*Love Lula Beauty Box: September 2021

My September Love Lula Beauty Box arrived on Saturday. This month is absolutely fantastic! I receive the monthly box free of charge as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for an honest review (subscribers also get a very generous 20% off the brands in the box). The first item to jump out at me was a very wearable Cacao Lip Colour from Ere Perez  in shade "Sway", a pink/mauve nude which is absolutely gorgeous! This is a full size product (3.5g - £21). It adds the perfect pop of moisturising colour to the lips. It's total love!

It was also great to see a brand new product from Glossworks - their luscious and zesty Cuticle Balm (15g - £12). It'll nourish the driest of cuticles (and nails). Another win! A review will follow. 

So nice too to see a Madara product back in the box! Inside is a 20ml of their Time Miracle Total Renewal Night Cream Travel size (£18) which is rich and nutritious - perfect for nourishing autumnal skin! It'll rejuvenate and replenish the skin while you sleep.

Rounding up this fab box is Ayumi's Sandalwood Face Cream (100ml - £6.99) which absorbs instantly. It's got an aromatic spicy aroma and feels slightly soothing as well as moisturising on the skin. I'm looking forward to testing it out!

Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts on the box this month?

Naturisimo: The Future of Beauty Discovery Box

As you'll know I can rarely resist one of Naturisimo's Discovery Boxes. The Future of Beauty contains 6 items worth £105. Pick up a box (still available at time going to press) for £22 plus P&P (free delivery over £25).

Shall we take a closer look..

I'm a huge fan already of Pai Skincare's The Impossible Glow 10ml (worth £19). This size's the perfect try me/to take on holiday. Add to your moisturiser, serum or wear alone for that post holiday glow.

Inside is an Ere Perez Olive Oil Lipstick which is full size 3.5g in Fiesta, a raspberry red which is gorgeous and worth £23.50 (it's a brand new shade). The other shade (picked at random) is Circus (True Red). Also inside is a full size luxe Kjaer Weis Lip Brush which is perfect to use to apply your lippy.

From ROEN Beauty Cake Mascara in Black 10ml, also a full size and worth £22. I love it's luxe packaging.

You can't go wrong with an Evolve Organic Beauty product! Inside is 30ml deluxe size of their Multi Peptide 360 Cream which is worth £18. I've used this before and it's lovely.

Rounding up the collection is 100% Pure's Bright Eyes Mask 8g (1 pair) which brighten and de-puff.

A great discovery box this month. Did you pick one up?

*Love Lula: Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème

*gifted/sample I've been testing out new launch Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème (50g - £30)* which is available to buy at Love Lula.

The Beauty Crème absorbs almost instantly and very lightly moisturises the skin (I think it would suit my skin better as a moisturiser in the summer months/on holiday) although I've found it works well as a primer and it definitely makes my skin look more glowy.

Formulated with ingredients such as Moringa which accelerates cell renewal, Apricot Kernel which tones and firms, antioxidant Lemon Balm and Prickly Pear oil which is high in Vitamin E.

To use: apply over the face, neck and decolletage AM/PM

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affiliate link

Ere Perez Oat Milk Cream Foundation

I've been trying Ere Perez Oat Milk Cream Foundation* (£29 - 30ml) which are available to buy in the UK at places like Love Lula, Naturismo and Content Beauty & Wellbeing.

The cream foundations are easy to apply with fingers or a brush layering up for more coverage. You can also use sparingly for a lighter application just touching on areas which need a little coverage.

I've been trying 2 shades - top - Chai* for light to medium skins and bottom - Honey* for lighter skin tones. I've been able to use both and have found Chai to be more suited to my skin when it's lightly tanned.

top - chai, bottom - honey

Top - honey, Bottom - chai

The shades are long lasting and very hydrating and easy to blend onto the skin with fingertips or brush. The formulations are unique - they allow the skin to breathe and don't clog the pores.  The finish is dewy and the skin looks radiant.

As you'll see my tubes are nearly finished. This is a foundation I will be replenishing. What's your favourite product from Ere Perez?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #101

Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

Ere Perez Cacao Lip Colour in Play which is a peachy-pink guava coloured vegan lip butter which nourishes while leaving the lips with a pop of colour. This is gorgeous and I want to try more from the range. Pick yours up at Love Lula.

Aesop's Marrakech Intense Parfum is amazing! I love the rich spicy notes. See my review HERE.

