Beauty | UK Lifestyle Blog https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/category/hair-and-beauty/ Voted Best European Lifestyle Blog Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:03:14 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 80013636 Skin Treatments To Explore This Festive Season https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/skin-treatments-to-explore-this-festive-season/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/skin-treatments-to-explore-this-festive-season/#respond Mon, 29 Nov 2021 21:45:01 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=22675 As the calendar flips from November into December we can really say the festive season is here. For many of us, this means putting our Christmas tree up, buying and wrapping presents, and eating one too many mince pies. However, it also means Christmas and New Year’s parties are back after the difficulties of last

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As the calendar flips from November into December we can really say the festive season is here. For many of us, this means putting our Christmas tree up, buying and wrapping presents, and eating one too many mince pies. However, it also means Christmas and New Year’s parties are back after the difficulties of last year.

Getting prepared for events this festive season may seem like a lot of work, but there are some fantastic treatments available today which won’t take up a huge amount of time and can provide results that you can see as we count down the days to Christmas. To let you know more about these treatments we have teamed up with Aesthetics Lab, an award-winning and highly respected cosmetic clinic based in London. Below are three treatments to look at which can help your skin look better this festive season.

Skin Treatments To Explore This Festive Season | UK Lifestyle Blog

Osmosis Facial Infusion with RevitaPen

This is a treatment you may not have heard about before, but one that could become much more popular thanks to the benefits it offers. The RevitaPen uses single-use surgical-grade anti-bacterial stainless-steel tips with 100 nano-sized circular-shaped pyramids to create channels in your skin. These channels help deliver the active ingredients of the facial deeper into your skin to maximize their effectiveness.

There are two key benefits to this treatment that makes it a great option for those looking to reduce the appearance of line and wrinkles or even out their skin tone. Firstly, there is no recovery time needed following this treatment, meaning you can go about your day without issue, and at Christmas with so many things to do this is really helpful! Secondly, this is one of the very few treatments that are safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding along with those who are current oncology patients.

Thermage FLX

Again, this may be a treatment you haven’t heard a lot about, but as we are approaching a busy festive period this could be just the answer some of you out there are looking for. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency technology to heat the collagen-rich layers of your skin. The result of this is water molecules separating from the collagen in your skin, causing a contraction that tightens your skin. It also causes new collagen to be produced and deposited which tightens your skin further, leaving it looking smooth!

This treatment is great for those who are worried about sagging or loose skin. While this is a natural sign of aging that we go through, it can have a significant impact on our self-confidence. Thanks to Thermage FLX you can target areas of loose skin such as on your face or neck and you can see results immediately! With no recovery time needed and the potential to see results immediately, that can then last up to two years, this makes Thermage FLX an ideal treatment to explore this festive season.

Microneedling

Unlike the two treatments highlighted above, micro-needling is one you’re likely to be more familiar with. This is a treatment that some trace the origins of back to the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture. If you don’t know how micro-needling works, it uses (as the name would suggest) very small needles to puncture the skin in a specific area. This causes the body to activate its natural healing response which can reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production, which is vital to healthy and youthful-looking skin.

As with the other two treatments above, there is no major recovery time needed following a micro-needling treatment which makes it a great option for those who have a busy lifestyle. All of these treatments offer great benefits that can help your skin look its best this Christmas and New Year but remember it’s important to ensure wherever you have these treatments done that it is in a safe and experienced clinic that will priorities your health.

Thanks to Aesthetics Lab who helped put this article together. All of the treatments mentioned above are available at their London clinic and you can book a complimentary consultation to discuss if any of them are right for you. Hopefully the information above has helped you better understand which treatments could help you this festive season.

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Everything You Need To Know About Gua Sha Facial To Get Started https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gua-sha-facial-to-get-started/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gua-sha-facial-to-get-started/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:33:19 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=21794 Gua Sha facial recently made it to one of the most popular skincare recommendations on social media. But what lays behind the precisely polished jade stone scraping tools and the beautifully styled photos in dreamy bathrooms? What is a Gua Sha facial? You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the immediate healing effects

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Gua Sha facial recently made it to one of the most popular skincare recommendations on social media. But what lays behind the precisely polished jade stone scraping tools and the beautifully styled photos in dreamy bathrooms?

