March Book Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in March. If a book is marked * I've very kindly received it from the publisher via netgalley or directly.

Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart* - I simply loved Kathleen's memoir about changing her life after suffering breast cancer and associated illnesses and moving to a little cottage in Wigtown, the Scottish Book Town. It's an absolute gem. I'll share my review in my May Book Round Up as it's not published until near to the end of May.

Close my Eyes by Beverley Harvey* - I took part in the blog tour. See my review HERE.

The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan* - I'm a huge fan of Sara's so was delighted to read her latest novel which is set in Edinburgh in 1822 and features the moving of the Botanical Garden to Inverleith. There's also a rare plant - the Agave Americana set to flower which draws the interest of many. It's not published until early August so I'll share my review then. The story is richly drawn and meticulously researched and I absolutely loved it!

Wintering by Katherine May - I received this book in the March - The Boozy Bookclub, a fantastic book, cocktail and other treats subscription box which I mentioned in my post yesterday. Wintering is a beautifully written book, part memoir covering health, relationships, finances, careers and life in general. Retreating to care, rest and repair yourself. 

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh* which isn't published until 22 June. A fast paced and sometimes tense read which had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I'll share my review in my June book round up. Highly recommend!

Home Stretch by Graham Norton - it's 1987 in a small Irish town called Mullinmore. A group of friends, including a bride and groom go for a day out to the seaside the day before the wedding. Tragedy strikes when there is a car crash and only 3 of the 6 survive. Connor, the driver feels terrible about the pain he's caused and feels he needs to leave town.

He works first in Liverpool as a Labourer before moving to London and becoming comfortable in is own skin. He moves to New York City for love. He still misses those back home but can't feel he can return after causing everyone so much pain. A chance meeting is quite wonderful but in turn brings its own issues. He knows he'll have to go home and face up to what happened in his past which is bittersweet. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it highly (and it made me cry!)

Rounding up my March reads is That Night by Gillian McAllister* which isn't published until 10th June. I'll share my review in my June book round up. I really enjoyed this fast paced read which had me guessing throughout.

Awaiting publication:

The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex* - I read this incredible book in September last year. It was published this month. I took part in the blog tour. See my review HERE.

I read Dangerous Women by Hope Adams* in December last year. It was published this month. Dangerous Women charts the Rajah on a three month voyage of transportation of petty criminals in 1849. The story is richly drawn and based on a true story.

Onboard are a mix of women and some children mainly petty criminals but there's also a murderer onboard who has hidden her crime. The story is told before and now and is told by 3 women - Kezia Hayter, the Matron in charge of the women, Hattie the victim and Clara who is hiding a secret...

Kezia hand picks women with sewing skills to work on a quilt which becomes known as The Rajah Quilt. It seems it's one of these women who harms Hattie.... The Captain, Chaplain and Surgeon make it their aim to find the killer. A great read which I recommend.

I read While Paris Slept by Ruth Druart* in February and I took part in the blog tour for this incredible read on publication day. See my review HERE.

What have you been reading in lately?

March: Lately I've Been Loving

Here are my March loves:

I discovered local-ish (East Lothian based) Spiral Tide Pottery when randomly looking for shops etc in Cockenzie. The wares are inspired by the sea and are simply exquisite (sign up to check out the shop when it next opens on 1st May). I hope to get an awesome mug next! (I gifted one of the hanging shells - "in love with the sea" ornaments to my mum for Mother's Day and kept one for myself!) I also love that profits from the sale of each one sold are donated to the Marine Conservation Society to give something back.

Huge love for Dook Soaps, which are based along Joppa end of the prom. These two are Bergamot, Juniper and Rose Geranium and Cedar and Bitter Orange. I love the newish easily recyclable packaging which is pretty too. See my earlier review HERE.

Pretty Tulips - I adore all the Spring Flowers including cheap and cheerful Daffodils.

I signed up to the Capital Crime Book Club which gives you two crime or thriller books a month (one of March's books I had read and they swapped it out for another no problem).

