November Empties

Here's what I've been using up this month:

Soaper Duper Shea Butter Body Wash 100ml - this delicious wash smelled of creamy vanilla ice cream! Totally lush! I want to try more from the brand which you can buy at Tesco. It's free from parabens and SLS (they have a Green Tuberose scent I can't wait to try).

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml & Ylang Ylang Inscensa Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - love both of these. Sure to buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil - oh how I love this beautiful body oil scented with rose otto, sandalwood and cardamon. It really is perfection. See my mini review HERE. Alas, a beautiful world no longer stock this brand so I think I'd have to buy direct from the US.

Lola's Apothecary Breath of Clarity Bath & Shower Oil 10ml - which came in the cute try me set which I blogged about HERE. I loved this invigorating treat which I'll buy full size when my stash reduces a bit.

Beatitude Patience Bath Oil 10ml* - really lovely to revisit - pick up the beautiful Beatitude Christmas Crackers up - they each contain a 10ml bath oil making them the perfect treat or small present.

Glasgow Soap Co Meditation Epsom Bath Salts with Blue Cornflower Petals 180g - I absolutely loved these salts and the quirky brand. See my review HERE. I'm sure to pick these up again at some point.

The Seaweed Bath Company Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo & Conditioner sachets** - I received these in November's Love Lula Beauty Box*. I wasn't so keen on the shampoo but loved the conditioner.

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Cream 2ml sachet - this seemed a nice enough cream but I wasn't keen on the scent so wouldn't buy. 

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 250ml - I always seem to use up shampoo way before conditioner. I love this nourishing shampoo which I'll definitely buy again.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 300ml - I buy enough of this in the sales to last all year. I've just cracked open my last one! Absolutely adore this wash! See my review HERE.

Natalie Bond Rose & Patchouli Bath Salts 60ml - these were lovely to use and I'd maybe buy when my stash reduces.

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g - these are a staple for me. Need to pick up some more soon!

Clark's Botanicals Soothing Marine Cream mini - this seemed quite nice but full size is expensive so it's probably not a buy again for me.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream 60ml - I had a quarter left in the jar when I realised it had gone off (I hate throwing products away and I had loved this one). Would buy again for sure. See my mini review HERE.

Ishgha Anti-oxidant Marine Face Cream 50ml* - I absolutely loved this cream. See my review HERE. I'd buy once my stash reduces a bit.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary
**in the Love Lula Beauty Box which is sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

April Empties

Here's what I've been using up this month (I think this is the smallest amount of empties ever!) I'm not going to use up any more so here goes..

Evolve Organic Beauty Citrus Blend Aromatic Wash 60ml - I loved this uplifting wash in my morning shower. Would buy full size.

Make Skincare Hands Replenish Pink Grapefruit Cream 15ml* - a beautiful hand cream which I just loved. See my review HERE. Full size is firmly on the to-buy list.

Evolve Organic Beauty African Wash sample size - Again, this was gorgeous and I'd buy full size. I love when you order directly from Evolve you can chose 3 sample sizes with each order.

Daisy & Mallow Nourishing Winter Body Oil 50ml - lovely to use and I'd buy again next winter - it's currently still on sale though. It has a base of sesame, coconut and rosehip and is scented with Grandiflorium jasmine, cardamon, clove bud, vanilla and sandalwood. I've now got my eye on the oil for Spring.

Optiat The Hungover Coffee Scrub Potent Peppermint 90g - I loved this uplifting and awakening scrub which had an intense coffee/mint scent. Perfect scrubbiness and have since bought another. See my review HERE.

Carina Organics Pink Grapefruit Hand Soap 360ml* - this was a great hand soap which smells of zesty pink grapefruit. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy at some point.

Resultime Hydrating Cream 15ml - I've really enjoyed this cream, so much so that I picked up another one recently. It has a fresh scent, absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished. Huge fan.

Sachet samples (I'm trying to use these more often along with perfume vials):

pai Head to Toe Buriti Balm 2ml - this seemed nice but it was such a teeny sample so only got one use.

AA Skincare Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary Conditioning Shampoo 8ml - nice to use. Got two uses out of these sachets. AA Skincare Amla & Clary Sage Rejuvenating Shampoo 8ml, again nice to use. This one was my favourite. I recently reviewed the matching conditioners (link).

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum 2ml - this seemed nice enough but again, quite small sachet.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream 2ml - a nice cream which absorbed quickly but I probably wouldn't buy.

