*Love Lula: AUTUMN Beauty

*sent to me complimentary as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for an honest review. As you'll know I've been theming my Love Lula picks this year.

January - SLEEP,  February - LOVE, March - AWAKEN, April - BLOSSOM, May - FORAGE, 

June GROW, July - PLASTIC FREE JULY, August - CBD, September - Organic September

This month I chose Autumn as my theme thinking of pumpkins, blackberries and apples. It is great to discover a new facial oil which I've fallen hard for, enjoy a deliciously berry scented sugar scrub and autumnal lips need lip balm.

Hero Facial Oil* By Sarah London (30ml - £33) was originally formulated for Sarah's sister, Lauren to restore her fragile skin after treatment for leukaemia. It's "the original, the hero, the inspiration". Cold pressed organic plant oils of pumpkin seed, sweet almond, apricot, argan, evening primrose and vitamin e. The soothing oil is unfragranced and a nourishing powerhouse for happy healthy skin (I've since bought two others from the range which are equally fantastic - Balancer Oil-to-Milk Cleanser + Reviver Hydrating Mist - reviews soon!)

To use: massage a few drops over face and neck both AM and PM.

I can't believe its taken me so long to try this fantastic range. Hero Facial Oil is an absolute dream and makes for healthy and glowing skin. One of my fav products this year.

Lovely and affordable Bloomtown - I chose their deliciously scented The Hedgerow Blackberry & Honeysuckle Sugar Scrub* (60ml - £7). Who hasn't gone blackberry picking? There's nothing quite like getting a bundle of tasty sweet and juicy berries for free. Bloomtown have paired them with fruity, heady and warm honeysuckle along with nourishing oils of sweet almond, coconut oil and shea butter with British sugar.

To use: apply to damp skin in circular movements before rinsing

A gorgeous scrub (which comes in a 250ml size too!)

My final pick this month with a nod to apples is super moisturising Hurraw! Ahiflower Apple Lip Balm* (4.3g - £4.99). Ahiflower is grown in the UK. The seeds are pressed to produce a delicate oil with a higher quantity of omegas than any other seed on the planet. It's been paired with golden apple flavour (I don't get an apple scent, it seems unfragranced to me). I like to use it best at night and wake up with soft and nourished lips.

To use: apply as often as needed

Although I'm not so keen on the scent, or lack of it, it does deeply moisturise the lips (best to use at bedtime). What are your Autumn essentials?

Latest Buys: The Nue Co, Bloomtown, Naturisimo, Darly Lama, Tessa Williams Perfumes, Estee Lauder + Olfactory Candles

I'm actually going to try and break the habit of a lifetime and reduce my spending haha! These are the last lot of July buys:

I adore The Nue Co's Functional Fragrance (review) so was mega pleased to see the latest "supplement" fragrance Forest Lungs arrive in the 10ml size. A review to come - it's lush!

Using the generous Love Lula beauty box discount (20% for subscribers of the brands in the box that month) I picked up one of Bloomtown's Essential Oil trios. Again, a review to come.

I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box and July's Edit didn't fail to disappoint (the Kiki is a staple in my stash).

I waited all year to get to the top of the Darly Lama waitlist on Facebook. The wax melts don't disappoint!

I picked up a sample set of the whole range of natural perfumes by Tessa Williams Perfumes and I'm slowly savouring and enjoying them. So far LOVE and WATER have my heart. Again, a review to come.

Having read about Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Creme de Soleil Decadent Smoothing Body Creme in a magazine I went to source it. Found in Harvey Nichols with 10% off. It's truly sumptuous and smells of summer holidays. Pick yours up HERE.

I can never resist new scents at Olfactory Candles and these new ones don't fail to disappoint! Remember you can get 15% off your first wax order with SANDRA15.

What have you been buying lately?

*Love Lula Beauty Box: July 2021

I receive the Love Lula Beauty Box complimentary every month as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for an honest review. The July Beauty Box arrived on Saturday and this month is worth £58. Inside this month are 4 brand new to me products, although I know the brands. I have tried gorgeous Skin Alchemist's soaps before but not Equilibrium which is inside the box this month (it has a very strong lime-y scent along with aromatic notes of Lavender, Vetiver and Incense Woods). Shall we take a look?

Inside this month are 4 full sizes! Two body care, one skincare and one make up item. It's a fabulous mix (I also love the new information card!)

