Elemis Sp@home Tranquil Touch Body Polish

I've been using this Body Exotics Body Polish twice a week for about a month.  It contains rice, cupuacu butter, patchouli, mandarin and ginger essential oils.

Leaves skin soft and smooth and lightly scented.  I tend to use it on dry skin for a "scrubbier" scrub but it works just as well on dampened skin as suggested in the instructions for use.

Retails at £20 for 150ml.  It is an Elle magazine Beauty Awards Winner.


I also love Boots Sanctuary Salt Scrub.

What's your favourite body scrub?

AD Skin Synergy Travel Set

I received the Skin Nourishing Night Treatment in my May Amarya Box.  Amarya offer Beauty Box Subscribers a discount every month so I decided to buy the Travel Set.

Included in the set is:

5ml Perfect Eyes

15ml Nourishing Night Treatment

10ml Radiant Skin Moisturiser

10ml Essential Cleansing Balm

100% Cotton Muslin Face Cloth

Fairly Traded Natural Cotton Eco Bag

Here are my thoughts:

Essential Cleansing Balm - contains the same essential oils which are included in the night treatment as well as organic calendula, beeswax, soya bean, jojoba, sunflower, sesame and olive oil.

Apply the rich balm to dry skin and massage into the skin.  Remove with warm muslin cloth.  All make up is removed.  Leaves the skin feeling really clean and gently scented.  Full size of this product retails at £26 for 45ml.

Perfect Eyes - A rich cream which is very moisturising and easily absorbed.  It contains organic rosehip, shea butter, oats, rooibos red bush tea, apricot kernal, avocado, evening primrose, rose flower, orange flower, witch hazel and Vitamin E.  Full size retails at £28 for 15ml.

Nourishing Night Treatment - you can read my review here.  Full size of 50ml retails at £38.

Radiant Skin Moisturiser - rich cream infused with essential oils.  Absorbs quickly.  Suitable for all skin types.  Retails at £28 for 45ml.

A great way to try all the products in the range.  Ones I'd buy full size are the Nourishing Night Treatment and the Essential Cleansing Balm and I'd consider re-purchasing the travel set if I was going on holiday as this would be a pampering and luxury set to take.  

Have you used any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

Clinique GWP - Harvey Nichols

I just received a card in the post advertising the forthcoming Clinique GWP Promotion at Harvey Nichols running from 31 May - 16 June.  Yours free with the purchase of 2 or more products, one to be skincare - its fantastic!

All items in the gift are trial size and include:

7 day scrub cream rinse-off formula

NEW Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 in Natural 2 with brush

High Impact Curling Mascara in Black

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss

Eye Shadow Quad with Applicator - Toasted Almond, Sierra Glaze, Buff, Champagne

Clinique Compact Mirror

Patterned make up bag


and I'm on my spending ban :(

Joliebox - May

I finally received my Joliebox yesterday - seems like a week later than everyone else.  It's fab though.

Here's whats included this month -


Full size China Glaze Professional Nail Lacquer in "Dress me up".  Pretty shade.


Talika Lipocils Expert, which is an eyelash growth product - really looking forward to trying this out - I really wanted to get this option. (the other one was eye therapy patch).


RMK Make up base - a good size - 15ml - looking forward to trying this out, loved the RMK Cleansing Oil so can't wait to try this.


Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser 15ml - already love this product having received a sample in a Amarya box (I then went on to buy the full size).


And a Joliemag - a really good read I think.


Really pleased with this month's box.  What are your thoughts?

The Literary Blog Hop

I'm taking part in The Literary Blog Hop on 23rd June.  I'm planning on giving away 3 books I have enjoyed reading and will post worldwide - so please check back.  It runs from 23rd June - 27th June.  Click on the link above for more details.  You can also click on the button on the side panel too x

Spending Ban Update - Week 2

After being so good on my first week of my spending ban I found last week I couldn't stop spending!

On Monday I picked up Elemis Absolute Eye Serum as I had a £5 off voucher so spend £21.60 - oops.  On Wednesday I went for G&Ts after work sitting outside in the sunshine and spent about £20 and on Friday night I went for tapas with some friends and spent £24.  On Saturday went to the local Beer Garden and spent a tenner. So not a good week - but I had fun! Must try and do better this week! x

May Empties

It's that time of the month again - empties!

And now for a closer look...

Here are my thoughts:

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - absolutely love this product.  I'm now on my last one.  I'll definitely re-purchase.