I also had a one off box from East Lothian based Theboozybookclub which as well as the book of the month you receive a cocktail which ties in with the book and lots of other treats! March's was amazing and I'm very likely to sign up!

My beautiful Wave Mug by Charlotte Cadzow an East Lothian based ceramic artist. I spotted this stunning mug on TheBoozyBookClub's insta page and had to have one. It brings me endless joy. 

Anita Grant's Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter which I first tried way back in 2013! See my post HERE. It really is heaven in a jar!

What have you been loving in March?

*Mint Green: The Natural Switch Starter Pack

I was very kindly sent Mint Green's brand new The Natural Switch Starter Pack* to review. Having loved their February Starter Kit which I reviewed HERE, I was delighted to try and review their latest kit. The Natural Switch Starter Pack costs just £20 and is worth over £100 making it a must-have. It comes in a brown reusable cardboard box and compostable mailer bag.

Inside is:

Goldfaden MD Vital Boost; Even Skintone Daily Moisturiser 15ml (Vegan, Natural, Recylable) which gives the skin a hydration hit and is suitable for all skin types. A full review will come for this one! 

Doers of London Body Wash 15ml (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) I was introduced to this brand in last month's box. A gentle wash which is nice to use.

Grown Alchemists Hydra-Gel Hand Sanitiser 50ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) I'm always happy to try a new hand sanitiser and always have one in my bag when out and about. This one will kill germs and hydrate. Again, a review will follow.

Odacite Ba+S Eye Contour Booster 2ml (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) A brand I love and a product I've not tried from the range. I'm testing this out right now and a little goes a long way. It helps to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Tangent GC Hand Soap +Hand Cream sachets 2 x 5ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) This is a new to me brand. I'm looking forward to trying them out. 

Q+A Liquorice Lip Oil 15ml (Natural, Vegan, Recyclable) This has been on my wishlist so I'm happy to be able to try it now. It'll plump and nourish the lips. Again, a review will follow.

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm 4ml (Natural) I've used this multi-use balm a few times - great for dry and cracked skin, lips and nipples. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200 10ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) Again, I've used this serum before and my skin loved it. (I reviewed it way back in 2015! See my review HERE). Great to have it back in my stash.

Rounding up the starter pack is a bar of Nuddy Totally CocoNUTS Soap Bar 100g (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) This soap is enriched with shea butter, smells of coconuts and has a rich foamy lather.

Do you think you'll pick up The Natural Switch Starter Pack? Check out the Mint Green store HERE.

March Empties

If a product is marked * I've very kindly received it complimentary for review purposes. Here are my March empties:

I fell head-over-heels for Love Absolute's sublime Mulberry Milk Jelly Cleanser 30g and I was soo sad to scoop out the very last of it. On my to-buy list when my cleanser stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE. (I'll be reusing the tin too!)

Being able to try Susanne Kaufmann's divine Restorative Toning Body Cream 15ml was an absolute joy. That's why I love the Naturisimo Discovery Boxes so much - you sometimes get to try more pricier items. It'll be staying on the wishlist however as full size costs an ouchy £130! Great to try and I absolutely loved it. See my musings on the Self Love Discovery Box HERE.

I'm a huge fan of Five Dot Botanics and loved their award winning Brighten Up Balancing Mist 50ml* which is made with five ingredients. It brightens, balances and refreshes the skin and smells of roses. A buy-again for sure (it received a finalist award for Best Facial Mist in the 2020 Beauty Shortlist Awards).

I think you'll know I fell hard for Nudge Boutique's joy giving May Chang & Pink Grapefruit Whipped Body Butter 50g - see my review HERE. This is the product you need if you are feeling down as it's zesty scent can do nothing but uplift the body and mind! I loved it so much that I rushed out and bought a full size pot. This is the bodycare product you MUST buy! I know it'll always be in my stash.

Tam Mason's Sugar Hand Scrubs have always been on my wishlist. I recently tried her A Hand Picked Selection Box, which contains 4 mini 25g pots which make the perfect try-me set. See my thoughts HERE. I recently used up the Rose & Patchouli pot which was divine. Will definitely repurchase at some point.

