Love Lula: Pampering with Antipodes

As you'll probably know I'm a huge Antipodes fan! (see my collection HERE). I've been testing out the cult Aura Manuka Honey Mask* (£21.99 - 75ml) and it's every bit as good as I was expecting. The star performer of the duo (for me anyhow) is the amazing Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator* (£20.99 - 75ml). I've also been trying their lush Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter* (£8.99 - 4.5g).

The Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator* is a super gentle cream with an uplifting orange scent (it contains hydrogenated jojoba bean beads) which buffs off dead skin cells, clears the skin of impurities and rejuvenates. It's the perfect product for these dark mornings (or evenings!) to uplift the senses and care for the skin. I think you've probably guessed - I love it!

To use: apply to moist skin, massaging gently before removing with a damp warm muslin cloth. Follow with Aura Manuka Honey Mask*.

The Aura Manuka Honey Mask* is an absolute delight. A rich and deeply hydrating mask it cleanses and soothes the skin. Manuka honey draws moisture to the skin and ruby red pohutukawa bloom contains one of nature's best antioxidants. It can also help to heal problem skin types.

To use: smooth on a thick layer over face and neck (at sunset). Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter* deeply nourishes and is perfect for soothing dry and chapped lips. I love the scent and how hydrated and soothed my lips feel after use.

To use: apply as often as needed throughout the day and before bed.

What's your favourite Antipodes product?

*I was sent these products as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All thoughts are genuine and true. My post contains some affiliate links.

October Books

October has been a bit of a lean month with reads! But I've really enjoyed the ones I have read: 

A Wilder Life by Celestine Maddy - is a great book of ideas season-by-season. Great to dip in and out of. With beautiful photos and sections for each season - growing, beauty, cooking, home, self reliance, wilderness.

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Ursula's Secret by Mairi Wilson - Lexy Shaw has just buried her mum when she finds out that her mum's childhood guardian Ursula has died suddenly. Lexy finds herself in Edinburgh in Ursula's flat attempting to sort out her affairs. She finds some paperwork which isn't quite right and this sets her off on a journey of discovery which takes her to Malawi and the Highlands of Scotland. The story has many twists and turns which had me forever wondering and guessing what was going to happen next. Loved it.

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Gone Again - Doug Johnstone - Mark Douglas, a photographer is at work when he gets a call from his son's school to say he hasn't been picked up. Mark soon realises that it looks like his wife Lauren has gone again - she left them during a bout of post-natal depression shortly after Nathan's birth but it turns out there's a lot more to her disappearance than was first thought...

A fast paced read which I loved! My street also features in the book and places I know well in Edinburgh. Looking forward to reading Doug's latest book Crash Land which is published on 3 November.

My final book this month is The Last Night by Cesca Major* which is published on 3 November - check back then to read my review. It's a cracker.

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What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #83

Here's what I've been reaching for this week:

I won Pinks Boutique Cuticle Oil (10ml) in Ana's giveaway recently. It's a beautiful product which nourishes and softens the cuticles. 100% natural and free from any chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Rosa mosqueta regenerates while Carrot oil nourishes and Fennel and Frankincense heal. The cuticle oil is a really lovely treat for your nails. It absorbs quickly leaving the cuticles feeling comfortable and hydrated. 

While I've used mainly skincare or haircare from PHB Ethical Beauty they also have a great make up range. I'm really impressed with their Natural Organic Eyeliner in Black* (4g - £10.95). The colour is more of a dark grey, it applies easily with no dragging and is highly pigmented with long lasting colour. 

I recently came across Albus & Flora and fell instantly for their Multi-Active Tinted Lip Balms. I picked Mountain Rose (£12) which give the lips a sheer rosey wash of colour and protects them from the elements. It has a SPF30 so is ideal to pack for a skiing trip or summer holiday. See the range HERE.

My perfume is by Eden Perfumes which make a fantastic range of Vegan perfumes which have similar notes to popular blends. This one has similar notes to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. It really is a good likeness at a fraction of the price! Warm, smokey and spicy it's the perfect scent for autumn.

What have you been using this week?

*sample supplied by Love Lula as part of the accredited blogger program

October: Lately I've been Loving

This super-cute crocheted cactus made by Emily Sian Hart I just couldn't resist and it makes me happy every time I look at it.

Attending the amazing Portobello Book Festival and catching up with friends both old and new, buying some books and getting them signed. Day was made!

Being able to try out cult product Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask*, their fabulous Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator* (which is the best exfoliator I've ever used) and their soothing and nourishing Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter*. Full reviews will be on the blog soon. You can pick all these up at Love Lula.

