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?

*Ermana Natural Skincare: GLOW Exfoliator + CLARIFY Clay Mask

*gifted - AD As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Ermana Natural Skincare having reviewed products from the range several times the blog. Founder and formulator, Claire recently sent me two new products to try out.

GLOW Exfoliator (£18 - 60ml)* has an intensely orangey scent and the perfect scrubby texture. Formulated with sugar, a natural source of glycolic acid which helps with cell turnover and in turn fresher and younger looking skin. It's also a humectant. Sweet Almond Oil moisturises, conditions and smoothes while Vitamin rich Apricot oil is perfect for sensitive and mature skin types. Vitamin E supports new cell growth and helps to minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Sweet Orange Essential Oil, while smelling glorious also boost circulation, promote cell and collagen growth. 

To use: apply to damp skin massaging in circular motions before rinsing. Use twice a week.

I love this scrubby scrub which smells like marmalade! It's nice to use and helps to make the skin glow. 

CLARIFY Clay Mask (£18 - 60ml)* is for me the star of the duo although I love GLOW. It comes with it's own little spoon for measuring and mixing. The mask has a strong lavender/chamomile scent which I love. It deeply cleanses the skin (dries hard, but feels comfortable on the skin) and draws dirt, impurities and absorbs excess oil from the skin. White Clay draws dirt and build up from the skin as well as acting as a mild exfoliant. Aloe Vera hydrates and soothes, anti-inflammatory Green Tea can help with skin irritation and redness while nourishing and firming. Chamomile soothes while Lavender protects and balances.

To use: use wooden spoon to mix 2 spoonfuls of clay with water to make a thick paste. Apply to the skin, avoiding the lip and eye area. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and then remove with a warmed damp face cloth. Dry Skin: leave on 3-5 minutes, Normal/combo: leave on 5-8 minutes, Oily Skin: leave on 5-10 minutes. Use weekly. There are approximately 10 applications per jar.

I've absolutely loved using this clay mask which is nice to use, effective and makes my skin glow. My skin is combo so it's really helped to balance my t-zone and reduce pores. Highly recommend! I'll definitely be adding this regularly to my skincare routine.

What are your favourites from the brand?

April Empties

Marked * I've received free of charge for review purposes. Here's what I've been using up:

Amly Radiance Boost Silver Rich Face Mist 100ml which I adored. See my review HERE. A definite repurchase when my mist stash reduces a bit.

Shiseido Vital Protection Uplifting & Firming Cream 1.5ml - this free sachet came in my monthly Red mag. A nice cream, would consider full size at some point.

Tropic Skincare Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum 5ml* I loved this serum. See my review HERE. Another one I'll buy full size when my stash reduces.

Ermana Hydrate Organic Rose Water Mist 100ml* beautiful and rosy. See my review HERE. Another one I'd buy again.

Bomb Cosmetics Peppermint Patch Hand Wash 300ml - nice to use with a peppermint scent (although I did find it slightly drying) Would maybe buy again.

Saint Iris Adriatica Vitality Spritz 30ml* - oh definitely a buy again when my stash reduces. An absolutely gorgeous product. See my review HERE.

Avon Senses Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Hand Wash 250ml - does the job with a beautiful scent. Would buy again.

Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care 4ml - this was a Feel Unique Beauty Kit pick. I absolutely loved this. The scent was wonderfully uplifting and the elixir absorbed instantly. My skin loves this one - full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Color WOW Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner 10ml sachets - these worked well and I'd definitely consider buying full sizes. 

Di Palomo White Grape Moisturising Body Wash 225ml - I found this in the back of my cupboard and used it up quickly in the shower. It has a lovely floral fruity scent and I'd buy this again (my sister gave me this one as a gift).

What have you been using up this month?

*New In: Ermana Natural Skincare

*productsamples Claire, founder and formulator at Ermana Natural Skincare got in touch with me to see if I'd like to try and review some of the latest launches. As you'll know I'm a huge fan of the brand having first tried it way back in 2015.

REFINE Cleansing Oil with Grapefruit & Galbanum (£24 - 100ml) is absolutely fantastic and one of my favourite products this year! The cleansing oil will deeply cleanse the skin of make up and impurities (it also smells fantastic). It's formulated with a blend of skin loving oils and scented with Grapefruit & Galbanum essential oils.

To use: apply a few drops to hands and massage over the face, neck and eyes before removing with warmed muslin cloth.

HYDRATE Organic Rose Mist (£18 - 100ml) is a rich hydrating toner which refreshes, soothes and regenerates the skin. Use it as a skin tonic to refresh, a toner after cleansing, to soothe sunburn and spray on your pillow to ease you into gentle sleep.

