April Empties

This must be the smallest amount of empties...ever.. (I recycled the ones I'd finished when I was away recently rather than bring them back). I'm not going to use anything else up so here goes..

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak 400g - I absolutely loved these. I bought them with a 30% off code as I'd never buy them full price. If they were on offer again I'd be sure to snap them up. See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon GLOW Bedtime Bath Salts 400g* - Again, these were fabulous and I loved them. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy these when my stash reduces.

I absolutely adored all three Botany Blend oils** I tried. These two samples were also gorgeous (don't you just love companies which offer trial sizes). See my review HERE. I'm highly likely to buy ACESO in the future.

New from Tabitha James Kraan is Clean Shampoo which has a slight lather. This 10ml sample gave me two uses making it a good try-me (or perfect for holidays). I'll definitely buy full size soon.

From Sisley and my April subscription sample pack is their Revitalising Volumising Shampoo 8ml which I found to have a strange oily sort of texture. This seemed nice enough but I didn't really notice any extra volume in my hair.

My final sachet this month is from Green People - Intensive Repair Shampoo which seemed nice. The sachet is quite small so I only got one use from it.  Might or might not buy full size.

Beatitude Peace Bath Oil 10ml - I'm a huge fan of this brand (my favourite scent is Joy). This is great for a relaxing soak. See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon LOVE After Dark Face Oil 5ml is truly decadent and very luxurious. See my mini review HERE. My stash of face oils is truly huge but once it reduces a bit I'll buy this again.

ESPA Restorative Body Oil 15ml which was a Latest in Beauty Build your own Box pick. Nice to use with a pleasant scent.  My body products stash is huge so probably wouldn't buy.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Handwash 300ml - I adore this spicy wash. This was my last full size (and I never got round to picking any up in the sales) so no more for me until it's back in store in October. See my review HERE.

My final item this month is Ezàpè Naturals Rosemary Body Butter 25g which is a nourishing pot of goodness. See my review HERE. I've got a full size pot of this waiting to be used but I'd buy again.

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me via the LLABP

**complimentary

February Empties

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

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - which are a staple for me. See my review HERE. I always have these in my stash.

Micheline Arcier Enchantement Bath & Shower Crystals 200g* - amazing! See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy these at some point as they took bathing to another level!

Jo Malone Red Roses Body Creme 175ml - which was lovely to use and seemed to last forever. I'd maybe buy it again (this one was a gift).

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 100ml - again, an absolute staple and I went through loads when I recently had the flu. See my review HERE. I've just cracked open a new one!

Ravenscourt Apothecary Blood Orange Hand Whipped Body Butter 60ml - just gorgeous! I can't wait to buy it again. See my review HERE.

Ezàpè Naturals Rosemary Body Butter 25g - which I totally fell for, so much so I rushed out and bought full size. See my review HERE.

Lola's Apothecary Delicate Romance Balancing Body Souffle 30ml - which again I totally fell in love with. Again, rushed out and bought full size. Review to come!

Poppy's Natural Skincare Supermoisturising Organic Chai Seed Hand Butter 50ml - I've not bought it yet but I will. A light as air neroli scented butter which is totally exquisite. See my review HERE.

JOIK Luxurious Bathmilk Citrus* - which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. The plastic pot didn't have a seal on it so had covered most things in a fine layer of powder (sad face). It was nice enough to use but I wouldn't buy.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 20ml - huge Weleda fan and this orange scented lotion is lovely. See my mini review HERE. I've got a full-size of this waiting to open.

Green People Ho wood and Red Mandarin Hand Cream 30ml** which had a gorgeous scent and was really moisturising. It was a Limited Edition so isn't available anymore. See my mini review HERE.

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Hand Cream 50ml** - which was a real treat-y hand cream. I'd maybe pick it up again.

Jane Scrivner Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist 100ml* - oh I just loved this. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely buy at some point.

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Body Silk 50ml** - this is my favourite scent in the range. See my review HERE.

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme

**complimentary

Five Favourites: Bathtime

I decided to resurrect this post Five Favourites. These literally are the five products I keep reaching for again and again! (although the KINN Beauty & Organic Trevarno are relatively new finds!)