I love Lola's Apothecary the products are truly decadent. This mini Monsoon Paradise Illuminating Body & Massage Oil was gorgeous! It was nice to have the opportunity to try it but if I was buying again I'd pick up their sublime Delicate Romance Balancing Body Souffle which I reviewed HERE.

Avon's Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Handwash is cheap and cheerful and nice to use. Since trying Organic Work's Bergamot Hand Wash I'm likely not to buy the Avon one again.

I used up Aveda's Botanical Repair minis - Strengthening Shampoo 50ml, Strengthening Conditioner 50ml and Intensive Strengthening Masque 10ml which were nice to use. I might or might not repurchase.

I love Boucleme's Intensive Moisture Treatment 100ml as it just works. Will definitely repurchase when my stash reduces a bit. This one came via a Naturisimo Discovery Box!

What have you been using up this month?

*Balance Me: BHA Exfoliating Concentrate

*PRsample - AD I was recently sent Balance Me's latest launch - BHA Exfoliating Concentrate 180ml (£26) which brightens the skin and targets blackheads. 

The Salicylic Acid-rich concentrate absorbs instantly and feels really gentle on the skin. It'll remove dead skin cells, fight blackheads and reduce blemishes and enlarged pores. It hydrates and softens the skin making it look more glowy and radiant. 

The BHA rich formulation, which has a lovely citrus/floral scent and works on the upper layers of the skin shedding dead skin cells to reveal a healthier and more radiant you. Formulated with a blend of bio-active ingredients as well as the acids to smooth and hydrate. The skin looks instantly brighter and over time blackheads and blemishes are reduced.

Main ingredients: Willow Bark - which contains Salicylic Acid, a BHA which is a natural exfoliant, Tiger Grass - a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties it helps to make the skin more supple. Hyaluronic Acid - an exceptional hydrator for the skin, akin to a "tall glass of water", Caffeine - with soothing and antioxidant properties and Squalane, a plant derived moisturiser which plumps and nourishes.

To use: apply several pumps to a pad and wipe over a dry face avoiding the eye area. Allow to try before applying the next step in your routine. Use AM and PM.

I love how Balance Me give you recycling tips! The 48.5% PCR plastic and cap are widely recycled and the FSC cardboard box is easily recycled - "small steps = giant leaps". 

I've been really impressed with the BHA Exfoliating Concentrate, it's really gentle, smells nice, isn't harsh on the skin and leaves my skin looking glowy. This one's a keeper. Pick yours up HERE.

Blog Tour: Close My Eyes by Beverley Harvey

Today I'm on the Blog Tour for Close My Eyes by Beverley Harvey.  

It starts with a chance sighting: a face from her past, someone Beth hasn’t thought about for years. Suddenly she feels a terrifying wave of panic – the flash of a memory, of crushing weight and pain, and the flicker of firelight and smoke. Something in Beth’s past has been disturbed… And nothing will ever be the same again.

You've started to remember…

Beth never had any reason to doubt her peaceful, happy upbringing. Then she suddenly starts getting awful flashes of an event from her past – a vicious attack from an unknown person. And she thinks it could be more than just a nightmare. But how could she forget something this big?

Someone wants you to forget…

With no husband or boyfriend to turn to, she asks her trusted family and old friends for reassurance, only to hear that it must all be in her head. Meanwhile, the flashes get stronger, more frightening, and more details start to come back to her – details she knows she couldn’t have invented. But these are people who have known her all her life and have her best interests at heart. Who should she believe?

What will you risk to discover the truth?

Beth is determined to understand the meaning of these memories even if it means going it alone. But is she prepared for what she will find? Because the truth will ruin someone's life - and they will stop at nothing to keep the past forgotten.

About the Author:

Throughout Beverley’s many years spent working in advertising and PR, she had always wanted to write fiction. In 2015 a creative writing course inspired her debut novel, Seeking Eden, which was published in 2017. The sequel, Eden Interrupted, soon followed. Beverley’s third novel – her first with Bookouture – fulfils a long-time goal to publish a psychological thriller.

