Lady H Apothecary: Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil

Maintaining healthy hair can be a struggle, whether trying to encourage hair to grow or perhaps dealing with an irritated scalp. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we were thrilled to test out this Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil from organic skincare Lady H Apothecary. The benefits are numerous when using hair oil, whether it’s for feeding the scalp or just nourishing dry ends. We were privileged to be invited to judge this product for The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘Best Scalp Oil’, and let us tell you why.

Lady H Apothecary is based in Northumberland and founded by Lyndsey Lees; who, with her background in salon and holistic beauty, blends various therapeutic oils for both skin and hair. After eighteen years in beauty and holistic therapy, she followed her passion and sold her beauty business to return to college to complete a degree in the aesthetic practice of advanced skin treatments and the physiology of skin ageing. Lyndsay said, "In truth, I first fell in love with aromatherapy as a young beauty therapist. I was told that essential oils were similar to people in that they had many characteristics or properties, and those characteristics could change in accordance with the different oils that they were blended with, much in the same way that human characteristics can change depending on who they're spending time with.” The base of all Lady H products is organic carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose, prickly pear, pomegranate oil and Argan oil and in butters like cocoa and shea, which all have an abundance of essential fatty acids which promote the absorption of vitamins into the skin. All her products are all derived from organic plants to harness the actives and feed the skin with plant-powered nutrition. She has since opened a clinic in Morpeth, where her hand-crafted products continue to grow, and she has expanded her treatment menu to include the latest in beauty and self-care. Recognised for her skill and expertise, she won the 2022 North East Skin Specialist of the Year at the British Hair & Beauty Awards. With Lyndsey’s love of aromatherapy and organic ingredients, she went on to say, “It is amazing to carry out treatments and achieve results using the products I’ve made by hand, and even more amazing to hear how my clients are enjoying them at home.” The brand is conscious of its environmental footprint and has a refill scheme in which customers can participate. After use, the bottles can be cleaned and returned to Lady H Apothecary, where they will be sterilised and reused, and customers will be offered a discount for their refills.

We found that The Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil was excellent for hydrating and conditioning both the hair and scalp. We used it as a pre or post-shampoo treatment or reviving overnight hair mask. It contains a powerhouse blend of handpicked organic carrier oils, which include organic jojoba oil, calendula, evening primrose oil, Argan oil, tocopherol and apricot kernel oil, together with essential oils of rosemary leaf extract, lemon, palmarosa, and Roman chamomile too.

Every ingredient is here for a reason. The organic jojoba oil is high omega 9 content that protects the hair to keep moisture locked in and grow thicker, lustrous hair. Organic calendula can help soothe any irritation on the scalp or clear dandruff as it has oleic acid. The essential oil of Argan oil is very beneficial in strengthening hair and softening lifeless hair with omega 9 and omega 6, which can help reduce hair breakage. Organic evening primrose and organic apricot kernel oil are also effective with omega 9 and 6 to restore dry, dull hair and work as a detangler and decrease hair loss. For stimulating hair growth and reducing greasiness, the rosemary leaf extract increases scalp circulation along with the beneficial ingredient of lemon essential oil that improves the scalps' oxygen flow and functions of the hair follicle.  Whereas palmarosa essential oil is wonderful in restoring hair, and Roman chamomile oil calms scalp irritation.

This hair oil blend certainly has been a great multitasker for us, and we’ve used it for scalp nourishment and hydrating dry ends. The texture is light, and the fragrance is floral and uplifting. It can be used as an overnight as an intensive treatment; the oil can be left overnight and washed out in the morning.  Or as a pre-shampoo, which is one of our favourite ways to apply, using it from the root to the tip, then massaging it into the scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Plus, it works well taming flyaway hairs by simply rubbing a few drops of oil into the palms and then gently smoothing down those stray strands. We highly recommend this hair oil, and it’s another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase the award-winning 100ml Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil for £36, see here.

BodyBees : Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm

As we're now in the midst of the summer festival season, we thought it an appropriate time to talk about warding off those far too frequent uninvited, flying insects! At The Amazing Blog, we're not fans of those chemical insect repellents with all their harsh toxins; we prefer to use natural and essential oil-based products. This was when we discovered BodyBees, and their effective hydrating Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which is 100% safe for skin, and has the added bonus (not something they advertise) of keeping mosquitoes at bay.

