*Amphora Aromatics: I Love Lavender Gift Box

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Amphora Aromatics essential oils. Their range of gifts are fab too as well as being great value. I was very kindly gifted their "I Love Lavender Gift Box" which retails at £25. It's presented in a reusable brown box, which is always a bonus and tied with a beautiful purple ribbon.

Inside the box are 4 products -

Lavender & Chamomile Barrier Cream 60ml - a rich cream which soothes and hydrates. It's perfect to nourish hands after gardening and great for dry and rough skin. The cream has a lavender/chamomile aroma.  Lavender Gel 60ml - is super cooling (perfect for skin which has had too much sun). It's also great to use on insect bites and acne or as a skin nourisher and has a divine aroma.

Also inside the gift set is a mini Lavender Candle. It'll burn for 20 hours and is perfect to calm and relax before bed. It's made with pure essential oils and natural plant wax. Rounding up the gift is a 10ml bottle of Lavender High Altitude Essential Oil which can be used in an oil burner, in a carrier oil for baths or massage and is perfect to soothe insect bites, burns and acne.

A great value set which is perfect for any Lavender lover.

*Amphora Aromatics Whipped Shea Butter Moisturisers: Vanilla & Jasmin + Mimosa

*productsamples - AD Amphora Aromatics very kindly recently sent me a couple of their very affordable and luxurious Shea Butter Moisturisers (120ml - £9.70). They came beautifully boxed and tied with good quality ribbon (both of which I'll be using again for gifting!) The amber glass jars are easily reusable or recyclable - the perfect kind of packaging!

 The Shea Butter Moisturisers are nestled inside the boxes on shredded tissue.

The moisturisers are whipped which gives them a smooth and creamy texture. I've been trying their Vanilla Absolute and Jasmin & Mimosa Versions and I love them both! Vanilla Absolute Whipped Shea Butter has a gentle vanilla aroma which is lovely. Both the moisturisers have a creamy texture and melt easily on warm skin. Formulated with Shea Butter, Beeswax, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Essential Oils and Vitamin E. Jasmin & Mimosa has a gorgeous exotic floral aroma which lingers on the skin. 

To use: apply sparingly onto the skin to condition and nourish

I've loved using the butters which are effective and affordable luxury. I'd definitely buy them again. I now have my eye on Frangipani and Frankincense & Rose. Pick yours up HERE.

Amphora Aromatics Multi-Purpose Beauty Oils

I've been testing out Amphora Aromatic's latest launches - Multi-Purpose Beauty Oils* which cost a bargainous £7.50 for 25ml. The beauty oils are multi-tasking, 100% natural and come in pipette bottles. They are great to use on the body, hair, hands & cuticles and in massage blends. They all absorb quickly and deeply nourish the whole body.

Rejuvenating Rosehip Seed is a "wonder" oil rich in Vitamins and Omega 3. Use it as a nourishing facial oil and a base for massage (add your own blend of essential oils or use neat). Suitable for all skin types/mature.

Nourishing Argan is antioxidant rich and suitable for all skin and hair types. It's especially good for dry hair, skin and cuticles as it's packed full of Vitamins and Omegas 3 and 6.

Conditioning Jojoba is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich. Use it as a facial oil, as a massage blend or for flyaways to smooth and add shine.

The multi-purpose beauty oils are great and I highly recommend! Have you tried them yet?

*complimentary

Formula Botanica: Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation Update

As you'll know I've been studying the fantastic online diploma with Formula Botanica in Organic Skincare Formulation*. You can see my initial post HERE and my first update HERE. I've been slowly working my way through the modules, taking loads of notes, researching different ingredients and creating products using my own formulations.

You can sign up to any of the courses right now - see the choices available HERE. Enrollment is open until 10th July 2018 for this intake.

