Latest Buys: Origins by The Melt Pool, Skin & Tonic, Olfactory Candles, Upcircle, Raven Botanicals, Aromatherapy Associates, nknaturals, Maya Njie

Here's my latest buys (September + into October). As ever, if a product is marked * I received it complimentary.

I bought these gorgeous candles at House for an Art Lover shop in September. They're latest launches at The Melt Pool. I love the amber glass jars which are filled with plant based wax and essential oils.

I couldn't resist Skin & Tonic's new launch Slow Down Bath Soak (get 15% off with your 1st order). The mineral rich Epsom Salts are joined by natural CBD, from upcycled hemp which balances and calms. Scented with invigorating Cedarwood, Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils. They come in a huge 500g jar and cost £17. It's love.

I've fallen hard for Olfactory Candles Vanilla & Salted Caramel Melt Pots (£3 - 50g). So while stocking up I had to try Stargazing, a subtle dreamy scent. I was kindly gifted Spiced Embers* (a warm and woody scent) which is the perfect autumnal scent. Remember you can get 15% off your first wax order with SANDRA15. 

Having loved the Glossworks Cuticle Balm* which came in September's Love Lula Beauty Box* link I decided to use the generous 20% off code which subscribers receive in their box for the brands that month and picked up the Foot Balm which is an absolute delight - rich and creamy with a touch of Lavender & Peppermint. It's one of my fav new tries this year.

New + exclusive to Naturisimo is Upcircle's Night Cream with repurposed Blueberry extract. Love this brand and couldn't resist (£18.99 - 55ml). Review to come!

I couldn't resist the new Bathing Oils from Raven Botanicals I selected a 30ml size (£20) in Bliss (Jasmine, Geranium, Neroli) which helps to promote feelings of optimism, is grounding and emotionally balancing (smells lush). The girls very kindly sent me minis* of the other two which smell equally as good - Drift (Lavender, Bergamot & Neroli), a tranquil spa like blend which eases stress, anxiety and helps the body and mind relax. The third in the range is Rise (citrus & patchouli) which relieves tension, lifts the spirits and energises. Looking forward to trying them all and reviews will come.

A stocking filler! Naturisimo have started to get Christmas gifts in. I couldn't resist Aromatherapy Associates Mini Moment Forest Therapy Bath & Shower Oil 9ml (£12) which is presented in a "tree hanging" box. Lush!

I was patiently awaiting nknaturals Autumn collection arriving and picked their Autumn Nutrient Rich Facial Oil 15ml (£15). Nicola kindly added the corresponding Autumn Copper Distilled Botanical Mist* to my order (50ml - £15). Isn't the colour fabulous. Gorgeous products too - review soon (I think this is one of my most fav seasons!)

As you'll know I'm already a Maya Njie fan. See my review of the Discovery Set HERE (it's gone up in price since I reviewed it in 2019). I couldn't resist latest launch Voyeur Verde 7.5ml EdP which has notes of: 

Bergamot, Mandarin, Cypress, Rosewood, Fennel, Iris, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Leather, Cedarwood and Frankincense

What have you been buying lately?

Good Housekeeping - The Green Beauty Box

As a subscriber of Red magazine they recently offered their subscribers Good Housekeeping's The Green Beauty Box for £48 instead of £60 with free p&p. It's such good value! Inside is 18 full and travel sizes. The box is worth a whopping £274. (there is of course a few items I won't use which I'll pass along). You also get a digital 12 month access to Good Housekeeping mag.

Wow! 

I was especially excited to see Earthkind's Organic Oats Conditioning Bar (full size - 50g - £8.95) as I'm a huge fan of the brand + this had been on my wishlist. Also inside the box is their Shampoo Bar Dry + Coloured Hair (Bergamot + Sage) (full size - 50g - £6.95). Always happy to have a back-up. See my review HERE. There's also a full size of Scentered's De-Stress Aromatherapy Balm (5g - £14.90). I've tried this before and it really does calm a stressed mind!

I'm a huge fan of Floral Street perfumes, my fav is Electric Rhubarb). Inside is their Mini Discovery Set Light (5 x 1.5ml £9) which is the perfect try-me set. See my review HERE.  From Temple Spa is a 30ml AAAHHH! Foot + Limb Moisturising Cream Balm worth £4. There's also pocket tissues from The Cheeky Panda which are plastic free and made of bamboo. These are worth a quid.

There's a Bellapierre Brown Eyed Girl Palette which is full size and worth £28.99. All the shades look pretty wearable. I especially like the sparkly one - perfect for Christmas parties! I don't use liquid liner + am quite fussy about my mascaras so these two will be passed along. The eyeko Skinny Liquid eye liner is 1.2g and worth £9. The Body Collection Big Volume Black Mascara is full size 12ml and worth £2.50.

