Latest Buys: Pai Skincare, Oribe, Therapie, Cult Beauty, Herbfarmacy, Can-to-Candle, Miller Harris, NorthburN

Well, I failed miserably with my £100 spend for June... I blame Cult Beauty's great offers! Will try better next month... 

The Impossible Glow by Pai Skincare had been on my wishlist. The drops make the skin glow! Pai say that it's your "post holiday glow, bottled". Add a couple of drops to serum or moisturiser or use alone for an intense hit. I've been enjoying using them and have found my skin looks more healthy and glowy. I picked mine up at Naturisimo.

I can never resist an affordable Cult Beauty Gift with Purchase. I picked up their recent The Cult Conscious Goody Bag free with a £65 spend (see contents below). I picked up a new Oribe Obsessed kit, my fav Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts and my third item was for a birthday gift.

I picked up Herbfarmacy's Sweet Orange Body Oil (another item ticked off the wishlist) when they had a bank hol sale recently. It's as beautiful as I'd imagined it to be!

A candle from Can-to-Candle's new Elegance collection which has a double wick and is presented in a clear glass jar. I chose "Coast" a stunning floral marine. I'm looking forward to lighting it soon.

I did sleep on this one! Cult Beauty's The Skindie Edit is absolutely stuffed full. It only costs £35 too and is jam packed full of goodies (at time going to press, there were still some available). 

I was desperate to try Miller Harris's latest launch - Reverie de Bergamote so picked up 4 x 2ml sample vials. You get free shipping if you pick 4. I'd also wanted to try their Leather Rouge (stunning). Tea Tonique is a fav and Poirier d'un Soir another new try.  You also receive a voucher to save on a full size bottle if one steals your heart.

I couldn't resist NorthburN's Gift of the Month in their brand new Hotel Collection scent. No.4 Blackcurrant Leaves is simply stunning. Fruity, floral and aromatic. Inside the gift (now sold out) was goodies worth £21 (wax melts, votive candle and room mist) which was offered at £12 plus p&p. It's truly lush and might nudge my fav Mandarin & Bergamot off its pedestal!

Another Cult Beauty buy (whoops). Yet another affordable Gift with Purchase. Spend £70 on skincare. I chose 3 x Pai Skincare products, two of which had been on the wishlist - Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Facial Oil and Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil. My splurge was the gorgeous Century Flower, Lotus & Orange Blossom Soothing Tonic, which I've used before. Feast your eyes on the beauties!

We're hoping to move house later this year so this MUST be my last splurge. What have you been buying lately?

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?

Latest Buys: Naturisimo, Pink Lagoon Crystals, Olfactory, NorthburN, Anenome Aromas

I know, I know I'm still treating myself too much! Here's what I've been buying lately:

I'd spotted Fushi's new uplifting Coconut & Frangipani Body Wash (glass bottle) (230ml - £10) and couldn't resist it. The fragrance sounded perfect for summer as well as cooling and refreshing. The gentle exotic scent is delicious. A lovely product. I fancied rahua's new Enchanted Island Lotion Mist and spotted that a smaller, travel size (30ml) was available at £16. Again, it has a beautiful tropical scent and absorbs instantly - it'd be perfect to pack for your next beach hol. I was desperate to try Josh Rosebrook's new Enfleuria Botanical Fragrance Oil but full size 15ml costs a whopping £150! A little sample vial (1.5ml costs a fiver). This is stunning, one to save up for! Reviews to come!

I've got a total obsession with wax melts at the moment and these Vegan ones by Pink Lagoon Crystals are simply stunning as well as smelling divine. Check out my little instagram post listing all the scents HERE. Almost to pretty to melt!

I love Scottish Olfactory - their Red Delicious Apple Little Melts are truly mouthwatering - they smell just like a juicy red apple. Yum! Pick yours up HERE. These cost £4.50 for 8 little red heart melts. Check out the MiSi Melts too - they are excellent value at 75p per melt (or pick up a bundle).

NorthburN's Gift of the Month is always such great value. This month there are 10 Lime & Coconut Melts, 6 long lasting unscented tealights and a 50ml Reed Diffuser which costs £12 saving £6. It's the perfect scent for summer and a great value set.

I picked up Anenome Aroma's August Box which is entitled "Mad about Jo" (£15) and inside are lots of Jo Malone inspired scents - Wild Strawberry & Parsley, Blackberry & Bay, Pear & Freesia, Peony Suede Blush, Bluebell Woods and Lime Basil & Mandarin. I was really impressed - you get a lot for your money - and the brittle and mermaid slab are gorgeous! Owner and founder, Charley had been disappointed with the ranges available and decided to create her own, developing the ranges while on maternity leave. Check out the shop HERE.

