November: Lately I've been Loving

Here are my November loves:

I adore hard back books and I think these ones would make excellent Christmas gifts. These are the ones in my current TBR pile (though I'm half way through the excellent Living with Coco Chanel:The Homes & Landscapes that Shaped the Designer by Caroline Young). It's such an interesting read.

I randomly came across Mark Peters Glass and had-to-have this gorgeous Tunnock's Teacake fused glass decoration. It's so sweet and I adore it. Check out the rest of the designs (including gorgeous Christmassy ones HERE).

One of Madara's latest make up launches had to be mine. Their new Skin Equal Soft Glow Foundation (£33 - 30ml) is absolutely fantastic. It blends really well and leaves the skin with a glow. 

I just love mince pies and was thrilled when I spotted them on the shelves of Sainsbury's in early November.

The Portobello Bookshop which is local to me (and wonderful) has a great selection of Indie mags. I picked up my favourite Bloom Magazine which is full of inspiration for the garden, nature lovers, allotments and the great outdoors. Such a treat!

Discovering Nudge Boutique's gorgeous soap free shampoo tablets that actually work! I picked a two pack which retails at £5 (one I kept and one I gifted to my hairdresser - so I'll hear her thoughts next time I'm there!). So far so good, my hair is loving these and I love that they are the perfect palm size. Review is to come!

 top one is the one I've been using - bottom one brand new

What have you been loving this month?

Valentines Day Treats: RMS Beauty, Flaya Perfumes & The Rose Tree, Gin Galore & Content Beauty & Wellbeing

Here's some of my top picks for Valentines Day (products marked with * I've kindly been gifted):

These chocolate hearts (come in a box with dark & milk varieties £5) from Cocoa Et Co available from Sainsbury's and are delicious (as well as pretty!)

From new to me Scottish perfume brand which is founded by a mum and her two daughters - Flaya Rose Perfume which is gorgeous! Prices start from £12 for 10ml. This is the perfect romantic rose scent and is exquisite! (expect a full review + giveaway soon!) I picked up my bottle in Jan de Vries, in Edinburgh's West End but you can also buy online.

Staying on the rose theme from The Rose Tree I'm currently trying their stunning Rollerball in Rose & Ylang Ylang* (£13.50 for 10ml) which is simply divine.  The scent is truly exquisite, uplifting and calming too. Roll onto your pulse points or a small amount to your palms and breathe in the beautiful aromatherapy scent. A full review will follow.

From RMS Beauty their gorgeous Wild with Desire Mini Lipstick Set (£33 for 5 mini lipsticks*). This set is simply stunning. With highly pigmented long lasting moisturising shades in an array of colours that any beauty lover would be very pleased to be gifted. Again, a review will follow.

Gin Galore by Sean Murphy* is the perfect informative gift for any gin lover. It's a great read and I've thoroughly enjoyed dipping into it and have added a few new gins to my wishlist. Another thoughtful gift alongside would be a bottle of one of the gins featured in the book or the promise of selecting one after the book is read! Again, a review will follow in my book round-up.

A Content Beauty & Wellbeing Gift Card for the pleasure of choosing some skincare/beauty bits at leisure. 

Are any of these on your Valentines Day wishlist? Or do you wish for them?

*gifted. My post contains one affiliate link

Aroma Actives: Exfoliating Cleanser & Triple Hydrating Gel Mask

You'll probably be aware that Aromatherapy Associates have joined forces with Sainsbury's to offer a purse friendly Aromatherapy range which is exclusive to larger Sainsbury's stores.

Products are free from parabens, SLS, propyene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, PEGs, Artificial colours and fragrances.

There are 16 products available including cleansers, oils, toners, masks and creams.  You can see the full range available here.

I was sent two of the products in the range to review - Exfoliating Cleanser 150ml (£7)* and Triple Hydrating Gel Mask 100ml (£7.50)*. Sainsbury's are currently offering a third off the whole range (although I am unsure how long this offer runs).  While shopping on Saturday I bought the Neck & Decollete Cream at a bargainous £11.99 instead of £17.99 (review to follow on this!)

Aroma Actives Exfoliating Cleanser - this has largish exfoliating beads which are made of corn granules with antioxidant rich meadowsweet and anti-bacterial lavender.  The product is suitable for all skin types although I'd say not sensitive skin types as the exfoliating granules are quite scrubby. I've been enjoying using the cleanser (it smells amazing) and it leaves my skin clear, bright and radiant. To use: once or twice a week, massage over face and neck using circular movements. Avoid eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Aroma Actives Triple Hydrating Gel Mask - a super hydrating mask which is great for all skin types but especially dry and dehydrated skins.  It contains Geranium and Vanilla Essential Oils (smells gorgeous).  To use: apply to the face and neck, leave 20 minutes and then rinse or use as an overnight treatment. Use 2-3 times a week.

Have you tried any Aroma Actives products?  

*PR samples