Cult Beauty Website

I ordered a couple of things from Cult Beauty (items will be revealed shortly - I am getting them from my mum & dad for my birthday so they are staying wrapped up until then.  I've hidden them away so I'm not tempted to unwrap! - the parcels being wrapped was such a nice touch - wasn't expecting that)  Cult  Beauty are offering a free beauty gift if you spent £60 so it was perfect timing!  You also get to chose 3 sachet samples with your order. Brilliant service, would definitely buy from this company again.

In the gift contains:

15ml BECCA Resurfacing Primer

15ml Alpha H Rejuvenating Cream

10ml TIME face cream 

15ml Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser

Seche Vite Top Coat mini

50ml Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter

5ml Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask

10ml sachet Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner for dry/coloured hair

1ml sachet Collin Regenerating Collagen Gel

sachet E-Boost Daily Health Booster

3ml sachet Egyptian Magic All purpose skin cream

Really excited to try these product out.  I am especially keen to try the Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask after reading an amazing review on Jude's blog.   Have you tried any of these products?

My free samples -

1ml Jouer Illuminating Moisture Tint

1ml Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner

3ml Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Have you bought anything from Cult Beauty?

Easy Living Rituals Freebie

Just noticed that Easy Living Magazine have a fab offer next month - available from 3rd May. I think I might be tempted to get both!

Easter Giveaway - Reminder! - CLOSED

Just a little reminder, please enter my Easter Giveaway!  You can find the original post here.  Ends 2nd April. 


Will announce the winner in the afternoon of 2nd April x.

Clarins Eau de Jardins 30ml

I was rooting around in my desk drawer and came across this little scent.  It's just perfect for this beautiful Spring weather - light, fresh and uplifting.  A treatment fragrance made with essential oils and plant extracts.


With notes of grapefruit, orange zest, rose and woods.  This was a special gift with purchase size.  The full size of 100ml retails at £28.50.  Have you used this scent?

March Empties

I don't think I've got through so many empties this month!

Sheet Mask - Birds Nest Collagen Hydrating Mask - love this, I got this in the box Maria made me from Hong Kong.  Super moisturising. You can view the full contents here. I've still got the other three to use.

Avon Care Gentle Hand Wash 200ml - was okay product but wouldn't repurchase.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler 236ml - great for detangling and reducing static, would repurchase as this size lasts for ages.

Crabtree & Evelyn sample Avocado Body Lotion - nice enough, wasn't keen on the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 55ml - love this, smells of turkish delight.  Only negative is its hard to get out the bottle - the tube version is much more runnier but same product?!  Would still repurchase.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - from Carmine box.  Love this would purchase full size.  It really does what it says it will. (using another one from a swap).

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil - a real favourite, got a stock of these from swaps and blog sales.

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner sachet - as above a favourite and got a supply.

Philosophy Peppermint Bark Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 60ml - love the scent of this, good enough to eat! But found the scent disappeared quite quickly and was non existent in a bubble bath so wouldn't repurchase.

RMK Cleansing Oil 3ml sachet - love this and would consider buying full size.

L'Oreal Mythic Oil 3ml vial - nice product, would maybe consider purchasing.

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash 50ml - love this scent and would definitely re-purchase.

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream 50ml - this and the wash were from my Christmas box.  Love.  Still got the larger sizes to use.

L'Occitane Shea butter soap - lovely light scented soap with great lather would repurchase.

Dove Soap - love the scent of this soap will repurchase at some point (I'd just about finished this last month and hubby sometimes uses!)

Inlight facial oil sachet - this was with Amarya box - lovely vanilla scented oil would consider purchasing.

Radox muscle soak bubble bath - a cheapie but it works.  Definitely repurchase.

Temple Spa Peace be Still Face & Body Balm - got this as a hotel room freebie - nice to use but probably wouldn't purchase.

Vaseline Active Fresh Deodorant - a staple!

Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser 15ml - got a sachet of this in an Amarya box and loved it so much I bought this size and purchased another.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream for Hands, Knees, Elbows and Feet 60g - both me and hubby love this! Addicted to the scent! Have already repurchased.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream 200ml - loved using this, total spa product but expensive.  Would maybe repurchase.

L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream 30ml - loved this and love L'Occitane hand creams - this one was a magazine freebie.

Phyto Phytobaume Express Conditioner 20ml - from Feel Unique.  Loved this and would purchase full size.

Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Wash 100ml - another from Feel Unique.  Would repurchase (once I use up my supply of body washes!)

What have you been using up this month?

