Botanical Gardens: Rio de Janerio

As you probably know by now, I am in Rio De Janerio at the moment, on the first leg of my travels. Yesterday we went to Rio's large botanical gardens in the centre of the city. I love Rio because the city was built AROUND the forest, and has hardly been developed on. Carioca people are very respectful and thankful for the rainforest ,as it means minimal pollution. As a great lover of natural skincare, I took great delight at stumbling across the Botanical Gardens 'Medicinal Plant Collection' where they store and harvest plants. 

Having worked with natural skincare for nearly two and a half years, I instantly recognised a lot of the plants they were harvesting, and found it really interesting!

I have never seen a natural Aloe Vera plant grow this big, and as the soothing sap that comes from the plant is in a majority of our skincare, it was really good to see one thriving.

Patchouli again, is in a lot of skincare products I use, and I have never actually seen it in its natural form, like a lot of the other plants I saw. The names under each plant were all written in Portugese, but I could vaguely translate some into the ingredients I used to see every day at work.

This little hut had more information about the way they use the plants and transform the ingredients into medicines and skin care. It was really interesting to see, I wish I could have read the Portugese to get a better insight.

I didn't intentionally go in a flowery dress

Whilst we were there, the staff were actually harvesting some of the crops to be used! 

There was also a Rose garden which is another plant that is great for skincare, however it was looking a little worse for wear so I didn't take any pictures. The park was stunning though, and was a really interesting insight into the Brazilian wild life and natural world!

If you want to read more about my travels, my boyfriend and I are writing a travel blog. 

you will find it at

blogrigado.blogspot.com.

July Birchbox

This July Birchbox was a bit of a shocker to me. All the items that I thought I would like, I didn't, and the once I didn't think I would touch, have been the first things I look for when I need my cosmetics. So lets go ahead and see what happened.

Laqa & Co Lip Lube

I have been wanting to try purple lipstick for while now so this was the perfect colour for me to recieve in my Birchbox. This Lip Lube is a lovely purple which can be built up into a darker shade for more of a 'wow'. It's really moisturising and lasts for a while before re applying. Was really happy with this product. It even featured in my 'Favourite lipsticks at the moment' post I did the other day. 

Gilchrist & Soames Bath Gel

Gilchrist and Soames are a brand I have heard of before, and have recieved a few bits from Birchbox too. This kelp extract mineral bath sounded like the height of luxury so I was excited to try it. I thought it would be the sort of bath that would make you feel really good after, like you'd had a spa break or something. Truth of the matter is, it didn't really do anything to my bath. I ran it in the warm water where it frothed a bit, but when I got in, in just vanished and the didn't do anything else. It didn't really smell or do anything to my senses so essentially I felt like I was just sitting in warm water. Bit disappointing! 

Three Wishes Body Butter

This was one item I thought I would really hate. Lavender is really not a smell I can stand since working in natural beauty products, where pretty much everything is scented with it. I was a bit dubious about putting this on my skin but I am so glad I gave it a chance! This doesn't really smell like lavender at all, more like a powdery night time baby lotion that is so sweet and lovely. Even my boyfriend commented on the smell and how nice it was. It is a really calming smell so I like to put it on before bed. The added bonus of this product is that it is all naturally sourced so has no chemicals or parabens! I am actually considering purchasing this item as it is so lightweight and leaves the skin feeling so lovely, pretty good going for a product I thought I'd hate!

Weleda Shampoo

This was one of the brands I had heard of before, and it is a all natural hair care brand. I have tried a lot of natural haircare so understand that it isn't a conventional hair wash as there is no foam and you have to work a bit harder to get that 'froth'. Adding more water to natural shampoos helps them work so much better, but with this one no matter how much I added it just didn't work. I tried using it twice in one wash as that can often help but I just didn't get anything from it which was shame.

Balance Me Eye Cream

This was the product that Birchbox were really excited about putting into their boxes. For me, eye creams are the sort of this you can't really tell if they are good or bad. Obviously if it gives you a horrendous reaction and streaming eyes persist usage, but I think they are the sort of products you will only see the benefits of over time when you start to get a bit older and things like crows feet become a concern. Obviously the later in life your crows feet come then the better the eye cream you've been using, but who sticks to just the one?! I have never been a user of eye cream until recently, and as far as this one goes, it does feel nice. Personally I prefer more of a gel consistency as I feel creams are a bit more heavy duty for my age, but it did feel nice and hydrating, but tha'ts all I have to say on it really!  It has won the Red Green beauty award, and is called a wonder cream too. As a company, Balance Me are a natural brand, made by three British sisters whose brand has had involvement with Topshop. 

