A Surprise Birthday Present

I recently met my pal Julie (both our birthdays are in April and we do a birthday swap) - reviews will follow on the gorgeous goodies she gave me. Some which have already become "must haves" in my stash such as Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette (my first) and Lipstick Queen's Chinatown liner, gloss & lipstick in one in three really wearable shades - Watermelon, Nude-Pink and Dusky Pink. Love.

We arrived back from our Anniversary trip (amazing two days at Isle of Eriska Hotel review to follow) to a surprise birthday parcel from Nardine, (on twitter @Miss_Nardine) one of my London pals (who like Julie), I initially "met" on a beauty Facebook group and have met twice now in real life!)

Inside the pretty box is:

A cute card which made me smile

A box of lovely rose scented goodies

A beautiful hand crafted notebook

A Limited Edition Set of Jo Malone Colognes

Absolutely love everything and reviews will follow!

The Body Shop Rewards Card

Last week I picked up a couple of birthday bits for my sister-in-law at The Body Shop. The assistant talked me into buying a Rewards Card which costs £5 for a year. 

With the card you get 10% off every purchase for a year, £5 off a product in your birthday month, a free product worth £5 with your 4th stamp (you get one stamp on the back of your card each time you make a purchase), a free product worth £10 with your 8th stamp and a free gift when you buy a Rewards Card - a very generous deal!

Of course I had to treat myself to something too!  I'd been spraying the very pretty Early Harvest Raspberry EDT (30ml - £8.50) the last few times I've been instore (it reminds me of Bath & Body Works Sun Ripened Raspberry). It is a light, refreshing, sweet and fruity scent and perfect for summer. 

The free gift I received was Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray (100ml - £6) which is just perfect for this sunny weather we are having. It instantly cools and refreshes tired and hot feet leaving them cool and smelling minty.

Have you treated yourself to anything from The Body Shop lately?

A Pamper for Valentine's Day

I decided to have a little pamper last night in advance of Valentine's Day today! A nice soak in the bath with a beautiful candle lit is one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind.

My candle of choice was the very lovely Amorous Classic Candle* (220g - £28) from Maddi Alexander.  A natural soya wax candle with cotton wick it is scented with Cedarwood, Atlas, Bergamot and Clove and has a lovely warming woody scent.  It helps to relax and soothe the senses.

My soak of choice was The White Company White Lavender Bath Milk which is scented with Lavender, Basil, Sicilian Lemon and Vetivert with Vitamin E to moisture and soften the skin.

I used Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo & Conditioner minis which I picked up recently from Lucy Rose.  I'm a huge fan of the brand and these clean, nourish, calm frizz and add shine.

To moisturise my body I used The Body Shop's best Seller Moringa Body Butter* (200ml - £13) a rich butter enriched with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter and scented with white flowers.  The scent is initially very strong but mellows fairly quickly and lasts all day.  The butter is easily absorbed and very nourishing.  There's something for everyone from the Body Butter Range. There are also some fab gifts ranges from The Body Shop to chose from.

My feet got pampered too!  I used a sample pot of Bloom Remedies Peppermint & Lemongrass Organic Footbalm* (full sizes - 50g - £8.50 and 100g - £13.50). This rich balm (which smells amazing) is packed with Organic butters and beeswax and pampers tired, dry and cracked heels moisturising them deeply as well as refreshing and reviving the feet. 

What products do you use to pamper? Have you tried any of these?

*PR samples

The #bbloggers Secret Santa

Laura from A Scottish Lass and Georgina from Make up Pixi3 organised a #bbloggers Secret Santa.  I was paired with Katrina from Beautrina. We chatted likes and dislikes and my parcel arrived in the run up to Christmas.

Here's what I received -

I was excited to see benefit radiant skincare set - I've always been tempted to try their skincare range but never have.  Included is Foaming Clean Facial Wash, Refined Finish Facial Polish, Moisture Prep Toning Lotion, Triple Performance Facial Emulsion, Total Moisture Facial Cream and It's Potent Eye Cream.

