Five Perfumes for Spring

*one item has been gifted/sample These are the perfumes I'm reaching for (and will continue to reach for throughout spring and into summer):

From OV Naturals their gorgeous Golden EdT* a luxurious and niche perfume, handcrafted using 19 natural aromatics. See my review HERE. It really is an exquisite scent which is deeply floral with citrus and spice notes.

Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino EdP is one of my favourite neroli scents. I love the packaging too. Pure luxury. 

I simply adore Shay & Blue's latest scent White Peaches which evokes long summer days, sweet juicy peaches and elderflower granita. Refreshing and cooling. I love!

My second bottle is their Dandelion Fig perfume which is simply stunning. It blends figs, dandelion leaves, lemongrass, tomato vine and juniper for a fresh and slightly woody scent. 

Rounding up my Spring picks is Miller Harris's Tea Tonique EdP which blends Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lemon, Smokey tea, Nutmeg, Mate abs, Birch Tar and Musk. It's gently floral, with citrus and earthy notes.

What's your favourite perfume for Spring?

OV Naturals: Orange Grove Reed Diffuser

I've been trying out one of OV Naturals new Reed Diffuser in Orange Grove (£28)* The diffuser comes very well packaged for postage in a padded box and inside is a plain branded recyclable box (see above).

A low toxic high quality solvent is used with 100% natural essential oils (the product is 29.2% natural overall) and is cruelty free and Vegan. The blend of oils used is Tangerine, Geranium and Black Pepper and this creates a warming subtle sweet scent. 

The reeds are non flip and the diffuser should last around 3 months. I've found personally the diffuser has a very subtle scent and suits being placed in a smaller room. (I also found it hard to resist temptation and flip the reeds!) 

Pick yours up HERE - other scents available are Lemon Tree with Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Italian Bergamot and Clary Sage and English Garden with High Altitude Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint and Fennel.

*complimentary

OV Naturals: Golden EdT

I've had the real pleasure of trying Lucy's latest launch over at OV Naturals - a gorgeous EdT called Golden. Prices start at £4.99 for a 2ml sample vial* (as above), an unboxed 15ml bottle is £32, and with a ribbon tie gift box £35.

The perfume took 3 years to create and contains 19 exotic essential oils, absolutes and isolates and is formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients including natural aromatics over half of which are wild/certified organic. The perfume is handcrafted in small batches by Lucy, founder of OV Naturals and an Aromatherapist for the past decade.

With top notes of Pink Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Italian Bergamot and Damask Rose Otto, a heart of Neroli, Tuberose, Rose Absolute and Magnolia Leaf with base notes of Frankincense and Ambrette Seed.

It's truly a stunning creation and contains a lot of notes I love. It's a very feminine scent with citrus, deep florals and spice notes and is very special indeed. Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary

OV Naturals: Heart & Soul Collection

Way back in 2012 I reviewed OV Naturals Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil (REVIEW) which is now called VITAL Botanical Face Oil in the Heart & Soul Collection.

Lucy very kindly sent me the cutest little sample set* of all the oils for face and body to try out and LUSTROUS Botanical Face Oil*.

BUOYANT is suitable for mature, combination and normal skin types. It can help smooth out wrinkles, help with dry and red patches, breakouts, large pores, breakouts and pigmentation. It contains over 89% Soil Association Certified Organic Ingredients and has an uplifting scent. It contains organic essential oils of Neroli, Wild Frankincense, Rose Geranium, Italian Bergamot, High Altitude Lavender, Palmarosa, Moroccan Cedarwood and May Chang.

SERENE balances so is suitable for combination, oily, normal and sensitive skin types. It's great to help with breakouts and oily T-zones. The skin is left looking healthy and glowy. The oil contains organic essential oils of Rose Geranium, French High Altitude Lavender, Italian Bergamot and Palmarosa.

VITAL which I've reviewed before - see HERE and LUSTROUS which has over 93% Soil Association certified organic ingredients. It's suitable for dry and mature skin types and is great for dry patches, redness, pigmentation and large pores. It smells glorious and feels really lovely on the skin absorbing instantly.

