Tuesday T. Bryan

Sunday, 31 August 2014

Herbal Harmony; Natural handmade skin products from the stunning Dorset coast.

Herbal Harmony produces a wide range of natural skincare products and cosmetics, all of which are handmade in Dorset. The founder of this all-natural brand is Catherine Marshall (Medical Herbalist, MNIMH & BSc). Each of her products is free from nasty ingredients including parabens, synthetic fragrance, and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), all of which can be damaging (but are still widely used by many big commercial brands). Omitting these potentially harmful substances from product recipes means they are kinder to the skin and so much less likely to cause reactions. With such a broad range of gentle beauty products on offer, you’re bound to find something to suit you!

I happen to be mad about make up, and I love with the Herbal Harmony Natural Lipgloss. There are seven gorgeous shades currently available, and I have three of them, my current favourite being “Marshmallow” (a shimmering pale pink). They’re completely natural and suitable for vegans, and they contain skin-loving ingredients such as Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil to help keep the lips in tip-top condition. These highly-pigmented glosses not only look great, but they also smell fantastic!

Here are my thoughts on the three shades I've tried and my photos:

- Marshmallow: A soft, pale pink with delicate shimmer and a sheer finish. A sure winner for light Spring / Summer make up, and a great "go-to" lip colour for any occasion. A versatile shade suitable for almost any skin tone an also provides moisture an protection. A make up bag must-have.

- Hibiscus: Shimmering bronze with a sheer finish. If you have tanned or Olive skin this bronze lip colour will complete the sun-kissed look. A perfect match for golden summer skin. Light catches the shimmery light-reflecting particles making this shade even more eye-catching in the sun. Natural formula helps hydrate the lips.

- Cranberry: A rich berry shade with a metallic sheer finish. A great choice for adding a warm kiss of colour to Autumn / Winter make up. Ideal for the party season. Moisturising ingredients help prevent lips from drying out in the harsh English winter air. Suits most skin tones.

There is also a collection of scented Herbal Harmony Lip Balms on offer, all of which have a unique fresh fragrance. These balms have a soft, buttery consistency which melts onto the lips and leaves them feeling wonderfully hydrated and healthy. I apply mine throughout the day to keep my lips in top condition. A little goes a long way, so you’ll only need a touch! I’m the proud owner of the “Cinnamon & Orange” balm. The orange provides a sweet citrus scent and the spicy cinnamon gives warmth – a delicious winning combination.

Herbal Harmony also produces a wide selection of caring creams and balms to help protect and restore the skin from head-to-toe, and I want to focus on the hands. Our hard-working hands are put through a lot of stress on a daily basis, so it’s no surprise that suffering from dry skin on the hands is so common. To help repair the skin and prevent dryness reoccurring it’s important to keep the hands hydrated with a moisturiser, but you shouldn't just slap any old product on your skin (especially when it’s damaged). Do a little research into products free from nasty chemicals, and many substances can cause side-effects, allergic reactions, and even make the problem worse. Herbal Harmony Rose Otto Hand Cream is an all-natural alternative to those chemical-packed commercial products. It has a luxuriously rich and creamy consistency that can be absorbed quickly and easily. It also has a lovely fresh fragrance and is presented in a stylish, understated glass jar which is fully recyclable.

I also had the pleasure of trying some Herbal Harmony Shower Gels. This range of natural, handmade shower gels is completely free from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate), parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Each one also contains a unique blend of essential oils which provide different benefits and fragrances, as well as softening Marshmallow Infusion to care for the skin. The Lavender Shower Gel is infused with Lavender essential oil, a natural product well-known for the relaxing effect it can have on the mind and body (it also has an unmistakeable calming herbal fragrance). The Patchouli & Orange Shower Gel is my personal favourite. It contains a refreshing blend of oils which give of a warm and spicy fragrance, which I love! Ideal for awakening the senses, the Mint Shower Gel contains a blend of cool, fresh Spearmint and Peppermint essential oils.
Aimed at gardeners, the Gardener’s Hand Wash contains lavender, sage, and rosemary essential oils, which are natural antiseptics, as well as softening Marshmallow Infusion. Why not team it with the Herbal Harmony Gardener’s Soap to make an ideal gift for your green-fingered friends and family?

   For a relaxing bath time treat, bath melts are a must! Those little extras make all the difference, and Herbal Harmony sell a tempting selection of handmade Bath Melts to transform boring baths into a soothing spa-like experience. The range includes relaxing Lavender, spicy Cinnamon & Orange, floral Geranium, warming Patchouli & Orange, and invigorating Eucalyptus & Mint. My cute heart-shaped Geranium Bath Melts are packaged in a pretty pastel pink organza bag – they’d make a lovely little gift for the ladies (especially on Valentine’s Day!). Can’t choose just one? Why not opt for the Bath Melt Selection of Fragrances? Simply tell Catherine which three you’d like to try and she’ll make you a personalised pack. Also available is an eye-catching collection of six Mini Lavender Bath Melts, each topped with delicate pressed flowers and perfectly packaged.

