Rare Beauty: NAKIN Purifying Face Toner & Freyaluna Skincare Shampoo Travel Kit

Founder Corinne at Rare Beauty asked if I'd like to be a "mystery shopper". I was given a voucher code* to use and went to explore the site which is the UK's first women-led natural beauty store.

Current brands include: Nakin, Freyaluna Skincare, Mallow+White and Supernatural Beauty. You can see the full range of brands HERE. This is always evolving and growing so keep your eyes peeled for new brands being added.

Corinne's hobby was making her own natural skincare and last year had a lightbulb moment to create her own online shop with the products handcrafted in small batches by women.

There are also a small select group of Beauty Residents who honestly review all the products instore. Check them out HERE.

And so to the products I selected..

The products are beautifully wrapped (it's the little things..) 

I'd heard of NAKIN before but hadn't up to now tried any of their products. I selected their Purifying Face Toner (150ml - £15)* which comes boxed and has quite sleek but simple packaging. The toner will cleanse, tone and condition the skin. Aloe Vera cleanses while Witch Hazel detoxifies pores, Seaweed extract purifies and Hyaluronic Acid hydrates.  The toner has a pleasant naturally fresh scent and is suitable for all skin types. 

My second pick was Freyaluna Skincare's Shampoo Travel Kit (2 x 30ml bottles - £10)* which are great for try me or travel. I love the simple but pretty packaging (I'm already a fan of this brand having reviewed their Rose Petal Gift Box (link) (I think the nearest thing to that now is the Smell the Roses Gift Box) and their clever TRY ME Selection Box (link - although I reviewed this way back in 2012 and prices have understandably increased).

The bottles are nestled in tissue and inside the box is 30ml of Nourishing Nettle & Lavender Shampoo which is nourishing and strengthening and 30ml of Gentle Geranium & Ylang Ylang Shampoo which is formulated for normal hair types and leaves the hair soft and very shiny. There is enough in each bottle for six washes making them the perfect try me or for holidays. I've enjoyed using both varieties but I think Nourishing Nettle and Lavender just has the edge!

Have you bought anything yet from Rare Beauty yet?

*complimentary

Freyaluna Skincare: Rose Petal Gift Box

Sami Blackford from Freyaluna Skincare popped up on my twitter feed. It had been ages since I'd purchased anything (so I went to peek at the website as you do). I bought a Selection Box way back in July 2012 and received another one in my November 2013 Souk Souk Beauty Box.

The set which caught my eye was the absolutely exquisite Rose Petal Gift Box (£18 plus £3.95 P&P).  It really is gorgeous and smells beautiful.

Inside is:

Stop & Smell the Roses Bath & Body Oil 100ml - I did struggle to remove the cork as it was a little bit dry (a corkscrew helped!) This lush oil is deeply nourishing and scented with roses. There is also a rosebud floating in it. Made using 100% natural oils of grapeseed and jojoba with essential oil of Rosa Centifolia.

To use: add a few drops to your bath, get a loved one to give you a massage or use as a body oil.  It relaxes, calms and moisturises. Love!

Rose & Geranium Herbal Soap 120g - this delicious scented soap is made with shea butter with rose and geranium essential oils. It's great for dry skin types and can also help soothe eczema.

To use: lather over wet skin before rinsing.

Rose Petal Tub Tea Bag - which is exclusive to this box. A single use tea bag which scents and soothes with sea salt, himalayan pink salt, epsom salt and rose petals and buds.

To use: drop into a warm bath before climbing in and relaxing.

I've really enjoyed my re-introduction to this beautiful brand. What's your favourite Freyaluna Skincare product?