April Favourites

These are the products I've been loving this month -

Pure Fiji Exotic Bath & Body Oil in Coconut - simply adore this oil.  It has a light coconut scent and it reminds me of summer. Leaves the skin moisturised and lightly perfumed.  This is my third bottle I think.

Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Blissful Perfume Oil - I only got this last week as a late birthday pressie from Jo and Emma - you can see my post about it here. Already it is a firm favourite - a simply gorgeous scent.

Chanel Le Volume Mini Mascara in Black - subscribers to Red magazine received it this month.  I simply love it - makes my lashes super huge.

Acqua di Parma Nobile Gelsomino EDT roll on - a gorgeous light jasmine scent.  I reviewed it here - just perfect for Sping/Summer.

Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist 60ml* - simply loving this hydrating mist scented with pineapple and rose floral waters and with hyaluronic acid and neroli.  Can be used to tone, refresh skin and fix make up.  Full review to follow.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder in shade 30 Naturel - as well as loving the luxe packaging of Chanel this power is great for setting foundation and keeping shine at bay.

Have you used any of these products?  

*sent for review

Free Leighton Denny Colour & Go Nail Duo Nail Varnish - Harper's Bazaar - July Issue

Next month (out 4 June) Harper's Bazaar magazine are giving away a free Leighton Denny Colour  & Go Nail Duo Nail Varnish, each worth £11 - there are six shades to choose from.

April Books

Again this month I've only read one book.

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Lustre by Dana Thomas - I found this a fascinating and thought provoking book.  It looks at the history of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Armani, the making of perfumes, counterfeiting, child labour and how the brands operate.  My only criticism is I feel the book could be updated as some of the information seems a bit dated.

What have you been reading this month?

April Empties

Here are my April Empties -

Murad Body Firming Cream 100ml - this came in February's Beautylishious Box.  Lovely to use with an orange scent.  Didn't really notice any firming action though.  Probably won't buy as it is an expensive product to buy full size.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml - simply adore this bath oil.  Sure to pick it up again...soon.

The London Oil Company Morning Glory Body Oil 100ml - a really beautiful body oil.  I liked using it in the morning to wake my skin up.  See my review here. I've just ordered another bottle.

Origins Plantscription Anti-Ageing Eye Treatment 5ml - quite enjoyed using this but didn't really notice any difference around the eye area.  Wouldn't buy.

Mama Mio Clean Slate Aloe Rich Foaming Cleanser 30ml - this was really lovely to use and scented with lavender.  Would perhaps purchase when I've used up cleansers I've got in my stash.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - absolutely love this scented butter.  Think this is my second or third pot.  Have re-purchased.

Korres Fig Little Shower Gel 50ml - love the Mango & Guava shower gels.  Didn't like this one quite so much so probably wouldn't buy again (having just read the back of the bottles these shower gels contain SLS which is a surprise for a "natural" brand).

Sisleya Global Anti-Age Cream 5ml - my final one from my stash.  Adore this cream but would never buy it full size as its so expensive.  Gorgeous though.

L'Occitane A L'Eau Florale D'Immortelle Essential Water 200ml - a really nice toner would perhaps buy again but like my cleansers got a few to use up.

Botanicals Indulgence Body Oil* - this is gorgeous and I'll definitely purchase it at some point.  See my review here.

Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck 3.7ml tube - this seemed quite nice unsure if I'd buy.

Natural Wisdom Rose & Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydrating Toner 50ml - a gorgeous toner.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy this again when I use up products from my stash.

Oh! Organics Rose Toner 50ml* - this was a lovely toner.  See my review here.

Myroo Starflower & Orange Blossom Cleanser 26g - gorgeous! See my review here.  This was a fab cleansing oil and I'd re-purchase when I've used up some of the others in my stash.

Korres Little Shower Gel - Basil Lemon 50ml - This was fresh and zesty and nice to use in my morning shower.  I've got another one to use.

Lola's Apothecary Rose & Geranium Bath Oil mini bottle - this little tester came in the recent Beautylishious bag.  A lovely bath oil - I'll maybe pick up full size at some point.

Gielly Green Repair Mask 50ml - a huge fan of Gielly Green products.  Love this hair mask and will purchase again at some point.

Bloom Remedies Nourishing Body Oil 50ml - loved this! My dry winter skin just loved it.  Will definitely buy again.  See my review here.

Tara Smith Feed the Root Shampoo 50ml - picked this up recently in my M&S haul.  Loved its minty scent and the fact that its free from.  Will pick up full size at some point.

Tara Smith Feed the Rood Conditioner 50ml - as above, great product will buy full size at some point.

Taaj Ayurveda Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream 30ml - was quite a nice hand cream but I don't think I'd buy as there are others I prefer.

Essential Care Gentle Herb Conditioner 30ml - this is the first Essential Care product I didn't like! Eeek!  There is no lather so I ended up using more to compensate.  I didn't even finish the tube as I just didn't get on with it.

Botanicals Deep Peace Body Oil* - this was gorgeous and I'll definitely pick up full size at some point.  With lavender, rose geranium, orange and sandalwood.

Anita Grant Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 15g - simply love this delicious scented butter which melts into the skin.  See my review here.

Niki's Organic Lavender & Chamomile Balm 10ml - a simply gorgeous and relaxing balm.  See my review here.

Saaf Completion Boosting Serum/Saaf Ultimate Moisture Face Serum* - these were really nice to use and a review is to follow.

Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil 5ml - this came in the Cult Beauty freebie.  Seemed a nice oil but I didn't like the lavender scent. 

Korres Guava Little Shower Gel 50ml - my favourite Korres shower gel. Love it's sweet and fruity scent.

Neom Real Luxury Bath & Shower Oil 5ml - love bath oils and this was lovely to use.

Mossgrove Pure Deodorant 70ml - this contains little or no parabens and petrochemicals.  Scented with Jasmine - one of my favourite deodorants.

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - picked this up a while back at the hairdresser. Really great for adding shine and taming frizzy bits.  Will maybe buy again.

Beauté Chinoise Yin No.1 Facial Oil sample - this was lovely.  I received it as a free sample.  See my post here.

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


*sent for review

M&J London - El Capitan Candle

I was really lucky to win September Street's first Twitter competition recently of a M&J London candle.

It is simply gorgeous (and arrived so beautifully packaged)

M&J London was founded by friends Jennifer (from America) and Mira (from India) who met whilst working in the fashion industry.  They both now regard London as "home".

The candles are luxurious and ethical - the cardboard boxes the candles come in are printed with vegetable based ink and covered with water based coating - they are manufactured in the UK which reduces the company's carbon footprint and keeps people in the UK employed. The boxes are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the World Land Trust. The wax is made from 100% rainforest safe soya, the wick is lead free and is made with linen and cotton and the glass is made from 100% recycled glass which can be "upcycled" - washed out and used as a glass, for other candles or even for storing make up items - I'll definitely be re-using mine.

The scents are a combination of essential oils and aroma compounds and are created by a perfumer.  The candles are hand poured with love in London.  A large candle costs £35 with 60hrs burn time and a small candle £23 with 30hrs burn time.

The company likes to give back to the community and donate £1 from the large candles and 50p from the small ones to a London based Women's charity - Eaves.

The candle scents are inspired by Jennifer & Mira's travels, memories and their lives in London.  The other scents in the collection are -

Andalusian Romance: Orange Blossom & Jasmine

English Summer: Cucumber, Mint, Strawberry & Champagne

Left Bank Martini: Elderflower, Lemongrass, Goosberry & Juniper

Samadhi: Karpuura, Tulsi & Rose

Sweet Beginnings: Lavender, Manuka Honey & Cocoa

The candle I received is El Capitan - with Amber, Cedar & Rosewood which is inspired by road trips in California.  A slightly woody scent with a light sweetness - it is simply gorgeous!  I'll definitely be visiting the online store soon to buy presents (for others and myself!)

