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

Perfume Collection

I have quite a few perfume sample vials as you can see below!

Today I'm showing you my collection of perfumes - full size, travel size and rollerballs. I actually have quite a small collection (only 40). You can see what I had in my stash in January 2012 and in March last year.

The two that are the most expensive in my stash are Chanel's Sycomore EdT (when I bought it was £100 - 75ml). I love its woody, mossy and vertivert notes.  See my review HERE.

Tom Ford's Santal Blush EdP (£145 - 50ml) this is my third bottle! An absolute hug in a bottle. It has notes of sandalwood, cumin, fenugreek, cinnamon, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine, woods, benzoin and musk. I just love it. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Shay & Blue. I recently finished Watermelons which I loved. It will definitely be a re-purchase.  Currently in my collection is Framboise Noir* (REVIEW), Salt Caramel (mini Review) and Atropa Belladona (HERE). I've also got two mini sizes of Blood Oranges and Almond Cucumber.

I adore rose scents. I picked up the Jo Malone Tudor Rose 30ml at the great Perfume Society Rock the Ages event I went to last year - see HERE. Hubby listened to my hints and bought me the gorgeous Miller Harris Rose Silence EdP (50ml) for my Christmas. See my review HERE.

Aqua di Parma's Rosa Nobile EdP which I received last year for Christmas. It has notes of mandarin, bergamot, pepper, peony, violet, lily of the valley, Centifolia rose, cedarwood, ambergris and musk. It's a really pretty feminine scent.

I reviewed True Nature Botanicals solid perfume Noble Floral* and totally fell in love with it. With notes of Tuberose, Rose, Jasmine and Citrus. See my review HERE.

Diptyque's Eau Rose Roll on is a beautiful true rose perfume and has notes of bergamot, lychee and blackcurrant, damask and centifolia roses, with musk, cedar and honey.

I picked up Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves 30ml when in London last year. It really is exquisite. See my review HERE.

Lush's Imogen Rose solid perfume is a fairly light rose scent with rose and green notes. It doesn't really last long but it's a cute little scent.

I recently tried a sample of Escentric Molecules 01 and loved it. This is the 30ml travel size refill. The scent smells differently on everyone and two people (so far) have been enticed with it - one male, one female!

I'm a huge fan of lovely Gorse by Laboratory Perfumes (100ml) this one is beautiful. The gorse gives it a coconutty edge and this perfume smells differently on everyone as well! See my review HERE.

Estee Lauder's Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EdP (30ml) another scent I first picked up in London before it was widely available. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Diptyque's Philosykos and have it in the rollerball oil and the EdT spray. It takes me back to hot summer days in Greece. The best and original fig scent. The EdP is on the wishlist.

My in-laws got me Angel for my birthday last year. I used to go through it by the gallon but hadn't worn it for a few years. 

Abahna's Frangipani & Orange Blossom re-fillable spray is also a favourite. See my review HERE.

From the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar I totally fell for London 1969 (this little spray is nearly done so I'll definitely get full size) and Raw Silk & Red Roses both 9ml. See my review HERE.

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (30ml) was the first scent I bought from Jo Malone. I like it paired with Lime, Basil & Mandarin body lotion.

Khiel's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit (30ml) is a delicious fruity floral with notes of pink grapefruit, ginger, soy milk and musk. 

Annick Goutal Mandragore EdT (30ml) which came in a beauty box ages ago. It has fruity minty notes.

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic which is refreshing and zesty and Salt Air with seaside ozonic notes.

Oliver Bonas Blackberry Musk roll on which I picked up while Christmas shopping. See my review HERE.

Infusion Organique Sands of Morocco Organic EdP roll on which is lovely to wear on hot summer days. See my review HERE.

kai perfume oil roll on which is always in my stash. I love the gardenia and fresh green notes. It's the perfect holiday scent.

Ancienne Ambiance Colonia Collection* are a simply stunning trio of scents. See my thoughts HERE.

Jimmy Choo Perfume roller-ball which I picked up in Sephora in Paris. Love a little Jimmy Choo and rollerball perfumes!

Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia Roll on* which is a blend of gardenia, jasmine, sweet orange and tea leaves. It really is lovely. See my review HERE.

L'Occitane Magnolia & Mure Trial Size EdT which is fruity and floral. Figuier & Osmanthus EdT was limited edition last summer and is a juicy fig scent.

Freak by Illamaqua EdP I first got a sample of this in a Glossybox. This is my second full size bottle. It has notes Black Davana, Opium Flower, Poison Hemlock and Frankincense.

I received this little bottle of Tom Ford's White Suede EdP after a make-over. It's really lovely and has notes of musk, rose and amber.

