August Books

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The Elemental (Blair Dubh Trilogy #1) by Heather Atkinson - Freya MacAlister wishing to lay ghosts to rest arrives back in Blair Dubh, an isolated Scottish village where she spent some of her childhood.

There is a murder and due to things that happened in the past fingers point Freya's way.  A storm cuts off the village with a murderer in it's midst.  There is a second murder, a woman is burned to death which mimicking a series of old murders using the elements. Craig Donaldson, Freya's childhood friend and local Policeman is racing to find the killer. A great read with interesting characters.

My second book this month is The Drowning Tide (Blair Dubh Trilogy #2) by Heather Atkinson - Glasgow in a heatwave. Rioting breaks out at Barlinnie Prison. John Docherty a violent prisoner escapes and sets out to destroy the lives of those he believes destroyed his.  Top of the list is Freya Donaldson (nee MacAlister).  Craig and Freya have been happily married for 2 years with the Elements murders behind them.  They are trying for a much longed for baby and Craig's ex girlfriend is making a nuisance of herself so they decide to take a break and have a holiday.  They borrow a boat and decide to cruise to Arran. Freya isn't happy on water so they make their first stop Blair Dubh. They are being watched and things happen - their boat is damaged, Freya's parents graves are vandalised and Freya fears for her live.. Looking forward to book #3.

Blood in the Water by Gillian Galbraith* - I was sent this book to review by Love Reading. I really enjoyed it. 

A new detective is in town. Meet DS Alice Rice, a single, ambitious woman in her 30s who needs to find a killer.  A series of murders take place and Alice needs to find the connection.  The first person murdered is a Consultant Gynaecologist then a handyman/odd job man, a QC and his Trainee.  The story takes us to the world of the legal profession and a medical negligence case. The story kept me interested throughout and I'd recommend it. Looking forward to reading more Alice Rice mysteries.

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Whisky from Small Glasses by D A Meyrick - this is a stunning debut novel set in the rural Scottish town of Kinloch.  A woman's body is found in the sea and this is closely followed by two more murders.  Chief Inspector Jim Daley is sent to investigate with his DS Brian Scott - they have a great relationship and work well together. They uncover a drug smuggling ring, violence and corruption. Great characters and storyline. I guessed who the murderer was quite early on but this didn't spoil the enjoyment of the book. Would recommend. I'm looking forward to reading Denzil's second book The Last Witness - edit: I'm reading it just now and can't put it down!

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Watch Me by James Carol - Having loved Broken Dolls I was eagerly awaiting James's second book. I did enjoy it but it didn't wow me like the first book. Ex-FBI profiler Jefferson Winter has a new case in Eagle Creek, Lousiana. The story opens with a man being set on fire and the video clip along with a link to a chilling website is sent to the Police.  Winter works with Taylor, a junior cop and his girlfriend helps out too. We find out the dead man is a well respected lawyer Sam Galloway. We learn more about Sam and his life. I didn't see it coming who the killer was. Quite fast paced with many twists and turns.

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Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - Jane is a single mum to Ziggy. She moves to Piriwee a pretty seaside town. She makes friends with loud Madeline and beautiful Celeste. Their children are in the same kindergarten class.  An incident occurs in the playground and a witchhunt ensues.  We know at the beginning of the book there has been a murder at the Audrey & Elvis Trivia Night.  I enjoyed finding out more about the characters including some sad and shocking things.  There are some funny moments too along with bullying, cliques and competitive parents.  A really good read.

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Your Beautiful Lies by Louise Douglas - I'm a huge fan of Louise's books - I've read all the others - if you haven't I highly recommend them all.

Anne Howarth lives in the mining village of Matlow in South Yorkshire with her Chief of Police husband and daughter.  The strikes of 1984 mean tensions are high.  A body is found on the moor and fingers are quick to point to Tom, Anne's ex boyfriend who has recently been released from prison spending 10 years of his life inside for manslaughter.  Anne struggles with her feeling for Tom as they resurface now he's back in town...  I loved the description of the moors, the town and the characters. A great read which I couldn't put down.

