April Empties

If a product is marked * I was gifted it for review purposes. Here is my April empties. I've actually got through quite a lot this month!

I love Bamford Pebble Soaps, this one came in a recent Naturisimo Discovery Kit. Lovely to use with a rich and creamy lather and aromatic scent. Always on the wishlist.

I received Odacite's CaR Vital Glow Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate vial in my Naturisimo Glow Starter Kit. I shared my musings HERE. Nice to use but a small sample, might or might now splurge on full size.

Crushing Blooms EdP by Tom Daxon 4.5ml which was nice to use but not one of my favourites from the range. See my post on the 13 vial collection HERE.

Molton Brown Flora Luminare EdT 1.5ml I really enjoyed using this floral perfume. Full size's on the wishlist!

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream 3ml I got about a week's worth of use from this little sachet AM and PM which gives enough use to weigh up whether you like an eye cream or no. This one's on my wishlist!

So much love for Raven Botanicals I tried their Award Winning Spellbind CBD Bakuchiol Serum* as a beauty shortlist judge and fell head-over-heels. A review is upcoming for this and the rest of my Beauty Shortlist Top Picks. I've since bought another!

Huge love for Bodhi & Birch, their Award winning Lemon Water Hydrosol Tonic is just fantastic. See my review HERE. I've just cracked open a full size I've been hoarding. Absolutely gorgeous!

L:A Bruket's Hand & Body Wash mini came in the February Mint Green Starter Set - see HERE. I loved it's uplifting and awakening herbal aroma. It's one I'd buy full size. 

An old favourite is REN's Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash 50ml which I picked up in Feel Unique's My Beauty Kit. Would buy again.

I fell head-over-heels for Bee Good's almost edible Warm Vanilla & Fig Hand & Body Wash 250ml which was a delight to use. Will definitely repurchase at some point as its lovely.

I've since bought Organic Work's zesty and uplifting Bergamot Hand Wash*. See my review HERE.

ila spa's The Big Sleep Drops are absolutely fantastic. I'm sure to buy them again. See my review HERE.

I found a sachet of Sol de Janiero's Coco Cabana Cream in my samples drawer. It has a gel type texture and a very sweet coconut scent. I'd love to buy this for summer.

I have loved everything I've tried from Tam Mason. The Bergamot & Blood Orange Nourishing Sugar Hand Scrub mini came in the A Handpicked Selection Box which I reviewed HERE.

I've been enjoying a soak in the bath lately and I especially liked Epic Blend's Coconut Soaking Salts, Westlab's SLEEP Salts* (Review) and Mythyn's Melusine Silk Soak Skin Hydrating Bath Potion. I'd be happy to use all of these again.

What have you been using up this month?

Latest Buys: Silvan Skincare, Ben & Anna's, Marley's Amsterdam, Bee Good, Feel Unique's Beauty Kit, Lovely Melts, Nicki's Aromatics, Herbs for Healing

I know, I know, I said I was having a leaner February. Things which have kept me going is having a few online spends! The way I look at it I'm not going into town shopping or going to work so have a little more free cash! Plus it makes me happy.

I took advantage of Love Lula's recent 10% off a £40 spend (I also had a fiver's worth of points). I'd spotted Silvan Skincare's new line of face creams and their Balance Face Cream spoke to me! It's formulated for oily and combo skins (and smells of exotic Ylang Ylang. I can see it's going to be a firm favourite (review to come). I'd never tried one of Ben & Anna's cardboard tubes of natural deodorant before so picked up one in their Persian Lime scent (I'm having a few issues with the tube - which I think could be slightly modified) but the product is superb (again, a review to come). The third item I bought is new brand at Love Lula - Marley's Amsterdam Sustainable Shampoo Beer & Incense - these are shampoo flakes which you mix with water to create shampoo & packaged in easily recyclable packaging. Genius! 

A friend on instagram asked for a recommendation of a new exfoliator. I suggested Bee Good, as I'd always enjoyed their one, you know the drill, I spotted their Hand & Body Wash with Warm Fig & Vanilla and had to snap one up! It's absolutely beautiful and has a scent which lingers, the wash lathers well, feels silky and leaves the body and hands refreshed and clean. I like this a lot.

