Review: Bodyshop Rainforest Coconut Oil vs. Pure Organic Coconut Oil

Hello Lovelies!

I have a coconut oil party going on today :D As you all know, me my hair and I simply love coconut oil. I like to use new versions that are infused from time to time. As mentioned a hundred times before, I absolutely love the Dabur Vatika Oil, it contains henna, amla and lemon extracts. Smells great and works very well as a prewash treatment.

My newest addition is the Rainforest Coconut Oil by Bodyshop. 

I had some trouble to find the incis but here they are:
Glycine Soja Oil/Glycine Soja (Sojabohnen-) Öl (Emolliens/Hautpflegemittel), Cocos Nucifera Oil/Cocos Nucifera (Kokosnuss-) Öl (Emolliens/Hautpflegemittel), Parfum/Fragrance (Duftstoff), Tocopherol (Antioxidans), Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil (Hautpflegemittel, Pracaxi-), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sonnenblumen-) Samenöl (Emolliens), Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract/Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosmarin-) Extrakt (Adstringent), Coumarin (Duftstoffkomponente), Citric Acid (pH-Regulator).

As you can see it is based on soya oil and then contains coconut oil, sunflower oil and rosmarinus extract. Technically it is not a coconut oil but an oil blend. It is a very light weight oil that sinks in immediately and it is not solid like the other two coconut oils. The smell is very nice and tropical but it is the typical artificial coconut smell and not the rather nutty natural smell of the extra virgin oil. The best part is that the shine is incredible. It does need some tome to sink into your hair so you need to be careful not to put in too much. I know that some hair types do not like coconut oil so much, this infused oil might be worth a try. I had great results regarding to shiny hair, especially when used in damp hair. Definitely a recommendation and easy to carry around and use since it is always in a liquid form.

Ways to use Coconut Oil:

• Put lots and lots in your dry hair the night before you wash it. Let it sit overnight and work it's magic. Live your Rapunzel moment the next morning ^^
• Use as a leave-in treatment in dry hair - just 2-3 drops are enough. Start at the ends working your way up.
• Use as a scalp treatment with with 2 drops of essential tea tree oil - warm the mix up and apply to a non-irritated scalp and let sit for 20 min. Wash out with regular shampoo.
• Use to define your curls and waves - Mix equal parts of organic Aloe Vera Gel and Coconut Oil and work into your damp curls.

Are you coconut oil addicted like me? Oh and btw coconut oil is a great make up remover as well :D I would like to hear some of your recipes!

Review: Weleda Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion & Gentle Cleansing Milk

Updated Gentle Organic Skin Care Routine with Weleda!

Hello Lovelies!

I am so excited about today's post. I have been looking for a skin care line that ...

a) works for my super dry skin

b) does not give me any allergic reaction and is suitable for sensitive skin 

c) contains organic ingredients 

d) has a pleasant natural fragrance 

e) is affordable

In the past I have been using french pharmacy products, products that were prescribed to me by my dermatologist, drugstore sensitive and budget friendly alternatives but have not been really happy with the price, results or ingredients. A good friend of mine is a big fan of the Weleda products and while I was staying at her place the other day, I borrowed her Iris moisturiser and was so surprised with the great results! I am currently using the cleansing milk and the iris facial lotion and am thinking of adding their toner and almond skin oil as well in the future. 

Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion (30 ml / 11 €)

• Incis are : Water (Aqua), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Iris Germanica Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Beeswax, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Citral*.

• The lotion is based on Jojoba oil, contains witch hazel, beeswax and calendula. Calendula gives it a slight yellow tinge. Ingredients are great - minimal and clean organic extracts.

• Fragrance is very fresh, flowery and pleasant. It is a very natural smell and not artificial and very light. Will not give you any headaches - I promise.

• Sinks in right into the skin! Suitable for very thirsty dry skin. It did work well on my dry patches!

• Most important: Did not break me out! I also tried out the almond facial cream by Weleda - had terrible break outs sadly. 

• No itching, no red spots and no allergic reaction.

Gentle Cleansing Milk (100 ml / 10 €)

• Incis are Water (Aqua), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lysolecithin, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Iris Germanica Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Citral*. 

• The cleansing milk is based on Sesame oil, contains Jojoba oil as well as witch hazel and iris root extract. The cleansing milk and the lotion have belonged to one product line in the past and go very well together. 