   I love the Herbal Harmony range, and trying Catherine’s products has been a delightful experience. There is so much more available from her website including “Make Your Own kits” and even teas! All of her products are available online, and a list of stockists can be found on her website (visit http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/page19.htm for stockists). She even runs workshops and consultations, and she often pops with her products up at events (see http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/page12.htm for a full list of her upcoming events).
   To find out more and shop Herbal Harmony products visit the website at www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk. You can also find her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dorsetherbalist and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HerbalHarmony.

Connect with me on Facebook by liking my new page for regular updates, upcoming features, past columns and blogs, photos, and more!: www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan.

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography

DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

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- NEW! My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan

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Herbal Harmony contact information:

Web: http://www.thedorsetherbalist.co.uk/

Email: herbalharmony@hotmail.co.uk

Address: 19 Stanley Green Road, Poole, Dorset, BS15 3AA, UK.Tel: 07929 740815

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HerbalHarmony

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dorsetherbalist

Image source: Tuesday T. Bryan Instagram / http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

Here I am wearing Herbal Harmony Natural Lipgloss in "Marshmallow".
Image source: Tuesday T. Bryan Instagram / http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

Sunday, 17 August 2014

PHB Ethical Beauty; Natural and organic pioneering products handmade in the UK.

Image source: www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

It’s not easy to find cosmetics that are completely natural, organic, and suitable for all skin types, so this week I’d like to introduce you to a relatively new business selling nothing but 100% ethical beauty products. Founded by Rose Brown, PHB Ethical Beauty launched their all-natural collection in 2012. The versatile range includes all kinds of amazing award-winning beauty, hair care, and skincare products for men and women, as well as gift sets and starter kits, all of which is handmade in the UK. Needless to say, PHB are against animal testing and all of their products are completely cruelty-free, but their products are also free from any animal products whatsoever and the company is registered with The Vegan Society UK. Their products are also free from alcohol, Parabens, SLS, and GM ingredients. Great care has even been taken in ensuring that the packaging is completely eco-friendly. Their products have won numerous awards, and the company has even been dubbed “The New Body Shop”. This truly is a caring-company!

Image source: www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

I happen to be a complete beauty-addict (no surprise there), especially when it comes to make up. It’s not at all uncommon to have reactions to cosmetic products, especially if our skin is sensitive or we suffer from skin conditions. Did you know that up to 60% of what we put on our skin can be absorbed into the blood stream? Commercial products tend to be packed with synthetic substances and nasty chemicals, so it’s no surprise that unpleasant skin reaction occur so frequently when we apply them. If you’re concerned about the effects that commercial concoctions may be having on your skin, why not switch to something more natural? PHB Ethical Beauty sells everything you could possibly need to transform your mass-produced make up collection into a skin-loving beauty bliss (including cleansers and brushes).

If, like me, you’re a lover of mineral make up, I’d definitely recommend considering PHB’s Mineral Miracles collection. Everything in this range is free from dyes, chemicals, animal ingredients, alcohol, preservatives, gluten, fillers, oils, talc, and GM ingredients. It also contains sun protection and zinc oxide (a natural product which is great for treating acne), and is Vegan and Halal Certified.

I was lucky enough to try out one of PHB’s best-sellers, the All-In-One Natural Mascara. It’s available in two shades, black and brown (I went for black). This award-winning product is a great “go-to mascara” as it combines the benefits of lengthening and volume-boosting mascaras into one. It’s also kind to the eyes and waterproof - an excellent choice if you suffer from sensitive peepers! The fact that it rolls all these advantages into one product also makes it a great space-saver, so it’s ideal if you’re going travelling or just want to clean out your make up bag. It can also save you money, as you’ll just need the one mascara to achieve all the results! I like to wear two coats of mascara for extra length, volume, and drama. Some products flake and clump when you apply multiple coats, but I had no issues with this one! I found it to be quick-drying, clump and flake-free, easy to build up, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and the jet black colour is great beautifully defining the eyes.

I've added some photos below to show off the results that I achieved after applying two coats of PHB All-In-One Natural Mascara in Black.

Photos - above and right: Here I am wearing two coats of PHB Ethical Beauty All-In-One Natural Mascara in Black. My eyeshadows are from Barry M and Helen E. My lip colour (right) is from e.l.f.

