I chose Moroccan Black Soap made from virgin olive oil as opposed to African Black Soap that is crafted using raw Shea Butter. Black Soap is said to have impressive exfoliating powers, is deeply nourishing and gentle enough to be used on irritated or acne prone skin.

Deep green plasticine like paste was tricky to apply to wet skin as it slid off my fingers on a few occasions so it took some practice before I managed to really work some lather. After I had covered myself with decent amount of foam I continued to massage it into my skin for a few seconds using my bamboo cloth as didn't have a Kessa Glove which is usually recommended with that type of product. The natural aroma of pressed olives, hash and soil didn't particularly appeal to me but it didn't put me off either. 

The results after first use

After washing the lather off my skin felt refreshed and clean. I didn't notice much difference in regards with softness of my skin. There must have been some kind of dead skin cells removal taking place as I spot unusual bits of dirt in the rinse water.

The results after regular use

I can see my skin absorbing body creams much quicker now, especially body oils that sink in easily and keep the dryness prone areas like shins, knees and elbows hydrated. 

This was my previous concern of not getting the most out of my organic body products that would sit on the surface, nourishing my skin only until I'd put some clothes on which would then be rubbed into the fabric. My skin stays soft and glowing for the whole day and its general condition is visibly better. A very positive outcome after all.

1. Black soap worked perfectly as an every day cleansing product

2. It helped me making another step towards switching to organic and natural beauty regime

3. It improved my skin's general condition and it assisted with other beauty products absorption 

4. I would buy this product again as I can see my skin's health benefits with continued use

I got my Beaute Marrakech Savon Noir jar as a gift which was bought in Poland. You can buy this product from an online shop - CLICK HERE

With temperatures dropping dramatically at night and cooler air making you wear another layer of clothing, it's about time to think how to look after your skin and keep the beautiful summer glow.

Here are a few important points for you to consider:

1. GO ORGANIC

I am a relentless campaigner for going organic when it comes to beauty products. This is because standard beauty products that do use synthetics and harsh chemicals fail to deliver hydration or nourishment as they interfere with your skin's natural functions and handicap its ability to automatically  adjust to different factors like changing weather for instance. 

With organic or free from synthetic substances products on the other hand, you are delivering the support for your skin's normal functions, you nourish your cells with all the potent nutrients and maximize your chances to enjoy healthy and glowing complexion.

MY SKIN AFTER SWITCHING TO ORGANIC

SKINCARE AND MAKE UP

(usually prone to redness and irritations)

Pamper Point says:

Go for natural facial oils as  overnight treatments to nourish your skin and a natural plant butter based cream for the day to protect it from dryness and irritations. This rule applies to all skin types, but generally herb or seeds derived oils work better for oily or combination, whereas nut or fruit derived oils are good  for normal to dry complexions.

2. DELIVER OXYGEN

Once you busted all the harsh ingredients out of your beauty products, and have your skin working in a balanced way,  it's time to think of the next step - let it breathe deeper by keeping active. Normally I'd be ranting about going all out and training hard, in this case, I would like to suggest you take on regular walks and other medium intensity outdoor activities to pump the oxygen into your skin's cells and give your face and body almost new lease of life, yes, it's that simple. Oxygen delivers nutrients into the tiniest parts of our bodies, if the cells are properly nourished from the inside, they react better to the products applied on the outside.

3. MAKE YOUR EVENING ROUTINE A PAMPER EXPERIENCE

Autumn is the season to turn  your evening skincare regime into longer sessions of relaxation and pampering. There's no better way for a woman to reconnect with her beautiful self than a luxurious bath bursting with comforting aromas. It's the season when warming face masks should be applied more regularly to unwind and deliver even more protection against colder months. This is also  the time to really get your top to toe organic balms and butters application an every day habit, contrary to the common practice of neglecting all the covered areas. Why? Imagine the feeling of confidence and satisfaction knowing your body is in top condition under the layers of  clothing - all that effort for yourself only, well, you and your partner. Exclusive glow I'd call it.  

Will you agree these are simple steps to a healthier glowing skin? Have you read it all before elsewhere? Please comment and share what steps you are taking this Autumn to enjoy a beautifully natural glow.

Last week's research was all about Etsy and natural products that are available on there. I found many brands that sparked my genuine excitement towards their offerings. Here's a few shops brought to your attention to help you convert your organic week into a happy organic life long venture.

Aromawakening 

This organic and vegan brand based in Cardiff uses natural extracts of plants to create their heavenly, naturally scented creams, soaps and balms. It focuses on aromatherapeutic properties of ingredients  and offers a wide range of products, in my opinion, perfect to start a personal adventure with organic skincare. 

Not only will the shop provide you with essential toiletries but also it will give you the chance to try a natural alternative to luxury products like perfumes for instance.

