Yummy Cleansers - Part 3

I can't believe we're on Yummy Cleansers 3 already.........It seems like only last week I was posting my first feature on cleansing and the joys of muslin cloths! There have been some developments since that first feature with some of the products in my top 5 having since becoming outranked by some wonderful new discoveries...INCLUDING: Kiwi Green Muslin Cloths. OH-MY-GOD I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful they are.....I received one with a cleanser from Australia (which I will be reviewing separately) and, despite owning about 10 already, I am very, very tempted to order some more: they are 45 x 45 cm square, so lovely and big, and are made up of 4 layers of ultrafine, organic cotton muslin, making them PERFECT for deep cleansing.

 I have to admit to tumble drying mine (I tumble dry everything) and it did shrink a little, but, even so, it's still twice the size of my Liz Earle cloths. They are actually available to order online in the UK, however, at £16 for 1 (excluding P&P), I'm quite tempted to order them in bulk from Oz: a pack of 5 is AU$33.55 (approx £23) and a pack of 2 is AU$17.95 (approx £12). Obviously this does not include P&P, but I'm guessing it can't be that much to send them given how light they are....I have made enquiries, so watch this space. In the meantime, to view them click here , they are called "BodyBare Medium Wrap".

So, on to cleansers then, here are the latest 5 I've been testing for you:

Luzern Laboratories Creme Cleanser £30 for 150ml

If you've been searching for a cleanser you can wash off, then look no further: this Cleansing Creme is applied to damp skin and foams ever so slightly, then, rinsed off with water, reveals fresh, clean skin without any tightness. Made with Aloe Vera, Glycerin and Jojoba Oil, it's also unscented making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Click here for more details

Green & Spring Cleanser £28 for 300ml

This, from British brand Green & Spring, contains Shea and Cocoa Butters with Sweet Almond Oil and a blend of essential oils, including Spearmint, which give it a lovely clean fragrance. I found it to be quite liquid and very light, so would suit those with combination or oily skin, or for those who prefer more of a milk, rather than a cream. Beautiful packaging also make it ideal as a gift! Click here for more details

Pinks Boutique Cleanser £16.50 and Toner £14.50, each for 50ml

Another lovely light cleanser, this from British brand Pinks Boutique, is organic, contains Shea and Cocoa Butters with Lemongrass and Mandarin essential oils, which give it the most glorious zesty scent. The Lemongrass toner is the perfect follow up to prep skin before applying your moisturiser. Click here for more details

The Grapeseed Company Cleanser £23 and Toner £20 each, for 125ml

This American brand uses Grapeseeds from vineyards in Santa Barbara, to extract the oil that makes up the basis for all their products. The cleanser contains Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Grapeseed oil with Lavender, Chamomile, Rose and Honey. It has a milky consistency that is deceptively rich, with a delicate fragrance. The toner contains Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Lavender and Grape extracts with essential oils of Lavender, Rose and Tea Tree. Click here or here for more details

Ainy Pearly Make Up Removing Gel €26 for 100ml

From organic French brand Ainy comes this oil based gel which turns milky when it comes into contact with water. Made with organic Sunflower, Sacha Inchi and Ungurahua oils, this is perfect for those who prefer an oily cleanser that can be rinsed off. It has a very delicate scent and comes in a handy squeezy tube. My only critique of this product is that it really stung my eyes, which is a pity since it's advertised as suitable for use round the eye area. Click here for more details   

With thanks to Nathalie, Ciara, Tracey, Pierre and Joy

Natural Skincare for Babies & Children

As well as seeking out chemical-free skincare products for the ladies it only seemed logical that I find some for babies and children too, after all, if you're going to avoid the nasties in your creams you're going to want to do the same in your kids', aren't you?

There are some wonderful brands out there making natural and organic bubble baths, shampoos and creams that are not only great for your little ones, but also for you. I, for one, love baby bubble bath, it's gentle, smells lovely and leaves the skin clean yet soft, without drying it out. For those with skin allergies, baby creams and lotions can work wonders at soothing and moisturising both the face and body. As per usual, the criteria is a big NO to any and all of the following:

- sulphates

- mineral oil

- silicones

- parabens

So, here is what I've found for you and have been approved by Miss F (4) and Miss H (2):

PittaPatta Shampoo & Bodywash RRP £7.50 for 200ml

PittaPatta is the brainchild of two sisters, Alex and Harriet, both Naturopaths, who with the birth of their children decided to create natural and organic skincare products that would soothe and nurture both skin and mind of infants. Their products are all made with organic natural ingredients and this Chamomile and Aloe Vera shampoo & body wash is just lovely. http://www.pittapatta.com/

