Shopping my Stash #96

I can't get enough of beautiful Burt's Bees lipsticks and this one (Blush Basin) which I chose as a Latest in Beauty pick is fab (Sunset Cruise is also gorgeous). The lipstick is moisturising and gives the lips a nice pop of colour. Definitely want to try more shades.

As you'll know I just love Awake Organics and their Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum is just fantastic. I've been reaching for it a lot recently. See my review HERE.

Tea Tonique EdP by Miller Harris is refreshing and uplifting with notes of bergamot, petit grain, lemon, smokey tea, nutmeg, mate abs, birch tar and musk.

The best dry shampoo I've tried is by Aster & Bay (mini review) as it just works!

From the JOIK Advent Calendar one of my favourite items is their Silky Facial Serum*. It's really lovely to use and it's one I'd buy full size. A review will be forthcoming of the products I loved the most.

Rounding up my favourite picks this week is Corinne Taylor's exquisite Spirit Aromatherapy Room & Linen mist with Palo Santo, White Sage & Cedarwood Essential Oils. See my review HERE.

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program - my post contains one affiliate link

Blog Highlights 2017

You can see my highlights posts for 2015 (HERE) and 2016 (HERE). Here are my 2017 highlights:

January:

In January, I tried Tropic Skincare again and have totally fallen for every product I've tried. I just love Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum* which I reviewed in January. See my review HERE.

February:

In February, I discovered the wonderful Aster & Bay (who are now Edinburgh based) and totally fell for the glorious Rosewater Mist. See my review HERE.

March:

In March, I collaborated with the fabulous Mary Paulson-Ellis to giveaway a copy of her amazing book - The Other Mrs Walker (link). My review featured in my September 2016 round-up.

April:

In April, I took part in the Best of Skincare Tag (link) which was fun to do.

May:

We had a night away in North Berwick (one of my favourite places to be). It featured in my May loves (link). It may only just be down the road but it feels like I'm on holiday when I'm there.

June: 

In June, I finally got round to trying the Votary Rose Maroc & Sandalwood Facial Oil which I received in the Liberty Advent Calendar. It lived up to all my expectations! See my review HERE.

July:

July saw me feature my top reads for the first part of the year (link) so hard to pick!  I also loved Esse Probiotic Skincare Gel Cleanser** which came to me as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program (which I'm both thrilled and delighted to be a member of). See my review HERE.

August:

In August I discovered the exquisite Juno Skincare. See my review HERE.

September:

In September, I sampled a Zing Organics - Zing Lover's Subscription Box which I think is one of the best subscription boxes out there! See my review HERE (and my review of the Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque HERE).

October:

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of the beautiful and gorgeous Skin Organic Clean Beauty Boxes. This light as air, fluffy and exquisitely scented Poppy's Natural Skincare Super Moisturising Organic Chia Seed Hand Butter (neroli) came in the  October - Autumn Glow Box. See my review HERE.

November:

In November, I'm delighted to say I've embarked on Formula Botanica - Diploma in Organic Skincare which I'm so excited about!  I've not really had time yet to throw myself into it due to my day job being manic and having the flu. I'm looking forward to starting it seriously soon (enrollment opens January 16-23 if you are interested!) Expect an initial post early in January.

December:

I'm totally honoured and incredibly proud to be a judge for The Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018. I've been testing out lots of amazing products - some already known to me and some which are totally new.

It's been a brilliant year! What are your highlights?

*complimentary

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

Shopping my Stash #92

These are the products I've been reaching for:

I just adore everything by Zing Organics. This travel friendly solid perfume is just gorgeous. It's scented with French Bourbon, Geranium & May Chang and is aromatic and uplifting. See my review HERE.

A new find is BetterYou B12 Daily Oral Spray. I was looking for something to give me a lift. It restores energy, aids concentration and memory and combats tiredness and fatigue. I'm really impressed with how it makes me feel more alive and I'll be buying the spray again.

I'm a huge Antipodes fan and I'm finding coming into autumn my lips and hands are needing some more TLC. See my review of Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream HERE and the Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter* HERE.

