February Empties

If  a product is marked * I've kindly been gifted it for review. Here's my February empties:

*Seatree Cosmetics Sweet Orange Handcrafted Soap - which was fresh and fruity and lovely to use. See my review HERE. I've got a stash of soaps to use up but I'd buy from this brand in future.

Huge love for NorthburN I received the Mandarin & Bergamot Room Mist 30ml which came in their Gift of the Month in June last year. The set also included a reed diffuser which I fell in love with. And so, I bought their Mandarin & Bergamot Refill Diffuser Oil 100ml which I've just used up also. Will definitely buy both again.

I adore Noble Isle. Summer Rising is one of my favourite scents. I received this 75ml Bath & Shower Gel one as a Latest in Beauty pick some months ago. Already got a replacement! See my review HERE.

Desavery were one of my discoveries as a Beauty Shortlist Judge last year. I fell hard! I finished up LIT! Daily Serum 10ml* see my review HERE. Everything from this brand is on my wishlist (I'm going to treat myself to STELLAR Daily Serum after payday!). A stunning brand with scents and formulas which make your heart and skin sing!

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream 3ml is simply stunning. I got multiple uses out this sachet and full size is firmly on the wishlist (Love Lula have sachets available to buy with an order of £10+ if you're interested). 

Upcircle sachets which I received in my Mint Green February Starter Kit. See my initial musings HERE. I've used their Facial Serum 1.5ml before and that's firmly on the to-buy list. Also in the pack were their Face Toner 3ml (love), Face Moisturiser 3ml (love) and Cleansing Face Balm 3ml (not for me as the tea tree scent is too strong - such a shame as it's got a lovely texture and feel on the skin). It's a great wee try me set though. 

I adore ECooking's Cleansing Gel 50ml which I reviewed HERE. I've got another of these in my stash but it's one I'll buy again.

Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie's Richesse D'Or Body Oil 100ml* was an absolute delight. I'm gutted at having finished it up. See my review HERE. A truly sublime product which is good for the body and the soul. On my wishlist!

Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin Body Lotion 100ml which I received from my lovely friend Julie for my birthday one year. Who doesn't love Jo Malone scents! A classic and sublime layered with Grapefruit cologne. Heaven in a bottle - I was sad to use this up.

REN Citrus Limonum Hand Wash 300ml which is one of my favourite hand washes. It'll definitely be bought again and again. See my review HERE.

Noble Isle Tea Rose Bath & Shower Gel 75ml which is a sublimely rosey scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely will buy again at some point!

Rounding up my February empties is Zing Organics's Love you Forever Body Oil 25ml which came in my November Subscription Box. Lovely!

What have you been using up this month?

Perfume Collab: Zara x Jo Malone Emotions Perfume Collection

My friend Julie had flagged up that Zara was collaborating with Jo Malone to create an affordable range of EdP perfumes (£5.99, £15.99 and £25.99 depending on size). So of course, last time in town I had to go and investigate (it was on payday after a long January and the shop was heaving!) The perfumes are right besides one of the tills so it's a bit awkward trying them all out when the shop is busy.

The packaging is plain but stylish and I picked the two which spoke to me the most that day (out of 8) but I'll definitely be back to buy more! For me the £15.99 size is best (40ml) as I found the £5.99 (10ml) rollerball quite clunky (but it's a very affordable way to try out the whole range before deciding if you want bigger sizes).

Vetiver Pamplemousse: Notes: Grapefruit, Mandarin & Vetiver

Fleur de Patchouli: Notes: Peony, Patchouli, Guaic Wood

Waterlily Tea Dress: Notes: Vert de Bergamot, Spearmint, Musk

Amalfi Sunray: Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Orange Blossom

Ebony Wood: Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Clove, Ebony Wood

Tuberose Noir: Notes: Ylang Ylang, Tuberose, Sandalwood

Fleur de Oranger: Notes: Orange Flower, Neroli, Ylang Ylang

Bohemian Bluebells: Notes: Lavender, Sandalwood, Musk

I'm loving the two I picked and would buy both again. I'm adding most of the above to my wishlist but especially - Amalfi Sunray, Ebony Wood, Tuberose Noir and Fleur de Oranger.

