Last weekend I went on my friend’s hen do. It was the first time that I have left Baby N to go out socially, so as you can imagine I got rather excited and put a lot of effort into getting ready. I started the night before by using this VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask that came in the July beauty box from Birchbox.

VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 1VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 2VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 3VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 4VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 5

The mask contains lots of gorgeous ingredients to rehydrate your skin and reduce the signs of aging:
  • NATURAL ALOE VERA GEL contains over 200 natural compounds including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins, and has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect
  • ARGAN OIL is rich in vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant, and essential fatty acids to help repair and protect skin
  • HYALURONIC ACID is naturally found in the skin and is exceptionally good at helping to keep skin hydrated and can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water
  • HIBISCUS SEED PROTEINS act as a natural exfoliant and help to soften the outer layer of the skin
  • WHEAT GERM OIL is rich in vitamins A, D and E to reduce skin drying
The liquid is applied to the little tablet which expands and opens out as it absorbs. The mask is then applied for 10 minutes whilst you do your best Leatherface impressions in the mirror. It feels lovely and cool whilst on the skin but the mask slips off quite easily so it’s best to sit still. After removing the mask my skin felt really soft, supple, hydrated and ready for the next step in my hen do prep!

It’s recommended that VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask is used twice a week for two weeks and repeated every six weeks. It costs £59 for four mask treatments and you can buy it, and read more, here http://shop.myvitabella.co.uk/vitabella-anti-ageing-face-mask-treatment-x-4-3-p.asp

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VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask

Last weekend I went on my friend’s hen do. It was the first time that I have left Baby N to go out socially, so as you can imagine I got rather excited and put a lot of effort into getting ready. I started the night before by using this VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask that came in the July beauty box from Birchbox.

VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 1VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 2VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 3VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 4VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask 5

The mask contains lots of gorgeous ingredients to rehydrate your skin and reduce the signs of aging:
  • NATURAL ALOE VERA GEL contains over 200 natural compounds including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins, and has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect
  • ARGAN OIL is rich in vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant, and essential fatty acids to help repair and protect skin
  • HYALURONIC ACID is naturally found in the skin and is exceptionally good at helping to keep skin hydrated and can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water
  • HIBISCUS SEED PROTEINS act as a natural exfoliant and help to soften the outer layer of the skin
  • WHEAT GERM OIL is rich in vitamins A, D and E to reduce skin drying
The liquid is applied to the little tablet which expands and opens out as it absorbs. The mask is then applied for 10 minutes whilst you do your best Leatherface impressions in the mirror. It feels lovely and cool whilst on the skin but the mask slips off quite easily so it’s best to sit still. After removing the mask my skin felt really soft, supple, hydrated and ready for the next step in my hen do prep!

It’s recommended that VitaBella Anti Ageing Face Mask is used twice a week for two weeks and repeated every six weeks. It costs £59 for four mask treatments and you can buy it, and read more, here http://shop.myvitabella.co.uk/vitabella-anti-ageing-face-mask-treatment-x-4-3-p.asp

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I recently applied for a Try of Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm via What’s In My Handbag and I was lucky enough to be successful! I received a 5ml sample of the cleansing balm.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 1Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 2Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 3

Omorovicza uses Hungary’s mineral-rich healing waters and high- performance, naturally derived ingredients in their range of products. The products are not tested on animals and are free from “nasties” such as parabens, SLS and synthetics.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm contains Hungarian Moor Mud to cleanse and sweet almond oil to replenish. Omorovicza’s Hydro Mineral Transference delivers minerals deep into the skin to leave skin feeling firmer and looking younger. It’s delicately scented with orange blossom so smells gorgeous too!

The black balm went on to the skin almost clear and easily removed all of my make-up. It left my skin feeling super soft and pampered. The sample was only 5ml but I managed to get 5 uses out of it. It’s a lovely cleanser and one I would certainly use again. However at £46 for 50ml it may be a while!

Have you tried this cleanser? What cleanser are you currently using?

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Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

I recently applied for a Try of Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm via What’s In My Handbag and I was lucky enough to be successful! I received a 5ml sample of the cleansing balm.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 1Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 2Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 3

Omorovicza uses Hungary’s mineral-rich healing waters and high- performance, naturally derived ingredients in their range of products. The products are not tested on animals and are free from “nasties” such as parabens, SLS and synthetics.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm contains Hungarian Moor Mud to cleanse and sweet almond oil to replenish. Omorovicza’s Hydro Mineral Transference delivers minerals deep into the skin to leave skin feeling firmer and looking younger. It’s delicately scented with orange blossom so smells gorgeous too!

