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The Willow & Birch Blog
Welcome to our little corner of calm and creativity. Here you’ll find skincare tips, behind-the-scenes stories, ingredient spotlights, and inspiration for a more natural, mindful routine. Whether you're curious about plant-based beauty or simply love learning more about our process, this is the place to explore.
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How to Use Facial Oils and the simple mistakes that can stop them working
Facial oils are often one of the simplest steps in a skincare routine. But they’re also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever tried an oil and thought it felt too heavy, didn’t absorb properly, or didn’t seem to “do anything” it’s quite often not the oil itself. It’s how it’s being used. Using too much One of the most common mistakes is applying too much product. Facial oils are concentrated, and your skin only needs a small amount. In most cases 2-4 drops is eno
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4 hours ago2 min read
The Ritual Behind Facial Oils: More Than Just Skincare
Facial oils are often seen as just another step in a routine. Something to apply quickly before moving on. I used to treat them that way too. My skincare was always quite simple. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve never really struggled with acne just the occasional hormonal breakout but nothing that made me rethink my routine too much. My skin felt fairly balanced for a long time, and I didn’t think about it all that deeply. But over the years, that’s changed. When your skin b
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4 days ago3 min read
How to Support and Repair Your Skin Barrier. Simple steps to calm and rebalance your skin.
Once you understand what the skin barrier is, the next question is usually: how do you actually support it? The good news is it doesn’t require a complicated routine. In most cases, it’s about simplifying and giving your skin time to recover. Simplify your routine When your skin feels unsettled, less is often more. A basic routine is usually enough: gentle cleanser hydrating step (toner or mist, if you use one) moisturiser or facial oil Pause anything unnecessary until your
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6 days ago2 min read
How to Choose the Right Face Oil for Your Skin Type
Choosing a face oil can feel overwhelming. There are so many options available and all promising different results, hydration, glow, balance and it’s hard to know where to start. But finding the right oil doesn’t have to be complicated. When you understand what your skin actually needs, it becomes so much easier to choose something that works with your skin, not against it. Start with what your skin needs, not trends. It’s easy to be drawn to what’s popular on Instagram or
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May 53 min read
Creating a Skincare Ritual That Feels Like Self-Care, Not a Chore
Skincare has quietly become another task on a long to-do list. Cleanse. Apply. Layer. Repeat. Somewhere along the way, what should feel like a moment of care has turned into something rushed, complicated, and easy to skip altogether. But skincare doesn’t have to feel like that. With a small shift, it can become something you look forward to, something that gives back more than it takes. When skincare becomes overwhelming It’s easy to feel like you need more products, more ste
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May 12 min read
Why Facial Oils Work (Even If You Have Oily or Sensitive Skin)
Facial oils can feel confusing at first. If your skin is oily, the idea of adding more oil can sound like the last thing you should do. And if your skin is sensitive, you might worry about breakouts or irritation. But when chosen well and used correctly, facial oils can actually help bring skin back into balance rather than overload it. Let me break down why they work and why so many people are finally replacing complicated routines with something much simpler. Your skin alre
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Apr 193 min read
Why Your Skin Can Suddenly React to Products (Even Ones You've Used for Years)
Many people assume that if they have used a product for years without a problem, their skin will always tolerate it. However, the reality is that skin reactions can develop at any time even to products that once worked perfectly for you. Understanding why skin reactions occur can help you make more informed choices about skincare, beauty treatments, and introducing new products into your routine. Why Skin Reactions Happen Our skin is a living organ and it is constantly changi
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Mar 94 min read
Magnesium Spray: What It Is, Why Your Body Loves It, and Why You Might Just Want to Try It
Magnesium has been getting a lot of attention recently and for good reason. It’s one of the most important minerals in the human body, involved in over 300 biochemical reactions that help keep us functioning at our best. But what exactly is magnesium spray and how is it different from popping a pill or eating leafy greens? Let’s dive into everything you need to know. What Is Magnesium Spray? Magnesium spray, sometimes called magnesium oil is a liquid mineral formula that you
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Jan 233 min read
Vegan Beauty in 2026: The Trends That Will Shape the Year Ahead
As we step into a new year, the world of vegan beauty is changing faster than ever. What began as a niche movement has now become a standard that many customers actively look for, but 2026 is set to take things even further. From innovative ingredients to a growing emphasis on mindful, eco-focused living, the next wave of vegan beauty is all about simplicity, sustainability, and skin health. Here’s a look at the biggest vegan beauty trends on the horizon — and how they’re set
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Dec 16, 20253 min read
The Autumn Edit: Essential Oils, Self-Care Rituals, and Natural Ways to Feel Grounded
As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, Autumn invites us to slow down and embrace a gentler pace. After the brightness of summer,...
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Oct 25, 20253 min read
Why Cosmetic Testing Matters – Understanding CPSRs and Product Safety
At Willow and Birch, we believe in transparency, safety, and quality. As a maker of small-batch, vegan skincare, we’re committed to...
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Sep 26, 20253 min read
Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Our Products
Whether you’re new to Willow & Birch or a long-time lover of our balms, bath milks and body soufflés, it’s natural to have questions...
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Aug 22, 20255 min read
The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Cosmetics – What You Need to Know
The beauty world is booming and with it, unfortunately, so is the rise in counterfeit cosmetics. A recent investigation by WHICH...
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Aug 2, 20253 min read
Summer Skin Survival Guide: Hydrate Without the Heaviness
Ah, British summer. One minute it’s blazing sunshine, the next it’s raining sideways while we’re still holding our ice lollies. But...
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Jul 25, 20252 min read
Why Handmade Skincare Makes the Perfect Cottagecore-Inspired Gift.
What on earth is Cottagecore?? When someone first said to me, "Oh, that’s so Cottagecore!" I just blinked and thought, what are they...
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Jun 27, 20253 min read
The Problem with Microplastics in Beauty Products.
In today's world, we are becoming more aware of what we put on our skin and for good reason. While we often focus on ingredients like...
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May 30, 20253 min read
Spring Skincare: How to Transition Your Routine from Winter to Warmer Days
Spring is finally here! The days are getting longer, the sun is starting to feel a little warmer, and nature is waking up again and so is...
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May 2, 20253 min read
The Vegan Skincare Movement – How It’s Shaping the Beauty Industry
The beauty industry is undergoing a major shift, with vegan skincare at the forefront of this change. As more consumers seek products...
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Apr 4, 20252 min read
How to Spot Fake ‘Natural’ Skincare Claims and Greenwashing: A Guide to Shopping Smart
In recent years, the demand for natural skincare has soared. Customers are becoming more mindful of what they put on their skin,...
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Feb 28, 20254 min read
Essential Oils in Skincare – Benefits and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin
Essential oils have long been celebrated for their aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits. In recent years, they’ve also become a...
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Jan 24, 20254 min read
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