YOPE: Fig Tree Liquid Soap

I've been really impressed with the quality and loveliness of YOPE's Fig Tree Liquid soap (£5.99)* which comes in a huge 500ml pump bottle and is 92% natural and free from parabens, SLS, SLES and Silicones.

The soap is made in Warsaw in Poland and is available at a number of stockists in the UK. I'm pleased to say a shop local to me (Hanover Healthfoods) is a stockist.

I love the range of scents available and the funky packaging.  The range includes liquid soaps, kitchen soaps and hand lotions.

Fig Tree Liquid Soap* gently cleanses the hands. The scent is fruity with a slightly floral note.  It really is lovely. Other scents include Vanilla & Cinnamon and Verbena.

The Kitchen Soaps neutralise unpleasant smells and come in Mineral, Honey & Bergamot and Dianthus (Gingerbread). The matching lotions are made with natural vegetable oils and shea butter. I definitely want to try more from this brand!

See the website HERE
Follow on Twitter @yope_me 

*complimentary

June Books

The day job's been super busy so I've not managed to read so many books this month.. Here's what I've been reading:

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The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza (DCI Erika Foster #2)* - An absolutely un-put-downable second book of the fab DCI Erika Foster tale. This time there is a night stalker targeting single men with different backgrounds. Erika and her team have to find a motive before another man is murdered. Who is killing these men and why? 

There is another story running alongside of Simone who cares for her patient Mary and two people who reach out to each other during their night time online chats. A fast paced read which I couldn't put down. Can't wait for part #3.

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A Place of Safety by Emma Salisbury (DS Coupeland #2) - having loved the first part of the series I found this second book faster paced and enjoyed finding out more about the DS Coupland and his partner DS Alex Moreton. It was also great to meet Emma at the recent Authors & Bloggers event (link) and to be able to tell her how much I've been enjoying her books.

Two friends go out for a final fling to a new local nightclub before one of the friends head off to University.  They are in the wrong place when a drive by shooting takes place and their lives are changed forever...Another witness is murdered and the race is on to find the killer before something happens which deeply shocks the team. Fast paced and un-put-downable. Would recommend.

Willow Walk by S J I Holliday (Banktoun #2) (I was thrilled to win Joanne's recent giveaway to win a copy of Susi's book). I also attended her book launch last week and was able to get my book signed!

Having loved Black Wood I was keen to read the second book in the Banktoun Trilogy which I devoured in a couple of days.

The story opens with a woman waking up to a scene of devastation following a drug fueled party. A woman is attacked by an escaped inmate from the local psychiatric hospital and there are deaths linked to legal highs. The fairground is in town and Sargent Davie Gray is trying to find a connection. 

His girlfriend Marie is acting strangely which he's finding disturbing. Unbeknown to him Marie has been receiving creepy letters from someone close to her in the past. She decides to take matters into her own hands with devastating consequences..A brilliant fast paced read. Highly recommend.

I See You by Clare Mackintosh (thanks to Joanne for the loan of her copy). Having loved I Let You Go I was really excited to be able to read Clare's newest book. I don't want to say too much as it launches at the end of next month.

Coming home on the tube Zoe sees a picture in the classified section of the local evening paper which looks like her. She shows it to her family who say they see the similarities but say she should forget it. She can't.  She gets in touch with a local Police Officer who initially thinks Zoe's claims are dubious but does eventually listen... A fast paced roller-coaster of a read which I was reading at every available moment and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it. An absolutely gripping read. Just brilliant.

What have you been reading this month?

*copy from Netgalley

Antipodes: Heavenly Body Oil & Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream

Every Antipodes product I try I love. Lately I've been trying their Heavenly Body Oil which I bought via a company on Amazon (£24.99 - 100ml) and the Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream (£16.99 - 75ml).

The oil is green in colour (from the Avocado oil) and is scented with Lavender, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang and Jasmine. It really is a luxe treat. Absorbing instantly it leaves the skin feeling nourished and cared for. Use as a body oil or for massage.

The hand cream is super lush. It absorbs instantly leaving the hands feeling nourished and scented with a blend of Sweet Orange, Tonka Bean and Sandalwood which uplifts as it soothes and smoothes. Use as often as needed.

See my other Antipodes reviews: Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream & Divine Face Oil (link), Delight Hand & Body Cream (link) and see my current Antipodes collection (link).

What's your favourite Antipodes product?

My Top 6: January - June 2016

These are my top products for January, February, March, April, May and June:

In January, I fell for budget friendly Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo 325ml - Ria at NatuRia Beauty recommended it to me. It's great for removing product build up and leaves the hair refreshed, clean and shiny. See my review HERE.

February's number one product was much coveted OSKIA Renaissance Hand Cream  75ml which is an exquisite rose scented treat. See my review HERE.

In March I won Terre Verdi's first Instagram giveaway and one of the products I chose was the gorgeous super luxe FranchouliPom Body Oil 100ml*. See my review HERE.

April's favourite was Jo Loves Pomelo perfume 50ml which I absolutely adore. I'm currently wearing it just about every day. See my review HERE.

In May, I fell for Gallinée La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser 120ml** which I know I'll buy. See my review HERE.

And this month I discovered the fab brand Supernatural Beauty and their gorgeous Redemption Face Oil 10ml which came in my Content Beauty GWP see HERE.  I have absolutely fallen head over heels for this rose scented oil and will replenish it soon! See my review HERE.

What's in your top 6 for the first half of the year?

*complimentary

**PR sample

Naturisimo: Hello Gorgeous Hair Discovery Box Ltd Edition

I think this is Naturisimo's best discovery box yet! Packed full of gorgeous haircare products and costing only £12.95 (worth £37.00) and it also includes 3 new launches!

NEW LAUNCHES:

Evolve Superfood Shine Shampoo (60ml) and matching Conditioner (60ml) which are great for normal to dry hair types. I've tried these a few times so far and they left my hair feeling healthy, smooth and shiny. 

Swell Hair Ultimate Protect & Renew Serum (30ml) this is a great size to be included in the box as it will last for ages. You only need the tiniest amount to smoothe and nourish the hair. Use on wet hair before blowdrying or afterwards to smooth. Bit of a fan of this one!

I'm already a huge fan of John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk (30ml) which is a fantastic size. I'm packing this one for holidays. See my review HERE.

I've not tried much from Intelligent Nutrients - included in the box is a Volumising Spray (60ml) which helps add a bit of a lift to the hair. This give incredible volume. Love it.

The final item is a 10ml sachet of John Masters Organics Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel which adds volume, shine and texture.

Do you think you'll pick a box up? Hurry, because I think these ones will jump from the shelves!

I must mention Naturisimo's new packaging which is all recyclable (or re-usable) even the tissue paper!

*Complimentary

June: Lately I've been Loving

So many June loves..

My simply stunning "The Beekeeper Mug" by Tea with Jud available exclusively at The Manchester Bee Company. It makes me smile every time I reach for this mug. See my post HERE.

One of my fellow plot holders at the Allotment made me this bunting. I simply love it.

Joanne over at Portobello Book Blog organised a brilliant afternoon meet up for Authors and bloggers in Edinburgh. It was an amazing catch up and gives me a fuzzy feeling thinking about it.  Can't wait to do it all over again. Read Joanne's post about the day HERE. Thanks again Joanne for organising it!

I picked up this total bargainous (£20) little chest of drawers at Popping Up In Stockbridge which I simply adore. It's now stuffed full of hand creams and lip balms and sits beside my bed. Made by Sally at Fishing for Compliments. Know it will bring me years and years of joy!

We attended the Gin Festival at Summerhall, Edinburgh and had a great (if chilly and a bit wet afternoon) sampling lots of different gins. Here's some which I loved. It was great also to meet the guys from Harris Distillery (I'm on my second bottle of their lovely gin). Also picked up this lovely little Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Lemonade Candle which smells mouthwatering.

I've been trying out Beatitude's Cleansing Bar* which makes bathing a simple pleasure. Gently scented with therapeutic essential oils and enriched with shea butter, olive and coconut oils along with colloidal oatmeal. The soap is free from palm oil and other preservatives. Pick up full size or travel size here.

I buy too much bottled water so decided to give it up and buy a bkr refillable glass bottle which is phthalate and BPA free. I picked the new teeny one in Ivy - the silicone sleeve is in a gorgeous ultramarine blue-green colour. Of course I now want the bigger one too! I bought mine at Naturisimo.

I won Joanne's (Portobello Book Blog) recent giveaway of a copy of the fab new book by SJI Holliday. We went to the book launch on Thursday at Waterstones where I picked up my prize. It was really lovely to meet Susi and get my booked signed!  It's a great read by the way.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

June Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here's my June empties early:

Therapie Restore Aura Spray 100ml - amazing product. Have a little trial size tucked away but will buy again. Calms, refreshes and relaxes both the body and mind. Love!

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 100ml - handy for a light cleanse on no-make up days. Would re-purchase.

The Handmade Soap Company Grapefruit & May Chang Shower Gel 300ml* - absolutely loved this as well as the brand and the range of products. See my review HERE. I've since bought another one in a different scent.

Freyaluna Stop and Smell the Roses Bath & Body Oil 100ml - this was simply divine. See my review HERE. Only negative as the oil has no stopper the label/outside of the bottle gets a bit messy. Would buy again though.

Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this was great after exercise/gardening and I'd happily use it again.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 30ml - this was lovely and would buy again. A refreshing and deliciously scented spritz which was nice to use.

ila Bath Salts for Cleansing sample - lovely. Would buy full size.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil sample - one of the lushest and most luxe body products I've used. Love the uplifting scent too. See my review HERE.

YTTP Age Prevention Moisture Cream 5ml - simply fell for this light gel like cream which absorbed instantly. Full size is on wishlist! This came in my ABW Spring/Summer '16 box.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Living Naturally: Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm

I recently tried some of Living Naturally's products - see my post HERE which I've really been enjoying. Their Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm (60g - £8.50)* is an absolute delight.

It's multi-purpose - you can use it on your face, hands, feet and body (I love a multi-use product!) and is 100% natural and 90% organic beauty treat which deeply nourishes and calms the skin.  Absorbing instantly it's great for dry and cracked skin and will also help itchy skin and problem skin types.

Organic Wildcrafted Soapnuts extract helps the skin produce its own hyaluronic acid moisturising and fighting ageing. Organic Rosehip is full of Vitamins and Antioxidants which repair, restore and protect. Rose nourishes and refines and adds a floral scent. Organic Marshmallow soothes, softens, heals and repairs and reduces inflammation while Organic Chickweed and Calendula soothes and heals.

To use: apply a small amount to the skin and massage it in.

Have you tried this beauty balm?

*complimentary

Beaufort London Lignum Vitae EDP

I just adore Beaufort London's Coeur de Noir EDP (which I first tried in my Bloom Perfumery September 2015 sample pack) and quickly fell for it. I also mentioned it HERE.

Latest launch in the niche line is Lignum Vitae EDP which you can buy as a sample (and get a fiver off a full size) or full size 50ml - £95.

I'm such a fan of this new launch. It's mellower and sweeter than Coeur de Noir and is "inspired by the innovative use of materials that allowed 18th Century clockmakers to construct the first truly accurate marine chronometers. Lignum Vitae combines wood, metal and salt to produce a truly unique, transportive fragrance".

With top notes of Black Pepper, Red Berries, Madeleine cake accord, Marine note, Mandarin, Winter Lemon, Bergamot, Juniper, Ginger, Lime, Frankincense and Carmel notes. First spritz brings a spicy sweet cake note to the fore, with a burst of citrus before the woody spiced heart notes appear. With base notes of Sand accord, Sea Salt accord, Amber, Frankincense resin, Moss, Musk and Vanilla which gives the perfume a woody, slightly green, salty sea breeze feel.

I love how throughout the day you catch different notes and the perfume keeps evolving and changing. It's on the wishlist for sure!  Have you tried any scents from Beaufort London? If so, what's your favourite?