March Books

The Dead Won't Sleep - Anna Smith

Rosie Gilmour is a tabloid journalist.  When a decomposed body washes up on a beach near Glasgow - the victim, Tracy - junkie, prostitute, fourteen.  Rosie is on the case to find out what happened to Tracy as she researches deeper she uncovers a network of corruption and abuse with police officers and judges involved.  With twists and turns I couldn't wait to find out what happened.  

To Tell the Truth - Anna Smith  

This novel also features Rosie Gilmour.  She is on holiday in Spain when a three year old is snatched from the beach.  Her boss puts her on the case.  As she delves into the case finding out more her instinct tells her the facts don't add up.  Fast pacy read  that I couldn't put down.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet - Jamie Ford

Story is narrated by Henry a Chinese American in 1986 looking back at his youth in the 1940s and his friendship with Keiko a Japanese American. The Panama Hotel which has been boarded up for decades is bought in 1986 and the new owner finds personal belongings stored away by Japanese families sent to internment camps during World War II.  Henry searches the belongings for Keiko's family's possessions and for one item in particular.  A really fab story can't recommend highly enough - don't want to say too much!

Taken - Jacqui Rose


If you like Martina Cole, Jessie Keane, Kimberly Chambers and Mandasue Heller you'll love this book by new author Jacqui Rose.  Casey Edwards gave away her baby at fifteen and has never forgotten her child.  She embarks on a mission to find her child which takes her to Soho where she meets reformed hard man Vaughn Sadler.  To find out what has happened to her child she must enter the world of drugs, vice and human trafficking.  She discovers that gang boss Alfie Jennings and psycho Oscar Harding are plotting something dangerous which puts Casey and her child in danger.  Really loved this book, read in two days.


What have you been reading?

Natural Health Magazine Beauty Awards 2012

From this year's Natural Health Magazine Beauty Awards I have discovered Maddi Alexander and although I had used some Green People products before I came across Green People's Moisturising Shower Bath Wash.

Here are some of the other products I'd like to try:-

ESPA Skin Radiance Mask £34 - this received a Winner Award

Willow Gentle Exfoliator £34 - this received a Highly Commended Award

Herbfarmacy Nourishing Body Oil £17.50 - this received a Winner Award.  It's on special offer of £14.85 at present.

Gielly Green Lemon & Muguet Hand & Body Wash £12 - received a Highly Commended Award. 

Korres Mango Shower Gel £7.50 - this received a Winner Award.

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme £8.50 - this received a Winner Award.

Apicare Revive Me Beeswax Lip Balm £5 - received a Highly Commended Award.

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo £16 - this received a Winner Award - never heard of this brand keen to try some of the products.

Have you tried any of these products?

Soap & Glory - A Great Kisser Lip Balm

I have been looking  for these lip balms for ages in my local Boots.  Imagine my delight when I noticed they'd finally arrived!

I picked Juicy Peach, which tastes and smells amazing - really fruity and peachy.  It's meant to be a tinted coral shade but its more sheer on my lips and Sweet Coconut, a sheer with shimmer.  It's a very glossy balm.

With mango butter, apricot butter, lingonberry oil and pomegranate extract.

There is also a chocolate cherry one which is sheer pink.

My only negative is the lids are not very secure - I'd popped one in my handbag and the lid came off.

Retails at £5 for 18g.  My favourite is the peach one.  Have you tried this lip balm and if so, what are your thoughts?

Veggie Growing - Update 2 (plus flowers & pooch)

Following on from my last update re veggie growing - I spent two and a half hours on the plot on Saturday and two yesterday.  It's beginning to take shape for growing.

I pampered myself after digging and weeding with a lovely bath using Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate by Clarins.  Its one of my favourites and great for aching muscles.

We have a local food store called Earthy which has a beautiful flower shop attached called The Wild Flower Shop. Esther, the florist stocks some amazing flowers and I picked up this posy for £4.90.  Its gorgeous!  I love thistles.  You can see Esther's website here.

Bess our dog also wanted to get in on the photo too!

A hand-painted butter dish

I noticed over on Beauty Box Swaps that Karen Dover, who has her own business - Memories are made in silver was taking commissions for hand painted pottery.  I jumped at the chance to get Karen to make me a butter dish as it matches my kitchen table so well!  I've now got two matching mugs on order! x

Green People Moisturising Shower Bath Wash 200ml

This is another one I found in the Natural Health Beauty Awards 2012 supplement - it received a Highly Commended Award.

Green People Moisturising Shower Bath Wash 200ml with neroli, mandarin and marshmallow - it smells amazing really fruity.  I bought mine from Naturisimo for £9.86 with free postage (and 4 Juice Beauty free sachet samples).