I hadn't had a Beauty Kit from Feel Unique for ages. They were offering it for £9.95 plus p&p (instead of £12.95 plus p&p) for a limited period and so I jumped right in there. Really pleased with my picks! You also get the postage back as a voucher code for your next purchase which makes the kit excellent value (the trial sizes are a good size). I chose a duo from Kerastase, a generous Medik8 mini, Clinique's cult Take the Day off and a new Caudalie cream.

I picked up a handful of melts from Lovely Melts and the Sanctuary Orange one is identical to the evocative aroma of The Sanctuary products - it's absolutely lovely.

A little return order for Nicki's Aromatics Soy Wax Melts which are gorgeous! See the shop which is Glasgow based HERE. The melts (and candles) are lovingly hand poured using essential oils and soy wax.

The power of socials! I spotted Herbs for Healing on Saskia's Flower Essences instagram and went to investigate. I spotted the lovely collab and had to have one! It smells instantly relaxing and I'm looking forward to trying the Herbs for Healing Bath Oil with Saskia's Breathe Deep Seek Peace Flower Essence. Look out for that review!  

What have you been buying lately?

Stocking Fillers: £10 and under

Here's some of my top stocking fillers and small gifts:

Perfect for hanging on the tree is Bee Good's Lip Balm Trio (£10) which contains 3 x 10ml lip balms in Vanilla & Honey (review), Raspberry & White Chocolate (review) and Lime Blossom and Honey (review).

JOIK's Bath Truffles (£10 for 6)* which come in a variety of scents. See my review of the Herbal Bath Truffles* HERE. Get 15% off with code FRIDAY for Black Friday from now until 30th November (gift vouchers, the beauty box and items already on sale are exempt). It's a great saving for Christmas shopping!

Gin & Elderflower Humbugs from Holly's Lollies which are made with real gin! A jar costs £6.50 and comes in a variety of enticing (alcoholic) flavours. There are also lollies available to buy both large and small - see the shop HERE.

These ooh! Oils of Heaven* (£10) from Love Lula have been one of my favourite new finds this year. See my review HERE. These are the perfect stocking filler or small gift for any skincare lover.

This little set from Myroo Skincare just stole my heart! See my review HERE. You can pick it up in fragrance free too. Costing only £8 it make the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa.

Green People's Nourish Hand Cream (Ho Wood & Red Mandarin) 30ml - £6.50* also is perfect to hang from the tree. See my review HERE.

Naturisimo are selling Caudalie Christmas crackers (£10) (the one above contains body products - Des Vignes Shower Gel 30ml, Nourishing Body Lotion 30ml and Lip Conditioner 4.5g. There is also one available featuring skincare products.

What beauty products would you like to find in your Christmas stocking?

*sent to me as a member of the LLABP

June Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here's my June empties early:

Therapie Restore Aura Spray 100ml - amazing product. Have a little trial size tucked away but will buy again. Calms, refreshes and relaxes both the body and mind. Love!

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 100ml - handy for a light cleanse on no-make up days. Would re-purchase.

The Handmade Soap Company Grapefruit & May Chang Shower Gel 300ml* - absolutely loved this as well as the brand and the range of products. See my review HERE. I've since bought another one in a different scent.

Freyaluna Stop and Smell the Roses Bath & Body Oil 100ml - this was simply divine. See my review HERE. Only negative as the oil has no stopper the label/outside of the bottle gets a bit messy. Would buy again though.

Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this was great after exercise/gardening and I'd happily use it again.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 30ml - this was lovely and would buy again. A refreshing and deliciously scented spritz which was nice to use.

ila Bath Salts for Cleansing sample - lovely. Would buy full size.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil sample - one of the lushest and most luxe body products I've used. Love the uplifting scent too. See my review HERE.

YTTP Age Prevention Moisture Cream 5ml - simply fell for this light gel like cream which absorbed instantly. Full size is on wishlist! This came in my ABW Spring/Summer '16 box.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Bee Good: Lime Blossom & Honey Lip Balm & UK Giveaway!

I've been testing out Bee Good's gorgeous Lime Blossom & Honey Lip Balm (10ml - £4.75)*which was inspired by Aarti of Mrs Jonas Recommends. She entered last year's competition to create a lip balm and this is the flavour she pitched to the team at Bee Good which was runner-up. The winner was Vlogger, Joseph Harwood with his Raspberry & White Chocolate Lip Balm* see my review HERE and also see my review of the Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm* HERE.

A zesty blend of Lime Blossom with British Honey along with British Beeswax, natural source Vitamin E, British Borage Oil and British Echium Oil which nourish and replenish. I think this is my favourite of the trio and perfect for summertime.

I've got a gorgeous UK giveaway courtesy of Bee Good. You can win a Lip Balm Triple Collection which includes one of each balm - Vanilla & Honey, Raspberry & White Chocolate and the new lip balm Lime Blossom & Honey. 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*PR samples

Letterbox Gifts: The Sophia Box Giveaway - it's over!

I've got an absolutely gorgeous UK giveaway for you courtesy of Letterbox Gifts. You can win a fab The Sophia Box which is jam packed full of goodies. See my reviews of The Signature Box HERE and The Christmas Box HERE.

Inside is:

Wicked & Wonderful Marc de Champagne White Chocolate Truffles

Bee Good Natural Honey and Crambe Hand Cream

Nathalie Bond Organics Geranium and Patchouli Soap

The Natural Candle Company Vintage Blossom Soy Candle

Bellevue Tea Earl Grey Tea

All you need to do is enter via the rafflecopter below (and cross your fingers) Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February: Lately I've been Loving

ooh so many February loves..

I had an amazing facial* from Vicki at Bliss Body using a combination of products from Just Be Botanicals and a Galvanic current, a hand-held machine which helps lift and tone the skin. It helps to stimulate the facial muscles and helps to penetrate active ingredients into the skin.  See my review of Vicki's Just Be Fresh Faced Facial HERE* and Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial HERE*.

The very gorgeous NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask (sample*) from Bee Good. This is a seriously lush multi-tasker. See my review HERE.

Huge love for Craft Gin Club I got my first box in February. It's absolutely fantastic. See my review HERE. You can get £10 off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM.

The Joy Book Club sent me their second box* to review (link). I absolutely love this concept and hope to sign up soon.  Sign up HERE (subscriptions available again on 1st March).

I enjoyed amazing cocktails one weekend (love a Porn Star Martini (or a Negroni) at Tonic in Edinburgh.

source

Just yesterday I got a great cut and colour from Dean at Dean Jones Hairdressing. I got 4" cut from the length (!) and the colour is super shiny and glossy.  

Really pleased. The salon also gives you a card to give a friend for £10 off their first visit and a card with three treats which need to be used by a certain time (mine's 31 July) and the treats are - £5 off your next cut, £10 off your next colour and a free treatment with any full price service which I think is a nice (and welcome) touch.

I'm afraid the picture is the best of a bad bunch but you will see how great my hair looks!

What have you been loving in February?

*complimentary

Bee Good NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask

Whew it's a bit of a mouthful Bee Good NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask* I've been testing out a small pot of this bee goodness and being a lover of a multi-tasker it's got my name written all over it! Full size (100ml) is £39.50 and for a limited time you can pick up a 15ml trial size with any order over a tenner direct from Bee Good.

It really is the most lushest thing - it smells slightly of honey and is suitable for all skin types. It can be used 4 ways (but I've also used it to tame flyaways and as a lip balm)

Facial Complexion Booster: apply for 60 seconds for a flash facial, 5-10 minutes to boost your complexion or for a full hour for a pampering facial. Whatever the time will allow. Remove with a warm, damp muslin cloth.

Weekly Scalp Treatment: apply to the scalp massaging a small amount warmed in your palm. Leave for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

Hand Rescue Remedy: use on hands and nails massaging the rich cream into dry and rough areas. Can also be used as an overnight hand treatment.

SOS Mask: massage into dry elbows, knees and feet for deep nourishment. Can be left on overnight or gently removed with a warm cloth.

The mask is stuffed full of good things for the skin such as Natural Fruit Acids which exfoliate and help to minimise fine lines, Wheatgerm and Camelina oils which are rich in Vitamins, Beeswax, Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower Oils which help to lock in moisture. British Wildflower honey hydrates, Propolis purifies and refines while Bisabol balances and calms.

It's really a fantastic product. Have you tried it? Buy yours from Bee Good or QVC

*PR sample

Advent Calendars: Days 16 to 24

WOW I can't believe that's the end of the Advent Calendars well not quite 4160Tuesdays gives me a perfume for Christmas Day.

Here's an update as to what I received each day from day 16 to 24:

16 December

YOU Beauty: The Vintage Cosmetic Company Slanted Tweezers - I've a pair of tweezers I love so have gifted these.

M&S: Rodial Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel 15ml - this is a bit scary sounding! No doubt I'll give it a try.

4160Tuesdays: Tart's Knicker Drawer (how I'd laugh if someone asked me what perfume I was wearing while wearing this one!) It has notes of powdery floral amber.

17 December

YOU Beauty: Lanolips 101 Ointment - I have used this in the past but this one I've gifted on.

M&S: Swell Ultimate Volume Masque 50ml - another I've gifted on but have enjoyed using it in the past. See my review HERE.

4160Tuesdays: The Dark Heart of Old Havana - I love this one! With smokey notes of Tobacco, Coffee and fruits.

18 December

YOU Beauty: Benefit Roller Lash mini Mascara - pretty happy to see this. Tried it before and loved. Huge fan of mini mascaras.

M&S: Crabtree & Evelyn La Source mini Soap - this smells gorgeous! Huge fan of bar soaps. This one would be good for travel.

4160Tuesdays: The Lion Cupboard - this has been the first scent I haven't really liked. It has notes of herbs, coffee, juniper, citrus, woods and tobacco. I found it a bit old fashioned and musty.

19 December

YOU Beauty: Bee Good Plump & Firm mini Moisturiser - I tried this moisturiser recently for the first time and loved it. See my review HERE.

M&S: Autograph Ultimate Shine Twist Up Lip Colour - Nude - love this glossy pop of neutral colour. One of my favourites from all the calendars.

4160Tuesdays: New York '55 - with notes of raspberry, rose, violet, vanilla and musk. Really like this one.

20 December:

YOU Beauty: Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo & Conditioner - was pleased to see these in the calendar as they are brilliant size (75ml) and my hair could do with a little bit of body.

M&S: L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel 75ml - used this before and loved it.

4160Tuesdays: Raw Silk and Red Roses - WOW love this one. It has notes of rose, geranium, musk and fruit.

21 December

YOU Beauty: REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial 15ml - I've used this before and loved it. See my review HERE.

M&S Pixi Glow Tonic 100ml - I've just started using this and my skin seems to like it.

4160Tuesdays - Paradox - with woods, citrus, musk, iris and violet.

22 December

YOU Beauty: Green People Age Defy+ 24hr Brightening Moisturiser 10ml - I've a feeling I've tried this before. Good size sample.

M&S: REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial 15ml - received this yesterday in the YOU Beauty calendar. Will probably gift this one on.

4160Tuesdays: Inevitable Crimes of Passion - "the end of innocence. An invitation into a Victorian orangery, then into the velvet upholstered parlour for tea..then down to the basement". Sound interesting...

23 December

YOU Beauty: Rodial STEMCELL super food glam balm multi 25ml - a multi-purpose balm which you can use on your face, as a mask or eye balm.

M&S: Stila Lip Glaze in Sugar Plum - I've used these in the past and this looks like a pretty shade.

4160Tuesdays: Maxed Out - this one is gorgeous! It has notes of rum, coconut, lime, coffee, tobacco and cannabis. It has a really lovely coconut lime scent.

24 December

YOU Beauty: Rituals Under a Fig Tree mini Reed Diffuser - was really excited about this one! Can't wait to try it out.

M&S: Morgan Taylor Nail Polish - in a pretty maroon shade.

4160Tuesdays: Be Careful What You Wish For - citrus, oudh, cedarwood and patchouli. Looking forward to testing this one out more.

So that's it! What are your thoughts on the contents?  4160Tuesdays have made their calendar for 25 days so I'll get an extra treat on Christmas Day! Also looking forward to having time to try everything out properly.

My top 15 products of 2015

I was trying to limit to 10 again this year but found I just couldn't. These aren't in any order they are just my top products. I have divided them up into product types.

Skincare:

Lulu & Boo Chocolate Orange Cleansing Oil* (100ml) - this cleansing oil is a recent favourite. I reviewed it in November and I can honestly say it is one of the nicest and most effective cleansers I've used this year.

Skin &Tonic STEAM CLEAN (50g) - I'm a huge fan of Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN. The minty balm cleanser uplifts the senses while cleansing the skin of daily grime and make up. I've gone through several pots of it this year and will keep on buying it as it works (I love it too).

Holistic Green Beauty Rose Radiance Toning Mist* (100ml) - another new launch this year. See my review HERE. An amazing toner which hydrates, tones and plumps the skin. Love!

Living Nature Radiance Night Oil* (10ml) - this rose scented oil is one of the most luxurious I've ever used. See my review HERE. I don't currently have this in my stash but plan to buy it again soon.

de Mamiel Seasonal Facial Oils (20ml) - I've tried and reviewed Spring, Summer and Autumn. I know I'll keep on buying these exquisite oils as my skin loves them.

A.S Apothecary* - This is cheating a little bit as it's two products! The very fabulous Cleansing Oil #5* (review) and new product Mineral Powder #2* mix a small amount of the powder in a bowl with a few drops of Cleansing Oil to form a paste before applying to the skin as an exfoliator (full review to follow shortly). Amanda has created an amazing range of products. I also love her range for Harris Distillery.

Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator (50ml)* - one of my favourite Bee Good products. See my review HERE. 

Bath & Body:

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (200ml) - this is my favourite new bath product this year. See my review HERE. I've already got back-ups of my back up!

Odylique Rose Velvet Body Lotion (100ml) - which is another new (Limited Edition) launch this year. A rich lotion which is scented with roses. See my review HERE.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil* - an uplifting and rich body serum which is a joy to use! See my review HERE.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - I buy these again and again as they just work. See my review HERE. If I could only use one bath product it would be these.

Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy - my favourite Bodhi & Birch scent. Invigorating and refreshing. See my review HERE.

Perfume:

Shay & Blue - I've got huge love for this beautiful brand. The perfumes are different and very wearable. I'm looking forward to their new launch next year too! See my reviews - Atropa Belladonna, Watermelons*, Framboise Noir* and Salt Caramel.

Bloom Perfumery Yearly Sample Pack Subscription - is one of the most exciting subscription launches this year. I've tried some amazing perfumes and added lots to the wishlist! See my reviews for each month here July, August, September, October and November.

Make up:

Lippy Girl Rosie Posie Lipstick - I read Hephzibah's blog post on this lipstick and it was a severe case of "the blogger made me buy it". Such a pretty and wearable shade I'm hardly without it!

What products have been top for you this year?

*PR samples

Bee Good: Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum

Having loved both the Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream (mini review) and the Youth Enhancing Plump & Firm Moisturiser (review)* I knew there was a pretty good chance I'd feel the same way about Bee Good's Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum (30ml - £25)*.

The serum is best used before the moisturiser and is suitable for all skin types but especially mature or ageing skin.

The serum absorbs instantly and helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as even the skin tone and hydrate. It has a lovely honey/ fruity scent and is a real pleasure to use.

Formulated with "collagen stimulating peptides, hydrating British honey, anti-oxidant rich propolis, firming blackcurrant seed and larch extract which helps to retain moisture in the skin".

To use: apply to the skin after cleansing to the face and neck, massaging until absorbed. For best results apply the matching moisturiser.

Have you tried any products from the Youth Enhancing Range?

*PR sample

Bee Good: Youth Enhancing Plump & Firm Moisturiser

I've been testing out Bee Good's Youth Enhancing Plump & Firm Moisturiser (50ml - £23.50)* and can honestly say this new range from Bee Good is amazing. I've already tried out the Lift & Brighten Eye Cream (which featured in my recent little treats post).

The cream absorbs easily onto the skin and smells gorgeous! It helps to reduce signs of ageing - softening wrinkles, revitalising, plumping, brightening and hydrating.

Pick it up online direct from Bee Good, at Love Lula, Bath & Unwind and in selected Waitrose and Fenwick stores. Products are stuffed full of good things for the skin including honey, propolis, beeswax along with British botanicals.

Apply AM and PM - for best results use after the serum.

I've noticed my skin feels smoother and more nourished and has a dewy fresh look. Having tried the eye cream (and loved it) I know I definitely want to now invest in the serum. I also picked up this little set for my mum's Christmas as I know she'll love the range as much as me!

What's your favourite Bee Good product?

*PR sample