Thursday, 8 August 2024


As a girlie who's always keeping an eye out for effective, ethical beauty switches, I was intrigued when I came across Feel's Pro Collagen Gels. Feel is a female wellness brand who specialise in science-backed and vegan supplements. I’ve known about their collagen range for a while and have always been intrigued, so when the brand reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in trying them in exchange for a review, I thought, why not? This supplement promises to deliver all the benefits of collagen without any animal-derived ingredients. After giving it a try for two months, I'm ready to share my thoughts. Read on for a full review and a cheeky discount code!

What is ‘vegan collagen’? 

First off, let's talk about how someone who follows a plant-based diet like myself can consume collagen. Unlike traditional collagen supplements from marine or bovine sources (AKA from fish or cow), Feel's formula is entirely vegan.

Now, I’m no chemist, but essentially, their formula is designed to replicate human Type I collagen. Collagen is a protein made from amino acids, and the Feel Collagen Pro formula contains all 18 amino acids found in our bodies. This is especially great as getting all my amino acids in is really important for me as a plant-based girl.

The standout feature of their formula is its absorption rate. Feel claims their collagen absorbs 4 times better than animal-based alternatives, which is pretty impressive. This is thanks to its incredibly small molecule size. In practical terms, this means 1 gram of Feel Pro Collagen is equivalent to 4 grams of animal or marine collagen. For those of us conscious about both efficacy and ethics, this is a big win. It also shows that vegan products can often be just as effective, if not more effective, than the non-vegan version!


Does it actually work? 

So, Feel’s clinical studies found that users saw a 32.9% reduction in their fine lines and wrinkles over 28 days. The gels are said to increase collagen production by 135% and double it after just two days. This is because they contain fancy "inductors" helping to boost collagen production to this level in the form of Gotu Kola, Ginseng, and Vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin E which tend to be beneficial for skin, hair and nails.

Whilst I’m not of the age range that has prominent wrinkles yet, and I can't personally verify the exact percentages, I have noticed some changes…


My results 

As mentioned, the three key areas collagen is said to help with is hair, skin & nails. After two months of daily use, the most noticeable difference for me has been in my nails. They feel stronger and seem less prone to tearing. Even when the mood strikes me and I feel the need to try to stress-bite my nails off, they’ve remained intact. Too strong for my own teeth!

As for my skin, it’s currently clear and less inflamed, although at my age (20s), it's harder to gauge improvements in elasticity. My skin also feels pretty hydrated, which is something I usually struggle to maintain over the summer months as it gets hotter in the UK. I'm very curious to see what longer-term use might reveal - especially when we head into colder months later in the year.

Around the time of starting the supplements, I actually had a balayage treatment done on my hair (AKA bleach to the ends to lighten and add body). My hair type is straight, fine and dehydrated, which means bleaching my hair really exacerbates these issues. I’ve noticed my hair significantly retains shine compared to previous times I’ve had a balayage treatment, suggesting it’s in a healthier state than before.


The taste & packaging

Let's talk about the practical aspects. The gels come in individual sachets, making them super convenient for travel or on-the-go use. You can choose between watermelon or cherry flavour, I went for watermelon. Taste-wise, they're... okay. Let's be honest, collagen supplements aren't known for their delicious flavour! But these are definitely tolerable and much better than some others I've tried and at least there’s no nasty fishy aftertaste that marine collagen is known for. I take mine followed by a big glass of water to make sure I’m getting my daily water in as well.

One thing I do appreciate about Feel is that their packaging is 100% plastic-free and recyclable. Plus, the product is vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, non-GMO, and free from all 14 major allergens. For those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions, this is a huge plus.

It's also worth noting that Feel offers flexible delivery options with no long-term commitment, which is good if you wanted to try it out without feeling locked in to a long subscription. They recommend using it for at least 90 days to see noticeable results, so keep that in mind when considering making a purchase.




Final thoughts ↓
Overall, while it's hard to definitively prove all of Feel's claims without extensive testing, my experience with Pro Collagen Gels has been largely positive. The convenience, ethical production, and early signs of effectiveness make it a pretty compelling option in the world of collagen supplements.

These could definitely be worth the switch if you already take collagen supplements and want to opt for a more ethical, but just as effective option. Or if you’re new to the world of collagen products, I would recommend trying the Feel Pro Collagen Gels over traditional collagen products. Just remember, as with any supplement, it's best used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

You can shop Feel Pro Collagen Gels hereYou can use code PARTNER20 for 20% site wide too (excluding bundles).