What have you been buying lately?

June: Lately I've Been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in June (if an item is marked * I've generously received it free of charge for review).

As soon as I got notification of the summer Cult Beauty goody bag I ran over. I decided not to #sadface but did pick up a treat in the form of Jo Loves's Discovery Collection (years ago this was available to buy on the Jo Loves website before it became part of a set). I'm already a fan of Jo by Jo Loves, White Rose & Lemon Leaves (the first one I bought) and Pomelo (I'm now on my 3rd bottle of this!) Also inside the kit are four new to me ones: Pink Vetiver, Orange Butterflies, Rose Petal 25 and Green Orange & Coriander. I'm adding full size bottles of Pink Vetiver and Rose Petal 25 to my wishlist.

A selection of wax melts (and soap!) from my pal Sam, who is a fellow soy wax melt addict! We send each other parcels periodically which is so nice!

Dining at home deals - we've had some good 'uns this month - we especially have loved Aizle At Home. That little chocolate tart was to die for!

*I've been having scalp issues and this little bar of joy has really saved the day! See my review HERE.

I've gone over the score buying lots of soy wax melts - it really is an addiction haha. I received a gorgeous RAOK from Lauren at Facebook Group - Wax & Sniffs, Fun, Games & Chat. So kind!! 

I loved NorthburN's Gift of the Month - a beautiful set scented with juicy Mandarin & Bergamot - see my review HERE. I don't know how I lived without their beautiful Room Mists - I'll definitely be back for more!

I've also upped my reading game (at the beginning of lockdown I couldn't concentrate on anything). See my goodreads challenge HERE - which I'm hoping to smash this year! I'm currently reading this...

and this..

What have you been loving in June?

NorthburN Gift of the Month: June

I first discovered NorthburN via my Skin Organic Clean Beauty Box - see HERE and HERE. I also reviewed their gorgeous Rebalance Luxury Bathing Salts & Room Spray* HERE (*gifted) and two of their Hotel Collection Luxury Bathing Salts HERE. I've never gone for their very affordable Gift of the Month...up to now that is!

June's Gift of the month comprises of:

Best selling Mandarin & Bergamot, which is a juicy and uplifting blend of Mandarin, Bergamot, Rum, Honey, Purple Orchid, Rose, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Myrrh, Sandalwood and Suede. It's perfect for summer.  The set costs £12, saving 40% (plus p&p) it also comes with a branded bag which is perfect if you want to gift it.

50ml Reed Diffuser

30ml Room Mist

10 pack of heart shaped soy wax melts

The scent is simply sublime and such a treat - I know I'll be coming back next month!

I also picked up some soy wax melts in the very affordable Pick & Mix offer (4 bags x 5 melts) - Bluebell & Bergamot, Green Apple & Tuberose, Jasmine & Cedarwood and Deepest Pomegranate. I'm currently obsessed with wax melts, so much so, I also picked up Hotel Collection pick and mix - I'm planning on sharing my thoughts on the ones I've used up from all brands in my empties posts at the end of each month.

Such a stunning and affordable range. Pick yours up HERE.

Room Sprays & Mists: Bath & Body Works, Elm Road, Avon, Help Me Organics, NorthburN

*means I received the product complimentary These are the Room Sprays and Mists which I use regularly.  I picked up the Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin when in the States. It's absolutely delicious! It has a beautiful spicy and sweet scent and a little goes a long way.

Elm Road, a Beauty Shortlist Commended Award Winner for their Happiness Natural Essential Oil Botanical Mist* is gorgeous. It previously appeared in my BSL winners top picks. See HERE. It's a deliciously citrus which is uplifting notes of bergamot, neroli and mandarin along with rosewood, geranium, rosemary and pine needle. 

Cheap & Cheerful, Avon's Plum & Nectarine Scented Spritz brings a burst of uplifting fruity notes which reminds me of summer. This Coco & Sandalwood Home & Linen spray from Molton Brown (now discontinued) has a gorgeous summery coconut scent - I'll be sad when I use this one up!

From Help Me Organics is their Help Me Have a Mindful of Calm Room Spray which came in my March Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It's a beautiful calming blend of aromatic Frankincense, Geranium Bourbon and Lavender.

Rounding up my collection is NorthburN's gorgeous Rebalance Aroma Mist* which I reviewed HERE.

What's in your stash?

November Empties

I'm not going to use up anymore products this month so here are my November empties:

I love Noble Isle's Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows Bath & Shower Gel 250ml so I'm sure to buy this again. See my review HERE.

