Beauty Kitchen - Affordable Skincare You Can Trust.

Beauty Kitchen always make 100% effective, natural and affordable products. Their recipes only contain 100% pure essential oils plus naturally derived ingredients that will never cost the earth.

The Beauty Kitchen Motto - People tested never animal tested.

When Beauty Kitchen spoke to women who love beauty products they all wanted products to work, smell great, look great and be good value. Few would sacrifice any of these for the environment, so Beauty Kitchen set out to find some products where they didn’t have to make that compromise. What they found was astounding! Products which were not as natural as they liked us to believe, plus they were uninspiring and over-priced.

Jo-Anne Chidley opened the first Beauty Kitchen in Glasgow to create 100% effective, natural, everyday luxury beauty products - with a sprinkle of fun and a big dollop of transparency!

Beauty Kitchen has continued to source innovative Sustainable Beauty ingredients to create effective natural products and has taught over 5,000 people how to make their own along the way! Only a few billion people left to reach to make Sustainable Beauty a reality for everyone!

Jo-Anne Chidley - The Flounder.

I’m called the Flounder because no one is perfect and I wanted everyone to know that. One of our favourite lines, and a line that you will see on many of our products is "I may not be perfect but at least I'm not fake", it applies to our products but also our employees, suppliers and customers. People like honest, humble people and at Beauty Kitchen we believe in being transparent but brave and admitting you're not perfect is a pretty good start!

When I scratched beneath the surface of the hype on many beauty products I found that so few were as natural as they claimed or that the claims they bamboozle you with are just clever marketing. When I didn't find much truth it motivated me to start Beauty Kitchen.

I opened Beauty Kitchen’s first store in Glasgow. Noticing a gap in the market for truly 100% natural products, 100% effective and affordable. Beauty Kitchen has now grown from a shop in Glasgow to being stocked in Holland & Barrett stores nationwide and being featured on ITV’s This Morning.

I originally studied Chemistry at university and went on to become a qualified herbal botanist, my passion for using natural ingredients stemmed from there. I continue to take inspiration from reading about scientific advancement in this area as well as talking to other members of the local bee keeping association.

The natural world provides us with so many great sustainable resources (as long as we look after it and give it a helping hand when needed) and 9 times out of 10 the natural ingredients work as well if not better than synthetic ones. That's why I’m passionate about 100% natural and no less!

Also, being green in the 21st century is all about being aware, making the right choices and doing what you can. I'm a bit of a Womble, making good use of the things that I find! Overall, it's the everyday things that matter and we can all make a difference.With plenty of inspiration in the world and a great Beauty Kitchen team we will continue to develop 100% natural, 100% effective and affordable products.

Beauty Kitchen Are So Kind.

The Beauty Kitchen were so kind to send me some products to try and blog about and i couldn't wait to try them! If you are not aware of the brand then i highly recommend you type in their web address and head on over there. The website not only displays high quality products with information about them to make it easier for the consumer to buy, but there is also interesting factual articles for you to make wiser choices for your next beauty purchases. I love that in a brand where their informing consumers with knowledge that you may not be aware of, the What is natural? is a great read.

Beauty Kitchen also hold workshops in Glasgow or you can purchase
Create your own kits with full instructions, the bath bombs kit looks great!

The three products that were sent to me were packaged with informative descriptions along with every ingredient listed and clear written directions. 

Abyssinian Oil - Facial Cleansing Balm.

Fragrance free natural cleansing and age defense for sensitive, oily or dry skin.
This fragrance free, non-greasy, cleansing balm simply melts into the skin and easily removes impurities and make up to reveal soft, supple, glowing skin. It contains nourishing Shea Butter and Abyssinian oil, a turbo charged version of argan oil, to help replace essential skin lipids without blocking pores, to restore the skins natural elasticity.

Ingredients: butyrospernum parkii (Shea Butter), mangifera indica (Mango Butter), limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam Oil), crambe abyssinica (Abyssinian Oil), cera flava (Unrefined Beeswax), cocos nucifera (Virgin Coconut), olea europaea (Olive Wax), oryza sativa (Rice Bran Oil), tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Directions: Warm a pea size amount between your fingers. Massage the all over the face focusing on any problem areas. Gently remove using a soft facial cloth or konjac sponge. Use morning and night, followed by Abyssinian Moisture Cream or Aroma Oil Concentrate.

