Nov 28 2014

Celtic Herbal Chamomile and Calendula Nappy Cream and Massage Oil from Bebe Loco

Posted on November 28, 2014 by admin

Heidi is currently recovering from a nasty cough and has a few pesky teeth pushing at her gum-line. It’s definitely been a tough few weeks for both children, but poor Heidi has had to cope without mummy as I’ve been on hospital duty with an even more poorly bronchitis-ridden Dexter. As if this wasn’t enough, being force-fed a mixture of pain killers and antibiotics these past few days have given my adorable daughter what we lovingly refer to as Baboon-Bum.

Now I’m back, all three of us have had endless cuddles. Dex is smiling, running around and causing chaos once again (albeit, a good few lbs lighter), but Heidi is still really suffering with an increasingly sore posterior and inflamed gums.

Heidi Bebe Loco Celtic Herbal Chamomile and Calendula Nappy Cream and Massage Oil from Bebe Loco

Spotting our troubles on Twitter, the seriously lovely folks at Bebe Loco sent us a few organic goodies to pamper Heidi with. Given I’m seeing these guys, and countless other local businesses at the BabyExpo Berkshire tomorrow (Reading, Rivermead Sports Centre), I wanted to make a real fuss of them and their beautiful collection of mum and baby essentials; all of which are fair-trade, organic and ethically-produced. I’m beyond thrilled to partner with a business that holds all the same core values as I do.

Just a few of my favourite things…

Babylonia BB Sling (in Blue Bell) £55.95 / Pebble Fair Trade 100% Cotton Blanket (in Pastel Rainbow) £33.00 / Peppa Comfort Buddies (Assorted) £11.99 each / Piccalilly Organic Cotton Baby Bundler Nightgown (in Funky Floral Print) £20.00 / Pigeon Organics Romper (In Elephant Silhouette) £20.70 / PUL birth to potty nappy with rayon insert (in Animal Print) £12.99 / Pebble Frog Hat £14.00 / Earth Mama C-Mama Healing Salve £34.95 / Peppa Cuddly Woodland Friends (Felix Fox) £24.99

So what were we sent?

Bebe Loco Baby Skin Celtic Herbal Chamomile and Calendula Nappy Cream and Massage Oil from Bebe Loco

First up was a lovely big pot of Celtic Herbal Nappy Cream. With Chamomile and Calendula this is the consistency of beeswax and smells absolutely heavenly. Crammed full of pure natural vegetable oils and carefully blended Chamomile and Calendula essential oils, there are no nasties whatsoever in this cream. Simply put, it’s a soothing and 100% natural barrier cream to fall back on when Sudocrem just isn’t doing the job.

During this time when antibiotics and teething are doing extraordinary things to her nappies (I’ll leave it at that) - she’s in a constant state of discomfort and sleeps with her bum held high in the air to minimise rubbing and chaffing whilst she rests. It’s heartbreaking really as she’s usually such a happy soul. I’ve found this cream delivers a long-lasting burst of moisture to her damaged skin and stops her nappy sticking to her bum and worsening the irritation. Much like Vaseline, her skin remains supple and lubricated until the next change.

Nappy Vream Babe Loco Celtic Herbal Chamomile and Calendula Nappy Cream and Massage Oil from Bebe Loco

Sure, sometimes she’ll need the antiseptic properties of Sudocrem to bring down the inflammation, but I know Heidi hates it. When we pop this on to her bum instead, she smiles so I know it’s mild, gentle and refreshing for her. The mix of chamomile, calendula, Vitamin E, sweet almond oil and coconut oil is calming and soothing and the redness has certainly eased since using it.

Not limited to bums, I’m also popping it on particularly sore-looking spots of eczema on her body, and cuts on her face whilst she’s clawing at her mouth. It’s also great for minor burns and cuts for the rest of the family.

At just £6.50 for a huge pot, it’s very hard to argue that this doesn’t deserve a spot in baby’s change bag. You can buy yours from Bebe Loco HERE.

Bebo Loco Massage Celtic Herbal Chamomile and Calendula Nappy Cream and Massage Oil from Bebe Loco

Next up, the Celtic Herbal Baby Massage Oil is just as mild on baby’s skin. It’s one of the most simple, uncomplicated and understated massage oils I’ve come across on the baby skincare market, relying on common sense and quality organic ingredients to suit the most sensitive of skin.

