Cruelty Free Beauty Gift Ideas For Christmas

She held the mirror’s ethereal gaze. Staring into its silvery allure, streaked with steam. Where light danced, revealing more than met the eye. A catalyst for self-discovering, discovering the person within. Time stood still as she caressed her face. The beginnings of lines that were etched like poetry. Soft valleys of wisdom on a still young face. The start of wrinkles, like an intricate maze. Small lines on her forehead, a map of laughter, sorrow and memories. But the ones underneath her eyes were a hidden map. Laughter lines like ripples on a tranquil pond. The furrows of worry, biting her lip. Tiny delicate rivulets cascading like a waterfall. She didn’t hate what she saw. Her wrinkles were almost unnoticeable, she looked young for her age. A vegan beauty routine that cherished her skin. Drinking from the fountain of youth, despite the emotional despair that ate at her inside. Bare faced, the wrinkles weren’t magnified. But there were scars. Silvery ones that glinted like the moon. Pock-marks burrowing into her cheek. Scars not just on her face, but her body too. Acne scars hyper-pigmented. Scars from trauma, and accidents. Battle-worn etchings, she didn’t hide them. Scattered on flesh, a testament to hardship. For the contours of time, where definining characters embrace. Not markers of a lost youth. She was only 30. But she embraced aging with a loving heart. For her cruelty free beauty routine didn’t hide her imperfections. Christmas or not, she would never hide who she was. For time was fleeting, whispering secrets in every missing mile.

She would cherish the process. No face-tuning or harsh editing. Memories with added saturation. The richness of life, finding solace in its flaws. Though the days slipped through her fingers quicker than she liked, she was patient. Looking in the mirror with honesty, starting to love who she was. Self-love was never her strong suit. And yet, for the last few weeks she would smile. Stare into her mirror, stealing memories as the hours passed. Telling herself that she was worthy, mind, body and soul. Even when time was a thief with a heart of glass. Shards breaking like snowflakes scattered. For beauty was more than what was on the outside. It was skin deep. A tribute to not just her face, but her body too. Cherishing the skin she was born in. Treating herself with reverence and care. Loving how to love every imperfection. A lacerated canvas with space for more. She traced every line, as sleet fell on her window pane.  Each tiny droplet dancing in the breeze. A grey ballet of rain and snow. Though the world outside was frozen, her heart was warm. Cozy with the knowledge that this was a new Christmas era. One where she would look after herself. Stirring the embers of hope’s gentle grace.

She would become her own poetic muse. Using her cruelty free beauty routine to fall in love again. She spent so long loving others that it was about time that she priortized herself. Saying no to self-doubt and harsh criticism. Saying yes to kindness and affirmations whispered in the mirror. Even if she felt silly, she would do it. Rewiring her subconscious, changing her mindset. She was her own harshest critic at times. No matter whether it was work, or personal, her perspective was the same. And yet, it was time for a change. To create a healthy relationship with herself. Not one that reeked of poison. After all, beliefs had the power to create and to destroy. She knew that her night-time self-talk was where negativity threatened to take over. Obsessive thoughts that went round in a circle. She would use the quiet of the beauty routine to make a difference. Adopting an abundance mindset, finding the good in every situation. Changing her posture, feeling confident in herself. Making a conscious effort to change her words into something positive. She would acknowledge that Christmas was a difficult time of year. That it stirred up so many triggering memories. But at the same time, she would look for the good. How she would spend time with her loved ones. How she would learn to slow down, and not burn herself out. She would whisper the words over and over to herself. Even though she felt silly, it was slowly working.