• Cleanses mildly, I use a little bit on my damp skin and massage it in with a wash cloth. The only downside is that because of the alcohol based witch hazel the lotion is not supposed to be near your eye area. I wish I could use the cleansing milk to remove my eye make up but that is not possible. 

• Fragrance is very fresh and flowery. 

DIY - Eye Make-Up Remover with Coconut Oil & Baby Oil

• I am currently making my own using coconut oil and fragrance free baby oil for sensitive skin. 

• Mix half of each in a small container and use a little bit on a damp cotton pad. gently place on closed eye lids. Removes make up, mascara and eye liner in seconds. 

• You can use pure coconut oil as well but because it is solid I prefer mixing it with the baby oil so it does stay in it's liquid form. You can also use any other liquid oil such as Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil or Argan Oil. I prefer the baby oil because the incis are ok and it is super affordable ( 2,50 Euro/ 250 ml).

I know a lot of eco-friendly beauty bloggers are using Martina Gebhardt's product line  such as lovely Nixenhaar or the Pai products like Wuscheline which I never tried because of their price but nevertheless heard good things about. 

Did you try out any of the Weleda Products? I am so curious to hear about your skin care routine and what works for your skin type!

DIY: Coco-Aloe Leave In for very long hair

Hello Loevelies!

I am finally sharing my holy-grail in hair care recipe with you :) I know I promised to do so earlier, one of my lovely reader's reminded me again, thank you so much here we go now :) When I say holy grail I really mean it. I am using Coco-Aloe every morning on my hair and curls before I leave the house and whenever I am running out of Aloe Vera Gel I immediately see the lack of it in my very dry hair! This recipe will work well for any lengths and hair types because Aloe Vera will moisturise your hair while coconut oil will soften your locks. It is especially great for very dry and brittle hair and if you have curls or waves you will never use any other conventional product like a mousse or gel that is loaded with silicones and alcohol. 

The original recipe is by darl_in1 from the lhc and called cocaloe - creme and contains Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil and Coconut Oil. I am using a modified version. The original recipe is whipped up as follows:

How to: 

• 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Avocado Oil

Warm the Coconut Oil and stir with Aloe Vera Gel and Avocado Oil, whip it up during the cooling process until you have a buttery texture.

I have done this recipe quite a few times, but overtime it always went bad and mouldy. The lack of preservative and the Aloe Vera with a very high amount of water is good for bacterial growth! Even if stored in the fridge, the only way I would whip it up is if I know I am using high amounts and just storing the mix for no more than three days.

The solution:

I stopped whipping it up and I am now just mixing every morning equal drops of Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Gel in my palms wait until they emulsify and work them through my ends and lengths. 

My hair gets an instant shine and the moisture is locked in by the Coconut Oil. It is a staple in my haircare routine and really an essential part of my hair care! I hope you find the simple recipe equally as great as I do and I would love to hear your results! 

Oh and of course I have a picture for you how the effect is on my curls, you know that my hair is normally brushed out and wavy and here is the version of Coco-Aloe Curls,

P.S. In case your hair does not like coconut oil feel free to use another oil xo, Zoey

Simple everyday braid

I thought it would be nice to show you my everyday braid after all our hair-care-posts :) I am wearing a simple braid (3/strand, rope braid, 5/strand) almost on a daily basis. It looks pulled together, my hair is out tot the way and I don't get a headache from a bun that's too tight. I can't keep the braid at work so I just pin it up with a wooden hair fork or ficcare clip. My hair looks super red - but that was just the lovely sunlight and a shopping day with my mum, it is still may natural golden brown with the henna lengths. I have been reading a little more into my colour type - I am an autumn though not too sure if I am warm or soft. Have a look at my Pinterest Board where I collect my colours. Hence the orange loop scarf. Orange is among curry yellow the nicest colour on me in all shades - I should switch my wardrobe a little! Current hair length is about 107 cm SSS - pretty much classic length.

Some tricks to keep a shiny and neat braid

• Brush your hair with a horn comb to remove your tangles.
• Use a little hair oil or serum on the length and especially your ends to keep them healthy before you braid your hair. Don't worry even if your hair looks greasy before you braid it , after you braided it it will just looks shiny and neat :)
• After you finished your braid use a little Aloe-vera Gel all over your braid to keep away fly-aways.
• Please never use an elastic on your hair with metal. It will tear your hair and cause split ends. Use a hair-friendly soft elastic. Don't tie your hair at the base of your neck on a daily basis - it will cause split ends there on the long term. And we don't want the short /term we are in for super-long hair right :) ? 