Chantecaille BioLifting Neck Cream 2ml - I absolutely loved this. The gel textured cream absorbed instantly and it felt like an expensive product (on looking full size costs £152!) Nice to try but way out of my price range (I did however get 3 uses from the sachet).

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque 1.5ml - this was great on my shiny t-zone. Would buy full size.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Little Treats #10

thisworks in transit camera close-up (15ml) - this came free with July's Harpers Bazaar mag. It is great to use as a primer before make up as it evens and brightens the skin.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Balms SPF15 in Coral & Passion - love these for a pop of moisturising colour.

Acorelle SPF30 Sun Oil - this is teeny tiny (only 75ml - but Naturisimo point this out on their website). Luckily I picked it up with money off as it's expensive. This oil deeply nourishes and protects the skin from harmful rays. Really lovely to use and smells nice.

Nourish Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream (sample) a lightweight eye cream which deeply nourishes the eye area and helps with puffiness and dark circles.

Inner-Soul Organics Scandinavian Decedence Bath & Body Salt Scrub* (sample) - a rich and aromatic body scrub which can also be used in the bath as a salt soak.  Leaves the skin feeling silky soft and smooth.

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #62

Shay & Blue Blood Oranges 10ml spray - I broke my spending ban in week 3 and splurged on a little set containing 5 scents. This one is fresh and fruity and intensely citrussy. It's perfect for coming into Spring and Summer. Love!

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml* - this cleanser is just divine! With an uplifting scent and a very gentle foaming lather it makes my morning shower so much better!  It leaves my skin clean and refreshed and feeling great!

Aroma Actives Neck & Decollete Cream 80ml - this range is made by Aromatherapy Associates and is exclusive to larger Sainsbury's. I reviewed their Exfoliating Cleanser and Triple Hydrating Gel Mask here*.   This neck cream is really rich and nourishing and smells gorgeous! 

Earth Tu Face Balm 25g - this balm came in the very wonderful Net-a-Porter The Holiday Kit. This balm is super nourishing and I tend to use it at bedtime or on dry elbows and hands. It is made with Immortelle, Rose and nourishing oils which help regenerate the skin, repair and calm.  This is really lovely and I'd like to try more from the range.

Ambre Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Invigorating Herbal Bath Oil trial size - this is gorgeous. It helps to relive stress and calm both the body and the mind as well as nourish, soothe and soften the skin.  See my earlier review of their facial soap and body butter here.

Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 - I simply love these tinted moisturising balms for a pop of colour.

Chantecaille Anti-Ageing Face Illuminator Sheen 23ml - this again came in the Net-a-Porter kit. I wear this alone or mixed with a little foundation or moisturiser. It really brightens up the skin.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #55

Here's what I've been using this week -

Organic Surge Sweet Blossom Body Cream (150ml)* - a deliciously light body cream which absorbs easily into the skin leaving it feeling comfortable and moisturised.  Scented with Sweet Orange & Cedarwood Essential Oils.  It is stuffed full of good things for the skin such as Aloe Vera, Shea and Cocoa Butters. Ideal to use as aftersun. A really gorgeous product (and currently in the Summer sale!)

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 (4.3g) - a friend at work very kindly picked this up for me when in London recently. I'm a huge fan of the Fresh Lip Treatments - see my review here. This one is the latest launch and gives the lips a sheer hot pink wash of colour. Love!

Pelle Beauty Luxe Beauty Oil (sample)* - this deliciously scented oil came in July's Petit Vour Beauty Box*.  A super luxe oil which contains Cucumber, Meadowfoam, Jasmine & Neroli Essential Oils and it is rich in Omega 3, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E. A lightweight oil which refines, restores, nourishes and revitalises the skin.  It is Vegan and free from all chemicals. Use AM/PM after cleansing massaging a few drops into the skin.

Marble & Milkweed Rose & Tulsi Facial Spritz (10ml) - a light and refreshing mist which smells beautiful.  Use after cleansing or to spritz the skin throughout the day. Calms and nourishes the skin.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #34

Here's my choices for this week -

Mary Elizabeth Spearmint & Tea Tree Nurture Balm* - I've been sent this gorgeous balm to review. Packed full of good things it moisturises and nourishes lips, nails, hands and heels. Smells gorgeous too. Full review to follow.

bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil - one of my favourite face oils. You can see my review here.  Bodhi are also donating £10 for each limited pink edition bottle bought from now until the end of October to Breast Cancer Care. See here.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Hand and Nail Cream - a gorgeous rich and moisturising hand and nail cream scented with roses! Simply gorgeous. 

Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP - simply love this floral scent. See my review here.

Fresh Sugar Berry Tinted Lip Treatment - loving this light berry shade.  This came in the box my friend got me in Vegas - see here.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara mini in black - makes the lashes huge!

Have you used any of these? Are you shopping your stash this week?

Beside my Bed

I have this gorgeous little basket of goodies on the table beside my bed -

The basket came with the variation of my Sussex Rose Basket from Wellgreen Lewes- Amanda's friends make these lovely baskets with wild reed from Cyprus - isn't it gorgeous!

What's inside:

Wellgreen Lewes Rose Lip Balm 10ml - this is made for Quince, a flower & gift shop in Brighton - its packed full of nourishing oils, beeswax, runny honey and rose.  Gorgeous!

BRIXI Bee Balm - this gorgeous balm is made by Emy's mum and sold in her shop BRIXI, which is located at Brixton Village Arcade.  See my review here.

Spotner* - I suffer from age spots on the back of one of my hands (eugh). This can be caused by spending too much time in the sun over a period of time. A review (with photos!) will follow.

Badger Yoga & Meditation Balm - soothing and calming. Apply to temples or forehead. It has a nice lemony scent.

Sprout Cocoa Lip Balm - this is gorgeous! Sprout has been renamed to S W BASICS - you can buy at a beautiful world.  I reviewed it here.

Soap & Glory - A Great Kisser Lip Balm - in juicy peach - it's yummy.  See my review here.

Bee Fruitful Mandarin Lip Balm* - this is lovely with a hint of mandarin. This featured in Shopping my Stash #15.

Bathing Beauty GLOVE & SOCK* - see my review here. Gorgeous products for hands and feet.  (The super luxe rose & shea butter soap is pretty special too!)

L'Occitane Cuticle & Nail Cream 15ml - this is super-rich and I only use it at bedtime.

Mavala Cuticle Cream 15ml - received this in a nail set recently - again, a really rich product.  Great for softening and moisturising cuticles.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 - simply love the Fresh minis.  My friend at work picked a set up for me in Vegas last year - see my post  here.

Bodhi Cacao Cocoon Lip Treatment Balm 15g - supermoisturising and smells gorgeous.  See my review here.

Do you use any of these products? 

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #19

These are the products I've been reaching for this week:

Bodhi Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub 250g* - a newly launched product from Bodhi.  It smells absolutely amazing and scents the whole room when you open the pot.  With Himalayan Salt Crystals, Rosemary & Geranium Essential Oils, Grape Seed Oil, Olive Squalane, Organic Shea Butter and Apricot Kernal Oil.  I've found my favourite way to use the scrub is to rub it over my body before climbing into the tub which transforms the water into a detox bath.  It can also be massaged into the body before being rinsed off.  Leaves the skin silky soft and smelling delicious.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel 100ml & Body Lotion 100ml - simply adore this beautiful scent from Abahna.  See my mini review here.  The mini sizes are simply great for travel or for gifting.

Rodial Glam Balm Lip 2.5ml - I picked this up in a little set online a while back - it was at the bargain price of around £18 for the travel size set instead of £35.  This is a really glossy balm which smells just like Turkish Delight.

Fresh Sugar Berry Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 2.2g - This is a lovely berry shade - you can see the colour better here. 

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer 9.6g - I got this last week in the Harvey Nichols Clinique GWP offer.  Really enjoying using it.

Have you used any of these products before?

*PR Sample

Shopping My Stash - Spending Ban Week 3

These are my products I've been shopping my stash for this week:

KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 200ml - first received this product in a Carmine box and then in another beauty box.  Loved it so much bought the full size (this is my second one).  It really works for quickening up blow drying time - a lifesaver in the morning before work!

Skinvelop The Cleanser 120ml - an absolutely amazing cleanser which removes every trace of make up, leaves skin feeling fresh and clean with no tightness.  Great value at £10.50 and it smells fab!  You can read my mini review here.  I love trying different cleansers but I'll always have this one in my stash!

Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick.  Honey is my ultimate favourite shade but enjoying this bright pop of colour this week.

Fresh Sugar Passion Lip Treatment SPF15 - I received a set of these when my friend at work went to Vegas - you can see my post here.  This is a sheer rouge tint.

