Top Products 2021: April to June

If a product is marked * I was very kindly gifted it for review. As you'll know I've been breaking my top products up. See my January-March 2021 ones HERE.

I discovered Ginette aka The Herbal Soapmaker on Instagram and had to have a little buy. The products are gorgeous. See my review HERE.

Tam Mason's newish Nourishing Sugar Scrub in Rosa Damascena*. As well as being a sensory delight it is a beautiful and effective scrub. See my review HERE.

Another new brand, aromatic and gorgeous Africology. I fell head-over-heels for their gorgeous body care products*. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore Ecooking and think their newish 50+ series* is fantastic. See my review HERE.

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of eco friendly, zero waste and award winning Beauty Cleanse Skincare. This cleansing oil* is one of the best I've used. See my review HERE.

Oh Nudge Boutique, I adore every product of yours I try. Saffron Glow Facial Oil Serum* is an absolute delight. See my review HERE.

Beautiful Butterwhips. I adore their Body Butters particularly Warmly Relaxing with Bergamot, Lavender & Vitamin E. See my review HERE (foot care & face care excellent too and I love the eco-friendly packaging).

Ermana Natural Skincare's CLARIFY Clay Mask with Lavender & Chamomile* is one of the best I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I just adore Edinburgh based, Lucky Cloud Skincare. I picked two of their natural soaps* as part of my picks as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in June under the heading GROW. See my review HERE. They lather really well and have gorgeous scents as well as looking pretty with eco-friendly packaging!

Rounding up my Top Picks for the last 3 months is STEAMCREAM! I really enjoyed using two of their newest products* in the range. Check out my review HERE. I also love the reusable packaging.

What products have you been loving this year?

*Love Lula: GROW: Organic Works, Lucky Cloud Skincare + SOiL Organic Aromatherapy

Sent to me as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review - AD.  

This year I've been theming my blogger picks:

January - SLEEP,  February - LOVE, March - AWAKEN, April - BLOSSOM, May - FORAGE. This month I chose #GROW.

All the products contain ingredients you can grow in the garden or greenhouse. I'm a huge fan of Organic Works, having reviewed several of their products already on the blog (I especially like their Bergamot range). I picked their Cleansing Face Wash with Rose Geranium Flower which comes in a huge 300ml pump bottle (£15)*. It's gently foaming and has a delicious rosy scent. I use it in my morning shower to refresh and clean. I like this a lot - it's a keeper!

I love Edinburgh based Lucky Cloud Skincare and chose two of their wonderful soaps - Lemongrass* and Peppermint & Green Clay* £5.95 each. They are hand cut and packaged in recycled kraft boxes. I've been enjoying both of these soaps. They lather well and have delicious scents as well as being nourishing and hydrating. 

I rounded up my picks this month with two essential oils from SOiL Organic Aromatherapy - you can use them for massage and adding to bathwater (in a carrier oil) or to diffuse. I chose Sweet Basil 10ml (£6.20)* which is enlivening, comforting and uplifting and Rose Geranium 10ml (£16.50)* which helps to lift the spirit and calm the mind. I've been diffusing them in a burner with water. The blend is gorgeously rosy with a hint of herbal and peppery basil - I'm going to enjoy this one all summer long!

Latest Buys: Sofia Latif, Hauntingly Crafted, Verdekin, Raven Botanicals, Organic Works, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Fushi, NEOM + Papier

I can't believe that's us into April already! Where is this year going?! I had my first vaccination on Wednesday and felt quite poorly overnight. Luckily, like most people it just seems to be a 24hr thing. Today I'm sharing my latest buys..

I couldn't resist Sofia Latif's The Mini Edit (£35) having tried and loved her award winning face oil (review) and multi-award winning under-eye oil. New to me are the Nourishing Body Oil and Soothing Scalp Oil. Inside the kit is: Face Oil 5ml, Under-Eye Oil 5ml, Nourishing Body Oil 20ml and Soothing Scalp Oil 10ml. 

