DIY Beauty

I sometimes make my own DIY beauty -

Bath Oil: single use - 5 drops of essential oil in 10ml (2tsp) carrier oil (e.g. Almond, Coconut, Sunflower, Calendula etc).  My favourite blends are Rose Geranium & Lime and Geranium & Lavender.

Salt Scrub: enough for one treatment - 2tbs sea salt, 1tsp dried lavender buds, 2tbs Almond Oil, two drops of essential oil.   Mix all ingredients together and use immediately.  This leaves the skin smooth, soft and moisturised though be careful because the bath/shower will be slippy after use.

Hair Treatment: one treatment - mix together 2 drops of Chamomile essential oil with 1tsp coconut oil.  Massage through the hair focussing on the scalp and ends.  Leaves hair conditioned and silky smooth.

For restful sleep: put 2 drops Lavender oil onto a ball of cotton wool/a tissue and tuck inside your pillowcase.

Keep Calm: keep a bottle of Frankincense oil in your bag and sniff to combat feelings of panic or for use in stressful situations. 

Notebooks

I love notebooks but buy too many!

I always have one in my bag for jotting down blog ideas, recipes, notes and websites I want to visit.

My favourite one at the moment is the "Love Notebook" from Jan Constantine which I got from John Lewis for £8 - a great handbag size!

voucher codes

Red Magazine included a few voucher codes this month and may come in handy for Christmas shopping.

Rodial are offering 15% off using code RED01.  Their new body products sound lush.  Though very expensive brand.

Bombay Duck are offering 15% off and free delivery using code RD936.  They have some really lovely gifts.

Bloomsbury are offering 15% off using code RED15.  Again, great for gifts.

Favourite Foundations

These are the bases I am currently jumping between at the moment.

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric - this looks quite dark but shade 2 was too pale for me.  A fab product it melts into the skin leaving a flawless face.  Its got a really lovely gel like texture. It's good if you just want a light base. Retails at £30 for 40ml.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - shade 5 - an oil free fluid with a silky texture and the ability to build on colour.  I'm just about running out of this one and I'd definitely re-purchase.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15 - shade 3 - love this if I just want a bit of colour, very moisturising and gives a natural tone.

BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation - light - really love this, easy to use and can build up coverage.  BareMinerals also has a brilliant starter set which is a great introduction to this brand.

What do you use? I'm always looking for suggestions for foundations.

Easy Living Magazine - December

Easy Living Magazine is offering a £20 off in Monsoon gift card if you spend £80 or more (December issue).  It can only be used for full priced ladies clothes.

Liebster Blog Award

Nav from Navilicious Beauty awarded me this! - thank you so much Nav!

I have to award 5 blogs with less than 200 followers -

Sian at Quite Frankly

Alex at I am a weapon of massive consumption

Molly at mollyox

Rachel at shopuntilyoudrop!

Victoria at Cosmetic Cravings

Check out their fab blogs! x

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme

I had never heard of this product until I received it in my Boudoir Prive box.

Boudoir Prive says:

"Huile de Palme is a pre-shampoo conditioner that will soften and nourish dry and damaged hair.  From a range of hair care products that use only natural ingredients, delicate aromas and plant extracts".

I got it as a solid product but has turned to a liquid (I think due to central heating being on) but advice given has said to put the bottle in warm water to soften. It's recommended to use every 3rd to 4th time you wash your hair.

It’s got a slight honey smell, I applied as recommended to lengths and ends and combed through.  I left the product on overnight and when I washed my hair next day after blow drying it felt smooth and silky and had a great shine.  No need to use conditioner or serum.

I'd be interested in repurchasing this item although I reckon this little bottle will last for a while.

95ml retails at £24.

                                                                                  

A unique handmade bag just for me

My friend Claire, over at Pootle Handmade gave me this gorgeous bag she had lovingly made as a gift.  Though I did hint to her that I loved it!  It's made with Amy Butler fabric and has four internal pockets and a magnetic closure.

Claire has a Folksy shop which you can find here.  Although having moved house on Friday I am sure sewing will be the last thing on her mind at the moment.  Claire also has a Facebook page which you can find here.

Keep checking back  though (as she's got a dedicated sewing room in her new house).  Isn't it gorgeous.  I was made up.  x

Claire is making me a make-up bag to be included in my "January Blues" giveaway - more details to follow late December x

Free Delivery Code - Cowshed

Cowshed are offering free UK delivery (save £4.95).  Enter code AUT11 by 30th October 2011.

All I want this Christmas Selfridges Advent Calendar 2011

Look at this little beauty which arrived in the post today.

