Founded by the lovely Viola in 2014, Lani is a vegan friendly natural beauty brand that creates tropical inspired formulas that don't cost the earth (or your month's rent!). Each of their products is 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty free, and also uses organic and food grade ingredients to ensure the highest quality and most skin friendly creations. Plus, their glass packaging is so stunning, making this an eco collection that encompasses both the nontoxic wonders provided by nature and a super flashy and trendy looking style that captures the eye and draws people in. It's Instagrammable AND planet friendly!

In fact, this is part of what caught my at the very start. I'm a sucker for bright colours when it comes to design, so when I first saw the gorgeous bold yellows and blues featured on So Natural Beauty's page, I had to find out more. I was totally entranced! I quickly discovered how clean the ingredients were and began to read more about the ethos of the brand, and what I found was so in line with what I'm all about I knew I had to give Lani a go. Plus, I knew these were products you beauties would love to learn about.

And once I learned they were handmade in Nottingham, there was no way I could pass up a chance to try out their skincare treats – Beeston was the first place I lived in after my move to the UK, and will always hold a special place in my heart (despite how grey the skies always seemed to be!).

Lani currently offers eight green goodies: a hair treatment, a cleanser, two serums, two masks, an exfoliant, and a body oil. And you can be sure each is free from synthetic fragrances, silicones, mineral oils, and parabens. 5% of profits from sales of these items is donated to eleven charities, including animal sanctuaries and animal charities – this makes purchasing from Lani feel all the more special, as you are preserving the health of both you and the environment while also helping make a real difference to fur babies across the country.

Meet the Lani family:

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Tropical Cacao Detox Mask:

Get ready to be blown away by the most scrummy face mask you've ever met, because the Tropical Cacao Detox Mask from Lani is seriously YUM.  This detoxifying treatment is truly delectable, as it smells and feels just like whipped melted chocolate.  Airy, light, and totally luscious both in scent and feel, this face mask is such a treat for your skin and senses.

"Anti-oxidant rich raw cacao, creamy coconut milk and hydrating coconut water work to nourish and revitalise tired skin. Cleansing Australian clays deep clean pores, absorb excess oil and draw out toxins, while powerful anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera, healing turmeric and vitamin C tone and brighten the skin."

First a powder that is a light cocoa shade, then a nice, fluffy texture reminiscent of chocolate mousse, this mask is seriously next level skincare.  It takes on an incredibly rich mahogany when activated, and if you rinse it off in the bath (like I like to do - pure luxury and relaxation!) it transforms the water into a beautiful rosy colour!

It applies so smoothly, and is non-drying on the face unlike many other clay masks.  I never feel like my skin is tight or irritated after use - if anything my skin feels more hydrated and radiant!  After washing off the mousse, my face always feels so clean and smooth.  That's because the formula works to deep clean pores, absorb excess oils, calm blemishes, and increase collagen production.  This is such an effective and gentle mask, and it makes such a difference.

I never imagined a skincare product could be this gorgeous - it is stunning in every way, from the amazing chocolate notes to the striking shade, and it makes my skin look and feel so good.  And a big bonus?  It doesn't break me out at all!  For a detoxifying mask, that's a big deal, as often I get little spots drawn out the next morning.  If you're looking for a face mask, this is definitely one to put on your wishlist and try, as it is so so so moreish.

Ingredients: Kaolin (Pastel Pink Australian Clay); Smectite (Beige Australian Clay); Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder; Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Powder*; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C); Sodium Bicarbonate; Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*; Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera) Powder*; Curcuma Longa (Turmeric)*    *Organic ingredient

Tropical Hair Treatment:

If your hair is dry or lacklustre, this hair treatment is just what you need!  Lani's tropical fusion of coconut oil, camellia seed oil, kukui nut oil, and macadamia nut oil makes for major beach vibes and works to protect hair from all life throws at it.

Over-worked locks are strengthened, moisture and shine are replenished and each strand is enveloped in a protective veil that helps ward against styling damages. It leaves your hair incredibly shiny, smooth and full of bounce from the first use. [...] It’s so good, you’ll wish you tried it sooner!

The first thing you'll notice about the Tropical Hair Treatment when you untwist the cap is that it smells so delightful.  It's a full coconut blast, with sweet and nutty undertones and a total summer sensation.  Honestly, if my scalp wasn't as fussy as it is I would douse my head in this stuff every single day!