The black balm went on to the skin almost clear and easily removed all of my make-up. It left my skin feeling super soft and pampered. The sample was only 5ml but I managed to get 5 uses out of it. It’s a lovely cleanser and one I would certainly use again. However at £46 for 50ml it may be a while!

Have you tried this cleanser? What cleanser are you currently using?

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I’ve been experimenting with the W7 Pink Debris glitter nail polish that I showed you earlier this week. I applied a base coat, then two coats of Color Club Mod in Manhattan, two coats of W7 Pink Debris, then a coat of Seche Vite.

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I think it’s a really fun look for the sunny days we’re having; it makes me think of ice-cream with sprinkles! My fiancé doesn’t like this look though, boo hiss.

What do you think?




Disclosure: I received the W7 nail polish for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.

NOTD – Color Club Mod in Manhattan & W7 Pink Debris

I’ve been experimenting with the W7 Pink Debris glitter nail polish that I showed you earlier this week. I applied a base coat, then two coats of Color Club Mod in Manhattan, two coats of W7 Pink Debris, then a coat of Seche Vite.

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I think it’s a really fun look for the sunny days we’re having; it makes me think of ice-cream with sprinkles! My fiancé doesn’t like this look though, boo hiss.

What do you think?




Disclosure: I received the W7 nail polish for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.

Sorry for the rubbish photo, if I had realised so many people would have been interested in this bread I would have taken better pictures! I tweeted a photo of this Banana & Cardamom Bread that I randomly baked the other night – I had a couple of overripe bananas and was going to make a banana cake but had no loaf tin, so went to make muffins but had no buttermilk. I found this bread recipe and thought it sounded weird but I’d give it a go – I’m so glad I did because it is SO delicious, especially toasted with lots of butter!

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You will need:

  • 400g strong white bread flour
  • 1 tsp. dried yeast, added to 150ml warm water, with a pinch of sugar, left for 10 minutes
  • the seeds of 10 cardamom pods, bashed up
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed up
  • sesame seeds to sprinkle on top

To make your bread:

  1. Sieve the flour into a bowl, add your salt and make a well.00
  2. Add the yeast mixture, bananas and cardamon seeds to the well.
  3. Mix with a wooden spoon until it’s all combined, then knead with your hands. Add more flour if it’s too sticky – mine was as the bananas were big!
  4. Cover and leave to prove for 2 hours.
  5. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and sprinkle a little flour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C.
  7. Knead your dough again then put it on the lined baking sheet and attempt to plait it.
  8. If your dough-plaiting isn’t great, don’t worry, mine wasn’t either but it will taste fine.
  9. Cover and leave it to prove again, I left mine for about half an hour.
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, bake for 10 minutes, reduce to 200 degrees C and bake for about 15 minutes more.

Enjoy your delicious bread!

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Recipe adapted from Best-Ever Bread Cookbook.

Food Friday – Banana & Cardamom Bread Recipe

Sorry for the rubbish photo, if I had realised so many people would have been interested in this bread I would have taken better pictures! I tweeted a photo of this Banana & Cardamom Bread that I randomly baked the other night – I had a couple of overripe bananas and was going to make a banana cake but had no loaf tin, so went to make muffins but had no buttermilk. I found this bread recipe and thought it sounded weird but I’d give it a go – I’m so glad I did because it is SO delicious, especially toasted with lots of butter!

1373146696653

You will need:

  • 400g strong white bread flour
  • 1 tsp. dried yeast, added to 150ml warm water, with a pinch of sugar, left for 10 minutes
  • the seeds of 10 cardamom pods, bashed up
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed up
  • sesame seeds to sprinkle on top

To make your bread:

  1. Sieve the flour into a bowl, add your salt and make a well.00
  2. Add the yeast mixture, bananas and cardamon seeds to the well.
  3. Mix with a wooden spoon until it’s all combined, then knead with your hands. Add more flour if it’s too sticky – mine was as the bananas were big!
  4. Cover and leave to prove for 2 hours.
  5. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and sprinkle a little flour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C.
  7. Knead your dough again then put it on the lined baking sheet and attempt to plait it.
  8. If your dough-plaiting isn’t great, don’t worry, mine wasn’t either but it will taste fine.
  9. Cover and leave it to prove again, I left mine for about half an hour.
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, bake for 10 minutes, reduce to 200 degrees C and bake for about 15 minutes more.