An infusion of sweet almond oil, calendula, mandarin, lavender and chamomile is a wonderfully indulgent mix of calming essential oils to relax baby during times of stress. These ingredients have been carefully selected for their homeopathic properties; Lavender has long been regarded as a sleep aid, and chamomile is great for relieving anxieties and calming troubled tummies. Throw in moisturising sweet almond, and calendula to soothe the skin and baby will smell delicious and stay perfectly hydrated until the morning.

Nightly massage is also a great bonding experience for mum and baby and one I wholeheartedly endorse. Given poor Heidi is so poorly at the moment, our nighttime regime has taken on even more importance. She knows that her mummy is there and aware of her pain, and takes real comfort in just having me lavish her with attention. Massaging with such a yummy oil is prolonging her fragmented sleep and letting me recover in-between the bouts of terrified screaming too.

Priced at a very reasonable £8, you can buy yours at Bebe Loco HERE.

To see more of this very special eco-baby collection, head to BebeLoco.co.uk or say hello on Twitter and Facebook. Oh and to see the tots and I, and experience the quality of Bebe Loco’s products up close and personal (and grab 10% off everything!), head down to Reading for the BabyExpo this weekend!

Oct 22 2014

For Mum & Baby: Thea Skincare Baby Naturals Review

Posted on October 22, 2014 by admin

I take my family’s skincare regime seriously and love reviewing nutrient-rich organic skincare for my Superbabies. Yet my quest continues for something truly amazing for Dex. His skin doesn’t require the same level of care as his baby sister’s (hers is prone to hypersensitivity and eczema), yet it is still some way from structural maturity. Like all toddlers, at age 2 he has a high turnover rate of skin cells compared to adult skin, and the ability to shed and renew dead skin cells quickly. His skin is also two-thirds thinner than ours leaving it susceptible to allergens, UV and other unwanted external influences.

I’m looking for something really nourishing and crammed full of nutrients that will simulate the role of collagen in mature skin. In other words, something that will keep him hydrated, even oily to touch, and act as an buffer whilst his skin is building up a resistance to the world.

So when Thea Skincare asked if I wanted to review a selection of their products, I did my research. I regularly turn down reviews when they don’t offer something new, and skincare is something I’m traditionally very fussy with. But I was intrigued by the fact Thea are 2 time winners of The Green Parent Beauty Awards and also have a Skinmatters Gold Award in their trophy cabinet. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.

Who are they?

Thea Skincare is the eponymous range of natural and organic skincare products created by Althea Giscombe. Science graduate and former Avon Cosmetics Manager she had something of an epiphany when traveling in Africa in 2008. Whilst visiting a village on the Lake Malawi, she observed the locals using the natural resources around them as part of their beauty regime; using grains of salt that lined the banks to exfoliate their skin, and the rocks and stones to remove hard skin off of their feet.

A passion for ‘hard performing natural ingredients’ grew and at age 50, Althea funneled all her pension into creating and developing her range. Launched in 2011 it’s quickly gained momentum and a cult following of beauty pundits.

In order to reflect her core values all Thea products are free from sulphates, parabens, artificial fragrances, are cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

What did I receive?

I received four samples in a dinky hessian travel bag (an early hint as to their eco credentials); Aloe & Rosehip 2 in 1 Calming Bath & Baby Wash, Jojoba & Chamomile 2 in 1 Baby Shampoo, Coconut and Lavender Soothing Top to Toe Baby Lotion and a treat for mummy, the rather blandly named Cellulite Body Butter. There was also a letter from Thea outlining the history of the brand and Thea’s charitable aspirations. It’s difficult not to fall in love with a brand with such demonstrable values and certainly makes you feel less guilty when you whip out the credit card.

What did I make of it?

Coconut and Lavender Soothing Top to Toe Baby Lotion (200mls / £8.95)

Immediately you’re struck by the lavender scent making it perfect for bedtime massages (especially if bath times are part of your little ones night time ritual). The scent lasts for a good hour too so will promote a restful and prolonged sleep.

In fact, massage is the key here. The trick to using a lotion (as opposed to a cream; heavier and will give deeper hydration over an extended period) is to apply liberally whilst the skin is still wet, then quickly dress baby to lock in the moisture. Don’t be tempted to wait for the lotion to dry before dressing. This little lotion packs a punch - having used this for over a week now, Dexter’s skin is still moist in the morning. Perfect.

Part of it’s staying power lies in its viscosity - once warmed this baby lotion takes on the consistency of massage oil making it easy to apply and enabling it to deliver more intensive moisturisation.

I would definitely buy this for Dexie, but would be hesitant to use it on Heidi, or any other newborn. At 78% organic and heavily scented (albeit naturally), I would more inclined opt for a fragrance-free lotion for tiny ones.

