Showing posts with label Isla Apothecary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isla Apothecary. Show all posts

Thursday, 14 March 2019

*Isla Apothecary: Body Exfoliant+Balm, Skin Balm & Skin Purifying Mud


*gifted You'll know I'm a huge fan of Isla Apothecary's Neroli Body Oil (REVIEW) and it featured in my Collaboration with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box for their first Birthday box last year - Beauty Balm Curates.. (see HERE). I've been testing out some of their newer launches - Body Exfoliant+BalmSkin Balm and Skin Purifying Mud.


Body Exfoliant+Balm replaces Blood Orange+Vanilla Sugar Scrub and is a luscious revitalising blend scented with Citrus, Mint and Woods and has a delicious mousse like texture which melts onto the skin (and is a joy to use). 

Organic Raw Cane Sugar and Papaya Extract gently buff the skin removing dead skin cells and conditioning. Shea Butter, Coconut and Peach Kernel Oils along with Vitamin E moisturise and heal. 

To use: massage onto damp skin in the shower. Leaves the skin nourished and smooth.



Skin Balm is formulated with pure cold pressed fruit, nut and plant oils which nourish and protect the skin. The balm has a slightly herbal/floral scent which comes from the in-house olive oil infused Calendula petals. Skin Balm soothes irritated skin, bites, wounds and burns and can also be used to remove make up and nourish the skin.

To use: apply a small amount to the affected area to soothe, calm and nourish.


Skin Purifying Mud can be used as a mask or exfoliant and it balances, detoxes and purifies the skin. Formulated with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and skin toning ingredients such as Raspberry Leaf, Yarrow, Rosehip, compounds from lemon balm and orris root which help to absorb excess oil and impurities. 

To use: blend to a paste with hydrosol or water before applying to the skin.

I've been really impressed with all three products (I was a Blood Orange+Vanilla Sugar Scrub fan and can honestly say I love it's replacement). What's your favourite product(s) from Isla Apothecary?

Thursday, 7 March 2019

Shopping My Stash #104

*My post contains a few gifted items. I last shopped my stash waaay back in January - see HERE. Here's what I've been reaching for lately:


I was lucky enough to try Danish brand, o.Moi* as a Beauty Shortlist Judge and I totally fell head over heels for the brand. One of my favourite products was their glorious Respire Body Oil which was a Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards 2019 Finalist - and that award is very well deserved.  The body oil can be used in association with yoga practice or just as a gorgeous body oil or for massage. It feels luxurious on the skin and has the most amazing floral, slightly herbal scent. It's love! 

I've been testing out one of Isla Apothecary's newer products, their Skin Purifying Mud* which can be used as an exfoliant or mask and it will cleanse, purify and balance the skin. It's perfect for combo/acne skins and my oily T-zone has been loving this very effective mask. I'm going to be doing a full review very soon.

I love new lip balms and Crazy Rumors, while having been on the radar for ages I hadn't tried up until I received their delicious Hot Cocoa flavour* in February's Love Lula Beauty Box*. The balm deeply nourishes and smells of sweet cocoa.

Weleda's Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate 30ml* is perfect for ageing skin and it's the product I'm currently reaching for. It'll help with cell renewal and elasticity smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. My skin is looking more radiant and glowy. A full review will be up very soon.

I've tried a few of Love Lula's Walden Perfumes and "Castles in the Air" is one of my favourites. I love the calming lavender, floral and citrus notes with a touch of exotic Ylang Ylang.

Yarok Feed your Style Dry Shampoo Mini which I'm loving. I'm trying to wash my hair less and have found this to absorb grease while giving my hair a fuller look (with no white residue).

What have you been reaching for lately?

My post contains a couple of affiliate links

Saturday, 25 August 2018

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

Thursday, 28 June 2018

June Empties

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



Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil Free Moisture Cushion 15ml which was a sea scented light gel cream and seemed perfect for my combination skin. Very nice. Would maybe buy.

Organic Trevarno Lavender & Geranium Cleansing Oil 5ml which was lovely to use. I'll definitely buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. 