Enjoy your delicious bread!

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Recipe adapted from Best-Ever Bread Cookbook.

I’ve been playing with glittery nails again. This time it’s W7 Pink Debris (rrp £4.95) – a clear nail polish with really fine silver glitter particles and big chunky pink glitter pieces. I applied a base coat, then 3 layers to build up a super sparkly look and, of course, topped with Seche Vite for a quick dry.

W7 Pink Debris silver pink glitter clear polishW7 Pink Debris silver pink glitter clear polish seche vite

I’ve been trying out a few different looks with this nail polish so keep your eyes peeled for more posts featuring this sparkler!



Disclosure: I received this product for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.

NOTD: W7 Nail Polish Pink Debris

I’ve been playing with glittery nails again. This time it’s W7 Pink Debris (rrp £4.95) – a clear nail polish with really fine silver glitter particles and big chunky pink glitter pieces. I applied a base coat, then 3 layers to build up a super sparkly look and, of course, topped with Seche Vite for a quick dry.

W7 Pink Debris silver pink glitter clear polishW7 Pink Debris silver pink glitter clear polish seche vite

I’ve been trying out a few different looks with this nail polish so keep your eyes peeled for more posts featuring this sparkler!



Disclosure: I received this product for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.

My July beauty box from Birchbox arrived this afternoon and on first glance I’m pretty happy with what I received!

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Jet Set is the theme of the July beauty box from Birchbox; here’s what I got in mine:

VitaBella Anti-Aging Face Mask – This looks so interesting; you pour the oil over the “tablet” which unfolds into a mask that you then place on your face. I can’t wait to try it! It’s a 13ml bottle and one “tablet”.

Blanc Cachemire Creme de Jour Protectrice -  I think that translates as something like protective day cream. I love getting moisturisers in beauty boxes as I’m a total product tart and rarely stick to the same thing. I got a 15ml tube.

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long Wearing Powder Staining Blush – I love the cute little packaging and I’m intrigued by the description “powder staining blush”. What does that mean! I got a peach shade called Swiss Dot. It’s 0.5g.

Reverence de Bastien VolupTHE Hand Cream – I do get through a lot of hand creams since having Baby N but getting them in beauty boxes doesn’t really excite me. It smells nice! It’s a 25ml tube.

Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion – I have tried this body lotion before as I got a tube of it in a previous beauty box. It’s a 25ml tube.

The Chia Co Chia Shots – This was a ‘lifestyle extra’. I’m interested to try these as they’re apparently full of omega 3 and protein. I don’t think I’ll go to the effort of making a smoothie, I’ll probably just sprinkle it over my porridge or a salad! This is a 8g sachet.

Apart from the hand cream, which I’m just indifferent about, I’m happy with my box this month. I can’t wait to try the face mask and the blusher and I’m really intrigued by the chia seeds.

If you like the look of the Birchbox beauty box and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.

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Birchbox – July Beauty Box

My July beauty box from Birchbox arrived this afternoon and on first glance I’m pretty happy with what I received!

20130717_133540

20130717_133833

Jet Set is the theme of the July beauty box from Birchbox; here’s what I got in mine:

VitaBella Anti-Aging Face Mask – This looks so interesting; you pour the oil over the “tablet” which unfolds into a mask that you then place on your face. I can’t wait to try it! It’s a 13ml bottle and one “tablet”.

Blanc Cachemire Creme de Jour Protectrice -  I think that translates as something like protective day cream. I love getting moisturisers in beauty boxes as I’m a total product tart and rarely stick to the same thing. I got a 15ml tube.

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long Wearing Powder Staining Blush – I love the cute little packaging and I’m intrigued by the description “powder staining blush”. What does that mean! I got a peach shade called Swiss Dot. It’s 0.5g.

Reverence de Bastien VolupTHE Hand Cream – I do get through a lot of hand creams since having Baby N but getting them in beauty boxes doesn’t really excite me. It smells nice! It’s a 25ml tube.

Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion – I have tried this body lotion before as I got a tube of it in a previous beauty box. It’s a 25ml tube.

The Chia Co Chia Shots – This was a ‘lifestyle extra’. I’m interested to try these as they’re apparently full of omega 3 and protein. I don’t think I’ll go to the effort of making a smoothie, I’ll probably just sprinkle it over my porridge or a salad! This is a 8g sachet.

Apart from the hand cream, which I’m just indifferent about, I’m happy with my box this month. I can’t wait to try the face mask and the blusher and I’m really intrigued by the chia seeds.

If you like the look of the Birchbox beauty box and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.

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Don’t worry, I wasn’t queuing at 5am outside the store on Saturday. Oh no, I was still snuggled up in bed. The Next store in my town is quite small so I think that the serious bargain hunters head to the bigger store in the neighbouring town. They must do, because when I popped in at midday the sales racks were still pretty full!

I don’t shop in Next for myself but I love their clothes for Baby N; his wardrobe must be about 90% Next! So I got lots of gorgeous bits for him; 5 minutes and £56 later we came out with 6 t-shirts, 2 jumpers, 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of trousers and a dungaree set. Take a look:

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I really love the stripy monster t-shirt and the stripy jumper – stripes are my favourite! Baby N has only just turned 8 months but he’s been wearing 9-12 months clothes for a while, so I bought quite a few of these items in size 12-18 months ready for when he outgrows his current wardrobe. The thing is, the really cute baby stuff seems to stop at 12 months then everything bigger is quite grown up looking and it makes me feel a teeny bit sad about how quickly my baby is growing up!

Have you been hitting the sales?

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Baby N’s Next Summer Sale Spending Spree

Don’t worry, I wasn’t queuing at 5am outside the store on Saturday. Oh no, I was still snuggled up in bed. The Next store in my town is quite small so I think that the serious bargain hunters head to the bigger store in the neighbouring town. They must do, because when I popped in at midday the sales racks were still pretty full!

I don’t shop in Next for myself but I love their clothes for Baby N; his wardrobe must be about 90% Next! So I got lots of gorgeous bits for him; 5 minutes and £56 later we came out with 6 t-shirts, 2 jumpers, 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of trousers and a dungaree set. Take a look:

1069333_10151492363351363_970010558_n

21389_10151492362921363_1641172014_n

I really love the stripy monster t-shirt and the stripy jumper – stripes are my favourite! Baby N has only just turned 8 months but he’s been wearing 9-12 months clothes for a while, so I bought quite a few of these items in size 12-18 months ready for when he outgrows his current wardrobe. The thing is, the really cute baby stuff seems to stop at 12 months then everything bigger is quite grown up looking and it makes me feel a teeny bit sad about how quickly my baby is growing up!

Have you been hitting the sales?

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I realised that there were some of the Hello Fresh meals that I have cooked but hadn’t shared with you yet, so here is the Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with a Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad. This is one of my favourites!

Hello Fresh Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with a Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad

Hello Fresh Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad

I get the 3 meal for 2 people box which costs £39.00. It arrives with all the ingredients in the required quantities and full instructions on how to cook each meal. You can get £20 off your first box by entering my referral code C4MJSY. Check out Hello Fresh here: http://www.hellofresh.co.uk

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Food Friday – Hello Fresh

I realised that there were some of the Hello Fresh meals that I have cooked but hadn’t shared with you yet, so here is the Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with a Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad. This is one of my favourites!

Hello Fresh Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with a Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad

Hello Fresh Seductively Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon with Warm Courgette and Butterbean Salad

I get the 3 meal for 2 people box which costs £39.00. It arrives with all the ingredients in the required quantities and full instructions on how to cook each meal. You can get £20 off your first box by entering my referral code C4MJSY. Check out Hello Fresh here: http://www.hellofresh.co.uk

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A couple of weeks ago I thought I’d better get prepared for the arrival of Baby N’s teeth and, more importantly, the pain they can cause. I ordered an adjustable toddler anklet made from raw Baltic amber from Dino-Daisy for him to wear. While I was browsing I also ordered a polished Baltic amber stretchy bracelet for me! My bracelet cost £10.50 and the anklet £8.50, plus P&P.

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Dino Daisy baltic raw amber adjustable toddler anklet

Dino Daisy bracelet stretchy baltic amber multi colour

dino-daisy

Baltic amber is high in succinic acid which helps to heal wounds and reduce inflammation, which is why you’ll see so many little ones wearing amber jewellery as it helps ease the pain of teething. I used to hold a chunk of amber when I was in the later stages of pregnancy as it helps combat fatigue!

