June Empties

Here's what I've been using up in June:

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil Free Moisture Cushion 15ml which was a sea scented light gel cream and seemed perfect for my combination skin. Very nice. Would maybe buy.

Organic Trevarno Lavender & Geranium Cleansing Oil 5ml which was lovely to use. I'll definitely buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. 

Bodhi & Birch Lemon Water Hydrosol 15ml* I was part of the focus group for the new #SuperfoodsSeries and totally fell for this beauty. See my review HERE. I've just opened a full size I was gifted for taking part in the group. Totally lush. 

Enchanted Plants Blossom Hydrating Facial Mist 100ml which I totally fell head over heels for. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.

001 Pure Lavender Hydrosol Toner 100ml* which was lovely to use. See my review HERE.

Geo Mitchell Relax Bath Salts (one use sample)* these were lovely and I'd consider buying full size. They featured in my recent Shopping my Stash post.

Alteya Organics Bio Damascena Ageless Rose Otto Eye Cream sachet** which gave several uses (I'd reckon they'd be enough in this sachet for a week's holiday). Really lovely. Full size is on the wishlist!

Luxe Botanics CAMU Brightening Cleanser 4ml a lovely citrus scented milky cleanser which made short work of make up and daily grime. I only got 2 uses out of this sachet but fell in love. Would buy.

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g these are my favourite bath salts. See my review HERE. They also featured in Beauty Balm Curates...with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in May - see HERE.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Wash 20ml* in one of my favourite Weleda scents. See my review HERE. Sure to pick this up again at some point.

Beatitude Joy Bath Oil sample Joy is my favourite scent by Beatitude. See my review HERE. Will definitely pick it up again!

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Verde Bath & Shower Oil 15ml* totally lush and when I need bath oils I'll be picking this up. See my mini review HERE.

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml this award-winning blend is one of my absolute favourite body products. See my review HERE. It also featured in May's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box Beauty Balm Curates...see HERE. I just opened up a new mini and will buy full size again. Just love.

Anita Grant Nerolage Body Oil 15ml which is absolutely heavenly. I adore anything neroli and this is a real treat for the body and mind. Full size is very firmly on the wishlist. 

Only & Eve Naples Grove Reed Diffuser* I absolutely loved this diffuser which I started using in December and only finished this month. See my review HERE. So impressed with how long it lasts making it excellent value. Will buy at some point either this one or another scent.

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Wash 500ml which I received from my friend Julie as a gift (at Christmas). Totally lush scent - rose petals, black pepper and cardamon. Loved the pump action bottle - great for beside the shower. Would buy again.

What have you been using up this month?

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

Shopping my Stash #101

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

Ere Perez Cacao Lip Colour in Play which is a peachy-pink guava coloured vegan lip butter which nourishes while leaving the lips with a pop of colour. This is gorgeous and I want to try more from the range. Pick yours up at Love Lula.

Aesop's Marrakech Intense Parfum is amazing! I love the rich spicy notes. See my review HERE.

Daisy & Mallow's Jasmine & Vanilla Lip Balm nourishes dry lips and cuticles and has a pretty floral scent. This came in the Time to Sparkle Letterbox Luxuries box hubby got me for my birthday.

From Palm & Soul I've been trying amazing Your Beauty Serum Cocktail* - I chose the ingredients and founder, Kathy mixed them up. I'll be reviewing this very shortly. I chose neroli and orange peel essential oils and this serum smells incredible. It's really lovely to use and can be used on the body as well as the face. It's one of the nicest products I've ever used.

Beauty Shortlist winner Jo Browne's Facial Cleansing Balm* is truly wonderful. I love everything about it (including that fabulous packaging). See my thoughts HERE. I'm very nearly finished this pot but it will be replenished when my stash reduces a bit. I just love it.

My final reach for is Zing Organics Ah There! Calming Body Oil* which soothes and relaxes the body and mind. See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Aesop Marrakech Intense Parfum 10ml

We are lucky to have an Aesop shop in Stockbridge in Edinburgh. I love that the assistants will give you samples to try (without you having to make a purchase). A few months ago I picked up the gorgeous Marrakech Intense Parfum 10ml rollerball (£65) (pricey but worth it!) and received a load of samples which I'm working my way through.

The perfume is divine - it's suitable for both men and women (as if you'd want to share!) and was created in collaboration with perfumer Barnabe Fillon. It's an evolution of Aesop's first fragrance and notes include neroli, jasmine, sandalwood, cedarwood and bergamot.  It's a beautiful spicy blend with floral notes.