 Lavera Baby Oil RRP £8.95 for 200ml

German brand Lavera makes a comprehensive range of natural and organic skincare and cosmetics for adults as well as children, this oil can be added to the bath or massaged into damp skin. It contains Olive, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Calendula, Evening Primrose and Avocado oils to soften and nourish the skin. Is also perfect for mothers as a body oil and to help combat stretch marks. I used it on my body and it did leave my skin super soft. Please note that this has a scent of Marzipan, personally, I'm not keen on this, but there is also an unscented version if you prefer. http://www.lavera.co.uk/

Pitta Patta Sweet Dreams Moisturising Cream RRP £12.50 for 60ml

Also from Pitta Patta is this wonderful cream which you can use all over, it's especially good for babies and children at night before bedtime to help calm and soothe, and is also great for Mums as a hand or face cream. It contains organic Mango and Shea butters, Jojoba and Olive oils with Rosemary, Neroli and Lavender essential oils. http://www.pittapatta.com/

Earth Friendly Baby Shampoo & Bodywash RRP £4 for 250ml

I absolutely love the packaging of this brand's products, but not only that, this award winning body wash smells of fresh mandarins and leaves skin clean and soft. Made with organic Aloe Vera and a host of essential oils, I'm keeping this one for myself! http://www.earthfriendlybaby.com/

 

Earth Friendly Calendula Baby Daily Care Cream RRP £5.60 for 110grs

Also from Earth Friendly Baby comes this light cream made with organic Aloe Vera, Calendula and Chamomile, ideal after nappy changes, as a barrier cream or for dry patches. http://www.earthfriendlybaby.com/

Boo Boo Baby Top to Toe Wash RRP £6.99 for 250ml

Another fabulous shampoo and body wash, this, from Boo Boo Baby, contains Aloe Vera, Argan, Avocado and Olive oils with Apple and Oat extracts, which give it a delicate fragrance. http://www.boobooshop.com/

Boo Boo Baby Lotion RRP £6.99 for 100ml

If you could bottle the scent of babies then this would be it: a soft and creamy lotion made with Monoi, Cotton Seed and Argan oils, Aloe Vera and a host of essential oils which you will want to slather on yourself as well as your little one! http://www.boobooshop.com/

With thanks to Harriet, Tania and Tracey

Bath & Body

There has been much debate regarding the use of Sulphates (or Sulfates) in skincare: are they or are they not toxic? Are they or are they not carcinogenic? Do they or do they not accumulate in our body?

As with Parabens, I prefer to err on the side of caution, particularly since there are really good and affordable alternatives out there, so I stopped using shampoos, shower gels or hand washes that contain them a few years ago. However, I’m not manic about this, I use products outside of my home that contain them (ie hand wash in the office, shower gel at friends’ homes, etc) but, from my perspective, this constitutes a small percentage of use, and, short of making my friends convert or carry products around with me, I don’t have much choice really!

I’m not going to harp on about the effects of Sulphates, there are plenty of studies and websites you can visit to make your own mind up, but, if you’re keen to make the switch, then these are the basic facts you need to know:

-    Sulphates are essentially surfactants, this means they dissolve dirt, so in skincare they are used to dissolve grease and sebum from the hair and skin, however, they are also used in household cleaning products, commonly labelled as “Anionic Surfactant”. Would you use Fairy liquid on your face?

-    They are foaming agents used by manufacturers because subconsciously we don’t “feel” something is cleaning us unless it’s foaming. Natural detergents will foam less, but clean just as well.

-   They are used because, like mineral oils, they are cheap, therefore keeping manufacturing costs down and increasing profit margins.

-    Sulfates are found in shower and bath gels, shampoos, hand and face washes and toothpaste!

If you want to avoid them, simply check the ingredients listing on the back of your product, these are the most commonly used:

-         Sodium lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium laureth sulphate

-         Ammonium lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium myreth sulphate

-         Sodium pareth sulphate

-         TEA lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium trideceth sulphate

Non sulphate alternatives include: Decyl glucoside,  Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

As with the rest of my skincare, price and ingredients do play an important role, but, when it comes to body wash, the scent and how it leaves my skin is the most important factor, so I’m more than happy to pay a little bit extra for something I really like. 

In terms of body oils, scrubs and lotions, the same applies as per my face: no mineral oils, parabens or silicones thank you, so look out for those containing "Paraffinum Liquidum" which basically means: Liquid Paraffin=Mineral Oil=Baby Oil. As detailed in "Nourish Me", plant, seed and nut oils are the best thing you can put on your skin.