BodyBees is a Swedish family-owned natural skincare brand based in Danderyd, Sweden. Founded in 2019 by Lars Jacobi and his daughter Therese Fal'en, it all began because Lars struggled to find a cure for his eczema. However, this all changed when he visited South Africa, where he discovered some of their healing ingredients, i.e. honey and propolis, which literally "changed his life." From this moment on, he began experimenting and creating his own skincare as a way of also helping others. The brand now collaborates with local producers in South Africa for their natural and organic ingredients, with the hero base for their balms: beeswax and olive oil. They firmly believe in nature's way of healing, restoring, and protecting the skin. Therese told us, "I think it is fascinating how powerful these ingredients are in all their simplicity. When I used them myself and on my children, I actually realised that they help keep me and my family’s skin to stay protected and hydrated, as well as bringing a sense of wellness to everyone." For BodyBees, sustainability is at the brand's core, together with monitoring each batch of products to ensure all ingredients used are natural, organic and safe. They currently have a range of four balms, including one that's fragrance-free and suitable for babies.

We tried Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which has recently scooped up an award (think the Swedish Beauty Oscars, see here) with 'Best Protection'. To quote these awards, "Bee Gone is nature's own recipe and works well when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. As well as caring and effective at the same time." Although the brand is careful not to promote Bee Gone as an insect-repelling balm, as they don't have the official product registration to make this claim; they are, however, quick to point out that it is an all-natural outdoor balm with many different uses.

What we like is that it's only made with four simple ingredients. These include the essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, beeswax and olive oil, all of which make it super-nourishing for the skin. Citronella, of course, is one of those ingredients which helps to repel insects. Combine this with lemongrass, another natural insect repellent, and you have ingredients which are both anti-inflammatory and antifungal, as well as gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin.

The base combines water-resistant beeswax and olive oil, rich in vitamins; they form a protective barrier and shield the skin from toxins while also supporting natural hydration. The blend creates a powerful antioxidant with an antibacterial effect for healing, moisturising, and all-important skin replenishment. When asked, Therese told us about her inspiration behind this product, "The Bee Gone Outdoor balm is one we created for our own use as a family. It's the perfect product to fill a much-needed gap in the skincare market. In Sweden, we all love being outside in nature, so we wanted to create a hydrating skin balm that contained citronella and lemongrass, to ward off insects, and to leave the skin with a fresh scent." 

As someone who is usually feasted upon by pesky mosquitoes, I was a little apprehensive to try this as a repellent. When applied, it smells fresh and zesty, giving the skin a smooth and hydrated feel. Lo and behold, for the first time, I can confirm that the mosquitoes left me alone; they weren't even buzzing around my head. Result! However, the brand does recommend reapplying Bee Gone every four hours as a top-up to keep skin safe.

Another of our #amazingfinds, we'd highly recommend this pocket-sized tube of outdoor protection for the whole family to keep skin protected, moisturised and nourished. To purchase the 40ml push-up tube of BodyBees Bee Gone Outdoor Balm for £14, see here. 

Aura Organics : Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil

How do you cleanse? Is it with a one-off cleanse and rinse? Or perhaps, it was like us, with a double cleanse using a cleansing oil and then followed by a water-based toner. Whichever way it is, we want to introduce you to a single cleanse, with this oil-to-milk Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil from Aura Cosmetics. It's a discovery from Edwina's 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards judging; and one that also wowed us with its exceptional performance and moreish fruity fragrance. A little while ago, on The Amazing Blog, we also reviewed their wonderful Exfoliating Face Mask, see here.

Aura Organics are a London-based indie natural and organic skincare brand. Founded by the holistic practitioner, formulator, and spa owner Danielle Andrean, whose experience in working in mainstream skincare revealed many unnatural and problematic ingredients, which were not only lacking in nutritional value but causing skin irritation in her clients. This began her mission to launch her own skincare with Aura Organics, a name that comes from the Latin word for a ‘breath of fresh air’. Alongside her existing knowledge, and study of organic cosmetic chemistry, it was the start of this natural, organic and cruelty-free skincare range. All products are made in small batches and are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and harmful toxins. It's important to Danielle that her products contain natural and organic ingredients that align with her holistic brand ethos. This small, family-run business seeks to inspire and educate people on the importance of natural skincare and is committed to sustainable living with both products and packaging materials, that are recyclable, biodegradable and refillable to reduce pollution and waste.

