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?

March Empties

Here's my March Empties with a few make up items! 

Mio Clean Slate Workout Swipe for Face & Body single use - great for use all over the body when you can't get near water/shower. They have a nice cucumber/fresh scent. Use after the gym, on a flight or for holidays. Will definitely pick these up.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil 9ml and Massage Oil 9ml - these were really lovely to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml - I think this is my third bottle. I just love it. See my review HERE. I'll be picking this up again when my hand care stash reduces a bit.

Olivine Love+Peace Sparkling Pink Butter Bath 10oz - these made for a relaxing soak but I wasn't expecting them to be quite so lavender scented. Wouldn't re-purchase as there are other bath products I prefer.

John Masters Organics Rosemary Shampoo 10ml sachet - huge fan of John Masters haircare range and would and have bought this full size.

SkinOwl Neck+ 15ml - absolutely loved this. A gel like texture which absorbs instantly, firming and smoothing. Would buy.

The Rose Tree Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter 6g - this is lovely to use and turns cleansing into a real ritual. See my review HERE. Would buy again when my cleansers stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 5ml - love this orange scented cleansing balm. See my review HERE. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Shay & Blue Watermelons 30ml* - I finished a perfume! I simply love this divine refreshing fruity scent. See my review HERE. Will buy at some point.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner 2oz - huge fan of the brand and this leave-in conditioner leaves the hair feeling silky soft and nourished. Just cracked open a new bottle. Would buy again.

Ogario Hydrate & Shine Shampoo 100ml - I quite liked this shampoo but didn't love it so wouldn't buy it again.

DECIEM Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex 50ml - a hand cream which just works! Just opened a new one.

RMS 'un' Powder - this is a staple for me which lasts about 6 months making it great value. Have already cracked open a new pot.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF15 - 03 Fawn - this was an impulse (and expensive) buy which I bought before my spending ban in August - so it's lasted really well. A nice foundation which I'd maybe buy again.

Urban Decay Perversion mini Mascara - loved everything about this mascara. Full size is on the wishlist.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts sachet - this was nice to use and would buy again.

Dr Bronner Peppermint Pure Castille Soap 237ml - this is a staple for make up brush cleaning. Just cracked open a new one.

Just Be Happy Hand & Body Wash 250ml* - loved this citrus wash. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy this soon.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #72

Here's what I've been reaching for this week:

Saach Organics Herbal Hair Oil with Indian Gooseberry, Cotton Seed Oil and Almond Oil 100ml* - this is an amazing and effective oil which you can leave on overnight or to tame flyaways. See my review HERE. 

Angela Langford Angel Eyes 10ml - this nourishing eye oil contains Cucumber, Rosehip and Argan oil and it repairs and soothes, reducing dark circles and hydrates.  A really lovely product.

kai Perfume Oil roller-ball 1/8 fl oz - love this exotic scent with Gardenia and green notes. I never tire of it.

M&S Autograph Ultra-Shine Twist Up Lip Colour in Nude - this came in the M&S Advent Calendar and is a really wearable nude.

JustBe Botanicals JustBe Happy Hand & Body Wash 250ml* - love this refreshing citrus multi-use wash. See my review HERE.

SkinOwl Neck+ 15ml - this neck gel smooths, nourishes and firms the delicate neck and decollete. A smallish sample but would buy full size.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*PR samples

February: Lately I've been Loving

ooh so many February loves..

I had an amazing facial* from Vicki at Bliss Body using a combination of products from Just Be Botanicals and a Galvanic current, a hand-held machine which helps lift and tone the skin. It helps to stimulate the facial muscles and helps to penetrate active ingredients into the skin.  See my review of Vicki's Just Be Fresh Faced Facial HERE* and Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial HERE*.

The very gorgeous NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask (sample*) from Bee Good. This is a seriously lush multi-tasker. See my review HERE.

Huge love for Craft Gin Club I got my first box in February. It's absolutely fantastic. See my review HERE. You can get £10 off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM.

