November Empties

Here's what I've been using up in November. If a product is marked * I kindly received it complimentary for review.

I love Indie Lee's Energize Deodorant 50g. See my review HERE. Will buy again. Huge fan of Ezape Naturals, their body butters are divine. I didn't think the Tea Tree & Peppermint* blend would be something I'd like as I'm not a huge-huge Tea Tree fan but this blend was really nice and minty-fresh. I would buy full size. Monpure's Clarifying Salt Scrub 50g was nice to use but unlikely to buy it again as there are other scalp care products I prefer. I love CITY SURViVOR supplement range and found both Immune Support and Night Support very effective. See my earlier review HERE. Will definitely buy both again at some point. Naturopathica's CBD+Unwind 30 Caps* see my review HERE. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub 28g which is a nice scrubby scrub with the delectable sweet original aroma. On the wishlist full size. The Nue Co MOOD 30 caps, I love these onto my second pot. They really do ease anxiety and brighten your mood. A keeper. Raven Botanicals Drift Bathing Oils sample, a rich and aromatic bath delight with a gentle lavender aroma. I simply adore Miller Harris's Lumiere Dore EdP 9ml, it's one of my favourite MH scents. Distinctly summery with orange blossom notes.

Friendly Soap with Peppermint & Poppyseed, a zero waste minty soap which was nice and refreshing. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 150ml, one of my favourites. I've just opened the last in my stash. I want to try the newish Living Proof one next. Love a bit of aromatic bodhi & birch. Their Ylang Ylang Inscensa Bath & Shower therapy 50ml is one of my fav b&b scents. See my review HERE. Just bought full size. Kiss the Moon Love Bedtime Bath Salts 50g* were gorgeous. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.  I quite enjoyed Agent Nateur & Shiva Rose Holi (Rose) No.4 Deodorant but not enough to buy it again. Noble Isle's Rhubarb Rhubarb! Hand Wash 250ml was gorgeous. Hugely fruity and lathered up well. Would buy again (wish they did refills though). JOIK's Organic Cornflower Facial Mist 50ml* was very refreshing. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up in November?

*NEW IN: Ezápé Naturals Mango & Cocoa Butter

*complimentary product - AD 

Brand new to Ezápé Naturals is the luscious Mango & Cocoa Butter (75g - £18, 150g - £28)* which can be used on the Hair, Face & Body (I love a multi-use product!) 

It's presented in a reusable/recyclable glass jar and comes as it is with no excess outer packaging. Rich and luxurious with a chocolatey aroma the butter is a joy to use. It melts instantly onto warm skin. 

Formulated with just 5 ingredients - Mango Seed Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Safflower Seed Oil, Calendula Flower Extract and Sunflower Seed Oil. 

It's got a fluffy mousse like texture and a chocolatey aroma - delicious!

To use: HAIR: intensive mask pre-shampoo to help soften and lock in moisture. FACE + BODY: apply to damp skin to lock in moisture

Use code buy2 for 10% off when you buy two full or travel sizes

June: Lately I've been loving

I can't believe we're nearly at the end of June! Time sure is flying. Here's what I've been loving in June. If it's marked * I've very kindly been gifted for review.

I've been trying new to me Scottish Brand, Deerieo Skincare* and love the packaging and formulations. Expect a review on the blog really soon.

I went Cult Beauty crazy in June picking up 3 orders!! I can never resist an affordable goody bag. So their Cult Conscious Goody Bag, free with £65 spent went right in my basket. I'm really enjoying exploring the contents and especially love de Mamiel's First Fix Stress Response Serum. Thumbs up too for Cult's reusable black bamboo cotton pads.

We got the flat redecorated in June by local firm AW Decor who did an amazing job. It was nice to get all my bits back in the kitchen too!

First visit to Dunelm saw us pick up a few bits including these cute tie backs which theme in with our doorstop.

Beautiful Butterwhips. I've fallen head-over-heels for this gorgeous brand. See my review HERE.

My friend Celia gifted me a beautiful limited edition pink copy of M W Craven's latest book in the Tilly & Poe Series - Dead Ground. I'm a huge fan of the series. She also arranged a signed bookplate - it's the little things! Totally over-the-moon to add this to my collection.

Oops yet another Cult Beauty Buy! I couldn't resist their The Skindie Edit which cost an amazing £35! At time going to press these beauties are still available. So far I've fallen for the Laneige and Rose Petals Rosewater. Still lots to try.

An online Dunelm buy of their Lina Rope Table Lamp which matches my tiebacks!

Seriously overspent! Yes, another Cult Beauty Goody Bag which was free with £70 skincare buy. I chose 3 Pai Skincare products (reviews for them to come). This was their Skindie Goody Bag which was worth £105. Again, lots of goodies to try!

