May Empties

Products marked * I've been kindly gifted for review. I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my May empties:

The little tube you can barely make out is a sample from Inika's newish skincare range in the form of their Phytofuse Renew Avocado Hand Cream 4ml which I picked up at Naturisimo. This was a lovely hand cream but full size is £35 (75ml) so I'm unlikely to buy. Nice to try though.

Another sample from Naturisimo in the form of Agent Nateur's very pricey Holi (Oil) Youth Serum (full size is 30ml - £113). Again, lovely to use with a rosey aroma (it actually reminded me of Ila Spa's Face Oil for Glowing Radiance!) Nice to try, unlikely to buy.

My friend Julie gifted me a set of Commodity Fragrances which used to be available at SpaceNK. They have a new owner and will ship to the UK (although they are currently closed due to the present climate). I'm working my way through the sample set and I fell totally head-over-heels for Bergamot.  It's one I'd love full size (maybe one day!)

I truly adore Kiss the Moon and loved their GLOW Bedtime Bath Salts 350g* which I was kindly gifted. They are a blend of Dead Sea Salts with detoxifying magnesium and scented with beautiful GLOW Blend (Orange, Litsea, Myrrh and Geranium). Perfect to use in your bath before bed for a soothing and calm night's sleep. Will definitely pick up again!

I'm a huge, huge fan of amazing award-winning Ecooking (in fact I've got some reviews upcoming!). I first tried their Cleansing Gel 50ml as a Latest in Beauty pick. Fell in love and stocked up each month until it went out of stock. See my review HERE. I've a couple of these left in my stash but I'll definitely buy full size when I use them up.

The Rituals The Ritual of Dao Night Balm for the Hands 10ml (now Rituals of Jing) was a Feel Unique Sample pick (oh how I miss pick 'n' mix and beauty kit). This is a really rich balm which was perfect to use before bed/after gardening. It has a gorgeous floral scent and it's one I'd buy full size when my hand cream stash reduces a bit.

I reviewed the Casa Mencarelli* range HERE. I loved their aromatic Sicilia Green Clay & Lemon Face Mask & Scrub 80g* which was presented in a huge pot. It made masking into a ritual and it's one I'll definitely buy in the future.

I adore Anita Grant's beautiful range. I first reviewed this mouthwatering Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 57g back in 2013 and then received the brand again in my April '18 Skin Organic Clean Beauty Box. Of course, I then had to go and buy full size again! And yes, I need that butter in my stash right now!

I love Connock London's beautiful ranges and adored their Manuka Honey Hand & Body Wash which I reviewed HERE. I'll definitely buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

The Nature Lab Volume Shampoo & Conditioner sachets both 7ml came with a recent Cult Beauty order. I didn't notice any extra volume. Nice enough to try but not sure I'm enticed to buy full size.

I enjoyed using Upcircle's Soap which is infused with repurposed Chai Spices (100g). Upcircle were I believe the first company to reuse coffee grounds in their products in the UK (formerly Optiat). See my review HERE. I'll definitely pick this up again at some point.

What have you been using up in May?

Connock London: Limited Edition Travel Collection Minis

*the set doesn't come with a bag - it's just for illustrative purposes. Connock London's Limited Edition Travel Collection Minis are on sale for a bargainous £8! Inside the quartet you'll find:

Andiroba Oil Hand & Body Wash 75ml

Andrioba Oil Hand & Body Lotion 75ml

Manuka Honey Hand & Body Wash 75ml

Manuka Honey Hand & Body Lotion 75ml

It's a great try me set (or for travel when that is allowed again!). I've enjoyed both the scents - Andiroba Oil is fresh and green with notes of bergamot, lemon, Brazilian orange, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, lavender and Peruvian pink pepper. It has a beautiful floral woody scent and the lotion leaves the skin delicately scented. You can check out the whole Andiroba Oil range HERE (some of the products are in the end of line sale - so grab a bargain!)

Again, some of the Manuka Honey range is in end of line sale - see HERE. It's a warm honey based scent with notes of citrus, Egyptian jasmine, rose and Calla lily with a base of vetivert, amber and musk. It's perfectly uplifting and the perfect pick me up. Both the body care products are gentle and leave the skin nourished and delicately scented.

What are your favourites from Connock London?

February Empties

Here's my February empties. Products marked with * are product samples:

Beauty Pie's Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body Wash 450ml - I loved this gently foaming wash which had an orangey type scent. Lasted ages too! Might or might not buy again.