When she was brushing her teeth, she would take time to recharge. She was worthy of joy this Christmas season. She deserved to relax and take time off. Above all, she would find joy in the small things. Like right now. Even when frosty tendrils crept on the land with devilish glee, she would smile. Grasping the wand of mint and frosted bristles. Roaming across her teeth, a bright ivory canvas. With each circular stroke reminding herself that she was lucky to be here. Grounding herself in the present, focusing on the moment. It was something she found difficult. Especially when her mind was always flitting to the future. An endless to-do list that felt sky high. And yet, little by little, her self-care routines became more positive. The anxiety threatening to take over, but subsided a little. Determined not to let it break her. She shook her mind from its poisonous venom. Slipping into the bath, unwrapping unique Christmas gifts that brought holiday cheer. A teal seahorse pinata, a whimsical explosion of colour. Making a splash in Watermelon Fizz. Soft bubbles meandering like laughter in the wind. She caressed her skin, melting into the bath. The scent of Fig and Pomnegranate wafting in the air.

Morning broke ever so softly from its sleepy slumber. Dark clouds casting gray shadows. Pitter patters of rain on a damp earth. No hues of crimson painting dreams upon the air. Or gentle strokes of mild apricot. But the earth still stretched longingly, as dewdrops on petals started to flow.  A fragile dance of light and dark, a precious ebb and flow. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, not long until Christmas was here. Up early for work, painting neutral colours on her face. Brown eyeshadow tinged with gold highlights. Lashes framed with the inkiest of black shades. A clear gloss on her lips that radiated underneath the sepia lights. A touch of bronze on her cheeks. A far cry from her usual bright palette. And yet, as she brushed shimmer, powder, and foundation onto her skin, she smiled. A memory of her pre-colourful maven days. The person she had to return to when she was going to work. It didn’t feel like her. She was either bare-faced, or in the brightest of colours. And yet, this in between phase somehow felt right. Natural, muted, seeing the person who was underneath. She strode into the living room, picked up her advent calendar. Today was the day. Where all the fun would begin. Seeing what excitement hid behind the doors. Cruelty free beauty gifts that would make her heart sing.

Advent Calendars

BeautyPro Advent Calendar 

This was the first year that she had advent calendars in a while. Her partner too. In the hush of winter’s frosty embrace, a tapestry of secrets beautifully dressed. The traditional calenders, behind the door, a chocolate surprise. A sweet taste of wonder that melted on their lips. A portal to magic, both old and new. The personalized calendars where memories were frozen in time. Each countdown an indulgence for their hearts. But there were beauty calendars too. Skincare and makeup. Self-care treats. Sometimes, they were like whispers of nostalgia. Retro must-haves where she felt like she was stepping back in time. At others, it was discovering something new. Like the magic of discovering a winter starry night’s gleam for the first time. Or experiencing true snow, making angels in the blanket of white. For the beauty advent calendars helped her create healthy self-care rituals. One where she could be gentle, embracing every inch of who she was. Speaking to herself with love and joy. Understanding that she was born this way. That there was beauty in everyone. Treating herself, the way she did others. With kindness, reverence and respect.

BeautyPro understood self-care like no other beauty brand. A multi-award winning LGBTQIA+, mixed race and British owned business based in East Sussex. As an ally for inclusivity and diversity, it was important that A’s beauty routine was kind to others too. A brand who had a large range of vegan products, made using FSC Approved Material and oriented with vegetable or Soya Ink. A brand whose products were kind to animals, humans and the environment. But it was the BeautyPro Advent Calendar that drew her in. 12 of their best-selling sheet masks behind teal doors. Treatments for the face, eyes, hands and feet. A pamper day to leave her energized during the Christmas season. But what would she try first? She wouldn’t play by the rules. Instead, she would try something different. Opening random days, seeing what was hidden behind. A Warming Eye Mask, one of two. Taking Bronze in the Global Green Beauty Awards 2023. She saved it for the cloak of twilight’s embrace. Where days colours would slowly hide. Moonlight weaving silvery threads in ethereal hues. Lying down on blue and red tartan blankets, self-heating eye pads blocking out the world. A soft chamomile scent drifting, as she felt the heat flush. Watching a new calm take over her, a detox from a digital world.