Daisy & Mallow's Jasmine & Vanilla Lip Balm nourishes dry lips and cuticles and has a pretty floral scent. This came in the Time to Sparkle Letterbox Luxuries box hubby got me for my birthday.

From Palm & Soul I've been trying amazing Your Beauty Serum Cocktail* - I chose the ingredients and founder, Kathy mixed them up. I'll be reviewing this very shortly. I chose neroli and orange peel essential oils and this serum smells incredible. It's really lovely to use and can be used on the body as well as the face. It's one of the nicest products I've ever used.

Beauty Shortlist winner Jo Browne's Facial Cleansing Balm* is truly wonderful. I love everything about it (including that fabulous packaging). See my thoughts HERE. I'm very nearly finished this pot but it will be replenished when my stash reduces a bit. I just love it.

My final reach for is Zing Organics Ah There! Calming Body Oil* which soothes and relaxes the body and mind. See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Glow Organic: Sample Service

One of the girls on one of the beauty groups on Facebook flagged up that Glow Organic has a sampling service which is great for colour matching or trying before buying full size. Samples are available alone in quantities of 5. Up to 5 can be ordered if you are buying a full size product. With the samples you get a voucher code for 20% off a subsequent full size product (the samples range in price from £1.20 - £4.50).

I picked up two foundation samples. The Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation in Haze is slightly too pale for me so I'll stick with the one I originally selected and I love the Zao Makeup Silk Foundation. I chose 713 Fair Beige which seems nearly spot on.

My other three samples are skincare from new to me brand Luxe Botanics. I chose from their CAMU Brightening Range and instantly fell for the Brightening Cleanser (I'd buy this full size!), I wasn't so keen on the serum but liked the moisturiser - that's why samples are so good!

Pick yours up HERE.

May Empties

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

D’ALCHÉMY Essential Body Balm Mini 15ml - I simply loved this and the brand is amazing. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist.

YULI Ambrosia Beauty Nectar Sample* - beautiful brand. See my review HERE. Would very happily use this again but it's pricey.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 10ml - one of my favourite products from REN. Will buy full size again when my stash reduces. See my review HERE. These small sizes are perfect for travel/try me.

Vanderohe No.1 Nourishing Face Serum 10ml* - which is one of my favourite skincare products of '18. See my review HERE.  Yes, I'll definitely buy this at some point (simply stunning).

Apothaka Rejuventating Face Oil 10ml - which I received in my March Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved this beautiful light oil - see my review HERE. Will pick this up again when my face oil stash reduces (it's a bit out of control at the moment!)

Kat Burki Bio-Correcting Face Creme 10ml - this was nice to try but not sure I'd buy.

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm 15ml* - I was part of the focus group for the new Superfoods Series and I simply adored this. Rushed out and bought full size - fabulous! See my review HERE (the formula has been tweaked slightly and I love it even more!)

Anita Grant Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 15g - I received this in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It was lovely to revisit (and I've already bought full size). See my review HERE.

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash 20ml* and Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml* - I loved both of these and would buy full size. Check out my post on their #CleanerBeauty Campaign HERE.

ByTerry Baume de Rose Body Cream 50g - I received this in a gift set from a friend. It was lovely to use, super rich and nourishing. My stash is huge so unlikely to buy.

balance me super toning body polish 50ml - nice to use. Maybe not quite scrubby enough for me. Unlikely to re-purchase.

Tropic Skincare Jasmine, Neroli & Vetivert Body Wash* - loved this exotic scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely to buy when my stash reduces.

NorthburN Revive Orange, Lavender & Palmarosa Luxury Bath Salts 100g - I received them in March's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and really loved them. Although I used them one evening (in error) and had a terrible nights sleep haha. I'm currently trying their Neroli and Vetiver ones. Absolutely gorgeous and will review soon (and will buy again).

Seed of Life Holistic Health Eternal Rose Luxury Mineral Bath Salts 100g - I received them in February's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. Really enjoyed them and would buy.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF30 - Pure Beige - I wasn't totally taken with this. I found it just too watery although the shade was good. Wouldn't buy again.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose Hair Oil 3ml - simply loved this. Full size is firmly on the wishlist. See my review HERE.

ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray 75ml - I really like this dry shampoo for refreshing between washes. Just opened a new one.

Ere Perez Herbal Facial Tonic 100ml** - which is absolutely beautiful. One I'll definitely buy. See my review HERE.

Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Oil 100ml*** - a new to me brand for Beauty Shortlist Award judging. Absolutely gorgeous. See my mini review HERE. Sure I'll buy this when my cleansing stash goes down a bit.

Tabitha James Kraan Clean Conditioner - Amber Rose 10ml - I got at least 6 uses out of this sachet which is a great try me or for holidays. See my review HERE. I'll definitely consider buying this soon.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo 7ml and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner 7ml - these were nice to try but didn't really suit my hair so wouldn't buy.

Sisley White Ginger Contouring Oil for Legs 8ml - this had a gel type texture and I got 2 uses from the sachet. Seemed nice but too small a sample to see any difference. 

LIXIR Electrogel Cleanser sachet - I've been wanting to try the range for a while. This cleanser seems nice but teeny one use sachet. Not sure I love it enough to buy full size but nice to try. I am loving however their Vitamin C Paste!

Faith in Nature Watermelon Shower Gel & Bath Foam 7ml - I didn't find this fruity enough (it had a synthetic type of scent). Wouldn't buy.

Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash**, Rose Jasminium Timeless Glow Renewal Moisturiser** and Rose Jasminium Illuminating Perfecting Serum** sachets - I loved the face wash but wasn't keen on the scent of the moisturiser and serum.

Sisley Reconstructuring Conditioner 8ml - this seemed lovely but unlikely to buy as it's pricey. But nice to try.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

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

***Beauty Shortlist tester

Love Lula: Ere Perez Skincare

I'm a huge fan of Ere Perez skincare having recently tried their Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar as a Beauty Shortlist Awards Judge. See my post HERE. I was excited to see more of the skincare range now available at Love Lula.

I'm a huge fan of the simple but pretty recyclable packaging. The Herbal Face Tonic (100ml - £20)* is a luscious drink for the skin which smells herbal/floral and is very pleasant. Spritz the skin after cleansing or throughout the day for a very welcome balancing boost.

The herbal face tonic is a blend of green tea witch hazel, citrus, geranium, aloe vera and rosemary. Hyaluronic acid reinvigorates tired skin. You can spritz to refresh, to tone, to set make up and revive.

.

Papaya SOS Marmalade (30g - £23.50)* is a neutral scented multi-purpose balm which deeply nourishes the skin and hair. Use it as a lip balm, face and body moisturiser, for cuticle and hands, heels, elbows and knees, flyaways, insect bites, scrapes and bruises - I do love a multi-purpose product!

Formulated with coconut, hemp, chia and grapefruit oils, fermented papaya and Calendula. It deeply repairs and nourishes and melts upon contact with warm skin. It's just personal preference but I'd have preferred the product to be scented.

What's your favourite Ere Perez product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All thought are genuine and my post contains a few affiliate links

Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 - My Top Picks

I was totally honoured and chuffed to bits when Fi at The Beauty Shortlist asked me to be a judge for the 2018 Awards - you can see all the winners and finalists HERE.

These are my top picks from the products I was lucky enough to try (some of which are winners, finalists and Editor's Choice winners):

KINN Beauty: 

Best New Brand - UK

Best Body Lotion, Best Bath Oil, Editor's Choice - Body Oil

I totally loved everything about this brand (which had been on my radar a while). From the simple but stylish packaging, the exquisite comforting scent which makes me think "everything's going to be ok" (Ylang Ylang, Lavender & Tangerine) which uplifts, calms and soothes both the body and mind. 

The range is truly beautiful and I enjoyed trying it all (will all be purchases in future for sure!)

Check out KINN Beauty HERE.

Jo Browne Ireland:

Best Aromatherapy Products (Home-Bath-Beauty-Travel) - Natural Solid Perfume (floral), Best Cleansing Balm (f) - Natural Facial Cleansing Balm

Oh these products made my heart sing! That packaging! (eco-friendly bamboo) I just loved everything about this lovely range. The cleansing balm has the lightest texture and the most aromatic scent (Bergamot, Neroli, Palmarosa, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit and Rose) and makes short work of daily grime and make up. Skin is left feeling comfortable, clean and nourished. Love!  The Natural Solid Perfume (housed in a eco-friendly bamboo tube with outer bamboo cover) is a gentle floral and very pretty. 

Check out Jo Browne Ireland HERE.

Inner-Soul Organics:

Best Night Balm - Healing Night Balm, Editor's Choice - Roses & Lemons Tender Cleanse Balm and Supreme Comfort Day Cream

I'd previously tried the cleansing balm and day cream so it was nice to re-visit (I'd forgotten how good they are!). New to me winner is the Healing Night Balm which is a night time essential! It has a sleep inducing scent (Lavender & Patchouli) which cocoons and relaxes both the skin and mind. Wake up with soft, smooth and deeply nourished skin. Love!

Check out Inner-Soul Organics - HERE.

MV Organic Skincare:

Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - Australia

Best Face Mask (Natural) - Energising Mineral Mask, Editor's Choice - Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser

I'd only tried MV Organic Skincare's Jojoba Oil so I enjoyed trying out two more products from the brand. Their Energising Mineral Mask is a mix of clays (mix with water or hydrosol to make a paste). It will energise and revitalise tired and stressed skins. Their Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser has a glorious rose scent and a light texture which is easily absorbed. The skin is left feeling comfortable and nourished. Definitely want to try more from this brand!

Check out MV Organic Skincare - HERE.

Dafna's Personal Skincare:

Best Skincare Brand - International

Best Night Treatment - Nutrition, Best Serum - Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum, Editor's Choice - Moisture+, Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser

I'm a huge fan of Dafna's Personal Skincare already - see my reviews - Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser, Nutrition & Eye Care. New tries to me were Moisture+ and Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum (both of which I loved). The serum is stuffed full of skin loving actives which soften, nourish, tighten and firm the skin. Moisture+ is a rich cream which is formulated with 19 carefully selected actives.  Just love this brand.

Check out Dafna's Personal Skincare - HERE.

Marina Miracle:

Editor's Choice - Amaranth Night Serum

This new to me brand from Norway is gorgeous! I truly loved trying both these products.  The Aramanth Face Oil absorbs quickly and leaves the skin nourished and glowy while the Aramanth Night Serum regenerates and rejuvenates the skin while you sleep (they both smell glorious too).

Check out Marina Miracle at A Beautiful World - HERE.

Kinvara True Skincare:

Best Cleansing Oil (f), Editor's Choice - Eye Wow Eye Serum and Hyaluronic Youth Boost

I'd been aware of this Irish brand but hadn't tried anything before being a Judge. I loved the pretty packaging and the formulations inside are pretty special. 

My favourites are the Absolute Cleansing Oil which gently but deeply removes make up and daily grime (citrussy scent) leaving the skin feeling clean and nourished. Eye Wow Eye Serum is another favourite. It comes in a cooling rollerball and helps to minimise fine lines, dark circles and puffiness (it really does work) and has a nice fig/green scent. The third product to wow me is their Hyaluronic Youth Boost which acts as a natural filler - I've been using this around my lips to plump and nourish.

Check out Kinvara True Skincare - HERE.

Beauty Kitchen:

Best Multi-Tasking Balm - Free From Wonderbalm, Editor's Choice - Raw Inventions Kit and Skincare Treasures

I absolutely adored the Free From Wonder Balm which I used when I had the flu recently. It soothed and calmed my nose (in between sneezing fits). It's also good for lips and other dry patches.  Would buy again for sure. I also adored their very clever Raw Inventions Kit which has everything you need to make your own skincare including ingredients and pots, bottles and labels - it's fab!

Check out Beauty Kitchen - HERE.

Tropic Skincare:

Best Skincare Product for Acne - Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask & Best Face Mask - Breakouts, Editor's Choice - Supergreens Nutrient Boost Serum and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum

I'm a huge fan of lovely Tropic Skincare and have had the pleasure of trying these products previously - see my reviews - Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum, Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum.

Check out Tropic Skincare - HERE.

Ere Perez:

Best Concealer - Arnica Concealer, Editor's Choice - Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar

I just loved both of these Ere Perez products. The face nectar is lightweight and absorbs instantly. It nourishes, hydrates, plumps, can help with sun damage and tired and stressed skin. The nectar is scented with Jasmine Sambac and Sandalwood (and is gorgeous). The blue cypress helps to make the skin dewy. A stunning product. The Arnica Concealer is easy to blend, has a nice texture and hides dark circles and imperfections very well. I'll buy a darker shade coming into summer.

Check out Ere Perez - HERE.

ISUN:
Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - USA
Best Daily Serum 40+ - Phyto Infusion Facial Serum, Best Lip Balm - (f) - Golden Lip Balm, Editor's Choice - Peptide Eye Cream

This is a new to me brand and I enjoyed all the products I tried. The skincare products have quite a neutral scent but work very well and are stuffed full of potent powerhouse ingredients which revitalise, regenerate and make the skin glow. The lip balm has a buttery texture and an orange scent. I definitely want to try more from this brand.

Check out ISUN - HERE.

SAFEAS Organic Beauty:
Editor's Choice - Ghassoul Cleansing Mask 

This lavender scented mask was lovely to use. It deeply cleaned the pores, helping to rid the skin of blackheads and other impurities as well as controlling sebum. Really enjoyed using this mask (from a new to me brand).

Check out Safeas Organic Beauty - HERE.

See all the winners of the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE and check out the dates for the forthcoming Mama & Baby Awards 2018 and the 2019 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE.

Shopping my Stash #90

Here's what I've been reaching for:

Inika Micellar Cleansing Rosewater 100ml which is beautiful! Deeply scented with rosewater this micellar water gently removes daily grime and make up and I use it as a first cleanse on make up days and on its own on non-make up days.  It is quite small in size so I only use it as a treat!

Ere Perez Rich Olive Oil Lipstick in Surprise (4.5g - £17)* which is a bright pink shade (and out of my comfort zone!) The lipstick is super moisturising and the shade perfect for summer.

I picked up Walden Natural Perfume Castles in the Air in the new 15ml size. It has citrus, tropical flowers and lavender notes making it perfect for summer and holidays. It's one of my favourites from the range.

From Sister & Co I've been trying out their fab Raw Coconut Drink for Hair which I got in my Jet Set Set from Supernatural Beauty. See my initial thoughts on the set HERE. This treatment is great for dry, damaged and colour treated hair. It deeply nourishes both the scalp and hair leaving it looking and feeling great.

The final item I've been reaching for is Micheline Arcier's deeply nourishing Beaute Aromatherapie Face Cream** which is best suited to dry and mature skin types. I've been using it at night for a deeply nourishing treatment (it also smells incredible). This 6g sample pot costs £18 - see here for more info. Also see my previous reviews HERE and HERE.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affilate link.

**complimentary

Love Lula: Beauty Balm's Beauty Box

Love Lula stock so many brands I haven't tried yet that I decided to pick some new to me brands this month. I decided to create a beauty box which I'd love to receive (it's a lot harder than it looks to select a good mix and stay within budget!) There is one brand I've included which I've tried before - cult brand Dr Hauschka (but not the sample I picked). I can't wait to try everything so expect reviews soon!

Without further ado here's my picks (which works out at £50.05):

I've been wanting to try one of Ere Perez's Lipsticks for ages! I chose shade Surprise (4.5g - £17)* to put in my box. It's a really lush hot pink matte which I can't wait to try.

Next up is NEW IN: Rio Rosa Mosqueta Rosehip Discovery Set (£9.95)* which includes 3 trial sizes - Cream Cleanser (20ml), Rosehip Seed Oil (5ml) and Anti-ageing Day & Night Cream (20ml). The range is 100% natural and organic and made with pure Chilean Rosehip Seed Oil.

Alchemy Oils have been on my radar for a while but I've just not got round to trying them. The new travel size (30ml - £8) is the perfect try-me size or great for holidays. I selected their Grapefruit Hair Remedy* which deeply conditions and treats the hair. It can also be used for styling and flyaways - I love a multi-use product.

Staying on hair GK Natural Creations Silky Avocado Shampoo Bar with Rhasoul Clay & Silk (95g - £4.50)* jumped out at me (I also like the look of the rest of the range). I'm always looking for the perfect shampoo and this bar is suitable for normal, oily and fine hair.

I'm a huge bar of soap fan - so one had to sneak its way in! Trevarno is a brand which I've meant to try but just haven't yet. Their Organic Rose & Jojoba Soap (£4)* I chose can be used on both the face and body and smells divine.

My final full size pick is Bia Beauty Skincare Lime Pie Lip Balm (7ml - £3.60)* which smells limey and zesty. It's presented in a cute little tin which is perfect to pop in a pocket or handbag. It deeply nourishes the lips and I love it!

A trial size* from Dr Hauschka rounds up my box - Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence (10ml - £3)* which calms and soothes both the body and mind.

What do you think of my choices this month? Are there any items there you'd like to try?

*products sent to me as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains affiliate links. I chose the products listed (and I can't wait to test them all out!)