Summer Essentials with Holland and Barrett

As i mentioned in previous posts, i have been taking much more care of my skin and general body well being since i got pregnant. I scrutinize more the ingredients list, research the latest claims and pile up SPF in the hope ill minimize the pregnancy side effects like melasma or stretch marks. I’m currently 20 weeks (yay!), which means im more than half way gone and things are getting bigger fast!

Luckily, the heat wave that hit Ireland in the last few weeks coincided with me receiving some Holland and Barrett all natural cosmetics to try on and review, as part of their ‘Summer Beach Bag Essentials’ campaign. In the spirit of research, i created a weekley and daily routine that ive stuck too for the last three weeks to see full benefits of the products and frankly, make myself look human again.

Exfoliate

Dry brushing and exfoliation has become a weekley ritual to eliminate all the dead cells, stimulate circulation and prep the skin for hydration. Im massaging in particular my legs, standing on my feet all day can leave them feeling heavy and sore, so i need something to help my circulation going.

Moisturise – Dr. Organic Aloe Vera Skin Lotion

Aloe Vera is well known for being ideal for sensitive, dry skin due to its soothing and calming properties. Part of the Dr. Organic range, this is a daily body lotion free from all parabens, SLS or fragrance, ideal to be used after sun exposure or just as part of your normal body skin hydration. Enriched with Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, the texture is light and great for an ‘apply and go’ after shower routine.

Tan – Lavera Self Tanning Lotion

Tanning has become something im doing every week now, i have become addicted to the golden glow that my skin gets after each fresh application. Sunday is my ‘Tanning Day’, after a good scrub and moisture im applying the Lavera Self Tanning Body Lotion – I just love the scent! Because its not tinted, im applying it with long strokes starting with my legs and try not to go over the same areas twice. Because its not a dark tan, the color i tend to get is a natural sun kissed, even look that just blends with my skintone.

Protect – Aloe Pura Organic Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF 25

SPF has become a daily obsession, specially on a sunny day i don’t leave the house without a layer of the Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF 25 on my arms, neck and decolletage. Ive read that pigmentation and skin tags (eww!) can appear in the folds and creases of the body so im taking every precaution. Because of the aloe vera content, it feels very cooling and soothing on the skin and doesnt leave any tacky residue.

Eliminate Frizz – Dr. Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

Probably one of my favorite hair oils ever – the Dr. Organic Morocan Argan Oil has become a necessity every time i wash my hair. Surprisingly rich and luxurious, it moisturizes my hair intensively without leaving greasy residue behind. Its like magic! I use a generous amount on towel dried hair, working it trough the strands mid length down, insisting on the ends. After i blow dry it, im left with soft, manageable, frizz free hair that doesn’t need straightening or styling. I just love it!

Have you tried any of the natural cosmetics that Holland and Barrett stock? I have my eye on some Dr Organic Coconut Body Butter next!

 

PR Samples.