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

What is a Gua Sha facial?

You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the immediate healing effects of this routine. The facial rejuvenation technique involves gentle scraping on the facial area, the neck, and the decollete. The ‘Eastern botox facial’ takes place by using rollers and rounded edge tools of all shapes, usually made of jade stone or rose quartz. As the western nickname suggests, the massage supports collagen production which leads to a refreshed look in a natural way.

What are the benefits of the Gua Sha facial?

The gentle strokes applied by the gua sha tools highlight cheekbones you’ve never known existed. The facial relies on the natural responses of the skin which is good news for not only slow-minded people but everyone who does not support radical beauty intervention.

The strokes help to break up muscular tension caused by water retention. Which leads to reduced puffiness or inflammation. The benefits are not only temporary, over time and practice it has long-term results. This all-natural face lifting also promotes collagen production which fills and softens the fine lines and wrinkles, while boosting the skin’s elasticity.

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

The relieving tightness in the muscles lifts the skin, and contours the face while the stimulated circulation diminishes dark circles and leads to a healthier complexion. Beyond the statistical results also lays a deeper value in this nice massage as you spend quality time with yourself.

The origins of the Gua Sha facial

While the technique is especially beneficial for the face it can be used on the whole body. Gua Sha facial is based on an ancient Chinese healing technique, first referred to in a classical Chinese medical text from around 220 CE and it was fairly different from what we are more familiar with nowadays.

As opposed to the current facial, it was originally used for two conditions in a very rough way. It was widely practiced in case of heatstrokes and seasonal diseases like cold by any tool handy, such as a spoon. ‘Sha’ or ‘redness’ refers to the red marks that the pressure causes to encourage the skin to heal itself.

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

The technique of scraping the back of the neck and other sensitive spots until a red mark appeared was believed to refresh the body and help reduce toxins and therefore cure. The harsh pressure they applied, unlike the facial version, left dark marks on the body. The facial benefits were discovered later on and by mistake as they suddenly saw the wrinkles going away.

How to practice Gua Sha facial?

While professional Gua Sha lasts up to 20 minutes, for the home ritual a 5-minute session is recommended about 3 times a week. Apply gentle outward and upward strokes along your face with the Gua Sha stone that fits the curvature of the treated area.

Choose a shape that is also comfortable to grip so you can apply even strokes. While the material of the gua sha stone is not crucial the shape is. Choose your favorite gemstones or opt for the commonly used jade or rose quartz versions.

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

For the full experience, extra nutritions, hydration, and easier application combine the treatment with face oils or serums. Apply a few drops of your favorite products and start to gently apply the outward strokes to remove access fluids and toxins from your skin cells while nurturing.

Useful tips for your Gua Sha treatment

For an even more refreshing experience, keep the gua sha stones in the fridge to cool. Cold Gua Sha stones will help you wake up in the morning while the increased blood flow will reduce your dark circles.

It is also recommended to lay out a towel when you start the session to prevent breakage in case the fragile stone would slip out of your oily hands.

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

Cleaning doesn’t require anything special, wash them with soap and water, or sterilize them with alcohol. As the treatment supports circulation and reduces toxins, it is important that you are well-hydrated both before and after the treatment so the undesired elements can easily leave your body. Combine the session with other Eastern modalities, by reaching out to a professional such as acupuncture, as part of a larger facial.

What are the potential side effects?

The technique is all in all very harmless, you can feel free to test it and figure out the ways how it can best serve your needs. Make sure you only apply gentle pressure for not more than about 5 minutes so you don’t have to worry about leaving bruises or dark spots.

Avoid the treatment during your menses because the encouraging blood flow might affect your period too. Don’t apply the technique on areas of the skin suffering from sunburn, rashes, or acne.

Everything You Need to Know About Gua Sha Facial to Get Started | UK Lifestyle Blog

Aftercare

Drink water before and after your session to make sure that your skin and organs are well-hydrated. Avoid hot showers directly after the session as heat has other effects on the skin that might reduce the benefits of Gua Sha. The same applies to exercising. Schedule your workout sessions on the days when you don’t practice Gua Sha, or try to create at least a couple of hours of break between the two activities.