From Bloomtown there's their Natural Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint (£10 - 50g) which comes out the reusable/recyclable tin to use! It smells so good. I've used this plastic free deo - (it's excellent for #plasticfreejuly) a few times now and can honestly say it keeps me fresh all day. I like this a lot. It's a great addition to the box this month.

A make up item! We've got a Pure Black Kajal (£14.20 - 3g) from Soul Tree. I spotted these on the website a while ago and was tempted so it's great to see this Ayurvedic formulated Kajal in the box. 

I'm a huge fan of Gallinée, having used several of their products in the past. Inside the box this month is their Eye Contour Cream (£22 - 15ml) which I'm excited to try. A review will come for this one when I've had the chance to try it out.

Rounding up this fantastic box is Skin Alchemist's Equilibrium Soap Bar (£10 - 128g) which smells intensely of limes. There's also some Lavender, Vetiver and Incense Woods in the formulation. Again, this artisan, handcrafted soap is perfect for #plasticfreejuly coming in an easily recyclable cardboard box.

What are your thoughts on the box this month? Are you a subscriber?

Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb! Hand Sanitiser

 As soon as I saw that Noble Isle were launching a Hand Sanitiser I knew I'd have to try it! I picked up a free one during their offer launch (both 75ml). It costs £6 for the 75ml size, £16 for 250ml.

The sanitiser are presented in a flip top recyclable plastic bottle which is easy to pop in your handbag. The sanitiser is in a gel format, is antibacterial and cleansing and has the gorgeous Rhubarb Rhubarb! scent which is fresh and very fruity. Formulated with 75% alcohol which helps to remove germs and bacteria from the hands. 

To use: apply liberally over dry hands for 30 seconds until the gel has evaporated. It's said to kill 99% of germs

Vegan, paraben and SLS free, gluten and cruelty free

The santiser is nice to use and leaves the hands feeling clean, smelling gorgeous and never dry. It's up there as one of my top sanitisers along with Bloomtown's version.

Pick yours up HERE.

New In: Bloomtown: Hand Sanitizer Purse Spray + Grounded Essential Oil

As soon as I spotted Bloomtown's latest launches at Love Lula I knew I'd be buying a couple! Enter their Pure Essential Oil Blend - Grounded (10ml - £12) which is a blend of earthy Patchouli, Sweet Orange and grounding Vetiver which has been created for these days when you need to feel stable and close to home. It's a really beautiful blend and it was the one which "spoke to me" most (although I now want to try Energy, Peace, Sleep and Balance).

Inside each 10ml bottle is 200 drops - turn this into 33 relaxing baths (6 drops per bath), 20 massages (10 drops in 20ml or carrier oil) or 2-3 months of regular diffusing use. I've been dabbling in making my own soy wax melts - so I may be minded to whip up a small batch using this oil or one of the others in the range. 

My second buy was Bloomtown's new Hand Sanitizer Purse Spray 70% Alcohol Natural & Organic (10ml - £5) which is one of the best sanitizers I've used so far (I'll definitely be picking up full size (100ml - £12) for decanting purposes. This little one if perfect for popping inside a handbag or pocket and feels really gentle on the skin. Glycerine is added to the formulation to prevent dryness and the sanitizer is scented with lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon and clove which is a fabulous blend. 

To use: spritz onto hands and rub in (inside this little bottle is approximately 75 spritzes)

I'm so impressed with both of these and will definitely be re-purchasing both! What are your favourites from the latest launches?

August Empties

I'm very early with my August empties but I'm absolutely drowning in the stuff and want to recycle! Products marked * I've very kindly been gifted for review.

I've a few perfume samples: All Saints Incense City vial which I picked up via Feel Unique's pick 'n' mix service. I've since bought full size of this. See my review HERE. Safe to say I love it and would re-purchase. From Avon is one of their latest launches - Elixir of Love - Falling in Love with Neroli & Iris EdP vial (again, loved this and have picked up full size). My final sample vial is from Typology (Yuzu Mandarine)* - see my review HERE.  One for the wishlist.

I totally adored D'Alchemy's Spectacular Hand Therapy* and was bereft when I used this up (it's on the wishlist when I've used up some hand creams in my stash). It's just total perfection. See my review HERE.

Avon's Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep Hand Cream 30ml was nice to use before bed. Might or might not pick it up again.

