Thursday, 31 July 2025
ad | One thing about me is that when I find a brand I truly align with ethically, I’m loyal as heck. That’s exactly how I feel about Tropic: a brand I’ve used for years and still reach for everyday. They tick every box: vegan, cruelty-free, female-founded, carbon neutral... all the good things 🎀
I think I first discovered Tropic in 2015 - I had just gone cruelty free with my cosmetics and plant based with my diet. I was immediately drawn to their ethos - sustainability without greenwashing, formulas that feel luxurious but gentle, and genuinely fab skincare and makeup.
So, whether you’re new to Tropic, or you've been watching a while and you've already heard me bang on about much I love their products, let's go through rundown of the products I genuinely love and recommend - complete with honest mini reviews and my top picks ↓
✨ Tamanu Balm: The Unsung Hero Your Skin Needs
If I had to choose one Tropic product to take to a desert island, this would be it. Tamanu Balm is what I’d call a skin saviour. It’s soothing, multipurpose, and truly underrated.
Whether you’ve got dry patches, irritated skin, healing scabs, or even minor cuts, this balm works like magic. I’ve used it on everything from chapped elbows to grazes on my knees (clumsy girl probs x) and it noticeably speeds up healing.
Tamanu oil itself originates from Polynesia and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regenerative properties - so it’s no surprise it works wonders. Honestly, this should be in every first aid kit. Not just a skincare item, but a household essential.
^Use sparingly - it’s rich and a little goes a long way. One pot lasts me ages!
🎀 Lipsticks I Wear on Repeat: Peony Pop, Go Go Goji & Wild Watermelon
Tropic’s lipsticks are chef’s kiss. I’ve tried a lot of natural or vegan lipsticks in the past, and they often fall short when it comes to pigment or texture. Not these.
Peony Pop is my go-to for a soft everyday, neutral pink.
Go Go Goji is a juicy coral with real personality. Super flattering & fab for summer - some corals make your teeth look yellow... not this one
Wild Watermelon takes the crown as the summer shade — fun, fruity, and uplifting 🍉🍉🍉
They’re comfortable to wear and non-drying <3.
Pair with the Line Up Lip Pencil in ‘Flirt’ for extra definition and staying power.
✨ Liquid Radiance Foundation & Velvet Beauty Cushion
I have combination skin that’s also quite sensitive - so foundation can be tricky for me. Tropic’s Liquid Radiance Adaptogen Serum Foundation is one of the few I’ve stuck with over time. It has a skin-like finish (not matte, not dewy), blends beautifully, and doesn’t cling to dry patches or aggravate breakouts.
The Velvet Beauty Cushion is a reallllyyyy soft applicator sponge that doesn't absorb much product at all. The travel case means it's good for on the go too. Together, they create the kind of finish that just looks like healthy, happy skin.
🎀 The So Sleepy Range. The Pillow Mist of Dreams 🌙
Best pillow mist EVER. I've been saying it since I first tried it back in 2017 - and I’ve tried a fair few. It’s got a calming blend of lavender, chamomile and frankincense, and I swear it helps me fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
It feels like a little moment of self-care every time I spritz it onto my pillow or duvet. It also makes a gorgeous gift 0 especially when paired with the So Sleepy Temple Balm, which you dab on your wrists and temples before bed.
✨ Hydrogel Sheet Masks – Pop in the Fridge!
Skincare and self-care in one. Their Hydrogel Sheet Masks are soothing, cooling, and leave your skin feeling plump and calm. They’re especially lovely after a sunny day or a stressful week.
I keep mine in the fridge and it takes the experience to another level — the coolness helps de-puff and refresh the skin instantly.
They're also biodegradable and compostable, which is another reason to love them!
Definitely use one before an event or night out to give your skin a boost — makeup goes on like a dream afterwards. If I get married one day....... I'll be wearing this the night & morning of.
🎀 Comfort Food Face Mask – An Old Favourite
The name says it all: this is comfort in a tube. Their Comfort Food Deep Hydration Mask is a rich, creamy formula that soothes and nourishes parched skin - especially in summer when time in the sun can leave your skin dehydrated.
I reach for this whenever my skin feels tight, tired or in need of a reset. You only need 10-15 minutes and it leaves your skin looking soft, calm and glowy.
It’s also great for travel — especially if you’ve been flying or changing climates.
✨ Fresh Waves Moisturiser – Perfect Under Makeup
A new-ish favourite that quickly earned holy grail status. Tropic’s Fresh Waves Moisturiser is lightweight, cooling, and sits perfectly under makeup.
It’s one of those rare moisturisers that hydrates without leaving a film or making your base slide off. Bonus points: it’s a dreamy baby blue colour 🩵 and looks so cute on your shelf.
It also contains hyaluronic acid and blue algae extract, which help plump and soothe the skin. Great if you’re prone to redness or irritation.
🎀 Lip Glaze in Candy Pop – My Favourite Gloss
I’ll be honest - I’m fussy about lip gloss. I want shine, but not stickiness. A good scent, but not artificial. I don't want to taste the scent. And something that lasts without drying my lips out or leaving a weird ring around the edge.