Bodhi & Birch Lemon Water Hydrosol 15ml* I was part of the focus group for the new #SuperfoodsSeries and totally fell for this beauty. See my review HERE. I've just opened a full size I was gifted for taking part in the group. Totally lush. 

Enchanted Plants Blossom Hydrating Facial Mist 100ml which I totally fell head over heels for. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.

001 Pure Lavender Hydrosol Toner 100ml* which was lovely to use. See my review HERE.



Geo Mitchell Relax Bath Salts (one use sample)* these were lovely and I'd consider buying full size. They featured in my recent Shopping my Stash post.

Alteya Organics Bio Damascena Ageless Rose Otto Eye Cream sachet** which gave several uses (I'd reckon they'd be enough in this sachet for a week's holiday). Really lovely. Full size is on the wishlist!

Luxe Botanics CAMU Brightening Cleanser 4ml a lovely citrus scented milky cleanser which made short work of make up and daily grime. I only got 2 uses out of this sachet but fell in love. Would buy.

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g these are my favourite bath salts. See my review HERE. They also featured in Beauty Balm Curates...with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in May - see HERE.



Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Wash 20ml* in one of my favourite Weleda scents. See my review HERE. Sure to pick this up again at some point.

Beatitude Joy Bath Oil sample Joy is my favourite scent by Beatitude. See my review HERE. Will definitely pick it up again!

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Verde Bath & Shower Oil 15ml* totally lush and when I need bath oils I'll be picking this up. See my mini review HERE.

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml this award-winning blend is one of my absolute favourite body products. See my review HERE. It also featured in May's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box Beauty Balm Curates...see HERE. I just opened up a new mini and will buy full size again. Just love.

Anita Grant Nerolage Body Oil 15ml which is absolutely heavenly. I adore anything neroli and this is a real treat for the body and mind. Full size is very firmly on the wishlist. 

Only & Eve Naples Grove Reed Diffuser* I absolutely loved this diffuser which I started using in December and only finished this month. See my review HERE. So impressed with how long it lasts making it excellent value. Will buy at some point either this one or another scent.

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Wash 500ml which I received from my friend Julie as a gift (at Christmas). Totally lush scent - rose petals, black pepper and cardamon. Loved the pump action bottle - great for beside the shower. Would buy again.

What have you been using up this month?

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

Monday, 21 May 2018

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box - May - Beauty Balm Curates

I'm very excited to share with you my top picks from my favourite UK brands. Thanks so much to Paula at Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and the brands inside for collaborating. This is the 1st Birthday box too.




So now for a closer look..


Inside are two beautiful balms - from Edinburgh based Lucky Cloud Skincare (which I've loved from the beginning when there were only a few products in the range) we have their Nourishing Cleansing Balm (£8 - 15ml). See my review HERE. This beautiful balm made my top products of '17 - see HERE.

From AS.Apothecary there is a pot of their exquisite Wild Beauty Balm Concentrate #30 (which is worth £21). See my review HERE. Amanda's products are truly gorgeous and so very carefully handcrafted. Once you've tried this balm you'll definitely want more from the RANGE.


There had to be face oils in there as they are one of my favourite products..ever! Inside is bodhi & birch's Award Winning Desert Rose Facial Oil (5ml - £9.95) which was a Winner at the Beauty Shortlist Awards this year and is always in my stash. See my review HERE.

New to me this year is the wonderful Botany Blend which won the Beauty Shortlist's Editors Choice Award. I totally fell in love with their MERU Omega Rich Luxe Face Oil and inside is a 1ml trial size of the oil (£2.50). See my review HERE.


And these two are my most favourite bath and body products...ever! I once said if I could only ever use one bath product for the rest of my life it would be these salts! Inside is 100g pack (£10) of Therapie Roques O'Neil Himalayan Detox Salts. See my review HERE.