You can see the website here.  Sign up September Street for exclusive offers, brand previews, sample sales and launch invites.

Thanks so much again to @SeptemberStreet  and @mjethicalluxury 

Decleor Facial & Afternoon Tea at the Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh

In association with Essential Edinburgh - Spa in the City returns to Edinburgh on 4th and 5th May - I'm excited that's next weekend!  See my initial post here.

I was asked along yesterday to The Roxburghe Hotel for a complimentary Facial* and Afternoon Tea*.

What a gorgeous day I had!  Danielle, the Spa Manager was lovely, so friendly and made me feel at ease instantly.  I had a Decleor mini facial which was wonderful - so relaxing - I'd forgotten how lovely Decleor products are.

After filling out a new client form I was lead to this lovely treatment room for my facial.

I've used Decleor products in the past but not for ages so it was great to get a re-introduction to them.

My treatment started with talking about my skin issues which I'd listed on the form and then it was straight into some pampering.  

My skin was cleansed with Aroma Cleanse - Essential Cleansing Milk - a light lotion which contains neroli essential oil and sweet almond oil.  Smells amazing and removes all make up.  This was removed with hot cleansing cloths.

Next up was Phytopeel - Natural Exfoliating Cream - this is a cream exfoliator which is put on the skin like a face mask, left to dry and then massaged off, removing the excess with a cotton pad soaked in tonifying lotion.  I've used this before and love it.  It was in a Feel Unique box - see here.

My face, neck and shoulders were then massaged with Aromessence Iris - which helps tone and energise the skin.  As with all the Decleor products this smells gorgeous!

A mask was then applied and whilst it was working I was treated to a scalp massage.  After the mask was removed my skin was toned with tonifying lotion and then moisturised with Harmonie Calm Soothing Milky Cream. I must make a note to self to treat myself to facials! I felt relaxed afterwards and my skin looks radiant.

Hubby met me for Afternoon Tea* afterwards and what a treat it was! We had a glass of Champagne each as well as tea (Earl Grey and English Breakfast).  We sat at the window and watched the world go by - and escaped the hail shower!

Here's what we ate -

Sandwiches - egg mayonnaise, tuna and ham & tomato

Scones - with jam and clotted cream (butter available too)

Cakes - Mille Feuille, mini meringues and ginger cake

It was simply delicious and such a treat! Thanks so much to The Roxburghe Hotel for such a lovely afternoon.  If you are in Edinburgh next weekend make sure to drop into The Roxburghe Hotel Marquee at Spa in the City. (St Andrew's Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD).

Follow on Twitter @RoxburgheHotel  @EdinSpa 

*complimentary

Botanicals Natural & Organic Skincare

I first came across Botanicals last year in May's Amitee box.  After reading Ana's amazing review about the Anti-Ageing Hand Serum (see here) I knew I had to look at this company again.

Wendy Stirling's daughter suffered a severe reaction to a supposedly natural sounding herbal shampoo so she set about creating products which would suit.  Botanicals was set up in 2003.  Products are hand made in small batches and are fully tested formulations which are made using natural and organic ingredients.

They have won two trophies in the Natural & Organic Awards for their Rose & Camellia Deep Cleansing Melt and Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm.

You can try samples of these two product before you buy (a great way to test them out) by paying only P&P.  There are 4-5 applications per sample which is more than enough to see if these product are for you.

I bought the Anti-Ageing Hand & Nail Serum (£8.95 for 10g)

This is simply gorgeous! A light oil with the delicious scent of fennel.  As it is an intensive treatment you only need a few drops to super moisturise the hands and nails.  It feeds the skin, nails and cuticles and is 100% natural, organic and active ingredients.  It is certified by the Soil Association.  

I also picked up the two try me sizes.

Rose & Camellia Deep Cleansing Melt (full sizes - £16.95 for 50g/£28.90 for 100g)

This rich balm removes all impurities and make up. It has a nice light scent. Super concentrated so a little goes a long way.  Suitable for all skin types.  One I'll definitely pick up once I've worked my way through my stash.

Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm (full size - £14.95 for 50g/£21.90 or 100g)

Simply love this minty & tea tree scented balm.  With Organic Shea Butter, cold pressed Organic Oils, Vitamin E and essential oils this whipped foot butter softens hard skin and makes my feet feel comfortable and soft.  A little goes a long way.  Just love it.

I was sent two samples of body oil to review. I'm hugely into body oils at the moment and these are simply gorgeous.

Organic Body Oil Indulgence* (full size - £10.50 for 48g) 

A sensual and uplifting oil. Love that you can pick out the scent of each individual oil.  Contains essential oils of Neroli, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Organic Apricot Kernal, Organic Jojoba, Organic Sunflower Oils and Vitamin E.  Suitable or all skin types and 100% natural.  This is simply gorgeous and one I definitely want to pick up full size.

Organic Body Oil Deep Peace* (full size - £10.50 for 48g)

This oil helps relax the body and soothe the mind.  It can be used on the body, in the bath or in an oil burner.  It contains oils of Sunflower, Apricot Kernal, Jojoba and essential oils of Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Orange Peel oil and Sandalwood.  I loved using it just before bed.

Have you used any Botanicals products before?  What are your favourites?

See the website here.

Follow on Twitter @myBotanicals 

*samples sent for review

Shopping my Stash #14

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

Laidbare Butter Me Up Organic Shea Body Butter 250ml - first wanted to try this jasmine scented butter after reading a review on Evelyn's blog.  A richly scented cream which melts into the skin.  Full review to follow.

Balm Balm Mandarin Single Note EDP 12ml - I received this in my SoukSouk box. Lovely and fruity - like it layered with a bit of ylang ylang.  I also love the Rose Geranium scent from Balm Balm.

PG Organics Embrace EDP 30ml - a gorgeous Certified Organic scent - see my review here.  I never grow tired of this.

Neom Complete Bliss Organic Moroccan Blush Rose Hand Cream 50ml - my favourite hand cream.  Love the scent and the way it sinks into the skin. Simply gorgeous.  See my review here.

Bodhi Flora Paradiso De-Stress Massage & Body Oil 100ml** - I was really pleased to be sent this by Elijah for my birthday - such an amazing surprise! An absolutely gorgeous oil which is scented with ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, cedarwood, chamomile, patchouli, petigrain, bergamot and rose.  Again review to follow.

Sweet Cecily's Mojito Flavour Lip Balm - simply love this minty-lime balm.  See my review here.

Abahna Orange Blossom & Frangipani Bath Oil 100ml* - a gorgeous bath oil in my favourite Abahna scent.  See my five favourite bath oils here.


Are you shopping your stash?  Have you used any of these products?

**gift & *sent for review

Love Lammie

Yet another gorgeous company I came across on Twitter!  Love Lammie was launched by Victoria Lammie, a fashion graduate from De Montford University in 2005.  Based in Devon the company produce oilcloth bags in beautiful prints, cosmetic bags, baby accessories, aprons, purses, wheat wraps, Shower caps and sleep masks etc.  See the website here.

I totally fell in love with the Scarlett Cosmetic Bag a vintage inspired floral with gingham pipping.  It is really roomy and holds all my stuff! (£12).  I started using it as soon as I received it - I just love it! 

I also picked up a small cosmetic bag (Issy - £5) which was in the sale and I was sent a really pretty little purse* to test - I love carrying little purses on nights out or if I don't need to carry a handbag - it is so pretty and it is big enough to hold cash and cards.

Everything came wrapped in tissue and cellophane - making it great to gift (especially lovely as a gift to self!)

In the early days of the business Victoria would hand make all the products.  They are now manufactured in the UK and sold all around the world.  See the website here.  Follow on Twitter @LoveLammie

*complimentary

World Book Night 2013 - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I first mentioned here that I'd been picked to be a World Book Night giver.  I was so lucky to receive my first choice of book - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. An absolutely amazing book - my book of the year in 2012!  It has 2,240 5* reviews on Amazon.  My mini review is here.

Here's how I've distributed them:-

I gave one to Lucy who collects every Christmas for a homelessness shelter in Dundee - for the last two years I've donated beauty items.  She's going  personally to donate my book.

Two went to friends on Facebook, Lauren and Kim - Lauren reads books but just not this type and Kim starts reading a book but doesn't finish it.  I sent my aunt a copy too.

I gave the rest to random people on my way to work - it felt good to raise a smile or two!  Some people thought I was expecting money for it and two didn't want to take it and said a resounding NO!  Some were really made up and said I'd made their day - which is just so nice!  I also gave three to work colleagues who were pleased to receive them.

I even got a book myself from a fellow giver - this totally made my day!  I got Damage by Josephine Hart.

When I got home from work I distributed a few more locally and raised a few smiles and lots of thanks.

Totally recommend being a World Book Night giver!

See the website here
Follow on Twitter @WorldBookNight 

Birthday Presents - Cowshed & Neom

Jo at Beauty and the Books and Emma at Em's Mixed Bag gave me a beautiful birthday present of Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Blissful Perfume Oil - it is simply beautiful - scented with essential oils of ylang ylang, frangipani and bergamot.  It is sweet and exotic.  I'd had my eye on these too!  Just a perfect size for popping in my handbag.  Thanks girls!

Hubby is very good at choosing gifts I will love (know I'm lucky!).  He gave me two Neom gift sets.  I can never have enough Neom!

He gave me Scent with Love Body Care Gift Set - which includes my favourite Neom Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream as well as Sensuous Body Wash & Body Lotion and Tranquility Bath Oil - all in travel sizes.

The second set contains a full size bath oil and mini candle in Refresh - with Sicilian Lemon & Fresh Basil.  

I also received some other lovely beauty gifts including Dr Organic's Rose Otto range which I love.  I was truly spoilt!

Have you used any of these products before?

Bloom Remedies

I came across Bloom Remedies on Twitter - a great place for discovering new brands!  It's an Organic Skincare Company based in Cornwall.  Marie Hall is an IFPA Registered Aromatherapist and previously worked with Neal's Yard Remedies.

Products are made in small batches by hand using the finest organic ingredients and are approved by The Soil Association.  No preservatives, artificial fragrances or colours, SLS, parabens, silicones and mineral oils are used.

My parcel arrived after a couple of days and was beautifully packaged and securely wrapped. 

I'm hugely into body oils at the moment.  The one I chose to try is Nourishing Organic Body Oil for Dry Skin (50ml - £7.99). It contains Vitamins, Organic Avocado, Organic Wheatgerm and Organic Evening Primrose Oil.  Scented with Organic Essential Oils of Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender and Neroli. 100% natural and organic.  A simply beautiful body oil which smells amazing and really helps with dry skin areas - I've actually finished this bottle already!  I'll probably pick up the larger size next (100ml - £13.99).

The second product I bought is Sleep-Easy Organic Bath Oil (50ml - £6.99) which is great if you suffer from sleepless nights.  It is also great for relaxation.  With Organic Essential Oils of Sweet Orange, Vetivert, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Marjoram and Lavender.  I've only used this a couple of times so far but it makes for a really relaxing and soothing bath.

Have you used any Bloom Remedies products?  If so, what do you recommend I try next?

You can see the website here

Follow on Twitter @BloomRemedies 

Soaps Naturally

Lena from Soaps Naturally recently got in touch asking if I'd be happy to review a few of her products.  Soaps Naturally is based in Glasgow and you can see the website here.

The soaps are free from Petrochemicals, Parabens, BHT, PEGs, Silicones, EDTA and soaps in the Pure Nature range do not include any synthetic fragrances or colours.

I was sent White Rose Soap*, Cranberry Mix Soap* and Chocolate Kiss Body Balm* to review. The soaps and balm are wrapped in pretty paper with full ingredients on the label on the back of the soap.

White Rose Soap* this soap is from the Pure Nature range - which uses shea butter, sweet almond oil, goat's milk, olive oil, coconut oil and organic herbs.

With 20% sweet almond oil it is made using traditional soap-making methods.  Free from any synthetic enhancers.  The soap has a light scent (I'd probably prefer it to smell more strongly of rose) but it is nice to use and gentle on the skin.  Retails at £3.49 for a 115g bar.

Cranberry Mix Soap* from the Bio Soaps range - made with botanical extracts and natural ingredients which are 70% organic.  With cranberry and aloe extracts, sweet almond oil, cocoa oil and plant glycerine.  This multi-coloured soap is gorgeous! It totally scents out the whole of my bathroom and is lovely to use. Retails at £3.49 for 100g.

The third item I was sent was Chocolate Kiss Body Balm* which contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, grapefruit seed oil, beeswax, cocoa butter and chocolate! A solid hand made highly concentrated balm which is supermoisturising on the skin and sweetly scented.  Suitable for all skin types.  It retails at £3.69 for 80g.  To use break a piece off and massage it into the skin.  

The body balm is wrapped in paper like the soaps.  It had melted quite a bit so I decanted it into a pot.  Rich and delicious - my dry patches of skin and lips loved it!

My favourite from the three was the Cranberry Mix Soap from the BIO Soaps range.

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @SoapsNaturally 

*sent for review

SoukSouk April Box

My April Souksouk beauty box arrived on Wednesday.  SoukSouk offers natural and green beauty products.  Boxes cost £12.00 plus P&P on a month to month basis.  A six month subscription costs £60 plus P&P (one box free) and a twelve month subscription £120 plus P&P (two boxes free and a gift worth £15).  Oh so tempted to sign up for the year!

The box comes with a little green magazine which is really informative and a great read.  You also receive a rolled up paper scroll - this is your product info and it lists what's in the box.

I am super happy with the selection - I will enjoy using everything April's box contains.

Essential Care Lemon & Tea Tree Facial Wash 30ml (£6) - I'm a huge fan of Essential Care products so happy to try this.  Suitable for normal to oily/combination and acne prone skin types.  I haven't found an Essential Care product I don't like yet.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash & Body Milk (both 30ml) - I received these in April's Amarya box.  A huge fan of John Masters - these deliciously scented products will be added to my travel bag.

Balm Balm Mandarin EDP 12ml spray (£15) - a simply gorgeous 100% organic single note scent which can be worn alone or mixed with other single notes for a unique perfume blend - see here for more info.  I've got a sample of the ylang ylang single note scent I bought previously which I'm sure will be fab with mandarin.

Bomb Cosmetics Cooler Shaker Bath Creamer 30g (£2.09) - I've not used Bomb Cosmetics before.  Made with shea butter, cranberry & lime fragrance with essential oils of lime and basil.  Smells beautiful and looks really cute.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts on the contents?

Boujies London Jasmine & Lily Candle

Boujies is a luxury candle company based in London.  It was launched at London's Old Spitalfields Market in 2009 by husband and wife team, Michelle and Keith Gulliver.

They make four collections - Maison Noir, Maison Blanc, Maison D'Or and Maison Vive.  The candles are made using environmentally friendly natural soya wax scented with the finest essential oils.  They are all hand poured in England.

I was sent a candle* from the Maison Vive collection to review.

The candle is presented in a stylish pot making it a great gift too.  The candle is 300g with 35 hours burn time. (retails at £12).

Scented with jasmine and notes of lily with a sandalwood finish. A light floral which delicately scents the room.  I could even smell the scent the next day throughout the house.  A really beautiful floral scent - I'm a huge jasmine fan and this is gorgeous!

The company ships all over the UK and through direct sales in the USA, Scandinavia, Japan, Canada, South America and Australia.  

Have you used any of these candles before?  If so what are your favourite scents?

See the website here for more details.

Follow on Twitter @Boujies 

*Complimentary - sent for review