INCLUSEV : Powdered Handwash Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil

As regular readers of The Amazing Blog will know, new beauty and wellbeing discoveries are very much our thing…. And today, we take a look at the British indie and sustainable brand INCLUSEV with their ‘ADD AQUA COLLECTION’ Powder Handwash. It’s a waterless beauty brand that offers natural products with a high concentration of actives and longer shelf life. It also means smaller amounts are used, so you get ‘more bang for your buck’.

Monica Chandak started INCLUSEV after a 13-year career in the cosmetic industry. She has copious experience within the beauty industry, working as a cosmetic chemist in full R&D, manufacturing and quality control, and has created over 600 different cosmetic formulations. Monica wanted to develop her own anhydrous formulations (waterless) cosmetic brand; this took three years to achieve, with over 150 trials before INCLUSEV was launched. She has produced a range called ‘ADD AQUA’, which provides a complete waterless cleansing routine with four key products: Handwash, Facewash, Bodywash, and Shampoo. As Monica says, “We’re changing the beauty industry one product at a time, with concentrated powder formulas that eliminate waste. Our high-performance products are backed by science, with water-activated formulas that offer powder-to-foam power for a new look of beauty for you and the planet.” The brand focuses on sustainability and transparency with this vegan waterless powder-to-foam collection. All products have 100% active ingredients, making them less wasteful, and more cost-effective than other liquid products, usually made using around 80% water and only 20% actives. INCLUSEV doesn’t use fillers, sulphates, phthalates, synthetic colours, fragrances, or parabens. Plus, they’re cruelty-free and not tested on animals. Their packaging is sustainable using biopolymer, made from sugarcane fibre and is 100% recyclable. It’s also a gender-neutral skincare formulated and produced in small batches here in the UK.

This natural condensed Powdered Handwash, which we tried has a science-based formula and only uses clean, plant-based, and organic ingredients. It comes in two different scents: ‘Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil’ or ‘Coriander, Lemongrass & Tea Tree Oil’.

We received the ‘Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil’. The active ingredients are: Sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, both derived from coconut, giving the Handwash its foaming capabilities. The coconut milk powder helps to lock in hydration and nourish the skin. Kaolin is a clay and offers a silkiness and creaminess to the soap, and lactic acid is here to balance the skin's pH level. Thyme oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, offering protection, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate is added during saponification to prevent the powder from producing scum.

Whereas the eight organic ingredients are: Zea mays starch which acts as an absorbent. Oryza sativa (Asian rice) starch and distarch phosphate (derived from vegetable starch) are both texturising agents. Tapioca starch is a natural deodoriser and helps to soften the skin. Inulin is a type of prebiotic and natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Pyrus malus fruit extract (from apples) is high in antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals, and its AHAs - malic acid has the added benefit of mildly exfoliating the skin. Aloe conditions the skin and is excellent for soothing any dryness or irritation. The citrus limon juice powder is another ingredient that also banishes soap scum, and prevents oxidation in oils to help extend shelf life. The lemon peel oil is part of the relaxing and refreshing scent.

This concentrated powder gives the Powdered Handwash 4 x times the number of washes as its liquid counterpart. So, a 50g product should provide up to an astonishing 125 washes! What we like is that it doesn’t contain water or any questionable additives and is simple to use. All you do is add water to a couple of powder sprinkles which activates the handwash into a slightly foamy lather. The smell? A hint of herby thyme with undertones of vanilla, then top citrus notes, give it an overall garden freshness. Our hands were left naturally scented, hydrated and squeaky clean. There are two different size options, 25g and 50g, which can be packed away neatly for travel, and are very convenient for those on the go. With festival season in full swing, this Powdered Handwash is a must-have for hassle-free hygiene, i.e. when the portaloos run out of soap!

We applaud the brand for being so forward-thinking and planet-friendly with their waterless products, which we predict are the way of the future. To purchase the 25g Powdered Handwash for £13.00 or the 50g Handwash for £24.00, see here 

Floragy : No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil

More so than any other time of year, the balmy British summer days bring humidity, giving our hair the dreaded frizz… Every summer at The Amazing Blog, it becomes a bit of a mission to find a nourishing and hydrating haircare to tame our flyaway locks, which is why we want to talk about Floragy's No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil, which Edwina judged at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it was awarded an Editor's Choice.

