Good Housekeeping - The Green Beauty Box

As a subscriber of Red magazine they recently offered their subscribers Good Housekeeping's The Green Beauty Box for £48 instead of £60 with free p&p. It's such good value! Inside is 18 full and travel sizes. The box is worth a whopping £274. (there is of course a few items I won't use which I'll pass along). You also get a digital 12 month access to Good Housekeeping mag.

Wow! 

I was especially excited to see Earthkind's Organic Oats Conditioning Bar (full size - 50g - £8.95) as I'm a huge fan of the brand + this had been on my wishlist. Also inside the box is their Shampoo Bar Dry + Coloured Hair (Bergamot + Sage) (full size - 50g - £6.95). Always happy to have a back-up. See my review HERE. There's also a full size of Scentered's De-Stress Aromatherapy Balm (5g - £14.90). I've tried this before and it really does calm a stressed mind!

I'm a huge fan of Floral Street perfumes, my fav is Electric Rhubarb). Inside is their Mini Discovery Set Light (5 x 1.5ml £9) which is the perfect try-me set. See my review HERE.  From Temple Spa is a 30ml AAAHHH! Foot + Limb Moisturising Cream Balm worth £4. There's also pocket tissues from The Cheeky Panda which are plastic free and made of bamboo. These are worth a quid.

There's a Bellapierre Brown Eyed Girl Palette which is full size and worth £28.99. All the shades look pretty wearable. I especially like the sparkly one - perfect for Christmas parties! I don't use liquid liner + am quite fussy about my mascaras so these two will be passed along. The eyeko Skinny Liquid eye liner is 1.2g and worth £9. The Body Collection Big Volume Black Mascara is full size 12ml and worth £2.50.

From Lumene is their Nordic Ageless [AJATON] Radiant Pressed Serum 15ml which is worth £13.50. It smell really nice and has a gel like texture. Looking forward to trying it. I recently tried Florena Fermented Skincare and inside the box is their Regenerating Facial Oil 30ml (full size) worth £24.99. Totally new-to-me is Neo Sephiri and inside is their Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil 5ml which is worth £19. Looking forward to trying it!

From Codex is 20ml of their Bia Skin Superfood 20ml which is worth £12.80. Nice to see Skin & Tonic's Plump Up Hydration Serum 20ml £18.60 in there too. REN's Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream mini 10ml is worth £9.80. It was also fab to see Ecooking's Fragrance Free Day Cream 50ml (full size) which is worth £32. From Balance Me is 10ml (£10) of their fantastic Hyaluronic Plumping Mist. Rounding up the box is (another one I'll pass on) is Garnier's Organic Rosy Glow 3-in-1 Youth Cream 50ml (full size) and worth £8.99. Also some of the brands are offering discount codes, some of which are valid until the end of the year (and in some cases beyond). Pick yours up HERE.

Top Products 2021: April to June

If a product is marked * I was very kindly gifted it for review. As you'll know I've been breaking my top products up. See my January-March 2021 ones HERE.

I discovered Ginette aka The Herbal Soapmaker on Instagram and had to have a little buy. The products are gorgeous. See my review HERE.

Tam Mason's newish Nourishing Sugar Scrub in Rosa Damascena*. As well as being a sensory delight it is a beautiful and effective scrub. See my review HERE.

Another new brand, aromatic and gorgeous Africology. I fell head-over-heels for their gorgeous body care products*. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore Ecooking and think their newish 50+ series* is fantastic. See my review HERE.

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of eco friendly, zero waste and award winning Beauty Cleanse Skincare. This cleansing oil* is one of the best I've used. See my review HERE.

Oh Nudge Boutique, I adore every product of yours I try. Saffron Glow Facial Oil Serum* is an absolute delight. See my review HERE.

Beautiful Butterwhips. I adore their Body Butters particularly Warmly Relaxing with Bergamot, Lavender & Vitamin E. See my review HERE (foot care & face care excellent too and I love the eco-friendly packaging).

Ermana Natural Skincare's CLARIFY Clay Mask with Lavender & Chamomile* is one of the best I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I just adore Edinburgh based, Lucky Cloud Skincare. I picked two of their natural soaps* as part of my picks as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in June under the heading GROW. See my review HERE. They lather really well and have gorgeous scents as well as looking pretty with eco-friendly packaging!

Rounding up my Top Picks for the last 3 months is STEAMCREAM! I really enjoyed using two of their newest products* in the range. Check out my review HERE. I also love the reusable packaging.

What products have you been loving this year?

