July Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my July empties (if a product is marked * I very kindly received it free of charge for review):

Green People Neroli & Marshmallow Shower Gel* which I featured in my Love Lula picks in April. See my post HERE. This was lovely and I'd buy it again.

No Secrets Hand Butter One 15ml which I thought was more of a rich cream than a butter. Gorgeous scent and nice to use. Would maybe or maybe not buy again but no plans at the moment to.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel 75ml which is one of my fav Noble Isle scents. Sure to buy again at some point. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore Organic Work's Bergamot range. I used up the Shower Gel 300ml and Hand Wash 300ml* (review). I'll definitely buy both of these again at some point. 

I adore Kiki Health's Magnesium Oil Spray 125ml for soothing aches and pains. I've just cracked open another one as it's a staple in my stash. 

The Balance Me Hyaluonic Plumping Mist 10ml was a magazine freebie. I really enjoyed it and would buy full size.

The Organic Pharmacy's Magnesium Stress Complex 60 caps is another must have. They'll calm the mind, help with aches and pains and help with sleep problems. Already replenished.

I recently picked up some de Mamiel sample sizes which I've been enjoying. I definitely want to pick up the next Seasonal Oil full size! I also loved the Revitalising Body Serum. Great brand and products.

I received the de Mamiel 5ml First Fix in a recent Cult Beauty Goody Bag. Gorgeous, my skin loved it. Full size now on the wishist!

Rounding up my July empties is SOiL's Peppermint Essential Oil 10ml which is something I use a lot for diffusing and cleaning around the house (diluted).

What have you been using up this month?

Latest Buys: ila Spa, Olfactory Candles, Books, Evolve Organic Beauty, Blue Labelle, St Eval Candles + de Mamiel

And yes, another fail I can't stop treating myself! Here's what I've been buying lately:

I couldn't resist ila Spa's new CBD Body Calm which I picked up at Love Lula. See my review HERE. I've since picked up their CBD Better Days Drops - a review to come for these!

I can never resist some Olfactory Candles goodies. I'm currently obsessed with The Jam Pot scent, a deliciously fruity blend of raspberries, strawberries and vanilla. I also adore fruity Blueberry Burst. Black Pomegranate is a new try and having loved the whipped soap had to try their sugar scrub soap (Vanilla Orchid). Remember you can get 15% off your first wax order with SANDRA15.  

I also had to have their melon splash summer special, a delicious blend of Melon and Cucumber which are lolly shaped. Check out the shop HERE.

Books from The Portobello Bookshop. My friend Magi gave me a 10% off code, so kind. So it was lovely to have a browse and pick up a couple of books.

I can never resist a The Rose & Thistle Wax Patisserie monthly box. July's box theme is Magically Inspired (£15 plus p&p). Scents inside are - Sour Apples, Gain Island Fresh, Mermaid Wishes, Precious Flowers, Magic Baby, Candy Cotton Clouds. All very pretty and smell amazing! 

I had-to have Evolve Organic Beauty's new Rose Quartz Facial Polish (£22 - 60ml) which is packed with real rose quartz crystals to buff away dead skin cells. Review to come!

I blame instagram for most of my purchases! I spotted Blue Labelle's new Uplift Essential Oil Blend £7.50 and had to have. I'll be diffusing this in my burner. Inside is a hand blended combo of Geranium, Orange, Black Pepper & Lime which smells uplifting! A review to come. 

I adore Cornish St Eval Candles scent, Sea Salt and snapped up a large ombre jar in their recent 20% off sale. I also had a new customer code of 10%. Isn't it a beauty!

Rounding up my recent buys are some de Mamiel samples. If you saw my post on instagram, you'll know I loved the presentation of the parcel. Choose 3 samples for £15 plus p&p. I had to have the Summer Seasonal Oil (2ml) as well as Revitalising Body Serum (4ml) (need this full size!) and Restorative Cleansing Balm (5ml). I must start buying the seasonal oils again. One year I had them all - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

What have you been buying lately?

May: Lately I've Been Loving

So many May loves..

The gorgeous Dook Luxury Handmade Salt Soaps have to get a mention! I fell head over heels for them this month. See my review HERE.

A new Armchair for me from NEXT.

An amazing lunch at Le Roi Fou one wet and cold Saturday. The food was simply stunning and I can't wait to go back!

The excellent invention of de Mamiel samples - perfect for try me or weekends away. See my review HERE.

Edinburgh Gin's latest invention - full strength Rhubarb & Ginger Gin. Totally delicious and very moreish.

Jo by Jo Loves 50ml which is a very unexpected and lovely gift from my friend Julie. We both have April birthdays but just caught up this month (reviews will be upcoming for all the gorgeous pressies she bought me - I was WELL spoiled!) I'm a huge fan of Pomelo (and Smoked Plum & Leather). This is the scent Jo Malone created for herself. It has notes of Grapefruit, Bitter Orange, Lime, Spearmint, Guaiac Wood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Hedione and Black Pepper. It's simply stunning! 

I jumped for joy to receive an e-copy* of Black Summer by M W Craven (Washington Poe #2) via Netgalley. I fell head over heels for characters Tilly and Poe in the first book in the series, The Puppet Show. So far I'm loving it! (You can pre-order your copy HERE).

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary e-book

May Empties

*productsamples I'm not going to use anything else up so here's my May empties:

INKA Botanicals Marmalade Mist sample which came in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I just loved this - the scent's totally uplifting and the mist a real treat. Full size is on the wishlist.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 9ml huge fan of these and no doubt will buy this again (and again).

de Mamiel Spring Seasonal Face Oil sample so lovely to be back in the world of this exquisite range. I loved this and definitely will do all four seasons again. See my reviews of the samples I selected HERE. See my year in 2015 of Seasonal Oils Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton Brilliance Hand & Nail Cream 6ml I just loved this little pot of goodness. It's a hand cream I'd buy full size.

A.S Apothecary Body Elixir #33 25ml which came in my September Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. See my review HERE. It's one I'd definitely buy once my body care products stash reduces in size!

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml which came in my Feel Unique Pick 'n' mix recently. It was nice to use and I'd buy full size (although Summer Rising scent is my absolute favourite).

Belenos Skin Botanique Feng Shui Love Body Oil which I adored. See my review HERE. Will buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

Cocorosa Beauty Egyptian Neroli Cleansing Oil mini which came in my February Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved it so much I rushed out to buy full size. Review to come!

*The Organic Pharmacy Rose Shower Gel 65ml which I received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. See my review HERE (it's part of a travel kit). I absolutely loved this rose scented wash and I'd buy it full size.

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Natural Deodorant which is my fav scent from the brand. I adore the deodorant and will buy this again.

Aldi No.14 Velvety Rose Luxury Hand Cream 30ml deeply nourishing with a gorgeous scent. Would buy again.

*Tropic Skincare Wildmint, Lime & Pineapple Body Wash 50ml which is one of my favourite scents from the range. See my review HERE. I think this one would be perfect for summer holidays.

*Wild & Precious Shampoo/Skin Wash 01 300ml which I reviewed on 1st January this year! See my review HERE. Nice to use and very long lasting making it great value. I'll maybe pick it up again.

*I received this product as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. I think the Natura Siberica brand is excellent - very affordable, lovely and effective. Their Revitalising Bath Soak 600g is a gorgeous product. See my review HERE. Sure to buy again when the stash reduces a bit!

My final empty this month is the very lovely Molton Brown Festive Frankincense & Allspice Liquid Hand Wash 300ml which I simply adore. I buy enough in the sales to last me all year! See my review HERE.  As long as they keep making it, I'll keep buying!

What have you been using up this month?

de Mamiel: New: Samples

I've always loved any de Mamiel products I've tried especially their exquisite Seasonal Facial Oils and one season I tried them all (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) (click on the links for reviews).

I recently found out that sample sizes are now available to buy at 3 for £15 plus postage & packaging. See more details HERE. These are designed to "try me" or are handy for a couple of nights away.  If you spend £50 you can select two free of charge with your order. 