On the wishlist are these along with Beaufort London's Coeur De Noir EdP.

What perfumes are in your collection?

*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

January Empties

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

HealGel Eye 15ml* - I really liked this and would consider buying it in the future when I reduce my stash. See my review HERE.

Kai Body Wash 2oz* - I'm a huge fan of the kai perfume oil and this wash was lovely to use. See my review HERE. One I'd definitely consider treating myself to.

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak 200ml - I reviewed this back in August*. Absolutely loved it and have since re-purchased it a couple of times. It was one of my favourite products last year.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - again love this and will purchase when I reduce my stash a bit. See my review HERE.

Mio Liquid Yoga 53ml - this came in the M&S Advent Calendar. Really enjoyed using it. Would buy full size.

Just Be Happy Hand & Body Lotion 15ml* - really enjoyed using this. Full size is on the wishlist. See my review HERE.

Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - this worked wonders when I had the flu over New Year. Maybe not my favourite scent but it worked when I was feeling ill. 

Jane Iredale Smell the Roses Hydration Mist* - absolutely loved this and would buy. See my review HERE.

Dr Bronner 18-in-1 Peppermint Castile Soap 237ml - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent. I've already stocked up.

Living Nature Kelp Extract Nourishing Body Wash 200ml* - a gorgeous nourishing body wash which I'd definitely consider buying. It featured in Lately I've Been Loving in November.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - love these and have already stocked up. They just work!

Evolve Tropical Blossom Body Butter 30ml - I simply adored this gorgeous body butter. See my review here. Full size is on the want list!

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - this is one of my favourite scents. I'd buy full size.

Korres Citrus Shower Gel 50ml - this came in the recent Bath & Unwind bag. I prefer the Guava and Mango scents. Probably wouldn't buy this.

Diptyque L'Eau de Tarocco cologne sample vial - I simply loved this fruity scent with orange, rose, cinnamon and saffron. I'm going to buy the scent for summer. It's just so lush!

Molton Brown Hand Wash with Frankincense & Allspice 100ml - this came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Loved it and will buy next Christmas.

Lucky Cloud Body Balm with Sweet Orange and Vanilla 60ml - loved this. See my review HERE. Will buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourite scents from the brand. Will definitely buy again once I use up some of my stash.

L'Occitane Verbana Shower Gel 75ml - this came in my M&S Advent Calendar. Was nice to use and refreshing. Would be good for holidays. Would maybe buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

More Christmas Gift Ideas

I showed you some Christmas gift ideas HERE. Today I've got some more top picks:

Birch & Brook candles are just gorgeous (review of Library* HERE and Festival* HERE). I was recently sent a travel size of the beautiful Limited Edition scent in for Christmas - Evergreen* - a lush, crisp green which is "reminiscent of a winter walk". 

The candle is made of natural waxes and scented with fir balsam, pine, cedar, musk and amber. It's perfect if you are not a fan of cinnamon scents. I'm a fan of both but this is well worth having in your Christmas collection.

Minvita Baobab Body Oil (100ml - £35)* this luxe oil is 100% natural and organic and is made from cold pressed seeds of the African Baobab Superfruit. Best suited for dry and ageing skin as it contains Vitamins A, D, E, F, B1, B2, Phosphorus and Iron. 

It absorbs instantly and has a slightly nutty-fruity scent. The oil improves elasticity, helps to regenerate skin cells and deeply nourishes the skin. It's a really lovely oil and I'm so enjoying using it.

I'm a huge fan of kai fragrance oil and am now on my 3rd little roll on bottle. I normally pick these up when Cult Beauty have a GWP as they are an indulgent treat. I've mentioned this lovely brand numerous times on the blog. I was recently sent this gorgeous little gift set* (the nearest thing I can find is on Cult Beauty - but it doesn't include the fine linen wash see HERE)

Inside are 2oz bottles of: 

Shampoo: which contains mild surfactants which remove dirt and build up without stripping the hair.  Conditioner: enriched with vitamins, shea butter, plant oils and extracts the conditioner nourishes the hair leaving it delicately scented with the kai fragrance and silky smooth. 

Body Wash: which cleans and refreshes the body. Follow up with Body Lotion: which is made of nourishing safflower seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernal oil, cucumber fruit extracts and kai fragrance. The skin is left moisturised and smelling of kai.

Fine Linen Wash: this is the most recent addition to the range. It cleans linens and delicate fabrics leaving them scented with the signature kai scent and I think is the perfect addition to a travel bag.

Vial of perfume oil: this beautiful original scent was created by Gaye Straza who spent her youth holidaying in the tropics. Years later she created her signature scent with rich notes of gardenia, tuberose and lily with touches of green notes.

