*NAKIN Eye Cream Complex & Lip Treatment Balm

*productsamples I've been testing out two products from NAKIN, a lovely natural, cruelty free and Vegan British brand (note the Lip Treatment Balm contains Beeswax) created and formulated by founder, Cris Beetham who was a pioneer of natural skincare in the noughties. The range smoothes away signs of ageing, as well as nourishing and nurturing the skin. I love the simple and very stylish packaging too.

I can quite honestly say the NAKIN Natural Anti-Ageing Eye Cream Complex (£18 - 15ml)* is fantastic. It's got a lightweight texture which deeply hydrates the eye area smoothing out fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane hydrate and reduce lines while hydrolysed Hibiscus extract softens and smoothes. Pomegranate reduces UVA/UVB damage while Green Tea extract is rich in antioxidants. Seaweed extract conditions and tones, Chlorella extract conditions and soothes while Caffeine helps with puffiness. 

To use: using your ring finger apply a small amount around the inner orbital bone. Use AM and PM.

I've found the eye cream absorbs instantly, feels comfortable around the delicate eye area with fine lines blurred and dark circles diminished. It's also really nice to use. Would recommend!

The second item I've been testing out is their Award Winning Natural Anti-Ageing Lip Treatment (£10 - 15ml) which plumps and nourishes the lips. It's got a light minty scent and is formulated with ingredients like Shea butter, Argan and Baobab oils which protect, nourish and heal.

To use: apply as often as needed for kissable lips! 

I have actually used this pot of goodness before and loved it (I found it great for cuticles and for taming eyebrows too!)

What are your favourites from the brand?

Shopping my Stash #108

*productsamples Here's what I've been trying this week:

I ventured into the Japanfusion Skincare line in my last Beauty Pie order. I picked the much-raved Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser (100ml - typical price £25, members pay £5.86). I'm sort of on the fence as I'm not loving it as much as the Jeju Daily Multi-Phase Purifying Cleansing Milk.

Spotted on instagram is new to me brand Wild Natural Deodorant. I picked up their Lemon+Thyme deodorant (£10) which I'm really enjoying using - again, a review will be forthcoming!

My husband gifted me the much longed for and lusted Tom Daxon 13 Vial Complete Collection for my birthday this year. You can see my review HERE. They were all gorgeous to try but the two which made my heart really sing were Resin Sacra & Sicilian Wood (both of which are on my wishlist for full sizes!)

*I was very kindly sent two of NAKIN's products recently for review. I've been putting their Natural Anti-Ageing Eye Cream (15ml - £18) through its paces and been thoroughly enjoying it. Again, a review is forthcoming.

I totally fell head-over-heels for lovely award winning *BRUNS Products, a range of which I tested out and judged as a Beauty Shortlist Judge last year. You can see which products I adored which won awards HERE. I totally loved BRUN's Award Winning Tangy Mint Harsuffle (200ml - SEK279 - approx £24) which tames frizz, smoothes and protects the hair pre/post blow drying and which has a glorious minty scent. I definitely want to explore this brand more!

My final item is Neom's Scent to Sleep Nourish, Breath & Sleep Hand Balm which I picked up in a double set with the Day variety HERE. I love using this luscious rich balm before bed to calm and relax.

What have you been reaching for this week?

Rare Beauty: NAKIN Purifying Face Toner & Freyaluna Skincare Shampoo Travel Kit

Founder Corinne at Rare Beauty asked if I'd like to be a "mystery shopper". I was given a voucher code* to use and went to explore the site which is the UK's first women-led natural beauty store.

Current brands include: Nakin, Freyaluna Skincare, Mallow+White and Supernatural Beauty. You can see the full range of brands HERE. This is always evolving and growing so keep your eyes peeled for new brands being added.

Corinne's hobby was making her own natural skincare and last year had a lightbulb moment to create her own online shop with the products handcrafted in small batches by women.

There are also a small select group of Beauty Residents who honestly review all the products instore. Check them out HERE.

And so to the products I selected..

The products are beautifully wrapped (it's the little things..) 

I'd heard of NAKIN before but hadn't up to now tried any of their products. I selected their Purifying Face Toner (150ml - £15)* which comes boxed and has quite sleek but simple packaging. The toner will cleanse, tone and condition the skin. Aloe Vera cleanses while Witch Hazel detoxifies pores, Seaweed extract purifies and Hyaluronic Acid hydrates.  The toner has a pleasant naturally fresh scent and is suitable for all skin types. 

My second pick was Freyaluna Skincare's Shampoo Travel Kit (2 x 30ml bottles - £10)* which are great for try me or travel. I love the simple but pretty packaging (I'm already a fan of this brand having reviewed their Rose Petal Gift Box (link) (I think the nearest thing to that now is the Smell the Roses Gift Box) and their clever TRY ME Selection Box (link - although I reviewed this way back in 2012 and prices have understandably increased).

The bottles are nestled in tissue and inside the box is 30ml of Nourishing Nettle & Lavender Shampoo which is nourishing and strengthening and 30ml of Gentle Geranium & Ylang Ylang Shampoo which is formulated for normal hair types and leaves the hair soft and very shiny. There is enough in each bottle for six washes making them the perfect try me or for holidays. I've enjoyed using both varieties but I think Nourishing Nettle and Lavender just has the edge!

Have you bought anything yet from Rare Beauty yet?

*complimentary