I just love, love, love Inner Senses Greenhouse Tomato & Carrot Seed Oil Cleanser and this wee 5ml is the perfect try-me size or for travel. See my review HERE. I'm sure to pick up full size when my cleansing oil stash reduces in size!

I've loved all the Five Dot Botanics products I've tried so far. Deep Feed Nourishing Facial Serum 5ml was an instagram win. It's beautiful and I'm sure to buy again. See my review HERE.

I've much love for bodhi & birch's Superfoods Series Tomato Seed Cleansing Fluid* (now called Cleansing Oil). See my review HERE. This is gorgeous and I've a couple of minis still in my stash.

John Masters Organic Sea Mist 266ml which I've had for what seems like forever! I tend to use this in the summer and on holiday. Nice for beachy waves. Probably would only buy the mini size in future. Good product though.

I loved Khus+Khus Bleu Body Serum 200ml* which seemed to last forever! See my review HERE. This was lush and I'd definitely consider buying if my body product stash ever reduces.

Lovely NorthburN, their products really are a delight! I love their Luxury Bathing Salts and these Rebalance* ones were gorgeous. See my review HERE. These are the bath salts you "need" in your life/stash!

My final empty this month is a huge 400ml of NUXE's Melting Shower Gel, which my pal Julie gave me for my birthday in April - it's lasted ages! Gorgeous to use.

What have you been using up this month?

*NorthburN: Rebalance Luxury Bathing Salts & Room Spray

*ProductSamples I've had the real pleasure of trying latest scent launch at NorthburN in the form of their luxurious Luxury Bathing Salts (from £5) and their Room Spray (£10) in Rebalance - a gorgeous essential oil blend of Geranium, Neroli and Ylang. I've tried the Award winning luxury bathing salts (wonderful) before and you can see my review HERE.

Rebalance is uplifting as well as calming and soothing - it really is an exquisite scent. I like to use the room spray in my bedroom and hall to scent and refresh.

The Luxury Bathing Salts are dreamy (and such good value for money, they'd make an excellent small gift or secret santa present). Made with a blend of Pink Himalayan Salt, Cocoa Butter and a blend of essential oils - they really have the wow factor and are one of my all time favourite bath time treats.

You can also pick up Rebalance in candles and as a reed diffuser. Also check out Gift of the Month while stocks last.

What are your must-haves from NorthburN?

July: Lately I've Been Loving

So many July loves...

Getting a signed & numbered Limited First Edition of the amazing Black Summer by M W Craven. I was lucky enough to choose which number and I chose the age I was/am when I read the book. Catch my review in my June Book Round-Up. I just love Tilly & Poe (and Edgar!). Roll on book #3.

Really chuffed!

*gifted for review I'm thoroughly enjoying beautiful NorthburN's Rebalance Luxury Bathing Salts (review of two of the other scents - HERE) and their gorgeous matching Room Spray. The ranges and scents are wonderful and very affordable. A review will be forthcoming of this exquisite duo.

Discovering Nibble Protein, yummy low sugar protein bites for snacking on the go or to boost your energy during that mid afternoon slump at work. I've now tried all the flavours and my favourites are the Brownie Bites.

mussels - edible shell - seaweed - taramasalata 

crispy chicken skin sandwich - hake - confit duck egg

the menu depicts ingredients in each course

Dining at newish Condita which was an amazing dining experience. I can't wait to go back! These two pictures were our snacks. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner with exquisite food, impeccable service and I think the best matching wines I've ever had - one to save up for!

Trying more and more products by glorious Beauty Pie (obsessed). You can sign up to get your first month free using my link HERE. I'm suitably impressed with their perfumes and a review is forthcoming (I'd buy 2 out of the 3).

*Blue Tea Box is a newish tea subscription and I'm totally impressed with how delicious the teas are and what a wide selection there is to choose from. All you need to do is let them know what flavours of tea you like and they'll carefully curate a monthly box of one (75g - 30-60 cups - £6.99) or three (45g x 3 - 54-108 cups). See more info HERE. My review is forthcoming!

Stopping by wonderful Haworth which is in Bronte country (we were down in Bradford for a family funeral sadly earlier this month). I loved checking out the lotions and potions at The Cabinet of Curiosities.

We are so lucky to have a lovely new independent book store called The Portobello Bookshop, on the high street in Portobello which just opened this week! I was very excited to see the rack of luxe magazines you normally only see online! I picked up the very lovely Bloom Mag which is a total joy!

*e-copy from Netgalley - I raced through The July Girls by Phoebe Locke, an incredible read which I read in 24 hrs! Absolutely brilliant and one of my fav books this year. It's perfect to pack for your summer hols!  I'll share my review in my July Book-Round up.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary