June Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my June empties. If a product is marked * I very kindly received it complimentary for review.

I fell totally head-over-heels for Butterwhips when I tried them recently. Warmly Relaxing Body Butter with Bergamot, Lavender & Vitamin E is simply exquisite. See my review HERE. This is the brand which will be replenished again and again. I also love the eco-friendly reusable or easily recyclable tins.

Typology Orange Blossom Hydrolate 100ml* which I loved using. See my review HERE. It's on the wishlist for when my stash reduces a bit.

I love Beauty Kitchen and fell in love with their Seahorse Plankton Superglow Active Mist 100ml. Again, on the wishlist when I use up some of my stash.

Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil 75ml is an absolute delight. Creamy with a lush lavender aroma. I was sad to use this one up! Check out my review HERE. Will be bought again when I use up more stuff.

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and loved both of these bath and shower gels 100ml - Vetiver & Grapefruit and Geranium Nefertum were both great scents which I enjoyed with a rich foamy lather. I'll definitely buy both again.

I've loved trying Africology products this year. Their Rose Absolute Tonic 25ml* was a joy to use. See my review HERE.

From Heavenly Organics I enjoyed their Lavender Hand Balm 15g* which is presented in a recyclable/re-usable tin. See my review HERE.

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. I was pleased to try a mini 25ml of their new Bom Dia Bright Cream recently which brightens and smoothes the skin. It gently exfoliates and retexturises with fruit AHA's as well as smelling lush. Full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Rounding up my June empties is my hands-down-favourite bar shampoo - EarthKind's award winning Tea Tree & Eucalyptus Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health 50g*. I use this once or twice a week and this bar has lasted over a year!! See my review HERE. I've just opened a new one and have a couple more in my stash! 

What have you been using up lately?

Latest in Beauty: Black Friday Sales Pick

(*no longer available*) I picked up a great value set in Latest in Beauty's Black Friday Sale (some bits for me, and some for gifting). The Autumn '19 edit - The Beauty Heroes cost £18 (was £26 and worth £135) and included an extra treat of 4 x £5 off voucher codes to be used on collection boxes in December & January (I'll definitely be checking out the Boxing Day/January sales!)

WOW!

And for a closer look..

Oh K! 3-Step Charcoal Sheet Mask (full size - £7) - consists of cleansing wash, bamboo charcoal fiber mask and nourishing serum all in one pack.

Image Biomolecular anti-ageing radiance mask (single use, full size £8.99) which will hydrate and awaken tired skin. From Patchology we have Perk Up Eye Gels (single use, full size £4).

From Time Bomb there is a full size of Over-exposed Sun Damage Rescue (£70 - 70ml) which will address the impact of UV exposure with clinically proven, heavy duty antioxidants and deep emollients.  From Beauty Kitchen, there's a full size of their Abyssinian Oil Handbag Beauty Balm which is multi-use (£12.50).

A full size Palms & Pineapple Compact Styler from Tangle Teezer which is worth £13.50.

This little Miss Patisserie Lavender Bath Melt (full size, £5) has been earmarked for a gift! Super cute.

The Sanctuary Spa and NKD Skn are for gifting (Ultra-Wet Skin Moisture Miracle and Gradual Glow Daily Tan Moisturiser) as is the Organii Hand Cream.

Rounding up the collection is a mini NUXE Huile Prodigieuse, which I've used loads of times before and Hershesons Almost Everything Cream (which I'm looking forward to trying).

Check out the current boxes available HERE. Did you pick up any beauty in the Black Friday sales?

Shopping my Stash #106

I took this pic on a really sunny day! My post contains one item which is a #productsample/AD.

I've been loving trying Eco by Sonia Eye Compost, which is their latest launch. It comes with a dinky jade stone applicator. I'm pretty impressed with how good this is. It brightens and plumps the eye area, reducing dark circles and smoothing out fine lines. 

Botanico Vida Omega Balm is a deeply nourishing balm which is formulated with Sacha Inchi Oil, the world's richest plant source of Omega 3, 6 and 9, Catorlatum TM, a new ingredient which naturally locks moisture into the skin, Argan, Avocado, Rosehip and Coconut oils along with Vitamin E and Calendula. It's great to use on dry skin patches, flyaways, hands and cuticles, lips and heels. This smaller size pot's perfect to pop in your handbag for instant moisture on the go.