The gel is really thick so you only need a tiny bit to get a really good lather.  Can  be used on body and face (avoiding eye area) which makes it great for going to the gym/holidays.  Leaves skin soft and delicately scented.  Free from SLS, parabens, colourants and synthetic fragrances.  The packaging is recyclable.  Do you use any Green People products?

Blog Sale Buys

I recently noticed The Life & Times of Lainey Lulu was having a blog sale and I picked up two of my favourite brands!

From my post the other day you know I already love Bamford Geranium Bath Oil.  I also bought a 125ml tube of Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash another favourite.  


You can also check out Lainey Lulu's ebay here.  She is offering 10% discount on ebay purchases if you email laineylulu.live.com before purchase and mention seeing the discount on my blog. 


Have you bought anything from blog sales recently?

Joliebox - March

My March Joliebox arrived yesterday.  Included is a Joliemag (which will be included every month).  The Director of Joliebox, Thérèse is featured on the front cover - isn't she gorgeous!  Included are snapshots of the staff and what they do as well as product info of brands that have appeared in the boxes as well as new trends - an interesting read and a great extra.

Included is:-

Davines Moisturising Balm full size of 75ml.  This product featured in a recent Glossybox.  I didn't receive it so was pleased to see this in the box.  A multi-purpose product can be used on face, hair and body.  Looking forward to trying it out!  I love trying products from brands I have never heard of before.

A full size (200ml) Yardley Peony Luxury Body Wash.  A sample vial of EDT was included in the last Carmine box which I quite liked.  I'm sort of on the fence with this one as I associate Yardley with grannies!  But its got a nice floral scent so I'll probably use it.

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner in a grey shade.  I got a plum one in a recent box.  Will happily use this. A full size product.

LCN Nail Polish - again a full size product (8ml) in a pale pink shade.

And a Joliebox handbag mirror.

As I was a new subscriber for the yearly sub I got the Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain mini - which I already love.

Also included is a voucher for 20% off at love hearts and crosses enter JOLIE20 at the till.  Runs until 31/05/2012.

I am really happy with the box.  Did you get this? And what are your thoughts? 

Maddi Alexander Serene Bath Soak

Natural Health magazine this month has a Beauty Awards 2012 supplement.  Makes for interesting and enjoyable reading. I've been marking off all the things I want to try!  

I came across the brand Maddi Alexander which is based in North Shields, Tyne & Wear. Their Serene Bath Soak received a Highly Commended award.

Natural Health say "for dedicated bath enthusiasts, this concoction of rose petals, lavender, soap with oatmeal, cornflour, sea salt, orange peel and shea butter is to die for".

Maddi Alexander uses ethically sourced organic ingredients, natural and sustainable production and fair trade.  Free from animal products, synthetics, parabens, petrochemicals, SLS, sulphates, toxins and paraffin wax.

There are six fragrances to choose from and a variety of products.

Eccentric - with oils of patchouli, ylang-ylang, vetivert, cedarwood, orange, coriander and ginger.  A candle is available in this scent.

Serene - with oils of geranium and lavender - the full range is available in this scent - candle, bath & body oil, body butter, bath soak and soaking salts.

Evocative - with oils of lime, ginger, cinamon and mandarin - available are candle, bath & body oil and body butter.

Amorous - with cedarwood, atlas, bergamot and clove - a candle is available. 

Frivolous - with lemon, bergamot, sweet orange. ginger and clove - available as a candle, bath & body oil, bath soak and soaking salts.

Revive - with grapefruit, orange, lemon and bergamot - available as a candle.

I love rose and lavender scents (and baths) so opted to buy the Serene Bath Soak which retails at £22 for 200g (plus £3.95 P&P).  Packaged in a square glass pot with black lid. Beautifully presented in a black bag and a gift bag with tissue is also included - a nice touch.

It's absolutely filled up to the brim! To use, sprinkle some grains into a warm bath.  The soak is gorgeous, really relaxing and moisturising, it smells amazing as well as making the skin feel so soft. (My only negatives are it is quite difficult to get out of the jar as its packed in tight - I needed a spoon to scrape it out and you need to give the bath a good clean afterwards due to the rose petals and shea butter).  Would also make a fab gift.  I am now wanting to try the bath & body oil and the body butter.  Have you tried anything from this brand?

Styling & Treatment Hair Products

Above are my current hair styling products collection.  I also have the four Percy & Reed products which came free with Glamour magazine.  I had to buy 4 magazines!  Reviews to follow.

I've been using the Moroccanoil Light for while now and its my top treatment.  It leaves the hair soft, moisturised and static free.  Huge 100ml, lasts for ages.  Pricey though at around £28.