Here are some of the latest bath & body products I've been using:

Balance Me RRP £12 for 200ml

Famed for their SuperOil, Balance Me also make a wonderful line of body washes: Rose Otto for sensitive skin, Super Moisturising with Shea Butter and Wind Down with Ylang Ylang, among others. They are all made with with essential oils and are sulphate free. www.balanceme.co.uk

Living Nature RRP £13 for 200ml

Living Nature's nourishing body wash contains Manuka Honey with Shea Butter and Ginger extract. Comes in a convenient squeezy bottle. www.livingnature.com 

Occo Mirnavina Bath & Body Oil RRP £25 for 200ml

A beautiful oil inspired by the Dalmatian Coast, it's made with Grapeseed Oil and has a delicate scent of Grapes, Blackberry and Apricot. If, like me, you're a bit lazy about applying body oils, then add this to your bathwater, lie back for half an hour and arise with soft skin! www.occo-online.com

 Avalon Organics Lemon Bath & Shower Gel RRP £6.49 for 350ml

Citrus scented products are my favourite and this, by Avalon Organics, is by far the best: smells sharp and zesty, just like freshly sliced lemons. Contains organic Aloe Vera and Lemon essential oil. www.avalonorganics.com

John Masters Organics Body Milk RRP £18 for 236ml

This luscious Blood Orange & Vanilla body lotion is light, sinks in fast and leaves skin smooth. Containing a blend of Aloe Vera with Coconut and Sunflower oils, plus a host of essential oils, it smells like Opal Fruit Sweets! www.johnmasters.co.uk

With thanks to Rebecca, Jo, Alice and Eva

Shiffa

Dubai based Shiffa is an exclusive, luxurious and natural beauty brand, created in 2004 by Dr Lamees Hamdan who, whilst pregnant, developed a body oil which would become the brand's first product. Her philosophy is to combine science and nature at the highest level of luxury with an undertone of exotic ancient arabia. Combining her knowledge and background in dermatology with her passion for holistic healing, all the products are made with 100% natural ingredients in the UK.

The packaging is gorgeous: thick textured card boxes, held together by thick, pastel toned ribbon that fold out to reveal the inspiration behind each product:

Aromatic Facial Cleanser

I'm a huge fan of cream cleansers, and this is one of the best I've tried: thick and luscious, with a very light fragrance, it leaves the skin velvety smooth. It contains Avocado, Olive and Macadamia oils, with essential oils of Geranium, Chamomile, Lemon, Lavender, Grapefruit and Tea Tree.

Prosperity Scented Candle

Shiffa do a range of 6 aromatic candles, Prosperity has the deeply sensual fragrance that you would expect to be surrounded by on a terrace by night in an Arabian palace: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon and Saffron. A delicious scent that perfumes without overpowering.

White Tea Moisturiser

This balancing and protective moisturiser is aimed at normal to combination skin, though I found it a little on the heavier side so it would be perfect as a night cream or for those with normal to dry or mature skin. Made with Avocado, Evening Primrose, Jojoba, Hazelnut and Carrot oils, Cocoa and Shea Butter and extract of White and Green teas, it has a lovely creamy texture and barely there scent which kept my cheeks soft all day.

Tamanu Moisturising Cream

As mentioned in my first feature on moisturisers, proof that the label doesn't always apply, and you should try creams according to texture and ingredients. Whilst the White Tea moisturiser was aimed at normal to combination and I found it a little heavy, this moisturiser is aimed at normal to dry and seemed almost lighter. Also made with Avocado, Evening Primrose and Jojoba oils, Cocoa and Shea Butter, this contains Aloe Vera and Calendula with Tamanu, Macadamia and Rosehip oils. It has a silky texture and slight hint of rose which make it a wonderful night cream.

Rejuvenating Eye Remedy

For me, this is Shiffa's star product and the best eye cream I've ever used. Now, I'm not going to tell you it has removed any wrinkles, but, I have had trouble finding a nice eye cream for years, they have always been either "light", which meant like water and I might as well put nothing on at all, or "rich", which meant no matter how little I applied it was too greasy. For this reason I have always stuck to water based serums. Until now. What I love about this cream is that it really is rich and nourishing, however, not heavy at all. It absorbs well and leaves the skin around the eyes soft and super smooth, so much so, that I couldn't stop touching my eyes after applying it......I've been using it at night and the skin around my eyes is definitely softer. It contains, among others, Olive, Grapeseed, Evening Primrose, Borage and Macadamia oils, with Aloe Vera, Lavender and Spirulina.    

Cleanser £50, Candle £32.50, White Tea Moisturiser £65.75, Tamanu Moisturiser £69 and Eye Remedy £56.25

All products are available to order from http://www.shiffa.com/

Worldwide delivery

Free delivery if you order 3 or more products

Heaven Scent

I admit it, I have a bit of a weakness for candles. 

There's something truly magical about them, and even more so, about scented candles. They add ambience to a girlie dinner, romance to a night of passion (or should that be passion to a night of romance?) and calm to a long, relaxing bath. They not only scent the room, but can purify the air and alter your mood, depending on the blend of essential oils used. The most striking thing for me, though, is how a scented candle can trigger the memory of a place, a meal or a person.