Aster & Bay's Dry Shampoo (4oz - £26)** is one of the best I've used. It was perfected over a six month period and is formulated with kaolin clay, rice starch, cassava root powder and organic tea tree oil.

The dry shampoo is easy to use and soaks up any oils and grease, volumises and I find I need to wash my hair less. To use: shake a small amount of product onto your hand (or apply directly to your parting). Apply to the roots massaging the powder into the hair until it disappears.

What have you been reaching for lately?

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

**complimentary

May Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up so here's what I've been using up in May:

Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream 5ml which was beautiful. This is a pricey cream so I'll probably not buy it. I'll definitely try and pick it up in one of the mini pots again.

Ermana Cleanse Balm 15ml* a lovely balm cleanser. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Botanicals Nourish Moisturiser 5ml* I adore any form of travel/try me size so I loved using this gorgeous moisturiser. See my mini review HERE. Would buy this moisturiser full size.

Madara Micellar Water 100ml which is a staple product for me. I've just cracked open a new bottle. See my review HERE.

Gallinee La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser 120ml* which I simply adored. See my review HERE. It's one I'd buy when my stash of cleansers reduces a bit.

Aster & Bay Rosewater Mist 100ml I simply loved this beautiful mist which also contains Himalayan Pink Salt and Honeysuckle as well as Bulgarian Rose. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy this again as I loved it. 

Guerlain Midnight Secret Late Night Recovery Cream 15ml I used to use this years ago. Was nice to revisit and I'm sure to pick this up again. Great to use if you have a late night as it helps to revive the skin overnight.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish 30ml which is one of my favourite facial exfoliators. I've just opened another tube.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml I adore this Christmassy hand wash and buy it up in the sales (it's only available at Christmastime). See my review HERE. I've got plenty remaining in my stash currently but I'll be stocking up again in December.

Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo 15ml which is a good size sample. This was nice to use and made my hair look and feel good. Might buy full size at some point.

TOSe Apothecary French Clay & Lemongrass Detoxifying Body Scrub 200ml* which was beautiful. It had a really uplifting scent and make exfoliating into a luxurious ritual. See my review HERE.

Humble Sweet Pea & Verbena Hand Cream 75ml* a beautiful hand cream from a gorgeous range. See my review HERE. Sure to buy when my stash reduces a bit as this was very effective and had a beautiful scent.

JOIK Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir sachet this seems like a lovely product but it is a small sample. I also loved JOIK's Silky Facial Serum with Cranberry & Wheatgerm oils.

bliss fatgirl slim arm perfecting cream 7ml this gel-cream absorbed quickly and seemed like it would be a nice product to use. Not sure if I'd buy full size or not.

Jo Loves Smoked Plum & Leather sample vial which I simply adored! Full size is on my to buy list. 

Esse Gel Cleanser 5ml sachet I wasn't expecting this gel cleanser to be minty scented. I got four uses from this sachet (making it a great try me) and yes, I want the cleanser full size! 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue 1ml huge fan of this eye cream. My pal Julie got me a full size pot at my birthday so expect a review soon!

Starling Aromatics Jasmine & Ylang Ylang goddess essence* this little gem of a product was a beautiful luxe treat. It smells simply heavenly and is studded with Himalayan salt crystals. It can be used for moisturising the skin, for massage or just pop it in your bath for a relaxing soak. They are £6 each so it really is an indulgent treat (it would be perfect for that romantic weekend away) I got two uses from it. I'd prefer less packaging (although it is sweet) and more product for the money.  I was give this one complimentary from the owner at Pretty Pink.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

The Best of Skincare Tag

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

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

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

Favourite Ingredient: Rose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aster & Bay: Rosewater Mist

I was absolutely over-the-moon when I discovered Aster & Bay at Northern Ireland based Red Ruby Rouge (you can also buy direct from Aster & Bay, as they are now Edinburgh based).