Floragy is a natural skincare brand, founded in 2019 by Louisa Tidy, She started the company after stepping down from her fast-paced city world and moving to the countryside to embrace a slower pace of life. "I was exhausted after a full-on career travelling and working too many hours and wanted to take some time to rebalance my life. I’d always suffered from dry skin but as I’ve got older, I’ve found I need extra protection during the colder months. After some extensive research and experimenting, I created a few recipes for skincare products which my skin reacted well to, and I preferred over my usual products.” Louisa also became involved with various holistic practices such as acupuncture, homoeopathy and mediation, together with natural ingredients and studying how they could improve one's wellbeing. After a few years of testing and developing formulas, she launched Floragy with the ethos that ‘less is more’ keeping their ingredients to a minimum and using only key botanicals. In an interview with Faversham Life, Louisa revealed how they came up with the brand name, "We dreamt up the name Floragy by combining 'flora' and 'foraging." Floragy, as the name suggests, is made up of only natural botanicals; it’s clean and transparent with easy-to-understand labelling and focuses on using the healing powers of plant-based ingredients. Since its inception, Floragy’s focus is on its eco credentials and sustainability. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers and ethical producers, and the packaging is recyclable and has glass bottles and jars with aluminium lids. They also offer a refill option for the haircare range, so there’s less waste is generated from the pipette applicators. It’s a vegan and 100% cruelty-free brand and lists all the product ingredients and their benefits on its website here.. Floragy gives back by planting a minimum of 10 trees a month through One Tree Planted, they donaten10% of all sales of their Restore Body Oil to the Ocean Generation, and has pledged to be net zero carbon by 2040 as part of the SME Climate Hub.

The No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil is one of Floragy's most popular and well-loved products and with good reason. This product is designed to soften and strengthen dry hair as well as soothing and moisturising the scalp. When used for styling, it offers more defined curls and worked brilliantly on our unruly hair.

There are only five ingredients, coconut oil which hydrates and enhances the hair's lubrication, making it easier to style and manage. It also increases shine and helps prevent frizz. Argan oil is probably the key ingredient with its many benefits. It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, and helps improve dryness, smooths and detangles the hair, and protects it from damage. Olive squalane is an excellent conditioner and helps restore hydration to the hair and scalp. It also softens the hair texture and adds shine without adding any greasiness. The two essential oils are sweet orange and bergamot; apart from their zesty fragrance they also provide other hair and scalp benefits. The sweet orange is full of vitamin C to purify the scalp and aid healthy hair growth; bergamot is full of antioxidants which shield the hair and scalp against the damaging effects of oxidative stress, and antimicrobials which stop bacteria.

Hair oils can be applied in many ways, post-wash, added to shampoo as a boost, or even as an overnight hair and scalp treatment. We do post-wash for condition and styling, and use oils overnight as a treatment. But adding to shampoo as a boost? Well, that was a first for us. When we tried combining it with shampoo, it stopped any stripping or straw-like effects, that we sometimes get from testing out various haircare. We highly recommend trying this method if you have any of these issues. We’d also like to add that this No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil was particularly suitable for our dry ends and for smoothing long, fine and textured hair. Hair oils are an essential part of our haircare, mainly used as a detangler and to help deter further split ends. Floragy offers three different hair oils, all of which have specific benefits. The No 2 Conditioning Hair Oil is lighter and probably best for bleached or damaged chemically treated hair, it helps to bring back condition and shine. And the No 3 Smoothing Hair Oil is another award-winning hair oil, that’s excellent for sealing in moisture and adding extra shine.

Apart from leaving hair smelling deliciously fresh and citrusy, this No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil made it shiner, softer and curls more defined. This is why Floragy is another of our #amazingfinds and a go-to for its simple, natural and effective haircare ingredients. To purchase the 15ml No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil at £14 see here, or £25 for 30ml, both have refill options.

