Shopping My Stash #15

Bee Fruitful Mandarin Lip Balm* 5ml - a lovely super moisturising lip balm scented with mandarin.  Keeps the lips moisturised and super glossy.  Can be bought on the Bee Fruitful Website for £1.80.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil 30ml - I bought this a while back - firstly thinking it was a face oil but it is actually an oil for removing make up.  It's part of a two step process - use the oil and then a separate cleanser.  Leaves skin clean, radiant and smelling of roses.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream SPF 15 75ml - a supermoisturising face cream which is scented with rose.  Hydrates and nurtures the skin. Love that it's got SPF too.  

Stila Coming Clean Revitalising Gel Cleanser 10ml - this came in a WIMH gift set which I received for my birthday.  A light gel which smells minty.  Makes skin feel really clean. I use this in my morning shower.  I'd buy it again once I get through the ones I've got.

Bloom Mineral Lip Butter - Killing me Softly - a really cute lip butter with a little mirror in the lid.  A light pink shade.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP mini - I love this heady scent although I mainly wear it in the evening.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - I first tried this in a Latest in Beauty box.  Have accumulated some from swaps.  Simply love this. Mini review here.

Just Be Happy Rollerball 10ml - an uplifting scent to banish the blues - with coconut oil, Pink Grapefruit, Lime and Bergamot.  A sunny scent. Roll on pulse points.  See the website here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR sample

Current Cleansers

This is my current stash of cleansers.

Make up Removers

Bliss Lid + Lash Wash Makeup Remover 30ml - I received this in my April Amitee box.  You can read my review here.  I am about half way through this mini and its one I'd buy full size.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire De L'Himalaya 100ml - Purifying & Revitalising Make-up Remover - I got this in my February Joliebox.  Great for taking your whole face off before cleansing or for gently cleansing the skin on non-make up days.  One I'd definitely purchase.

Melvita Eau fraiche Micellaire Fresh Micellar Water for face and eyes 35ml - got this in my recent Latest in Beauty box.  Really like this brand and I am enjoying using this to remove make up and it smells nice.

Hot Cloth Cleansers

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml - an award winning product.  I always have one of these in my collection just because it works and I love the scent.  I've picked up a lot of this size in beauty boxes recently (all complete with muslin cloths).

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml - I picked this up at £2.99 - an absolute steal and it works really well leaving the skin fresh and clean.

Cleansing Oils

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil - I got this mini in my Advent Calendar - love this, removes all make up, even heavy eye make up in an instant.  

Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil - I picked this 10ml trial size up at Naturisimo for £2.95.  The scent is a bit over-powering and I found the oil didn't remove every trace of make up and left my skin feeling dry.  I'll finish it up but wouldn't purchase.

Rinse off Cleansers - Cream and Gel

Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Cleansing Gel - Fragrance Free - 150ml - I first read about this cleanser on The Bristol Beauty Blog and its the one I tend to reach for most often in the shower.  I'd buy this again.

Eucerin Dermato CLEAN Refreshing Cleansing Gel normal/combination skin 200ml - read rave reviews about this one.  Nice cleanser at a good price.

L'Occitane D'Angelique Bio Cleansing Gel - 50ml - I picked this up with June's Glamour Magazine.  It seems really nice and a handy size for travelling.  L'Occitane is one of my favourite brands.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin 75ml - a generous GWP size.  Foamy with a lovely scent.

Santaverde Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel 100ml - I got this in my June Amarya Box - only used it a couple of times so far but it seems a good product.

Cleansing Balms

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm 15ml - I love this.  First received it in Joliebox - you can read my review here.

Just Be Cleansed Cleansing Balm 60ml (comes with muslin cloth) - I first tried this product a little while before I went for my Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial.  A rich balm which is scented with Geranium Bourbon and Petigrain.  It cleanses deeply and smells divine.  You can view the online shop here.

AD Skin Synergy Essential Cleansing Balm 10ml trial size - I picked this up recently from Amarya in a travel kit - you can read my full review here.

Lastly, a mini 5g Botanicals Chamomile Cleansing Melt which I received in my latest Amitee box.  It seems an okay product but not one I would purchase.

Do you use any of these cleansers?  What's your favourite cleanser?

Just Be Fresh Faced Facial

I went for a Just Be Fresh Faced Facial* on Friday at Blissbody.

