April Books

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

The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve** I took part in the blog tour for this brilliant read this week. See my review HERE.

The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis** - This is a great fast paced read which is due to be published on 1st June - I'll share my thoughts in my May roundup.

The Last Breath by Robert Bryndza (Detective Erika Foster #4)** - the next instalment of the Detective Erika Foster series is brilliant and I just couldn't put it down. Fast paced, interesting and enthralling I devoured it in 3 sittings. Definitely the best one yet!

Erika is whiling her time away on another team desperate to get back to Murder Squad. She's at the scene of a murder with Peterson and is desperate to be involved in solving the crime.

She suddenly finds herself SIO and hand picks a great team which includes friends and colleagues Peterson, Moss and Crane. The cunning murderer is using social media to search for dark haired beauties, befriending them before going in for the kill. We know who the killer is and Erika and the team have a couple of false starts before racing to a stunning edge of the seat conclusion. There are also some romantic moments for Erika which hopefully develops into something more in the next book in the series.

Friend Request by Laura Marshall** - this brilliant fast paced book which I read in two sittings isn't published until 27 July. I'll share my thoughts in my June or July book roundup. It's a cracker.

Running Blind by M J Arlidge - A Helen Grace Short Story - I love these novellas where we find out more about Helen when she's climbing the career ladder.  

Helen's just out of Police College, a rookie cop keen to solve crime and seek justice for those wronged. She's working in different police departments and is working in traffic when she comes across someone who is scared and running from something or someone. She's determined to find out and does some investigating on her own which leads to her being noticed from above. A great short story which I enjoyed.

The Diego Masciaga Way by Chris Parker - this is a fascinating read (many years ago I used to work in the Catering Industry so this book definitely interested me). Chris Parker interviews Diego Masciagna, who has worked for over 25 years as Director and Restaurant Manager at The Waterside Inn in Bray. We find out a bit more about Diego, where he came from and how he climbed the career ladder as well as how he defines and creates exceptional customer service.  It's a really interesting read which I recommend.

Random by Craig Robertson (Tony Winter #1) - the story is set in Glasgow and told through the eyes of "The Cutter" as named by the local media. He's a complex character who has marriage difficulties and can't get over the death of his daughter who was the light of their life. He hears all the problems of the day from those who get in his taxi cab.

"The Cutter" randomly selects his victims and DS Rachel Narey and the team have a difficult job trying to work out if they are connected and why he's choosing them. He makes a mistake and kills a small time crook and the big boss is also out to get him.. A fast paced read which had me on the edge of my seat with a racing heart. Absolutely loved it and have since bought the next in the series.

The Lucky Ones by Mark Edwards** - this isn't published until 15 June so I'll share my thoughts next month.

Here are reviews from two reads from last month:

Well of the Winds (DCI Daley #5) by Denzil Meyrick*** which was published on 6 April. 

This is the 5th in the DCI Daley series which opens in 1945 with a murder on the shore at Kinloch which is connected to the present day. Daley and the team DS Scott and Chief Superintendent Symington are called to the island of Gairsay to investigate the sudden disappearance of the Bremner family. He's still reeling from the death of DC Mary Dunn but finds that throwing himself back into the job is helping to take his mind off her and his marriage breakdown. 

They find something unexpected at the farmhouse in a secret room and with Daley's discovery of his wartime predecessor's diary they realise there is more to this case than expected. A fast paced story with many twists and turns which I think is the best one yet!

Love me Not (Helen Grace #7) by M J Arlidge** which is published around about 18 May. A fast paced read which is captivating from the very first page. The story is told over a breathtaking 24 hour period and is full of twists and turns and edge of the seat moments.

DI Helen Grace has been released from prison and is struggling to come to terms with things that happened inside. She's finding it hard to bond with her team again, and in particular DS Sanderson.

The opening chapters set the scene for the whole book. I was both horrified with what took place as I was hooked on reading on. It's fast paced and you just don't know where the killer is going to strike next. The race is on to find out why and find out who's next...

What have you been reading this month?

**copy from Netgalley
***copy from LoveReading

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack April 2017: Violets

I was very happy indeed to receive my Bloom Perfumery sample pack for April. (I loved last month's Green scents and February's Vanilla picks). This month's theme is violets.

Bloom Perfumery are "showcasing the use of violet leaf absolute, a natural material derived from the plant, as well as violet flower aroma interpretations: from bon-bon candied petals to aroma derived through the 18th century enfleurage technique".

