Shopping my Stash #83

Here's what I've been reaching for this week:

I won Pinks Boutique Cuticle Oil (10ml) in Ana's giveaway recently. It's a beautiful product which nourishes and softens the cuticles. 100% natural and free from any chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Rosa mosqueta regenerates while Carrot oil nourishes and Fennel and Frankincense heal. The cuticle oil is a really lovely treat for your nails. It absorbs quickly leaving the cuticles feeling comfortable and hydrated. 

While I've used mainly skincare or haircare from PHB Ethical Beauty they also have a great make up range. I'm really impressed with their Natural Organic Eyeliner in Black* (4g - £10.95). The colour is more of a dark grey, it applies easily with no dragging and is highly pigmented with long lasting colour. 

I recently came across Albus & Flora and fell instantly for their Multi-Active Tinted Lip Balms. I picked Mountain Rose (£12) which give the lips a sheer rosey wash of colour and protects them from the elements. It has a SPF30 so is ideal to pack for a skiing trip or summer holiday. See the range HERE.

My perfume is by Eden Perfumes which make a fantastic range of Vegan perfumes which have similar notes to popular blends. This one has similar notes to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. It really is a good likeness at a fraction of the price! Warm, smokey and spicy it's the perfect scent for autumn.

What have you been using this week?

*sample supplied by Love Lula as part of the accredited blogger program

A Surprise Birthday Present

I recently met my pal Julie (both our birthdays are in April and we do a birthday swap) - reviews will follow on the gorgeous goodies she gave me. Some which have already become "must haves" in my stash such as Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette (my first) and Lipstick Queen's Chinatown liner, gloss & lipstick in one in three really wearable shades - Watermelon, Nude-Pink and Dusky Pink. Love.

We arrived back from our Anniversary trip (amazing two days at Isle of Eriska Hotel review to follow) to a surprise birthday parcel from Nardine, (on twitter @Miss_Nardine) one of my London pals (who like Julie), I initially "met" on a beauty Facebook group and have met twice now in real life!)

Inside the pretty box is:

A cute card which made me smile

A box of lovely rose scented goodies

A beautiful hand crafted notebook

A Limited Edition Set of Jo Malone Colognes

Absolutely love everything and reviews will follow!

October Empties

Here's what I've been using up in October:

Pinks Boutique Lemongrass Organic Toner sample size* - loved this. In fact I loved the whole mini set.  See my review here. This is one I'll buy full size.

Rosemira Aloe & Pink Grapefruit Gel Cleanser sample* - I simply loved this refreshing and super fruity cleanser.  See my review here. Sure to pick this up full size at some point as I loved it.

Rosemira Organics Calming Toner sample* - this was lovely to use. See my review here. Sure to buy some bits from the brand at some point. Love that they sell samples too.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 3ml* - one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates bath oils. See my review here. Sure to buy full size one of these days!

Marble & Milkweed Tulsi Facial Tonic sample - this came in the extra special summer getaway kit. Loved it and would consider buying full size. Everything from the mini kit I've loved.

bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of my favourite bodhi & birch scents. Got another in my stash.

L'Occitane Relaxing Bath Salts 300g - I loved these and have re-purchased. See my review here.

Hotel Costes Bath Flakes 7g - loved this single use sachet. Full size firmly on the wishlist.

Madara Refreshing Fresh Mint Soap 250ml - love this. This is my second bottle and sure to buy again.  See my review here.

bodhi & birch Camomile Sky Calming Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml* - a gorgeous newish launch. See my review here. Sure to buy at some point.

Bee Good Honey, Borage & Echium Intensive Hand Repair 50ml*- love this intensive hand cream. See my review here and see the Xmas box* here.  

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Shampoo 27ml - this was a hotel room freebie and was nice to use although I probably wouldn't buy full size.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Conditioner 22ml - again nice to use but probably wouldn't buy full size.

balm balm Mandarin EDT - I got this in one of the earlier Souk Souk boxes. Really liked it. It featured in Little Treats #4. Would maybe purchase.

