Choosing Natural Deodorants

A product that we all use on a daily product, but many of us never put much thought into what we choose or the affects that will occur is deodorant!

I have given myself the role to educate you on how natural deodorants work and high street options that are also cruelty-free and vegan!

Natural deodorants work by natural ingredients being applied to the skin which inhibits the growth of odour causing bateria, unlike antiperspirants that plug pores from sweating with synthetic ingredients that then get absorbed. More can read on this here. 

5 Cruelty-Free Morning Essentials

  Five of my cruelty free skin care and makeup essential products that are a part of my morning:

Lush's 9 to 5 Cleanser, which is their vegan cleansing alternative, is a light cleansing milk. Despite its thin consistency, it's amazing at removing dirt and makeup (including mascara) that you don't realise is on your face. This cleanser seems to be a winner, as it only requires cotton pads to apply and remove, meaning it takes next to no time!

October Haul

I went shopping on a few occasions with no intentions of what to buy, but after discovering a new shop and using my loyalty points, I've ended up with some bits to haul and share. 

After clearing out some of my nail polishes that had gone bad, when I saw W7 was being sold for £1.99, I knew I had to pick up a few, and I'm surprised at myself not not picking up even more! W7 is cruelty-free, hight street available and cheap!
I chose the colours Midnight Debris (glitter), Skinny (the nude colour which doesn't even seem to exist on W7 website) and Mauve (purplely blue). 

Skin Sincere Natural Skin Care Range

After discovering this brand at the recent West Midlands Blogger Meet, I was intrigued and excited to get my hands on free samples of their skin care range, like a kid at Christmas!

All Skin Sincere products are natural, organic and paraben-free, and the plus of being cruelty free and manufactured in the UK. Are there even any negative points about this brand?!

 With products suggested for all skin types, they also offer a specific Aloe Vera range that is aimed towards those with sensitive and dry skin.

Due to looking for a new facial cleanser, I eagerly picked up the cleansers to try that evening. The Clarifying Cleanser and Aloe Vera Cleanser like all their other products is made from recycled plastic with minimal packaging, but still with a convenient and

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care

Last Thursday I was invited to the shop BeYOUtiful in Sandbach, where they held a wonderful event with a guest speaker from Dr. Hauschka to talk about skincare and their product line.

The evening begun with a bit of history about how Dr. Rudolf Hauschka valued natural ingredients that are certified organicly obtained from bio-dynamic farm based in Germany; policies which they still stand by now. A cruelty-free, vegan friendly brand that is natrue approved, majorly caught my attention!

A selection of their products were then demonstrated on each of us, from their cleansing milks, to their moisturisers. I left the event with a goody bag from them and a few mini products that were suggested for me to trial.

Melissa Day Cream

Recommended due to my combination and sensitive skin, Melissa Day Cream first off smells like lemon sherbert which got my attention. This cream helps hydrate my patchy areas as well as controlling shine. With ingregients of melissa, dasiy, witch hazel and anthyllis, they all help to soothe and help balance my skin. So far, so good using the mini version of this product, but I'll continue using it daily until I've run out.

Lush: The Comforter Bubble Bar

Whether it's due to the scent, the colour or the bubbles; theres something about Lush's The Comforter Bubble Bar that keeps me using this product as my go-to bubbe bath bar.

Alike many others, this is my favourite bubble bar from Lush, as it produces fruitful bubbles that help transform your boring bath, into one covered in foamy bubbles

Prairie Charms- Luau Party Box

Prairie Charms have created a themed accessory subscription box called Prairie Pizzazz. The current box's theme embraces the summer and so is called Luau Party. Think Hawaii, hula girls, punch and flowers and you're on the right track. 

I was greeted by themed confetti when opening the box, then below the tissue paper lay more confetti and straw on which my new products lay. The nine products (a lot I know, yay) that I got in my box are...

A New Routine Addition: Honest Sunscreen

'Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging'

This quote directly from The Honest Co. website, helped persuade me into using this product every day since I received it!

