November Empties

Here's what I've been using up in November. If a product is marked * I kindly received it complimentary for review.

I love Indie Lee's Energize Deodorant 50g. See my review HERE. Will buy again. Huge fan of Ezape Naturals, their body butters are divine. I didn't think the Tea Tree & Peppermint* blend would be something I'd like as I'm not a huge-huge Tea Tree fan but this blend was really nice and minty-fresh. I would buy full size. Monpure's Clarifying Salt Scrub 50g was nice to use but unlikely to buy it again as there are other scalp care products I prefer. I love CITY SURViVOR supplement range and found both Immune Support and Night Support very effective. See my earlier review HERE. Will definitely buy both again at some point. Naturopathica's CBD+Unwind 30 Caps* see my review HERE. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub 28g which is a nice scrubby scrub with the delectable sweet original aroma. On the wishlist full size. The Nue Co MOOD 30 caps, I love these onto my second pot. They really do ease anxiety and brighten your mood. A keeper. Raven Botanicals Drift Bathing Oils sample, a rich and aromatic bath delight with a gentle lavender aroma. I simply adore Miller Harris's Lumiere Dore EdP 9ml, it's one of my favourite MH scents. Distinctly summery with orange blossom notes.

Friendly Soap with Peppermint & Poppyseed, a zero waste minty soap which was nice and refreshing. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 150ml, one of my favourites. I've just opened the last in my stash. I want to try the newish Living Proof one next. Love a bit of aromatic bodhi & birch. Their Ylang Ylang Inscensa Bath & Shower therapy 50ml is one of my fav b&b scents. See my review HERE. Just bought full size. Kiss the Moon Love Bedtime Bath Salts 50g* were gorgeous. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.  I quite enjoyed Agent Nateur & Shiva Rose Holi (Rose) No.4 Deodorant but not enough to buy it again. Noble Isle's Rhubarb Rhubarb! Hand Wash 250ml was gorgeous. Hugely fruity and lathered up well. Would buy again (wish they did refills though). JOIK's Organic Cornflower Facial Mist 50ml* was very refreshing. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up in November?

Naturisimo: The November edit

You know I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box. The November Edit costs £22 plus p&p and is worth £119.

I was trying to resist. Inside you'll find:

• Inika Certified Organic Matte Perfection Primer, 30ml Full Size
• Neighbourhood Botanicals Mild Mannered Face Lotion, 30ml
• Lola's Apothecary Monsoon Paradise Body & Massage Oil 10ml
• Kjaer Weis Beautiful Face Oil, 4ml
• Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash, 15ml
• Odacite Montana Harvest Oil Cleanser, 6ml
• The Organic Pharmacy Skin Treat Mask Trio, 3 x 10ml
• NEOM Perfect Nights Sleep Pillow Mist, 5ml

Did you pick a box up? 

Indie Lee: Energize Deodorant

I've loved Indie Lee products since I first tried them via their very first UK stockist - abeautifulworld. I picked up latest launch, Energize Deodorant 50g (£18) at Naturisimo recently.

It's truly unique (see photo) in that the gel to powder deodorant is dispensed through tiny holes in the top of the applicator. Formulated with organic tapioca, non GMO corn starch and minimal baking soda to combat odour and boost freshness. I've found it dries really quickly and has a beautiful aroma - bergamot, grapefruit, orange & eucalyptus. It also contains beeswax and sunflower oil.

To use: apply a small amount to clean dry skin for all day freshness

I'm very impressed with this deodorant which smells uplifting, is nice and easy to use and gives all day freshness. 

Naturisimo Most Wanted Discovery Box

 As you'll know I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery box. I'm always looking to see if there's a new one! Imagine my delight when I spotted their Most Wanted Discovery Box. Create an account (new feature) and you can collect points which you can use against individual buys or save them up for a big spend - see HERE - they're also currently offering a £5 reward when you open an account!

Costing £19.95 and worth an incredible £92! WOW!

So what's inside:

Kosas Weightless Lip Colour in Rosewater 4g FULL SIZE worth £20

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Eye Complex 10ml FULL SIZE worth £16

ILIA Beauty Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Twilight 0.4g FULL SIZE worth £24

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner 10ml TRIAL SIZE worth £3.30

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser 15ml worth £10.20

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength 15ml worth £18.75

A great box, don't you think?