Another day down, what would she find next? A Retinol Facial Sheet Mask, her morning wake up. Vegan and biodegradable, Seaweed kelp slipping into organic pine oil. A slather of wild yam, for skin that looked younger. She put the mask on for 15 minutes, drifting into a calm reverie. The mask constructed with bamboo fibres, gentle on her sensitive skin. A renewing formula that would smooth away the fine lines around her eyes and forehead. Evening out her skin-tone, reducing its redness. Protecting her skin from the free radicals that she encountered everyday. But it was the Foot Therapy Foot Mask that would steal the limelight. A cruelty free beauty mask, that would be the answer to her rough feet. Callused with miles of walking, skin flaking off. Slipping her feet into whimsical booties, the scent of Peppermint, mingling with Sweet Almond. Peppermint aiding cleansing, minimizing the bacteria on her feet. The Almond exfoliating dead skin cells, and toxins from the skin. Honeysuckle engorged on Shea Butter, Argan Oil peeking through. Amazed at how little time it needed to rejuvanate her tired feet. Softer than it had been in the longest time. She yawned, wriggling her toes free. Slipping them into fluffy socks that caressed her feet with love. A jumper perched on top of pyjamas. Trudging up the stairs, the familuar cloud of sleep. Drifting into a celestial wonderland, a pause in time.

Price: £39

 

Beauty Tech Gadgets

BeautyPro LED Wand 

She woke from yet another nightmare. With twisted landscapes lost in endless night. Where screams echoed in the depths of despair. Her body rigid with terror, her muscles frozen. As visions arose, her restless soul agitated. Distorted and grotesque was anxiety’s cruelest dance. Her breath caught in her throat, that familuar swallowing of air. Its touch like icy tendrils down her spine. Leaving trails of unease. Her deepest fears come to life. Hours spent tossing and turning, mental health’s cruel hand forcing her awake. Begging for that escape into inky darkness. Away from the relentless sea of worries. Not consumed by fears and doubts. Nor a passenger in anxiety’s storm, who wrapped their fingers around fragile dreams. Her fragmented sleep awoken by her alarm. The ring reverberating in the land of nod. She glanced at her puffy face in the mirror with dismay. Dark charcoal shadows underneath her red eyes. Her cheeks puffy. Going through the motions, wondering when she would sleep properly again. It was a common theme recently. The nightmares of her reality catching up with her dreams. And yet, she remained hopeful that better days were on the horizon. A Christmas where her heart would be like a candle, burning bright. Surrounded by her nearest and dearest, worries fading into the distance.

The countdown was on and Christmas was around the corner. The lack of sleep catching up with her, her skin duller than it had ever been. But a little pink LED Wand from BeautyPro was about to change things. Using red and blue light technology to smooth and firm the skin. She splashed cold water on her face. Using cleanser to wash away the rivulets of makeup that was left behind. She turned her LED Wand on, a splash of baby pink. A red light glowing, as she massaged the wand against her skin. Starting from the inside of her face, working the device outwaeds. Targeting the forehead, under eyes, cheeks , neck and jaw. But how did it work? A low wavelength to improve her skin’s appearence. Targeting the body’s cells, to provide them with more energy. Allowing the cells to repair her skin, and stimulate renewal. The more she used it, the more the benefits became clear. Her dark under eye circles improved. Her skin less puffy, even with lack of sleep. The blue light was just as effective. A non-invasive treatment with anti-inflammatory and blemish control benefits. Clearing acne when she had breakouts, her skin glowing. Even when she did have a good night’s sleep, she noticed the benefits. A holistic self-care routine that taught her to slow down. A self-love ritual that encouraged her to put herself first. Her me-time that noone could take away from her. Where she could have a cruelty-free beauty routine in peace.

Price: £95

 

BarberPro Photon LED Light Therapy Facial Mask 

D was never one to buy into skincare. Clear skin, spot-free. No blemishes. Breakouts rare. A was jealous at how clear his skin was. A far-cry from her blemishes, acne scars and redness. And yet, she embraced her skin, scars and all. Seeing them as a map of her story over thirty years. She saw skin as poetry after all. Hers a narrative of all the battles she had fought. Inside and out. His, smooth as silk, bathed in pure light. Only a russet beard that hid a spot or two underneath. Whose complexion danced like a moonbeam. Yet, the lines on his face told a story too. The crinkles of deep etchings underneath his eyes. Laughter lines she called them. Embracing the radiance of his soul. The crinkles on his forehead when he was concentrating. Each crease a witness to the passing years, still young yet. Imprints of the good and bad, the happy. The laughter lines whispered tales of endless mirth. Like the rare hues of sunbursts on a winter’s day. The worry lines like gentle riverbeds. The crow’s feet like constellations shining in the night skies. Like rivers carving paths on his skin. Stories yet unwritten, celebrating the marks he wore with pride. To A, it made no difference. He was just as handsome now, as he was five years ago.

He had little in the way of a skincare routine. Splashing cold water on his face. Lathering soap, watching suds float into his beard. And yet, he had a new cruelty-free beauty must-have. One that he would make an exception for. The BarberPro Photon LED Mask with 5 in 1 treatment technology. A lightweight mask that energized and brightened his skin. He might have clear skin without acne and blemishes. But he looked for something that would minimize his fine lines. Making his skin look more youthful, smoothing the complexion. Promoting collagen production and cell renewal without the downtime. 3-5 times a week he would sit down, A looking on bemused. Putting on the mask as she burst out laughing, a comical sight. Yet the results were no laughing matter. The red light, best for anti-aging. Rejuvanating his skin by stimulating collagen and improving tissue oxygenation. Alternating with yellow on the other days. Improving the function of oxygen in the skin cells.  Improving microcirculation. Diluting pigment while promoting cell regeneration. His skin smoother and brighter than it ever was before. D’s skin was already perfect just the way it was. But even A could admit to seeing a visible difference. Dry spots on his skin cleared up, inflammation reduced. Skin that spoke a thousand words and then some.

Price: £195

 

Beauty Gift Sets

Baylis & Harding Gift Sets 

She was a part-time mermaid and unicorn at weekends. A mythical creature that sang songs of the wild winter sea. Both human and mystery, with dark pearl eyes reflecting the moon. Tendrils of black hair cascading, hiding in watery hollows. Even at Christmas, she was a mythical creature trapped in a human’s body. Awash in rainbow colours, swathed head to toe. Irridescent glitter following her everywhere she went. At weekends, she would transform. A glistening mane in a pastel hue, a single horn protruding. Galloping through icy forests, bathed in moonlight. Roaming in a whimsical trance, a creature born of fairy tales. Though she was human in reality, she would escape into these fantasy worlds. Playing peek-a-boo with winter, where the snowflakes gently fell. Blanketing the earth, a silvery sheen, like dreams unfolding. Dancing through starlit fields where moonbeams would glide. The night sky gleaming with crystal appirations. But wait. What was this? A hidden portal, threaded in gold. Where dreams were born, legendary quests. She stepped inside and found something special. A secret hamper with cruelty free beauty sets. A look into the future. Showing what her Christmas would hold. She smiled, as laughter echoed even when she was awake. Melting away the chill, woven with enchantment. Remembering a voice, a melody that lingered in the air. Santa, and their hamper of treats. A self-care Christmas that even mermaids and unicorns could be a part of.

She pressed fast-foward on the remote of life. Watched the Baylis & Harding parcels get dropped off on her doorstep. A Beauticology Mermaid Pinata Gift, a siren’s call. Drenched in fruity scents of pink lemonade, and watermelon fizz. A squeeze of coconut serenading watermelon. She smiled, letting the fragrances wash over her as she transformed into her alter-ego. Opening the teal and purple seahorse with reverence. Seeing what lay beneath. Vegan mermaid inspired mini gifts, wrapped in joy. She smacked her chapped lips, coating it in Coconut and Watermelon Lip Balm, transported to tropical climes. Though the air was heavy with flighty rain, she felt at peace. Pouring Watermelon Fizz Bath Bubbles into giggling water. Bubbles acending, reflecting light like gossamer lace. A kaleidoscope of joy, effervescent dreams.  But her self-care ritual wasn’t over just yet. A second present; Midnight Fig & Pomegranate Ultimate Bathing Large Gift Set. Reaching into indigo and fuschia depths, bath crystals begging to be used. Tiny orbs of play and rest, gathering around her tired form. She sank into its warming embrace, lathering scented body wash on her shrivelling skin. Eyes closed, letting the fragrance wash over her. Moisturizing her legs with the shower creme of dreams. But her favourite? The Hand & Body Lotion, that caressed her cracked hands. As if it was whispered by serene winds. Each drop, a wizard’s spell, a soothing charm.

She struggled to write, her eyelids heavy with chronic fatigue. The morning running its course with fervent flair. Each step like lead, slow as a sloth. The brain fog ravaging her senses, unable to concentrate. Even as she was writing this, she felt the words didn’t come naturally. Unwell a while now, physically and mentally tired. A stomach that wasn’t working, a bad back. Issues with her bowels, a misalignment in her spine and hips. Motivation had left her many days before. The familuar cloud of ill health, wrapping her in a weighted blanket. The flu on top of her health issues, a fever, and migraine too. In between hospital and doctor appointments she grew weary. Struggling to push through the darkness that threatened to consume her. And yet, there was something in her that pushed her to keep going. That taught her to fight back. She didn’t want to be sick for Christmas. She wanted to get better. It was rare that she took a sick day, or even relaxed. But she needed it. For once, she was putting her own needs above anybody else’s. After all, she had learned a new mantra recently. For someone who didn’t like giving up, sometimes it was OK to. She could always try again another day. And so she stopped in the middle of a sentence. Put down her laptop, remembered that she needed this.

Bloom & Blossom‘s vegan Christmas range, understood the assignment. Products that would transport her to serenity and calm. That would mellow the ravages of the pain, blurred lines. Whisking her into the land of nod, because she deserved it. She unwrapped a cobalt blue cracker, a self-care treat. Off To Bed Indulgence Bath Oil, where she could hit pause and rewind. She sank into its ethereal dance. Fragrant whispers of sweet almond oil’s embrace. Gentle notes of lavender’s embrace cradling her senses. A narrative of escape that left silken trails of oil like butter on the skin. Apricot kernel oil and ylang-ylang creating solitude. She sighed, the world outside fading, a distant refrain. Remembering that in this moment, she would block off the troubles. As drops caressed the water’s serene face. But it was the Merry & Bright Wellness Gift Set that stole her heart. Slipping out of the bath, wrapped in a towel. A holistic bedtime ritual in the making. Rubbing Pyjamarama Dry Body Oil on her skin. Fast-absorbing, naturally derived. Rich in Moringa Seed Oil to soothe, heal and protect the skin. Evening Primrose Oil with anti-inflammatory and moisturing properties. Jojoba Seed Oil that boosted the elasticity of her skin, smooth to touch. Breathe in, breathe out. The scent of Frankincense dancing with Chamomile. Honey Myrtle teasing rakish lavender. Her overactive mind calmed, now as sleepy as the rest of her.

Her cruelty free beauty routine wasn’t over just yet. Using Wonder Worker Multi-Tasking Balm on her ravaged skin. Soothing her chapped lips. Kissing her dry cracked hands. The tight violence of winter, smoothing out. The tightness in her limbs mellowing, as she sank into a deep reverie. It turned out to be her new favourite balm. Awash in Shea Butter, moisturising her dry skin. High in Vitamin E, a hero antioxidant, protecting her from free radicals. Saying bye to environmental aggressors. But the best part? Lavender Essential Oil, soothing her irritated skin. A melody of care that wrapped her in the kindest of hugs. Even though she was struggling, somewhere deep in the brain fog, she felt a helping hand. An All Night Long Calming Sleeping Spray, to help her drift off next. A signature blend of frankincense, linden blossom and rose water flower on the nose. She sank into the grateful confines of deep sleep. Slipping into the ethereal realm of dreams, a blur of images. Breath slowly rising, a small bubbling snore escaping. Muttering words in her sleep, so she was told. And yet she remembered nothing. Countless hours of sleep, her body slowly restored. Her new bedtime ritual teaching her about self-care. Gradually building up her strength, determined to get better before the big day.