The facial oil is a real treat for both the skin and senses. It's high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, vitamins and phytonutrients. It absorbs quickly leaving the skin looking and feeling great. There are 16 ingredients used in the formulation of LUSTROUS - Organic Moroccan Argan, Chilean Rosehip, Sweet Almond, Olive Squalane with organic essential oils of Bulgarian Rose Otto, Moroccan Rose Absolute, Neroli, Wild Frankincense, Italian Bergamot, High Altitude Lavender, Palmarosa, Geranium and natural antioxidant Vitamin E.

To use: apply AM and PM alone or before moisturiser

The two body oil samples give a flavour of what to expect if you buy full size. RESTORED contains over 84% Soil Association Certified Organic ingredients. The oil is suitable for dry, mature and normal skin. It's great for dry patches and to soothe. It absorbs quickly leaving the skin nourished and delicately scented.  Scented with organic essential oils of Moroccan Cedarwood, Wild Frankincense, Sandalwood, Italian Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Moroccan Rose and Black Pepper.

SUPPLE also contains over 85% Soil Association Certified Organic ingredients and is suitable for normal, dry, mature and sensitive skins. It will calm, balance and soothe. Supple is scented with organic essential oils of Italian Bergamot, Moroccan Rose, Rose Geranium and Wild Frankincense.

Have you used any products from OV Naturals?

*complimentary

January Empties

Here's what I've been using up in January -

Just be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil 30ml - I love this light and calming oil. See my review here. I'm sure to pick this up again once I get through some of my stash!

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo 60ml & Conditioner 60ml - I received these in a Souk Souk box. My first try from this brand. These are suitable for all hair types and I did enjoy using them. I'd like to try products for dry/damaged/coloured hair next.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 50ml & 1 x 15ml - I simply love this and I repurchase it time and time again.  See my review here. 

Stila One Step Skintone Correcting Brightening Serum 30ml - I received this in the very first Selfridges box - see here and what an amazing box that was! I'm sad to have finished this all-in-one colour corrector, primer, brightener and serum. Sure to pick it up again sometime soon.

bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 30ml - one of my favourite face oils...ever! See my review here. I've super-happy I've got a replacement for this one! A product I'll buy again and again. Love it.

Dr Hauschka Almond Soothing Body Wash 10ml - one I've tried a couple of times in this size. A really lovely moisturising body wash and one I'd buy full size.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - another product I love. I think this was my third pot. Be sure to add it to my stash again as it smells fantastic and super moisturises the skin. Packaging has now changed to a handy tin.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash 20ml and Body Oil 10ml - absolutely adore the Sea Buckthorn scent. It's so uplifting and refreshing. These went on my wishlist for #NoBuyJanuary week 1.  See my review here.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Morning Eye Rescue 1.5ml - loved this eye cream. Would be keen to try a bigger sample.

Swell Advanced Volumising Shampoo 50ml and Advanced Volumising Conditioner 50ml - these were nice to use and I'd happily purchase them again.

Myroo Mint Tea Polishing Body Scrub 300g* - I loved this minty and invigorating scrub. One I'd definitely use again.  Myroo Mint Tea Bath Fizz 160g*. This was really lovely to use and made bath time a pleasure. See my review here.

bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - One of my favourite bodhi products so sure to purchase again.  See my initial review here. This particular one I got as a present from hubby. Will definitely buy again.

Skinlikes Natural Deodorant 70ml* - my favourite deodorant. Will buy it again. You can see my review here. 

Gielly Green Hand & Body Wash 50ml x 2 - love this body wash. Will buy again.  See my review here.

bare innocence Essence of Vali Balance Massage & Bath Oil sample* - loved this! See my review here.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soap Rose - this was okay but prefer the peppermint scent. Wouldn't buy this particular one again.

Savonnerie Gardeners Therapy Botanical Hand Wash 250ml* - this was lovely to use.  See my review here.

OV Naturals Rose Geranium Harmonising Organic Facial Oil 10ml* - this was fab to use and I'd consider buying it.  See my review here.

balance Me Supertoning Body Wash 100ml - this was nice enough but I didn't love the scent so wouldn't buy.

