February Empties

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

CIME Daisy Delight Brightening Day & Night Cream 2ml sachet* - this was lovely to use. Very light in texture with a floral scent. When I'm finally needing a day or night cream I'll definitely pick this up.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil sample - a beautiful rich oil with an uplifting scent. I'd definitely buy full size. See my review HERE.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanse 15ml* - lovely to use with a beautiful scent. A real luxe product.  It featured in Little Treats #9. When I eventually need a cleanser it's one I'd buy.

Olivine Love+Salt Beach Hair - Body Mist 60ml - this came in one of the ABW boxes. Loved the coconut scent. Mainly used it as a body mist. Would maybe buy.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Replenishing Body Lotion 50ml - this came in one of the Advent Calendars. Was lovely to use with a delicious fig scent. I'd buy this.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue 1ml sachet - I absolutely loved this eye cream. Full size is on the wishlist. However, I also tried the Magic Night Cream 1.5ml sachet and I wasn't so impressed (didn't like the scent or feel on my skin) however I did love how my skin felt and looked in the morning! 

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple in my stash. I'm well stocked up for now but these will be bought again.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - I've used this beauty before and full size is now on the wishlist. Every Therapie product I've tried I've loved.

May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist 100ml - I absolutely loved this. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy this again - maybe when there's another Cult Beauty GWP.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - this is one of my favourite bath oils (ever). I've got one I got a Christmas time just opened. 

Jo Loves Pomelo 2ml sample vial - I absolutely adore this beautiful scent. Full size is on the wishlist.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne 1.5ml - a pretty scent but not my favourite from Jo Malone so probably wouldn't buy.

Spiezia Facial Cleanser Travel Size tin 10ml - one of the very first balm type cleansers I used. See my review HERE. Will buy again at some point.

REN Oat & Bay Conditioning Shampoo 50ml - this was nice to use. Would maybe buy full size.

COLAB Dry Shampoo Monacco 50ml - found this dry shampoo to be really effective. I'd buy again.

Aveda Stressfix Soaking Salts 170g - huge fan of these calming salts. Will definitely buy again. See my review HERE.

Freyaluna Rose Petal Tub Tea - this little single use tea bag is lovely. It comes in the exquisite Rose Petal Gift Set.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Wash 40ml - this was lovely. I've got another one in my stash but it's a body wash I'd buy.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream 15ml - I simply loved this day cream so much so I've ordered a full size pot.

4160Tuesdays London 1969 EDP 2.25ml sample vial - this came in the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar. It's one of my favourites and I've since bought a bigger size.  Next time I need it I'll be buying full size. I just love it.

Omnisens Delice Passion Massage Oil 15ml - this was nice to use with a sweet scent. Would maybe buy full size.

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a refreshing wash which has a beautiful scent. See my review HERE. I've got another which I'm saving for holidays.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Hand Wash 250ml - lovely to use and leaves the hands smelling gorgeous.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Latest in Beauty: Build Your Own Box

Just last week I spotted that Latest in Beauty had new items in the "Build your own Box" section. Of course, I couldn't resist! I went for the 9 items box which cost £16.99 plus P&P.

Here's what I chose:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 5 x 5ml sachets - I love this cleanser and thought these would be great for holidays/weekends away. See my review of the cleanser HERE.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt with Red Poppy & Hemp 60g (1 bath) - I'm a fan of the Kneipp Herbal Baths so thought these would be nice to try for a change.

Dr Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum 15ml (full size worth £9.99) - I'm currently using the one I received in a YOU Beauty Box and I can honestly say it's lovely. I may use this one for a gift (or backup!)

Kneipp Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml - I've used this before and loved it. See my mini review here. 

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic Cologne Spray 15ml (worth £10) - this smells just like a G&T when you first spray it mellowing down to a light and refreshing scent.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Energising Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml & Bois D'Orange Invigorating Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml - I picked these as I'd received a body lotion by R&G in one of my advent calendars and had really enjoyed using it.

Mio Double Buff Dual Action Exfoliator 50ml - I'm a fan of Mio but not tried this scrub before. It has particles of Pumice, Lava and Bamboo blended with Papaya and Pineapple enzymes to slough away rough skin.

