Hello my lovelies!
Hope you are all well.
One thing I have learnt in the past few years is to make sure I practice self-care. Now this can be a variation of different things; baths, face masks, walks, listening to music, watching something funny, asking for help. What works for me might not work for you, so just spend time trying out what works.
One thing I personally find helpful, is to have a nice bath. I find it relaxing; it puts things back into perspective and helps gather myself to just being. I prefer whatever products I use to do their job, smell amazing and be as natural as possible and cruelty free. So, when I discovered Bramley Products at the beginning of lockdown, I just had to try them!
Founded by Chloe Luxton, who previously worked at Cowshed, Bramley was launched when The Beckford Arms in Wiltshire, owned by her husband, was looking for some products to use in guest bathrooms which, ultimately, went down a storm and Bramley as we know it was born.
What I love about this brand, is its dedication to and the celebration of the British Countryside and it has been approved under the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny programme. Not only does the name sound quintessentially British, but it has a commitment to nature and sustainability. Fabulous!
They are honest enough to admit that they are not perfect when it comes to sustainability. But who is right now? It is a refreshing step in the right direction and one I think should be embraced. The more we show our flaws but also our willingness to change and improve, the more we would make a big difference in the amount of people making sustainable alternatives.
Packaging is one of the biggest challenges we face. At the end of the day plastic was chosen because it is so good at what we want it to do, and it lasts a long time. Success can be a double-edged sword. At Bramley, any plastic that is used (quite a lot of the products are available in glass jars) is 100% recyclable plus it is a biopolymer, meaning that sugarcane is used in its production rather than fossil fuels (which we should be trying to avoid like the plague). Plus, if you buy the larger 5L and 20L refill bottles, these can be sent back and recycled.
Packaging is made of paper, and the tissue can be coloured in – something to entertain you or any kids, and on more delicate products biodegradable bubble wrap is used – simply pop it in the compost.
The company’s love of nature and the environment follows through into its products; none contain sulphates, parabens, microbeads or artificial colours and fragrances. For a full list click here.
It is a relief to see that, although all products cannot be labelled ‘Palm Oil Free’ as I would prefer, it only uses manufacturers that are members of the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil), when such compounds are needed.
I purchased the ‘Mini Starter Pack’ which retails for £18.00. This pack includes 50ml of 5 products packaged in ‘biopolymer plastic bottles made with sustainable sugar cane.’
- Body Wash
- Bubble Bath
- Body Lotion
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
With a really good selection of products, this kit gives you a chance to get to know the different products and establish your favourites (you’re spoilt for choice). My favourites are the body wash, bubble bath and body lotion.
The body lotion contains Juniper, Sweet Orange and Bergamot essential oils it’s really fresh and zingy. Very spa like. The bubble bath smells gorgeous, and does produce quite a few bubbles – it doesn’t just scent the water.
The shampoo is really nice, lathers up quite nicely and the zingy scent would be great for morning showers to help wake you up! The conditioner does work, but I have to apply quite a lot of it, but I guess it depends on your hair type as well.
I am really looking forward to trying the hand wash and hand cream as well. Goodness knows how dry my hands are from all the hand washing during lockdown.
But if yourself or someone you know, loves skincare, but prefers natural, sustainable and cruelty free brands, I could not recommend this enough. They smell divine!
I hope you found this useful. Any product would make a really lovely gift for someone or a treat for yourself, and they are not extortionately priced either (win win). They even offer products for younger kiddies and even dogs! Some of the products such as the room spray and body lotion have charities affiliated with them. For everyone of these products bought, Bramley donates £1 to Plantlife to help protect native species of plants.
Let me know what you would like to purchase from this brand. Why not make a care package for someone you know who is a key worker at this difficult time?
Charlotte xoxo
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