I also received a Honeymania soap 100g from the Body Shop and a Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream 50ml and some chocolate.

Thanks Katerina love my beauty goodies (and the chocolate!)

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?

Project Pan - 6 Body Lotions

I absolutely adore the Freyaluna Rose Lotion I got in my Selection Box.  So I've set myself a challenge....once I finish 6 body moisturising products I've already got in my stash I'm going to buy this gorgeous jar of lotion.

source

I got a mini size of this in my selection box and I've fallen in love with it! But I've got so much to use up I've set myself the challenge of using up the products below before I buy this beauty.

Clarins Eau Ressourcante Silky Smooth Body Lotion 200ml - just less than half full.

The Body Shop Body Butter Duo 200ml - three quarters full.

Heyland & Whittle Green Tea & Grapefruit Body Lotion 300ml - just about full.

Nivea Firming Body Oil 200ml - just under three quarters full.

Miller Harris Citron Citron Body Lotion 60ml - just about full.

Rituals Mei Dao Organic White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren Body Cream (no size but a travel mini) - used once.

I'll keep you updated as to my progress. I'm hoping I'll be able to get the Rose Lotion after a few months!

The Body Shop Body Butter Duo - Sweet Pea

I know this product has been around for ages now but I'm just getting round to trying it.  I picked up the Sweet Pea scent which actually smells like sweet peas.  Retails at £12 for 200ml - which is quite expensive but I picked it up with a money off voucher (spend £25 and get £10 off).

A twin pot - it contains two different textures/types of body moisturiser.  One side, which is a lightweight cream is for normal skin areas and the other a rich balm for drier areas like knees, elbows and feet.

Other scents available are Macadamia, Vanilla and Floral Acai.

Super moisturising and leaves skin really soft and lightly scented.  Its one I'd definitely purchase again.  Have you tried it, what are your thoughts?

The Body Shop - Pink Grapefruit & Vanilla Body Mists

I picked up two of the new body mists from The Body Shop recently.  I picked pink grapefruit and vanilla.  The pink grapefruit one is really refreshing and zesty. It's really cooling and refreshing on hot and clammy days.  My second one is vanilla, which is really sweet and smells of cake!  

An absolute bargain at £7 for 100ml - would make a great gift too as they are packaged in glass bottles.  Other scents are coconut, mango, Moringa, Satsuma, Shea and Strawberry.

I joined up to the Rewards Card at a one off payment of £5 - which gives you a free Earth Lovers shower gel - I chose the Cucumber & Mint scent - very refreshing and cooling and worth £5.  The card entitles you to 10% off purchases for a year, a £5 product on your birthday and other freebies and offers throughout the year.  I also got a voucher for a £10 off if you spend £25 before the end of July.

Have you tried the new body mists?  What's your favourite Body Shop product? - I'm always looking for new things to try.

InStyle Magazine - July - Freebies & Offers

July InStyle magazine is fantastic! Not only do you get a freebie (Body Shop Mascara worth £10 or two Body Shop eyeliners - Black/French Navy worth £16) there is also some fabulous offers and interesting reading.

Also included is two 10ml sachets of L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo & Conditioner.

Onto the freebies (next month) and the offers!

Next month's issue (out 5 July) have a Free Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara and Shiseido Cleanser.  As well as 20% off at Time to Spa and 10% off at Benefit.

25% off The Body Shop Make up including Lily Cole's Limited Edition Collection plus a free makeover instore - just take the page with you.  Or order online using code 38938.

The final amazing offer is a VIP Make Up Masterclass at Giorgio Armani Counters.  It costs £10 with goodie bag and glass of Champagne.  The booking fee is redeemable on any products bought.  Goodie bag contains - 3ml Regenessence Serum, 5ml Luminous Silk Foundation, 5ml Fluid Sheer, 2ml Blushing Fabric (this is fab, currently using a sample) and 2ml Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara.  Definitely going to book in for this one!