There is one perfume we've had before in the pack from last June - Bendelirious EdP (50ml - £82) (violet leaf absolute) from Etat Libre d'Orange where two roots (iris and violet) are used to create the sweetest of leathers. With notes of champagne, cherry, cherry lollipop, grapefruit, iris absolu, iris butter, leather, musk, tonka beans, vetiver and violet leaf absolute.

I simply love the very gorgeous Violet Disguise EdP from Imaginary Authors (50ml - £90, 1ml - £2) (bon-bon violet flower interpretation) which is the scent of "violet flowers aroma as we know it from candied purple sweets and violet petal jam". "This is a versatile fragrance which will remind you of the simpler joys in life". With notes of plum, violet, dried fruits, balsam and amber.

From Zoologist there is Nightingale EdP (60ml - £135, 1ml - £3) (violets bouquet aroma) a "subtle linear floral beading sweet flowers one by one: violets, plum blossom and rose and stitching them onto a sensual sandalwood-ambegis canvas". With top notes of bergamot, lemon and saffron, a heart of japanese plum blossom, red rose and violet with a base of oud, patchouli, sandalwood, moss, frankincense, white musk, labdanum and ambergris.

Aleksandr EdP by Arquiste EdP (100ml - £135, 1ml - £2) (violet leaf absolute) "a witty reference to 19th century formula when dandies would use violet water to moisturize the skin. Violet leaf absolute smells green, leathery and a touch earthy on its own but in a formula can provide a perfect lasting deep background for lighter notes". With top notes of neroli, aldehydes, iced vodka accord and birch leaves, a heart of violet leaf, orris, cognac and leather with a base of fir balsam, birch tar, moss and animalic musk accord.

Sideshow by Gri Gri is New In EdP (can't see it online right now) and the "perfumes are inspired by some tattoo technique. Sideshow is based on the 'old-shool' anchors and mermaids, romantic, colourful and a bit kitch". The initial scent is surprisingly bubblegum (really!) with a heart of cotton candy and candy apple. Base notes are hyraceum, tolu balsam and leather.

The final scent this month is Queen of Spades by Brocard EdP (100ml - £21, 50ml - £17.50, 1ml - £2) (violet petals jam aroma) "sweet like violet petals jam, the fragrance has a plump floral core of magnolia, jasmin, lily-of-the-valley, violet and orchid" along with musk and woods.

Blog Tour: The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve

I'm taking part in the blog tour for the fantastic new book by Anita Shreve - The Stars are Fire* which is published by Little Brown on 2nd May. You can see the other bloggers taking part on the poster below.

"1947. Fires are racing along the coast of Maine after a summer-long drought, ravaging thousands of acres, causing unprecedented confusion and fear.

Five months pregnant, Grace Holland is left alone to protect her two toddlers when her difficult and unpredictable husband Gene joins the volunteers fighting to bring the fire under control. Along with her best friend, Rosie and Rosie's two young children, the women watch in horror as their houses go up in flames, then walk into the ocean as a last resort. They spend the night frantically trying to save their children. When dawn comes, they have miraculously survived, but their lives are forever changed: homeless, penniless, and left to face an uncertain future.

As Grace awaits news of her husband's fate, she is thrust into a new world in which she must make a life on her own, beginning with absolutely nothing; she must find work, a home, a way to provide for her children. In the midst of devastating loss, Grace discovers glorious new freedoms - joys and triumphs she could never have expected her narrow life with Gene could contain - and her spirit soars. And then the unthinkable happens, and Grace's bravery is tested as never before". 

My thoughts?

The story is set in Maine in 1947 and is based on real life events. After a long hot summer forest fires rage all along the coast from town to village.

Grace Holland and her friend Rosie and their children flee as their homes burn. They head to the ocean and take refuge in the sea to keep themselves safe from the flames. Their husbands Gene and Tim are away fighting the fires.

Overnight they find themselves homeless and penniless. Grace has no idea where her husband is. She is shocked but feels a sense of freedom being away from controlling Gene. With her mother's help they move into the house which was her mother-in-laws which had passed to Gene after her recent death.

Grace finds herself a job, moves on and is happy. She has a brief encounter with a wonderful man and realises what's missing from her marriage. Things shift again and Grace draws on her inner strength to get though this terrible time where she sees no end to her misery.  She finally makes a decision based on what's best for her and her children and has the strength and courage to move on.

I absolutely loved the story and the characters and raced through the book in two sittings. Highly recommend - it really is a great read.

*I received a complimentary e-copy of the book for review via Netgalley

April: Lately I've been Loving

So many April loves..