Candy Pop ticks every box. It’s the perfect pink — glossy but natural, wearable for day or night, and it smells like sweeties 🍬 (in the best way).
It’s one of the glosses I actually use up and re-buy. That’s when you know it’s good!
Watch my favourites on my face here.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything featured above, all vegan and cruelty-free, of course!
ᰔ Hydrogel Sheet Masks
ᰔ Fresh Waves Moisturiser
ᰔ Liquid Radiance Adaptogen Foundation Serum in Shade 3
ᰔ Velvet Cushion Foundation
ᰔ Undercover Concealer in Shade 2
ᰔ Lift + Sculpt Palette – refillable with my chosen shades
ᰔ Eco Artist Brushes – Precision & Expert Blending Brush
ᰔ Line Up Lip Pencil in Flirt
ᰔ Kiss Me Quick Lipstick in Go Go Goji
ᰔ Lip Glaze in Velvet Peach
All available at Tropicskincare.com
So there we go! A lot of love for Tropic - they've been leading the way in ethical, sustainable beauty without compromising on quality or aesthetic :)
If you’re looking to switch to more ethical beauty brands - or if you just want products that feel good + do good - I couldn’t recommend Tropic more.
I hope this post helps you find some new bits to try - let me know if you have any questions about the range or any favs of your own to share 💌
Becks x
AD – This post is part of a paid partnership with Tropic - all views are my own (as always!)
Tuesday, 16 April 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Monday, 4 January 2021
2. L'Oreal Glow Mon Amis Drops Dupe (or any liquid highlighter!) = MUA Light Lustre Drops
These MUA Light Lustre drops are hands-down one of my favourite highlighter products ever - they sit amazingly on the skin & look really natural. You can add the drops to your foundation for a natural glow too. Plus, they're amazing value for money! £4 for 30ml. Winner winner chicken dinner.
3. Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Highlighter Dupe = Makeup Revolution Reloaded Highlighter
Retailing at £3, this is a brilliant budget buy and comes 8 different shades to suit a variety of skin tones. It swatches really well, very smooth and works well as an eyeshadow too. Also - peep that same embossing... I smell a carbon copy... for 1/10th of the price...
4. Tom Ford Glow Drops Dupes = Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
If you prefer a highlighter with a tinted base colour, you could always use the Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops, which have a rich bronze, metallic tint to them.
Both are matched on price-point as well at £30 each.
5. Mac Strobe Cream Dupe = NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator
MAC are unfortunately not cruelty free. Whilst NYX do have a parent company who are not cruelty-free, they are cruelty-free as a brand and have quite a few vegan options. This liquid illuminator from their Born To Glow range is a pretty similar dupe for MAC's Strobe Cream and works just as well. It's also a lot more affordable!
6. Nars Multiple Dupe = Hourglass Flash Highlighter Stick
The Hourglass Flash Highlighter is a really beautiful stick highlighter and comes in a range of shades. Hourglass are owned by Unilever now, but they are cruelty free themselves and have loads of vegan products (they were supposed to be completely vegan by 2020, but I'm not sure if there's been an update on this).
7. RMS Beauty Living Luminizer Dupe = Kora Organics Luminizer
8, 9 & 10:
Some of my favourite vegan powder highlighters may not be direct swaps for non-cruelty free versions, but I figured they're worth mentioning anyway!
Jouer Cosmetics Powder Highlighter
One of my all time favs - it's so soft and smooth. Be careful when travelling because it's such a soft formulation, it is prone to smashing in transit!
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Highlighter
Thanks for reading!
Friday, 1 May 2020
Above we've got the Inika Baked Mineral Illuminisor - this one isn't my fav as it's kind of chunky & the glitters are very obvious on the skin. Thought I'd mention it though as it's £33 (!!!!!!!) and I wouldn't want you to waste your money when there are better alternatives out there! Has a slight rose-tone to it, so might work for a blush topper if you're a fan of glitter.
Another pricey purchase, this is the Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter in the shade Nova. It's described as a soft gold, which I can agree it certainly is. It mixes with foundation, can be used as a primer or on its own. It's pretty sheer though - it's no way near as intense as the Charlotte Tilbury Spotlight Wand. It's supposed to be skincare + highlighter in one. Glycerin is high up the ingredients list, which could maybe explain it's gel-like texture. Overall, I like it, but is it worth £38? Jury's out.
Monday, 27 April 2020
April is up! Over! Done! Dusted!
Sunday, 19 January 2020
Thursday, 17 October 2019
Monday, 10 June 2019
Tuesday, 28 May 2019
Dr Bronner's are a brand that I've been aware of for a while now. Famed for their cult-classic Pure Castile Liquid Soaps, a multi-purpose cleaner for face, body, hair, home, food and more, they also make a handful of other cosmetic/cleaning products - one of which being this All-In-One Toothpaste. They kindly sent this over to me in honour of World Oral Health Day & here is what I liked and didn't like about it.