I received Organic Trevarno Camomile & Lavender Bath & Body Oil in my Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in November and totally fell in love with this sleep inducing potion (so had to buy full size). See my review HERE.

I just adore MOA's Fortifying Green Bath Potion which I reviewed HERE. I was delighted to receive one in my January Love Lula Beauty Box (MOA's new bath salts Dreamy are amazing too (review).

New to me brand KINN Beauty's bath oil is simply exquisite. The essential oil blend used is absolutely perfection - for me it says "everything's going to be fine". It's the perfect product for some me time, to relax and unwind (Ylang Ylang, Tangerine & Lavender). 

I've loved this Ila Spa Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation for a very long time. It's a beautiful blend of Vetiver and Petitgrain and it calms and relaxes both the body and mind (and costs an absolute bargainous £9.60 for 150ml!)

No bathtime round-up would be complete without Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts. I once said if I could only use one bathtime product it would be these. See my review HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

The Natural Beauty Box: CLARITY - Mind, Body, Soul

January's The Natural Beauty Box theme was CLARITY - Mind, Body & Soul* and inside are products which clear your mind, give you an energy boost and rejuvenate both the skin and the senses. 

You can sign up for February's box HERE (a month by month subscription costs £24.95 with free p&p (there are discounts if you sign up for a 3 or 6 month subscription by prepayment). Every quarter the company donate to charity for each box sold - which is a nice touch. February's box will ship on the 20th.  

So what's inside January's box:

Doesn't it all look lovely. And now for a closer look..

I'm already a huge fan of Optiat and their The Hungover Coffee Scrub in Potent Peppermint (£6.99) is my favourite from the range. See my review HERE.

Excited face, from new to me Scottish brand Nurturing Soul is their Clarity Aromatherapy Perfume rollerball 10ml (£7.99) which smells heavenly. It contains a blend of oils which will help you stay calm and collected in times of stress and when extra concentration is required. I love this and I'll review it more fully soon.

Buff Natural Skincare is a brand I discovered recently via Pure Natural Box. I loved their NAKED Sea Salt Body Scrub Lovers' Blend. See my review HERE. I'm excited to try the Buff Up Morning Blend Massage Oil 100ml (£12.50). Again, a review will follow.

I tried Organdle recently and inside this box is their Health Living Focus & Clarity Candle (£13) which is scented with a blend of rosemary, cardamon and lime which I'm looking forward to lighting.

I'd been aware of Ezàpè Naturals but hadn't tried it before receiving it recently in a beauty box. Inside is their Rosemary Body Butter 25g (£6.50). I adore this rich and luxurious butter and again a review will follow.

Rounding up this fabulous box is MOA's 10ml shot of their amazing Fortifying Green Bath Potion. See my review HERE.

What are your thoughts on the contents of January's The Natural Beauty Box? Or are you already a subscriber?

*complimentary

January Empties

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

Faith in Nature Grapefruit & Orange Shower Gel & Foam Bath 100ml - this came in the Holland & Barrett Advent Calendar and I really liked it's zesty freshness. It was great for a wake up call in my morning shower. Would buy full size.

Buff Natural Body Care NAKED Sea Salt Body Scrub Lovers' Blend 60ml - I absolutely loved this beautiful scented scrub which had the perfect amount of scrubbiness. See my review HERE. Sure to pick this up again.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 100ml - is one of my favourite bath time products. Luckily, just received another in January's Love Lula Beauty Box. See my review HERE.

Ishga Invigorating Body Oil 100ml* - I absolutely loved this! See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy at some point when my body oil stash reduces a bit.

AA Skincare Green Tea & Aloe Vera Soothing Cleansing Wipes - I don't use wipes very often but find them great to use after a night out or on holiday. I found these ones very gentle and I'll pick them up again.

Organic Trevarno Camomile & Lavender Bath & Body Oil 30ml which came in November's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved it so much I rushed out and bought full size. See my thoughts HERE. I'll pick it up again as I love it!

And...I finished two perfumes this month:

Miller Harris Vetiver Insolent EdP 50ml - which I simply love. I picked up a mini in their sale but I'll definitely buy full size soon (it's up there in my top 5). 