The SPF30 Mineral Shield Daily Primer from Beauty Kitchen came in a kit - see HERE.  I really like this - it mattifies and smoothes the skin before foundation application. 

My friend Julie gave me the Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner for my birthday. I'm a huge fan of this brand and have previously tried a few items from the range. This toner smells heavenly! It refreshes and balances (and is great for my oily T-zone).

I recently placed an order with Noble Isle and was sent some lovely freebies including this mini Golden Harvest Luxury Body Hydrator. I love it's gel like texture and subtle scent. I think it would be the perfect body product for summer and holidays.

This simple but luscious lip balm* from Wild & Precious is rich and nourishing. See my review HERE.

Rounding up my picks is the sublime White Peaches by Shay & Blue which I think is summer in a bottle. It's deliciously refreshing, sweet and floral. 

What have you been reaching for lately?

May Empties

*productsamples I'm not going to use anything else up so here's my May empties:

INKA Botanicals Marmalade Mist sample which came in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I just loved this - the scent's totally uplifting and the mist a real treat. Full size is on the wishlist.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 9ml huge fan of these and no doubt will buy this again (and again).

de Mamiel Spring Seasonal Face Oil sample so lovely to be back in the world of this exquisite range. I loved this and definitely will do all four seasons again. See my reviews of the samples I selected HERE. See my year in 2015 of Seasonal Oils Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton Brilliance Hand & Nail Cream 6ml I just loved this little pot of goodness. It's a hand cream I'd buy full size.

A.S Apothecary Body Elixir #33 25ml which came in my September Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. See my review HERE. It's one I'd definitely buy once my body care products stash reduces in size!

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml which came in my Feel Unique Pick 'n' mix recently. It was nice to use and I'd buy full size (although Summer Rising scent is my absolute favourite).

Belenos Skin Botanique Feng Shui Love Body Oil which I adored. See my review HERE. Will buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

Cocorosa Beauty Egyptian Neroli Cleansing Oil mini which came in my February Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved it so much I rushed out to buy full size. Review to come!

*The Organic Pharmacy Rose Shower Gel 65ml which I received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. See my review HERE (it's part of a travel kit). I absolutely loved this rose scented wash and I'd buy it full size.

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Natural Deodorant which is my fav scent from the brand. I adore the deodorant and will buy this again.

Aldi No.14 Velvety Rose Luxury Hand Cream 30ml deeply nourishing with a gorgeous scent. Would buy again.

*Tropic Skincare Wildmint, Lime & Pineapple Body Wash 50ml which is one of my favourite scents from the range. See my review HERE. I think this one would be perfect for summer holidays.

*Wild & Precious Shampoo/Skin Wash 01 300ml which I reviewed on 1st January this year! See my review HERE. Nice to use and very long lasting making it great value. I'll maybe pick it up again.

*I received this product as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. I think the Natura Siberica brand is excellent - very affordable, lovely and effective. Their Revitalising Bath Soak 600g is a gorgeous product. See my review HERE. Sure to buy again when the stash reduces a bit!

My final empty this month is the very lovely Molton Brown Festive Frankincense & Allspice Liquid Hand Wash 300ml which I simply adore. I buy enough in the sales to last me all year! See my review HERE.  As long as they keep making it, I'll keep buying!

What have you been using up this month?

Beauty Kitchen - Miniature Heroes - Sustainable Beauty Celebrations

I was very excited to find this fabulous reduced item in Holland & Barrett which was marked down to £12 from £30 and so, I quickly snapped it up. I'm a huge Beauty Kitchen and mini products fan (12 x 6ml) so I am totally delighted! There are also some final sale clearances on the website if you want to take a look.

Inside the recyclable tube is...all this...

The pot size is 6ml making them the perfect try me/for holidays/weekends away (and the pots are reusable too).

Karine Jackson - The Protector Multi-Purpose Primer which will tame flyaways, smooth and protect from daily brushing, UVA/UVB rays, daily pollution and damage. To use: Use as as mask before washing, apply before blow drying or use to tame flayaways. I'm looking forward to trying this and I'll let you know my thoughts in an empties post. This is a new to me product.