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil 17ml - which is suitable for use on body and hair - a handy size which I may keep for travel.

Have you Build Your Own Box recently?

Advent Calendars: Days 7 to 15

I've been enjoying most of the items from my Advent calendars.  You can see what I got Days 7 - 15 here:

7 December:  

YOU Beauty - Konjac Sponge - I've used these in the past. Passed this one onto a friend.

M&S - Rituals Zensation Shower Foam 50ml - My friend Magi loves these shower foams. So gave it to her.

4160Tuesdays - today gave us Who Knew? - which is a mix of perfumery materials blended together to see what happens. This is a lush dark rose scent with smokey vetivert, Benzoin, Vanilla and Green Tea Absolute. Pretty keen on this one.

8 December: 

YOU Beauty: Heaven Skincare Bee Venom Eyes 15ml - this is a great size sample. I'm not really into products with Bee Venom in them so passed to a friend.

M&S: pure Grape Day Cream 30ml - a decent size sample and I'll give it a whirl.

4160Tuesdays: Paris 1948 - a chypre inspired by Paris masters in the late 1940s. With top notes of peach, grapefruit and basil with heart notes of rose, cedarwood, orange blossom, rosewood and honey with base notes of oakmoss, hay, musk and labdanum.

9 December: 

YOU Beauty: ESPA £15 Gift Card plus Optimal Skin Pro Serum 8ml - I'm a huge fan of the serum and can always find something to buy online!

M&S: Filorga Time Filler 10ml - I've not heard of this brand so will need to read up on it. I've not got a huge amount of wrinkles (yet).

4160Tuesdays: Rome 1963 - a unisex scent which has top notes of bergamot and chocolate, heart notes of heady tuberose, ylang ylang and cedarwood with base notes of tobacco and patchouli.

10 December: 

YOU Beauty: Teeez Read my Lips Lipstick - this seems quite nice. Still to try it!

M&S: Neals Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream 25ml - I've a feeling I've tried this before and I didn't love the scent. I'll give it another try as I'm a huge fan of the brand.

4160Tuesdays: Midnight in the Palace Garden - with Atlas cedarwood, frangipani, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, blood orange, vanilla, coffee.

11 December:

YOU Beauty: Lipcote Lipstick Sealer - I used this in the 80s and found it totally dried my lips up. I won't be using this one.

M&S: Josh Wood Volume Shampoo 50ml - this seems nice enough but don't really notice any extra volume - maybe it would be best using with the matching conditioner.

4160 Tuesdays: Centrepiece - with honey, frangipani, green tea, cedarwood, vanilla, citrus sorbet and and a hint of chocolate. Inspired by the Ice Cream parlour at Fortnum & Masons.

12 December:

YOU Beauty: Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pencil - Noir - this seems quite nice and non-dragging. Will be used!

M&S: Diego Dalla Palma Lipstick No.46 - a really pretty shade from a brand I haven't tried before.

4160Tuesdays: Fruits of the Tree of Knowlege - a rich fruity sweet scent with notes of grapefruit, lemon, yuzu, cucumber, watermelon, cherry, rose violet, raspberry with a base of sandalwood.

13 December:

YOU Beauty: Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Replenishing Body Lotion 50ml - this has a delicious fig scent. I've use the perfume before and loved it. So looking forward to using this.

M&S: Mio Skincare Liquid Yoga 53ml - this relaxing bath soak smells amazing. Looking forward to trying it out after a stressful day.

4160Tuesdays: Tokyo Spring Blossoms - with Spring flowers, fresh fruit, petals of rose and violet over balsams.

14 December:

YOU Beauty - Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream 20g - always happy to try a new cleanser.

M&S: Percy & Reed No Oil Oil 30ml - I've always been happy with this brand  so this will be used!

4160Tuesdays: Sleep Knot - with jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and black pepper...for nights when you don't plan to sleep...

15 December: 

YOU Beauty: Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum 10ml - I find this one a little bit rich for my skin so I've passed it on.