I read about this amazing advent calendar last year and it retailed at £60.

This year it cost £80 - gulp!  It contains 24 gifts including products from Lancome, Kiehl's, Shu Uemura, Armani, Viktor & Rolf and YSL making for a very exciting December!

A Model Recommends and The Beauty Scoop have both posted about this item recently.

I decided to buy this and sneakily used the joint account hoping hubby wouldn't spot my purchase.  Needless to say, he did and was less than impressed....To soften the blow I've said I will make him his own special calendar (though his will be featuring food, drink, sweeties and maybe the occasional beauty product!!).

It contains:

Lancôme Teint Miracle 03 5ml, Trésor eau de parfum 7.5ml, Miracle eau de parfum 5ml, Hypnôse Drama Mascara 2ml, Hypnôse Classic Mascara 2ml, Absolu Nu 302 Mini, Mini Juicy Tube 19 – Lychee, Visionnaire 7ml, Génifique 7ml, Génifique Yeux 5ml, Rénergie Lift Volumetry Day 15ml, Eau Micellaire Douceur 50ml, Bi–Facil 30ml

Giorgio Armani⁄Emporio Armani Armani Code Femme eau de parfum 3ml, Emporio Armani Diamonds eau de parfum 5ml

Kiehl's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 7ml, Kiehl's Crème De Corps 30ml, Kiehl's Hand Salve 30ml, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil 20ml

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb eau de parfum 7ml

YSL Belle D'Opium eau de parfum 7.5ml, Rouge Pur Couture Mini, Khol Pencil Mini

The confirmation email from Selfridges made me smile "Your order has left the building - gratification is on its way".

10% off at the Bath House

Use code 9725 at checkout to get 10% off at Bath House valid until 8th November 2011.

Glossybox - October

I was pleased to receive my Glossybox.  This is my first one and I thought I was going to miss out this month but I received it on Saturday a few days later than everyone else (so I had already seen what was inside).

Beautiful box and packaging, although I am unsure where I am going to store all the boxes at home now I am subscribed to four! (Although the Amarya one is a plain white box).

This month "six pack", the 6th box and it includes:-

A full size Leighton Denny Nail colour in sex kitten.  This retails at £11.

A full size Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeline in Moray - a mossy green colour with gold fleck - I love this.  Retails at £13.  I will definitely re-purchase this.

Two 15ml Dermalogica products - multivitamin power recovery mask and thermafoliant scrub.  Haven't tried either of these although I have used other products from the range before (Daily Microfoliant  is amazing).

A little Dermalogica make up pouch which is cute and a 1ml Dermalogica renewal lip complex. (was so excited I forgot to take this out of the pouch when I took the pic!)

Finally, three .8ml carded vial EDP samples of Fracas, Visa and Calypso by Robert Piguet.  I love Fracas so was pleased to see this in the box but haven't tried the other two before.

I was impressed with my first glossybox, roll on November x

Boudoir Prive - October Box

My first Boudoir Prive box! 

Here are the contents of my box:

Studiomakeup Line Style Pen in Black.  This is a full size product worth £12.  I am looking forward to trying this out as I've been wanting one of these eyeliners for a while. I've never heard of this brand before.

Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve.  This is also a full size product and retails at £5.  I've used this product before and its great for lips, cuticles and dry skin.  Smells divine and lasts for ages.

Two 5ml products from Cetuem, a brand I've never heard of before.  Included is an illuminating mask and a face cream that can be used morning and evening.  Looking forward to trying these out. 

Korres Citrus Little Moisturising Body Milk 50ml.  Used some other Korres products before but not tried this.  It smells floral and citrus. 

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme 25ml.  This is a pre-shampoo conditioner.  Never heard of the brand before so looking forward to testing.

Finally, a perfume sample from Memo Paris, a new niche line created by Clara Molloy.  Les Enchappees - Lalibela - A mystical rose - love this! Contains notes of rose, orchid, jasmine, patchouli, cistus, coconut, peony, vanilla, tobacco leaf, incense and woods.  30ml retails at £69 and 75ml at £105!

There is also a flyer enclosed offering a free skin consultation and mini facial with goody bag to take home at RMK counters in Selfridges between 3rd -7th November.  You have to call the counter to book - I unfortunately can't use this as I'm not near a Selfridges but if anyone wants it let me know. 

I am really pleased with the box as I will use everything in it.  What did you think?

Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid

I have been using this face cream from Feel Unique's October box for the last seven days and I can really see a difference to my skin.  It's defintely more radiant! I will be adding this to my wish list. It's a light fluid and easily absorbs into the skin.  I initally thought there wasn't much in the tube but its lasted a week and I've not cut it open yet.  Has anyone else been using it and what do you think?

