Latest in Beauty: Build your own Box

It feels like ages since I've bought a "Build your own Box" from Latest in Beauty. A friend pointed out my favourite Molton Brown handwash was a pick - so you can guess what happened!

I chose Box 3 where you chose 9 products for £16.99 plus P&P. Other options are Box 1 (3 items £8.99 plus P&P) or Box 2 (6 items £12.99 plus P&P).

Here's my picks:

I adore these Mauli Rituals Himalayan Healing Salts (60g) and this sachet is enough for 2 baths. 

Melvita's Youthful Day Cream (10ml) has been on the wish list for a while. It is said to reduce and smooth out fine lines while nourishing and protecting. Looking forward to trying.

I'm already a huge Kneipp fan and adore their Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath with Valerian & Hops (20ml). This is perfect to use before bed for a restful night's sleep.

Kevyn Aucoin's The Matt Bronzing Veil in Desert Days (1.4g) love bronzer so looking forward to trying this out.

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream 2 x 4.2g I love these small sizes which which are the perfect try me size or for weekends away (each should last 2-3 uses).

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Refine & Polish Miracle Balm 15ml (I seem to be missing a cloth!). Huge fan of this lovely brand.

Organii High Protection Sun Milk SPF50 - 10 x 3ml sachets - a brand I've not tried before so was curious!

COLAB Floral Fragrance Dry Shampoo 50ml I've always found this brand and product good and this is a handy size.

And my final item is that amazing hand wash (100ml) by Molton Brown (which is normally only available at Christmas time!) I love its spicy Frankincense & Allspice scent.

Have you built your own box lately?

May Empties

I think this must be the smallest amount of empties yet. But included are some definite re-purchases.

Bee Good Honey & Crambe Daily Hand Cream 50ml* - really lovely to use and I'd buy it once the hand cream stash reduces a bit.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil 100ml* - I love this luxe citrus scented oil. See my review HERE. Just cracked open a new bottle (I'm going to wash out this bottle and use it as a reed diffuser).

Botanicals Indulgence Aromatic Body Oil 50ml - lovely to use and a real luxe treat. Again, when my body oils stash reduces a bit I'll pick it up.

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Hand & Nail Cream 10ml - a rich cream scented with roses. Would buy again.

Fair Squared Vanilla Shower Gel 10ml* - this is a great little try me size/for weekends away. See my review HERE. It's one I'd pick up full size.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - again one of these products I buy periodically. See my review HERE.

Isle of Harris Distillery Rose & Honeysuckle Hand Cream by Amanda Saurin Apothecary 30g* - absolutely loved this and will buy once my hand cream stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this is my favourite Aromatherapy Associates scent. See my review HERE.

Clarins Booster samples (0.8ml) in Repair, Detox and Energy - liked Detox and Energy so would maybe buy.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor 10ml - used this loads of times before. Makes the hair shiny and healthy looking. Will no doubt buy again.

Corinne Taylor Recharge Himalayan Bath Salts with Sweet Orange, Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang to uplift and Revive 70g single use sachet - these were gorgeous. I'll definitely buy these again. See the products available HERE.

Skyn Iceland Pure cloud Cream 1.7g sample - absolutely loved this lightweight nourishing cream. Will definitely think about buying full size at some point.

RMS Beauty The Ultimate Make Up Remover Wipe - This oily wipe is great for removing make up (although maybe a tiny bit small). Will still buy at some point as they'd be great for holidays.

MAULI Rituals Himalayan Healing Salts 60g - these are made for MAULI by Michelle Roques O'Neill of Therapie. Love these.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts 60g single use sachet - lovely. Will buy full size soon.

Green People Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo sachet - nice to use would maybe buy.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body Creme 7ml - loved this beautifully scented rich cream. One for the wishlist!

Neom Daily De-Stress Burst Capsule single use - lovely and would consider buying.

