UK Vegan Supermarket Finds - May

Meet the most exciting new vegan products I've discovered in UK supermarkets this month!

While I was picking my brain for new, fun, and useful content to start churning out now that I'm rediscovering my blogging mojo again, I got to thinking about what sort of posts my followers on Instagram (which I managed not to ditch during that dark period) have been liking the most, and...

It seems that people like it when you find new and exciting vegan products in UK supermarkets! I certainly do! It's why I'm always straight onto Insta to share them! So I figured it might be cool to try making a round-up blog post each month, featuring any delicious new plant-based products that have appeared on the market in the UK. Admittedly, these may only be new to me, but they're still worth sharing for anyone who might not know what to look out for...

Firstly... and most importantly....

Daiya Cheese comes to Sainsbury's!!

This discovery has been an absolute game-changer for me. I can absolutely live without cheese of any kind and, when I do dabble in non-dairy cheese, I'm happy to accept something that isn't quite how I remember dairy cheese to be, as long as it's semi-decent in its own right (thanks a bunch Violife and Sainsbury's Greek Style), but then I found Daiya Foods' Mozzerella Shreds and Medium Cheddar Farmhouse Block twinkling away next to the Vegenaise in my local Sainsbo's.

Not gonna lie, the price on these cheeses makes me unhappy (they're £4.50 a piece), but I couldn't not try them, as I've been hearing about Daiya ever since I first went vegan in January 2014, and I'm so pleased they're finally in the UK.

In short, these cheeses are pretty amazeballs. I'm going to do a separate post so I can talk more about them because they have the best texture and flavour of any vegan cheese I've tried. I'm still getting creative with them and figuring out new ways to use them (can you believe that I've actually forgotten a lot of ways you can eat cheese), but I'll be reporting back soon!

Sticking with Sainsbury's...

Vegan Summer Iced Coffee - SORTED!

Another brand that seems to have found its way across the pond is Califia Farms with their uber-posh almond milk creations. My local Sainsbury's started stocking these last year, but I didn't get round to trying them until recently. Again, not the most budget-friendly of brands (like Daiya, these products are coming all the way from the US/Canada so the price hike its kinda understandable) but well worth grabbing when you see them on offer, especially now that the weather is heating up.

Also worth mentioning here is the new Alpro Caffe range of soy drinks - which includes a salted caramel coffee and hazlenut coffee flavour, which are slightly friendlier on the purse. I've tried them all and they are GOOD!

Let's nip over to Tesco for a minute...

Quick and Easy Freezer Finds

These products might not be new to some of you, but I can't be the only one who hasn't been able to get my mitts on them until recently? The Itsu Vegetable Fusion Gyoza Dumplings have been on my shopping list for a long time, but only last week did I actually spot them when doing my online Tesco shop. I'm a massive fan of Asian cuisine, and dumplings are my jam so I will probably hoover all of these up in one go!

I also wanted to include these really handy bags of chickpea, bulgar wheat and mixed vegetables, because they look fantastic for a quick lunch thrown over  big salad with some yummy dressing. Exactly what I want for summer! And really affordable too! 

Aaaaaaaand, back to Sainsbo's....

Salty Vegan Chocolate Heaven!

I actually first discovered these Sweet'n'Salty Almond choc bars by Rhythm 108 in a The Vegan Kind box (and they completely rocked my world), but only recently did they appear in Sainsbury's. I almost cried with happiness! 

This is perhaps the best chocolate bar I've ever eaten - vegan or non vegan. Sainsbury's also carries the coconut variety, and there is also a choc hazelnut bar in the range (although not currently in Sainsbury's). At £1.25 each I think they're fairly reasonably priced. The bars could be a little bigger, but maybe that's a good thing for my muffin top in the long run. I could easily go mad on these! Throw one in your basket next time you're in Sainsbury's Free-From aisle - you won't regret it!

And finally... Superdrug!

Vegan, Cruelty Free Glow

Had to add a little mention for this vegan gradual tan lotion I snapped up in Superdrug this week. I go through phases of loving tan and really not caring about it at all, but since I got back from Gran Canaria (see my last post here) I'm loving my new, bronzed look for the first time in ages and I wanted a little something to help it last just a little bit longer. 