 In addition to developing an organic skincare range, Danielle also launched Aura Organics Spa. The spa uses its own range of holistic and organic products paired with ancient healing remedies, allowing them to create individually tailored treatments and globally inspired wellness rituals. They aim to provide a relaxing experience that promotes physical and mental well-being. Apart from treatments, their wellness studio offers a variety of yoga, pilates, and meditation classes to suit all levels. To adhere to their sustainability ethos, even the yoga mats are made with renewable harvested tree rubber and recycled materials that are free of PVC and latex. They also run a free community meditation class to make yoga and meditation accessible to all. 

Their award-winning Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil , really caught our eye. It’s packaged in a stylishly frosted metallic glass bottle, which protects the special ingredients from harmful sunlight and contamination from plastics. A vegan blend of mango extract, organic orange peel oil, vitamin C, and magnesium helps to hydrate, soothe, brighten and fight acne breakouts. Organic gotu kola (AKA centella asiatica) has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and strengthens the skin while brightening dull-looking. Finally, beta carotene, a natural vitamin A form, helps boost the skin's defence and signs of ageing.

All the organic oils present are for cleansing and nourishing. The grapeseed and sunflower oil are rich in vitamin E, for the repair of the skin’s barrier, both are highly absorbent and won’t clog pores. Olive, peach kernel, castor, orange peel and rosehip are all rich in antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory properties that fight bacteria and moisturise. Rosehip and sweet almond oil are is high in vitamins A, E, zinc and linoleic acid, all of which boost collagen production and hydrate.

If you wonder why oils are used for cleansing, it’s because they are non-comedogenic and bond with any makeup or grime. Did you know that your skin is home to over 1,000 species of bacteria? Quickly added, these are not all bad bacteria, in fact, the skin offers a variety of distinct ecosystems, with communication between bacteria, skin cells and immune cells. Unfortunately, washing the skin is completely out of sync with the needs of our skin, and damages the good bacteria making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. As a result, it disrupts the skin’s pH level. However, by using an oil cleanser, you are supporting your skin’s army of healthy bacteria. This interaction helps to reinforce, repair and bolster the barrier formed by the skin, and acts as a barrier to protect the skin from pollutants locking in moisture. Why do we like cleansing oils? It’s because they work to remove any stubborn residue from sunscreens and are also very adept at dissolving all types of makeup. Many cleansing oils and balms now contain an emulsifier; this allows the oil to mix with water to form a milky emulsion, making only a single cleanse necessary, as they remove all makeup and grime, and rinse away without leaving any greasy excess.

As mentioned earlier, this organic cleansing oil has a delicious smell of mango and orange. We found the scent uplifted our spirits, and left our skin beautifully fragranced. We found that by massaging a small amount of this oil to milk cleanser, the light and silky texture dissolved makeup, and the deep cleansing oils targeted pollution and grime leaving skin soft and squeaky clean. For stubborn eye makeup, we used a reusable makeup pad, wet hands and a splash of water, then massaged the cleanser until it became a milky white emulsion - best of all, no eye stinging!. Then, with a quick final rinse, we were left with a clean, hydrated, glowing complexion! It gets top marks from us and is another of our #amazingfinds. To purchase your bottle of Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil at £17.95, see here.

Skin:Genius : 'Hits the Spot Spot' & 'Best Cleanse Forever'

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know to our cost, that the dreaded acne isn’t just reserved for those teenage years. Adults also struggle with acne, so we wanted to talk about this natural and solution-based skincare brand Skin:Genius. Their ingenious (pun intended!) Hits the Spot purifying gel is a quick zapping, maximum-strength spot-on treatment gel that immediately fights the bacteria, ridding the spot quickly and effectively. Combine this with their multi-award-winning Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash, an organic and natural botanical-packed face wash, specifically formulated to help target spots, breakouts, oily and acne-prone skin, and here you have the perfect dynamic duo!

