July Empties

Here's what I've been using up in July (hardly anything!) I'm not going to use anything up before the month's end - so here are my July empties:

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant Trial Size - just loved this and full size will be bought next! At the same time I bought full size of Coconut Pineapple but I much prefer this one.

mallow+white Revitalise Face Mask 30g* - this was beautiful and lasted ages! I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Sunday Riley Tidal 15g - I really liked this. It had a gel cream texture which absorbed quickly plumping and hydrating the skin. I'll probably pick this up again at some point.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Demolition - I loved this dark brown shade and would buy again (this is the only make up item I ever finish!)

Awake Organics Frankin-Sense Divine Face Care 30ml* - I adored this beautiful luxe cream. See my review HERE. Again, another one I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Apple & Bears Grapefruit & Seaweed body Wash 50ml* and Body Silk 50ml* - I absolutely loved this duo. See my review HERE. Again, I'll buy these once my stash reduces a bit.

BioExtracts Lifting Boost 1ml and BioExtracts Face Cream Rich 2ml - these seemed lovely. I'm definitely adding full sizes to the ever expanding wishlist. I'm currently testing out their Eye Contour cream* which is fantastic.

Lavera Hand & Cuticle Cream 2-in-1 1ml sachet - this cream is really nourishing but I don't like the scent so wouldn't buy.

Living Naturally Hibiscus & Lavender Bath Tea* - this was nice (came with a little bag to stop the bits getting stuck all over the bath). See my review HERE. I don't think I'd buy it again however I loved their Coconut Milk & Chai Bathtub Tea and would buy. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Living Naturally: Coconut Milk & Chai Bathtub Tea

Lynda at Wonderlusting gave me this lush and truly mouthwatering bath product from Living Naturally in our recent Green Beauty Swap. See what she gave me HERE.  It really smells good enough to eat (or should that be drink?!) and is an indulgent treat.

I'm already a huge fan of the brand. See my recent reviews HERE and HERE. This delicious bath blend is made with organic soapnuts, Vegan coconut powder, organic ginger, cardamon, cloves and cinnamon. There are also whole star anise throughout the blend which is a nice touch.

After an aromatic soak the skin is left soft and hydrated. It's also great for soothing sunburnt skin, relieving tension and if you have a cold or flu.

To use: Add 2 tbs to a warm bath. There is enough in the tub for around 5 baths.

Have you used this before? What's your favourite product from the range?

Spring/Summer '16 Green Beauty Swap

Ria at Naturia Beauty organises a #GreenBeautySwap twice a year. This time I was paired up with Lynda at Wonderlusting. We had an email conversation to discuss likes and dislikes, set a budget and went shopping. Here's what Lynda picked for me:

I'm absolutely thrilled with everything (I especially like seeing new to me brands) and I've been wanting a Savon Stories soap for ages too!

And now for a closer look..

These are two new to me brands!

First up is the Oblepikha Hand Cream (in stunning packaging) from Natura Siberica which is really deeply moisturising and smells lovely. Expect a fuller review shortly.

Turbliss Bioactive Peat Toner is 100% Pure Peat Water which tones, refreshes and revitalises the skin. Looking forward to trying this one.

I'm excited to try Dermovia's Lace your Face Smoothing Peptides Facial Mask. Again something that's been on the radar but not got round to trying.

I've wanted to try a Savon Stories soap for ages. Lynda chose me No.10 Spinach with Lime and Ginger. It smells gorgeous. 

The innisfree Eco Flower Lip Tint in rose tint is great. It give the lips a light pop of rose/red toned colour. A great shade for me and another new brand (thanks Lynda).

Abel Organic Eau de Parfum (sample vial) is another new to me brand and being a perfume lover this was a great addition. It has salty notes with lime, peppermint and bergamot, vetiver and woods and was inspired by a mojito cocktail. Of course I now want a full size bottle!

Oh my, this Coconut & Chai Spice Bathtub Tea smells mouthwatering and good enough to eat as it smells just like a chai latte. It's from Living Naturally a fab brand I've recently tried. I'll be using this next time I have a soak in the bath.

There are three sachets from L'Erbolario (a brand I've tried before but not these products) - Iris Deodorant Cream and Shower Gel and 3 Rosa Body Cream, a SW Basics jar of Body Scrub and two interesting looking tea bags from Yswara.

I'm absolutely delighted with everything - thanks so much once again Lynda and thanks to Ria for organising the swap.  Looking forward to seeing what everyone who was taking part receives.

Living Naturally: Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm

I recently tried some of Living Naturally's products - see my post HERE which I've really been enjoying. Their Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm (60g - £8.50)* is an absolute delight.

It's multi-purpose - you can use it on your face, hands, feet and body (I love a multi-use product!) and is 100% natural and 90% organic beauty treat which deeply nourishes and calms the skin.  Absorbing instantly it's great for dry and cracked skin and will also help itchy skin and problem skin types.

Organic Wildcrafted Soapnuts extract helps the skin produce its own hyaluronic acid moisturising and fighting ageing. Organic Rosehip is full of Vitamins and Antioxidants which repair, restore and protect. Rose nourishes and refines and adds a floral scent. Organic Marshmallow soothes, softens, heals and repairs and reduces inflammation while Organic Chickweed and Calendula soothes and heals.

To use: apply a small amount to the skin and massage it in.

Have you tried this beauty balm?

*complimentary

Living Naturally: The Soapnut Apothecary

I first spotted this brand when I read Kate's Valentine's Post. 

Founder, Shashi got in touch to see if I'd like to try some of the products which are made using organic herbs and organic wild crafted soapnuts. Everything is made in the UK in small batches, are 100% Vegan, Certified Organic and Biodegradable. Packaging is recyclable too. Ingredients are ethically sourced and there is no SLS, Parabens, Mineral Oils, Artificial fragrances or any chemicals in the products.

Soapnuts are dried fruit shells which contain real natural soap and are free from synthetic and toxic ingredients making them perfect for sensitive skin types. Local farmers harvest fruit, the shells are dried and cleaned and the seeds removed. The shells are then shipped to the UK to be used in Living Naturally's products.

I was sent three products to try and review:

Organic Hibiscus & Lavender Bathtub Tea 50g (£6)* - this heavenly blend of moisturising hibiscus, antiseptic lavender, antioxidant rose, healing chamomile and calendula is blended with dead sea salts and anti-bacterial organic wild crafted soapnuts. The blend relieves tension, detoxifies, balances and is great for dry, inflamed, itchy and sensitive skins.

To use: put 1 tbsp of the blend into the muslin bag and place in the bath. Hop in and enjoy a relaxing soak. You can also use as a facial steam or foot soak. I absolutely love this and would buy.

Coconut Milk & Rose Bathtub Tea 250g (£6)* - a beautiful blend of organic rose petals which are great for mature, dry and sensitive skins with Vegan coconut powder and soapnut powder which cleanses and moisturises the skin.

To use: add 2 tbsp to a warm bath. There is enough for 5 luxurious baths. It's also great to soothe sunburn or rashes.

Fragrance Free Soapnut Salve 60ml (£8.50)* - a nurturing and multi-purpose salve which is 100% natural and 90% organic and made with 7 organic anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory soothing herbs along with organic wild crafted soapnut extract. 

To use: use on lips, hands, elbows, knees, feet, sunburn, stings. Use sparingly, a little goes a long way.

I've been really impressed with these beautiful and very affordable products. Have you tried anything from the range?

*complimentary - sent for review