You can use this in so many different ways - as a leave in overnight mask, a frizz solution, a pre-shampoo treatment, a wash out hair oil, a hair serum...  Whatever your hair's needs, this will help you address it!

Unfortunately, since coconut oil breaks me out I have to be careful not to get it near my skin.  That means I tend to only use this on my ends or as a pre-shampoo treatment to help keep my hair from drying out.  Because let me tell you, my hair is a right mess lately.  Stress has led to my hair being incredibly brittle, prone to splitting overnight, tangling and knotting often...  It's incredibly frustrating.  Which is why the Tropical Hair Treatment was such a welcome addition into my routine.  Since starting using this, I have noticed my hair at least looks healthy even if it doesn't always feel that way.

My favourite thing about Lani's Tropical Hair Treament is how my hair retains the smell all day long, even after I have rinsed my locks.  I adore the smell of coconut, and catching a whiff of it while going about my day to day is such a lovely experience.  It's like I take all the great things about summer around with me whenever I use this oil!  And if there's anything I want, it is to have a little piece of sunshine everywhere I go.

Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) seed oil; Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) oil*; Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) nut oil; Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) nut oil     *Organic ingredient

Tropical Super Serum:

Love jasmine? Then you'll love this award winning facial elixir from Lani!

The Tropical Super Serum is a nutrient rich blend of oils, including watermelon seed, marula, camellia, passion fruit, and jojoba, plus blooming jasmine which adds a calming aspect to an otherwise tropical sensation. This divine formula works to enhance elasticity, luminize, create a protective barrier that can lock in moisture, balance the natural oils, and keep skin looking plump and healthy, all in just a few drops.

The serum is pretty light, both in colour and in feel.  In fact, the oils are so delicate that the shade is just the faintest yellow, almost fully transparent.  The consistency makes it a great option for daytime use, but don't let it fool you.  The Tropical Super Serum still packs a powerful punch. I only need to use two drops or so and my skin feels so silky soft and totally nourished. 

Lani's elixir sinks in nicely, though I do find sometimes it sits on the top of my skin and I have to blot a bit off – I'm honestly not sure what affects this, as some days it is perfectly fine and others it's just a bit too much. Sometimes I do find my fussy skin frustrating, but c'est la vie! For Tim, however, this isn't the case, as his face always drinks up oils and serums and is always the better for it no matter how much you use.

Both of us have noticed a lovely glow about our complexions though since introducing Lani's serum into our routine. My skin has been less oily about the t-zone, and Tim's has been so radiant and smoothe – and we've both been enjoying the calming benefits this brings.  You lovelies know how much I appreciate an aromatherapeutic product, and this serum totally fits the bill.  From the first moment you twist it open and begin to pull out the dropper you are carried away by the aromatic notes of semi-sweet and heady jasmine.  It's so good for those chaotic times in life, or for reducing tension when you know you have a busy day ahead of you.  Sometimes I just open the bottle to sniff!

Want to make the absolute most of your experience with the Tropical Super Serum?  Take a moment to breathe in the oil before and after applying.  Just close your eyes, let the fragrant notes wash over you, feel the stress leave your body (even if it's just for that moment), and then continue on with your skincare routine.  Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Ingredients: Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Seed Oil; Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil; Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*; Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil; Passiflora Incarnata (Passionfruit) Seed Oil; Tocopherol (Vitamin E); Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Oil; Linalool**;    *Organic ingredient    **Naturally occuring in essential oils

Tropical Coconut Face Polish:

Ever wish for a facial exfoliant that was so gentle it didn't feel gritty at all? Well, this is your answer! Lani's Tropical Coconut Face Polish is a creamy and oh so dreamy treatment that works to polish the skin without causing any irritation, restore softness to dry patches, target blocked pores, and leave your face smooth without feeling stripped!

The formula is surprisingly nourishing for what essentially starts out as a powder. When you add water it transforms into a paste that you can then apply all over your face – just massage lightly and feel as it starts its magic! Coconut milk and coconut water provide both a moisture boost and a dose of hydration, and rice powder works to remove dead skin cells in an effort to improve the texture and tone of your face.

