Top Products 2020: January to April

Products marked * I was kindly gifted for review. I normally do a top products twice a year. Seeing as things are different right now I'm doing quarterly instead (catch my first book quarter in May!) I've tried a lot of amazing products during this period and these are my top 15:

I've fallen head over heels for BYBI Beauty Boosters, I'm slowly working my way through the whole range. I highly rate Strawberry, CBD and Bakuchiol. See my reviews HERE and HERE.

I first tried Odylique's Award Winning Gentle Herb Shampoo* years ago and couldn't get on with the low foam. They very kindly sent me it again recently and I fell in love! See my review HERE.

Savon Stories Lotion Melt in Neroli, Mandarin & Lavender. A true bar of goodness. See my review HERE.

I fell head-over-heels for Zara's Perfume Collab with Jo Malone. The range is simply stunning and I can't wait to try more (there is now a sample set of the whole range and candles). See my review HERE.

I stumbled across Plenaire and Rose Jelly Gentle Make Up Remover was calling my name. See my review HERE.

I fell in love with this aromatic pot of goodness from Old Faithful. Their Makers' Balm Hand Balm is a true delight. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore these beauties from Pure Anada at Live in the Light. They really do work - think glossy, shiny and cared for hair. See my review of Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner Bars* HERE.

REN's Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil* which you can pick up at Love Lula. My skin loves this Beauty Editor's favourite for glowy, plumped and smooth skin. See my review HERE.

Although quite pricey, this is a natural deodorant I'd buy again. I was kindly gifted JOIK's Lemon & Geranium Natural Mineral Deodorant* via the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for review. It's now one of my favourite natural deos. See my review HERE.

REN's Citrus Limonum Hand Wash* has a beautiful lemon scent and gently cleanses the hands. See my review HERE. It's one I'll definitely replenish.

I fell head over heels for Croatian inspired Saint Iris Adriatica when I tried the range recently. I was very kindly gifted mini saints of Vitality Spritz* and Wake-up Droplets* which were my favourites in the range. See my review HERE.

I love Evolve's range - hard working with simple but stylish recyclable packaging. My skin has been loving their Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner*. See my review HERE.

I love this smokey and woody perfume by ALLSAINTS - Incense City EdP which I picked up recently at Feel Unique. See my review HERE.

Bare & Bond Fragrance Subscription* is the perfect and innovative way to try a new perfume every month for a very affordable £14.95 for 8.5ml. 

See my reviews HERE* and HERE.

Rounding up my Top Products 2020 for the January to April period is my gorgeous Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume for Spring 20. See my review HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

April Empties

Marked * I've received free of charge for review purposes. Here's what I've been using up:

Amly Radiance Boost Silver Rich Face Mist 100ml which I adored. See my review HERE. A definite repurchase when my mist stash reduces a bit.

Shiseido Vital Protection Uplifting & Firming Cream 1.5ml - this free sachet came in my monthly Red mag. A nice cream, would consider full size at some point.

Tropic Skincare Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum 5ml* I loved this serum. See my review HERE. Another one I'll buy full size when my stash reduces.

Ermana Hydrate Organic Rose Water Mist 100ml* beautiful and rosy. See my review HERE. Another one I'd buy again.

Bomb Cosmetics Peppermint Patch Hand Wash 300ml - nice to use with a peppermint scent (although I did find it slightly drying) Would maybe buy again.

Saint Iris Adriatica Vitality Spritz 30ml* - oh definitely a buy again when my stash reduces. An absolutely gorgeous product. See my review HERE.

Avon Senses Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Hand Wash 250ml - does the job with a beautiful scent. Would buy again.

Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care 4ml - this was a Feel Unique Beauty Kit pick. I absolutely loved this. The scent was wonderfully uplifting and the elixir absorbed instantly. My skin loves this one - full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Color WOW Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner 10ml sachets - these worked well and I'd definitely consider buying full sizes. 

Di Palomo White Grape Moisturising Body Wash 225ml - I found this in the back of my cupboard and used it up quickly in the shower. It has a lovely floral fruity scent and I'd buy this again (my sister gave me this one as a gift).

What have you been using up this month?

Saint Iris Adriatica: On-The-Glow Bliss Pack

*I was very kindly gifted Saint Iris Adriatica's Vitality Spritz Radiance Spray 30ml mini saint (£14)* and mini saint Wake-Up Droplets Brightening Serum 30ml (£16)* for review. I purchased the three others in the range and received the gorgeous branded bag free (Energy Cleanse, Face & Body Cleanser, 30ml - £8, Purity Paste 3 minute express Mask 50ml - £15 and Serenity Salve resilience building moisturiser 50ml - £15). The mini saints are great for try-me size/holidays. Or buy the whole set for £65.

The sizes (pretty big for travel size, but still small enough to take in hand luggage) and branding is pleasing. I love the green bottle/jars which are recyclable or re-usable.  Founder, Sanela Lazic created the range in tribute to her Croatian heritage and the range is absolutely superb. The scent of the products is beautiful zesty and uplifting and the products are created in small batches in the UK, naturally formulated and Leaping Bunny approved.

Vitality Spritz Radiance Spray* is a deliciously refreshing hydrating mist which will uplift both the mind and skin. Anti-oxidant rich Adriatic fermented lemon peel brightens while it's zesty scent makes you happy! Seaweed protein aids collagen and elastic formulation while 20 wildplant oils and wildflower essences hydrate, nourish and restore radiance.

To use: spritz onto clean dry face or body or use as a cooling and uplifting mist after exercise or on the go.

Wake up Droplets, Brightening Serum* smoothes, brightens and balances the skin. "These Award Winning silky, gel-in-serum drops feel dry to the touch, yet soothing and cooling on the skin. Hydrating and deeply nourishing, they polish parched, sun-damaged skin instantly, while gently promoting a brighter more even tone". Formulated with Adriatic mountain daisy extract which is rich in skin brightening arbutin, Stabilised Vitamin C concentrate is converted in the skin into Vitamin C helping to reduce photo-ageing. Prebiotic fermented Pomegranate enzyme exfoliates, smoothes and strengthens.

To use: apply a few drops over clean dry skin daily.

Award Winning Serenity Salve soothes, hydrates and regenerates devitalised skin. I must admit I was expecting this to be more balm like in texture so was a bit surprised to open it up and find a lotion! Pea peptide encourages collagen synthesis and protects cells, Seaweed proteins regenerate, improving elasticity and comforting. Salicylic acid improves cell turnover and smoothness while Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, 10 essential wildplant oils including borage & rosehip, naturally rich in retinol, essential fatty acids, Vitamins C, D and E.

To use: massage all over the body for lightly hydrated skin.

Also award winning, is Purity Paste which is a 3-minute power pack to brighten and retexturise dull skin. It has a glorious texture and colour. It's naturally warming and gently exfoliating. Skin is left glowy and rejuvenated. Mediterranean cedar micro-dust works with willow bark extract to gently exfoliate and detoxify the skin. Omega rich olive, seaberry, seaweed protein plus 20 wildplant oils revitalise and nourish. Cherry kernel oil softens and smoothes.

To use: smooth onto dry skin all over the body or targeted areas. Leave for 3 minutes, then shower off. It's also great to use on hands and feet in-between manicures and pedicures.

The final product is Energy Cleanse which nourishes and enlivens dull skin. It'll uplift the mood as well as clean both the face and body. Fruit enzymes and plant seed oils clarify, hydrate and soften the skin.

To use: use daily in the shower or bath.

I've been really impressed with the whole range and would buy all again. My absolute favourites were Vitality Spritz* and Wake Up Droplets*. Pick yours up HERE. Remember you can buy all mini saints for £65 or buy them individually (buy 3 and you'll received the branded bag). What are your favourites from the range?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Pure Anada, Coast73, Kiss the Moon, Saint Iris Adriatica, Odylique, Shay & Blue

Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday and here are some gift ideas (* marked have been gifted for review).

This duo* from Pure Anada which you can purchase at Live in the Light is almost good enough to eat and the perfect non-calorific treat! The scent is minty with a a slight vanilla sweetness and the products are lovely to use (And who knew? There is a whole Peppermint Cream range available at Live in the Light!) I'll definitely be checking it out.

The Effervescent Bath Soak (£11.50 for 450ml) is formulated with Israeli Dead Sea and pink Himalayan salts and will infuse your bathwater with essential minerals to detoxify and ease muscle tension. African Shea Butter and Cold Pressed Olive Oil softens and hydrates the skin. To use: add a handful to a hot bath, jump in and relax.

Cocoa Body Butter (£8 for 125ml) this rich and decadent body butter is an absolute delight. It melts easily onto warm skin and leaves it with a slight peppermint/vanilla scent (lush). To use: apply to clean dry skin daily to hydrate and soothe.

I've been really impressed with this lovely duo which make bath time into a real treat. Pick yours up HERE.

Coast73 Candles are based in Gullane in East Lothian in Scotland. The Essential Oil Natural Wax Candles are a latest launch and are gorgeous! I was very kindly gifted one* for review. You can buy via the Facebook page or at Cherish Vintage Tearooms in Gullane in their Emporium.

The candles are formulated using natural waxes and essential oils. Sea Buckthorn, with Bergamot, Orange & Camomile has a gentle fruity and slightly herbal aroma and a very even burn! 

The perfect little gift is a bar of soap* from Kiss the Moon, as well as being exquisitely packaged these soaps are beautiful to use. They brighten up your day and are a lovely treat. See my review of their GLOW soap HERE.

The whole lot of mini saints in their On-The-Glow Bliss Pack (£65) (which comes with a beautiful branded bag or receive this free with the purchase of 3 mini saints) from Saint Iris Adriatica. The Award Winning Croatian inspired brand is formulated and founded by Sanela Lazic, to reflect the country's heritage and wellbeing. The scent is uplifting, fresh and citrus.

Sanela very kindly gifted me two of the mini saints - Vitality Spritz* and Wake-up Droplets* and I purchased the other three to enable me to try the whole range + get the gorgeous bag!  The three I purchased - Energy Cleanse, Purity Paste and Serenity Salve - expect a review of all five very soon.

Odylique's product of the month is their Award Winning Creamy Coconut Cleanser* with 10% off. See my review HERE. It'd be the perfect skincare treat for your mum.

You can't go wrong with a perfume from Shay & Blue. Of course I had to pick up the latest launch Blackberry Woods (£30 - 30ml) which is an exquisite blend of deliciously juicy blackberries, with neroli and lemon at the heart and a base of cypress woods. It really is a delight (my only negative is I'm not so keen on the new packaging - I miss that big "signature" bow on the front of my box!)

I gave my mum (saw her this weekend) a bouquet of flowers from my local shop - The Wild Flower Shop, a lipstick from Beauty Pie, a John Lewis voucher and some beauty samples I'd gathered for her.  What are you giving your mum for Mother's Day?