Be Yummy Skin Food sample - I really like this cream and would buy again. See my review here.

bite beauty lip gloss - shade six - my favourite shade from the Deconstructed Rose box.  I wore it constantly. Would definitely re-purchase this shade if available.

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo 30ml - enjoyed using this. Would maybe purchase.

Tay Rosehip Balancing Cleanser 15ml* - this was nice enough but not powerful enough to remove waterproof mascara.  I tended to use it on non-make up days. Wouldn't purchase.

LJ's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Moisturiser sample - this was really nice to use. I'd consider buying once I use up my huge stash of moisturisers.

LJ's Natural Solutions Very Indulgent Organic Face Oil 30ml - this was really lovely to use.  See my review here. I'd buy once I reduce my stash.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - these are a staple and I'll keep buying them. See my review here.

NHP Nourish Hair Bath 250ml* - I'm sorry to have finished this super moisturising shampoo.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy.

L'Occitane Relaxing Shower Gel 35ml - this was nice to use but unsure if I'd buy again.

Neal's Yard Aromatic Foaming Bath 100ml - I enjoyed using this bubble bath but as I really prefer bath oils I probably wouldn't purchase.

Hairy Jayne Pre-Shampoo Treatment Oil 30ml - this was lovely to use. See my initial thoughts here.

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate 5ml - I simply loved this serum. Full size is on the ever expanding wishlist. See my thoughts here.

Dahliana Overnight Fruit Lift Cream trial size - I simply love this. See my review here. Full size is on the wishlist!

What have you been using this month?

*PR samples

September Empties

I think this must be the smallest amount of empties...ever!

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes - I initially found these very highly perfumed but the scent grew on me. I only occasionally use wipes. I'd buy these or one of the other varieties again.

Pinks Boutique Lemongrass Camellia Moisturiser* - I simply loved this delicious scented moisturiser. It's one I'd consider buying full size.  See my review here.

Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo 200ml - one of my favourite detox shampoos. Sure to buy again.  See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - this is my favourite bath oil ever. I received this personalised bottle last Christmas - sad to finish it!  Will definitely buy again (or drop hints to hubby).

beatitude Peace Body Oil 100ml* - a real luxe body oil. See my review here. I'd like to try this in "Joy" next after really enjoying the bath oil sample.

bodhi & birch Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - love this light zesty ginger scent. Full size firmly on the wishlist.  See my review here.

Rosemira Sweet Coconut Body Butter* - this came in August's Petit Vour box and I loved it. Full size on the wishlist! See my review here.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil:Summer 7.4ml - this came in the super cute summer get away kit.  It smelled beautiful and left the body nourished and delicately scented. Loved it!

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant - a staple which I buy again and again.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 3ml* - my favourite Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil.  See my review here.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml - one of my favourite pre-shampoo conditioners. Leaves my hair looking like I've just stepped out of the salon!  Will buy again.

beatitude Peace & Joy Bath Oil samples* - these were lovely. I especially liked the sunny scent of Joy.  See my review here.

Bee Yummy Skin Food* - sad to see this finished! See my review here. I've still got a tiny sample to use but would buy.

L'Occitane Relaxing Body Cream 50ml - this was lovely to use just before bed. Would buy full size.  See my review here.

Have you tried any of these?  If you've done an empties post link me up.

*PR samples

Organic Beauty Week: Pinks Boutique Try Me Set - Lemongrass Facial

Pinks Boutique is holding it's second Organic Beauty Festival to coincide with The Soil Association's Organic Beauty Week which runs from today until the 14th September.  Pinks Boutique Spas, Salons and Treatment Rooms will be running special discounts, offers and free gifts with treatments.  There is also an exclusive offer running on Try Me Sets - two boxes can be purchased for the special price of £25 (instead of £40 but this excludes the anti-ageing set although it will be available during the festival at a special price of £15).

I was sent the fabulous Try Me Set - Lemongrass Facial (£20)* which includes a range of mini try me sizes suitable for normal/combination/oily skin types. The sets are super luxe and beautifully packaged - would make great gifts too!  All products are natural, certified organic and hand blended with love and care in England.