From Lumene is their Nordic Ageless [AJATON] Radiant Pressed Serum 15ml which is worth £13.50. It smell really nice and has a gel like texture. Looking forward to trying it. I recently tried Florena Fermented Skincare and inside the box is their Regenerating Facial Oil 30ml (full size) worth £24.99. Totally new-to-me is Neo Sephiri and inside is their Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil 5ml which is worth £19. Looking forward to trying it!

From Codex is 20ml of their Bia Skin Superfood 20ml which is worth £12.80. Nice to see Skin & Tonic's Plump Up Hydration Serum 20ml £18.60 in there too. REN's Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream mini 10ml is worth £9.80. It was also fab to see Ecooking's Fragrance Free Day Cream 50ml (full size) which is worth £32. From Balance Me is 10ml (£10) of their fantastic Hyaluronic Plumping Mist. Rounding up the box is (another one I'll pass on) is Garnier's Organic Rosy Glow 3-in-1 Youth Cream 50ml (full size) and worth £8.99. Also some of the brands are offering discount codes, some of which are valid until the end of the year (and in some cases beyond). Pick yours up HERE.

Naturisimo: Sleep Clinic Discovery Box

I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box and Sleep Clinic Discovery Box is worth £107 and costs only £17.95 including p&p. Inside are products to help unwind, relax and sleep.

Inside is:

Absolution La Solution+Eclat Radiance Boosting Serum 15ml

Jurlique Rejuvenating Overnight Cream 15ml

Lavera ReEnergising Sleeping Cream 1ml

Pukka Night Time Tea Bag x 1

Tisserand Sleep Better Rollerball 10ml 

Scentered De-Stress Therapy Balm 1.5g

Lola's Apothecary Bath & Shower Oil Tranquil Isle 10ml

REN & Now to Sleep Pillow Spray 10ml

Skin & Tonic's Calm Balm 20g

Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil 10ml

I'll share my thoughts in either posts or empties as I start to use the products. Did you buy this discovery box?

Skin & Tonic: Sea Salt Body Scrub

I've had the real pleasure of trying Skin & Tonic's latest launch, their Sea Salt Body Scrub with Bergamot, Rose and Spearmint (300g - £20)*.

Made using sustainably harvested sea salt which is rich in marine minerals and micro nutrients that help to eliminate toxins and hydrate the skin. The essential oil blend is unusual but works - uplifting Bergamot, soothing Rose and Zingy Spearmint.

To use: massage onto clean skin before rinsing or apply all over the body before soaking in a warm bath for a detoxifying treat (my fav).

The texture is a bit like wet sand and it's easy to use. It is quite pricey so definitely in the treat range...but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat! Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary

August Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my August empties: 

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant 5g - I absolutely adore this deodorant. Full size is very, very firmly on the wishlist. It featured in shopping my stash #85. It's fantastic!

ishga Hebridean Marine Toner 150ml* - which I loved. See my review HERE. I loved the range and it's one I'd buy when the toner stash reduces a bit.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 20ml - huge fan of this brand and product. See my review HERE. I've got another of these in the stash thankfully!

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 300ml - I simply love this and stock up in the sales to last me all year. See my review HERE. 

Madara Time Miracle Cellular Nutrients Toning Mist 100ml* - loved this. See my review HERE. I'd buy this once my current stash reduces.

Connock Kukui Oil Nourishing Hand Cream 50ml - I enjoyed using this hand cream. It's got a nice scent and I'd maybe try and pick it up again.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - huge fan of this. See my review HERE. This is one of my favourite bodhi & birch products so highly likely I'll buy it again soon.

By Terry Baume de Rose Hand Cream 30ml - lovely to use with a rosey scent. It left the hands feeling soft and nourished.

Tropic Skincare Wild Mint, Lime & Pineapple Body Wash 250ml* - I loved this beautiful tropical scented wash. See my thoughts HERE. It's one I'd buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Juno Reviving Cleanser sample* - which was lovely to use. See my thoughts HERE. It's one I'd buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. Juno Skincare Mon Ami Rejuvenating Hand Cream sample* which was deeply nourishing and nice to use. Would buy full size.

Tom Ford White Suede EdP 4ml - I love these dinky perfumes which you receive when you buy a full size Private Blend perfume. This one's on the wishlist!

Thalgo Cold Cream Marine Deeply Nourishing Body Cream 5ml - this was a teeny sample (one use) but it was a lovely cream with a sea inspired scent. I'd maybe buy full size.

