Natural Facial Products – What products do you use for a facial?

What products do you use for a facial?

I share what products I use for an easeful facial routine at home to take care of your skin

 natural vegan skincare on your face

Facial routines and products are an individual choice based on what you feel supports your skin type, money comes into the choice, product ingredients, i.e is it natural? I hope by now vegan products are the most obvious solution, but do you also consider sustainability? Knowing that your creams will be washed off and end up in the ocean or do the containers end up in landfill? If you are like me and you love skincare, or whether you just want to slap on something you know will work best for both you and the planet, then have a read below, as I share what products I use for a facial in an easeful and simple way.

All the products I share are natural, organic where possible, award winning, vegan, made from a carbon neutral provider using sustainable packaging. I have been a lover of natural skincare as long as I can remember and offering luxury facials for over 5 years.

Cleanser – its there to remove dirt, make up and pollution. Its also there to cleanse your skin before you add any goodies to absorb into it, i.e serums or moisturiser, it also removes sebum to avoid build up of, wait for it *dramatic scary music*, blemishes.

I use Ringana cleanser which has some yummy goodies in like sesame oil, ginkgo, jojoba and almond kernel in. It is vegan, housed in packaging made out of corn starch, its the prefect texture for me to enjoy massaging into the skin and it feels very softening and soothing.

How to apply – Apply to damp face, neck and upper chest area, massage in for up to 1 minute, to remove eye make up, pop some on two cotton pads, hold it there for a bit before wiping and removing, rinse off with a warm flannel. 

My favourite product to use caring for you treatments

Toner – its there to remove cleanser, but also to tighten your pores if your skin is oily, and soothe the skin if its sensitive. I once heard to not use toner is like not cleaning your shower, over time the scale builds up. Toner helps to restore the skin barrier’s ideal, which is a slightly acidic environment.

I use – Ringana tonic calm, as sometimes other toners have caused my face to feel stingy, so this one is perfect for sensitive skin. It has active substances from lactic acid bacteria that supply the skin with moisture, natural balance and reduce skin irritations. It also has hibiscus flower which rejuvenates and betaine from sugar which protects the skin drying out. For oily skin and large pores you can try tonic pure.

How to apply – a few squirts on a cotton pad and wipe over face

Tonic calm what products do I use

Serum – floods the skin with maximum moisture for smooth skin, it hydrates and prevents dryness, fine lines and goes to the depth and level where needed. The molecules are often smaller than a moisturiser, so they reach a deeper level of skin to moisturise.

I use – Hydro serum in the day with fresh adds glow to protect in particular from pollution as I live in a city. In the evening I just use the Hydro serum.

How to apply – 1 pump of each and lightly apply with fingers over the face, neck and upper chest area, only apply around the eye area.

Hydrating serum for your skin Fresh glow to soothe with pollution

 

Moistuiser – A high-quality nourishing cream is “daily bread for the skin”. It supplies the skin not only with fats and hydration, but also contains substances that protect it from everyday stress factors and environmental influences.

I use Ringana medium moisturiser which is perfect for my normal to oily skin, they also do a light and a rich for more oily or dryer skin types. It contains the jiaogulan plant, which is also known as the immortality herb, it has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the skin barrier, it has substances from the rock rose to moisture in the skin and Cupuacu, mango and shea butter nourish the skin. Its also an award winning product!

How to apply – I apply after serum, both morning and night.

Amazing moisturiser caring for you

In the morning I wash with plain water and add serum and moisturiser, this suits my routine and skin, I very rarely wear make up and like the idea of not washing away natural oils on the skin, which is supportive in winter.

In the evening I use the cleaner, toner, hydro serum and moisturiser.

You can cleanse and tone both morning and evening should you wish to and I would encourage testing out what suits you best.

I haven’t mentioned exfoliator, eye serum, masks, lip balm, gua sha tools or face yoga, as I chose to keep this simple and I don’t use these items daily.

Just to touch on Nutricsometics – internal skin care health, is even more important, I eat plenty of vegetables and drink plenty of water, getting out in the fresh air and relaxation can all support with taking care of your skin too.

Want to know more? Book in a free online skin consultation to discover your skin type and I can offer product suggestions and a routine to suit your skin type.

Happy home facialing.

Natural Facial Products

Ringana Natural Products

Amazing natural facial products!

As you know, I love skincare, I love caring for other beings, I love supporting people and finally I found a way to merge all that into one! I met Ringana through my housemate, she isn’t one for products but she was raving about them, perhaps she knew she had tapped into a secret treasure, so curious as the cat is me, I started asking her and she showed me the 100% fresh cream medium, no parabens or preservatives in at all, packed full of benefit, no added perfumes or aromas just fresh yummy nutritious cream on your skin.

So that was that, I was hooked, they have this cool 4 part philosophy:-

Fresh – a 14 days from production to customer aim, products are not sat around getting dusty on shelves, they are made on demand.

Effective – the products are designed for maximum benefit, as fresh as they can be, made with great care for the customer and planet, no extra fillers, cheap additives or artificial aromas.

Consistent – the products are sat in either sugar cane or glass, the glass products arrive wrapped in an unbleached cotton flannel. Collect 10 glass bottles and send them back and you receive a free product. Corn pops arrive in the package, they can be put straight on the compost. They also use plant paint for the tape logo.

Ethical – complete respect for the customer receiving amazing fresh products that work, the planet with their great sustainability policies, for animals as they are all vegan, cruelty free products and they make sure all of their suppliers also have this important care guidelines.

I was blown away by their great care and so now I love using the products and sharing about their incredible benefits to support you.

Fresh skin care, body care & hair care – moisturisers, serums, exfoliator, body milk and much more, click in blue to see each product range.

Caps range – targeted capsules filled with goodness drawing from ayurvedic, herbology and Chinese medicine, support for all areas such as hormones, memory, joints & immune system.

Drinks range – alternative to coffee without the caffeine jitters, brilliant for conscious partying, gives you mental alertness and energy using natural ingredients such as ginger, pineapple, vitamin C & ginseng.

Sports range – isotonic drink, protein powder and ginger and chilli muscle rub for those that love working out.

Packs – antiox, balancing and cleansing power packed powders to support your immune system, alkaline the body and cleanse the digestive system.

I also love working in a lush team and mentoring other beings to see that we can create an easeful work/life balance.

I love supporting people!

Shiny being post presentation

This is me post my first online Ringana fresh date, a 30 minute presentation of the philosophy and the product range.

Vegan shake meal replacment

One of my fav products, the D-eat complete meal replacement shake, its only 200 calories, vegan, contains all your micro and macro nutrients in, proteins, omegas, seeds, yummy goodness, perfect for on the go. No need to worry about missing a meal or missing out on nutrients. Also perfect for weight loss, 1 day a week, take 2 of these, then eat a balanced meal, as well as exercise this is a gradual way to loose weight.

Beauty skin hair and nails caps

The beauty and hair caps, are perfect for strengthening nails, hair and supporting the skin. I have vitiligo where the skin looses its pigment and I have white patches on my face, taking these have supported these to reduce and have made my hair grow and my nail stronger. Stressors and daily life can mean our bodies don’t always operate fully if something is using up energy, so this just felt like a natural support. It contains lush things like, SOD from melon extract, which reduces skin impurities and refines the skin. Hyaluronic acid ensures beautiful, even skin. Saw palm extract supports natural hair growth. Manganese and copper from buckwheat germ powder contribute to the formation of connective tissue. Zinc from buckwheat germ powder supports a healthy skin, hair and nail structure. Copper from buckwheat germ powder helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which plays a major role in skin aging.

These are just some of my favs, If you would like to know more about the products, you can view/purchase them here, or contact me if you have any question and I would be happy to support you! <3

Sustainable Skincare – Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Sustainable Skincare – Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Natural Mineral Sunscreen, that is beneficial to your skin and the environment.

Buying natural mineral suncreen can be confusing when considering all the benefits, such as recyclable packaging, reef safe, non toxic, no parabens, containing zinc and other minerals, effective & dosent make your face look like a ghost.

Which report says that you are supposed to spread 1 teaspoon of suncreen over each area of your body, which I have never done before.

It is recommended to reapply after being in water, (some suncreens are water resistant up to a certain time), apply 15 minutes before going out, then reapply 2 hours after each application.

Suncreen does go out of date and with that its ability to protect us from the sun.

SPF (An indication of how much protection you get from UVB) is how long you can spend in sun without burning i.e. SPF 30 is 30 minutes longer than no suncreem up until a certain point. Foundation with SPF in is not likely to work unless you put a teaspoon of it on your face.

UVA is another type of radiation

SPF 15 – blocks 93% UVB

SPF 20 – blocks 95% UVB

SPF 30 – blocks 97% UVB

SPF 50 – blocks 98% UVB

This is what I look like when I applied a teaspoon of factor 50 sun milk. You are supposed to slap it on, not smear it, after 15 mins it had settled into the skin.

suncream tips caring for you treatments

However, Which does not offer this advice based on natural/mineral suncreens, which sit on your skin a little differently. One of my fav mineral suncreens, Stream2Sea offers a mini video on how to apply mineral suncreen, which you can watch here – Stream2Sea.

Here is my top natural mineral suncreen.

 

Ringana Sunscreen SPF 20

Natural sunscreen Bristol

No preservatives in, so it’s fresh on your skin, it’s waterproof & wont seap out a slimy shield in the sea, as it uses nanoparticle-free pigments in the oil emulsion (after reading a lot of suncreens are not soluble in water & can affect marine organsims, even though they might say they are waterproof ah) contains *zinc oxide, titanium dioxide – natural shields against uv rays, milk thistle oils, tumeric extract, coenzyme Q10 plus more lush natural ingredients, easy to rub in, housed in sugar cane packing, yippeee. It also rubs in like a dream and leave no sticky residue.

Approx £35

 

Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Top mineral suncreams caring for you treatmentsNatural, organic sunscreen full of plant oils & aloe, providing anti-oxidants. Water resistant up to 40-80 minutes. It has top ratings for safety and efficacy by the Environmental Working Group & it is coral reef safe. 

Approx £15
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Organii Everyday Organics SPF 30

mineral suncream caring for you treatments

100% mineral sun protection, suitable for all skin types, offering waterproof protection, free from parabens, fragrance & colorants. It is effective immediately after application, the SPF 30 suncreen is suitable for vegans & is certified organic by ICEA. 

£21.95 from BetterFoods

Beauty Counter Countersun

mineral suncream caring for you treatmentsA hydrating, lightweight zinc oxide formula that works for everyone, from babies and sensitive-skin-sufferers to outdoor-sports enthusiasts. Water-resistant, infused with antioxidants and aloe vera. It smells faintly of tangerine and lemon.

£39.00

Stream2Sea Suncreen SPF 30

mineral suncream caring for you treatmentsHigh performance mineral-based sunscreen, containing an antioxidant blend of green tea, tulsi, wakame & olive leaf, water resistant for up to 80 Minutes of swimming. It is non-greasy & contains 8.8% (non-nano) titanium Dioxide, with eco-conscious sugarcane resin tubes.

Buy it in the UK via Baldwins

£12.99

 Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion

mineral suncream caring for you

Suitable for sensitive skin & prickly heat, water repellent, contains aloe vera, green tea & edelweiss, 84% certified organic ingredients, reef-safe sun lotion, renewable sugar cane packaging, farmed on sustainable land, 30p donation to charity. It can be a little thick to apply but fine once you get used to it.

£22.50

Odylique natural suncream 30 SPF

Odylique mineral suncream caring for you treatments

Suitable for vegans, 76% organic, no preservatives, silicones, fragrance or colour. The first ever sun screen both organically certified & approved by the Fairtrade Foundation. Immediately effective on application, it spreads easily, is non-whitening, non-greasy or pore-clogging. It contains raw shea butter, sunflower, chamomile, sea buckthorn, the packaging is recyclable packaging.

£25

Happy sunshine time.

If you want some hydrating skin pampering after sunshine time, that feel free to contact me to book in a nourishing facial.

 

Self-care During Period

Self-care during your period

 

How to take the best self-care during your period. I share my top tips below.

When it’s your period do you wear yellow shorts and run along the beach singing Bodyform like this happy lady?

Haha I didn’t think so and it certainly isn’t my style. Saying that, I do have many clients that take the pill, or the coil, so they have very few hormonal symptoms. These bring added benefits of ruling out an unwanted pregnancy, but equally can bring their own complications. It took me 2 years to have a period again after coming of the combined pill. I also had a brief encounter with the progesterone only pill and felt a strange sensation in my calf, after reading up about blood clot side effects and the trials carried out in poor African villages with awful side effects and fatalities, I decided that was enough for me, but of course everybody has their own unique body, preferences and ethics.  

So, back to periods!

The period app – get prepared and track symptoms

I don’t know how I managed without my trusty free period app, before, it was a oh no it’s my period, but somehow there is relief and understanding when I feel more in tune with what stage of my cycle I am at, so I am more ready and willing for it. After tracking, I now see recurring patterns, such as hunger the week before, increase in sugar craving and of course more emotional states. This reassures me as I understand there are hormone changes happening and I am extra gentle on  myself.

Eco friendly products

I have my trusty Mooncup and reusable bamboo sanitary pads, so there is no plastic, no waste, no chemicals used, so no skin irritation, plus they are already in my cupboard. 

Choccie support

Not forgetting my fav delicious bar of chocolate Doisy & Dam, yummy nom nom. I naturally crave more sugars around this time, so I trust in going with what feels most nourishing. This choccie has superfoods in and less refined sugar than your average bar. It’s also organic, with packaging that can be recycled. Whoopers all round!

Adjusting your schedule 

I have blocked out a day of less work, or no work from my calendar during my first day of my cycle, as the flow can be heavy then and so I can prioritise resting. The stigma of appearing weak when you need to rest for your period is thankfully reducing and actually it’s so supportive to honour your body and rest if rest is needed, that goes for other times too.

Of course I understand we all have our own lifestyle’s which might not adapt, but even if it’s a 20 min power nap, or being gentle, which could look like, wearing comfy trousers, going to bed earlier, taking comfort in what you see supports you.

Taking steps to take the best care of ourselves is a brilliant support & demonstration for everyone.

Some places of work, have honoured the period policy which is a wonderful upgrade in taking the best care of your staff. 

Vaginal steaming

I also have a friend who is a trained vaginal steam facilitator and this has really soothed my periods to be shorter and less painful. It is a very controversial topic, but in essence its herbs and the same amount of steam as a sauna. It is incredibly relaxing and actually supports me to look forward to my monthly flow.

The Sciencey Part

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural processes that your body goes through. During your period cycle, your hormone levels rise and fall, depending on which stage of your menstrual cycle you are in. These hormones can also affect your mood and level of energy.

The length of a menstrual cycle can vary from 23 days to 35 days. All bodies are different, so the length of your own menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer and not all menstrual cycles are regular.

If you struggle with painful periods, or endometriosis, please contact me here to discuss hormone balancing, its a relaxing way to restore the body to a balance and reduce symptoms. 

Other complementary therapies include herbalist’s and I have taken a herb called Agnus castus in the past which has helped regulate my periods. Homeopathy and naturopathy are all wonderful ways to offer regulation of irregular periods.

 

 

Eco Friendly Skincare

Eco Friendly Skincare

I am super passionate about using eco friendly skincare, products that are natural, effective, but also that have no packaging or packaging that can be recycled.  

When I looked at all the beauty products I owned it was like opening up a big plastic cupboard that you wish you didn’t open. 

Zero Waste reports that the majority of beauty products come packaged in plastic, which – when talking about your average moisturiser pot – can take nearly 1,000 years to decompose! OMG!! We can do our bit as consumers, by making choices. I share with you with you my top favourite natural skin and body care products, that are not tested on animals, made in the UK and made with eco-friendly packaging, wahoo!

1 Lyons Leaf

100% Natural Beauty Balm

Lyonsleaf natural beauty balm luxury facial treatment A beautiful cleansing balm with no artificial chemicals, 95% organic, crammed with free radical busting antioxidants, made in Somerset. This comes in a glass pot which can be recycled. I also wash the pots and reuse them for making face cream, or other ideas you see. I am totally convinced, my skin has never felt smoother, more radiant.  Use this alongside their 100% cotton muslin cloths.  Also available with my Luxury Facial treatment using yummy natural products to leave you beaming.

2 White Witch

Anti-Age Moisturiser

White Witch anti age moisturiser zero waste packaging White Witch eco friendly moisturiser zero packaging

Beautiful, delicately handmade in Ireland, organic, vegan, literally no plastic to be found whatsoever! A beautiful moisturiser containing  Virgin coconut oil, barbary fig seed oil and carnuba wax.

 

3 Pink and Green Organic Skincare

Chocolate and Rose Face & Body Mask

Luxury facial face mask chocolate & rose

Completely natural, smells amazing, great fun to mix with water and slap on your skin. Highly recommended results. Has actual Cacao in, surely that has got to be good. This comes in a glass pot which can be reused, or recycled. Handmade with care in the UK.

 

4 Wild Sage & Co

Shampoo Bar Rosemary and Lavender

Wild Sage & Co shampoo bar zero packaging

All of their soaps are made from 100% natural, vegan ingredients, cold pressed and lovingly crafted in the Herefordshire countryside. This shampoo bar also has Organic Apple Cider Vinegar along with homegrown Rosemary, infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil, er my scalp is crying out for this! Zero-waste product. 

 

5 White Rabbit Skincare

Chamomile and carrot seed eye cream

Chamomile & carrot seed eye cream zero waste packaging

This little gem tightens and firms the eye area, reduces under-eye circles and puffiness, repairs damaged skin and is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. Packed in a glass jar and aluminium lid from a luxury, vegan skincare company, using only natural ingredients and made in Scotland. 

 

6 Soapnuts

Reusable Organic Cotton Cleansing Pads

Reusable cotton pads luxury facial treatment

Lovingly hand-made with certified organic and fair trade cotton free from pesticides and other chemicals. These naturally absorbent pads are a great washable alternative to disposable products. They can be machine or hand washed with Orethic coconut soap or other natural soap. Also selling artisan soaps, handmade in the UK from 100% vegan, natural and organic, ethically sourced, sustainable & cruelty-free ingredients.

 

7 Aurelia Skincare

Botanical Cream Deodorant

Natural botanical deodorant with zero waste Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s Botanical Cream Deodorant offers a highly effective gentle and natural alternative with no aluminium which can block and alter sweat ducts. Contains antimicrobial Arrowroot and Kaolin, ready to absorb natural perspiration throughout the day; retaining dryness, inhibiting bacteria and resulting in long-lasting freshness. Shea butter, Tea tree, Eucalyptus and Peppermint, Lavender and Bergamot. Made in the UK. Amazing reviews including by Vogue, glass pot can be recycled too.

 

8) Neals Yard

Peppermint and Lime Deodorant 

Natural skincare products with zero waste

Natural and organic Peppermint & Lime deodorant, clinically proven 24hr protection. It has been formulated to help naturally guard against odour and wetness with cleansing shikimic acid and moisture-absorbing bamboo powder. A skin-loving combination of essential oils with no nasty chemicals.

9 Mooncup

Mooncup zero waste product

An average woman uses 12,000 pads/tampons in her lifetime, and it takes centuries for these products to degrade. Mooncup® is the original, soft, medical-grade silicone menstrual cup designed by women as the convenient, safe and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads. UK made a product with zero waste.

10 Georganics

Natural Mineral-rich Toothpaste English Peppermint

English peppermint georganics toothpaste zero waste

Natural toothpaste blended with organic English peppermint essential oil. Fluoride and SLS free, vegan, zero-waste packaging using a plastic-free jar, comes with a bamboo spatula, outside packaging made from compostable craft paper and vegetable ink. Full natural oral care range including toothbrushes and floss too. Made in West Sussex.

By Caring For You Treatments. Offering Luxury Facial treatments in Bridport, Dorset.

Luxury Facial overview – You will recline on a therapy couch and be totally spoilt with a cleanse, tone, exfoliate, facial massage, with crystals and cold stones, followed by a heavenly scented face mask, serum, moisturise and eye gel; plus a shoulder, neck and upper back massage (getting into all those knots and tension) whooo! Because we care for you so much whilst your mask is setting, we will provide an extra massage to either legs and feet, a mini reflexology treatment, or a scalp massage Only using natural organic products with recyclable packaging. Book your treatment here.

Zero waste natural skincare luxury facial