At the end of my last post I was just about to blend a cold and warm blended cream. One of my favourite creations was a warm blended cream with Grapefruit & Vetiver.  As well as the essential oils, I formulated the cream with Shea Butter, Sweet Almond oil and antioxidant Vitamin E. Also in this module we learn how to formulate an oil blend before taking the module quiz which enables us to pass to the next level.

The next modules involve Facial Product Formulation - toners, cleansers and moisturisers. I picked up a few ingredients from several suppliers.

In this group of modules we learn how to formulate Facial toners with and without solubiliser, Facial gels, Bi-Phase Facial Cleansers, Cream, Gel and Foaming Cleansers, Micellar Waters, Anhydrous Facial Creams, Facial Oils, Facial Balm, Lip Balm and Facial Emulsions. It really is fascinating and the course is very easy to follow. Next up it's Body Cleansers, Moisturisers and Spa Exfoliators. 

I'm really enjoying the course and hope to share with you some more creations soon! Remember you can sign up until 10 July. See more details HERE.

*complimentary

Giveaway: Amphora Aromatics Aromatherapy Blend - it's over!

One of my lucky UK readers can win their very own Amphora Aromatics Aromatherapy Blend 10ml which is worth £7.50. See my review of their Energise* blend HERE.

If you are the lucky winner you can choose from:

Sleep: relaxing and soothing: Juniper, Patchouli, Lavender, Orange, Marjoram, Howood - helps combat insomnia, calms and helps with restlessness. Use in a diffuser, burner or steam inhalation. 

Revive: uplifting/raise the spirits: Clove, Cardamon, Lime, Peppermint and Grapefruit - boost confident and positive thoughts. Use in a diffuser or burner

Focus: clarifying: clear the mind and stay sharp: Eucalyptus, Clove, Rosemary, Bergamot and Lemon helps to reduce anxiety and say focussed. Use in a diffuser or burner

Relax: calming and grounding: overcome stressful situations and unwind: Bergamot, Rosewood, Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang and Cardamon. Use in diffuser, burner, steam inhalation or diluted with a carrier oil for massage

Festive: Spicy and warming: Orange, Cinnamon and Clove. Use in a diffuser or burner

Energise: stimulating and reviving: Lime, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Geranium, Cypress and Cedarwood. Use in a diffuser, burner, steam inhalation or diluted with a carrier oil for massage

All you need to do enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

*thanks to Amphora Aromatics for the giveaway prize

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Formula Botanica: Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation

As you'll know I recently embarked on an exciting online course with Formula Botanica - their Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation*. You can see my initial thoughts HERE.

I'm now ready to start formulating so I thought I'd now take the time to run through the modules and coursework up to that point. It really is a brilliant course - very informative and interesting.

First up we learn about Skin Science and our learning outcome is to understand the Anatomy and structure, function and physiology. There are course notes, videos and a skin poster which allow you to understand the skin and what it needs to remain healthy. At the end of the module there is a test (which I had to take twice before passing!)

We move onto Holistic Care of the skin and then (exciting) formulating skills: getting started. This module teaches us about ingredients and encourages us to research all the ingredients available to us. We are encouraged to start our formulating journey small with a few ingredients. Here are some of the ones I've selected so far:

Amphora Aromatics very kindly sent me these carrier and essential oils*:

And I've either been given or bought these ones:

We then learn how to safely create a formula, what ingredients make up a product, what equipment we'll need and dermal restrictions for essential oils. There is lots of reading and research which needs to be done.

You need to decide what product you want to create and who it is for. There is a formulation flow chart which helps you design your product and then you can create your formula! We also learn about natural preservation, shelf life, packaging and calculating senitisers.

I'm just about to start formulating a cold blended and warm blended formulation. So hopefully on my next round-up I'll be able to share some of my creations!  Thanks again to Formula Botanica for the lovely apron and tea towel!

*complimentary

Amphora Aromatics Aromatherapy Blend: Energise

Amphora Aromatics have recently brought out an exciting range of Aromatherapy Blends which can suit your mood - Sleep, Energise, Revive, Focus, Relax and Festive. As ever the blends are great value (10ml - £7.50).

