ILA Try Me Box

I'm a sucker for try-me sizes and samples and couldn't resist Ila Spa's new Try Me Box (£28) which is stuffed full of a range of products to sample. I did have issues receiving my box however (I ordered on 1 October and it didn't arrive until the 12th). The couriers, DHL were very supportive however.

It's really a lovely selection and great for holidays/weekends away too.

ila Hyrdrolat Toner for Hydrating Skin 30ml & ila Cleansing Milk for Natural Beauty 30ml (REVIEW)

ila Body Cream for Vital Energy 50g (this is a new try)

ila Cleansing Bath Salts 50g (I've used these before and loved them)

Both of these products are new to me:

ila mini fragrant candle for higher energy (which has an orange blossom scent - I'm looking forward to lighting this!) and three ila incense sticks for aroma, purity or peace.

The final items in the try me box is a selection of samples, mainly of products I haven't tried before: 

Day Cream for Glowing Radiance 2ml, Face Oil for Glowing Radiance 2ml (REVIEW), Body Oil for Vital Energy 4ml, Body Oil for Inner Peace 4ml, Night Cream for Renewed Recovery 2ml, Eye Serum for Renewed Recovery 2ml, Body Cream for Vital Energy 4ml, Gold Cellular Age-Restore Face Serum 2ml and Gold Cellular Age-Restore Cleanser 2ml.

It's a great set which gives the customer a real flavour of ILA (oh and I love the samples I got free with my order!)

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

Bath Time Treats

Here is my current bath-time stash. One of my favourite beauty pastimes is a long soak in a fragrant bath.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - one of my all time favourites and always in my stash. They just work! See my review HERE.

Ravenscourt Apothecary Indian Jasmine Bath Salts - pretty pink Himalayan salts scented with jasmine petals and essential oil. Makes for a relaxing soak. See my initial thoughts HERE.

Humble Rose & Frankincense Bath Honey* - simply adore this. See my review HERE.

Senspa Himalayan Bath Salts - I picked these up at Waitrose when they were on offer. Makes for a relaxing soak. 

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil - this is my favourite REN product and I've mentioned it numerous times on the blog. Makes for a delicious rose scented soak and it's one I never tire of.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil - Tracey at Face Up Beauty sent me this. I'm a huge fan of the range. My all time favourites are Inner Strength and Deep Relax.

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak* - one of my favourite bath products this year. See my review HERE. 

ila Bath Soak Pure Relaxation* - which came in the fab Naturisimo De-Stress & Unwind Discovery Box* it's already a firm favourite having used it several times before. It really does relax and calm and is perfect to use before bed.

Cowshed Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Shower Gel - I like to use this in the bath as it soothes and calms.  My friend Julie gave this to me at my birthday. It contains rose geranium, linden blossom and frankincense which help to unwind.

Salcura Bath Oil* - which soothes, calms and moisturises itchy skin. See my review HERE.

Jo Malone Grapefruit Bath Oil - I've had this for what seems like forever! One of my favourite Jo Malone scents it leaves the skin nourished and lightly scented.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil - a perfect dupe for my favourite REN. This in its own right is pretty gorgeous too. Makes for a perfect rose scented soak.

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Bath Oil* - Marie very kindly sent this to me when I was having trouble sleeping. Perfect to use before bed for a restful night's sleep. See my mini review HERE.

I nearly forgot Olivine's Love+Peace Sparkling Pink Butter Bath! See my initial thoughts HERE.

What's in your bath-time stash?

*PR samples

Naturisimo: De-Stress & Unwind Discovery Box

An absolutely fantastic Limited Edition Discovery Box is launching today at Naturisimo the De-Stress & Unwind Discovery Box, which contains 9 calming and relaxing full sizes and travel sizes. Costing only £9.95 including P&P it's an absolute steal!

Inside you'll find:

FULL SIZE: Scentered Stress Less Therapy Balm (5g - £14.50) - I've wanted to try one of the Scentered balms for ages! This one is great to calm and de-stress in a chaotic life. A full review will follow.