Vicki Jeffrey is the Face & Body Therapist at balanced physiotherapy, situated at 1 St Bernard's Row in Edinburgh.  Vicki has a really nice little treatment room off the studio. (I didn't get a photo but will next time).

Vicki is very welcoming and makes you feel totally at ease.  A new client form is filled in and then it is onto the facial.

I was left to get undressed (down to underwear) and then slipped between the covers of the heated bed - ah bliss!  Gentle music, soft lighting and a Just Be Happy Treatment Candle scenting the room with pink grapefruit, lime and bergamot.

The treatment starts with your feet being washed and dried.  My hands were then massaged with warm wax from the treatment candle and then popped into cotton gloves. (my hands were so soft, smooth and moisturised at the end of the treatment).

I was asked to breathe in my oil (Just Be Happy) for feelings of calm and relaxation.  

My eye make up was removed using a new product, Just Be Cleansed, Eye Make up Remover (£15 for 30ml) and then my face was cleansed with Just Be Cleansed, Cleaning Balm (I already use and love this product). The product is removed with a warm cloth.  Skin is then cleansed again using the new Just Be Cleansed, Cleansing Gel (£18.50 for 100ml) and again removed with a warm cloth.  The products are all scented with essential oils and smell amazing.

Skin is then toned with Just be Toned, Refreshing Toner which is scented with oils of basil and chamomile.

Exfoliation follows with Just Be Radiant, Gentle Exfoliator, another new product (£18.50 for 100ml). The exfoliator removed with a warm cloth.

A facial massage follows - one of the best facial massages I've ever had.  Afterwards skin was plumped up and looks so healthy.

A neck and shoulder massage is also incorporated in the facial using Just be Happy oil.

Next up was the mask.  These are for salon use only at the moment.  Both are a mix of kaolin clay and coconut milk powder which are freshly made up for each facial with a hydrating infusion.

Just be Clear Soothing Mask (White) - gentle clay mask to draw out impurities and to rejuvenate and refine skin - ideal for normal, dry, sensitive and mature skins.

Just be Clear Detox Mask (Green) - mineral rich clay which deeply purifies, tones and balances congested or oily skins.

Vicki used the detox mask on my oily T-zone and the soothing mask on my cheeks.  While the mask is drying an arm massage is given.  Mask is removed with warm cloths.

Just be Hydrated Serum is then applied followed by Just be Radiant Treatment Oil.  Finally, Just Be Radiant Restoring Cream which has built in sun protection is applied - this is a new product and is going on my wishlist! (£34.95 for 30ml).

The facial ends with Just be Soft Lip Balm being applied.  It is enriched with Vitamin E and Tea Tree and retails at £9.50 for 7ml.

A great facial, I recommend it! I felt really relaxed afterwards - I must have facials more often!  Vicki also does a range of other facials including - The Ultimate - Natural Face Lift Massage, Non Surgical Facelift Facial, Chocobeauty Anti-Ageing Facial (like the sound of this one!), Crystal Facial as well as Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Mummy to be Massage to name a few.

I left with a Skin Care Prescription, a face map (my problem area was Jaw Line & Chin which corresponds with reproductive organs and colon. I am advised that hormonal or emotional stress can cause breakouts in this area and I should eat plenty of greens and drink lots of water).

Vicki also gave me a mini trial size of Just Be Radiant Treatment Oil.

Vicki can be contacted at by email at vicki@blissbody.co.uk and her website details are here.

Just Be online shop can be found here.

I went for a Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial in February and you can read the post here.

*complimentary

Body Lotion Spending Ban!

I've put myself on a body lotion/butter/oil spending ban (and all other beauty products apart from Carmine, She Said Beauty and Joliebox.  Amarya (I have until September as I paid this for a year) and any essentials I may need).


I was a bit cheeky yesterday and bought L'Occitane Cherry Princess Silky Body Gel - like I need another body lotion - when you see the photo below! A limited edition scented with cherries and floral notes - (I recently received a free sample instore and fell in love).  Its got a light silky texture and melts into the skin leaving the skin delicately scented.  There is an extra-special Limited Edition set available containing 50ml EDT, 250ml Shower Cream, 75ml  Body Gel and 30ml Hand Cream all for £39.  You can see the set here.

Below are the body products I want to use up this year.  I have nearly finished the Neutrogena Body Oil, Nivea lotion and Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream.