The Honest Co.'s Honest Sunscreen Lotion is a safe and effective away to provide a broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, with the use of natural mineral based ingredients that are non-toxic, non-nano, and cruelty free!

This sunscreen is easy to apply, as the non-greasy formula is thick in texture and can simply be applied liberally to the

Doll White: Teeth Whitening Strips

After implementing Oral B's whitening toothpaste into my daily routine and seeing a difference, I wanted to try to even greater improve the shade of my teeth, by adding an extra step to my routine. 

Doll White* offer whitening strips in weekly packs which contain a teeth whitening gel pre-laid on strips.

Every other day I applied these strips to my top and bottom

August Haul

Today is one of those days where I have no internet, so instead went shopping! I managed to pick a few bits up, including the harem pants I fell in love with, and also have included the purchased outfits for my boyfriend! 

Lush Magazine + Intergalactic Bath Bomb

The Craze of Hair Chalks

As summer approached, in combination with the popularity of coloured dyed hair, the use of hair chalks swiftly arrived!

This craze became very popular especially with festivals around the corner, as it is a fast and non-permanent way to make your hair looks in style and colourful! 

I purchased some pastel hair chalk to try out to easily add colour to my hair for the summer! These can be found for cheap on the internet. 

Upon first impressions, I used these colours on my wet hair, and

Week In Photos #2

I've finally perfected my morning skin care routine using my Magnitone paired with The Body Shop face

~blog post here

purchased this amazing scented hand cream to add to my nail care collection ~blog post here

caking baking these lemon cakes were a success!

The Cloud- exploring lakes and hills with my bestfriend

 

post walk ice creams from Snugburys!

 

getting a little bit adventurous and trialing a few coloured hair chalks

Glamour in one hand, rucksack at the ready for a day trip to London

Finally, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win all that is shown

~enter giveaway here

It's been a busy week for me, and I'm currently heading to Birmingham for the second week in a row!

How has your week been?

- Tash.

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @nimblewhaleblog

Nail Care Routine

After being inspired by The Nail & Beauty Files' nail care routine blog post last week, I decided to pick up a few purchases on my next shopping trip so that I could get myself into a routine of looking after my nails.

Upon the beginning of my nail care journey, I picked up a twin pack of nail buffer blocks in Primark, costing only £1! There are 4 sides to use. 
1. File down the edges of each of my nails.
2. Buff gently the top of each nail which removes most rough areas and ridges.
3 & 4. Polish & Shine helps to smooth the nail and give it a shine finish.

After using each side of the block my nails feel so smooth, so I highly doubt there is much of a difference between more expensive blocks except for how long they will last.

I follow on my by using my strawberry hand cream from The Body Shop, rubbing this all over my hands and focus on massaging it on and around my nails to help hydrate my cuticles and skin that surrounds my nails.
I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference this have made since I started using it regularly, especially due to how amazing it smells!

To help keep my nails strong and looking healthy I'll apply my base coat nail polish after the cream has sunk in. Whether alone or underneath a coloured nail polish, this create a naturally light pink tint to my nails as well as filling in any other naturally nail ridges I still have.

Of course my nail care routine is no where near complete, as I plan to get a cuticle oil/ cream of sorts to help maintain them, and a better nail file to use on the edges rather than relying on the buffer blocks. I'll be sure to report back when I invest more into my routine.

I'm so glad that I finally got around to purchasing products to use in my nail care routine, because it means that I now stick to using them all, and recommend you sort one out if you haven't already, you won't regret dedicating a little time to do it.

Do you have a nail care routine? What other products do you use to look after them?

- Tash.

NimbleWhaleBlog Giveaway! - CLOSED

I am giving away a bundle of goodies to one lucky winner that have a total RRP of £40. These include a mixture of typical items that I associate myself with and you would likely see me blog about. Hopefully, there’ll be something in there that you’ll like too.