Palo Santo by Carner EdP 1ml sample - I adored this and full size is on the wishlist.

Matis Reponse Premium The Night Regenerating Caviar Face Cream 5ml - nice to use and I got a few uses out of the sample. Would maybe buy full size and Matis Response Premium The Eyes Precious Caviar Black Gel 5ml - this was lovely and I'd buy full size.

Sanoflore Rosa Angelica Morning Rehydrating Concentrate Serum sachet - the scent of this serum was amazing. Unfortunately, the sample was teeny tiny and I only got 2 uses from it.  It felt lovely on the skin however.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

June Empties

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

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 15ml - one of my favourite cleansing balms. See my review HERE. I've got a few of these in my stash to use up.

Chantecaille BioLifting Cream+ 10ml - this is a beautiful moisturiser and is a real treat. Full size is unfortunately out of my price range! I love occasionally getting this size in beauty boxes.

Jo Loves Pomelo 50ml - I was super sad to finish this perfume as it's one of my favourites. Will buy again soon! See my review HERE.

Isla Apothecary Jasmine Sunset Radiance Body Oil 10ml - this was a gorgeous oil which contains copper mica particles which give the skin a glow. The scent is beautiful and it's a body oil I'd love full size.

OKKO Natural Body Balm Stick 4.5g - a great try-me size of a lovely product. See my review HERE. I'm unlikely to pick this one up full size but I'll definitely be buying their natural face balm stick.

Aromatherapy Associates Support Lavender & Peppermint bath & Shower Oil 9ml - love these bath oils. Sure to pick up this scent again.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Evening bath & Shower Oil 9ml - again, huge fan of these oils. Would be happy to use this one again.

The Body Deli Almond Milk Cleanser sample - nice to use with a delicious almond scent. Maybe once my cleanser stash reduces that I'd pick this up.

Skin & Tonic Calm Clean Cleansing Balm 5ml - I got a few uses from this teeny sample. Absolutely loved it and a full size pot is on the wishlist!

By Terry CellulaRose Brightening CC Serum samples - my favourite from the four was No.2 Rose Elixir which adds a youthful glow to the skin. It's one I'd buy full size.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 500g - these are a staple and are always in my stash. Next Cult Goody Bag time I'll replenish my stash! See my review HERE. If I could only use one bath product it would be these salts!

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue sample - huge fan of this lovely eye cream. My pal Julie bought me a full size pot for my birthday. It's really lush (expect a full review soon).

Apples & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Body Silk 50ml* - I received this in a Love Lula Box. I really enjoyed the silky texture of the lotion and the scent. Will buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Ogario Hydrate & Shine Shampoo 250ml** - I really enjoyed this shampoo. See my review HERE. It's one I'd definitely pick up when I'm needing a new shampoo.

Apple & Bears Honey & Hemp Body Wash 50ml** - lovely to use with a sweet herbal scent. See my review HERE. Again, it's one I'd buy.

*received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program
**complimentary

The Best of Skincare Tag

I spotted this tag over on Carrie's blog and I couldn't resist doing it too!

Skin Type: Combination - that dreaded shiny t-zone! 

How do you store your skincare: in my overflowing bathroom cabinet mainly. Still to be tried products are kept in a cupboard in the spare room.

Favourite Ingredient: Rose

Most indulgent product: It's got to be anything by ARgENTUM - see my review of their l'étoile infinie*.

Best Budget Buy: I love Balm Balm which is available to buy at Love Lula. Prices start from just £4.50.

Do you use any tools: My Foreo Luna* at least once a week. See my review HERE.

Best Mask: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask** - every Antipodes product I've tried I've loved. This mask is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

Best Multi-Use Product: like Carrie, it's got to be Weleda's Skin Food. I only recently discovered just how good it is. See my review HERE.

If you had to stick to one skincare brand: it would have to be the gorgeous Bodhi & Birch. I'm currently testing their latest launch - a new blend of my favourite Desert Rose Facial Oil*. Pick yours up HERE.

Best Spot Treatment: Indie Lee's Blemish Lotion - see my review HERE. It just works!

Favourite step in your Skincare routine: Cleansing for sure. With a balm or oil and a muslin cloth. Current favourite is Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN.

I've also included a new question - What's your favourite new brand: Mine has got to be the gorgeous Aster & Bay. See my review of their exquisite Rosewater Mist HERE.

What's on your Skincare wishlist: I'd love to try Leahlani Skincare. 

Do we share any favourites? What's on your list?

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Naturisimo Discovery Boxes

Just recently Naturisimo have had some fab Discovery Boxes. I've managed to pick up all three! Unfortunately, they have all now sold out! Sign up to the newsletter to be one of the first to hear about these try-me boxes.