If you ever dreamed of an all-natural anti-aging technique, Gua Sha is for you. Combine it with your beauty routine, facial oils, scents, hydration, and refresh your soul. Even if you’ve been successfully working from home you can still enjoy the benefits, of this affordable, traditional massage at home with both instant and long-term results.

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6 Reasons Why I’m OBSESSED With CBD In Beauty Products https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/6-reasons-why-im-obsessed-with-cbd-in-beauty-products/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/6-reasons-why-im-obsessed-with-cbd-in-beauty-products/#respond Tue, 16 Feb 2021 14:12:53 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=21498 CBD has been making waves the last few years due to its numerous health benefits. Currently, you can find CBD in various beauty products, including face creams, shampoos, lipsticks, and more. However, is CBD really as good as users claim? While the answer to that may be complicated, CBD offers several benefits, which motivate a

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CBD has been making waves the last few years due to its numerous health benefits. Currently, you can find CBD in various beauty products, including face creams, shampoos, lipsticks, and more. However, is CBD really as good as users claim? While the answer to that may be complicated, CBD offers several benefits, which motivate a growing number of people to try CBD beauty products. Here are some of the reasons you should try it too.

6 Reasons Why I'm OBSESSED with CBD in Beauty Products | UK Lifestyle Blog

1. Acne treatment

Acne is a persisting problem among young adults, which can cause long-term damage. Acne is mostly caused by excess sebum production. Conclusive studies have shown that applying CBD to your skin can regulate sebum production. Regular and monitored CBD usage guards your skin against acne breakouts.

2. CBD is anti-aging

There are many anti-aging beauty products in the market, which are either too expensive or inefficient or both. Most people fail to realize the fantastic anti-aging CBD oil properties. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of rapid aging. Some of the skin issues that chronic inflammation causes include cell damage, while long-term inflammation eventually results in tired, older skin.

CBD beauty products help to combat inflammation, slowing down the aging process. CBD has healthy omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which have a superb effect on your skin, such as keeping it moist and smooth.

6 Reasons Why I'm OBSESSED with CBD in Beauty Products | UK Lifestyle Blog

3. Improves sleep

Whichever way you use CBD, the substance will calm you down, making you fall asleep easier. Moreover, CBD lowers your blood pressure, inducing drowsiness and helping you fall asleep faster if you have insomnia issues. And we all know how important sleep is for one’s skin and overall beauty. Your sleep quality impacts everything, from the health of your skin to how fast you start showing signs of aging.

4. Manage your stress levels

Similar to insomnia, stress can also have a big negative impact on your appearance. And CBD can help treat the symptoms of stress by reducing the number of stress hormones present in your bloodstream. That will make you feel calmer through the day, and preserve your beauty.

The bad news is that most CBD beauty products don’t stay long enough on your skin to reach your bloodstream. If you want these calming effects, you have to either get CBD oil from a manufacturer like Cibdol, or use a CBD mask meant to stay on your face overnight.

6 Reasons Why I'm OBSESSED with CBD in Beauty Products | UK Lifestyle Blog

5. CBD is completely natural

CBD is directly harvested from the natural hemp plant. CBD oil is natural and does not have any artificial carcinogens or chemicals that would make it less safe for human usage. Manufacturers help maintain your skin’s integrity without harming the environment. It’s also a good choice if you have had allergic reactions to beauty products in the past, as CBD can be used to replace other chemicals.

6. Natural glow

It is one of the benefits that most beauty products users chase. And full-spectrum CBD is filled with healthy nutrients and antioxidants that can promote that beautiful natural look, making it a great addition to a variety of beauty products.

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Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost The Earth https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/ethical-beauty-5-cosmetic-brands-that-dont-cost-the-earth/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/ethical-beauty-5-cosmetic-brands-that-dont-cost-the-earth/#respond Wed, 15 Jul 2020 08:30:47 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=21027 As part of my New Year’s resolution I commitment myself (again) to be a more conscious consumer. I do this most years but I tend to put in place some structure so it’s easier to stick to my goals. This year I focussed on simple swaps. I love this idea because simple swaps are easy

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As part of my New Year’s resolution I commitment myself (again) to be a more conscious consumer. I do this most years but I tend to put in place some structure so it’s easier to stick to my goals. This year I focussed on simple swaps. I love this idea because simple swaps are easy to integrate into your life, as opposed to setting an unrealistic resolution that you’ll never keep.

