Blogger Interview - Not Just Skin Deep

This week I would like to introduce you to the lovely Carrie.  She has a great blog and is currently celebrating her 1 year Blog anniversary.  I hope you enjoy this interview and check out her blog. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I'm Carrie from Not Just Skin Deep. I'm 23 and in the last year of my Fashion degree. 

2. Why did you decide to start your blog?

I was always torn whether to pursue fashion, or go into the beauty industry. I chose fashion, but that hasn't lessened my love of beauty. In my spare time I would experiment with different products, and delved heavily into beauty blogs and youtube gurus. Beauty was always my escape from the world. Though I never liked the idea of trying to make yourself something your not. I was going through a bit of a tough time in my personal life, so I created my blog as my own little corner of the world. I wanted to create somewhere positive to go, and then as it started to gain followers its become somewhere to try and help others as well when it comes to beauty.

3. How would you describe your blogging style?

I blog about products I've used and give honest opinions, as I dont want people to waste money on things that don't work. I do try to be to the point when I blog, and lay my posts out in a way so readers can find the important information easily. Im quite a visual person, so I like to use a lot of photos to illustrate my points properly, though I know that's not everyone's cup of tea. Though I like to think I don't use too many!

4. What do you think is the best thing about blogging?

As a whole, I really like the blogging community, and have met some really nice people through it - both in person and online. 

I also love when I receive a comment on a post that someone's found to be useful. That definitely makes my day. 

5. What inspires you when it comes to your blog?

I love DIY posts, so am always on the lookout to try recipes to see if they work. I look at the things I've learnt that have helped me, and write about products that have helped me with certain beauty dilemmas. 

6. What do you find most challenging when blogging about your topic?

For the moment my biggest challenge is timing, I'm at uni during the day, so when I get back its too dark to take photos. But only a couple months left and then I'm free!

7. Where are your favourite places to shop? (high street or online)

For clothing definitely high street, as I vary in size wherever I go so unfortunately I always have to try things on. For beauty products I would have said high street, though recently I've been getting into natural skincare more and more (I blame Sugarpuffish), so a lot of those I have to get online. So I guess I'd say I'm 50/50.

8. Has blogging changed the way you make purchasing decisions?

Definitely. In some ways for the better (I'm more careful when it comes to the products I buy), but in others not too good - It has seriousy encouraged the habit of spending!

9. What is your all time favourite brand? (cosmetic, clothing or anything else)

A few months ago I could have answered this, but I keep discovering new brands, so I don't have a favourite right now. Though I'm sure that will change once I get to know the brands I'm using better.

10. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I would love to change problems with body image. People (me included) get too obsessed sometimes with how they look, and I think there's too much focus on looking a certain way. I feel people should make the most of what they have and realise that what they have is beautiful, and not try so hard to become someone they're not. No beauty product works as well as confidence.

Myroo Skin Boost Facial Serum Review

After reviewing Saaf serum (link) I was contacted by Myroo Natural Skincare (link). They asked if I would consider reviewing starflower & orange blossom skin boost facial serum (£15).  Myroo is an independent UK company producing natural bath, body and facial products. There are no parabens, SLS or palm oil in the range (“We only use synthetics where they are unavoidable, for example to preserve").  Products are not tested on animals.

Myroo's face serum is suitable for all skin types. My skin is dry all year round so I have learnt that an oil provides a much needed mositure boost. As with other oils I have tested, I like using this as an overnight treatment. I can be generous with the amount I apply and by morning my skin has absorb the serum. In the morning my complexion looks healthy, my skin is smooth and free from dry patches.  I find I need to apply less day moisturiser and my make up sits better on my skin.

Compared to the Saaf serum, this has a delicate fragrance. It reminds me of a spring day, the freshness of light florals and cut grass.  The packaging is convenient and fit for purpose, having a pipit to dispense the serum is ideal.  I find it easy to measure out two or three drops which is sufficient for my skin (a little goes a long way).

Face oils are surprisingly versatile and easily slot into your daily skin routine.  For instance, if you use a light day moisturiser and experience dryness rather than switching to a heavier cream you could add a drop of face oil. Another tip (inspired by Becky's Make Up & Beauty) is to use a facial oil under a clay mask. The idea is to benefit from the oil under the mask and you should find the mask is easier to remove. 

I know some of you may shy away from oils but I urge you to give them a try.  I highly recommend this one based on performance, company ethics and price point.  I honestly can not find fault with this product.  I recommend you take a look at the other Myroo products which include Bath Fizz, Bath Soak, Body Scrub, Body Butter, Lip Balm, Hand cream and Cleanser (link).