The brand was founded by Erin Hammond in the USA. She studied Architectural Conservation at Edinburgh University and when she returned to the states began to study botany, plant folklore and herbal alchemy. The range is natural and made with the highest quality plant ingredients. The products are also unisex (as if you'd want to share!) and packaging is simple but beautiful and recyclable.

There are no preservatives in the products, no animal testing, no parabens or phthalates and ingredients are ethically sourced.

The Rosewater Mist (100ml - £25) is absolute heaven. You can use it on your face, hair or body and it smells divine. Scented with Bulgarian rose water which has been hydro-distilled as well as Ylang Ylang floral water. The blend calms, relaxes and replenishes both the body and mind.

Honeysuckle extract is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and has anti-oxidant properties which help to inhibit bacteria on the skin or scalp. Epsom Salt helps the skin hold onto it's own moisture as well as moisturising and detoxifying the skin. It also helps to add volume to the hair and remove oil build up. Himalayan Pink Salt hydrates and contains 80+ skin replenishing minerals.

To use: spritz onto the face after cleansing and before moisturising, spray onto damp roots before styling for rose scented beachy waves or to give the hair volume. Alternatively, spritz into the palm and mix a few drops of facial serum for a light and hydrating treatment.  The mist is also good to relieve sunburn or any skin irritations.

Have you used the Rosewater Mist? What's your favourite Aster & Bay product?

January: Lately I've been Loving

Seems a while since I've done a Lately post. Here's what I've been loving in January:

I received this Votary Rose Maroc & Sandalwood Facial Oil which retails at £65 in my Liberty Advent Calendar. It's my favourite thing from the calendar. Expect a full review soon.

We started off on a dry January but after 7 days just had to have a taste of January's Gin from the Craft Gin Club. Remember you can get a tenner off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM. Both the gin and tonic are great.

I was feeling the January blues and after a tough week at work my mum and dad sent me flowers from our local shop - they are simply stunning and a great cheer me up!

I've been testing out some gorgeous products* from Make Skincare which are amazing. Expect a review shortly. Look at that packaging! Simply stunning.

I read the fantastic Mary's the Name by debut author Ross Sayers which is published today. It's a heartwarming read and I highly recommend! I'm taking part in the blog tour (my 1st! on 6 February).

This Rosewater Mist from Red Ruby Rouge is just fantastic! Aster & Bay have relocated from the States to Edinburgh (link). Again, expect a review soon!

What have you been loving in January?

*complimentary

Red Ruby Rouge: Treasure Trove Beauty

I first discovered Red Ruby Rouge when I was searching for a UK stockist of Herbivore, the Seattle based niche brand. Red Ruby Rouge are based in Northern Ireland and sell beautiful hard to find beauty brands, jewellery, gifts, bags and clothes. Shipping to the UK is free and if you sign up to the newsletter you get money off voucher codes periodically.

I reviewed Herbivore's gorgeous Coco Rose Lip Polish (£17) HERE.

For Christmas I received their Coco Rose Body Polish (£24) - expect a review of this soon!

Another exciting find is Aster & Bay, who have now actually located to Edinburgh from USA. They are a natural unisex skincare company (and been on the wishlist for ages...) High quality plant ingredients are used and everything is handmade by Erin and Glen in small batches. All product are vegetarian with no preservatives, sls, parabens and phthalates, ingredients are ethically sourced and many are sourced in the UK.

I couldn't resist the very lovely Rosewater Mist (£25 - 100ml) (I had a voucher for 25% off as a newsletter subscriber last weekend - a great chase away the January blues offer!) and I can honestly say it's one of the nicest products I've ever tried! As well as smelling heavenly it is multi-tasking - use it as a toning mist, mist it through your hair for beachy rose scented waves, spray over your body (soothes sunburn) and you can also mix a small amount with facial serum for a light hydrating treatment.  I definitely want to try more from this brand!!

Other products which catch my eye include - Aster & Bay Cleansing Oil, Mullein & Sparrow Lemon Rose Facial Wash, Herbivore Coconut Bath Soak and Herbivore Pink Clay Cleansing Bar Soap.

Have you used anything from these brands? Are you now tempted?