I absolutely adore Klorane's Dy Shampoo with Oatmilk 150ml which was a Latest in Beauty pick. I've just opened my 2nd one and got a 3rd one on the way. It's fantastic, has a pleasant floral scent and leaves no white residue. I use it twice a week.

I've just opened my second System Professional Reconstructive Elixir Luxe Oil 30ml which I reviewed HERE. It'll always be in my stash as it just works.

*Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner 20ml which I reviewed HERE. Definitely one I'd buy full size when my stash reduces a bit.

*Madara Grow Volume Shampoo 10ml which came in January's fabulous Love Lula Beauty Box - see HERE. It's nice to use but I didn't really see any extra volume. Unlikely to buy full size.

System Professional Inessence Shampoo & Conditioner both 15ml sachets. These are the range's more "natural" products. I enjoyed using them (although the conditioner is clear like the shampoo!) Might or might not buy full size.

Madara Skin Equal Foundation samples (2ml) in shades Rose Ivory and Ivory. I loved Rose Ivory and would buy full size.

Rodial Vit C Eye Souffle 1ml which was nice to use but small sample - I didn't really notice much difference around the eye area. Would probably have to try it for longer/bigger size. Unlikely to buy.

Nourish Argan Anti-ageing Peptide Serum 2ml a nice product which I'd used before. Would buy again.

Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly 1ml which I think would be great to use in the summer months due to it's light gel consistency.

*Madara Grow Volume Conditioner 10ml - nice enough to use but I didn't really notice any difference to the volume of my hair. Unlikely to buy full size.

Ezape Naturals Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil 50ml - a lush and rich blend of skin loving oils scented with essential oils. Lovely to use. I've got another two in my stash from beauty boxes!

Connock London Andiroba Oil Hand & Body Wash 75ml - this came in a set which I mentioned HERE. A gorgeous floral wash which was nice to use. Perfect for travel too.

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Creme 250ml - I adore this luxurious body creme. See my review HERE. I've just opened a new pot. 

What have you been using up this month?

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Cocorosa Beauty, RMS Beauty, Eteaket, Connock London, REN & Alteya Organics

Here are my top picks for Valentines Day (products marked * I've been kindly gifted for review):

Totally luxe, pampering and award winning Cocorosa Beauty Egyptian Neroli Cleansing Oil (from £18) is simply one of the best cleansing oils I've ever used. It makes quick work of make up and daily grime and smells divine! I was very kindly gifted a selection of try-me sizes* along with my order which I've loved using. You can pick these up HERE - perfect for try-me or travel (they make great small gifts too).

RMS Beauty Wild with Desire Mini Lipstick Set (£33)* from Love Lula is a set I pick up time and time again. The shades are fantastic and the colours very long lasting. They are the perfect size for night's out and holidays.

Eteaket's glorious Blooming Marvellous Candle 6oz in collab with Laura Thomas. This beautiful candle is created with Blooming Marvellous Green Tea! It has raspberry, rose and vanilla notes in a soy wax base and will burn for 30hrs. It's truly perfection!

Connock London's signature scent Kukui Oil EdP is the perfect gift. As well as looking stylish it is created with beautiful floral notes of Gardenia, Italian Bergamot, Moroccan Rose, White Jasmine and Calla Lily. The scent is enhanced with Sandalwood, Vetiver, White Amber, Cashmere and Sheer Musks along with Vanilla Absolute and Tonka Bean. It truly is a delight!

This month as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger I picked a trio of rose scented products* (full reviews to come!) which are perfect to add a touch of romance and sparkle to your Valentine's Day. They are all simply sumptuous! 

What are you hoping to receive on Valentine's Day?

February Buys: Zara Emotions Perfume Collection, Connock London, Old Faithful, Floral Street, Jordan Samuel & FU Beauty Kit

After a long January I jumped in and bought a few things:

Zara has brought out a fabulous affordable EdP perfume line called Emotions Perfume Collection in collab with Jo Malone. The shop was really busy after a long January (and the perfumes right at the till) so I was unable to linger and try them all out - I'll be back! I picked up two - 40ml of Vetiver Pamplemousse (grapefruit, mandarin & vetiver) (£15.99) and a 10ml rollerball of Fleur De Patchouli (peony, patchouli & guaic wood) (£5.99). Both are heavenly.

