Feel Unique: Pick 'n' Mix: October 2016

My Feel Unique Pick 'n' Mix arrived yesterday:

My choices this month:

ArmaniPrima Glow-on Moisturising Balm 7g which is a great trial size sample pot. Looking forward to testing this out.

I'm always looking for the perfect haircare so I'm looking forward to trying Shu Uemura's Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo (15ml) and Restorative Treatment (15ml).

I'm a huge fan of Atelier cologne and grapefruit scents so had to try Pomelo Paradis cologne. The sample vial comes wrapped with a postcard which is a nice touch.

Another haircare pick Leonor Greyl Masque Orchidee (16ml) for Very dry, thick or frizzy hair.

My final pick this month is 0.17 fl oz sachet of Sachajuan Ginger Flower Body Wash which is scented with bergamot and lemon.

What did you pick this month?

A Birthday Swap

It's now become tradition that my good pal Julie and I do a birthday (and Christmas) swap. You can see what she gave me last year at my birthday here. We met on Monday and spent a lovely day having lunch at The Murrayfield Hotel, sitting outside enjoying the sunshine, each others company, a few bottles of wine and lots of unwrapping (naughty for me considering today's the day!) 

She totally spoiled me - too much to put in one photo and I don't think I'll need to buy any beauty again this year (or ever haha).

Abahna Travel set in Frangipani & Orange Blossom which is my favourite Abahna scent (shower gel, body lotion, soap, hand cream, mini mirror and wash bag) and a hand wash in the same scent. I've not had these in my stash for ages. The travel kit is so handy for weekends away and holidays. See my review of the minis here.

My favourite Shay & Blue fragrance Salt Carmel. All I can say is WOW. Thanks so much Julie. See my review here.

By Terry Rose Balm Tinted Lip Glosses - these are gorgeous. Looking forward to trying them out! I've tried the pale pink so far. Pretty glossy shade with a hint of rose. Love!  Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - I've wanted to try these cult beauties for ages!  Love Korres body products and tinted lip balms so looking forward to trying their mascara.

Nip+Fab Multi-Fix Oil - I've not tried much from this brand so looking forward to trying. Two Cowshed bath & shower gels in Moody Cow & Lazy Cow. Huge fan of the brand and always looking for nice shower gels - thanks Julie!

Park's Aromatherapy Candle with Frangipani, Rose, Freesia and Lily. This smells gorgeous and I'm looking forward to burning it.

A lovely quirky tin tray and coaster. Made me smile!

Lots of beautiful stationery items - these always make my heart sing!  As well as a colouring in book - bliss!

Yummy edibles - The Marshmallow Lady Prosecco & Rose Petals Mallows (these are my all time favourites), a half bottle of the gin I discovered I loved after trying it in the Ginvent Advent Calendar, Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Belgian Chocolate Praline Egglets, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (nom), a lovely little chocolate bunny, eggs & Rose & Violet Creams!

She also gave me this!

I'll take you through the contents in another post!  I was well and truly spoiled! Thanks so much once again Julie!

Shopping my Stash #35

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

REN Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 200ml* - simply love this rose scented cleansing water.  See my review here.

Shu Uemura Tasai Cream 250ml - my mum bought this from her hairdresser and then decided it didn't suit her hair - I gladly took it off her hands! Best applied on damp hair before blow drying. Leave the hair smooth and shiny.

FoM Remodelling Beauty Serum 25ml* - I've been sent this to review (coming soon). An anti-ageing serum which lifts, firms and improves the skin's texture.

Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP 5ml - this featured as a want during my spending ban earlier in the year.  This sample came in a Harvey Nichols GWP. It has notes of rose, pink and black pepper, violet and musk. It's simply gorgeous.

eos summer fruits lip balm - love this fruity and natural lip balm.

Oceopin L'Huile de Graines de Pin Maritime - Maritime Pine Seed Oil 15ml* - a rich face oil which is anti-ageing and suitable for dry, combination and sensitive skin types. It contains pine seed oil which gives it a herbal scent.  Full review to come.

Are you shopping your stash this week?  Have you used any of these products?

*PR samplesOceopin

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

Spending Ban - Update 3

Things are going quite well surprisingly although I did buy InStyle magazine for the free beauty supplement.  It gives me hours of enjoyable reading and deciding what products I want to try.  I also picked up my free L'Occitane Hand Cream for L'Occitane reaching 75k fans on Facebook.  I picked Shea Butter (30ml) worth £8.  I also got a nice surprise parcel from Grace at All that Slap Blog - thanks so much Grace!  There is a little surprise in the post to you.

I'm still enjoying using my paperblanks* journal for recording my spending/wants.  I think after the ban finishes I'll use it for blog post ideas and keep recording wants.

Here are the things I've been wanting this week:

RMS BeautyLip2Cheek in Smile - £28 - a tinted mineral stain which can be used on lips and cheeks.  Such a pretty shade.

source

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Balm (£25 for 10ml) - A new product from The Organic Pharmacy - a multi-purpose balm suitable for lips, nails, hair, and dry skin on the face and body.  Contains Rose, Marigold, Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Rosehip and Shea Butter.  I love a multi-purpose product and I bet this one smells divine!

source

Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub (£36 for 260g) - I read about this in the beauty pages of Psychologies magazine last week.  Sounds like just my kind of scrub - I like a gritty one and this contains ground shell from cobnuts, sugar, coconut, sweet almond and palmarosa, honey and lavender essential oil.

source

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - £20 - have read so many great reviews about these especially Mez's at All Made Up.

source

Badger Yoga & Meditation Balm (£6.09 - 28g) - this sounds ideal for de-stressing and calm.

source

Tara Smith Shampoo & Conditioner - I'm unable to download a photo but you can pick this vegan and natural hair care range at M&S.

How is your spending ban going?  Have you been tempted to buy anything?

*complimentary sample

Current Cleansers

This is my current stash of cleansers.

Make up Removers

Bliss Lid + Lash Wash Makeup Remover 30ml - I received this in my April Amitee box.  You can read my review here.  I am about half way through this mini and its one I'd buy full size.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire De L'Himalaya 100ml - Purifying & Revitalising Make-up Remover - I got this in my February Joliebox.  Great for taking your whole face off before cleansing or for gently cleansing the skin on non-make up days.  One I'd definitely purchase.

Melvita Eau fraiche Micellaire Fresh Micellar Water for face and eyes 35ml - got this in my recent Latest in Beauty box.  Really like this brand and I am enjoying using this to remove make up and it smells nice.

Hot Cloth Cleansers

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml - an award winning product.  I always have one of these in my collection just because it works and I love the scent.  I've picked up a lot of this size in beauty boxes recently (all complete with muslin cloths).

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml - I picked this up at £2.99 - an absolute steal and it works really well leaving the skin fresh and clean.

Cleansing Oils

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil - I got this mini in my Advent Calendar - love this, removes all make up, even heavy eye make up in an instant.  

Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil - I picked this 10ml trial size up at Naturisimo for £2.95.  The scent is a bit over-powering and I found the oil didn't remove every trace of make up and left my skin feeling dry.  I'll finish it up but wouldn't purchase.

Rinse off Cleansers - Cream and Gel

Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Cleansing Gel - Fragrance Free - 150ml - I first read about this cleanser on The Bristol Beauty Blog and its the one I tend to reach for most often in the shower.  I'd buy this again.

Eucerin Dermato CLEAN Refreshing Cleansing Gel normal/combination skin 200ml - read rave reviews about this one.  Nice cleanser at a good price.

L'Occitane D'Angelique Bio Cleansing Gel - 50ml - I picked this up with June's Glamour Magazine.  It seems really nice and a handy size for travelling.  L'Occitane is one of my favourite brands.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin 75ml - a generous GWP size.  Foamy with a lovely scent.

Santaverde Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel 100ml - I got this in my June Amarya Box - only used it a couple of times so far but it seems a good product.

Cleansing Balms

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm 15ml - I love this.  First received it in Joliebox - you can read my review here.

Just Be Cleansed Cleansing Balm 60ml (comes with muslin cloth) - I first tried this product a little while before I went for my Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial.  A rich balm which is scented with Geranium Bourbon and Petigrain.  It cleanses deeply and smells divine.  You can view the online shop here.

AD Skin Synergy Essential Cleansing Balm 10ml trial size - I picked this up recently from Amarya in a travel kit - you can read my full review here.

Lastly, a mini 5g Botanicals Chamomile Cleansing Melt which I received in my latest Amitee box.  It seems an okay product but not one I would purchase.

Do you use any of these cleansers?  What's your favourite cleanser?

Harvey Nichols GWP

I knew I wouldn't be able to resist!

I picked up the GWP at Harvey Nichols today.  I first mentioned this offer here.  There was also a Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter (50ml) included but I gave this to my colleague because she loved it (she gave me the samples last week).  Do you think you will get this gift?


Included (all generous sample size apart from full size Butter London Nail Colour)


Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer 
Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipgloss
Trish McEvoy Eye Base - Bare
Butter London Nail Colour
YSL Shocking Mascara
Clarins Hydra Quench Serum
Bliss Orange & Black Pepper Body Butter
Lancome Visionnaire Serum
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream
ESPA 24-hr Replenishing Moisturiser
Eve Lom 5ml Cleanser sachet and muslin cloth
Eau de Chloe mini


You can also shop online to be eligible for the gift - follow this link.

February Wants

Here are my February wants -

Bourjois Smile Enhancing Gloss £8.99 - read about it here.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy.

Miller Harris Single Note Oil in Rose Absolute.

Givenchy Mr Radiant.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in Gel.

SUPER Lush Lips Conditioning Balm.

Tom Ford Beauty Eye Colour Quad. 


I can wish! x

Advent Calendar - My Buy Again Products

Here are the products from the Advent Calendar that I loved the most.  These are the ones I'd definitely repurchase.

From day 1, Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur.  I really like this product.  It smells fresh and is light on the skin.  Only negative - its not great at removing waterproof mascara and eyeliner.  I tended to use it on a light make up days.

Day 2 - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.  My winter dry skin just loved this cream.  I'm definitely going to be purchasing some more - I've nearly finished my 7ml sample.  I loved the fact that it wasn't scented, was quite light and just sunk into the skin.  

From Days 4 and 5 - YSL Rouge Pur Couture & Lancome Hypnose Mascara.  The lipstick was absolutely gorgeous, lovely wearable colour and really moisturising on the lips (as well as cute container).  I will definitely be checking out some more shades.  This mascara is my favourite and a great size for popping in my handbag.

Day 6 was a lovely re-introduction to Lancome Juicy Tubes in shade Lychee, a light pink shade, I used to wear this shade all the time.  I had forgotten how much I used to love these.

On Day 10 I found the most amazing eye cream Lancome Genifique Yeux which I absolutely adore.  It's got a gel like texture and sinks into the skin around the eye area - it's too early to say if it's doing anything for my fine lines but I'm loving using it.

On Day 11 I got Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP.  Another perfume I've used before.  Have really enjoyed using it again.  

Day 12 was the day I got Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  This is an absolute gem of a product.  Makes skin look more radiant by morning.  Loving this.

On Day 14 I got Kiehl's Creme de Corps.  I love this body lotion.  It does take a bit of effort to get it out the bottle but it melts into dry skin areas.  Love that its got a neutral scent.

Day 15 saw me get YSL Waterproof Eye Pencil.  Love this product, staying power is amazing.  Going to check out the other shades.

On Day 16 I got Lancome Bi-Facil an eye make up remover.  This is great for removing waterproof mascara (and the eyeliner above).

Day 17 I got Armani Code EDP.  Love the orange blossom, vanilla, honey and jasmine notes.  Really wearable scent.

On Day 19, I got Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.  A great product.  A cream but feels a bit like a salve when you rub it into your hands. It's definitely helped my dry hands these last few days.

On Day 20, I got Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara.  I love Lancome mascaras so love this one.

On Day 23, I got shu uemura cleansing oil.  Love this, nice to try again.

All in all, I loved the calendar.  I have found 15 products I love.  The others I enjoyed using but wouldn't re-purchase (although there are a couple I've not tried fully yet) and even though I knew what products the calendar held I was still excited finding out what was behind each little door each day.  I'm going to start saving for next year! x

Day 23 -shu uemura Cleansing Oil

So excited to receive shu uemura cleansing oil (20ml).  I have used this before and loved it.  150ml retails at £28.  From last use I remember it being brilliant at removing waterproof mascara. 

Using dry hands spread over dry skin, add a few drops of warm water to the skin to emulsify.  The oil will turn milky and then rinse with warm water.

All I want this Christmas Selfridges Advent Calendar 2011

Look at this little beauty which arrived in the post today.

I read about this amazing advent calendar last year and it retailed at £60.

This year it cost £80 - gulp!  It contains 24 gifts including products from Lancome, Kiehl's, Shu Uemura, Armani, Viktor & Rolf and YSL making for a very exciting December!

A Model Recommends and The Beauty Scoop have both posted about this item recently.

I decided to buy this and sneakily used the joint account hoping hubby wouldn't spot my purchase.  Needless to say, he did and was less than impressed....To soften the blow I've said I will make him his own special calendar (though his will be featuring food, drink, sweeties and maybe the occasional beauty product!!).

It contains:

Lancôme Teint Miracle 03 5ml, Trésor eau de parfum 7.5ml, Miracle eau de parfum 5ml, Hypnôse Drama Mascara 2ml, Hypnôse Classic Mascara 2ml, Absolu Nu 302 Mini, Mini Juicy Tube 19 – Lychee, Visionnaire 7ml, Génifique 7ml, Génifique Yeux 5ml, Rénergie Lift Volumetry Day 15ml, Eau Micellaire Douceur 50ml, Bi–Facil 30ml

Giorgio Armani⁄Emporio Armani Armani Code Femme eau de parfum 3ml, Emporio Armani Diamonds eau de parfum 5ml

Kiehl's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 7ml, Kiehl's Crème De Corps 30ml, Kiehl's Hand Salve 30ml, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil 20ml

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb eau de parfum 7ml

YSL Belle D'Opium eau de parfum 7.5ml, Rouge Pur Couture Mini, Khol Pencil Mini

The confirmation email from Selfridges made me smile "Your order has left the building - gratification is on its way".