I figured out what swaps I wanted to make by doing an exercise recommended by my business mentor. She told me to start by writing 4 lists: 1) What gives me energy, 2) What drains me, 3) What do I want to be remembered for, and 4) My bucket list. I’ll write a blog post about this in a little more detail for those of you that are interested in doing it yourself – it’s a really fun exercise and you can learn a lot about yourself.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Simple swaps to change my routine

Over the years I’ve implemented a TON of swaps, such as cotton wool balls for reusable bamboo pads, plastic razors for a bamboo safety razor, and disposable sanitary products for eco alternatives. The list also gave me a kick up the bum and was a reminder to myself to continue buying pre-loved (as most my furniture and clothes are!), decrease my meat intake, and continue getting in the sea every day.

The idea is that I’ll drastically decrease (or completely eliminate) things in my life that are negative or don’t add value, and incorporate more of the things that make me happy and more productive. Some swaps are harder than others but I’m aiming for those slips to be the exception, not the rule. This way I have more of a chance of achieving my goals, rather than going cold-turkey.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Why should we care about ethical beauty?

I always try and be a conscious consumer and regularly educate myself on what brands are up to from a corporate social responsibility perspective. I run a business and studied Green Marketing almost 10 years ago during my undergraduate degree, so it’s something I’ve always been interested in.

Like so many other people in Cornwall, I get in the sea almost every day. Spending so much time in the water, it’s only natural that you want to protect the very place that brings you so much joy. I’m passionate about reducing plastic pollution and working towards and zero waste lifestyle but there’s always more to be done.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

About 2 years ago though I made an effort to clear up my acne-prone skin and started reading about what ingredients are in our skincare products. I wanted to better understand my products so I knew what would cause a breakout, so I could avoid it in the future.

I learnt a lot about my skin and all the nasty ingredients in my skincare. There isn’t a chance I’ll buy moisturizer or a cleanser now without reading the ingredient list thoroughly. I remember hearing somebody saying this about 3 years ago and I didn’t believe them but now I completely get it.

I started reading the ingredient list on my haircare, labels in my fridge and bottles in my cleaning cupboard. That’s when I knew things had to change. Ultimately, I switched to 100% natural alternatives for almost every consumable our home and eat mostly whole foods. This also helps me lead a more minimal lifestyle because, for example, we now only have an all-in-one soap in the shower (eliminating a ton of clutter and unnecessary plastic!).

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

What do I look for when shopping?

Needless to say, I’m a super fussy shopper now. My entire makeup bag is very compact (smaller than my phone!) and I have a few select skincare products. I’ve stopped buying into marketing hype and worked out exactly what ingredients I wanted and which I needed to avoid (which is a different kettle of fish), then researched which brands had the same core values as I do. I listed some of the important ones below:

♻ Recyclable – Reducing plastic pollution is incredibly important. There are so many sustainable packaging solutions, there isn’t really an excuse to buy a brand that doesn’t have an environmental mission.

🐷 Vegan – In my experience, vegan products tend to have less nasty chemicals and preservatives in. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but generally, these brands values sit together.

🦧 Palm-Oil free – I tend to steer away from brands that use palm oil. If a brand is certified in sourcing palm oil sustainably then I’ll consider it, otherwise it’s too much of a battle to find the truth. Usually if you have to look too hard, it’s not the answer you want.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

🌍 Fair-trade – This one is really important if you’re looking at buying raw ingredients. I use a lot of shea butter, aloe vera and oils. I always make sure that they’re fair-trade.

🌿 Organic – There’s no point putting moisturiser on your skin every day if it’s full of pesticides. Always try and buy organic. Again, this is really important when buying oils.

💉 Cruelty-free – Another no-brainer. It’s illegal to test on animals in the UK but it’s not illegal to test on animals in other countries, such as China. I personally don’t support brands that do this.

Naming and shaming popular brands that test on animals (sorry, not sorry): Garnier, Clean & Clear, L’Oreal, Rimmel, Chanel, TRESemmé, Sephora, Pantene, John Frieda, La Mer, Estée Lauder, Mac, Maybelline, Benefit, Lancome, Clinique. Find out if a brand is cruelty-free by doing a quick Google Search.