If you subscribe to InStyle they are giving away a free gift of 3 OPI Nail Lacquers (first 400 subscribers).

I also have some new wants which are featured in the magazine -

The Art of Body Care Travel Collection, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose EDT, Chanel Rouge Coco Baume, Givenchy Mister Radiant Body, St Tropez Aftersun Lotion and Kerastase Cristalliste Luminous Perfecting Shampoo & Conditioner.

The magazine costs £2.50 - a bargain!  Did you pick up InStyle magazine?

Easy Living & Marie Claire Magazine Freebies

I picked up the Easy Living Magazine freebie today (well two of the magazines so I could get both free gifts).  There is a choice between Wai Wang Exfoliating Body Scrub or Mei Dao Rich Nourishing Body Cream - both 70ml and scented with White Lotus and Yi Yi Ren - smells really nice, slightly floral.

Marie Claire Magazine are offering a full size The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain worth £10 in two shades.  I do love a freebie! Do you think you'll get either offer?  Instyle is also out with a free Nails Inc Nail Polish in a choice of three shades.

Easter Bunny Swap - My boxes

I showed you a sneak peek of the bunny boxes I made up here.  Here are the boxes I received - love them!

I initially arranged one with Sarah and then one with Maria (who made me the amazing box from Hong Kong which you can read about here.) We arranged a budget of £10.

Sarah's box:

Loads of lovely goodies!

Soap & Glory Heel Genius 125ml - never tried this product before - looking forward to using it.  I need to get my feet ready for summer so can't wait to try this out. Smells gorgeous.

Como Shambhala Invigorate Lotion 50ml - this is my new favourite brand so happy to receive.  Lovely lotion scented with eucalyptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint essential oils.

17 Volume Mascara in Black 8ml - can't go wrong with mascara looking forward to using this.

Wet n Wild Ultimate Minerals Loose Eyeshadow - really nice shade. Haven't used anything from this brand so looking forward to using.

e.l.f Superglossy Lip Shine - oh the shame! never tried any e.l.f. before.  A really shiny gloss in a really wearable shade.

Boots Natural Collection sachets - Hydrating Hair Mask, Hi-Shine Conditioner and Wild Strawberry Face Mask - pampering session for me.

ME ME ME Eye Shadow in Satsuma - great colour for summer.  Will be fab with a suntan.

Boots Cranberry Body Butter - really fruity with nice texture, melts into the skin.

The Body Shop Strawberry Puree Body Lotion 60ml - smells amazing, light gel like texture.

Vaseline Creme Brulee Lip Therapy - love this! 

2 cute bath fizzers - heart and duck

And lots of lovely chocolate eggs and bunnies.

Maria's box:

Onto the goodies!

The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream 250ml - I've already got the body butter so this will be great to use with it.  Smells amazing!

Compressed Paper Facial Masks - these look like giant pills! - to use soak one in your favourite toner and then apply mask to face - can't wait to try.  I love trying products I've never heard of before.

Hydrating Toner 200ml - made with natural ingredients smells light and fresh.  Maria indicates that it contains rice extract.  Another one I'm looking forward to using.

Kiko Calming Face Mask 55ml - another brand I haven't heard of - excited to try.

Cowshed Quinoa Hydrating Daily Moisturiser 20ml - not tried any Cowshed skincare so looking forward to trying.

Rimmel Eyeshadow Quad in Sun Safari - perfect shades for me.

Facial Blotting tissues - loved these in the box from Hong Kong.  A wonder product for shine!

And lovely chocolate bunnies.

I love both my boxes, thanks girls! Looking forward to trying all the products out.  Did you do a Easter Bunny Swap? xxx

Body Lotion Spending Ban!

I've put myself on a body lotion/butter/oil spending ban (and all other beauty products apart from Carmine, She Said Beauty and Joliebox.  Amarya (I have until September as I paid this for a year) and any essentials I may need).