Freshly made in the UK with no parabens, no sulphates, no synthetic fragrance, no this, no that, no the other...

Abyssinian Oil - Night Halo Potent Sleep Mask.

Night-time treatment to nourish and detox your skin while you sleep like an Angel. The balm will absorb overnight to deeply hydrate and refresh your skin. Once you’ve woken up from your ‘beauty sleep’, cleanse your face with a konjac sponge or face cloth and admire your new glowing complexion!

-Nourishing and Detoxing Overnight Mask

-Cleanses, hydrates and refreshes skin

-Glowingly beautiful finish 

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Bakuchiol (Psoralea Corylifolia extract), Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf Oil, cymbopogon martini (*Palmarosa), pelargonium graveolens (*Rose Geranium), rosa centifolia (*Rose Absolute), michelia alba (*Magnolia), juniperus virginiana (*Cedarwood), citrus aurantium amara (*Petitgrain),** limonene,** linalool, **geraniol, **citral, **citronellol, **eugenol, **farnesol *Natural Pure Essential Oils **potential allergens found in essential oils All other ingredients are vegetable, fruit, mineral or coconut derived

Directions: Just before bedtime, take a good finger full and smooth it all over your face and neck so that the balm forms a thin layer, inhale & sleep well.

Suitable for all skin types. Freshly made in the UK.

Inspire Me Citrus Wonder Balm.

Where ever, when ever, wonder balm it! Why can you never find a lip balm when you need one? Our moisturising wonder balms are in the cutest little tins so you will always keep yours with you so you can apply in public! (not suitable for Vegans, contains Beeswax). For lips and dry bits

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive Oil), cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil), cera alba (Beeswax), butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), theobroma cacao (Cocoa Seed Butter), hydrogenated olive oil, crambe abyssinica (Abyssinian Seed Oil), citrus aurantium dulcis (*Orange Sweet), litsea cubeba (*Litsea Maychange), cymbopogon flexuosus (*Lemongrass), mentha spicata (*Spearmint), ocimum basilicum (*Basil), citrus paradisi (*Grapefruit), foeniculum vulgare dulce (*Sweet Fennel), citrus reticulata (*Mandarin Red), mentha piperita (*Peppermint), limonene, linalool, citral, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol *Natural pure essential oils

Directions: Apply to lips and dry bits as required. Its all natural so won't dry your skin out no matter how often you apply!

Freshly made in the UK with no parabens, no sulphates, no synthetic fragrance, no this, no that, no the other...

Trust Your Beauty With The Beauty Kitchen.

Trust is an important part when using any product on your skin. Placing your trust in brand to look after your skin as well as being able to follow a skin routine that is easy, can sometimes leave you frustrated especially if you have paid a fortune for a product and the directions are complicated. Beauty kitchen offer highly affordable products that really do work and are easy to use! 

The facial cleansing balm is highly effective yet so easy to use and everyone should have this product in their skincare routine. Not only do you need a little of the cleansing balm, but this completely cleanses the skin leaving it moisturised and supple without stripping the skin of its natural oils, a perfect clean base and canvas for you to apply your other products.

The night halo potent mask really is your angel at night by working on your skin to reveal a complexion you may of dreamt about achieving. You only need a little of the product to glide over your skin to form a thin layer. Taking a deep breath whilst your eyes are closed your imagination is transported to any lovely destination, thanks to the magical scent. On awakening in the morning the mask had absorbed into my skin and i was pleasantly surprised on just how this can transform your skin texture and skin tone. The night halo potent mask is the perfect excuse to go to bed early, as you will want to experience it night after night. 

The inspire me wonder balm is that buddy you can keep close to you, in your bag or pocket, or maybe that coat you wear all the time. Applying to your lips to keep them moisturised whilst also protecting them, the wonder balm does not disappoint with its slide off lid for easy on-the-go application. A pleasant citrus scent awakens your senses whilst the balm caresses your lips. 

You can apply the wonder balm to other dry areas such as rough cuticles, hands or a dry area that needs instant moisture instantly. You could also add a natural sheen over your lipstick, use as a brow tamer or want to tame frizz or fly-away hairs.

I was not only surprised on just how easy the beauty kitchen products are to use, i was also surprised with how well they work on your skin. Directions are clear and easy to follow, whilst applying the products is a luxurious moment. Using any beauty product should be special, not only for your skin but also for your well-being,
Beauty kitchen not only offers both but they are also a skincare brand you can trust.
X Neil.

AA Skincare Natural Conditioners Haircare Range Featuring Ayurvedic Herb Powders.

AA Skincare, is launching five, plant-inspired natural conditioners – the perfect partners for the natural beauty brand’s award-winning aromatic shampoo range. Featuring holistic, Ayurvedic* herb powders to boost hair health, the nutrient-rich conditioners will naturally nourish and protect all hair types.
Joining the AA Skincare Essentials aromatherapy range of beauty and skincare products, the new conditioners combine essential oils and natural extracts with healing herb powders, such as rejuvenating Brahmi to thicken hair; vitamin C rich Amla to strengthen roots; conditioning Bhringraj to encourage hair growth and Tulsi for scalp irritations. Naturally effective, there are five aromatic conditioners to suit your mood. They are:

• Cedarwood & Peppermint Deep Cleansing Conditioner; 
• Rosemary, Burdock & Sage Lift & Repair Conditioner; 
• Amla & Clary Sage Rejuvenating Conditioner; 
• Peony, Bay & Brahmi Nourishing Conditioner; 
• Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary Reviving Conditioner.

Comments Woody Evans, Director at AA Skincare, “Our new, plant-inspired conditioners leave hair healthy, soft and manageable and complete our aromatic haircare range all featuring Ayurvedic herb powders, time-tested, holistic ingredients that have played a part in healthy haircare in India for more than 5,000 years. From solving scalp problems through nourishing hair to promoting growth, our new range will help condition and protect hair as well as boost scalp health.”

*Ayurvedic medicine -- also known as Ayurveda -- is one of the world's oldest holistic (whole-body) healing systems, developed thousands of years ago in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.

AA Skincare Aromatic Conditioner Range.

Rosemary, Sage & Burdock Lift & Repair Conditioner – an antioxidant rich conditioner for all hair types to help repair damaged hair and promote a healthy scalp. Rosemary and Sage essential oils work with amino acid and calcium-rich Burdock to boost hair follicle growth and strength. Basil oil stimulates circulation; Bay Laurel oil promotes growth and a healthy scalp; Geranium helps repair and protect hair.

Amla & Clary Sage Rejuvenating Conditioner – a balancing and moisturising conditioner with vitamin C rich Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Clary Sage and Bhringraj powder to nourish all hair types and strengthen roots. Cedarwood Atlas oil naturally soothes and protects against scalp irritations as well as helps to minimise hair loss. Lemon oil adds shine and balance. Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid and helps to lock in moisture. 

Peony, Bay & Brahmi Nourishing Conditioner – a calming and balancing shampoo with anti-inflammatory natural Peony extract and Tulsi powder to help boost hair growth and maintain scalp health for all hair types. Antioxidant-rich Geranium, together with Brahi powder help nourish and repair damaged hair. Palmorosa oil hydrates hair.

Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary Reviving Conditioner – nutrient rich to help repair split ends and encourage softness, shine and volume for dry hair. Nourishing and balancing Ylang Ylang encourages a healthy scalp. Conditioning Argan oil and nutrient-rich Cucumber extract help repair split ends. Rosemary oil and Moroccan Lava clay – used for centuries as a natural cleanser – work to boost volume with Tulsi powder, which also helps treat dry scalps.

Cedarwood & Peppermint Deep Cleansing Conditioner – invigorating, naturally antimicrobial conditioner for oily hair, which also adds volume and shine. Contains hydrolysed wheat, soy and corn protein - all rich in amino acids to strengthen, condition and add shine to hair as well as to help retain moisture and boost growth. Also contains anti-microbial Corn Mint oil to treat irritated scalps and Brazil Nut oil with Vitamin E to nourish and condition. Murumuru Seed Butter is packed with essential fatty acids to restore sheen and softness.