Aloe & Rosehip 2 in 1 Calming Bath & Baby Wash (200mls /£8.95)

The calming tag is spot on. The rosehip and essential oils really shine through especially with the natural steam from the bath water. If your child has been hit hard this cold and flu season, this will help unblock their airways and give them some respite.

Meanwhile nutrients are delivered to baby’s skin via Vitamins B5 & E. It feels like you’re giving a wet massage when you rub it in; very oily so a little goes a long way. It does lather although takes some working up in your hands, but foaming action is overrated in my opinion; I’d much rather his skin gets a thorough cleanse yet isn’t stripped of its natural oil & sebum.

This also works fabulously as a bath oil and leaves your baby’s skin nice and hydrated post-bath. Dexter smelt divine after his bath and ready for a relaxing massage with the accompanying lotion.

Jojoba & Chamomile 2 in 1 Baby Shampoo (200mls / £8.95)

This lathers up surprisingly well and Dexter’s hair still smells heavenly the next day. It’s tough enough to wash away all the tomato sauce, gravy, melted chocolate and other unpleasantness your toddler has taken it upon himself to ‘save for later’, yet mild enough not to cause itching. Dexter sweats a great deal in the night as he suffers from night terrors so I needed a shampoo that is gentle enough to deal with excess sebum without causing greasiness- this definitely fits the bill.

I can’t comment as to it’s efficiency of soothing away cradle cap as Dexie is a fully fledged toddler now, but once again, I’d be cautious about popping anything too heavily scented on early skin.

Once again, this definitely passes the sniff test too - there’s still a pleasant lavender scent from the blend of essentials oils making it a great product for night time bathing.

Cellulite Body Butter (200mls / £8.95)

I was always going to struggle to review this one as I’ve already found the best stretchmark butter on the planet. However I should flag up that this is one of the best firming creams I’ve used in a long time. It sinks in immediately and your skin feels visibly tighter after just one application.

Perfect for hips, bums, arms and breasts, this has slotted neatly into my beauty regime given I’m currently losing weight. The essential oils blend of Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Geranium, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Fennel, Carrot Seed, Lemon, Lavender & Frankincense Essential Oils invigorate and increase circulation, and elasticity is improved via a combination of 4 rich butters (Organic Shea, Cocoa, Kokum & Mango Butter).

The scent of this one is far more subtle with the butters drowning out the essential oils. As it sinks in so quickly it’s perfect for a nighttime treat before diving under the covers.

The consistency of typical of body butters and you end up prodding it without actually getting any on your fingers. Best advice is to delves in as £24.95 is a bargain for 200mls.

Additional thoughts…

Don’t expect to be seduced by the packaging. Whilst mine are samples, the full sized bottles are no sexier. But then looks aren’t everything, for all we know Brad Pitt could be a real pain to live with.

Whilst reading other reviews I was a little taken aback to see so many people balking at the prices. I pay anywhere between £8 and £25 for Dexter & Heidi’s basic essentials (shampoo, body wash and body lotion) so at £8.95 for a healthy 200mls, these products seem bang on the money.

Finally, I suspect Thea Skincare will be jostling for position among the big boys in organic baby skincare (Lasinoh’s Earth Friendly Babies, The Green People’s Organic Babies, Burt’s Bees, … and newbies Cowshed’s Cow Baby, Lulu & Boo, Odylique, and Miamoo… I could go on). Yet parents have really embraced organic skincare for their little people and there is plenty of room for everyone (and plenty of space left on my bathroom shelf!). I’ll be watching this brand with interest to see where they go next.

To check out this fab range for yourself (including their brightening and anti-aging formulations), head to TheaSkincare.com. You can also stay in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

Aug 11 2014

TEN Skincare Review - A new skincare range for mother & baby

Posted on August 11, 2014 by admin

I’m sure you’re already aware I’m skincare obsessed. So much so, Craig and I have our own bathrooms so he won’t lose his shaving foam under all my lotions, serums and body butters. I’ve passed this obsession down to my children and now Dexter’s favourite post-bath ritual is to smother himself in E45.

Whilst I adore all the massages and slippery cuddles with the kids, I often neglect my own skincare routine. There are days I’m so exhausted I’ll fall asleep next to Craig with a full face of make-up, and gone are the days I have baby soft legs against our bedsheets every night.