To use: spritz onto the skin after cleansing or throughout the day to refresh.

I'm also loving the new and innovative Bamboo Cleansing Pads (£12 - 10 pads) which are re-usable and eco-friendly. They are a great alternative to cotton wool as you can wash them and use them again and again (80% bamboo/20% organic cotton).

To use: use with eye make up remover or cleanser. Can be used dry or wet.

What are your favourite products from Ermana Natural Skincare?

Ermana Natural Skincare: Fresh Wash & Fresh Lotion

I've had the real pleasure of trying out Ermana Natural Skincare's latest launch(s). Their new Organic Hand & Body Wash* (£15 - 200ml) and Organic Hand & Body Lotions* (£20 - 200ml) come in 5 scents - Fresh, Comfort, Revive, Refresh and Soothe. I chose the one which most appealed to me Fresh* with Peppermint & Patchouli.

The washes can be used on both hands and body (as like the lotions) and are formulated with plant based ingredients including Aloe Vera juice. The lotions are made from Olive, Flax and Sunflower oils as well as Shea and Cocoa butters.

Fresh is uplifing and awakens both the body and mind. The wash gently cleanses and the lotion deeply nourishes. The duo is lovely and is likely to become a permanent fixture in my bathroom! 

What's your favourite Ermana Natural Skincare Products?

See my previous review:
Fresh Foot Balm with Peppermint & Patchouli*
Mini Balms Travel Gift Set*
Cleanse Balm & Nurture Body Oil*

*complimentary

Ermana Natural Skincare: Mini Balms Travel Gift Set Review & Giveaway - it's over!

I've got a review and Giveaway today which can be won by one of my UK readers. Ermana Mini Balms Travel Gift Set (£24)* is a great try me set and is also ideal for travel.

Inside the set you'll find 3 x 15ml balms - Cleanse, Comfort and Refresh.

I've been testing the set out (if you are the lucky winner you'll get a lovely boxed set - the ones in the photos are mine).

Cleanse Balm 15ml - I've had the pleasure of using this cleanser before (review, and updated review here).

Refresh Lip Balm 15ml - is a pot of rich goodness for the lips and it's scented with grapefruit which gives the rich balm a zesty freshness. Natural cocoa, shea and coconut butters are blended with sweet almond oil and beeswax which soothe and hydrate the lips.

The final balm in the trio is Comfort Balm 15ml - which is a cozy comfort blanket. It's a blend of natural butters infused with lavender, geranium and ylang ylang which comforts and relaxes both the skin and senses. Use it where you need comfort - dry skin patches, chapped lips, dry heels, knees and elbows (it's also good for flyaways!)

Please enter via the Rafflecopter below and Good Luck!

*complimentary and giveaway prize courtesy of Ermana

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ermana Natural Skincare: Fresh Foot Balm with Peppermint & Patchouli

It's been a while since I've tried any Ermana Natural Skincare products (and the range has expanded since then). See my review of their Cleanse Balm* and Nurture Body Oil* HERE and an update post HERE.

I've recently been testing out their Fresh Foot Balm with Peppermint and Patchouli (60ml - £20)* which comes packaged in a recyclable jar and printed cardboard box. 

The foot balm is a real luxe treat for the feet (an area of the body often neglected!) Natural butters are hand blended in small batches with Sweet Almond oil and Beeswax and the balm is scented with Peppermint and Patchouli essential oils.

To use: warm a small amount between your fingertips before massaging over the feet, concentrating on dry and rough areas. You only need a tiny amount so this pot will last for ages.

It deeply nourishes, protects and softens (and smells glorious). It's the perfect product for getting your feet sandal ready! The balm would also be good to use after a day's sightseeing, shopping or exercise as it also cools and refreshes.

What's your favourite Ermana Natural Skincare product? Have you tried Fresh Foot Balm before?

And... keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming Ermana giveaway!

*complimentary

October Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month. So here's my October empties:

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream 120ml - absolutely loved everything about this cream. Will repurchase at some point. See my review HERE.

Living Proof Full Shampoo (60ml) & Conditioner (60ml) - which were nice to use. I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - one of the best hand care products I've ever used. Will pick up full size again when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml - I'm currently obsessed with this hand wash. Must go instore to buy a few full size ones! See my review HERE.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 100ml* - amazing! Just loved this. I have a mini to use but will replenish it. See my review HERE.