Here are the bundle of goodies that one lucky winner will receive the entirety of:

5 Colour Uniball Jetstream Retractable Rollerball Pen

1 LUSH The Experimenter Bath Bomb

1 The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

MULK Bundle*;
1 A5 Geometric Eco Notebook, 

1 A6 Geometric Eco Notebooks &
1 Geometric Card

Crazy Kitten Creations Bundle*;

1 Sparkle Crystal Necklace

1 Antique Dragonfly Necklace

I absolutely adore all of the above products, such as the various necklaces that I was sent from Crazy Kitten Creations, not to mention the amazing notebooks offered from MULK, which I'm quite jealous I don't get to keep, and can be used with the pastel Uniball pens! Then finally I hope the winner can truly enjoy the explosion of the Experimenter whilst using their facial mask from The Body Shop.

Enter on the Rafflecopter Giveaway below!

Terms & Conditions

Due to postage costs, this giveaway is only open to residents of the UK.

Follow all the rules in the Rafflecopter widget.

If you’re under 16, get a permission from a parent.

The giveaway opens at 12pm today (10^th July) and runs until 11:59pm on the 31^st July.

A winner will be chosen and contacted within 24 hours.

The winner will have two days to respond or a new winner may be chosen.
Please note that there is an error with the number update of entries, and thus is higher than Rafflecopter states.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone,
and feel free to check out the online stores of the products that are included in the giveaway, such as MULK and Crazy Kitten Creations!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kirsty Whiston on winning the giveaway!

- Tash.

Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush

After participating in #BHTWITTERPARTY, I was given the opportunity to review a Magnitone Lucid Facial Brush*. This brand offers cleansing brushes that produce deep-pore purification and gently exfoliation for the face, producing softer, clearer and brighter skin in just 7 days.

I chose the Aqua Green Magnitone Lucid brush, which comes with a wireless travel charger, and with a charger of two weeks is portable and easy to use on the go.

Upon first use, I found using the cleansing brush comfy to hold and easy to understand. Two modes, deep clean or sensitive, I chose sensitive due to my dry and sensitive facial skin, and the 1 minute auto-stop function, with 20 second facial timers made it easy to stay focused and not overwork your face.

I chose to use this both in the morning with my The Body Shop Aloe Facial Wash, and in the evening with my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleanser, or alternatively in the shower due to it being 100% waterproof! I did prefer using this in the shower as it meant that if I put too much cleanser on the brush if it did go everywhere, including my hair, at least I could easily wash it out.

The result of using this for the past week has meant that my skin is smoother, by removing the dead skin cells thanks to the 10,000 pulsations per minute, and made my skin feel brighter and softer!

The convenience of this product, as well as the high quality and success of this product makes its price of £69.99, well worthwhile, especially if you use it regularly. Not to mention that it also comes with a travel adaptor for you to use if you are going away for longer than the two weeks the battery will last.

There are four colours to choose from (Plush Pink, Aqua Green, Dazzling Blue and Sunshine Yellow), as well as other accessorises that can be purchased from www.magnitone.co.uk

A fantastic cleansing product, that has helped revolutionised my morning routine, and dramatically improving how my skin looks. Perhaps in the future I may look into the other brushes they offer to see if there is a more beneficial one for me to use in combination with my cleansers!

Did I mention that you can get 20% off your order of a Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush until 31st July, costing you only £56 by using the discount code BLOVE20 and clicking here!

- Tash.

Timeless Truth Facial Mask

Recently I received one facial mask from Timeless Truth*, out of the many types they offer. This brand focuses on providing the latest advances in bio-technology for amazing anti-ageing results.

I chose the Luxury Elastic- Miracle Rejuvenation Mask, which states that it aims to brighten, rejuvenate and refine, by evening skin tone and diminishing the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

Personally, I found using this mask a great experience as the elastic cotton mask was super flexible by hooking on to my ears, and slits to enable contact to your face in all places, and even my under chin area as well as my entire face. This unique fitting mask is the best mask in terms of not causing a mess when applying the mask when compared to peel-off and mud masks, plus didn't fall off whilst I was walking about.

The result of it made my skin feel fresh, tighter, and brighter!

However, they state that this product can be used multiple times due to the generous amount of serum that is included in the packaging, which subsides the costly price for this face mask of £6.50.