Bjork & Berries Dark Rain Body Lotion 5ml sachet - gorgeous! Will definitely look closer at this lovely range which is available to buy at Cult Beauty.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

April Empties

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

Green People Ho Wood & Red Mandarin Hand Cream 50ml* I loved this beautiful hand cream. It had a delicious scent and was nice to use. See my review HERE. I'd buy this (when I reduce my stash).

Holistic Green Beauty Rose Radiance Toning Mist 100ml* simply divine. See my review HERE. When I use up what's in my stash I'll be replenishing this.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 30ml huge fan of this lovely cleanser. I've just opened a new one. See my review HERE. Will buy again when needed.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml another toner I love. Just opened a new one.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 3ml which is one of my favourites (along with Inner Strength). Definitely will pick up the full size of this soon. See my review of the mini set HERE.

Molton Brown Suma Gingseng Body Wash 50ml in a scent I hadn't tried before. It really is lovely with notes of cinnamon, geranium, gingseng extract, lemon and patchouli and one I'd buy full size.

Kneipp Herbal Bath Balancing Lavender 20ml I've used this scent a couple of times and it's lovely to use before bed. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Chuckling Goat Calm-Down Kefir Cleanser* this soap was lovely and gently scented with Lavender. See my review HERE. It's one I'd buy.

Chantecaille La Creme Riche Anti-Age+ Bio Lifting Cream 10ml a real luxury cream which was a joy to use. Unfortunately it costs around £300 for 50ml..so I won't be buying it anytime soon!

Neal's Yard Remedies Soothing Massage Oil & Bath Oil 9ml these are lovely when you need some TLC.

Neal's Yard Remedies Rose & Pomegranate Bath Oil 9ml is really lovely. Tempted by the full size.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml which came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Absolutely LOVE this and can't believe I'll have to wait until October until I can buy another bottle as it is a Christmas edition (I'll be stocking up!)

DECIEM Hand Chemistry 30ml - one of my favourite hand creams. Have already cracked open another. It just works.

bodhi & birch Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - which is fast becoming my favourite from bodhi & birch. Will buy again for sure.

Yogandha detox body oil 125ml - I've used this just about every morning since I bought it. Loved and will buy again. I love its uplifting lemongrass scent.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Latest in Beauty: Build your own Box

I absolutely love (am obsessed with) the "Build your own Box" section at Latest in Beauty. I'm always seeing things I want! The boxes are brilliant value - you can pick 3, 6 or 9 items. This time I went for 6 which costs £12.99 plus P&P.

Last box I loved Kneipp's Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts (60g - single use) so I chose them again. They make for a relaxing soak.

I've tried the MAULI Himalayan Healing Salts (60g) before and loved them. See my thoughts HERE. 

Urbanveda Reviving Hydrating Toner (150ml - worth £13.99) which is scented with rose. It regenerates and tones the skin. Looking forward to trying this out. Expect a full review shortly.

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair 7ml a lovely primer which brightens and illuminates the skin.

Another full size I chose is the Benecos Hand & Nail Cream (75ml - £2.95) which is scented with orange and sea buckthorn. A light and easily absorbed cream with a delicious scent.

My final pick was Korres Bergamot Pear Body Milk 40ml which will be handy for holidays (if it lasts that long - it's gorgeous) and has a beautiful fruity scent.

Have you built your own box recently?

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

Latest in Beauty: Build Your Own Box

Just last week I spotted that Latest in Beauty had new items in the "Build your own Box" section. Of course, I couldn't resist! I went for the 9 items box which cost £16.99 plus P&P.

Here's what I chose:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 5 x 5ml sachets - I love this cleanser and thought these would be great for holidays/weekends away. See my review of the cleanser HERE.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt with Red Poppy & Hemp 60g (1 bath) - I'm a fan of the Kneipp Herbal Baths so thought these would be nice to try for a change.

Dr Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum 15ml (full size worth £9.99) - I'm currently using the one I received in a YOU Beauty Box and I can honestly say it's lovely. I may use this one for a gift (or backup!)

Kneipp Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml - I've used this before and loved it. See my mini review here. 

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic Cologne Spray 15ml (worth £10) - this smells just like a G&T when you first spray it mellowing down to a light and refreshing scent.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Energising Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml & Bois D'Orange Invigorating Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml - I picked these as I'd received a body lotion by R&G in one of my advent calendars and had really enjoyed using it.

Mio Double Buff Dual Action Exfoliator 50ml - I'm a fan of Mio but not tried this scrub before. It has particles of Pumice, Lava and Bamboo blended with Papaya and Pineapple enzymes to slough away rough skin.

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil 17ml - which is suitable for use on body and hair - a handy size which I may keep for travel.

Have you Build Your Own Box recently?

Bath & Unwind: Beauty Bag with At Home & Tess Daly

As you'll guess the January spending ban is well and truly over! I'm not feeling too guilty as I did recently last 71 days on one.

I was browsing Bath & Unwind for Eye of Horus Goddess Eye Pencil (£15) as I finished my favourite Charcoal one last month. I spotted a fantastic beauty bag offer with At Home & Tess Daly which is stuffed full of goodies (including that eye pencil in my favourite shade).  Costing £29.99 and worth £100 it was too good to miss!

The products are presented in a white Bath & Unwind branded bag and inside is:

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Charcoal (£15)

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute 50ml (£25)

Elemental Herbology Grapefruit & Mandarin Body Wash 100ml

Bathing Beauty Balaclava Protective Face Salve 15ml (£9)

Arran Aromatics mini Scented Candle 5cl in Jasmine & Philadelphus

Korres Citrus Shower Gel 50ml 

Dr Hauschka Hand Cream 10ml (£3)

Badger Tangerine Breeze Lip Balm (£1.99)

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 10ml sachet

Guam Britannia Dren sachet (for water retention)

I also got sent a REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial 2ml sachet.

If this sort of beauty bag purchase interests you sign up to the newsletter to be kept informed of offers. See HERE.

November Empties

Where has this year gone! I can't believe I'm writing the second last empties post of 2015! Here's what I've been using in November:

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 50ml* - huge fan of this lovely relaxing non-foaming soak. Full size is on the wishlist. This little one came in the recent Naturisimo De-Stress & Unwind Discovery Box.

Ravenscourt Apothecary Indian Jasmine Bathing Salts 250g - these were lovely to use, smelled gorgeous and contained little jasmine petals. I love the simple but chic packaging. Would buy again.

Humble Natural Beauty Bath Honey Rose & Frankincense 300ml* - this was really luxurious. Will definitely buy again. See my review HERE.

PLANT GET IT ON Body Wash 30ml - I simply loved this woody and spicy scented wash and would buy full size. See my review of their CALM DOWN wash here.

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - I really enjoyed this relaxing soak. Would buy full size. See my mini review here.

Balm Balm Relax All over Balm 30ml* - I loved this. See my mini review HERE. Will definitely buy this again. I also am keen to try out some of the other scents. Great value (would make a great stocking filler).

Neom Inspiration Hand Cream 50ml - this was a magazine freebie a long time ago. Neom don't do this scent anymore or mini hand creams.

LJs Natural Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - this is a really lush body oil scented with roses which is gentle enough to use on the face. See my review HERE. Will buy again when I use up most of the oils in my stash.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil - I simply adore this rose/cardamon scented lush oil. Just cracked open a new bottle. See my review HERE. It is expensive but worth it and such a lovely treat.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum Sample (£5.95) - this super luxe sample serum is lovely. I got two uses and it left my skin glowing. Full size is £150!

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner Sample - this came from the recent ABW box. Nice to use and one I'd consider buying full size.

