My Giveaway Prize from Ana at Ana Goes Green

I was super excited to learn that I'd won Ana's Giveaway which consisted of products she loves.  It arrived the other day and I can't wait to try everything (chocolate too!) 

I've got some lovely goodies to try out -

Lavera All Round Cream 150ml - a pot of thick lemony scented cream which can be used all over your body.  Love a multi-purpose product!

2 x Neom Room Spray Samples - in Real Luxury & Contentment - I had a sample of one of these from Amarya and loved it.  Especially looking forward to spritzing the new Contentment scent.

2 x Neom Bath & Shower Oils in Real Luxury and Restore - I love bath oils (and Neom ones) so looking forward to using these.

2 x 5ml REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream - looking forward to trying these out.  This night cream is one of Ana's all time favourites.

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash 20ml - love Weleda products so will be nice to try this.  I've got the matching body oil so this will be nice to have a pamper with before bed.

Herbfarmacy Lip Conditioner scented with vanilla and marshmallow - one of my favourite lip balms so happy to have a back up one.

Essential Care Rose Moisturiser sachet - one of my favourite moisturisers.  Will pop this in my overnight bag.

2 x minis of Green & Blacks chocolate - yum!

Thanks again Ana.  I was really pleased to win your giveaway and am looking forward to trying everything out.

See Ana's blog here.

Follow Ana on Twitter @Anagoesgreen

March Books

I've only managed to read one book this month.  I'm off work over Easter time and hope to read at least a couple of books to make my book post more interesting next month.

I found Helena Rubinstein by Michele Fitoussi a fascinating read.  Having used her creams and mascaras in the past I was keen to find out more about Helena.

From her Polish upbringing and her parents despair of her ever finding a suitable husband she finds herself going to start a new life in Australia.  A few years of hardship follow but she is determined to make a name for herself.  She opens her first salon in Melbourne and offers her customers scientific and innovative advice. Salons follow across Europe and the USA.  She lived and breathed her work and her legacy is still seen today in her innovative methods to market & manufacture products.  I found this a fascinating and interesting read and would recommend it.

What have you been reading this month?

Samples #8

My last samples update was at the beginning of February!  You can see the post here.

Here are my thoughts:

Tea Tree & Peppermint Intensive Treatment Foot Pack - 1 treatment - these are foot shaped and enriched with the treatment. Smelt nice and were cooling on the feet but not sure if they did much.

Lavera Balancing Face Mask 10ml - simply loved this mask which was scented with ginger, mango seed butter and calendula.  Got two uses out of the sachet and would buy again.

L'Oreal Everpure Shampoo & Conditioner both 10ml - enjoyed using both these.  Would perhaps buy full size.

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 2g - this was gorgeous!  I used it as a cleanser but it can also be used as a intensive balm or exfoliant.  I got 5 uses out of this tiny sample.  Would definitely buy this.

Sisley Moisturiser with Cucumber 4ml - I wasn't wowed by this.  It was ok.  There are other Sisley moisturisers that I prefer.  

Beemy Honey Moisturising Cream 5ml - I just didn't like the scent or texture of this cream.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 4ml - simply loved this and would purchase full size. A nice light lotion which absorbed quickly.

Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser 3ml - this seemed a nice cleanser but as it was such a small sachet it was hard to get more than one use from it.

Cotswold Collection Jasmine & Orange Blossom Hand Cream 5ml - I seem to have thrown this sachet out with my empties.  This was lovely, supermoisturising and smelt gorgeous.

Comfort Zone Tranquility Cream - this was lovely.  It was quite a rich cream with a delicate scent.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub - a nice scrub. Love Dermalogica skincare.  I think I just prefer the daily microfoliant.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 2.5ml - absolutely love this! My skin just lapped it up.  I have acquired a few of the mini bottles to keep me going.

REN Keep Young & Beautiful Serum 3ml - I just couldn't use this as I found the smell of it a bit off-putting.  A shame as I really rate REN products highly.

Evolve Protein Build Conditioner 7ml - this was nice with a light scent.  Would maybe buy full size.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment 8ml - definitely an acquired scent! I got a few uses out of the sachet.  Liked how soft and moisturised it left my hair feeling.  Would maybe buy.

Avon Advanced Techniques Moroccan Oil Leave in Treatment - I found this to be a bit heavy for my hair and I wasn't keen on the scent.

The samples I've chosen for week #9 are (and my sample stash is going down!)

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml
Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml
Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml
Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream 
Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml
Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream
Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml 
Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml
Belnatur Balance Cream
Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml)
Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml
Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml

Have you used any of these products?

