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?

May Empties

Products marked * I've been kindly gifted for review. I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my May empties:

The little tube you can barely make out is a sample from Inika's newish skincare range in the form of their Phytofuse Renew Avocado Hand Cream 4ml which I picked up at Naturisimo. This was a lovely hand cream but full size is £35 (75ml) so I'm unlikely to buy. Nice to try though.

Another sample from Naturisimo in the form of Agent Nateur's very pricey Holi (Oil) Youth Serum (full size is 30ml - £113). Again, lovely to use with a rosey aroma (it actually reminded me of Ila Spa's Face Oil for Glowing Radiance!) Nice to try, unlikely to buy.

My friend Julie gifted me a set of Commodity Fragrances which used to be available at SpaceNK. They have a new owner and will ship to the UK (although they are currently closed due to the present climate). I'm working my way through the sample set and I fell totally head-over-heels for Bergamot.  It's one I'd love full size (maybe one day!)

I truly adore Kiss the Moon and loved their GLOW Bedtime Bath Salts 350g* which I was kindly gifted. They are a blend of Dead Sea Salts with detoxifying magnesium and scented with beautiful GLOW Blend (Orange, Litsea, Myrrh and Geranium). Perfect to use in your bath before bed for a soothing and calm night's sleep. Will definitely pick up again!

I'm a huge, huge fan of amazing award-winning Ecooking (in fact I've got some reviews upcoming!). I first tried their Cleansing Gel 50ml as a Latest in Beauty pick. Fell in love and stocked up each month until it went out of stock. See my review HERE. I've a couple of these left in my stash but I'll definitely buy full size when I use them up.

The Rituals The Ritual of Dao Night Balm for the Hands 10ml (now Rituals of Jing) was a Feel Unique Sample pick (oh how I miss pick 'n' mix and beauty kit). This is a really rich balm which was perfect to use before bed/after gardening. It has a gorgeous floral scent and it's one I'd buy full size when my hand cream stash reduces a bit.

I reviewed the Casa Mencarelli* range HERE. I loved their aromatic Sicilia Green Clay & Lemon Face Mask & Scrub 80g* which was presented in a huge pot. It made masking into a ritual and it's one I'll definitely buy in the future.

I adore Anita Grant's beautiful range. I first reviewed this mouthwatering Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 57g back in 2013 and then received the brand again in my April '18 Skin Organic Clean Beauty Box. Of course, I then had to go and buy full size again! And yes, I need that butter in my stash right now!

I love Connock London's beautiful ranges and adored their Manuka Honey Hand & Body Wash which I reviewed HERE. I'll definitely buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

The Nature Lab Volume Shampoo & Conditioner sachets both 7ml came with a recent Cult Beauty order. I didn't notice any extra volume. Nice enough to try but not sure I'm enticed to buy full size.

I enjoyed using Upcircle's Soap which is infused with repurposed Chai Spices (100g). Upcircle were I believe the first company to reuse coffee grounds in their products in the UK (formerly Optiat). See my review HERE. I'll definitely pick this up again at some point.

What have you been using up in May?

Anita Grant - Neroli Rose Dry Oil Spray

I'm a huge fan of Anita Grant's beautiful range of goodies - see my previous review HERE. I love the simplicity of the ingredients and packaging and that for me gives the range wow factor.

Neroli Rose Dry Oil Spray comes in 3 sizes - a 15ml sample (£3.60), 50ml (£11.35) or 100ml (£20.40). I think the rose buds suspended in the oil make it look oh so pretty! It's the little things..

It's suitable to use on combo and dry skins and most hair types and is a blend of exotic neroli essential oil with an infusion of organic rose buds in a coconut oil base. The scent is exquisite (neroli and rose are two of my favourite things).

To use: use on the hair and body when still damp. Can be used on face and neck, as an aftershave skin softener or as an aftersun to care for sun worn skin and hair.

What's your favourite product from Anita Grant?

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

May Empties

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

D’ALCHÉMY Essential Body Balm Mini 15ml - I simply loved this and the brand is amazing. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist.

YULI Ambrosia Beauty Nectar Sample* - beautiful brand. See my review HERE. Would very happily use this again but it's pricey.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 10ml - one of my favourite products from REN. Will buy full size again when my stash reduces. See my review HERE. These small sizes are perfect for travel/try me.

Vanderohe No.1 Nourishing Face Serum 10ml* - which is one of my favourite skincare products of '18. See my review HERE.  Yes, I'll definitely buy this at some point (simply stunning).

Apothaka Rejuventating Face Oil 10ml - which I received in my March Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved this beautiful light oil - see my review HERE. Will pick this up again when my face oil stash reduces (it's a bit out of control at the moment!)

Kat Burki Bio-Correcting Face Creme 10ml - this was nice to try but not sure I'd buy.

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm 15ml* - I was part of the focus group for the new Superfoods Series and I simply adored this. Rushed out and bought full size - fabulous! See my review HERE (the formula has been tweaked slightly and I love it even more!)