While most of my other body care products at the moment are from The Body Shop, their tan contains honey so that's a no-go for me. I used to be a fan of Johnson's Holiday Skin, but didn't like the smell, and I don't like the cruelty... ENTER Superdrug Gradual Tan Lotion. Not going to say too much about this as I want to do a Summer Bodycare post over the next few weeks, but it smells like holidays and I can't wait to try it out. I really hope it's amazing! 

Not sure if I'm going to be doing one of these posts every month, but I'll definitely be back in touch the next time I have a few exciting finds to share with you.

What new Vegan or Cruelty-Free products have you been trying lately?

Holiday Beauty Favourites: June 2014

I'm completely failing as a blogger just lately aren't I...

I guess there isn't a simple explanation for my absence. I'm spending so much time on blogging and social media for work that I've let myself slip a little. Being painfully skint really doesn't help matters either but I'm doing my best! Hopefully I can get back to a more regular posting shedule once my internship is over and I can focus more on personal projects. 

I've spent the last 10 days, however, taking a well deserved break in the Peak District with my family. I suppose my parents' house isn't really the most exotic and exciting of destinations but to me it was definitely a holiday. I spent a lot of time out in the sunshine, strolling along the river and eating ALL of the food (for a taste of my holiday food diary see my other blog). I thought I'd pop this post up today in honour of a few lovely products that I've really enjoyed while I've been away.

Una Brennan Super Facialist: Neroli Firming Cleanser

I've been using this product on and off for a little while and this is my second tube. If I'm honest its never been my No1 go-to cleanser and I've tended to favour Elemis and my Micellar waters over it in the past but, for some reason, it's been a hero product this last week and a half. It smells so fresh, gets rid of makeup and leaves my skin feeling really clean and supple. I think a full review will be on the cards soon. 

GOSH  Pressed Powder in Warm Sand

My other powder compact managed to get smashed during the journey to Derbyshire so this was an emergency Superdrug purchase on arrival, but one I've been very impressed with. I don't usually rave too much about powders as I don't always use them and find them a bit unremarkable but this one has a lovely, soft finish and sets my foundation really well. 

Sleek Powder Blush in Life's a Peach

This blush is well established on this blog but, for some reason, it got a bit lost during my last house move and I only found it again recently so thought I'd take it away with me. It gives the most gorgeous, warm, peachy glow which is perfect for sunshiny days. 

MUA Velvet Touch Lip Lacquer in Halcyon

I'm loving the recent trend for matte lip colours and you really can't go wrong with the MUA offering at £3! I actually have ALL of the shades (which will be coming to you in a swatchfest post very soon). I find this particular shade extremely versatile and a great day-to-night colour. 

Lavera Cosmetics Quattro Eyeshadow in 01 Oriental Brown

I only discovered that Lavera did cosmetics very recently. I'd seen their skincare in Holland & Barrett but wasn't aware of them other than that. Their range is organic and gluten-free. This palette is a great combo to take away on holiday as you can go as subtle or as smokey as you like. I especially love the deep green shade. 

Superdrug Solait Wear Off Bronzing Mousse (Medium/Dark)

Couldn't not include a couple of Superdrug staples, could I. I love their Solait tanning lotion so I grabbed this mousse version to take away with me as it said it was longer lasting. I only had to apply it twice over the course of the week and it dried really evenly. Great colour pay-off too so I'd definitely recommend this as an affordable product to top up your holiday tan. 

Superdrug Caring Coconut and Sweet Almond Shampoo/Conditioner (Dry Hair)

I hate coconutty scented things as a rule. Hate hate HATE! My heart sank when I found that Superdrug's offering for dry hair was a coconut scent but.... guess what.... It's really not all that bad! The almond seems to bring it down a bit. This was another emergency purchase as I arrived at my parents' to find that I didn't have any shampoo there (I usually leave some there so I don't have to cart it around in my suitcase). It did leave my hair lovely and soft with a shine to it. 

*****

Those were a handful of products that I've loved while I've been away. It's nice to be able to mix old favourites with new finds and rediscover products that I hadn't appreciated fully until now. 

What are your holiday beauty staples?? 

Stuff I'm Loving Lately #1

When is a favourites post NOT a favourites post?...... When it's one of mine, that's when. 