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The Ways of the Dead by Neely Tucker - this is a first novel and it's brilliant! The body of the daughter of a Federal Judge is found in a dumpster in a rough neighbourhood in Washington DC.  Three local boys are suspected of the murder.  Sully Carter, Veteran War Correspondent and now journalist for the local paper suspects there is more to it and pursues his own line of enquiry with the help of local gangster, Sly Hastings. A really great book which keeps coming at you with twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming. Can't wait for book 2!

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My final book this month is Secrets on the Estate:Their Diaries Reveal All by Mel Sherratt* - Mel very kindly sent me a copy of the book to read. This is a great companion to The Estate series. It features diary entries from the main characters and includes stories from some of the characters in the next book in the series - Written in the Scars which is due out on 14 November.  It also features snippets from Josie Mellor, the Housing Officer, Prologues for the first three books and secrets from the author.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary

L'Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Ritual Range

As I sign up to L'Occitane's newsletter I get sent news of special offers and GWP deals. I've recently been reading about their new Aromachologie range which comes in Relaxing ritual or Revitalizing ritual along with a haircare range. 

I picked up this fantastic little GWP after spending £36 (I bought a treat for myself and a birthday present).

In the gift:

Aromachologie Relaxing Body Cream 50ml 

Aromachologie Relaxing Shower Gel 35ml

Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist 15ml

Repairing Shampoo for Dry and Damaged Hair 75ml

An eye mask and mini make up bag

I chose to buy Relaxing Bath Salts (300g - £16) which come in a cute mini kilner type jar. The blend smells gorgeous - it's a mix of salt crystals, lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium.  Great for a relaxing soak and a restful night's sleep!

Edit: My favourite item from the gift is Relaxing Body Cream which is light as air and heavenly scented.  Great to use to relax and unwind before bed. Full size of this is on the wishlist!

Have you tried anything from the new range?

Bee Good launching at Waitrose

I'm really excited to share with you that from today you can buy Bee Good products in 100 Waitrose stores!

"we're absolutely delighted that Waitrose customers will be amongst the first to experience Bee Good skincare which expertly combines precious British bee ingredients and botanicals" - Rebecca Nichols, Bee Good Marketing Director

I'm a huge fan and am thrilled I'm going to be able to purchase products with my monthly shop.

I've tried all of the products available (apart from the Honey & Wild Flax Daily Moisturiser (£19.50 for 50ml) and Honey & Crambe Daily Hand Cream (£9 for 50ml). Here are my thoughts on the ones I have tried.

Honey & Wild Mint Cleansing Water 100ml (£10 - 100ml) - I was pleased to receive this in the last BBB Beauty Box - see here - and what a box! I loved it.  The cleansing water cleanses and refreshes the skin. I like to use it to remove make up including eye make up before a deep cleanse.  It featured in Shopping my Stash #53.

Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser (£11.50 - 100ml)* - this is simply one of the best cleansers I've ever used! Super rich, smells gorgeous and easily removes all make up and daily grime including waterproof mascara. I love it! It featured in Shopping my Stash #56.

Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm (£4.75 - 10ml)* - one of the lushest and most delicious lip balms I've ever used.  See my review here.

Honey, Borage & Echium Intensive Hand Repair (£12 - 50ml)* - a rich and super moisturising hand cream which is great for dry hands, elbows and knees! See my review here.

Are you as excited as me about this news? Fingers crossed one of my local Waitrose stores are in the 100!

*PR samples

August: Lately I've been Loving

I had a great time at Foodies Festival at Inverleith Park at the beginning of the month. The sun shone and the food and drink available was fantastic. I even got to meet the lovely Fiona from Sciolti Botanical Chocolates which was a real treat in itself!  Of course I had to buy some chocolate too....

Also in the pic are The Marshmallow Lady Prosecco & Rose Marshmallows topped with rose petals (I love these and pick them up whenever I see them!)

I also had some tasty food at Bistro Moderne including a delicious perfect for summer time pudding. It was scrumptious!

I am totally obsessed with coconut water at the moment and this is my favourite brand.

Staying on the coconut theme...I picked up these Faith in Nature coconut products from Earthy Portobello. They stock a wide range of natural and organic skin and bodycare. These are gorgeous. Super moisturising and smell delicious. Great value at under a fiver each. Know I'll be buying again and again..

I came across a fab little shop in Tollcross in Edinburgh called Dandelion Edinburgh which sells fairtrade gifts, skincare, clothes, homewares and accessories. It really is lovely - know I'll be stopping by to pick up some gifts. I did treat myself to a hand-crafted geranium & rose petal soap from Organica J which smells gorgeous! Also love the homemade gift bags which are made out of old magazines!

What have you been loving this month?

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Hand Wash

I'm a huge fan of Organic Surge's Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel (I'm just about to start my third bottle!) I love it's refreshing and slightly exotic scent. Great to use on hot summer days but know I'm equally going to love using it to brighten up long winter days.

The Hand Wash (£4.50 for 250ml)* is equally as gorgeous! Suitable for all skin types it gently cleanses the hands leaving them feeling moisturised and refreshed.  

98.89% natural it is animal friendly and suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. Apply to wet hands, lather and then rinse.  For best results follow with the matching Hand & Nail Cream (75ml - £4.50).

Have you used this?  What's your favourite Organic Surge product?

*PR sample

Award Winners: Beatitude Joy & Patience Aromatherapy Bath Oils

I was really pleased to hear that Rebecca's luxury bath oils have won two awards recently.  Beatitude won a Bronze award for Joy Aromatherapy Bath Oil at the FreeFrom Skin Care Awards and I just found out last night her Patience Aromatherapy Bath Oil won a Platinum Award for Best Bath Oil over at The Janey Loves 2014 Platinum Awards.  Well done Rebecca & Beatitude!

Rebecca & Janey Lee Grace

I'm a huge fan of Rebecca's beautiful products having reviewed Patience Soaps and Peace Aromatherapy Bath Oil here and Peace Aromatherapy Body Oil* here.

The bath oils come in either 100mls (20 baths - £38) or 50mls (10 baths - £22). I love the chunky glass bottles which look super luxe sitting beside the bath.

Rebecca kindly sent me some samples of Joy, Patience & Peace Aromatherapy Bath Oils* and Skin Salvation Face Oil* (which was commended in last year's FreeFrom Skin Care Awards).

Joy is "sunshine" in a bottle - it's a happy and sunny scent with notes of orange, mandarin, petigrain, grapefruit and bergamot. Refreshing, cheering and uplifting.  Patience is spicy and warming and it contains rosemary, lavender, ginger and juniperberry while Peace is calming and relaxing with notes of lavender, ylang ylang, petigrain and cedarwood.  I reckon you need all three in your life! (buy a luxury trio for £66 - see here).

Match with the Body Oils which are rich and nourishing and prolong the pampering experience (and I can vouch are gorgeous!) (100ml - £34)

See the Beatitude website here  

See the FreeFrom Skin Care Award Winners 2014 here

See Janey Lee Grace's - The Janey Loves Platinum Awards 2014 here 

*complimentary

August Empties

I've got loads of empties this month!  So much so the box I hold them in was overflowing!  I'm not going to use anymore up so here goes...

001 Intensive Elixir Precious Finds 50ml* - I simply loved this. It featured in my top products of 2013. So sad to finish this. Another bottle now on my wishlist.  See my review here.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel 250ml - this is my favourite Organic Surge Shower Gel. I just love the scent. This is my second bottle. You can see I've mentioned it here, here and here.  Will definitely pick it up again and again!

G Baldwin & Co Pomegranate, Bilberry & Rose Alcohol Free Skin Toner 150ml* - a light and refreshing toner.  See my review here.  I'll probably pick this up again.

Mitchell & Peach English Growers Shower Wash 50ml - love this luxe lavender scented body wash.   

Aurelia Firm & Revitalise Dry Body Oil sample - oh WOW this is amazing! Full size on the wishlist! As like every Aurelia product - it's love!

