Latest Buys: By Sarah London, The Organic Alchemist, REN Clean Skincare, Desavery, Nudge Boutique + Kiss the Moon

Here are my latest buys. I'm enjoying this time as going into next year I'm going into operation use up.

Having recently tried By Sarah London's Hero Oil* (REVIEW) I was keen to try more from the range. Balancer Oil-to-Milk Cleanser and Reviver Hydrating Mist (personal favourite) are fantastic. A review to come of these buys.

Having recently discovered The Organic Alchemist on instagram I had to try something from the carefully curated and formulated range. I chose Deep Relax Bath Salts 250g (£28) which are exquisitely packaged and smell oh so good! I can highly recommend them to relax and soothe both the mind and body. Review soon!

I picked up an old favourite at Love Lula - REN Clean Skincare's divine Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil which I've loved for years. See my review from 2011 HERE. Pleased to have this beauty back in my stash.

Such happiness to have the delectable STELLAR Daily Serum by Desavery back in my stash. I first tried the award winning range as a Beauty Shortlist Judge (see my top picks from what I judged in 2020 HERE). 

I'd been wanting to try Nudge Boutique's Cocoa & Avocado Oil to Milk Facial Cleansing Bar for a while. Since I was picking up a couple of Christmas gifts I treated myself to it. It's gorgeous. Review to come.

Gorgeous Kiss the Moon soap set which I picked up at Love Lula. I reviewed the GLOW Pure Essential Oil Soap* HERE. Now the problem is, to gift or keep!

What have you been buying lately?

February Empties

If  a product is marked * I've kindly been gifted it for review. Here's my February empties:

*Seatree Cosmetics Sweet Orange Handcrafted Soap - which was fresh and fruity and lovely to use. See my review HERE. I've got a stash of soaps to use up but I'd buy from this brand in future.

Huge love for NorthburN I received the Mandarin & Bergamot Room Mist 30ml which came in their Gift of the Month in June last year. The set also included a reed diffuser which I fell in love with. And so, I bought their Mandarin & Bergamot Refill Diffuser Oil 100ml which I've just used up also. Will definitely buy both again.

I adore Noble Isle. Summer Rising is one of my favourite scents. I received this 75ml Bath & Shower Gel one as a Latest in Beauty pick some months ago. Already got a replacement! See my review HERE.

Desavery were one of my discoveries as a Beauty Shortlist Judge last year. I fell hard! I finished up LIT! Daily Serum 10ml* see my review HERE. Everything from this brand is on my wishlist (I'm going to treat myself to STELLAR Daily Serum after payday!). A stunning brand with scents and formulas which make your heart and skin sing!

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream 3ml is simply stunning. I got multiple uses out this sachet and full size is firmly on the wishlist (Love Lula have sachets available to buy with an order of £10+ if you're interested). 

Upcircle sachets which I received in my Mint Green February Starter Kit. See my initial musings HERE. I've used their Facial Serum 1.5ml before and that's firmly on the to-buy list. Also in the pack were their Face Toner 3ml (love), Face Moisturiser 3ml (love) and Cleansing Face Balm 3ml (not for me as the tea tree scent is too strong - such a shame as it's got a lovely texture and feel on the skin). It's a great wee try me set though. 

I adore ECooking's Cleansing Gel 50ml which I reviewed HERE. I've got another of these in my stash but it's one I'll buy again.

Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie's Richesse D'Or Body Oil 100ml* was an absolute delight. I'm gutted at having finished it up. See my review HERE. A truly sublime product which is good for the body and the soul. On my wishlist!

Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin Body Lotion 100ml which I received from my lovely friend Julie for my birthday one year. Who doesn't love Jo Malone scents! A classic and sublime layered with Grapefruit cologne. Heaven in a bottle - I was sad to use this up.

REN Citrus Limonum Hand Wash 300ml which is one of my favourite hand washes. It'll definitely be bought again and again. See my review HERE.

Noble Isle Tea Rose Bath & Shower Gel 75ml which is a sublimely rosey scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely will buy again at some point!

Rounding up my February empties is Zing Organics's Love you Forever Body Oil 25ml which came in my November Subscription Box. Lovely!

What have you been using up this month?

Shopping my Stash #117

It's been a while since I last shopped my stash but as I'm on a low spend this year (although I have had a few splurges recently after finding out about lockdown again and feeling low about it) I'm planning on shopping my stash a lot more. I'd like to spend this year on operation use up, mainly enjoying what I have. If an item is marked * I've been given it to review.

My Avon rep, Alice gave me a sample of newish perfume Lucky Me EdP and I fell head-over-heels and had to buy a full size bottle! The perfume is woodsy and warm and contains notes of sparkling fizz accord, vanilla orchid and sandalwood. It's one of my favourite Avon scents, so easy to wear as well as lovely.