Beyond the green-washing

Corporate social responsibility isn’t enough. Brands green-wash all the time, pretending they’re doing great for the environment when in reality it’s just a marketing push. I see companies doing this all the time, bragging about how much they care about the environment but they’re putting microbeads in their products which just add to the plastic pollution issue we’re tackling.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Here are some of the main culprits that you shouldn’t be buying:

• Microbeads
• Silicones
• Parabens
• Sulphates
• Phenoxyethanol
• Fragrances
• Colourants

Silicones are on the ingredient list of so many conditioners that are found in supermarkets and drugstores. They are also really bad for your hair and ultimately end up washing down into our drains and into the oceans, accumulating inside of wildlife. I’ve avoided these for years but sadly people are still using them. Invest in natural oils instead or buy in a natural conditioner.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Brands are getting a bit better at weeding silicones out but Pantene still has it in their products and so does both John Frieda and TRESemmé (except their Natural range but I still wouldn’t want to support them as a company, personally). All of these brands are not cruelty-free so it’s a double-no.

It’s not just silicones that are bad… Fragrances, parabens and sulphates are just some of the bad and unnecessary ingredients you’ll find in some cosmetics. They can strip your body from its natural oils and parabens have even been linked to cancer. Read the label and make sure you avoid them.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog


Ethical Brands to Support

It sounds like a minefield, right? I’m still trying to understand a lot of it myself and it’s not easy, but I’m just doing my best to make conscious decisions. I’m mostly using raw ingredients now (you can read about it here) but there are some brands that I’d recommend to anyone looking to become a more conscious consumer but they’re not ready to go completely natural, or they need to find a good non-toxic sunscreen etc.

Naissance

Switching to raw natural ingredients still comes with its challenges. You need to find a trusted supplier, otherwise, you can end up buying ingredients that aren’t pure. This can end up defeating the purpose of going natural, as often companies dilute the product or add harmful ingredients such as alcohol, microbeads or irritating essential oils. I always buy my oils* and soaps from Naissance because I know I can trust that their products are high-quality, have been sourced ethically, and are always reasonably priced.

 

*Whilst I’m not a fan of putting essential oils on my face (because most of them don’t add any benefit), I use essential oils for other things, such as creating room sprays or adding a couple of drops into a natural deodorant. 

Gallinee

Whilst finding natural alternatives usually work out for the best, my temperamental acne-prone skin doesn’t always agree. I suffer from oily skin so I need a good cleaner than doesn’t strip my skin but has ingredients in it that will balance my skin’s pH. I’m really careful when choosing skincare for my face because I know how just one bad ingredient can give me spots for weeks that ultimately end up leaving hideous scars.

I started using Gallinee a couple of months ago, after struggling to find a brand that ticked all the boxes from an ethical perspective and was kind to my skin. Luckily, Gallinee has no nasty ingredients and it’s suitable for sensitive skin (and that’s coming from someone who’s permanently has a tomato face!). I love that Gallinee focuses not just on taking the nasties out but also why what they’ve put in there is so good for your skin.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Green People

Going 100% natural isn’t always possible. I particularly found this to be an issue when looking for a good SPF. It might seem a little excessive, but 90% of ageing comes from the sun and obviously I want to protect myself from cancer, so I wear it every day. I wanted to make sure I was using a sunscreen that was suitable for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic and kind to the environment. That’s when I started using Green People sunscreen.

I’ve been a fan of this brand for about 8 years or so because I like their products, they have clean ingredients and they have a strong environmental mission. I really love how transparent they are and how readily available their products are at natural stores such as Holland and Barret. They have different products depending on your skin type, as well as a huge range of makeup and men’s products, too.

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Benecos

Switching to 100% natural makeup was one of the most satisfying things I did. I dumped all my old cosmetics that were out of date (… and probably full of bacteria) then replaced everything. Changing my makeup was the perfect time to minimise my beauty routine, too. We’re moving house soon so I’ve been doing a lot of de-cluttering but I’ve been trying to move to a more minimal lifestyle for a while.