Have you tried Myroo products? What did you think? Do you currently use a face oil/serum in your skin routine? 

Disclaimer - I was sent this product to review, all opinions are 100% my own, I have not been paid to write this review, links are not affiliated 

Sunday Catch Up (8)

Let me just hop right in to my Sunday Catch Up post. Last weekend was Mother's Day (in UK). Hopefully, my Mother's Day Gift guide was helpful to some of you, let me know if you purchased anything from it. I thought I would share with you the presents I bought for my Mummy. I have Lucyy Writes to thank for one of the gifts I purchased.  The sign she featured in her post "The New Additions To My Room" was perfect and I knew my Mum would love it (she did!).  Even though Lucy's post linked a website, I am a frugal shopper so always look to see if I can beat a price.  I ended up ordering from Mollie & Fred for £8.99 + postage.  My Mum shares my love of hand creams so I bought her Abahna hand cream in the fragrance White Grapefruit & May Chang.  I have a soap in this fragrance and my Mum had mentioned how she liked it so it was an easy choice to make.

This week I discovered Dove Farm Apple & Sultana flapjacks.  How have I never discovered these before? They were hiding in the cake aisle a place I never frequent since I can't eat dairy and eggs.  Anyway, I love flapjacks and these are great.  They are not gluten free but are free from dairy (the label says "may contain sesame, milk & nuts").

I was having a rummage around my room and found a sample of Madara Moon Flower tinting fluid (link).  Now that I have a tan I did not fancy slapping on my usual foundation so gave this a try.  I have managed to squeeze five applications out of the sachet. I am impressed with the colour, it lightly corrects my complexion (I did require a touch up with concealer).  I think the texture and consistency is better than Liz Earle's skin tint.  The smell is a little odd, reminds me of freshly cut grass but it does not linger so I can live with it.  The downside is 50ml retails for £23 ouch! However, I think the price is on a par with other tinted moisturisers.  This week a new website launched called Onlynaturals (link).  They stock Madara tinting fluid and are offering 10% off your first order (voucher code - NEW10) plus there is free UK postage.

Thanks to Carly Cristman I am on the look out for a Sideways Initial Necklace. I am finding it impossible to track down an inexpensive version in the UK.  I may end up settling for something entirely different but I have a bee in my bonnet that I now want an initial necklace.  I spent most of my weekend browsing Etsy and Not On The High Street, pictured below are some of my finds. 

Links - sideway initial, bird leaf necklace, sideway initial (disc style), tiny heart & beanies charm

I wanted to share some blog love for The Vegan Stoner (link). I have been following for a while and it is an awesome blog for meal inspirations. Also, I defy you not to fall in love with the recipe drawings.

Finally just a couple of shout outs - I found Betty Buff Sugar Scrubs on twitter, check them out if you like natural skin scrubs.  Next is Razzle Dazzle Ices who won me over with the tweet "Our mission and passion is to make amazing Dairy Free vegan ices (no) creams that taste as good as Ben & Jerry's!!". I was excited when Swedish Glace came on the market imagine if I would indulge in a dairy free equivalent to Ben & Jerry's.  I will never forget being a child and standing in front of the ice cream van crying my heart out because I couldn't have a 99 cone and was stuck with an ice lolly.  Next time you eat a Magnum think of me J. Lastly a thank you to Pampered Prince Beauty for recommending the  PicFrame App .  As you can see I have utilised it in this blog post, hooray to finally being able to group together pictures J.


So that's it folks, have a great Sunday and enjoy the glorious weather we are having.  I look forward to catching up on comments.

DGJ Organics Haircare Review

DGJ Organics aka Daniel Galvin Junior (link) shampoo was recommended to me by Sarah at BEskincareful.  After reading her review I decided to try it for myself (link).  To give you some background DGJ products are made with plant derived natural ingredients enhanced with Organic essential oils and do not contain SLS (Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphates) or parabens.

I have mention before that I have a love/hate relationship with SLS free haircare. I find natural haircare does not perform to a standard I am happy with or the essential oils irritate my scalp. On the other hand, a large majority of salon and high street brands are not suitable as they can cause skin irritation.  Basically, when it comes to haircare it's a nightmare battle between my eczema, allergies and the desire to cut out chemical nasties.  I openly admit, my regular favourite shampoo is loaded with nasty ingredients. 