A travel set by award winning Connock London which features 4 x 75ml travel products - Manuka Honey Hand & Body Wash/Lotion and Andiroba Oil Hand & Body Wash/Lotion (£8 in the sale). These are very generous travel/try me sizes and so far I'm loving them (I'll try and keep a couple for my next trip!) A review is to come.

Old Faithful Makers' Balm Hand Balm which I picked up in the sale. This is a pot of delight and I'll review it very soon.

Jumping on the Jordan Samuel Skin bandwagon! I'm looking forward to trying The After Show Treatment Cleanser 94ml (£20 - I got it for £17 as I had a discount code). Again, review to come.

I tried a sample vial of Floral Street's Electric Rhubarb EdP in the Pick'n'Mix. Absolutely loved this fruity floral. Again, I had a discount code (and Feel Unique were offering 11% TCB at the time). 

I'm loving Feel Unique's new Beauty Kit (5 deluxe samples for £12 plus £3.95 p&p (the p&p is redeemable in the form of a code) which comes with a clear zip bag (ideal for travel). I'm pretty chuffed with my picks this month and a proper review will follow (and brighter pictures - roll on light nights!)

What have you been buying this month?

January Empties

I'm not going to use up any more empties this month (teeny amount) so here's my January empties:

Miss Patisserie Lavender Bath Melt - this was shaped like a little cupcake and frothed around the bath. Not a huge lavender scent but nice to use (got 2 uses) would maybe try another scent next time.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream 25ml - huge fan of this sweet vanilla scented rich cream. Will no doubt pick it up again. I was eyeing up the biggie bum bum giant pot which was available at Christmastime. 

Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Magic Touch Body Cream 75ml - I really enjoyed this body cream which absorbed instantly onto dry skin. I've got a stash of body products to use up so I won't re-purchase anytime soon!

These are the two Schmidt's deodorants I love Bergamot+Lime & Jasmine Tea. I've got replacements in my stash. 

Lavera Firming Body Milk 10ml - I didn't really find this very special. It did the job but it's not one I'd buy.

Malin+Goetz Cilantro Hair Conditioner 4ml - I got two uses from this sachet. It was nice to use but I didn't really see any remarkable results. 

Jo Loves Pomelo Hand & Body Cleanser 85ml - this smells exactly like the perfume! A real treat. Would buy full size.

Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation (Shell) 30ml - this is the most consistent product I've purchased from Beauty Pie. It's in my shopping basket every couple of months. Perfect shade for me.

Connock London Kukui Oil Hand & Body Lotion 8ml - I loved this lotion and full size is on the wishlist. It smells just like the matching perfume and leaves the skin feeling and smelling lovely.

Odacite BI+J Blueberry Jasmine Serum Concentrate sample vial - I got two uses from this sample. I normally love their serums I kept smelling citronella from it (not a fan) so wouldn't buy this particular one full size.

What have you been using up this month?

August Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my August empties: 

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant 5g - I absolutely adore this deodorant. Full size is very, very firmly on the wishlist. It featured in shopping my stash #85. It's fantastic!

ishga Hebridean Marine Toner 150ml* - which I loved. See my review HERE. I loved the range and it's one I'd buy when the toner stash reduces a bit.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 20ml - huge fan of this brand and product. See my review HERE. I've got another of these in the stash thankfully!

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 300ml - I simply love this and stock up in the sales to last me all year. See my review HERE. 

Madara Time Miracle Cellular Nutrients Toning Mist 100ml* - loved this. See my review HERE. I'd buy this once my current stash reduces.

Connock Kukui Oil Nourishing Hand Cream 50ml - I enjoyed using this hand cream. It's got a nice scent and I'd maybe try and pick it up again.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - huge fan of this. See my review HERE. This is one of my favourite bodhi & birch products so highly likely I'll buy it again soon.

By Terry Baume de Rose Hand Cream 30ml - lovely to use with a rosey scent. It left the hands feeling soft and nourished.

Tropic Skincare Wild Mint, Lime & Pineapple Body Wash 250ml* - I loved this beautiful tropical scented wash. See my thoughts HERE. It's one I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Juno Reviving Cleanser sample* - which was lovely to use. See my thoughts HERE. It's one I'd buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. Juno Skincare Mon Ami Rejuvenating Hand Cream sample* which was deeply nourishing and nice to use. Would buy full size.

Tom Ford White Suede EdP 4ml - I love these dinky perfumes which you receive when you buy a full size Private Blend perfume. This one's on the wishlist!