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol 30ml** - which came in September's Love Lula Beauty Box. It also featured in Shopping My Stash #81. Loved it. Will buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (both 15ml). I got 4 uses out of each of these. Preferred the shampoo to the conditioner. Probably wouldn't buy but nice to try. These came from Feel Unique's fab pick n mix service.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Argan 5ml*, Natural Cacay 5ml*, Organic Rosehip 5ml*, Organic Moringa 5ml* I absolutely loved all of these and would buy full size. See my review HERE.

SAMAYA Hydrating Cleanser Sample* - VATA beautiful product from a new range. Will definitely be tempted once my stash reduces a bit.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation - loved this will buy again. It has a great coverage and good range of shades. This lasted me nearly a year (using other products too). Will re-purchase.

Joik Lemon & Vanilla Body Lotion sample - probably the teeniest sample I've ever tried!  The lotion however absorbed easily and the scent is lovely. Would buy full size.

Odacité C a R Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate 5ml* and Gt + L Greentea & Lemongrass Serum Concentrate 5ml* - I enjoyed using both of these but slightly preferred the second one (I've since opened another bottle of this) See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon Dream After Dark Bath Oil 3ml - I simply love the Kiss the Moon range. This bath oil has notes of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood which help to promote a restful night's sleep. Although lovely to use this isn't my favourite scent in the range so wouldn't buy full size.

Ermana Nurture Body Oil 50ml* - which was really lovely to use. Very uplifting and nurturing. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Sachajuan Ginger Flower Body Wash 0.17fl oz - I was surprised when I found this teeny sachet was enough for one use! Gorgeous with a beautiful uplifting scent. Simply a delight. Definitely tempted by full size!

What have you been using up this month?

*Complimentary sent for review/gifted
**From the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Shopping My Stash #68

Now I'm back on the spending ban I'll be shopping my stash weekly - I'm planning #NoBuyJanuary but might try and keep it up until the end of February. Here's what I've been reaching for -

Ermana Natural Skincare Comfort Balm 15ml* - I'm a huge fan of this brand and first mentioned the balm HERE. I've had a bit of a cold from the end of December so I've been using this on dry patches around my nose to soothe and moisturise.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser 7ml* - this is a rich moisturiser which nourishes and protects winter skin. It featured in Little Treats #11 see HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Sweet Orange & Vanilla Body Balm 60ml - I simply love this rich balm which deeply nourishes the skin and uplifts the senses making it perfect for dry winter skin.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose 4-in-1 Organic Conditioner 60ml* - I love a muti-purpose product and this conditioner does wonders for the hair. I use it either as a leave in or rinse out product but it can also be used as a nourish scalp cream or styling product. It has a powdery rose scent which is lovely.

Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick - I received this in a set at Christmas. A lovely rosey shade which moisturises the lips and leaves them with a pop of natural colour. I was surprised it had a flat top but it applies well and I love it!

What have you been reaching for?

*PR samples

au sujet de Vert online boutique

Shubana, who writes Berry's Beauty has recently launched online beauty boutique au sujet de Vert (which means about green in French) She recently got in touch to see if I'd like to try a product from Cîme Skincare (a brand I'd never tried up until now).

It was a nice surprise to receive a hand cream from the brand but also some other lovely goodies.

I like that your order can be hand delivered if you live in the W1 area of London. Brands stocked are natural and organic and have no parabens. In the 'mixed' section in the shop you will find products which contain some synthetic ingredients but are much loved. Everything has been tried and tested by Shubana which I think is a nice touch.

Brands you can buy:

Cîme Skincare - I've been testing out their De Main en Main Hand Cream (£21 - 100ml)* which is enriched with apricot kernal oil and aloe extract. It leaves the hands nourished and delicately scented. Expect a fuller review soon. I was also sent some sachets and I'll update my thoughts on them in a samples or empties post.

Tabitha James Kraan - I was sent a 60ml size of the Organic 4-in-1 Conditioner in Amber Rose*. This smells absolutely heavenly and I can't wait to try it. I have tried the conditioner in the Golden Citrus scent and you can see my review HERE.

Ermana Natural Skincare - a brand I tried way back in August (review). The Comfort Balm (15ml)* cares for dry skin patches on the face and body. Scented with Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang and packed full of nourishing butters it's an absolute delight for the senses, a skin soother and hydrator. Use it on lips, elbows, cracked heels, knees, for cuticles and dry hands. You can also massage it onto the temples and wrists to help to calm down (I've also used it on flyaways).