I was kindly sent the Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary Reviving Conditioner as being a blond my hair can suffer from dryness and anything that helps with split ends is a blessing. The conditioner smells beautifully whilst each strand is saturated in the nutrient-rich ingredients. I tend to leave a conditioner on my hair for more than five minutes so it really can work its wonders and i could tell throughout the washing out stage my hair had been treated to a hair treat. Moisturised with softness without your hair feeling weighed down this conditioner is a must have for anyone's hair care routine. You only need a little of the conditioner to work its magic, so i can see this 250ml bottle lasting over a month or more.

AA Skincare is a new natural skincare brand launched by Amphora Aromatics Ltd – one of the UK’s largest suppliers of essential oils and aromatherapy products. Combining traditional formula's with exotic herbs, spices, perfumes and oils inspired by the souks and markets of near eastern countries, Amphora Aromatics is one of aromatherapy’s best kept secrets. Providing naturally effective, specific beauty or well-being solutions, the extensive range of creams, gels, balms and body care products are available at very competitive prices.

The AA Skincare brand was created by Amphora Aromatics – one of the UK’s largest suppliers of pure essential oils and aromatherapy products.
The range is free from parabens, sulphates and artificial fragrances and packaging is fully recyclable. RRP is just £5.95 for 250ml. Visit AA Skincare or tel 0117 9087770 to find out more or order. X Neil.

Aldi Perfume - A Supermarket Scent?

Aldi offer three perfumes that are highly affordable without compromising on design and the scent. The three scents are all Eau De Parfum which means the scent should typically last 6-8 hours.
If your not sure on how your scent should perform and are wanting a scent to either last all day or are looking for lighter scent, the difference between a Perfume, Eau De Parfum, Eau De Toilette and a Cologne is the concentration of oils used in the fragrance.

Perfume is the most concentrated and can have up to 40% concentration of perfume extracts. Perfumes have a thicker, oilier consistency and the scent is released over a longer period of time, so much less is needed and is sold in smaller volumes but typically lasts up to 12+ hours.
Eau De Parfum contains up to 20% of the perfume essence, with more water and alcohol. It is also lighter than the perfume but lasts up to 6-8 hours.
Eau De Toilette (EDT) contains up to 10% perfume concentrates. Since it is lighter than the Eau De Parfum but lasts up to 4-6 hours which is great if you are looking for a lighter everyday scent.
Eau De Cologne, has up to 5% perfume concentration which will last up to 3-4 hours and is the least expensive.

Sun & Peace.

The Sun and Peace Eau De Parfum has pretty notes of white flowers and green fruit.
An exquisite perfume with a fruity, floral fragrance. Includes a pretty beaded bracelet with a peace sign charm. The description on the box states - from fruity to floral, this fragrance exudes an exquisite touch, conjuring up a unique ambiance with its powdery notes. Sun & Peace Perfume Gift Set 50ml £ 3.99.

Magic Love.

The Magic Love Eau De Parfum has notes of Jasmine and Orange Blossom with a musk heart.
This scent embodies feminine elegance, with subtle floral notes and a romantic character. Includes a pretty beaded bracelet with a heart charm. The description on the box states - This scent embodies feminine elegance and an air of carefree nonchalance. Its subtle floral notes and romantic character radiate the magic of summer.
Magic Love Perfume Gift Set 50ml £ 3.99

Endless Summer.

The Endless Summer Eau De Parfum boasts lovely oriental, floral and fruity notes.

A sweet, captivating perfume with a delicately fruity fragrance. Includes a pretty beaded bracelet with an infinity symbol charm. The description on the box states - With its slightly sweet note, the sensual composition initially captivates with its delicately fruity fragrance, ending with the scent and warmth of a romantic summer breeze. 

Endless Summer Perfume Gift Set 50ml £ 3.99.

Each aldi perfume really embodies a character of its own and gives you the choice to choose which scent to fit your mood or event of that day. Sun & Peace is an everyday scent, that can be your go-to scent when running errands of the day or meeting friends for lunch.
Magic love arrives with its very floral carefree scent and would be suitable for that night out when your having fun with your friends and dancing the night away.
Endless Summer is perfect for that special date night or your very first date thanks to its captivating romantic aroma.
Projection is good on first spray and then each scent will sit close to your skin whilst reminding you during the day of its presence. Each perfume is suitable for any age range and Aldi have done really great by introducing a range that not only smells great but also is affordable! Who knew a supermarket could produce a supermarket scent? X Neil.

