December Empties

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

de Mamiel Botaniques Salvation Body Oil 30ml - this came in the Net-a-Porter Holiday Kit Box and I loved it! See my mini review here. This is very firmly on the buy soon list (maybe after #NoBuyJanuary).

Josh Wood Silky Smooth Shampoo 50ml - this came in a trial size kit and was really nice to use. It also had a beautiful rose type scent.  Would buy again.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel 250ml - simply love this. It is my favourite Organic Surge shower gel scent. I always have a back up.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple for me. I buy this effective deodorant again and again.

Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of my favourite bodhi & birch scents. Sure to buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - again love this scent. Will buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Camomile Sky Calming Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of the new scents from Bodhi & Birch. I loved this. Sure to buy again.  See my review here.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Liquid Soap 237ml - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent. As soon as I'm getting low I re-purchase.

Susanne Kaufmann Shower/Shampoo 50ml - this came in the Net-a-Porter box. Was nice enough to use but wouldn't buy.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser 2ml sample - this is a best-seller and seemed quite nice. Would maybe purchase but quite a small sample to make a purchase decision.

Kypris Beauty Elixir I 1,000 Roses 3ml sample - I simply loved this.  See my mini review here. Would love full size but this is very expensive round about £144. A forever on the wishlist item I reckon!

Rosemira Organics Citrus Blossom i-restore eye cream sample* - this was a gorgeous eye cream and one I'd buy full size. A big enough sample to know it was right for me. See my review here.

Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 25ml - huge fan of this gorgeous cleanser.  See my review here. Got another in my stash and would buy again.

earthbody Dream Body Oil 1 fl oz - this was lovely to use just before bed as it contains lavender. Would buy.

Neom Complete Bliss Body Wash 240ml - love this rose scented wash. Unfortunately unless I see another in TKMaxx I won't be able to use it again as this particular scent in body products has been discontinued. Shame!

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial 5ml - loved this floral scented oil. Was pleased with how radiant and renewed it left my skin. Would buy full size.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR sample

The Perfume Society: The Holiday Collection Discovery Box

The Perfume Society is a website which shares "everything you ever wanted to know about fragrances".  As well as learning about perfumes you can be one of the first to see the latest launches, get invitations to events, read a super informative e-magazine magazine called The Scented Letter (this is free to VIP Subscribers). Join as a VIP Subscriber for a year for £25. You get the magazine (8 issues a year), invitations to events, a Perfume Discovery Fragrance Edition, special content on the website which is only for subscribers and subsequent Discovery boxes for £10 with free P&P.

As I'm not a subscriber (yet) my The Holiday Collection Discovery Box cost £15 with free P&P.  It is absolutely jam packed with perfume samples and a couple of extra treats.

Inside there are in-depth information cards about each product and a book of blotters - use these before trying the perfume on your skin as the heart and base notes of a perfume are the ones you live with once the top notes subside.

I'll start with a perfume I already love. L'Artisan Mure et Musc EDT 1.5ml - I've been lucky enough to own a bottle of this beautiful scent.  It has top notes of lemon, orange, basil, mint and red berries. A heart of blackberry and jasmine and base notes of patchouli, musks, oak and moss.  I love the fresh blackberry floral notes.  Think a bottle of this is going on the wishlist as I'd forgotten how lovely it is!

Another perfume I adore is Shay & Blue's Atropa Belladonna 2ml - it is an intoxicating scent and I reviewed it here. I'm currently on my second bottle.

The second last scent in the box that I've tried previously is Liz Earle's Botanical Essence No 15 EDP 2ml - a "fresh oriental" with top notes of pink pepper, bergamot and cinnamon leaves, a heart of rose absolute Damascena, cypriol and cedarwood with a base of vanilla bourbon, amberiff, sandalwood and tonka bean. Spicy and warm with floral and earthy notes.