A beautician by training, founder Julia Vearnacombe was well aware of the number of adults and teens struggling with oily skin, breakouts, flushed complexions and the anxiety that comes with it all. When researching solutions to the skin issues posed by clients and mums, Julia realised there were very few effective solutions out there that were natural and worked with the skin, not against it. This was when she approached her homoeopath friend and co-founder of Skin:Genius, Hilery Dorrian. Together they conducted extensive research in combining the most effective ingredients to tackle acne and spot-causing bacteria with natural botanicals known to cleanse and calm red and irritated skin, as well as non-comedogenic vegan ingredients that soften and soothe the skin. In a recent interview with Squirrels&Bears, Julia said, "Together we created Skin:Genius in order to offer an accessible, affordable range” she went on to say, “ We have recently rebranded, so we’re not just targeting teenagers: we were finding many parents of teenagers – in the 40s and 50s – who were suffering from hormonal and menopausal skincare breakout problems, were having great results with Skin:Genius too.” The brand doesn’t just specialise in helping spots and acne; they also offer solutions for eczema & psoriasis-prone skin.

Acne is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition caused by an overproduction of oil, resulting in breakouts and pimples. The most common cause of adult acne for women is hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Stress is another common factor for both men and women, especially with challenging times and the continuous cycle of trying to achieve a work-life balance. To learn more about acne, please see here. Skin:Genius believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their skin. However, after learning that some of those with skin conditions have experienced social and mental health problems, they recently launched their support group FaceUp2It . This group brings together trusted experts and people with first-hand experience of bullying and/or living with problem skin.

Let’s take a look at Hits the Spot purifying gel, which is loaded with oregon grape, nettle, roman chamomile, and yarrow, making it rich in antioxidants to reduce, prevent, calm and soothe spots and breakouts. It’s an extremely versatile gel and can also be used to ease stings, bites, rashes and hives. Organic ingredients include witch hazel, an astringent with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties; aloe vera for healing and softening skin; yarrow, a pampering herb with pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties; agrimony, another herb ideal for mild skin redness and swelling and lastly, marshmallow, a root that alleviates inflammation while retaining moisture in the skin. In addition to these power-packed ingredients, there’s roman chamomile, an antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oil, oregon grape that has a compound called berbamine which kills on contact any bacteria that contributes to acne; calendula, a plant with substantial healing properties; lavender, which is calming and reduces inflammation, and lemon tea tree, an essential oil which aids in treating oily and acne prone skin, can be found too. There’s also ribwort, known for its wound healing and antihistamine properties; red clover, ideal for eczema and psoriasis; and finally, nettle an astringent, also suitable for treating oily skin issues.

Besides the above, Irish moss is an emulsifier, there’s lecithin is an emollient, and pectin serves as an anti-ageing structure provider. Coumarin carries antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, citral provides an antibacterial and antifungal component; and together with eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool and limonene all-natural ingredients that enhance the citrusy scent. Whereas compounds like benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate are preservatives.

We used only the tiniest amount; they say, ”a small dot directly onto the spot and soak it up”. We left it on overnight to work its magic. However, the brand says it’s so gentle that it can be used several times a day or whenever needed. The gel is an opaque pale yellow with a fresh herbal/ citrusy scent. There’s no tingle when applied, (which, ahem, we’ve experienced with some other spot gels!) It was quick absorbing, non-irritating and left no sticky residue. Best of all, our spots were dried out the very next day. It’s one to keep in your SOS skincare draw, and one we’d whole heartily recommend.

The Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash helps control bacteria, soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness. Key ingredients are red clover, calendula, witch hazel and lemongrass, which work together to reduce and clear spots by deep cleansing pores, making it feel super clean yet not over-drying the skin. Cleverly some ingredients mimic the sebum in your skin to stop the overproduction, for a better skin balance. Similar ingredients in the Hit the Spot purifying gel can also be found here, i.e. witch hazel, aloe vera, yarrow, agrimony, marshmallow, roman chamomile, oregon grape, calendula and lavender. New ingredients include sodium cocoyl glutamate, a mild surfactant with outstanding cleaning and foaming properties; caprylyl, a glucoside and gentle cleanser; glycerin, a humectant with moisturising properties; with lauryl glucoside, and cocamidopropyl betaine, both hydrating and mild cleansing surfactants. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin, while citric acid is a chemical exfoliant and protective antioxidant. Meanwhile, organic lemongrass removes impurities, and detoxifies leaving the skin feeling clean and clear; whereas organic sunflower abundant in vitamin E helps ward off any premature ageing.

