Friday 31 March 2017

March Books

Here's what I've been reading in March:


Well of the Winds (DCI Daley #5) by Denzil Meyrick* this is the fifth book in the much loved series. It isn't published until the beginning of April so I'll review it in my April roundup of books but let me tell you it's brilliant!


Truestory by Catherine Simpson - Alice lives on a rural farm with her husband and their autistic son, Sam who she home schools. She lives for the two hours on a Tuesday when she gets away from her life and her troubles.

She's annoyed when her husband Duncan brings a stranger who he met in the pub to live and work with them. Duncan is always trying money making schemes which never work. Larry brings Sam out of his shell and she starts be drawn to him too... A great debut novel which stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it.



Brighton Belle (A Mirabelle Bevan Mystery) by Sara Sheridan** - this is a fantastic series set in the 1950s.  Mirabelle Bevan works for a debt collecting agency (during the war she worked behind the scenes at Whitehall) in Brighton. She felt she had to get out of London when her lover Jack died. When her boss dies in mysterious circumstances she feels the need to solve the case and does so with new found friend Vesta who works in the office next door. An easy reading and compelling story which I found hard to put down.



London Calling (A Mirabelle Bevan Mystery) by Sara Sheridan - having loved book #1 I was eager to read the second in the series (I've since bought #3 and #4).  A young woman goes missing at a seedy jazz club in Soho and the prime suspect is a young sax player called Lindon Claremont who was the last to see her. He calls on his friend Vesta to see if she can help him. 

Mirabelle decides to involve Brighton's Inspector McGregor whom we encountered in Brighton Belle. He arranges for Lindon to be questioned by the Police in London.  Meanwhile Mirabelle decide to do some digging of their own which takes her and Vesta to the seedier side of London. Again, loved the characters and storylines and can't wait to delve into book #3.



Love me Not by M J Arlidge (DI Helen Grace #7)*** which is not published until May. An absolutely edge of the seat read which I devoured in two sittings. Will review this nearer time of publication.


Minty by Christina Banach** which is a young adult read. Twins Minty and Jess do everything together and knows exactly what the other is thinking and feeling. When a tragic accident happens where Minty dies trying to rescue her dog from the sea Jess just feels she can't go on.

Minty and her dog are stuck in the afterlife and she has to watch her family suffer. Her new friend Jack is also stuck and shows her the ropes. Jess blames herself and Minty can't move on until she knows Jess will be okay. A sensitive read about death and bereavement with believable characters. Would recommend.

What have you been reading this month?

*copy from Love Reading
**copy from the author
***copy from Netgalley

Thursday 30 March 2017

Awake Organic Co: Aura Clean Natural Deodorant

I hadn't had a YOU Beauty Box for a while when quite by chance I spotted Awake Organics Co's new Aura Clean Natural Deodorant was a pick! (March) Inside was a sample size (10g) full size (30ml - which currently retails at £13.99). My sample pot has 21 uses making it a great try me.


Packaging is just exquisite (and recyclable). All products in the range are "handcrafted with joy" and are free from parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals and aluminium.

The scent is citrus, floral and herby (lavender, rosemary, lemongrass and peppermint) which is a naturally antibacterial formula. The deodorant has a light balm like texture which is easy to apply to the underarm area. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable and fresh.

It's not an antiperspirant so won't stop perspiration. It will provide all day protection however and left me feeling fresh and odour free all day! The formula contains arrowroot powder and British kaolin which help absorb natural perspiration. 

To use: apply a pea size amount to the underarm area and rub in.

I've been really impressed with the effectiveness of this deodorant (hubby loved it too) so will pick up full size soon.

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack March 2017: Green

I have to say straight up front - I think this has been my favourite month ever! (I actually love all the scents included this month). "In the first month of Spring we explore the phenomenon green (cut grass and leaves) in perfume and how perfumers go about instilling it in a formula".


Inside the pack this month:

Zoologist Hummingbird EdP (60ml - £125, 1ml - £3)  which is designed to make you "think of a tropical forest and it's lush green vegetation". It has a high level of coumarin which smells of warm hay with green smelling florals. With top notes of apple, cherry, citrus, lilac, muget, plum, rose and violet leaf. A heart of honey, honeysuckle, mimosa, peony, tulip and ylang ylang with a base of amber, coumarin, cream, moss, musks, sandalwood and white woods. 

Huitième Art Aube Pashmina EdP (50ml - £88, 1ml - £2) which is "a straightforward green with a note of tomato leaves propped up by a geranium-basil mix". With notes of basil, currant leaves, geranium, rosemary, satinwood and tomato leaves. This is really fresh with a fruity edge.

.vero.profumo. Mito EdP (50ml - £138, 1ml - £5) which is the "perfect perfume to learn how galbanum smells". "French perfumers call this resin "runner bean in a shoe" - green beans and leather.  Bloom Perfumery say to compare this with Aube Pashmina (synthetic green - tomato leaf) "compared to a carefully built up green created from combining natural materials with a green nuance". With top notes of green leaves a heart of champaca, magnolia grandiflora and tuberose and a base of galbanum and hyacinth.

PG16.1 Bois Naufragé EdP (50ml - £81.50, 1ml - £2) which is new in (a reintroduction) which is formulated with a note of mock fig (carob) which is sweet and leafy. With a top note of fig of Egypt (carob tree), a heart of sea salt and a base of vetiver fraction and ambergris.

Baruti Melkmeisje Extrait de Parfum (30ml - £98, 1ml - £5) which is built around linden absolute (a rare and expensive material). A green floral with powder and honey notes. With notes of honey, iris butter, lilac, linden, musk, pear, sandalwood, vanilla and vetiver.

The final pick this month is by Bloom Bespoke Lab KisKis EdT (50ml - £69.99, 1ml - £2) which is Bloom's own experiment "the fruity green nuance has been created from combining blackcurrant leaves, cucumber and apple accord". With notes of amber, sage, cucumber, granny smith apples, oakmoss, rose, vanilla, blackcurrant leaves, jasmine and raindrops.

Have you tried any of these perfumes? As I said, this month goes down as one of my favourites over the two years of my subscription (I could easily have them all full size - if only!) You also get a code for 10% off any of the bottles this month.

Tuesday 28 March 2017

March: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in March:


I picked up a set of samples from Supernatural Beauty which are gorgeous! You've guessed it. I want them all full size. See my review of Redemption Face Oil HERE.


March has been a paperback month for me (with one exception). I just loved Truestory by Catherine Simpson (and I'm lucky enough to say I've met Catherine too!) See my review in my book round up later in the week. You can pick up a copy at Amazon.




A series which I've also started reading is the fabulous Mirabelle Bevan Mysteries by Sara Sheridan which are set in the 1950s. I've only read two of them so far (thanks again Sara for the copy of Brighton Belle!*) and have just ordered books 3 and 4 from Amazon. Happy days! 

Sara also has a great online store called Urban Reivers which sells the beautiful perfume Damn Rebel Bitches (which featured in my August favourites) along with accessories and homewares.


I bought a huge bottle of my favourite Diptyque Vetyverio EdT which is totally gorgeous. Check it out HERE.


I was totally smitten with both the products (and packaging) of Rosalena BioActive Skincare. See my review HERE.


I picked up a Book Buddle from creator Jules which is a well made padded sleeve for your book which is available in a variety of gorgeous designs. Normally, I just shove my book in my bag but this cover keeps your book(s) in perfect condition and feeling loved. Jules also makes them for phones and kindles.


I'm loving Living Nature's Bliss Rose Tinted Lip Hydrator (£15)* which is in a "my lips but better" shade. It deeply nourishes while adding a pop of natural colour. Expect a fuller review shortly. I love it.


I never tire of spring flowers like daffodils. It's always a promise of better days to come and the end of winter. 


I'm starting a sample challenge to try and reduce the number of samples I have in my stash - and hopefully find some new products to love - any of these you can recommend?

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Monday 27 March 2017

March Empties

Here's what I've been using up in March (a sunny photo for a change!):


John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk 30ml - this is a staple in my stash and I've just opened another one. See my review HERE.

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner 50ml - lovely to use, loved its minty scent and how soft and moisturised it left my hair. Sure to buy full size at some point.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Pure Castle Soap 237ml - love this and it's always in my stash to clean my make up brushes and sometimes the bath! You can even clean your teeth with it (in an emergency). I actually need to stock up on this.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - this is my dupe for REN's bath oil. Maybe not quite as luxurious but brilliant value for money and rather lovely. Just opened a new one.