Hairy Jayne Light Conditioner 30ml - again, nice enough to use but I preferred the cream conditioner. See the set I picked up here.

One Love Skin Saviour Sample - this multi-purpose beauty balm was quite nice - you can use it as a cleanser, moisturiser or to mix with mineral foundation. There are other balms I prefer so wouldn't buy.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - simply loved this beautiful body serum.  The aromatics used deliver a gorgeous scent but also have healing and regenerating properties. Definitely one I'll buy again (in full size!)

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

OV Naturals Rose Geranium Harmonising Organic Artisan Face Oil

Lucy very kindly sent me Rose Geranium face oil (10ml - £9.50)* from the new artisan collection to review. See the full range here - you can also buy a set which contains all five oils - Infused Marigold, Rose Geranium, Triple Rose (see my review here), Orange Blossom and Tea Tree - great for days when your skin has different "needs". 

I'm a huge fan of best selling Triple Rose but I feel this oil may steal it's crown! All the oils come in three sizes - see here. The 10ml size is a great try me size or to use for travel.

This oil is suitable for combination skin types and smells simply gorgeous! Rich in essential fatty acids and phytonutrients it keeps skin supple, restores balance and regulates sebum. I like to inhale the scent before applying it to my skin - rose geranium is known for calming, balancing and lifting the spirits.

To use: apply a few drops to your palms, warm the oil inhaling the scent and press onto the face and neck. It leaves my skin radiant, soft and sweet smelling - it's one of my favourite oils.

Hand blended and bottled in small batches by Lucy.

Free from Parabens, detergents derived from petroleum based products including EA e.g. PEG & SLS/SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA, bleaching agents, formaldehyde, paraffin & fossil fuel derivatives, GM ingredients, lanolin, synthetic ‘parfum’, petrochemicals e.g. mineral oils, isopropyl alcohol, petroleum, propylene glycol; phthalates e.g. dibutyl, dithylhexyl, PEHP; added retinol & silicones, artificial colours, synthetic limonene and synthetic linalool.

*complimentary sent for review

August: Lately I've been Loving

In August when I was off work we had a day out in Leith. We went to The Vintage for a delicious lunch - we ate off the grazing menu and everything was really tasty. You can see the menu here.

That same afternoon we stopped by Roseleaf for a Pot-Tail - a yummy cocktail served in a teapot with cups and saucers.  We chose a Mad-Hatter which was a mix of Koko Kanu Coconut Rum with homemade Fiery Ginger Beer and Lime - delicious!  Also available are a selection of fancy dress hats to wear while supping your cocktail!

I'm a huge fan of scented candles and in August I've been loving St Eval's Sea Salt Candle. Thanks to Sam at Honey Go-Lightly for discovering this beauty! See my review here.

OV Naturals Rose Geranium Harmonising Organic Artisan Face Oil 10ml* - Lucy very kindly sent me this new face oil to review (a full review to follow in the next couple of weeks). Simply lovely to use, smells amazing and I'm sure this will be the one to knock Triple Rose Luxury Organic Face Oil off the top spot! See my review of the Triple Rose face oil here.  

Homemade Piccalilli - made with some of the glut of marrows in the garden! Delicious with cold meat, pork pies or cheese.

I'm a huge fan of hearts and I love this little one I picked up at COVE a while back.

Finally, I'm a huge magazine lover and especially like Red and The Simple Things. Currently I'm also loving Psychologies mag - I love the articles, quizzes and that it makes me think more.  I adore both Sally Brampton's and Catherine Turner's columns.

What are you loving this month?

Face Oils

I just love oils of any kind - body, bath and face.  Here are the face oils/serums in my current stash -

Myroo Starflower & Orange Blossom Skin Boost Facial Serum* (12g - £15) - a really lovely, light and deliciously scented light serum.  See my review here.

Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil (30ml - £56) - my favourite face oil...ever!  It smells simply amazing and makes my skin radiant and glowy.  See my review here.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil* (30ml - £30) - a rich face oil which smells gorgeous.  Suitable for all skin types.  A review to follow.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - I first tried this in the Selfridges Advent Calendar in 2011 - see here.  This is a second or third sample - really lovely - makes skin look radiant and renewed.

LaylaD Sweet Almond Facial Oil* (10ml - £8.99) - a light oil which is lightly scented love that you can use if on your cuticles too - link.

OV Naturals Firm Friend Uplifting Organic Face Oil* - with 100% natural ingredients to repair & protect. With neroli and frankincense essential oils.  Please see the website for details of the new range of oils - link.

Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil* (30ml - £16.89) I was sent this oil for review by Nature's Healthbox. A beautiful face oil - see my review here.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 2.5ml - simply love this oil - got a few to use up. Light and absorbs quickly.

Do you use any of these facial oils/serums? What are your favourites?

*PR samples

Spending Ban - My Wants

My Spending Ban came to an end this week but I thought I'd look over what I'd been "Wanting" over the 11 weeks and see what I think I may buy...

Week 1
Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set £40
Robert Piguet Blossom EDP 100ml £130
Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner 250mls - £12.50 each
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath £31
REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream 300ml £17
Temple Spa Body Truffle 150ml £60

I'll buy at some point: Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set, Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner and REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream.

Week 2
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint £15 for 4
Jimmy Choo Flash EDP (tried this but didn't like it)
Nourish Radiance Body Treats Set £39.50
Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil £19.50
Alpha H Best of Alpha H WIMH 
Instructions for a Heatwave - Maggie O'Farrell

I'll buy at some point: Alpha H Liquid Gold and maybe Jouer Luminzing Moisture Tint.  I'll definitely pick up the Maggie O'Farrell book.

Week 3
RMS BeautyLip2Cheek Smile £28
The Organic Pharmacy Rose Balm (Grace at All that Slap sent me this and I love it!)
Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub 260g £36
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler £20
Badger Yoga & Meditation Balm 28g £6.09
Tara Smith Shampoo & Conditioner - picked a trial set up in my M&S haul

I'll buy at some point: Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Week 4
Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser 50ml £37.50
Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Essence 10ml £16.50 - I was sent this to review - see my post here.
Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 200ml £21.95
Weleda Citrus Refreshing Milk Bath 200ml £9.50

I'll buy at some point: Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser and both the Weleda products.

Week 5
Undergreen Pink EDP 100ml £120
OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 60ml £28.99
Jo Loves Orange Tulle 30ml £45
Jo Loves Lemongrass, Amber, Tiare Flower Candle £75
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 30ml £26.50
OV Naturals Petal Soft Skin Rose Hamper £35

I'll buy at some point: OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser.  See my review here.  I'd also love the Hamper.  I've got a few of the Trilogy mini oils to use up.  I'll probably buy it again in the future though.

Week 6
Saaf Face & Body Kit £26.99
YSL Touche Eclat Foundation £29 - I got colour matched for this recently and love it!
Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP
Clinique All about Lips
Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

I'll buy at some point: YSL Touche Eclat Foundation - simply love this!  I'll maybe pick up the Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

Week 7
Prada Candy L'Eau EDT £50 for 50ml
Lancome Genitique Yeux Light Pearl £44
Creme de la Mer The Moisturising Lotion 50ml £160

I'll buy at some point: Nothing! I'd like the original Prada Candy again.

Week 8
Korres Watermelon Body Scrub 150ml £9.60 - I picked this up recently it's gorgeous - review to follow.
Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask £58
Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash & Body Lotion
Diptyque Roses Candle £40
Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection £40
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish 330ml £32

I'll buy at some point: Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection and maybe REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

Week 9
Chantecaille Frangipani EDP 75ml £150
Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser 240ml £20
Miller Harris La Fumee Incense £30
Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme 178ml £110
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml £30
Serge Lutens Sa Majeste La Rose EDP 50ml £69

I'll buy at some point:  I'd love the Chantecaille Frangipani EDP but I'll definitely buy the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil as its my favourite.

Week 10
Willow Organic Relaxation Box - £25
By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum - £75
Serena Linley Iris & Jasmine Bath Essence - 15ml £15
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder - £33
Giorgio Armani Rose D'Arabie EDP 100ml £190
Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Perfumed Soaps £40
Stila Colour Balm Lipstick £16

I'll buy at some point: Willow Organic Relaxation Box, Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder and Stila Colour Balm Lipstick.