Vita Coco natural Coconut Water lemonade Flavour

I always love the extra little lifestyle items Birchbox put in their boxes, they are always really thought out and sometimes contain food and drinks such as this, which I love to stuff my face on. This month was a coconut water which I have always found to be pretty vile tasting. The original one with no added flavour at all has a pretty furry after taste I just can't get used too. Coconut water is really good for you, and more hydrating that actual water. When I first drank one I thought it would taste coconut-y and sweet but it really didn't. Safe to say I was a little dubious about having a sip of this, even though I knew it was going to be slightly lemon flavoured. I say slightly lemon flavoured but it is actually very strong. It tastes a bit like undiluted lemon squash, but you can still get a hint of the sweetness of the coconut. Believe it or not this is actually a good experience as for me, I really can't bear the taste of it in its original form, and this one is quite drinkable. As it is mega healthy and  I would probably try and drink it, and this one is certainly the best flavour I have had so far. contains no fat, so is perfect as a after dinner sweetener for before you go on holiday.

Aveda NEW naturally straight

Aveda's latest addition to the 'smooth infusion' range is their heat activated, 'naturally straight' product. The product is worked into damp, towel dried hair, and allows the hair to naturally straighten when heat is used. A lot of people may argue that heat will always straighten the hair if that's what you intend it to do, however my thick coarse hair will NOT blow dry straight easily at all. Pictured below is my hair tied up after washing. This is the natural state of my hair, and as you can see it is frizzy and unruly.

My lovely friend Janine at Aveda demonstrated the product to me, as I was sceptical at first. She dampened my hair, and worked the product through in sections. With a round brush and hair dryer, she achieved the straight hair look pictured below with only a couple of runs down my hair. The great thing about this product is that it also progressively straightens the hair, so the more you use it the more manageable your hair will become. The plant fibres lock your style into place, and the Cassava root helps it deal with humidity.

This, as a result of a blow dry is a huge achievement in my eyes, as it saves a lot of time, plus a lot of damage to my hair when being styled with heat. I usually find my hair feels quite static after being blow dried, but this left my hair feeling naturally smooth and hydrated- not frazzled, and the product itself is not sticky or heavy. It leaves the hair feeling smooth, soft and bouncy, not slicked down like some high street straightening products can do.

I have used the Aveda 'smooth infusion' shampoo and conditioner before which I was impressed with, but I think adding this to my routine would speed up the styling process I have to undergo with my frizzy hair even more. This retails at £21.50, but you only need the tiniest amount in the lengths of your hair, so it would last you a long time. I think it is a great investment!

Bare Minerals Makeup

Hello everyone! At Christmas I wrote a post about products I wanted to get from Father Christmas, and one of the things on that list was the Bare Minerals starter kit. Thank goodness he got he hint, because I managed to get it... for myself. The starter set me back £50 but it includes all the essentials you will need to start your Bare Minerals experience.

I must admit that I found the idea of Bare Minerals a bit daunting at first. I know that is a bit sad as it is only makeup, but the whole swirl and tap, which brush to use and when really confused me. The ladies on the counters are very helpful but it is hard to remember everything they say sometimes, so luckily the kit comes with a little DVD that you can pop on at home when you have the kit in front of you to start yourself up.

The kit comes with three essential brushes which are really good quality and worth keeping hold of! It also comes with your foundation colour which would have been personally matched to your skin, your primer, warmth, and mineral veil. The foundations themselves are £25 so to think you get all that for just £50 is actually a bit of a steal!

So why Bare Minerals? Well, Bare Minerals makeup is completely natural and allows your skin to breathe so is good for your skin, and is the only makeup that could be slept in (but you should take it off reaaaaally). As it is coming up to the summer now, bare minerals is perfect as it adds a lightweight feel, and as it is a powder is has a mattifying effect on skin that can get more oily. 

For those with drier skin, the powder is also a good choice for you as it is actually quite creamy when applied to the skin. When rubbed between fingers the powder creams out slightly so it great for combination skin like mine. Now let me show you how all the kit works!

So, this is my face with no makeup on at all, not good hey?! My skin is really blotchy and red in places. I have terrible dark circles under my eyes, and I have quite a lot of redness and spots around my mouth and nose. 

The first step, is to apply the 'Prime Time' primer which softens the skin ready for makeup application and will eradicate any shininess on the face. The Bare Minerals range does do a concealer, but it does not come in the starter kit so I just use the original foundation which works just as well.

They do however supply you with a small concealer brush, so you can really cover up any imperfections.

I would describe this foundation as power air brush. As it is a powder, people are very sceptical as to if it works or not, but honestly, it covers up just as well as any other form of foundation.  To show you just how well it does, I have only concealed the left side of my face for you. I look a bit like 2 face from batman, but as you can see it is significantly lighter and more even skin toned. 

Once all the imperfections are concelaed, you will now need your brush for an all over face application. 

You pour the contents into the lid, get the brush and swirl it in the powder and then tap on the side for any excess. You buff the powder all over the face.

It can go over the eyes too (LOL)

Ta da! And you are left with a very even skin tone. My foundation match was the lightest colour the have which is 'fair' so I am also left looking scarily pale and a little bit flat. 

Have no fear though, because the next step is to add the 'warmth'. You REALLY don't need much of this at all. It is very very dark but when buffed over the face it adds definition and a natural glow.

You would buff this over the more prominent parts of your face where the sun would naturally fall on. So your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.

I think we can agree I look a little bit more three dimensional now. Bare Minerals also do a range of blushers, but again they do not come in the starter kit. As I do like a blush as it suits my paler skin more than bronzer, I have just added some of my Bourjois blush in number 48 which is called "Ashes of Roses"

Once you are happy with the colour of your face, you can add the mineral veil, which is a iridescent powder that just sets everything into place, using the swirl and tap method you did for everything else. I find it gives that airbrush finish.

Add on everything else, and you are left with an airbrush finish that feels like you are wearing no makeup. 

I am really happy with the results of my Bare Minerals makeup, and the powder really does last you a long time. I would highly suggest it for everyone as it is good to the skin, and covers so flawlessly. 

Would you use Bare Minerals makeup? 

Completely unrelated content, but whilst taking pictures for the post my sister managed to snap me just as I started to sneeze and I thought it was too funny to leave out, so here you go, you are welcome.

Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser

This product review has no need for any introduction, as Liz Earle is probably best well known for its cult product, the hot cloth cleanser. It is so huge in the beauty world, and it sells so quickly in the place where I work, and I can guarantee you will know somebody who has used it. I was very kindly given a sample of the product so have finally taken to plunge to see what all the fuss is about.

Contrary to what I first thought, the actual cleanser itself, does not contain any exfoliant in it at all. The 'polish' component of the product, is the muslin cloth that comes with it. The cream cleanser contains rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butters and eucalyptus essential oil, which really gives the product it's strong plant-y scent. The ingrediants are all very calming and hydrating.

The product is applied to dry skin, and can be used to remove makeup, including eye makeup. The hot cloth is then rinsed out and applied to the face. By placing the hot cloth on the face, the pores open and the product really goes into the skin, helping cleanse and calm. You then buff off the product with the cloth which creates the polishing effect. The cloth is so gentle and muslin is commonly used on babies skin so it can be used daily and won't cause damage to the skin. 

I found my skin felt really soft after using this. The dryness around my nose I suffer with was noticeably improved. I became slightly spotty to start but I think it was due to the hot cloth bringing all the impurities to the surface after deeply cleaning. It is also common to see breakouts when you change your skin care as it's your skin just getting used to it!

Overall, I can really see what the hype is about. Liz Earle is a natural brand but some products DO contain parabens, but the hot cloth cleanser is not one of them. I have a lot of friends who swear by the hot cloth cleanser, and I think it has improved my skin too. The process of wetting and drying and using a cloth in the routine can be off putting for people who just like to quickly wash their face, but the extra care is a pay off!

Bomb Cosmetics Bath Bomb

I am not one to have baths that often, but when I do, I want to make an occasion of it. When I got back from holiday a couple of weeks a go, I wanted to get my little seven year old sister a little present, and at work we have these really cute bath bombs made by a company called 'Bomb Cosmetics' that kids cannot keep their hands off of. We recently had some extra cute ones come in with rainbows and sparkles on, so I thought I would get her some (and then use one myself) I bought four in a box for £10, and got some really sweet designs. The smell of these things altogether is amazing, but individually they all have a really good scent. I chose this little button bath bomb called 'Button Moon' (aww!), as it smelt like coconut which is a smell I cannot resist! The best thing about these bath bombs is that they are completely natural, and are made with essential oils. Although they may look full of chemicals, they are completely harmless, and can be used on little kiddies sensitive skins. 'Button Moon' had cocoa and shea butter, and coconut and jasmine essential oils to give it the lovely smell.

The bath bomb was so pretty, I was actually quite sad to part with it, but when in the bath, it left a creamy residue in the bath, and I cannot explain how soft my skin felt afterwards. As the bombs are made with oils I would just suggest washing the bath down after so the next person doesn't slip, but other that, it is all fun, harmless fun.

Here is a link to the Bomb Cosmetics website to see more of the thousands of designs they do, and also take a look on my instagram account to see the other bath bombs I bought, and also for the effect it had in the bath. If you have an account, do follow my page for more regular updates :)

Lush Face Mask

Friday night is perfect time to prep for the weekend, and what more could you want that a super duper, complexion reviving, antioxidant packed face mask? I was bought this Lush face mask called 'The Sacred Truth' by a good friend for my birthday, and I love to use it when my skin is feeling a bit drab and grey. This mask protects from ageing as well as enhances your skin's vitality.

It may look like green gunk, but the wheatgrass gives it a chunky feel to it, and you can really smell the green tea and ginseng, which gives it the aromatic smell. The fresh papaya also helps to give radiance. You apply the mask on to clean skin and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. The natural ingredients mean you can leave it on for longer if you want as they aren't going to do any damage. The mask lightly hardens on your face, and you simply wash away with warm water to reveal fresh, radiant, glowing skin. I love this mask and the tub will last you ages as long as you keep it in the fridge for freshness (as well as giving you a cooling sensation when you pop it on your face!)