FULL SIZE: Hydrea Stress Spot Massager (£4.50) - great to massage the skin where you feel stress and strain or to ease muscle fatigue and unwind. Looking forward to trying this out especially on my shoulders.

TRIAL SIZE: Ila Bath Soak Pure Relaxation (50ml - £2.95) - this is one of my favourite products to use in the bath. It contains calming vetivert and Petigrain and soothes and calms both the body and mind.

TRIAL SIZE: This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (5ml) - I'm a huge fan of their Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray (review) which I loved! Looking forward to trying this one out.

SAMPLE SACHETS: Dr Hauschka Calming Lavender Body Cream (5ml) and Almond Soothing Lavender Body Cream (5ml) - these soothe and calm the skin leaving it moisturised.

3 x single use Pukka tea bags: Relax, Love and Serene Jasmine Green.

Use code UNWIND at checkout for 15% off any of the items in the box.

Do you think you'll pick one up?

*PR sample

Naturisimo Wellness 'Inside Out' Discovery Box

Naturisimo have a great Limited Edition Wellness 'Inside Out' Discovery Box available right now (while stocks last) which costs £9.95 with free P&P. The box contains 6 beauty and wellbeing products - full size, trial size and samples which are free from parabens, mineral oil, SLS, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic colours and fragrances.

ila Bath Soak Pure Relaxation 50ml which contains calming and de-stressing Vetivert and Petigrain essential oils.  Apricot oil nourishes and softens the skin. Pour a small amount into your bath, jump in and relax. I've tried this bath soak before and loved it.  Full size 150ml costs £9.60 see HERE.

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask 12.5ml this mask is 99% natural. It helps to remove dead skin cells, rid the skin of impurities and gently exfoliate. The skin is left skin looking radiant with diminished age spots and fine lines. Looking forward to trying this!  Apply to clean skin 1-2 times a week - for normal, dry and mature skin types leave on 3-10 minutes before rinsing and for combination, oily or congested skin leave on 5-15 minutes.

Fushi Organic Hydrating Lip Balm this is Full Size and worth £5. A super moisturising balm which has a zingy minty taste.  See my review HERE. I'm really impressed with this product and definitely want to try more from this brand.

Living Nature Skin Revive Exfoliant 2ml sachet sample this cleanser and exfoliant in one helps to exfoliate and clean the skin. Perfect to use in the shower. Remove make up before use.

Aduna Baobab Superfruits Powder sachet 4.5g this is fibre filled raw wholefood which is a rich source of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, thiamin. Blend it into smoothies, sprinkle on porridge or mix into natural yoghurt. Aduna Moringa Superleaf Powder sachet 4.5g an organic green superfood which is a rich source of plant protein with high vitamin and mineral content. Blend into smoothies.

I think this is a great value box and a welcome addition to my spring routine. What are your thoughts?

*PR sample

Christmas Green Beauty Swap

Ria and Tania organised a Christmas Green Beauty Swap. I got paired up with Lisa at Juicy Satsuma. We chatted a bit via email about likes and dislikes and a budget.  I loved everything she sent me...

Weleda Skin Food (30ml) Christmas Cracker - a cream which is good for dry skin areas especially elbows, hands and feet.

Lily Lolo Lipstick in Romantic Rose - I love this pretty shade - just the sort of colour I'd go for.

Neom Three Nights of Peace Mini Bath Oil Collection - I love Neom bath oils so was really excited to see this little set in my swap box.  It contains 3 x 5ml bath oils in - Complete Bliss (Moroccan Blush Rose), Real Luxury (Lavender, Jasmine & Brazilian Rosewood) and Tranquility (Lavender, Sweet Basil & Jasmine).

Melvita Apicosma Repairing Lip Balm 5g - I'm a huge Melvita fan and lover of lip balm. Have not tried this one before. It nourishes and softens dry lips and smells good.

ila Body Wash 50ml and ila Body Lotion 50ml - I've used these before and really enjoyed using them.

Thanks Lisa! Love my swap box.

December Empties

I seem to have got through quite a few empties this month although quite a lot of them are sample sizes.