Naturisimo - #Veganuary Discovery Box

I can never resist, or rarely a Naturisimo Discovery Box. January's box is themed #Veganuary and is stuffed full! It costs £19.95 and contains 9 plant powered, Vegan products to kick start 2020! I picked a couple of samples to make my order up to £25 (free p&p now kicks in with a £25+ spend).

WOW! There are 5 new-to-me products nestling inside (although I know all the brands). I'm also very happy to see the others nestling in there as they are all products I've tried in the past and loved. And so, for a closer look:

There's a duo set from The Organic Pharmacy comprising of their Antioxidant Face Serum & Gel which are both 5ml - great try me sizes or for travel. See my review HERE. I'm very happy to have this equally hardworking & lovely duo back in my stash!

I've not actually tried Indie Lee's Purifying Face Wash before (I love her brightening one). Inside is a 15ml tube. A review will be forthcoming. I adore BYBI Beauty and I'm very happy to see a dinky (10ml) of cult classic Babe Balm. See my review HERE.

I've nearly run out of loose powder so am very happy to see bellapierre's HD Finishing Powder in Translucent inside which I've used in the past. This is full size (6.5g) and worth a whopping £25. Very happy!

Now this pot smells heavenly! It's 100ml of Boucleme's brand new Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo which cleanses and energises the hair and scalp and should be used once a month.

A brand I love and a brand new product 5ml of Trilogy's Vitamin C Booster Treatment. Excited for this one!

Rounding up the box is a product from Inika's brand new skincare range (excitement much!) New+Exclusive Phytofuse Renew Avocado Hand Cream 4ml and Evolve's latest launch their Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash 50ml (which had been on the wishlist!) 

My samples (to make my order up to £25):

I'm absolutely thrilled to bits with Naturisimo's first Discovery Box of the year. Did you pick one up?

The Best of Skincare Tag

I spotted this tag over on Carrie's blog and I couldn't resist doing it too!

Skin Type: Combination - that dreaded shiny t-zone! 

How do you store your skincare: in my overflowing bathroom cabinet mainly. Still to be tried products are kept in a cupboard in the spare room.

Favourite Ingredient: Rose

Most indulgent product: It's got to be anything by ARgENTUM - see my review of their l'étoile infinie*.

Best Budget Buy: I love Balm Balm which is available to buy at Love Lula. Prices start from just £4.50.

Do you use any tools: My Foreo Luna* at least once a week. See my review HERE.

Best Mask: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask** - every Antipodes product I've tried I've loved. This mask is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

Best Multi-Use Product: like Carrie, it's got to be Weleda's Skin Food. I only recently discovered just how good it is. See my review HERE.

If you had to stick to one skincare brand: it would have to be the gorgeous Bodhi & Birch. I'm currently testing their latest launch - a new blend of my favourite Desert Rose Facial Oil*. Pick yours up HERE.

Best Spot Treatment: Indie Lee's Blemish Lotion - see my review HERE. It just works!

Favourite step in your Skincare routine: Cleansing for sure. With a balm or oil and a muslin cloth. Current favourite is Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN.

I've also included a new question - What's your favourite new brand: Mine has got to be the gorgeous Aster & Bay. See my review of their exquisite Rosewater Mist HERE.

What's on your Skincare wishlist: I'd love to try Leahlani Skincare. 

Do we share any favourites? What's on your list?

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

January Empties

Well this post has come round quick! Here's what I've been using up in January:

Dafna's Beyond Skin Deep Moisture Light 2ml sachet* - this was a great moisturiser which would be good to use in summer as it lightly moisturises and refreshes the skin.

Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil 10ml - this was lovely and made for a relaxing bath. Will buy full size when I use up some of my stash.

Balm Balm Indulge All Over Balm 30ml** - I love these Balm Balm balms. See my review HERE. I'd happily use this again.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath with Valerian and Hops 100ml - this makes for a restful night's sleep (although it smells a bit pungent). I've just opened another bottle.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - one of my favourite bath oils. If you like rose scents you'll love this. Just opened a new bottle.

AA Skincare Frankincense and Rose Facial Toner 150ml* - this was lovely to use. See my review HERE. I'd definitely buy once my stash reduces.

Yogandha Detox Organic Lemongrass & Juniperberry Body Oil 125ml - I adore this uplifting body oil and buy it again and again.

Bodhi & Birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil 15ml - I adore this body oil which also found a place in my top products last year. See my review HERE. I'm going to buy this again after payday!

Miller Harris Vetiver Insolent EdP sample - one of my favourite perfumes - I have a rapidly reducing full size bottle of this which will be replenished!

Miller Harris Cassis en Feuille EdP sample - this is nice and fruity and I enjoyed trying it but wouldn't buy full size.

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean - adore this beautiful minty scented cleanser. Already treated myself to another.

RMS 'un powder' - this is as staple for me. So will be replenished soon!

Nishane Boszporusz EdP sample - I just adored this floral sea shore inspired scent. Full size is on the wishlist. See my thoughts HERE.

Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Crystal Micellic Cleanser 30ml* - this too was one of my top products in 2016. See my review HERE. Sure to buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Indie Lee C0Q10 Toner 10ml sample - just gorgeous and from a fab brand. Would buy this full size.

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the LLABP

Shopping my Stash #84

It's January so it's got to be Shopping my Stash time! Here's what I've been reaching for:

Indie Lee COQ 10 Toner sample - I received this in my recent ABW A/W '16 Sampler Box. It's a product I'd used before and loved. Will be adding full size to the wishlist as it deeply refreshes and tones the skin.

From Cult Beauty's recent goody bag I received a full size Jouer Cosmetics Long Wear Lip Creme Liquid Lipstick in Lychee which is a really pretty longlasting shade.

I got the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner minis via my YOU Beauty Box in December. I absolutely love them. They make my hair look and feel amazing. Definitely want full size soon!

Diptyque's Eau Rose roll on I've had for ages. It has a deep rosey scent and I love it. See my review HERE.

I'm a huge fan of Schmidt's Natural Deodorants (review). My favourite being Bergamot+Lime. Naturisimo have introduced a new one - Rose+Vanilla - and it's gorgeous! You can pick up a sample size or full size HERE.

What have you been reaching for lately?

ABW: A/W '16 Sampler

My a beautiful world A/W '16 sampler box arrived yesterday. As ever it sold out almost immediately.  It costs £20 (plus p&p). I love that paypal is now a payment method (thanks for listening to me Liz!) making it more likely I'll shop more often!

Inside my box:

There is a full size Birch & Brook travel candle in "Festival" which is worth £18! I've tried these lovely candles before - see my reviews of Library* (my fav - here), Festival* (here) and Evergreen* (mini mention). I think this is a nice addition to the box and a new brand to a beautiful world.

There are also various samples some big and some small. I've already tried a sample of GM Reverie's MILK Anti-Frizz Leave-in Nourishing Treatment which I loved. Included is a small sample.  Staying on hair there are two sachets from Yarok - Feed your Moisture Shampoo and Feed your Curls Defining Creme (I'll pass this one on).

The other items are skincare (my favourite kind of beauty) and include:

SW Basics Hibiscus Mask 

Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanse

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil (review)

The Body Deli Almond Milk Cleanser

BRAD Ultra Elastin Sculpting Firming Cream Complex

I'm pleased with my samples - apart from the Indie Lee the rest are new to me and from brands I've previously enjoyed so I'll look forward to trying them out.

Did you pick up a box? What do you think of the contents?

See previous boxes: 

S/S '16, A/W '15, S/S '15, A/W '14, S/S '14, A/W '13 

My Oils & Serums Stash

Random Surfer who follow me on twitter asked a while back if I'd do a post on my oils and serums. I promised (but just hadn't got round to it). So here it is better late than never! 

I have reviewed quite a few of them but there are some new additions which are awaiting review. Here goes..

Oils:

And up closer..

Kiss the Moon After Dark Face Oil 5ml which is a super luxe and pampering oil which smells beautiful. See my thoughts HERE.

Not even out the box yet is Dr Botanics Vegan Advanced Anti-Oxidant Superfood Facial Oil*. I've just received this to review so look out for a review shortly.

Holistic Green Beauty Orchid Cellular Protection Oil 20ml* this beautiful oil has been created by Danny (Holistic Green Beauty blog) and is one from a range of products. You can see my review HERE.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven are a new to me brand and I'm looking forward to testing the range out. I received both the mini set* (Organic Argan, Organic Rosehip, Organic Moringa and Natural Cacay) and the full size Organic Baobab* from Love Lula via their Accredited Blogger Program - so expect reviews soon!