Chose from: 

Facial Oil - Current Season's Blend 2ml

Skin Recovery Blend 2ml

Restorative Cleansing Balm 5ml

Exhale Hydrating Nectar 3ml

Intense Nurture Antioxidant Elixir 3ml

Pure Calm Cleansing Dew 4ml

Revitalising Body Serum 4ml

Pregnancy Facial Oil 2ml

Brightening Cleanse & Exfoliate 3g

Salvation Body Oil 4ml

And of course, packaging is simply exquisite! 

It was so lovely to re-acquaint myself with a Seasonal Face Oil, the current blend for Spring is simply a delight. The seasonal oils are formulated to cope with the changing seasons, how your skin feels as well as emotional needs. Spring's blend is beautiful - reviving, detoxifying and stimulating. It'll help to bring winter weary skin back to life.

My second and third picks were Pure Calm Cleansing Dew which is a gentle oil-to-milk cleanser which purifies, cleans and repairs. This luxurious and heavenly scented oil is an absolute delight. It makes cleansing truly into a ritual to be enjoyed. Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar, you just know this is going to be good with a name like that! It's a light as air moisturiser with a sheet tint which gives the skin a nourishing glow. 

I definitely want to delve back in and re-acquaint myself with more from this glorious brand.  What are your favourites?

See my other de Mamiel reviews:

Rosey Lip Balm

Restorative Cleansing Balm

Altitude Oil

Salvation Body Oil

Have you picked any samples up yet?

Shopping My Stash #100

My last #ShoppingMyStash was way back in March! See HERE. I'm on a low-buy June so expect a Stash Shopping post every week. Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

From Geo Mitchell is a single use sachet of their Relax Naturally Natural Bath Salts** which were lovely to use. You can pick up a full size jar for a very reasonable £14.50 HERE.  These salts are perfect to use to relax and unwind before bed. Get 15% off your first order with SANDRA15.

I just adore anything by de Mamiel and Rosey Lip Balm was one of the first things I tried (along with the amazing seasonal oils). See my review HERE.

Esse Probiotic Skincare's Cocoa Exfoliator* is amazing and one of my favourite new tries this year. See my recent review HERE.

Organic House is a beautiful brand (I've a few of their products up for review soon). Clean & Calm Hot Cloth Cleanser** is very effective and makes cleansing into a ritual. See my review HERE.

From Love Lula I've had the pleasure of trying out Alchemy Oils Amla Hair Rescue* (30ml travel size - £9). I already love their Grapefruit Hair Remedy - see my review HERE.  This one is a combination of rich oils which treat and care for thicker coarser hair types (for me it works best as a treatment oil leaving on for 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing and conditioning).

My final pick is much loved BYBI Beauty Babe Balm which I just adore! See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*sent to me via the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program (my post contains one affiliate link)

**complimentary

September Empties

Here's what I've been using up in September:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 50ml - I've collected a stash of these from beauty boxes. Love this beautiful cleanser. See my review HERE.

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturising Repairing After Sun 50ml - this definitely prolonged my tan during my summer hols and I'd buy full size next time I'm going abroad as it just works and is nice to use.

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream 4.2g sample - from Latest in Beauty's fab Build your own Box. A lush hydrating night cream which was great to use. Full size on the wishlist! I've got a couple of these little samples to use (get approx 3 uses from each making them great for try me or travel).

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning (7.5ml) and De-Stress Mind (9ml) Bath & Shower Oils. Love these. Sure to pick these up again. Real luxe aromatherapy brand.

Gallinée La Culture Hand Cream 50ml* - I absolutely loved this hand cream (and am a huge fan of the brand and range of products). See my review HERE. I recently found out Harvey Nichols is a stockist so will buy when my hand cream stash reduces a bit!

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk 118ml - this lasted absolutely ages! See my review HERE. I've since acquired a couple of minis in beauty boxes but I'd buy full size again.

The Body Shop British Rose Instant Glow Body Butter 50ml which had an intense rose scent (which I loved). A rich cream which melted easily onto the skin. Would buy (I received this one as a gift).

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion 50ml - this was a hotel room freebie and I loved its coconutty spicy woody scent. I'd definitely buy as it's lovely. (I'm actually after the room spray in this scent).

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 50ml - this came in a gift set I treated myself to recently. Really lovely to use and I'd consider buying full size in the future once my stash reduces a bit.

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - Perfect for a relaxing long soak in the bath. Sure to buy again. See my review HERE.

bodhi & birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites. See my review HERE. Just cracked open a new one!

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a multi-use product - you can use it on your hair and body. Nice. Would maybe buy again.

FoM London Age Defying Hand Serum 50ml* - which is unfortunately no longer in the range. See my review HERE. Loved it.

Mallow+White Revitalise Facial Oil 30ml* - a beautiful oil which was a pleasure to use. When I reduce this stash a bit I'll surely buy. See my review HERE.

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum 1oz* - I've have several of these serums both bought and gifted and I absolutely love it. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy fab serum again as it does exactly what it says it will. One of my favourite products..ever!

de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm 100ml - a simply divine cleansing balm and one everyone should try at least once! Loved it and will re-purchase at some point. See my review HERE.

I got the Neal & Wolf Daily Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (7ml) as Feel Unique pick n mix picks. These were both really nice to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

GM Reverie is a new Californian brand available at a beautiful world. Their MILK Anti-Frizz Leave in Nourishing Treatment (3ml sample) is fantastic. It leaves the hair static free, healthy and nourished. I'm definitely keen to try more from the brand.

My final two empties this month are perfumes (I rarely finish perfumes (or lipsticks!)

30ml Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (a favourite which I'll re-purchase) and Lime Basil & Mandarin 9ml (a scent of which I've used more in body products previously) but I'd buy a full size scent now.

What have you been using up this month?

*gifted

July Empties

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

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean 50g - this is an absolute staple for me and one of my favourite products ever. I love it's minty scent and how easily it melts away impurities and daily grime. Have just opened a new one.

Supernatural Beauty Redemption Face Oil 10ml - just love this rose scented oil. See my review HERE. Will buy full size when my stash reduces a bit.

Schmidt's Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant 75g* - I love this deodorant in the Bergamot + Lime scent best so wouldn't pick this one up again. See my review HERE.

beatitude Luxury Cleansing Bar 100g* - which was gentle enough to use on the face as well as the body. Really enjoyed using this and would buy.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 500g - I'm never without these sleep inducing salts. They just work. Will be buying more for sure.

Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil 2ml - a free sample with purchase which I enjoyed using. Would consider buying full size.

Kiss the Moon Glow After Dark Face Oil 3ml - loved this beautiful facial oil and have since purchased another. Beautiful.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 3ml - one of my favourite scents. Sure to buy again.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Nightly Brightening Pads x 1 sample - as this was only one sample pad it was hard to see if the product would be effective or suited my skin.

Paul Mitchell Original Shampoo One sachet -  I used to use this shampoo all the time. Got two uses out of the sachet. Would consider buying full size.

de Mamiel Winter Facial Oil - last year I bought all the seasons which was a real treat. My favourite seasons were Spring and Summer (my real two favourites). This oil was lovely. See my review HERE. I'm tempted to get the seasonal oils next year.

Madara Micellar Water 100ml - my favourite Micellar Water. See my review HERE. I've already opened a new bottle.

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil 15ml* - I simply loved this and when my stash reduces a bit I'll definitely buy. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Content Beauty & Wellbeing: Beauty Wishlist #1

I'm always seeing beauty products I want so I've decided to start a new series. Here's some of my current wishlist items all from Content Beauty & Wellbeing which is situated in Marylebone, London (and one of my favourite shops to visit).

source

Less is More Rose Serum (30ml - £26) - I've had my eye on this for a while. A serum which repairs and moisturises the hair, is great for dry, brittle and frizzy hair and treats scalp problems. It sounds like it would smell gorgeous! With Rose Damascea and Sicilian Tangerine.