I'd read absolute rave reviews about La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml. The product is fantastic as it brightens and makes the skin glow but the pipette packaging is terrible (cue excess dried on around the neck). Loved the product - hated the packaging.

Trilogy's Vitamin C Booster Treatment 12.5ml* I really liked this and would definitely buy it again when my skin needs some oompf. Check out my review HERE.

Diptyque Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll On - the best fig perfume out there. Will pick up the EdT at some point.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 150ml - one of my favourite dry shampoos. Have already cracked open a new one. Does what it says on the tin.

Bronnley Rose Luxury Soap which was an absolute delight. Will definitely buy again. I also enjoyed Seatree's Bergamot Handcrafted Soap* see my review HERE (also the Patchouli soap further down my post).

Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Shampoo & Conditioner sachets both 10ml had been on the to try-list. Lovely to use - my hair loved them (and I adore that original bum bum scent). Full sizes on the wishlist. Moving on..

I loved Bloomtown The Woods Nourishing Dry Oil 100ml* see my review HERE. I've got a HUGE body care stash but I'll buy this when it reduces in size. I've had the Neal's Yard Remedies Garden Mint & Bergamot Hand Wash 200ml for what seems like forever (it was beside the sink in the kitchen) It's a lush and silky refreshing wash which I'll definitely buy again at some point. 

From Elemental Herbology is their Lemongrass & Nutmeg Body Wash 290ml which I thoroughly enjoyed using. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely buy again. I buy again and again Avon's Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Handwash 250ml as I love the scent...and there's more...

JOIK Organic Quick Absorbing Hand Lotion & Softening & Deodorising Foot Lotion* samples. These gave a flavour of the products and yes, full sizes are on the wishlist!  Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care 4ml absolutely gorgeous product - full size is on the wishlist. From Indie Lee is a trial size of their Purifying Face Wash which was nice to try. Unlikely to repurchase as there are other face washes I prefer. Moroccanoil Body Souffle mini which came in my August My Beauty Kit. Nice to try but not a buy-er.

I loved re-visiting Bramley products REVIEW and found their Body Wash lovely to use on hot summer days and nights. My final beauty item is Odacite's fab mood cleansing ayurvedic bath salts. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*Love Lula: Bloomtown The Woods Pink Himalayan Salt Soak+Nourishing Dry Oil

*Sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. It's been lovely to re-visit Bloomtown having first tried them way back in 2016. 

I'd only tried a mini soap from "The Woods" before so it was nice to revisit the unisex scent which is earthy, woodsy, fresh and citrus with notes of Cedarwood, Vetiver and Bergamot. 

The Woods Himalayan Salt Soak* 285g (£10) is presented in a recyclable/reusable bottle, and like the rest of the items in the range is Vegan, Cruelty Free and Palm Oil free. The large crystals are infused with essential oils and enriched with Vitamin E. 

To use: add a handful to a warm running bath before jumping in and enjoying the aromatic "The Woods" scent.

The Woods Nourishing Dry Oil* 100ml (£12) comes in a pump bottle which again is recyclable/reusable. It's formulated with a blend of Antioxidant rich Meadowfoam, Sesame, Sweet Almond & Vitamin E. It has a delicious slightly earthy fresh scent, is silky and absorbs instantly onto dry skin.

To use: Add a few drops to your bath, use as a body oil or for massage, use as an overnight hair treatment, for hands and cuticles and flyaways - I adore a multi-use product!

I've been really impressed with these lovely but affordable bath time treats. I love the scent and will definitely pick these up again (and check out the other items in this scent). What are your favourites from Bloomtown?

The Natural Beauty Box - April - Fresh Faced

March's The Natural Beauty Box entitled "Almost Good Enough to Eat.." was absolutely incredible. It featured five products I hadn't tried before (although there were two brand inside I knew about but hadn't tried the products - that's what beauty boxes should all be about). See my thoughts on the box HERE.

This month the theme is "Fresh Faced" and the products are worth £82.95. The box costs £24.95 a month (and you can cancel at anytime). Unfortunately my product information sheet was missing but Emma kindly sent me a copy of it via email.

There's one totally new to me brand this month - Villiers London and inside is their Floral Face Steam which is worth £15. I'm not really a fan of face steams alas so I'll be passing this one on. I'll definitely be checking out the range as there are a lot of products there which appeal!