Leaves & Flowers : Skin Sleep Cream

A reoccurring favourite skincare theme here at The Amazing Blog is CBD. Why? Because it provides the gift of anti-inflammation and antioxidants, leading to cell repair, and in this case during sleep activating the skin’s serotonin receptors helping to give a younger, more relaxed-looking complexion. Packed full of all these benefits, together with Bulgarian rose extract, Skin Sleep Cream is a one-of-a-kind overnight treatment, and the brand Leaves & Flowers is a new discovery.

Founder Sadie Leibo’s bathroom has never been short of the newest beauty launches for as long as she can remember, where her 16 years at one of the world’s leading global beauty giants didn’t hurt either. After all these experiences, she believed there was still room for a new ‘Moment’. A couple of years earlier, Sadie consumed CBD oil topically to aid her exercise and performance. She felt entirely different, and her aches and pains were no more. Instead, she was invigorated and relaxed like never before. This sparked the beginning of her ‘Moment’ as she thought, “What if we incorporated CBD oil and its wondrous benefits into a luxury, high-end, natural skincare line?” Sadie began by envisioning a luxury skincare line and the power of nature as the primary philosophies of what would be Leaves & Flowers. “I want everyone to experience CBD in skincare but in the right way – at efficacious levels and smelling wonderful. Yes, there is no hemp aroma here. Rather, it’s Bulgarian roses all the way. Now it’s time for other people to experience just how potent a brilliant blend of natural ingredients, including CBD, can be.” It wasn’t long until Leaves & Flowers came into fruition – what she refers to as the proudest achievement of her life, next to being a mother. Equally important, recycled materials are used wherever possible for products and shipping materials. The brand actively engages more resources that would’ve gone to waste, from ocean-bound plastic to refillable packaging, into production while partnering with industry leaders for better, cleaner and more ethical standards. They currently have a small selection of products which include two candles and their hero skincare Skin Sleep Cream. You’ll be happy to know that all their products are proudly vegan, absent of animal-derived ingredients, cruelty-free, committed to never testing on animals, and made in the UK with the highest quality ingredients. 

After two years, Leaves & Flowers’ Skin Sleep Cream was born. It’s a natural and multifunctional overnight treatment with a nourishing balm texture and a water-soluble hydrating base, the Cream contains a unique blend of 200mg CBD, the brand’s bespoke Bulgarian rose, plankton extract, glycogen and a combination of active botanical extracts.

Firstly, let’s talk about the 200g of CBD isolate here. With CBD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the Cream moisturises, replenishes, soothes, plumps and balances ultra-thirsty complexions. CBD calms neurotransmitters and receptors within the system by binding to the internal receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system, restoring them to a healthy state and ultimately regulating bodily and cognitive functions, including sleep and cell repair. With CBD expect reduced irritation, less sebum production, decreased redness and diminished breakouts. For those with mature skin, it restores brightness and elasticity while supplying anti-ageing benefits. As if it couldn’t get any better, Sleep Cream’s CBD comes in the form of CBD isolate, which is tasteless, scentless and devoid of THC. The purest form of CBD, where cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the extract, tincture or resin of cannabis isolate. Here it’s extracted with high-proof alcohol as a solvent, and distilled into a crystalline or powder known as CBD isolate. This process removes all other compounds found in the plant, including other cannabinoids isolating the CBD. CBD isolate is the ideal form of CBD for skincare, as it doesn’t clog pores and helps to alleviate any dryness or irritation.

Other key ingredients are equally as dynamic as the CBD, there’s Bulgarian rose extract too. Through an elegant blend of rose bud and petal scents, the extract concocts a unique and pure fragrance while delivering high antioxidants, as well as anti-ageing and antibacterial properties. Antioxidants in rose water protect skin cells against environmental damage from pollutants, UV rays and other free radicals. In doing so, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, its anti-inflammatory properties naturally soothe irritated skin, lessening redness and itchiness. It may even help treat severe skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Not falling far behind in advantages, plankton extract is an extract of biomass, including green micro-algae, greenish-blue algae and nitrogen-fixing seaweed. It’s intensely moisturising and soothing, with pro-ageing and anti-wrinkle properties through its richness in natural minerals, silicon and vitamins ­– again, making it perfect for sensitive and irritated skin. The Sleep Cream also utilises the strengths of passionflower, marine plankton, sunflower seed oil, mimosa flower wax, safflower extract and cannabis Sativa seed oil. When combined, this robust blend targets signs of ageing, leaving your skin plumped and nourished, all in time for you to start the day. Finally, plant-derived glycogen boosts hyaluronic acid in the skin, adding even more hydration and plumpness as cells are energized to work at their optimum potential. 

We recommend applying a pea-sized amount of the Sleep Cream in the evenings after cleansing, toning and applying serum (the balmy cream will help to seal in all the goodness). They suggest warming the Skin Sleep Cream between the palms before applying it to the face and neck. Massage thoroughly into the skin to maximise the absorption of this rich balm-like cream.  For those concerned about a dominant scent, worry not as the Cream’s very subtle rose scent is barely traceable and adds a feel of luxury as does its thick glass packaging.

By the way, don’t think this is just a night cream, it’s also designed to be used as a cleanser! This is where Leaves & Flowers offer a Deluxe Double Cleanse set and encourages using this Cream as multipurpose skincare. They suggest using it with the cloths they provide to give a gentle and exfoliating action. First, apply the Skin Sleep Cream, soak the Deluxe Double Cleanse Cloth in warm water, place it over the face/neck, and breathe in the calming scent. Then wet hands and massage the Cream creating a milky texture and finally remove with the cleansing cloth.

We first learned of Skin Sleep Cream when they entered the 2022 CEW Awards. It has impressed us with both its versatility and skin-nurturing, harnessing the powers of all-natural ingredients like CBD, for calmer skin accompanied by a more refreshing sleep-filled night. To purchase a 50ml jar of Leaves & Flowers’ Skin Sleep Cream for £45, see here.

Founder’s Formula : Wild-Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

Even with the heat of summer, it’s still important to remember to keep skin moisturised and protected. As always, at The Amazing Blog, our mission is to find the more unusual and innovative serums that have ideally organic and vegan formulas. Founder's Formula is one of those brands that ticks those boxes. Regular readers will be familiar with this brand (which we’ve previously reviewed here), this time it’s with their Wild-Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum, that’s full of potent vitamin C and waratah extract that enhances its antioxidant activity.

In February 2021, Founder’s Formula was officially launched by anthropologist Dr. Annie Holden; however, the story begins much earlier. Three years before the launch, Annie took a trip to Bologna, Italy, to attend the world’s biggest international beauty fair, Cosmoprof. There, she made an astonishing realisation. There were no beauty products containing Australian botanicals. With this in mind, she went back home to Australia with a burst of inspiration and an idea in mind. Annie began her research on Australian botanicals to find a way to incorporate them into daily skincare. As an anthropologist, Dr. Holden spent 35 years working with indigenous peoples in the most remote places of Australia. Having sensitive skin herself, she built a lab where she tested gentle formulas with wild-harvested and organic ingredients. Australia has a very extreme and harsh climate. This has made for unique and exotic plants, with Australia hosting 70% of the world’s most unique plant species. Australian plants have evolved, powerful adaptation mechanisms to store vast quantities of Phyto-compounds needed to survive the Australian climate. There are about 23,000 known species in Australia, but only 1,000 are studied. Dr. Holden was more than excited to have these unique plant-based ingredients to create a new and innovative range of products for her skincare line. Annie explains how she creates her products "I start with an Australian Botanical with proven benefits, then I consider the most suitable application for that ingredient and with Toni, my chemist, we build a formula around it." By working with leading chemists and research from Australia’s leading 5-Star Plant Sciences universities, the company created a range of skincare products that target four things in the formulation: hydration, anti-inflammation, depigmentation, and pro ageing. Dr. Holden mentions that even though she’d love to include fragrances and essential oils in her products, she’d rather keep the formulas as natural and straightforward as possible adding that “kind skincare has little or no smell.” The brand is certified by Certclean and meets the Australian Certified Organic Standard. The brand is proud to be manufactured in Australia and is cruelty-free, toxin-free, and vegan. It has won 14 international beauty awards since its launch.