Discovering Hauntingly Crafted on Instagram. I immediately put an order in as Memento Mori was calling my name! (unfurled roses, petal dew, iriswood, rosewater, pink geraniums and wild violets). It's the best rose soy wax melt I've ever used! The packaging is so perfect and founder, Mandy pops in a free sample with your order as well as a hand-written note - it's the little things. Recommend highly.

I blame Hannah entirely for this purchase! As soon as I saw Verdekin's Hibiscus & Mallow Cleansing Melt I knew I had to try it. Check founder and formulator Polly whipping up a batch HERE. Review to come soon! (nice to receive a free sample as well with my purchase).

Raven Botanicals have a brand new website and you can collect rewards with purchase if you #jointheconspiracy. I hadn't tried Starlit Purifying Clay Mask or Solstice Facial Oil so their cute Discovery Set was for me, which you'll find under Gift Sets. A review will come for the whole set soon!

I fell totally head-over-heels for Organic Work's Bergamot Hand Wash which I received as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in March. See my review HERE. I loved it so much I needed more. While I was shopping I came across Lucky Cloud's soaps so picked up their Orange & Ylang Ylang one. 

While browsing Naturisimo I came across a new body wash from Fushi - Bringer of Peace and NEOM's Great Day Magnesium Body Butter had been on my wishlist. Reviews to come! I'm not sure how long it's lasting but they currently have 15% off a £50 spend with code AWAKEN.

I needed a new notebook and it was the perfect time to pick up a personalised one from Papier. I absolutely love it (I use Papier for my blog planners too). What have you been buying lately?

*Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Peace Soy Wax Scented Candle

*Candle sent to me free of charge as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Edinburgh based, Lucky Cloud Skincare and their Peace Soy Wax Scented Candle* (£26 - 195gm - 35hrs burn time) is perfection! I also reviewed their Restore Candle* and loved it too - see my review HERE.

I love the reusable white lidded pot the candle comes in which is packaged in an easily recyclable box. Perfect packaging! Ahhh and a crackly wooden wick!

PEACE is a blend of soy wax with cedarwood+patchouli essential oils. It's earthy, woody, spicy and warming and brings an instant feeling of calm and safety - perfect for these unpredictable times!

The crackly wooden wick is so comforting. I've also found that the candle burns evenly and has a great throw. It's one I'll definitely buy again. What are your favourites from the brand?

Check out Love Lula's Bank Holiday Sale which runs from today until Friday 29 May - go grab yourself some treats!

October: Lately I've Been Loving

If it's marked * I've receive a product complimentary. Here's what I've been loving in October:

*I'm currently testing out nknaturals new Season Oils kit which is fantastic. Expect a review very soon.

Picking up these gorgeous cards from Sarah at Eyeshoot Photography. The cards are beautiful and the packaging exquisite.

Enjoying the gorgeous Violet Ida EdP by Miller Harris which was inspired by Graham Greene's book Brighton Rock. It's powdery, sweet and floral and unlike anything in my perfume collection. See my Instagram post HERE.  A full review is to come!

Picking up a copy of Oh Magazine (formerly Oh Comely) at Pics & Ink. I love these lifestyle mags and find them a really nice occasional treat. Postage (£2 per mag) is super quick and there's a great range of titles available.

We've been enjoying a simple recipe from Delicious magazine - figs with blue cheese, wrapped in parma ham with a splash of balsamic vinegar and white wine before being baked in the oven and served with crusty bread (pic is before they are baked). They are truly delicious!

*I've fallen head-over-heels for this gorgeous Lucky Cloud Skincare Restore Candle which is refreshing, uplifting and helps to fill your room with delicious herbal notes. See my review HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

*Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Skincare: Restore Soy Wax Candle

*I received this beautiful candle as part of my Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program picks for October. See my other October picks HERE. I added £7 to my monthly allowance to enable me to enjoy this beautiful candle too. My post contains two affiliate links.

Restore Rosemary+Mint candle (£26 - 190g - 35hr burn time) is one of the nicest candles I've ever used. It's got a deliciously refreshing herb garden scent which brightens, helps with mental fatigue, cleanses the air and relaxes both the body and mind and also brings joy.