Have you any favourites?

February Empties

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

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - which are a staple for me. See my review HERE. I always have these in my stash.

Micheline Arcier Enchantement Bath & Shower Crystals 200g* - amazing! See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy these at some point as they took bathing to another level!

Jo Malone Red Roses Body Creme 175ml - which was lovely to use and seemed to last forever. I'd maybe buy it again (this one was a gift).

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 100ml - again, an absolute staple and I went through loads when I recently had the flu. See my review HERE. I've just cracked open a new one!

Ravenscourt Apothecary Blood Orange Hand Whipped Body Butter 60ml - just gorgeous! I can't wait to buy it again. See my review HERE.

Ezàpè Naturals Rosemary Body Butter 25g - which I totally fell for, so much so I rushed out and bought full size. See my review HERE.

Lola's Apothecary Delicate Romance Balancing Body Souffle 30ml - which again I totally fell in love with. Again, rushed out and bought full size. Review to come!

Poppy's Natural Skincare Supermoisturising Organic Chai Seed Hand Butter 50ml - I've not bought it yet but I will. A light as air neroli scented butter which is totally exquisite. See my review HERE.

JOIK Luxurious Bathmilk Citrus* - which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. The plastic pot didn't have a seal on it so had covered most things in a fine layer of powder (sad face). It was nice enough to use but I wouldn't buy.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 20ml - huge Weleda fan and this orange scented lotion is lovely. See my mini review HERE. I've got a full-size of this waiting to open.

Green People Ho wood and Red Mandarin Hand Cream 30ml** which had a gorgeous scent and was really moisturising. It was a Limited Edition so isn't available anymore. See my mini review HERE.

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Hand Cream 50ml** - which was a real treat-y hand cream. I'd maybe pick it up again.

Jane Scrivner Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist 100ml* - oh I just loved this. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely buy at some point.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Body Silk 50ml** - this is my favourite scent in the range. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

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

**complimentary

Current Favourite Scents

I adore smaller size perfumes and rollerballs, the 15ml or less variety and the ones above I keep reaching for again and again.

One I've talked about time and time again on here is Diptyque's Philosykos EdT (12ml) which for me smells of summer on the Greek islands. It just takes me back!

I'm a huge kai fan and I always have this tiny roller-ball (4ml) of perfume oil in my stash. It is tropical beaches with lush fragrant gardenia and spiked with green notes.

From Bamford - One Evening Splash (10ml) which is blended to scent the whole body and contains notes of woodsmoke, vetiver, incense, cedar, musk and oakmoss. Pick it up at Naturisimo.

I love 4160Tuesdays perfumes. They are just so artisan - handmade with love, care and passion. My absolute favourite if I had to choose is the lemongrass spiked London 1969 (I've gone through countless bottles since I found it). Check it out HERE.

The first Jo Malone perfume I bought was grapefruit cologne (love the classic layer with Lime, Basil & Mandarin) and I'll always love it. Refreshing, bright and zingy.

Last December, Santal33 EdP 15ml by Le Labo was in one of the drawers of the Liberty Advent Calendar last year. It's a beautiful blend freshly formulated with notes of leather, iris, violet, cardamon, ambrox, musk, sandalwood, cedar and woods. It's one of my favourite handbag (or pocket) sized scents.

Laura Mercier's Tart au Citron 15ml EdT which I reviewed HERE. It really is a beautiful gourmand scent.

My final two are by the gorgeous Ancienne Ambiance - Colonia VI* which has notes of orange, lemon, blackcurrant and geranium which is sweet and delicious. See my review HERE. Also from Ancienne Ambiance is Colonia VII which is figgy with greens and woods. See my review HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

*complimentary

June: Lately I've been Loving

JOIK's Hot Chocolate Candle* is simply mouthwatering. See my review HERE. I definitely want to try more candles from the range (and hopefully at some point Love Lula will stock their new diffusers).

I love pretty stationery and #boxoflame by That Lame Company ticks all the boxes for me. See my review HERE.

The perfumes I've been enjoying lately (so sad I'm nearly finished that Miller Harris!!)

Two Eternities EdP by Walden* - see my review HERE.
Vetiver Insolent EdP by Miller Harris - I love this spicy vetiver scent.
Jo Malone Grapefruit cologne - the first Jo Malone perfume I bought. I love its uplifting citrussy grapefruit notes.
Kai Perfume oil - huge fan of this beauty! The body care products are gorgeous too. See my review HERE.
Balm Balm Mandarin and Bergamot Single Note Perfumes - these are simply gorgeous, fruity, delicious and perfect for summer. Love Lula are selling the minis set for £9.95 just now which is an absolute steal! See HERE.

These new Schmidt's sensitive skin deodorants in Coconut Pineapple (screams of summer) and Jasmine Tea are available to buy at a beautiful world.

I really enjoyed going to the book launch of Lesley Kelly's new book The Health of Strangers which you can pick up in any good bookshop or at Amazon. I love a signed book and it's now on the groaning TBR pile!

I love this little snap I took of a ladybird down at the allotment. Simple pleasures eh!

This pudding is total summer in a glass - vanilla pannacotta with strawberry soup, strawberries and strawberry sorbet! Delicious. Get yours at The Guild of Foresters in Portobello (I'll definitely be going back to try it again soon!)

What have you been loving this month?

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

Shopping my Stash #88

These are the products I've been reaching for this week:

ROHR Remedy Desert Lime Body Lotion - this beautiful lotion from Australia is just gorgeous and is the perfect late spring and summertime treat. See my review HERE and buy yours at LT Linens HERE.

I'm a huge Madara fan and this duo - Time Miracle Cellular Repair Serum and Total Renew Night Cream are just fab. They firm and regenerate the skin. Pick yours up at Love Lula.

The Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne mini is the ideal size to pop in my handbag. I love it's zesty notes.

Daisy & Mallow Jasmine & Chamomile Facial Nectar 50ml - is a delight. It deeply but gently cleanses the skin ridding it of make up and daily grime. Pick yours up HERE.

Make Skincare's Lip Revive* is a real treat for the lips (I've also used it on fly-aways). See my review HERE.

I just love Antonia Burrell's incredibly good Bright+Light Eye Cream*. See my review HERE.

What have you been using lately?

*complimentary

September Empties

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

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 50ml - I've collected a stash of these from beauty boxes. Love this beautiful cleanser. See my review HERE.

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturising Repairing After Sun 50ml - this definitely prolonged my tan during my summer hols and I'd buy full size next time I'm going abroad as it just works and is nice to use.

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream 4.2g sample - from Latest in Beauty's fab Build your own Box. A lush hydrating night cream which was great to use. Full size on the wishlist! I've got a couple of these little samples to use (get approx 3 uses from each making them great for try me or travel).

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning (7.5ml) and De-Stress Mind (9ml) Bath & Shower Oils. Love these. Sure to pick these up again. Real luxe aromatherapy brand.

Gallinée La Culture Hand Cream 50ml* - I absolutely loved this hand cream (and am a huge fan of the brand and range of products). See my review HERE. I recently found out Harvey Nichols is a stockist so will buy when my hand cream stash reduces a bit!

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk 118ml - this lasted absolutely ages! See my review HERE. I've since acquired a couple of minis in beauty boxes but I'd buy full size again.

The Body Shop British Rose Instant Glow Body Butter 50ml which had an intense rose scent (which I loved). A rich cream which melted easily onto the skin. Would buy (I received this one as a gift).

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion 50ml - this was a hotel room freebie and I loved its coconutty spicy woody scent. I'd definitely buy as it's lovely. (I'm actually after the room spray in this scent).

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 50ml - this came in a gift set I treated myself to recently. Really lovely to use and I'd consider buying full size in the future once my stash reduces a bit.

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - Perfect for a relaxing long soak in the bath. Sure to buy again. See my review HERE.

bodhi & birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites. See my review HERE. Just cracked open a new one!

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a multi-use product - you can use it on your hair and body. Nice. Would maybe buy again.

FoM London Age Defying Hand Serum 50ml* - which is unfortunately no longer in the range. See my review HERE. Loved it.

Mallow+White Revitalise Facial Oil 30ml* - a beautiful oil which was a pleasure to use. When I reduce this stash a bit I'll surely buy. See my review HERE.

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum 1oz* - I've have several of these serums both bought and gifted and I absolutely love it. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy fab serum again as it does exactly what it says it will. One of my favourite products..ever!

de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm 100ml - a simply divine cleansing balm and one everyone should try at least once! Loved it and will re-purchase at some point. See my review HERE.

I got the Neal & Wolf Daily Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (7ml) as Feel Unique pick n mix picks. These were both really nice to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

GM Reverie is a new Californian brand available at a beautiful world. Their MILK Anti-Frizz Leave in Nourishing Treatment (3ml sample) is fantastic. It leaves the hair static free, healthy and nourished. I'm definitely keen to try more from the brand.

My final two empties this month are perfumes (I rarely finish perfumes (or lipsticks!)

30ml Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (a favourite which I'll re-purchase) and Lime Basil & Mandarin 9ml (a scent of which I've used more in body products previously) but I'd buy a full size scent now.

What have you been using up this month?

*gifted

Jo Malone: Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil

I received this bottle of Jo Malone's Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil (100ml) from my pal Julie at Christmas. I've used it on and off since then but am finding I'm using it more and more now as the scent lingers all day and is perfect for using in summer (and it's super lush!)

It has top notes of Clove which adds a spicy note, a heart of Damask Rose which is opulent and sweet finishing with a rich and resinous oud base. 

It's just gorgeous! All you need to do is spray it onto the skin and pat in. Absorbing instantly the oil nourishes and smoothes the skin leaving deliciously scented. A real luxe treat.

What's your favourite Jo Malone scent?

A Surprise Birthday Present

I recently met my pal Julie (both our birthdays are in April and we do a birthday swap) - reviews will follow on the gorgeous goodies she gave me. Some which have already become "must haves" in my stash such as Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette (my first) and Lipstick Queen's Chinatown liner, gloss & lipstick in one in three really wearable shades - Watermelon, Nude-Pink and Dusky Pink. Love.

We arrived back from our Anniversary trip (amazing two days at Isle of Eriska Hotel review to follow) to a surprise birthday parcel from Nardine, (on twitter @Miss_Nardine) one of my London pals (who like Julie), I initially "met" on a beauty Facebook group and have met twice now in real life!)

Inside the pretty box is:

A cute card which made me smile

A box of lovely rose scented goodies

A beautiful hand crafted notebook

A Limited Edition Set of Jo Malone Colognes

Absolutely love everything and reviews will follow!

February Empties

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

CIME Daisy Delight Brightening Day & Night Cream 2ml sachet* - this was lovely to use. Very light in texture with a floral scent. When I'm finally needing a day or night cream I'll definitely pick this up.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil sample - a beautiful rich oil with an uplifting scent. I'd definitely buy full size. See my review HERE.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanse 15ml* - lovely to use with a beautiful scent. A real luxe product.  It featured in Little Treats #9. When I eventually need a cleanser it's one I'd buy.

Olivine Love+Salt Beach Hair - Body Mist 60ml - this came in one of the ABW boxes. Loved the coconut scent. Mainly used it as a body mist. Would maybe buy.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Replenishing Body Lotion 50ml - this came in one of the Advent Calendars. Was lovely to use with a delicious fig scent. I'd buy this.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue 1ml sachet - I absolutely loved this eye cream. Full size is on the wishlist. However, I also tried the Magic Night Cream 1.5ml sachet and I wasn't so impressed (didn't like the scent or feel on my skin) however I did love how my skin felt and looked in the morning! 

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple in my stash. I'm well stocked up for now but these will be bought again.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - I've used this beauty before and full size is now on the wishlist. Every Therapie product I've tried I've loved.

May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist 100ml - I absolutely loved this. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy this again - maybe when there's another Cult Beauty GWP.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - this is one of my favourite bath oils (ever). I've got one I got a Christmas time just opened. 

Jo Loves Pomelo 2ml sample vial - I absolutely adore this beautiful scent. Full size is on the wishlist.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne 1.5ml - a pretty scent but not my favourite from Jo Malone so probably wouldn't buy.

Spiezia Facial Cleanser Travel Size tin 10ml - one of the very first balm type cleansers I used. See my review HERE. Will buy again at some point.

REN Oat & Bay Conditioning Shampoo 50ml - this was nice to use. Would maybe buy full size.

COLAB Dry Shampoo Monacco 50ml - found this dry shampoo to be really effective. I'd buy again.

Aveda Stressfix Soaking Salts 170g - huge fan of these calming salts. Will definitely buy again. See my review HERE.

Freyaluna Rose Petal Tub Tea - this little single use tea bag is lovely. It comes in the exquisite Rose Petal Gift Set.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Wash 40ml - this was lovely. I've got another one in my stash but it's a body wash I'd buy.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream 15ml - I simply loved this day cream so much so I've ordered a full size pot.

4160Tuesdays London 1969 EDP 2.25ml sample vial - this came in the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar. It's one of my favourites and I've since bought a bigger size.  Next time I need it I'll be buying full size. I just love it.

Omnisens Delice Passion Massage Oil 15ml - this was nice to use with a sweet scent. Would maybe buy full size.

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a refreshing wash which has a beautiful scent. See my review HERE. I've got another which I'm saving for holidays.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Hand Wash 250ml - lovely to use and leaves the hands smelling gorgeous.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Blog Highlights 2015

Here is a month-to-month snapshot of a highlight a month (2 in September) in 2015:

January:

Discovering White & Elm

February:

A Guest post from Lucy, at No Mud, No Lotus - Floral Bath Melts

March:

Attending The Perfume Society Event: Rock the Ages at Jo Malone, Edinburgh - link

me meeting Jo Fairley

April:

Discovering much love for the de Mamiel Season Oils - Spring

May:

Bloom Perfumery Yearly Perfume Subscription - initial thoughts here

June:

Tracey at Face Up Beauty sent me a lovely box of try-me's along with some full size items she enjoys in June. See my post HERE. Swapping with lovely blogger friends always makes me smile.

July:

July saw me try Shay & Blue's gorgeous fruity Watermelons* scent which is just perfect for summer. See my review HERE.

August:

Summer hols link

September:

AS Apothecary collaborates with Harris Distillery link

I was absolutely over the moon to be chosen as one of six to review M P Wright's forthcoming book All thought the Night - see a wee sneak preview here. It's due to be launched in April 2016. 

I totally loved his first novel Heartman my review of which you can see here. I'm looking forward to finally meeting Mark when he comes to Edinburgh to promote his book!

October:

Our trip to London see HERE. Also meeting up with Sam & Nardine (@HoneyGo_Lightly and  @Miss_Nardine) I also loved visiting all my favourite perfume shops - see HERE.

November:

My November highlight was the gorgeous watercolour my friend Emily at Fleurelle Illustrations painted for me - it featured my favourite things and I just love it!

December:

Featuring in Odylique's Top 30 Must Read Blogs made my month (if not year!)

What have been your highlights this year?

*PR sample