Lemongrass & Mandarin Cleanser - this cleanser is great at removing all make up and daily grime and smells simply divine.  Massage onto damp skin and remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth.  It is soothing and purifying. Use AM and PM.  Loved this and would buy full size.

Lemongrass & Mandarin Toner - a refreshing light spritz which is restorative and balancing. It also contains green and white tea to sooth an calm. Apply to a cotton pad after cleansing. This is my favourite item from the set.

Bamboo & Oatmeal Facial Polish - bamboo and oatmeal gently exfoliate the skin for natural regeneration of skin cells. Massage in gentle circular movements before rinsing. Suitable for all skin types.

Green Clay & Camellia Mask - this mask deeply cleanses and draws out impurities. My oily T-zone has been loving this mask.  Apply to the skin avoiding eye and lip areas leave on for 10 minutes and remove with a warmed mitt.

Lemongrass & Camellia Moisturiser - a balancing and refreshing lotion which contains Camellia oil and Aloe Vera to soothe and heal.  This is a perfect moisturiser for spring/summer but if you feel your skin needs a bit more moisture as the seasons change try Face Balm or Night Balm. 

I really enjoyed using this little Try Me kit and I'll definitely be picking up one or two of the others available - see the range here.

Have you tried any Pinks Boutique products before?  What are your favourites?

*PR sample

December Empties

I seem to have got through quite a few empties this month although quite a lot of them are sample sizes.

Hairy Jayne Deep Cleansing Shampoo 30ml and Hairy Jayne Cream Conditioner 30ml - I've loved all the Hairy Jayne products I've tried and I'll definitely buy full size soon.  See my review here.

Freyaluna Bergamot Lip, Face and Body Balm sample and Freyaluna Skin Support Facial Toner sample - I loved the toner and would buy again. I wasn't quite so keen on the balm.

Kris D'Amour Soothing/Skin Repair Treatment Butter samples - I wasn't keen on the scent of these ones although they deeply moisturised the skin.  I do love the Rejuvenating Treatment Butter though.

bodhi Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - my favourite bodhi shower gel. It featured in my Top 10 products of 2013 - see here. I'll be buying another bottle over the Christmas holidays.

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF8 30ml - a lovely face cream and one I'd buy. I got this one free with a newspaper offer.

REN VitaMineral Active 7 Eye Gel 3ml - this was quite nice to use, cooling around the eye area but as it's a small sample hard to tell if it helped with fine lines and dark circles.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Body Creme 175ml - this was a present from hubby. Loved it, sheer luxury.

Korres Guava Little Shower Gel 50ml - my favourite Korres shower gel. Sure to buy again.

Mama Mio O-Mega Super Rich Body Cream 50ml - this was lovely to use and super moisturised the skin. Loved it.

Mama Mio O-Mega Body Buff 50ml - nice to use but I prefer a scrubbier body scrub.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 5ml - loved this and have another mini still to use.

Naturally Nourished Exotic Body Balm 90g - simply love this exotic scented body balm. Sure to pick it up again.  See my review here. 

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - love Noble Isle products sure to pick this up again at some point - I noticed Latest in Beauty have this as a Luxury sample.

Neom Sensuous Organic Body Wash 50ml - this was lovely to use and would happily re-purchase.

ila Rose Bliss Face Oil 10ml* - simply one of the best face oils out there. Sure to buy at some point.  See my review here.

Pinks Boutique Rose Crystal Bath Soak sample, Rosehip Face & Body Scrub sample and Rose Face & Body Balm sample - these were lovely to use and very luxurious. Would buy full sizes in a heartbeat.

Naturally Nourished Lemongrass & Papaya Cleanser sample and Frankincense Hand Cream sample - these were lovely and I'd buy them again.

inner-soul organics Circulation Boost Skin Oil 30ml - this came in December's Souk Souk. Loved it.

FoM Body Contouring Body Serum sample - this was lightly scented with lemon and nice to use but a small sample.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this came in my Advent calendar. Loved it. Would buy.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream 5ml - lovely to use. Would consider purchasing full size.

*PR sample