*Ecooking 50+ Series

#PR samples AD As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Ecooking and their new range for ages 50+ is fantastic (I'm 53). I love the brand already - see my reviews - Cleansing Gel (HERE), Firming Serum*, Neck & Decolletage Cream* + Eye Cream* (HERE) and Fragrance Free Micellar Water* + Cleansing Scrub* (HERE). You can buy the range online at places like Feel Unique and Look Fantastic.

I was sent 3 items from the range - 50+ Cleansing Foam (200ml - £23)*, 50+ Fragrance Free Serum (30ml - £49)* and 50+ Goodnight Cream (50ml - £32)*. The series is formulated with ingredients such as stem cells from wild olive trees, CBD from citrus peel, electrolytes+ and the range is fragrance free.

50+ Cleansing Foam is a light and fluffy foam which gently cleanses the skin. I use this in my morning shower. It's formulated with mild cleansers and like the whole range, plant stem cells from wild olive trees give the skin an energy boost. Niacinamide and panthenol moisture, soften and improve elasticity. The Cleansing Foam is suitable for all skin types and will clean and nourish. It's presented in a PET bottle with pump.

To use: can be used AM or PM. Wet skin and massage 1-2 pumps of foam into your skin using circular movements before rinsing and patting dry.

This is a lovely product (I'm slightly missing the signature Ecooking scent though!) The Cleansing Foam gently cleanses leaving the skin feeling clean and never tight.

50+ Serum protects and nourishes as well as helps to improve elasticity and structure. Again, the product uses stem cells from wild olive trees which help to renew and repair. The serum is also formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid which helps to bind moisture to the skin. It'll add moisture, soften, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin glow! (this is my favourite from the range).

To use: apply at night after cleansing, smoothing a few drops over the face and neck before night cream.

A gorgeous and luxurious serum which makes the skin glow!

50+ Goodnight Cream was the one I was most excited to try! It'll give you fresher and smoother skin while you sleep. This luxurious cream will pamper and care for your skin, moisturising, firming and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. CBD, from citrus peel strengthens while hyaluronic acid and electrolytes deeply moisturise. Wake up with fresher and smoother skin. 

To use: apply every night after the 50+ serum.

This is a beautiful night cream which does exactly what it says it will! It has a rich cream texture and absorbs almost instantly. 

A fantastic range, which I so recommend. I've really enjoyed trying these three products from the 50+ series and have noticed a definite difference in my skin's tone and texture. 

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?

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?

*Ecooking: Fragrance Free Micellar Water & Cleansing Scrub

*PR samples 

As you'll know I adore Danish Award Winning and Vegan Ecooking having tried & reviewed their beautiful and effective products many times on the blog. See these reviews HERE, HERE and HERE. I've been trying two of their latest launches which are absolutely fantastic.

Their Fragrance Free Micellar Water (200ml - £28.50) comes in a spray top plastic recyclable bottle. It's perfect to use to remove make up and daily grime. It's very gentle on the skin, has a slight cucumber aroma and makes short work of make up and grime leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

To use: spray directly onto the skin and remove with a cotton pad or soak a cotton pad and wipe it over your skin. Use alone or follow with a 2nd cleanse.

I've really enjoyed using this micellar water which smells beautifully fresh. It's easy to use and leaves the skin clean, refreshed and moisturised.

Fragrance Free Cleansing Scrub (125ml - £25.50) is presented in a squeezy recyclable tube. I love that it is a scrubby-scrub although creamy and it combines cleansing with exfoliation. Fine granules of Lava stone and Charcoal powder exfoliate dead skin cells and rejuvenate while organic Almond oil nourishes. Organic Aloe Vera calms and regenerates, Glycolic Acid deep-cleanses and Olivine extract stimulates metabolic cell activities - it's also great for dull and tired skin.

To use: moisten the skin and very gently massage the scrub onto your face and neck (avoiding the eye area) before rinsing.

This is one of the best scrubs I've ever used - it's got the perfect amount of scrubby texture leaving the skin revitalised and renewed.  What are your favourites from the brand?

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?

*REVIEW: Ecooking Firming Serum, Neck & Decolletage Cream & Eye Cream

*productsamples I first discovered Danish brand Ecooking as a latest in beauty pick (cleansing gel - review) and fell head over heels. I was recently sent some more products* from the range to try and review:

This trio are absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend the brand.

Award Winning Firming Serum Capsules (£43 - 60 capsules)* inside the little capsule you'll find an anti-ageing serum with natural botox effect. They'll smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lip area and they glide easily onto the skin. To use: use AM/PM after cleansing, twist off the top of the capsule squeezing the serum onto your fingertips before applying onto your face, neck and decolletage. 

Neck & Decolletage Cream (£43 - 50ml)* is a rich cream which is a delight to use. It helps to nourish and firm the delicate neck area (it's also one of the first places which show your age - along with hands). The rich cream is formulated with Hyadisine, a regenerative and protective bioactive ingredient which helps the skin to retain moisture, heal wounds and increase production of collagen and elastin. Cellulobeads help the skin retain moisture, filling in fine lines and wrinkles for softer and plumper skin. Niacinamide, a derivative of Vit B3 stops melanin reaching the surface of the skin and protects from further UV damage. To use: apply to neck and decolletage AM and PM.

The final item I was sent is their fabulous Fragrance Free Eye Cream (£49 - 30ml)* which absorbs instantly leaving the eyes feeling nourished with fine lines and wrinkles plumped. It also helps to minimise dark circles.  To use: AM and PM after cleansing.

I'm so impressed with this lovely range and will definitely pick up some more products soon. You can in the UK via - Look Fantastic or Feel Unique. What are your favourites from the range?

Latest in Beauty: November '19 Edit - Pamper Time

November's edit at Latest in Beauty build your own box is entitled "Pamper Time" and here are the items I chose (Beauty Enthusiast subscription - £15 for 6 items):

I think this must be one of my favourite months! The Haul of Fame Product this month is Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition which is a huge 200ml and worth £49! It's simply stunning! A review will follow.

And for a closer look at my other picks..

I'd heard of Irish Voya Organic Beauty, but until now hadn't tried anything from the range. I think these three are picks from last month (or indeed previous months). Inside my box this month is their Cleanse & Mend Facial Cleansing Milk 50ml which is the ideal try me size. I'm looking forward to trying it. I also picked my fav Ecooking (again) Cleansing Gel (50ml) - I simply love it - see my review HERE. I also picked Brush Works multi-tasking sponge.

I'd been crossing my fingers and hoping Prismologie's Jade & Vetiver Hand Exfoliant (75ml - £30) was still available when I made my picks! It was! Review to come (love the vetiver scent).

I didn't realise my final item was for babies or sensitive skins - I sort of got swept along on the tide of those others wanting this item! Award Winning Little Butterfly Dewdrops at Dawn Body Lotion 200ml (£23.50) cares for the most sensitive of skins and eczema. It's beautifully packaged and presented.

What did you pick this month? (p.s. I've got 3 item second box on it's way!)

Latest in Beauty: Ecooking Cleansing Gel

This Ecooking Cleansing Gel (50ml) which I received as a Latest in Beauty pick is absolutely fantastic (each month I'm stocking up on another, until they run out that is!) I'd heard of the brand previously but until now, hadn't tried anything - I definitely want to explore it more.

The brand was initially made at founder, Tina's kitchen table, for herself and friends before launching in 2015 in Denmark.  The range is everyday luxury, is natural and organic, paraben free and Vegan. 

It's my to-go-to in my morning shower for an instant refresh with cooling cucumber and aloe vera. It also melts dirt, impurities and make-up, balancing and hydrating while gently cleansing. 

What favourites have you discovered as a Latest in Beauty pick?

Latest in Beauty: New Season Beauty

This month is entitled New Season Beauty at Latest in Beauty. My picks arrived on Friday (and I'm tempted by another box! - you are allowed one extra build your own box a month). I go for the 6 item box - Beauty Enthusiast - which costs £15. This month there is one totally new to me brand - I'd never heard of You & Oil before.

I'm a huge fan of System Professional and inside is a 30ml of their Solar Sun Oil which is worth £17.50 - I'll pack this away for next summer!

There are two oils from new to me brand You & Oil (10ml) which are worth £16.50 each - Beauty Shot 100% Botox Oil and Beauty Shot 100% Collagen. I'm looking forward to trying these and reviews will follow.

Ecooking is a brand which has been on my radar but I haven't tried yet. Inside the box is 50ml (approx £5.50) of their Cleansing Gel which is good for normal to oily skins (love this!)

Similarly, Nuori has been on the radar but I've never tried anything from the range until now! Inside is a 5ml try-me size of their Supreme Moisture Mask which gives the skin an instant shot of hydration (perfect for dry winter skin!)

My final item is well loved Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml (£10) (REVIEW).

I'm really pleased with my picks this month. Did you choose any of these too?