If you're planning on wearing a full face of makeup and want your foundation to look smooth and totally natural, this is a great product to incorporate into your weekly routine as it can help mattify your skin and lead to a flawless finish. And even if you don't wear makeup regularly (like me) this is a fab treatment to use one or two times a week, as it keeps your face fresh and glowing, and I've noticed it really helps the rest of my products sink in and achieve better results. Plus, this smells so good – it's like a dessert for your skin! Lush coconut is summery, slightly sweet, and just perfect for keeping you feeling sunshiney even on the greyest of days!

One of my favourite things to do with Lani's Tropical Coconut Face Polish is to take a little bit and mix it in with my cleanser or face mask. It turns any treatment into a multi-tasking champion, turns an already gentle exfoliation into an even more mild formula – perfect even for those with sensitive skin!

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder*; Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder; Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*; Sodium Bicarbonate; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)     *Organic ingredient

Blue Mint:

Okay, so you may be wondering how this one fits in with the “tropical” theme the rest of the range has, but be sure that this minty fresh powder to foam cleanser somehow still captures those vibes and is a true blue member of the Lani fam! Maybe it's because there is a subtle sweetness lurking behind the uplifting aroma that transforms the peppermint punch into something resembling a candied mojito, or maybe it's how the bottle compliments and softens the bolder shades in the collection and brings thoughts of sailing through crystal clear waters on a sunny day. Either way, the cleanser is a wonderful addition!

And Blue Mint isn't your average product either. In fact, it's pretty special! Sprinkle the icy pastel powder into your hand and you have what looks like a clay face mask. Add just a few drops of water into your palm and it will begin to transform before your eyes, shifting into a magical blue foam as the droplets activate the formula. Honestly, it's such fun to use and I am strangely wowed by the process every time I use this. It really brings out your inner child, as you feel like you're playing with your skincare or are making potions whenever you wash your face. Lani has found a way to bring Hogwarts into the home!

The formula is non-drying, so your skin is not left feeling stripped or tight at all, just free of grime and totally fresh.  The foam is hard to explain, as I haven't experienced a texture or consistency quite like it before.  Rich but not heavy, almost in between a gel and a milk, impossibly smooth, and such a wonderful colour - Blue Mint is brilliant.

And it is so easy to rinse off, making this ideal for those times where you just don't have the spare time to spend wiping away with muslin cloths to ensure any excess oil is removed. In fact, this product actually seems to save me time despite the 'extra' step of activating the powder. I don't need to stand massaging product into my face if I am in a rush, I can just apply directly to my face and splash it off if I'm in a hurry! Though I'll admit, the smell is so nice I'm always tempted to extend the experience just that little bit longer.

I love Blue Mint for my morning cleanse in particular, as it is so awakening and refreshing. Not only does it leave your skin feeling clean and ready to take on the day, but it rejuvenates the mind and really helps enliven the senses. It's the perfect pick me up!  

Plus, I'm so excited to finally have a travel friendly cleanser, as now I never have to worry about what I'm packing.  It's suitable for flying since it isn't a liquid, and great for weekend getaways where you don't want to worry about bringing tons of extras in your bag (no muslin required!).  Is there anything else you could wish for??

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder; Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate; Kaolin (White Clay); Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour; Blue Spirulina/Phycocyanin; Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil; Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Oil; Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*; Limonene**; Linalool**     *Organic ingredient     ** Naturally occurring in essential oils

With stand out colours both in their packaging and their formulas, delicious scents, and incredible results, Lani is a star brand in my eyes. And being so affordable makes them shine even brighter!

I have had such a fab time trying out all these green goodies, and I am so thankful to Viola for sending them my way to test out.  There wasn't a single item I disliked, and several have actually already made it onto my favourites list.  The Tropical Cacao Detox Mask and the Blue Mint cleanser in particular have stood out to me, as they smell, look, and feel so incredible.  They're perfect for my fussy skin, and are so easy to use.  And you all know how much scent means to me - these both tick all the boxes for me!

I'm so happy to have discovered so many lovely formulas, especially since they are budget friendly.  It's never fun to find something you love only to realize you can't really afford it or rationalize repurchasing.  That's not going to be an issue with Lani - this is a brand you can feel good about buying again and again, especially since you know 5% of profits are going to such good causes!

Have you tried out these vegan friendly tropical treats?  I would love to hear which you have loved, or even what products are on your own wishlist!  And if you have tested out the body oil, night serum, or radiance mask, let me know as I would love to know your thoughts.  I'll definitely be picking them up at some point to try for myself, but of course it's always good to have feedback beforehand! x