REN Moroccan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil 100ml* - an absolutely beautiful lightly scented rose oil which moisturises and leaves the skin looking glowy. I'll definitely pick another up again soon. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 300ml - I adore this spicy scented handwash. I have a huge stash of these - gifted, bought in the sales and from Latest in Beauty (and hopefully enough to last all year as it's only available at Christmas time) See my review HERE.


Olverum Bath Oil 15ml - is a favourite for a deeply relaxing soak. See my review HERE. I recently bought a mini trio and I am now happy to find them as a Latest in Beauty pick. 

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil 10ml - a lovely body oil which I'd used before and now after trying it again will buy. 

Organic Surge 2 Minute Moisture Mask 150ml - a beautiful, rich (bakewell tart scented) mask which left the hair looking glossy and healthy. Really impressed with this product and will definitely buy again.

Flower by Kenzo EdP sample vial - this came in Perfume Society's Modern Classics Box (REVIEW). I found I loved that I loved it after thinking I hated it for years! It has notes of Bulgarian Rose, Parma Violet, Vanilla and Musk and is lush. Full size is now on the wishlist!

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - this is one of my favourites. Sure to buy full size at some point.

4160Tuesdays London 1969 EdP 9ml - I actually finished two perfumes this month which is pretty much unheard of! I've already re-purchased this. See my thoughts on it HERE.

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash 20ml - a lightly lavender scented wash which I'd maybe buy full size. 

Make Up Forever High Definition Powder 1g - I really enjoyed using this to set my make up. I have since picked up another mini via Love me Beauty and I'd buy full size.

Diptyque Vetyverio EdT 10ml - simply totally fell for this when I friend sent it to me and I've since bought full size. A really beautiful scent with floral notes and vetiver. Slightly woody with rose and floral notes. It's perfection!

AEOS Enriching Spelt Hand Cream 30ml** - which was one of the most luxurious hand creams I've ever used. See my review HERE.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion Single Shot - huge fan of this beautiful bath oil which is perfect when you've got the flu or feeling run down. It's also good to use after exercise as it relieves any aches and pains. See my review HERE. I always have this in my stash.

John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil sample - this can be used on the face, body and hair. I used it most for smoothing down fly-aways. Would buy full size.

Rosalena Bio-Active Love & Me Face Oil 2ml sample - nice to use but others in the range I prefer. So probably wouldn't buy this one full size. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program
**PR sample
my post contains one affiliate link

Saturday 25 March 2017

Rosalena BioActive Skincare

I recently received one of Rosalena's BioActive Skincare's facial oils in a Latest in Beauty Box. See my review HERE. Along with the oil came a voucher for £10 off...so of course I had to have a little purchase.

Packaging is super exquisite and lovely. I picked up The Rosalena Sample Collection (£19.50 for 4 x 2ml) which I think is maybe a little pricey (I did get 4-5 uses out of each sample however) and their Goodness & Tonic Face Mist Luxe Sample Size 15ml (£4.90).


The mist is refreshing and rejuvenating and a real treat for the skin. Use as a pick me up or to tone after cleansing.


My favourites from the oils are Beauty & the Beast, which is a unisex oil (as if you'd want to share!) and Frank & Sense and making up the quartet is Love & Me and Rock & Rose.

Have you tried any Rosalena BioActive Skincare products?

Thursday 23 March 2017

Silvan Skincare: Skin Therapy Face Oil


Silvan Skincare is based on the Welsh Borders and hand make their gorgeous products which include face and body oils, bath salts, face creams and balms in small batches using the highest quality ingredients. All products are free from parabens, mineral oils, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, SLS, colourings and silicones.

Skin Therapy* (50ml - £19) is a new product to the range and is beautiful. It's a blend of organic oils including apricot kernal oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, kiwi seed oil and rosehip seed oil which are rich in skin loving ingredients.  

The essential oils in the blend include chamomile which calms and balances, bergamot helps with problem skin conditions, neroli is good for mature skins and stress. Everlasting flower helps with irritated skin conditions and lavender calms.

To use: massage a small amount onto the skin after cleansing

This is a beautiful oil (and very reasonably priced) which leaves the skin feeling nurtured and cared for. There is also an unscented version available. I've been really impressed with it and I'm now off to check out the rest of the range.