I purchased the HairJuice Honeydewmelon Shampoo (250ml £4.39) at Waitrose. This is described as an everyday shampoo for all hair types. The fragrance is lovely and fresh, exactly like melon.  For an SLS free shampoo this lathers reasonably well, something which I have never been able to achieve from other brands. When testing this product I stuck to my regular routine of washing my hair every other day.  I like the feel of my hair on the day of washing.  It felt clean and refreshed but unfortunately, I was not happy on the second day.  My hair appeared to loose its glossy shine and the texture was greasier than I would normally expect.  However, I am pleased to report I did not experience any skin or scalp irritation whilst testing this product (I always recommend you patch test a new product).

Overall, I like that this shampoo is available in a supermarket at a reasonable price.  Also I am impressed with the lather considering it is free from SLS .  I do not think this is correct shampoo for my hair but I have not been put off trying another shampoo from the range (Glossy Brunette, Glossy Blonde & Lavender Hangover Hair).  In case you are wondering, I have short fine hair but it's thick because I am blessed with so much of it (lol), I also colour my hair every 5-6 weeks. If you do not live near a Waitrose you can purchase online (link).  DGJ Organics also have a couple of haircare products for children.

Have you tried DGJ Organic haircare?  What did you think? Can you recommend any other SLS free shampoos/conditioners?

Blogger Interview - Hello Gorgeous x

Regular followers will know that I had a series post called "Spotlight Blogger" but it went into retirement due to lack of interest. At the weekend I sent a tweet out to the #bbloggers community asking if anyone would like to take part and I did get a few replies.  I like to share blog love and think an interview series is a nice way to discover new bloggers.  So, let me introduce you to........Katrina from hellogorgeousx.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello! I'm Katrina from hellogorgeousx. I'm 21 and from a quaint fishing village in Essex (which is now famed more for its quantity of hairdressers and wine bars!). I love to travel, spend too much and shop! I currently work in Marketing & IT!

2. Why did you decide to start your blog?

For years I have followed others blogs and also (quite a few times) started my own blogs - but I soon slowed down on updating them as I lost interest. However this time I'm really loving having a platform to share my opinions and find new things from others in the "blogging community" too!

3. How would you describe your blogging style?

I try to not take myself to seriously or use too many pretentious terms! My style is down to earth and, hopefully, appealing to a wide variety!

4. What do you think is the best thing about blogging?

Definitely being able to share your opinions and release any frustrations to those that can share your enthusiasm or pains! 

5. What inspires you when it comes to your blog?

New products and new fashion keeps me constantly on my toes (& checking my bank balance!) I try to share new things as soon as I find them to let others know to go grab them!

6. What do you find most challenging when blogging about your topic?

Trying to keep things fresh and imaginative! Also trying not to repeat topics that others may have read on 10 other blogs already!

7. Where are your favourite places to shop? (high street or online)

Online my go to place is EBay - for bargains and vintage pieces! On the high street I love charity shops, Primark and every other store!

8. Has blogging changed the way you make purchasing decisions?

Yes! I think I'm more likely to buy things now as my rationale is now that "it's for review"!!

9. What is your all time favourite brand? (cosmetic, clothing or anything else)

I love Mulberry and Chloe bags (though mine is looking a little worse for wear!)

10. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I would genuinely like to help and support girls who look in the mirror and don't like what they see, those that are bullied through jealousy and restrict/punish themselves for not being perfect!


Thank you to Katrina for her great answers, go check out her blog (link). I am hoping to make this a regular feature so if you would like to take part, please contact me :)

Mary Jean Skincare Review

I accepted an offer to review Mary Jean products.  They were very generous and sent several samples.  Mary Jean Ltd (link) is a family owned business from the Highlands of Scotland.  Products are handmade without chemical fillers and the range includes soaps, lip balms, body butters, bath bombs, bath salts, candles and creams.

I received samples of Organic Zinc Free Baby cream, Vitamin Rich cream, Organic Tea Tree Body Butter, Organic Lavender Body Butter and Natural Strawberry lip balm.  I shall give a mini review for each product.

Organic Zinc Free Baby Cream (link) £7.50 for 50g - I do not have any small people in my life so can not comment how the baby cream would be on a baby's bottom.  I have tested it on my own skin. The cream is light and creamy with a fresh scent.  It does not leave behind a greasy residue.  

Vitamin Rich Cream (link) £12.50 for 50g - At first the bright orange colour takes you by surprise.  I asked my sister to review this product for me as I was in the middle of trialling another face cream.  My sister felt it was too rich for her skin but her boyfriend ended up pinching it from her.  He says he likes the cream and the way it softens his skin.  From what he is telling me, I am assuming a dry and mature skin type would enjoy this product.