I've totally fallen for the whole Daisy & Mallow range. This tea*..oh wow..amazing!  It's now my No.1 chai!

I picked up this gorgeous coffee table book which is full of interesting ideas and projects at newish Edinburgh store Elk & Wolf. Can't wait to go back and pick up some Christmas presents. They stock a beautiful and unique range of homewares, jewellery and candles.

Exciting times! My YOU Beauty Advent Calendar landed! It's now hidden away until the 1st December.

Being one of the first to try the latest launch by bodhi & birch. The new range of body oils* are absolutely exquisite. See my review HERE. Sicilian Rose is my favourite!

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Beatitude Comfort Aromatherapy Candle

I'm a huge fan of Beatitude having loved all the products I've tried from their beautiful range. My all time favourite is the gorgeous Joy Body Oil.

The new Comfort Aromatherapy Candle (10cl - £12, 30cl - £34*)  has been blended to compliment the ranges so will be perfect to light when enjoying Joy, Patience or Peace products.

Made with eco soy wax, a lead free wick and the finest essential oils. The scent is "comforting" with a good throw and the large size will burn for 60 hours.

The scent is a blend of Bergamot, Lime, Clementine, Orange, Geranium, Lavender and Eucalyptus which uplifts, soothes and clarifies. 

The candle burns evenly and cleanly and is a really great addition to the range. Pick yours up HERE.

If you are in the area Fletcher's Cottage Spa at Archerfield, East Lothian offers the Beatitude Supreme Happiness with Hot Stone Therapy (75 minutes - £110) and Beatitude Back Bliss Treatment (45 minutes - £70).

*complimentary

Willow Organic Relaxation Box

I was recently sent one of Willow Organic's new Christmas gift boxes. The Relaxation Box* (£25) is just a delight. It's packed full of beautiful products including a little candle making it a perfect pampering treat. I'm also pretty fond of the beautiful packaging (I'll definitely be finding a use for that box!) The products are scented with Rose & Oud, a calming and relaxing scent - which is also gorgeous!

Inside you'll find:

Vitamin A & Bamboo Blissful Peace Exfoliating Body Wash 50ml - this is a new launch and it contains fine particles of bamboo which exfoliates as well as cleaning the skin.

Collagen & Red Snow Algae Blissful Peace Body Balm 50ml - this award winning product (it received best body balm award in The Beauty Shortlist's 2016 Awards) and is exquisite. It deeply nourishes the skin leaving it deliciously scented.

Tonka Bean & Antioxidant Blissful Peace Bath & Shower Oil 50ml - is fab! Deeply scented it calms and relaxes both the body and mind leaving the skin soft and hydrated.

Rose & Oud Blissful Peace Travel Candle 4cl (10 hours burn time) - calms and relaxes and has a good scent throw.

See all the gift sets available HERE.

See my review of the Barbary Fig Miracle Range* HERE.

*complimentary - sent for review

Myroo Mini Travel Size Skincare Set - Fragranced

I'm an absolute sucker for minis and this exquisite little set (£8) by Myroo is just beautiful. It's the ideal small gift (or stocking filler), try me size or to pack away for a night or two away.

The little set is available in Fragranced or Un-Fragranced and packaged in a cute branded box.

The sizes are teeny tiny (but perfect try me sizes). Inside is:

1.5ml Starflower and Orange Blossom Facial Cleanser

1.5ml Starflower and Orange Blossom Skin Boost Facial Serum

4ml Raspberry and Cucumber Superfood Balm

4ml Geranium Intensive Hand Treat

I tried the cleanser and serum way back in 2012 (review) but I'm looking forward to trying them again.

The other two are new to me products:

Geranium Intensive Hand Treat smells beautiful and deeply nourishes the hands and nails while Raspberry and Cucumber Superfood Balm can be used on any skin area. Use it on chapped skin, dry cuticles, knees, elbows, heels, as an overnight treatment for tired skin or massage.

Pick yours up HERE.

October Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month. So here's my October empties:

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream 120ml - absolutely loved everything about this cream. Will repurchase at some point. See my review HERE.

Living Proof Full Shampoo (60ml) & Conditioner (60ml) - which were nice to use. I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - one of the best hand care products I've ever used. Will pick up full size again when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml - I'm currently obsessed with this hand wash. Must go instore to buy a few full size ones! See my review HERE.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 100ml* - amazing! Just loved this. I have a mini to use but will replenish it. See my review HERE.