Candles have been used for thousands of years, originally made with animal fat or beeswax, in the 1800's manufacturers started using paraffin, which has continued to be the main ingredient until today. However, with the rise of allergies and concerns about toxic emissions, vegetable waxes, like Soy with organic essential oils are being used more and more instead of paraffin and perfume.

Notes on using scented candles

- when using your candle for the first time, burn for 2 hours or until the surface is completely liquid to avoid craters and tunnelling

- trim the wick to approximately 5mm before each lighting to avoid smoking or blackening

- re-centre the wick each time you extinguish the candle to ensure an even burn

Some brands have achieved cult status, but I have found many more out there which I would like to share with you: 

Aveda Grounding Ritual Candle £20 www.aveda.co.uk

Aveda is perhaps better known for their beauty products than their candles. This one is made with 100% soy wax and organic essential oils of Vanilla, Ginger and Chinese Cinnamon, which give it a gentle spicy scent, rather than an overpowering Christmassy kind of aroma.

Perfect for doing yoga.

Max Benjamin £19 www.maxbenjamin.ie

These candles are hand made in Ireland by brothers Mark & David Van den Bergh, and take their inspiration from their twin nephews Max and Ben. Made with 100% natural wax, lead free wick and essential oils, Dodici is their latest fragrance. A 12th century inspired blend of Rosemary, Lemon and Marjoram, on a backdrop of Lavender, this is clean and fresh.

Perfect for the man in your life.

L'Artisan Parfumeur £34 www.artisanparfumeur.com

This French brand needs no introduction, a cult name among fragrance connoisseurs, their gold logo is immediately recognisable. Traversee du Bosphore is a relatively new creation, inspired by crossing the Bosphorus towards Istanbul. Scented with Iris, Leather and Turkish Delight this is subtle and understated.

Perfect for a cocktail party.

Ortigia £26 www.ortigia-slr.com

This Italian brand takes its name from the historic centre of Syracuse, and make beautiful bath products and candles, inspired by the scents of the island of Sicily. Zagara is a very light fragrance based on Orange Blossom, with Neroli and Petitgrain on a woody base. Worth buying for the packaging alone.

Perfect for a dinner party.

True Grace £21 www.truegrace.co.uk

One of my new favourite brands, these are hand made in Wiltshire using a 100% natural blend of vegetable and beeswax. Lovely packaging and an etched glass hold this gorgeous sweet and fresh fig scented candle. I grew up on a Mediterranean island where fig trees abound and can assure you, this is the closest fragrance match I've come across.

Perfect for a warm summer's evening.

With thanks to Amanda, Ali, Mark, Sandra, Eleanor and Sam

Delicious Discoveries

Bateel Dates

I'm not a big fan of dates, I hate the way the crop up in Muesli, in fact, the only dates I really, really like are Medjool. So, when my friend Jo brought me back a box of these babies from the Middle East I was very excited. This gold box contained a selection of Khidri dates, a variety from Egypt, which are medium sized and have a firm texture. There were some plain and some stoned and stuffed with Candied Lemon and Orange Peel, Caramelised Almonds and Pecan Nuts. The best thing? They have a store on Bond Street. Yum

Tea Filters

I'm sure these have been around for ages and I simply haven't noticed them....strange as I LOVE tea and am always keen to find some clever new tea-making accessories. These are individual little paper bags which you fill with loose tea, they have a flat base so stand in your cup and, best of all, when you're done, you simply chuck in the bin; No more rinsing and scrubbing strainers!!!! I picked these up in Whittard's but you can also buy them online. £3.50 for 100

Sunday Lunch at The Ship, Wandsworth

This lovely pub serves a traditional Sunday roast, however, on this occasion, my fellow diner and I decided to steer away from the Beef and Yorkshire Pudding for something a little more exciting:

We shared the Baby Squid which was stuffed with rabbit and pancetta, and came in a thick, spicy tomato broth with a dollop of basil aioli. VERY tasty and a lot more appetising than my photo shows!

For mains we opted for the Cod Fishcake which was perfect: soft, moist and with a good proportion of fish to potato, the Hollandaise Sauce and Poached Egg rounded it off nicely. The Shepherd's Pie was well seasoned, with carrots, peas and cheesy mash, and came served with braised red cabbage.

We went retro for dessert and shared a Black Forest Gateau which had lovely juicy cherries in it, but, alas, was let down by a mediocre chocolate sponge.

The Ship, 41 Jews Row, London SW18 www.theship.co.uk

Vicky's Dessert

My friend Vicky is also a foodie, and rather a dab hand at baking. I was over there last weekend and she had made Ricciarelli: Italian chewy almond and orange zest biscuits, which were, needless to say, delicious. I would have been more than happy with this for dessert, but she decided this would not be enough for the two of us (after dinner and cheese), so she also made Violet and Elderflower Ice Cream. From scratch. Including crystallised Violets. Yes. With Violets from her garden. Yum