Mineral Shield Daily Primer SPF30 - I recently tried this via a Triyit campaign and I loved it. It gives the skin SPF protection from UVA/UVB rays and daily pollution is 100% natural and fragrance free. To use: apply after your skincare regime but before foundation. Apply a small amount to the face before applying make up. This is a handy size for travel or popping in your make up bag.

Free From Wonder Balm - which nourishes dry lips, dry patches, flyaways, cuticles. To use: apply as often as needed to hydrate and nourish.

Men's Skincare Balm Solo - which I'll give to hubby to test out. It can be used as a cleanser, pre-shave cleanser, moisturiser, mask or problem skin balm. The balm contains activated charcoal which will draw out grease, grime and impurities from the skin. To use: as a cleanser/pre-shave cleanser: apply a small amount onto your face and neck before rinsing. As a moisturiser: apply to problem areas or as a mask: apply to dry skin, leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing.

A trio from the Abyssinian Oil range: Night Halo Sleep Mask - which was another Triyit review product (and was lovely to use). To use: Use overnight when you are sleeping and wake up with radiant and nourished skin.  Handbag Beauty Balm - a multi-use balm which can be used as a cleanser, mask, make-up primer, highlighter or as a balm for dry skin areas, cuticles and flyaways. To use: apply a small amount of balm applying sparingly before removing or massaging in.  Facial Moisture Cream - a fragrance free cream which will nourish and hydrate the skin and neck. To use: apply a small amount to the fingertips and massage onto the skin after cleansing. Can be used AM and PM.

The remainder of the pots are from the best selling Seahorse Plankton range. Beauty Boosting BB Cream - (which looks a bit dark in the pot!). I've not actually tried this out yet but it'll smooth out your skin tone and soothe problem skin. To use: apply after your facial oil but before your make up to tint and even out your skin tone as well as helping protect from environmental damage. I'm already a huge fan of 5 Minute Miracle Mask (see my review of it and the Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser*) HERE.

Brilliance Hand & Nail Cream - a rich but quickly absorbing cream which smells gorgeous. To use: apply morning and evening for youthful and hydrated hands. Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser - which helps to prolong a youthful appearance. To use: apply a small amount daily to the face and neck. Eye Life & Lumination Serum - which I've used before. You only need the smallest amount so this little pot will last a while. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, plumping the eye area and nourishing. To use: smooth a small amount around the eye area concentrating on crow's feet and dark circles.

Have you used any of these items? What are your favourites from Beauty Kitchen?

*I was gifted the Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser which featured in my earlier review. I bought the Miniature Heroes Kit myself.

October: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in October:

I picked up this gorgeous wee book by local artist Peter Jones. It may be a little book but it's the sweetest thing and perfect for any lover of Portobello.

I had the real pleasure of trying gorgeous Casa Mencarelli, a beautiful new skincare line. See my review HERE. The products are beautiful (I also love that you can buy trial sizes as well as full sizes).

I loved attending the 10th Portobello Book Festival - I normally go to a few things but only managed along to the fascinating discussion by Sara Sheridan and Alex Nye - "no place for a woman" and of course I had to get signed books. The Ice Maiden I'd already read and you can see my mini review in my July book round-up.

I'm testing out the latest launch from Dafna's Personal Skincare - Active Mist* which is incredible - expect a review on the blog soon!

Being a tester for Triyit - I was delighted to receive a box of wonderful new products* from Beauty Kitchen - I've already got some favourites - expect reviews up on the blog soon.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 - My Top Picks

I was totally honoured and chuffed to bits when Fi at The Beauty Shortlist asked me to be a judge for the 2018 Awards - you can see all the winners and finalists HERE.

These are my top picks from the products I was lucky enough to try (some of which are winners, finalists and Editor's Choice winners):

KINN Beauty: 

Best New Brand - UK

Best Body Lotion, Best Bath Oil, Editor's Choice - Body Oil

I totally loved everything about this brand (which had been on my radar a while). From the simple but stylish packaging, the exquisite comforting scent which makes me think "everything's going to be ok" (Ylang Ylang, Lavender & Tangerine) which uplifts, calms and soothes both the body and mind. 

The range is truly beautiful and I enjoyed trying it all (will all be purchases in future for sure!)

Check out KINN Beauty HERE.