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol 30ml** - which came in September's Love Lula Beauty Box. It also featured in Shopping My Stash #81. Loved it. Will buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (both 15ml). I got 4 uses out of each of these. Preferred the shampoo to the conditioner. Probably wouldn't buy but nice to try. These came from Feel Unique's fab pick n mix service.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Argan 5ml*, Natural Cacay 5ml*, Organic Rosehip 5ml*, Organic Moringa 5ml* I absolutely loved all of these and would buy full size. See my review HERE.

SAMAYA Hydrating Cleanser Sample* - VATA beautiful product from a new range. Will definitely be tempted once my stash reduces a bit.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation - loved this will buy again. It has a great coverage and good range of shades. This lasted me nearly a year (using other products too). Will re-purchase.

Joik Lemon & Vanilla Body Lotion sample - probably the teeniest sample I've ever tried!  The lotion however absorbed easily and the scent is lovely. Would buy full size.

Odacité C a R Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate 5ml* and Gt + L Greentea & Lemongrass Serum Concentrate 5ml* - I enjoyed using both of these but slightly preferred the second one (I've since opened another bottle of this) See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon Dream After Dark Bath Oil 3ml - I simply love the Kiss the Moon range. This bath oil has notes of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood which help to promote a restful night's sleep. Although lovely to use this isn't my favourite scent in the range so wouldn't buy full size.

Ermana Nurture Body Oil 50ml* - which was really lovely to use. Very uplifting and nurturing. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Sachajuan Ginger Flower Body Wash 0.17fl oz - I was surprised when I found this teeny sachet was enough for one use! Gorgeous with a beautiful uplifting scent. Simply a delight. Definitely tempted by full size!

What have you been using up this month?

*Complimentary sent for review/gifted
**From the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Dermalogica: Phyto Replenish Oil & Christmas Gift Sets

I've been testing out Dermalogica's latest launch (September) Phyto Replenish Oil (30ml - £62)* 

The oil is light as air and absorbs quickly leaving the skin looking radiant and glowy. The scent is uplifting with floral notes. Press a few drops onto the skin before foundation for a dewy look, before moisturiser or add a few drops to your day or night cream.

It works in three phases to strengthen, hydrate and shield. Camellia and Tamanu oils protect the skin's barrier. Orchid flower and Chia Seed Oils help to smooth out lines and wrinkles and lock in moisture. Sunflower, rice Bran and Rosemary extracts shield the skin against free radical damage and help to make the skin look more luminous. It really is a luxe treat for the skin and senses. The oil is best suited to normal and dry skin types.

Also...Christmas is fast approaching and I've had the pleasure of trying out Dermalogica's Body Buffing Christmas Set* (£15.50). You can see the rest in the range HERE. Packaging is simple (but pretty) and recyclable.

Inside you'll find:

An Ultimate Buffing Cloth which will buff and polish your skin. It's good for those hard to reach areas and great to use with the Conditioning Body Wash (75ml) to exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth rough elbows and feet. The body wash contains botanical extracts and essential oils. It cleanses the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and clean.

The third item in the set is Body Hydrating Cream (75ml) which is an old favourite of mine!  Easily absorbed the cream is fortified with lactic and hydroxy acids which are extracted from sugar cane and apple. It deeply hydrates the skin and is scented with Lavender, Orange and Green Tea.

*complimentary samples sent for review

Love Lula Beauty Box: October 2016

My October Love Lula Beauty Box* arrived the other day. As ever, it's stuffed full and contains a few full sizes! The total value of the box is over £40 this month making a subscription great value for money (£12.50 a month in the UK and £52.50 for a three month International subscription). Subscribers also get a code for 20% off any of the brands in the box that month.

So what's inside:

From Barefoot Botanicals there is a full-size Nourishing Cleansing Cream (125ml and worth £20) which gently removes make up and daily grime and leaves the skin feeling clean, toned and supple. Looking forward to testing this one out!

Also full size is a bar of Lavender Natural Soap (100g - £3.95) from PHB Ethical Beauty. I'm a huge fan of bars of soap and these are hand crafted with nourishing butters and oils.

Yet another full size product! From John Masters Organics we received Lip Calm (4g - £6.00) a deeply nourishing balm which softens and protects the lips. This product is ideal for autumn and winter days. 

Also included is REN's latest launch: Flash Hydro-Boost in a 10ml luxury sample size. It's a water-charging hydration booster which works in harmony with the skin helping to prevent the ageing effects of dehydration. Again, another I'm looking forward to trying.

Rounding up the box this month is Pure Tissue Oil (5ml) from BON Natural. You can use this oil on the face or body.