Wild-Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum hydrates and promotes dewy skin. This product is a recent Winner at The Global Makeup Awards 2022 for both Best 50+ anti-ageing product’ and ‘Best Innovative Beauty Product’. With the blend of Australian botanical extracts, it’s clear why this is an award winner. The ingredients are organic and natural and help to reduce uneven skin tone, promote collagen production and create a more dewy skin. There is organic aloe, propanediol, wild-harvested kakadu plum, finger lime caviar, waratah, organic natural glycerin, water, sodium levulinate, sodium anisate, and sodium hyaluronate.

Let’s look at the three hero native Australian ingredients starting with the kakadu plum. It’s a fruit known for its source of vitamin C and is thought to be the richest source of vitamin C of any known plant! It contains high levels of phytonutrients and bioflavonoids that enhance the formula's efficiency and may assist in transporting vitamin C. Plus, its insoluble fibre helps stabilise vitamin C and makes it easier for the skin to tolerate ascorbic acid. Vitamin C improves skin luminosity and pigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps prevent melanin production and reduce skin issues caused by UV exposure, such as redness and sun damage.

The waratah extract found in the serum intensifies the antioxidant activity. The extract itself has powerful antioxidants that reduce cell death and injury, which are a significant cause of ageing and helps build collagen and elastin, which keeps skin firm and plump.

The third ingredient is the finger lime caviar extract which is high in ferulic acid, which helps stabilise the vitamin C in the serum, which is why this product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Not only that, but the plant is said to help fight fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dry skin.

Other ingredients here are organic aloe vera made up of 80% water, together with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and more unusually, vitamin B12. It soothes and moisturises, and also fights skin ageing and pigmentation. Propanediol is derived from corn acts as a humectant and emollient and helps reduce moisture loss. Organic natural glycerin is extracted from vegetable oils and has anti-bacterial qualities, adds a silky smooth texture, is suitable for skin sensitivity and improves the barrier function. Sodium levulinate is a natural preservative obtained from starch and vegetal inulin. Sodium anisate is from fennel, it’s antimicrobial and when paired with sodium levulinate, the two ingredients work in tandem to make a very efficient preservative controlling microorganism colonies, without altering the integrity of the formula. Finally, sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture in skin cells and due to its low molecular weight can provide a more significant hydrating effect than hyaluronic acid.

Like the other serums in the range, this has a stylish, clear glass bottle and dropper for application. It is fragrance-free, vegan and not tested on animals. It’s also certified organic, spray-free and has wild-harvested ingredients. It’s a serum that can be ‘layered’ or paired with others like the Phyto-A+ Australian Native Tobacco Serum particularly if you have sun-damaged and pigmented skin like us. Did you know that approximately 1 in 50 people are sensitive to vitamin C in skincare? What we like about this Wild-Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum, is that it’s packed full of natural vitamin C, which is less irritating than the synthetic forms of vitamin C found in other serums. We’re always nervous when using skincare high in vitamin C due to having had adverse reactions and redness. However, we found this extremely gentle and hydrating on our sensitive skin. As Annie states, “The skin will only absorb as much vitamin C as it needs.,” and went on to say, “if your skin is dull and dry, or your nutrition is poor, and you are concerned that your skin needs higher amounts of vitamin C. We recommend you use your vitamin C serum on clean skin twice a day. A little applied more often is better than a high % applied only once.” They also have clinical studies on this Wild Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum, where they measured the skin luminosity with its 'Gloss value'. The average improvement in gloss value with 20 volunteers, the average age of 37, was 17%. On the best volunteer, Kakadu Plum Extract was shown to induce skin luminosity up to 21% after 15 days and up to 30% after 30 days.

In the heat, we’ve been using this serum and an SPF and found that no extra moisturiser is needed. As you can probably tell, we’re smitten with Founder’s Formula. They’re extremely innovative with their use of these extraordinary native botanicals. Not only that, we love that they’re all natural formulations and have clinical trials and science to back them up. Curious to try? Then see here for the 30ml Wild-Harvested Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum at $120 AUD. 

Little Butterfly London : Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel

Even in this unprecedented heat,  at The Amazing Blog, we’ve been running around on our feet all day. It’s easy to forget self-care for tired legs, which is why we’re thrilled to have found a cooling and energising gel that helps lift and nurture swollen, heavy-feeling legs and feet. Meet Little Butterfly London’s organic-certified, vegan and cruelty-free Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel, which leaves legs and feet feeling rejuvenated. Although aimed at mothers, we think it’s ideal for anyone with achy limbs and feet. Yet another one of our #Amazingfinds, this hero gel was also recently awarded Winner of ‘Best Therapy for Tired Feet and/or Legs’ at the 2022 Mama & Baby Awards.

Growing up in a family of hoteliers in Austria, founder Gudrun Wurm always had the entrepreneurship bug. Combine that with her love for cosmetics, skincare and luxury design from a young age, and her frustration and inability to find a baby skincare range with organic purity, natural formulations and elegant packaging, she launched Little Butterfly London. “I could not find a range which ticked all my boxes,” said Gudrun, “I was looking for an organic luxury range which would be absolutely safe and gentle, yet highly effective to care for even newborns and susceptible, irritation-prone skin, made of generous formulas using precious ingredients. Essentially products I would love to pamper my own son with. This is how it started. Eventually, the idea took shape, and the brand was born.“ Little Butterfly London has authentic, natural and organic ingredients, and is free from any harmful irritants – making it perfect for fostering delicate, sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin. Ingredients like mineral oil, paraffin, parabens, SLS, silicones, DEA, TEA, PEGs and MIs (methylisothiazolinone) never make the cut, nor do synthetics and strong essential oils. Instead, gentle organic actives at a low level are utilised. The brand is eco-friendly, treading lightly with the planet in mind and in everything they do. All products are packaged with recyclable materials, and only trusted suppliers with sustainable and responsible production methods, and environmental accreditations are used, like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). As if it couldn’t get any better, the range is pregnancy safe during breastfeeding, dermatologist-approved for sensitive newborn and eczema-prone skin, and vegetarian society-approved. Last but not least, Little Butterfly London is made in the UK and approved by Vegan Society, Ecocert and Cruelty-Free International. The brand is also committed to carefully crafting its mother and baby skincare range with five values: purity, excellence, pleasure, beauty and grace.

Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel comprises of 98.7% of the ingredients of natural origin, and 95% of the total plant ingredients that originate from organic farming.

You can find anti-inflammatory properties like ginger root, arnica flower and horse chestnut, boosting circulation and reducing puffiness. Next to these are nourishing oils of sweet almond, peach, passionflower and cucumber packed with an abundance of vitamins and fatty acids – locking in moisture and strengthening the skin’s resilience and elasticity. On the other hand, antioxidant-rich green tea, grape juice and aloe vera neutralize free radicals and protect the skin at a cellular level.

The sweet almond oil keeps skin looking healthy and protects from UV radiation through its richness in vitamin E for smooth, soft, youthful-looking skin. Additionally, peach kernel oil is filled with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, carrying moisture deep into the skin for plump, hydrated skin. At the same time, Irish moss powder is lavishly hydrating and non-comedogenic, and peppermint oil soothes inflammation, itchiness and irritation. Among the ingredients listed above, aloe vera, peach kernel oil, peppermint oil, grapeseed oil and green tea are farmed entirely organically. 

Several other ingredients that you might not be too familiar with and ones to mention are sodium phytate, which stabilises cosmetic products, and potassium sorbate, which acts as a preservative. Denat (denatured alcohol) makes products spread and absorb easily while also acting as a preservative. Dicaprylyl carbonate is a skin-conditioning agent to enhance the absorption of other ingredients. Cetearyl glucoside, a blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose to emulsify ingredients, and glyceryl stearate, an emollient responsible for keeping products blended.

As cooling leg gels go, this one for us is unmatched. Easy to apply, using gentle upward sweeping movements from toes to above the knees, it absorbs quickly. Our top tip is to keep it in the fridge to use on those blisteringly hot days - it’s heaven! As mentioned, the opaque gel is full of skin hydrating goodies as well as a subtle minty-fresh scent. It’s a lifesaver during the heat and works brilliantly on swollen legs after a flight (AKA ‘gravitational oedema’ from sitting down too long). It doesn’t dry out the skin; instead, you get hydrated and smooth legs. Hence, we recommend using the Cooling Leg Gel liberally, even in the colder months, if you need some leg pampering. See here to purchase a 100ml tube of Little Butterfly London’s Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel at £22.