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de Mamiel Salvation Body Oil (200ml - £75) - I have had the pleasure of trying this lovely body oil before as a 30ml sample size. I'd just like a full size bottle in my stash! Rich and luxe it's scented with Ylang Ylang, Rosewood and Jasmine and deeply nourishes the skin while relaxing and calming the mind.

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Kypris Beauty Elixir I 1000 Roses (47ml - £189) - again, I've tried a sample of this (link) and it's a must have for any rose lover. Simply lush.

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Sweet Virtues Chocolate Nut Butter (170g - £5.95) - having just found out I love Sweet Virtues chocolates I'm kind of sure I'd love this! Rich in vitamins and super food ingredients it contains raw cacao, chia seeds, coconut nectar, ginseng and almonds.

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Skin & Tonic COCO MASK (50g - £22) - I'm a huge fan of the minty STEAM CLEAN cleansing balm (and everything else I've tried from the brand). This powdered mask can be mixed with water, raw honey and yoghurt for a hydrating mask.

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Lina Hanson Satori Perfume Oil (8ml - £75) - a scent which awakens the senses. It contains vanilla, sandalwood, Japanese yuzu and ginger. Sounds so lush!

What's on your wishlist?

de Mamiel Winter Facial Oil

I've now come the full circle having enjoyed all the seasons - Spring, Summer and Autumn. Winter is all about restoring, cocooning and elevating.

The packaging is so exquisite too - a real joy to open.

I bought this just before Christmas and the oil is hand blended in time for the equinox on 22 December.

A rich and nourishing blend it is rich in Vitamins, Minerals and Fatty Acids essential for healthy and glowing skin.  The blend is nurturing and replenishes tired and dull winter skin.

It contains anti-ageing Argan and Seabuckthorn Oils along with Rosehip Seed Oil which is high in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Rose Geranium (as well as smelling divine) increases circulation and Frankincense is great for fine lines and wrinkles. Nurturing Vetivert and grounding Neroli are great for the skin and the senses and six hand made flower essences work on the emotions.

To use: place 4 drops in palm and warm in the hands before cupping around your nose and breathing deeply. Massage over face and neck until absorbed.

As ever, I'm really enjoying this beautiful blend and know I'll be happy to start the cycle again in Spring.  Have you used any of the seasonal blends?

Blog Highlights 2015

Here is a month-to-month snapshot of a highlight a month (2 in September) in 2015:

January:

Discovering White & Elm

February:

A Guest post from Lucy, at No Mud, No Lotus - Floral Bath Melts

March:

Attending The Perfume Society Event: Rock the Ages at Jo Malone, Edinburgh - link

me meeting Jo Fairley

April:

Discovering much love for the de Mamiel Season Oils - Spring

May:

Bloom Perfumery Yearly Perfume Subscription - initial thoughts here

June:

Tracey at Face Up Beauty sent me a lovely box of try-me's along with some full size items she enjoys in June. See my post HERE. Swapping with lovely blogger friends always makes me smile.

July:

July saw me try Shay & Blue's gorgeous fruity Watermelons* scent which is just perfect for summer. See my review HERE.

August:

Summer hols link

September:

AS Apothecary collaborates with Harris Distillery link

I was absolutely over the moon to be chosen as one of six to review M P Wright's forthcoming book All thought the Night - see a wee sneak preview here. It's due to be launched in April 2016. 

I totally loved his first novel Heartman my review of which you can see here. I'm looking forward to finally meeting Mark when he comes to Edinburgh to promote his book!

October:

Our trip to London see HERE. Also meeting up with Sam & Nardine (@HoneyGo_Lightly and  @Miss_Nardine) I also loved visiting all my favourite perfume shops - see HERE.

November:

My November highlight was the gorgeous watercolour my friend Emily at Fleurelle Illustrations painted for me - it featured my favourite things and I just love it!

December:

Featuring in Odylique's Top 30 Must Read Blogs made my month (if not year!)

What have been your highlights this year?

*PR sample