The Joy Book Club sent me their second box* to review (link). I absolutely love this concept and hope to sign up soon.  Sign up HERE (subscriptions available again on 1st March).

I enjoyed amazing cocktails one weekend (love a Porn Star Martini (or a Negroni) at Tonic in Edinburgh.

source

Just yesterday I got a great cut and colour from Dean at Dean Jones Hairdressing. I got 4" cut from the length (!) and the colour is super shiny and glossy.  

Really pleased. The salon also gives you a card to give a friend for £10 off their first visit and a card with three treats which need to be used by a certain time (mine's 31 July) and the treats are - £5 off your next cut, £10 off your next colour and a free treatment with any full price service which I think is a nice (and welcome) touch.

I'm afraid the picture is the best of a bad bunch but you will see how great my hair looks!

What have you been loving in February?

*complimentary

Christmas Giveaway: Just Be Facial Discovery Kit+ - it's over!

I've got a really lovely giveaway for you - one reader can win a mini set from JustBe Botanicals (£22.50) which includes 15ml sizes of Just Be Cleansed Eye Make Up Remover, Just Be Cleansed Cleansing Gel and Just Be Radiant Restoring Cream.

Also included are two 5ml sizes of the Just Be Hydrated Serum and Just Be Radiant Treatment Oil.  The giveaway is open worldwide - good luck!

Today is Small Business Saturday the perfect day to support small local businesses #SmallBizSatUK

As I paid for the prize myself please don't add it to competition websites - anyone can enter though

See my review of the Just Be Botanicals Anti-Ageing Facial HERE

Aromatherapy Chocolate HERE

Just Be Radiant Botanical Tea Blend HERE

Just Be Tranquil HERE

Just Be Hydrated Serum HERE

Just Be Nourished Body Butter HERE

 and a guest post by Gail - Just Be Loved see HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Gift Ideas

Here are some of my top picks:

Ancienne Ambiance Colonia Collection Gift Set £60* this trio is just perfect for any perfume lover. See my review HERE.

Shay & Blue Precious Miniatures £65 - inside is 5 x 10ml spray - the perfect try me size. I've tried all of these - Atropa Belladonna (review), Blood Oranges, Salt Caramel (link), Watermelons* (review) and Framboise Noire* (review). This is a gift I'd love to receive! Since joining Instagram I've become aware that there will be a new launch next Spring (English Cherry Blossoms) which sounds lush!

Being a huge fan of 001 Skincare I'd be happy to have any of their gorgeous gift sets under my tree! The one above 001 Rose Performance (£59) contains Rosa Damascena Essence Mist (100ml), Intensive Elixir (10ml) (review), 15 disposable wash cloths and a sequined clutch.

Living Nature Pure Radiance Duo (£38) - this kit it truly bargainous as the beautiful Radiance Night Oil costs £48 on it's own! (review) Also included in the set is a lip hydrator.

Just Be Aromatherapy Chocolate Collection (6 x 50g - £15) - is the perfect stocking filler. The chocolate is delicious and I'd love to find them in my stocking! See my review HERE.

Joy Gift Set - Bodhi & Birch and Heartwood Candle Company have collaborated (with a little help from Ana) to create a range of stunning gifts. Inside each one is a Bodhi & Birch Bath and Shower Therapy and a candle (£38). Inside Joy is Siam Ginger Shower Gel (mini review) and a Sweet Orange and Cardamon Candle. Check out the others available HERE.

What's on your Christmas wish list?

*PR samples

March: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in March:

JustBe Radiant Enriched Soap* (£8.50 with wooden soap rest) - I adore bars of soap and this one is gorgeous.  Made with Shea butter, Rosehip oil and pink clay the soap is scented with Patchouli & Rosewood and are hand made in small batches. Perfect for a treat for yourself or as a gift.

We went for lunch to Apiary Restaurant and enjoyed some lovely food (2 courses £9.50). They also offer a fab range of sorbets and ice creams. I couldn't resist Bloody Mary flavour!