My favourite products: Raw Shea Coconut Body Butter, Organic Massage Oils, Solid Perfume with Amber, Rose and Patchouli, Organic Deodorant Citrus Flower

If you decide to treat yourself to shopping with  Aromawakening, you won't have to stretch your budget and will enjoy organic skincare from as little as £2.10. The most expensive product will cost you less than £20, this almost sounds too good to be true - check yourself - Aromawakening Organic Beauty Shop

 Ambrebotanicals

Browsing through Etsy led me to more  discoveries in natural beauty department. Ambrebotanicals, the brand with "wow" factor that uses unique ingredients to handcraft their products. They blend 100% raw cold pressed fruit, nut, and seed oils and come up with  Mango and Carrot Seed Oil Hand Cream or exotic Cupuacu and Nut Oils Body Butter for example. The formulas are rich and highly concentrated and they are to deliver maximum nourishment, protection and moisture to the skin.

Lush is known for delivering the freshest, cruelty free and vegetarian beauty products with focus on ethical buying of their ingredients. They are all carefully selected to bring a very impressive range of skincare, hair and bath ptions. As it is Organic September Week,  let's look more closely at their selection of organic plant actives and extracts.

Organic Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter works as an effective skin moisturiser, bringing protection, hydration and nourishment benefits. Lush sources its Cocoa Butter from Dominican Republic making sure it falls under Fair Trade regulations. It is used in 38 products, so it is very likely you have already tried some on your skin. To find out more about Lush Organic Cocoa Butter, CLICK HERE

Organic Cold Pressed Almond Oil

Selected as a main ingredient in a range of hair, bathing and skincare products,  Lush Almond Oil is harvested in Europe and cold pressed for better quality. It is valued for its High Vitamin E content which is proven to have anti-ageing and protective benefits. To read more about this ingredient CLICK HERE

My pick with Organic Cold Pressed Almond Oil will be Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream that contains Organic Evening Primrose, Organic Jojoba and Avocado Oils, and together with Ylan Ylang and Jasmine Absolute it is a truly desirable formula. To buy, click HERE

Another ingredient in yet another "wow factor" product. This time it's the mighty Organic Rosehip Oil in Shaving Cream that Lush whipped for us to make  de-fluffing process a true skin pampering experience. The  formula is an innovative combination of  fresh strawberries and organic free range egg whites which I'd never have thought would be possible to use in a beauty product. Vanilla and Rose Absolute Extracts add in luxurious feel to it, and the main hero - Organic Rosehip Oil with its rich vitamin content and soothing properties will guarantee the most pleasurable leg beautifying process. 

To buy Strawberry Shaving Cream CLICK HERE

Hope you enjoyed discovering Lush handmade cosmetics with me and their organic ingredients, the brand keeps working on improving their formulas and making them even more natural and chemicals free. Over 70% of Lush products are self-preserving which means they have no synthetic preservatives and their shelf life only depends on natural actives. Read more HERE or find something you need this Organic September by browsing through Lush skincare range now - CLICK HERE

This month I have a selection of products that stand out from the crowd due to their innovative formulas and  properties to help you transition from summer to autumn season with the best skin and state of mind ever.

Here are my September picks:

1. TanOrganic Bronzing Powder - there's nothing better than a natural way of maintaining your summer sunkissed complexion - this Eco-certified product caught my attention as it is totally free from toxic ingredients, is versatile as can be used on all skin tones all year round, plus adorable wooden box makes this magic powder an object of my desire. Available from Natural Collection online store with a hefty 25% discount - this is an offer not to be missed - CLICK HERE  TO SHOP 

2. SoPure Skincare - obsessed with natural body oils, every month I come across another gem that lands on my beauty wish list - So Pure Antioxidant Body Glow - will be a crucial addition to post summer skin care arsenal. I am impressed with super potent ingredients like Avocado, Broccoli, Kiwi Seed and Pomegranate Seed Oils that nourish and restore dry skin and provide essential protection due to high vitamin A and E content. I'd classify this product as one of the most dense in nutrients skin food. Excellent.

3. Natural beauty products with Rose in any form are the  ultimate favourites of mine. My September list could not be complete without this Rose Floral Water by Ecomaat, organic brand from Bulgaria. Available from OILDEOLOGY  at £10.35 per 100ml bottle this is a bargain not to be missed. With its broad usage options, I want to try it as a compress on eyelids that relieves swelling, brightens and rebalances skin's natural functions. 

4. Heavenly Organics Just Add Water Shampoo - out of the whole range of products that Heavenly Organics has to offer, I picked their organic shampoo as so far I've struggled to find effective hair care products from natural beauty shelves. This product attracts with innovation (powder texture), is free from SLS and other toxins so commonly used by not so natural brands and, what's more, it is based on one hero ingredient - Sappindus Mukorossi fruit extract. It has a very affordable price tag too, at £6.99 per 100g pot, into the basket it goes.

5. As the sun goes down much earlier than during peek summer months, we are given at least two hours of evening time to spend on pampering and relaxing. Lighting a quality candle is a proven way to set the senses to a chill mode. and it looks like I am going to be doing just that with the mighty No 12 vegetable wax candle by The Rose Tree. The brand puts emphasis on including higher levels of plant and flower essential oils therefore I am confident This candle will scent my room with balanced aromas of orange, clove and benzoin - a happy blend needed now.