Supernatural Beauty: Redemption Face Oil

I received a 10ml size of Supernatural Beauty's gorgeous Redemption Face Oil (Full Size - 30ml - £45) in the recent Content Beauty GWP - see what I bought HERE. As soon as I saw it was scented with collagen boosting and cell renewing Rose Otto Damask I knew I'd be sold! 

Founders Tyron and Jenny's son suffered from Eczema and Jenny had health problems of her own so they decided to create their own natural and organic skincare range. This oil was Editor's Choice in Fi's The Beauty Shortlist's Awards 2016.

It really is a beautiful oil which is suitable for all skin types and is 100% organic and free from harmful preservatives. Absorbing quickly it leaves the skin radiant, happy, nourished and smoothed (and smelling of roses!).  As you've probably guessed I absolutely love it.

That's one of the reasons I love GWP so much as I always find niche and new to me brands which more often than not I fall for! I will definitely be replenishing this beautiful oil and looking at the other products in the range.

To use: warm 2-4 drops on your fingertips before massaging onto clean face and neck in upwards motions.

Have you tried any products from Supernatural Beauty? If you have, what's your favourite?

You can meet Supernatural Beauty at Clean Cult at Ethos Spitalfields on 10th July along with other green brands. See more details HERE.

A.S Apothecary: First Aid Kit #12

This little calming balm by Amanda at A.S Apothecary has been on the wishlist a while. I first discovered Amanda when she was running Wellgreen Lewes and I bought several of her delicious Rose Body Butters among other things (link). I've also had the pleasure of meeting her in Edinburgh.

See my reivews of A.S Apothecary products - Cleansing Oil #5 & Lip Balm #9* (review), Mineral Powder #2, Cleansing Oil #5 & Facial Serum #3* (review).

First Aid Kit #12 is a tonic for the nervous system (one sniff and you feel instantly calm!) The balm contains essential oils and homeopathic remedies to calm and invite tranquility into the mind.  It helps with situations where you feel deeply anxious.

A blend of Madagascan Vanilla which is comforting, Sweet Majoram (grown and distilled in Cyprus) calms, relieves anxiety and stress, Bergamot uplifts and Chamomile calms and heals.

Vetivert is earthy and grounding, Ambra Grisea is great for anxiety or sadness. Argentum nitricum balances and helps to take the edge off anticipatory anxiety. Actonitum napellus alleviates panic and tension while Gelsemiun combats weakness which sometimes comes with anxiety.

To use: dab onto pulse points when needed to de-stress and regain control.

I've found this really helps me when I get stressed or feel anxious. Even opening the pot and inhaling the balm makes me feel calm. 

What's your favourite A.S Apothecary product?

*complimentary

Blue Labelle: Light & Balancing Facial Oil

I'm a huge fan of Pascale's gorgeous products - see my reviews - Rhassoul Lava Clay Powder, Body Oil & Hand Oil and Argan & Sea Buckthorn Face Oil*.

I've been enjoying using the Light & Balancing Facial Oil (10ml - £6, 30ml - £16) which is perfect for daytime use (although it can be used in the evening too). It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin looking radiant.

Made with certified organic ingredients it has a zesty uplifting scent and contains essential oils of Sweet Orange, Geranium and Frankincense along with three base oils and three C02 Extracts.  Suitable for oily/combination/all skin types although great for all skins in summer time as it's so light.

To use: press one pump into face and neck. It primes the skin perfectly for make up.

A new product has just launched which sounds fabulous - Divine Blend Treatment Oil (£38) which is multi-use - use it on hair, body, head, bath and massage - sounds like my kind of thing (I love a multi-use product). It's scented with Frankincense, Orange, Bergamot, Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

What's your favourite Blue Labelle product?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #76

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15 30ml - you just can't beat a Chanel Foundation! This one applies easily and feels like a "second skin". It smoothes over imperfections leaving the skin with a matte finish. Love!

NIOD MMHC (Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex) 30ml - is one of the most amazing products I've ever used on my skin (it's not natural, but it works). I've only been using it a few days and the lines above my top lip have completely disappeared. It came from this little set and the I've since purchased CAIS.