Beneco is an affordable organic beauty brand that offers natural products, free from synthetic products. One of the things I really love about Benecos is their refillable palette. This means most of my makeup fits in this one product and then I can just refill it which means it’s super low-waste, too (and recyclable). Having one personalised multi-use palette for bronzing, contouring, my eyebrows and eye shadow is so much better than a mess of products. This means all the makeup I own fits neatly into this little bag – perfect for travelling!

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

Faith in Nature

Switching to using an all-in-one bar for your hair and body is a challenge. It doesn’t come easy initially, and it feels a bit odd only having a bar of soap in the shower. That said, I’m so glad I made the switch and I’ve made a positive step towards significantly reducing my plastic consumption. The hardest thing to give up was my conditioner. I missed the feeling of silky soft hair as I waited for my hair to adjust to my new routine.

For those of you that aren’t ready to cut conditioner out of your routine but you still want to be a conscious consumer, I recommend Faith in Nature. This is another brand I was first introduced to about 10 years ago. They don’t use any nasty chemicals, they have a strong environmental mission, and their products smell incredible. I still have this conditioner for when my hair needs an extra glug of hydration. Fun fact: Their natural shampoo and conditioners are made with fresh water from the Lake District!

Ethical Beauty: 5 Cosmetic Brands That Don’t Cost the Earth | UK Lifestyle Blog

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How To Replace 70 Products With a Handful Of Natural Ingredients https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/how-to-replace-70-products-with-just-a-handful-of-natural-organic-ingredients/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/how-to-replace-70-products-with-just-a-handful-of-natural-organic-ingredients/#respond Sat, 11 Apr 2020 08:38:16 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=20778 I’ve always been mindful of what I’m putting on my skin because I suffer from breakouts. I never really thought too hard about what ingredients I put on my hair though. It got me thinking and I started raiding my bathroom caddy which was overflowing with plastic bottles full of chemicals which couldn’t possibly be

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I’ve always been mindful of what I’m putting on my skin because I suffer from breakouts. I never really thought too hard about what ingredients I put on my hair though. It got me thinking and I started raiding my bathroom caddy which was overflowing with plastic bottles full of chemicals which couldn’t possibly be good for your locks. As I was going through everything I realised how many unnecessary products I had.

Over time, I’d accumulated stuff from the blog, products I’d tried but made me break out, and lotions that I just hadn’t got around to using. All of a sudden I was very aware and frustrated with how much space it was taking up in our little bathroom. So the purging began! My goal was to replace as many products as I could with natural alternatives that were multi-use and only introduce products back into my regime as I felt like I really needed them and where I couldn’t find a natural alternative. So far, this only includes sunscreen.

How to Replace 70 Products With a Handful of Natural Ingredients | UK Lifestyle BlogDetoxing my beauty cabinet: These are the 5 items I decided to to rely on as my natural substitutes for my skin, hair, body and household cleaning now (excluding sunscreen)! I have a larger bottle of vinegar under the kitchen sink and I do have a small makeup bag of 100% natural makeup (coming in another post). 

I chucked away expired products, gifted products that made me breakout to my mum (they’re suitable for her skin but not mine) and made an active effort to use up my other lotions and potions. I did hours of research and soon found out that I didn’t really need all these products. I actually only really needed these 5 items… castile soap, shea butter, vinegar, witch hazel and essential oils. Between them all, they can act as 100% natural moisturisers, cleansers, shampoo etc, without the need for a ton of products packed with chemicals.

I’ve opted to only buy organic products too, as my skin is quite sensitive and this really helps.

This is all about trial and error and seeing what works for my skin and hair, but with so many natural alternatives out there, I feel optimistic that there’s going to be something that works (so far, it’s been good!). If needed, I may introduce other items back into my regime but I wanted to really try and go back to basics using only items I really need and keep it natural. This beauty detox will then give me a completely fresh base to see the true value in beauty products I buy (if any), and hopefully it’ll be a little kinder to my skin.

Castile soap

Castile soap is an amazingly versatile vegetable-based soap that’s made free of animal fats and synthetic ingredients. It’s gently cleansing without toxins, its safe for sensitive skin, and can help oily, acne-prone skin (Hooray!! 🎉). I mix a little bit of tea tree oil, eucalyptus and lavender oil with water and castile soap which makes it smell lovely and help with my breakouts.

