October Empties

Here's what I've used up in October. If a product is marked * I was kindly given it to review. Not many this month!

Evolve Tropical Blossom Body Butter 30ml - I revisited this lush scented body product over summer. It's deeply nourishing with an exotic aroma. Sure to buy again at some point.

I adore Nudge Boutique's Whipped Body Butter with May Chang & Pink Grapefruit. See my review HERE. I've just opened a new one. Absolutely love it!

Old favourite Therapie Roques O'Neil Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - huge fan and must stock up again. These are one of the first bath salts I tried and still the best.

CiTY SURViVOR Pollution Protection Daily Multi-Vitamin with Antioxidants 60 caps* are fantastic. See my review HERE. Sure to buy again at some point.

Rounding up my October empties is rahua's Enchanted Island Salt Spray 124ml* - a fantastic salt mist which I reviewed HERE. On the wishlist!

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?

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?

*Evolve Organic Beauty Deep Clean Micellar Water

*PR sample - AD I've been trying Evolve Organic Beauty's newish Deep Clean Micellar Water (£20 - 190ml)* which is absolutely fantastic. It makes light work of make up and daily grime and is the perfect cleanser for non make up days or as a pre-cleanse. It'll cleanse and tone your skin using micellar molecules which gently lift make up and impurities with zero irritation - skin is left feeling clean and comfortable, never tight.

This natural make up remover is formulated with moringa peptides to help to remove micro particles of pollution from the skin, hyaluronic acid to lock moisture into the skin and pomegranate which helps limit water loss leaving the skin clean and glowy.

To use: use on it's own or as a first step in a cleansing ritual. Apply 3 pumps onto a reusable pad and wipe over the face and neck. Follow with a cleansing balm.

I love how clean and refreshed the micellar water leaves my skin. It's got a pleasant fruity scent and is easy to use, coming in a pump action recyclable bottle. Great product, I highly recommend and a fantastic addition to the range. What are your favourites from the brand?

Top Products 2021: January to March

Products which are marked * I was very kindly gifted for review. Last year I broke up my "top" stuff into manageable chunks rather than yearly and decided to do the same this year. This is a rather long post so grab that cuppa or glass of wine!

I dropped numerous hints to hubby that I'd love The Nue Co's Functional Fragrance which is available to buy at Naturisimo. See my review HERE (their newish Forest Lungs Fragrance is on the wishlist).

I fell head-over-heels and then some for ila spa's glorious The Big Sleep Bath Salts* which I reviewed as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in January. See my post HERE. These are the ones to get for r&r!

Beauty Cleanse Skincare Mean Green Superfood Drops & Carrot Algae Marine Drops* which are multi-use and fantastic. See my review HERE. Founder, Saman is currently crowdfunding - see more info HERE to launch a Superfood-Powered Multipurpose Face Mask which will brighten, refine pores, soften, detoxify, hydrate and offer an antioxidant boost - sounds like an absolute must have!

I love everything from Evolve Organic Beauty. Their newish Super Berry Body Oil* is just sublime. See my review HERE.

And then, I fell head-over-heels for Love Absolute's Mulberry Milk Jelly Cleanser, which quite honestly is one of the most joy giving products I've ever used (I love the easily re-usable packaging too). See my review HERE.

Silvan Skincare Balance Face Cream is just sublime. I'm a huge fan of the brand having tried a few of their balms in the past. See my review HERE.

I initially tried the Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Body Cream* in their Advent Calendar which I partly received as my November pick as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger and fell head-over-heels - see HERE. I loved it so much I selected it and the matching Bath Essence* as my February picks. See HERE. 

I received Balm Balm's Lavender Face Balm in January's Love Lula Beauty Box* and fell hard. I've now got a couple in my stash thanks to lovely friends - you know who you are! See my review HERE.

Reacquainting myself with UpCircle Beauty (I've always been a fan of their peppermint coffee scrub from their early days). I'm now a huge, huge fan of the skincare line. Check out my review HERE.

Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil (which I first tried via the aforementioned Advent Calendar). I loved it so much I bought full size as it's instantly calming. See my review HERE.

Of course I had to have an Antipodes latest launch! As soon as I saw it land at Naturisimo it was in my basket! Check out my review HERE. It's truly gorgeous.

Tam Mason's Nourishing Sugar Hand Scrubs had been on my wishlist. I took the plunge recently and fell head-over-heels. Check out my review HERE. I've recently been sent one of their new sugar Body Scrubs* which I'm sure already will feature in my next favs!

Another product I can't imagine not being in my stash....always is Nudge Boutique's May Chang & Pink Grapefuit Whipped Body Butter. It has the perfect scent to uplift both the body and mind as well as being a luxe and affordable treat. Check out my review HERE.

I truly love all the products* I chose as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for March. Check out my review HERE. They uplifted me so much with their scents+textures and made me happy. One already has been a re-purchase!

Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cleansing Melt had been on the wishlist. I was happy to receive this 30ml in a Naturismo Discovery Box. Check out my review HERE. One of the best cleansers I've used.

Rounding up my January to March top picks is Balance Me's fantastic BHA Exfoliating Concentrate* which I reviewed HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

*Mint Green: The Natural Switch Starter Pack

I was very kindly sent Mint Green's brand new The Natural Switch Starter Pack* to review. Having loved their February Starter Kit which I reviewed HERE, I was delighted to try and review their latest kit. The Natural Switch Starter Pack costs just £20 and is worth over £100 making it a must-have. It comes in a brown reusable cardboard box and compostable mailer bag.

Inside is:

Goldfaden MD Vital Boost; Even Skintone Daily Moisturiser 15ml (Vegan, Natural, Recylable) which gives the skin a hydration hit and is suitable for all skin types. A full review will come for this one! 

Doers of London Body Wash 15ml (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) I was introduced to this brand in last month's box. A gentle wash which is nice to use.

Grown Alchemists Hydra-Gel Hand Sanitiser 50ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) I'm always happy to try a new hand sanitiser and always have one in my bag when out and about. This one will kill germs and hydrate. Again, a review will follow.

Odacite Ba+S Eye Contour Booster 2ml (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) A brand I love and a product I've not tried from the range. I'm testing this out right now and a little goes a long way. It helps to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Tangent GC Hand Soap +Hand Cream sachets 2 x 5ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) This is a new to me brand. I'm looking forward to trying them out. 

Q+A Liquorice Lip Oil 15ml (Natural, Vegan, Recyclable) This has been on my wishlist so I'm happy to be able to try it now. It'll plump and nourish the lips. Again, a review will follow.

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm 4ml (Natural) I've used this multi-use balm a few times - great for dry and cracked skin, lips and nipples. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200 10ml (Vegan, Natural, Organic, Recyclable) Again, I've used this serum before and my skin loved it. (I reviewed it way back in 2015! See my review HERE). Great to have it back in my stash.

Rounding up the starter pack is a bar of Nuddy Totally CocoNUTS Soap Bar 100g (Vegan, Natural, Recyclable) This soap is enriched with shea butter, smells of coconuts and has a rich foamy lather.

Do you think you'll pick up The Natural Switch Starter Pack? Check out the Mint Green store HERE.

*NEW IN: Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil

*Gifted - AD I was very kindly sent one of Evolve Organic Beauty's latest launches - the other one's Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil (250ml) (both £24). Super Berry Body Oil (100ml)* is simply exquisite. I've only used it a handful of times but have fallen head-over-heels! As ever, it comes in Evolve's signature simple but stylish (and easily recyclable) brown cardboard box. I love that it also comes with a pump which you can chose to use or not and the bottle is easily recyclable or reusable. 

The Vegan Super Berry Body Oil is ideal for stretch marks and dry skin. My dry winter skin is lapping it up! It's got an incredibly fruity aroma which uplifts (and is slightly mouthwatering!)