First up, is their Clean Fragrance Try Me Box which cost £12 and was worth £32. It's absolutely jam packed with perfume samples:

Inside is:

Bamford Splash One Evening 10ml

Acorelle Fragrance sachets 5 x 1.5ml (Energising Tea Garden, Balancing Silky Rose, White Orchid, Intense Cherry and Soothing Neroli)

Honore des Pres Vamp a NY 2ml

Honore des Pres Love Coconut 2ml

Tazeka Tension Tonic 2ml

The second try me set was by Weleda and cost a bargainous £6.95. Inside the cute little make up bag are 4 trial sizes:

Inside is:

Skin Food 10ml

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil 10ml

Lavender Creamy Body Wash 20ml

Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion 20ml

The final box I've picked up recently was the fabulous Vegan Beauty Discovery Box which cost £13.95 and was worth £68. It's absolutely jam packed:

Inside is:

Barefoot SOS Repair & Renew Daily Replenishing Cream 30ml

Madara Time Miracle Total Renew Night Cream 20ml

Evolve Lip Treat 5ml

Skin & Tonic Calm Balm 5g

Pink's Boutique Hydrating Deep Cleansing Melt 5g

Kiki Health Organic Pea Protein Powder 5g

Green People Age Defy SPF15 DD Tinted Moisturiser - Ivory 2ml

pai Head to Toe Buriti Balm 2ml

The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Powder 5g

The final item is a gorgeous Inika Vegan Full Sized Lipstick in Flushed, a pretty pink shade.

Did you manage to pick up any of the recent discovery boxes? Still available is their New You Health Kit which costs £29.95 (13 items - worth £60) which you can pick up here.

January Empties

Well this post has come round quick! Here's what I've been using up in January:

Dafna's Beyond Skin Deep Moisture Light 2ml sachet* - this was a great moisturiser which would be good to use in summer as it lightly moisturises and refreshes the skin.

Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil 10ml - this was lovely and made for a relaxing bath. Will buy full size when I use up some of my stash.

Balm Balm Indulge All Over Balm 30ml** - I love these Balm Balm balms. See my review HERE. I'd happily use this again.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath with Valerian and Hops 100ml - this makes for a restful night's sleep (although it smells a bit pungent). I've just opened another bottle.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - one of my favourite bath oils. If you like rose scents you'll love this. Just opened a new bottle.

AA Skincare Frankincense and Rose Facial Toner 150ml* - this was lovely to use. See my review HERE. I'd definitely buy once my stash reduces.

Yogandha Detox Organic Lemongrass & Juniperberry Body Oil 125ml - I adore this uplifting body oil and buy it again and again.

Bodhi & Birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil 15ml - I adore this body oil which also found a place in my top products last year. See my review HERE. I'm going to buy this again after payday!

Miller Harris Vetiver Insolent EdP sample - one of my favourite perfumes - I have a rapidly reducing full size bottle of this which will be replenished!

Miller Harris Cassis en Feuille EdP sample - this is nice and fruity and I enjoyed trying it but wouldn't buy full size.

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean - adore this beautiful minty scented cleanser. Already treated myself to another.

RMS 'un powder' - this is as staple for me. So will be replenished soon!

Nishane Boszporusz EdP sample - I just adored this floral sea shore inspired scent. Full size is on the wishlist. See my thoughts HERE.

Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Crystal Micellic Cleanser 30ml* - this too was one of my top products in 2016. See my review HERE. Sure to buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Indie Lee C0Q10 Toner 10ml sample - just gorgeous and from a fab brand. Would buy this full size.

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the LLABP

Herbivore Coco Rose Lip Polish & Skin & Tonic Rose Lip Balm

I was absolutely over the moon to find a stockist of Herbivore at Red Ruby Rouge which is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As well as aforementioned Herbivore they also stock beauty brands such as Rosie Jane and Mullein & Sparrow. Other items for sale include jewellery, bags and clothes. 

I've also just purchased Herbivore's Coco Rose Body Polish (but I'm getting this for Christmas from my mum and dad).

The range is made by Julia and Alexander in Seattle in small batches and everything is made with ethically sourced raw materials. There are no parabens, SLS, phthalates, mineral oils or petroleum in any of the products. Packaging is luxe and recyclable.

Coco Rose Lip Polish (£17 - 5g) is made with a blend of Sugar, Coconut oil, Soy Wax, Shea butter, Meadowfoam seed oil, Vitamin E and has the delicious aroma of Bulgarian Rose Absolute.

To use: apply to the lips massaging in upward circular movements before rinsing.

I like to follow up with Skin & Tonic's equally delicious Rose Lip Balm (4.3g - £3.50) which has a gentle rosey scent. See my review HERE (the lemon lip balm would also work well with the rose polish!)

What's your favourite lip care products?

Skin & Tonic: The Lip Kit

As soon as I heard Skin & Tonic had brought out a new Rose scented lip balm I knew I had to have it! I picked up The Lip Kit (4 x 4.3g) at Content Beauty & Wellbeing (£15). This little kit would make a great small present.

The balms are made with coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter and an essential oil - Lemon Peel, Peppermint or Rose Centifolia. The naked one is just that - it has no scent.

I adore the rosey one - it's just perfection and is in my handbag. The lemon one is beside my chair in the living room...so you see I'll find a place for all of them!

What's your favourite Skin & Tonic product? (I also adore their Steam Clean).

The Nature of Beauty by Imelda Burke

I pre-ordered a copy of Imelda's (founder of the amazing little Marylebone green beauty shop Content Beauty & Wellbeing). Pre-orders came with a lovely sample pack.  

I've only had a flip through the book so far but I'll review it in a monthly book post. I do love a signed copy also.. and if you are in London you must go and visit the shop.

pic taken September 2014

A great sample pack! I was very excited to see a pot of May Lindstrom's The Blue Cocoon (I've been wanting to try it like forever!) and Aurelia Probiotic Skincare's newish Botanical Cream Deodorant.

The rest are great picks too however: 

RMS The Ultimate Make Up Remover Wipe (these are fab)

Weleda Calendula Nappy Cream (will pass to a pal)

Yoni Tampon (made from organic cotton)

Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfecting Primer (excited to try)

Dr Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir (not tried much from this brand before and this is a new product)

Dafna's Beyond Skin Deep Moisture (I'm currently testing a couple of products from Dafna's gorgeous range)

Weleda Skin Food (love this)

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Booster Serum (looking forward to trying as not tried much from this brand - keen to try their make up soon!)

Skin & Tonic Calm Balm (huge fan of this brand and the product)

And yet more goodies:

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk (I love this - see my review HERE) and their 100% Argan Oil (which is a new try).

The final item was a cute little notebook and pencil.

Did you pick up a book with the very generous free sample set?

October Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month. So here's my October empties:

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream 120ml - absolutely loved everything about this cream. Will repurchase at some point. See my review HERE.

Living Proof Full Shampoo (60ml) & Conditioner (60ml) - which were nice to use. I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 5ml - one of the best hand care products I've ever used. Will pick up full size again when my stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml - I'm currently obsessed with this hand wash. Must go instore to buy a few full size ones! See my review HERE.

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist 100ml* - amazing! Just loved this. I have a mini to use but will replenish it. See my review HERE.

Balm Balm Rose Floral Water Hydrosol 30ml** - which came in September's Love Lula Beauty Box. It also featured in Shopping My Stash #81. Loved it. Will buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner sachets (both 15ml). I got 4 uses out of each of these. Preferred the shampoo to the conditioner. Probably wouldn't buy but nice to try. These came from Feel Unique's fab pick n mix service.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Argan 5ml*, Natural Cacay 5ml*, Organic Rosehip 5ml*, Organic Moringa 5ml* I absolutely loved all of these and would buy full size. See my review HERE.

SAMAYA Hydrating Cleanser Sample* - VATA beautiful product from a new range. Will definitely be tempted once my stash reduces a bit.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation - loved this will buy again. It has a great coverage and good range of shades. This lasted me nearly a year (using other products too). Will re-purchase.

Joik Lemon & Vanilla Body Lotion sample - probably the teeniest sample I've ever tried!  The lotion however absorbed easily and the scent is lovely. Would buy full size.

Odacité C a R Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate 5ml* and Gt + L Greentea & Lemongrass Serum Concentrate 5ml* - I enjoyed using both of these but slightly preferred the second one (I've since opened another bottle of this) See my review HERE.

Kiss the Moon Dream After Dark Bath Oil 3ml - I simply love the Kiss the Moon range. This bath oil has notes of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood which help to promote a restful night's sleep. Although lovely to use this isn't my favourite scent in the range so wouldn't buy full size.

Ermana Nurture Body Oil 50ml* - which was really lovely to use. Very uplifting and nurturing. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Sachajuan Ginger Flower Body Wash 0.17fl oz - I was surprised when I found this teeny sachet was enough for one use! Gorgeous with a beautiful uplifting scent. Simply a delight. Definitely tempted by full size!

What have you been using up this month?

*Complimentary sent for review/gifted
**From the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program