Week 11
Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts 454g £29 - mini review here.
Botanicals Foot Balm £14.95
Beaute Chinoise Yin No.4 Facial Oil 10ml £35
Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist £20

I'll buy at some point: All of them!

I'll keep using my paperblanks* journal to record any wants.

So out of a total of 59 wants I'll definitely think about purchasing 26.

And I'm going to do a mini spending ban for the month of May - I'll update you at the end of May as to how I have done.



*complimentary sample

February Empties

Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps Peppermint Pure Castille Soap 59ml - simply love this 18-in-1 uses soap.  I usually use it to clean my make up brushes.  You can see my post about it here.  I've also used the soap to clean the bath/floor!  I love a multi-purpose product! Smells great too.  Already have a back up of this.

Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy and Palmarosa Verde Purifying Bath & Shower Therapy both 50ml - already a huge fan of Jasmine Falls, see here.  Would buy both of these again.

Lush Ponche Shower Gel 100g - this was a limited edition out at Christmas time.   A fruity punch spiked with tequila.  Really loved this fruity scented shower gel.  Would pick it up again next Christmas.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash 50ml - love REN Rose Otto.  I seem to always have one of these in my stash!

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this is quite a nice scent but I prefer Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows scent.  So probably wouldn't buy this again.

Aromatherapy Associates Relax Deep Bath & Shower Oil 3ml* - simply love these bath oils.  A full size one of this is definitely going on my wish list - you are guaranteed a great sleep if you use this at bedtime - gorgeous!  With essential oils of vetivert, camomile and sandalwood.

Dr Hauschka Rose Body Moisturiser 10ml and Rose Body Oil 10ml - these came in my Amarya box - loved both of them and would buy.

Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange Skin Refreshing Body Lotion 50ml - simply loved this light textured moisturising body lotion.  Loved the fresh orange scent.  Will definitely buy this when the spending ban is over.

Pure Fiji Nourishing Exotic Coconut Oil - trial size - simply love this coconut scented super moisturising oil.  I picked up this mini at Gemma's blog sale. I'm sure to buy the full size again as I love this product when I received it in Joliebox.

Natural Honey Body Lotion 75ml - this came in Joliebox. Nice to use and smelt good but it is a Spanish drugstore product so will be unable to purchase here.

Doctor Duve Lifting & Firming Hand & Decollete Cream sachet - absolutely loved this! Got a couple of sachets in Joliebox - but its super expensive at £79 for 200ml.  Probably wouldn't purchase.

L'Occitane Desert Rose Hand Cream 30ml - this was a freebie with Marie Claire magazine.  Love L'Occitane hand creams shame this was a limited edition as the scent is lovely.

Caudalie Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum 1.5ml - this is really nice and I'd consider purchasing it.

OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 15ml - simply love this rose scented moisturiser.  You can seem my review here.  Full size is on my wish list for after my spending ban.

Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser 15ml - I got this via a YOU magazine offer.  Simply love this moisturiser - a lovely scent, nice texture and can use it AM and PM.  Definitely one I'd buy.

Mama Mio Eye Know All in One Eye Serum 5ml - this also came with the moisturiser (and face wash). Seemed an ok eye serum but didn't WOW me like the moisturiser did.  So wouldn't purchase.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream 6ml - this came in the Origins Christmas Bauble which Mez very kindly picked up for a few of us who live outside London.  I really liked this eye cream.  It brightened up the eye area and I'd maybe purchase it.

Wei Eye Cream 2ml - this came in January's Birchbox.  Simply loved this but full size retails at £60 so I won't be buying it but it was lovely to use.

Moroccanoil Treatment Oil 10ml - I found this a bit rich for my hair.  Prefer the light version but this is still nice to use.

Paul Mitchell Color Care Color Protect Daily Conditioner 100ml - I reviewed this here.  A product I'd buy.

REDKEN Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo 200ml - only use this occasionally.  A great product for getting rid of product build up.  You can see my review here. I've already stocked up on this.