Lightweight, it absorbs instantly leaving the skin feeling super nourished and smelling delicious. Formulated with ingredients such as, Chilean Rosehip Oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids and Omegas 3 and 6, upcycled Raspberry Seed Oil (a by product of the fruit and jam industry) is stuffed full of antioxidants and fatty acids. It regenerates and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Pomegranate Seed Oil helps to promote cellular regeneration and help with scars and stretch marks, like Rosehip Oil. 

To use: massage onto the skin after a bath or shower

What a glorious oil! I love everything about it - it has a beautiful silky texture, absorbs instantly and leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished and smelling sweet! One of my favourite products so far this year.

January Empties

Here's what I've been using this month. If a product is marked * it means I've been given it for review purposes. 

*Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie Richesse D'Or Bath & Shower Crystals - I absolutely loved this aromatic treat for the bath, body and mind. See my review HERE. I'm sorry to use them up as they're just perfect for lockdown times! Definitely on the wishlist.

ZOJO The Bikini Body Formula 35g - I find this supplement helps supports my digestive system the most, although it does a whole host of things. See my review HERE. I'm sure I'll stock up again soon as it's a must-have in my stash!

*I absolutely loved Evolve's Pomegranate & Goji Aromatic Wash 250ml - it's perfect for your morning shower - uplifting and super fruity. See my review HERE. It's on my wishlist for when my stash reduces. Loved it.

Molton Brown's Frankincense & Allspice Liquid Handwash 300ml - it's only available from October each year until it sells out in the sales. See my review HERE. Unfortunately, I was unable to stock up for the year as it sold out!

I simply love Bodhi & Birch's Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - it's the one I keep buying again and again - such a staple. See my review HERE. It'll be bought again soon.

*The Dr Hauschka bits are from the advent calendar - Almond Soothing Body Cream 10ml - nice enough, wouldn't buy. The two toners - Clarifying & Facial Toner (both 10ml) were really nice and effective - I'd buy both these again.

I just love Lush's Sleepy Body Lotion - it's on the wishlist - I'm likely to stock up soon! Perfect to use before bed for a restful night's sleep.

I picked up the little sample size bottle of Hand & Nail Oil Serum at Blue Labelle when we visited the shop in the summer. It was soo good to meet Pascale despite having to mask up! A beautiful aromatic product - full size is on the wishlist.

My final item this month is Zing Organic's Ah There! Body Oil 25ml which was nice to use but I prefer their Elevate Body Oil with Frankincense & Clementine so wouldn't buy this.

What have you been using up this month?

*Evolve Organic Beauty: Pomegranate and Goji Aromatic Wash

*giftedproduct - AD. As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Evolve Organic Beauty's natural body washes which are formulated with essential oils and skin loving nourishing organic ingredients. I was very kindly sent their latest launch - Pomegranate and Goji Aromatic Wash (£14 - 250ml)* which is super uplifting and my staple in my morning shower (I'll need to buy more after Christmas!)

The 99% natural wash is presented in a recyclable pump bottle which is perfect to use beside the shower (I'm also a huge fan of their daily apple hair & body wash - REVIEW).

Formulated and hand blended with soothing aloe vera and moisture locking quinoa along with moisturising goji berry it'll gently cleanse and nourish the skin. The scent is a blend of pomegranate, pear, peach, raspberry and citrus. It's the perfect wake-up scent and a pure joy to use.

To use: apply to damp hands/body and massage over the skin before rinsing

This wash makes me happy, is a pleasure to use and one I'll pick up again (and dare I say it, one of my fav new tries this year!) Pick yours up HERE.

*EVOLVE Organic Beauty: Christmas Gifting

*gifted stocking filler. Can we talk Christmas? EVOLVE Organic Beauty have a gorgeous range of goodies this year. I was very kindly gifted their cute Sparkle Stocking Filler (£12) which is presented in a tree-hanging box. Inside is their amazing Bio-Retinol Gold Mask (30ml) which is perfect to use to nourish and plump the skin leaving your skin looking glowy and radiant (a review will come for this product - it's brilliant). It's the perfect stocking filler (look at that gorgeous golden pot of goodness!)