Did you pick up a box this month? What are your thoughts on the contents?

*I received this box as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program (LLABP). All my thoughts are genuine and my post contains some affiliate links.

Giveaway: bodhi & birch Body Oils Mini Collection - it's over!

I've got the most amazing bodhi & birch giveaway* for you. You can win a newly launched set of exquisite mini body oils. See my thoughts on them HERE (my favourite is Sicilian Rose) This is a worldwide giveaway. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


* huge thanks to bodhi & birch for donating the giveaway prize

Ishga Scottish Seaweed Organic Skincare

I've recently had the real pleasure of trying some products* from ishga. The range is made with anti-oxidant rich Hebridean seaweed which is hand harvested on the Isle of Lewis. 

Seaweed extract is the main ingredient in the skincare line and is produced by combining the hand harvested seaweed with natural spring water. A low temperature extraction is used so that the goodness of the seaweed is retained. This extract is combined with anti-ageing ingredients to produce the award winning range which is also used in select Spas - see HERE.

The products are beautifully packaged and boxed. All very luxurious.

Active Cleansing Lotion (100ml - £30)* absorbs quickly when massaged onto the skin. It easily removes all daily grime and make up making cleansing into a lovely ritual. The lotion is scented with Bergamot and Orange oils and rind of lemon making it smell delicious.

To use: use AM/PM massaging gently over the face and neck before removing with a warm damp muslin cloth.

Hebridean Marine Toner (150ml - £25)* which revitalises and refreshes the skin. Made with Seawater, Seaweed extract, natural Spring Water, Aloe Vera and Cucumber Extract. 

To use: spritz on the skin AM/PM or when your skin needs a lift. It can also be applied to a cotton pad and swiped over the skin.

Anti-Oxidant Marine Face Cream (50ml - £70)* this luxurious face cream is a blend of organic ingredients including Shea Butter, Apricot Kernal, Macadamia Nut and Thistle oils, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera concentrate and Seaweed extract. It is really light and airy, absorbs easily and has a delicious lemon scent. 

The skin is softened and repaired with fine lines smoothed. It's a really beautiful cream which leaves the skin radiant and renewed.

To use: AM/PM after cleansing and toning.

NEW IN: Latest launch is the fabulous Rejuventating Eye Balm (30ml - £45)* which instantly firms and rejuvenates the delicate eye area. With a Shea butter base which helps to minimise wrinkles and Vitamin F which is rich in Essential Fatty acids and contains a natural sunscreen.

To use: you only need to tiniest amount of the rich balm. Press gently underneath the eye before circling in an anti-clockwise direction up and over the brow.

I have been so impressed with the performance and feel of these lovely products on my skin. I just can't recommend them highly enough (and yes, they'll all be bought when these run out)  Have you used any Ishga products? If so, what's your favourite from the range?

*complimentary

5 Body Lotions I'm Currently Loving

These are the body lotions I'm finding I'm reaching for the most right now:

Geranium & Orange Body Lotion from Neal's Yard Remedies which came to me as a magazine freebie. It has a totally uplifting floral citrus scent (I'm a sucker for anything Geranium). The lotion absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling deeply moisturised and smelling sweetly. 

I'm a huge fan of Gallinée and simply adore their La Culture Body Milk*. It's just really lovely to use and absorbs straight away leaving the skin feeling deeply nourished. See my review HERE.

I tried a sample of Aesop's Rind Concentrate Body Balm and instantly fell for the uplifting citrus scent. The lotion absorbs really quickly (and smells incredible) and is suitable for all year round use. Perfect for cheering up the winter blues and cooling the skin in summertime.

Bramley products were a new try for me this summer. Their Body Lotion with Juniper Berry & Bergamot is light and easily absorbed with a delicious scent.

My final pick is newly launched Joyful Body Lotion (100ml)* from Green People which is available in Joyful Gift Set* (with 100ml Body Wash) £19.95 and is scented with Tangerine & Cypress. The Christmas gift sets this year are exquisite (link) and buying one supports Butterfly Conservation which helps to protect and preserve British butterflies, moths and the environment. The packaging is designed in-house by Anna Parkinson. The lotion is absorbed quickly and the scent is gorgeous (further review will follow).

What's your favourite body lotion?

*complimentary - sent for review

SAMAYA: Kapha Anti-Aging Cream & Vata Hydrating Cleanser

SAMAYA is a new natural skincare brand based on Ayurvedic principles which help to achieve your perfect balance. SAMAYA was founded by Abida Halstenberg who grew up in India surround by Ayurvedic culture. Natural remedies were passed down through the generations and when she came to London struggled to find anything which came close to the skincare she grew up with. After months of research she found a chemist who helped her to create the exquisite range.

