I seriously feel like I’ve blinked & missed September. Maybe I’ve just been relishing in a return to semi-normality? With the kids back at school, and even a few nights out in the bag this month, I’ve had more time – and reason – to indulge in my skincare. It was certainly nice to have a few pre-night out pamper sessions!
As always, I’ve been trialling products to share with you, and this month I believe I’m introducing products from four – perhaps lesser-known – brands that all deserve a place on your skincare/haircare radar.
Nothing has changed about me since last month, but for any newbies, here’s my age, skin & hair type:
Please note: Products featured are either self-purchases, gifts or press samples. Each product’s acquisition is stated for clarity. There may also be affiliate links included. If you click on an affiliate link and purchase based on my recommendation, I may be paid a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you but does help towards the running of this site & the free content within. You can find out more here.
Here’s what I’m excited to share with you this month…
Charlotte Rhys Cape Town
I have felt immensely indulged using a range of Charlotte Rhys’ luxurious fragrance products. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they smell amazing too. New to the UK, Charlotte Rhys’ bath, beauty & lifestyle products have been adorning elite retreats & luxury hotels across South Africa. And I’m so happy they’ve made their way over here now.
For me, what sets the brand apart is its ‘Kind to you, kind to nature’ approach. They are sustainably sourced, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. In short, they’re a ‘spritz of luxury with an ethical conscience’, which I applaud.
Their Oud Blanche Eau De Toilette forms part of their floral collection and is a rich, lively & may I say, seductive scent. Despite not being a parfum, it had staying power; people complimented me hours after application.
I also used the No.17 Supreme Body Creme from their citrus collection, plus their hand & body lotion. Both the lotion and the creme absorbed well and left my skin hydrated for a long while afterwards. It would have been great to layer up with the Eau de Toilette in this scent; however, they stand their ground individually and smell lovely in a very clean & light way. Plus, I can’t ignore how fantastic they look in my bathroom.
Recommended for: Anyone who’d like to smell good whilst doing good too.
Please do check them out here.
MOA Queen of the Night Treatment
MOA (Magic Organic Apothecary) create natural and organic skincare products made in England, inspired by old herbal folklore and with a sprinkling of magic – yes, you heard that right!
Made with carefully selected botanical ingredients, no hidden nasties, and a focus on sustainable sourcing, MOA wants to improve your well-being and support you in practising simple yet effective daily skincare rituals (my favourite sort!)
Their Queen of the Night Treatment was great at providing hydration & plumping my skin at bedtime. I liked how natural the product is. As I’m in my 40’s and want my night cream to pack a lot of punch, I used around three pumps of the treatment each night (I would use less if applying during the day or if I had oilier skin). There is no added fragrance, just the scent of natural ingredients, which gave it a very nurturing quality.
After a month of nightly use, my skin looked healthy and hydrated. Whilst, I’m still too happy with my regular facial oil to make a permanent switch, I do feel it’s a brilliant option for anyone on the lookout for a good, natural night cream.
They say: A luxurious nighttime treatment providing exceptional hydration and skin plumping, with plant-based hyaluronic acid, squalane and a rejuvenating blend of organic botanical extracts and oils, which work their magic whilst you sleep.
Recommended for: all skin types & anyone who wants a hardworking, natural nighttime skincare treatment.
Find out more about this & MOA here.
Tony Maleedy Juniper Shampoo
If you have a nuisance scalp, with issues such as dryness, dandruff, irritation or inflammation, you need to pay close attention to this shampoo. Tony Maleedy’s Juniper Shampoo was recommended to me by my Trichologist (let’s call that a ‘hair doctor’) when my scalp was exceptionally itchy, and my Chronic Telogen Effluvium (excessive hair shedding) was at its height.
I’ll be frank, the smell is like marmite – not actual marmite – rather, you’re either going to love it or dislike it. I’m firmly in the dislike camp. To me, it smells a bit like a National Trust home (if you’ve been, you’ll know), but, and it’s a big BUT, it does such a great job on my scalp, I’m willing to put up with the smell.
When my scalp was problematic, I used it every wash. It lathers up well, and I’d advise spending an extra few moments to massage it in. I leave it for a few minutes to work its magic before rinsing out. Now that my scalp is much happier, I only use it once a week as a maintenance treatment.
They Say: The Juniper Scalp Therapy Shampoo is a unique, clinically developed treatment made using a rich blend of therapeutic oils and natural ingredients to give dramatic improvements to the health of your scalp and hair. This luxury formula optimises conditions for hair growth and imparts long-lasting moisture leaving your hair soft, shiny and in excellent condition.
Recommended for: anyone with a problematic scalp or experiencing excessive hair shedding.
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser
Q+A HA Hydrating Cleanser is a brilliant budget buy. Priced at under £10, it’s super effective at removing makeup & grime and leaves my skin feeling so soft and supple. It’s a wet skin application and wash-off cleanser; I use it primarily post-workout to remove sweat and SPF residue. I love how non-drying the formula is despite the requirement to use water with it.
94.7% natural (how specific is that?), cruelty-free, fragrance-free, vegan-friendly, suitable for all skin types and using two types of hyaluronic acid to double the hydration; this absolutely is a little champion in a squeezy tube.
They Say: Our Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser uses gentle and smoothing cleansing agents which boost your skin’s moisturisation, rather than feeling dry and tightening!
Recommended for: Anyone searching for a moisture-boosting, effective, traditional style cleanser.
Coming up in October:
I’ll be trialling products from a brand new natural skincare brand, and I’ll bring you my latest adventures in face masks! Have a great month x
RELATED: Natural Skincare at its Finest: Peace & Pure Timeless Elixir Facial Serum
I hope you’ve found my September skincare reviews helpful? Have you used any of the products mentioned yourself? Did you find any gems this month you’d like to share? Whatever you’d like to say – or ask – please do. I’m happy to help and I always love to hear from you.
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