P.S. Mega excitement my Boudoir Prive and Glossybox have just arrived!!

Wish List

I have a lot of items on my wish list at present.  What's on yours?

Ilamasqua Liquid Liner - £16

Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm - £21.50

Rimmel Vinyl Lip Gloss - £4.99

Diptyque Satin Oil for Body & Hair - £35

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Velvet Luminescence Moisturising Cream - £38

Creme de la Mer the Oil Absorbing Tonic - £50

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder - £23.50

Aromatherapy Associates  Overnight Repair Mask - £46

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil

 I love all things rose – red and pink roses, rose tea, rose lemonade, rose creams, rosé wine (know this doesn't really count!) and rose scented bath and body products.

My all-time favourite bath oil is REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil.  It’s not cheap at £30 for 110ml.  I joined REN's “10% off your favourite product for life scheme” which makes this product £27.  REN also offer free samples with purchase and you can choose these at check out.  You can also buy this product at SpaceNK.

It is formulated with Moroccan Rose Otto Oil and oils of Palmarosa and Geranium.

The scent of roses fills not only the bathroom but the whole flat!  The oil disperses to a milk when it hits the water and doesn’t leave an oily film on the bath afterwards.  It's great after a stressful day as it really mellows me out.

It moisturises the body as well so I don’t need to use a body moisturiser afterwards.  It’s one of these products I’ll always love.

I first mentioned this bath oil here.

Secret Santa - Reply to Nav by 25th October

Nav at naviliciousbeauty is organising a Secret Santa amongst bloggers, she has a form which need to be filled in over at her blog (by 25th October).  A great idea I thought x

Latest in Beauty - Second Themed Box

I got an email today which mentions that the second Latest in Beauty box is coming soon!  It's titled "Christmas Stocking Filler".  Exciting!  The first box retailed at £4.95 including postage.

20% off at L'Occitane - Marie Claire voucher

Loving the L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream(s) free with Marie Claire magazine this month.

With the 20% off I got Desert Rose Ultra Rich Body Cream which retails at £16 for 100ml (with the voucher it cost £12.80).

It's a really rich cream with shea butter and scented with Moroccan rose.  I'm just now deciding whether to keep or put in the pressie drawer...decisions..decisions.

I was given a promotional card which offers a gift worth £25 for £12.50 if you spend £40.  From the picture on the card it looks a good offer - shower gel, body lotion, hand cream, soap, some skincare and a cute wee make up bag. Only available while stocks last.  Like I need more stuff!

25% off skin care at Green People

25% off skin care at Green People until 30/11/11 quote the code NATURAL at checkout.

Tea

It's really horrible weather here today so nothing I like better than a cup of tea.  I love teas from Teapigs, my favourites being peppermint or Chamomile.  I also love Aveda Comforting Tea (though I don't get this often as its £9.50 for 20 tea bags).  I also love Bellevue Tea. My favourites from this brand are - Green Tea (the best green tea I have ever tasted, its mellow and flavoursome) and Earl Grey.  Yogi Cinnamon is big on flavour with cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cardamon.  BrewHaHa Rose Tea tastes like turkish delight.  I also picked up the wee tin of smoky tea which is smoked over cinnamon - its loose tea and not tried this one yet.

Does anyone else love tea and what are your favourites?

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age The Smoother Skin Retexturising Primer - ELLE Beauty Awards 2011

I noticed this little primer received ELLE magazine's best primer in their recent beauty awards.  I just picked this up today in the supermarket at £9.99 for 7ml.  Has anyone used this? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Update: this is really nice.  You only need a tiny amount and it glides over the skin.  Foundation lasts all day too x

Vaseline Tin

I noticed this gift tin in my local chemists. I really like the quirky tin.  It contains 4 x 20g Vaseline lip balms in original, cocoa butter, rosy and aloe vera.  Retails at £6.99 so great value and a girl can never have too many lip balms!

GlossyBox

I have just signed up to GLOSSYBOX bad I know but can't wait for my first one!

Chocolate Heaven

Hubby and I went for lunch today and I had to share a photo of my amazing pudding.

Chocolate Fondant with vanilla tuile, white chocolate mousse, orange caviar, cocoa dust and tonka bean ice cream.  The best pudding I've ever tasted (and probably the most calorific!)

Expert Beauty Magazine

I was excited when I spotted Expert Beauty Magazine in the newsagents this lunchtime.

