August Empties

This is the smallest amount of empties ever I think! Stuff I used up on holiday I just threw out there rather than bring them home with me. I'm not going to use anymore this month so here goes -

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make Up SPF15 shade 4 - I love this foundation and will buy again at some point. It is expensive but it lasts me around 6 months making it great value.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel 100ml - this is my favourite Abahna scent. See my review here. Will pick up again at some point.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - I love this body oil and already have another one in my stash. See my review here.

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - I had a teeny tiny bit of this left in the bottle which I was saving. Upon buying a new bottle in Jersey I just used it up! My favourite Tom Ford scent ever - see my review here.  I'm now on my third bottle and know I'll re-purchase. Expensive but so worth it!

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean 15ml - I just love this minty cleansing balm - it's my favourite cleanser this year. Already have a few in my stash but one I'll definitely re-purchase.

Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Enriching Sea Plant Jelly 15ml* - I loved this. See my review here.

de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil 20ml - so sad to have finished this as I loved it. See my review here. I pre-ordered the Autumn blend before my spending ban kicked in.  I'm finding I just can't be without these oils. I also loved the version for Spring.

bodhi & birch Mint The & Jasmine Falls Bath & Shower Therapy both 50ml - I took these on holiday and the two mini bottles were more than enough for a week.  What can I say I love these two scents and keep buying them!

LJ's Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - another new product this year which I love. See my review here. Just cracked open a new bottle.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR sample

Current Favourites: Face Oils & Serums

These five are my current favourite face oils and serums.  Some are new to me and others old tried and tested favourites.

de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil 20ml - this is a recent discovery and is a complete joy to use and I know I'll be buying the Summer Seasonal Oil when it is available to purchase.  See my review of the Spring oil HERE.

Bodhi & Birch Neroli Luce Revitalising Face Oil 15ml - I've had several bottles of this lush oil and love using it in Spring and Summer. It featured in my buy-again post see HERE.

Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Enhancing Arctic Essence 30ml* - this super luxe moisturising serum is one of the nicest I've ever used! See my review HERE.

Living Nature Radiance Night Oil 10ml* - this is a new try for me and a full review will follow. This rich oil is scented with roses and my skin is loving it.  I also love that it is multi-purpose - add a few drops to your hand cream, night cream or face mask.

Bodhi & Birch Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 15ml - this is one of my all time favourite facial oils - I always have one in my stash. See my review HERE.

Have you used any of these? What's your favourite face oil or serum?

*PR samples

November Empties

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Hand Wash 250ml* - this is a great hand wash in my favourite Organic Surge scent.  See my review here. I've already re-purchased.

Rosemira Organics See Me C Repair Serum sample vial* - this was simply lovely. See my thoughts here. Would happily use this again.

Rosemira Organics Divine Honey Rose Replenishing Cream sample pot* - I adored this deliciously scented hydrating cream.  Another one I'll pick up at some point. See my review here.

Neom Refresh Bath & Shower Oil 100ml - I received this as a present from hubby. Was lovely and would consider purchasing.  I don't think there has ever been a Neom product I've not loved.

Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Skin Tonic 12ml - one of my favourite toners...ever.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy again.

G Baldwin & Co Harmonising Bath Oil 100ml - this was lovely and really reasonably priced. Sure to pick up again.  See my mini review here.

Rare El'ements Pure Shampoo 7ml sachets x 2, 1 x 7ml sachet Essential Conditioner, 1 x 7ml sachet Lite Conditioner - these were one of the most luxurious natural haircare products I've ever used. Full sizes on the wishlist!

Yes to Carrots Nourishing Gentle Cleansing Wipes x 10 wipes - I try not to use wipes too often. These were great. I'd definitely re-purchase. They were very gentle and great for using after a night out.

Lina Hanson Global Body Serum 100ml - I simply loved this body serum which I'd buy again.  See my review here.

Inner Soul Organics Scandinavian Angelica Refresh Bath & Shower Oil 30ml* - I loved this smokey scented product.  See my review here. I think it would also be the perfect scent for a reed diffuser!

EVOLVh Ultrashine Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner both 75ml* - I really liked these. They left the hair shiny and manageable. Would buy full size.

Bodhi Neroli Luce Face Oil mini - love this face oil.  Will buy again in Springtime.

Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil sample - this was really lovely and one I'd buy.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - a super luxe body serum which I'll definitely re-purchase at some point. This is my second mini size.

Maddi Alexander Rose Bath Oil 30ml - this came in the YOU Beauty Limited Edition box. I loved it and would buy again.

Grown Alchemist Body Cleanser Chamomile, Bergamot & Rosewood 50ml - this was nice to use but probably wouldn't buy as I didn't love it.

Bodhi & Birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml* - so sad to finish this but...another bottle is now in my possession! I think I'll always have this amazing product in my stash!  See my review here.

Eminence Sweet Red Rose Cleanser 15ml - I really enjoyed using this cleanser and I'd maybe re-purchase.  See my review here.