I love this story "the first time Straza wore kai, she was stopped mid stride by a beauty editor on Madison Avenue, NYC asking where she could buy the scent".

Products are free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, phosphate and vegan and gluten free.

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I never grow tired of John Masters Organics and this little Limited Edition Holiday Kit from John Masters Organics would make a perfect gift (£27). Inside is: 2oz Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair, 2oz Citrus & Neroli Detangler, 1oz Rose & Apricot Hair Milk, 0.1oz 100% Argan Oil, a Bamboo Comb and Pouch.

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I just love this Oskia Cracker available at Cult Beauty (£18) which contains a 40ml size of Renaissance Cleansing Gel (review). I'd love to find this hanging on the tree or as a luxe table present.

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I'm intrigued by Strange Invisible Organic Perfumes and I'd pick the star sign of the friend I was buying for an unusual and unique gift (14ml - £59). I chose my sign - Aries Zodiac Eaux de Parfum - The Innovator - Element - Fire which is a blend of hydro-distilled essences of cinnamon, rose and angelica which "fuel a vibrant imagination". Frankincense, benzoin, lavender and sandalwood "cool fiery impulses, encouraging the composure needed to realize visionary plans". Sounds fantastic. One for the wishlist for sure!

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The Nordic Collection Gift Set from Inner-Soul Organics (£24.50) is a lovely pampering treat and would be ideal for your friends or mum. The kit contains Scandinavian Decadence Bath and Body Salt Scrub 60ml (mini review), Scandinavian Decadence Shower Serum 30ml and Nordic Berry Bliss Hand & Body Salve 60ml (mini review). 

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YTTP The Set £95 - which includes Cleanser, Serum and Cream. I've got an upcoming review of the Cleanser and Serum both of which are fabulous. This is a great set. Get 10% off with code YOUTH10.

Are any of these on your Christmas wishlist?

*PR samples

Take 5: Hand Care

My previous Take 5 include: skincare and haircare. Up this time is Hand Care. These are my current (and some long term favourites)

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Hand Cream - this lush cream was a mag freebie. Super rich it deeply moisturises the hands leaving them smelling of roses..I may have picked up two of these! 

Next up is the gorgeous Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Cream* - a deeply nourishing and deliciously scented hand cream which leaves the hands nourished, hydrated and smelling of lemons. Love! See my review here.

I had to include a bodhi & birch favourite - Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum - I think this is my second or third bottle. Super rich it is easily absorbed it leaves the hands feeling comfortable and cared for (as well as smelling gorgeous!) See my review here.

I'm a huge fan of the very lovely Kai perfume oil. This hand cream smells just like it!  It nourishes and protects and smells of kai perfume - what's not to love!

My final choice is DECIEM Hand Chemistry which deeply nourishes the hands. You can expect a noticeable difference in just 10 days.

What's your favourite hand care products?

*PR samples

Cult Beauty: Purchases

Last week it was Cult Beauty's 7th Birthday and they offered numerous money off deals as well as an amazing goody bag with a £95 spend (and the goody bag was worth over £170). I decided I wasn't having it...and of course changed my mind! I chose to buy three products which had been on my wishlist in order to get my hands on that goody bag...

I've only recently become a huge de Mamiel fan having first tried Salvation Body Oil (link) and then the amazing Spring Facial Oil (review) and currently using Summer Facial Oil (which is a total joy..review to come).  So I picked up the de Mamiel Altitude Oil (£26 - 10ml) which is perfect to use for anxiety, travel or if you feel under the weather. Even smelling it straight from the bottle induces feelings of calm - full review to follow.

I also picked up Philip B's luxe Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse (£24 - 178ml). Huge fan of the brand having loved previous products from the range.  I mentioned the Katira Hair Masque here. Looking forward to trying.

My final item is the much longed for May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden (£46 - 100ml) which is simply heavenly and as good as I'd imagined it would be. The scent is exquisite and the mist leaves the skin feeling refreshed and glowy. Love!

The gift contains a wide selection of goodies:

d.j.v. Beautenizer Fibrewig - Full Size
NudeStix Lip & Cheek Pencil - Love - Full Size
Anastasia Beverley Hills mini Clear Brow Gel 
Zelens Z Matrix Energy & Moisture Infusion
Roloxin Lift Instant Smoothing Masque sachet
skyn ICELAND Glacial Cleansing Cloths
Beauty Blender Micro Mini & Cleanser
Odacite Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate sample
Sunday Riley Floral Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil
Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment
Alpha-H Daily Essentials Moisturiser SPF50
REN Flash Rinse One Minute Facial (Review)
kai Body Moisturiser (huge fan of the scent)
Make up bag 

Did you treat yourself too?

Summer Scents

Whew...the weather up here has been super clammy and airless these last few days so I've been enjoying light spritzes of scent. Here are my current favourite Summer Scents.

Diptyque Eau Rose Roll-on (20ml) - a light and refreshing rose scent. See my review HERE.  Staying with Diptyque my all time favourite Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll-on (7.5ml) this to me is what a true fig perfume smells like. It transports me back to sun-kissed Greece every time I wear it with its figgy, green and woody notes (I slightly prefer the EDT spray so I'll pick up the Travel refills when I finish this).

Kai Perfume Oil (3.6ml) this is my third or fourth bottle. Expensive but oh so worth it. A beautiful white floral with Gardenia, Jasmine, Rose, Tuberose, Lily and green notes. Love! It featured in my January's Lately I've Been Loving and I've got a back up too which I think shows how much I love it!

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (30ml) this refreshing and uplifting scent is perfect for summer. I've been spritzing it like crazy this week! With notes of Grapefruit, Rosemary, Peppermint and Pimento. It also featured in my Spring Scents.  Shay & Blue Almond Cucumber (10ml) is a light and super refreshing scent perfect to revive and uplift.

A new scent for me is L'Occitane Figuier & Osmanthus EDT (30ml) which is a light fig scent with top notes of Bergamot, Blackcurrant and fruity Fig notes, a heart of Fig leaves and Osmanthus flowers and a base of Cedar and Musk. It is really summery and fruity as well as refreshing. It was created to celebrate L'Occitane's RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden and is a Limited Edition (hope not!)

My final scent is by Infusion Organique - Sands of Morocco Organic EDP roll-on (11ml) which has a incense note which I love. It smells exotic and mysterious and again reminds me of holidays. See my review HERE.

What perfumes are you enjoying at the moment?

Cult Beauty Wishlist #3

I just adore browsing at Cult Beauty. Here are some current wishlist items:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm & Revitalise Dry Body Oil (100ml - £48) I previously tried a sample of this and I loved it! A beautiful light oil which absorbs instantly leaving the skin smelling delicious and silky soft.  It is scented with Neroli, Lavender, Rose and Mandarin.

de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil (20ml - £67) I'm a huge fan of this brand having loved their Salvation Body Oil and currently loving Rosey Lip Balm. This oil addresses your skincare needs in Spring.  Perfect!

ila spa Bath Salts for Inner Peace (500g - £49) these salts sound incredible! Perfect to use when stressed, overworked and needing a little bit of calm and relaxation. A blend of minerals, trace elements, essential oils of sandalwood, jasmine and rose damascena and Himalayan salts. Perfect for use just before bed.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil (110ml - £30) this is my all time favourite bath oil which I've mentioned time and time again on the blog.  I've not had a bottle of this for ages. 

kai Reed Diffuser (£60) I'm a huge fan of kai perfume oil (a blend of Gardenia, Jasmine, Lily, Tuberose and green notes) so I know I'd love this super luxe reed diffuser.

  

What's on your Cult Beauty Wishlist?

January: Lately I've Been Loving

My friend Claire gave me this little diary. She said she spotted it and thought instantly of me! Wonder why...haha. (We used to have wild nights out!) I love it. It made me giggle. I'm using it for recording what blog posts I do each day.

I was ill just before Christmas and missed my work's night out - boo! I got my Secret Santa when I went back to work in January - it's a beauty!

I got this kai set from Cult Beauty just before Christmas - I simply adore kai perfume oil.  It contains gardenia (one of my favourite florals) along with jasmine, rose, tuberose, lily, cucumber and green notes. It's expensive but I'm on my third or fourth bottle! The hand cream is lovely too. It absorbs quickly and leaves the hands smelling of kai. This little set cost £44 (the perfume oil on its own is £40). 

I totally fell in love with Shay & Blue's Salt Caramel scent before Christmas but with other things to buy I didn't.. I'd picked up the trial size set #SpendingBanWeek3 and I've been wearing it just about all the time since! Full size will be mine...and soon!  My mother-in-law also loved it and asked if we could buy it for her birthday!

We went for lunch at Just Burgers and Beers and I had super delish The Carlos Santana - mexican inspired with homemade flatbread, corn chips, jalapeno, red pepper and chipotle salsa - yum! (the sides were to die for too!)

Spotted this wee bench outside a cafe in Leith Walk, Edinburgh. Made me smile.

Also on Leith Walk (Albert Place) we came across this fab new pub called The Black Fox. It serves a wide range of craft beers as well as cocktails, spirits etc. The homemade pizzas from the food menu looked great too. Looking forward to going back soon!

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Delicious Toatie Tablet* handmade by Diane and can be delivered worldwide! it is very moreish as well as being delicious.  See more info here.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary