Valentine's Day Lips

These are my picks for lips for Valentine's Day:

From Botanical Brands we have Living Nature's Lush Tinted Lip Hydrator* £15 which launched last Autumn. It give the lips a natural pop of nourishing colour. The shade is a subtle coral red and perfect for a natural make up look. Active Manuka Honey nourishes and hydrates, Vitamin E protects. The hydrator also contains Jojoba Ester, natural waxes, Cupuaca butter and Calendula oil.

Refillable compacts like this Lip Tint from KJAER WEIS is total luxury (I also love the refillable aspect which saves on waste and is more eco-friendly). This lip tint is in Passionate and is gorgeous. It gives the lips a glossy raspberry hue.

My final pick is Studio 78 Liquid Lipstick in Rose Wedding which is a very long lasting highly pigmented lippy in a bright pink shade.

What will you be wearing on your lips on today?

*complimentary

Botanical Brands: Living Nature Hydrating Gel Mask

I've been testing out Living Nature's fabulous Hydrating Gel Mask 50ml* (£28.50) which helps to brighten and revitalise the skin.

The gel mask is formulated with Active Manuka Honey which is a healing humectant which helps to maintain the skin's moisture levels and Harakeke Flax gel which soothes the skin. The mask does have quite a powerful herbal type scent which I think you'd either love or hate - luckily I love it!

To use: once or twice a week smoothing onto face and neck avoiding the eyes. Leave for 20 minutes (it sets on the skin but doesn't feel tight or uncomfortable) before rinsing with warm water. You can also massage the mask into the skin before wiping away the residue. Suitable for normal to dehydrated and mature skins.

My thoughts?

The mask is easy to use and it left my skin is left looking radiant, bright and hydrated. I think it would be the perfect face mask to use in summer for the added moisture boost.

Have you tried this mask before? What's your favourite Living Nature product?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #87

Here's what I've been reaching for this week:

From Botanical Brands Living Nature's gorgeous latest launch Bliss Rose Tinted Lip Hydrator** which is a "my lips but better" kind of shade. It deeply nourishes and leaves the lips with a pop of natural colour. Love!

I received the new Hurraw! Papaya Pineapple Lip Balm* in March's Love Lula Beauty Box. It's a totally tropical treat which nourishes and treats the lips.  I love lip balms and this one's a welcome addition to my stash.

I can't live without Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion which keeps my eyeshadow on all day long. It'll be one I'll definitely be replenishing although this little tube has lasted ages.

Make Skincare has been one of my favourite recent tries. All their products are just totally exquisite. I reviewed Feet Revive** HERE. It's one of these must try brands as the scents and formulations are just dreamy.

I'm such a fan of the glorious Shay & Blue and I just love Blueberry Musk which I received from hubby at Christmas (after dropping a few unsubtle hints I must add haha). It's a beauty. It featured on Wishlist #2 in November. Just the other day their latest launch landed on my doorstep via Amazon birthday vouchers. And it's gorgeous!

On the wishlist (a long time) were Alexis Smart Healing Flower Remedies. When I spotted Naturisimo were stocking them I was absolutely over the moon! I'm currently trying Peaceful Worrier. It's early days so I've not really felt as if they are working for me yet - but I'll keep you posted!

What have you been reaching for lately?

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

**PR sample

March: Lately I've been Loving

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

I picked up a set of samples from Supernatural Beauty which are gorgeous! You've guessed it. I want them all full size. See my review of Redemption Face Oil HERE.

March has been a paperback month for me (with one exception). I just loved Truestory by Catherine Simpson (and I'm lucky enough to say I've met Catherine too!) See my review in my book round up later in the week. You can pick up a copy at Amazon.

A series which I've also started reading is the fabulous Mirabelle Bevan Mysteries by Sara Sheridan which are set in the 1950s. I've only read two of them so far (thanks again Sara for the copy of Brighton Belle!*) and have just ordered books 3 and 4 from Amazon. Happy days! 

Sara also has a great online store called Urban Reivers which sells the beautiful perfume Damn Rebel Bitches (which featured in my August favourites) along with accessories and homewares.

