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.

*The Beauty Shortlist: 2019 Awards: Editor's Choice & Commended

As you'll know I was over the moon to be a Beauty Shortlist Judge* again this year. You can see my Top Picks from the Winners & Finalists HERE. From Editor's Choice & Commended categories my top picks from the products which I judged were:

AYUNA won Best Natural Organic Brand International (Spain) and every product I tried I loved. That packaging too, simply stunning. Winners in Beauty - Editor's Choice was their Balm Volcanic Revitalising Mask plus their Essence High Protein Cream-in-Oil Peel. I loved trying both of these products.

In the Wellbeing Awards, Laviish Smile Teeth Whitening Polish won an Editor's Choice Awards. I loved the quirky packaging (think shoe polish!) and found the results good - my teeth felt deeply cleaned and my mouth refreshed.

I'm a huge fan already of Esse Probiotic Skincare and their Cocoa Exfoliator won in the Editor's Choice category. See my review HERE. Totally new to me is Love Absolute and I enjoyed all the products I tried from the brand. They picked up Editor's Choice awards for their Lavish Cold Cream & Cleanser and Facial Radiance Oil Serum.

Lovely o.Moi was initially discovered in my Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in September. Their Plump it Up Facial Cream and All-in-One Balm won Editor's Choice awards.

Picking up Editor's Choices awards were three simply stunning face oils - La Belle Lune - a rich organic oil which is perfect to use at night to awaken with beautifully soft, hydrated and plumped skin. I'd been dying to try So27 Skincare's Rewind Night Oil which is formulated with skin loving oils (and smells glorious). Awaken with plumped and nourished skin. The third winner is Temple Spa's luscious Neroli scented It's All Good Nutritious Boost Facial Oil which was a joy to use.

Also picking up Editor's Choice Awards were a brand I hadn't heard of before - Endor Technologies. Their Anti-Cellulite Cream was rich and luxurious and melted quickly onto dry skin while their Anti-Ageing Eye Cream smoothed out and plumped lines and wrinkles. 

Receiving a Commended Award was Pure Savvy's Come Hell or High Water 3-in-1 Micellar Water which I loved. I found it refreshing and loved the light rose scent. It was nice to use to cleanse and refresh the skin and it'd be perfect to pack for summer holidays (I also loved their Multi-Tasker Beauty Balm which is scented with neroli and sweet orange).

You can see the whole list of winners HERE.

Northcote: Gourmet Break

I've been on holiday these last two weeks and we've got up to lots of nice things in the UK (mainly involving eating, drinking and shopping) At the start of our break we stayed for two nights at Northcote, a Michelin Star Restaurant with rooms run by Nigel Haworth, Craig Bancroft and Lisa Allen (if you love your food and a bit of luxury this is the place to go!) 

Our room was simply gorgeous! We were lucky enough to get upgraded and the room and bathroom was huge! We also met Lisa Allen, Executive Chef which was amazing having watched both her and Nigel on Great British Menu.

Northcote from the Vegetable garden

The bathroom had a lovely big bath with a separate walk in shower with lots of Temple Spa toiletries - I was in heaven!

Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk! As well as a supply of water and Belvoir Presse are included for your enjoyment.

We had the 5 course Gourmet Menu (link) on the first night (with the matching wines - which went so well with each course. Our Sommelier that evening was fantastic - she really gave us such an insight to all the wines and was really enthusiastic and friendly). On the second night we had the 7 course Tasting Menu. I've picked a few highlights from both nights - see below.

canapes with half bottle of champagne before dinner

amuse-bouche - cow's milk curd, sorrel granita, egg yolk, cheese straw - tasted delicious light and fresh and looks so pretty.

Onion Caramel Charred Hanger Steak, Pickled Artichokes, Yorkshire Blue Cheese - this was super yummy. Very tender and the flavours went so well together.

Ashcrofts Cauliflower, Black Pea Hummus, Smoked Onion Sauce, Garden Chives - this was simply one of the nicest vegetarian courses I've ever eaten. The baby cauliflower was cooked to perfection and simple accompaniments went so well. Delicious!

Organic Northcote Garden Blackcurrants, Malt Wafers, Bowland Cromwell Stout Ice Cream - I loved this light, fruity and malty dessert. Summer on a plate.

Ashcrofts Beetrood Rubble, Pickled Pullet Egg, Bronze Fennel, Pollen - another veggie course that we loved. Super fresh tasting beetroot. Simply delicious.

Beer Fed Dexter Beef Rump, Hand Cut Tartar, Duck Liver Crumb, Carmelised Shallot, Tarragon - melt in the mouth and delicious. The crumb also contained some pumpkin seeds for added crunch

hubby chose cheese for dessert one evening - I loved the separate board of bread, biscuits, chutney, celery and grapes

Petit Fours with coffee

After dinner the first night we came back to the room to a cute little Temple Spa gift on the bed - a very welcome and kind touch!

We also enjoyed drinks on the sunny terrace

And I enjoyed checking out the Vegetable Garden

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @NorthcoteUK

January Empties

John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner - both 250ml.  You can see my review here.  These lasted for ages and I'd maybe buy them in future.

Abahna Lilac Rose & Geranium Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - nice light flowery scent with a strong hint of lilac - lovely.  Would buy again.

Korres Mango Shower Gel 250ml - simply love this super fruity shower gel.  I used this in my morning shower for a great wake up call.  Will re-purchase.

Bodhi Bath & Shower Therapy in Rosemary and Mint Thé both 50ml - love both of these although Mint Thé has the edge!  You can read my review here.

Pure Fiji  Coconut Nourishing Exotic Oil 90ml plus mini trial size - first received this in Joliebox.  One of my favourite body oils.  Will definitely re-purchase after the spending ban!

Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath 150ml - simply delicious! Smells gorgeous and creates loads of bubbles.  One I'd definitely buy again.

Neom Sensuous Body Wash & Body Lotion both 50ml - this came in the Scent with Love Gift set and are gorgeous products. They smell amazing - scented with ylang ylang, frankincense and patchouli.  Real luxury pampering products.  I'd buy again.

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser 40ml - this came in the Latest in Beauty Editor's Picks Box.  A really lovely product and one I'd perhaps re-purchase in the future.

The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream 60ml - received this at Christmas in a mini set from Jo.  Was really nice and super moisturising. I'd buy this.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml & 10ml - one of my favourite bath oils ever.  I'll definitely be buying it again.  See my review here.

Balm Balm Relax Bath & Shower Oil 5ml - see my review here.  This bath oil was lovely and I'd buy it again.

Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Body Moisturiser 40ml - love this.  You can see my review here.  Would buy again.

Lucy Annabella Body Moisturiser Geranium & Frankincense 15ml - this sample cost £5.95 from Naturisimo.  I didn't like the scent of this so wouldn't buy.  Expensive sample.

Temple Spa Skin Truffle 15ml - simply love this luxe face cream.  You can see my review here.  I'd definitely buy this (got another 15ml to use).

Caudalie Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream 10ml - this came in a Latest in Beauty box.  Lovely would buy.

Lulu Time Bomb Trouble Shooter Neck, Jaw & Chest Cream 15ml - a rich cream scented with lavender.  Liked using it but didn't adore the scent.  Probably wouldn't buy.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 7ml - this came in the advent calendar.  Enjoyed using it but got loads of cleansers to use so probably wouldn't purchase.

LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenish Cream 15ml - this also came in the Latest in Beauty Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible Box.  Loved this.  Would buy.

ESPA Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum 3ml - I found this too highly scented which put me off a bit.  Seemed a nice product but wouldn't buy.  The Super Active Lift & Firm Moisturiser which came with it in the advent calendar I had to throw out as the scent gave me a headache!  I've used other products from ESPA which I loved.  

What have you been using up this month?  Have you used any of these products?

Spending Ban - Update 1

A whole week has passed since I started my 100 Day Spending Ban and I've only been tempted by the Abahna Sale but I managed to resist.

paperblanks* sent me this beautiful journal to record my spending - at the front I'm recording my spending and at the back writing down my current  "wants".  The journal is from the Silver Filigree Collection - Shadow Classic Mini.

"The filigree pattern adorning the cover was originally designed and handcrafted in Germany circa 1800.  The art of filigree is a moving testament to the human drive to ornament in order to delight the eye and the spirit".

I only spent £15.40 in week 1 - and it was mainly bus fares apart from mid week when I needed chocolate and crisps!  I think I need to start walking to work (well maybe home from work!)

These are the products I'm lusting after this week:

source

Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set - a beautiful little set with a selection of pamper products.

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Robert Piguet Blossom EDP 100ml - this scent sounds gorgeous with notes of orange blossom and neroli - a great spring/summer scent.

Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo 250ml and Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Conditioner 250ml - from the new haircare line.

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Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath - I've just finished a mini of the creme brulee one and it was gorgeous.  I read an amazing review of this product on Thom's blog.

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REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream - I read a review on The Beauty Shortlist which made me want to try this.

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Temple Spa Body Truffle - I absolutely adore the Skin Truffle so was super excited to hear about the launch of Body Truffle.

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So that's my wants for this week.  At the end of my spending ban I'll do a round up of which products I'm going to buy.  Are you doing the spending ban?


*free sample

The A - Z of Beauty Tag

I spotted this beauty tag on Beauty Fiend's Blog and was inspired to do it myself.  What you need to do is pick a beauty brand for each letter of the alphabet (difficult when you love a few which start with the same letter!) and recommend a product you love.

A - Abahna - Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion (link)

B - Bodhi - Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil - see my review here.

C - Chanel - Chanel Sycomore EDT - a perfume I'll always have in my collection (link)

D - Diptyque - I adore Philosykos and Eau Rose

E - Essential Care - A lover of Rose Moisturiser and Creamy Coconut Cleanser

F - Freyaluna - the mini Selection Box is a great introduction to the range

G - Gielly Green - Repair Travel Kit - 4 minis - shampoo, repair mask, body wash and body lotion.  You can read my review here.

H - Herbfarmacy - Herbfarmacy Hard Working Hands Cream (link)

I - Illamasqua - Freak EDP

J - Jo Malone - can't choose one thing - all gorgeous!

K - Kerastase - Bain Satin 1 Shampoo and Conditioner (link)

L - La Prairie - Extrait of Skin Caviar Firming Complex - not bought this for a good few years but an amazing product!

M - Myroo - Starflower and Orange Blossom Cleanser (review)

N - NEOM - Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream (link)

O - Origins - everything from the Ginger range

P - Pure Thoughts - Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter (link)

Q - QVC - great for picking up lots of beauty products

R - REN - Rose Otto Bath Oil (link)

S - Skinvelop - The Cleanser (link)

T - Temple Spa - Skin Truffle (link)

U - Unique Naturals - Skin Serum Collection (link)

V - Vichy - Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream (link)

W - Weleda - Lavender Body Oil (link)

X - Xen Tan - not a fan but only brand I could think of starting with X!

Y - YSL - Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil (link)

Z - Zoya

Sleepover Essentials

On Saturday we went to visit my folks and stay over.  Here's the beauty products I took with me.

My new favourite body care line - Abahna - you can read my haul post here and see my monthly favourites post here.  I'm currently loving these luxury skincare products.  I'll definitely be repurchasing the Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion (also fancying the bath oil, hand cream and candle!)

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water 35ml - received this one as a Latest in Beauty Luxury Sample - really nice for nights you can't be bothered with a full cleanse.  Smells nice too.  Currently available for £3 on the Latest in Beauty site.

Natural Wisdom Rose & Pomegranate Anti-Oxidant Hydrating Toner 50ml - absolutely adore this beautiful toner.  You can read my review here.

Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Shampoo & Conditioner for fine hair.  These feature in my October Favourites.  My current favourite shampoo and conditioner.  Full review to follow.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash 50ml - this was a Glamour magazine freebie.  Love this - scented with grapefruit, petigrain, ylang ylang and frankincense essential oils - really uplifting in my morning shower.  One of my favourite Balance Me products.

Elemis Pro-Intense Eye & Lip Contour Cream 15ml - just started using this again. A nice product also like to use it on lip contour.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment for Face and Neck 15ml - another lovely product which I tend to pick up in gifts with purchase.

Moroccanoil Treatment 10ml - a handy size for travelling.  Love the Moroccanoil range.

Temple Spa Skin Truffle 15ml - absolutely adore this cream I got in my recent Latest in Beauty Anti-Ageing Box - an amazing cream.  Review to follow.

Likewise, review to follow on LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenish Cream 15ml which also came in the Latest in Beauty box.  A really lovely cream - keen to look into other products in the range.

MossGrove Natural Deodorant for women - this deodorant contains no chemical nasties and is scented with jasmine - gorgeous!

We went for lunch again to House for an Art Lover Cafe and I had this delicious pudding - double chocolate puff pastry stack with passionfruit granita and coconut marshmallows - it was amazing!

What are your favourite products to take for weekend's away?

Latest in Beauty - the Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible Box

My Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible box arrived on Monday - its super-fabulous!  Costing £19.95 plus £2.95 P&P (worth over £90).

I am excited to try Temple Spa Skin Truffle 15ml a Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible award winner.  I tried it on the back of my hand and it made my skin feel so soft and radiant.  Ingredients include diamond powder, black truffles, gold and silk, champagne, strawberries and cocoa butter - it sounds good enough to eat!  Can be used in the morning and at night.  (I've used it the last couple of days and I'm in love!)

Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 30ml - I have used this cleanser before several times, smells good and great at removing eye make up and general everyday grime.  One for my travel bag I think.

Inika Mineral Lip Liner in Nude Delight - a full size product and a nice shade.  Happy to use this and was just needing a natural toned lip pencil.

Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Shampoo 100ml - was happy to get a product suitable to my hair type - for fine hair and colour treated hair.  Smells nice too.

Thalgo thalgomince Thalgo Cream 5ml sachet - will try but such a small sachet it won't go far.

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate 2ml vial - another product I've used before and happy to use again.

LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenish Cream 15ml - have heard of the brand but not tried anything.  So happy to try.

Lulu Time Bomb Trouble Shooter, Neck, Jaw & Chest Cream 15ml - always on the lookout for a good neck cream.  My current favourite is Clarins Extra-Firming Neck Cream.

Balance Me Supermoisturising Hand Cream 30ml - tried this recently for the first time.  A fab hand cream.

Caudalie Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum - this 1.5ml sample is a bonus item.  Again, happy to use as love Caudalie products.

Also included are leaflets and money off coupons.  A great value box - I love that I'll use everything.  Did you buy it?

Body Lotion Update

I first blogged about my body lotion spending ban here.  The following are the ones I have managed to use up so far and my thoughts on whether I'd buy again.

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion - love this.  First blogged about it here.  One of my favourite cheaper lotions.  The second one in the photo is Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Souffle Body Creme which is gorgeous! Rich creamy and smells of sweet vanilla and sugar - one that's definitely going on my wishlist.

Elemis Pro-Collage Body Cream.  You can read my post here.  Another one I love! Would maybe get it again at a Harvey Nichols shopping evening when they offer a discount (their Spring party is approaching!)

Garnier Intensive 7 days Soothing Lotion - Calming Honey - another cheaper body lotion which I love!  Still got the mango version to use.  Would buy again.

I also have used a small 50ml size of Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream (love) and the small Temple Spa Face and Body Balm (wouldn't purchase) Still got a long way to go on the body lotion challenge! (have also acquired a few more!)