Do you believe in the colour typing? What is your daily signature hair do?

Care : DIY Whipped Coconut Body Butter

Shea Sahne ist ein klassisches sehr einfaches Rezept das für eine tolle Bodybutter sorgt die sehr einfach zu machen ist und voller guter Zutaten steckt. Das Original Rezept stammt aus dem Beauty Cosmos, einer deutschen Selbstruehrerseite, wobei es schwierig ist das genau zu sagen da es extrem beliebt ist und schon tausend mal neu zusammengestellt wurde. 

Ich habe leider eine Menge Allergien, die irgendwie auch immer mehr werden von Jahr zu Jahr und extrem trockene Haut. Sheabutter ist eine sehr gute Alternative zu meiner herkömmlichen Bodylotion aus der Apotheke die mit 16 Euro ziemlich teuer ist. Sheacocosnussbutter rechnet sich auf unter 4 Euro pro Charge und man kommt eine lange Zeit mit ihr aus. Sie enthält nur zwei Zutaten und ist sehr fluffig. Am besten wird sie auf leicht nasser Haut nach dem Duschen angewendet und ist auch ein Zaubermittel Füßchen, Ellenbogen und Hände geschmeidig zu halten. Sie benötigt keinen Konservierungsstoff, da es keine Wasserphase gibt. 

*This whipped sheabutter recipe is extremely easy and full of good ingredients that will help you with dry skin and itchy patches. It is a classic recipe and I am not sure who invented it first, but I think it was Beautycosmos, a german DIY Cosmetics homepage.

I have lots of allergies against perfumes and preservatives and this cream is a great solution besides over-priced pharmacy products. My usual body lotion costs about 16 Euros, this body butter is under a 4 euros and will last a long time. It only contains two ingredients and is best used on slightly damp skin after you shower. The consistency is very fluffy and because there is no water base it does not need preservatives. *

Das braucht ihr:

1. Einen guten Küchenmixer 
2. Eine Schüssel 
3. 6 Essl. Extra Virgin Kokosnussoel (Raumtemperatur)
4. 6 Essl. Sheabutter (Raumtemperatur)
5. Natürlich Plastik oder Glascontainer. Ich habe einfach leere Cremedosen wiederverwendet. 
6. Bei Bedarf 2 Tropfen ätherische Oele. Wenn man Extra Virgin Kokosnussoel nimmt riecht alles natürlich nach Kokos. 

Achtet darauf das alles gute abgespült und sauber ist.

* You will need a good kitchen aid, a bowel, 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and 6 tablespoons of sheabutter ( room temperature!!). If you want you can add essential oils of your choice, I used coconut oil which has a slight and very nice coconut smell. Mix sheabutter and coconut oil in a mixing bowel and use your kitchen aid to fluff up the mix for about 6 minutes - until is becomes fluffy and creamy like shown in the picture below. Fill into clean plastic or glass container. Enjoy :) The body butter makes great gifts as well and can be stored up to two months. *

Nehmt je 6 Essl. Kokosnussoel und Sheabutter und fangt an die Menge mit dem Mixer zu schlagen bis sie so aussieht (ca. 6 min. ):

Danach einfach in die sauberen trockenen Behälter füllen und innerhalb von 2 Monaten aufbrauchen. Die Kokosnuss Body Butter macht sich übrigens auch sehr gut als Geschenk :) Wer nicht so viele Allergien hat wie ich kann im Sommer ätherische Pfefferminz- und Rosmarinoele hinzugeben, im Frühling Zitrone und Orange und im Winter etwas Vanille.

* If you are not as allergy prone as me ( I leave mine unscented with only the slight coconut smell that comes with extra virgin coconut oil ) can add essential oils of your choice. Use peppermint und rosemary during summer for a refreshing feeling, lemon and orange during summer and vanilla during winter months. *

Ich hoffe euch gefällt dieses Rezept, man kann es natürlich auch super als Haarbalsam verwenden, eine kleine Abwandlung kommt dazu nächsten Monat. 

Liebe Grüße, Zoey Louisa.

Care : Top 5 Oils for Long Hair

Hello Lovelies!

I have wanted to write this post and share my extensive knowledge ehem of 5 years of testing nearly every oil that is available with you :) First of all we are talking about natural, unrefined high quality oils here. Try to buy the best quality that you can find to maximise the effect they have on your hair. Look for labels like extra virgin or organic.