Balmology Exotic Rose Beauty Oil 4ml - I bought this generous size sample from Naturisimo. Loved everything about this oil and would buy full size once my stash reduces.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo 265ml - Tracey from Face Up Beauty raved about this product on her blog. I found it very effective and I've just cracked open my second bottle!

Nourish Illuminating Golden Glow Face Shimmer 30ml* - this is one of my favourite products from Nourish. See my review HERE. I'm already using another one. Love it. 

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Latest in Beauty: Bath & Body Beauty Mini Collection

I spotted this little Collection (£8.99 plus P&P) over at Latest in Beauty and knew I had to have it! It contains my must-always have in my stash Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts (100g - and worth £10!) as well as lots of other goodies!

The Amphora Aromatics Orange and Clove candle is simply divine! To me it smells of cinnamon sticks mixed with orange and spice. Looking forward to burning it!

Also inside are is a 20ml bottle of Kneipp's Lavender Herbal Bath - I'm a huge fan of this brand and their herbal bath products so am looking forward to a couple of relaxing baths.

There are 3 x 5ml sachets of Dr Organic's Dead Sea Mineral Bio-Plasma Mud Mask which is detoxifying, rejuvenating & anti-ageing. I've tried this before and loved it. Nice to see 3 sachets - I was expecting just one!

The final items which I'll pass onto my friend Magi is Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Body Lotion 75ml - it smells really lovely but I know I won't use it.

Are you tempted?  Buy yours HERE.

February Empties

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple for me. I need these in my life! I buy these again and again as they just work.

Yours Truly Organics Balancing Toner 150ml* - I loved this and would buy. See my review here.

TEWC Virgin Coconut & Lime Body Butter sample - I'm a huge fan of this body butter and I'd buy it again.  See my review here.

White & Elm Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner 30ml - this was a delight to use and I'll definitely buy again. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites from Bodhi & Birch. See my review here. I've got a mini still to use but it's one I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Ylang Ylang and Frankincense Body Oil 100ml - this is a staple for me now! I've already got another one in my stash. See my review here.

Bodhi Mint The Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - this is my favourite Bodhi & Birch Shower Gel. Will definitely buy again.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo 60ml - this was nice to use and I'd buy again.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream 15ml - I loved this for dry rough patches of skin. Sure to buy full size soon.

Jimmy Choo EDP 50ml - I've not finished a bottle of perfume for ages! I really like this fruity sweet floral. Sure to buy again. This is my 3rd bottle of this scent.

Shropshire Lavender Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was nice to use with a gentle lavender scent. Would buy again.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Eucalyptus Pure Castile Soap 237ml - I wasn't blown away with the scent of this so wouldn't buy again. Love the Peppermint version.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath Valerian & Hops 20ml* - loved the effects of this bath oil. Great to use before bed for a restful night's sleep. Didn't love the scent of it but would buy. Kneipp Pure Bliss Herbal Bath Red Poppy & Hemp 20ml* - this was gorgeous! Would buy full size and Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - again lovely to use before bed. Super impressed with all of these.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple. Have already bought again.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler 60ml - I loved this. It left my hair super shiny and nourished. Will buy again.

pai Geranium & Thistle Balancing Day Cream 15ml - this came in a weekender travel kit which I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Hand Oil 10ml - this was lovely. See my review here. Would buy again.

Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil 112ml - I just loved this body oil. See my review here. Will buy again.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - this is a great dupe for REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil at a fraction of the price and just as nice. Sure to buy again.

S W Basics Cleanser trial size - this was nice to use and have another in my stash. Would maybe buy again.

SAMPLES - Melvita Bio-Excellence Youthful Serum 2ml* - this serum was a bit runnier than I expected. Absorbed quickly and smelt really nice. Would maybe buy full size.

Cowshed Perfecting Night Serum 2ml - this was nice to use and I got a few uses out the sachet. One to add to the wishlist I think.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

5 Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Here are a few beauty ideas for Valentines Day. 

This little Kneipp Herbal Bath Collection* (6 x 20ml - £9.95) is available to buy at Big Green Smile and is perfect if you enjoy a soak in the bath. It contains Pure Bliss (Red Poppy & Hemp) - this is one of my favourites, Enjoy Life (May Chang & Lemon), Balancing (Lavender), Stress Free (Mandarin & Orange), Sweet Dreams (Valerian & Hops) and Eucalyptus. The herbal baths are free from paraffin, silicone and mineral oils.  They lightly scent and tint the bath water and are soothing and calming.

source

lj's natural solutions Valentine Little Bottle of Love (50ml - £7.95) - this heavenly scented massage oil comes with a little bag of rosepetals which you can add to your bath or sprinkle over your bed.  This Organic bath/body/massage oil is scented with Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Amyris and will uplift, calm and soothe.

Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum 30ml (£20)* - this serum rejuvenates and hydrates the skin. It is perfect to use as a primer before applying make-up. It has a gorgeous rosey scent and absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and radiant. Wear over moisturiser for a dewy glow or under for a more matt look.

Make Lucy's gorgeous Floral Bath Melts - get the recipe here. Lucy very kindly wrote a guest post for me on these fab DIY treats.

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Bamford Body Splash One Morning (£75 - 245ml) - a delicious new body splash with notes of fresh violet, jasmine, iris, musk, amber and vanilla. Use all over the body to refresh and scent.

*PR samples

The Dream Box by The British Beauty Blogger & Latest in Beauty

I first saw that Jane, The British Beauty Blogger was launching her third beauty box in association with Latest in Beauty on a Facebook group. I was lucky enough to pick up her first box - see my thoughts here.

The Dream box cost £19.95 including P&P. The item which caught my eye the most was Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water (100ml) worth £10 - half the box!  I reviewed Bee Good's Intensive Hand Repair this week - see here*.

So what's inside:

It's absolutely packed full of goodies and worth over £100!

My second favourite item is the Kneipp Herbal Bath in Mandarin - Orange 100ml - this is a full size bottle and it is said to relieve stress and make you happy. Smells gorgeous and looking forward to trying it.

I love the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Kisses - I got Marilyn a bright red shade. Inside the envelope is a little card with lipstick lips which you apply directly as if you are kissing it. Cute.

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara 8ml (this is worth £19!) - I've heard great things about this collagen infused deep black mascara which is paraben free. Looking forward to try it out.

Janjira Hand Wash in Argan Oil 50ml - this is paraben and sulphate free and smells refreshing. Not heard of this brand before.

REN Satin Perfecting BB Cream 3ml - huge REN fan. This is silicone free and non-oily. I've used this before and the shade doesn't quite suit my skin tone. I'll maybe get to use it in the summer.

L'Occitane Immortalle Divine Lotion 50ml - this is a new product and you use it after cleansing to soften the skin before moisturiser.  Looking forward to trying it out.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Fresh Fragrant Water 1.5ml vial - this is really nice with ginger, mandarin and pomegranate notes. Perfect for spring and summer.

Lola Kabuki Brush - this is a lovely soft little brush and I'm looking forward to trying it out with my bronzer.

Bourjois Cream Blush in shade 01 2.5g - received this in the first box. Perfect shade for summer.

Benefit it's potent eye cream 3g - I've used this before and liked it.

Make up Revolution Awesome Eyeshadow & Eyebrow Palette in Disappear till Tomorrow - this has nice neutral brown shades with a few sparkly shades. Looking forward to trying it out. 

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 20ml - huge Elemis fan and have used this foot cream before. Highly moisturising and smells nice. Perfect to get feet sandal ready.

Essie Polish in hide and go chic - this is a full size bottle in a pretty blue shade.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray 50g - the perfect size for popping in your handbag to cool down and refresh the skin on hot summer days.

So there you have it - 15 great items. Did you pick up the box? What are your thoughts?

*PR sample