BOUCLEME's Toning Drops are absolutely fantastic. They banish brassiness and bring back vibrancy to your colour. Add to your shampoo or conditioner to lift and brighten blond, silver or highlighted hair. My only bugbear is the drops are so slow to come out of the bottle otherwise, it's a fantastic product.

rahua's Enchanted Island Salt Spray* is perfect for tousled beachy waves (and perfect for lockdown hair!). See my review HERE. I also love that it's presented in glass rather than plastic.

I'm a huge fan of DESAVERY's Stellar Daily Serum (truly life changing - see my musings HERE). Their LIT! Daily Serum* is also fantastic and I'm using up my last few drops. See my review HERE. Since discovering it last year it's one of my all time favourite brands.

I love beautiful Plenaire Rose Jelly which I also discovered last year. I'll be sad to see this little beauty go! See my review HERE.

Have you tried any of these products?

October Empties

Here are my October empties, products marked with * I've kindly been gifted for review.

HASK Rose Oil & Peach Color Protect Deep Conditioner 50g - this was a LIB pick and I got two uses from the sachet. Nice to use and does what it says on the tin (beautiful scent too). Will pick up again.

rahua Shower Gel 22ml - nice enough but hasn't got the wow factor of some of their other products. Wouldn't purchase.

*Desavery DREAM Oil Cleanser 10ml - I first tried the brand as a Beauty Shortlist Judge last year and fell head-over-heels. This cleansing oil was no different. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy at some point. An absolutely stunning brand.

Zing Organics Ah There! Body Oil 25ml - I love Zing and their quirkiness as well as their hardworking and effective products. This body oil was lush! See my review HERE. My bodycare stash is huge but I'd buy this again.

Avon Cannabis Sativa Oil Restore & Calm Hand and Body Balm 150ml - nice to use with a fresh herbal scent. It has a cream-balm type texture which melted onto the skin quickly. I've already bought another!

Avon Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Handwash 280ml - cheap as chips with a glorious scent. This is my favourite Avon handwash which I buy again and again. I'd love if they'd consider doing a refill pack.

Sol de Janerio Coco Cabana Cream 25ml - nice-ish to use (it has a gel type texture rather than a cream) but not a patch on the original bum bum vanilla-y cream. Wouldn't buy.

rahua Leave-In Treatment 5ml sachet - this is one of the rahua goodies. Absolutely gorgeous product (you only need a tiny bit). I got four uses out of this sachet. Full size is on the wishlist!

My final item this month is a 0.7ml sachet from Decleor - their Aromessence Neroli Amara Oil Serum. I used to use Decleor so it was nice to revisit! 

What have you been using up this month?

Top Products 2020: May to August

Way back in April I posted my Top Products 2020 for the period January-April - see HERE. These are my top picks for May-August (marked * I've very generously been gifted for review):

I fell totally head-over-heels for Antipodes BAPTISE H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel. See my review HERE.

nknaturals season specific skincare is just the best. I adored the couple of products I tried from their SPRING range and when founder and formulator, Nicola sent me the whole SUMMER collection* - I couldn't quite believe it. So, so generous and of course the range is stunning - see my review HERE. I'm looking forward to buying some of the AUTUMN range when it launches on the 22nd September for the autumn equinox. Check out the shop HERE.

I was invited to try a "my" skin specific range* of products from Typology in May which I absolutely adored. See my reviews HERE and HERE. 

I discovered DESAVERY as a Beauty Shortlist Judge and fell totally in love with the range, packaging, concept and scents (see my top picks for the 2020 Awards HERE). I was kindly sent two new-to-me products in May - see my review HERE. Absolutely love DESAVERY - they are first on my list (especially STELLAR Daily Serum) to replenish when my stash reduces a bit! 

I first tried Ecooking as a Latest in Beauty pick (REVIEW) and then as a Beauty Shortlist Judge - see HERE. In June I tried their Fragrance Free Cleansing Scrub* - REVIEW - in my post I said "this is one of the best scrubs I've ever used". I just love this brand! 

During lockdown I had scalp issues and this little bar of goodness totally cleared them up! I just love Earthkind's Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health* see my review HERE (Latest in Beauty had this as a pick recently so I stocked up!)

I'm a huge, huge fan of the Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie range which really are the creme de la creme of aromatherapy products and are totally timeless. I've loved everything I've tried from them - the products are luxurious, aromatic, a pleasure to use as well as being therapeutic (and good for the soul). See my review of their Richesse D'Or Bath & Shower Crystals* and Body Oil* HERE.

I received Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil* in my June Love Lula Beauty Box*. I fell totally head-over-heels (and then some, for it). See my review HERE.

I received Absolution's Le Gommage Corps Body Scrub in Naturisimo's Summer Vibes Discovery Box - I can never resist their discovery boxes. This scrub is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I've really enjoyed Terre Verdi's award winning NeroliPom Moisturiser*. See my review HERE. I'm a sucker for the luxe packaging as well as the beautifully scented, silky product within.

Of course, my Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume just has to be there (I've just heard the notes within the Autumn batch - excitement much, it'll arrive in time for the autumn equinox) Summer20 was simply stunning - I totally fell in love with it. See my review HERE.

I love this de-stress duo from Sanctuary Spa - see my review HERE. I've found both the De-Stress Warming Body Balm and Calming CBD Oil very effective and I'd buy both again.

I was recently very generously sent EVOLVE Organic Beauty's 360 Smoothing Body Contour* which is absolutely dreamy. See my review HERE.

Magic Cocoa* from ZOJO Beauty Elixirs is absolutely fantastic. I very generously received it free of charge for review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. See my review HERE.

CiTY SURViVOR was another brand I discovered as a Beauty Shortlist Judge (I loved Immune Support and gave it top marks). Founder, Daisy very kindly sent me the trio* to try together. See my review HERE (I've since replenished NIGHT SUPPORT).

Just this month I reviewed Awake Organics new Natural Vegan Shampoo* which comes in powder form (and eco-friendly packaging). See my review HERE. 

Do any of my picks make your top products for 2020?

*Desavery: DREAM Oil Cleanser & LIT! Daily Serum

*PR samples As you'll know I fell head-over-heels for Award Winning Desavery as a Beauty Shortlist Judge again this year. See my top picks from the Awards HERE. I adore bergamot scented exquisite STELLAR Daily Serum (it's on my buy-soon wishlist once my serum stash reduces!)

Founder, Andrea wanted to create a beautifully scented range which is good for your mood as well as your skin. "The mood and mind changing element was the fun part. An evening cleanser which helps you fall asleep, a daily serum which reduces cortisol levels". The purest and best ingredients are sourced and the range is handcrafted in small batches. It really has the WOW factor in every way.

I was very kindly sent two 10ml bottles* - DREAM Oil Cleanser (full size is 30ml which retails at £36, or you can pick it up in a Trio DISCOVERY Box (£65). See more details HERE. I also love the packaging - so stylish, different and recyclable too. The second product I was sent was LIT! Daily Serum (full size is 20ml which retails at £65).

*DREAM Oil Cleanser is a heavenly scented light oil which makes short work of make up and daily grime and takes cleansing to a whole new level! It smells so good! It's formulated with skin loving oils and scented with anti-ageing Frankincense and Rose along with uplifting Bergamot and exotic Ylang Ylang. The blend also lowers stress and anxiety levels and induces relaxation.

To use: apply to dry skin massaging to remove make up and daily grime before removing with a warmed damp cloth.

*LIT! Daily Serum helps to "brighten your mood and complexion". It's formulated with nourishing Prickly Pear Seed Oil, moisturising Rosehip Seed Oil, Yuzu for calm along with Rosemary and Geranium Essential Oils which uplift, tighten pores and smoothes the skin.

To use: it can be used as a regenerative night serum or as part of your morning routine.

I simply adore Desavery - it ticks all the boxes for me. Effective, beautiful, hardworking, a delight to use, exquisite packaging, carefully created formulas with scents that uplift and bring pure joy. It's magical! What are your favourites from the range?

March Empties

I actually used up the hand washes just before the Corona Virus became very real for us in the UK. Hope everyone is staying well and safe. Products marked * I received as a Beauty Shortlist Judge.

Olverum The Body Oil 10ml - I love the bath oil by the same brand so my interest was piqued to try the body oil which came, I think in a Latest in Beauty Box. Lovely to use, I'd definitely pick up again.

Tom Daxon Sicilian Woods 4.5ml EdP - which I received in a sampling box last birthday as a gift from hubby. See my thoughts HERE. This and Resin Sacra were my hands-down favourites and I'll definitely buy full size of both at some point.

As you know I was delighted to be asked to be a judge again at the recent Beauty Shortlist Awards and fell head-over-heels for the stunning Award Winning Desavery. I especially adored STELLAR Daily Serum* (it's scented with truly uplifting Bergamot Essential Oil) and SMOOTH Hyaluronic Acid*. A truly wonderful range which I'll buy again soon as I can.

Walden Natural Perfumes Castles in the Air EdP 15ml was an absolute delight. It featured in my project 10 pan (which I'm still slowly working through - see HERE and HERE (that's me now used up 4, so it's def a long process!)

I loved trying Evolve's Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash 50ml which was the perfect try-me-size/for travel. I loved it's light apple scent and how well it worked as a hair and body wash (full size is on the wishlist).

I'm a huge, huge, huge fan of Molton Brown's Christmas scent Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 350ml - I normally pick some up in the sale - but it sold out really quickly. I'll definitely be picking some up when it launches next October. See my review HERE.

I also adored Noble Isle's Tea Rose Hand Wash 250ml which has a delectable rosy scent (I want to try more from this range!). See my review HERE.

Corinne Taylor Spirit Room & Linen Mist 100ml - I love this award winning brand and I adored Spirit! It's an earthy and grounding blend with sage, palo santo and cedarwood and I was pretty upset when I used the last drop! Adds to wishlist once again..

What have you been using up this month?