Top Products 2020: May to August

Way back in April I posted my Top Products 2020 for the period January-April - see HERE. These are my top picks for May-August (marked * I've very generously been gifted for review):

I fell totally head-over-heels for Antipodes BAPTISE H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel. See my review HERE.

nknaturals season specific skincare is just the best. I adored the couple of products I tried from their SPRING range and when founder and formulator, Nicola sent me the whole SUMMER collection* - I couldn't quite believe it. So, so generous and of course the range is stunning - see my review HERE. I'm looking forward to buying some of the AUTUMN range when it launches on the 22nd September for the autumn equinox. Check out the shop HERE.

I was invited to try a "my" skin specific range* of products from Typology in May which I absolutely adored. See my reviews HERE and HERE. 

I discovered DESAVERY as a Beauty Shortlist Judge and fell totally in love with the range, packaging, concept and scents (see my top picks for the 2020 Awards HERE). I was kindly sent two new-to-me products in May - see my review HERE. Absolutely love DESAVERY - they are first on my list (especially STELLAR Daily Serum) to replenish when my stash reduces a bit! 

I first tried Ecooking as a Latest in Beauty pick (REVIEW) and then as a Beauty Shortlist Judge - see HERE. In June I tried their Fragrance Free Cleansing Scrub* - REVIEW - in my post I said "this is one of the best scrubs I've ever used". I just love this brand! 

During lockdown I had scalp issues and this little bar of goodness totally cleared them up! I just love Earthkind's Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health* see my review HERE (Latest in Beauty had this as a pick recently so I stocked up!)

I'm a huge, huge fan of the Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie range which really are the creme de la creme of aromatherapy products and are totally timeless. I've loved everything I've tried from them - the products are luxurious, aromatic, a pleasure to use as well as being therapeutic (and good for the soul). See my review of their Richesse D'Or Bath & Shower Crystals* and Body Oil* HERE.

I received Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil* in my June Love Lula Beauty Box*. I fell totally head-over-heels (and then some, for it). See my review HERE.

I received Absolution's Le Gommage Corps Body Scrub in Naturisimo's Summer Vibes Discovery Box - I can never resist their discovery boxes. This scrub is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I've really enjoyed Terre Verdi's award winning NeroliPom Moisturiser*. See my review HERE. I'm a sucker for the luxe packaging as well as the beautifully scented, silky product within.

Of course, my Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume just has to be there (I've just heard the notes within the Autumn batch - excitement much, it'll arrive in time for the autumn equinox) Summer20 was simply stunning - I totally fell in love with it. See my review HERE.

I love this de-stress duo from Sanctuary Spa - see my review HERE. I've found both the De-Stress Warming Body Balm and Calming CBD Oil very effective and I'd buy both again.

I was recently very generously sent EVOLVE Organic Beauty's 360 Smoothing Body Contour* which is absolutely dreamy. See my review HERE.

Magic Cocoa* from ZOJO Beauty Elixirs is absolutely fantastic. I very generously received it free of charge for review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. See my review HERE.

CiTY SURViVOR was another brand I discovered as a Beauty Shortlist Judge (I loved Immune Support and gave it top marks). Founder, Daisy very kindly sent me the trio* to try together. See my review HERE (I've since replenished NIGHT SUPPORT).

Just this month I reviewed Awake Organics new Natural Vegan Shampoo* which comes in powder form (and eco-friendly packaging). See my review HERE. 

Do any of my picks make your top products for 2020?

*Love Lula: Awake Organics Natural Vegan Shampoo

*sent to me free of charge as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. I'm already a huge fan of Awake Organics. 

You can see my previous reviews HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. I've been testing out their latest launch - Natural Vegan Shampoo (55g - £12.99)* which is presented in a recyclable/re-usable aluminium bottle. The Vegan and small batch brand is 100% natural, eco-friendly, certified cruelty free, plant based and multi-award winning.

The shampoo is 100% biodegradable, contains no water, fillers, colours, alcohol, SLS, silicones, microplastics, parabens, palm oil or mineral oil. It's in powder form and is activated with water. Mix to a paste with a few drops of water before massaging onto damp hair (the lather is immense!). You'll also get up to 35 washes from each bottle making it very cost effective and perfect if you're trying to go greener.

Natural caffeine from Guarana seed, organic Rosemary and Lemongrass oil stimulates your scalp an encourages growth. Coconut milk protein strengthens and softens while Acacia tree gum helps with volume and shine. The shampoo is pH balanced to prevent dryness and colour-stripping.  It's suitable for all hair types but especially good for weak, thinning and colour treated hair.

To use: apply a small amount to your palm and activate with a few drops of water. Apply the paste to the roots of wet hair, lathering before rinsing. Follow with conditioner, if needed. 

I've been really impressed with this product. It's easy to use, great for travel and better for the environment. I've found I don't always need to use conditioner as it really does leave your hair soft and silky. It's really great and I highly recommend (it's definitely in my top products of 2020!) Have you tried it, if so, what are your thoughts?

Love Lula: August Accredited Blogger Picks

*sent to me very generously free of charge as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. Last month I started a new series showing my picks, followed by reviews where necessary. See my July picks HERE. This month I selected: a brand new product, one which had been on my wishlist and three sample sizes (which are available to buy with a £10+ spend (up to five). And so, for a closer look:

My first pick was Awake Organics brand new Natural Vegan Shampoo 55g (£12.99)* which comes in powder form. Mix to a paste before massaging onto your roots, lathering then rinse. It smells great (lemongrass+rosemary). Expect a full review when I get the chance to try it out properly (I love the aluminium packaging too!) It's good for weak, thinning and colour treated hair (tried it once so far, it's fantastic!)

Madara's Time Miracle Hydra Firm Hyaluron Concentrate Jelly (£30 - 75ml)* has been on the wishlist a while. It feels amazing on the skin, deeply hydrating yet very lightweight. I'm so looking forward to testing it out. Expect a review very shortly.

I love trying products before buying full size so samples are a great idea (5 can be bought with a £10+ spend). See the selection currently available HERE. I selected:

The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash Trial Size (£6.50 - 20ml)* is a great try-me size or for holidays. The minty wash is unisex and ideal for teens too. Again, expect a review for this one.

Rounding up my picks this month are two sachet samples from JOIK Organic, their Quick Absorbing Hand Lotion* (I got three uses from the sachet) and Softening & Deodorising Foot Lotion* (one small use). I loved both of these - they smell great and feel quite effective (yes, you've guessed it, I want them full size!) These samples cost 25p each.

From time to time Love Lula offer bloggers extras if they can commit to reviewing that month. I was lucky enough to be selected to try ZOJO Beauty Elixirs new Magic Cocoa 150g (£29)*.

As soon as I opened the lid I was drooling! It smells of rich and dark decadent chocolate. The blend can be enjoyed in hot water or warm milk and will revive your energy and senses throughout the day. Expect a full review shortly.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts?

September Empties

Here's what I've been using up in September (a lot more than last month!)

*productsample I love NUXE's Nuxuriance Ultra Lux Body Cream 30ml which is a deeply nourishing treat for the body. See my review HERE. I've just opened a full size pot.

From No Secrets is their decadent Bath Jelly 15ml which came in my July Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved this delicious aromatherapy scented treat. Unsure if I'd buy as they are quite expensive - lovely to try though!

I've totally loved every Austin Austin product I've tried. I just loved their Neroli Petitgrain Body Cream 120ml which I reviewed HERE. Would definitely buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

I loved Evolve's Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream 60ml* which I reviewed HERE. Another one that's on the wishlist for when my stash reduces.

I also loved Casa Mencarelli's deliciously scented Acqua di Miele Honey & Orange Toner 100ml* which I reviewed HERE. It was gorgeous and one I'm also adding to my wishlist.

Zenon Kition's Floral Beauty Mist came in last July's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It was a delight and I definitely need to explore the range more.

I'm currently using up the last of my Sisley samples when I subscribed to their monthly sample box. This Eye & Lip Make Up Remover (15ml) was nice to try but not one I'd buy.

From Madara is their Infusion Blanc Jasmine & Meadowsweet Soap which I loved. So much so I've picked up another bottle! It has a slightly floral scent and a rich creamy texture.

I loved these Phyto Color Shampoo & Mask sachets (both 10ml) which were from Feel Unique's pick n mix sample selection. I loved them so much I rushed out and bought full sizes. Also in sachet sample size is Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream 3ml which I really loved - the little sachet gave me numerous tries (and yes, it's one I'd love full size!) I've had a few of the Ayumi sachets and their Turmeric & Bergamot Face Wash (5ml) is one of my favourites from the range (I've since bought full size). The final sachet sample is by Lavera and their Re-energising Sleeping Cream 1ml which was too tiny a sample to get a real feel for the product.

I adore the scent of Sol de Janeiro's Brazillian Bum Bum Cream 75ml so sure to pick it up again (I think I was gifted this one by a friend). It's got a delicious creamy vanilla scent and a buttery texture which melts instantly onto the skin.

