October Empties

Here's what I've been using up in October (I don't have much as I chucked all the samples and trial sizes I used up in London rather than bringing them home!)

Esse Probiotic Gel Cleanser 10ml* - I simply love this cleanser. See my review HERE. I took this to London earlier in the month and it was more than enough for a few days break. Huge fan of the brand. I definitely want to try more products from the range.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion Shot 10ml - absolutely love this bath treat. See my review HERE. Will definitely re-purchase.

Schmidt's Rose+Vanilla and Bergamot+Lime Natural Deodorants - I love this brand. Bergamot+Lime is my favourite scent. I wouldn't pick up the Rose one again as although nice I didn't love it.  Just opened a new B+L one.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Pure Castile Magic Soap 236ml - this is a staple for me in this scent. I use it to clean my make up brushes and sometimes the bath! I've just picked up a new one.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15 - 30 Beige - I love this foundation and I'll buy it again. It gives good coverage and I find it suitable for my combination skin.

MAKE Skincare Face Glow 30ml** - which was beautiful. See my review HERE. I'd consider buying when my stash reduces a bit.

Dafna's Personal Skincare Recovery Cleanser 50ml** - I simply loved this beautiful cleanser. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy when my cleanser stash reduces a bit.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Body Wash 300ml - this is one of my favourite Molton Brown scents. Sure to buy again at some point.

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 100ml* - this body oil is divine! It has a beautiful scent and deeply nourishes the skin - what's not to love! See my review HERE. I'm sure to buy this again as I just love it! I do however have a mini one to use which came in the Discovery Set which I mentioned HERE.

My final item this month is a Reed Diffuser* from The Handmade Soap Company. I loved the scent - Lemongrass & Cedarwood and found it lasted round about three months. Would buy for sure. You can also buy refills. See my review HERE. 

What have you been using up this month?

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

**complimentary - sent to me from the founder

October Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month. So here's my October empties:

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream 120ml - absolutely loved everything about this cream. Will repurchase at some point. See my review HERE.

Living Proof Full Shampoo (60ml) & Conditioner (60ml) - which were nice to use. I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - one of the best hand care products I've ever used. Will pick up full size again when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml - I'm currently obsessed with this hand wash. Must go instore to buy a few full size ones! See my review HERE.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 100ml* - amazing! Just loved this. I have a mini to use but will replenish it. See my review HERE.

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol 30ml** - which came in September's Love Lula Beauty Box. It also featured in Shopping My Stash #81. Loved it. Will buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (both 15ml). I got 4 uses out of each of these. Preferred the shampoo to the conditioner. Probably wouldn't buy but nice to try. These came from Feel Unique's fab pick n mix service.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Argan 5ml*, Natural Cacay 5ml*, Organic Rosehip 5ml*, Organic Moringa 5ml* I absolutely loved all of these and would buy full size. See my review HERE.

SAMAYA Hydrating Cleanser Sample* - VATA beautiful product from a new range. Will definitely be tempted once my stash reduces a bit.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation - loved this will buy again. It has a great coverage and good range of shades. This lasted me nearly a year (using other products too). Will re-purchase.

Joik Lemon & Vanilla Body Lotion sample - probably the teeniest sample I've ever tried!  The lotion however absorbed easily and the scent is lovely. Would buy full size.

Odacité C a R Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate 5ml* and Gt + L Greentea & Lemongrass Serum Concentrate 5ml* - I enjoyed using both of these but slightly preferred the second one (I've since opened another bottle of this) See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon Dream After Dark Bath Oil 3ml - I simply love the Kiss the Moon range. This bath oil has notes of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood which help to promote a restful night's sleep. Although lovely to use this isn't my favourite scent in the range so wouldn't buy full size.

Ermana Nurture Body Oil 50ml* - which was really lovely to use. Very uplifting and nurturing. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Sachajuan Ginger Flower Body Wash 0.17fl oz - I was surprised when I found this teeny sachet was enough for one use! Gorgeous with a beautiful uplifting scent. Simply a delight. Definitely tempted by full size!

What have you been using up this month?

*Complimentary sent for review/gifted
**From the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Wishlist #1

These are the things I'm lusting over right now..

First up is Beaufort London's Coeur de Noir Candle (£39 - 220g) from the Night Watch Candle Collection. I'm a huge fan of this niche perfume brand and adore this scent which I received in September 2015 Bloom Perfumery Subscription Pack.

This has been on wishlists before but I've never got round to buying it..sounds right up my street too.. Lanique which is a rose petal liqueur (yum). Perfect with fizz or in a cocktail.