This foaming cleanser is in a pump bottle and needs a quick shake, then apply and distribute a small amount of the foam over the face and neck. Massage in and simply rinse off with warm water, or if you’re us, use a face cloth for a bit of extra gentle exfoliation. We recommend applying it morning and evening to keep skin and pores clean to get optimum results - follow the Skin:Genius mantra which is “Cleanse: Treat: Hydrate: Repeat” We found the cleanser foamy and gentle with a mild and uplifting citrus scent; it left our skin feeling clean and hydrated. If you have hormonal breakouts and sensitive skin, then this is for you. It’s another ‘yes we’d buy’ from us, and both these products are another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase a 10 ml bottle of Skin:Genius Hits the Spot purifying gel for £13.50, click here. For a 100ml bottle of Skin:Genius Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Facial Wash for £16.50, click here. For those interested in a special 2-in-1 deal, Skin:Genius has a unique ‘Genius Set Starter Collection’ with both products and a face cloth for £33 (now £27!), click here.

WOTNOT Naturals : Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion & Tan Water Mist

With autumn hot on our heels, the big question is, how do we top up our holiday sunkissed-glow? Here at The Amazing Blog, it’s a bit of a conundrum. However, worry not; WOTNOT Naturals' Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion and Certified Organic Tan Water Mist will help to enhance your skin’s natural glow while also providing a further streak-free self-tan - all with the utmost nourishment and hydration. Both products are our recent discoveries and winners of The Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2022.

Believe it or not, it WOTNOT Naturals all started with nappies. Irish mum Sinead Roberts received environmentally-friendly nappies as a gift from a friend; it blew her mind. She never knew such things existed. There were little to no environmentally-friendly nappies when Sinead lived in Australia – that's when she knew she needed to create them. In 2004, she and business partner Sioned Guard introduced the world's first environmentally-friendly disposable MOLTEX Nappy to Australia. Fast forward a couple of years, the nappies were a hit with a loyal community around Byron Bay and beyond asking for more products, including complementary all-natural baby, beauty and sun care products. As mothers, Sinead and Sioned wanted to create a caring, conscious brand that tends to their families and the environment through producing eco-friendly beauty, baby and suncare products enjoyed by mothers, babies and the planet. Sometimes, these products don't exist yet, so they work with the community to create unique products that fulfil each customer's wants and needs. "Our mission has always been to help improve the wellbeing of people and our planet," Sinead and Sioned went on to say, "Today, we do this by co-creating innovative (sometimes world first!) natural and organic skincare that matches conventional brands on performance but ditch the toxins! We do this with courage, commitment, collaboration and respect." All products are made with effective, natural, gentle, non-toxic and organic alternatives to conventional ingredients, where performance is never compromised, and conventional alternatives are consistently outperformed. Each product is always designed to be used on the most sensitive of skins; it’s even endorsed by the Eczema Association. Equally important is their passion for giving back to nature through sustainability. All its sun, tanning and baby skincare packaging is sustainably made with recycled materials and is recyclable. They work with Carbon Neutral Australia to measure, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions while planting trees in deforested areas annually. It's not just the environment that WOTNOT gives back to; they support Women's Community Shelters and Bear Cottage, a children's hospice.

WOTNOT Naturals also creates a highly personal customer experience like no other. First, customers submit product ideas, followed by company research, creation, testing and lastly, production of the once non-existent product of your dreams. Once a trial product is created, customers volunteer to test it, allowing for reformulation to achieve the best product based on your feedback. If you'd like to be one of these customer volunteers, also known as co-creators, or if you have a brimming product idea, click here. WOTNOT is always ready to make your product dreams come alive.

"On Your Marks, Get Set, Glow!" WOTNOT Naturals say about their Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion. And rightfully so, it's a velvety soft moisturiser packed with skin-nourishing organic ingredients that hydrate the skin while gradually building and effortlessly extending a tan for the ultimate year-round glow. The lotion contains skin-perfecting actives like the Australian kakadu plum, camellia oil and aloe vera, to name a few. On top of that, it's vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free – suitable for sensitive skin and pregnancy – and free from streaks, fake tan odours, and transfers. After using the lotion, expect silky smooth skin with a tan that will fade naturally and evenly.