To use: roll onto the neck and wrists as often as needed.

It's truly stunning and one which I'll buy again. What's your favourite Aesop product? 

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

5 Body Lotions I'm Currently Loving

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's your favourite body lotion?

*complimentary - sent for review

Shopping my Stash #82

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

Escentric Molecules 01 30ml - this cult perfume is smells differently on everyone. It featured in my perfume collection post HERE.  Make Up Forever Artist Rouge mat deluxe sample was a choice from my latest Love Me Beauty picks. Such a lush colour which would be perfect for Christmas time. Get £21 of free goodies if you use my code SANDR174.

Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser 15ml - this came from a set which was an impulse buy. The set had been on the wishlist a while though. Really lovely to use and one I'd buy full size. 

Oribe Dry Texturising Spray 75ml - which came in a Latest in Beauty beauty box. It's a dry shampoo which also adds texture and volume. Probably one of the best dry shampoos I've used and it has a beautiful scent - with notes of citrus bergamot, pink lemon, white peach, cassis, muget, apples, cedarwood, white amber, musk and la mariposa flower. I first mentioned Skincere here* and here*. These award winning products are great for sensitive skin types and are really lovely to use. 

What have you been reaching for this week? 

*complimentary - sent for review

September Empties

Here's what I've been using up in September:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 50ml - I've collected a stash of these from beauty boxes. Love this beautiful cleanser. See my review HERE.

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturising Repairing After Sun 50ml - this definitely prolonged my tan during my summer hols and I'd buy full size next time I'm going abroad as it just works and is nice to use.

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream 4.2g sample - from Latest in Beauty's fab Build your own Box. A lush hydrating night cream which was great to use. Full size on the wishlist! I've got a couple of these little samples to use (get approx 3 uses from each making them great for try me or travel).

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning (7.5ml) and De-Stress Mind (9ml) Bath & Shower Oils. Love these. Sure to pick these up again. Real luxe aromatherapy brand.

Gallinée La Culture Hand Cream 50ml* - I absolutely loved this hand cream (and am a huge fan of the brand and range of products). See my review HERE. I recently found out Harvey Nichols is a stockist so will buy when my hand cream stash reduces a bit!

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk 118ml - this lasted absolutely ages! See my review HERE. I've since acquired a couple of minis in beauty boxes but I'd buy full size again.

The Body Shop British Rose Instant Glow Body Butter 50ml which had an intense rose scent (which I loved). A rich cream which melted easily onto the skin. Would buy (I received this one as a gift).

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion 50ml - this was a hotel room freebie and I loved its coconutty spicy woody scent. I'd definitely buy as it's lovely. (I'm actually after the room spray in this scent).

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 50ml - this came in a gift set I treated myself to recently. Really lovely to use and I'd consider buying full size in the future once my stash reduces a bit.

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - Perfect for a relaxing long soak in the bath. Sure to buy again. See my review HERE.

bodhi & birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites. See my review HERE. Just cracked open a new one!

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a multi-use product - you can use it on your hair and body. Nice. Would maybe buy again.

FoM London Age Defying Hand Serum 50ml* - which is unfortunately no longer in the range. See my review HERE. Loved it.

Mallow+White Revitalise Facial Oil 30ml* - a beautiful oil which was a pleasure to use. When I reduce this stash a bit I'll surely buy. See my review HERE.

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum 1oz* - I've have several of these serums both bought and gifted and I absolutely love it. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy fab serum again as it does exactly what it says it will. One of my favourite products..ever!

de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm 100ml - a simply divine cleansing balm and one everyone should try at least once! Loved it and will re-purchase at some point. See my review HERE.

I got the Neal & Wolf Daily Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (7ml) as Feel Unique pick n mix picks. These were both really nice to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

GM Reverie is a new Californian brand available at a beautiful world. Their MILK Anti-Frizz Leave in Nourishing Treatment (3ml sample) is fantastic. It leaves the hair static free, healthy and nourished. I'm definitely keen to try more from the brand.

My final two empties this month are perfumes (I rarely finish perfumes (or lipsticks!)

30ml Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (a favourite which I'll re-purchase) and Lime Basil & Mandarin 9ml (a scent of which I've used more in body products previously) but I'd buy a full size scent now.

What have you been using up this month?

*gifted

Shopping my Stash #81

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

Revlon's Ultra HD Matt Lipcolor in Devotion is just such a pretty shade. I love it's matt texture and long lasting colour too.

Mevita Youthful Day Cream 10ml which was a Latest in Beauty Build your own Box pick.  It firms, smoothes out fine lines, smells lovely and deeply nourishes the skin. Love!

Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm 50ml which I first tried when Galina at A Curious Russian in London sent me a sample. A truly uplifting rich body balm which has a citrus scent. It will cool and revive the skin and is perfect to use all year round. This is the body product which will chase away the winter blues!

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water 30ml* I received this in September's Love Lula Beauty Box*. I absolutely love it and am almost half way through it! Great to use as a toner or as a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day. It's one I'll definitely be replenishing.

4160Tuesdays Buddhawood Box EdP with woody spicy notes and a creamy lighter note which is perfect coming into Autumn.

Less is More Rose Serum 30ml which I reviewed HERE. A beautiful product which makes the hair look shiny, smooth and healthy.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*samples from Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Cult Beauty Christmas Wishlist

source

This simply stunning Aromatherapy Associates gift is firmly on my wishlist! It looks really cute too (I spotted it in Harvey Nics yesterday). The mini drawers hold 10 x 7.5ml bath & shower oils and could be used afterwards for storing samples or hair bands.  Costs £55.

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I'm a huge fan of Aesop's Rind Concentrate Body Balm and would love to try some more products from the range. This "A certain radiance" gift set is fantastic. Costing £75 it contains: Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash (500ml), Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm (75ml), A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser (200ml) and Rind Concentrate Body Balm (120ml).

source

I'm a huge fan of the Laboratory Perfumes Gorse scent - see my review here. I know I'd love the candle too. Retailing at £35 for 248g.

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I've eyed this Oskia Rose De Mai Massage Candle up like forever! This heavenly scented candle melts to a rich body oil for massaging into dry skin areas or for massage. It's priced at £34.50 and I think it would be a decadent and luxurious treat.

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I'm a huge fan of kai's perfume oil but it is so pricey! £40 for 3.6ml. It is one of my all time favourite scents. It is summer in a bottle all year round. A blend of gardenia, with white flowers and green notes. Love!

What's on your Cult Beauty wishlist?

p.s. I picked up the Grown Alchemist Travel Kit I was lusting over on Thursday night with Cult Beauty's 15% off for Halloween!

Cult Beauty Wishlist

I simply love browsing Cult Beauty website. Here is my current wishlist:

Aesop London Travel Kit (£47) - which contains mini sizes of best selling products which are just the perfect size to try me/travel.

Tata Harper Deluxe Beauty Set (£53) - this set contains 7 facial trial sizes.

Therapie Joie Bath Infusion (£42) - I'm a huge fan of the Himalayan Detox Salts. This latest launch is said to lift your spirits and comfort.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil (£30) - the best bath oil in the world! 

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Night Time Ritual (£65) - my favourite Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil. I can be sure of a good night's sleep after using it.  Love that this set also comes with a candle and deep relax balm.

Miller Harris Rose en Noir EDP (£65) - I think this rose scent sounds simply gorgeous and a girl can never have too much perfume!

What's on your wishlist?

*photos courtesy of Cult Beauty

Samples #11

My last samples post was way back in July! See here.

Here's how I got on with the samples (I chucked a couple out with my empties by mistake).

Yes! Nurse Hand Formula 3ml - loved this super moisturising hand cream. Would perhaps buy it.

Madara Sun Flower Golden Beige Tinting Fluid 1.5ml - this was nice to use in the summer months and I'd maybe purchase it.

Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid 1.5ml - loved this and have now got a full size bottle. Wear it alone or mixed into foundation.

Caudalie Divine Legs Tinted Body Lotion 5ml - this seemed quite good but quite a small sachet.

Anne Semonin Exfoliating Mask 10g - this was lovely. Would like to try more from the range.

Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser 1ml - this seemed ok but nothing special. Wouldn't buy.

Elemis Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Lotion 7ml - I'd forgotten how lovely this body lotion is.  Will definitely pick this up at some point.

Elemis Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash 7ml - this was lovely to use too. I've previously used the scrub from this range.

Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream 2ml - huge fan of this range and enjoyed using the night cream. 

Weleda Wild Rose smoothing Capsules x 2 - love these rose oil capsules. Have bought before and sure to buy again as I really rate this brand.

Australian Bush Flower Essences Intensive Hand Cream Evening Rose 3ml - this was lovely, moisturising and smelt nice.

Elemis Body Soothing Trio - Skin Nourishing Shower Cream 7ml, Quiet Mind Bath Elixir 7ml, Treat your Feet Foot Cream 7ml - huge Elemis fan. I used these for a pampering session.

For Samples #12 here's what I've picked -

Ole Henriksen reparative anti-ageing oil 1.5ml

Chantecaille Nano Gold Energising Eye Cream 2ml

Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm 3.5ml

Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream 1.5ml

Kimberly Sayer Tangerine & Calendula Light Night Cream 1.5ml

Nuxe Fondant Cleansing Gel 4ml

Paula'a Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner 3.55ml

Tammy Fender Quintessential Serum 1ml

Melvita Nectar Bright Brightening Cream 2ml

belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb 3ml

Naisture Collagen Mask Pack - single use

Have you used any of these products before?

Selfridges Beauty Box

I know I was so lucky to receive one of these sought after boxes!  Thanks Julie!

Selfridges brought out this limited edition beauty box to celebrate the launch of the Beauty Workshop - an exciting sounding department where you can get treatments done and buy from over 100 niche brands - guess where I'm going next time I'm in London!

The box sold out within half an hour (and left many beauty addicts unhappy at not securing a box - myself included).

I know I was very lucky to receive a box - I got this one through Julie, a friend on Facebook who'd managed to get two and she agreed to sell me one - thank you so much!  It arrived super-quick yesterday morning.

As ever with Selfridges, beautifully packaged in a neat bright yellow and white Selfridges box tied with yellow ribbon.

Here's what's included:

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum 15ml - I've heard of this brand but haven't ever used any of the products before.  Contains the finest plant ingredients and delivers light hydration.  On the website it says perfect for use in the warmer months or in humid conditions.  It's got a floral herbal smell.  Looking forward to trying this one out but wish it had a stopper/pump as it will be difficult to not pour too much out.

Estelle & Thild Raspberry Lip Balm 15ml - this is a full size product from a brand I've heard of before but never tried.  A Swedish Organic brand. It is a clear balm flavoured with raspberry.  You can also buy from Love Lula.

Philip B Katira Hair Masque 60ml - another brand I've heard of but never tried any of its products.  Made with pure botanicals and essential oils.  Plumps up fine hair and calms hard to manage hair.  You can use it on wet or dry hair and left on  until dry or overnight.  Love hair treatments so looking forward to testing this out.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil 30ml - with organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip.  This New Zealand brand uses only bioactive botanical ingredients blended with Avocado Oil to anti-age your skin.  Leaves skin feeling fresh and plump.  Another one I'm looking forward to trying.

Stila One Step Correct 30ml - another full size product.  I probably can't say it any better than Selfridges "This innovative, triple-swirled helix serum instantly colour-corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections for a flawless face with no fuss. Swirl your way to perfect skin in one step! This primer, colour-corrector, brightener and anti-aging skincare serum does it all with the help of Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex. The weightless, creamy formula blends imperceptibly into skin and won't clog pores or settle into fine lines so all anyone will notice is your perfectly flawless skin!".  Sounds too good to be true!  

Bio Effect EGF Serum 5ml - this retails at a whopping £49!  An award winning anti-ageing formula which apparently makes visible and dramatic improvement to the skin.  I've heard lots about this product and it was in a beauty box previously.  Again, looking forward to trying this.

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask 5ml - A mask packed full of mineral moor mud from Lake Herviz in Hungary.  Purifies skin and leaves it smooth, soft and radiant.  I love masks so looking forward to trying it.

Full reviews will follow and thanks again Julie.

Cult Beauty Website

I ordered a couple of things from Cult Beauty (items will be revealed shortly - I am getting them from my mum & dad for my birthday so they are staying wrapped up until then.  I've hidden them away so I'm not tempted to unwrap! - the parcels being wrapped was such a nice touch - wasn't expecting that)  Cult  Beauty are offering a free beauty gift if you spent £60 so it was perfect timing!  You also get to chose 3 sachet samples with your order. Brilliant service, would definitely buy from this company again.

In the gift contains:

15ml BECCA Resurfacing Primer

15ml Alpha H Rejuvenating Cream

10ml TIME face cream 

15ml Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser

Seche Vite Top Coat mini

50ml Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter

5ml Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask

10ml sachet Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner for dry/coloured hair

1ml sachet Collin Regenerating Collagen Gel

sachet E-Boost Daily Health Booster

3ml sachet Egyptian Magic All purpose skin cream

Really excited to try these product out.  I am especially keen to try the Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask after reading an amazing review on Jude's blog.   Have you tried any of these products?

My free samples -

1ml Jouer Illuminating Moisture Tint

1ml Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner

3ml Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Have you bought anything from Cult Beauty?