There are some good things here but a lot of things I am not interested in like facelifts, cosmetic surgery and choosing a dentist!

There are interesting articles on facials, lash and brow enhancers, French skin care brands, nail tips and also competitions. British Beauty Blogger and A Model Recommends get a mention and BBB also writes the article "now for nails".

It costs £4.99 which is I think expensive and I feel there are not enough beauty related articles to justify the price.  This is the Autumn edition.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler

One of my haircare must haves is Citrus & Neroli Detangler a natural organic conditioner by John Masters Organics.  It retails at £16 for 236ml (and lasts for ages!).  It's a lightweight detangling conditioner which can be left in or rinsed out.  I find it great for use abroad in summer as my hair literally goes like straw!  Love Lula occasionally have a 10ml sample sachet of this (you can chose up to three samples if you spend over £5 excluding postage).  At Naturisimo you can buy this sample for 50p (and up to five samples per order).  The sachet usually lasts twice.  Great try me size or for holidays.

Both Naturisimo and Love Lula stock a mini travel size pouch which includes:-

Lavender Rosemary Shampoo 30ml, Citrus & Neroli Detangler 30ml, Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 30ml and Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30ml. 

This try me/travel size set retails at £9.99.  Both companies offer free UK postage.  I've bought this set and its fab!

Palmer's has gone pink!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is my favourite budget buy.  A steal at £3.77 for 250ml and its gone pink for October's breast cancer awareness month.  I love the vanilla-y smell and the fact that its a lovely thick cream which absorbs quickly.  It's always on my bathroom shelf.

Boots have 3 for 2 on at the moment on skincare, hand & body, indulgent bathing, hair removal & No.7.

What's your favourite budget body lotion?

Bamford Organics Luxury Samples

I was very pleased to receive my luxury Bamford Organics samples from Latest in Beauty today.  The mini set consists of three products.

Firstly, Geranium Botanical Bath Oil (30ml).  The full size of 250ml retails at £38 making this a very cost effective way to try the products.  I have used the bath oil before and its gorgeous.  Also in the set is 50ml Geranium Body Lotion and 50ml Geranium Body Wash all for £5 plus P&P charges. The scent may be quite an accquired taste as its quite herbal smelling.  If you buy three luxury samples from Latest in Beauty you get free postage.

Update - loving the bath oil and would buy again but wouldn't get the wash/lotion - their scent is too herbal!

Marie Claire Magazine - Free L'Occitane Hand Cream worth £7.50 plus 20% off at L'Occitaine

Marie Claire Magazine is giving away a free hand cream with November's issue.  It's worth £7.50!  I chose the limited edition, Desert Rose, with shea butter, honey and almond extracts and lightly scented with Moroccan rose.

Also included in the magazine is a 20% off voucher to spend at L'Occitane which is valid until 31 October 2011.

Feel Unique Beauty Box - October

I'm loving my first Feel Unique Beauty Box it's fab!

It comes in a normal brown mailing box, inside is a mini black box, there is a small ribbon on the side of the box which you pull to open the box up!

Wow! I'm impressed with the contents!  This box costs £9.95 per month including postage!

This selection is "Pre-Winter Warmers" perfect to ease those pre-winter blues..

The enclosed card gives details on each of the five products and a code for 10% off valid until 31st October.

I am especially excited by Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm which is a full size product and retails at £10.35!  It says it transforms hair into silky, glossy fluid perfection!  Can't wait to try!

I love Bliss products generally, so finding a 60ml Fabulous Foaming Face Wash was great. A two-in-one oil free exfoliating face wash for all skin types containing rosehip extract, milk thistle, passion flower and chamomile.

A 25g size of India Hicks Island Living Hand Cream is also included.  With shea butter, spider lily, jasmine, sea accords, macadamia nut oil and aloe smooths the hands.  Looking forward to trying this also.

There is also a 10ml Caudalie Radiance Day Fluid which ensures a glowing complexion all day long!  I am also looking forward to trying this.

Orly Nail Polish in Lola, a mini nail polish (5.3ml), lovely shade but bit too bright for me!  Will probably try and swap on "Beauty Box Swaps" on Facebook.

Finally, a 2ml carded vial of Burberry Body EDP which is gorgeous!  Fruity, floral and woody - love it!

Loving the Feel Unique box.

Amarya Beauty Box - October

I received my first beauty boxes today, and I was very excited!  First up, is the Amarya Box which was the first one I subscribed to.



Upon opening the outer box you find a mini catalogue, a welcome card and an information card.  There is also an Amarya tote bag - which I thought was a nice extra.