Jo Browne Ireland:

Best Aromatherapy Products (Home-Bath-Beauty-Travel) - Natural Solid Perfume (floral), Best Cleansing Balm (f) - Natural Facial Cleansing Balm

Oh these products made my heart sing! That packaging! (eco-friendly bamboo) I just loved everything about this lovely range. The cleansing balm has the lightest texture and the most aromatic scent (Bergamot, Neroli, Palmarosa, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit and Rose) and makes short work of daily grime and make up. Skin is left feeling comfortable, clean and nourished. Love!  The Natural Solid Perfume (housed in a eco-friendly bamboo tube with outer bamboo cover) is a gentle floral and very pretty. 

Check out Jo Browne Ireland HERE.

Inner-Soul Organics:

Best Night Balm - Healing Night Balm, Editor's Choice - Roses & Lemons Tender Cleanse Balm and Supreme Comfort Day Cream

I'd previously tried the cleansing balm and day cream so it was nice to re-visit (I'd forgotten how good they are!). New to me winner is the Healing Night Balm which is a night time essential! It has a sleep inducing scent (Lavender & Patchouli) which cocoons and relaxes both the skin and mind. Wake up with soft, smooth and deeply nourished skin. Love!

Check out Inner-Soul Organics - HERE.

MV Organic Skincare:

Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - Australia

Best Face Mask (Natural) - Energising Mineral Mask, Editor's Choice - Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser

I'd only tried MV Organic Skincare's Jojoba Oil so I enjoyed trying out two more products from the brand. Their Energising Mineral Mask is a mix of clays (mix with water or hydrosol to make a paste). It will energise and revitalise tired and stressed skins. Their Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser has a glorious rose scent and a light texture which is easily absorbed. The skin is left feeling comfortable and nourished. Definitely want to try more from this brand!

Check out MV Organic Skincare - HERE.

Dafna's Personal Skincare:

Best Skincare Brand - International

Best Night Treatment - Nutrition, Best Serum - Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum, Editor's Choice - Moisture+, Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser

I'm a huge fan of Dafna's Personal Skincare already - see my reviews - Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser, Nutrition & Eye Care. New tries to me were Moisture+ and Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum (both of which I loved). The serum is stuffed full of skin loving actives which soften, nourish, tighten and firm the skin. Moisture+ is a rich cream which is formulated with 19 carefully selected actives.  Just love this brand.

Check out Dafna's Personal Skincare - HERE.

Marina Miracle:

Editor's Choice - Amaranth Night Serum

This new to me brand from Norway is gorgeous! I truly loved trying both these products.  The Aramanth Face Oil absorbs quickly and leaves the skin nourished and glowy while the Aramanth Night Serum regenerates and rejuvenates the skin while you sleep (they both smell glorious too).

Check out Marina Miracle at A Beautiful World - HERE.

Kinvara True Skincare:

Best Cleansing Oil (f), Editor's Choice - Eye Wow Eye Serum and Hyaluronic Youth Boost

I'd been aware of this Irish brand but hadn't tried anything before being a Judge. I loved the pretty packaging and the formulations inside are pretty special. 

My favourites are the Absolute Cleansing Oil which gently but deeply removes make up and daily grime (citrussy scent) leaving the skin feeling clean and nourished. Eye Wow Eye Serum is another favourite. It comes in a cooling rollerball and helps to minimise fine lines, dark circles and puffiness (it really does work) and has a nice fig/green scent. The third product to wow me is their Hyaluronic Youth Boost which acts as a natural filler - I've been using this around my lips to plump and nourish.

Check out Kinvara True Skincare - HERE.

Beauty Kitchen:

Best Multi-Tasking Balm - Free From Wonderbalm, Editor's Choice - Raw Inventions Kit and Skincare Treasures

I absolutely adored the Free From Wonder Balm which I used when I had the flu recently. It soothed and calmed my nose (in between sneezing fits). It's also good for lips and other dry patches.  Would buy again for sure. I also adored their very clever Raw Inventions Kit which has everything you need to make your own skincare including ingredients and pots, bottles and labels - it's fab!

Check out Beauty Kitchen - HERE.