I recently tried a sample of Jo Loves Smoked Plum and Leather perfume and instantly fell in love with it. It is really beautiful and has notes of Sweet Plum Liqueur, Cinnamon, Aged Cognac and Leather. I love its smokey and earthy notes.

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When in Glasgow for the weekend I went into House of Fraser to try some Chanel Les Exclusifs perfumes. I totally fell for Beige which has notes of hawthorn, freesia, frangipani and honey. I own one Les Exclusifs Sycomore which I love.

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Are any of these on your wishlist?

Shopping my Stash #76

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15 30ml - you just can't beat a Chanel Foundation! This one applies easily and feels like a "second skin". It smoothes over imperfections leaving the skin with a matte finish. Love!

NIOD MMHC (Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex) 30ml - is one of the most amazing products I've ever used on my skin (it's not natural, but it works). I've only been using it a few days and the lines above my top lip have completely disappeared. It came from this little set and the I've since purchased CAIS.

Yogandha Detox Body Oil 125ml - this is my second bottle of this uplifting body oil. Scented with Lemongrass and Juniper Berry it awakens the body and mind and is absolutely gorgeous!

Aurelia's Aromatic Repair & Brighten Hand Cream 75ml (£28*) - is simply divine. It deeply nourishes the hands repairing and brightening dark spots. With essential oils of Vetivert, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli (smells beautiful). This one's beside my bed! (expect a fuller review shortly)

My final item is the amazing 4160Tuesdays Buddhawood Box 30ml - which recently crowdfunded (122%) and is one of the Mystery of the Materials quartet. See my initial thoughts HERE. I love its spicy woody notes with the mellow creamy notes. Just gorgeous!

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Perfume Collection

I have quite a few perfume sample vials as you can see below!

Today I'm showing you my collection of perfumes - full size, travel size and rollerballs. I actually have quite a small collection (only 40). You can see what I had in my stash in January 2012 and in March last year.

The two that are the most expensive in my stash are Chanel's Sycomore EdT (when I bought it was £100 - 75ml). I love its woody, mossy and vertivert notes.  See my review HERE.

Tom Ford's Santal Blush EdP (£145 - 50ml) this is my third bottle! An absolute hug in a bottle. It has notes of sandalwood, cumin, fenugreek, cinnamon, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine, woods, benzoin and musk. I just love it. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Shay & Blue. I recently finished Watermelons which I loved. It will definitely be a re-purchase.  Currently in my collection is Framboise Noir* (REVIEW), Salt Caramel (mini Review) and Atropa Belladona (HERE). I've also got two mini sizes of Blood Oranges and Almond Cucumber.

I adore rose scents. I picked up the Jo Malone Tudor Rose 30ml at the great Perfume Society Rock the Ages event I went to last year - see HERE. Hubby listened to my hints and bought me the gorgeous Miller Harris Rose Silence EdP (50ml) for my Christmas. See my review HERE.

Aqua di Parma's Rosa Nobile EdP which I received last year for Christmas. It has notes of mandarin, bergamot, pepper, peony, violet, lily of the valley, Centifolia rose, cedarwood, ambergris and musk. It's a really pretty feminine scent.

I reviewed True Nature Botanicals solid perfume Noble Floral* and totally fell in love with it. With notes of Tuberose, Rose, Jasmine and Citrus. See my review HERE.

Diptyque's Eau Rose Roll on is a beautiful true rose perfume and has notes of bergamot, lychee and blackcurrant, damask and centifolia roses, with musk, cedar and honey.

I picked up Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves 30ml when in London last year. It really is exquisite. See my review HERE.

Lush's Imogen Rose solid perfume is a fairly light rose scent with rose and green notes. It doesn't really last long but it's a cute little scent.

I recently tried a sample of Escentric Molecules 01 and loved it. This is the 30ml travel size refill. The scent smells differently on everyone and two people (so far) have been enticed with it - one male, one female!

I'm a huge fan of lovely Gorse by Laboratory Perfumes (100ml) this one is beautiful. The gorse gives it a coconutty edge and this perfume smells differently on everyone as well! See my review HERE.

Estee Lauder's Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EdP (30ml) another scent I first picked up in London before it was widely available. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Diptyque's Philosykos and have it in the rollerball oil and the EdT spray. It takes me back to hot summer days in Greece. The best and original fig scent. The EdP is on the wishlist.

My in-laws got me Angel for my birthday last year. I used to go through it by the gallon but hadn't worn it for a few years. 

Abahna's Frangipani & Orange Blossom re-fillable spray is also a favourite. See my review HERE.

From the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar I totally fell for London 1969 (this little spray is nearly done so I'll definitely get full size) and Raw Silk & Red Roses both 9ml. See my review HERE.

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (30ml) was the first scent I bought from Jo Malone. I like it paired with Lime, Basil & Mandarin body lotion.

Khiel's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit (30ml) is a delicious fruity floral with notes of pink grapefruit, ginger, soy milk and musk. 

Annick Goutal Mandragore EdT (30ml) which came in a beauty box ages ago. It has fruity minty notes.

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic which is refreshing and zesty and Salt Air with seaside ozonic notes.

Oliver Bonas Blackberry Musk roll on which I picked up while Christmas shopping. See my review HERE.

Infusion Organique Sands of Morocco Organic EdP roll on which is lovely to wear on hot summer days. See my review HERE.

kai perfume oil roll on which is always in my stash. I love the gardenia and fresh green notes. It's the perfect holiday scent.

Ancienne Ambiance Colonia Collection* are a simply stunning trio of scents. See my thoughts HERE.

Jimmy Choo Perfume roller-ball which I picked up in Sephora in Paris. Love a little Jimmy Choo and rollerball perfumes!

Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia Roll on* which is a blend of gardenia, jasmine, sweet orange and tea leaves. It really is lovely. See my review HERE.

L'Occitane Magnolia & Mure Trial Size EdT which is fruity and floral. Figuier & Osmanthus EdT was limited edition last summer and is a juicy fig scent.

Freak by Illamaqua EdP I first got a sample of this in a Glossybox. This is my second full size bottle. It has notes Black Davana, Opium Flower, Poison Hemlock and Frankincense.

I received this little bottle of Tom Ford's White Suede EdP after a make-over. It's really lovely and has notes of musk, rose and amber.

On the wishlist are these along with Beaufort London's Coeur De Noir EdP.

What perfumes are in your collection?

*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?

I'm Back!

I took last week off the blog as I was on holiday. It was lovely and relaxing and we all had a wonderful time with a few days of glorious sunshine. I'll let you know what I got up to next week. We stayed at L'Horizon Hotel & Spa in St Brelade's Bay, Jersey (hubby and the folks). 

Of course there had to be a bit of shopping...

As the island is duty free it would be rude not to pick up my all time favourite Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP (50ml) which cost £127 instead of £145. See my review here. I picked this up at de Gruchys. (they also gave me some sample vials which we used on holiday).

My second buy (mum treated me) (ever since reading British Beauty Blogger's review I've wanted this) is Chanel's Le Blanc De Chanel - Multi-Use Illuminating Base (30ml) which costs £33 in the UK and £29 in Jersey. I picked it up at Feel Unique (which is a wonderful shop!)  I also got some foundation samples to try and have fallen for Perfection Lumiere Velvet.

Another couple of treats from mum (she also bought a couple and we shared the GWPs).

I'd wanted to get my hands on the Black Honey Clinique Chubby Lash Mascara but they were sold out! So I settled for shade Portly Plum.  The second item is an all time favourite - Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place Eyeliner in Smoke.

Above is my selection of goodies from the GWPs.

Hope you have all had a great week!

A Closer Look: Perfumes

I first showed you my perfume collection in January 2012 some of which are still there today!

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - this is my second bottle and it's nearly done sob! One of my favourite scents. See my review here.

Chanel Sycomore EDT 75ml - love this vertivert scent. See my review here.

Diptyque Philosykos roll on - the best fig scent out there (in my opinion!) It has figgy and fresh green notes.

Aftelier Perfumes* - Cepes & Tuberose EDP, Wild Roses EDP, Cacoa EDP and Cuir de Gardenia Extrait - some of the most unusual perfumes I've ever tried. See my review here.

Diptyque eau Rose roll on 20ml - adore rose scents.  See my review here.

Illamasqua Freak EDP 30ml - first tried this via a beauty box sample and just loved it. 

Shay & Blue Atropa Belladona 30ml - one of my favourite new finds. See my review here. I've just found out that Shay & Blue are now stocked in M&S Beauty Hall - be heading there soon!

Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP 30ml - this is my second bottle. Love this floral scent.  See my review here.

kai perfume oil - I'm nearly finished this one. It's one of my favourites. With white flowers and freshness. Only negative is it's price.

Annick Goutal Mandragore EDT 30ml - a fruity, minty and fresh scent.

Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Perfume Oil roll on - a really wearable scent.  See my thoughts here.

PG Embrace EDP 30ml* - one of the nicest natural perfumes I've ever tried. See my review here.

Jimmy Choo EDP 60ml - a fruity floral scent. Probably wouldn't re-purchase as I've grown a bit tired of it (third bottle).

Kiehl's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit aromatic mist 30ml - really like this light fruity floral. See my review here. 

Jurlique Essence of Rose Roll-on Fragrance Oil 11ml - huge rose lover and this is gorgeous. 