Thalgo Cold Cream Marine Deeply Nourishing Body Cream 5ml - this was a teeny sample (one use) but it was a lovely cream with a sea inspired scent. I'd maybe buy full size.

Palo Santo by Carner EdP 1ml sample - I adored this and full size is on the wishlist.

Matis Reponse Premium The Night Regenerating Caviar Face Cream 5ml - nice to use and I got a few uses out of the sample. Would maybe buy full size and Matis Response Premium The Eyes Precious Caviar Black Gel 5ml - this was lovely and I'd buy full size.

Sanoflore Rosa Angelica Morning Rehydrating Concentrate Serum sachet - the scent of this serum was amazing. Unfortunately, the sample was teeny tiny and I only got 2 uses from it.  It felt lovely on the skin however.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Latest in Beauty: Perfect 10 Black Label Collection

I spotted Perfect 10 Black Label Collection had been reduced to £20 so I had to have it! The contents are worth over £370! Pick yours up while stocks last HERE. Perfect 10 Black Label is an elite member's only club which offers on demand beauty services in the comfort of your own home (within the M25 area).

Inside is a branded robe and a selection of beauty goodies (if anyone fancies yearly membership card & £20 off your first booking voucher let me know - I can pop it in the post!)

Aromatherapy Associates Instant Wellbeing duo 2 x 4.5ml (£18) - this was the item which instantly jumped out at me. I'm always looking for things to calm and relax and I love this brand a lot. Inside is Revive Morning & Deep Relax rollerballs. 

Love My Skin Clear Skin Pen - which tackles spots in a flash. Its concentrated red light helps to speed up the natural healing process to clear spots faster. Looking forward to testing this out.

Connock London Kukui Oil Nourishing Hand Cream 50ml (£15) and a sample vial of the matching EdP which is scented with gardenia, white jasmine, calla lily, sandalwood, vetiver and white amber.

essie Really Red Nail Polish 13.5ml (£8) - which is the perfect red.

Also included are various money off discount codes. Have you bought anything at Latest in Beauty recently?

Roullier White purchases

Roullier White, which is a lifestyle boutique is situated on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich, London and sells perfumes, candles, household products and gifts. I noticed on Twitter that over the last Bank Holiday weekend they were offering free P&P. After having a browse I treated myself to a new bottle of scent.

I chose a perfume by Infusion Organique, a brand I've not heard of before. The company is run by a two sisters-one husband team. They source ethically produced organic raw materials to formulate their perfumes and home fragrances.

The scents are made with Organic alcohol (made from Certified Organic Sugar Cane), Organic oils, extracts and botanicals.

I chose the scent which appealed to me most from the choice of four - Sands of Morocco Organic EDP (11ml roll on - £12). I just loved the description of it "close your eyes, and wander through the fresh flower and food stalls of the local Moroccan Souk. Inhale the spices drifting in the desert wind of North Africa ride the train from Marrakech to Casablanca to Tangier. Smell the fresh vanilla first brought to Morocco by the French in the time of Berber Kings".

The scent has a top note of Lemon Zest, middle notes Lily of the Valley, Rose Blossoms and Ylang Ylang with base notes of French Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood and Oakmoss.  The scent starts off (on me) fairly sweet and floral mellowing to woods, vanilla and incense. It is long lasting for an organic scent. I love it!

I also received a vial of "Perfume of the Month" - Jovoy - Rouge Assasin EDP which is inspired by the 'femmes fatales' of 1920s Paris - a mix of innocence and seductiveness. 

While chatting to Roullier White on Twitter I found out that they offer a sample service for most of their scents. Most are around the £2 mark for a 2ml decant.  P&P is £2.50 and if you decide to buy a full size bottle you are given a code to get free P&P within one month - a brilliant idea to try before you buy!  I ordered on Friday and my samples arrived first thing on Saturday morning - what great Customer Service.

I've totally fallen for No.002 Gorse EDT by Laboratory Perfumes. I simply love it. It has notes of Gorse blossoms, fresh greens and citrus and on me I can detect a coconut note. (I so want a full size bottle of this!)

My other samples are - 4160 Tuesdays Says Alice, Connock London Kukui, Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee and Nasomatto Narcotic Venus - these are all amazing too and fuller reviews to follow. 

See Roullier White's website here

Follow on Twitter @RoullierWhite