I've been testing out Energise* which is a blend of Lime, Peppermint, Lemon, Geranium, Cypress and Cedarwood. The blend can clear your head while revitalising and de-stressing the body and mind.

To use: use in a diffuser, burner, for steam inhalation or diluted with a carrier oil for massage.

I've found it perfect to energise and revitalise both the body and mind.

The others in the range:

Sleep: relaxing and soothing: Juniper, Patchouli, Lavender, Orange, Marjoram, Howood - helps combat insomnia, calms and helps with restlessness. Use in diffuser, burner or steam inhalation. 

Revive: uplifting/raise the spirits: Clove, Cardamon, Lime, Peppermint and Grapefruit - boost confident and positive thoughts. Use in a diffuser or burner.

Focus: clarifying: clear the mind and stay sharp: Eucalyptus, Clove, Rosemary, Bergamot and Lemon helps to reduce anxiety and say focussed. Use in a diffuser or burner.

Relax: calming and grounding: overcome stressful situations and unwind: Bergamot, Rosewood, Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang and Cardamon. Use in diffuser, burner, steam inhalation or diluted with a carrier oil for massage.

Festive: Spicy and warming: Orange, Cinnamon and Clove. Use in a diffuser or burner.

Which would you choose?

*complimentary

December Empties

This must be the smallest amount of empties ever! Here goes:

Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Kit* which I loved. With a long lasting Christmassy scent the kit was just all round excellent and brilliant value. Will pick up some in different scents soon! See my review HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Nourishing Cleansing Balm 60ml** is simply divine. I'm so sorry to have finished this up! See my review HERE. I'm sure to pick this up when my cleanser stash reduces a bit.

Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist 100ml* which was lovely to use. Would buy as I like the way it left my skin looking refreshed and dewy. See my review HERE.

Herbfarmacy Refining Cleanser trial size which gave me a couple of uses. It gently but thoroughly cleanses the skin leaving it feeling clean and comfortable. I'd buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish 30ml which is a staple for me (I've just cracked open another!) 

JOIK Juicy Apple Shower Foam** which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. It was nice to use and had a herbal apple scent. Unsure if I'd buy full size or not.

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protection 10ml which my hair loved. I'll maybe pick up full size at some point.

IHANA Hydrating Day Cream 5ml* which was lovely and nourishing (my skin loved it when I had the flu recently as it didn't have too strong a scent!) Would maybe pick up full size. See my review HERE. 

Oskia Perfect Cleanse 3.5ml which was nice to use but I feel their Renaissance Cleansing Gel suits my skin better so I wouldn't buy.

What have you been using up this month?

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

Christmas Gift Ideas: Candles & Diffusers

Here are my ideas for gifting:

Beatitude's Christmas Comfort Candle* (200g - £30) is one of the nicest "Christmas" scented candles I've tried. It blends the original comfort candle (geranium, clementine, lavender and eucalyptus) with clove, cardamon & cinnamon and eco soy wax. It burns evenly and has a great throw. Highly recommend!

JOIK's Hot Chocolate Soy Wax Candle** (145g - £13.50) quite literally smells good enough to eat! See my review HERE.

The St Eval's Sea Salt Candle is one of my all time favourites (45hrs burn time - £9.46). See my review HERE.

Birch & Brook Library Scented Candle* (£38 - 40 hours burn time) I absolutely adore this "book" and "library" inspired scented candle. See my review HERE.

[M] Botanicals Rose Oud Soy Wax Candle (£15)* is one of my favourite candles I've tried this year. See my review HERE.

Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Kit* (£13.50) is one of the best reed diffusers I've tried. See my review HERE (it lasted six weeks using all the reeds and is such excellent value for money).

Are any of these on your wishlist?

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

Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Giveaway + Black Friday Deals! - it's over!

I recently reviewed Amphora Aromatics gorgeous Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Kit* which is truly beautiful - long lasting, with a good scent throw, stylish and great value for money. See my review HERE. One of my UK readers can win one of their very own! All you need to do is follow the rafflecopter below!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amphora Aromatics are offering a HUGE 25% off all their RANGES on Black Friday (24.11.17)

Five Christmas Stocking Filler Ideas

Here are a few things which would be ideal Christmas stocking fillers:

I've already reviewed the Beatitude Christmas Crackers* (£8 each) see HERE. The Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Incense Sticks* are great value at £3 a PACK, with a wide variety of scents to choose from - the Orange & Clove ones are very Christmassy and the perfect winter time scent.

The pamper me spa kit* (£11.99) from Big Green Tree is a very thoughtful gift. See my review and the contents HERE.

The Christmas Beauty Bauble* from Bloomtown (£9 each, or £25 for three) contain either a Vegan lip balm, a mini sugar scrub or a roll on infused oil. I'm a huge fan of the rose garden scent so was happy to see this inside mine! Remember you can get 20% off with code BBALM20.

My final pick is Burt's Bees A Bit of Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Gift Bauble* (£6.99) which contains the delicious Coconut & Pear Lip Balm 4.25g and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream 8.5g and is one of my favourite small gifts!

What's on your stocking filler list?

*complimentary

Amphora Aromatics: Reed Diffuser Kit: Orange & Clove

I'm a huge fan of reed diffusers and the new ones from Amphora Aromatics are fantastic. The scent is very long lasting, the packaging pretty and at £13.50 excellent value for money.

I've been testing out festive Orange & Clove (100ml essential oil blend and reeds - £13.50)*. Inside the box is:

I'm really impressed with how pretty the diffuser kit looks, how long lasting the beautiful scent is and the incredible value. I think they'd make a great Christmas present.

The natural reeds draw the scent up into your room. If you feel the scent needs a refresh take the reed out and turn them over.

I'm also testing out their Incense Sticks* which are fantastic value at £3.00 a pack. I think they would make a great stocking filler! Expect a review soon! 

*complimentary

Valentine's Day: Love It Gift Set by Amphora Aromatics

I've been really impressed with this great value Love It* set from Amphora Aromatics which is perfect for Valentine's Day. Costing only £11.95 the Gift Set is a great gift or treat for yourself.

The set is packaged in a brown re-usable box, tied with ribbon and the products are nestled inside.

So what's inside:

Pure Pleasures Bath Oil 100ml - a blend of geranium, orange, rosewood, sandalwood mysore and ylang ylang which is a really gorgeous blend. To use: pour a small amount under the tap when your bath is running. This is the perfect pampering product and there is enough in this bottle for 8 baths.

Relaxing Body Lotion 100ml - with a blend of Roman chamomile, lavender, lemon verbena and melissa oils. The scent is aromatic citrus which calms and relaxes the body and mind. To use: apply to the body after your bath or shower.

Sensuous Massage Oil 100ml - which is the perfect Valentine's Day treat. It is a lovely blend of clary sage, patchouli, sandalwood and ylang ylang in a base of Sweet Almond oil. The oil absorbs well and could also be used as a body oil.

I've been impressed with the products in the Love It box, they are luxurious but affordable and the set would make a great Valentine's Day gift.

*complimentary

Latest in Beauty: Bath & Body Beauty Mini Collection

I spotted this little Collection (£8.99 plus P&P) over at Latest in Beauty and knew I had to have it! It contains my must-always have in my stash Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts (100g - and worth £10!) as well as lots of other goodies!

The Amphora Aromatics Orange and Clove candle is simply divine! To me it smells of cinnamon sticks mixed with orange and spice. Looking forward to burning it!

Also inside are is a 20ml bottle of Kneipp's Lavender Herbal Bath - I'm a huge fan of this brand and their herbal bath products so am looking forward to a couple of relaxing baths.

