February Empties

If  a product is marked * I've kindly been gifted it for review. Here's my February empties:

*Seatree Cosmetics Sweet Orange Handcrafted Soap - which was fresh and fruity and lovely to use. See my review HERE. I've got a stash of soaps to use up but I'd buy from this brand in future.

Huge love for NorthburN I received the Mandarin & Bergamot Room Mist 30ml which came in their Gift of the Month in June last year. The set also included a reed diffuser which I fell in love with. And so, I bought their Mandarin & Bergamot Refill Diffuser Oil 100ml which I've just used up also. Will definitely buy both again.

I adore Noble Isle. Summer Rising is one of my favourite scents. I received this 75ml Bath & Shower Gel one as a Latest in Beauty pick some months ago. Already got a replacement! See my review HERE.

Desavery were one of my discoveries as a Beauty Shortlist Judge last year. I fell hard! I finished up LIT! Daily Serum 10ml* see my review HERE. Everything from this brand is on my wishlist (I'm going to treat myself to STELLAR Daily Serum after payday!). A stunning brand with scents and formulas which make your heart and skin sing!

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream 3ml is simply stunning. I got multiple uses out this sachet and full size is firmly on the wishlist (Love Lula have sachets available to buy with an order of £10+ if you're interested). 

Upcircle sachets which I received in my Mint Green February Starter Kit. See my initial musings HERE. I've used their Facial Serum 1.5ml before and that's firmly on the to-buy list. Also in the pack were their Face Toner 3ml (love), Face Moisturiser 3ml (love) and Cleansing Face Balm 3ml (not for me as the tea tree scent is too strong - such a shame as it's got a lovely texture and feel on the skin). It's a great wee try me set though. 

I adore ECooking's Cleansing Gel 50ml which I reviewed HERE. I've got another of these in my stash but it's one I'll buy again.

Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie's Richesse D'Or Body Oil 100ml* was an absolute delight. I'm gutted at having finished it up. See my review HERE. A truly sublime product which is good for the body and the soul. On my wishlist!

Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin Body Lotion 100ml which I received from my lovely friend Julie for my birthday one year. Who doesn't love Jo Malone scents! A classic and sublime layered with Grapefruit cologne. Heaven in a bottle - I was sad to use this up.

REN Citrus Limonum Hand Wash 300ml which is one of my favourite hand washes. It'll definitely be bought again and again. See my review HERE.

Noble Isle Tea Rose Bath & Shower Gel 75ml which is a sublimely rosey scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely will buy again at some point!

Rounding up my February empties is Zing Organics's Love you Forever Body Oil 25ml which came in my November Subscription Box. Lovely!

What have you been using up this month?

Top Products 2020: May to August

Way back in April I posted my Top Products 2020 for the period January-April - see HERE. These are my top picks for May-August (marked * I've very generously been gifted for review):

I fell totally head-over-heels for Antipodes BAPTISE H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel. See my review HERE.

nknaturals season specific skincare is just the best. I adored the couple of products I tried from their SPRING range and when founder and formulator, Nicola sent me the whole SUMMER collection* - I couldn't quite believe it. So, so generous and of course the range is stunning - see my review HERE. I'm looking forward to buying some of the AUTUMN range when it launches on the 22nd September for the autumn equinox. Check out the shop HERE.

I was invited to try a "my" skin specific range* of products from Typology in May which I absolutely adored. See my reviews HERE and HERE. 

I discovered DESAVERY as a Beauty Shortlist Judge and fell totally in love with the range, packaging, concept and scents (see my top picks for the 2020 Awards HERE). I was kindly sent two new-to-me products in May - see my review HERE. Absolutely love DESAVERY - they are first on my list (especially STELLAR Daily Serum) to replenish when my stash reduces a bit! 

I first tried Ecooking as a Latest in Beauty pick (REVIEW) and then as a Beauty Shortlist Judge - see HERE. In June I tried their Fragrance Free Cleansing Scrub* - REVIEW - in my post I said "this is one of the best scrubs I've ever used". I just love this brand! 

During lockdown I had scalp issues and this little bar of goodness totally cleared them up! I just love Earthkind's Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health* see my review HERE (Latest in Beauty had this as a pick recently so I stocked up!)

I'm a huge, huge fan of the Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie range which really are the creme de la creme of aromatherapy products and are totally timeless. I've loved everything I've tried from them - the products are luxurious, aromatic, a pleasure to use as well as being therapeutic (and good for the soul). See my review of their Richesse D'Or Bath & Shower Crystals* and Body Oil* HERE.

I received Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil* in my June Love Lula Beauty Box*. I fell totally head-over-heels (and then some, for it). See my review HERE.

I received Absolution's Le Gommage Corps Body Scrub in Naturisimo's Summer Vibes Discovery Box - I can never resist their discovery boxes. This scrub is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I've really enjoyed Terre Verdi's award winning NeroliPom Moisturiser*. See my review HERE. I'm a sucker for the luxe packaging as well as the beautifully scented, silky product within.

Of course, my Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume just has to be there (I've just heard the notes within the Autumn batch - excitement much, it'll arrive in time for the autumn equinox) Summer20 was simply stunning - I totally fell in love with it. See my review HERE.

I love this de-stress duo from Sanctuary Spa - see my review HERE. I've found both the De-Stress Warming Body Balm and Calming CBD Oil very effective and I'd buy both again.

I was recently very generously sent EVOLVE Organic Beauty's 360 Smoothing Body Contour* which is absolutely dreamy. See my review HERE.

Magic Cocoa* from ZOJO Beauty Elixirs is absolutely fantastic. I very generously received it free of charge for review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. See my review HERE.