I picked up the Macademia Healing Treatment Oil (10ml) in a swap.  Retails at around a fiver.  A bit thicker than the Moroccanoil Light but still one of my favourites, would buy this product.

Leonor Greyl Huiles de Palme 25ml - I got this in my Boudoir Prive box in October.  Absolutely love this product, so effective.  Have collected a few via swaps.  

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - received this in my December Carmine Box.  It really does what it says it will - reduce blow drying time - on my second via a swap but will definitely purchase this product - it works!

Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm 90ml - a full size product received in Feel Unique's October box (oh how I miss Feel Unique!). A great product and I'd buy it again.


Philip Kingsley Maximiser 60ml - received this in a swap - great product would buy again really gives great volume.


Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - my hairdresser used and recommended this.  Gives really great shine and can also spray on palm and smooth down any frizzy bits.


Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish 100ml - great product, reduces static, leaves hair smooth and smells great - includes horse chestnut and sunflower wax in ingredients.


What products could you not live without?

Questions Tag

I was tagged by Stephanie at Hope, Freedom, Love - check out her fab blog.

You have to answer 11 questions and then tag 11 people to answer your own 11 questions.

Here are the questions Stephanie asked:

1. How did you chose your blog name/title? Why?

I strugged to think of a name and did a bit of brainstorming with a friend.  I didn't realise your URL was so important until later on.

2. What is your favourite way to relax?

A long hot soak in the bath accompanied by candles, scented bath oil, face mask, hair mask, magazine and glass of wine!

3. What are your three Holy Grail products?

Oh a hard one!  I'd say Benefit's the POREfessional, ila face oil for glowing radiance and Tom Ford Indian Rose Lipstick.

4. What is your favourite memory?

My wedding day :) I felt like a princess!

5. In ten years time where do you hope to be?  What do you hope to have achieved?

I'd love to be running my own small boutique B&B with gorgeous bathrooms and luxury toiletries and serving great breakfasts.

6. What are your three favourite shops/online shops?

Harvey Nichols Beauty Department, naturisimo.com and House of Frasers Beauty Department in Glasgow (it stocks Chanel Les Exclusifs).

7. What do you enjoy about blogging?

I love writing about my favourite subject and interacting with other like minded bloggers - I have met some really great girls online.

8. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

Oh a toughie I love my food! Steak with salad and homemade potato wedges with garlic mayo. 

9. What are your favourite TV programmes?

Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, X-Factor, Location, Location and The Apprentice

10. Choose 5 of your favourite songs (so hard to choose 5!)

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Imelda May - Mayhem

Evanescence - Bring me to Life

Amy MacDonald - This is the Life

The Pogues - Fairytale of New York

11.  Map out a perfect day.

Flight to London, stopping for coffee, shopping at Harrods and Selfridges beauty halls, lunch at the bar @ 1707 wine bar in Fortnum & Masons, afternoon shopping at Marylebone High Street, stopping for cocktails in one of the local pubs followed by dinner at Polpetto or the Ledbury  and sleeping at the Dean Street Townhouse.  Also catching up with the Beauty Box Swaps girls! Ah I can wish!

My questions are:

1. When did you first start blogging and why?

2. What's your favourite beauty tip?

3. If someone gave you £500 what would you buy?

4. Who is your favourite celebrity?

5. What's the most expensive beauty product you have bought?

6. What is your favourite make up item?

7. What blog posts do you like reading about most?

8. Where would your dream holiday location be?

9. What's your favourite shop for buying beauty products?

10. What product(s) would you like to see in my next giveaway?

11. What is your favourite TV show?

I tag the following:

Sian @ Quite Frankly She Said

Ruby @ Wake up, Make Up!

Amy @ Thrifty Girl Loves

Cat @ Outside Beauty, Inside Health

Alex @ I am a Weapon of Massive Consumption

Sam @ Honey Go-Lightly

Livia @ Heads and Nails

Gayle @ Gayle's Wish List

Victoria @ Cosmetic Cravings

Jamie-Lee @ Beauty Captures Us

Deborah @ World of Beauty

My favourite Bath Products

The above are my current favourite (liquid) bath products.

My ultimate bath oil is Bamford Geranium Bath Oil which retails at £38 for 250ml - ouch!  I first received this bath oil as a Latest in Beauty luxury sample as mentioned here.  The next time I got it was with a Naturisimo offer.  I then got two in the YOU box from Latest in Beauty. (I bought two boxes as I fell in love with all the products the box contained).  I have also obtained a few in swaps and on blog sales - you can tell I'm addicted to this product!  I am sure I'll end up buying the full size eventually. It bubbles slightly and the scent is amazing! (geranium, lavender & peppermint).  Great to use before bed or after a workout as it is a really relaxing blend and makes me feel totally chilled out.