If you do try these, please let me know how you get on as I’d love to hear :) 

DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by Feel. All opinions are my own (as always!)

Tuesday, 16 April 2024


As a longtime beauty lover and content creator, I'm always on the hunt for new brands and products that can simplify and streamline my routine. So when I heard about the minimalist capsule brand Merit Beauty, I knew I had to give them a try. I recently filmed a YouTube video where I tested out a range of products from their collection, and I'm excited to share my honest thoughts and favourites with you all today.

Merit's approach is all about a "less is more" philosophy, focusing on high-quality, multi-tasking essentials to create a flawless, natural-looking makeup look. The brand sent over their Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, No.1 Blending Brush, and Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick in Bisque. I tried these three and was so impressed I then placed and order for their Signature Lip in Millennial, Bronzer Balm in Siene, Flush Balm in Stockholm, Daylight Highlighter Balm in Cava, Solo Shadow in Vachetta, and their Clean Lash Perfect Black Mascara.

Of all the products, I have to say the Clean Lash Perfect Black Mascara, Great Skin Instant Glow Serum and the No.1 Blending Brush were definite standouts for me. The serum gives such a beautiful, healthy-looking glow to the skin without feeling heavy or greasy on my normal, dehydrated skin, and the brush makes blending cream and liquid products a total breeze. It works really well with cream products from other brands too. I also really loved the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick - it offers light, buildable coverage that blends seamlessly with the serum. That said, I'm not sure how well it'll work for dry skin. 

A few products didn't quite hit the mark for me, though. I found the the Bronzer Balm in Siene was a huge let down. It is really lightweight on the skin and blends well - but almost TOO well. It blends into nothing on my skin and takes a long time to build up. The formula is similar to the Flush Balm which I also think is a waste of time due to the lack of pigment. 

Overall, I am still really impressed with the quality and performance of most of the Merit Beauty products I tried. The brand's focus on essential makeup staples is really refreshing, and I can see their products becoming a staple in my routine. If you're looking to streamline and simplify your beauty routine, I'd definitely recommend checking out Merit Beauty - just make sure you watch a lot of reviews first to make sure the products will work for your tastes. You could start with my full review video here.

Tuesday, 27 February 2024




It brings me such joy that veganism is continuing to gain popularity across the UK. It brings me even more joy that London's cafe scene is full of plant-based options these days to make a vegan lifestyle even easier. It's so important to support vegan options wherever we see them and support small businesses when possible - so whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply want to reduce your meat intake, here are some exceptional vegan-friendly cafes across London have delicious animal-free options worth trying in 2024.




Silverberry | Hampstead, North West London

Hampstead is one of the most beautiful areas of London and the *perfect* place to window-shop for the dream house. Nestled near Hampstead Heath overground station, Silverberry Cafe is a must-visit spot. This is a relaxed cafe that serves great coffee and has a really lovely team. If you go, you definitely have to try their signature vegan banana and blueberry bread – it's a work of art! The perfect balance of vanilla & fruit, with a cake-bread texture. 

They've also got outdoor seating for a weekend brunch if you fancy some fuel before exploring the natural beauty of Hampstead Heath.































WAVE | Hackney & Stoke Newington, North East London

For an exclusively vegan experience, I recommend heading  to WAVE Cafe in Hackney or Stoke Newington. I am very passionate about supporting businesses that commit to making their entire offering vegan-friendly - but these guys are also quite adventurous with their menus.

Their 100% plant-based menu features nutritious breakfast bowls, bac'n and vanilla pancakes, tu'nah focaccia sandwiches and more. They also offer baked goodies like muffins, brownies and croissants. The vibe inside has a really chilled, Aussie feel.




Cafe Van Gogh | Brixton Road, South London

On Brixton Road, South London, Cafe Van Gogh is a pioneering 100% vegan community cafe and non-profit social enterprise. With a focus on ethical practices, they provide employment opportunities for marginalised groups and use fully compostable packaging for any takeaway options. 

They have various options on all-vegan daytime or evening menus, including Sunday roasts (with vegan Yorkshire puddings!).



























































British Patagonia | Islington, North London

For a quick coffee and pastry, check out British Patagonia in Islington's bustling Upper Street. The coffee is good and they have periodical vegan pastries and other options - you may have seen them on your social media feeds this summer as they were serving highly-coveted vegan croissant cones filled with dairy-free soft serve ice cream. 