LaylaD Beauty products & a discount code!

Layla from LaylaD contacted me recently to see if I'd like to review some of her lovely products.

Layla has always been interested in make up ever since her mum bought her 3 mini lipsticks to play with when she was a child.  She studied make up in college and whilst there worked in local theatre, did wedding make up and shadowed make up artists to gain experience and build up a portfolio.  Once Layla got her diploma she worked at London Fashion Week, special events and for celebrities at home and abroad.

After a bad reaction to a well known make of foundation Layla decided to create her own range of make up and skincare which didn't contain any parabens, chemicals, sulphates, toxins etc.  Products are 100% natural.

The skincare range contains ingredients which have been specially blended to work with your skin.  The mineral make up range is natural, oil free, anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic.

I was sent three items to review.  I've only been using them for a few days so I'll let you know my initial thoughts and I'll review them more thoroughly in a few weeks.

Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel* (50ml - £12.99)

A cooling and soothing gel which nourishes the skin.  Aloe Vera contains healing properties which makes this gel great for sunburn, blemishes or irritated skin. The seaweed the gel contains protects, stabilises oil and helps with regeneration.  It can also be used as an eye gel to awaken tired eyes - I do love a multi-purpose product!  

Sweet Almond Facial Oil* (10ml - £8.99)

Suitable for dry, damaged, dull, sensitive and dehydrated skin types.  The oil absorbs quickly into the skin.  Use 2-4 times a week or if your skin needs a boost.  Apply 2-3 drops onto cleansed and toned skin and then apply day or night cream.  It can also be used as a cuticle oil.  

Romantic Peach Eyeshadow* (1g - £6.99)

Romantic Peach Eyeshadow is a pink/peach colour with sparkle.  Suits all skin tones.  This is such a pretty colour.  Apply over the eyelid to brighten the eyes.  A little can be used as a highlighter along the cheekbones.

Full reviews will follow on all of the above products.

Layla very kindly is offering all readers of my blog a generous discount when ordering on the website - 

15% off orders of £20 or more

valid until the end of April 2013

BBALM15

You can see the online shop here

Follow on Twitter @layladbeauty 

*complimentary - sent for review

Red magazine - May edition - free Aromatherapy Associates product

Red magazine is giving away a free Aromatherapy Associates product! As I am a subscriber I always get my issue before it hits the shops.  Super excited.  Might have to pick up the other two options as well - Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser and Renewing Rose Cleanser.  I got the Hydrating Rose Face Mask (50ml).

There is also a Liberty Spring/Summer Beauty 2013 supplement with a voucher which can be used in store or online for £30 off if you spend £150 - very tempting!  A sachet of Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid make up 1.5ml is also inside.

Do you think you will pick the magazine up?

Shopping My Stash - Spending Ban Week 10

These are the products I've been reaching for this week -

Bodhi Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - simply love this minty shower gel.  A real wake up call in the morning.  See my review here.

Como Shambhala Invigorate Lotion 300ml - love the scent of this! With essential oils of eucalyptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint.  See my mini review here.

Green People Gentle Cleanse & Make Up Remover 25ml - love this cleanser.  See my review here.

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo & Conditioner 60ml - received these in my Latest in Beauty Organic & Natural box.  Really enjoying using them and love their scent.

OV Naturals Firm Friend Organic Face Oil 10ml - I am a lover of rosy glow moisturiser from OV Naturals.  See my reviews here and here.  This oil is scented with neroli, wild frankincense and bergamot and smells wonderful! Makes skin look radiant and moisturised.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Balm 10g - simply love this multi-purpose rose balm.  You can use it on lips, skin, hair and nails.  Leaves the skin moisturised and lightly scented with rose.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy - a lipstick I always come back to as I love the pink shade and shiny look on my lips. A colour which suits everyone.  It featured in my April Favourites last year.

Have you used any of these?  Are you shopping your stash this week?

What's by my shower

These are the products which sit on the bath ledge beside my shower.  I also have a stash in the cupboard that I use too.

Jo Malone Red Roses soap - beautifully scented and real luxury.  Ancienne Ambiance Goddess Argan Oil soap - a shea butter soap scented with Argan Oil - it's gorgeous!  See my review here.

Seascape Revive Conditioner* which I am testing for review at the moment.  You can see my thoughts on some of the other products here.  This seems a really nice conditioner which is scented with Jersey Rosemary and Bergamot.


Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo & Conditioner - loving using these.  Received them in my Organic & Natural Box from Latest in Beauty.  Zingy and invigorating.  I use them in my morning shower.  Full review to follow.

Seascape Uplift Body Wash* - love the uplifting scent.  See my review here.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows Bath & Shower Gel - simply love this gooseberry, orange blossom, moss and cut grass scented shower gel.  My favourite scent from the brand.  Pump bottle - would make a great gift.

Sephora Monoi Bubble Bath & Shower Gel - I got this in my swap box from Livia. You can see the contents of this here.  I prefer to use this in the shower. Smells lovely.

Bodhi Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy - my favourite Bodhi shower gel.  Really zingy and makes me feel awake in the morning!

Mama Mio Clean Slate Cleanser - lovely to use scented with lavender.  I'd maybe purchase this again but only after I use up some of my cleansers.

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser - received this as a freebie.  A really nice cleanser.  Again I'd maybe purchase.

Murad Exfoliating Cleanser - received this in a Latest in Beauty box.  Really nice with a gentle scrub.

L'Occitane Angelica Cleansing Gel - got this free in an offer last year.  Nice to use.

Do you use any of these products?  What's beside your shower?

Spending Ban - Update 10

Again I've had two splurges this week.  I signed up to a new green beauty box SoukSouk which costs £12.00 plus £2.95 P&P.  You can also subscribe for 6 months (£60 plus P&P) or a year (£120 plus P&P).  The April box looks fantastic and a bonus is I'll use everything the box contains.

On Friday after reading Ana's review a 10ml bottle of Botanicals Anti-Ageing Hand & Nail Serum slipped into my basket.  I also picked up a "free" duo of mini samples of Rose & Camellia Cleansing Melt (5g) and Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm (5g). (you can also pick these freebies up separately paying £1.95 postage).

Onto my wants:

Willow Organic Relaxation Box - £25 - Jasmine & Geranium Bath Oil, candle and natural soap.  I've used these products once before (I received this beautiful set as a birthday gift) and loved them.  Great for pampering and smells gorgeous.

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By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum £75 - adds luminosity to the skin, brightens, adds radiance and evens out skintone.  It sounds totally luxurious!

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Serena Linley Iris & Jasmine Bath Essence 15ml - £15 - you know I adore bath oils so this sounds just gorgeous.  See the website here.

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Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder £36 - needing a new powder and love Chanel's luxe packaging and make up. I think I'll buy this with my birthday money.

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Giorgio Armani Rose D'Arabie EDP 100ml - £190 - with notes of rose, saffron, patchouli, woods and amber.  Fancied this scent for a while now but just too expensive.  Nice to dream though!

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Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Perfumed Soaps 3 x 100g £40 - I am a sucker for beautifully perfumed soaps and these sound pure luxury.  I've tried the perfume and its gorgeous.

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Stila Colour Balm Lipstick £16 - Amelia &  Ruby Shades. Fully pigmented shades with a nourishing balm texture.

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How is your spending ban going?  Have you used any of these products?

March Empties

I know I'm a wee bit early with my empties but I know I won't finish anything else before the end of the month.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom EDT - 15ml refillable atomizer - my favourite Abahna scent. I'll definitely pick up the super value refill.

Oh Organics Rose Moisturiser Sample - I was sent items in the Rose and Melissa range to review.  See the website here.  This is a lovely moisturiser and a full review will follow.

Aromatherapy Associates Destress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - I don't think there is an Aromatherapy Associates bath oil I don't love. 

Elemis Tranquil Touch Body Polish 150ml - love this.  It's got just the right amount of gritty-ness.  Would buy again.  I reviewed it here.

Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - absolutely loved the body lotion (and would buy again) but I didn't like the shower gel as much. So wouldn't re-purchase.

Neom Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose Organic Hand Wash 250ml - absolutely loved this multi-tasking hand wash (can also be used as a body wash) but my pump action bottle started not working after a while which made this not fun to use but it wouldn't put me off buying it again as it is a lovely non-drying hand wash which smells amazing! And is my favourite Neom scent.  See my review here.

bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil 15g - loved this.  This came in a gift set. Would buy again.

Lush Dream Cream sample - this was a very generous sample and my skin loved it.  Will definitely buy at some point.

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream 10ml - one of my favourite hand creams - I always have one of these on the go.  Especially love when magazines offer them as free gifts - I snap them up!

Korres Guava Little Shower Gel 50ml - this came in my final Birchbox recently. Simply loved it.  You can see my review here.

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml - simply love this little mask.  Always seem to have one in my stash because it works!  See my review here.

Aromatherapy Associates Lavender & Peppermint Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - again, not found an Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil I don't love.  

Neom Tranquility Bath & Shower Oil 30ml - a gorgeous bath oil and one I'd buy again.

Goldwell 60sec Treatment 50ml - this came in a Feel Unique box ages ago.  Quite a nice product but probably wouldn't buy.


Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask 5ml - simply a fab product.   Awakens your skin leaving it looking radiant and renewed. Would buy full size.

111 Skin Facelift Repair Serum & Day Cream both 2ml - lovely but hard to tell from a 2ml sample whether it suits or not.

Clarins Eau Resourcante Bath & Shower Milk 50ml - lovely product received in a gift set at Christmas.  Really moisturising and the scent lasts even without using the matching body lotion. Would maybe purchase full size. 

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser 30ml - I received this in November's Amarya box. I expected it to be coconut scented. It wasn't but I still loved it.  You can see my review here.  There has not been an Essential Care product I've tried that I've not loved.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash 50ml - I picked up a few of these when they came free with a magazine a while back.  Really lovely face wash - one of my favourite foaming cleansers and it smells so good.  Will buy when I use up my stash of minis.

Cowshed Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream 50ml - again this was a freebie hand cream.  Loved the scent of this one and received this and another one recently with my Easy Living magazine subscription.  I can never have enough hand creams (or lip balms!)

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo 50ml - a natural shampoo which smells really lovely and is safe for coloured hair.  You can see my review here.  I'm pretty sure I'll buy this again.

Neom Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream 50ml - probably my most favourite hand cream in the world! Will definitely re-purchase at some point once I use up the stash I have.  You can see my review here. (I lost the lid of this so it became my bedside hand cream - I'm going to miss it...)

Undergreen White 1ml sample vial - this came in December's Amarya box.  Simply loved it.  Probably won't buy as it costs £120 for 100ml.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 100ml - so sad to have finished this! Absolutely loved this hydrating rose scented toning mist.  You can see my review here.  I'll definitely re-purchase this when the spending ban is over.  Love it.

Have you used any of these products?  What have you been using up this month?

Alison Claire Mango Body Butter 50ml

I received Alison Claire Mango Body Butter in my March Amarya Beauty Box. I have tried the coconut & vanilla scented butter before - I didn't like the scent but loved the texture and feel of it on my skin.  You can see that review here.

A 50ml pump bottle retails at £7.99 and a 200ml tub at £15.  Products are free from SLS, Parabens, PEGs etc.

Made with organic mango, cocoa butters, green tea, Vitamin E, white willow, aloe vera and comfrey.  It is dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin, made with natural fragrances and with no fillers or preservatives.

I'm simply in love with the light, fresh and fruity scent. A gorgeous butter which melts into the skin and leaves it lightly scented with mango as well as super moisturised.

Have you used this or any other Alison Claire products?

See the website here.

Follow on Twitter @AlisonClaireNB 

Clynol Enrich Colour Shampoo & Restore Colour Conditioner

Hairtrade.com is one of the UK's leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products from top brands.

I recently reviewed Clynol's Repair Caress Sealed Ends Repair Fluid which I really liked so I was pleased to be sent the Clynol Colour Shampoo & Conditioner to review.

Clynol Enrich Colour Shampoo* (300ml - £6.41)

The shampoo contains liquid jewel extract to add shine as well as UV filters to protect coloured hair from the sun.  The shampoo also contains Keratin to strengthen.  I have been enjoying using this shampoo, it lathers well and has a nice floral scent.  It also leaves the hair feeling really clean.

Clynol Restore Colour Conditioner* (250ml - £7.17)

I simply love that the conditioner is smaller than the shampoo - I always finish shampoo before conditioner and find myself left with random bottles of conditioner which don't match the shampoo!

The conditioner also contains liquid jewel extract for shine and brightness, apricot kernal oil to nourish as well as UV filters to protect coloured hair from the sun as well as 30 wash colour lock.

A rich cream which smells like the shampoo.  It leaves the hair looking moisturised and smooth.

These do contain SLS etc. I am trying to use more brands which are natural.  These are nice and are effective products which come from a well known brand and I have enjoyed using them.

You can see Hairtrade's website here.

Follow on Twitter @hairtrade 

*complimentary sent for review

Latest In Beauty - Organic & Natural Box

Latest in Beauty were offering free P&P recently so I picked up the Organic & Natural Box which cost £4.95.

Onto the contents:

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the strong mint scent - I just thought I'd received a bottle of my favourite Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Pure Castile Soap.

But it was...

Giovanni Shampoo & Conditioner  - both 60ml and scented with tea tree & peppermint (smells amazing even through the packaging!).  These are suitable for all hair types - so looking forward to trying them.

Dr Bronner Pure Castile Soap - I simply love the Peppermint variety!  The one I receive in this box is Almond - a scent I've not tried before so looking forward to trying it out!

Jason Lips Be Healthier Aloe & Beeswax Lip Balm 4.5g - I received this in a previous box and it smells just like chocolate peppermint creams - Yum!

Jason Aloe Vera Satin Shower Body Wash 59ml - this smells quite "green".  Not tried a lot of Jason products so happy to try this out.

I am really pleased with the contents (and the price!)  A really nice selection of products.  Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

Shopping my Stash - Spending Ban Week 9

These are the products I've been reaching for this week - 

Neal's Yard Be Lovely Hand Cream 50ml - this came free with this month's Marie Claire magazine.  A rich and supermoisturising hand cream made with organic honey and orange essential oil.  "Softens hands and helps save the Bees". Neal's Yard will give 25p to a Bee Lovely charity or good cause for each product bought. 

A'kin 24 hour Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner 150ml - I simply love this rich and moisturising leave in conditioner.   It leaves the hair frizz free and sleek.  Free from parabens, petrochemicals and artificial fragrances and colours.  It featured in my June favourites last year.  I think this is a product I'll always have in my stash.

Naked ooh la la creamy bliss coco de mer Body Wash 250ml - absolutely love the scent of this natural body wash.  You can see my mini review here.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Body Creme 175ml - a real luxury body cream scented with the scent of Wild Bluebell.  See my mini review here.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 105g - I just picked this gorgeous cleanser up the other day and you can see my initial thoughts about it here.

Sweet Cecily Mojito Flavour Lip Balm 10ml - a gorgeous little lip balm.  See my review here.

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in shade 705 - Soft Berry - a really wearable everyday shade.  Handy mini lipstick I picked up in the sales in a gift set.

Have you used any of these products?

Green People Gentle Cleanse & Make Up Remover 25ml

I received this Green People cleanser in my March Amarya Beauty Box.  The size we received is 25ml (50ml - £9.95/200ml - £18.95).  Suitable for all skin types this is a 2 in 1 organic cleanser which removes make up and cleanses the skin.

It removes all make up, even waterproof mascara. It doesn't sting the eyes or leave a film over them.  It leaves the skin clean and fresh and not tight at all.

Free from parabens, lanolin, ethyl alcohol, SLS, artificial colours and fragrances, petrochemicals and phthalates.  Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Made without soap.  Fairly traded ingredients, 100% certified Soil Association and 91% organic ingredients.

A light cleanser which is scented with rose geranium (one of my favourite essential oils) and one I'd purchase as it's really effective.

Apply with the fingertips in circular movements.  I remove with a warm muslin cloth.  Splash with cold water to stimulate circulation.

I reviewed the Green People Anti Ageing Facial Oil recently and you can see my review here.

See the Green People website here.

Follow on Twitter @GreenPeopleUK 

Spending Ban - Update 9

I broke my spending ban again in Week 9.

I bought a Little Beauty Box from Latest in Beauty - not had one of these in ages and I bought the new Elemis Cleanser - Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.  See my post on it here. On Sunday night I bought the Latest in Beauty Organic & Natural Box which was £4.95 with free P&P.

I'm still enjoying using my paperblanks* journal to record my spending and wants.

Onto my wants for this week -

Chantecaille Frangipane EDP 75ml - I've owned this perfume once before and I spotted it in Harvey Nichols last week.  Definitely one to save up for! It has notes of Frangipane flowers, vanilla, musk, ylang ylang, jasmine, orange and violets.  Simply gorgeous!

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Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser 240ml - also spotted this at the SpaceNK counter at Harvey Nichols last week.  Smells beautiful. Light and fresh. Ideal for summer.

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Miller Harris La Fumee Incense - I've always wanted to try this incense as I love the smoky scent of the perfume.

Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme 178ml - this sounds absolutely lovely but at that price I won't be buying it any time soon - nice to dream though!

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REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml - one of my favourite bath oils.  I would love a full size bottle again as I seem to have been using minis lately.

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Serge Lutens sa Majeste la Rose EDP 50ml - another perfume I have owned before.  Absolutely gorgeous I'd love another bottle! With Turkish, Bulgarian and Moroccan Rose.

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What are you "wanting" this week?

*complimentary sample