I love Molton Brown's Festive Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 300ml which I stock up on in the sales (I've still got one to crack open from last year!) See my review HERE.

D'Alchemy Intense Skin Repair Oil 5ml* which I loved. I'm a huge fan of this brand and I'd definitely replenish this when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

I love beautiful Awake Organics and loved using these two beauties - Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum* & Citrus+Hemp Clearing Face Serum* - see my reviews HERE. Again, these were really lovely to use and I'd buy when my serum stash reduces.

From bodhi & birch I used up two of their travel minis (which are perfect for holidays) - the Lemon Water Hydrosol Tonic (50ml) lasted over two weeks. See my review HERE. I've just cracked open a new one! I also loved beautiful Neroli Luce Face Oil mini (review to come).

What have you been using up this month?

Awake Organics: Natural Perfume Oils: Water Dreamer & Fire Spirit

A few weeks ago I picked up samples of Awake Organics new natural perfume oils (1ml - you can now pick them up individually as 5ml roller-balls, which is a perfect try me size or for carrying around).

I was initially drawn to Water Dreamer, an exquisite blend of Neroli, Clary Sage and Frankincense for its calming scent. "The water dreamer is receptive and deeply connected to the consciousness of others. This energy flows like a river; clear and free. Water dreamers are highly intuitive, enchanting beings". 

The blends are formulated with 100% plant based ingredients including mood-enhancing herbs, wild crafted resins and essential oils over a period of 33 days. They also have a crystal association and to protect trade secrets the natural formulations of fragrance are labelled "parfum". They can be worn alone or layered to form your own unique scent.

I must admit I initially wasn't keen on the scent of Fire Spirit as I felt it a bit too woody but love it when it settles on my skin. It contains Vetiver, Wooded Amber and Vanilla notes making it a warming and sensual scent. "The fire spirit ignites, manifests and attracts what she desires. This energy is strong and intoxicating; radiating warmth, intensity and sensuality. Fire spirits are confident, creative, instinctual beings".

Layered together the perfume oils produce a unique aromatic scent which is both warming and uplifting. I've also found the scents to be long lasting only needing to replenish my scent occasionally throughout the day.

To use: apply liberally, pausing to breathe and channel your energy.

I was sent a little travel/try me size of Frankin-Sense Divine Skin Concentrate (see my review here). 

Have you tried either of the natural perfume oils?

Review: Awake Organics Sea Quartz Crystal+Algae Cleanser

I've had the real pleasure of trying one of Awake Organics latest launches - their amazing Sea Quartz Crystal+Algae Cleanser* (you can buy this as a 6g sample or full size at 40g (£2.70/£31.80). Look how beautiful the packaging is!

"Amplify your daily cleanse with the power of clear quartz crystal, spirulina and hemp".

Isn't it a gorgeous colour! The Vegan blend slough dead skin cells, brightening and refining the skin. You can use daily or a couple of times a week (I use it two to three times a week).

Formulated with ingredients such as organic turmeric and brown rice each full size pot contains a carat of artisan milled clear quartz powder which infuses the product with positive energy.

It's ideal for all skin type although those with oily or very sensitive skin should use it once or twice a week. 

The gentle scrub cleanser has a sweet scent. Inside is organic blue chamomile, sweet orange, cannabis sativa oil and coconut milk.

To use: add a small amount to damp face and neck gently massaging onto the skin. Activate the milkiness by adding a few splashes of water. Rinse.

My skin looks great after use - bright, glowy and healthy.  It's definitely a keeper! Have you tried it yet?

*complimentary

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

Review & Giveaway: Awake Organics in Association with World Vegan Month - it's over!

Today is World Vegan Day (and World Vegan Month) where Vegans and Veganism is celebrated workplaces, shops, restaurants and homes all over the world. You can read more HERE.

Melissa, at Awake Organics has collaborated with me to offer one of my UK readers a choice of Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum or Citrus+Hemp Clearing Face Serum.  See more details of how to enter further down the post!

I've had the pleasure of testing out both of these Vegan serums* (fabulous!)

Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum (20ml - £29.99)* is absolutely gorgeous! It's made with pure, raw and organic ingredients which are consciously sourced. A blend of seven unrefined cold pressed fruit, seed and kernel oils are blended with frankincense, carrot seed, rose geranium, patchouli and lavender essential oils.

The serum helps to target discoloration, plump out fine lines and wrinkles, add lustre, hydrate and enliven the skin. 

To use: apply a few drops onto cleansed slightly damp skin. Absorbing instantly the skin is left feeling comfortable and nourished.