With veganism continually on the rise in London and beyond, I love to see the city's cafes continue to innovate with animal-free menus. I'll keep updating this list as and when I come across more great vegan-friendly eateries in London. It doesn't matter if your diet is fully vegan or not, these are all great options for delicious and ethical dining. 

Follow me on Instagram for regular London cafe reviews and the inside scoop on new vegan dishes being launched in 2024 and beyond!

Thursday, 22 February 2024


MUA Cosmetics have just launched their new Hydra Juice Peptide Lip Balms, with a colour range that is somewhat similar to the cult favourite Rhode skincare lip tints. I would say these are a much more affordable dupe for Rhode in terms of the colour options - but the formula is actually better. I was able to get my hands on the full range of MUA's new lip balms and put them to the test. 

Keep reading for my full review and comparison to MUA's Hydra Juice Lip Balms to Rhode's lip tints.


Price Point
MUA's Hydra Juice Lip Balms retail for £2 each which is an amazing price point! To compare, Rhode's lip tints are £16 each. That's over £14 in savings for what I found to be a comparable, if not better, formula. The MUA balms are available on their website here and I would assume also coming soon to Superdrug stores.

Product Performance
Now, I've tried a LOT of lip balms in my time. Some amazing, some not so much. It's also worth noting that vegan lip balms are usually not as good as non-vegan lip balms because so many non-vegan ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin make for a great thick lip balm formula. 

That said, the Hydra Juice Balms provide really good lasting hydration with a soft tint to lips. They last a good 30-60 minutes on my lips, which is much longer than any other lip balm I've used. And like I say, I've tried a LOT. They contain a three amino acid peptide complexes to nourish lips over time. The shades range from a deep cherry tone to soft neutrals. Each balm also has a corresponding scent, which I find light and not overpowering. 





MUA vs Rhode
After testing both formulas extensively, here's how the MUA Hydra Juice Lip Balms compared to the Rhode lip tints:


  • Smoother, less grainy texture
  • Longer lasting tint, up to 1 hour per application. Don't need to reapply often.
  • More hydrating, leaves lips soft
  • Shades Heartfelt Hun and Caramel Glaze similar to Rhode's Toast
  • Shade Watermelon Sorbet (why didn't they call this one Watermelon Sugar??) is similar to Ribbon
  • Slightly less pigmented than Rhode, subtle tint
  • Light fruity scent vs Rhode's unscented lip tints
  • They are nicer scents compared to Rhode's scented lip treatments too as they are more subtle
  • £14 cheaper than Rhode! A huge plus point considering how often I use lip balm.

The MUA balms deliver on hydration and a natural, luminous tint for lips. The formula glides on smoothly without any grittiness. The tint lasts a solid hour before needing reapplication. And the balms leave lips noticeably softer.

Shade Range
These tints are super subtle - slightly more subtle than Rhode - with the most pigmented being the darkest berry shade, Cherry Kiss. There's not much difference between the nude/pink shades. I love the subtlety of the tints because I think they would suit so many different skin tones. My favourite MUA shades are Heartfelt Hun, a warm nude, and Watermelon Sorbet, a neutral pink. Heartfelt Hun is very similar to Rhode's Toast shade.


The full lineup includes:
  • Cherry Kiss: Deep black cherry with black cherry scent
  • Heartfelt Hun: Warm nude with a vegan honey scent
  • Caramel Glaze: Nude with a caramel scent 
  • Coconut Sugar: Clear with coconut scent
  • Watermelon Sorbet: Neutral pink with watermelon scent
  • Berry Bliss: Pinky red

It's also worth noting that I much prefer the Hydra Juice lip balm scents than Rhode's scented lip treatments (Salted Caramel, Vanilla etc) because they are much more subtle and you can't taste them. The Rhode scented balms smell really synthetic to me. The MUA Cosmetics balms, by contrast, are not sickly or synthetic in scent or taste. (Side note: I really adore Rhode's skincare! You can probably tell that I'm not as big of a fan of the lip balms but their Glazing Milk & Glazing Fluid I use everyday. See here for my review of the full line).


Final Thoughts
I'm genuinely so impressed with MUA's new Hydra Juice Lip Balms. They provide hydration, a smooth and subtle tint, and truly lovely lip care. If you love the look of a Rhode lip but not the price tag, these MUA's balms are a fantastic and affordable alternative. I highly recommend giving these new lip balms a try - your lips will thank you - and then you can thank me.


Have you tried the MUA Hydra Juice Lip Balms yet? Let me know your thoughts if so!

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