Eat And Drink Your Way To Clear Healthy Skin.

If first impressions are everything, then your skin is your face’s first impression. And nothing makes an impact more than clean, glowing, healthy skin.
Some people might assume that you’re born with that type of skin. Others might assume that your daily cleaning and moisturising routine are the things that make the most impact on your skin’s look and feel. While those things are important, what you eat and what you drink can also make a huge difference into how your skin performs.
Take fruits and vegetables: They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and all of those essential elements are helpful for your skin to repair and protect itself, especially from environmental damage such as the sun. The less food that you eat that’s processed, the better for your skin, too: It’s less for the body to have to work hard to eliminate, and more time it can spend on a flawless visage.
Want to learn more? This graphic can help.

"Eat and Drink Your Way to Clear, Healthy Skin" on Health Perch

Beauty starts from within and with great articles and graphics like above, you can inform yourself and choose which foods are good and bad, to the ones to avoid. 

Everyone wants their skin to be at its best potential and as the quote states "knowledge is power".

I always know when my diet has been poor as this reflects on my skin, but by making changes and introducing fruits and vegetables i might not have tried before, i have seen huge improvements in my skin from the choices i've made in what to eat and drink. 

Knowing which fruits and veg and other food sources that are important to skin health will lead you on the road to clear healthy skin. X Neil.

Schwarzkopf Color Expert Colour Sealer Treatment With Omegaplex.

Color Expert Omegaplex.

Schwarzkopf Color Expert Colour Sealer Treatment with omegaplex has been specifically developed for complimentary use with Color Expert or any other home hair colour brand for perfect colour beauty & visibly better hair quality.
Specific for anyone who's hair is coloured, highlighted or chemically treated, the rinse off treatment with professional anti-breakage technology (omegaplex) is so easy to introduce into your hair care routine. The three main benefits are;
1. Express Fibre-Bond Creation. 2. Lock-In Colour Intensity. 3. Instantly Smoother Hair.
Schwarzkopf offer the colour and care Expert - their first home hair colour with Omegaplex Professional Anti-Breakage Technology.
The innovative formula, inspired by the professional PLEX and BOND revolution, is available in 15 luscious shades including Rich Brunettes, Luminous Blondes, Deep Amethyst, Intense Red and Natural Black, delivering up to 100% grey coverage.

Remarkable Results.

The claims on the packaging are really informative and it states:

* Strong healthy hair. The fibre structure is strengthened, broken micro-bonds are repaired and the hair is protected against future damage.

* Colour intensity is locked-in and hair is left visibly shiny.

* Easily detangled and smoother hair that's touchably soft.

Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Polyquaternium-37, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Citrate, Amodimethicone/Morpholinomethyl Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Parfum, Citric Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Lauryl Glucoside, Trideceth-5.

Directions.

Apply gently on wet hair, leave-in for one minute. Rinse thoroughly. For best results use once a week.

The 150ml squeezy tube with flip top lid easily dispenses just the right amount for you to saturate your hair. Obviously depending on the length of your hair, you determine how much you will need to use. The consistency is that of a conditioner so doesn't feel heavy when dispensing in your hands to then apply to your hair.
You will notice a light fragrance that is non-offensive and reminds me of a typical hair serum scent. Once washed out the colour sealer treatment leaves hair instantly soft and you will notice this difference throughout the washing out stage, 

You must remember this is a colour sealer treatment, so does not offer moisturising benefits like a hair mask can achieve,  I would suggest this would be the last step in your hair care routine when washing your hair so you would shampoo, mask, conditioner, then use the colour sealer treatment. 

The Schwarzkopf Color Expert Colour Sealer Treatment With Omegaplex is sealing the hair, which helps the hair strands become smooth, the smoother the hair strands the better your hair will reflect light and this will instantly transform dull lifeless hair.

Only using this twice i have noticed my hair does feel stronger when wet and is more smoother and brighter when dried. Wanting to know more?
Find out here - Colour Sealer Treatment . X Neil.