Hairy Jayne Deep Cleansing Shampoo 30ml and Hairy Jayne Cream Conditioner 30ml - I've loved all the Hairy Jayne products I've tried and I'll definitely buy full size soon.  See my review here.

Freyaluna Bergamot Lip, Face and Body Balm sample and Freyaluna Skin Support Facial Toner sample - I loved the toner and would buy again. I wasn't quite so keen on the balm.

Kris D'Amour Soothing/Skin Repair Treatment Butter samples - I wasn't keen on the scent of these ones although they deeply moisturised the skin.  I do love the Rejuvenating Treatment Butter though.

bodhi Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - my favourite bodhi shower gel. It featured in my Top 10 products of 2013 - see here. I'll be buying another bottle over the Christmas holidays.

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF8 30ml - a lovely face cream and one I'd buy. I got this one free with a newspaper offer.

REN VitaMineral Active 7 Eye Gel 3ml - this was quite nice to use, cooling around the eye area but as it's a small sample hard to tell if it helped with fine lines and dark circles.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Body Creme 175ml - this was a present from hubby. Loved it, sheer luxury.

Korres Guava Little Shower Gel 50ml - my favourite Korres shower gel. Sure to buy again.

Mama Mio O-Mega Super Rich Body Cream 50ml - this was lovely to use and super moisturised the skin. Loved it.

Mama Mio O-Mega Body Buff 50ml - nice to use but I prefer a scrubbier body scrub.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 5ml - loved this and have another mini still to use.

Naturally Nourished Exotic Body Balm 90g - simply love this exotic scented body balm. Sure to pick it up again.  See my review here. 

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - love Noble Isle products sure to pick this up again at some point - I noticed Latest in Beauty have this as a Luxury sample.

Neom Sensuous Organic Body Wash 50ml - this was lovely to use and would happily re-purchase.

ila Rose Bliss Face Oil 10ml* - simply one of the best face oils out there. Sure to buy at some point.  See my review here.

Pinks Boutique Rose Crystal Bath Soak sample, Rosehip Face & Body Scrub sample and Rose Face & Body Balm sample - these were lovely to use and very luxurious. Would buy full sizes in a heartbeat.

Naturally Nourished Lemongrass & Papaya Cleanser sample and Frankincense Hand Cream sample - these were lovely and I'd buy them again.

inner-soul organics Circulation Boost Skin Oil 30ml - this came in December's Souk Souk. Loved it.

FoM Body Contouring Body Serum sample - this was lightly scented with lemon and nice to use but a small sample.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this came in my Advent calendar. Loved it. Would buy.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream 5ml - lovely to use. Would consider purchasing full size.

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #38

These are the products I'm reaching for this week:

bare innocence Cocoa & Shea Butter Cream* (£8 - 100ml) - I was sent this lush body butter to review. It's scented with Jasmine, Orange and Geranium and is perfect to use to uplift and moisturise the body.

Ancienne Ambiance Goddess Rose Water Spray 30ml* - a spray scented with roses which can be used as a toner, a face mist and as a light cleanser.

ila Face Oil for Glowing Radiance* (10ml) a simply wonderful face oil scented with rose. See my reviews here and here. This is one of the nicest facial oils I've ever used. 

ila Day Cream for Glowing Radiance* (20g) - a rich cream which I use either mixed with the face oil or alone.  See my review here. Again, this is one I'd purchase.

Wild Honey Apothecary Strawberry Honey Mud - I received this in my swap from Jen. This is an amazing mask handmade by Kat in Winconsin. It smells exactly like strawberries. Packed full of good things it leaves the skin glowing and radiant. Fuller review to follow.

BECCA Beach Tint in Grapefruit 7ml - a grapefruit scented lip and cheek tint. A really wearable shade. This came in a free gift from SpaceNK this week.

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream (50ml) - this lovely hand cream was a magazine freebie a while back. Super gorgeous, smells of oranges and helps save the bees. 

What have you been using this week?