Born in Yorkshire, and raised in Kent, Beverley currently lives in West Sussex with her partner and their adorable terrier. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking the dog or listening to rock music.

Find out more at www.beverleyharvey.co.uk

or follow Beverley on Twitter @BevHarvey_

My thoughts?

Beth randomly sees someone from her past which sends her into a panic attack. She starts to get flashbacks and doesn't understand what they mean.  Her sister Laura is concerned as is her best friend Gemma. 

Gemma is married to Beth's old school friend Guy and they seem to have the perfect life with their little daughter and magazine perfect home. What Beth doesn't realise is that things are not all they seem. 

Her sister Laura wants to help Beth and suggests she sees a Counsellor, which starts off badly but over time Beth feels she can really find out what happened to her. I did guess half way through but found the story kept me interested regardless.
Why does her father suggest things are best left in the past.....does he know what happened to her? Why does Gemma not believe her and why does her sister suggest she needs to move on?  With difficult storylines, you could really feel Beth's terror and her need to resolve the past.

REVIEW: Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cleansing Melt

I received this Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cleansing Melt inside one of Naturisimo's fantastic discovery boxes. Full size is now firmly on the wishlist! It really is an amazing product. 

The Cleansing Melt has a gel like texture and a gorgeous rich Frankincense aroma. It starts off as a gel and as you massage it onto your skin it transforms to an oil. Add a splash of water and it'll turn into a milk, which can easily be rinsed off or removed with a warmed damp muslin cloth.

It's perfect to remove make up and daily grime and turns cleansing into a real ritual. You can use it AM and PM but I prefer using it evening time. Your skin is left feeling clean, refreshed and nourished. Formulated with Sunflower, Coconut and Almond oils which bind moisture to the skin leaving it soft and elastic. Frankincense essential oil deeply relaxes.

To use: massage a small amount onto the skin, massaging until it becomes an oil, add a splash of water to turn it into a milk before removing with water or a dampened cloth

I absolutely love it, it takes cleansing to another level, leaving the skin feeling super soft and clean. Pick yours up HERE.

Nudge Boutique: May Chang & Pink Grapefruit Whipped Body Butter + May Chang Handcrafted Soap

I recently bought Nudge Boutique's decadent and luxurious May Chang & Pink Grapefruit Whipped Body Butter (50g - £8) after seeing it on their instagram. It really is as good as it looks! I loved it so much I rushed back and picked up more!  I also picked up their May Chang Handcrafted Soap (Dome - £5.50).

I love the simplicity of the packaging which is easily recycled or reused in the case of the jars. The Whipped Body Butter is made with four butters (Kokum, Murumuru, Shea & Cocoa) and locally sourced extra virgin Rapeseed Oil. I chose the one which most appealed to me - May Chang & Grapefruit (although I went back for the other one - Geranium & Lavender). 

To use: apply sparingly to the skin, massaging until absorbed

The body butter melts on contact with warm skin, massages easily onto the skin and leaves it deeply nourished and smelling sweet! It has a sherbet lemon/lemon curd aroma and is mouthwatering! It's quite easily one of my favourite bodycare products this year. Total joy giving! If you are feeling down "this" is the product you need!

The dome hand crafted soap is perfect too. I picked May Chang, which is slightly zesty (it comes in a dome or a slice), the dome being perfect to fit in your hand whilst in the shower. A rich and creamy soap with lots of silky lather. Formulated with Olive Oil, Shea Butter and Castor Oil and coloured with Annato seeds which are rich in essential minerals, have antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

To use: work into a rich lather and massage onto the skin before rinsing

A gorgeous soap which I've really enjoyed using, so much so that I had to pick up another!

What are your favourites from the Range? (see my review of their Shampoo tablets HERE).

Tam Mason Nourishing Sugar Hand Scrubs: A Hand Picked Selection Box

 

Tam Mason's sublime Sugar Hand Scrubs have always been on my must-buy list but I'd just never got round to it... until recently that is. Tam Mason has a degree in textile design as well as a successful career in marketing behind her. The attention to detail with the packaging is testament to this - isn't it gorgeous!