Brand Background
Depending on where you order it from, this toothpaste is around the £7-£10 mark. This is a similar price to many other natural toothpastes on the market, if not ever-so-slightly higher.
Ingredients
This toothpaste contains 70% organic ingredients. It does not contain fluoride. It comes in 3 variations - Anise, Cinnamon & Peppermint - the flavour I am testing. The full ingredients list for the Peppermint toothpaste is as follows...
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil , Organic Mentha Arvensis (Methol) Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem Extract.
* = Certified Fair Trade Ingredient.
Use
This toothpaste is quite sweet compared to the natural toothpastes I've tried before, but the taste isn't unpleasant. It foams nicely (not as much lather as a conventional toothpaste but this is pretty typical of natural formulas) and leaves teeth feeling really clean. It feels very gentle as the abrasive particles in it are very fine. The scent is also gentle but leaves the breath subtly fresh.
Final Verdict
Like I say, it cleans the teeth well & leaves your mouth feeling fresh. I think that it's a brilliant option if you're after a fluoride-free natural toothpaste. It cleans a lot better than other toothpastes I've tried that have coconut oil in them - plus coconut oil has been famed for the dental health properties it can bring to your oral health routine. If you're after a toothpaste that has fluoride in, you'll have to look elsewhere as all 3 flavours are without fluoride added. But for the fluoride-free folks, this is a good option! You can shop the range here.
Thursday, 23 May 2019
Friday, 19 April 2019
I actually had no idea that Bondi Sands were cruelty free with vegan options up until recently! I love watching the YouTubers Sophia & Cinzia who are really into their fake tanning & they talk about this range all the time. Despite hearing good things about the Aussie brand, I hadn't twigged that Bondi Sands are cruelty free - but after some research & seeing that the lovely Vegan By Nicole lists them as a cruelty free brand on her blog, I was very intrigued to try their tanning products out (she knows her stuff!).
I'm naturally super duper pale and I usually use the Superdrug own-brand cheap-as-chips gradual tan which I love because it leaves your skin really soft and (obviously) with a tanned glow. However, I was kindly gifted this Bondi Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk to review, so here I am with my thoughts. How does this one compare?
Monday, 15 April 2019
However, up until now I had only been lusting over their skincare bits, but I'm os chuffed to say that they have just revamped their makeup line! I was kindly invited along to have a little peak at the range last week, picking up a couple of things that I thought I'd give you my initial impressions on. I'm planning on then following up with a review & demo video one I've tested them out properly and finalised my opinions on them!
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
In today's world, opting for cruelty free choices in beauty has never been easier. I'm so pleased to see more people switching to cruelty-free and vegan makeup and beauty products with an increasing awareness of animal welfare and testing. And the best part? Finding affordable, accessible and really good quality options has become a breeze. I've been doing it for over 8 years now, so let me share just how easy it is to embrace cruelty-free and vegan beauty.
The Rise of Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty
The beauty industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Thanks to growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products, lots of brands have responded by offering a wide range of cruelty-free and vegan options. Now, I'll be honest, I am really not bothered by the fact that many brands have only been guided towards better ethics by where the market is going (i.e. their decision to go cruelty free has been in the pursuit of profit), because the end result is the same: less animal testing taking place.
Affordability Meets Ethics
One common misconception when I first went cruelty-free with my cosmetics is that cruelty-free and vegan beauty products are expensive. Now, lots of brands will market their vegan offering as 'green' 'clean' 'vegan' 'non-toxic' and triple the price tag (my personal gripe with these other buzz words is a story for another day), but this is definitely not always the case. Many budget-friendly brands have embraced ethical principles, or they've always been cruelty free, making it possible to enjoy high-quality, guilt-free cosmetics without breaking the bank.
How to Shop Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty
If you're new around here, this is where I suggest you start:
- Research Brands: Start by researching brands that are committed to cruelty-free and vegan practices. Go to a shelf in your local drugstore or pharmacy and look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free logo on product packaging. Bear in mind that recognisable certifications are much more reputable than a random bunny outline because it guarantees regular audits are done on a brands supply chain. There is no legal definition of cruelty free, so a brand that isn't cruelty free will try to dupe you into thinking they are... but before you get too confused, this is where blogs like mine can help.
- Read Labels: Lots of brands are getting better at disclosing 'VEGAN' on their vegan products, but it helps to familiarise yourself with ingredient lists and the frequently used non-vegan ingredients like lanolin, carmine, or beeswax. This way you can avoid products containing animal-derived ingredients and opt for those with plant-based alternatives.
- Online Resources: Social media is a huge help and are fantastic resources for learning about cruelty-free and vegan beauty. Follow creators and bloggers who specialise in ethical beauty for product recommendations.
Follow me!
Like I say, I've been doing this for years now and my social media platforms are prime destinations for all things cruelty-free and vegan beauty, so feel free to follow along and shoot me a message for any particular recommendations or requests. I'm on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Wednesday, 14 November 2018
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