Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

I was contacted a while back by Vegan Cuts who asked if I'd like to try their Beauty Box.  Oh course I said, yes please I'd love to!

Vegan cuts was founded by couple John and Jill who see Veganism as the way to an abundant life.  They and their team scour the web, festivals and stores for the best plant based foods, vegan clothing, shoes, accessories, body care and every day items which you can pick up in the online shop.  You can also sign up for a snack box - see this here.

I was sent the February Beauty Box* ($19.95 per month with $15 shipping costs - this is approximately £20.95).

"Discover cruelty free brands without committing to full-size products or prices".

Every month the box includes 4-7 items ranging from cosmetics to skincare. There will be a mix of full sizes and sample sizes and all are Vegan and Cruelty Free.  There is a retail value of $35 or more per box.

I was sent the February box "Love is in the Air"

Medusa's Make-up Lipstick in shade Baroque (full size $12) - this is a really pretty shade and is supermoisturising on the lips. A vegan lipstick - my very first!  Fuller review to follow.

Molly Rose Pickles & Ice Cream Lip Balm .15oz (full size $5) - the quirkiest beauty product I've ever tried. This actually smells and tastes just like dill pickle! "Perfect for expectant mother's late night cravings...or for anyone craving this herbal sweet treat". Packed full of nourishing oils and butters. I'm fancying trying Roses & Chocolate (although this is flavour of the month and can only be bought up until today). Check out the website for interesting butters, balms and scrubs.

Yarok Feed your Do (sample pot) - huge Yarok fan. This is a whipped hair paste made of organic botanicals including lemon peel and peppermint. Can be used in many ways - to smooth frizz after blow drying, apply to wet hair to shape frizz free curls, for hold and volume apply to roots and will tame flyaway hairs.  Looking forward to trying this out. 

Chandler Farm Natural Lavender Hand Cream 88.7ml (full size $8.99) - a luxurious hand cream which keeps hands soft and smooth and lightly scented with Lavender.  Palm oil free. Rich in natural ingredients. This smells lovely and deeply moisturises the hands.

Greenbody Handcrafted Tea Tree & Rosemary Deodorant (sample size) - a natural deodorant which smells gorgeous! Always on the lookout to find the perfect natural deodorant so looking forward to trying this out.

Box bonus! Birthed by Earth all Natural Soy Wax Tealight Candle - with 4 hours burn time. This smells beautiful and looking forward to lighting it.

Thanks so much Vegan Cuts. I love February's box and once my spending ban is over I'll definitely be signing up!

See Vegan Cuts here

Follow on Twitter @vegancuts 

Have you tried Vegan Cuts Beauty Box before?

*complimentary - sent for review

February Empties

It's that time again! This month has flown by. Here's what I've been using up and my thoughts.

Melvita Fresh Moisturising Body Milk 30ml - this was lovely to use and lightly scented with roses. One I'd buy once I reduce my huge stash!

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow 480g - loved this! Beautiful scent and effective scrub. Would definitely buy again in the future.  See my review here.

Lancome Effect Miracle Bare Skin Perfector 15ml - this was a nice primer and could be worn on it's own on non make up days to even out the skin tone. Lasted ages too. Would perhaps buy again.

Mitchell & Peach Shower Wash 50ml - this was nice to use and lightly scented with lavender. I'd happily use this again.

Creme de la Mer The Hand Treatment 30ml** - a pure luxe hand cream which I thoroughly enjoyed using...but I'm unlikely to buy full size as it retails at £70!

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - a huge Noble Isle fan. I especially like their Summer Rising scent. 

BiOrganics Perfect Balance Shampoo 30ml - this was lovely and left the hair clean and shiny. Would consider buying full size although I'd like to try more from the range.

Ancienne Ambiance Goddess Rose Water 30ml* - a beautiful lightly rose scented spritzer which I used as a toner. Definitely one I'd buy.

Jo Loves Pomelo 2ml sample vial - simply love this! Definitely one I want full size.

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Skin Tonic 200ml* - this was lovely. Really soothing and hydrating.  See my review here.

Sweet Cecily's Coconut Body Butter sample* - a lovely rich butter. Full size is going on my wishlist!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - my favourite bath oil...ever! I got this one from hubby at Christmas but just opened a new one - personalised with my name on it from REN at Christmas.  

balance Me Rose Otto Body Cream 30ml - this is really lovely. A rich body cream scented with rose.  Another I'd buy again.