The selection box is perfect for gifting too, if you can bear to part with it, that is. I chose their A Hand Picked Selection Box which comes in at £16 for 4 x 25g mini pots in their signature blue box with wooden spoon - my picks were the rosey and aromatic Rose & Patchouli, zesty Bergamot & Blood Orange, woodsy + uplifting Sandalwood & Green Mandarin and invigorating Mint & Cedarwood. 

The hand scrubs are formulated with hydrating organic sugar which gently exfoliates as well as encouraging new skin cell stimulation. Organic Sweet Almond oil deeply hydrates while natural Vitamin E softens, nourishes and rehydrates. 

Rose & Patchouli: a blend of Rose Damascena Absolute which gives the scrub a sweet and floral aroma and musky sweet Patchouli (this is one of my favs!) Bergamot & Blood Orange: a zesty and uplifting blend which is also calming + relaxing. Sandalwood & Green Mandarin: rich and woodsy with with a sweet citrus note. My final pick (this time) is Mint & Cedarwood: herbal + woodsy with a cooling and balancing feel.

To use: using the mini spoon mix the scrub to ensure you have an even mix of scrub and oils and then massage a small amount over dry hands and nails before rinsing and patting dry. You are left with delectably soft scented skin. Absolutely gorgeous!

I'm loving using these exquisite hand scrubs which come in a beautiful range of scents. You can now pick up the brand new sugar body scrubs which come in Rosa Damascena and Mandarin + Lime. Check out the shop HERE. 

*Love Lula: AWAKEN: Herbfarmacy, JOIK, Balm Balm + Organic Works

*Products are sent to me free of charge as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review. This month I've selected products to AWAKEN, with gorgeous scents and textures to help bring in the new after winter. You can see my January SLEEP post HERE and February's LOVE post HERE.

JOIK's Cornflower Facial Mist 50ml (£16) comes boxed and is presented in a glass spray bottle. It hydrates, brightens, refreshes and awakens the skin (and has a gorgeous cornflower aroma). It's perfect to calm stressed skin, use as a toner, as a make up fixer or to refresh the skin on hot days. The mist is suitable for all skin types.

To use: spray on the skin after cleansing, to cool down after sunbathing or to fix make up.

I love this floral facial mist which is lovely to use, has a delicious scent, moisturises and tones the skin and uplifts the senses.

Herbfarmacy's Chamomile Cleanser 55ml (£12) comes in an aluminium tin which is perfect to reuse or recycle. The cream cleanser has a creamy luscious texture and a herbal/floral scent. It easily makes short work of make up and daily grime and turns cleansing into a real ritual. It can be used AM and PM although I prefer using it in the evening. 

To use: massage a small amount onto dry skin before removing with a warmed damp cloth.

I've loved using this cleanser which is a treat for the skin and senses. The scent is glorious, exotic Ylang Ylang with earthy herbal notes. This is a very effective cleanser which is formulated with herbs, skin loving oils, beeswax and essential oils. I definitely want to explore this brand more (what are your favourites?)

As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Balm Balm's Lavender Face Balm* see my review HERE. As I love it so much I decided to try their Rose Geranium one (30ml - £9.50) which is uplifting and balancing. I've been using this as an AM moisturiser and my skin is loving it.

To use: apply a small amount to the face and neck AM and/or PM or use as a hot cloth cleanser. It's also great for other dry areas like hands, knees, elbows and feet.

A gorgeous balm which awakens the skin and senses, balancing, calming and nourishing.

Rounding up my picks to AWAKEN is Organic Work's Bergamot Handwash 300ml (£10) which is the perfect treat to awaken the senses - I'm a huge Bergamot fan and this scent makes me happy! The hand wash is presented in a recyclable plastic pump bottle, has a silky texture and leaves the hands feeling clean and smelling gorgeous.  

To use: apply to wet hands, lather and rinse.

An absolutely beautiful wash, hands are left clean with the delicate aroma of Bergamot.

What products do you use to take you from Winter to Spring?