Citrus+Hemp Clearing Face Serum (20ml - £29.99)* helps with breakouts and blemishes. Containing five mood boosting essential oils of grapefruit, lavender, tea tree, rosemary and patchouli with organic botanicals.

The blend balances and nourishes blemish prone skins leaving the complexion clear and bright. With a herbaceous scent this skin is left looking clear and smooth.

To use: apply a few drops to the skin - the skin should be nourished but matte.

Have you used either of these serums? What's your favourite product from Awake Organics?  

One of my UK readers can win their choice of serums. Please enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Top 6 Natural Deodorants

These are the six natural deodorants which I've found work the best for me. I absolutely love Schmidt's Bergamot+Lime deodorant which I buy again and again from a beautiful world. I also love the Jasmine Tea (Sensitive Stick) which is formulated without baking soda. See my reviews of Schmidt's deodorants HERE and HERE.

From lovely Awake Organics is their super effective Aura Clean Natural Deodorant. I've gone through loads of travel size pots. The deodorant is very long lasting and smells gorgeous. See my review HERE. I'll definitely pick up full size when I use the mini pots up (they are great for travel as they don't take up much room!)

From Indigenous Beauty I have their gorgeous Uplifting Natural Deodorant Cream which has an uplifting citrus scent. It's easy to apply and leaves me feeling fresh and clean all day long. A full review will follow.

Latest launch from Evolve Beauty is their Cotton Fresh Deodorant which has a gentle fresh laundry scent. The deodorant is made with Organic Shea Butter, Coconut oil, Kaolin, Bicarbonate of Soda along with Sage oil and natural essential oils. It really is lovely and keeps me fresh all day. Again, a fuller review will follow.

I first tried Aurelia Probiotic Skincare's Botanical Cream Deodorant as a sample size pot and fell in love! It featured in Shopping my Stash #85 (see HERE). I totally fell for it and I'm now delighted a full size pot is mine!

The final natural deodorant in my line up is from The Ohm Collection - Deo Dorant Neroli Powder which is available to buy at Love Lula. It's a powder deodorant which is easy to use and long lasting. See my review HERE.

Do you use any of these natural deodorants?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: September - Revive

I reviewed the Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box* for August. It's theme was Self Care - see my review HERE. As I thought the box was so good I quickly signed up! The box costs £21 plus £3.95 p&p. Some of the brands included in the box also offer money off codes which is always welcome!

September's theme is Revive and here's what's inside:

Eeek! Again this month there are three new to me brands!

First up is the fabulous looking Alexa Sky Botanicals Cactus Fruit Eye Serum (10ml - £23) which helps with dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. I'm looking forward to trying this! (expect a review in a few weeks).

From JUN-i there is a Hair Oil (£14.99) which is exclusive to Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and can be used as a deep hair treatment overnight. Again, can't wait to try!

The final new to me brand this month is from Lilian Jones and is a Lavender Shampoo Bar which is free from SLS and SLES. It's worth £3.

I'm a huge fan of Blue Labelle and nestled inside the box is their Light & Balancing Facial Oil (30ml - £16.50) which I've tried before. See my review HERE.

I just love Awake Organics. Their Aura Clean Deodorant travel size (£3.99) is one of the best I've used. See my review HERE. This one's getting popped in my travel bag.

The final item in the box is from Nathalie Bond Organics and is their Organic Rose & Patchouli Bath Salts (60ml - £7.99) which I have also tried before (I found a little nearly empty jar lurking in the back of the cupboard which I received in a beauty box a while ago). It's really beautiful and I'm going to enjoy re-visiting.

It's a fabulous box again this month. Did you pick one up? What are your thoughts on the contents?

Travel Treats

Here are my top travel picks: 

From Maddi Alexander we have the clever Love Swimwear Naturally Beautiful Swimwear Wash* (£10) which has an uplifting citrus scent. It's perfect to clean and protect your swimwear from chlorine, salts and sunscreen and is in a travel friendly 100ml size.  I also love their Naturally Beautiful Travel Laundry Wash* (£10) which is scented with rose geranium and lavender essential oils. It will gently clean clothes and underwear leaving them fresh and delicately scented (a must-have for holidays!)

I'm also packing two travel sizes from bodhi & birch - their new Desert Rose Facial Oil (£12 for 5ml). See my review here and Botanical Dew Hand & Body Wash (£5.50 for 50ml) which can also be used as a hand wash. See my review here.