Neil George Intense Repair Mask with Indian Gooseberry 215ml - this smells amazing and is a great hair mask - you can read my review here.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - simply love this gorgeous pot of super moisturising butter scented with tangerine. Deeply moisturises my skin and a pot of this will always be in my stash.

Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion 100ml - one of my favourite Clarins products. Super moisturising with a light scent.

What have you been using most this week?

Birchbox Review - January 2013

As you will probably be aware Birchbox which are based in New York recently took over Joliebox.

I received my first box yesterday.  It arrived in a bright pink box.  Inside is a brown box with pink detailing.  Also included is a Birchbox magazine.  The bag inside is bright pink too - makes a change from the Joliebox black!

And what's inside?

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF15 2.2g - already love this super moisturising lip treat.  You can see my review here.

KMS California Add Volume Volumizing Spray 30ml - I love the quick blow dry spray from this brand and my hair always needs volume so happy to try this out.  Although the product does seem a little thick in the bottle for a spray product.

Taaj Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream 30ml - I love the Taaj Micellar Water so happy to try another item from the brand. A shea-enriched hand cream - which I've tried it out a couple of times and it is deeply moisturising with a light floral scent. I like it!

WEI White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend 2ml - from a brand I've heard of but not tried any products.  Contains moisture-binding white lotus flower extracts wtih skin-firming peptides.  Looking forward to trying this out.

Teapigs Tummy Tonic Peppermint Leaves single use tea bag - already love and buy this tea.

I was pleased with my first Birchbox.  Did you get this box or an alternative mix? What are your thoughts?

November Favourites

These are my November favourites:-

Bodhi Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy - I'm in love with this refreshing mint, marjoram and frankincense scented shower gel.  Great for use in the morning or after sport.  Intensely scented - it is just gorgeous!  Full size is currently on my wish list. Review to follow.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make-up SPF 15 in shade 4.  I received a sample of this and you can see my thoughts here.  My new favourite foundation. I picked full size up at the recent Harvey Nichols Christmas Shopping event with 15% off all beauty.

Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP - I absolutely adore this scent.  You can read my review here.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 - received this in a mini set recently.  Absolutely lovely, super moisturising and leaves a slight rosy tint.  You can read my review here.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter - one of my favourite Pure Thoughts products.  Great for dry winter skin, smells wonderful and leaves skin intensely moisturised.

What are your favourites this month?

Fresh Sugar Addictions Mini Lip Collection

A friend at work was recently on holiday in Las Vegas and I asked if she could pick me up Fresh's Sugar Addictions Mini Lip Collection (each 0.08oz - tiny!) I'd been lusting after for a while.  Imagine my delight when on Monday I got my mitts on this gorgeous little set.

Retailing at $48 plus taxes which worked out at £33.26.  If you buy in Fresh's London store in Marylebone High Street the same set retails at £49 (ouch!) and add P&P if you live outside London (£6) makes it an expensive want.

For tinted lip balms they are quite pigmented and are super moisturising on the lips as well as having a lemony scent.

From my wrist up - Sugar Rose - a pale rose tint, Sugar Honey - a warm nude, Sugar Coral - a juicy coral, Sugar Berry - rich berry tint, Sugar Passion - a sheer rouge.  The final one is Sugar Lip Treatment which is clear.  They all have an added SPF15 and are enriched with nourishing anti-ageing vitamins.

Fresh are famous for their Oval Soap Collection which you can see here.  The founders, Lev Glazman & Alina Roytberg launched the company in 1991 and the first product they created was an artisan soap.  The soaps are infused with shea butter and essential oils.  They are wrapped in colourful paper and make great gifts.

Products are sold all around the world and the range includes - fragrance, skincare, body care, make up, hair care and a home range.

Do you think you will buy the mini lip collection or have you already?

September Wants

I've got an expensive list of September wants!

Since trying Sarah Chapman's Overnight Facial as a sample recently I'm really keen to try more products from the range.

source

Tom Ford Cafe Rose EDP - 50ml - £135 - with notes of rose and spice.  I so love Tom Ford Santal Blush.  To be honest I don't think there is a Tom Ford scent I haven't liked!

source

Fresh mini Lip Balm set - this is a Christmas gift set which will retail at £36 - you can get mail order over the telephone if you can't get instore to Marylebone High Street in London.  I first saw this gift on Make up Savvy's blog.

source

The whole of the Aerin Collection at Estee Lauder - gorgeous!  You can view the range here.  As there is a GWP deal starting on 27 September at Harvey Nichols - I may be tempted!

source

What's on your wishlist?