Made with 99.65% natural ingredients, including 21.9% certified organic, that can be found. These include aloe vera, which softens, moisturises and soothes the skin for an even, glowing tan; coconut oil, which moisturises and reduces inflammation; sunflower oil, which offers sun protection with its rich antioxidant content, and olive oil, which is abundant in moisture and antioxidants. You may be wondering what the actual ‘tanning’ ingredient is here; it’s dihydroxyacetone (AKA as DHA), that’s often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin. It works by reacting with the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin where it darkens the skin and gives it a temporarily tanned-looking glow.

Meanwhile, other organic components like shea butter, linseed oil, and green tea extract keep the skin soothed, nourished and hydrated, reducing signs of ageing – especially with shea butter and linseed oil's high fatty acid content and green tea's high antioxidant content. Two essential ingredients besides aloe vera comprise certified organic Australian kakadu plum and camellia oil. Both supply nutrients and antioxidants to slow ageing; kakadu plum extract’s rich vitamin C content is responsible for that natural glow, while camellia oil is high in proteins and fatty acids, like oleic acid, which reduces inflammation and helps the skin hold moisture. If you're wondering what gives the lotion a silky finish, it's cetearyl and sorbitan olivates (vegetable emulsifiers), non-ionic emulsifiers that allow rapid absorption.

This has to be one of the best gradual tan lotions we’ve tried. They recommend using it overnight, but we prefer to use it in the morning. WOTNOT Naturals recommends leaving it for 6-8 hours at night to develop and promises it won't stain sheets or clothing. Having worked hard to acquire our ‘real tan’, this lotion works wonders to help prolong a natural sun-kissed glow, and we used it several times a week to achieve the right shade. Best of all, we found that it didn’t dry out the skin as the formula is super-hydrating, and to top it off, it’s fragrance-free. It’s truly one of our #amazingfinds and one we want to buy more of!

Enough about the Gradual Tan Lotion, WOTNOT's Certified Organic Tan Water Mist is a competitor to match. A gentle, non-toxic mist that also provides a gradual and buildable tan, it's carefully formulated with a 3-in-1 formula that ‘tones, tans and hydrates’ while containing nine organic actives to nourish the skin. Like the Gradual Tan Lotion, the Tan Water Mist contains Australian botanical aromatherapy; it fades evenly and naturally, contains zero to no toxins, and is vegan and cruelty-free. They give the promise of salon-quality results that will outperform conventional tans with the lack of streaks, fake tan odours and non-transfer onto clothing.

Similarly, the Tan Water Mist contains kakadu plum, aloe vera, camellia seed oil, and green tea extract. Plus, the dihydroxyacetone which activates the colour. Some newcomers include marshmallow root extract, an anti-inflammatory oil, rose otto flower oil, an uplifting, rejuvenating and energising oil for toned skin, and orange peel oil, an oil with astringent effects that tightens pores and regulates sebum levels while protecting the skin from environmental damage through the oil's high limonene content. Lime oil can also be found, alleviating excess oil and improving the appearance of dark spots. Furthermore, geranium flower oil's high antioxidants and anti-inflammatories boost skin health for a natural glow.

Most importantly, two key ingredients are ylang-ylang and patchouli. Ylang ylang is best known for balancing oil production to create the right amount of moisture in the skin, which is not dry or oily. At the same time, ylang ylang soothes inflammation and irritation. In contrast, patchouli is revered for its ability to regenerate skin cells through its active ingredients and anti-bacterial properties, reducing wrinkles, scars and signs of ageing.

It has a gentle natural, refreshing fragrance from the ylang-ylang and patchouli. Again we used this Tan Water Mist twice a week, but this time at night, spraying it onto a bamboo pad, dabbing directly and evenly onto the face, neck and décolletage, then waking up to a fresh and flawless glow. Top tip, remember to spray, dab and pat as you go, and wash hands afterwards. We found it gave our skin a buildable and almost instant subtle glow. We love how it’s free of orange tinges, streaks or patchiness – mimicking only a natural tan. It’s so easy to incorporate into a skincare routine, and WOTNOT Naturals say that If used in the morning, it can be followed by regular skincare or makeup without affecting the efficiency of the Tan Water. A win-win!

We highly recommend both these two certified organic self-tanning products, even if you haven’t been lucky enough to catch the summer sun, they’ll certainly give your skin a radiant boost for autumn. To purchase a 130ml tube of WOTNOT Naturals' Gradual Tanning Lotion here at £12.60, and a 100ml bottle of WOTNOT Naturals' Tan Water mist at £17.26 here.