Estelle & Thild Superbioactive Repairing Oil Complex 30ml* is beautiful used in conjunction with their BioDefense Multi-Action Youth Serum* see my review of both of them HERE.

Algenist Advanced Anti-Ageing Repairing Oil 7ml which I received in a SpaceNK GWP. I've still to review this one.

Viridian Ultimate Beauty Organic Rose Oil 15ml* is deeply nourishing and has a beautiful rose scent. It really is a luxe oil and perfect for coming into Autumn/Winter. See my review HERE.

I just recently reviewed Alucia Organics Rosehip Oil 30ml* which is a really beautiful nourishing oil. See my review HERE.

Angela Langford Bloom & Glow Radiance Restoring Face Oil 15ml* which nourishes and cares for the skin leaving it glowy and healthy. See my review HERE.

I picked up this tiny Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Revitalising Face Oil 3ml as a sample. It's really lovely like all Aromatherapy Associates products!

Just peeking from the corner of the photo is the gorgeous l'etoile infinie elixir 30ml* from ARgENTUM Apothecary which I'm nearly ready to review. 

Mitchell & Peach Flora No.1 Fine Radiance Face Oil 10ml came in a YOU Beauty Box and featured in a shopping my stash post.

Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil 5ml which is a cult Clarins product. Rich and super nourishing it is the perfect product to use for a home facial treatment. Lush!

I recently reviewed MOA's fabulous Aphrodite Facial Oil* and you can see my thoughts HERE.

Indie Lee was I think the first brand I tried from a beautiful world and it's still very much a favourite today. I love her Squalane Facial Oil 1oz (it's just SO good) You can see my review HERE. 

Blue Labelle Light & Balancing Facial Oil 10ml which smells gorgeous. It uses a blend of Geranium, Sweet Orange & Frankincense and you can see my review HERE.

I'm nearing the end of Plant ØÅ Face Oil 30ml* which I absolutely loved. See my review HERE. 

I've still got a teeny bit of my de Mamiel Autumn Facial Oil 20ml which was from last Autumn! See my review HERE.

Huge love for Bodhi & Birch (and a real pleasure to meet founder Elijah Choo at last in August - it was so lovely to also meet Andy (Pampered Prince) too). I adore both Neroli Luce and Desert Rose (review) face oils.

Mallow + White Revitalise Facial Oil 30ml* I'm actually on my last few drops of this one! See my review HERE.

AD Organic Rose Geranium Nourishing Night Treatment 50ml which came in a YOU Beauty Box. It's really lovely. I haven't actually done a review of this one but way back in 2012 I reviewed their original Nourishing Night Treatment - see HERE.

MV Organics Pure Jojoba 35ml which came to me via a Cult Beauty GWP. I've used it a few times and it seems lovely.

Serums:

When I first got the NIOD products I used them night and day but now I just use a few times a week. I have MMHC and CAIS 1.00% in my stash. I know they are not "green" but I find they do help with lines other oils and serums do not!

The FoM London Hydra Plump Serum sample came in my September Love Lula Beauty Box and I'm excited to try it!

My pal Julie and me exchange Birthday and Christmas gifts and this Su-Man Velvet Skin Serum Brightening Serum 15ml came from her! It feels really luxurious on the skin and is perfect to use before applying make up. Definitely want to try more from the range.

Estelle & Thild Super BioActive Age Control Serum* (mentioned above with the matching oil).

YTTP Serum* 1oz is absolutely fantastic! It instantly tightens and brightens and is made with ingredients such as Kale, Tripeptide 37, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. Love! 

A.S Apothecary Facial Serum #3 25ml* is one of the most luxurious serums I've used. See my review HERE.

Bee Good Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum 30ml* is just fantastic. See my review HERE.

Nearly there...

A few months back I won Terre Verdi's 1st Instagram competition and picked for one of my items their Balancing Facial Serum (review). Their FranChouliPom Facial Serum came in Edition #5 of the Pure Natural Box (initial thoughts) and I can't wait to try it!

One of the most luxurious serums I have ever tried has got to be Emma Hardie's Midas Touch Face Serum 15ml I just love everything about it. It makes my skin look radiant and nourished, it feels lovely on the skin and smells amazing. Really love it!

I received the duo of Odacite* products from Face Gym and you can see my thoughts on Gt +L (Green Tea & Lemongrass)* and C a R (Wild Carrot) serums* HERE. I'm a huge fan of the brand.

AEOS Realive Serum 30ml* came in a set and you can see my thoughts HERE. It is a really beautiful product.

Tata Harper's Rejuvenate Serum 30ml again came in a GWP and gulp I've not really tried it much!

What's in your Oils & Serums stash and do we share a love of any product?

*PR samples

November Empties

Where has this year gone! I can't believe I'm writing the second last empties post of 2015! Here's what I've been using in November:

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 50ml* - huge fan of this lovely relaxing non-foaming soak. Full size is on the wishlist. This little one came in the recent Naturisimo De-Stress & Unwind Discovery Box.

Ravenscourt Apothecary Indian Jasmine Bathing Salts 250g - these were lovely to use, smelled gorgeous and contained little jasmine petals. I love the simple but chic packaging. Would buy again.

Humble Natural Beauty Bath Honey Rose & Frankincense 300ml* - this was really luxurious. Will definitely buy again. See my review HERE.

PLANT GET IT ON Body Wash 30ml - I simply loved this woody and spicy scented wash and would buy full size. See my review of their CALM DOWN wash here.

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - I really enjoyed this relaxing soak. Would buy full size. See my mini review here.

Balm Balm Relax All over Balm 30ml* - I loved this. See my mini review HERE. Will definitely buy this again. I also am keen to try out some of the other scents. Great value (would make a great stocking filler).

Neom Inspiration Hand Cream 50ml - this was a magazine freebie a long time ago. Neom don't do this scent anymore or mini hand creams.

LJs Natural Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - this is a really lush body oil scented with roses which is gentle enough to use on the face. See my review HERE. Will buy again when I use up most of the oils in my stash.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil - I simply adore this rose/cardamon scented lush oil. Just cracked open a new bottle. See my review HERE. It is expensive but worth it and such a lovely treat.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum Sample (£5.95) - this super luxe sample serum is lovely. I got two uses and it left my skin glowing. Full size is £150!

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner Sample - this came from the recent ABW box. Nice to use and one I'd consider buying full size.

Balmology Exotic Rose Beauty Oil 4ml - I bought this generous size sample from Naturisimo. Loved everything about this oil and would buy full size once my stash reduces.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo 265ml - Tracey from Face Up Beauty raved about this product on her blog. I found it very effective and I've just cracked open my second bottle!

Nourish Illuminating Golden Glow Face Shimmer 30ml* - this is one of my favourite products from Nourish. See my review HERE. I'm already using another one. Love it. 

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

A Beautiful World A/W '15 Sampler Box

I broke my spending ban after 71 days (yes, really) and picked up the a beautiful world A/W '15 Sampler Box (£20 plus £3.95 P&P with next day delivery). 

I just couldn't resist! See my thoughts on previous boxes - S/S '15, A/W '14, S/S '14 and A/W '13.

The first thing which jumped out at me was new brand to a beautiful world - Youth to the People Kale+Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Cleanser (1oz) straight from California which I'm really looking forward to testing out. Watch this space for a review!

Next up, two Indie Lee minis - I'm already a fan of Squalane Facial Oil - see my review here*. So I'm really looking forward to trying the CoQ-10 Toner sample.

The body deli Living Hair Shampoo & Conditioner are fantastic. See my review HERE* - I'm happy to see these lovely minis in the box.

Intensae Nail Lacquer (Muse) this is full size and worth £14.45. It's a lovely sparkly shade perfect for Christmas time.

PLANT GET IT ON Bodywash 30ml - I've already tried a couple of the full size washes from PLANT. This has a gorgeous scent with sandalwood, cedar and ginger. See my review of CALM DOWN here*. 

SW Basics Make Up Remover 30ml - I've not tried this product before. Love that this range uses as few ingredients as possible.

SW Basics Cocoa Lip Balm 4.5g Full size (£4) - I'm a huge fan of these lush lip balms and first reviewed them when the company was called Sprout - see my review here.

The item I'm not going to use is Helen Dowsley Ethically Sourced Handmade Lashes - I'm just not really a false lash fan. These ones are already lined up for someone though!

Did you get the box? What are your thoughts?

*previous items reviewed have been PR samples