Vaseline Roll-on Deodorant - a staple.

Tropic Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream 5ml pot - love this and got another in a swap although now summer is here its too rich for my skin.  Would definitely buy it in winter, love the texture, feel on my skin and the scent.

Korres Citrus Little Moisturising Body Milk 50ml - this was from a swap.  It originally came in a Boudoir Prive box. Lovely light lotion.  Would perhaps purchase again.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - from Carmine box (and another swap).  Will definitely pick up full size next time I'm at the hairdresser - it really does what it says it will.

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - this was my extreme purchase from Harvey Nichols Beauty Department last November.  Love it, reviewed it here.  I actually bought another bottle during the luxury GWP promotion in March.  

Rose Sheet Mask - this was from the lovely goodies Evelyn brought me from Japan.  I love sheet masks and this one smelt and afterwards the skin felt amazing.

Erno Laszlo - I love these samples, have picked up a few packs in swaps.  Would never buy full size as the products are so expensive, but the samples are nice to use.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash 15ml and Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 15ml - absolutely loved both of these products.  Will definitely purchase full size at some point.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant sachet - got two uses out of this.  Have used this product in the past and loved it.  One I'll definitely buy at some point.

Pukka Firming Face oil 2ml sachet - an ok product but there are better face oils out there.

Pure Fiji Nourishing Exotic Coconut Oil - I'd just bought a mini travel set when I received a mini bottle of this in my Joliebox.  Absolutely love the light coconut scent and one I'd buy full size.

Molton Brown Eucalyptus Bath & Shower 30ml - got this in a gift set - loved the scent would purchase.

Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower 30ml - as above. My favourite Molton Brown scent.  Sure to purchase as some point.

Macademia Healing Oil Treatment 10ml - my last bottle of swaps - would re-purchase once I've used up the oils I am using currently.

Elemis Sharp Shower & Bath Gel 50ml - this had a nice minty scent, enjoyed using it but probably wouldn't purchase.

Cowshed Quinoa Hydrating Daily Moisturiser 20ml - a lovely moisturiser (I got this one of my Easter swap boxes) but a bit too rich for my skin - I used this on my neck.  Loved the scent and feel on my skin though.

Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine..to Perfection Gloss Cloth - single use, used it before a night out with good results.

Sanctuary Body Moisture Spray 50ml - love this for days I can't be bothered rubbing in a body lotion.  Just spritz on and pat in.  Got a full size back up.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Shower Gel 15ml - got this as a freebie in my birthday box.  Gorgeous!

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation sample pot - in shade 5.5 - good coverage would perhaps purchase.

Nailtiques Cuticle & Skin Gel 7g - a nice product, I got it in a set would probably re-purchase.

Santaverde Xingu High Antioxidant Prevention Cream sachet - lovely cream to use but unsure if I'd buy.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - love this.

Pukka Uplifting Toner 10ml - gorgeous trial size would purchase full size.

What have you been using this month?

Red Magazine Freebies

Red Magazine this month (July issue) has a free Jemma Kidd mascara or eyeliner.  I received the black eyeliner. (no choice as a subscriber).

Next month (on sale 4th July) they are giving away a fantastic REN freebie set containing - Vetiver Hand and Body Cream (15ml), Hydra Calm Global Protection Day Cream (15ml) and Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel (5ml).

May Books

Due to having lack of internet for a few days I've read 5 books this month!

The Hairdresser of Harare as reviewed here.

The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff.  I loved her previous books - Kommandant's Girl, The Diplomat's Wife and A Hidden Affair.

The book is set in the past and present and jumps between the two.  Two American lawyers (who vaguely know each other) work together on the defence of a man accused of war crimes during WWII.  Roger, while at University lived with his brother Hans, who was working against the Nazis and his wife Magda who he falls in love with.  Magda and her daughter are arrested by the Gestapo and Roger has to choose between betraying his brother or saving the woman he loves.

I've not read a Joanna Trollope book in years but Daughters-in-Law was an easy enjoyable read.  It follows the main character, Rachel and how she copes when her beloved sons marry and her relationship with her daughters-in-law.  

Neal's Yard Remedies - a really interesting book on herbs and their history with recipes both edible and for the skin.  Lots of lovely pictures and advice.  Some recipes I want to try are - Lemon Balm and Rose Tea, Blackberry and Lime cordial, Rose Petal syrup, Four Fruits Power bars, Rose and Avocado Body Moisturiser, Cocoa Butter and Rose Body lotion, Cleansing Chamomile Hand scrub, Coconut and Lime Skin Oil, Honey and Rose Petal Face scrub, Apple and Cinnamon Face mask and Calendula and Mandarin Lip balm - they all sound good enough to eat!  There is also a chapter on growing your own herbs.