Another new favourite bath oil is Harmonising Bath Oil from G Baldwin & Co.  Scented with oils of Lavender, Marjoram and Geranium.  A 25ml size was a free gift with my first purchase.  I'd definitely repurchase this.  Retails at £5.65 for 100ml making it great value.

I always come back to Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate as its so soothing and relaxing.  This was a GWP size but I'll definitely purchase full size at some point.  200ml retails at £17.

I love... Raspberry & Blackberry Bubble Bath with retails at £2.05 for a 500ml bottle - a real bargain with a lovely fruity scent and great bubbles!


Must have a little bit of Lush - these are my favourites - Magic Wand (I stocked up on a few to last me all year at the sales after Christmas) and Madame Butterfly - which has the same scent as Rosejam bubbleroon which I love.

What are your favourites? x

Easter Giveaway! - CLOSED

Here is my Easter Giveaway!

What's included: 

A beautiful Scottie Dog Make Up Bag hand made by my friend Claire over at Pootle Handmade.  Check out her fab blog!  The bag is lined with spotty material - gorgeous and a real one off!

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Boy.  A shade which suits everyone.

A mini Lancome Hypnose Mascara in Black - my favourite mascara.

and a handbag sized notebook - I always have one of these in my bag for moments of blog inspiration!

What you need to do:

Follow me on GFC and Bloglovin - 2 entries (please indicate if you've done both)

If you blog about my giveaway this will give you another entry - (please send me the link)

Please get your parents permission if you are under 18.

Make sure you leave me your email address.

The giveaway will end on 2nd April to ensure arrival for Easter Weekend! I'll also include some Easter sweeties.  A winner will be picked using random.org.

Good luck! x

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream

This is my favourite multi-purpose product of the moment (now onto my second tube).  An extra thick cream with the yummy Palmers Cocoa Butter scent.  Retails at £2.25 for 60g - so great value.  Made with 100% cocoa butter and Vitamin E.

Can be used on hands, elbows, knees and feet. I love the vanilla sweet scent.  I reviewed the body lotion here.  (hubby loves it also) x

Giant Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo

Yesterday we went to Edinburgh Zoo to see the Giant Pandas!

We were very lucky to see Yang Guang in the outside enclosure.  Tian Tian (in the top pic) was sleeping and didn't come outside.  

My mum bought me this gorgeous candle scented with a Watermelon scent in a local shop. Really summery - can't wait to burn it!  You can read more about the candles here.

Lancome GWP

I so knew I wouldn't be able to resist the current Lancome GWP offer - its a good one!

My skincare item (one product has to be skincare to be eligible for the gift) is Genifique Yeux - Youth Activating Eye Concentrate 15ml which I discovered in the Selfridges Advent Calendar.  My second product is Lancome Juicy Tube in shade 33 - Pamplemousse (which I might keep to gift).


Onto the free gift, really brilliant range of products and all such a generous size (great for try me or travel).


15ml Hydra Zen Neurocalm soothing anti-stress moisturising cream
15ml Hydra Zen Neurocalm soothing re-charging night cream
5ml Hydra Zen Neurocalm eye contour gel cream
50ml Softening hydrating toner
30ml Sensitive eyes instant cleanser
mini Hypnose mascara (my favourite mascara!)
7ml Genifique youth activating concentrate
5ml Visionnaire advanced skin corrector
mini Lancome Juicy Tube


Really pleased with all the items.  Do you think you'll get this offer?  The mini mascara is going in my Easter giveaway - more details to follow next week x

Tom Ford White Suede EDP

I was very excited to receive a luxury 4ml sample bottle of Tom Ford White Suede EDP recently.  It's my new favourite Tom Ford scent (Although I will always love Santal Blush).

It's part of the white musk collection and notes include rose, saffron, amber, thyme, lily of the valley, sandalwood, white leather and musk.   A soft, light spicy scent which is also quite sweet - I love it! What's your favourite Tom Ford scent?

Lancome/Elizabeth Arden GWP deals

Two gift with purchase offers - the Lancome one is available until 1st April with the purchase of two items, one to be skincare (you get to chose your skincare item in the gift from hydra zen or Absolue Precious Cells) and a full size cleanser is also on offer if you buy a third item.  


The Elizabeth Arden Gift Time is also with the purchase of two items, one to be skincare and you get to chose 5 trial sizes.  With an additional purchase you get a lipstick worth £19.  Tempted by the Lancome one!