It's packaged in a recyclable brown box and hand poured into a gorgeous white re-usable jar with lid. And.... I love that crackly wooden wick!

100% natural soy wax is used along with Rosemary and Mint essential oils with a lovely wooden wick. I've had it burning in my living room and kitchen and the aroma is beautiful - fresh and herbal and the throw is very, very good. 

To use: burn for 1-2 hours initially until the melt pool reaches the edges for an even burn

Pick yours up HERE (it's one I know I'll replenish as it's perfect in every way!)

Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Skincare Blooming Marvellous Lip Butter

As you'll know I'm a huge Lucky Cloud fan having first tried them way back in December '15. As part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program I picked their Blooming Marvellous Lip Butter (£4.50 - 10ml)* which was created in collaboration with Edinburgh based Eteaket - the leaf tea expert.

I love the quirky retro tin packaging which makes it easy to slip into a pocket or handbag or even desk drawer! The Lip Butter is Vegan friendly and inspired by Eteaket's Blooming Marvellous Green Tea.

Formulated with sweet Vanilla, aromatic Rose, fresh Lemon and tangy Strawberry. The blend is enriched with Coconut and Cocoa Butters, Sweet Almond and Thistle oils and Vitamin E.

To use: apply to lips as needed for nourished and soft lips (I've also used it on my cuticles and flyaways!) What's your favourite Lucky Cloud product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program - my post contains one affiliate link.

August Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my August empties a little bit early:

Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil 2ml* - a teeny sample but I liked the scent (always a big thing) and the oil seemed nice. I'd maybe pick up full size.

Sisley Izia Moisturising Perfumed Body Lotion 8ml - I loved this. Would love full size but I'm guessing it'll stay on the wishlist a while as it's pricey!

Iles Formula Haute Performance Shampoo & Conditioner 9ml sachets - this haircare is amazing - it smoothes and nourishes and the hair is left looking and feeling amazing. Full sizes are on the wishlist!

Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender 1lb - huge fan of this soothing and relaxing soak. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap sample - my favourite scent from Dr Bronner. Will buy full size soon!

The Body Deli Coconut Creme Soap - nice to use with a coconut scent (the soap is brown in colour and not really pretty). Enjoyable to use but I wouldn't re-purchase.

ISUN Rosemary Sage Body Scrub Sample - with enough scrubbyness and a herbal scent. This was nice to use but not sure I loved the scent enough to buy full size.

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Deodorant - this is my favourite Schmidt's scent. Since they sold to Unilver I'm just using up my stash (sadly) as this is my all time favourite natural deodorant.

bodhi & birch Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash 50ml - I found this really refreshing to use in my morning shower during the hot summer days. See my review HERE. I'll pick this mini size up again for my travels later in the year. I also used up a mini of Ylang Ylang Incensa and Camomile Sky. See my reviews HERE and HERE. Sure to pick these up again at some point too.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Hand & Body Wash 30ml* - lovely to use would maybe buy full size.

Dafna's Personal Skincare Nutrition 50ml** - absolutely loved this. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy when my stash reduces a bit (cried it was finished!)

Lucky Cloud Skincare Soothing Super Balm in Lavender & Rose 15ml* - huge fan of Lucky Cloud! This balm is a delight. See my review HERE. Definitely buy when my balm stash reduces a bit.

Sol Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream 24ml - a rich vanilla scented cream which I loved trying. Just opened another pot (thanks Julie!).

Bespoke Aroma Refreshing Facial Mist 30ml - which was created especially for Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in June. See my thoughts on the Hydrate Box HERE and my review HERE. It's one I'd pick up again.

Olio E Osso Lustero Body Oil 15ml - loved this. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist!

Kiss the Moon CALM After Dark Face Oil 3ml* - loved this. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml - a firm favourite. See my review HERE. This little one came in Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box 1st Birthday Box which I collaborated on (total honour!).See the box and my picks HERE. Will pick this little beauty up again when my body oil stash reduces!

Zing Organics Velveteen Facial Serum 16ml - a beautiful serum which I loved! Love that they offer refills either in person or by post - more companies should do this! See my review HERE.

