Top Products 2021: April to June

If a product is marked * I was very kindly gifted it for review. As you'll know I've been breaking my top products up. See my January-March 2021 ones HERE.

I discovered Ginette aka The Herbal Soapmaker on Instagram and had to have a little buy. The products are gorgeous. See my review HERE.

Tam Mason's newish Nourishing Sugar Scrub in Rosa Damascena*. As well as being a sensory delight it is a beautiful and effective scrub. See my review HERE.

Another new brand, aromatic and gorgeous Africology. I fell head-over-heels for their gorgeous body care products*. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore Ecooking and think their newish 50+ series* is fantastic. See my review HERE.

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of eco friendly, zero waste and award winning Beauty Cleanse Skincare. This cleansing oil* is one of the best I've used. See my review HERE.

Oh Nudge Boutique, I adore every product of yours I try. Saffron Glow Facial Oil Serum* is an absolute delight. See my review HERE.

Beautiful Butterwhips. I adore their Body Butters particularly Warmly Relaxing with Bergamot, Lavender & Vitamin E. See my review HERE (foot care & face care excellent too and I love the eco-friendly packaging).

Ermana Natural Skincare's CLARIFY Clay Mask with Lavender & Chamomile* is one of the best I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I just adore Edinburgh based, Lucky Cloud Skincare. I picked two of their natural soaps* as part of my picks as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger in June under the heading GROW. See my review HERE. They lather really well and have gorgeous scents as well as looking pretty with eco-friendly packaging!

Rounding up my Top Picks for the last 3 months is STEAMCREAM! I really enjoyed using two of their newest products* in the range. Check out my review HERE. I also love the reusable packaging.

What products have you been loving this year?

*STEAMCREAM Original Cleansing Balm & Japanese Citrus

#PR samples - AD 

It was a real blast from the past discovering STEAMCREAM again! This is their 14th Anniversary year and they've brought STEAMCREAM and some complimentary products back. I first tried the brand via beauty boxes back in the day. 

STEAMCREAM is handmade in small batches in Japan using their unique STEAM Emulsification Manufacturing Method. The use of high powered steam minimises the amount of emulsifier needed. The products are packaged in pretty reusable/easily recyclable tins. 

I was sent their new Cleansing Balm* which has the original STEAMCREAM scent (Lavender, Chamomile, Neroli & Rosa Damascena) (70g - £19.95). The cleansing balm glides easily over the skin and makes short work of make up and daily grime. 

To use: apply a small amount of the balm onto your skin. It'll turn to an oil as you massage it into the skin, easily cleansing off make up and daily grime. Adding water turns it milky making it easy to rinse off. I used a warmed damp face cloth at this stage.

I've found the cleansing balm lovely to use. It smells heavenly and makes short work of make up. The skin is left feeling clean and comfortable.

The second item I was kindly sent is their new Japanese Citrus STEAMCREAM* (75ml - £15.95). This is part of the 7 seasons seasonal line. It contains ingredients chosen to support the skin in early and mid summer.  It's got a gorgeous light fluffy texture and delicious citrus scent. Sugar Squalane hydrates while Citrus Sudachi Peel extract softens. The skin is left feeling hydrated and plumped.

To use: use as a facial moisturiser both AM and PM and also as a moisturising mask. As a hand and body cream. I do love a multi-use product and this one is perfect for summer/great for holidays.

I've really been enjoying my re-introduction to STEAMCREAM and would highly recommend! You can also buy this duo as a bundle for £32.32. Check out the shop HERE.

A surprise parcel from Tracey at Face Up Beauty

I recently sent Tracey a decant of the Alteya Organics Bulgarian Rose Hair Treatment along with some samples. See her post here. She was super naughty (but kind!) and send me some Balance Me decants and some other goodies she enjoys for me to enjoy!

Here's what she sent:

Decants of the new Balance Me Collagen Boost Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser (which is lush!) and their new Protect & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner (see Tracey's thoughts here). I'm loving both of these and the shampoo smells really uplifting.