Staying with stocking fillers/small gifts we have their Hydrate Stocking Filler (£12) which contains a 10ml of their award winning Organic Hyaluronic Serum 200.  See my review HERE.

Hydration Heroes Christmas Box (£35) contains 3 hardworking and award winning products which care for and hydrate the skin. Inside is: Gentle Cleansing Melt 30ml, Hyaluronic Serum 200 30ml and Daily Renew Face Cream 30ml. The set comes in a gorgeous re-usable box.

Their Discovery Boxes are great value with 4 to choose from - Balancing, Radiance, Smart Ageing and Skincare Best Sellers. The Balancing Box (£22) contains: Daily Detox Face Wash 30ml, Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum 10ml and True Balance Lotion 25ml making it the perfect starter kit.

You could also gift their brand new Pomegranate & Goji Aromatic Wash 250ml (£14) which is uplifting and fruity and can be used on hands and body. This one's on my wishlist! I'm a huge fan of their Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash. See my review HERE.

This is just a tempting taster of all that's available. You can see more on the Website. What are your favourites from EVOLVE Organic Beauty?

Naturisimo Most Wanted Discovery Box

 As you'll know I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery box. I'm always looking to see if there's a new one! Imagine my delight when I spotted their Most Wanted Discovery Box. Create an account (new feature) and you can collect points which you can use against individual buys or save them up for a big spend - see HERE - they're also currently offering a £5 reward when you open an account!

Costing £19.95 and worth an incredible £92! WOW!

So what's inside:

Kosas Weightless Lip Colour in Rosewater 4g FULL SIZE worth £20

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Eye Complex 10ml FULL SIZE worth £16

ILIA Beauty Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Twilight 0.4g FULL SIZE worth £24

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner 10ml TRIAL SIZE worth £3.30

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser 15ml worth £10.20

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength 15ml worth £18.75

A great box, don't you think?

September Empties

Marked* I've kindly been gifted a product for review. I'm not going to use anything else up so here are my September empties (a little bit early!)

I absolutely adore Noble Isle and their Summer Rising Bath & Shower gel 75ml which I first discovered in a Beauty Box (I've since bought their new Rhubarb Rhubarb! hand sanitiser which is fantastic - review on it's way). See my review HERE.

I received the NUXE 30ml reve de miel Melting Honey Body Balm as a Latest in Beauty pick. Lovely to use, buttery soft and deeply nourishing. Something I might pick up full size if my body product stash ever reduces.

I simply adore Avon Senses Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Hand Wash 250ml it's cheap as chips coming in at only a quid. I buy it again and again as I love its beautiful scent.

Evolve's Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash 250ml was gorgeous. Equally good for hair and body. See my review HERE. I'll definitely pick this one up again.

My mum had given me Method's Sunshine Bloom Hand Wash 354ml after me admiring hers in her bathroom. It was lovely to use with a nice sunshiney citrus scent! I've got my eye on their Rose Water and Tropical Cloud ones next!

*The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash 20ml which I received as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. Lovely to use. See my mini review HERE. Definitely one I'll pick up when my gel cleanser stash reduces a bit.

balanceme's Flash Cleanse Micellar Water 30ml was fantastic. Very effective and gentle. It's on my to-buy list. Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Plumping Daily Serum 10ml was a Feel Unique My Beauty Kit pick. My skin loved this in summer. 

Award winning Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist* which I tried again as a Beauty Shortlist Judge 2020 is the creme de la creme of face mists! See my thoughts HERE. I've just opened a mini from a Latest in Beauty Box.

My skin adored nknaturals Summer Copper Distilled Botanical Mist 50ml* and I was sad to finish this! I'm looking forward to buying Autumn's version on the equinox on 22 September! See my review of the whole Summer collection, which founder and formulator, Nicola kindly gifted me HERE.

My final empty is ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil 30ml* which I received in the June Love Lula Beauty Box*, see HERE. I simply fell head-over-heels for this face oil - see HERE. I repurchased it during the spend £20 get one free offer. It'll always be in my stash.

What have you been using up in September?