*PR samples

Love Lula Beauty Box - September 2013

My September Love Lula box arrived yesterday.  Here's what's inside:

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 50ml (£2.95) - with vetivert, petigrain and apricot. I've used some of these travel minis before. It helps nourish and relax and smells pretty good!

ila Body Lotion for Nurturing Skin 50ml (£2.95) - with apricot and rose geranium - this smells truly wonderful. Love Lula say "delicious to use, heavenly scented and super effective".

S5 Calm Serum Redness & Sensitive Skin Serum 10ml (£8.95) - this is the one which initially caught my eye.  It has featured in a beauty box I don't get previously. Contains "100% natural bio actives which reprogramme skin and reverse the effects of stress".

Oxygen Purifying Honey Mask - this came in February's Amarya box.  You can see my review here.  This was lovely to use so happy to use it again.

Evolve Perfect Radiance Facial Polish 4ml sachet - I think I've tried this before and enjoyed using it.

I'm happy with this month's box and I love that I'll use everything.  What are your thoughts?

Shopping my Stash #32

I simply loved the Melvita Apicosma Ultra Nourishing Body Balm which came in the British Beauty Blogger Edit Box. It featured in Shopping my Stash #25. I picked up full size from Naturisimo (150ml). Made from three different types of honey it is rich and hydrating and melts into the skin leaving it smelling sweetly. Suitable for all skin types and great for dry skin areas.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow 480g - simply love this gorgeous scented scrub.  See my review here.

Suti Fabulous Organic Foot Balm 50ml - simply love this balm which super moisturises and refreshes the feet. I like to use this just before bed and pop on some socks to lock in the moisture overnight.  See my review here.

Lavera Organic Wild Rose Bath Salts sachet - I received this from Alice in the All things Nice swap - one of my favourites although I'd not used it for a while. Enjoyed a rose scented soak in the bath this week.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Cuticle Nail Solution 15ml - this is the best cuticle product I've ever used.  It super moisturises the skin and nails and smells divine! 

Glam Minerals Lipsuite Rose Pink - this came in July's Souk Souk box. A preservative free, vegan, vegetarian and Halal approved product. Lip Balm, colour and Lip Gloss in one. Easy to apply with fingertips or brush. Give the lips a pink wash of colour.  Love it!

ila Face Mask for Revitalising Skin* - this came in the ila Little Face Treats* set. A rich clay mask which I've been enjoying using. See my review here.

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

*PR sample

July Empties

That time again - empties! Don't think I've gone through as much as usual this month.

Lush Turkish Delight Rose Scented Body Polish 200g - I bought this with my Christmas gift voucher - smells gorgeous but probably wouldn't repurchase due to the price.  

Lush Lemon Flutter 50g - truly multi-purpose product for dry skin areas - love it. Will definitely re-purchase at some point.  I'm now only two pots away from getting my free Fresh Face Mask.

Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub 50ml - I got this in my Beauty Bible testing bundle - and loved it.  I usually prefer more scrubby scrubs but this smelt really nice and was very gentle - I'd consider purchasing it.

L'Occitane Pivoine Floral Hand Cream 30ml - lovely scent but gel like texture - it didn't feel moisturising enough for me.  I prefer the shea butter hand creams.

ila Body Wash with Apricot & Vetivert 50ml - received this in a travel pack.  Was effective but not really keen on the smell.  Love ila face oil for glowing radiance though.

AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment 5ml - received this in an Amarya box - absolutely loved it.  Since bought a bigger size.

John Masters Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructing Shampoo & Hair Reconstructor both 10ml sachets - amazing products. Really want to buy the full sizes especially the Hair Reconstructor - it makes hair look so healthy and shiny.

Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 15ml - I adore this product!  Will definitely purchase full size at some point but got a few of these sizes to use up that I bought on ebay.

AD Skin Synergy Radiant Moisturiser 10ml - a rich cream, quite highly scented.  Would maybe purchase in winter time.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - a staple for me.  Will buy full-size at some point as I love this bath oil.

REN Vetivert v7 Hand & Body Lotion 15ml - this was free with Red Magazine.  Quite liked it but probably wouldn't buy.