I always feel like a bit of a fraud doing monthly favourites posts. Mainly because my favourite products do not change on a monthly basis and I'd just be posting different stuff for the sake of it, but also because I find the term inaccurate. I'm always suspicious of different favourites posts for every month of the year. I'm always like "Hang on, how is that you're favourite, you've only had it 3 days??" or "That HG foundation isn't the same as last month's??". Don't get me wrong though, I'm all for discovering and embracing new products and I'll never stop looking. I just like to mull it over for more than a couple of weeks before declaring it my FAVOURITE. And I'd be a pretty lame. boring blogger if I blogged the same favourites 2 or 3 months on the jog, wouldn't I? I tend to grow attached to products that really work for me. Therefore, I vow NOT to ever do a favourites post ever again and, instead, highlight a few products every so often that I've been using the most or have been particularly enjoying lately.

And with that I'll crack on.....

Bourjois Healthy Mix: Radiance Reveal Foundation - 53 (Light Beige)*

There has been soooooo much damn BOURJOIS on this blog recently!! The main reason being I'M LOVING IT!! This foundation completely rocks my world. I love the consistency, the coverage, the finish, the scent..... just everything about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm currently alternating between this and my NARS Sheer Glow (which i like to keep for more special occasions) and I really don't find them that different from each other. Both give a lovely glowy finish to my skin, and last really well. 

BeneFit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer: Medium*

I've worn this product every day since I got it. It's so handy to carry around, applies like a dream and keeps my dark circles at bay for a reeeeeeally long time. It's a light formula that feels really hydrating and does not crease. Of course, as it's Benefit, I also love the packaging. Very sleek and compact. It's a winner!! Read my post about the recent launch of Fakeup Here

Stila 'Garden Bliss' Shadow and Blush Palette

This little beaut has been a godsend for travelling up and down to University every week. It incorperates 4 shades that can be easily used for day or night time looks, as well as a really pretty pink blush. It's gorgeous and spot on for Spring! The shadows are really pigmented too. I don't own much Stila, but this palette is definitely one of my most used items of late. 

Garnier Summer Body - Deep

I haven't used a gradual tanner in aaaaaages. However, I recently went in search of one as I was getting a bit 'blah' about my weekly tan (not that I went off it, I just felt like changing it up a bit). Johnsons Holiday Skin put me well and truly off graduals as it smells like utter MUCK, but luckily this one has the loveliest Apricot scent and gives an amazing colour even after the first application. 

Bourjois 1Second Nail Polish Remover*

Yeeeees, I know.... MORE Bourjois. I'm beginning to sound like a stuck record. I'm so late to the party on this product it's not even funny, but it's just so easy to use and handy for carrying around or if, like me, you tend to bodge ONE nail. This allows for quick removal of any smudged nail polish whilst leaving the others untouched. No wonder it's a blogger favourite across the board! 

DHC Liquid Eyeliner pen - Black*

This is by far my HG eyeliner product. I've been sticking to gel liners applied with a brush for quite a long time now, but since receiving this one, have not given them a second glance. This is the easiest eyeliner to apply that I have ever found. I struggle to get a thin enough line a lot of time. I don't know what it is about this one. It's a brush, but a very rigid, sturdy brush that doesn't slide around or bend too easily and you get a LOT of product so no need to dip between eyes. The shaft of the brush is also nice and long and easily controlled. I'd highly recommend!! 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series: Transforming Dry Shampoo*

I was introduced to this during London Fashion Week and it's completely changed my viewpoint when it comes to dry shampoos. This is more of a texturising product, although it does absorb excess oil like you would expect of a dry shampoo. It's volumising and mattifying and I find an all-over spray of this followed by much ruffling of roots adds a touch of disheveled chic to my everyday look. It's virtually transparent as well so no hint of talcum powder hair. I find that my hair has a really silky texture and struggles to hold style so this is perfect for adding some 'grip'. I will be repurchasing the hell out of this.

Blue Nail Polish

I've been going MENTAL for blue on my nails recently!! I've no idea why... It started with the Barry M Blueberry Gelly polish and kind of escalated from there!! I've got quite a diverse range of tones as well and no two are the same (even though they may be SIMILAR). There's always room for another blue nail polish in my collection of late. 

My shades are....

