February Empties

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

CIME Daisy Delight Brightening Day & Night Cream 2ml sachet* - this was lovely to use. Very light in texture with a floral scent. When I'm finally needing a day or night cream I'll definitely pick this up.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil sample - a beautiful rich oil with an uplifting scent. I'd definitely buy full size. See my review HERE.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanse 15ml* - lovely to use with a beautiful scent. A real luxe product.  It featured in Little Treats #9. When I eventually need a cleanser it's one I'd buy.

Olivine Love+Salt Beach Hair - Body Mist 60ml - this came in one of the ABW boxes. Loved the coconut scent. Mainly used it as a body mist. Would maybe buy.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Replenishing Body Lotion 50ml - this came in one of the Advent Calendars. Was lovely to use with a delicious fig scent. I'd buy this.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue 1ml sachet - I absolutely loved this eye cream. Full size is on the wishlist. However, I also tried the Magic Night Cream 1.5ml sachet and I wasn't so impressed (didn't like the scent or feel on my skin) however I did love how my skin felt and looked in the morning! 

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple in my stash. I'm well stocked up for now but these will be bought again.

Therapie Cherish Skin Repair Serum 30ml - I've used this beauty before and full size is now on the wishlist. Every Therapie product I've tried I've loved.

May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist 100ml - I absolutely loved this. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy this again - maybe when there's another Cult Beauty GWP.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - this is one of my favourite bath oils (ever). I've got one I got a Christmas time just opened. 

Jo Loves Pomelo 2ml sample vial - I absolutely adore this beautiful scent. Full size is on the wishlist.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne 1.5ml - a pretty scent but not my favourite from Jo Malone so probably wouldn't buy.

Spiezia Facial Cleanser Travel Size tin 10ml - one of the very first balm type cleansers I used. See my review HERE. Will buy again at some point.

REN Oat & Bay Conditioning Shampoo 50ml - this was nice to use. Would maybe buy full size.

COLAB Dry Shampoo Monacco 50ml - found this dry shampoo to be really effective. I'd buy again.

Aveda Stressfix Soaking Salts 170g - huge fan of these calming salts. Will definitely buy again. See my review HERE.

Freyaluna Rose Petal Tub Tea - this little single use tea bag is lovely. It comes in the exquisite Rose Petal Gift Set.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Wash 40ml - this was lovely. I've got another one in my stash but it's a body wash I'd buy.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream 15ml - I simply loved this day cream so much so I've ordered a full size pot.

4160Tuesdays London 1969 EDP 2.25ml sample vial - this came in the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar. It's one of my favourites and I've since bought a bigger size.  Next time I need it I'll be buying full size. I just love it.

Omnisens Delice Passion Massage Oil 15ml - this was nice to use with a sweet scent. Would maybe buy full size.

Therapie Boost Hair & Body Wash 50ml - a refreshing wash which has a beautiful scent. See my review HERE. I've got another which I'm saving for holidays.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Hand Wash 250ml - lovely to use and leaves the hands smelling gorgeous.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #5

I picked up a staple product for me in the Tabitha James Kraan sale (£15.50 plus P&P). I use it every single day and at that great price it had to be bought!

Onto my wants this week:

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Narynda Face Care Pack (£7.50) - I'm always a sucker for try me sizes and this little set is great! It contains cleanser, toner, face & body scrub, day cream and night cream - see my reviews of the cleanser, toner and day cream HERE*. I'm also keen to pick up the Body Care Pack (£5.50) (the heel balm is ace!)

Staying on the travel sizes...

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I spotted this little Autumn Mini Treats set at LJ's Natural Solutions (£9.95) - it includes - 30ml Autumn Uplift Organic Body Oil, 5g Balancing Organic Moisturiser, 5g Organic Deep Cleansing Balm and 3g OMG Serum.

I was also tempted by (but didn't) an email offer from Naturisimo which was a free sample pack with any with purchase and included samples from: Spiezia, John Masters Organics, Inlight, Estelle & Thild and Patyka. Sign up for Beauty Alerts at the bottom of the main webpage.

I'm finding the spending ban fairly easy but I know there are going to be lots and lots of wants in the run up to Christmas! If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

YOU Beauty Discovery Box - Handbag Heroes - October

This month I picked:

Spiezia's Facial Cleanser 10ml (worth approx £5) - this is a much loved cleanser of mine and I always have a full size pot in my stash (this one's going in my travel bag). See my review here.

Crystal Clear Intense Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml (which is worth a whopping £29.99) - a powerful anti-ageing complex which contains high levels of proven actives to help repair and firm skin. Review will follow!

The extras this month:

A bottle of Gold Collagen which is an anti-ageing beauty supplement and a sachet of Cowshed's latest launch - Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum.