There are 3 x 5ml sachets of Dr Organic's Dead Sea Mineral Bio-Plasma Mud Mask which is detoxifying, rejuvenating & anti-ageing. I've tried this before and loved it. Nice to see 3 sachets - I was expecting just one!

The final items which I'll pass onto my friend Magi is Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Body Lotion 75ml - it smells really lovely but I know I won't use it.

Are you tempted?  Buy yours HERE.

January Empties

Think this is my smallest amount of empties ever! I'm not going to use up any more products this month so here they are a few days early..

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - these a staple for me. See my review here. I buy these again and again as they just work.

Therapie Joie Uplifting Bath Infusion 60g - I really enjoyed using this bath infusion.  See my review here. I'll buy again I reckon.

The Body Deli Living Hair Sprouted Mineral Greens Shampoo 240ml* - I loved this shampoo (and it lasted ages!). See my review here. It's one I'll definitely buy again at some point.

Amphora Organic Collection Rose & Pomegranate Hand Wash 250ml* - this was really lovely to use and I'd definitely buy. See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil mini - my all time favourite bath oil. Will buy again. See my review here.

CARU Rose Facial Serum Sample - this was gorgeous and I'd definitely consider full size once I reduce my stash a bit.

Dahliana Refreshing Citrus Cleanser 113g - I didn't love this when I first started using it but by the end I was sad it was used up.  I mentioned it here. I'd buy again.

The Body Deli Creme de la Rose 10ml - loved this beautiful face cream.  See my review here. Nardin gave me one at Christmas so I'm pleased to have another! It's a face cream I'd definitely buy full size.

Blue Labelle Rose & Jasmine Body Oil 50ml - this had a really delicate scent but was nice to use. I prefer their Ylang Ylang & Frankincense version so wouldn't buy this one again.

Thea Fruit Enzyme Rejuvenating Toner 50ml* - I simply loved this and would buy. See my review here.

SAMPLES:

I've only used two sachet sample from my Samples Stash this month -

Beauty Lab Black Diamond Energising Serum* and Moisture Complex*. These were pretty lush but too small (1ml) to get an idea if they are suited to my skin.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Amphora Aromatics: Organic Originals Christmas Gift Box & Giveaway

Amphora Aromatics was set up by Christine and Peter Caroll in 1984 and is one of the UK's largest suppliers of Pure Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Products. I was sent one of their great value Christmas Gift Boxes* to review and they very kindly offered one as a giveaway prize for one of my readers (UK only).

The gift boxes are presented in a great (re-usable) brown corrugated box and are tied with a ivory ribbon.

Organic Originals Gift Box* costs £27.95 (including P&P) and it contains 5 full size products.  The Rose & Pomegranate range is Soil Association approved and products are free from SLS, Parabens and artificial fragrances.

The scent is floral and slightly fruity. Pomegranate extract is one of the best source of antioxidants and it helps to repair the skin.  Rose Otto flower oil smells gorgeous and gives the range a rosey scent.

Rose & Pomegranate Hand Wash (250ml) - presented in a pump bottle this hand wash gently cleanses the hands leaving them clean and sweet smelling.

Rose & Pomegranate Body Lotion (100ml) - a light and easily absorbed lotion which nourishes the skin leaving it delicately scented.

Rose & Pomegranate Shower Gel (250ml) - with a flip top cap this shower gel cleanses the skin leaving it clean and refreshed.

Rose & Pomegranate Lip Balm (15ml) - this is a rich and moisturising balm. It smells great too! Packed full of nourishing Organic Shea Butter, Beeswax and Sunflower Oil.  Leaves the lips nourished and protected.

Rose & Pomegranate Face Cream (60ml) - a luxurious cream which is easily absorbed and leaves the skin feeling nourished and protected.

A great box and an ideal Christmas present. See the whole Christmas range here.  Last date for ordering for Christmas is 5pm on Friday 19 December.

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