That same afternoon we stopped by The Southern and I had their Taster Flight of cocktails which were yummy (Lychee Mojito, Chocolate Cosmo & Sour Fruit Mash). They change their taster selection every Tuesday - must go back soon!

Meeting Jo Fairley (Beauty Bible, The Perfume Society) at The Perfume Society's Rock the Ages night at Jo Malone was just amazing! See my post about the evening here.

I've been enjoying flicking through the super informative Natural Beauty Yearbook 2015 and seeing a whole host of familiar faces and names!  

Bee Good Honey & Wild Flax Daily Moisturiser (£19.50 - 50ml)** - this lightweight moisturiser is suitable for normal and combination skins and perfect for spring and summer use.  Absorbing quickly it leaves the skin soft, smooth and nourished.  Stuffed full of good things for the skin including British Wildflower Honey and Propolis. It is suitable for use both AM and PM.

ESPA Naturally Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 7.5ml sample** - this tinted moisturiser is just fab! It gives an even light coverage which makes the skin look glowy and radiant and is a great alternative to foundation (perfect for summer). Matte mineral pigments are fused with Jojoba oil and the tinted moisturiser is available in 4 shades - Nude, Blush, Almond & Tan. Can be worn as it is or mixed with moisturiser/serum.

What have you been loving in March?

*complimentary

**PR Samples

Review: Just Be Botanicals Aromatherapy Chocolate & A Giveaway!

On Friday I met up with Gail at Just Be Botanicals to try her delicious new Aromatherapy Chocolate.  Retailing at £4.50 for a 100g bar or two for £8.50 - Just be Dark, Just be Milk or Just be White.

There are two dark chocolate bars, two milk and two white in the collection.  I liked one of each! I bought my favourites to giveaway to you. See more details further down.

The chocolate is simply delicious - Dark 70% - Just be Loved with Pure Rose Oil and scattered with Aromatic Rose Petals - this chocolate has my name written all over it! It is simply divine "experience a truly indulgent taste that you'll love. Life is rich". The second Dark chocolate is Just be Detox which is flavoured with Juniper, Milk Thistle & Fennel "enjoy the darker side of life without the after-effects. Life is rich". 

Milk - Just be Energised is deliciously aromatic with Geranium and Coconut Sugar infused with Cardamon. Yum! "For those times when we are in need a a little boost. Life is smooth".  The second milk chocolate is Just Be Active which is flavoured with Spearmint and Clove Oil "For when we are in need of a little refreshment. Life is Smooth".

Finally the White range - Just be Tranquil which combines lavender and raspberry "We all need a little bit of tranquility from time to time. Life is Sweet". Just be Happy with Pink Grapefruit & Lime "A taste of sunshine whatever the weather. Life is Sweet".

If, quite probably you are unable to decide which bar to choose you can buy the lot at £22.50. This would make a great Christmas gift.

You have probably guessed my favourites - Just be Loved, Just be Energised and Just be Happy.  I have these three bars to giveaway. Make sure you let me know which one you'd like to try of the three below.  Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

p.s. the first winner drawn when the giveaway ends will get their first choice of chocolate and so on.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just Be Botanicals: Just Be Hydrated, Hydrating Serum

I was very lucky to be one of the few who managed to pick Just Be Hydrated, Hydrating Serum 10ml (worth £14.50) in the August YOU Beauty Discovery Box (the serums sold out within 3 hours!)

I'm a huge fan of Gail's products having previous tried the award winning Just Be Cleansed, Cleansing Balm (recently raved about by Caroline Hirons (link), Just be Radiant Botanical Blend (review), Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil (review) as well as having had a Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial (review) and a Just Be Fresh Faced Facial* (review).

The serum is scented with Orange Blossom Floral Water which makes the serum smell gorgeous! Orange Blossom is a natural toner and helps balance the emotions as well as being really uplifting.

All you need is 3-4 drops on cleansed skin AM and PM. For best results follow with Just Be Radiant, Treatment Oil (30ml - £34.95, 10ml - £14.50).  The serum feels instantly firming on the skin and improves elasticity.  It leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated and is lightweight and is instantly absorbed. 

Have you tried this or any other Just Be Botanicals products?

*complimentary

YOU Beauty Discovery Box - Summer Essentials - August

I resubscribed to YOU Beauty Discovery this month as I thought the choices were excellent. The box costs an incredible £6.95 including P&P.

I'd hoped to pick up the Gazelli Skincare duo as one of my items but they sold out really quickly.

I was pleased to pick Just Be Botanicals Hydrating Serum 10ml which is worth £14.50!  I'm a huge fan of Gail's products having reviewed Just Be Nourished Body Butter here, Just Be Radiant Botanical Blend Tea here and Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil here.  I have also had the wonderful Just Be Anti-Ageing and Just Be Fresh Faced facials.

The serum hydrates, firms and improves elasticity. Scented with Orange Blossom (divine) it is a natural toner and balances the emotions.  Apply a couple of drops to cleansed skin AM and PM.  Looking forward to trying this.

The second item I chose was the Louise Galvin Masque 100ml - I've used the shampoo & conditioner before so looking forward to trying out the masque. It is free from SLS, PEGs, Parabens, Silicone, Petrochemicals, Polymers and Synthetic fragrances. It will leave the hair hydrated, shiny, full of body and nourished.

Extra Treats - Jimmy Choo EDP & new Jimmy Choo MAN sample vials. I'm a huge fan of the woman's scent so this will be ideal for popping in my handbag, a four way nail buffer and a sachet of FaceD 3-LURONICS Instant Effect Cream Serum.

What did you chose?

A Closer Look: Body Butters

Here is my collection of body butters:

Bare Innocence Jasmine & Orange Cocoa & Shea Butter 100ml* - a rich and supermoisturising butter which smells gorgeous. Great for dry skin.  See my review here.

raw gaia Coconut Body Butter 90g - simply love this rich coconut scented body butter.  See my review here.

Melvita APICOSMA Body Ultra Nourishing Body Balm 150ml - a rich balm which is scented with honey and packed full of nourishing butters and oils. First tried it in the British Beauty Blogger Edit Box and loved it!

Just Be Nourished Body Butter 200ml - a delicious rich butter scented with Rose and Frankincense.  See my review here.

Blipster Magic Peppermint Bark Whipped Body Butter* - a minty butter handmade by Amy. See my review here.

Kris D'Amour Rejuvenating Body Treatment Butter 100ml* - a lovely butter which melts into the skin leaving it soft and lightly scented.  See my review here.

Laidbare Butter Me Up 250ml - a rich cream rather than a butter heavenly scented with Jasmine.  See my review here.

Wellgreen Lewes Rose Body Butter 70g - one of the most decadent body butters I've ever used.  See my review here.

Lyonsleaf Natural Body Butter 120ml* - a rich and 100% natural body butter which super moisturises the skin.  See my review here.

Carishea Shea Scot Whipped Body Balm 100ml* - a gorgeous rich butter scented with Lavender and Honey. See my review here.

Have you used any of these?  What's your favourite body butter?

*PR samples

January Empties

Here's what I've been using up in January -

Just be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil 30ml - I love this light and calming oil. See my review here. I'm sure to pick this up again once I get through some of my stash!

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo 60ml & Conditioner 60ml - I received these in a Souk Souk box. My first try from this brand. These are suitable for all hair types and I did enjoy using them. I'd like to try products for dry/damaged/coloured hair next.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 50ml & 1 x 15ml - I simply love this and I repurchase it time and time again.  See my review here. 

Stila One Step Skintone Correcting Brightening Serum 30ml - I received this in the very first Selfridges box - see here and what an amazing box that was! I'm sad to have finished this all-in-one colour corrector, primer, brightener and serum. Sure to pick it up again sometime soon.

bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 30ml - one of my favourite face oils...ever! See my review here. I've super-happy I've got a replacement for this one! A product I'll buy again and again. Love it.

Dr Hauschka Almond Soothing Body Wash 10ml - one I've tried a couple of times in this size. A really lovely moisturising body wash and one I'd buy full size.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - another product I love. I think this was my third pot. Be sure to add it to my stash again as it smells fantastic and super moisturises the skin. Packaging has now changed to a handy tin.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash 20ml and Body Oil 10ml - absolutely adore the Sea Buckthorn scent. It's so uplifting and refreshing. These went on my wishlist for #NoBuyJanuary week 1.  See my review here.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Morning Eye Rescue 1.5ml - loved this eye cream. Would be keen to try a bigger sample.

Swell Advanced Volumising Shampoo 50ml and Advanced Volumising Conditioner 50ml - these were nice to use and I'd happily purchase them again.

Myroo Mint Tea Polishing Body Scrub 300g* - I loved this minty and invigorating scrub. One I'd definitely use again.  Myroo Mint Tea Bath Fizz 160g*. This was really lovely to use and made bath time a pleasure. See my review here.

bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - One of my favourite bodhi products so sure to purchase again.  See my initial review here. This particular one I got as a present from hubby. Will definitely buy again.

Skinlikes Natural Deodorant 70ml* - my favourite deodorant. Will buy it again. You can see my review here. 

Gielly Green Hand & Body Wash 50ml x 2 - love this body wash. Will buy again.  See my review here.

bare innocence Essence of Vali Balance Massage & Bath Oil sample* - loved this! See my review here.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soap Rose - this was okay but prefer the peppermint scent. Wouldn't buy this particular one again.

Savonnerie Gardeners Therapy Botanical Hand Wash 250ml* - this was lovely to use.  See my review here.

OV Naturals Rose Geranium Harmonising Organic Facial Oil 10ml* - this was fab to use and I'd consider buying it.  See my review here.

balance Me Supertoning Body Wash 100ml - this was nice enough but I didn't love the scent so wouldn't buy.

Hairy Jayne Light Conditioner 30ml - again, nice enough to use but I preferred the cream conditioner. See the set I picked up here.

One Love Skin Saviour Sample - this multi-purpose beauty balm was quite nice - you can use it as a cleanser, moisturiser or to mix with mineral foundation. There are other balms I prefer so wouldn't buy.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - simply loved this beautiful body serum.  The aromatics used deliver a gorgeous scent but also have healing and regenerating properties. Definitely one I'll buy again (in full size!)

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

SoukSouk October Beauty Box

My Souk Souk beauty box arrived yesterday. I'm really pleased with contents and was thrilled to feature in the little green magazine which accompanies the box.

Onto the contents:

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo 60ml - this is worth £8 - I've wanted to try this brand for a while. Minty scented and free from sulphates, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. It's good for coloured hair and can help to tame frizz.  I've tried this and the conditioner out and I really like them.

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Conditioner 60ml (£8) - a rich mint scented conditioner which nourishes and conditions. This also get a huge thumbs up from me.

Bareskin Beauty Radiance Face Serum 15ml (£5.40) - a brand I've heard of but I've not tried any of its products.  Packed full of vitamins, mineral and essential fatty acids. It feels super moisturising on the skin and has a slightly spicy floral scent. Looking forward to trying this out. A full review will follow.

Sweet Cecily's Almond &  Avocado Face Cream 10ml - this is a mini try me size tin. I'm a huge fan of Sweet Cecily's already - see my review of Rose Body Butter and Mojito Flavour lip balm here. This cream is rich in vitamins A, D and E which makes in nourishing. Suitable for most skin types.

Avril Nail Lacquer in Hot Chocolate 7ml (£3.99) - this is 7-free varnish. Free from parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene, xylene, camphor and rosin. A perfect shade for autumn.

I'm in the little green magazine "Welcome to our World" page absolutely made my day!

The products I picked to feature are well loved favourites:

Neom Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose Organic Hand Cream review

SkinLikes Natural Deodorant review

Just Be Botanicals Tranquil Body & Massage Oil review

Wellgreen Lewes Rose Body Butter review

bodhi Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy review

PG Embrace EDP review

Did you get this month's box?  What are your thoughts?