Have you used any Silvan Skincare products?

*complimentary

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Shopping My Stash #85


Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

Trevarno's Rose & Jojoba Soap* which is gorgeous! It has a beautiful rose scent (which I love) and scrubby bits of ground rosehip which gently exfoliates the skin while you wash. See my review HERE.

I'm a huge fan of Carina Organics which you can buy at Live in the Light in the UK. See my review of the deliciously scented Sweet Pea Leave-in Conditioner* HERE.

MuLondon recently sent me a pot of their luxurious White Chocolate Truffle Moisturiser* which I'd used in the past (and yes, it smells good enough to eat!) You can use it on your face, hands and body - I so LOVE a multi-purpose product and I'll enjoy using it once again.

Also, from Live in the Light is Pure Anada mascara* which is paraben, gluten and mercury free. It volumises and lengthens and is one of the best more natural mascaras I've used.

I received the little sample of Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant when I bought Imelda's (Content Beauty & Wellbeing) book (they offered a sample set if you pre-ordered). It's one of the best natural deodorants I've ever used and full size is on the wishlist.

From new brand Herbal Forest I've been loving their Chai Spice Lip Balm* (it really smells like chai tea!). It deeply nourishes the lips leaving them feeling moisturised and sweetly scented.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*complimentary - my post contains two affiliate links

Monday 20 March 2017

Tropic Skincare: Good Skin Day Resurfacing Serum

I've been testing out Tropic Skincare's gorgeous Good Skin Day Resurfacing Serum (£42 - 30ml)* and like the rest of the range is absolutely fantastic.

See my review of their Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum* HERE.


Good Skin Day Resurfacing Serum* is a deliciously fruity scented serum which resurfaces the top layer of the skin revealing a brighter, radiant and a more youthful face overnight.

Formulated with lime pearl extract, glycolic acid and willow bark BHA which evens out skin tone leaving the skin feeling softer and smooth. Papaya enzymes and AHA fruit complexes refine and tighten while concentrated hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps.

To use: After cleansing apply to the skin 1-3 times a week. You should also use sunscreen during the day while using this AHA product as the skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.

I'm a huge fan! My skin looks better and the product is nice to use. The oil free serum sinks easily into the skin, hydrating and refining. The next morning my skin is awakened - it looks brighter with fine lines smoothed and plumped.

Have you used any skincare products from Tropic Skincare?

*complimentary

Saturday 18 March 2017

Giveaway: Signed Copy: The Other Mrs Walker by Mary Paulson-Ellis - it's over!

I've got a really fab giveaway for you. You can win a signed paperback copy of the brilliant The Other Mrs Walker by Mary Paulson-Ellis which is March's Scottish Book of the month at Waterstones. Mary has also slipped in a hand written card for the winner! I reviewed the book in my September round-up.

The giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday 16 March 2017

Love Lula March 2017 Beauty Box

My March Love Lula Beauty Box* arrived yesterday and this month it's worth £40! (UK subscription is £12.50 a month) making it great value for money. Sign up HERE (you also get a code for 20% off the brands in March's box).


March's box contains 4 full size items and a sachet sample. So what's inside:



Seascape Island Apothecary Unwind Body Wash 300ml (£16) with Eucalyptus, Lime and Lavender (smells great!) I've used this brand before and this product and you can see my review HERE. I'm looking forward to trying it again as I remember especially loving it. 

PHB Ethical Beauty's Brightening Hand Cream with Neroli & Ylang Ylang 50ml (£10.95) smells incredible! It's rich, nourishing and absorbs quickly leaving the hands beautifully scented. I'm a HUGE fan of this lovely brand and I'm looking forward to testing this product out. Expect a full review shortly.

I absolutely adore Laidbare's Butter Me Up Body Butter (review) so I'm always keen to try more from the brand. This month we've got For Richer For Porer Pore Minimiser Facial Mask for Oily/Combo Skins 50ml (£7.99). I have combination skin so I'm looking forward to trying.

The final full size items is a Hurraw! Lip Balm (which is new in) in Papaya & Pineapple 4.3g (£4.99) and which smells totally tropical as well as being deeply nourishing. (I can never have enough hand creams or lip balms).

I'm a huge fan of Kimberley Sayer and love her Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF30 (1.5ml). I collect sachets for weekends away and holidays and they are also great try-me's.