Olfactory Candles newest wax melt scent is the delicious The Jam Pot*, a intensely fruity scent with notes of raspberry and strawberry with a touch of vanilla. It's absolutely gorgeous and on my to buy again list. Super strong too.

As part of my picks as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger I chose two SOiL Essential Oils* in Sweet Basil & Rose Geranium. They blend beautifully together and I've been diffusing them in a burner with water. See my review HERE.

Hubby made Camembert, Jersey Royal & Asparagus Fritatta last week for tea. It was delicious. From a recipe card picked up in Waitrose.

A trip to the Hairdresser's and a scoot round the new St James Quarter Shopping Centre in Edinburgh yesterday. What joy going shopping!

Rounding up my June favourites was a lovely lot of samples* in the whole range of  Ezape Naturals body butters. Such a treat. I'm going to enjoy trying them all. I only "know" the original Rosemary and Chamomile. They celebrated their 4th Birthday on Thursday and are offering 40% off until Sunday. Go on, treat yourself!

What have you been loving this month?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Sunset: September 2020

My Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box arrived the other day and it's absolutely fantastic! This month the theme is "Sunset" and inside are five products - one I've tried before, two brand new-to-me brands and two known to me brands but I've not tried the products in the box. How exciting!

WOW! The first item to jump out at me is Organic Works, a new-to-me brand. Inside is their Lavender Shower Gel (300ml - £12). It has a rich lather and feels silky on the skin with a gentle lavender aroma. I absolutely love it! A full review to come.

The second new-to-me brand (although I follow them on socials) is Fais Botanicals and inside is their cute Kiss It Lavender & Chamomile Lip & Skin Balm (15g - £8.50) which is great for lips, cuticles and dry patches. Again review to come.

I discovered Help Me Organics via my Skin Organics Clean Box and inside is their "it's way past my bedtime" candle (150g - £12) which smells glorious. I've been lighting candles again so this is great coming into autumn and for a restful night's sleep. A lovely addition to the box.

From Ezape Naturals is their latest launch (though they've been out a while now!) Lavender & Chamomile Bath Salts (250ml - £17). I adore bath salts so I'm looking forward to trying these.

Rounding up the box is a product I've tried before - NUORI's Vital Eye Cream (3ml - £11.95) which I loved.

It's a great box for me - I absolutely love it! Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts?

February Empties

Here's my February empties. Products marked with * are product samples:

Beauty Pie's Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body Wash 450ml - I loved this gently foaming wash which had an orangey type scent. Lasted ages too! Might or might not buy again.

I absolutely adore Klorane's Dy Shampoo with Oatmilk 150ml which was a Latest in Beauty pick. I've just opened my 2nd one and got a 3rd one on the way. It's fantastic, has a pleasant floral scent and leaves no white residue. I use it twice a week.

I've just opened my second System Professional Reconstructive Elixir Luxe Oil 30ml which I reviewed HERE. It'll always be in my stash as it just works.

*Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner 20ml which I reviewed HERE. Definitely one I'd buy full size when my stash reduces a bit.

*Madara Grow Volume Shampoo 10ml which came in January's fabulous Love Lula Beauty Box - see HERE. It's nice to use but I didn't really see any extra volume. Unlikely to buy full size.

System Professional Inessence Shampoo & Conditioner both 15ml sachets. These are the range's more "natural" products. I enjoyed using them (although the conditioner is clear like the shampoo!) Might or might not buy full size.

Madara Skin Equal Foundation samples (2ml) in shades Rose Ivory and Ivory. I loved Rose Ivory and would buy full size.

Rodial Vit C Eye Souffle 1ml which was nice to use but small sample - I didn't really notice much difference around the eye area. Would probably have to try it for longer/bigger size. Unlikely to buy.

Nourish Argan Anti-ageing Peptide Serum 2ml a nice product which I'd used before. Would buy again.

Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly 1ml which I think would be great to use in the summer months due to it's light gel consistency.

*Madara Grow Volume Conditioner 10ml - nice enough to use but I didn't really notice any difference to the volume of my hair. Unlikely to buy full size.

Ezape Naturals Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil 50ml - a lush and rich blend of skin loving oils scented with essential oils. Lovely to use. I've got another two in my stash from beauty boxes!

Connock London Andiroba Oil Hand & Body Wash 75ml - this came in a set which I mentioned HERE. A gorgeous floral wash which was nice to use. Perfect for travel too.

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Creme 250ml - I adore this luxurious body creme. See my review HERE. I've just opened a new pot. 

What have you been using up this month?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Sleep Retreat: November 2019

The Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box went bi-monthly after the July Box which means you'll now get a box in January, March, May, July, September and November). So something to look forward to when January is long, you're skint and it's cold!

November's box "Sleep Retreat" is absolutely fantastic and one of my favourite boxes this year. Nestled inside are 3 new to me brands (yes, really!). And now for a closer look...

WOW just WOW!

From new to me brand, Lunar & Lux we have their Mama Moon Botanical Candle (£8.99) which apart from looking exquisite smells glorious. It's scented with Lavender and chamomile and contains a rose crystal quartz which has been charged and cleansed with sage under the full moon. I'm looking forward to burning it (I also love the crackly wooden wick!)

From yet another new to me brand Haoma (squeals) we have a handmade bar of Lavender Soap (£8). I love the minimal packaging too. You can use this on hands, body and face. A review will be forthcoming. It smells glorious.

The final new-to-me brand is NISKAMA which is handcrafted in Cornwall in small batches. Inside is their Dry Skin Relief Body Balm with Lavender and Ylang Ylang 50g (£6.50). It's packed full of nourishing butters and oils and delicately scented with lavender and ylang ylang. It's gorgeous!

I've used these gorgeous Bath Salts for Inner Peace by ila spa many times. Inside is 200g bag which is worth £20. These take bathing to another level. Stress and anxiety is gone and in its place is calmness and serenity. I'm grateful to have them back in my stash!

Last, but no means least is Ezape Naturals newest launch their Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil 50ml (£13). I've got one of these I bought, one from another beauty box and now this one! It's a lush blend of skin loving oils scented with Ylang Ylang and Lavender. It's perfect for my very dry winter skin. A review to come!

Are you a Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box subscriber? What are your thoughts on the contents this month?

The Natural Beauty Box: Bedtime Bliss: October 2019

I'd spotted Skin Alchemists Apothecary's Intensive Skin Treatment (£36 - 120g) was in October's The Natural Beauty Box and I knew I'd have to pick up a box! This month the theme is Bedtime Bliss and inside are Plastic Free products (a one off box is £25.95 or you can subscribe at £24.95 a month on a rolling subscription. This month the box is worth £63.

Skin Alchemists Apothecary Intensive Skin Treatment (I got Midnight's Serenade) smells glorious and I can't wait to try it. Light, leaving the candle to burn for 10 minutes or so, before blowing the candle out and pouring the warmed scented wax onto the skin for a luxurious massage which is a treat for the skin and senses. Midnight's Serenade is a blend of exquisite jasmine, rose de mai and sweet orange. Looking forward to this one! A review will follow. (I also like that the cute little pouring pot is re-usable.

I've used Eden Days before so know my body is in for a treat with their Rooibos Bush Whipped Body Butter. Inside is a 60ml pot which is worth £7.  From Ezape Naturals is their newish Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil 50ml which I've used before. It's worth £13.

From Friends of Gaia there is a plastic free Spring Green Handmade Soap (£4) which is formulated with Green Clay, Lavender & Geranium and smells lovely. Alongside this is a Sisal Soap Pouch (£3) which is ideal for storing odds and ends of nearly finished soap. Use in conjunction with the pouch for a exfoliating clean.

I'm really impressed with everything this month. Reviews to follow. Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts?

February Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my February empties:

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - which are a staple for me. See my review HERE. I always have these in my stash.

Micheline Arcier Enchantement Bath & Shower Crystals 200g* - amazing! See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy these at some point as they took bathing to another level!

Jo Malone Red Roses Body Creme 175ml - which was lovely to use and seemed to last forever. I'd maybe buy it again (this one was a gift).

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 100ml - again, an absolute staple and I went through loads when I recently had the flu. See my review HERE. I've just cracked open a new one!

Ravenscourt Apothecary Blood Orange Hand Whipped Body Butter 60ml - just gorgeous! I can't wait to buy it again. See my review HERE.

Ezàpè Naturals Rosemary Body Butter 25g - which I totally fell for, so much so I rushed out and bought full size. See my review HERE.

Lola's Apothecary Delicate Romance Balancing Body Souffle 30ml - which again I totally fell in love with. Again, rushed out and bought full size. Review to come!

Poppy's Natural Skincare Supermoisturising Organic Chai Seed Hand Butter 50ml - I've not bought it yet but I will. A light as air neroli scented butter which is totally exquisite. See my review HERE.

JOIK Luxurious Bathmilk Citrus* - which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. The plastic pot didn't have a seal on it so had covered most things in a fine layer of powder (sad face). It was nice enough to use but I wouldn't buy.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 20ml - huge Weleda fan and this orange scented lotion is lovely. See my mini review HERE. I've got a full-size of this waiting to open.

Green People Ho wood and Red Mandarin Hand Cream 30ml** which had a gorgeous scent and was really moisturising. It was a Limited Edition so isn't available anymore. See my mini review HERE.