There are also other types of facial masks that Timeless Truth offer with fab benefits, which use cloth masks including non-woven fabric, bio-cellulose and silk fibre. These can be found at www.thebeautymask.co.uk.

This was a good luxury face mask to use, however if I was to purchase, I would ensure I had put more thought into my choice to ensure I found the perfect mask to suit my skin type!

Also, they suggested to put the mask in the fridge previously, for a refreshing experience, of which I will be certain to do with all my masks in the future, especially during summer.

- Tash.

Travel Toiletries Essentials

                         

                        

As I'm packing away my carry-on essentials, I thought I'd make a note of what I chose to pack on my week trip to Amsterdam!

The Body Shop: Travel Rainforest Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

Yesto: Cucumber Soothing Facial Wipes

Maybelline: Lash Sensational Mascara

Maybelline: Cover Stick Concealer in Vanilla

Benefit: Posietint & High Beam

Mirenesse: Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss

Sanex: Dermo Invisible Deodorant

MONU: Hydrating Moisturiser

Maybelline: Brow Pencil in Blonde

Accessorize: Floral Hair Scrunchie

Lovemilliecrafts: Elastic Hair Ties

- Tash.

Argan Hair Oils

Oiling hair is wonderfully beneficial, as it can form a protective layer, whilst nourishing your hair! I've found adding a hair oil to your hair care routine, can be worthwhile, especially during summer.

I had not before considered using a hair oil until I received two samples through my door! Both are based with Argan Oil and both state to apply to damp hair and massage in. By trying these after I had washed my hair, it gave me the opportunity to compare the two, to see their fab benefits. 

Argan Dew: Miraculous Argan Oil- daily hair treatment*

Similar to their hair mask, their Miraculous Oil rehydrates, repairs and nourishing all of your hair. As it contains nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants it helps to improve hair strength, prevent frizz and creates a lasting healthy glossy shine on hair for the rest of the day.
 It also pleases me to know that this product is SLS, paraben and alcohol free, and is cruelty-free. Seriously, a great hair oil to help your hair get in great condition.

This product is available from their website, but specifically can be found here for roughly £25 for 100ml glass bottle.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil

As stated when receiving this in my Birchbox, this hair oil has a sweet vanilla scent, and somewhat gloopy texture. As well as leaving your hair glossy, this oil focuses on protecting against UV rays and heat damage, as well as strengthening hair strands. Alike Argan Dew, this hair oil is also a paraben-free formula and cruelty-free!

Available for purchase through Birchbox, this product comes in 118ml plastic bottle at £16, the more price-friendly product out of the two.

Both of these products have helped to make my hair really soft and glossy continuously! If I'm going to use heat, I'll grab Beauty Protector, but if not then every few days I will stick to Argan Dew!

These two hair oils have been wonderful additions to my hair care routine. I look forward to continuing to use these, to get the best out of my hair. 

Bring on summer with my healthy and shiny hair! 

- Tash.

Birchbox Review- June 2015

June 2015's Birchbox is a collaboration with French Sole and the theme revolves around 'Stepping Outside' in preparation for this summer!

For £10 (+ P&P) you can receive and try out 5 chosen samples that you receive in your monthly subscription box. This month I had the choice of choosing the design of the box and shoe bag that I would receive, further relating to this months partnership. The products that received are...

Yes to: Cucumbers Facial Wipes (buy here) 

A small compact size version of their cooling yet rejuvenating cleansing wipes which are a the perfect size to fit into a handbag this summer, whether it is during the day when out or to use at home to remove makeup.

English Laundry: No. 7 For Her (buy here)

My first perfume sample that I have received in a Birchbox, and I think it is a great way to trial perfumes a few times before commiting to a large bottle! No. 7 for Her has scents of that are bright and fruity with a hint of Musk; personally I'm not a major fan of this perfume, but I will certainly take advantage of the small handy size!

Mirenesse: Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss (buy here)

A cross between a lip stain and a balm; this lip stick pencil is great for every day use. I received the colour Angel Kiss which I wasn't sure at first, however after wearing it many times I love and I probably wouldn't have ever tried this colour if it hadn't been in my box! The lipstick came with tips of how to wear it for a glossy or matte look, or to even use on your cheeks. A great versatile product!