M&S: Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuer Hand Cream 30ml - this is lovely and matching the body lotion from a couple of days ago.

4160Tuesdays: Babylon Sunset with honey, rose, jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. This smells lush.

I've been enjoying most items from my Advent calendars and I'm looking forward to having time to try everything out properly (especially the perfumes)

Are you enjoying your advent calendar(s) or did you not buy one this year?

March Empties

Another month I've hardly used up much. I'm not going to finish anything else before the end of the month so here goes..

bodhi & birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - love this. See my review here. Will buy again.

The Naked Skincare Company Evening Relax Body Oil 30ml - this was really lovely to use and I'll definitely buy. See my review here.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Hand Wash 250ml - this is my favourite Organic Surge scent and I love this hand wash. Will buy again.  See my review here.

Thea Organic Skincare Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Creme Moisturiser 15ml* - this moisturiser had such an uplifting scent. See my review here. Will buy once I reduce my stash a bit.

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes x 30 wipes - I don't use wipes a lot but tend to have a pack on the go for late nights and after exercise. I'd buy these again.  See my review here.

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml* - I simply loved this refreshing and exquisitely scented non-foaming cleanser. Sure to buy at some point. Was super-sad it's finished!  See my mini review here.

John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair 60ml - I really enjoyed this and would buy full size.

lj's Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - I simply loved this rosey scented oil. See my review here. I'm signing up to the Beauty Box again at the end of the month (2 of my 3 items (every 2 months) is going to be this luxe body oil. 

Bloom Remedies Peppermint & Lemongrass Foot Balm - this is gorgeous! Rich and luxurious and kind to your feet. I'll definitely buy again.

This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray 5ml - I loved this. Full size is on the wishlist. See my review here.

SAMPLE:

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Gentle Shower Cream sachet - this was lovely to use, smells gorgeous and lasted 2 uses. Would maybe buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

The Dream Box III by British Beauty Blogger & Latest in Beauty

I found I couldn't resist Jane's (British Beauty Blogger) third collaboration with Latest in Beauty. Costing £21.95 with free P&P it is jam packed full of 16 beauty products and worth over £110!

There are a couple of items I won't use so I'll pass them on. Here's what is inside:

Eye of Horus Pencil (full size worth £17.99) - this paraben free eye pencil has a creamy formula which is easy to apply, waterproof, smudgeproof and long lasting. I got Charcoal which is a grey shade with a sparkly shimmer. Love!

DECIEM Hand Chemistry (30ml worth £8) - I recently tried this wonder hand cream and fell in love. Believe the hype - use for 10 days and see amazing results on dry and chapped hands.

Salon Science Reglosse Smoothing Serum (50ml worth £18) - I'm always on the lookout for new hair products. This will soften and smooth. Can't wait to try!

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche - 24 hr Soothing & Rehydrating Fresh Mask (full size 50ml worth £18.50) - I'm a huge Nuxe fan so looking forward to try this suitable for all skin types mask.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Au Lait Luxury Milk Soap (full size 100g - £4.95) - I love bars of soap and this one smells divine.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier EDP (1.5ml sample worth £1.26) - I received the eau fraiche of this scent in my recent The Perfume Society Box and loved it so looking forward to trying the stronger EDP.

Dr Organic Cherry Lip Balm (5.7g full size worth £3.40) - huge Dr Organic and Lip Balm fan. It contains a SPF15 so I'll be popping this one in my holiday bag.

OLE HENRIKSEN Pure Truth Melting Cleanser 3 in 1 Cleansing Gelee (15ml worth £3.05) - I love the Truth Serum and the facial wipes from this brand. Looking forward to trying it.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pear & Magnolia Body Lotion (50ml worth £5) - this has the sweetest scent. It actually makes my mouth water! The lotion absorbs quickly leaving the skin lightly scented.

Bourjois Rouge Velvet (full size worth £8.99) - I got the shade Don't Pink Of It which is a gorgeous matt pink shade.

benefit they're Real Remover (7.5ml worth £2.18) - I wear benefit's mascaras so looking forward to testing this out. It's meant to make removing waterproof mascara easily without any dragging or pulling.