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Hand Cream 50ml** - which was a real treat-y hand cream. I'd maybe pick it up again.

Jane Scrivner Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist 100ml* - oh I just loved this. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely buy at some point.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Body Silk 50ml** - this is my favourite scent in the range. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

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

**complimentary

Ezàpè Naturals: Rosemary Body Butter

I received this gorgeous Ezàpè Naturals Rosemary Body Butter in my January Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and also in January's Natural Beauty Box*. And of course I loved it so much I rushed out to buy full size with the discount code Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box had negotiated.

The products are created by Vanessa, a qualified Beauty Therapist who created the range initially to help soothe her daughters eczema. The products are great for sensitive and dry skin types and are formulated with natural certified organic ingredients where possible, are handmade in small batches with love, care and attention to detail.

I just adore Rosemary Body Butter (25g - £6.50, 150g - £27) which deeply nourishes the skin. It has a subtle rosemary scent and the whipped butter melts easily on warm skin. It's made with just 5 ingredients - Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rosemary Essential Oil and Vitamin E.

To use: apply generously to your skin after your bath or shower.

*complimentary

The Natural Beauty Box: CLARITY - Mind, Body, Soul

January's The Natural Beauty Box theme was CLARITY - Mind, Body & Soul* and inside are products which clear your mind, give you an energy boost and rejuvenate both the skin and the senses. 

You can sign up for February's box HERE (a month by month subscription costs £24.95 with free p&p (there are discounts if you sign up for a 3 or 6 month subscription by prepayment). Every quarter the company donate to charity for each box sold - which is a nice touch. February's box will ship on the 20th.  

So what's inside January's box:

Doesn't it all look lovely. And now for a closer look..

I'm already a huge fan of Optiat and their The Hungover Coffee Scrub in Potent Peppermint (£6.99) is my favourite from the range. See my review HERE.

Excited face, from new to me Scottish brand Nurturing Soul is their Clarity Aromatherapy Perfume rollerball 10ml (£7.99) which smells heavenly. It contains a blend of oils which will help you stay calm and collected in times of stress and when extra concentration is required. I love this and I'll review it more fully soon.

Buff Natural Skincare is a brand I discovered recently via Pure Natural Box. I loved their NAKED Sea Salt Body Scrub Lovers' Blend. See my review HERE. I'm excited to try the Buff Up Morning Blend Massage Oil 100ml (£12.50). Again, a review will follow.

I tried Organdle recently and inside this box is their Health Living Focus & Clarity Candle (£13) which is scented with a blend of rosemary, cardamon and lime which I'm looking forward to lighting.

I'd been aware of Ezàpè Naturals but hadn't tried it before receiving it recently in a beauty box. Inside is their Rosemary Body Butter 25g (£6.50). I adore this rich and luxurious butter and again a review will follow.

Rounding up this fabulous box is MOA's 10ml shot of their amazing Fortifying Green Bath Potion. See my review HERE.

What are your thoughts on the contents of January's The Natural Beauty Box? Or are you already a subscriber?

*complimentary

January: Lately I've Been Loving

I ran out of time in December to do a "Lately I've been Loving" post. But I did share my month-by-month Highlights for 2017. So, my January loves are a little early..

I picked up this sweet little shell heart in COVE which is made by a local artist. It really is the sweetest thing and brings me so much joy.

Just before Christmas this beautiful Millennial palette* by MEMI arrived which contains really wearable shades, both matte and shimmery (£22). I'll be reviewing it soon but just wanted to give it a mention. Pick yours up HERE.

Fortnum & Mason chocolates at Christmas (from my boss). I love the exquisite packaging & what's inside was delicious. A real treat.

Discovering Henné Organics at Naturisimo made my month (if not year) as their Rose Diamonds Lip Exfoliator had been on my wishlist for ages. See my review HERE.

Sara Sheridan who writes the brilliant Mirabelle Bevan series (set in 1950s Brighton) sent me (and others) a short story. I was absolutely delighted. You can pick the first in the series up HERE.

I was thrilled to win a competition on netgalley (courtesy of the publishers) to win a proof copy of the fabulous Still Me by Jojo Moyes*. It's such a brilliant read - so, so lovely to catch up with wonderful Lou again. My review will be up nearer the end of the month in my monthly round up but it's publication day today so go BUY.

It's also publication day for the fabulous M P Wright and J T Ellington in Restless Coffins*. Pick yours up HERE. I was chuffed to bits and then some to get a mention in the acknowledgements again. It's a great series which I highly recommend.

I've totally fallen for beautiful brand Ezàpè Naturals and their glorious body butter which came in this month's fab Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box - see my initial thoughts HERE. The Rosemary Body Butter is so good I had to buy a full size pot! A review will follow.

What have you been loving so far this month?

*complimentary