And another favourite Shay & Blue's Dandelion Fig 30ml (both hubby and friend Julie picked me up bottles for Christmas so I'm well stocked up - thanks both!) See my mini review HERE.

What have you been using up this month? 

*complimentary

Love Lula Beauty Box: January 2018

January's Love Lula Beauty Box* is absolutely fantastic! It's worth over £71 this month! The first thing to jump out at me is my favourite MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion (100ml - £27.50) which I absolutely adore. See my review HERE.

Laidbare's Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow! Hair Minimising Cream (125ml - £6.99) had already been on my wishlist so I'm looking forward to testing it out.  It's a daily moisturiser which acts as an anti-inflammatory to help the skin protect itself from the potential rigours of hair removal. "No more unsightly bumps from shaving and waxing, with no burn!". A review will follow.

From Madara we have their Total Renew Night Cream (20ml - £20) which is the perfect try me size or for travel. I've used this before and loved it. It softens, nourishes and recharges the skin while you are sleeping.

The final item this month is Brightening Eye Gel (15ml - £16.95) from PHB Ethical Beauty which I've used before. It helps to target dark circles and puffiness whilst lightening and hydrating.

An absolutely brilliant box this month (I've just finished my MOA so delighted to have it back in my stash!) What are your thoughts on the contents this month?

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

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak

As you'll probably be aware I adore MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary. I've tried everything in their range and this is the newest launch which is fabulous - Dreamy Mineral Soak - £25 for 400g. I picked mine up during Black Friday with 30% off.

Mineral rich Himalayan pink salt and sea salt are blending with an enticing mix of lavender, pine and cardamon and there is also the famous yarrow in there!

It's great to use before bed (add a couple of handfuls to your bath) for restful and fragrant dreams. 

The scent of the soak is really beautiful calming and uplifting at the same time. It has an aromatic spicy edge with the cardamon while lavender relaxes. Antiseptic lemon peel oil brightens and pine oil helps with oily skin and blemishes.

It's my new favourite bath treat. Pick yours up HERE.

See my reviews:

Hello Sunshine Energising Body Oil HERE

Fortifying Green Bath Potion HERE

The Green Balm, Daily Cleansing Ritual and Aphrodite Facial Oil HERE 

Vertue Beauty Box: Mindful Beauty

The Vertue Beauty Box* is new to me. It's a bi-monthly box which costs £37 for a box delivered every two months, six months pre-pay which costs £105 (3 boxes every two months) or twelve month pre-pay which costs £195 (6 boxes delivered every two months).

It is more expensive than most boxes but the value is superb. Inside November's box which is themed Mindful Beauty is:

WOW! There are 3 new to me brands nestling in there! The value of the box is a whopping £72.50!

I'm already a huge fan of MOA and reviewed their Daily Cleansing Ritual HERE. Although known to me, this is a lovely addition to the box.

From gorgeous Isla Apothecary there are two scrubs - Lemongrass & Rosemary Renew Foot Scrub (120g) and Blood Orange & Vanilla Sugar Scrub (120g). I've used both of these before. These aren't currently in my stash so I'm very happy to have them back in my life!

From new to me brand Kindred+Wild is a 50ml bottle of their Lavender & Chamomile Herb Oil which can be used on the face, body and as a bath oil (I love a muti-use product!) Review will follow.

I love beauty boxes which pop in some healthy extras:

Be. Tribe is a new brand to me. I got their Fix Up blend which contains pea protein, Acai, Acerola Cherry, Maqui, Goji berries, Baobab, Camu Camu, Beet, rodiola Rosea and Himalayan Salt. Add to your smoothie for an instant boost.

The final item and a free gift was a delicious bar of organic dark chocolate from Doisy & Dam.

I think the Vertue Beauty Box* is fantastic value, stuffed full of full sizes and a real treat. Do you already subscribe? Or are you tempted? (like me!)

*complimentary

The Perfume Society: Scented Skincare

I noticed that the Scented Skincare set from The Perfume Society and in collaboration with Latest in Beauty had been reduced in price to £11 - I had a voucher code due to a problem with a previous order and couldn't resist picking it up for a bargainous £9.95! Even at £11 it is a real bargain (worth £75) (I think there are just a few remaining now - so if you want one be quick!)

Inside is:

Sukin Detoxifying Clay Mask 100ml (this is full size and worth £11.49!) I've been trying another couple of products from this brand so I'm looking forward to trying this detoxifying treat.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream 40ml which smells heavenly. I've used this before and it's lovely.

Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 20ml which is the perfect size for holidays. It's packed full of good things for the skin, absorbs quickly and smells gorgeous.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 10ml shot (worth £4) I'm a huge fan of this bath product. See my review HERE.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Restore & Replenish Hand Cream 7ml I love this hand cream. See my review HERE. I'm saving this one for my mum!

This Works Sleep Plus Trouble Shooter 10ml which is a new to me product from a brand I love. You use it on neglected areas before you go to bed - like upper arms, decolletage, elbows and knees. Looking forward to testing it out!

Rosalena Rock & Rose Face Oil 5ml which I've used before and loved. See my review HERE.

Ultrasun Face SPF30 25ml (which is worth a tenner) and which I've used before and enjoyed. This one will be being popped in my handbag for use on the go.

Amie New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish 25ml which is gentle and scented with Orange Blossom. I've already got one of these in my stash which I've not tried yet!

balance me Restore & Replenish Face Cream 15ml huge balance me fan and this size's great for holidays and I've used this lovely nourishing cream before.

The final item is a great branded make up/toiletries bag from Latest in Beauty. Did you pick up a Scented Skincare set?

New In: MOA Hello Sunshine Energising Body Oil

I'm a huge, huge fan of MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary. I simply adore their Fortifying Green Bath Potion (review) and spotlighted the brand last year (link) so imagine my delight when browsing at Cult Beauty I came across their latest launch - Hello Sunshine Energising Body Oil (150ml - £22.50).

It really is a beautiful oil which makes me smile (and will be bought again!) The name reminds me of happiness and sunny days. It's stuffed full of active organic ingredients and the oil absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling nourished and smelling delicious.

It has notes of zesty antibacterial lemongrass, marjoram which awakens the senses and kick starts the circulation as well as purifying the skin. Eucalyptus refreshes while yarrow soothes.

Hello Sunshine has a gorgeous citrus and slightly herbal scent. "In folklore marjoram or mountain joy, is a lucky plant bringing joy and good fortune".

To use: massage over the body to seal in moisture before or after a shower, use for massage or after exercise.

Have you tried it yet? What's your favourite MOA product?

Recent Buys: Love Me Beauty, YOU Beauty, MOA, Latest in Beauty, Isla Apothecary, Craft Gin Club

Here's my recent purchases:

The last couple of months I've been loving the choices available at Love me Beauty. This month it's "The Enchanted Edit" and you can pick from Make up Forever, benefit, Merumaya and Nuxe.  My selections are above and I'm loving them all! I also like that instead of a box you get your picks in a cute make up bag which is different each month. Use my code SANDR174 to get £21 worth of goodies for free.  The cost of the box is £13.95 a month including P&P.

Another box I recently signed back up for is YOU Beauty Box which is fantastic value for money. I stuck with the original format of 2 items for £6.95 but you can upgrade to 3 or 4 (wish I'd gone for 3 as I love Olverum's bath oil which is a pick).

I chose FOREO's Day Cleanser which is worth £25! I'm looking forward to testing it out with my LUNA.  My second choice was OWAY's Color Protection Hair Bath 50ml which is worth £4.75. It's a brand I've not heard of before so looking forward to trying. The extras this month are Montagne Jennesse Soften Sock and Glove Masques which I'll happily try and a card for £25 off your first Everdine box. 

You can also now pick up the fabulous Advent Calendar for £69.95.

I adore MOA's Fortifying Green Bath Potion (review) and you can now pick up 10ml single shots (£2.75 each) from the website. They are perfect for try me, small gifts or stocking fillers! See my spotlight on MOA HERE.

I'm currently obsessed with Latest in Beauty's Build your own box. There are products in there I pick up again and again. Cue Mauli Rituals, Molton Brown, Kneipp and Aurelia Probiotic Skincare. Oh and I also love the Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream.

This beautiful Blood Orange & Vanilla Scrub (220g - £23) (smells so scrummy) by Isla Apothecary which I bought at Content Beauty & Wellbeing. It has the perfect amount of scrubby-ness and smells good enough to eat. Absolutely love it and want to now try more from the range.

I love stationery and this #boxoflame is just amazing. I especially love the other side of fear card (which is now on my kitchen pinboard!) Pick yours up HERE. There is now a blogger box available! I just went for the small size at £15 which is beautiful.  See my thoughts on the Spring Box of Lame HERE.

This month's Craft Gin Club box arrived on Monday and as usual is jam-packed with beautiful things. This month the gin is by Poetic License and is exclusive to the club - Spiced Orange and Cranberry which is best served with a slice of orange. Also inside is a miniature of their Northern Dry Gin, deliciously moreish Cranberry Snack Yoghurt Cranberries, Cranes Cranberry Cider and a bottle of Sonnet 43 The Raven Bourbon Milk Stout.  Get £10 off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM.

What have you been buying lately?

Love Lula: Spotlight on MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary

MOA's natural skincare products are made in England and are "inspired by old herbal folklore with a sprinkling of magic".

The hero ingredient is the herb yarrow which is found beside hedgerows in the UK. Shrouded in tales of folklore it has been used for centuries to heal and repair.

Products come in green glass jars and amber bottles with cardboard packaging which are all recyclable. I just love the cute packaging. The range is 100% natural and free from parabens, perfume, alcohol and lanolin. Suitable for Vegetarians and there is no animal testing.

The first and original product in the range is the multi-purpose The Green Balm (50ml - £12.50)* (15ml - £4.99). It really can "do it all" and I'm a huge fan.

Yarrow soothes, heals and repairs while Tea Tree is antiseptic, Beeswax protects while Coconut, Sweet Almond and Soy Bean oils soften and nourish the skin.

The balm is suitable for all the family and even those with sensitive skins making it ideal for everyday use and holidays.

The Green Balm has a pleasant herbal scent and soothes dry itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps to heal cuts, bruises, grazes, blisters, burns, bites and stings.

Use it on chapped lips, to help heal coldsores, after shaving, when you have a cold either around your nostrils or adding a small amount to water before gargling (it's good to heal a sore throat!) as well as moisturising and deeply cleansing the skin. It really is a wonder product!

The Green Balm can also be used for a very pampering Daily Cleansing Ritual (£17.50)*. It's also an award winner - The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2015 for Best Cleanser.

The bamboo cloth which comes in the cleansing ritual is made of bamboo fibre and is antibacterial and eco friendly.  It is super lush with a smooth side and a buffing side (and it turns cleansing into such a luxury ritual).

To use: take a small amount from the jar and warm it between your fingertips before massaging the oil over the face and neck. Steam the skin with the warmed cloth before buffing off the remaining balm. To finish the ritual, close the pores and tone place the cloth supersoft side down (dipped in cold water and rung out) onto the skin.

The Aphrodite Facial Oil (30ml - £20)* is a "magical blend" of nutrient rich Rosehip oil with aromatic Damask Rose and Rose Geranium essential oils (smells gorgeous) which rejuvenate, nourishes and balances while Yarrow evens the skin tone and Marshmallow extract soothes and calms.

To use: massage a few drops onto the face and neck AM and PM after cleansing. The oil absorbs instantly leaving the skin feeling nurtured and the skin looking glowy and healthy.

I've absolutely loved using the products as I found them very effective and great to use. I'm also a huge fan of their de-stressing Fortifying Green Bath Potion (100ml - £27.50) see my review HERE.

*I'm a member of Love Lula's Accredited Blogger Program (LLABP) and each month (starting from August 2016) I will receive 500 points (the equivalent to £50) to spend on products for review. Under the scheme I will also receive a monthly beauty box (from this month).

All views are my own genuine thoughts and I thank Love Lula very much for the opportunity.