Spitalfields Life by the Gentle Author.  A fascinating read about people living and working in Spitalfields in London over the years.  The Gentle Author writes a blog and these stories in this book came from there.  The Gentle Author writes random stories about people he comes across.  For example, a 6th Generation Umbrella maker, Richard Lee a bicycle seller whose family has been trading from the same market stall off Brick Lane since 1880,  a fourth generation paper bag seller, a mudlark, to name a few.

What have you been reading this month?

May Favourites

These are the products I've been reaching for all month -

Giorgio Armani Lipstick in shade  rose - 506 - creamy long lasting colour.

Lancome Nutrix Royal Mains Hand Cream - a pricey one at £21.50 but gorgeous to use and smells lovely.

AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment - as reviewed about here.  My new favourite night oil.

Soap & Glory - A Great Kisser in Juicy Peach - I've been reaching for this all month - love the scent and how moisturising it is.

Pukka Uplifting Toner a mini that I got in a travel set recently.  Scented with rose and orange flower - its one I'd buy full size.

What have your favourites been this month?

5 May Wants

Here is my five May wants!

Tata Harper Deluxe Trial Set

Tom Ford White Suede 50ml EDP - I can wish!

Lush Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze - I first read about this on Evelyn's blog - it sounds amazing!

Lanolips Triple Buttermilk Body Balm - I love the lip balm so would love to try this.

Aveda Comforting Tea - expensive but delicious!

What's on your current want list?

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel & Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask

Elemis, a luxury British Spa & Skincare brand is formulated to treat the skin with powerful results.  They use natural active ingredients with cutting edge technology.

Two of my favourite pampering treats are Papaya Enzyme Peel (which retails at £28.60 for 50ml) and Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask (which retails at £30.70 for 50ml). The ones in the photo are 15ml size and I try to pick them up in GWP deals or on QVC in value sets.

The Papaya Enzyme Peel contains fruit enzymes of papaya and pineapple to clarify the skin.  It also contains milk protein, Vitamin E and marine algae.  Apply to the face and neck (avoiding eyes and lips) and leave 10 minutes and then rinse.

I follow this with the Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask which contains mimosa, honey, samphire, orange and bergamot - it smells amazing and is super-moisturising.  Apply to face and neck, and like above avoiding eye and lip area, leave on 15 minutes and then rinse.  It can also be applied to the skin and left on overnight for an extra moisturising treat.

I also love the Pro-Collagen range and the Absolute Eye Serum as well as products from the body care range.

Do you use any Elemis products?

Spending Ban Update

I first mentioned my spending ban here.  So far I've done not bad (surprisingly!)  In week 1 (14-20th May) I only spent £10.41!  (and I managed to get a beauty product too!).  My mum gave me a voucher for £1 off Glamour magazine so I picked up the Angelica Face Toner in WHSmith (travel size).  I took lunches and herbal tea bags to work, and I picked up juice and water.  All in all I was quite impressed with myself!  Week 2 has not started off as well! x

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator 15ml

I picked up this eye product during a recent Harvey Nichols Estee Lauder GWP promotion.  It is quite expensive as it retails at £40 for 15ml but it really does work!  It brightens the under eye area from first use.

It comes in two shades - light/medium and medium/deep.  I chose the lighter one.

To use - squeeze a small amount onto the cooling ceramic tip and massage under the eye area from inner corner to outer corner.  Pat any excess in with fingertips and wipe tip after use. Can be used AM and PM.

It is said to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.  I found it was excellent at minimising dark circles and brightening the under-eye area.  I'd definitely re-purchase.

Has anyone else used this product?  What are your thoughts?

sorry internet is down thats why there is no posts its not getting fixed till tuesday

Update - 22nd May - It was horrible!  Just shows how addicted to the web I am!  I'm back hopefully not be any more internet down time.

Book Review: The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

Tendai Huchu emailed me asking if I would review his book.  He arranged to send me a complimentary copy to review.  You can read more about Tendai here.

Vimbai is the top hairdresser in Mrs Khumalo's salon.  She feels she is indispensable and that the salon would collapse without her.  When Dumisani, a good looking guy, with top hairdressing skills joins the salon Vimbai feels more than a little put out!