The inner box is plain white and tied in pink ribbon.  The little cards are a welcome to first box and an information card (as to what's in the box!) (sorry about the awful photo, I've just got a new camera and still learning how to work it!)

I was very pleased with the contents of the box.  I have used the Madara Travel/try me set before and this retails at £6.95.  Included is in the set is:- 25ml cleansing milk, 5ml moisturiser, 5ml night cream, a 3ml sachet of eye cream and two 5ml sachets of toner.  This set is for normal/combination skin.

There is a Terre d'Oc Eye Shadow which retails at £12.95!  The shade is Terre Lumiere Jaipur.  This is a mineral pigments eyeshadow and can be used on the eyes, lips or lightly on the décolleté.

I love NEOM candles and included in the box is a trial size 50ml bottle of Organic Body Lotion in the scent "real luxury" (lavender, jasmine & Brazilian rosewood).  Love it. There are two sachet samples inside also. Has anyone else received the box this month and what do you think of it?

InStyle Magazine - Free Cowshed hand cream 50ml

InStyle magazine are giving away a free Cowshed hand cream (50ml) worth £8 with November's issue.  There are two to chose from - Moisturising or Soothing.  I went for soothing with essential oils of sweet orange and peppermint.  I can never have enough hand creams!

Chanel - Premiere Watch and Ultra Bracelets

I am so lusting after this watch!  18k White Gold, Diamonds and Ceramic - oh a girl can wish....

Pai Skincare Winner - me!

Every month Pai hold a monthly prize draw amongst their newsletter subscribers and this month the winner was me!  It felt like Christmas and my birthday come at once!

Pai skincare is formulated with sensitive and allergy-prone skin in mind.  Products are certified organic.

I received the following products:

Camellia & Rose Cleanser (with muslin Cloth)(78% Organic)

With Camellia oil, omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E.  Gentle on the skin and can be used to remove eye make up. This is a really lovely cleanser, scented lightly with rose. I have used this before and its gorgeous.

Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner (100% natural ingredients)

This is a new product which I am excited to try."Contains unique complete plant water extracts with the exact pH of healthy skin, this innovative 'living water' delivers an elixir of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to sensitive, combination or oily skins.  Mineral rich rice purifies and rebalances and rosemary soothes and regenerates, promoting a clear, toned and healthy complexion".  


Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream (80% Organic)
Amazing moisturiser which I have used before, great for combination skin and smells really great.  "Geranium & Thistle work in perfect unison to clear and re-balance the skin.  It absorbs quickly, evens out skin tone and is perfect for applying under make up".


Rosehip BioRegenerate (99% Organic)
Another new product I have been looking forward to trying, having read rave reviews.  "High concentrations of Vitamin A, Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9, as well as antioxidants like Vit C work together to heal and replenish damaged skin.  Daily use improves the appearance of scars, sun damage and fine lines while enhancing elasticity, firmness and suppleness".  Can't wait to try!


Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream (73% Organic)
Another product I've been wanting to try.  "This nourishing organic eye cream is free from alcohol and irritating chemicals making it ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes".


If you click on Pai you can subscribe to the newsletter.


I'll comment more fully on the products once I've used them for a while.

Red Magazine Offer - £10 off at Molton Brown

In November's Red magazine there is a voucher for £10 off at Molton Brown. It's valid from 1st Oct - 1st Nov.  I'm excited as I love Molton Brown!

Dr Nick Lowe Cooling Menthol Face Scrub 75ml - Anti-Ageing

This is my favourite face scrub, it retails at £11.22 at Boots but I tend to get it when Boots have the £5 off offer on.  It is amazing, great for use in the morning - its zingy and a real wake up call for the face, sort of reminds me of Wu Morning Mask (a menthol mask). Spherical micro beads smooth the skin and purify pores. The scrub is creamy with small exfoliating beads, which are gentle on the skin.  Use on damp skin and rinse well, I use the scrub twice a week.

Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Elemis counters currently stock a limited edition think pink beauty kit which supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The set is presented in a patent pink cube, tied with a pink ribbon. It includes, the cult Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (30ml), Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck & Bust (15ml) and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream (50ml). The marine cream and neck & bust treatment are in limited edition pink. Elemis has pledged a donation of £10,000 to Breast Cancer Care.  I am a huge fan of the pro-collagen range and sets like this make it affordable.

Retails at £30.00.

Easy Living Magazine - Free Next Nail Polish

Easy Living Magazine are giving away a free Next Nail Polish with the November issue.  There is a choice of 4 colours - I received shimmer, a shiny white shade.  I subscribe so couldn't choose.  One of the best magazines for women and always nice to get a freebie.