Prices: 

Sleep Tight Cracker £15

Merry & Bright Wellness Gift Set £26

 

Oral Care

DenTek Oral Care 

She had a complicated relationship with her teeth over the years. Time spent wishing she had the perfect smile. Teeth that were straighter. Teeth that were smaller. A smile that was brighter. Gums that were healthier. It used to stop her from smiling in photos. Self-conscious of the faces that she made, of a smile that was imperfect. But working as a creator made her learn to embrace her flaws. No matter how she felt inside, she would love each and every part of her. Regardless of what people said about the way she looked, she embraced her differences. She didn’t let her crooked teeth stop her from smiling. She was still the same goofy, bubbly and friendly person with or without a perfect smile. But still, she couldn’t help but yearn for the version of her that was more polished. She had been saving to get Invasigilin for the last few years, but times were tough. Struggling financially, the cost of living going up. Christmas was no exception. She was ill at the moment, had been for a long time. Stuck in a waiting game of endless referrals, blood tests, scans and appointments. Still, despite her dream being more distant than she would have liked, she looked after her teeth. Using soft bamboo brushes that were gentle on her sensitive teeth and gums. Using gentle cruelty free toothpaste. Flossing those forgotten areas, where the bacteria lurked. Hoping to stay hidden.

So discovering DenTek last year changed her oral care routine. Using eco-friendly, vegan and gentle products that would transform her smile while she was waiting. Four sustainable brushes and picks that would caress her gums with love. Her favourite, the Eco Triple Clean Floss Picks. Deep cleaning her teeth with a floss pick that was kinder to the planet. The thinnest, strongest floss that burrowed into tight spaces. A handle made using bio-based plastic, that was renewable. Reducing carbon emissions this Christmas, while keeping her teeth clean. She ran her tongue around her teeth, the taste of mint in her mouth. Picks that gently massaged her inflamed gums to help prevent gum disease. The Eco Friendly Sustainable Birch Wood Reusable Inderdental Brushes just as impressive. Thin bristles effective at removing food and plaque between her teeth. A comfort wire that was gentle on her teeth that were prone to bleeding. Getting hard to reach areas of her mouth. Fighting against cavities and gum disease. Fighting causes of bad breath. Two more superheroes to add to her cruelty free beauty routine. DenTek Eco Sensitive Floss Picks that cleaned between her teeth. Massaging her gums with a soft and silky ribbon. Shred resistant floss that comfortably removed plaque and food particles. Over time, the bleeding gums that she had frequently would decrease. The last? An Eco Slim Brush. Interdental brushes that would slip into the most awkward of spaces, between her teeth and gums. Packaging now recylable, made from 30% recycled material. She smiled, the dream of a cleaner and brighter smile becoming a reality.

Prices: 

DenTek ECO Triple Clean Floss Picks £2 (At Ocado)

DenTek ECO Sensitive Floss Picks 36s £3.50 ( At Boots)

Dentek Earth Friendly Birch IDB Multi-pack (ISO 1, 2 & 3) 6s £3.30

DenTek ECO Slim Brush Ultra Fine ISO1 Purple 32s £4.50

Skincare & Makeup

et al. 

From a young age, she loved the way that makeup made her feel. It wasn’t about doing it for anyone else. It was 100% for herself. It was her mental health booster. A burst of joy on the days where darkness threatened to suffocate her. Squeezing the breath out of her lungs, an intoxicating hold. The vicious demons circling around her like a pack of dogs. A heaviness that lay upon her chest. Like a fat cat, without the comfort. Depression’s grip grasping her heart in its hand. A forlorn battlefield, as the melancholy of clouds came nearer. And yet, there was a flicker of strength, a sliver of light. As she got out her makeup box, breathe in, breathe out. Her own self-care ritual that would caress the contours of her tattered mind. Navigating the maze of her brain fog, each movement a lull in time. And yet, applying makeup made her feel good. Nourishing her mind, body and soul. A sense of purpose when her immune system was so low. Struggling to complete her normal tasks, things taking ten times longer. But here, there was no pressure. Using cruelty free beauty products that gave her something to look forward to. That helped her through a difficult time.

