Blog Highlights 2017

You can see my highlights posts for 2015 (HERE) and 2016 (HERE). Here are my 2017 highlights:

January:

In January, I tried Tropic Skincare again and have totally fallen for every product I've tried. I just love Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum* which I reviewed in January. See my review HERE.

February:

In February, I discovered the wonderful Aster & Bay (who are now Edinburgh based) and totally fell for the glorious Rosewater Mist. See my review HERE.

March:

In March, I collaborated with the fabulous Mary Paulson-Ellis to giveaway a copy of her amazing book - The Other Mrs Walker (link). My review featured in my September 2016 round-up.

April:

In April, I took part in the Best of Skincare Tag (link) which was fun to do.

May:

We had a night away in North Berwick (one of my favourite places to be). It featured in my May loves (link). It may only just be down the road but it feels like I'm on holiday when I'm there.

June: 

In June, I finally got round to trying the Votary Rose Maroc & Sandalwood Facial Oil which I received in the Liberty Advent Calendar. It lived up to all my expectations! See my review HERE.

July:

July saw me feature my top reads for the first part of the year (link) so hard to pick!  I also loved Esse Probiotic Skincare Gel Cleanser** which came to me as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program (which I'm both thrilled and delighted to be a member of). See my review HERE.

August:

In August I discovered the exquisite Juno Skincare. See my review HERE.

September:

In September, I sampled a Zing Organics - Zing Lover's Subscription Box which I think is one of the best subscription boxes out there! See my review HERE (and my review of the Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque HERE).

October:

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of the beautiful and gorgeous Skin Organic Clean Beauty Boxes. This light as air, fluffy and exquisitely scented Poppy's Natural Skincare Super Moisturising Organic Chia Seed Hand Butter (neroli) came in the  October - Autumn Glow Box. See my review HERE.

November:

In November, I'm delighted to say I've embarked on Formula Botanica - Diploma in Organic Skincare which I'm so excited about!  I've not really had time yet to throw myself into it due to my day job being manic and having the flu. I'm looking forward to starting it seriously soon (enrollment opens January 16-23 if you are interested!) Expect an initial post early in January.

December:

I'm totally honoured and incredibly proud to be a judge for The Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018. I've been testing out lots of amazing products - some already known to me and some which are totally new.

It's been a brilliant year! What are your highlights?

*complimentary

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

Supernatural Beauty: Redemption Face Oil

I received a 10ml size of Supernatural Beauty's gorgeous Redemption Face Oil (Full Size - 30ml - £45) in the recent Content Beauty GWP - see what I bought HERE. As soon as I saw it was scented with collagen boosting and cell renewing Rose Otto Damask I knew I'd be sold! 

Founders Tyron and Jenny's son suffered from Eczema and Jenny had health problems of her own so they decided to create their own natural and organic skincare range. This oil was Editor's Choice in Fi's The Beauty Shortlist's Awards 2016.

It really is a beautiful oil which is suitable for all skin types and is 100% organic and free from harmful preservatives. Absorbing quickly it leaves the skin radiant, happy, nourished and smoothed (and smelling of roses!).  As you've probably guessed I absolutely love it.

That's one of the reasons I love GWP so much as I always find niche and new to me brands which more often than not I fall for! I will definitely be replenishing this beautiful oil and looking at the other products in the range.

To use: warm 2-4 drops on your fingertips before massaging onto clean face and neck in upwards motions.

Have you tried any products from Supernatural Beauty? If you have, what's your favourite?

You can meet Supernatural Beauty at Clean Cult at Ethos Spitalfields on 10th July along with other green brands. See more details HERE.

inner-soul organics luxury hamper

I was thrilled to win The Beauty Shortlist's twitter competition just before Christmas to win a gorgeous hamper stuffed full of inner-soul organics products.

Founder Emma has a deep knowledge and passion for aromatherapy, massage and essential oils.  She also loves literature and each bottle has an inspiring quote on the label.  Products are packed full of skin loving oils, Vitamins and top quality essential oils.  Organic ingredients are used and there is no animal testing. Packaging is minimal and recyclable.

inner-soul organics support the Burgess Autistic Trust (3% of annual turnover) and the Katie Piper Foundation (£1 from every product sold). With every order receive a free 30ml organic body oil.  See the shop here.

These two products have not yet launched at inner-soul organics.  The Scandinavian Deep Moisture Organic Hand and Body Salve is a rich cream which melts into the skin deeply moisturising it. It smells pretty gorgeous too. It's stuffed full of good things for the skin and scented with juniper berries, pine and Arctic Oat.

Scandinavian Angelica Refresh Bath and Shower Oil 30ml it contains thistle, Arctic cranberry and birch and has a real smokey incense scent. It can be used in the bath or smoothed over the body before showering. This is one of my favourites.

Romance Me Skin Oil (100ml) - Ana said I'd love this and she was right! A gorgeous body oil scented with Jasmine Absolute and Rose - two of my favourite scents!  The oil is made with jojoba, sesame and sweet almond oils which help with elasticity, rejuvenate and moisturise.  Dry skin areas just lap this gorgeous oil up.  Use before bed and wake up with soft, smooth and sweetly scented skin.  Love it.

Circulation Boost Skin Oil (100ml) - I received a mini one of this oil in December's Souk Souk Beauty Box and loved it!  A bend of five oils which moisturise and promote skin elasticity. Omegas 3 and 6, Vitamins A D and E along with Geranium and Rosemary essential oils.  It can help with sluggish circulation and is great for areas of cellulite. With an uplifting scent this is great to use after a morning shower.

Mullein Flower Purifying Facial Oil (30ml) - this is a gorgeous face oil which softens and moisturises the skin. It is great for combination skin types and is really lovely to use. Can be used mornings and just before bed. 

Barefaced Beauty Natural Serum (30ml) - made with Kiwi Seed and Rosehip Oils, Squalane and Spilanthes Acmilla Flower Extract. It smoothes out wrinkles, revives and uplifts the skin leaving it radiant and renewed.

I've loved trying all of these products - thanks so much again Fiona and Emma.

Inner-Soul Organics Christmas Luxury Beauty Hamper

I was absolutely over-the-moon to find out I'd won Fiona's giveaway (The Beauty Shortlist) winning an Inner-Soul Organics Luxury Beauty Hamper worth £120! 

I picked it up from the Post Office on Monday and was eager to delve in!

Included in the hamper is two brand new products which haven't launched yet! How excited am I?

These are:

Scandinavian Angelica Refresh Bath & Shower Oil - this has a smokey scent - I've used it in the shower so far.

Scandinavian Deep Moisture Hand & Body Salve - I'm already totally in love with this rich and deeply moisturising balm which melts easily onto the skin.

Also included is:

Circulation Boost Skin Oil 100ml - I received 30ml of this in my latest Souk Souk box and loved it.

Romance Me Skin Oil 100ml (this has Jasmine & Rose Essential Oils in it).  It smells divine and I know I'm going to love, love, love it!

Barefaced Beauty Serum 30ml

Facial Oil 30ml

Full reviews will follow shortly on all the products.  You can find more information here and see Fiona's website here (a really informative read - I'm always seeing products I want!)

Follow Inner-Soul on Twitter @InnerSoulOrg 

Follow The Beauty Shortlist @BeautyShortlist