I bought a huge bottle of my favourite Diptyque Vetyverio EdT which is totally gorgeous. Check it out HERE.

I was totally smitten with both the products (and packaging) of Rosalena BioActive Skincare. See my review HERE.

I picked up a Book Buddle from creator Jules which is a well made padded sleeve for your book which is available in a variety of gorgeous designs. Normally, I just shove my book in my bag but this cover keeps your book(s) in perfect condition and feeling loved. Jules also makes them for phones and kindles.

I'm loving Living Nature's Bliss Rose Tinted Lip Hydrator (£15)* which is in a "my lips but better" shade. It deeply nourishes while adding a pop of natural colour. Expect a fuller review shortly. I love it.

I never tire of spring flowers like daffodils. It's always a promise of better days to come and the end of winter. 

I'm starting a sample challenge to try and reduce the number of samples I have in my stash - and hopefully find some new products to love - any of these you can recommend?

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

There are so many lovely things out there for Valentine's Day gifts. Here are a few of my top picks:

Ancienne Ambiance Colonia Collection Gift Set (£60)* this is a gorgeous trio and would make a lovely luxury gift. See my review HERE.

Lippy Girl Snog Me Vegocentric Vegan Lipstick (£6.25) which is currently on special offer at Botanical Brands. A matte poppy red shade perfect for Valentines Day as it has a long lasting finish as well as nourishing and smoothing the lips.

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4160Tuesdays Seven Small Crimes (2.25ml atomizers 5 x parfum, 2 x EdP £40) which includes all 7 crimes of passion scents in sample size. Included is: Midnight in the Palace Garden, Goddess of Love & Perfume, Inevitable Crimes of Passion, Be Careful What You Wish For, Maxed Out, Raw Silk & Red Roses and Dirty Honey.

Viridian Ultimate Beauty Topical Organic Rose Oil (15ml - £32)* a rich and lush facial oil which is scented with Rose Damascena and other oils essential for dry and mature skin types. The perfect present for a skincare lover. A full review will follow.

Charles Farris Garden of Eden Signature Reed Diffuser (£32) I've recently become a huge fan of reed diffusers and I think this one would make the perfect gift. It's scented with Tuberose, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang.

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The Valentine's Box coming soon to Letterbox Gifts (£22.95 plus P&P) I'm a huge fan of these exquisite boxes. See my review of The Signature Box HERE and The Christmas Box HERE. There is also a new box out now called The Alice Box. See more info on the website.

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Swizzels Love Heart (£22.99) from Find Me A Gift, a fab online store which has everything you could ever want to buy! I think this little heart is super cute and would make a nice token of your affection to a loved one!

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Also from Find Me A Gift is this "Ring for Prosecco" bell (£3.99) which would be right up my street! A jokey and fun gift. You can see all the Valentine's Day Gifts HERE.

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Love Bath & Candle Duo (£38) from Bodhi & Birch which contains a 200ml bottle of Ylang Ylang Incensa Bath & Shower Therapy and a Heartwood Candle in Bergamot & Geranium. I treated myself to the Joy duo. See my review HERE.

A bouquet of flowers from Serenata Flowers there is a huge range to choose from. The ones pictured here were ones I received to review and you can see my post HERE. The bouquet* was simply stunning and lasted well.

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A Craft Gin Club subscription (£40 a month) - pay monthly, Bi-monthly or Quarterly and receive a bottle of craft gin with some extras. February's is now sold out (sob). It contains a bottle of Edinburgh Gin's special Valentine's Day gin with Rose & Hibiscus. (I also like that the company uses Royal Mail rather than courier).

What would be your ideal Valentine's Day present?

*PR samples

Natural Being Manuka Cleanser

Natural Being is an affordable range of skincare which is certified natural and made with active New Zealand Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil.

The range is made by Living Nature and are simple, effective, kind to the skin and contain no synthetics or chemicals.  

Products are BDIH certified, natural and authentic manuka honey and oil is used, are Halal approved, there is no animal testing, and packaging is recyclable. There are 9 products available and they help to balance the skin and help with first signs of ageing.

I've been testing out the Cleanser (£13 - 100ml)* which is suitable for normal/oily skins (there is also one available for normal/dry skins). Even though I am a bit older (the range is aimed at 30s and younger) I have found the cleanser really suits my combination skin.

It comes boxed in a tube with a screw on lid. My only slight negative is I'd have preferred a pump bottle or flip top lid for using in the shower but this is not really an issue it would just make it easier to use.

The herbal honey scented cleansing gel gently cleanses the skin while purifying pores and blemishes.  After use the skin feels clean, balanced and soft. It's my current favourite morning time cleanser.

Also in the range: Toning Gel 100ml (£13), Day Cream for normal/dry and normal/oily 50ml (£14) and Night Cream (both skin types) 50ml (£14), Eye Cream 10ml (£12) and Hand & Body Cream 100ml (£13.50)

I think it's a great value and very effective range.  Have you tried anything from Natural Being before?

*PR sample

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

Take 5: Lipsticks

These are the 5 lipsticks which I use again and again:

My current favourite is Lippy Girl's Vegocentric Rosie Posie which I first saw reviewed on Hephzibah's blog - it was a true case of "the blogger made me buy it". I lost my first one on a night out (quickly bought another) and mourned it until the new one popped through my letterbox. It is just the perfect brick red with an orange-ish tone. I simply love it and wear it all the time. I only took two lipsticks on holiday and this was one of them!

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang which came in the amazing Net-A-Porter Holiday Kit way back in November last year (and one of my favourite beauty boxes ever). This tinted sheer is so beautiful and the best way (for me at least) to wear red-ish lips. 

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani shade 512 is a lovely deep rose shade which I bought last time I had a make over at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. Huge fan of these luxe lippies.

A blogger favourite which has to be Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy an easy wearing pink-ish shade which suits everyone and is super glossy.

My final one of the five is my only Tom Ford! The very gorgeous Tom Ford Indian Rose a very wearable rose shade which is really moisturising and long-lasting on the lips.

Are any of your favourites in my top five?

Living Nature Radiance Night Oil

Living Nature's Radiance Night Oil (10ml - £48)* is simply gorgeous. It is scented deeply of roses - what's not to love!  I first mentioned it current favourites: face oils and serums post.

It's truly one of the most luxurious and effective face oils I've ever used and it's up there in my top 5.  Pick yours up HERE.

The oil contains rose oil which is made of thousands of perfect rosebuds and is a "gift of love for your skin".  Also in there is rosehip oil, calendula, carrot, jojoba, frankincense and Vitamin E.

It is a great anti-ageing oil, it helps promote collagen and elastin production as well as refining and restoring while you sleep.

To use: apply a few drops over your face and neck before bed. The oil is easily absorbed and is a lovely night time ritual.  You can also apply in the morning to dry skin or mix a couple of drops with your day cream, face mask or hand cream making it a great multi-purpose product.

Have you tried this night oil? What's your favourite Living Nature product?

*PR sample

Current Favourites: Face Oils & Serums

These five are my current favourite face oils and serums.  Some are new to me and others old tried and tested favourites.

de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil 20ml - this is a recent discovery and is a complete joy to use and I know I'll be buying the Summer Seasonal Oil when it is available to purchase.  See my review of the Spring oil HERE.

Bodhi & Birch Neroli Luce Revitalising Face Oil 15ml - I've had several bottles of this lush oil and love using it in Spring and Summer. It featured in my buy-again post see HERE.

Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Enhancing Arctic Essence 30ml* - this super luxe moisturising serum is one of the nicest I've ever used! See my review HERE.

Living Nature Radiance Night Oil 10ml* - this is a new try for me and a full review will follow. This rich oil is scented with roses and my skin is loving it.  I also love that it is multi-purpose - add a few drops to your hand cream, night cream or face mask.

Bodhi & Birch Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 15ml - this is one of my all time favourite facial oils - I always have one in my stash. See my review HERE.

Have you used any of these? What's your favourite face oil or serum?

*PR samples