Image source: Tuesday T. Bryan Instagram / http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

Photo - left: Here I am wearing two coats of PHB Ethical Beauty All-In-One Mascara in Black. My blue liquid eyeliner is from No7. Please excuse the rubbish photo quality - this photo was taken on a camera phone and is from my Instagram page.

Here in The West Country we’re lucky enough to have a PHB Ethical Beauty store, which you can find on Regent Street in Cheltenham (see photo - below), but all the whole range is also available online at www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk.

Connect with me on Facebook by liking my new page for regular updates, upcoming features, past columns and blogs, photos, and more!: www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan.

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography

DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

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PHB Ethical Beauty's Cheltenham store on Regent Street. Image source: www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

Useful links:
- NEW! My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan

- My beauty blog: http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

- My Instagram: http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

- My Twitter: http://twitter.com/tuesdaytbryan / @tuesdaytbryan

- My Google+: http://google.com/+TuesdayTBryan

PHB Ethical Beauty contact information:

Web: www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

Email: info@phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

Address: PHB Ethical Beauty, 2a Regent Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1HE, UK.

Tel: 01242 300 396 / +44 1242 300 396

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PHBethicalbeauty

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PHBbeauty

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Peppy Galore; Fun, natural skincare from the bright City of Bristol!

In 2012, Jessi Frey founded Peppy Galore in Bristol, England. Jessi successfully made her own skincare to use for herself instead of commercial shop-bought products, and now her fun and effective range is available to us all! All Peppy Galore products are made with natural ingredients, suitable for vegans, free from nasty ingredients such as parabens and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - click for more information). Peppy Galore never test on animals. It’s clear that Peppy Galore is a caring company when it comes to the environment as well as our skin. Not only is the packaging used fully recyclable, but their products are made using only 100% renewable gas and electricity.
Peppy Galore sell a great range of deliciously scented and prettily packaged body mousses, skin cleansers, hand care products, moisturisers, skin healing products, toners, tools and gifts sets, and all skin types are catered for. If you have super-sensitive skin, or maybe you suffer from skin problems like

eczema or psoriasis, you’ll find that all-natural products are the way forward. Many commercial brands use harsh chemicals and nasty manmade products that can do more harm than good. It’s not uncommon to suffer from unpleasant side-effects when these chemical-packed products are applied to our skin, and reactions usually show in the form of redness, irritation and itchiness, and breakouts.

Why not visit the Peppy Galore website for information and see what Jessi can suggest? Email her atpeppy@peppygalore.com. On her website you will also find her blog, and links to her Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram profiles. Visit www.peppygalore.com, or see "Peppy Galore contact information" at the end of this blog post.

I had the honour of experiencing some of Peppy Galore’s glorious delights; the Nurse Peppy Healing Hand Cream, and the Nurse Peppy Healing Balm. These are two great all-rounders for everyone to have on hand for when the skin needs a little extra TLC.
First up is the Nurse Peppy Healing Hand Cream. It’s designed to help care for the hands when they’re a feeling dry and damaged, and it’s great for moisturising and nourishing the nails, too. A little goes a long way – just a small amount from the practical pump dispenser is enough to provide the hands with all the hydration they need. As with all Peppy Galore products, it’s presented in funky stylish packaging that looks great anywhere. The smell of this product is simply amazing! The fragrance is clean, fresh, and engergising. I love zingy, citrusy scents, so the aroma this product gives of is perfect for people like me! Of course, nothing nasty is added to give this fantastic invigorating fragrance, it comes from the natural ingredients used to make

the product. I use it daily to keep my hands and nails in tip-top condition.
The Nurse Peppy Healing Balm is presented in a cute little heart-shaped tin, the ideal size for popping in your pocket or handbag. This award-winning versatile balm is perfect for providing instant intense nourishment and care when and where it’s needed most. Personally, I use it on my lips first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and throughout the day when required to prevent dryness and keep them soft and smooth. I also massage it into cuticles before and after a manicure. Why not use it to soothe troublesome areas such as elbows, knees, and feet? It can even be used to help nourish frizzy hair! This really is something of a wonder-product. Any product that can has multiple uses is a great way to save money and cut back on the amount of products you have, and compact packaging is ideal for travel, too. Again, it’s all-natural and great for all skin types.
For more information and to shop for all Peppy Galore products visit www.peppygalore.com. On the website you will also find the Peppy Galore blog and links to find Peppy Galore on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Connect with me on Facebook by liking my new page for regular updates, upcoming features, past columns and blogs, photos, and more!: www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan.

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography

DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

Click here to LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE!

Click here to FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM!

Click here to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

Useful links:
- NEW! My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan

- My beauty blog: http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

- My Instagram: http://instagram.com/tuesdaytbryan

- My Twitter: http://twitter.com/tuesdaytbryan / @tuesdaytbryan

- My Google+: http://google.com/+TuesdayTBryan

Peppy Galore contact information:

Web: www.peppygalore.com

Email: peppy@peppygalore.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/peppygalore

Twitter: www.twitter.com/peppygalore

Instagram: www.instagram.com/peppygalore

Friday, 18 July 2014

Bulrush & Bramble; Truly natural skincare and handmade homeware from Dorset.

This week we're focusing on a delightful Dorset-based company called Bulrush & Bramble. From sensational soap bars and soft-as-a-feather wash cloths, to pretty packaging and intricately woven Bulrush Baskets, everything truly is inspired by nature. And better still, every Bulrush & Bramble product is carefully handmade by either Nicky Lewis or Jill Withy from their own Dorset cottages.
On the Bulrush & Bramble website you will find a wide range of natural skincare treats suitable all the family (even tiny tots!), and also some great homewear and gift ideas.
Why not try some Bulrush & Bramble handmade soap? With such a fantastic selection on offer, you may find it difficult to pick just one! Nicky Lewis skillfully crafts each bar by hand using the “Cold Process”, a method of soap-making that helps retain the properties of the soap’s natural ingredients. Bulrush & Bramble soaps contain glycerin, a substance which is known to help treat dry skin. It’s formed naturally in the process of making these soaps, and, unlike many chemical-packed commercial brands, Bulrush & Bramble leave it in their produce to help moisturise and cleanse the skin simultaneously. Just as nothing natural is removed from their products, nothing unnatural is added. The clean colours and fresh aromas are all produced naturally by the ingredients used. This results in a truly natural product that is kind and gentle enough for use on any skin type anywhere on the face and body. These versatile bars can also be used as shaving soaps, but Bulrush & Bramble have a new product available created specifically for use when shaving. The shaving bar works up a creamy moisturising layer resulting in soft skin and a nice clean

shave. It’s very versatile and can be used anywhere on the body on all skin types. Personally, I noticed a huge difference in the dreaded shaving rash – I always get irritated red skin after shaving with foams and gels, but with Bulrush & Bramble’s shaving bar I noticed no rash at all! So, if you suffer from shaving rash or have easily-irritated skin, this all-natural product is well worth a try. It’s available for both men and women.
Moisturising the skin regularly not only improves and prevents dryness, but, in the long run, it can also help to improve the appearance of skin imperfections such as stretch marks and signs of ageing. Even the massaging motion used to apply moisturiser helps our circulation. Finding the right moisturiser for you can be a bit of a nightmare, and you shouldn't just slap any old product on your skin. Commercial products contain all sorts of chemicals that can do more harm than good; many of us will find they can irritate the skin (especially if it’s sensitive), cause break-outs, or trigger allergic reactions. If you want a safe bet it’s a good idea to opt for something natural that’s suitable for all skin types, and Bulrush & Bramble products tick all the boxes! I had the pleasure of testing two of their moisturising products; the Body Butter and the Moisturising Face Mousse.

The Completely Natural Body Butter has a lovely creamy formula that absorbs into the skin quickly and easily providing instant moisture without leaving any unpleasant sticky residue. A little goes a long way – just a touch effectively hydrates and soothes the skin. It has a light and fresh fragrance which is produced naturally by the product’s ingredients, including camomile flowers and coconut oils (nothing nasty added here!). It’s suitable for use on even the most sensitive skin.
   For the face, why not try the Completely Natural Moisturising Face Mousse? It has a soft earthy colour which is given by the infusion of bay and rosemary leaves. This product also contains skin-softening Sweet Almond oil, protective Jojoba oil, firming and hydrating Aloe Vera, nutrient-packed soothing Shea Butter, and anti-ageing Argan Oil. This clever combination keeps the product fresh for months at room temperature. Again, it’s suitable for all skin types, and, as with all Bulrush & Bramble products, it’s all natural.
   Many more beautifully handmade Bulrush & Bramble products are available, including Nicky’s Bulrush Baskets, which are crafted from wild Dorset rushes and woven using traditional methods. You can also purchase washcloths, the perfect accompaniment to your handmade skincare. Bulrush & Bramble washcloths are handmade using organic cotton by expert Dorset hand-knitter, Jill Withy.
   All Bulrush & Bramble products can be found on their website, and they also pop up occasionally at events (visit the “news” section of their website for upcoming locations).
   To buy online visit www.bulrushandbramble.co.uk or www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CompletelyNaturalUK.

Connect with me on Facebook by liking my new page for regular updates, upcoming features, past columns and blogs, photos, and more!: www.facebook.com/tuesdaytbryan.

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com/

DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material