Anita Grant Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 15g - I received this in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It was lovely to revisit (and I've already bought full size). See my review HERE.

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash 20ml* and Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml* - I loved both of these and would buy full size. Check out my post on their #CleanerBeauty Campaign HERE.

ByTerry Baume de Rose Body Cream 50g - I received this in a gift set from a friend. It was lovely to use, super rich and nourishing. My stash is huge so unlikely to buy.

balance me super toning body polish 50ml - nice to use. Maybe not quite scrubby enough for me. Unlikely to re-purchase.

Tropic Skincare Jasmine, Neroli & Vetivert Body Wash* - loved this exotic scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely to buy when my stash reduces.

NorthburN Revive Orange, Lavender & Palmarosa Luxury Bath Salts 100g - I received them in March's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and really loved them. Although I used them one evening (in error) and had a terrible nights sleep haha. I'm currently trying their Neroli and Vetiver ones. Absolutely gorgeous and will review soon (and will buy again).

Seed of Life Holistic Health Eternal Rose Luxury Mineral Bath Salts 100g - I received them in February's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. Really enjoyed them and would buy.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF30 - Pure Beige - I wasn't totally taken with this. I found it just too watery although the shade was good. Wouldn't buy again.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose Hair Oil 3ml - simply loved this. Full size is firmly on the wishlist. See my review HERE.

ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray 75ml - I really like this dry shampoo for refreshing between washes. Just opened a new one.

Ere Perez Herbal Facial Tonic 100ml** - which is absolutely beautiful. One I'll definitely buy. See my review HERE.

Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Oil 100ml*** - a new to me brand for Beauty Shortlist Award judging. Absolutely gorgeous. See my mini review HERE. Sure I'll buy this when my cleansing stash goes down a bit.

Tabitha James Kraan Clean Conditioner - Amber Rose 10ml - I got at least 6 uses out of this sachet which is a great try me or for holidays. See my review HERE. I'll definitely consider buying this soon.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo 7ml and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner 7ml - these were nice to try but didn't really suit my hair so wouldn't buy.

Sisley White Ginger Contouring Oil for Legs 8ml - this had a gel type texture and I got 2 uses from the sachet. Seemed nice but too small a sample to see any difference. 

LIXIR Electrogel Cleanser sachet - I've been wanting to try the range for a while. This cleanser seems nice but teeny one use sachet. Not sure I love it enough to buy full size but nice to try. I am loving however their Vitamin C Paste!

Faith in Nature Watermelon Shower Gel & Bath Foam 7ml - I didn't find this fruity enough (it had a synthetic type of scent). Wouldn't buy.

Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash**, Rose Jasminium Timeless Glow Renewal Moisturiser** and Rose Jasminium Illuminating Perfecting Serum** sachets - I loved the face wash but wasn't keen on the scent of the moisturiser and serum.

Sisley Reconstructuring Conditioner 8ml - this seemed lovely but unlikely to buy as it's pricey. But nice to try.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

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

***Beauty Shortlist tester

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box - April - Radiance

It's always an exciting day when my Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box arrives. April's box is all about Radiance.  So what's inside:

OMG how pretty is that! And WOW!

And for a closer look..

I was super excited to see a full size MONO Naturoils Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (20ml - £20) which has been on the wishlist a while. The cleansing oil will deeply but gently clean the skin, soothing and balancing while nourishing the skin. The range is infused with high vibrational healing energies of crystals and gemstones and this one uses Clear Quartz. A review will follow on this one for sure! Also included is a trial size of their Facial Steam from founder, Tracy.

Anita Grant is such a lovely brand. I first tried it back in April 2013 (and these two sample products were ones I selected!) See my review HERE. I'm looking forward to revisiting both of these (I also love the new simple, plain but stylish packaging). Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (£2.99) and Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter (£3.45).

Squeals, a new to me brand! This is one of the reasons beauty boxes excite me! Wild Source Apothecary is small batch skincare carefully formulated with love, care and attention to detail. The Radiance Mask (30ml - £15) is a blend of pink and kaolin clay with organic fruit extracts. It will exfoliate and rejuvenate, minimising pores and balancing sebum. A full review will follow.

From Naissance we have their 100% pure Certified Organic Cold Pressed Organic Rosehip Oil (I couldn't find a size on the bottle but it's worth £8.99). Use it on your skin or hair or to formulate your own facial serum!

Last but not least is a 30ml Green People trial size (30ml - £4) of their Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel which is scented with Sweet Orange & Ginger.

A fabulous box! As ever there are discount codes included for some of the brands. Sign up for April's box NOW.

May Empties

I don't seem to have got through as much as usual this month:

Lola's Apothecary Eucalyptus & Mint Bath Oil - this mini bottle came in April's Beautylishious bag.  I loved it and would consider buying full size in the future.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows Bath & Shower Gel 250ml - love the gooseberry, orange blossom, moss and grassy scent.  Will definitely buy again.  One of my favourite shower gels.

