September Empties

Here's what I've been using up in September:

Sisley Energising Foaming Exfoliant 15ml - I really enjoyed this refreshing and slightly exfoliating cleanser. I'd probably not buy full size but it was nice to try.

Estelle & Thild BioMineral Healthy Glow Foundation 121 2ml sachet - I really liked this foundation which gave light everyday coverage. I'd buy full size.

Miller Harris Lumiere Doree 10ml - I never finish perfume! I loved this light neroli scent which I'd buy again in a heartbeat.

Luxe Botanicals CAMU Brightening Serum 2ml - I love trying new brands but I just wasn't keen on the scent of this serum so wouldn't buy.

BAO Skincare - Face Recovery - loved, would buy full size, Stretch Away - wouldn't buy, Coconut Body Scrub - wouldn't buy, Shea Mandarin Body Cream - loved, would buy and Cocoa Body Butter - wouldn't buy. See my review HERE.

Sisley Floral Toning Lotion 30ml - nice to use but probably wouldn't buy.

REN Flash Hydro Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion 10ml - a light and easily absorbed moisturiser which I'd maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml - loved this. Would buy full size. See my review HERE.

Kat Burki Complete Eye Creme Complex 5ml - which came as a magazine freebie. It was ok but dried out before I had a chance to use it all. Wouldn't buy.

bodhi & birch Super25 Botanical Serum 5ml* - from a stunning range launched this year. I've got a new one ready to crack open. See my review HERE.

Tropic Hair Feast 50ml* - oh how I loved this so! So much so I cut open the tube to get every last bit out! See my review HERE. Will buy this again. My hair just loved it.

Antonia Burrell Bright+Light Eye Cream 15ml* - which was amazing. See my review HERE. It's one I'll buy when my stash reduces a bit.

ORIBE Gold Lust Dry Shampoo 43ml - I'm a huge fan of these mini dry shampoo cans. I've just opened another.

REN Atlantic Kelp & Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil 110ml - I received this from my pal Julie as a pressie and I loved it. Would buy again as I loved the seashore scent and it was nice for a relaxing dip.

P&G "Marzipan" Body Souffle 100ml - I just loved this. See my review HERE. I'll buy this again when the stash reduces in size.

BAO Skincare Orange Face Wash 5ml - loved. Would buy full size.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn and Evening Primrose Body Oils 10ml each - again, beautiful to use and I'd buy both of these full size.

ISUN Celestial Body Silk Sample - this is a really runny milk which absorbed quickly and had an exotic scent.

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 150ml - I just adore this soak. It's featured a lot on the blog. See mini review HERE. Bound to buy it again. And soon.

Jo Browne Natural Facial Cleansing Balm 50g* - which I judged in last year's Beauty Shortlist Awards. It was one of my top picks (see HERE) and I'm very sad that's my pot now done! 

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

That Natural Hygge

Lou from The Beauty Bank has recently set up her very own online boutique called That Natural Hygge - a destination where you can choose natural beauty and lifestyle items to create a feeling of wellbeing and calm at home. If you sign up to the newsletter you'll get 10% off your first order.

Lou very kindly sent me a box full of goodies which are available instore to try and review. These are just my initial thoughts - reviews will be forthcoming.

Inside the box are little rosebuds and lavender flowers which are a lovely touch and make the box smell glorious.

WOW!

With candles currently available from Mage and 100 Acres, Lou selected me a gorgeous Mage Rose Geranium Candle (£14 - 250g) which comes in a pretty recycled glass pot. The 100% natural candles are made with beeswax and vegetable wax and the wicks are 100% cotton ecological. The intensely rose geranium scent is instantly calming. This size candle has a 28hr burn time. A review will follow!

I'm always intrigued by face tools and also inside is a Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool (£15) which helps to create the perfect facial massage (used along with a facial oil). I'm looking forward to trying this out!

The final two items Lou very kindly sent me are skincare & bodycare samples by ISUN and 100 Acres.

From ISUN is a sample of their Ultra Sapphire Facial Oil Moisturizer which is suitable for normal/sensitive skin types and will balance and nourish and from 100 Acres is a trial size (50ml) of their lovely Rose & Lavender Bubble Bath (Review).

Thanks so much for the beautiful box of goodies Lou and lots of luck with the shop! Catch up with the blog to help you create your own natural hygge.

*gifted

August Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my August empties a little bit early:

Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil 2ml* - a teeny sample but I liked the scent (always a big thing) and the oil seemed nice. I'd maybe pick up full size.

Sisley Izia Moisturising Perfumed Body Lotion 8ml - I loved this. Would love full size but I'm guessing it'll stay on the wishlist a while as it's pricey!

Iles Formula Haute Performance Shampoo & Conditioner 9ml sachets - this haircare is amazing - it smoothes and nourishes and the hair is left looking and feeling amazing. Full sizes are on the wishlist!

Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender 1lb - huge fan of this soothing and relaxing soak. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap sample - my favourite scent from Dr Bronner. Will buy full size soon!

The Body Deli Coconut Creme Soap - nice to use with a coconut scent (the soap is brown in colour and not really pretty). Enjoyable to use but I wouldn't re-purchase.

ISUN Rosemary Sage Body Scrub Sample - with enough scrubbyness and a herbal scent. This was nice to use but not sure I loved the scent enough to buy full size.

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Deodorant - this is my favourite Schmidt's scent. Since they sold to Unilver I'm just using up my stash (sadly) as this is my all time favourite natural deodorant.

bodhi & birch Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash 50ml - I found this really refreshing to use in my morning shower during the hot summer days. See my review HERE. I'll pick this mini size up again for my travels later in the year. I also used up a mini of Ylang Ylang Incensa and Camomile Sky. See my reviews HERE and HERE. Sure to pick these up again at some point too.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Hand & Body Wash 30ml* - lovely to use would maybe buy full size.

Dafna's Personal Skincare Nutrition 50ml** - absolutely loved this. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy when my stash reduces a bit (cried it was finished!)

Lucky Cloud Skincare Soothing Super Balm in Lavender & Rose 15ml* - huge fan of Lucky Cloud! This balm is a delight. See my review HERE. Definitely buy when my balm stash reduces a bit.

Sol Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream 24ml - a rich vanilla scented cream which I loved trying. Just opened another pot (thanks Julie!).

Bespoke Aroma Refreshing Facial Mist 30ml - which was created especially for Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in June. See my thoughts on the Hydrate Box HERE and my review HERE. It's one I'd pick up again.

Olio E Osso Lustero Body Oil 15ml - loved this. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist!

Kiss the Moon CALM After Dark Face Oil 3ml* - loved this. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml - a firm favourite. See my review HERE. This little one came in Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box 1st Birthday Box which I collaborated on (total honour!).See the box and my picks HERE. Will pick this little beauty up again when my body oil stash reduces!

Zing Organics Velveteen Facial Serum 16ml - a beautiful serum which I loved! Love that they offer refills either in person or by post - more companies should do this! See my review HERE.

Kat Burki Ilume Brightening Serum 5ml - this came in a mini set (magazine freebie with subscription). It was ok. Wouldn't buy.

ISUN Rose Quartz Oil sample - gorgeous to use. Full size is on the wishlist (edit: I've just been gifted full size to review - expect that on the blog soon!)

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program
**sent to me by the Founder & Formulator

Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 - My Top Picks

I was totally honoured and chuffed to bits when Fi at The Beauty Shortlist asked me to be a judge for the 2018 Awards - you can see all the winners and finalists HERE.

These are my top picks from the products I was lucky enough to try (some of which are winners, finalists and Editor's Choice winners):

KINN Beauty: 

Best New Brand - UK

Best Body Lotion, Best Bath Oil, Editor's Choice - Body Oil

I totally loved everything about this brand (which had been on my radar a while). From the simple but stylish packaging, the exquisite comforting scent which makes me think "everything's going to be ok" (Ylang Ylang, Lavender & Tangerine) which uplifts, calms and soothes both the body and mind. 

The range is truly beautiful and I enjoyed trying it all (will all be purchases in future for sure!)

Check out KINN Beauty HERE.

Jo Browne Ireland:

Best Aromatherapy Products (Home-Bath-Beauty-Travel) - Natural Solid Perfume (floral), Best Cleansing Balm (f) - Natural Facial Cleansing Balm

Oh these products made my heart sing! That packaging! (eco-friendly bamboo) I just loved everything about this lovely range. The cleansing balm has the lightest texture and the most aromatic scent (Bergamot, Neroli, Palmarosa, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit and Rose) and makes short work of daily grime and make up. Skin is left feeling comfortable, clean and nourished. Love!  The Natural Solid Perfume (housed in a eco-friendly bamboo tube with outer bamboo cover) is a gentle floral and very pretty. 

Check out Jo Browne Ireland HERE.

Inner-Soul Organics:

Best Night Balm - Healing Night Balm, Editor's Choice - Roses & Lemons Tender Cleanse Balm and Supreme Comfort Day Cream

I'd previously tried the cleansing balm and day cream so it was nice to re-visit (I'd forgotten how good they are!). New to me winner is the Healing Night Balm which is a night time essential! It has a sleep inducing scent (Lavender & Patchouli) which cocoons and relaxes both the skin and mind. Wake up with soft, smooth and deeply nourished skin. Love!

Check out Inner-Soul Organics - HERE.

MV Organic Skincare:

Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - Australia

Best Face Mask (Natural) - Energising Mineral Mask, Editor's Choice - Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser

I'd only tried MV Organic Skincare's Jojoba Oil so I enjoyed trying out two more products from the brand. Their Energising Mineral Mask is a mix of clays (mix with water or hydrosol to make a paste). It will energise and revitalise tired and stressed skins. Their Rose Soothing Protective Moisturiser has a glorious rose scent and a light texture which is easily absorbed. The skin is left feeling comfortable and nourished. Definitely want to try more from this brand!

Check out MV Organic Skincare - HERE.

Dafna's Personal Skincare:

Best Skincare Brand - International

Best Night Treatment - Nutrition, Best Serum - Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum, Editor's Choice - Moisture+, Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser

I'm a huge fan of Dafna's Personal Skincare already - see my reviews - Moisture Plus+ Light, Recovery Cleanser, Nutrition & Eye Care. New tries to me were Moisture+ and Anti-Ageing & Glow Serum (both of which I loved). The serum is stuffed full of skin loving actives which soften, nourish, tighten and firm the skin. Moisture+ is a rich cream which is formulated with 19 carefully selected actives.  Just love this brand.

Check out Dafna's Personal Skincare - HERE.

Marina Miracle:

Editor's Choice - Amaranth Night Serum

This new to me brand from Norway is gorgeous! I truly loved trying both these products.  The Aramanth Face Oil absorbs quickly and leaves the skin nourished and glowy while the Aramanth Night Serum regenerates and rejuvenates the skin while you sleep (they both smell glorious too).

Check out Marina Miracle at A Beautiful World - HERE.

Kinvara True Skincare:

Best Cleansing Oil (f), Editor's Choice - Eye Wow Eye Serum and Hyaluronic Youth Boost

I'd been aware of this Irish brand but hadn't tried anything before being a Judge. I loved the pretty packaging and the formulations inside are pretty special. 

My favourites are the Absolute Cleansing Oil which gently but deeply removes make up and daily grime (citrussy scent) leaving the skin feeling clean and nourished. Eye Wow Eye Serum is another favourite. It comes in a cooling rollerball and helps to minimise fine lines, dark circles and puffiness (it really does work) and has a nice fig/green scent. The third product to wow me is their Hyaluronic Youth Boost which acts as a natural filler - I've been using this around my lips to plump and nourish.

Check out Kinvara True Skincare - HERE.

Beauty Kitchen:

Best Multi-Tasking Balm - Free From Wonderbalm, Editor's Choice - Raw Inventions Kit and Skincare Treasures

I absolutely adored the Free From Wonder Balm which I used when I had the flu recently. It soothed and calmed my nose (in between sneezing fits). It's also good for lips and other dry patches.  Would buy again for sure. I also adored their very clever Raw Inventions Kit which has everything you need to make your own skincare including ingredients and pots, bottles and labels - it's fab!

Check out Beauty Kitchen - HERE.

Tropic Skincare:

Best Skincare Product for Acne - Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask & Best Face Mask - Breakouts, Editor's Choice - Supergreens Nutrient Boost Serum and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum

I'm a huge fan of lovely Tropic Skincare and have had the pleasure of trying these products previously - see my reviews - Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum, Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum.

Check out Tropic Skincare - HERE.

Ere Perez:

Best Concealer - Arnica Concealer, Editor's Choice - Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar

I just loved both of these Ere Perez products. The face nectar is lightweight and absorbs instantly. It nourishes, hydrates, plumps, can help with sun damage and tired and stressed skin. The nectar is scented with Jasmine Sambac and Sandalwood (and is gorgeous). The blue cypress helps to make the skin dewy. A stunning product. The Arnica Concealer is easy to blend, has a nice texture and hides dark circles and imperfections very well. I'll buy a darker shade coming into summer.

Check out Ere Perez - HERE.

ISUN:
Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - USA
Best Daily Serum 40+ - Phyto Infusion Facial Serum, Best Lip Balm - (f) - Golden Lip Balm, Editor's Choice - Peptide Eye Cream

This is a new to me brand and I enjoyed all the products I tried. The skincare products have quite a neutral scent but work very well and are stuffed full of potent powerhouse ingredients which revitalise, regenerate and make the skin glow. The lip balm has a buttery texture and an orange scent. I definitely want to try more from this brand.

Check out ISUN - HERE.

SAFEAS Organic Beauty:
Editor's Choice - Ghassoul Cleansing Mask 

This lavender scented mask was lovely to use. It deeply cleaned the pores, helping to rid the skin of blackheads and other impurities as well as controlling sebum. Really enjoyed using this mask (from a new to me brand).

Check out Safeas Organic Beauty - HERE.

See all the winners of the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE and check out the dates for the forthcoming Mama & Baby Awards 2018 and the 2019 Beauty Shortlist Awards HERE.