Discover your dosha (energies that govern each individual) HERE. I found mine was Kapha (40%), Vata (30%) and Pitta (30%) and I definitely identify with some of the features of all three:

Kaphna: Laidback, easy-going, steady energy levels. Can be lethargic and apathetic when out of balance. Compassionate, gentle, kind. Thick and pale skin, clogged pores/excess oil when out of balance.

Vata: Energetic & creative in balance. Worried, tired and indecisive when out of balance. Slender, cold hands and feet. Delicate dry skin and hair.

Pitta: Well proportioned. Focused mind, love order. Confident, passionate, prone to anger. Impatient when out of balance. Skin can be sensitive.

I was sent Kapha Anti-Ageing Cream* (50ml - £89) and a sample pot of Vata Hydrating Cleanser* to review.

The Kapha anti-ageing cream is presented in a glass pump bottle and encased in a cardboard tube which does look nice and gives a luxe feel.

It is formulated with Ayurvedic botanicals and Anti-Ageing ingredients. The cream absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling supple, firm and revitalised. The scent is absolutely amazing - it contains notes which I currently love in perfume and which I usually never find in a face cream! The blend is woody with notes of Sandalwood, Vetiver and Frankincense. It really is a luxe treat.

To use: AM/PM after cleansing.

The Vata Hydrating Cleanser is also lovely to use. It easily melts into the skin and has a rosey scent. Deeply moisturising as well as cleaning and purifying the skin. It easily gets rid of daily grime and make up.

To use: massage onto dry skin removing with a warmed damp muslin cloth.

There is also a treatment oil in each of the three Doshas - see HERE for more information.

Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary - sent for review

Love Lula: Christopher Courtney London Hair Rescue & Shine Luxury Massage Candle

This exquisite artisan Hair Rescue & Shine Luxury Massage Candle* by Christopher Courtney London (£39.95 - 228ml) is the perfect pampering treat. Great for a gift or even better a treat for you! I'd suggest adding it to your Christmas wishlist.

The massage candle is beautifully wrapped and presented in a branded box. Inside you'll find the candle in a cute little pot with a pouring spout (this helps to make application easier).

The all natural candle is made with luxurious butters and oils which deeply nourish the hair shaft, sealing in moisture, minimising split ends, softening, smoothing and adding shine. You can see the full list of ingredients HERE.

The massage candle has a beautiful rich scent. The oils in the blend are Cedar, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Lavender and Lemon.

To use: light the candle and let it form a warm pool. Apply to the hands (check the oil is not too warm first) before massaging a generous amount onto the scalp and hair. Leave for 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing out and blow drying and styling as usual.

My thoughts? The candle was easier to use than I was expecting and a really pampering treat. My hair looked great after blow drying. Healthy, soft and oh so shiny.  Now of course I want to try more from the beautiful range.

*I received this product as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger program. All my thoughts are genuine and my post contains some affiliate links.

bodhi & birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil

I've been testing out the gorgeous new body oils* from bodhi & birch. I love everything about them from the beautiful packaging, how luxurious they are to the unique scents. I'm sure you've guessed my favourite is Sicilian Rose (100ml - £42)* which was inspired by founder, Elijah Choo's holiday in Sicily where he chanced upon an exquisite lemon scented rose.

It really is a beautiful product and a real luxe treat. The oil has a serum like texture and it easily absorbs leaving the skin delicately scented and deeply nourished. You can also use it as a hair treatment (still to try it this way) but I can imagine it would be a super-gorgeous treat.

Rose and Geranium form the heart of the scent with opening notes of Lemon and Verbena with a light touch of pink pepper and Ho wood. 

With 96.5% certified organic ingredients and a blend of Safflower, Macadamia and Rosehip oils which are packed full of good things for the skin like Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and potent antioxidants like Beta Carotene and Vitamins A & E.

Products are free from petrochemicals, parabens, silicones, synthetic colours, fragrances and are palm oil free.

The other two scents available are:

Nordic White* (which is my second favourite) which was inspired by a trip to Sweden and has notes of Spruce, Cypress, Pine, Sweet Fennel and Frankincense.

The third body oil in the trio is Chinois Blue* which is a sensual oriental and has notes of Hyacinth, Honeysuckle, Ginger, Blue Tansy, Gingerlily and Pomegranate.

A mini set with one of each of the small size bottles will be available to buy next week which will be the perfect try me set or great for a gift.

*complimentary