I adore BYBI Babe Balm (REVIEW) so was really excited to see their Buffer Lip Scrub (£9) which is a creamy indulgent treat which leaves the lips feeling nourished, smooth and buffed. LOVE!

The three remaining items I've tried before (they are great additions to the box and even more exciting if you've not tried them previously).

From Myroo Organic Skincare there is a full size (26g - £30) of their Skin Boost Serum with Rosehip, Starflower and Orange Blossom. See my review HERE. I'm sure it will be nice to revisit as I first tried it in 2012!

From Bloomtown we have their award winning The Spring Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask (90g - £12). See my review HERE. This is a lovely mask so I'll look forward to trying it again.

The final item this month is PHB Ethical Beauty's Brightening Eye Gel (15ml - £16.95) which I've received before in a Love Lula Beauty Box. 

What do you think of the contents this month? Did you pick up a "Fresh Faced" box?

Five Christmas Stocking Filler Ideas

Here are a few things which would be ideal Christmas stocking fillers:

I've already reviewed the Beatitude Christmas Crackers* (£8 each) see HERE. The Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Incense Sticks* are great value at £3 a PACK, with a wide variety of scents to choose from - the Orange & Clove ones are very Christmassy and the perfect winter time scent.

The pamper me spa kit* (£11.99) from Big Green Tree is a very thoughtful gift. See my review and the contents HERE.

The Christmas Beauty Bauble* from Bloomtown (£9 each, or £25 for three) contain either a Vegan lip balm, a mini sugar scrub or a roll on infused oil. I'm a huge fan of the rose garden scent so was happy to see this inside mine! Remember you can get 20% off with code BBALM20.

My final pick is Burt's Bees A Bit of Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Gift Bauble* (£6.99) which contains the delicious Coconut & Pear Lip Balm 4.25g and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream 8.5g and is one of my favourite small gifts!

What's on your stocking filler list?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #94

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

Bloomtown The Rose Garden Roll-on Infused Oil 9g which I received in the Eco-Friendly Gift Set for Travellers (REVIEW). The scent is rosey with musk and white floral notes and the size is perfect for popping in your handbag, pocket or desk drawer! Remember you can get 20% off with code BBALM20.

I love INIKA's lipsticks and this one's in Flushed is a pretty and wearable pink shade.

Puressentiels Rest & Relax Room Spray which I got as a Latest in Beauty pick is absolutely fantastic (thanks Julie for the recommendation!) It helps to ensure you have a restful and peaceful night's sleep. The mist contains 12 essential oils which are soothing, relaxing and comforting. Spritz into your bedroom before sleep.

Stella, from Stella Says very kindly gave me her best-selling Lavender & Chamomile Lip Rescue Balm* 8g with my purchase when I was in London recently. It's made with nourishing and healing oils and butters and is scented with 100% pure essential oils of Lavender and Chamomile which is perfect for soothing dry and cracked lips in this chilly weather! I've also found it effective on dry skin areas.  Pick yours up HERE.

From the Beauty Kitchen my skin's been loving their Seahorse Plankton 5 minute Mineral Mask which I received in the last YOU Beauty Box (HERE). I've been testing out a few other products from the range so expect a full review shortly!

The final item I've been reaching for is Exuviance's Sheer Daily Protector SPF 30 (50ml - £34)* which is fantastic. The sheer mineral tint helps to even out skin tone and is great to wear under foundation. Expect a full review soon!

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

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

Bloomtown Eco-Friendly Gift Set for Travellers

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Bloomtown having initially reviewed some of their products way back in July 2016 and then updated my thoughts about the products in September 2016.

Pssst..you can get 20% off with code BBALM20

https://bloomtown.co.uk/

I picked myself up their Eco-Friendly Gift Set for Travellers (£19) which includes 3 items. The set can be gift wrapped (this is complimentary) which I think is a nice touch.

Nestled inside is:

A mini jar of travel soaps (9), a peppermint & lemongrass lip balm (you can chose tinted or original) and a roll-on perfume oil. I chose the rose garden as it's my favourite Bloomtown scent.

The range includes:

The Meadow: Lavender, Rose Geranium & Chamomile

The Grove: Blood Orange & Pink Grapefruit

The Woods: Vetiver, Cedar & Bergamot

The Cafe: Hazelnut & Vanilla

The Rose Garden: Musk Rose & White Florals

The Hedgerow: Blackberry & Honeysuckle

What's your favourite Bloomtown product and scent?