The final perfume I've tried before is Plum by Mary Greenwell EDP 2ml - I didn't love this the first time I tried it but I'll try it again.  It has top notes of peach, bergamot, lemon, plum and blackcurrant with heart notes of gardenia, tuberose, orange blossom, rose and jasmine (I love these notes!) with a base of sandalwood, oak moss, patchouli, amber and white musk.  I'll let you know my thoughts once I've given it another go.

All the rest of the perfumes I haven't tried before. I'll give you an update later as to my thoughts on them when I try them.

Agent Provocateur Fatale EDP 2ml - this has top notes of pink pepper, mango and blackcurrant with a heart of velvet gardenia, orris absolute and patchouli with a base of vanilla, skin musk, chocolate gourmand addiction and labdanum.

Judith Williams I love Milano, Principessa EDP 10ml - this smells beautiful and is a great size!  With top notes of mandarin, green leaf accord and passionfruit, heart notes of jasmine, tuberose and gardenia and base notes of amber, musk, vanilla and solar accord.

L'Occitane Collection de Grasse The Vert & Bigarade EDT 7.5ml - I adore Magnolia & Mure from this range.  This one has top notes of orange and bitter orange, heart notes of green tea and yerba mate with base notes of cedar, thyme and musk.

Versace Crystal Collection - Yellow Diamond, Bright Crystal and Crystal Noir EDT 1ml - two in the trio are florals and one is oriental. They were created to "celebrate the rich and infinite variety of personalities that embody the Versace women".

The extra treats are:

A full size (8ml) nails inc Gel Effect Polish in St James and a 5ml trial size of Sarah Chapman's Skinesis Overnight Facial.

A great box I think. What are your thoughts?

Samples #9

You can see my last samples update here.  Here's my thoughts on what I used in #9:

I seem to have binned a few samples with my last lot of empties - oops!

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml - this was a bit too harsh for my skin.  From a brand I've not heard of before.

Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml - loved this! 

Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml - this seemed nice but quite a small sample.

Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream - the whole range of these were nice. It was from a brand I've not heard of before.  They came from a Latest in Beauty Little Beauty Box.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml - not a huge Eve Lom fan - this was ok but nothing special.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml - loved this and would consider buying full size.  Liked how you can use it around the eyes and the lips.

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml - this was lovely with just enough scrub. Don't think there is a Caudalie product I haven't enjoyed using.

Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream - nice to use.

Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml - I like every Sarah Chapman product I try! Must treat myself soon to a QVC set.

Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml - I didn't like this, found it irritated my eyes.

Belnatur Balance Cream - as above nice to use.

Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml) - these were lovely.  My first try of this brand.  Definitely will look into it more.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml - I know this is a best-seller but I just didn't like it.  I hated the scent and felt it made my skin feel tight and dry.

Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml - loved this. Really nice to use and I'd consider purchasing it in the future.

Here's what I've chosen for #10:

Two bath bombs from Bee Fruitful in Honey, Peppermint & Rosemary* and Honey & Lemon*

sk:n Age-Delaying Cream 5ml

Blend Collective Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion 5ml

Spa Fabulous Organic Heavenly Glow Exfoliator

Apivita Natural Serum

Clarins BB Cream 1.5ml 

Australian Bush Flower Essences Face Wash Serum 3ml

Apivita Pink Clay Mask

Melvita Ultra Nourishing Cream 

NUXE 24hr Soothing & Rehydrating Fresh Mask 4ml

NUXE Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Cream 2ml

NUXE 24hr Moisturising Body Lotion 7ml

Nourish Hand Lotion

Formula Treatment Oil

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

Spending Ban - My Wants

My Spending Ban came to an end this week but I thought I'd look over what I'd been "Wanting" over the 11 weeks and see what I think I may buy...

Week 1
Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set £40
Robert Piguet Blossom EDP 100ml £130
Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner 250mls - £12.50 each
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath £31
REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream 300ml £17
Temple Spa Body Truffle 150ml £60

I'll buy at some point: Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set, Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner and REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream.