*Love Lula Beauty Box: March 2021

*I receive the Love Lula Beauty Box complimentary as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for an honest review. My March Love Lula Beauty Box landed yesterday and I think, for once, I was one of the first to receive it! It's absolutely fantastic and contains 4 full sizes and a sachet sample and is worth £43 this month (a rolling UK subscription costs £14.95 making this box great value).

The first thing to jump out at me was Sukin's Reydration Gel Cream 60ml which costs £17.95! This range is suited to dehydrated and dry skins and my dry winter skin is loving it. The gel has a lovely feel on the skin and a fresh scent, I know I'm going to enjoy this one!

I also like the look of Giovanni's Frizz Be Gone 81ml which is worth £7.99. I'm always looking for products to control the frizz so I'm looking forward to trying this out! It'll leave the hair looking smooth and silky - bring it on!

From Balmonds we have their Skin Salvation Balm 30ml worth £7.99 which I've used before. It's perfect to nourish any dry spots over the body and great for soothing eczema, dermatitis and psoriosis. 

From Ayumi there is their Neem & Tea Tree Face Mask 100ml which is worth £6.99. The rich cream (which smells very pungent although fresh) will deep cleanse normal to oily skins. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

Rounding up this month's box is a 2ml sachet from Madara - their City CC SPF15 in shade light (50p). I've used this before and it's great!

As ever, there is a generous 20% off the brands in the box this month. What do you think of the contents this month's box?

New In: Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream

 

You know the drill.. I saw this latest launch from Antipodes on Instagram and had to have! Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream 60ml (£45) - I had collected £11.40 worth of points from buys and reviews, so it made my purchase a little more affordable (bought from Naturisimo).

The Vegan cream has a gloriously light texture and an aromatic rose scent. It absorbs instantly and feels nurturing and hydrating on the skin.

Kalibiome AGE Probiotic helps to seal the skin's epidermal layers, so reducing water loss and protecting against irritants such as pollution. Plant based hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration.

It helps to strengthen the skin's barrier, increase elasticity, hydration and boost water levels in the skin and suitable for all skin types including sensitive or stressed. 

To use: in the evening as part of your relaxing night time ritual. Massage a small amount on the face and neck

I'm totally wowed by this cream, my skin looked instantly better after a few uses. If you love this you'll love their Baptise H20 Ultra Hydrating Water Gel which I reviewed HERE. Pick yours up at Naturisimo.

Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil

I first tried Dr Hauschka's Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil in their Advent Calendar (which I partly received as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in November). See my posts about it - HERE, HERE and HERE).

I fell head-over-heels for the Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil which I received on Day 6 (10ml) so rushed out to buy full size which retails at £21 for 75ml. The product is boxed and presented in a glass pump bottle. The oil has a milky texture which turns into an oil on contact with warm skin and is ever so nurturing and calming making it perfect to use just before bed for restful slumbers. 

Formulated with Moor extract, Horse Chestnut, firming Horsetail, Olive Oil and Lavender. The ingredients are carefully blended using a unique rhythmic blending process. During this phase the mixture is heated to 37C and carefully mixed in the morning and evening to allow the nurturing plant essences to be transferred to the oil. 

To use: shake before massaging onto the skin 

I'm loving using this beautiful oil which deeply nourishes, absorbs instantly and brings a feeling of calm to the body and senses. What are your favourites from Dr Hauschka?

Upcircle Face Toner+Face Serum

(*I received a blogger discount) As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Upcircle's (formerly Optiat) Peppermint Coffee Scrub (review). It was nice to try an Upcircle Pamper Kit via the Mint Green February Starter Kit (review). I enjoyed the samples and decided to pick up two of them full size - one which I'd had samples of before - but had never bought full size - until now that is - Organic Face Serum with Coffee Oil (£14.99 - 30ml) and Face Toner with Mandarin + Chamomile (100ml - £17.99). You also get to choose 2 sachet samples with your order and I picked: Eye Cream with Maple + Coffee and Face Moisturiser with Argan Powder (which picked up Editor's Choice in the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards). No wonder, it's lush!

Packaging is stylish, pretty and easily recylable or reusable. All the products are made using ingredients which would be thrown away otherwise such as coffee grounds, fruit stones, chai spices, repurposed chamomile stem extract, residual green mandarin water etc. You can also choose a pump/dropper or aluminium cap, buy first and then with subsequent purchases choose the refill. The range is natural, Vegan, cruelty free and made in the UK.

Face Toner (with the residual water of Mandarin Juice & Repurposed Chamomile Extract) 100ml - £17.99 which comes in a glass bottle with a spray nozzle (you can of course pick an aluminium cap too, to save plastic waste - I'll be doing that when I replenish this bottle). The toner has a delicious floral and fruity scent and is a joy to use. It's enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to plump and can be used as a toner or as a spritz to refresh the skin throughout the day. 

To use: as a toner - either spritz or apply with cotton pad or to refresh the skin throughout the day.

I've really enjoyed using the toner as it feels nice on the skin, has a glorious scent and refreshes and hydrates. This one's a keeper!

Multi-Award Winning Face Serum with Repurposed Coffee Extract  30ml - £14.99 is just superb! I'd tried this already several times via sachets and felt my skin really got on well with it. I'm delighted to have full size in my stash! The serum has a very light texture and slight coffee aroma and absorbs instantly onto the skin. It's formulated with skin loving oils including Rosehip & Seabuckthorn, coffee oil from repurposed grounds and scented with citrus and floral oils. Again, on second purchase pick the aluminium lid and save the dropper! 

To use: apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage into the skin, use alone or apply after moisturiser.

I like this face serum a lot! It absorbs instantly and hydrates and firms and is nice to use.

I love sachets as it gives you the chance to try something new. The award winning Face Moisturiser (with the fine powder of discarded Argan Shells) I received in the Mint Green pack and my skin very much enjoyed (full size is on the wishlist) glides onto the skin and absorbs almost instantly. My skin is hydrated and glows!  The second sachet I picked is a totally new to me product their Eye Cream (with repurposed Maple & Coffee Extract) which will firm + brighten the delicate eye area. It's a light cream which smells lightly of coffee and maple woods - and yes, you've guessed it I "need" it full size!

I've really been enjoying the Upcircle skincare range and now have my eye on the aforementioned Eye Cream, Face Moisturiser and also their Soothing Date Body Cream with Date Seeds. What are your favourites from the range?

Latest Buys: Antipodes, Lola's Apothecary, Bodhi & Birch, Olfactory Candles & Nudge Boutique

Here's my most recent buys (I'm going to start doing reviews very soon!)

I couldn't resist Antipodes latest launch - Culture Prebiotic Night Recovery Water Cream (£45) which I picked up at Naturisimo (I had £11.40 worth of points saved). It's truly gorgeous and a review to come.

Staying with Naturisimo I fell head-over-heels for Lola's Apothecary delicate romance balancing body polish, a mini of which came in their recent self love discovery box, you know the drill, they offered 10% off an item in the box so I made this sumptuous rosey delight mine! Such luxurious packaging too!

I love a little bodhi & birch as you'll know, so I was thrilled to see travel sizes back! I chose a selection of the deluxe bath & shower therapies - so nice to have Siam Ginger and Ylang Ylang Incensa back in my life (I plan to keep the little bottles so I can decant from larger bottles when we are allowed to travel again!) How carefree we were! These are a real treat (£5.50 - 50ml).

I'm not a mummy but I couldn't resist Olfactory Candles stunning set for Mother's Day (inside the pretty box are 8 shaped wax melts - £6.50) in Pink Petals (the scent is a blend of sweet orange, fresh rose, white musk and woods). It's the perfect feminine aroma as well as the ideal gift. Pick yours up HERE.

I've fallen head-over-heels for Nudge Boutique's almost good-enough-to-eat whipped body butters. They really are heavenly - a real treat for the skin and senses. Expect a review for these soon! Pure heaven in a jar! (£8 - 50g, £15 - 100g).

What have you been buying lately?