Tropic Skincare:

Best Skincare Product for Acne - Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask & Best Face Mask - Breakouts, Editor's Choice - Supergreens Nutrient Boost Serum and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum

I'm a huge fan of lovely Tropic Skincare and have had the pleasure of trying these products previously - see my reviews - Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum, Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum.

Check out Tropic Skincare - HERE.

Ere Perez:

Best Concealer - Arnica Concealer, Editor's Choice - Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar

I just loved both of these Ere Perez products. The face nectar is lightweight and absorbs instantly. It nourishes, hydrates, plumps, can help with sun damage and tired and stressed skin. The nectar is scented with Jasmine Sambac and Sandalwood (and is gorgeous). The blue cypress helps to make the skin dewy. A stunning product. The Arnica Concealer is easy to blend, has a nice texture and hides dark circles and imperfections very well. I'll buy a darker shade coming into summer.

Check out Ere Perez - HERE.

ISUN:
Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - USA
Best Daily Serum 40+ - Phyto Infusion Facial Serum, Best Lip Balm - (f) - Golden Lip Balm, Editor's Choice - Peptide Eye Cream

This is a new to me brand and I enjoyed all the products I tried. The skincare products have quite a neutral scent but work very well and are stuffed full of potent powerhouse ingredients which revitalise, regenerate and make the skin glow. The lip balm has a buttery texture and an orange scent. I definitely want to try more from this brand.

Check out ISUN - HERE.

SAFEAS Organic Beauty:
Editor's Choice - Ghassoul Cleansing Mask 

This lavender scented mask was lovely to use. It deeply cleaned the pores, helping to rid the skin of blackheads and other impurities as well as controlling sebum. Really enjoyed using this mask (from a new to me brand).

Check out Safeas Organic Beauty - HERE.

See all the winners of the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE and check out the dates for the forthcoming Mama & Baby Awards 2018 and the 2019 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE.

Beauty Kitchen: Seahorse Plankton Range

Way back in September I received Beauty Kitchen's Seahorse Plankton 5 Minute Miracle Mask in the final YOU Beauty Box (see HERE). It's an absolutely fantastic mask (and range).

I've been testing out a few bits* from the range so read on to find out what I think. 

Beauty Kitchen very kindly sent me some other items from the range to test out with the mask. You can pick the products at Holland & Barrett countrywide or online.

The Seahorse Plankton range is made with Plankton microalgae which is stuffed full of Omega fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants which help to increase collagen production by 19.3% in just 24 hours. The products will make your skin firmer, plumper, more radiant and glowy.

Beauty Kitchen have teamed up with The Seahorse Trust to help #SaveStan and millions of endangered seahorses like him. They will donate money on your behalf to help save these magical creatures. If you buy a #SaveStan Skincare Treasures Set, you will receive a free 4 month Seahorse Adoption pack.

I've been really impressed with the whole range - how lovely they are, how nice they feel on my skin and how effective they are.

Everlasting Radiance Cleansing Gel* (£14.99 - 100ml) is pale blue in colour! The cleansing gel smells of the sea and contains 100% natural biologically proven microalgae which cleanses and refreshes the skin. The cleanser also contains frankincense, immortelle, angelica root and blue chamomile which hydrate and protect.

To use: massage onto damp skin before removing with warm water or a konjac sponge or cloth. My skin is left feeling clean, comfortable and nourished.

The star product for me is the High Definition Face Oil* (£19.99 - 30ml) which is an absolute delight to use.  The oil contains biologically proven seahorse plankton microalge which helps to smooth out wrinkles, plump the skin and nourish. It's suitable for all skin types and helps to prolong a youthful glow.

To use: apply a few drops to the face and neck twice a day using circular motions.

The Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser* (£19.99 - 60ml) is suitable for daily use. As well as the seahorse plankton microalge it contains sea kelp, blue chamomile, angelica root, immortelle and frankincense. 

To use: apply a small amount to your face and neck daily. For extra special results use after the facial oil.

The 5 Minute Miracle Mask (£14.99 - 60ml) is a CEW Beauty Awards Finalist 2017. The mask feels lovely on the skin, plumping, nourishing and firming.

To use: apply a thin layer to face, neck and decolettage and relax for 5-15 minutes before removing with a cloth or konjac sponge. My skin is left feeling soft, healthy and plumped.

Have you used anything from Beauty Kitchen? If so, what's your favourite product?

*complimentary