August: Lately I've Been Loving

So many August loves! We had a 4 night break this month which was lovely (though it rained most of the time!) Here's what I've been loving in August:

In my opinion, Tonic in Edinburgh make the best Porn Star Martini!

A two night stay at Northcote was simply amazing. The perfect start to our mini break. Our Junior Suite was lovely, very luxurious! Amazing food too!

We paid a visit to Holmes Mill in Clitheroe and enjoyed browsing the Food Hall. 

We also stayed two nights in the Scottish Borders and it was great to visit Main St Trading Co in St Boswells again! 

Hubby surprised me with a personalised Delicious Mag cookbook! It's stuffed full of wonderful recipes.

I was delighted to win Herbfarmacy's giveaway of their new Citrus Hand & Body Lotion. A review will come! It's lovey.

I couldn't resist Nudge Boutique's new product Saffron Glow Dry Body Oil. I picked the small size. You know the drill. Loved it and needed full size! It's a beautiful blend scented with Neroli, Orange & Vanilla. Simply sublime!

A new hairdo at Bau Hair - I absolutely love it!

Going to the 2nd Faldonside Farmers Market on Saturday - it was absolutely fantastic! The sun shone and squeals, I met Arabella & Charlotte from Raven Botanicals. It was So fab to meet them.

I picked up some gorgeous bits and pieces! I'm looking forward to lighting the tealights from Storm Coast, an East Lothian based candle maker who uses soy wax and essential oils - uhoh they all smell sensational on cold sniff!

What have you been loving in August?

*Love Lula: PLASTIC FREE JULY: Herbfarmacy, Elsa's Organic Skinfoods, Butterwhips, Skin Alchemists + Lyonsleaf

As you'll know I've been theming my Love Lula Accredited Blogger Picks this year. See my previous reviews:

January - SLEEP,  February - LOVE, March - AWAKEN, April - BLOSSOM, May - FORAGE, June GROW. 

This month I chose under a theme of #PlasticFreeJuly:

I've been enjoying testing them all out! Definitely some buy-agains in there. 

Every Herbfarmacy product I try I love. Their Comfrey & Mint Foot Cream* (55ml - £15) comes in an aluminium tin (and is presented in a cardboard sleeve) which is easily reusable/recyclable and for the cardboard recyclable. The cream has a deliciously light but nourishing texture, a minty herbal scent and feels soothing and nourishing on the feet. It's lovely to use and will rescue tired aching feet and cracked heels. Comfrey helps to improve skin elasticity and heal. Hypericum relieves aches, pains and inflammation. Spearmint is antibacterial and anti-fungal. 

To use: slather on dry feet massaging until absorbed

This is a gorgeous product which makes for happy feet!

I'd only ever had a teeny sample sizes of the tins of Elsa's Organic Skinfoods deodorants before so when this arrived I thought it was massive! I chose Lemon Ice Creme Deodorant* (45g - £11) which has a delicious zesty scent. Fresh lemon and grapefruit are crushed together with ice for a refreshing treat for the underarms. 

To use: massage a pea size amount into the underarms or between the toes for fresh smelling skin!

I've been enjoying using this creamy deodorant which comes in a reusable aluminium tin. I've felt fresh all day long.

As you'll know I'm already a huge, huge fan of gorgeous Butterwhips having reviewed some products in the range recently - see HERE. Traditionally Floral Geranium, Lavender & Vitamin E Body Butter* (25g - £8) has a classic floral scent. It melts instantly onto warm skin leaving it feeling nourished and delicately scented.

To use: apply a small amount to your palms, rubbing together before applying the melted butter over your skin for luscious nourished skin.

This is a gorgeous product! Again, it's presented in an aluminium tin which is easily recyclable or reusable.

I'm a huge fan of Skin Alchemist's gorgeous artisan soaps which come simply boxed. I chose Fresh Mint* (128g - £10) which is perfect for summer. The soap has a creamy lather and a distinctive mint aroma. It's enriched with dead sea mud, aloe vera gel and sea moss.

To use: use with warm water to create a gentle lather, massage over the skin and rinse.

Absolute love for this beautiful soap! 

Rounding up my #PlasticFreeJuly picks is Lyonsleaf Try Oil Cleansing Pack* (8ml + 5 muslin cloths - £5.99). I've used Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm before (review) so it was lovely to revisit (it also makes a good moisturiser!) The muslin cloths are a good quality too. The beauty balm comes in a reusable tin and full instructions are included. 

To use: massage a small amount of balm into the face and neck, massaging over the skin before removing with one of the warm damp muslin cloths. You can also use the beauty balm as a moisturiser. 

Great to revisit - definitely need full size again! What have you been picking for #PlasticFreeJuly?

Latest Buys: Pai Skincare, Oribe, Therapie, Cult Beauty, Herbfarmacy, Can-to-Candle, Miller Harris, NorthburN

Well, I failed miserably with my £100 spend for June... I blame Cult Beauty's great offers! Will try better next month... 

The Impossible Glow by Pai Skincare had been on my wishlist. The drops make the skin glow! Pai say that it's your "post holiday glow, bottled". Add a couple of drops to serum or moisturiser or use alone for an intense hit. I've been enjoying using them and have found my skin looks more healthy and glowy. I picked mine up at Naturisimo.

I can never resist an affordable Cult Beauty Gift with Purchase. I picked up their recent The Cult Conscious Goody Bag free with a £65 spend (see contents below). I picked up a new Oribe Obsessed kit, my fav Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts and my third item was for a birthday gift.

I picked up Herbfarmacy's Sweet Orange Body Oil (another item ticked off the wishlist) when they had a bank hol sale recently. It's as beautiful as I'd imagined it to be!

A candle from Can-to-Candle's new Elegance collection which has a double wick and is presented in a clear glass jar. I chose "Coast" a stunning floral marine. I'm looking forward to lighting it soon.

I did sleep on this one! Cult Beauty's The Skindie Edit is absolutely stuffed full. It only costs £35 too and is jam packed full of goodies (at time going to press, there were still some available). 

I was desperate to try Miller Harris's latest launch - Reverie de Bergamote so picked up 4 x 2ml sample vials. You get free shipping if you pick 4. I'd also wanted to try their Leather Rouge (stunning). Tea Tonique is a fav and Poirier d'un Soir another new try.  You also receive a voucher to save on a full size bottle if one steals your heart.

I couldn't resist NorthburN's Gift of the Month in their brand new Hotel Collection scent. No.4 Blackcurrant Leaves is simply stunning. Fruity, floral and aromatic. Inside the gift (now sold out) was goodies worth £21 (wax melts, votive candle and room mist) which was offered at £12 plus p&p. It's truly lush and might nudge my fav Mandarin & Bergamot off its pedestal!

Another Cult Beauty buy (whoops). Yet another affordable Gift with Purchase. Spend £70 on skincare. I chose 3 x Pai Skincare products, two of which had been on the wishlist - Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Facial Oil and Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil. My splurge was the gorgeous Century Flower, Lotus & Orange Blossom Soothing Tonic, which I've used before. Feast your eyes on the beauties!

We're hoping to move house later this year so this MUST be my last splurge. What have you been buying lately?

*Love Lula: FORAGE: Herbfarmacy, Odylique, Balmonds & Ying Yang Skincare

*partly gifted - AD via the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. As you'll know this year I am theming my blogger picks. This month it's FORAGE - the products I've chosen contain ingredients which can be foraged from the hedgerows and roadsides. 

See my previous months: January - SLEEP,  February - LOVE, March - AWAKEN, April - BLOSSOM.

I recently bought the Herbfarmacy Nail Therapy Oil (35ml - £17.50) which is made with, among other ingredients, HORSETAIL which contains silica, a natural nail strengthener which helps to prevent splitting and cracking. The Nail Therapy oil is also formulated with Calendula to soften and antiseptic Lemon Thyme. The oil itself has a pleasant citrus aroma. I've been using a small amount on my cuticles and nails before bed. A fuller review to follow.

Also from Herbfarmacy is their Mallow Beauty Balm (30ml - £20)* which is formulated with hydrating MALLOW and Mullein with a Damask Rose scent. You can use it as a deep cleansing balm, treatment mask or moisturiser. This is a luscious rich balm which I've also used on my hands and for flyaways. A must-have. I also love the easily recyclable or re-usable tin.

From Ying Yang Skincare we have their Nettle & Zinc Scalp Cream (60ml - £14.99)*. I discovered it's best to use before bed as it leaves your hair looking quite greasy. NETTLE is ideal for scalp conditions, soothing and calming. I've got an itchy scalp so I was looking forward to putting this zesty lime scented cream to the test! Massage with fingertips onto dry areas of the scalp, trying to avoid the hair (difficult!) continuing until the scalp feels smooth. I've only had the chance to use this a couple of times so far but it definitely helps!

Balmond's Intensive Hand Cream 50ml - £10.99 is formulated with NETTLE & CHICKWEED which soothes and intensely nourishes dry and cracked hands. It's perfect for constant handwashing. It does have a very herbal aroma and I find I like to use it best at night time just before bed and love to awaken with super-soft and nourished hands.

Rounding up my FORAGE picks is Odylique's eco friendly and 100% natural Citrus Natural Deodorant (70ml - £10.99)* which contains strengthening HORSETAIL. I've found the deodorant lovely to use with a fresh citrus scent and the all important all day freshness. 

Have you used any of these products?

*Love Lula: AWAKEN: Herbfarmacy, JOIK, Balm Balm + Organic Works

*Products are sent to me free of charge as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review. This month I've selected products to AWAKEN, with gorgeous scents and textures to help bring in the new after winter. You can see my January SLEEP post HERE and February's LOVE post HERE.

JOIK's Cornflower Facial Mist 50ml (£16) comes boxed and is presented in a glass spray bottle. It hydrates, brightens, refreshes and awakens the skin (and has a gorgeous cornflower aroma). It's perfect to calm stressed skin, use as a toner, as a make up fixer or to refresh the skin on hot days. The mist is suitable for all skin types.

To use: spray on the skin after cleansing, to cool down after sunbathing or to fix make up.

I love this floral facial mist which is lovely to use, has a delicious scent, moisturises and tones the skin and uplifts the senses.

Herbfarmacy's Chamomile Cleanser 55ml (£12) comes in an aluminium tin which is perfect to reuse or recycle. The cream cleanser has a creamy luscious texture and a herbal/floral scent. It easily makes short work of make up and daily grime and turns cleansing into a real ritual. It can be used AM and PM although I prefer using it in the evening. 

To use: massage a small amount onto dry skin before removing with a warmed damp cloth.

I've loved using this cleanser which is a treat for the skin and senses. The scent is glorious, exotic Ylang Ylang with earthy herbal notes. This is a very effective cleanser which is formulated with herbs, skin loving oils, beeswax and essential oils. I definitely want to explore this brand more (what are your favourites?)

As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Balm Balm's Lavender Face Balm* see my review HERE. As I love it so much I decided to try their Rose Geranium one (30ml - £9.50) which is uplifting and balancing. I've been using this as an AM moisturiser and my skin is loving it.

To use: apply a small amount to the face and neck AM and/or PM or use as a hot cloth cleanser. It's also great for other dry areas like hands, knees, elbows and feet.

A gorgeous balm which awakens the skin and senses, balancing, calming and nourishing.

Rounding up my picks to AWAKEN is Organic Work's Bergamot Handwash 300ml (£10) which is the perfect treat to awaken the senses - I'm a huge Bergamot fan and this scent makes me happy! The hand wash is presented in a recyclable plastic pump bottle, has a silky texture and leaves the hands feeling clean and smelling gorgeous.  

To use: apply to wet hands, lather and rinse.

An absolutely beautiful wash, hands are left clean with the delicate aroma of Bergamot.

What products do you use to take you from Winter to Spring?

December Empties

This must be the smallest amount of empties ever! Here goes:

Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Kit* which I loved. With a long lasting Christmassy scent the kit was just all round excellent and brilliant value. Will pick up some in different scents soon! See my review HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Nourishing Cleansing Balm 60ml** is simply divine. I'm so sorry to have finished this up! See my review HERE. I'm sure to pick this up when my cleanser stash reduces a bit.

Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist 100ml* which was lovely to use. Would buy as I like the way it left my skin looking refreshed and dewy. See my review HERE.

Herbfarmacy Refining Cleanser trial size which gave me a couple of uses. It gently but thoroughly cleanses the skin leaving it feeling clean and comfortable. I'd buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish 30ml which is a staple for me (I've just cracked open another!) 

JOIK Juicy Apple Shower Foam** which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. It was nice to use and had a herbal apple scent. Unsure if I'd buy full size or not.

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protection 10ml which my hair loved. I'll maybe pick up full size at some point.

IHANA Hydrating Day Cream 5ml* which was lovely and nourishing (my skin loved it when I had the flu recently as it didn't have too strong a scent!) Would maybe pick up full size. See my review HERE. 

Oskia Perfect Cleanse 3.5ml which was nice to use but I feel their Renaissance Cleansing Gel suits my skin better so I wouldn't buy.

What have you been using up this month?

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

September Empties

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

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this rose scented mist. See my review HERE. I've got several of these minis in my stash but I'd buy again.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream 40ml - which is the lushest rose scented cream ever! I've used it a few times and find it deeply moisturising. Would buy again.

Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream 30ml - I'm using up too many rosey things this month! A rich and deeply nourishing hand cream. I just cracked open a new one.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this product and have bought it loads. See my review HERE. This will be replenished!

Rosalena Goodness & Tonic Face Mist 15ml - gorgeous to use and I'll pick it up again at some point. See my review HERE.

JOIK Energising Bath Salts with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Essential Oils 500g* - these were fantastic and great value for money. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy them when my stash reduces a bit.

mio double buff dual action enzyme exfoliator 50ml - this was lovely to use with just the right amount of scrubbiness. Would maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 55ml - which is one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates products. See my review HERE. This one was a gift from my friend Julie but I'm sure I'll buy it again.

Diptyque Philosykos EdT 12ml - which is one of my favourite fig scents. Will buy it again for sure.

Elemis Revitalise-Me Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - it was nice to re-visit Elemis! Apex Hotels offer Elemis minis in their rooms which were a real treat. I'd maybe buy full size.

Olverum Bath Oil 15ml - I love this bath oil. See my review HERE. I've got a few of these minis in my stash but I'd buy this full size.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in Geranium & Neroli 40ml - I'm a huge fan of the product but prefer the unscented original version. Already cracked open a new one.

John Masters Organics Lavender, Rose, Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap 42g* - I've used this lovely soap several times. Would buy again.

Various Stop the Water 6ml samples - White Sage Shower Gel, White Sage Body Lotion, Lavender, Sandalwood Shampoo & Conditioner. These seemed quite nice although I sometimes find it hard to tell if I'm going to like something from a small sachet.

Herbfarmacy Body Oil samples x 2 - which seemed lovely. Would probably buy full size.

Corinne Taylor Balance Himalayan Bath Salts** which came in August's Skin Organics Beauty Box. I'm already a huge fan of the brand and it's likely that I'll buy them again.

You Dirty Scrub Mint & Eucalyptus Bath Salts 100g - these smelt glorious! I did find they clumped a bit together in the bath but that didn't spoil the enjoyment. I'd maybe buy again.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir vial - again a teeny sample. It seemed nice but just not enough to get a feel for the product.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 5ml - huge fan of this product and the brand. See my review HERE. I've got a full size of this awaiting opening!

Phaedon Coton Egyptien EdT sample vial - I love that Bloom Perfumery offer a fantastic sample service with most at £2 for a 1ml vial. I have totally fallen for this beautiful fresh perfume and of course now want full-size!

What have you been using up this month?

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

**complimentary

Herbfarmacy Organic September Starter Box

Although not a newcomer to green and organic beauty and also Herbfarmacy I couldn't resist their starter box for #OrganicSeptember. It's stuffed full of gorgeous products (some I've tried before and some new ones!) It's an absolute bargain - costing only £16 plus P&P. It's the perfect box for someone just starting out on their green and organic journey.

The products are nestled inside a plain reusable box (which I'll definitely find a use for!). 

WOW! Inside you'll find:

Nourish Face Cream 20ml (£10) a fragrance free moisturiser which is suitable for all skin types. This feels rich and nourishing and will be great to use coming into Autumn (it's a new try for me!)

Mallow Beauty Balm 20ml (£13.50) a deeply nourishing balm which I already adore! See my review HERE.

Rose & Echinacea Toner 25ml (£7) which is gently astringent, refreshing and cooling. I'm looking forward to trying this (another new try).

Lip Conditioner 4.5ml (£5) with Marshmallow and Vanilla. I've had the pleasure of trying this nourishing lip balm before.

Also inside are a selection of samples (which cost 75p each - see them HERE):

Skin Rescue Balm which helps dry and itchy skin, Enriching Hand Cream which protects and restores (I've tried this before) and Refining Cleanser which cleans and smooths the skin.

There is a voucher included for 15% off your next online purchase.

It's a fantastic box. Did you pick one up?