As such, I love products that are specifically designed for the dehydrated and tired skin of a new mum. Making the transition from breastfeeding to formula, late nights, and an erratic diet can play havoc with your skin. With Heidi only 16 weeks old, I can definitely testify to this. Most notably, my boobs have lost some of the elasticity they once had. Okay, compared to some, I’ve got off lightly. They’re not yet drooping and are still firm enough to look good in a bikini, but there are some stretchmarks at the top of my chest where gravity and rapid growth are taking their toll.

So for the last few weeks, I’ve been trialling Clever Skin’s new -TEN- Skincare Breast Care Cream. This has been specifically formulated to combat stretchmarks, improve elasticity and firm up the breasts during pregnancy and beyond. Their no nonsense brand message promises to use skin science that is as natural as possible and will offer the very best results.

At -TEN-™ we have a no-nonsense approach to skincare and empower you with making the right skincare choice for you. We tell you what the key ingredients we use are, and most importantly, why these are used.

My hope was that the weakened skin around the top of my breasts would receive some much-needed nourishment. Fluctuating growth throughout pregnancy and nursing, then switching back to the bottle quickly, saw them grow to a staggering 34HH from a 36G so the skin has certainly been stretched. I just wanted a smoother appearance and a bit more firmness to counteract even more stretchmarks as I attempt to lose the baby weight.

So what’s in it?

Rice extracts (Oryza sativa) - Rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids which are an effective substitute for lanolin, this can help reduce inflammation and itching. It is also a great source of vitamin E which helps to protect dry, scaling and chapping of skin.

Papaya extracts - Elastin and collagen are two fibers in the skin that contribute to skin firmness and help restore skin elasticity. The papain (a digestive enzyme) in the papaya can help rebuild the elastin and therefore help improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin.

Hydrolyzed fibronectin - Proteins are made of long chains links made of amino acids. So for instance, collagen has about 1,000 such links. Fibronectin (also a protein) has a molecular weight of 4,000 amino acids. Fibronectin is a large molecule in fact too large to be absorbed by the skin, and so it is reduced by being hydrolized, thus making it easily absorbed. It is added to improve overall elasticity and skin firmness.

Whoa!

I know what you’re thinking! Didn’t -TEN- say they were going to leave out all the science jargon for the benefit of us mere mortals…? They definitely could dumb it down further. However, the proof is in the pudding so to speak.

To my surprise, the cream has made a notable difference to my boobs. This might just be because they’re now receiving more attention than before and getting a daily massage. Regular massage can help improve your circulation and encourage new tissue growth so it wouldn’t be unusual to see visible results if the skin is getting a bit more love than usual. But all in all, I’m really happy with the results.

I’d described the smell as a mixture of sun lotion and cocoa butter that isn’t at all unpleasant. Give it 3 minutes to sink in and it dries to a matt finish. I’ve also been using this on my hands and have noticed they look much younger. At £34.50 (inc tax) this is undeniably expensive compared to high street alternatives, but I just can’t argue with how great my skin looks.

I also trialed the Hydration Body Cream which has an exhaustive list of ingredients including Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Vitamin F, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Cacao Butter and Wheat Germ Oil. There’s an explanation on the website behind each ingredient that is just as mind-boggling as the breast cream, but once again this stuff really works.

The smell is equally good, it’s incredibly hydrating and leaves your skin silky smooth. It’s also really cooling and refreshing and would be a real treat for swollen tummies & legs during pregnancy, particularly as the skin can undergo some fairly dramatic changes due to hormonal activity within the body. At £31.80 (inc tax), once again it’ll be one of the more expensive brands available to you, but you do get a soft sheen that lasts the entire day.

My only criticism of the range (and this is perhaps a little unfair) is that the Clever Skin website clearly needs some proof-reading. I spotted several spelling mistakes that might ultimately put people off what is essentially a premium product. Other than that, the rest of the range looks to be equally impressive with products tailored to expectant mummies, babies, and the everyday woman, with face, body and hair all covered.

Okay, the range isn’t cheap, but it’s a lovely range for mama & baby pampering. It’s lightly scented and incredibly delicate for sensitive baby skin, and skin that’s undergoing the trauma of pregnancy. It would make a fabulous gift for new and expecting mums, or an ideal treat for yourself if you’re feeling a little jaded with your post-baby body. If you’re into skincare, or have a specific skin complaint that’s affecting your comfort or confidence, you won’t be disappointed by -TEN-.

You can buy the range from CleverSkinCare.com or from Boots. You can also see what other mums thought of the range by checking out TENSkincare on Facebook and Twitter.

Samples were provided for this TEN Skincare Review