Yogandha Detox Body Oil 125ml - this is my second bottle of this uplifting body oil. Scented with Lemongrass and Juniper Berry it awakens the body and mind and is absolutely gorgeous!

Aurelia's Aromatic Repair & Brighten Hand Cream 75ml (£28*) - is simply divine. It deeply nourishes the hands repairing and brightening dark spots. With essential oils of Vetivert, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli (smells beautiful). This one's beside my bed! (expect a fuller review shortly)

My final item is the amazing 4160Tuesdays Buddhawood Box 30ml - which recently crowdfunded (122%) and is one of the Mystery of the Materials quartet. See my initial thoughts HERE. I love its spicy woody notes with the mellow creamy notes. Just gorgeous!

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Ogario London: Restore & Shine Hair Masque

I've been loving using Ogario London's Restore & Shine Hair Masque (200ml - £28.50)* as it's one of the most luxe and deliciously scented hair products I've used. Scented with Lavender and Sage the masque restores and repairs damaged hair leaving it shiny, silky smooth and smelling gorgeous!

Ogario London, is an award winning British haircare range. Products are made with plant extracts and essential oils. Creative Director, Norris Ogario started his career as an apprentice in a West End salon. Twenty years on his own salon in North London has grown organically and extended into a haircare range.

The range includes Revive & Shine (suitable for all hair types) and Hydrate & Shine (for colour treated hair). Restore & Shine is the masque and this comes in the larger size and a smaller 50ml size which is ideal for try me or travel.

The Restore & Shine Masque* deeply nourishes the hair, repairing and improving it's condition. It's packed full of good things for the hair and scalp including Avocado and Olive oils, Aloe Vera, Nettle, Horsetail, with Vitamin rich sage and calming lavender.

To use: use once or twice a week on towel dried clean hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave on the hair for 10 minutes or so before rinsing.

I've been really impressed with how healthy and shiny my hair looks and feels. Have you used any products by Ogario London?

*PR sample

Less is More by Brandhuber & Trummer: Rose Serum

This serum by Less is More has been on my wishlist a while. I picked it up during the recent GWP promotion. See my post HERE.

The range is a collaboration between stylist and salon owner, Hannes Trummer and Doris Brandhuber, a chemist and aromatherapist. Innovative formulas and certified organic ingredients make the products luxurious and indulgent but the brand also care about the environment. All packaging is recyclable and products are free from any chemicals.

I like that the company do their bit to help refugees arriving daily in Austria. They've created an all in one wash and shampoo which they have donated directly to refugees at the Vienna Westbahnhof and if you buy one the net profits will be donated to Caritas Refugee Aid.

Rose Serum (30ml - £26) repairs, nourishes, de-frizzes and helps to treat itchy, flaky scalps. Made with a blend of Rose Hip Seed, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel and Coconut oil it has a citrus floral scent and is a blend of Rose Damascena, Rose Geranium and Sicilian Tangerine which uplifts and rejuvenates as well as smelling divine!

To use: As a glossing finish - work a few drops through wet or dry hair or as an intensive overnight treat shampooing out in the morning.

I absolutely love this serum and it's been worth the wait. Now I want to try some of other products in the range (link).

Content Beauty Wishlist

I spied some new to me brands and products at Content Beauty yesterday. So you know what's coming up...A wishlist!

I'm loving the look of Isla Apothecary..

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The products are hand made in small batches in the UK. What caught my eye was their Blood Orange + Vanilla Moisturising Sugar Scrub (220g - £23) which sounds like a delicious combination. 

I'm also loving the sound of their Hawaiian & Himalayan Detox Bath Soak (220g - £26) which blends black Hawaiian and Himalayan salts with Patchouli and Citrus.

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Neroli Body Oil (100ml - £32) which is scented with Neroli, Citrus, Frankincense and Patchouli and can be used in your bath or as a luxe body oil.

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Next up, a new range Julisis Gold Day Wash (150ml - sold out at present!) which blends Neroli flower extract, Carrot oil, Jojoba and Liquid Gold. 

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I also spotted John Masters Organics SPF30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen (50ml - £28.50) which protects and nourishes the skin.

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What's on your Content Beauty wishlist?