(As below, L-R)

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Blueberry

H&M Nail Polish - Blue My Mind

Nails Inc Neon - Kensington Park Road

Bourjois So Laque Glossy - Adora-Bleu

Barry M Nail Paint - Denim

GOSH Special Edition Nail Polish - Tilted Blue

So those are a few things I've been going mental for in recent weeks/months/no particular timeframe and I have no intention of stopping using them just because I have to do a different favourites post in another month's time. So I ain't gonna do one haha. I'll just update you if I uncover any new gems that make it into my 'can't function without recently' pile. How about that?? 

Do you find products you LOVE and stick with them?? Or do you constantly search for something different/better??

TanOrganic Launches in the UK!

Hello beauty seekers!

Thought i'd pop in an extra post tonight seen as i have been slacking this week (to be honest i needed the rest). I'm mega excited to be able to tell you that TanOrganic, the Irish-based natural tanning brand, has launched in the UK today on Debenhams Online! 

Tan Organic is now the only tanning brand which is Eco Certified Organic and is 84% Aloe Vera based. It's designed to give a beautifully natural glow as well as being a real treat to the skin and also has anti-ageing properties. Safe for all skin types and for mums-to-be. It's a must for the current season as we all want that 'Glow' but we don't want to be as dark as we do in the Summer months. This product is designed to naturally build up your colour. 

I've heard this product praised by bloggers and now Tan Organic has recently been endorsed by Grazia magazine. It has come from small beginnings, to being a Dragon's Den success, to now being available in 8 countries. I can't wait to try it! I'm unsure on pricing at this time but i hope to get hold of some to review for you after Xmas. I love to feel confident about what i'm putting on my skin! 

(Late) August 2012 Favourites

Hello beauty seekers!!

This is a belated post dedicated to a few (and it only is a few this month) things that i've really been enjoying in the month of August. I have only made subtle changes with my product choices this month. Nothing has really drastically changed in my routine, however there are a handful of products and colours that i really have been enjoying so i thought i'd share them with you all..

August has been a BIG nail polish month for me! Up until now i've hardly been able to wear it due to working in a kitchen. Constant pot washing and suchlike meant that my nails were weak, splitting and generally AWFUL and any nail polish i did wear was chipped away to nothing in a matter of hours! But since finishing that job my nails have really sprung out again so i've taken full advantage of being able to wear nail polishes again. 

My favourites this month have been OPI Barefoot in Barcelona, which i have mentioned before on this blog, and H&M Nail Polish in Blue My Mind. 

I've done a bit of a tanning u-turn in the last month. I mentioned in my July favourites that i was loving my St Moriz spray tan, but this month i have REALLY gone off any kind of tan with a guide colour. Maybe it's because i've been wearing paler colours since the weather has warmed up again, i don't know, but i've really turned to my Bronze Ambition Deep & Dark tanning cream. You have to be careful applying it, as there is no guide colour at all, but the colour you get is fantastic and it's a great price!! Only a couple of pounds!! It also smells like holidays.

 I reviewed Twisted Sista 'Different Strokes' serum last month (for the full post on this product click HERE) and it is really impressing me! It's another total bargain at only £1.99 from Superdrug but, for what you get, i'd be happy to pay a fiver or perhaps even more for it! It's just a great all round serum for any hair type, with no sulphates, parabens or icky things in it at all. It also has a UV filter which is perfect for the weather we are having lately! I've been using this on damp hair before drying, then adding a bit extra to the ends before heat styling.

This was a little bit of an impulse buy i made just before i moved to London but i think i've worn it almost every day since. I've fallen completely in love with Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the shade Cherish. It's just such a wearable shade of pink that lasts really well. I want to do a full post on this product soon so i won't say too much about it here but i'm thinking i want to purchase more of these in September! 

Excuse the brush hairs in this photo haha.... Illamasqua Cream Blush in Dixie has been in my top 5 all time favourite shades ever since i bought it but, this month, its hardly been off my face. It's just perfect in every way and i love it! I love the Illamasqua cream formula and really had to restrain myself in Selfridges the other day when i walked past them. I kept telling myself i don't need any more blushers but i have a feeling i will be going back to purchase Rude very soon. 

So that was a very brief favourites for August. Nothing else really stood out for me. That could all change in September though you never know!! I'll let you know next month.