Week 2
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint £15 for 4
Jimmy Choo Flash EDP (tried this but didn't like it)
Nourish Radiance Body Treats Set £39.50
Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil £19.50
Alpha H Best of Alpha H WIMH 
Instructions for a Heatwave - Maggie O'Farrell

I'll buy at some point: Alpha H Liquid Gold and maybe Jouer Luminzing Moisture Tint.  I'll definitely pick up the Maggie O'Farrell book.

Week 3
RMS BeautyLip2Cheek Smile £28
The Organic Pharmacy Rose Balm (Grace at All that Slap sent me this and I love it!)
Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub 260g £36
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler £20
Badger Yoga & Meditation Balm 28g £6.09
Tara Smith Shampoo & Conditioner - picked a trial set up in my M&S haul

I'll buy at some point: Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Week 4
Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser 50ml £37.50
Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Essence 10ml £16.50 - I was sent this to review - see my post here.
Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 200ml £21.95
Weleda Citrus Refreshing Milk Bath 200ml £9.50

I'll buy at some point: Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser and both the Weleda products.

Week 5
Undergreen Pink EDP 100ml £120
OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 60ml £28.99
Jo Loves Orange Tulle 30ml £45
Jo Loves Lemongrass, Amber, Tiare Flower Candle £75
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 30ml £26.50
OV Naturals Petal Soft Skin Rose Hamper £35

I'll buy at some point: OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser.  See my review here.  I'd also love the Hamper.  I've got a few of the Trilogy mini oils to use up.  I'll probably buy it again in the future though.

Week 6
Saaf Face & Body Kit £26.99
YSL Touche Eclat Foundation £29 - I got colour matched for this recently and love it!
Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP
Clinique All about Lips
Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

I'll buy at some point: YSL Touche Eclat Foundation - simply love this!  I'll maybe pick up the Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

Week 7
Prada Candy L'Eau EDT £50 for 50ml
Lancome Genitique Yeux Light Pearl £44
Creme de la Mer The Moisturising Lotion 50ml £160

I'll buy at some point: Nothing! I'd like the original Prada Candy again.

Week 8
Korres Watermelon Body Scrub 150ml £9.60 - I picked this up recently it's gorgeous - review to follow.
Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask £58
Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash & Body Lotion
Diptyque Roses Candle £40
Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection £40
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish 330ml £32

I'll buy at some point: Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection and maybe REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

Week 9
Chantecaille Frangipani EDP 75ml £150
Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser 240ml £20
Miller Harris La Fumee Incense £30
Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme 178ml £110
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml £30
Serge Lutens Sa Majeste La Rose EDP 50ml £69

I'll buy at some point:  I'd love the Chantecaille Frangipani EDP but I'll definitely buy the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil as its my favourite.

Week 10
Willow Organic Relaxation Box - £25
By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum - £75
Serena Linley Iris & Jasmine Bath Essence - 15ml £15
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder - £33
Giorgio Armani Rose D'Arabie EDP 100ml £190
Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Perfumed Soaps £40
Stila Colour Balm Lipstick £16

I'll buy at some point: Willow Organic Relaxation Box, Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder and Stila Colour Balm Lipstick.

Week 11
Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts 454g £29 - mini review here.
Botanicals Foot Balm £14.95
Beaute Chinoise Yin No.4 Facial Oil 10ml £35
Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist £20

I'll buy at some point: All of them!

I'll keep using my paperblanks* journal to record any wants.

So out of a total of 59 wants I'll definitely think about purchasing 26.

And I'm going to do a mini spending ban for the month of May - I'll update you at the end of May as to how I have done.



*complimentary sample

Samples #8

My last samples update was at the beginning of February!  You can see the post here.

Here are my thoughts:

Tea Tree & Peppermint Intensive Treatment Foot Pack - 1 treatment - these are foot shaped and enriched with the treatment. Smelt nice and were cooling on the feet but not sure if they did much.