Kat Burki Ilume Brightening Serum 5ml - this came in a mini set (magazine freebie with subscription). It was ok. Wouldn't buy.

ISUN Rose Quartz Oil sample - gorgeous to use. Full size is on the wishlist (edit: I've just been gifted full size to review - expect that on the blog soon!)

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program
**sent to me by the Founder & Formulator

Shopping my Stash #93

Here are the products I've been reaching for:

I picked up Stella Says Soap's gorgeous Rosewood & Geranium Hand Balm at Maltby Street Market last weekend. I first tried Stella's soaps a couple of years ago. The hand balm is a rich and nourishing blend of 100% pure and natural oils and butters including Organic Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Vitamin E and Beeswax. The hand balm smells glorious and deeply moisturises the hands. It's a keeper! My next purchase is going to be the Brittany Sea Salt Reed Diffuser - see HERE

I absolutely adore Antipodes's Sweet Pacific Coral Lipstick. The coral colour is simply beautiful, long lasting and moisturising. I definitely want to try more colours soon.

I'm testing out Renunail's Sensitive Nail Strengthener** which helps you to achieve stronger nails in 28 days. I had a bit of a setback recently so I'm determined to start again! Expect a full review soon.

I'm trying out all of the body butters* from Magical Tree and they are simply gorgeous! Flower Power is scented with Geranium Bourbon essential oil and has a sweet and floral scent. It's a rich blend of Shea, Cocoa and Mango Butter with Grapeseed, Coconut & Sweet Almond oils. I just adore them! Expect a full review soon!

It was nice to spot Alteya Organics back at Love Lula. I used the brand's Certified Organic Hair Treatment with Bulgarian Rose way back in 2015. See my review HERE. I've been testing out their gorgeous and very affordable Certified Organic Bulgarian White Rose Water (£8 - 100ml)*. It's very effective and lovely. Again, a fuller review will follow.

I love OKKO's balms and this Coconut & Lime Lip Balm is lovely (and leaves me dreaming of summer!) My only negative is that if you push the balm up too much it won't go back down again. I love the recyclable packaging though and the lush scent and how deeply it moisturises the lips.

I'm a huge fan of cleansing balms* and this one by Lucky Cloud Skincare is one of my favourites. See my review HERE. 

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains a few affiliate links

**PR sample

Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Skincare

I'm a huge Lucky Cloud Skincare fan having locally bought their bodycare products (the company is Edinburgh based). See my review of their Hydrating Body Milk (Sweet Orange & Vanilla) and Coconut Lip Butter HERE. The body balm in Sweet Orange & Vanilla featured in shopping my stash #68 (I kind of like this scent!)

I've been testing out their two new facial skincare products* which are absolutely fantastic!

The Nourishing Cleansing Balm* (60ml - £20) is simply gorgeous! The balm melts upon contact with skin making it easy to remove daily grime and make up.  The balm has a gorgeous luxurious spa like scent and contains neroli, geranium and sandalwood essential oils along with organic jojoba and macadamia nut oils. The macadamia oil along with castor oil attract dirt which help to give the skin a deep clean at the end of the day.

Skin is left feeling clean, balanced and nourished. It's perfect for dry, sensitive and mature skin types.

To use: fill the basin with warm water and soak a cotton face cloth, squeeze out excess water and hold against the skin for a few seconds before scooping a small amount from the jar. Warm in your fingertips before massaging over your face and neck. Remove with the warmed cloth.

The Nourishing Face Oil* (30ml - £20) is one of the best I've used this year! It's formulated with CoEnzyme Q10, rosehip seed, Evening primrose, jojoba, avocado, kiwi seed and rice bran oils which regenerate and rejuvenate the skin, smoothing fine lines, softening and making the skin look and feel both glowy and healthy. Again, this oil is best suited to dry, sensitive and mature skin types and has the same beautiful scent as the cleansing balm.

To use: after cleansing and misting measure out 4-8 drops onto fingertips and massage over the face and neck concentrating on your driest areas. Wake up to bright and nourished skin.

I've been so impressed with this duo and can't recommend them highly enough. If you've tried the brand what are your favourites?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains a few affiliate links.