Raw amber is said to contain more succinic acid than polished amber so I got raw for Baby N’s anklet. He’s been wearing it for about 2 weeks and yesterday I noticed that he is cutting his first tooth! He has seemingly had no bother at all; no crying, no red cheeks, none of the classic signs of teething. I’m sure it’s down to wearing his anklet. It’s advised that they’re not suitable for children under 36 months as the beads could be a choking hazard so obviously I’m very careful when Baby N is wearing it.

As well as amber jewellery Dino-Daisy has other gemstone jewellery and gorgeous sterling silver jewellery; I definitely think you should take a look!

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Dino-Daisy Amber

A couple of weeks ago I thought I’d better get prepared for the arrival of Baby N’s teeth and, more importantly, the pain they can cause. I ordered an adjustable toddler anklet made from raw Baltic amber from Dino-Daisy for him to wear. While I was browsing I also ordered a polished Baltic amber stretchy bracelet for me! My bracelet cost £10.50 and the anklet £8.50, plus P&P.

20130629_115841

Dino Daisy baltic raw amber adjustable toddler anklet

Dino Daisy bracelet stretchy baltic amber multi colour

dino-daisy

Baltic amber is high in succinic acid which helps to heal wounds and reduce inflammation, which is why you’ll see so many little ones wearing amber jewellery as it helps ease the pain of teething. I used to hold a chunk of amber when I was in the later stages of pregnancy as it helps combat fatigue!

Raw amber is said to contain more succinic acid than polished amber so I got raw for Baby N’s anklet. He’s been wearing it for about 2 weeks and yesterday I noticed that he is cutting his first tooth! He has seemingly had no bother at all; no crying, no red cheeks, none of the classic signs of teething. I’m sure it’s down to wearing his anklet. It’s advised that they’re not suitable for children under 36 months as the beads could be a choking hazard so obviously I’m very careful when Baby N is wearing it.

As well as amber jewellery Dino-Daisy has other gemstone jewellery and gorgeous sterling silver jewellery; I definitely think you should take a look!

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My poor hands have really suffered since I had my baby back in November; constantly washing my hands and cleaning everywhere with anti-bacterial spray has made them so dry. I have been getting through so many hand creams it’s unreal. This one from Conscious Skincare is awesome.

Conscious Skincare Soothing Hand Cream Hardworking HandsConscious Skincare Soothing Hand Cream

It’s made entirely with natural ingredients: organic avocado oil, organic shea butter, beeswax, organic evening primrose oil, pomelo seed extract, organic lavender oil and organic geranium oil. It’s free from SLS, phtalates, parabens, synthetic preservatives, colour and perfume.

This hand cream has the texture of a thick whipped mousse and has a wonderful natural scent, it mostly smells of geranium (one of my favourite smells) but it’s not in-your-face or headache-inducing. You only need a teeny tiny dab to totally moisturise your hands. A little bit goes a really long way. It sinks in nicely with no greasy feeling, which is important for me as I almost always need to pick up my baby or his toys or something.

At £14.99 for 50g it’s quite expensive compared to other hand creams however it lasts so much longer as you only need to use a very small amount. And it really works; it’s improved the appearance of my hands so much. You can buy it here: http://www.conscious-skincare.com/product/388/soothing-hand-cream-for-hard-working-hands

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Conscious Skincare Soothing Hand Cream

My poor hands have really suffered since I had my baby back in November; constantly washing my hands and cleaning everywhere with anti-bacterial spray has made them so dry. I have been getting through so many hand creams it’s unreal. This one from Conscious Skincare is awesome.

Conscious Skincare Soothing Hand Cream Hardworking HandsConscious Skincare Soothing Hand Cream

It’s made entirely with natural ingredients: organic avocado oil, organic shea butter, beeswax, organic evening primrose oil, pomelo seed extract, organic lavender oil and organic geranium oil. It’s free from SLS, phtalates, parabens, synthetic preservatives, colour and perfume.

This hand cream has the texture of a thick whipped mousse and has a wonderful natural scent, it mostly smells of geranium (one of my favourite smells) but it’s not in-your-face or headache-inducing. You only need a teeny tiny dab to totally moisturise your hands. A little bit goes a really long way. It sinks in nicely with no greasy feeling, which is important for me as I almost always need to pick up my baby or his toys or something.

At £14.99 for 50g it’s quite expensive compared to other hand creams however it lasts so much longer as you only need to use a very small amount. And it really works; it’s improved the appearance of my hands so much. You can buy it here: http://www.conscious-skincare.com/product/388/soothing-hand-cream-for-hard-working-hands

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