Skinvelop The Cleanser 120ml - one of my favourite hot cloth cleansers. See my review here. I've just cracked open a new one.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make Up SPF15 30ml in shade 4 - my favourite foundation. I'm sure to buy this again although for now I'm just using up small tubes and pots.

Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream 8g* - another product I love (and I've got another in my stash).  See my review here.

REN Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish 5ml - I really liked the gentleness of this scrub. It's one I'd consider purchasing.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - love this! See my review here.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR sample
**Complimentary

February Books

Here's what I've been reading this month:

source

How to Blog for Profit without Selling your Soul by Ruth Soukup - this is an kindle edition so I had to borrow hubby's kindle again!  There is lots of basic info which I already knew. The book was useful for SEO info, Income and Ads. Ruth Soukup, an American blogger doesn't think Twitter is as valuable as Pinterest to your blog but for me this isn't the case. Quite a lot of repetition of words and phrases which was a tad annoying but an interesting read and a good price - £3.21. Would recommend.

The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley - I simply loved this book and couldn't put it down!  It spans four generations from the palaces of the Maharajas of India to stately homes in England.  The story follows the life of Anahita Chavan from 1911 to the present day.

Anahita (Anni) forms a lifelong friendship with Indira, an Indian Princess. She becomes her companion and accompanies her to school in England just before the Great War.  When in England she meets Donald Astbury, Heir to the Astbury Estate.

Eighty years later Rebecca Bradley, a young American film star comes to England to play a 1920s debutante and she is the double of Anthony's grandmother Violet.  Ari, Anni's grandson arrives to try and decipher his family's past history and his grandmother's lost son Moh.  There are loads of twists and turns and one especially poignant one near the end. Can't recommend this book highly enough. Can't wait for Lucinda's next book.

Survivor by Lesley Pearse - this is the third part of a trilogy (Belle, The Promise) and follows Mariette, Belle's teenage daughter who looks likely to get into trouble in hometown of Russell, New Zealand. Belle & Etienne send her off to stay with her aunt and uncle in London. She falls for handsome steward Morgan on the ship. With the world on brink of the war Mariette finds herself stuck in London unable to get home. Tragedy strikes and Mariette has to find her own way in the world. As London endures the Blitz Mariette get stuck in and helps out where she can. There is heroism, romance, love and loss. I loved this book.

What have you been reading this month?

February: Lately I've been Loving

Here's the things I've been loving in February -

I was sent this nakd Fancy a Break box* recently and it's contents made me smile and cheered up my day!

I got a nakd branded mug with a couple of tea bags, a packet of Cocoa Orange Bits - these are new and are delicious - they are the same as the bars but bite sized, great for snacking and in my favourite flavour and a tube of rose hand cream. 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand & Nail Cream & Lip Moisturising Stick - two of my favourite Nuxe products. The products both super moisturise and smell gorgeous.

No photo for this one! My laptop broke down and I found myself enjoying doing other things rather than being constantly online. I read my book more often, phoned friends, pottered around and took more long soaks in the bath.

Bloom Remedies Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang Rescue Balm (50g - £12)* - Marie very kindly sent me this gorgeous rich balm. It's perfect for the winter months as it deeply moisturises and soothes dry winter skin.  I've been using it on my elbows, knees and some dry places on my body and face.  The scent is beautiful and it calms and relaxes. A fuller review to follow.

XENCA Organic Lipstick in Spice* - an organic lipstick which is housed in a cardboard container!  This is a pretty brown shade which is super moisturising and long lasting on the lips. Again, a full review to follow.

Mini Eggs! I have a total addiction to these!

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

A Closer Look: Toners & Treatments

I know some people don't believe in toners but I like them to refresh the skin after cleansing or spritz my skin on a hot day.

Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail with a shot of B12 100ml* - not a toner as such but a product which re-boots dull skin leaving it plumped and healthy. This is a fabulous product. See my review here.

111 Skin Ground Control NAC Y2 Anti-Acne Tonic 130ml* - if I feel like I'm breaking out I'll use this as it helps to cleanse and tone skin prone to breakouts.  See my review here.

Opale Toning Mist 200ml* - a light mist scented with Damask Rose and Raspberry Extract.  It tones, refreshes and soothes the skin. I've recently been sent this to try so expect a full review soon - it's gorgeous!

G Baldwin & Co Pomegranate, Bilberry and Rose Revitalising Tonic 150ml* - a light and refreshing toner.  See my review here.

Madara Deep Balance Toner for Normal-Combination Skin 200ml - a gentle toner which regulates oil and minimises pores while soothing drier areas.

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner 200ml* - is a natural toner which blends Orange Flower Water, Aloe Vera and Centella asiatica extracts.

Light and refreshing it freshens the skin and removes the remains of any cleanser.  Use after cleansing or throughout the day if your skin needs a boost.

It is 98.89% natural and contains no alcohol or chemicals.  Suitable also for vegans and vegetarians.

Apply to a cotton pad and sweep over the skin (avoiding eyes/lips).

This is really lovely to use, it smells gorgeous and leaves the skin clean and fresh (it would be nice kept in the fridge to use on summer days). You can enter my competition to win 1 of 5 - see my post here. The competition ends on Friday and is UK only.

Have you used any of these?

*PR samples

inner-soul organics luxury hamper

I was thrilled to win The Beauty Shortlist's twitter competition just before Christmas to win a gorgeous hamper stuffed full of inner-soul organics products.

Founder Emma has a deep knowledge and passion for aromatherapy, massage and essential oils.  She also loves literature and each bottle has an inspiring quote on the label.  Products are packed full of skin loving oils, Vitamins and top quality essential oils.  Organic ingredients are used and there is no animal testing. Packaging is minimal and recyclable.

inner-soul organics support the Burgess Autistic Trust (3% of annual turnover) and the Katie Piper Foundation (£1 from every product sold). With every order receive a free 30ml organic body oil.  See the shop here.

These two products have not yet launched at inner-soul organics.  The Scandinavian Deep Moisture Organic Hand and Body Salve is a rich cream which melts into the skin deeply moisturising it. It smells pretty gorgeous too. It's stuffed full of good things for the skin and scented with juniper berries, pine and Arctic Oat.

Scandinavian Angelica Refresh Bath and Shower Oil 30ml it contains thistle, Arctic cranberry and birch and has a real smokey incense scent. It can be used in the bath or smoothed over the body before showering. This is one of my favourites.

Romance Me Skin Oil (100ml) - Ana said I'd love this and she was right! A gorgeous body oil scented with Jasmine Absolute and Rose - two of my favourite scents!  The oil is made with jojoba, sesame and sweet almond oils which help with elasticity, rejuvenate and moisturise.  Dry skin areas just lap this gorgeous oil up.  Use before bed and wake up with soft, smooth and sweetly scented skin.  Love it.

Circulation Boost Skin Oil (100ml) - I received a mini one of this oil in December's Souk Souk Beauty Box and loved it!  A bend of five oils which moisturise and promote skin elasticity. Omegas 3 and 6, Vitamins A D and E along with Geranium and Rosemary essential oils.  It can help with sluggish circulation and is great for areas of cellulite. With an uplifting scent this is great to use after a morning shower.

Mullein Flower Purifying Facial Oil (30ml) - this is a gorgeous face oil which softens and moisturises the skin. It is great for combination skin types and is really lovely to use. Can be used mornings and just before bed. 

Barefaced Beauty Natural Serum (30ml) - made with Kiwi Seed and Rosehip Oils, Squalane and Spilanthes Acmilla Flower Extract. It smoothes out wrinkles, revives and uplifts the skin leaving it radiant and renewed.

I've loved trying all of these products - thanks so much again Fiona and Emma.

LJ's Natural Solutions Monthly Beauty Box

LJ's Natural Solutions have just launched a Monthly Beauty Box. Pick three of your favourite products and then decide how often you want them sent to you (monthly, every three months etc).

One item will be free! (if you sign up before the end of February) afterwards the cheapest item you pick will be half price.  Lisa will also add a free trial size to your box.  

Contact Lisa here to sign up!

If I was signing up I'd choose:

Very Indulgent Organic Face Oil - I received this in Autumn beauty swap from Jen.  You can see my review here.

Organic Deep Cleansing Balm - a rich balm which melts into an oily cleanser on contact with the skin. Draws out impurities and removes all make up. It is scented with geranium and rosewood essential oils so I'm sure it smells gorgeous.

Muscle Relaxer Organic Bath/Body Oil - a blend of chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender and juniper essential oils. Can be used for massage, in the bath or as a body oil - I do love a muti-purpose product!

See the website here

Follow Lisa on Twitter @LJnatural

Spending Ban

After my total blowout in February - see here I'm now on a #SpendingBan until my birthday in April.  I loved everything I bought in my February haul but I didn't really "need" any of it! edit: I've cancelled my SoukSouk subscription my last one's in March.