1. Coconut Oil! 

Every girl with long hair needs to have a bottle in her closet! The unrefined version smells heavenly, the effect is amazing if you continue to use it over a long time. I use nearly 5 tablespoons and apply it on my dry hair , let it sit overnight or 30 min- 2 h before every wash. Maybe this is what made the biggest difference while I was growing my hair. You can also try fun fragrance versions like Dabur Vatika and Monoi. 

2. Argan Oil

My second favourite oil is argan oil. I love the effect even more than coconut oil, but it is really expensive and if you are a poor student like me, it is going to be hard to use it in the same splendid way as coconut oil. Argan oil is a rich oil with a runny texture, that will soak up into your hair easier than coconut oil. It can smell funny, so do test different brands and don't give up. I had once a bottle that smelled horrible like goats, the newer one I have smells just nutty. It is a great eye make up remover btw! Just add a few drops on a damp cotton ball and gently press on your lids.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil is just a basic oil that will always be available even if you travel a lot like I do. It is very affordable and a great oil to mix with your favourite conditioners ( 3 tablespoons) and honey (1 tablespoon) for a extra bit of care and shine. It is a very heavy oil that I use best with any rinse out method, I do not use it as a leave in because my hair will not completely soak it up like argan oil.

4. Almond Oil

Almond oil is a light oil with a very nice runnier texture. It is very nice to use on an irritated scalp and a nice prewash oil as well as leave in oil. If your hair does not need a lot of care you can try almond oil if the other oils have been to heavy for your fine hair.

5.Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has the ability to smooth out frizz. It should be a deep rich green colour and has a slightly fruity smell. It a medium to heavy oil that is great if added to your shampoo and conditioner bottles (1 tablespoon per 200 ml bottle). It is very nourishing and nice on atopic skin as well. 

These oils definitely make my top 5! 

If I tell you now what oils I have used and tested over the last years you will think I am crazy :D I will tell you anyways because we all know that I am a bit nuts over oils ^^.

I am doing oil treatments on my hair before every wash so I use up a lot as you can see. I also constantly use them on my ends and as a leave in in between washes.

Oils I have tested so far include : Coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, almond oil, argan oil, sesame oil, hazelnut oil, argan oil, olive oil, avocado oil, rizinus / castor oil, babassu oil, walnut oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, peanut oil.

How are your experiences with hair oils? Next on my list to test are Amla Oils from Khadi :)

Love, Zoey.

Tutorial : Coconutoil and Honey Hairmask

If your hair lacks shine and feels a little bit hard and dry this hair mask is for you. It is one of my favourite treatments. I wanted some more shine for my hair so I added honey as well as my beloved coconut oil. The yoghurt has lots of protein that will give your hair strength. My hair was incredible soft and shiny afterwards, it was so gorgeous that I had to take a pic afterwards. If you never used honey before - don't worry it will not lend to sticky hair - just gorgeous shiny hair. The smell of the honey and coconut-oil is simply amazing yummy! I love to treat my hair with really good ingredients - if you make your own hair products you know exactly what is in there and how good it is for your hair and body compared to the chemical laden alternatives from a drugstore.

How to:

- Melt the Coconut Oil, mix with honey then add the yoghurt

- apply to dry hair and leave for 30 min,   

  rinse out with a mild shampoo and enjoy your shine :)

Hi ihr Lieben!

Meine Haare haben sich in letzter Zeit etwas hart und trocken angefuehlt Zeit fuer eine selbstgemachte Haarmaske. Honig sorgt fuer Glanz, Kokosoel spendet Geschmeidigkeit und naehrt das Haar, die Proteine des Joghurts sorgen für mehr Kraft. Meine Haare waren so so sooo weich danach und haben geglaenzet wie Bolle ^^ Das Resultat seht ihr oben auf dem Bild :) Ich liebe es meine Haarpflege selbst herzustellen - man weiss genau was man verwendet und wie gut es Körper und Haaren dabei geht.

How to:

- Schmelze das Kokosoel und verruehre es mit dem Honig, dann gebe den Joghurt hinzu.

- die trockenen Haare gut damit bedecken und ca. 30 min einwirken lassen, mit einem 

 milden Shampoo auswaschen und am Glanz und der Weichheit erfreuen.  :)

Liebste Gruesse, 

Louisa <3