Get 10% off your order with code BBALM10

which is valid until 24 December 2015

Evolve Beauty - (review of Satin Leg Gloss & Hyaluronic Serum 200 HERE)

Lyonsleaf - (review of Beauty Balm & Body Butter* HERE)

Carishea (review of their Shea Scot Body Balm* here)

Hairy Jayne (Taster Kit - no longer available HERE)

Vedani Botanicals* (recently reviewed HERE). 

I'm currently testing a few products sent to me by Rossi Uvema* and I hope to have my review up by Monday at the latest.  Lastly, Scent Trail handmade soaps which is another brand I've not heard of or tried before. Keep checking back as Shubana is adding new brands all the time.

See the website HERE

Follow on Twitter @SujetdeVert 

*complimentary/sent for review

Updates: White & Elm, Ermana Natural Skincare, IASO, F.O.Y.

Today I'm giving you updates as to my thoughts about products I've now used for a few weeks or longer:

White & Elm - I first tried a couple of products from White & Elm way back in February. I'm been using their Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum almost exclusively since then (and I've still loads left making it a real cost effective buy).  I've found it nourishes and hydrate the eye area (I also use it above my top lip). It also helps to diminish dark circles and minimise fine lines. I'd buy again.

Ermana Natural Skincare - this beautiful range launched in August and I was lucky enough to be able to try two products from the range. See my initial thoughts on Cleanse Balm* and Nuture Body Oil* - HERE. 

I have found the Cleanse Balm to be lighter in texture than other cleansing balms I'm currently using (which makes for a nice change), it has a delicious feel good scent and deeply cleanses removing make up and daily grime. It's a keeper!

The Nurture Body Oil is a lightweight oil scented with Neroli, Petigrain and Ylang Ylang and is up there in my top 5 body oils! The only negative I'd have is I'd prefer the oil to be in a pump bottle rather than a dropper bottle which would make it easier to use.

IASO Ghassoul Black Cleansing Oil* I felt a bit hurried by the company to write my review in September before I'd really had a chance to try the product out properly.

I can now honestly say it is a really effective cleansing oil which helps to eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, oil and impurities leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. I have also found it to be effective in removing stubborn eye make up.

Finally, I reviewed a number of products by F.O.Y. back in August and I said I'd report back as to how I felt the Double Action Anti Cellulite Gel* was performing. I used it happily for a few days or so until my skin flared up in a red itchy rash. I can only assume I'm allergic to one or more of the ingredients it contains. I am however still enjoying using the Day Cream, Night Cream and Eye Gel from the brand.

Have you tried any of these products?

*PR samples

Ermana Natural Skincare: Cleanse Balm & Nurture Body Oil

Ermana Natural Skincare is an exciting new range of skincare and bodycare brought to us by Glasgow based Claire Twigge-Molecey, (a former Fashion & Homeware Buyer) who hand-blends the products in small batches in her kitchen at home in Battlefield, on the south side of the City.

She first started making face oils and balms for herself, family and friends about 10 years ago and decided to go back to college to study anatomy, physiology and skincare.

One of her greatest supporters (apart from her husband James) is her sister Nicola and the brand name comes from the Spanish "hermana" for sister. 

Claire very kindly sent me Cleanse Balm with Grapefruit & Galbanum (60ml - £24)* to test out and review as well as Nurture Body Oil with Neroli, Petigrain & Ylang Ylang (50ml - £28)*. The Cleanse Balm also comes in a handy 15ml travel/try me size (£8).

As well as the products being a delight the packaging is super cute too! The collection is 100% natural, there is no animal testing and products are free from parabens, sulphates, artificial colours and fragrances.

UK based suppliers supply the ingredients and packaging and products should be used within six months of opening.

Cleanse Balm is made with natural Cocoa, Shea and Coconut butters along with Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax and Essential oils of Grapefruit and Galbanum which restore and tone the skin. The balm deeply cleanses the skin removing daily grime and make up and has a light citrus herbal scent.  To use: massage a small amount of balm in your fingertips before applying to the skin in circular motions over the face and neck. Remove with the super-soft warm damp muslin cloth.

Nurture Body Oil is one of the nicest body oils I've used this year! It is heavenly scented with Neroli, Petigrain and Ylang Ylang and sinks easily into the skin. The plant oils used are full of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Omega Oils making this great for dry skin. The body oil absorbs easily leaving the skin delicately scented and nourished. Love this!

P&P is £3.30 UK First Class, £7.95 UK Special Delivery and International Orders ship at £9.50. If you spend £40 or more shipping is free.

I'll update you as to how I'm getting along with the products. Check out the full range HERE.

*complimentary