As a single mother Vimbai is finding times hard (although she does have a house girl who helps around the house and with her daughter, Chiwoniso).

Dumi is looking for somewhere to live and Vimbai, on the spur of the moment asks if he'd like to rent a room from her.  They begin to get to know each other, have days out and he helps around the house and with Chiwoniso.  He also introduces her to his family and they spend time with them.

We also find out more about Zimbabwe, what life is like living in a failing economy with hyperinflation, white farmers having their land taken, high unemployment, poverty and corruption.  Vimbai finds out a secret about Dumisani which initially shocks her but she gets over this quite quickly.  She seeks out her brother and his Philosophy Club which really helps her out!


A interesting, enjoyable and at times, entertaining read which is very well written - I recommend it.

Jo Malone Red Roses Candle

I received this gorgeous candle for my birthday.  I love Jo Malone products but rarely buy them for myself.

The scent of the candle is Red Roses which is a blend of seven different varieties of roses, violet leaves and lemon.  It burns for 45 hours.  A lid and matches is included too which is a nice touch.

It scents the whole room and the scent lasts until the next day.  It is an expensive candle but as it highly scented you don't need to burn it for long.

Other favourite candles include - 


NEOM Happiness - scented with white neroli, mimosa and lemon.  I received a travel size of this candle in a previous Amarya box.


NEOM Sumptuous - scented with rose and neroli


Diptyque Roses - scented with a blend of roses


I also love Yankee Candles and in particular - Clean Cotton, French Vanilla, Fresh Cut Roses, Lilac Blossoms and Raindrops on Roses.


What are your favourite candles?

AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment 5ml

I received this night treatment oil in my May Amarya Box.  I'd seen it in one of the Latest in Beauty Boxes which I didn't purchase and it's available as a luxury sample.

It's fabulous! Put a couple of drops in the palm of your hand and inhale.  It smells amazing - its scented with oils of organic rose, lavender, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, ylang ylang, neroli, frankincense and jasmine - totally relaxing.  Then apply to your face and neck.

As to the results?  In the morning my skin is soft, smooth and radiant.  The range of products contain no petrochemicals, parabens, artificial perfumes and colourants.

If you buy direct from AD Skin Synergy your order will be packed and sent by a social enterprise, Mail Out which provides training and jobs for people with disabilities.

I used the 20% off offer on the Amarya website for beauty box subscribers.  I decided to buy the Travel Set so I could try the other products in the range which are suitable for all skin types.

The set contains:

5ml Perfect Eyes

15ml Nourishing Night Treatment

10ml Radiant Skin Moisturiser

10ml Essential Cleansing Balm

100% organic cotton muslin cloth

and a fairly traded natural cotton eco bag

A full review will follow of the other products.  Have you used the night treatment or any of the other products? What are your thoughts?

Spending Ban!

I've been seriously overspending on beauty products, magazines and posting swaps so I've decided on a spending ban on everything apart from necessities running from today to 14th June eek!  I'm giving myself £10 a week for necessities (and any extras like coffees/water at work).  It's packed lunches for the next month.


I am allowed to buy the Latest in Beauty box (if I fancy it), its available at the end of the month but only if I have enough funds in my paypal account and I will purchase a couple of Glamour magazines at the end of the month for the free Benefit trial sizes (from my £10 budget).  I'll get my beauty fix from pre-paid boxes - Joliebox, Amarya and Amitee.

I'll keep you updated weekly.  I'll just have to find another way to spend my lunchtimes - I normally hit the shops... 


p.s. I got a sneaky wee purchase in on Saturday night! I am loving the AD Skin Synergy Nourish Night Treatment from the Amarya box (a review of this product will follow tomorrow) and with 20% off all products featured this month I bought the Travel set. 

Detox thoughts

Following on from Friday's post here are my thoughts on detoxing.

• I'm going to keep up the body brushing - it wakes up my skin and gets the circulation going.

• Hot Water and Lemon - I loved drinking this first thing so going to add it into my morning routine.

• Napiers Detox Formula is vile - I don't care if its doing me good I hate the taste of it.  I'll keep taking the milk thistle though.

• I have re-discovered my love of porridge and it's just delicious with blueberries

• I didn't miss bread and butter as much as I thought I would - ditto crisps and chocolate.

• I really missed my Saturday night wine watching The Voice!

• I have had the best few nights sleep in ages and I woke up feeling energised rather than still sleepy

• I did miss my daily skinny latte.

• My skin looks clearer just after three days.