A great box this month. What are your thoughts?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All my thoughts are genuine and my post contains one affiliate link.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

YOU Beauty Box: March 2017: Best of British

I've not been a YOU Beauty Box Member for a couple of months now but after spying new brand Awake Organics as a pick I just couldn't resist signing up again.

This month the choices are "Best of British" beautiful brands homegrown in the UK. As ever I picked 2 products for £6.95 (you can have 3 for £8.95 and 4 for £10.95).


The extras this month:

Skinade Drink Travel Sachet
35% off Gift Card at bagsy

Onto my picks:


Aura Clean Deodorant 10g (21 uses) from new to me brand Awake Organics. Inside this little pot of wonder is a 100% non-toxic and aluminum free natural deodorant which helps you stay fresh all day long. It's scented with Lavender, Rosemary, Lemongrass and Peppermint and contains British clay, arrowroot and sodium bicarbonate to help you stay feeling fresh and odour free. Looking forward to testing this out.  The packaging is super cute too.


My second pick is also a new to me brand The Hero Project, which has been on my radar for a while now. In the selection this month is their Vit C-30 Ultra Brightening Serum 8ml which I'm also excited to try. 

What did you pick this month?

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Antonia Burrell: Bright+Light Eye Cream

I've been testing out Antonia Burrell's fabulous latest launch Bright+Light Eye Cream (£39 - 15ml)*.



The eye cream was 5 years in the making and is a beautiful formulation which brightens and lightens the eye area. Natural actives are combined with proven technologies resulting in "skincare heroes that produce effective and long lasting results".

It contains Meadowfoam extract which softens and nourishes, Oat oil which is rich in Vitamin E and Omegas 6 and 9, White Bird of Paradise, a rare ingredient which brightens, illuminates and evens, Pomegranate & Orange peptides lifts and firms while Beetroot extract deeply hydrates.

To use: push the applicator down and the cream will dispense through the rollerball (see above).  Apply to the under eye area, circling around the eye with the cooling rollerball from the outer to the inner corners of the eyes, along the orbital bone and up over the upper eyelid. Pat any remaining cream around the eyes.

My thoughts? I absolutely love it! The rollerball makes applying eye cream into a pleasing ritual.  Eyes are lifted and dark circles lessened, with puffiness diminished and wrinkles plumped and smoothed.

See my other Antonia Burrell reviews:



*complimentary

Monday 13 March 2017

Cult Beauty Spring 2017 Goody Bag

As ever Cult Beauty's Spring 2017 Goody Bag, which was worth over £210 and free with a £110 spend sold out in record time. I picked up pressies and two things for me. The goody bag is so good and I'm looking forward to testing everything out.


The two things that I bought:


I needed new tweezers and I'd heard lots of good things about these ones by Swiss Brand, Rubis. At goody bag time I always stock up on my favourite Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - I've been using these since 2013 and if I could only use one bath product - it would be these! See my review HERE.

And now for a closer look at the goody bag:


The BrowGal Eyebrow Gel (Full size) £17
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey (sample size)
Sigma Mini Blending Brush E25 (as you'll see I've already used it!)
Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip in Versailles (Full size) £16 - Cult Beauty say this is "mauve pink" but it's brown on my lips. Not in love with the colour but love the staying power - will look at other colours for sure.


Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Mask (Cucumber Deep Moisture) x 1 £8
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 15ml (already a fan)
Hannes Dottir Seamasque 10ml (looking forward to trying)
Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser 15ml
Odacite Pimple Serum Concentrate 5ml (full size) £27.50


Verso Super Facial Serum 10ml 
SkynIceland Plumping Lip Gel x 1 use
Alpha H Liquid Gold 24 hr Moisture Repair Cream 15ml
BECCA First Light Priming Filter 6ml
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser 20ml


OUAI Haircare Wave Spray 30ml
Sachajuan Hair Repair 100ml (worth £12)

Did you pick up the Spring Goody Bag? 

Saturday 11 March 2017

Optiat: The Hungover Coffee Scrub Potent Peppermint


I received Optiat's The Hungover Coffee Scrub in Potent Peppermint (90g - worth £6.99) as a Latest in Beauty pick in my Beauty Guru monthly subscription box (9 items for £18 including P&P). The range available is fantastic and a new item is added everyday. Check them out HERE.

Optiat hand source Arabica coffee grounds from London bars, cafes and restaurants. Founder, William Brightman received a cafetiere one Christmas and thought what a waste it was to chuck out the freshly brewed grounds and he decided to turn them into gorgeous scented scrubs which naturally exfoliate, nourish, smell amazing and gently buff up the skin.

The Hungover Coffee scrub is just gorgeous (I've since picked up another!) The delicious aroma of coffee with refreshing mint (just works somehow) makes my morning shower a delight!

To use: apply to damp skin in circular motions before rinsing. Can be used on the body and the face.

Have you tried any of Optiat's scrubs?

Friday 10 March 2017

The Perfume Society: Modern Classics Discovery Box

My The Perfume Society VIP subscription kicked in again in January (when you re-subscribe you are given a £10 credit). I hadn't got round to buying a box in January or February but I couldn't resist current box Modern Classics (subscriber price £12.50/non-subscriber £17.50 plus P&P) as I adore Angela Flanders Columbia Rose EdP (having first tried it on a visit to London when we stumbled upon the shop) (with the other two in the trilogy). It's still love (it was the reason I wanted the box) and the trilogy is still on the wishlist!



L'Occitane Terre de Lumiere EdP (5ml) which is a delicious gourmand scent with top notes of bergamot, ambrette seed and pink pepper with a heart of lavender honey and base notes of acacia flower, bitter almond essence, tonka bean and white musk. This is almost edible and I'm looking forward to wearing it.

Illuminum White Gardenia Petals (2ml) which is famed by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton wearing it on her wedding day. It's a beautiful and heady floral scent with top notes of bergamot and cassis, a heart of jasmine, muguet, white gardenia, ylang ylang with a base of amber and woods. It's a very feminine scent.

I haven't worn Narciso Rodriguez for Her EdP (0.8ml) for years. It used to be a favourite so it'll be nice to revisit. It has top notes of peach and rose, a heart of amber and musk with base notes of sandalwood and patchouli.

I was surprised to learn that Marc Jacob's Daisy EdT (1.2ml) is 10 years old this year! Doesn't time fly.  It has top notes of stawberry and violet leaves, with a heart of violet petals and jasmine bouquet with a base of musk and vanilla infusion.

Cartier's Basier Fou EdP (1.5ml) translates to "crazy kiss" and is a soliflore; a fragrance created to evoke a single note - in this case the exotic orchid. It has quite a tropical scent, with powdery and white chocolate notes. 

Yardley London English Freesia EdT (1ml) is a gentle but pretty floral. With top notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, freesia, cypress and lavender with a base of sandalwood, musk, olibanum and amber crystals.

Flower by Kenzo EdP (1ml) I've never really been a fan of this one but it's growing on me! With top notes of pink pepper essence and blackcurrant, a heart of Bulgarian rose essence and parma violet and a base of white musk and vanilla.

The extras this month are:

Philosophy Hope Renewed in a Jar Eye 7ml - a decent sized tube of eye cream which is "a beauty classic in it's own right".

A voucher code for £10 off when you purchase any full size fragrance at L'OCCITANE (valid until 31 May 2017).

Minnie's Literally Love It Shimmering Body Lotion sachet which I'll pass onto someone who will love this!

What do you think of the Modern Classics Discovery Box?

Thursday 9 March 2017

Love Lula: Humble Natural Beauty: Sweet Pea & Verbena Hand Cream

I've been meaning to write this review for ages. I love hand creams and this one by Humble Natural Beauty is just divine! (it appeared in my November Love Lula Beauty Box*). 

It has the perfect scent for coming into Spring & Summer (and is also great to chase away the winter blues). It sits beside my bed and will be be replenished for sure! It's also great value at £8 for 75ml (lasts ages).

I've also reviewed some of the other products from the range - see HERE*.


With simple but super pretty packaging this hand cream is the ideal treat/small present.

It contains natural, biodegradable ingredients and contains no parabens of SLS. The cream absorbs instantly and deeply nourishes the hands and nails and leaves them smelling of sweet peas and summertime!

Have you used anything from Humble Natural Beauty? If you have what's your favourite product?

*I received this hand cream in November's Love Lula box which I receive as part of the accredited blogger program. All thoughts are genuine - I love this brand. Some of my links are affiliate links.