Organic Tea Tree & Peppermint Body Butter (link) £6.49 for 100g - This butter is recommended for dry and mature skin.  It contains shea butter and Macadamia nut oil.  This is a solid butter which you need to scoop out of the packaging but it does melt easily into your skin.  As with most body butters you need to allow time for your skin to absorb the product.  The fragrance is fresh but not something I would gravitate towards.  I imagine problematic skins would benefit from the tea tree oil in this product.

Organic Lavender Body Butter (link) £6.49 for 100g - This butter is recommended for dry and damaged skin (Lavender helps regenerate damaged skin). I am a big fan of lavender, I find it a relaxing fragrance so I have enjoyed using this product. Once again the base ingredients are Shea butter and Macadamia nut and the consistency is the same as the Tea Tree version.  Other body butters available include Original and Chamomile & Geranium.

Natural Strawberry Lip Balm (link) £2.99 for 10ml - a very gentle delicate fragrance of strawberry.  The balm is solid but melts on contact with warm skin.  It is not heavy or sticky and leaves my lips feeling soft and smooth. The lip balm is also available in Banana and Vanilla & Cocoa.

Overall, I have enjoyed using these products and I am happy to recommend them to you.  These are good quality handmade products at affordable prices.  You maybe interested in following Mary Jean on Facebook (link) and Twitter (link).

Disclaimer - I was sent these products to review, all opinions are my own, I am not being paid to review these products or promote the websites, links are not affiliated.

Imanmade Body Butter Review

You probably will not be surprised to hear that I found Imanmade on Twitter. Iman has launched on Etsy (link) where she sells handmade natural vegan body butters.  Iman and her family suffer from eczema and allergies so she understands skin issues.

"Imanmade Natural Skin Care products are free from unnecessary chemical nasties and artificial preservatives which can irritate delicate skin.  Each item is handmade in the UK with loving care by myself, in small batches for freshness. All packaging used is recyclable but I also encourage customers to reuse jars if possible."

I accepted an offer to review and was delighted when the parcel arrived.  I received three body butters and a peppermint lip balm.  The body butters are available as Original (unscented), Lavender & Neroli and Monoi.  The base ingredients for all three butters is the same - Raw Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sweet Almond oil,  Jojoba oil, Vitamin E. 

I like that Imanmade is offering an unscented version as this is helpful for those who can not tolerate essential oils.  The Lavender & Neroli and Monoi de Tahiti Oil give the butters additional skin healing properties.  Out of the two I am in love with Monoi.  It is a tropical floral scent with a hint of coconut and I am always drawn to these types of fragrances.  Monoi oil is an ancient Polynesian beauty secret.  It is created by steeping native Tahitian gardenia flowers in coconut oil.


The consistency of the three butters is very similar.  They are soft, creamy and melt into an oil on the skin.  They are rich with oils and a great way to treat dry skin.  You do need to allow a few minutes for the butter to be absorbed into the skin so I prefer to use them after a shower at bedtime.  I like using the body butter on my legs after shaving, it does not irritate my skin and appears to help combat the scaly dryness I often experience.


Overall, as long as you like rich oils on your skin I can recommend these products. The individual body butters cost £7 for an 85g tub and if you can not decide a sample box is available for £10 (link).  Why not follow Imanmade on Tumblr (link) or Facebook (link) or Twitter (link).

Disclaimer - I was sent these products free of charge to review, all opinions are my own, I have not been paid to review or promote this company, none of the links are affiliated.

My Holiday - Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

I have spent the past week with my friend in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria.  We had great weather, nice accommodation and delicious food.  The only downside to the resort was it was geared towards the Brits abroad.  I hate the English restaurants offering fry ups and chips with every meal.  I never understand why some Brits bother getting on a plane if they refuse to eat the local cuisine.  My friend and I did manage to seek out a couple of authentic Spanish restaurants which were away from the resort centre.  I filled my belly with Papas Arrugadas and Mojo.  For those that do not know this is a traditional Canarian dish of small potatoes which are cooked in salted water then baked so the skins become wrinkly.  They are then served with a pepper sauce called Mojo.

picture link 

I thought I would share with you some of the skincare products I took with me on my travels.  I have written reviews for the majority of the products in the picture below.  

Bodhi Palmarosa Verde Body Wash 

Lavera After Sun - a sample/travel size I had purchased, great texture and fragrance, I highly recommend

Elizabeth's Daughter Intensive Moisturiser - I use this on my face and body, it has been great for keeping my skin soft and hydrated after long hot days lying on the sun bed. 

Dr Organic Rose Otto Hand cream

Macadamia Nut Oil - this has helped keep my hair soft and frizz free

Dr Organic Manuka Face Scrub (I decanted into a small jar to save space)

Alva Pimple Stick

Crazy Rumors Amaretto Lip Balm

Lily Lolo Natural Lip Gloss in English Rose

I also took away some new products which I had been sent.  Once I get back into the swing of things then I will be doing full reviews.  In the meantime here are a couple of holiday pictures.

Pictured above is the view from our apartment balcony.  We stayed at the Cala Nova.  Puerto Rico is built into the cliffs on either side of a valley 

We took a ferry to the neighbouring resort of Puerto de Mogan (pictured above) which is dubbed "La Venecia de Canarias" (the "Venice of the Canaries").  

Pina Colada Time

It's time for a break from the rat race and life in general. I have packed my swimwear, beach towel and flip flops and I am off in search of a sunbed. It will be quiet on my blog for a little while and I look forward to catching up with you upon my return.

adiós amigos

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Ideas for Mother's Day 2012

In the UK Mother's Day is on the 18th March.  I thought I would put together a selection of gifts that I think would be suitable for this occasion. The items featured here are 100% natural or free from ingredients such as parabens, SLS and petrochemicals.  

This lovely Lavender Gift Collection is from Fentons of Kent (link).  The wicker basket contains Lavender Swirl Soap, Lavender Whipped Shea Butter, 2 x Lavender Bath Melts and a Lavender Pouch (Price £16.95).  Fentons of Kent have a wide variety of skincare products so I advise browsing the website (link).

Evolve Organic Beauty has a selection of gift sets (link) with prices ranging from £19.99 to £99.99.  Pictured above is the Perfect Partners Cocoon Bodycare Set (£19.99)

I discovered Hipo Hyfryd (link) a couple of years ago.  This is a cruelty free, eco company selling handmade chocolates.  You need to check individual products but the truffles are dairy & gluten free  Truffles are available in various sized boxes with prices ranging from £2.95 to £11.50. I have tried them and I think they are delicious.

Abahna (link) have a beautiful selection of gift set ranging from £10 - £50. The set pictured above cost £10 and contains bath foam 100ml and soap 50g. It is packed in Abahna gift bag, complete with ribbon and gift tag. Abahna even offer free standard UK postage.

Savonnerie London offers a range of luxury products including a selection of gift sets (link). The set pictured above cost £32.95 and contains 250ml Rose de Mai Body Wash, 250ml Rose de Mai Body Lotion and a Bamboo cleansing towel.  If your budget is smaller then take a look at the Guest Soap Bundle (link) £7.95

Honey Pot's Vanilla Super Body Butter (link) is perfect for pampering, especially if you have sensitive, delicate, dry, eczema skin. 

A 250ml jar costs £15

I have mention these in other blog posts but I recommend you also have a look at Folksy, Message Muffins, Sugar Loaf Soaps, Miss Polly Natural Skincare, Myroo and Bodhi for gorgeous gift ideas.

Disclaimer - Pictures are from the websites which are linked above. Links are not affiliated. Some of the companies did asked to be featured & I was happy to do this & I am not being paid to feature them!

Handmade Naturals Toner

I think I have mentioned this before that I am currently experiencing hormonal problems and it is affecting my skin. I never use a toner in my facial routine because I am lazy and it is an extra expense. It occurred to me that perhaps I needed something to help balance my skin.  I figured a toner would be the quickest solution. It took me a little while to shop around as I was looking for something without witch hazel. As a teenager I would use witch hazel to combat pimples but as an adult I find it can be astringent. I decided to buy Rose, Chamomile and Geranium Toner from Handmade Naturals. (link)

If you are not familiar with Handmade Naturals it is a family owned and run business.  Rossi started making her products after researching ways to treat her child with persistent cradle cap and nappy rash.  The entire range is handmade, 100% natural and not tested on animals. The success of her online business lead her to expand to a retail shop in South Cheshire.  Click here for further information.

I chose this one over the others because of the properties of the ingredients. Geranium is known for balancing, regulating, decongesting and detoxifying, Rose Otto for maintaining pH balance and chamomile is beneficial to sensitive skins. This is a great toner and I have seen improvements to the condition of my skin.  I think it is helping combat the breakouts I was experiencing. Natural toners are good because they do not strip the skin so it is rare that you will experience the tightness often associated with high street brands.  I do have a love and hate relationship with the fragrance, rose is not my favourite scent.  My sense of smell is definitely affected by my mood. 


Overall, I highly recommend this product. A 100ml bottle costs £5.45 (plus P&P).  If you do not think this toner would be suitable for your skin type there are another four to choose from link.  Do you have a favourite natural toner? Have you tried any products from Handmade Naturals?