Cowshed: Body Lotion in Knackered Cow (buy here)

Knackered Cow has essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus which are great to use to pamper and nourish my skin. I don't usually like lavender, however the scent of this is not overwhelming and perfectly soothing.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil (buy here) 

This vanilla scented hair oil smells amazing for starters, and not to mention that I received 2 small sample sizes of this product. This aims to give you glossy hair and also protects against UV rays and heat damage. I thoroughly look forward to using this regularly!

STYLondon: Temporary Metallic Tattoos (buy here)

These new trend accessories are super cute, I almost don't want to use them they look so pretty. I can see these adding a stylish metallic look to an outfit this summer. A fab beauty bonus on behalf of Birchbox! 

This months box is filled with sample products to get me ready for summer, and not to mention have encouraged me to try new things that otherwise I wouldn't have considered. Bring on next month's Birchbox! 

- Tash.

Spring Pastel Nail Polishes

Pastel colours are fabulous to wear all year around, but look even cuter in spring time! I've started wearing pastels a lot more on their own as well as adding nail art on top of these pastel nail polish colours. 

 (Right to left)

Barry M: Blueberry Icecream (buy here)

Models Own: Concrete Mixer (buy here)

Models Own: Lilac Dream (buy here)

Models Own: Jade Stone (buy here)

Nails Inc London: Notting Hill Carnival(buy here)

Nails Inc London: Upper Cheyne Row(buy here)

These pastel colours are great to be worn alone or in combination with each other, or even with nail art on top!

What are your spring nail polish favourites?

- Tash.

Hair Care Routine

In the past year, since having my hair cut shorter, I have begun to truly look after my hair which has resulted in it being in very good condition. My hair is naturally wavy, more so at the back, as well as being thick and grows at a decent pace, which means that it can be a hassle, but more recently doesn't take too much maintenance. 

Consequently I've sculpted my current hair care routine with products and tips to meet my hair needs and maintain my locks!

The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo (buy here) 

I was apprehensive about using a SLS free shampoo, but I persevered through despite the occasional greasy day and difficultly in lather, to have healthier hair. At first I used Rainforest Moisture, but it didn't seem to be making a difference. I then tried out Rainforest Shine, which proved to be a lot better for my hair as it made it softer and shinier!

Elvive Nutri-Gloss Light Conditioner (buy here) 

Leaves my hair soft, shiny and smells fab, what more could you want? A recent purchase that perfectly matches my hair needs, as it is specialised towards mid-long and dull hair. 
I apply this from the middle to ends of my hair, and leave for a minute or so before rinsing.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Hair Mask (buy here)

When it comes to a deep hair treatment, I always look forward to grabbing this intense conditioner. I love how soft and light this product makes my hair feel, not to mention the lovely smell. Herbal Essences have a range of hair masks, depending on your hair type, but if you are looking to hydrate your locks, Hello Hydration shall truly help after leaving it on for a mere 5 minutes! 

PARLOR Moisturising Sea Salt Spray (buy here) 

I am so grateful for received this in my May Birchbox! This sea salt spray adds texture and adds emphasis on my current natural waves. Surprisingly I adore the scent of peaches and freshly cut grass that this bottle holds. I apply this to damp hair after a shower, and even in a morning before leaving the house.

Paddle Brush(buy here)

After washing my hair, patting it dry, and applying sea salt spray, if it is the evening I will go on to brush out my hair with a paddle brush, as this is best due to the thickness of my hair. However it is during the day I don't bother brushing to allow my natural waves to stay in place.

Hair Ties & Bobbles(buy here)

Most evenings I plait my hair, and so using hair ties allows me to keep these in place, but not add any kinks into it either. Plaits give my hair a stronger wave, so that they look more natural after a night to dry in them.

I always let my hair dry naturally, which means I usually let it dry over night so that I am not bothered by wet hair during the day. Not to mention how adding no heat allows my hair to be in a lot better condition.

What are your hair care essentials?

- Tash.