Though her soul felt worn and torn et al‘s cosmetic range was here to help. Science led makeup that was vegan, cruelty free, and always sparked joy no matter how she was feeling. Through tear-stained veils, she started to rebuild. Touching her skin, releasing oxytocin, a small smile licking her lips. A resilience, and a courage in the face of adversity. Despite the shattered pieces, her makeup routine created strength. The motivation to carry on, and push forward even when her body and mind were struggling. She used her Limited Edition Brush Set, a brush for every occasion. A Diffusing Concealer Brush, dabs of foundation on an olive canvas. Masterful strokes that weaved a tale on her skin. A Blending Brush to ensure that her concealer and foundation were seamlessly applied. The Buffing Brush for a flawless finish, watching her skin glow. But it was the Complexion Glow that stole her heart. In the shade Warm Glow, using the Sculpting Brush for bronzed cheeks. Blushing with coy secrets, vibrance painted on tired skin. Eyes adorned with brown and gold shadows, hues of earth. A sliver of silver cascading down her nose, a subtle shimmer. Infused with Aloe Vera, to hydrate her skin and create a flawless complexion. She smiled, building up the colours like art. Moisturising squalane cradling her cheeks. Then, when the time came to take off her makeup, she would cleanse the brushes. A healing ritual. An 100% vegan solid brush cleanser that was hypoallergenic and dermatogically tested. It was something small that kept her sane. Her saving grace, her holistic hack for self-care. She might not be physically or mentally well, but it was the small things that made her happy.

Evolve Beauty Christmas Collection

She realized early on that not all skincare was made equal. Many of the products she had used in the past was full of toxic ingredients. A chemicals list a mile long. Was it any wonder that her skin would have flare ups? Where it would become red, inflamed, and often break out? Over time, her skincare and cosmetic routine became more natural. Using as much natural origin products as she could. Products that would be rich in natural ingredients that would actually work on her skin. She had sensitive skin, prone to redness. A mild case of rosecea, combined with minor acne. Skin that was oily with dry patches, especially in winter. Christmas winds wreaking havoc on her sensitive face. Where winter’s breath stole the moisture from the air. Icy tendrils weaving their chilling snare. Leaving cracks in her hands, and cheeks. Her lips chapped, where was once softness. Like cracked earth thirsting for rain, her whole body needed TLC. Tending to each problem like petals struggling to bloom. Unfurling the flowers until she turned into a winter flower once more.

Evolve Beauty would quench her winter-tired skin. A range of vegan, organic and natural origin products that made the perfect Christmas gift. But what would she try first? The Pink Dream Duo, glistening with gold. A Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil, to remove impurities. Doubling up as a cruelty free beauty cleanser too! Infused with Melon Seed Oil, a powerful antioxidant rich in Vitamin E. She let the scent of Melon plunge over her, transported to warmer climes. Forgetting (for a moment) the heavy rain that beat down on their window panes, grounded in the moment. A small amount applied to her damp face and neck. Gently massaging into her skin. Watching it transform before her eyes into a creamy cleansing milk. Patting dry to reveal nourished skin. A sustainable cosmetic oil that made her face feel like silk. Some days she would use it to melt away her makeup. But today, she nourished her bare skin. Using the Rose Quartz Gua Sha, to cleanse and tone her skin. Reapplying the cleansing oil once more. Sculpting the jaw by moving the gua sha onto its side. Sweeping upwards from the chin towards the air. A light-medium pressure as she paid tribute to her face. Would it improve circulation and improve lymphatic drainage? The answer was yes, double yes.