Lavera Balancing Face Mask 10ml - simply loved this mask which was scented with ginger, mango seed butter and calendula.  Got two uses out of the sachet and would buy again.

L'Oreal Everpure Shampoo & Conditioner both 10ml - enjoyed using both these.  Would perhaps buy full size.

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 2g - this was gorgeous!  I used it as a cleanser but it can also be used as a intensive balm or exfoliant.  I got 5 uses out of this tiny sample.  Would definitely buy this.

Sisley Moisturiser with Cucumber 4ml - I wasn't wowed by this.  It was ok.  There are other Sisley moisturisers that I prefer.  

Beemy Honey Moisturising Cream 5ml - I just didn't like the scent or texture of this cream.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 4ml - simply loved this and would purchase full size. A nice light lotion which absorbed quickly.

Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser 3ml - this seemed a nice cleanser but as it was such a small sachet it was hard to get more than one use from it.

Cotswold Collection Jasmine & Orange Blossom Hand Cream 5ml - I seem to have thrown this sachet out with my empties.  This was lovely, supermoisturising and smelt gorgeous.

Comfort Zone Tranquility Cream - this was lovely.  It was quite a rich cream with a delicate scent.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub - a nice scrub. Love Dermalogica skincare.  I think I just prefer the daily microfoliant.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 2.5ml - absolutely love this! My skin just lapped it up.  I have acquired a few of the mini bottles to keep me going.

REN Keep Young & Beautiful Serum 3ml - I just couldn't use this as I found the smell of it a bit off-putting.  A shame as I really rate REN products highly.

Evolve Protein Build Conditioner 7ml - this was nice with a light scent.  Would maybe buy full size.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment 8ml - definitely an acquired scent! I got a few uses out of the sachet.  Liked how soft and moisturised it left my hair feeling.  Would maybe buy.

Avon Advanced Techniques Moroccan Oil Leave in Treatment - I found this to be a bit heavy for my hair and I wasn't keen on the scent.

The samples I've chosen for week #9 are (and my sample stash is going down!)

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml
Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml
Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml
Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream 
Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml
Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream
Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml 
Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml
Belnatur Balance Cream
Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml)
Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml
Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml

Have you used any of these products?

Spending Ban - Update 8

A good week! Just a spend on a Psychologies Magazine - love this magazine such an interesting and informative read which makes you think too.

Onto my wants:

Korres Watermelon Body Scrub (150ml - £9.60) - just finished an Elemis body scrub which I really liked.  I like the sound of this fruity scrub especially as I love the scent of watermelon.

source

Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask (£58) - a white clay mask to revitalise skin.  To brighten and make skin more luminous.  Sounds fab!

source

Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Duo (£34.50) including Body Wash & Body Cream. Already love Elemental Herbology for skincare.  The body range sounds lush.

source

Diptyque Roses Candle (£40) - simply love rose scented candles and Diptyque.  A luxe want!

source

Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection (£40) - since trying a couple of samples I really want to try more from the Sarah Chapman range.

source

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish (£32) - I'm a huge fan for REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, Body Oil, Shower Gel and Body Lotion so it would be nice to try the scrub.

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How is your spending ban doing?  Have you tried any of my weekly "wants"?

September Wants

I've got an expensive list of September wants!

Since trying Sarah Chapman's Overnight Facial as a sample recently I'm really keen to try more products from the range.

source

Tom Ford Cafe Rose EDP - 50ml - £135 - with notes of rose and spice.  I so love Tom Ford Santal Blush.  To be honest I don't think there is a Tom Ford scent I haven't liked!

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Fresh mini Lip Balm set - this is a Christmas gift set which will retail at £36 - you can get mail order over the telephone if you can't get instore to Marylebone High Street in London.  I first saw this gift on Make up Savvy's blog.

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The whole of the Aerin Collection at Estee Lauder - gorgeous!  You can view the range here.  As there is a GWP deal starting on 27 September at Harvey Nichols - I may be tempted!

source

What's on your wishlist?