Orelia Temporary Tattoos (one sheet worth £5) - I used to buy temporary tattoos from Estee Lauder years ago so looking forward to trying these ones.

Essence Nail Polish (2 full size worth £3.60) - I'm looking forward to wearing these on my toes in summer (especially the pastel one). Pretty and wearable in nude and pastel.

Make up Revolution The One Fluid Blusher - Rush Me (full size worth £3) - I won't use this so will pass it on.

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan for Face & Body with mitt (20ml worth £9) - I'm not really a fake tan fan so I'll pass this one on too.

All in all, a great box. Pick it up HERE.

The Perfume Society: Making Memories Discovery Box

The Perfume Society's Making Memories Discovery Box is just fantastic! It's stuffed full of perfume samples and trial sizes (as well as a 30ml Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with cloth)  Costing £15 for non-members and a tenner for VIP Subscribers.  The box would make a great Mother's Day pressie.

Included is smelling notes and Perfume Society blotters.

Onto the scents:

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORIENTAL

Valentino Valentina 4ml EDP - this comes in the cutest little bottle! With notes of Calabrian bergamot, white Alba truffles, jasmine, Amalfi orange blossom, tuberose, wild strawberries, cedar, amber and vanilla. This is a really pretty scent. I love the wild strawberry note.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: ORIENTAL GOURMAND

Thierry Mugler Angel 5ml EDP - this is a love/hate scent. I'm in the love category! With top notes of bergamot and helional, heart notes of exotic fruits, honey, caramel and praline with base notes of vanilla and patchouli.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

Shay & Blue Amber Rose 2ml - I'm a huge fan of Shay & Blue and I've not tried this scent before!  It has notes of rare May rose from Grasse, Dulce de Leche and white amber. It's beautiful!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: CHYPRE

Angela Flanders Precious One EDP sample vial - Another perfume I've been dying to try! With top notes of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom, heart note of oakmoss with a base of sandalwood, vetivert and cedarwood. Angela made this scent for her daughter Kate.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FRESH

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier - this is an intriguing little sample - it has a eau fraiche scent vial (1.5ml) and a sachet each of shower cream and body lotion making it perfect for layering your scent.  With top notes of fig pulp and mandarin, heart notes of caraway seeds, fig leaves and grapefruit and base notes of cedar and fig milk. Looking forward to trying this one!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FRESH

Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrien 1.5ml EDT - this is gorgeous! Light and refreshing and perfect for spring and summer. It has notes of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, citron, grapefruit, cypress, galbanum, basil, juniper berry, ylang ylang and woods.  A happy scent!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

L'Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons 1ml EDT - I'm a huge fan of their Mure et Musc scent. This has top notes of bergamot, lime blossom and pink pepper with heart notes of orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine and linden with base notes of ylang ylang. Looking forward to trying.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.100 2ml EDP - with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, heart notes of Damask rose, jasmine and orange flower and base notes of vanilla, cypress and sandalwood. This is a really uplifting floral scent and I'm looking forward to wearing it.

VALEUR ABSOLUE - this is a trio of 1.5ml vials: I've not heard of this brand before.  You can layer these scents.

Harmonie - FLORAL - with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, orange peel, cardamon, nutmeg, neroli, jasmine, earl grey tea, vanilla, musk and guaiac wood.

Joie-Eclat - FRESH - with notes of grapefruit, cardamon, mandarin, tuberose, white jasmine, Italian cypress, vetivert and white woods.

Sensualite - FLORAL - with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, white pepper, Rose de Mai, Sambac jasmine, cedarwood, amber and musk.

The final item is a little sachet of Fragonard Maman Cherie "a beautiful bouquet of fruit and flowers to evoke the special scented bond between a mother and her child".

I think this is a great box. What are your thoughts?  Pick it up here.

A Rose Hamper

My friend Nardine (@Miss_Nardine) surprised me with a huge rose filled hamper for Christmas. It is stuffed full of incredibly gorgeous goodies. I'm so looking forward to trying and tasting everything! 

WOW!  Now for a closer look...