I will need to buy foundation but for now I'm using up trial sizes and small pots.

You can see my #NoBuyJanuary posts - Update 1, Update 2, Update 3 and Update 4.

I'll do an update every couple of weeks.  Wish me luck!

Lily Lolo: English Rose Lip Gloss & Miami Taupe Mineral Eye Shadow

Lily Lolo is a British brand launched by Vikki Khan in 2005.  Named after her two sisters Lisa (Lily) and Lorraine (Lolo).  The range is high performance, expertly formulated and high quality mineral make up (I'm a huge fan of Romantic Rose Natural Lipstick).

Free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, fillers and there is no animal testing. The range is BUAV approved.

Lily Lolo have recently re-branded their make up range and I was sent two of their product to try and review. 

Natural Lip Gloss in English Rose (£7.99)* - this is a sheer dusky pink which is fairly pale on the lips. It has a light chocolate scent and is not sticky like some glosses are.  It leaves the lips looking natural with a luminous gloss of colour. It contains Vitamin E and Jojoba oil to nourish and protect. Can be worn alone or over lipstick.

Mineral Eye Shadow in Miami Taupe (£5.99)* - this is a really wearable shade. A taupe with a hint of shimmer.  You can use it wet also for a more intense look. I'm a huge fan of mineral eye shadows as I think they are long lasting, versatile and offer a great range of shades.

Also on the website are handy Video Tutorials, FAQs and you can search for local stockists.

Have you used any Lily Lolo products?  What's your favourite products?

*PR samples

Souk Souk February Beauty Box

I'm excited to say my February Souk Souk box arrived on Tuesday.

BodyTox Lavender Sleep Patches (2 patches - £3.99) - these help to give you a restful night's sleep and help you to unwind and relax. Looking forward to trying these out.  From a brand I've not heard of before.

Conscious Skincare Body Wash 50ml (£3.20) - scented with grapefruit and cedarwood - smells gorgeous and chemical free.  I reviewed their hand cream recently. See my review here. 

Conscious Skincare Body Lotion 50ml (£3.40) - this matches the wash. It is made with Organic Cocoa and Shea Butters with Organic Sunflower and Rosehip Oils.  edit: These are both really nice to use and smell gorgeous.

Living Nature Vitalising Cleanser 10ml (£1.93) - I'm currently testing Living Nature's Nourishing Handcream and I'm enjoying using it very much.  I've used the brand before but not for a couple of years. So I'm looking forward to trying this cleanser.

Living Nature Deep Cleansing Mask 5ml (£2.23) - made with clay this mask deeply cleanses the skin. Again, looking forward to a pamper with this lovely mask.

An extra this month! - The Raw Chocolate Company Cacao Bar - I got Orange & xylitol it was delicious.

I pay on a monthly basis - £12.00 plus £2.95 P&P - see the payment options here.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Competition Time: 5 Organic Surge Orange Flower Toners up for Grabs! - NOW CLOSED

I have a really lovely competition from Organic Surge for you today (and it will run until next Friday, 28 February).  Organic Surge have very kindly donated 5 of their gorgeous Organic Surge Orange Flower Toners which are up for grabs for 5 lucky readers. 

This natural orange flower toner blends Orange Flower Water, Aloe Vera and Centella asiatica extract. A fragrant and light toner which freshens the skin. Use after cleansing or as a pick me up throughout the day.  It smells gorgeous too!

To enter, you need to sign up to the Organic Surge newsletter -

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Put ‘Beauty Balm’ in ‘How did you hear about us?’ box to qualify. 

People who are already signed up to the newsletter can still enter via the same method.

The competition will run until Friday 28 February and Organic Surge will chose 5 lucky winners!  Good luck!

Terms & Conditions: The winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email by Organic Surge (provided for the prize draw entry). If a winner has not responded within 5 days of email notification, another winner will be drawn at random. 5 winners will receive an Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner. The prize cannot be substituted for cash or any other different products. New and existing subscribers to the Organic Surge newsletter mailing lists can enter the prize draw. By entering the prize draw you give Organic Surge permission to send you newsletters in the future. We will not share your details with third parties. UK only!

Shopping my Stash #45

Here's what I've been using this week -

Lily Lolo English Rose Lip Gloss* a really beautiful sheer dusky pink shade which smells of chocolate! A really pretty glossy shade. 

Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Perfume Roll-on - a beautiful combination of Ylang Ylang, Frangipani, Bergamot, French Lavender and Linden Blossom. Handy size for popping in my handbag too. Smells gorgeous!

Therapi Honey Skincare Orange Blossom No.1 Honey Gel Cleanser* - a beautiful light foaming gel cleanser which smells simply amazing. Refreshes and cleans the skin as well as uplifting the spirit. Full review to follow.

Therapie Restore Aura Spray - the best thing to use to uplift, calm and comfort.  Either mist onto your skin or into the air around you.  Always calms me down and relaxes me. 

MIMI & ME Signature Collection Body Creme* - a rich and quickly absorbing luxe body creme.  See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil* - my favourite bath oil.  See my review here.  I was sent this bottle at Christmas time and I only opened it at the weekend and to my delight saw that it was personalised! Made me smile lots. Thanks REN!

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR sample

herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm

I received herbfarmacy's Mallow Beauty Balm 15g in November's Love Lula Beauty Box.  I initially thought this was a lip balm but it's not - it is in fact a gorgeous and lush facial balm.  Scented with rosemary, rose geranium, grapefruit and ylang ylang and it contains marshmallow and mullein (an infused oil which has a natural anti-wrinkle effect).

I tend to use it at night on my face and neck as it is a rich and nourishing balm but it can also be used in the daytime in place of your moisturiser.  Use it directly on fine lines for moisturisation and repair.  You only need the tiniest amount as a little goes a long way.

I'm also a fan of herbfarmacy's Hard Working Hands Cream.

The Beauty Balm was a Winner in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2013 - see here.

Have you used this beauty balm?

A closer look: Eye Creams, Balms & Serums

I actually have quite a small amount of eye products in my stash!

Indie Lee Calendula Eye Balm 0.5oz* - available from a beautiful world. This is my favourite night time eye product and a full review will be up very soon.

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum 15ml - this is one I will always have in my stash as it just works! A light serum which helps minimise dark circles and nourish the delicate eye area.

Dr Organic Dead Sea Minerals Eye Rescue Rollerball 15ml - I received this in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Seems nice but not really tried it out much yet.

Healgel Eye 15ml* - this has a gel like texture and it easily absorbs into the eye contour. Great for dark circles, smoothing out fine lines and reducing puffiness.  See my review here.

Green People Neutral Scent Free Rejuvenating Eye Cream 10ml* - a light cream which absorbs easily and deeply moisturises the eye area.  See my initial thoughts here.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream 7ml - a rich and luxurious eye cream which brightens the eye area, smoothes the skin and reduces puffiness. It can also be used on the lip contour.

Have you used any of these?  What's your favourite eye care product?

*PR samples

February Buys

After #NoBuyJanuary I went a little bit crazy in February! I'm doing this haul post now as I won't be purchasing anything else this month and I'm contemplating another spending ban until my birthday in April....although I know I'll have to pick up a few things like foundation and powder before then.

Content Beauty & Wellbeing offered those of us that had been doing a spending ban in January a little discount and so I bought Lina Hanson's Body Serum - which I'd been lusting over for quite a long time!  You can see my post about my purchase and the samples I picked up from the great sampling service here.

The Global Body Serum is simply gorgeous.  Hand blended in small batches combining ten of the worlds most powerful and exotic superoils. It is scented with Vanilla, Mandarin, Neroli, Frankincense, Palmarosa, Pink Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang essential oils.  A full review coming up!

I also picked up Napiers Alkanet & Organic Elderflower Lip Tint (£5) which I'd wanted in #NoBuyJanuary Week 2.

It moisturises and soothes this lips leaving them with a light red tint. Cute tin too! 

I picked up some trial sizes and samples at Lucy Rose. I'm looking for a new shampoo & Conditioner so picked up these to try.

You can pick up to three samples per order (more if you spend more). I picked up trial sizes of Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo & Conditioner both 60ml. I've tried these a couple of times and so far I'm impressed!

I also treated myself to Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser not only because I love it but also because between 8-14 February they were offering free samples with any purchase! I do love a freebie and so nice to try some more products! I reviewed the Miracle Cleanser and Revitalise & Glow Serum previously - see here.

2ml vial Cell Repair Night Oil, 5ml sachet Miracle Cleanser and 2ml sachets of Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser, Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser and Revitalise & Glow Serum.

As I was buying Lily's dog food for Bess to make postage costs more worthwhile I picked up Dr Bronner's Peppermint Pure Castile Soap from Natures Healthbox. I like using this to clean my make up brushes and love the minty scent.

What have you been treating yourself to this month?