I think doing the mini detox was interesting - I did feel a wee bit hungry at times but grabbed a piece of fruit, a fresh juice or some raw veggies rather than chocolate or crisps.  I did miss wine but found I can live without it.  I'm going try and be more aware of what I'm eating and whether I'm just eating because I'm bored rather than hungry.  I'd definitely do a mini detox again.

Glamour Magazine - June - L'Occitane freebie

This offer was meant to be exclusive to WHSmith but I found it in a random corner shop while out shopping today.

I chose the Angelica Cleansing Gel which is a 50ml travel size worth £10!  You can also chose from Toner also 50ml worth £10 or Hydration Cream 20ml worth £14.  Worth picking up if you can. (the magazine is 49p dearer than normal).

Did you get this magazine offer?

Latest in Beauty Little Beauty Box

I got my Latest in Beauty, Little Beauty Box last week.  Here's what I picked:

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint x 3 sachets.  The only shade I won't use is the darkest one.

Erno Laszlo - The Hollywood Collection x 5 sachets.  Have collected a few of these packs in swaps as I love the products.  The eye cream costs £85 full size.  Lush as it is, I'll never be buying!

Finally, Lavera Faces Organic Wild Rose Eye Gel 4 x 1ml sachets. 

Have you bought a Little Beauty Box lately?  Or used any of these products?

Clinique Gift With Purchase - House of Fraser

A great GWP offer is available from House of Fraser from Thursday 10 - Saturday 26 May.  Choose 6 favourite treats from a choice of 10 yours free with the purchase of 2 products one to be skincare.  

Detox

I mentioned here I was going to do a 10 day detox.  

I reckon for a first time detox-er this would be a bit harsh (and too difficult to stick to!)  So I'm planning a three day one starting today! I've done a bit of online research and have found an achievable plan which eliminates wine, fizzy drinks, chocolate, bread, butter and crisps (ooh I'm going to get grumpy!) 

I've collected some things to help me (please consult a doctor before embarking on a detox especially if you have any health conditions).

Body brushing - as mentioned here.  I've also picked up Napiers Detox Formula Blend - add 10ml to a litre of water and drink throughout the day.  It is meant to be used for 10 days so I'll try and keep this up after my 3 days.  I also picked up some Milk Thistle tablets - a good tonic for the liver.  I'm also going to start my day with hot water and lemon which is  good to hydrate the body and helps to boost detoxification.

I'm planning on drinking lots of water and herbal teas, some DIY pampering beauty treats, going for walks/gardening (weather permitting) and a little yoga.  Afternoon naps and 8 hours sleep a night are also suggested.

I'm planning on eating healthy - homemade smoothies and juices, salads, fruit especially apples, pears and berries, porridge, homemade soups, stir fry and salmon or chicken with lots of steamed veggies.  

Update will follow on Monday!

Amarya - May

I was excited to get home last night and find my Amarya Beauty Box waiting for me! It's fab - for once I hadn't peeked at any spoilers!

Here is what is included this month:

A full size Terre d'Oc Gloss Sublime Shine Lip Gloss in shade Grenade Benoa worth £14.95.  A really wearable shade which lightly colours the lips.  It's enriched with coconut butter to moisturise.  Love this, feels really nice on the lips.

Another full size, Lavera All-Round Cream worth £6.95 with organic shea butter and almond oil.  Suitable for all skin types.  Super moisturising.  Will look forward to trying it out as I love body products.

A 5ml sample of AD Skin Synergy Nourish Night Treatment Face Oil (I think this was in a recent Latest in Beauty box which I didn't get).  Always pleased to try skincare and I especially like treatment oils.

Finally, a sample vial of Tous H20 EDT a floral scent with lavender and lemon.  In association with Oxfam a percentage of the sales will help to provide 15 litres of drinking water for someone in a developing country.

Amarya are asking beauty box subscribers to review & win.  Every month they will give away 3 beauty boxes plus a goodie bag to random subscribers who write a review and post it on the website.

A great box, what are your thoughts?

The Edinburgh Natural Soap Company

I picked up this Organic Shea Butter Bath Truffle scented with Sweet Orange, Geranium, Frankincense & Lime Essential Oils and topped with rose petals at a recent local Farmer's Market.  It's gorgeous!

You can read more about the Edinburgh Natural Soap Company here.  They also have a Facebook page which you can access here.

As this is rather large (and decadent) for one bath I've divided it into four - so four baths for £3.75 - makes it much more cost effective.  Smells delicious, is super moisturising and relaxing.