Other half doesn't understand why I need so many! I do like a choice (plus I have a few more hidden away - oops).  This post was inspired by The Bristol Beauty Blog and Cosmetic Cravings.

What beauty products do you have too many of?

Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial

I recently went for a Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial.  A luxurious treatment which uses a range of products created by Gail Bryden the founder of Just Be.

The treatment starts by being asked a few questions about your skin and how it feels at the moment.  You then choose your oil (for the neck and shoulder massage - pure bliss!) and your toner out of a choice of two.

I chose Just be Happy (a blend of pink grapefruit, Lime and Bergamot Essential Oils with Coconut Oil) and Just be Toned Refreshing Toner (with basil and chamomile Essential Oils).

The treatment room is gorgeous!  Very restful and tranquil bringing a feeling of calm (the bed is heated - so easy to drop off!)

Just before the treatment you get to smell your oil inhaling deeply for feelings of calm and relaxation.

The facial starts with a double deep cleanse using Just be Cleansed - a rich, nourishing balm cleanser scented with geranium, bourbon and petigrain - I own this already and can highly recommend it especially for removing waterproof mascara.  It is removed with a warm cloth.

Your skin is then misted with your chosen toner.

Next, a pressure point massage using Just be Hydrated, a hydrating serum.  The massage stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins and plump up skin.  

An amazing neck & shoulder massage follows using the Just Be Happy Oil chosen earlier and finally the facial is finished with Just be Radiant Treatment Oil and Just Be Soft Lip Balm. 

My skin glowed and looked so healthy after this treatment.  It costs £45 for 45 minutes.  Gail also does various massage treatments.  You can read more about these here.  I am tempted by the Hawaiian style Lomi Lomi massage next!

Check out the online shop for all the products used in my facial. There are also gorgeous treatment candles which when melted can be poured directly onto the skin for massage and amazing body butters.  You can see the shop here.

Feel the love this Valentines Day with Just Be Loved - Guest Post

Gail, the founder of Just Be Oils has agreed to do a guest post for me to coincide with Valentines Day.  Here are her suggestions of ways to feel special this Valentines Day.

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." Moulin Rouge

1. Stop and smell the flowers

As it's been proven that floral scents can lift our moods, treat yourself to a bunch of your favourite flowers and place them somewhere that you can see and smell them.


2. Breathe

Sit comfortably without any distractions and take at lease 30 deep slow breathes and you'll be amazed at how much calmer your feel.


3. Have a soak

Run a bath, add some essential oils (why not try Just Be Loved body & bath oil), light some candles, switch the lights and your mind off as you close your eyes and relax.


And as a special treat, place an order online before the 14th of February will receive a FREE Just Be Loved Rollerball (RRP £9.95) click here to go to the website.  If you decide to order please email hello@justbeoils.co.uk and let Gail know you are one of my followers to receive your free Just Be Loved Rollerball with your order or alternatively leave a message when you pay by Paypal.  UK only.

Check out Just Be facebook page here.


I also have a post coming up reviewing the Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial - which was amazing!

PAX in the City!

I was at PAX in the City last night.  It was at the George Hotel in Edinburgh.

The PA Exchange was a group primarily for PA's and Secretaries but now anyone can join and they now have events in Glasgow too.  You can read more in the link above.

Some of the things I got/bought. Not bought this for ages but with 20% off and goody bag couldn't resist....Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream 473ml - used this before, absolutely love and lasts and lasts and makes the skin feel amazing and with free goody bag -22ml Skin Prep Scrub and a Just be oil (review to follow on some of these fab products!). 

Popcorn, macaron's (eaten!), stress ball, a dinky wee plastic plant - will put on my desk, pen, pencil, L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel and Body Lotion (both 30ml), a pink glitzy labelled "PAX in the City" make up bag containing - a sequinned ball keyring, heart tissues, a mirror, and Arran Aromatics 50ml Feel Good Therapies Rosemary, Sage & Vit E Bath Soak. 

Also got loads of money off vouchers including £5 off before 30th November at RBFY.  They stock Becca make up so may go for a makeover. 

Night cost £5 for a glass of pink fizz on arrival and your make up goody bag (plus a cloth bag to take on your way around the stalls). I also got a small glitter tattoo done which lasts three days.  Some of the hotels/venues exhibiting offer free glasses of wine and competitions to enter.  A good nite! x