I'm thoroughly enjoying Sara Sheridan's fabulous Mirabelle Bevan Mysteries. I read the 1st and 2nd books in the series last month (link) and can't wait to read about what Mirabelle gets up to next!  Pick yours up at Amazon.

I'm currently testing out bodhi & birch's latest launch - a new blend of their fabulous Desert Rose Facial Oil*. I'll be reviewing it soon! Pick yours up HERE (psst...it's gorgeous!)

I recently reviewed Earth Mother Soul Sister's Perfume Collection 1** which is available to buy at Love Lula. I absolutely loved the collection of perfumes. My absolute favourite is Violet Rose which I will buy soon. See my musings HERE.

And, in a true case of the blogger made me buy it....guilty as charged Lynda! 

Lynda has a drool worthy Instagram Feed and I can honestly say she's to blame! I must admit I was in beauty heaven when the Kjaer Weis Lip Tint arrived (passionate). The packaging is just WOW, really weighty and luxurious and of course, the shade fabulous. It won't be my last buy, that's for sure.

I've had the real pleasure of trying out A Little Star-Dust EdP* and Two Eternities EdP* by Walden which is an exciting new perfume launch at Love Lula. Both are gorgeous. Again, expect review soon!

As you'll know I love anything rose and this Rose Oud Soy Wax Candle* by [M] Botanicals is just exquisite. The candles are hand poured with love and have a burn time of 20-25 hours. Again, another product I'll be reviewing soon!

For my birthday, earlier this month I received Shay & Blue's latest launch - Dandelion Fig which is a simply stunning scent. It has top notes of Dandelion leaf, fresh greens and lemongrass, a heart of tomato vine and juniper with a fig base note. It's absolutely incredible and one of my favourites from the range.

Birthday fizz at Harvey Nichols.

I also picked up at Amazon - Clean Beauty - Recipes to manage your beauty routine naturally by Clean Beauty Co. Elsie and Dominika are also part of Clean Cult - fabulous sounding wellbeing events held in London (I really want to go to one sometime). The book is fantastic and I'm looking forward to trying some of the skincare recipes.

Another candle! Grapefruit+Sage by Wax+Wick which I adore! Love the wine bottle container (and it's ruggedness), the use of soy wax, beautiful scents and of course the clever use of repurposed glass - wine bottles from the pubs in Primrose Hill! Again, a fuller review will follow. I just LOVE!

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

April Empties

Here's what I've been using up this month (I think this is the smallest amount of empties ever!) I'm not going to use up any more so here goes..

Evolve Organic Beauty Citrus Blend Aromatic Wash 60ml - I loved this uplifting wash in my morning shower. Would buy full size.

Make Skincare Hands Replenish Pink Grapefruit Cream 15ml* - a beautiful hand cream which I just loved. See my review HERE. Full size is firmly on the to-buy list.

Evolve Organic Beauty African Wash sample size - Again, this was gorgeous and I'd buy full size. I love when you order directly from Evolve you can chose 3 sample sizes with each order.

Daisy & Mallow Nourishing Winter Body Oil 50ml - lovely to use and I'd buy again next winter - it's currently still on sale though. It has a base of sesame, coconut and rosehip and is scented with Grandiflorium jasmine, cardamon, clove bud, vanilla and sandalwood. I've now got my eye on the oil for Spring.

Optiat The Hungover Coffee Scrub Potent Peppermint 90g - I loved this uplifting and awakening scrub which had an intense coffee/mint scent. Perfect scrubbiness and have since bought another. See my review HERE.

Carina Organics Pink Grapefruit Hand Soap 360ml* - this was a great hand soap which smells of zesty pink grapefruit. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy at some point.

Resultime Hydrating Cream 15ml - I've really enjoyed this cream, so much so that I picked up another one recently. It has a fresh scent, absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished. Huge fan.

Sachet samples (I'm trying to use these more often along with perfume vials):

pai Head to Toe Buriti Balm 2ml - this seemed nice but it was such a teeny sample so only got one use.

AA Skincare Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary Conditioning Shampoo 8ml - nice to use. Got two uses out of these sachets. AA Skincare Amla & Clary Sage Rejuvenating Shampoo 8ml, again nice to use. This one was my favourite. I recently reviewed the matching conditioners (link).

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum 2ml - this seemed nice enough but again, quite small sachet.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream 2ml - a nice cream which absorbed quickly but I probably wouldn't buy.