CiTY SURViVOR was another brand I discovered as a Beauty Shortlist Judge (I loved Immune Support and gave it top marks). Founder, Daisy very kindly sent me the trio* to try together. See my review HERE (I've since replenished NIGHT SUPPORT).

Just this month I reviewed Awake Organics new Natural Vegan Shampoo* which comes in powder form (and eco-friendly packaging). See my review HERE. 

Do any of my picks make your top products for 2020?

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

Christmas Gift Ideas

Here are some Christmas gift ideas:

From bodhi & birch their fabulous new Limited Edition Bath & Shower Oil Collection (3 x 15ml - £30) which consists of three great scents - all very different - so you can bathe or shower depending on your mood! Inside is Rosa Verde, a renewing blend which is formulated with Rose, Lime, Geranium & Frankincense. Jasmin de Lune (and my favourite) is relaxing. It's a blend of Jasmine, High Altitude Lavender and Vertiver. The final bath & shower oil is La Botanica which revives and detoxes. It's a blend of Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Juniper Berry. Pick yours up HERE.

From Tropic Skincare I highly recommend their gorgeous Whipped Body Velvet (200ml - £28)* a deliciously fluffy and light as air body treat formulated with Madagascan rarabe butter and baobab oil which deeply nourishes the skin.  The scent is just divine with Tahitian and Bourbon vanilla extracts. 

This Christmas scented candle "Christmas Comfort" by beatitude (200g - £30)* is just Christmas in a jar. It combines the original "comfort" geranium, clementine, lavender and eucalyptus with cinnamon, clove and cardamon.

Sukin have a great range of gift sets. I reviewed their Love your Skin 3 step Face Kit* (£20). See my review HERE.

I love this little beautifully boxed set of minis from Willowberry. It's a great try me set and fantastic value at £30.95. I reviewed the products recently and loved them. See HERE.

Micheline Arcier have introduced a beautiful range of reed diffusers which I can imagine scent your home to perfection! They retail at £40-£45. I recently reviewed their Harmonie Dream Drops (15ml - £19)* which help to ensure a restful night's sleep - see my review HERE.

From Green People there are some beautiful gift sets - see HERE. I've been trying out latest launch which celebrates Green People's 20th Anniversary. Their Damask Rose Facial Oil (30ml - £29)* is simply divine (expect a review shortly).

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Zing Organics. They have a range of Christmas gifts which appear on the website. My favourite is Winter Glow Skin Hamper (£49) which contains Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque (review) & Velveteen Facial Serum (review) along with a bamboo face cloth and a couple of wooden spatulas (and a miniature cone found on the forest floor!)

A.S APOTHECARY Frankincense, Bergamot and Cedar Oil Scented Candle in a hand thrown Ceramic Pot (£42) which sounds absolutely heavenly. I also love the hand thrown pot!

I'm a huge fan of [M] Botanicals (especially their gorgeous Rose Oud Soy Wax Candle (REVIEW) and love their candle set which contains 4 candles - Rose Oud, Warm Lemongrass, Wild Grown Mint and Sour Plum - £50).

I'm currently testing out these products from Guiltless Skin (expect a review in January!) The set contains Charcoal Cleansing Gel 30g, Hydrate Intense Moisture Serum 30ml and Revive Organic Facial Oil 30ml along with a cotton travel bag. This set is brilliant value for money at £46. See the others available HERE.

Are any of these gifts on your wishlist?

*complimentary

Happy New 2017!

Happy New Year! I hope 2017 is a brilliant year for you!

source: http://www.happynewyear2017images.net/

I'm not making any New Year Resolutions this year (whew that's a weight off my mind!) With regards to the blog I've been posting nearly every day - which while working the day job I've found it can be quite stressful. I'm planning posts 4-5 days a week going forward.

Here are some of the products I'll be reviewing soon:

I'm also trying to spend less in January - I'll keep the couple of subscription boxes I currently subscribe to but buy no extras. I'm also doing the Good Reads Challenge again but aiming for 80 books (instead of 100).

Are you making any resolutions or setting any goals this year?

Pure Natural Box: January Detox Edition

The January Detox Edition from Pure Natural Box went on sale on Friday and sold out in a couple of hours! It really is a great value box - worth £89 and costing £25 plus £3.95 P&P.  If you missed out make a note of the next box which will be released on Friday 3 March.

So what's inside?

The first item to jump out at me was Micheline Arcier's Tonique Body Oil (100ml and worth £40). I've used this brand before but not for ages so really looking forward to this one! The oil energises, stimulates and detoxes and smells amazing! It's a blend of Rosemary, Lemongrass and Sage which optimises a healthy circulation, is great for cellulite and fatigue. 

From new to me brand Kozmetics there are two products - CLEANSE Purifying and Moisturising Face Oil (30ml - £6) and ELIXIR Luxurious Rose Face and Neck Oil (10ml - £5.50). I'm looking forward to trying the duo and expect reviews later in January.

And yet another new to me brand is soapNskin (I've heard of the brand but not tried anything from it). Their Neroli & Patchouli with Jojoba Oil Himalayan Crystal Bath Salts (150g - £9.50) smells gorgeous and they make a great detoxifying bath soak.

Just for Tummies Live Bacteria (Probiotics) (60 capsules - £19.95) replenish your gut flora and is the most important supplement in any digestive plan. They can help with bloating and abdominal pain.

The third new to me brand is Em & Nick's Coffee Body Scrub (50g - £6.95) which is made with upcycled coffee grounds as well as sea salt, sugar, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and grapefruit oil. The scrub is gently exfoliating.

Finally, there is a Veeda 100% Natural Tampon and Towel Sample pack which contains 2 regular non-applicator tampons and  ultra-thin regular sanitary towels.

I think it's an absolutely amazing box. Did you pick one up?