Here’s the list of products I won’t need to buy again because I can replace them with castile soap:

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  • Hand wash
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dish soap
  • Bubble bath

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  • Makeup brush cleaner
  • Body wash
  • Shaving cream

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  • Face wash
  • Shampoo
  • Facial cleanser

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Organic shea butter

100% raw organic shea butter is a skin superfood and I’m obsessed! If you don’t like the thick consistency of shea butter, I recommend using a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Personally, coconut oil gives me horrible acne, so if you have oily skin I’d recommend noncomedogenic alternatives such as grape seed oil or jojoba oil. Experiment to see what works best for you. I’m sticking with shea butter at the moment but I may go back to jojoba oil after as I feel like it’s easier to work with.

Here’s the list of products I won’t need to buy again because I can replace them with shea butter or oil:

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  • Body moisturiser
  • Face moisturiser
  • Conditioner
  • Makeup remover
  • Hair mask
  • Acne cream
  • Furniture polish
  • Lip balm
  • Tanning lotion
  • Shoe shiner
  • Nail strengthener
  • Lip scrub*

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  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Eye cream
  • Heat hair protector
  • Shine hair spray
  • Hand cream
  • Pet conditioner
  • Lube (do not use with latex)
  • WD40
  • Foot scrub*
  • Leather cleaner
  • Massage oil

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  • Flyaway tamer
  • Scar treatment
  • Chaffing cream
  • Bath muscle soak
  • Cuticle cream
  • Frizz control
  • Chlorine protector
  • Sunburn relief
  • Face mask
  • Body exfoliator*
  • Facial exfoliator*
  • Natural highlighter

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*Add sea salt

Witch hazel

I’ve been using witch hazel on my skin since I was 17 years old, so this is definitely nothing new. I mix my organic witch hazel with my blend of essential oils to soothe my skin and add fragrance. I found out that witch hazel makes a great natural deodorant which is something I really wanted to try because there are so many reasons to stop using high-street antiperspirants (you’re meant to sweat out your toxins, no mask them with chemicals).

Here’s the list of products I won’t need to buy again because I can replace them with witch hazel:

  • Skin toner
  • Natural deodorant
  • Room spray
  • Body spray/perfume

Vinegar

I went one step further and thought “what else could I replace with natural products in my house?” After taking inventory I realised how many cleaning products we had that just didn’t seem necessary. Why do I need a different type of cleaners for dedicated rooms? It’s mostly a marketing ploy. So I pulled them all our and realised that so many of them could be replaced with vinegar, mixed with water and a few drops of essential oils to mask the smell, where needed.

Here’s the list of products I won’t need to buy again because I can them replace with vinegar:

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  • Floor cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Surface cleaner
  • Bleach
  • Drain cleaner
  • Stove cleaner
  • Pet neutralizing spray

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  • Carpet cleaner
  • Disinfectant
  • Cut flower food
  • Weed-killer
  • Silver cleaner
  • Paint-brush cleaner
  • Garden insect control

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  • Mould cleaner
  • Oven cleaner
  • Stain remover
  • Windscreen defroster
  • Window cleaner
  • Cif cream cleaner
  • Mirror cleaner

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Essential oils

I’ve mentioned essential oils a few times throughout this article. Personally, I use a blend of lavender, eucalyptus and tea-tree because they’re great for my acne-prone skin, and they smell great. As much as I love orange and lime, I try to use oils that I know will be good for my skin so that I’m not unnecessarily loading up on different types of oils.

If you’re planning on using them on your skin, always dilute them! There are lots of really helpful articles online you help you choose a blend that would be best for your skin. If you’re only planning to use them to add fragrance then consider ordering a multi-pack and trying different smells until you find one you like. Always purchase organic oils from a reputable brand.


So there you have it! 70 Products we managed to replace with just a handful of natural ingredients. In matter of fact, it’s probably more like 100 products when factoring in multiple products we had lying around the house that weren’t being used and products that my husband and I used to buy separately, like body wash – why on earth were we buying separate body wash?!

I wish I purged years ago. It’s better for our health, our bank account and the planet (not to mention, there’s a lot less clutter in the bathroom!). There is still lotions and potions that I need to finish using up – I’m not just going to throw them out for the sake of it. There will also still be things I need to buy, like sunscreen, but I’ve become more mindful of what I’m consuming and living a more minimalist lifestyle with just the bits I need. So far, so good! Maybe I’ll do a follow up in 6 months to show you what worked, what didn’t, and what products I felt I couldn’t live without.

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5 Reasons I’m Obsessed With Eyelash Extensions In 2020 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/5-reasons-im-obsessed-with-eyelash-extensions-in-2020/ https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/5-reasons-im-obsessed-with-eyelash-extensions-in-2020/#respond Mon, 06 Jan 2020 13:50:25 +0000 https://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/?p=20468 New year, new you! How about you experiment with some new makeup treatments and you consider getting lash extensions in the upcoming year? They are well-loved among women as well as teens due to their high-quality materials, as well as a long-lasting outcome. If you are ready to play around with some new beauty additions

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New year, new you! How about you experiment with some new makeup treatments and you consider getting lash extensions in the upcoming year? They are well-loved among women as well as teens due to their high-quality materials, as well as a long-lasting outcome. If you are ready to play around with some new beauty additions in 2020, give it a go! Here are the top 5 reasons why we believe that you should get lash extensions.

5 Reasons I'm Obsessed with Eyelash Extensions in 2020 | UK Lifestyle Blog

Why Should Every Woman Get Lash Extensions

They are insanely beautiful

Lash extensions once placed perfectly and done by a true professional, will look amazing on every woman! They are way prettier than glue-on lashes, or your typical and natural lashes that you’ve coated in 2-3 layers of mascara!

Women love them since they are placed individually one by one, and are done in a way that suits every eye shape. If you want to switch up your style in 2020, you will adore lash extensions! The application process takes only 60-90 minutes to do, and after that – you will be all set and ready to go!

They look great on literally everybody

Lash extensions can look amazing on different age groups as well as eye shapes. Your lash specialists will give you a customizable solution that will suit your preference, as well as your preferred outcome. Some women are way more into fluffy & long lashes, while others like shorter & wispy kinds.

Either way, both looks are manageable, and your esthetician will be able to give you your ideal and personalized outcome. Also, they can be worn by anyone, just as long as you are not allergic to any lash materials – such as faux mink, mink, or synthetic, and the glue itself. Make sure you are well aware of your allergies before you book your appointment.

They are super low-maintenance

Rocking lash extensions is not hard to do. Women often think of them as a high-maintenance beauty tool that needs much love & care. However, this is far from the truth. If you get a set of lash extensions, make sure you:

  • Avoid alcohol or oil-based cleanser
  • Avoid using q-tips or cotton around your eyes
  • Remove your makeup with slow tapping and not rubbing motions
  • Don’t use mascara on top
  • Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to get the ultimate comfort for your bendable lashes

The most common mistake that women do is coat their extensions in mascara. Your lash extensions will stay in place and look voluminous on their own. No reason to reach for mascara, lash curler, or any of these tools. Just let them be as they are! This means you don’t get panda-eyes, too – genius!

They’re perfect for so many different events

If you are off to a wedding you can and should wear lash extensions. They are waterproof, cry-proof, as well as smudge-resistant. You won’t experience any drama while having them on. Lash extensions are also ideal for prom, birthday parties, as well as tropical getaways!

In fact, with lash extensions, you can even swim in the pool & in the ocean. You can tan while having them on, and they won’t move an inch! Some women love them because they are the perfect solution for the office, especially for busy moms who dislike wearing a lot of makeup. As you can see, they are friendly for almost any gathering & event.

They’re totally affordable

Normally, you’d pay around £45 for a set of lash extensions, depending on the reputation level of your lash specialist. This is not too expensive once you realise that your lashes can and will stay on for 2-3 weeks! During this period, you won’t have to re-purchase any mascaras, lash curlers, or glue-on lashes, nor the glue itself!

You will be left with a voluminous and a sturdy outcome for almost an entire month. If you don’t mind rocking the same style of lashes & makeup on a daily, you will love them! Once they fall out and you end up with some weird gaps, book yourself a refill. It is usually half the initial price point.

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