockdown, QVC had a special offer of the serum, day cream and night cream for around £40, which was too good to resist! I’ve been using the trio almost every morning and evening for about two months now.
The serum is in a tube with cooling rollerballs, so it feels wonderful to apply. The creams go a long way so I’ve hardly made a dent in them. They do have a slight tendency to pill if you overwork them, gently patting the product in works best.
The Ageless Throat & Decolletage Cremes features Sepilift technology plus Hyaluronic Acid to restore elasticity, boost collagen and attack fine lines and crepiness. The Ageless Throat & Decolletage Night Creme contains two forms of Retinol to visibly reduce stubborn signs of ageing as you sleep. Other key ingredients include: Vitamins A, E and F to rejuvenate ageing and damaged skin, shea butter and squalane to lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration,plus mulberry, saxifrage and grapeseed extracts to help fade age spots.
The Ageless Throat & Decolletage Serum contans: Goldenrod extract which shields skin from daily environmental damage, Hematite extract to improve skin tone and texture, and Red algae which helps bind water to skin for deep and lasting hydration.
So, after two months, has it had the desired effect? Well firstly, it isn’t really crepey skin that bothers me. Rather, it’s the sinewy appearance that isn’t caused by sagging skin, so a cream can’t really fix that. However, using the serum and creams has firmed up my skin a little, plus it’s much more hydrated. I don’t have any impressive before and after photos like Suzi, but my skin certainly feels better for using Prai. Would I repurchase it? Yes, I think I would – especially if the QVC deal is repeated. The day and night cream duo costs £45 and the serum £30, so I basically got the serum for free!
I was delighted to learn that Prai is a brand closely aligned with my views on animal welfare: “At the heart of our brand is our love for animals. We are proudly PETA Cruelty-Free and Leaping Bunny certified. Best of all, a portion of every single sale goes directly to fund animal rescue projects we care about. By supporting PRAI, you are helping to give a voice to those who have none and making a better world for all of us.” Even more reason to support this brilliant brand!
As I said at the start of this post, lockdown and all of the ensuing disruptions made it difficult for me to focus. One thing that helps me stick to tasks and finish them is making lists. Now I can do even better than that with this Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner. It’s described as a gratitude journal and productivity planner in one.
The planner helps you set daily, weekly and monthly goals. On each daily page, there is a space to write down three things that you are grateful for. There are tips for identifying and evaluating goals. The planner encourages you to write an affirmation each to repeat to yourself. (I’ve got to admit that I’m not sold on that one.)
It’s recommended that you prioritise your daily tasks in order of importance, and at the end of each day, review how you feel it went and what you were able to achieve. You can read more about how to use the planner here.
I’ve never used a planner before so I’m still working on making it a habit. I do think it’s a great way to focus your mind on what you want to achieve and check on your progress. And having such a stylish book to help with that makes it much easier! I’ve got no excuse for being unorganised now…I’m holding myself accountable! The Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner costs £20.95. It would make a perfect birthday or graduation gift.
Disclaimer: I was gifted some of the items marked in this post in exchange for a review. All words and opinions are my own and completely honest.
Amazing array of products to read about, thank you for sharing, Emma. Some face and body products sound very good and worth a try. Hope you find the journal organiser helpful
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I am using Prai too and I think it really makes a difference, my skin is older then yours, I am very happy with it! Have a good start of the week!
I’m really interested in the goal setter. I will try anything to get me organised! I You’d think the lock-down and having all that time I would have conquered this but no. Not me! As you know I’m a huge fan of the Prai brand. I hope you enjoy the results Emma xx
That oil sounds amazing!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
What a cute journal! I like the idea of the sleep mask too, it sounds lovely! 🙂 I was starting to get into a routine and rhythm with home iso too and then they opened up the schools again – I’m still finding my feet a little as more things open but we are starting to get into that routine now 🙂
Thanks for the link up!
Hope that you had a great weekend 🙂
I need to check some of these out! The Wonder Balm and Sleep Mask sound amazing!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Those balm look really nice. I like the variety. I have a calendar planner and I go back and forth using it and using just a notebook to write my lists for the week and days.
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I love this roundup of reviews- right up my alley because I’m always game for discovering new skincare products aimed at defying age!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Excellent products and I’m a big fan of the Prai products. Thanks for hosting Emma. Jacqui x