Samples #3

Here are the samples I've been using this week and my thoughts on them (I've not quite finished the Freyaluna soap).

Biotherm Aquasource 24 hour moisturiser sachet - loved this light gel textured moisturiser with a fresh ocean scent.  One I'd definitely like to try full size.

Dior The New Nude Foundation - Light Beige 1.5ml sachet - loved this and the colour was just about right.  I'd maybe purchase full size.

Suti Fabulous Foot Balm mini pot - loved this and have since bought full size.  You can read my review here.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial 2ml tube - this smells amazing! With frangipani, jasmine, rose and tuberose.  I loved this light serum/oil.  Want to look into trying more Sarah Chapman products.

Dr Bronner's 18 in 1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap - loved this little sachet of loveliness.  Used it in the shower but you can also use it to clean your teeth(?), as  a face wash, hand wash. The list is endless.  Would definitely re-purchase this.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey & Coriander Body Lotion 27ml - a lovely light scented, easily absorbed lotion.  Would maybe purchase.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructuring Shampoo and Hair Reconstructor - both 10ml.  Adore these products.  I definitely want to purchase the Hair Reconstructor at some point.  It leave my hair soft, healthy and static free.

Freyaluna Rose & Geranium mini soap.  I  got this in my Freyaluna Selection Box.  A gorgeous soap and one I'd purchase full size.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask sachet - in a word gorgeous! Left my skin radiant and healthy.  Would love to buy this but at £44 for 30ml I think it will be one which is always on my wishlist!

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Ageing & Anti-Wrinkle Light Texture Cream 1.5ml.  Loved this, a light cream which sinks easily into the skin.  One I'd definitely like to try again.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation - Golden Beige - 1ml - a nice product, blended well but not quite my colour. I'd probably try it in a different shade.

REN Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel 5ml tube - a nice cleanser, quite liked the scent but probably wouldn't buy it again as didn't love it.

Dr Bragi Bio-Marine Exfoliant - this was way too harsh on my skin, didn't end up finishing it as just didn't like it.

Naked Revitalising Hair Treatment 20ml sachet - loved this, made my hair look great.  Will definitely pick this up again.

Here are my samples for Week #4

Sk:n Hand Cream 3ml sachet
Sk:in Cleanse 3ml sachet
Dr Brandt Lineless Lines no More sachet .5ml
Dr Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure Castile soap
Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders - Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Invigorating Night Gel and Sheer Transformation
Hyaluronan Hydrating Sheet Mask
Rodial Glamtox Active Daily Moisturiser 2ml
Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt 4ml
A'kin Rose de Mai Anti-Oxidant Day Cream 1.5ml
Fudge OOMF conditioner 7ml
Vaseline Intensive Moisture 50ml

Korres Mango Shower Gel & Free Gift from Beauty Expert

I'm signed up to email newsletters from Beauty Expert so I'm one of the first to see any offers or freebies they may have.  They were recently offering a free goodie bag worth £15 with any purchase!  They also offer free P&P and you can pay with Paypal.

I bought the Korres Mango Shower Gel (£7.50 for 250ml).  I've been wanting to try this shower gel for a while now.  It smells super-fruity.  If you bought any Korres product you got a free 10ml size of Korres Wild Rose 24hr Moisturiser SPF6 worth £5 - I've already used this from a beauty box and it's lovely.

Onto the freebie gift - isn't it fab!  Here is what is included:

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser 59ml

Gatineau Advanced Anti-Ageing Cream 15ml

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial 2ml

Tend Skin Liquid .28fl oz

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum 2ml

Rodial Glamtox 2ml sachet

Eve Lom Cleanser sachet with muslin cloth

Ole Henriksen 3 little wonder sachets - truth serum collagen booster, invigorate night gel, sheer transformation creme

Elemental Herbology Eye Elixir 1ml sachet

Dr brandt lineless lines no more filler and volumizer 0.5ml sachet

A great little lot of goodies to try.  Did you get this offer?