A gorgeous hand poured rose candle from DW Home which smells just beautiful and is in a pretty pot. Looking forward to burning this! 

REN Moroccan Rose Otto mini Gift set with my favourite Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil (review), Body Wash and Body Lotion. Love! 

Rose de Fath EDP by Jacques Fath 100ml - I've never heard of this perfume brand. It is in a totally decadent bottle with a huge stopper. Looking forward to trying!

A pretty make up bag, the very gorgeous The Body Deli Creme de la Rose (10ml) review, The Naked Skincare Company Rose Water Toner 50ml, Balm Balm Rose Geranium Lip Balm and By Terry Baume de Rose 3g (I've wanted to try this like...forever!)

A luxe box of rose scented Roger & Gallet soaps and Anna's @ Meteora Rose hand made soap.

Barely There bauble containing White Lily & Sweet Rose Blossom Bath Pearls & Caviar, Barely There White Lily & Rose Blossom Bath Petals and Lovely Rose Scented Hanging Clay with Rose Oil.

Tea with Tom Rose & Almond Cream Tea and Caffe Florian Black Tea with Rose Petals.

Waitrose All butter rose heart shaped shortbread (cute!) and Rose & Violet Creams (one of my favourite sweet treats).

Uncle Roy's Rose Petal Jam & Rose & Hibiscus Jelly - nom!

Waitrose Rose Petals and Uncle Roy's Edible Sugared Small Red Rose Petals - going to use these for some baking!

A beautiful Harrods doggie shopper bag and a pair of John Greed rose coloured earrings.

Thanks so much Nardine! You know me so well! I simply love everything. 

Reviews will follow.

The Dream Box by The British Beauty Blogger & Latest in Beauty

I first saw that Jane, The British Beauty Blogger was launching her third beauty box in association with Latest in Beauty on a Facebook group. I was lucky enough to pick up her first box - see my thoughts here.

The Dream box cost £19.95 including P&P. The item which caught my eye the most was Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water (100ml) worth £10 - half the box!  I reviewed Bee Good's Intensive Hand Repair this week - see here*.

So what's inside:

It's absolutely packed full of goodies and worth over £100!

My second favourite item is the Kneipp Herbal Bath in Mandarin - Orange 100ml - this is a full size bottle and it is said to relieve stress and make you happy. Smells gorgeous and looking forward to trying it.

I love the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Kisses - I got Marilyn a bright red shade. Inside the envelope is a little card with lipstick lips which you apply directly as if you are kissing it. Cute.

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara 8ml (this is worth £19!) - I've heard great things about this collagen infused deep black mascara which is paraben free. Looking forward to try it out.

Janjira Hand Wash in Argan Oil 50ml - this is paraben and sulphate free and smells refreshing. Not heard of this brand before.

REN Satin Perfecting BB Cream 3ml - huge REN fan. This is silicone free and non-oily. I've used this before and the shade doesn't quite suit my skin tone. I'll maybe get to use it in the summer.

L'Occitane Immortalle Divine Lotion 50ml - this is a new product and you use it after cleansing to soften the skin before moisturiser.  Looking forward to trying it out.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Fresh Fragrant Water 1.5ml vial - this is really nice with ginger, mandarin and pomegranate notes. Perfect for spring and summer.

Lola Kabuki Brush - this is a lovely soft little brush and I'm looking forward to trying it out with my bronzer.

Bourjois Cream Blush in shade 01 2.5g - received this in the first box. Perfect shade for summer.

Benefit it's potent eye cream 3g - I've used this before and liked it.

Make up Revolution Awesome Eyeshadow & Eyebrow Palette in Disappear till Tomorrow - this has nice neutral brown shades with a few sparkly shades. Looking forward to trying it out. 

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 20ml - huge Elemis fan and have used this foot cream before. Highly moisturising and smells nice. Perfect to get feet sandal ready.

Essie Polish in hide and go chic - this is a full size bottle in a pretty blue shade.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray 50g - the perfect size for popping in your handbag to cool down and refresh the skin on hot summer days.

So there you have it - 15 great items. Did you pick up the box? What are your thoughts?

*PR sample