Next time I'm going to pick up The Queen Bee Body Bar, a massage bar in it's own wee tin (£6.50) and the Bath Melts - you get four in a little heart shaped tin.  They retail at £6.  Great for presents too.

5 wants

Here are five current wants!

Willow Soap n Loofah in Jasmine & Geranium

Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil

Karin Herzog Rose Face Cream

Aveda Stress-Fix Body Lotion

Illamasqua Freak

What are your currently wanting to buy?

Pukka Organic Skincare Collection

I knew I had a night away coming up (Saturday there) so I treated myself to a little trial size set from Pukka which is newly available from Naturisimo.  It retails at £18.90 and Naturisimo offer free P&P.

Included in the set is:

Gentle Cleanser 10ml - with Organic Rosewater and Green Tea - Skin Purifying Formula - Massage onto skin and remove with warm muslin cloth (full size 50ml retails at £11).  This product is great at removing all make up but I didn't love the scent so I wouldn't buy the full size.

Uplifting Toner 10ml - with Organic Rose and Orange Flower - Skin Firming Formula - spray onto the face after cleansing or spritz onto your skin throughout the day to freshen up.  Smells amazing. (full size 100ml retails at £17.50).  I would buy the full size.

Radiance Serum 10ml - with Organic Aloe Vera and Manuka Honey - Revitalising Formula - apply a thin layer before moisturising.  (full size 50ml retails at £32). This seems a really good product and would consider purchasing it.

Deep Moisture Day Cream 10ml - with Organic Neroli and Shea Butter - Deep Nurture Complex - apply a small amount to face and neck.  Smells divine. (full size 50ml retails at £26).  I really like this, both performance and scent, would consider buying full size.

Nourishing Night Cream 10ml - with Organic Frankincense and Avocado - Total Repair Complex - apply a small amount to face and neck. (full size 50ml retails at  £28).  A lovely cream but the scent was a bit strong.  I'll finish the sample size but wouldn't purchase.

Firming Face Oil - 2ml sachet sample - with Organic Starflower, Arnica and Rosehip - Mature Skin Formula - apply to face and neck before moisturising or instead.  (full size 30ml retails at £38). Seems an okay oil but there are others I prefer so wouldn't purchase.

I love trying new brands so overall I did enjoy this sampler.  Naturisimo also have a Tata Harper Sample Set - I want to try this next.


I also bought a 10ml sample of Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil which you can buy for £2.95.  Full size of 200ml retails at £59.50.  This is a 100% natural cleansing oil which is water soluable.  Scented with oils of cypress and petigrain.  Apply to dry face with dry hands and massage, add water and continue massaging and then remove with warm water.  Looking forward to trying this out.  Have you tried it or the Pukka range?

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask

At selected Waitrose stores buy two Balance Me products and get a free Radiance Face Mask worth £18! Hurry, this offer lasts until Tuesday 8th May.  Click here to check if your local store is running this amazing offer!

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask* deeply cleanses, exfoliates and brightens the skin.  It contains ground walnut shell to exfoliate, kaolin clay to rid the skin of impurities and fruit acid complex for radiance.  Suitable for all Skin Types.

It smells amazing - scented with oils of rosemary, palma rosa, rose geranium,  lavender and chamomile.

To use: smooth over damp face and neck using circular movements so the walnut shells exfoliate the skin.  Leave on for 5 minutes and then remove with a warm muslin cloth.  Follow with moisturiser or face oil.

Full size 75ml retails at £18 and 15ml retails at £4.50.

Left my skin radiant, smooth and bright - a product I'll be adding to my weekly routine.  I love the Balance Me range.  You can read my other posts here and here.  The mask won a Red Best of Beauty 2012 Award.

Have you used this mask before? Do you think you'll pick up the offer at Waitrose?

*PR Sample

Bliss Lid + Lash Wash Make Up Remover

I got the lid+lash wash in my Amitee box.  It retails at £12.30 for 110ml. The size I got in the box is 30ml which is worth £5.

It's fab!  Probably the best eye make up remover I've ever used.  You only need a little bit of product on a cotton wool pad, sweep it over your eyelids a few times and all eye make up comes off.  It's extra soothing with added Chamomile and there is no sting or film over your eyes after use.

Its a light oil free gel formula and Bliss say you can even store it in the fridge which is great for de-puffing eyes.

I'll definitely re-purchase this product (although I am sure this travel size will last a while) Have you used this product before?