What have you been loving in August?? What are your favourite summer products??

My Summer Essentials Pt1: Skincare & Tanning

Afternoon beauty seekers!!

Yet another essay to bash out this afternoon so i'll shut up in a second and get on with the post, but last night i got to thinking how much i am enjoying a few products recently and how perfect they are for summer. This post is inspired by those items and i thought i'd share with you my Summer ESSENTIALS!! I'm covering skincare, makeup and a bit of haircare and styling but today I'm carrying on with yesterday's theme and doing skincare and tanning. I hope you enjoy noseying through my summer beauty arsenal.....

St Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub:

Not really much i need to say about this as it's all down in black and white in my previous post from last night haha... But what i will say is that, I've been so thankful for this in the last week. I really feel like it freshens up my face at the end of a hot day as well as removing all the sweat and dirt and leaves my skin lovely and glowy.

Amie Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser:

This is a great product!! I have combination skin and other, more oily, moisturisers can often leave me shiny which is a no no for during the day. This is a perfect moisturiser for this kind of weather as i feel it helps combat the shine factor and similarly for oilier skin types in general. I also love that Amie use only pure and natural ingredients and their products never feel gloopy or heavy on my face. It sinks in really quickly and there's no greasy feeling afterwards so its a great one for using before applying makeup. For more on the Amie Pure and Natural range and to buy online check out their website at amieskincare.com

Sophyto Restorative Toner:

This is a product that i use for both day and night. I LOVE that it's a spray as it really refreshes my skin as well as restoring the pH balance INSTANTLY. The size i have here is a sample size as i was introduced to this product at an event i attended recently but i will definitely be purchasing the full size as it's so affordable and, once again, pure and natural and certified organic. I've even been popping it in the fridge during the day in this hotter weather and it really wakes my skin up and really aids my moisturiser in improving the texture of my skin. Find out more about this, and the other Sophyto products HERE, although i will be featuring this, along with two other Sophyto products in a future post so stay tuned for more.

Dr T's Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum:

This is another US brand that has recently come to British attention. Again, this was a product i was given at an event, but i have seen the products on Amazon HERE. Not only does this product have SPF 30+ but it helps to repair the skin and protect against UV damage. I've been using this when going out in the sun, under my makeup (i haven't been wearing an awful lot of foundation in this weather but have been using a powder variety just to ward off the shine monster). My skin feels soft after i've used it and i know i'm protected. 

Dove Spa Silk Rhapsody Body Cream:

I can't say I'm loyal to any particular brand of body cream/butter but this is the one i have been using just lately. I suppose the rich formula is pretty perfect for putting on at night to help the skin recover from a sun battering. I find body butters to be pretty essential during the hotter months as well as all year round, and everyone should have one in their beauty regime. Other brands i like to use are Palmers, BodyShop Passionfruit Butter and Vaseline Cocoa Butter, but this one just feels that little bit more luxurious. It's not cheap, but it's not the most expensive product out there by any means. You can check it out HERE

St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mist:

I have to say i only actually bought this yesterday and tried it for the first time last night BUT I find spray tanners a lot easier in warmer weather because, think about it, you've already slathered yourself in body butter or aftersun and (if you're like me) slaving away, rubbing in yet another layer of lotion of mousse is just too much hassle. An aerosol tan just requires a squirt all over and minimal blending. This one is pretty decent!! Its not a DARK formula but i don't need it to be as i'm working on a natural tan of my own, i just want to enhance and speed it along a little. St Moriz is readily available via the usual channels and is super affordable.

Bronze Ambition Glow'n'Go Instant Matte Tan:

This is a total bargain and a great time saver product! I've been using this product in tan emergencies for some time now and is just a great little product for touch ups and last minute body bronzing. You may have seen Bronze Ambition featured on The Apprentice this last series but, I'm happy to report, the price of it isn't as hefty as what the candidates were charging for it! In fact, you can buy it in Poundland!! They have a full range of self tan and instant tanning products which you can browse at bronze-ambition.com

So those are my summer skincare picks. I will be following up tomorrow with my haircare and styling essentials and finishing off with some summer makeup must haves. 

What products do you run to when the heat is on?? How do you keep your skin happy in hot weather??