There was one more Christmas treat, that would make the perfect stocking filler. The Golden Glow Bauble that would rejuvanate her skin. Working to reduce the signs of aging while nourishing her skin. She applied a thick layer of the mask onto cleansed skin. The Bio-Retinol delivering rejuvanation and celluar renewal benefits without any irritation. Organic Argan Oil like whispers of self-love. Rosehip Oil singing sweet nothings. Five minutes went by, adding warm water to turn the mask into a creamy milk. Dribbles of liquid washing down the sink. Even after one use her tired skin looked more radiant, giving her a youthful glow. But unlike other retinols which she had a reaction to, this was soothing. Providing antioxidant protection. Stimulatiing collagen production. Her skin looking healthier and younger for longer. She gazed at her face in the mirror. No longer the parched desert in desperate need of moisture. Smooth, supple, soft like a baby lamb bleeting. The tension in her cheeks and head dissipitating into laughter lines. A smile that reached her eyes. For it was no secret that holistic skincare was part of her self-love routine. Where everything was simple, her worries melting away.

Prices:

The Pink Dream Duo £30 instead of £40

Golden Glow Bauble £16 instead of £18

 

AEOS Skincare Collection 

There was something tranquil about crystals. As light refracted in a mesmerizing trance. A rainbow of colours that had her under a shimmering spell. A sparkling prism, that reflected ethereal light. She didn’t have a crystal of her own. But whenever she felt down, she imagined a Rose Quartz. A healers embrace that would cleanse her mind. Inviting the light in, as the darkness began to fade. Guiding her towards a path that would feel right. She never harnessed the true power of crystals as some might do. It was just an image that helped her stay grounded. Sometimes there would be other crystals too. An opal irridescent in a celestial dance. Jade her own guardian of serene repose. Crystals whose mystic allure had been studied since the dawn of time. This was one of those moments. Swilling darkness blended with light. Struggling to break out. But she would always come to Rose Quartz. The pink glow stuck forever in her mind. Two parts love, two parts compassion. Nurturing her mind with its soothing balm. An invitation to love in its rosy hue. Gazing into a crystal realm, like a healing psalm.

Disovering Aeos,  helped her harness the power of crystals in her skincare routine. A three part collective that would align her mind, body and soul. The Aeos Gentle Cleansing Lotion Pink supporting the heart chakra, encouraging self-compassion. Her beloved Rose Quartz offering wisdom to the youthful Topaz. Orange Calcite teaching the Tango to Fire Opal. Charoite and Rubellite rejuvanating the skin and balancing her emotions. She splashed her face with warm water, feeling the rivulets dribble down with glee. Squeezing a small pea sized amount on her fingertips massaged onto damp skin. Massaging her face and neck, watching the tension dissipitate. It was a deep clean that was lightweight. A delicioys blend of organic and biodynamic essential oils, plant extracts and crystal essence. But the real magic? The crystal that came alive when activated with water. Maintaining the delicate moisture balance of her skin in the purest way.

Her personal favourite? The Enriching Moisturiser Pink, that quenched her dry winter skin. Own-grown biodynamic spelt oil uniting with jojoba oil. Sweet Almond Oil slinking over to Argan Oil in a cheeky twirl. Rose Hydrosol commanding attention. Aesos Beauty Body Lotion Awakening was just as potent. A welcome addition to her festive cruelty free beauty routine. She closed her eyes, revelling in lemon myrtle that creeeped over her skin. Rose geranium blooming under the love of grape seed. Jojoba soft and supple slipping into spelt. Argan the last one standing. Her dry skin would be softened, smoothed and hydrated. Top to toe, supporting joy, happiness and self-confidence in her life. Helping her find a more balanced, centered way of being. Her skin was glowing, a nourishing moisturiser that helped her feel at her best. Even when she was ill, down or anxious Aeos was always with her every step of the way. And so her Christmas beauty exploration had come to an end. Her heart was full. Falling into a reverie of light and hope. A tapestry of kindness that gently weaved, as night unfolded. Whispers of peace underneath a celestial veil. The spirit of Christmas guiding her soul into joy. At last, she was grounded. Finding happiness in the simplicity of a beauty routine. Her own space, me-time interrupted. The one chance she had to embrace self-love. Priortizing number one, embracing her needs and wants.

Prices: 

Aeos Enriching Moisturiser Pink £54

Aeos Gentle Cleansing Lotion Pink £48

Aeos Beauty Body Lotion Awakening £78

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*Disclaimer

Please note I was gifted products for my cruelty free beauty guide, but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by gifting.