Sign up here and pay only £6.95 a month including P&P.

Did you get the box? What did you chose this month?

A Closer Look: Cleansers

I adore cleansers. They are my favourite skincare item I have to admit. Here's my current collection..

JULVAL Remove & Restore Cleansing Cream & Oil 150ml* - this is light cream which changes to an oil texture when you massage it into your skin. Wet your hands and the cleanser turns into a milk, continue massaging then rinse. It easily gets rid of make up and daily grime and leaves the skin clean and refreshed. It helps to regulate sebum and refine pores and has a light floral scent.

Therapi Honey Skincare Orange Blossom No.1 Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml* - this cleanser smells gorgeous! It is made with honey, calendula, neroli, jasmine and plant oils. A lightly foaming gel wash which cleans, refreshes and uplifts the senses and helps save the bees. Full review to follow.

Indie Lee Rosehip Cleanser 118.3ml* - I've been enjoying using this cleanser with my Foreo Luna.  See my review here.

Melvita Milky Cleansing Oil for Face & Eyes 145ml* - a rose scented oil which removes all make up and daily grime leaving the skin clean, soft and radiant. This is great with really stubborn to move mascara.

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser 150ml* - you only need the tiniest pump of this rose scented rich cream to remove all make up.  A full review to follow.  It also comes with a cloth which is a welcome bonus.

Skinvelop The Cleanser 120ml - one of my favourite cleansers.  See my review here.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 150ml - this rose scented gel cleanser is simply divine.  See my review here.

Green People Neutral Cleanser & Make up Remover 200ml* - this is one of the best cleansers I've ever used.  See my review here.

Spiezia Facial Cleanser 50ml - I've used this cleanser on and off for years. I love its herbal scent and how clean it leaves my skin. See my review here.

balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 15ml - again yet another cleanser I love! See my review here.

ila spa Cleansing Milk 30ml* - a light milk scented with rose. See my review here.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 120ml - I treated myself to this after #NoBuyJanuary. A super luxe cleanser.  It comes with a bamboo muslin cloth.  See my review here.

Balmology Neroli & Sweet Basil Cleansing Balm 50g - a deliciously scented balm which removes all make up and daily grime leaving the skin clean and fresh.  See my review here.  It also featured in my My top Ten products of 2013.

Peppy Galore Diva Cleansing Oil 45g - a light oil scented with Vanilla. Feels really gentle on the skin but is great at getting rid of make up.  See my review here.

Have you used any of these cleansers?  What's your favourite ones?

*PR samples

Spiezia Facial Cleanser

I've used this wonderful Facial Cleanser many times before.  I came across Only Naturals on Twitter and noticed they were offering 10% off to new customers.  I decided to browse the site noticed they stocked Spiezia.  They also offer lots of lovely gifts with purchase and Special Offers.  

Spiezia products are 100% organic and are made in Truro, Cornwall. The cleanser is a best-selling product which is a blend of essential oils (Eucalyptus, Clary Sage, and Clove), plant and nut oils and beeswax.

Amanda, MD and founder of Made for Life - a complementary programme supporting people diagnosed and recovering from cancer within Cornwall.  The programme offers holistic treatments, organic makeovers, nutritional advice and love and hugs.

"we believe in pure, organic and ethical hand made skincare that makes you feel fantastic inside and out. That's the made for life philosophy".

The range contains products for her, for him, for baby, for therapy, for living. Check out the shop here and here.

The cleanser helps decongest skin, regulate sebum and is great for removing waterproof mascara. It also rids the skin of impurities and it smells absolutely gorgeous!

You only need a tiny amount, warmed in your palms and then applied to your skin massaging the cleanser into the skin.  Remove with a warmed wet cloth.

I was also sent a couple of samples from Only Naturals which was a nice surprise - Pukka Nourishing Face Oil (2ml) and Madara Deep Moisture Cream (1.5ml).

Only Naturals offer 10% off for new customers (first shop only) - see here.

See Spiezia website here on Twitter @Spiezia 
See Only Naturals here on Twitter @only_naturals 

April Empties

It's that time of the month again! Empties! I am a bit earlier with this post - I'm not going to use anything else up before the end of the month.

This is what I've got through this month and here are my thoughts:

Dr Nick Lowe Cooling Menthol Face Scrub 75ml - this is my all time favourite scrub and as soon as I see I'm running low I pick up another (or wait until Boots are doing their £5 off vouchers).  The best facial scrub I've ever used.

Sisley Sisleya Global Anti-Age Cream 2 x 5ml - got one in my Latest in Beauty box and one in a swap - gorgeous cream - but couldn't justify spending £243 on a full size pot so wouldn't buy.

Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate 100ml - one of my favourite relaxing bath products, it so soothes aching muscles, would purchase.  This was a generous GWP size.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml - this was from the Breast Cancer Gift Box in October.  One of my favourite face creams - I always come back to this one - light and refreshing on the skin and it works.

Avon Lagoon Liquid Soap 300ml -  a cheapie but love the scent.

RMK Cleansing Oil Sachet 3ml - love, love, love this oil.  will probably purchase at some point.  Scented with rose and mint - got three uses.

Chanel Hydramax+ Active Serum 5ml - nice to use and smelled good but probably not really suited to my skin type so wouldn't buy.

Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner 10ml sachet - loved this, will purchase at some point when I've used some hair products up.

Como Shambhala Invigorate Shower Gel 2 x 50ml - my new favourite, have already purchased full size and got a few in swaps.

Como Shambhala Invigorate Body Lotion 1 x 50ml - love this, got a few stocked up.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - love this delicious rose scented      Turkish delight wash. 

Pure Fiji Body Butter - mini pot - lovely rich cream rather than a butter, lightly scented with coconut - love it.

Erno Laszlo Velvet Night Cream sachet - got two uses from this.  Lovely rich cream (got a few stocked up in swaps).

Erno Laszlo Instant Eye Repair sachets x 2 - got approx 5 uses per sachet.  Lovely eye cream but retails at £85 eek.

Erno Laszlo Morning Beauty Rescue/Intensive Porcelain Veil/Refresh Moisture Infusion - sachets - all lovely to use (and got a few more in swaps).  Wouldn't purchase anything from the range as its too expensive - but nice to try out.

G Baldwin & Co Harmonising Bath Oil 25ml - free gift with purchase.  Lovely scent and is reasonably priced so will probably purchase at some point.

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser 15ml - this was in my free Cult Beauty Gift - I am so in love with this moisturiser!  I definitely want to get this when I've used up the samples/trial sizes etc. from beauty boxes and other purchases.

Elemis Tranquil Touch Body Polish 50ml - lovely body scrub would consider re-purchasing.

Evolve Protein Build Conditioner - Dry/Damaged Hair 7ml sachet - received this in my April Amarya box - nice product, would perhaps purchase.

Age Definance Cleansing Wipes - sometimes only a wipe will do.  Try to use these now and again rather than everyday.  2 packs for £1 in Poundland.  Non-sting which is great.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml x 2 - My favourite bath oil, I will eventually get round to buying this but still got a lot from swaps.

Molton Brown Vitalising AB&C Bath and Shower Gel 100ml - love the scent and the luxury of Molton Brown products.  

Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Soothing Lotion 250ml - Calming Honey - love this budget body lotion it really does work.  Great light scent too.  I'd definitely re-purchase.

Spiezia Facial Cleanser 10ml - one of the best balm type cleansers.  Quite a herbal scent so takes a bit of getting used to but removes every last trace of waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

Radox Hand Wash 300ml - chamomile and jojoba oil - delicately scented would re-purchase.

No7 Wipes - got these in the Boots £5 off voucher deal - wouldn't re-purchase as at £7 expensive and I didn't think they worked as well as the cheaper ones.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Toner 200ml - normal/combination skin.  I got this half price at £1.50.  Good budget toner. Would re-purchase.

Clarins Extra Firming Body Cream 30ml - got this in a swap.  Nice enough cream (though prefer the lotion in this range).  Wouldn't purchase as I think there are nicer body creams out there.

What have you been using up this month?

Spiezia Ladies Night Mini Gift Set

I picked up this mini set at the Naturismo  sale.  It cost £6.95 instead of full price of £9.95.  It comes in a small recyclable box.  I think it would also make a great gift.  


This set should last for a long weekend - enough time to find out whether you like the products or not (though I think the oil will last a bit longer).

Spieza Organic products are made at Gear Farm in Cornwall.  They were the first company in the UK to have Soil Association accreditation across 100% of their skincare range.

Included in the set is:

Organic Facial Cleanser 10ml - I have used this before and its one of the best cleansers I have used.  It has a soft balm texture which melts into the skin.  It is especially good at removing waterproof eye make up.  The only negative is the strong herbal scent due to the essential oils it contains which takes a bit of getting used to - apart from that an excellent product and one I always come back to as its so effective.

To use: massage a small amount of cleanser over the face using your fingertips.  Remove with a damp muslin cloth.

Rose & Vanilla Face Oil 10ml - A deeply nourishing oil which is scented with vanilla pod and rose oil.  Can be used AM or PM.  It smells fab.

To use: put a small amount onto your fingertips (this has to be done carefully as there is no stopper on the bottle) and massage onto your skin, wait a few moments if you are applying make up.

You can read more about Spiezia here.