From Awake Organics a travel size of their fabulous Aura Clean Natural Deodorant* (£4.50 for 10g) is a must. It keeps you feeling fresh all day long! See my review HERE.

The tiny heart shaped travel soaps from Bloomtown are perfect for travel as well as being super sweet.

My final pick is a mini sample candle from Zing Organics with invigorating May Chang & Geranium (with every £30 spend Zing will send you a freebie). You can see the full range in the SHOP.

Are any of these in your travel bag?

*complimentary

July Empties

Here's what I've been using up in July (hardly anything!) I'm not going to use anything up before the month's end - so here are my July empties:

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant Trial Size - just loved this and full size will be bought next! At the same time I bought full size of Coconut Pineapple but I much prefer this one.

mallow+white Revitalise Face Mask 30g* - this was beautiful and lasted ages! I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Sunday Riley Tidal 15g - I really liked this. It had a gel cream texture which absorbed quickly plumping and hydrating the skin. I'll probably pick this up again at some point.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Demolition - I loved this dark brown shade and would buy again (this is the only make up item I ever finish!)

Awake Organics Frankin-Sense Divine Face Care 30ml* - I adored this beautiful luxe cream. See my review HERE. Again, another one I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Apple & Bears Grapefruit & Seaweed body Wash 50ml* and Body Silk 50ml* - I absolutely loved this duo. See my review HERE. Again, I'll buy these once my stash reduces a bit.

BioExtracts Lifting Boost 1ml and BioExtracts Face Cream Rich 2ml - these seemed lovely. I'm definitely adding full sizes to the ever expanding wishlist. I'm currently testing out their Eye Contour cream* which is fantastic.

Lavera Hand & Cuticle Cream 2-in-1 1ml sachet - this cream is really nourishing but I don't like the scent so wouldn't buy.

Living Naturally Hibiscus & Lavender Bath Tea* - this was nice (came with a little bag to stop the bits getting stuck all over the bath). See my review HERE. I don't think I'd buy it again however I loved their Coconut Milk & Chai Bathtub Tea and would buy. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Awake Organics: Frankin-Sense Divine Face Care: Wellbeing Hydra-Cream

I first tried Awake Organics when I got a sample of their fabulous Aura Clean Deodorant in my March Best of British YOU Beauty Box. Also, see my review HERE.

I've been testing out their exquisite Frankin-sense Wellbeing Hydra Cream* (30ml - £28.99) and I can honestly say it's one of my favourite products this year. As well as being a delicious treat for the skin it soothes and calms the senses.

The cream is 100% waterless, absorbs instantly and feels light as well as nourishing on the skin. It's made with 5 Active Essentials - Frankincense, Carrot Seed, Rose Geranium, Patchouli and Lavender which hydrate and calm. 9 Organic unprocessed, raw and consciously sourced botanicals along with 7 bio-oils which are unrefined cold-pressed fruit, seed and kernal oils which deeply nourish and replenish dull, dehydrated and ageing skin.

Skin is left healthy, glowy and moisturised. The cream has a really beautiful scent and is a real treat and makes moisturising into a lovely ritual. It can also be used in conjunction with Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum. 

To use: apply in small quantities to the face, neck and eye area.

You can buy your very own JAR and get £5 off. Use code bbalm+awake. Limit to one coupon code per order. Not valid on any other products and can't be combined with any other coupons. Expires June 15 2017. 

Shipping Terms: Free Standard shipping to mainland UK (£3.99) is automatically applied at checkout on all orders over £50.00. If you use a promo code, your total cart value must be over £50 to qualify. Sorry, this offer is available for UK addresses only

*complimentary

Awake Organic Co: Aura Clean Natural Deodorant

I hadn't had a YOU Beauty Box for a while when quite by chance I spotted Awake Organics Co's new Aura Clean Natural Deodorant was a pick! (March) Inside was a sample size (10g) full size (30ml - which currently retails at £13.99). My sample pot has 21 uses making it a great try me.

Packaging is just exquisite (and recyclable). All products in the range are "handcrafted with joy" and are free from parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals and aluminium.

The scent is citrus, floral and herby (lavender, rosemary, lemongrass and peppermint) which is a naturally antibacterial formula. The deodorant has a light balm like texture which is easy to apply to the underarm area. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable and fresh.

It's not an antiperspirant so won't stop perspiration. It will provide all day protection however and left me feeling fresh and odour free all day! The formula contains arrowroot powder and British kaolin which help absorb natural perspiration. 

To use: apply a pea size amount to the underarm area and rub in.

I've been really impressed with the effectiveness of this deodorant (hubby loved it too) so will pick up full size soon.