Chantecaille BioLifting Neck Cream 2ml - I absolutely loved this. The gel textured cream absorbed instantly and it felt like an expensive product (on looking full size costs £152!) Nice to try but way out of my price range (I did however get 3 uses from the sachet).

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque 1.5ml - this was great on my shiny t-zone. Would buy full size.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Giveaway: MuLondon White Chocolate Truffle Moisturiser - it's over!

I've got a fab UK giveaway for you today. One of my readers can win a pot of the gorgeous and mouth-watering (please don't eat it) MuLondon award-winning White Chocolate Truffle Moisturiser 60ml (which is worth £21). This heavenly scented moisturiser can be used all over the body making it the perfect multi-use product. See my review HERE.

This is what it looks like (don't worry the winner will get a fresh untouched pot!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AA Skincare Conditioners

AA Skincare recently launched a range of shampoos* which I loved trying. See my reviews of their Peony, Bay and Brahmi* one which is nourishing and Rosemary, Sage & Burdock* which lifts and repairs HERE. 

Latest launch are a range of conditioners and I picked two different ones to try. Amla & Clary Sage Conditioner (250ml - £5.94)* rejuvenates all hair types. It has a lovely scent, fruity and slightly woody (and is my favourite from the duo). It balances and nourishes leaving the hair feeling smoothed and conditioned. Clary Sage, Amla and Lemon add shine and strengthen while Grapeseed oil locks in moisture.

To use: massage into clean damp hair, leave on a minute or two before rinsing.

The second conditioner I selected to try is Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary (250ml - £5.94)* which revives and nourishes dry hair, repairing and smoothing split ends while adding shine. 

Ylang Ylang encourages healthy and shiny hair while conditioning Argan oil smoothes and nourishes split ends. Cucumber, Rosemary and Moroccan Lava clay boosts volume.

To use: massage into the hair after shampooing, leave on a minute or two before rinsing.

As with all AA Skincare products I've really enjoyed using these, they smell nice, are effective and are great value for money. What's your favourite product in the range?

*complimentary - sent for review

The Best of Skincare Tag

I spotted this tag over on Carrie's blog and I couldn't resist doing it too!

Skin Type: Combination - that dreaded shiny t-zone! 

How do you store your skincare: in my overflowing bathroom cabinet mainly. Still to be tried products are kept in a cupboard in the spare room.

Favourite Ingredient: Rose

Most indulgent product: It's got to be anything by ARgENTUM - see my review of their l'étoile infinie*.

Best Budget Buy: I love Balm Balm which is available to buy at Love Lula. Prices start from just £4.50.

Do you use any tools: My Foreo Luna* at least once a week. See my review HERE.

Best Mask: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask** - every Antipodes product I've tried I've loved. This mask is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

Best Multi-Use Product: like Carrie, it's got to be Weleda's Skin Food. I only recently discovered just how good it is. See my review HERE.

If you had to stick to one skincare brand: it would have to be the gorgeous Bodhi & Birch. I'm currently testing their latest launch - a new blend of my favourite Desert Rose Facial Oil*. Pick yours up HERE.

Best Spot Treatment: Indie Lee's Blemish Lotion - see my review HERE. It just works!

Favourite step in your Skincare routine: Cleansing for sure. With a balm or oil and a muslin cloth. Current favourite is Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN.

I've also included a new question - What's your favourite new brand: Mine has got to be the gorgeous Aster & Bay. See my review of their exquisite Rosewater Mist HERE.

What's on your Skincare wishlist: I'd love to try Leahlani Skincare. 

Do we share any favourites? What's on your list?

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Shopping my Stash #87

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

From Botanical Brands Living Nature's gorgeous latest launch Bliss Rose Tinted Lip Hydrator** which is a "my lips but better" kind of shade. It deeply nourishes and leaves the lips with a pop of natural colour. Love!

I received the new Hurraw! Papaya Pineapple Lip Balm* in March's Love Lula Beauty Box. It's a totally tropical treat which nourishes and treats the lips.  I love lip balms and this one's a welcome addition to my stash.

I can't live without Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion which keeps my eyeshadow on all day long. It'll be one I'll definitely be replenishing although this little tube has lasted ages.

Make Skincare has been one of my favourite recent tries. All their products are just totally exquisite. I reviewed Feet Revive** HERE. It's one of these must try brands as the scents and formulations are just dreamy.

I'm such a fan of the glorious Shay & Blue and I just love Blueberry Musk which I received from hubby at Christmas (after dropping a few unsubtle hints I must add haha). It's a beauty. It featured on Wishlist #2 in November. Just the other day their latest launch landed on my doorstep via Amazon birthday vouchers. And it's gorgeous!

On the wishlist (a long time) were Alexis Smart Healing Flower Remedies. When I spotted Naturisimo were stocking them I was absolutely over the moon! I'm currently trying Peaceful Worrier. It's early days so I've not really felt as if they are working for me yet - but I'll keep you posted!

What have you been reaching for lately?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**PR sample

Daughter of the Soil: The Onyang Collection - Shea Body Butter White Mulberry

I've been trying Shea Body Butter with White Mulberry from newish brand Daughter of the Soil (£39 - 200ml)*.

Maria Magembe, the CEO of Daughter of the Soil's great-grandmother Onyang was a strong and influential woman in her community and the brand is motivated by women backing women as well as using natural ingredients and recipes from Africa.

Connecting the DOTS is a training program for women in agriculture and Daughter of the Soil's goal is to have 10m DOTS certified women farmers in Africa by 2025. This will also help to raise the standard of living and protect the incomes of women.

Shea Body Butter with White Mulberry* is a rich and creamy butter which deeply nourishes the skin leaving it delicately scented and moisturised. The Shea Butter native to Africa is high in fatty acids and Vitamins. The butter is great for dry skin types but suitable for all. You can also buy an unscented version.

It's a beautiful brand and I also love that it gives something back. Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary - sent for review

Pukka Clean Me Green Organic Wellbeing Kit

I've been testing out Pukka's Clean Me Green Organic Wellbeing Kit (£19.99)* which is the perfect kit to use for a detox in January or like me in springtime.

The kit is packed in a sturdy cardboard box which is perfect to re-use for more products or to store teabags afterwards.

Inside is:

• A booklet telling you everything you need to know about your 14 day wellbeing programme along with handy hints and tips
• 14 sachets of Clean Greens Superblend powder
• Clean Matcha Green Tea/Detox Herbal Tea

It is suggested that when on the programme to eat light organic meals, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. Going for a massage is also recommended.

I initially found the Clean Greens Superblend Powder quite powerful so started off taking less in my morning smoothie and building my intake up over the 14 days. It's a blend of 11 super-rich green foods including nettle, kale sprouts, wheatgrass juice, vegetables, seed sprouts, seagreens, freshwater plants and digestive herbs. 

From the tea duo I absolutely loved the suggested morning blend Clean Matcha Green Tea, so much so I've gone on to re-purchase. It's a refreshing blend which tastes delicious. 

I was less keen on Detox Herbal Tea which had quite a strong and spicy taste. It contains sweet aniseed, fennel, cardamon and licorice root which gives your body the fresh start it needs.

It's a great kit and one I'd definitely use again. Probably next January!

*complimentary - sent for review

Love Lula: Earth Mother Soul Sister Organic Perfume Collection

As you'll know I love perfume and am always looking for interesting new ones to try. I've been sampling Earth Mother Soul Sister's Organic Perfume Collection Box 1 (£55 - 6 x 5ml)* which is available from Love Lula.

Earth Mother Soul Sister is a brand I've been aware of but I haven't tried anything from the range until now. There is a real boutique and treatment room in Ramsbottom in Bury and the products are certified organic by the Soil Association, are Vegan and are made and formulated by sisters Rachel and Joanna.

Rachel is a facialist and aromatherapist while Joanna a fine artist, reiki practitioner and aromatherapist. They both have studied natural perfumery and Joanna's artwork appears on the packaging. The perfumes are made with 100% natural and botanical essences and 100% certified organic grain alcohol and are EdP strength.

Inside this selection is:

Violet Rose: a beautiful sweet floral which smells deeply of rose with a hint of violet (this is my favourite)

Petitgrain Green Tea: a woody and refreshing scent. The addition of green tea brightens and uplifts

Vanilla Tonka: a creamy sweet vanilla with a hint of spice

Bergamot Sage: uplifting bergamot with herby sage notes (my second favourite and unlike anything in my collection)

Jasmine Sandalwood: heady, rich and floral with a touch of woods

Angelica Marjaram: this is my least favourite from the selection - it's just a little bit too herbal for my tastes

It's a great selection however and a fab way to try out new scents. Of course, I now want Collection 2 which contains bottles of Sandawood, Neroli Mandarin, Spice Silver Fir, Geranium Bergamot, Orange Patchouli and Ylang Ylang Jasmine.

Have you tried any products from Earth Mother Soul Sister?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. I added £5 to my monthly allowance so I could try this selection. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains some affiliate links.

Sandwick Bay Candles: Chai Latte Candle

I came across Megan and her beautiful candles on Twitter. Being a lover of hand crafted soy wax candles I went over to the website for a look and being a Chai tea fan I couldn't resist a Chai Latte candle which is a blend of spices including cinnamon and clove with black tea and vanilla. It smells just as good as the real thing!

The candles are handmade with love and care in small batches in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. They are made with 100% natural soy wax, premium fragrances and essential oils and have cotton wicks.

Flat rate UK postage is £3. I chose a small quilted kilner style jar (£8 - 20 hours burn time) which arrive well packaged in a branded drawstring bag (which would also make a great gift, if you can bear to part with it!) You can also buy 3 wick candles (£22), Large Glass Jar (£12), Large Travel Tin (£10), Small Travel Tin (£6), Wax Melts (£4) and Reed Diffuser (£17).

The candle burns well and has a gentle yet enticing scent. Next time I want to try Coconut & Lime, Sandalwood & Vanilla and Fig Tree. Pick yours up HERE.

Love Lula Beauty Box - April 2017

April's Love Lula Beauty Box is worth £44 and stuffed full of beauty goodies (£12.50). Sign up HERE. Also included every month is a voucher code for 20% off any of the brands in the box. So if you find something you can't live without..

Inside is:

A full size of Madara's AHA Peel Mask (60ml - worth £20) an active AHA peeling mask which provides instant radiance with a super dose of nature's active fruit acids for bright and radiant skin. I've tried this before and my skin loved it. Receiving a full size product is fantastic in a beauty box.

The item which really jumped out at me is FoM London's Antioxidant Hydra Plump & Firm Cream 15ml which contains FoM's signature anti-aging Silk complex, an active ingredient that promotes collagen and optimal moisture retention while creating a skin-like moisture veil to protect against environmental skin ageing. 

From Apple & Bears we have a 50ml (£5) (great for travel/weekends away) of their Pomegranate & Aloe Vera Body Wash which smells delicious.

There is a generous trial size from Greenfrog Botanic of their Soapberry Hand Wash with Geranium and Peppermint 100g which is made from organic soapberries.

The final item is a sachet (2ml) of Petal Delicate Eye Serum from Marlenha which revitalises and rejuvenates the delicate eye area.

As ever, it's a great box. What are your thoughts on the contents?

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

Therapie Inner Light Rescue Essentials

As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Therapie's Himalayan Detox Salts (REVIEW) and I always have them in my stash. I've been testing out two products from Inner Light range which you can see HERE.

The products are packaged in black velvet pouches and come with information cards.

Inner Light Energy Lift (5ml - £38)* this rollerball of magic will re-energise and awaken a tired mind (great for mid afternoon slump) which is made with an exquisite blend of essential oils which restore, awaken and recharge. The formulation is infused with high frequency haematite crystal which offers "adrenal support to recalibrate hormonal and nervous energy for greater balance and clarity". 

To use: apply a small amount to palms, rubbing together to activate the fragrant atoms. Cup over the nose and inhale breathing deeply for a quick energy boost. You can also apply to pulse points (wrists, breastbone, base and crown of skull, soles of feet and thymus, located in the chest four fingers down from the collarbone).

Sweet basil refreshes the mind while naiouli helps with emotional fatigue, shock and tension. Lemon aids recovery from tiredness, rosemary supports inner strength and helps to break apathy while wild rose soothes and helps with depression. Silver Fir balances and helps with focus while Holy basil helps to reduce stress and anxiety and wild mint help you to snap out of an emotional or mental perspective.

I've found it great for giving me an energy boost in the afternoon and it also helps me to feel more motivated.

The second item from the new range I've been trying is Inner Light Calm Balm (15g - £38)* which is a beautiful intoxicating fragrant balm which instantly calms and soothes the mind.  Anxiety and worry is gone and everything is calm and relaxed. 

To use: apply a small amount to the palms, rub together and cup over the nose. Breathe in and relax.  You can also apply to your pulse points - wrists, centre of chest, behind ear, back of neck. Reapply regularly for a dose of inner peace and calm.

Bergamot calms, lavender rids you of stuck emotions, frankincense protects and relaxes, sandalwood grounds, neroli soothes anxious-ness, bay is a cozy comfort, petitgrane helps with inner serenity and calmness, fragonia reduces anxiety, sweet marjoram calms and vetiver soothes the mind.

It's a beautiful blend which soothes and calms but also smells great!

I've been really impressed with the duo - they really work! See the range HERE.

*complimentary