Rahua Shampoo 60ml - this was nice to use but quite pricey.  Not sure if I'd buy it again.

Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo 65ml - this was really nice and gentle on the hair and smelt of coconut.  Lovely would perhaps purchase again.

Have you used any of these products?  If you've done an empties post please link it up.


*PR Sample

Spending Ban - Update 5

It's day 36 in the spending ban (nearly half way!)  I had a great week last week. I'm still loving using my paperblanks* journal to record my spending and wants.

My wants list is an expensive one this week!

Undergreen Pink EDP 100ml - this sounds gorgeous!  See above in the journal for the notes it contains.

source

OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 60ml - A gorgeous moisturiser.  I reviewed the smaller 15ml size last week.  You can see that here.

source

Jo Loves Orange Tulle 30ml - I knew Jo Malone had her own range out and had fancied the Gardenia scent for a while.  I read a review on Thom's blog Manface and knew I'd love this citrus fruit based scent - with notes of orange flower, mandarin, mint leaves, neroli, petigrain and musk.

Another product that Thom reviewed recently was Jo Loves Lemongrass, Amber, Tiare Flower Candle - it sounds gorgeous - lemongrass burns first, then amber and then tiare flower.  Expensive though at £75 for 255g jar.  The packaging and actual product look very luxurious though.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 30ml - recently used the mini that came in the YOU Latest in Beauty Advent Calendar - gorgeous! Nardine at Live...Laugh...Love just sent me two minis - thanks huni!

source

OV Naturals Petal Soft Skin Rose Hamper £35 - look how gorgeous this hamper is!  Stuffed full of gorgeous mini OV Naturals products - Rosy Glow Moisturiser, Triple Rose Face Oil, soaps, a toner, a hair decoration and a beautiful Fairtrade rattan basket - great for storing beauty item.

source

How is your spending ban going?  What products are you wanting this week?

*complimentary

OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser

Just before Christmas Lucy at OV Naturals sent me a complimentary gift of a mini pot of Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser* (15ml) and Firm Friends Face & Neck Oil* (10ml).  Look how beautifully packaged the products are.

Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser is simply gorgeous. I reviewed Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil last year and you can see my review here.

A light textured moisturiser which is scented with damask rose otto - simply divine!  It hydrates the skin and the essential fatty acids found in the Rosehip and Starflower oils nourish, protect and help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.  

Retailing at £7.50 for 15ml or £28.99 for 60ml.  There are also try me sizes of cleanser, face oils, moisturisers and soap - a great way to try before you buy the full size or great for small gifts.

Contains Soil Association Certified Organic Damask Rose Otto, Soil Association Certified Starflower Oil, Organic Soil Association Certified Rosehip Seed Oil, Organic Rose Geranium, Organic Ylang Ylang, Damask Rose hydrosol, Organic Coconut, Organic Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E.

To use - massage onto skin day or night or if your skin needs a radiance boost.  Use in conjunction with the Triple Rose Luxury Organic Face Oil for a truly pampering treat.

Free from parabens, SLS, lanolin, artificial perfume and colours and petrochemicals.

I'll definitely be adding this moisturiser to my ever expanding wishlist as quite simply it is lovely and using it makes my skin soft, smooth, moisturised and smelling of roses.  Have you used any OV Naturals products before?

Website see here
Twitter @OVnaturals 
Facebook here


*complimentary

January Favourites

These are the products I've been using most this January:

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick - I bought this in one of my last hauls before my spending ban kicked in.  You can see that post here.  I got the shade plum jam and it is gorgeous for a subtle plummy wash of glossy colour with a vanilla scent.  Definitely want to pick up the other two shades after my spending ban! 

From the same haul I got two Super Facialist products which are amazing! Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil which is a pre-cleansing oil.  It removes all make up, even waterproof mascara with ease.  A full review will follow.  At the same time I bought the Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser which you use after the facial oil.  Leaves skin super clean and hydrated and scented with roses.

OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser* 15ml - Lucy sent me this and a 10ml tester bottle of Firm Friends* Face & Neck Oil just before Christmas.  The moisturiser is gorgeous, lightly scented with Damask Rose Otto.  A full review of both will follow.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom EDP 10ml - this came a beautiful gift box of minis I treated myself to.  It's in my favourite scent from Abahna and I love the fact that the atomiser is refillable.  Refills are £15 for 50ml.

What are your favourites this month?

*complimentary

November Empties

Here are my empties for November:

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion both 100ml - love this scent and these products. I treated myself to a gift set in this scent at the weekend.  You can read my mini review here.

Abahna Body Lotion sachets (5ml) in White Grapefruit & May Chang, Mandarin & Sicilian Bergamot and Lilac Rose & Geranium x 2 - all gorgeous.  I especially liked the White Grapefruit & May Chang.

Pure Thoughts Lime & Tangerine Bath Bomb - this was lovely and quite strongly scented with lime and tangerine.  This came from the Christmas Box which you can see here.  I'd buy again.

Sebastian Volupt Volume Boosting Shampoo 10ml sachet - this was nice to use, got two uses from the sachet but unsure if I'd purchase as there are shampoos I prefer.

Sebastian Hydre Deep Moisturising Treatment 10ml sachet - again nice to use but there are hair treatments I prefer.

Berkeley Square Royal Ballet Body Conditioner 6ml sachet - nice scent and I like the gel like texture but probably wouldn't buy.

NEOM Real Luxury Bath Oil 5ml - gorgeous! would love to buy again.  Really relaxing.

Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan zhi Bath & Shower 30ml - this was nice enough but I didn't love the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum 7ml - this came in the Caudalie Latest in Beauty Box.  Lovely.  Would perhaps purchase.

Milla Maddern Tranquility Body Wash 100ml - see my review here.  Scented with Lavender, Geranium and Mandarin.  This was really lovely to use and I loved the mix of essential oils.  I'll definitely purchase at some point.

Madara Deep Balance Toner 5ml sachet - this was a nice toner - I  got two uses out the sachet.  I'd maybe purchase in the future.

OV Naturals mini Triple Rose Facial Oil 10ml - see my review here.  I probably will not buy again as I've fallen in love with the Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil but the oil was lovely to use.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme 15ml - this was in a GWP offer earlier in the year.  Lovely to use, a real luxury cream.  Full size retails around the £170 mark! So I won't be purchasing.

Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil vial - love mythic oil. Will perhaps purchase at some point once I get through my current oils.

YSL Shocking Effet Faux Cils 2ml - a great mascara and will purchase full size at some point.

Clarins Extra-Firming body Lotion 100ml - lovely to use with a nice scent.  Would perhaps purchase.  This was a GWP size.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - love this.  Will definitely pick up full size - especially now they are stocked in Harvey Nics!

Bliss lid+lash wash make up remover 30ml - this was a nice product but I've got cleansers that do the job just as well so wouldn't repurchase.

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer 7ml - this was a freebie with Marie Claire magazine.  Another product which is very expensive full size.  I could feel it tightening the skin upon application but I hated the scent so wouldn't consider purchasing.

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.15 2ml vial - I got this with an online Liz Earle order.  Gorgeous, will definitely purchase at some point.

REN Moroccan Oil Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml - one of my favourite bath oils.  Will definitely purchase full size at some point.

Dr Organic Lavender Skin Lotion 30ml - I reviewed this lotion here.  I quite enjoyed using it especially before bed but I'm unsure whether I'd purchase as it does smell quite strongly of lavender.

No.7 Protect & Perfect Intense Overnight Hand Treatment 75ml - I got this with a £5 off No.7 voucher - I'd definitely pick it up again with the money off voucher.  A really nice hand cream.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - my last mini one - sob! I'll buy this full size soon.  Just adore this bath oil. Super-soothing and relaxing.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream 7ml - picked this up as a Glamour magazine freebie.  It is super moisturising but I didn't really feel it did anything for dark circles etc.  Wouldn't purchase.

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel 5ml - nice enough product but didn't love it enough that I'd buy it full size.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo 10ml - really liked this would consider buying full size.  It made my hair look so smooth (used along with the conditioner/smoothing treatment).

What have you been using up this month?