Award Winning (Beauty Shortlist Awards Best Body Oil Winner 2018) Isla Apothecary's Neroli Body Oil (15ml - £4.50) is one of my most favourite body oils..ever! See my review HERE. It made my final cut of best products of '17 also - see HERE.


The final item is a bar of delicious Aromatherapy Dark Chocolate with pure rose oil and rose petals (it's outstanding!) from JustBe Botanicals. See my review HERE (check out the others in the range HERE).



As ever, there are discount codes included from some of the brands. So there you have it... What do you think of my choices?

Sunday, 3 December 2017

Giveaway: Isla Apothecary Discovery Kit - it's over!

I've got an exciting Christmas giveaway for one of my UK readers. One of you can win your very own Isla Apothecary Discovery Kit worth £21. It's the ideal treat for you (or if you are the winner you may want to gift it on...as if!)


The Discovery Kit is packaged in a luxury white snap shut box with a copper embossed logo.


Inside you will find 4 wonderful goodies:

30ml Relax+Recover Bath Salts
15ml Neroli Body Oil (REVIEW)
60g Blood Orange & Vanilla Moisturising Sugar Scrub
30ml Refine+Radiance Beautifying Face Mask

The set's an absolute delight for both the skin and senses with gorgeous scents which relax and enliven both the body and mind.

Follow the Rafflecopter below & good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Vertue Beauty Box: Mindful Beauty

The Vertue Beauty Box* is new to me. It's a bi-monthly box which costs £37 for a box delivered every two months, six months pre-pay which costs £105 (3 boxes every two months) or twelve month pre-pay which costs £195 (6 boxes delivered every two months).

It is more expensive than most boxes but the value is superb. Inside November's box which is themed Mindful Beauty is:


WOW! There are 3 new to me brands nestling in there! The value of the box is a whopping £72.50!


I'm already a huge fan of MOA and reviewed their Daily Cleansing Ritual HERE. Although known to me, this is a lovely addition to the box.



From gorgeous Isla Apothecary there are two scrubs - Lemongrass & Rosemary Renew Foot Scrub (120g) and Blood Orange & Vanilla Sugar Scrub (120g). I've used both of these before. These aren't currently in my stash so I'm very happy to have them back in my life!


From new to me brand Kindred+Wild is a 50ml bottle of their Lavender & Chamomile Herb Oil which can be used on the face, body and as a bath oil (I love a muti-use product!) Review will follow.

I love beauty boxes which pop in some healthy extras:


Be. Tribe is a new brand to me. I got their Fix Up blend which contains pea protein, Acai, Acerola Cherry, Maqui, Goji berries, Baobab, Camu Camu, Beet, rodiola Rosea and Himalayan Salt. Add to your smoothie for an instant boost.



The final item and a free gift was a delicious bar of organic dark chocolate from Doisy & Dam.

I think the Vertue Beauty Box* is fantastic value, stuffed full of full sizes and a real treat. Do you already subscribe? Or are you tempted? (like me!)

*complimentary

Friday, 27 October 2017

October Empties

Here's what I've been using up in October (I don't have much as I chucked all the samples and trial sizes I used up in London rather than bringing them home!)



Esse Probiotic Gel Cleanser 10ml* - I simply love this cleanser. See my review HERE. I took this to London earlier in the month and it was more than enough for a few days break. Huge fan of the brand. I definitely want to try more products from the range.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion Shot 10ml - absolutely love this bath treat. See my review HERE. Will definitely re-purchase.

Schmidt's Rose+Vanilla and Bergamot+Lime Natural Deodorants - I love this brand. Bergamot+Lime is my favourite scent. I wouldn't pick up the Rose one again as although nice I didn't love it.  Just opened a new B+L one.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Pure Castile Magic Soap 236ml - this is a staple for me in this scent. I use it to clean my make up brushes and sometimes the bath! I've just picked up a new one.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15 - 30 Beige - I love this foundation and I'll buy it again. It gives good coverage and I find it suitable for my combination skin.




MAKE Skincare Face Glow 30ml** - which was beautiful. See my review HERE. I'd consider buying when my stash reduces a bit.