Rahua Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner sachets - love these, got a few in supply.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel 75ml - I got this from Wendy - still owe her a swap!  Lovely scent and it made great bubbles in the bath.  Will purchase at some point though I've picked a few mini ones up on ebay.

Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask 15ml - love Elemis masks.  Will probably pick this up as a freebie or in a gift set at some point - smells heavenly and super moisturises the skin.  A real treat.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water 35ml - love this! Got this in a Latest in Beauty Box.  Got one still to use.

L'Occitane Angelica Exfoliating Gel Sachet - gorgeous!  Got about 3 uses out the sachet.  Currently loving the Angelica range.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 30ml sachet - love this, have collected a few in swaps.  Got a couple of uses out of this.  Made hair really soft and smooth (and it has a lovely scent).

Simple Cleansing Wipes - handy when we were getting the bathroom done.  Would buy these again as they were gentle on the skin.  Handy for late nights too.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Tropical - 30ml - another lifesaver when we were getting the bathroom done.  Loved the scent and have since bought a full size can.

Prada Candy EDP 50ml - received this for Christmas.  Loved it.  Would definitely buy/hope for it to be gifted to me again.  Miss it.

Pure Thoughts Strawberry & Pink Clay Face Mask - single use sachet - reviewed here.  Pure Thoughts Whipped Shea Butter Tangerine & Jojoba sachet - received this as a free sample with order and have since bought the full size - lush!  The Pure Thoughts range is really fab - I'll get round to trying everything no doubt!

Tom Ford Private Blend White Suede EDP 4ml mini - loved this. Full size on my permanent wish list.  Gorgeous.

Bliss Lid+Lash Wash 30ml - got this from an Amitee box.  Loved it.  No sting/haze over eye area.  Have another 30ml size to use.

L'Occitane Angelica Cream 15ml - one of my favourite moisturisers at the moment.  I actually quite like the "green" scent now and love its light texture and feel on the skin.

Creme de la Mer The Moisturising Gel Cream - mini pot - really loved this.  (thinking of doing project 10 pan for moisturisers - though I reckon it would take me a year at least to use up my supply).  You can see my review here.  Absolutely loved this.  Went instore on Thursday to give Joanne an update on my thoughts and she gave me a sample of The Moisturising Soft Cream (launch date 1st September to try).  Its richer than the gel version but lighter than the cream - can't wait to try.  Review will follow.

Freyaluna Rose Lotion - mini sample pot - adore this rich, gorgeous rose scent cream.  Doing project pan to buy it.  You can see this here.

What have you been using up this month?

Daily Skincare

These are the products I use everyday (or most days):

In the morning I use Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed. It has a really nice smell of fresh cotton and foams up well. I then use either Daily Energizer or Witchhazel Toner. 

I moisturise with Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream which I love!  Elemis is my favourite skincare brand though I try to buy when there are offers on, ask for it as gifts or buy from QVC which offers great value sets. I usually buy when 30ml size are offered in sets (same for the night cream). I'd never buy it at full price. 

I use either Elemis Eye Serum or Elemis Lip & Eye Contour Cream. I love Burt's Bees Lip Balms and my current favourite is Lip Shimmer. 

At night I firstly use Gatineau Floracil to remove eye make up (received this as a gift from my lovely mum) and then I'll use either Elemis Cleansing Gel or Pai's cleanser with camellia & rose, a gorgeous creamy cleanser for use with muslin cloth, smells heavenly. I'll use the Balm Balm toner at night and either Ila Spa's Face Oil for Glowing Radiance which is absolutely gorgeous scented with rose.  I won this little beauty in a Naturismo Facebook Friday competition and currently retails at around £50 or I'll use Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream and I'll finish with eye cream/serum.

I also love to use, about twice a week Dr Nick Lowe Menthol Face Scrub which retails at £11.22 (at time going to press), I try to buy when you get the £5 off voucher from Boots.  Love this, scented with menthol and tingly and zingy on the skin, a real wake up call!  It's a creamy scrub with "spherical micro beads to smooth skin".  Its fab, love it and use it twice a week. It's the best scrub out there! (well in my opinion!)

What do you use?