Grown Alchemist Mandarin & Rosemary Leaf Body Cream 30ml - I loved this easily absorbing cream and would buy.  See my review here.

Mel Millis Organic Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil 10ml - a gorgeous face oil.  See my review here.

RMS "un" powder 9g - simply love this light setting powder which absorbs oil leaving the skin perfectly matt. Already on my second pot and know I'll buy again and again.  This pot lasted just about 8 months making it excellent value for money. Would recommend.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Mel Millis: Phytonutri Qi Collection

Tracey Foy, the founder and creator of Mel Millis contacted me to see if I'd like to try her new range Phytonutri Qi*. I was expecting to receive one of the items in the fabulous new range to review so you can imagine my delight and surprise when I received the whole range of the latest launches.  Thanks so much once again Tracey.

The products are inspired by the power of natural ingredients and sourced from the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean.

Products are "cruelty-free and sustainably sourced, with certified organic and natural ingredients handpicked to deliver exceptional and effective results".

I first tried Mel Millis when I received two products in a Souk Souk box - see my review of the Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Tonic and the Organic Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil here. This face oil received a Janey Lee Grace Platinum Award this year for Best Face Oil and Tracey received a Bronze award from FreeFrom SkinCare Awards 2014 for her Rose & Pomegranate Rebalancing Face Oil.

The products came in a beautiful branded Mel Millis box stuffed full of shredded paper and packed full of goodies!  I so love the packaging with the wild flower seeds embedded in the boxes.  Plant them in your garden or in a windowbox and the honeybees will love you! 

Phytonutri Qi Plankton Skin Remedy (200g - £68)* - this is one of the most unusual products I've ever used! The cleanser comes in powder form and you mix it with water to form a paste before applying it to the skin in circular motions before removing with warm water. You can also use it as a face mask leaving on for 10 minutes before rinsing.  It helps to brighten, increase elasticity, firm and help with the first signs of ageing.  Stuffed full of bioactives, natural enzyme produced hyaluronic acid, Nutmeg, Spriulina, Green Tea extract, Gingseng, Cocoa, Moroccan Laval Clay and infused with Vanilla and Rose Petal Powder.

Phytonutri Qi Energising MM Face Peel (50ml - £48)* - use this re-mineralising honey mask once a week.  It fortifies the skin while Glycolic Acid helps the active ingredients of Hyaluronic Acid penetrate the skin and act on living cells. It helps to increase collagen and help with skin density. Citrus oils refresh.  The skin is left radiant, energised, smooth and soft.  Take a generous scoop and work into a paste with a few drops of water.  Apply to the skin (this takes a bit of practice to smooth it over) and leave for ten minutes. Remove with the warmed organic muslin cloth.

Phytonutri Qi Enriching Sea Plant Jelly (15ml - £48)* - containing Hyaluronic Acid which deeply hydrates the skin along with bio organic oils and plant extracts the jelly regenerates and rejuvenates the skins elasticity.  It also contains Immortelle, Frankincense and Rose to restore and moisturise the skin. Apply a pea sized amount to the skin before moisturising.

Phytronutri Qi Enhancing Arctic Essence (30ml - £85)* - this serum smoothes, freshens, plumps and repairs the skin. It is stuffed full of good things for the skin including Arctic Cranberry and Arctic Blackcurrant extracts, Organic Frankincense, Patchouli and Rose to stimulate cells and repair damage caused by skin ageing.  Apply a few drops to the fingertips massaging into the skin in circular motions.

I can quite honestly say this is one of the nicest and most effective skincare ranges I have ever used.  My favourites are the Enriching Sea Plant Jelly and the Enhancing Arctic Essence.

Have you tried any of these Mel Millis products?

*complimentary

July Empties

I'm a wee bit early with my empties this month but I know I won't finish anything else. So here goes..

OLE HENRIKSEN Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths* - simply loved these paraben free cleansing wipes.  See my review here. Sure I'll buy them or others in the range soon. Don't use them all the time but especially like to use them on holiday or after a night out.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 118ml* - simply adore this nourishing, nuturing and deliciously scented body oil.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy this again as I just love it.

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumbers Bath Oil 30ml - I quite liked this bath oil. It is quite heavily scented and quite oily. I'd maybe buy it in winter.

MUN Brightening Youth Serum 1ml sample vial* - this came in last month's Petit Vour* box. I unfortunately dropped it from the cupboard in the bathroom and it smashed after a single use (cry) but I loved the one use of it I had. Smells gorgeous and felt really nourishing on the skin.

OLE HENRIKSEN Truth Creme 7ml - this came in a gift set and I loved it. Would consider buying full size. A really gorgeous citrus scented light textured cream.

REN Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 200ml* - simply loved this. See my review here. Sure to buy at some point.

MOX Botanicals Calendula & Oatmeal Bath Milk - these giant teabags for the bath were gorgeous. See my review here.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - 2 x 100g sachets - simply adore these salts. See my review here. I'll always buy these as quite simply they work!

