It seems that everyone is jumping on the eco-bandwagon so here at Bolton Boutique we thought we would give it a go.
Starting in the shower, I reach for elave. Currently the best-selling dry, sensitive skincare range in Ireland's pharmacies, it is available in the UK through independent pharmacies. It's definitely worth hunting out. Here's the science bit - the average woman uses 12 dfferent toiletries every day and applies more than 175 chemical compounds to her body in the process. While each of these products has been tested, experts advise that some of these chemicals could be potentially irritating or could induce allergy, particularly if you are already prone to sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema.
Elave products are free from, soap, colouring, alcohol, toxic chemicals - formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens, perfume, and detergents - sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate. And for this reason, elave's top- to-toe cleansing and moisturising regime doesn't irritate the skin, perfect if you've been out in the sun or have taken a battering in the winter chill.
The body wash was slightly disappointing as you couldn't smell it on your skin after the shower - it was odourless, which can be a bonus for some but I like a fruity smell to my shower gel. It was also quite slimey and greasy which I didn't like, however would be good for girls with really dry skin.
The lotion seemed promising however it was extremely runny and literally poured out of the bottle, which put me off using which was a shame. It was really good to mix with a fake tan though to thin it out and the finishing result when i did use it in that way was an odourless streak-free glow.
What's even more perfect is the price. The body wash comes in at £4.99, the intensive cream at £5.99, the shampoo at £4.99 and the handwash at £4.99. So check out elave.co.uk or ask at your local chemist.
Next I reached for the Anne Lind Lotus Ginger gel. It ticks all the boxes in terms of being green, 100 per cent natural fragrances, free from preservatives, free from synthetic colourants and mineral oil products and free from silicones. At first smell it's quite strong and I wondered then if I really did want a ginger odour to my skin but I plunged in and was pleasantly surprised.
The consistancy was different, more "gel-like" than normal shower gel and it doesn't lather up like you might expect, however it does it's job and is extremely revitalising. The ginger smell doesn't linger like you expect it to and it leaves you feeling squeaky clean. In fact going back to products packed with unnatural ingredients actually made me feel a little dirty. I'll definitely be stocking this in my bathroom cupboard from now on.
To compliment the shower gel, the Anne Lind and Lotus set, at £12.95 comes with a body lotion which locks in the moisture that showers take out of your skin. It rubs on smooth and doesn't leave you with a white sheen like many moisturisers can. The lotus is a symbol for both purity and sensuality while the ginger oil gives energy to confront obstacles and problems - or so the tin says. Who cares, it leaves your skin silky smooth and smelling divine. Anne Lind uses the power of aromatherapy to change your mood and enliven your senses in a range of three shower gels with matching body lotions. You can choose a different one for every mood. Never has washing and moisturising been so good for you. What's more the pretty packaging looks girly and crisp on the bathroom shelves. Get yours from fabstuff.net, hurry before they sell out.
Next we step over to ecosopia with their range of organic liquid soap. The all-new range of body care soaps are made from the purest natural ingredients using organic oils and plant extracts. Available in seven scents; rose geranium which is purifying and calming and the ultimate feminine luxury, lavender is the most relaxing scent. Its calming properties will enable a good night's sleep if used before bedtime, almond is for those with a sweet tooth. Tea tree includes antiseptic and antibacterial oil which will wash away all germs, eucalyptus can be used to clear heads. It will give a lighter and brighter start to the day, peppermint is a fresh and clean scent which will help in giving that extra kick in the morning, and unscented is for those with especially sensitive skin. Free from essential oils, it will keep skin silky without giving any irritation.
All products will smooth and condition your whole body, whilst being completely free of any chemicals, toxins or harmful preservatives.
At £6 for 295ml it's on the pricier end of the budget but I tested the rose and it's certainly sweet smelling, if not a little too strong. The only other downside is, watch out for those paper cuts, it stings when you wash your hands and have any cuts, probably a sign that it is full of natural goodness.
Not only is it kind to your skin but ecosopia uses minimal packaging and donates ten per cent of all profits to Iracambi (registered charity) to help conserve the rainforest. And it doesn't half look good in the bathroom.
Grab yours from 21st Century Health at www.ecohip.net
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article