A cute little Heyland & Whittle Bed of Roses soap with teeny rosebuds, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil (a particular favourite with Tracey), a tub of STEAM CREAM (a favourite with me too) and a Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Eye Rescue Rollerball which helps reduce puffiness, tired eyes and dark circles.

Thanks again, Tracey - such a lovely box to receive. Looking forward to testing everything out.

Follow Tracey on Twitter @FaceUpBeauty

Shopping My Stash #48

Here's what I've been using this week - 

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - I'm a huge Green & Spring fan and found this in the cupboard while I was searching for something else. Perfect to use just before bed as the herbs it contains are perfect for relaxing and soothing.  See my review here.

Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - this very generous sized pot came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Made with anti-oxidant rich Rosapene Oil this light cream nourishes and regenerates the skin overnight while you are sleeping.  It's one of my favourite Trilogy products.

MVO Face Oil sample* - a rich and lush face oil packed full of nourishing things for the skin.  See my review here.

Viridian Skin Repair Oil 100ml* - a lavender scented body oil which is perfect to use just before bed.  See my review here.

SHU STEAMCREAM 75ml* - yet another product with a lavender scent! I love this light as air multi-purpose cream.  See my review here.

The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Micro Scrub 60g* - one of the freshest and most delicious scented products I've ever used. A really effective scrub.  See my review here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR samples

STEAMCREAM - SHU Limited Edition tin

I was recently sent a pot of STEAMCREAM in SHU Limited Edition design*. The tin design is simply stunning - Vermillion Red Japanese lacquerware style in makie tradition adorned with gold flowers. This would make a perfect Valentines Day gift and a fab alternative to chocs or flowers.

Handmade in Poole, UK and Atsugi, Japan.  The cream is made using high quality ingredients which are fused together using a shot of steam.  The result is a lightweight and fluffy cream which is suitable for use on the hands, face and body. Ingredients used include Orange Flower Water, Oatmeal Infusion, Vegetable Glycerine, Almond and Jojoba Oils and Cocoa Butter.  Essential oils of neroli, lavender, chamomile and rose absolute make it smell divine.

A great multi-purpose cream making it the ideal product to take on your travels. It leave the skin soft, hydrated and lightly scented.

The tins are super gorgeous and great to use afterwards for bits and bobs. I store things like hair bobbles, dog biscuits and used stamps (which I give to charity) in my old tins.  

Retails at £12.95 for 75ml

*PR sample

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar - Days 8-14

On Day 8, I received the very fabulous Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil (7.5ml). I reviewed it here. One I'll definitely buy full size.

Day 9 gave me Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - I'm super excited to try this one out. Smells gorgeous and feels really great on the skin. Full review will follow. Great size too.

On day 10 I got Inika Mineral Eyeshadow in Gun Metal - I've received several of these in beauty boxes before. 

Day 11 saw me receive a full size pot of STEAMCREAM

On Day 12 I got a Stila Lipglaze in Kaleidoscope. This looks like a really wearable shade and I love Stila's make up range.

Day 13 saw me get a Dermalogica Ultracalming Set which includes cleanser, masque, mist, serum and eye serum.

Today, Day 14 I received a Green People anti-ageing Eyeliner pencil in Grey. Looking forward to trying it out.

Are you opening the calendar each day? What are your thoughts on the contents so far?

Beautylishious February 2013 Review

The last time I bought a Beautylishious bag was in September.  I managed to purchase a February bag before my Spending Ban kicked in!  

Wrapped in leopard print tissue, in a bright pink organza bag with some sparkly sequins and tied with a ribbon with a little "handmade with love" heart.

Onto the contents - the first spoiler I saw was for Murad Firming Body Cream 100ml worth £19.50.  I'm a huge fan of Murad products and was keen to try this.  A rich body cream with an orange scent - it's lovely.

A sample slice of Lush Angel Delight Soap - a nice fruity soap which is scented with Tangerine oil.