Charlotte Hilton Rose Otto Sweet & Seductive Rosebud Milk Bath 225g - a delicious rose scented luxe milk bath.  See my review here. Will definitely buy this again as it made for a real luxury bath.

bodhi (now bodhi & birch) Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub 350ml* - is quite simply the best body scrub I've ever used. My favourite way to use it is to use the scrub all over my body before relaxing in a warm bath. Divine! Sure to buy once I use up the current ones in my stash.

Dahliana Overnight Fruit Lift Creme sample* simply love this! Huge Dahliana fan and want to try more from the range. See my review here.

de Mamiel Cleansing Balm sample - this was simply gorgeous to use. Nurturing, smells gorgeous and makes cleansing into a ritual. Full size is up there on my wishlist.  Thanks so much to Content for offering their fabulous sample service - see here for more details.

Caudalie Polyphenol C Eye & Lip Cream 5ml - a great lip and eye cream which plumps, reduces dark circles, de-puffs and soothes. Love!

Nuxe Huie Prodigieuse Multi-use Dry Oil mini - huge Nuxe fan and this is one of my favourites. Sure to pick up again.

Mel Millis Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Toner 10ml - adored this. See my review here. I will definitely buy this again and maybe others in the range.

Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence 10ml - I received this from Ailsa in the S/S Green Beauty Swap. Loved it and full size is a buy-soon.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - love this and will keep on buying. One lasts me about a month. Great value and works well.

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum 1oz* - simply love this.  See my review here. Have already re-purchased this as it works! Love it.

laidbare Butter me Up Organic Shea Butter Body Butter 250ml - a rich and deliciously scented body cream. Will definitely buy again.  See my review here.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Mel Millis Organic Phytonutrient Skincare

Last month's Souk Souk beauty box contained two Mel Millis products. I've been wanting to try this brand for ages especially after reading Ana's post.

Included in the box was sample sizes of Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Tonic (10ml - £5) and Organic Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil (10ml - £7) 

Products are free from Parabens, Petrochemicals, Artificial Fragrances and Colours, Synthetic ingredients, Pthalates, TEA, DEA, Mineral Oil, Palm Oil and Alcohol.  

The luxe range is handmade in small batches in the UK with the purest and freshest ingredients being used.  I love that you can plant the boxes in your garden (the cardboard has wildflower seeds within) and help save the honeybees. Mine are already planted and if they grow I'll update with a pic.

Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Tonic (10ml - £5, 30ml - £15 and 50ml - £22) - I simply loved this tonic (and I've already used it up). Pure hydrolate is extracted during the distillation process of the essential oil. The tonic smells delicious. It rejuvenates and refreshes the skin - full size is already on the ever expanding wishlist!  Use after cleansing to help rebalance the skin or as a spritz throughout the day.  Suitable for all skin types.

Organic Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil  (10ml - £7, 50ml - £38) - a luxe oil which contains Pumpkin, Baobab and Rosehip Oils with Neroli, Immortelle and Seabuckthorn which helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation. Helps to brighten and rejuvenate mature and dull skin.  Leaves the skin radiant, smooth, plumped and lifted.  Apply a couple of drops to slightly damp skin and massage in circular motions.

I really loved both of these products and am keen to try more from the range. Have you tried anything from Mel Millis before?

Souk Souk June Beauty Box

I am so excited about the contents of my June Souk Souk beauty box. Everything in it I love!  It includes a brand which I've heard of but not tried any of their products before...until now - Mel Millis - I definitely squealed lots when I opened the box! It's just my kind of box!

Mel Millis Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Tonic (10ml - £5) - this smells simply gorgeous! It contains Neroli Flower water to refresh the skin and stimulate cell growth. Use after cleansing or as a spritz on hot days. The boxes contain wild flower seeds so I'm going to tear up the boxes and plant in my veggie plot for the honeybees.

Mel Millis Organic Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil (10ml - £7) - a luxe face oil which combines pumpkin, baobab and rosehip oils with Neroli, Immortelle and Sea Buckthorn to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation. Again, it smells delicious. I'm a huge fan of anything which contains Sea Buckthorn oil so looking forward to trying this out.

Yours Truly Organics Fix Me! Repairing Serum - this is a full size product worth £28 (30ml). I've used this lovely serum before.  See my review here.

FOM Revitalising Hair Serum (10ml - £4.50) - I've tried a couple of FOM's products before but not the ones included in the box.  This serum is packed full of good things for the hair. Love that you can use it as an intensive treatment or just everyday.  Looking forward to testing this out.

FOM Antioxidant Facial Mask (5g - £4) - a detoxifying facial mask which you mix with water. You can use it either as an exfoliator or a mask. It contains Vitamin C, Rosehip, Chamomile, Lavender and Olive Leaf. Again, can't wait to try.

This is my favourite box so far! Did you get this month's box? What are your thoughts?