Therapi Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser 5ml - simply gorgeous. Love this. Will buy full size at some point.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 4ml sachet - this was lovely to use and I got four uses from the sachet. One I'd consider buying.

Pelle Beauty Luxe Beauty Oil sample* - this came in July's Petit Vour box* and I loved it! Would definitely consider ordering full size.

Neom Tranquility Bath Oil mini 5ml - love these little bath oils. Will definitely buy again at some point.

Suti Rosewater Organic Facial Spritz 100ml - I love this and will definitely buy again.  See my review here. The fact that I now miss this is an indication that I will buy again!

Nourish Golden Glow Body Shimmer 2ml sample* - I'm a huge fan of the face variety and this was lovely too although a teeny tiny sample. Would maybe buy full size.

The White Company White Lavender Bath Milk 200ml - I got this as a pressie from hubby and I loved the luxe decanter. Made for a relaxing bath. I'd maybe buy.

OCÉOPIN L'huile de Graines de Pin Maritime 15ml* - this was a really lovely facial oil.  See my review here.  I loved the story behind this oil and how fab it felt on my skin. I'll definitely consider purchasing once I reduce my stash a bit!

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser 50ml* - this moisturiser was a delight to use. Light as air and deliciously scented.  I mentioned it here. I'll definitely buy this to use next summer.  The whole range is simply divine! (p.s. I'm a huge fan).

Soleil Organique Sunblock Mist SPF45 120ml* - loved this and it lasted two summers in the UK.  See my review here. My only negative is the pump stopped working 3/4 of the way down. Despite this I'd buy if going abroad next year.

Indie Lee Calendula Eye Balm 15ml* - I'm a huge fan of this eye balm. Super nourishing it hydrates the eye area. One I'll definitely buy. See my mini review here.

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum 15ml - love, love, love this and nearly always have one in my stash as it just works at banishing dark circles and nourishing the eye area. Will buy a new one after payday.

Aromatherapy Associates Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser 5ml - this came as a mag freebie and I just love it! Got another to use but one I'd buy.

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream 50ml - a orange scented cream which moisturises the hands and nails and helps save the bees. What's not to love. Will buy again!

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm 2ml - this came in the Beauty Bible box in association with Latest in Beauty. Loved everything about this cleansing balm it's performance, scent, way it feels on my skin, spa like product etc. etc. Definitely one I want full size!

Bloom Remedies Geranium, Cedarwood & Sweet Orange Shower Gel 250ml - love this first received a smaller size in a swap with Ailsa and loved it so much I bought full size. See my review here. Sure to buy again.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Skin Lotion 200ml* - huge Dr Organic fan and this lotion was really lovely to use. Love the deodorant in this scent too. See my review here.  Would buy.

Living Nature Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner (both 10ml) - I loved the way these left my hair looking - smooth, shiny and soft but wasn't in love with the scents or the fact the shampoo didn't lather. Not sure if I'd buy full sizes.

*PR samples

Love Lula Wishlist

Love Lula have recently added a lot more brands to their website and I've seen loads of things I want to buy (after payday).  Here are some of the things on my wishlist:

Cecila Wong Anti-Ageing Rose Serum Spray (120ml - £30) - this looks so amazing! I love anything rose scented and this serum spray will plump up the skin, leaving it firmed, brightened and radiant.

Another gorgeous sounding rose product I must have is Alteya Organics Bulgarian Rose Hair Treatment (50ml - £27.60) - this is great for dry, damaged and colour treated hair.  A blend of organic butters and oils and scented with rose oil. It has many uses - you can use it daily, pre-shampoo or for deep conditioning - I love a multi-use product.

JOIK Grapefruit and Mandarin Body Lotion with Carrot Oi (150ml - £14) - I've just bought their White Chocolate Bath Truffles which look divine. Looking forward to trying more from this new to me brand.  The body lotion is a best seller.  It contains shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, carrot oil and natural Vitamin E with citrus essential oils. It also makes a great aftersun.

oh-lief Natural Olive Body Wax - Grapefruit (110g - £20.99) - massage this uplifting scented body wax onto dry skin areas. I've seen this brand around the blogging world for ages - so great it is now available in the UK.

Onnen Organic Coconut Oil Glycerine Cleanser with Damask Rose (100ml - £12) - a gentle cleanser scented with Damask rose. Palm oil free ethical skincare handmade in Wales.

What's on your Love Lula wishlist?

Petit Vour August Beauty Box: Beauty School: Become your own Beauty Expert

I picked up my August Petit Vour Beauty Box* at the Post Office yesterday morning.  I couldn't wait to dive right in. I think this is the most exciting beauty box out there especially as I've never tried or heard of most of the brands (apart from Beauty without Cruelty) until now!

The box costs $30 a month (approx £17 and this includes shipping). See more info here.

Inside August's box you'll find:

Rosemira Organics Sweet Coconut Body Butter sample (full size $22 - approx £13) - a luxe super moisturising body butter which is scented with Vanilla Bourbon and Sweet Orange and made with raw unrefined coconut oil and mango butter.  Use it for sunburn, cuticles, the body and massage.  Know I'm going to love this - edit: I do!

EarthBody brighten cleanser & mask sample (full size $34 - approx £20) - mix the superfruit powder with a little water to cleanse or add agave nectar and coconut oil, mix to a paste and apply as a mask.  Again, looking forward to trying this.

Mi-Me Tangerine Hydrating Lip Butter .07oz (full size $5 - approx £3) - this is gorgeous. Super moisturising and the scent is divine. It comes in a little plastic test tube.

Beauty without Cruelty Natural Eyeliner in Soft Brown 1.5g (full size $18.50 - approx £11) - nice to get a shade other than black in a beauty box! Looking forward to trying this out.

Harvey Prince Journey Perfume vial (full size $55 - approx £33) - again a brand I've not heard of! This scent is natural and really lovely.  With notes of clove bud, sandalwood, Moroccan rose, bergamot, tuberose, orange flower, cedarwood, cyclamen and freesia. I love anything with tuberose in it.

A fabulous box I think. What are your thoughts?

*PR sample

Just Be Botanicals: Just Be Hydrated, Hydrating Serum

I was very lucky to be one of the few who managed to pick Just Be Hydrated, Hydrating Serum 10ml (worth £14.50) in the August YOU Beauty Discovery Box (the serums sold out within 3 hours!)

I'm a huge fan of Gail's products having previous tried the award winning Just Be Cleansed, Cleansing Balm (recently raved about by Caroline Hirons (link), Just be Radiant Botanical Blend (review), Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil (review) as well as having had a Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial (review) and a Just Be Fresh Faced Facial* (review).

The serum is scented with Orange Blossom Floral Water which makes the serum smell gorgeous! Orange Blossom is a natural toner and helps balance the emotions as well as being really uplifting.

All you need is 3-4 drops on cleansed skin AM and PM. For best results follow with Just Be Radiant, Treatment Oil (30ml - £34.95, 10ml - £14.50).  The serum feels instantly firming on the skin and improves elasticity.  It leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated and is lightweight and is instantly absorbed. 

Have you tried this or any other Just Be Botanicals products?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #56

Now the weather is getting colder I've been enjoying long pampering soaks in the bath in the evening and my current bath oil of choice is REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil*. I simply love this.  See my review here.

Bee Good's Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser (100ml - £11.50)* is my favourite cleanser right now. You only need a teeny tiny amount to lift all make up and daily grime. It smells gorgeous too.  I'm a huge fan of this bee friendly brand.

Age Defy+ Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator from Green People is one of the best facial scrubs I've ever used.  It gently exfoliates leaving the skin radiant and renewed. Full size is on my wishlist!

Philip B Katira Hair Masque this deeply nourishing hair masque leaves the hair feeling gorgeous - healthy, shiny and plumped. Apply to clean hair and leave on until dry before rinsing for the smoothest and softest hair ever!

The Aroma Actives range is exclusive to Sainsbury's and made by Aromatherapy Associates.  The Triple Hydrating Gel Mask is just gorgeous. It leaves the skin moisturised, plump and soft.  See my review here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR samples

bodhi & birch Camomile Sky & Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy

As you'll know I received a mini size of Camomile Sky bath & shower therapy in my August Souk Souk Little Green Beauty Box.  I've put this straight in my travel bag for my next weekend away.

Elijah very kindly sent me a full size bottle* (200ml - £18) recently.  I'm loving the new pump bottle which is stylish, looks great beside my shower and is so much easier to use than the old style flip lids.

Camomile Sky is a totally intoxicating scent which is really special (it's my new favourite - I didn't think I'd find a shower gel I love more than Mint Thé!) Scented with Camomile, Hyacinth, Neroli, Bergamot, Geranium and soft honeyed Musk.  It calms and comforts leaving you feeling relaxed, contented and happy. 

In my Souk Souk box I also received 50ml of Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy (formerly Galangal Spice). I used this last night in my bath (lots of foamy bubbles). This one is rather nice too!  It is lighter, sweeter and fresher than Galangal Spice and it contains gingery Galangal root, Cardamon and fresh Kaffir Lime Leaf. It revitalizes the body and mind.

I know I'll be stocking up on both of these in the future and also be buying for luxe gifts.  Have you tried either of these?  

What's your favourite bodhi & birch bath & shower therapy scent?

*PR sample

Souk Souk August Beauty Box

My August Souk Souk Little Green Beauty Box landed on my mat yesterday. It is packed full of goodies. It is definitely one of my favourite boxes.

It contains the two new Bodhi & Birch Bath & Shower Therapies - Camomile Sky (review coming soon) which is an intoxicating blend of camomile, neroli, geranium and bergamot and Siam Ginger a light and sweet ginger scent with the freshness of Kaffir Lime Leaf.  Both of these are 50ml travel sizes and are worth £4.50 each.

Living Nature Kumerahou & Kelp Shampoo (10ml) and Manuka Honey Conditioner (10ml) - these are each worth £2. I'm a huge fan of this brand. Check out my review of the Nourishing Hand Cream here.  I'm looking forward to trying these out.

Hifas da Terra Micro Soap 150g worth £4.80 - this facial soap is made using reishi mushrooms! The variety I received also includes Propolis and Vanilla. It deeply cleanses the skin and is free from most chemical nasties. The bar can be divided into two. 

Box Bonus: 3 x 15g samples Linwoods Milled Seed Blend - chia seed, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seeds & goji berries and flaxseed, almonds brazil nuts, walnuts & Q10.

I think this is a great box.  What do you think?

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant

I received a Schmidt's Deodorant* in July's Petit Vour* box in the scent Lavender+Sage which is a clean herbaceous scent. The lovely people at Schmidt's contacted me to see if I'd like to try the other scents.

A package of goodies arrived from Portland, USA and I've been testing them for a week or so now and I can honestly say they are amazing!

Schmidt's was founded in 2012 by Jaime Schmidt. She wanted to create a natural and chemical free deodorant. The products are crafted by hand with love.  Jaime personally develops each of the scents.  There are currently 5 available - Lavender+Sage, Bergamot+Lime, Ylang Ylang+Calendula, Cedarwood+Juniper and Fragrance Free.

The deodorants are really easy to use - scoop a small amount (pea size) and apply using your fingertips. All the scents are really lovely but my favourite is Bergamot+Lime for it's zesty and refreshing scent. 

A pot (56.7g) costs $9 (approx £5.39). You can buy here and get 15% off with code STOCKUPSUMMER.

The deodorant is 100% natural, aluminium, Propylene Glycol, Paraben and Phthalate free.  Packed full of good things for the skin the deodorants are made with Shea and Cocoa butters, Vitamin E, Hop extract and Essential oils.

They are one of my favourite products this year. Very effective and love the scents.  The smaller size pots are just perfect for travel, use on the go and to take to the gym.

Have you tried any Schmidt's deodorants?

*PR samples