Garnier Rose Comforting Cleansing Lotion 200ml which retails at round about £2.00 - this smells amazing.  Suitable for dry/sensitive skin.  I can use this at the moment as my skin is quite dry in winter but is usually normal/combination.  Update - a lovely cleanser which removes all mascara/eyeliner with ease and leaves skin clean and fresh.

Four x sachets STEAMCREAM - these featured in a previous bag.  Not a huge STEAMCREAM fan but these will do for weekends away.

The bag retails at £12.75 including P&P.  

Beautylishious - April

Harriette, from Beautylishious put a message on Beauty Box Swaps on Facebook asking for a blogger to review her beauty bag (free of charge).  I was the very lucky blogger she chose to review the April bag.

The beauty samples are presented in a beautiful pink cotton bag tied with pink ribbon.  A little "made with love" silver heart is attached to the front.  The beauty samples are tucked inside wrapped in leopard print tissue which is also tied with ribbon - a really nice touch.

You receive 4-5 samples for £12 including postage.  Expect homemade, boutique, organic and branded products.  From May you can find out what will be included in the bag if you fill in the contact form found here or message Beautylishious on Facebook.  I like the surprise element!

The beauty of the Beautylishious bag is that you are not tied to a subscription, you can come as you go as you please month by month.  Harriette makes 20 bags so its on a first come, first served basis.

Payment (by Paypal) for the May box opened on 6th April for despatch on 2nd May, for the June box payment opens on the 7th May for dispatch on 1st June.  You can see all payment and dispatch dates here.

Onto the contents:


A mini pot and 2g sachet (and information leaflet) of STEAMCREAM. This cream is the latest "must have" as it can be used all over the body making it a great product for holidays/gym.  I received this in my Carmine box previously.  This little pot is going in my desk drawer.


A mini pot of Crush Chocolate Body Buff - a natural sugar scrub which smells delicious.  The grains are quite scrubby which I like and the product is very moisturising due to the oils it contains. Definitely one I'd purchase full size.


A trial size of Lancome L'Absolu Rouge lipstick in shade 65, a brownish toned lipstick.  Feels really moisturising on the lips.


Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine...to Perfection Gloss Cloth - single use.  Gives dry hair a glossy shine and can also be used between washes.


Finally, three plastic pouches containing mineral eyeshadow/bronzer in brown tones from Willow Tree Minerals.  Shades include Autumn Leaves shadow, Sahara Shadow/Bronzer and Mulberry Cider Shadow.  I'm looking forward to try these out as they are lovely shades and from a company I've never heard of before.


My verdict?  A nice selection of product samples.  I especially love trying products from brands I haven't heard of before.  I will be re-using the cute bag for presents or to store cosmetics.


For more info:
http://beautylishious.co.uk/
Beautylishious - Facebook

Carmine - February

I received my Carmine box yesterday.  I am loving it.  Included is 3 full size products!

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - I already love this product having received it as a magazine freebie before. Smells of Turkish Delight.  Gently foaming and sulphate free.

STEAMCREAM - Steam infused skincare 75g - I'd read about this cream before but have never tried it.  Can be used top to toe and packed with natural ingredients - oatmeal infusion, orange flower water, almond oil, lavender oil and other essential oils, jojoba oil and cocoa butter. It's quite strongly scented with lavender so not sure if I'll use it on my face but be a great product to take on holiday. Looking forward to trying this out.  Packaged in limited edition aluminium tin.  Very cute - I got Capri.

Andrea Fullerton Nail Varnish 5.5ml - in shade Matthew. This and the ones above are full size products.

White Glo Extra-Strength Whitening Toothpaste 24g - was pleased to see something different in the box - looking forward to trying this out.

Diego Dalla Palma The Lipstick - I got shade 47 a frosted coral shade - be good with a tan!  Nice product, felt nice on the lips and I'm keen to try some of the other colours - there are 20 shades.

Also included is an extra a sample vial of Yardley Peony EDT - quite nice fresh and floral.  Not sure I'd buy it but nice extra.

A great box. I am really pleased with the contents this month x