Aromatherapy Associates Relax Deep Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - my favourite Aromatherapy Associates bath oil.  Will perhaps buy full size at some point.

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo & Conditioner both 60ml - loved these and will buy full size soon.

Stila Coming Clean Gel Cleanser 10ml - this minty gel was really nice and I'd perhaps buy full size once I get through my stash!

Ancienne Ambiance Goddess Hand & Body Wash 50ml - I'm a huge fan of the brand.  Nice to use and lathered well.  The scent was light and sort of reminded me of hot summer days.  I'd maybe purchase.

Korres Basil Lemon Little Shower Gel 50ml - this was refreshing in my morning shower.  I'll maybe purchase again.

Botanicals Rose & Camellia Cleansing Melt Sample - loved this and will definitely buy when my stash reduces.  See my review here.

Korres Coconut Milk Body Milk 50ml - loved this lightly scented coconut lotion.  Will buy again once my stash reduces.

Palm & Soul Three Rose Deep Balm for Face & Neck 30ml - this was so lovely to use.  I'll definitely repurchase at some point.  See my review here.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 30ml - received this in an Amarya box.  Had used it before and love it.

Gielly Green Classic Shampoo 50ml - a huge fan of Gielly Green products. I've got a couple of these I got in swaps to use.

Anita Grant Cucumber Cleansing Oil 15ml - I picked up a few goodies in April - you can see my post here.  I quite liked this but found it didn't remove all eye make up and I got fed up of the scent - so wouldn't buy again.  Love that this company offers trial sizes which are great to buy before splashing out on the full size.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Ageing Color Hold Moisture Conditioner 40ml - loved this and would buy again.  See my review here.

Melvita Rose Floral Water 28ml - this was lovely to spritz on the skin.  I'd definitely consider buying it in the future.

Have you used any of these products?

Shopping My Stash #13

These are the products I've been reaching for this week - 

Kai Perfume Oil 3.6ml - which I bought last weekend when Cult Beauty were doing gift with purchase.  A definite splurge but love this gardenia scent.

Anita Grant Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 15g - simply adore this yummy chocolate scented butter.  I'll be buying full size soon.  See my review here.

Botanicals Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm - mini sample pot.  This is a lovely foot balm. A review is to follow.

Rimmel Apocalips in Celestial - love this pretty shade.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Covet Waterproof Eyeliner in Noir - this came in the Cult Beauty GWP freebie.  A fab eyeliner which stays put in jet black.

Bloom Remedies Nourishing Organic Body Oil for Dry Skin 50ml - I bought this recently.  It smells lovely with oils of frankincense, geranium, lavender and neroli.  My dry winter skin is loving this oil.

Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara* - a really fab mascara, makes the lashes huge! A spiral shaped brush separates, defines and reaches the smallest lashes giving them length and definition.  One of the best mascaras I've ever used. Retails at £6.49.

Have you used any of these products before?

*PR Sample

Anita Grant Goodies

I first came across Anita Grant products via Twitter when I saw a Tweet from @bobbi078 from Berry's Beauty Blog - I thought the products sounded amazing and went to look at the site.

Oh WOW what an amazing array of beauty goodies.  Anita makes skin, hair (especially for curly hair but other hair types too) and body care products which smell good enough to eat! Anita suffered a reaction to a supposedly "safe" hair lotion she decided to set about making her own beauty products.  All products are natural, simply packaged and recyclable and freshly hand made to order.  A family run business with excellent customer service and quick postage.

"We source only the finest natural food grade ingredients, no animal testing, free of all the harmful and unnecessary synthetic chemicals found in a lot of skin care and natural hair care products and most of all, affordable. Every ingredient has a purpose to deliver a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and anti-oxidants – whether to soothe or smooth, it works."

I ordered some samples in order to try out some of the products.  I will definitely be back to buy the full size of some of them!  The samples are of generous size and there is enough product to decide whether a full size is for you or not and there are also a huge variety to choose from.

Here's what I bought:

My favourite product is Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter (15g £2.05) - its simply good enough to eat!  It contains no Mineral Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, No Dimethicone or Artificial Fragrances.  A rich deliciously scented butter which melts upon contact with warm skin.  Great for dry skin.  I'll be picking up the full size soon.

My next favourite is Monoi de Tahiti Tiare (15g £2.05) - A natural floral oil which smells just gorgeous and is rich with the scent of Gardenias.  Can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment (leaves hair shiny, healthy & glossy) to seal split ends, on the body or added to your bath water.  Simply gorgeous!

I also picked up Cucumber Cleansing Oil (15ml £2.95) - which is suitable for normal/combination skin.  Simply removes all make up leaving skin clean and fresh.

My last item was Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (15ml £2.15) - can be used on body, face and hair - especially on curly hair.  This smells quite spicy - I am getting aniseed notes from it.  It contains a small rosebud.

I'll definitely be doing some more shopping soon! Simply gorgeous and effective products which smell amazing.  See the website here and follow on Twitter here.

Have you used any of these products? Or have you tried other ones in the range you can recommend me?