Dafna's Personal Skincare Recovery Cleanser 50ml** - I simply loved this beautiful cleanser. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy when my cleanser stash reduces a bit.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Body Wash 300ml - this is one of my favourite Molton Brown scents. Sure to buy again at some point.

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 100ml* - this body oil is divine! It has a beautiful scent and deeply nourishes the skin - what's not to love! See my review HERE. I'm sure to buy this again as I just love it! I do however have a mini one to use which came in the Discovery Set which I mentioned HERE.

My final item this month is a Reed Diffuser* from The Handmade Soap Company. I loved the scent - Lemongrass & Cedarwood and found it lasted round about three months. Would buy for sure. You can also buy refills. See my review HERE

What have you been using up this month?

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

Sunday, 22 October 2017

Recent Buys: Enchanted Plants, Isla Apothecary, Minyara, Samuel & Paris, Stella Says, Therapie

Here are some recent buys:



I discovered gorgeous Enchanted Plants quite randomly on Instagram. After reading about Jemma and her passion for hand crafting beautiful, artisan certified organic skincare in small batches I knew I had to buy something. The product which spoke to me the most is Blossom Hydrating Facial Mist (£27) which is seriously lush! (I also loved the email message just after I ordered which made my heart sing "thanks so much for your order, when you buy something from a small maker a real person does a little dance of joy!"). Expect a full review soon!


I'm a huge, huge fan of Isla Apothecary and this newly launched Discovery Set (£21) is absolutely fantastic. It's a great try me set as well as being really good value and it would make a brilliant Christmas gift too. Inside is travel friendly sizes of:

60g Blood Orange+Vanilla Sugar Scrub (review)
15ml Neroli Body Oil (REVIEW)
20g Refine+Radiate Beautifying Face Mask (this is new to me!)
60g Relax+Recover Bath Salts (this is also new to me!)

Expect reviews of Refine+Radiate Beautifying Face Mask and Relax+Recover Bath Salts soon! 


This zesty lip balm by Minyara is just fab! Again, review forthcoming!


I first discovered a beautiful range of candles from OSMOLOGY (Bristol based). They didn't have any Samuel & Paris Candles in stock when I stopped by so went direct. The candle has a crackly woodwick and has a coastal/seashore type of scent which I love. 


When in London I had to stop by Stella Says at Maltby Street Market. I picked one of Stella's soaps up when in London in 2015. Both of these balms are amazing - so expect a review soon!



I absolutely adore Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts and couldn't resist this little Serenity Duo from Naturisimo (which currently is still available!) See my review of the Detox Salts HERE

What have you treated yourself to recently?

Monday, 28 August 2017

Shopping my Stash #91


Here's what I've been reaching for:

Fabulous new to me brand help me organics (I received their "help me it's way past my bedtime" Room Spray) in the brilliant Skin Organics Beauty Box see my thoughts on the August Self Care Box* HERE. The spray contains melissa, lavender, eucalyptus and ginger in a witch hazel base. It calms and destresses and is great to use before bed for a restful and peaceful night's sleep.

From John Masters Organics is something I always have in my stash - their fabulous Rose & Apricot Hair Milk which I reviewed HERE.

I recently tried some try me sizes from OKKO which I loved. I've been enjoying their delicious coconut & lime lip balm which is available at Love Lula.  The balm is super moisturising and smells delicious. My only bug-bear is that you have to be careful not to push the balm up too much (as it won't go back down again!) I do however love the recyclable packaging.

This new lipstick (South Pacific Coral) from Antipodes is absolutely gorgeous! The colour is a beautiful long lasting coral shade. It deeply nourishes the lips and the shade is perfect for summer and coming into autumn. I can't wait to pick up some more!

I love the range of perfumes from Balm Balm. Rose Geranium is a sweet rosey scent which can be worn alone or layered with a mixture of the others from the range.

I just adore calm-inducing Isla Apothecary Reset Ritual Pulse Point Therapy* (10ml - £12)** which helps to reset "thought patterns that no longer serve you, clear stagnant energy and introduce calm". 

It's a blend of Roman chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender and is great to use to de-stress and clear muddled thoughts. It's also great to bring relief to hayfever, itchy eyes, sneezing, congested sinuses, headaches and drowsiness. It helps me when I'm needing a helping hand with things like travelling or for a moment of calm.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*complimentary - sent for review
**received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains one affiliate link

Tuesday, 15 August 2017

Skin Organics Beauty Box: August: Self Care

When founder, Paula got in touch and asked if I'd like to review August's Skin Organics Beauty BoxI jumped at the chance! 

The box had been on my radar for a while as I know fellow beauty lovers like The Beauty Bank and the40somethingbeautyaddict are fans.

I felt like a kid in a sweetie shop when I opened up the box and discovered two totally new to me brands and a brand I'd heard of but not tried anything from before. 


August's theme is Self Care and inside are five organic and 100% natural beauty treats. Inside each box is a mixture of full and travel sized skincare, bodycare and beauty products. Subscribe for £21 plus £3.95 P&P a month, 3 month pre-pay £60 plus P&P or 6 months pre-pay at £114 plus P&P - see more info HERE.


WOW!  

The three new to me brands are -

Pure Purposehelpmeorganics and Guiltless Skin (which I was aware of but hadn't tried any of their products before). This is the kind of beauty box I'm after as new brands always excite me! I'll do fuller reviews of the products once I've had the chance to test them out.


From Pure Purpose there is a Turmeric & Orange Coffee Body Scrub & Mask 40g (RRP £4.90). I'm a huge fan of coffee scrubs so looking forward to testing this out.

From Corinne Taylor there are Balance Himalayan Bath Salts 70g (RRP £4.95). I've tried the Recharge salts before and loved them. Balance is scented with Rose Geranium, Cypress and Clary Sage.


Isla Apothecary's Reset Ritual Pulse Point Therapy 10ml (RRP £12) has been on the wishlist a while. Everything I've tried so far from the brand I've loved. An organic infusion of Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus and Lavender calms and helps with stress and anxiety as well as helping to clarify muddled thoughts. 

From new to me brand helpmeorganics there is a room spray "Help me, it's way past my bedtime" 40ml (RRP £6.50) which helps to relax and calm before bed (I love the quirky name and look of the product). It contains melissa, lavender, eucalyptus and ginger essential oils.


The final item is from Guiltless Skin (a brand I've heard of) Organic Face Oil with Moringa, Rosehip & Argan Oil 30ml (RRP £18) which I'm looking forward to testing out.

There are also discount codes to use with each product - which is a lovely added extra. Do you subscribe to the Skin Organics Beauty Box?

*complimentary - sent for review

Monday, 7 August 2017

Love Lula: Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil

I've tried a couple of Isla Apothecary products before (their Jasmine Sunset Radiance Body Oil, Lemongrass+Rosemary Renew Foot Scrub and Blood Orange+Vanilla Sugar Scrub and loved them all). 

I picked their Neroli Body Oil 100ml (£32)* as part of my Love Lula LLABP choices for July.  I've really been enjoying testing it out - it really is a beautiful oil.

I also love the simple but gorgeous recyclable packaging and the fact that the products are handcrafted in small batches and use the finest raw and natural organic wild crafted ingredients. There are no parabens, phthalates, synthetic materials and preservatives and the products are Vegan.


The blend is simply exquisite it's a heady blend of neroli, petitigrain, mandarin, patchouli and frankincense which soothes the body and mind. It really is beautiful. Skin loving base oils of safflower, coconut, pumpkin, rosehip seed and Vitamin E nourish and the skin is left feeling moisturised, silky, softened and delicately scented.  

To use: use as a body moisturiser applying lavishly to the skin after a bath or shower, as a massage oil, a bath oil, it's gentle enough to use as a face oil or to tame flyaways.

I'm a huge fan and this lovely body oil will be replenished! What's your favourite Isla Apothecary product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains 3 affiliate links