Balm Balm Mandarin single note EDP - I got this in a souk souk box. Fresh and Fruity.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom EDP - my favourite Abahna scent.  See my review here.

Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow 12ml Perfume Gel - see my review here.

Have you used any of these scents? What perfumes do you have in your collection?

*PR samples

April Favourites

These are the products I've been loving this month -

Pure Fiji Exotic Bath & Body Oil in Coconut - simply adore this oil.  It has a light coconut scent and it reminds me of summer. Leaves the skin moisturised and lightly perfumed.  This is my third bottle I think.

Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Blissful Perfume Oil - I only got this last week as a late birthday pressie from Jo and Emma - you can see my post about it here. Already it is a firm favourite - a simply gorgeous scent.

Chanel Le Volume Mini Mascara in Black - subscribers to Red magazine received it this month.  I simply love it - makes my lashes super huge.

Acqua di Parma Nobile Gelsomino EDT roll on - a gorgeous light jasmine scent.  I reviewed it here - just perfect for Sping/Summer.

Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist 60ml* - simply loving this hydrating mist scented with pineapple and rose floral waters and with hyaluronic acid and neroli.  Can be used to tone, refresh skin and fix make up.  Full review to follow.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder in shade 30 Naturel - as well as loving the luxe packaging of Chanel this power is great for setting foundation and keeping shine at bay.

Have you used any of these products?  

*sent for review

Spending Ban - Update 10

Again I've had two splurges this week.  I signed up to a new green beauty box SoukSouk which costs £12.00 plus £2.95 P&P.  You can also subscribe for 6 months (£60 plus P&P) or a year (£120 plus P&P).  The April box looks fantastic and a bonus is I'll use everything the box contains.

On Friday after reading Ana's review a 10ml bottle of Botanicals Anti-Ageing Hand & Nail Serum slipped into my basket.  I also picked up a "free" duo of mini samples of Rose & Camellia Cleansing Melt (5g) and Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm (5g). (you can also pick these freebies up separately paying £1.95 postage).

Onto my wants:

Willow Organic Relaxation Box - £25 - Jasmine & Geranium Bath Oil, candle and natural soap.  I've used these products once before (I received this beautiful set as a birthday gift) and loved them.  Great for pampering and smells gorgeous.

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By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum £75 - adds luminosity to the skin, brightens, adds radiance and evens out skintone.  It sounds totally luxurious!

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Serena Linley Iris & Jasmine Bath Essence 15ml - £15 - you know I adore bath oils so this sounds just gorgeous.  See the website here.

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Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder £36 - needing a new powder and love Chanel's luxe packaging and make up. I think I'll buy this with my birthday money.

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Giorgio Armani Rose D'Arabie EDP 100ml - £190 - with notes of rose, saffron, patchouli, woods and amber.  Fancied this scent for a while now but just too expensive.  Nice to dream though!

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Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Perfumed Soaps 3 x 100g £40 - I am a sucker for beautifully perfumed soaps and these sound pure luxury.  I've tried the perfume and its gorgeous.

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Stila Colour Balm Lipstick £16 - Amelia &  Ruby Shades. Fully pigmented shades with a nourishing balm texture.

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How is your spending ban going?  Have you used any of these products?

My Top Products of 2012

I'm trying to keep each category to my top 3 products but some it will be my top 4 as I can't decide on 3!

Skincare:

Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil as reviewed here.

Natural Wisdom Rose & Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydrating Toner review here.

Palm & Soul Three Rose Deep Balm for Face & Neck review here.

Skinvelop The Cleanser review here.

Shower Gel:

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash mini review here.

Bodhi Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy review here.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows Bath & Shower Gel review here.

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Bath Oil:

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil mini review here.

NEOM Mini Bath Oil Set review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil review here.

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Body Lotion:

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Body Lotion mini review here.

Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Body Moisturiser review here.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter mini review here.

Hands & Feet:

Clear Zal Silk Foot Food Nutrition Cream - review to follow.

Lancome Nutrix Royal Mains Hand Cream link.

NEOM Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream review here.
Suti Fabulous Organic Food Balm review here.

Lip Balm:

BRIXI Bee Balm review here.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Balm review here.

Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm review here.

Perfume:

Chanel Sycomore EDT review here.

PG Organics Embrace EDP review here.

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP review here.

Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia review here.

Hair:

A'Kin 24 hour Intensive Moisture Leave in Conditioner mini review here.

Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner review here.

Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Shampoo & Conditioner for fine hair review here.

Makeup:

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make Up SPF 15 link

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara link

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey link

Stila One Step Brightening Serum link

What have been your favourite products this year?