I was a bit cheeky yesterday and bought L'Occitane Cherry Princess Silky Body Gel - like I need another body lotion - when you see the photo below! A limited edition scented with cherries and floral notes - (I recently received a free sample instore and fell in love).  Its got a light silky texture and melts into the skin leaving the skin delicately scented.  There is an extra-special Limited Edition set available containing 50ml EDT, 250ml Shower Cream, 75ml  Body Gel and 30ml Hand Cream all for £39.  You can see the set here.

Below are the body products I want to use up this year.  I have nearly finished the Neutrogena Body Oil, Nivea lotion and Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream.

Other half doesn't understand why I need so many! I do like a choice (plus I have a few more hidden away - oops).  This post was inspired by The Bristol Beauty Blog and Cosmetic Cravings.

What beauty products do you have too many of?

Chocomania Body Butter - The Body Shop

Jamie-Lee over at beauty captures us alerted me to an offer The Body Shop were running for 48 hours.

A 200ml tub of Chocomania Body Butter for £9 with free delivery.

It's gorgeous, really rich and buttery with a scent of chocolate - yum.  On the skin it smells a bit coconutty and chocolatey.  Launched in the shops on 30th January.  It's delicious.  I'll be checking out the rest of the range x

Secret Santa Gifts

I took part in two Secret Santa's this year.  The first one was organised by Nav which you can read about here.  The second one was a Beauty Box Swaps one on Facebook.  A big thank you to my Secret Santas! x

November Empties

It's official! I am addicted to beauty products!  Here are my November empties.

Bareminerals Purifying Facial Cleanser and Purely Nourishing Moisturiser double sachet - for combination skin -  I really loved the moisturiser and may purchase this at some point.

Korres Lemon Body Milk - from the last Boudoir Prive box - loved this would re-purchase.

Vaseline Intensive Care Deodorant - like the fact that this one doesn't sting and a neutral scent.

Deep Steep Foaming Handwash - Tangerine & Melon 249ml - quite a nice handwash, a foam rather than a gel took a bit of getting used to but it smelt lovely and fruity (had just about finished this by end October).

Sanctuary Spa Relax Warming Body Oil 15ml x 1 - supposedly single use - this lasted me twice.  Would probably repurchase as nice product (and good gift - comes in set of five).

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30ml - this was part of a travel set of four (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body milk).  Nice product would re-purchase.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml - my most favourite bath oil in the world!  Will definitely re-purchase.

Morroccanoil for fine & light coloured hair 25ml - bought the smaller size to try, loved it and have bought the full size since.  I'll keep the little bottle to decant from the larger one for travel.

Garnier BB Cream sachet - light - fab sample - love this product - will purchase full size at some point (when I finish up other foundations/tinted moisturisers).

Jimmy Choo Perfumed Shower Gel 150ml - lush product with the gorgeous scent of Jimmy Choo.  Was a birthday gift - would re-purchase (I also got the body lotion which was gorgeous too but finished it before I started blogging).

Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust 15ml - this was from the Breast Cancer Awareness Set in October - love this product.

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel 125ml - quite liked this product though it was a pain you can't use it on the eye area.  For this reason alone I probably wouldn't re-purchase, but other than that a really good product.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Body Wash 250ml - nice product with good scent (I love rose scents) and lather will re-purchase.  Dr Organic range can be bought at Holland & Barratt, in a range of scents.

Origins Incredible Spreadable Ginger Body Scrub 100ml - love this, its always on my Christmas Wish List - it smells divine.  Although I think this one was free with Grazia magazine.

Cetuem SCR Gold Creme de Lite 5ml - from Boudoir Prive - okay cream and smelt nice but didn't wow me.  Wouldn't purchase.


Molton Brown Parasdisiac Pink Peppercorn Bath and Shower Gel 100ml - love Molton Brown products (usually scent of choice is Heavenly Gingerlily) but decided to try another - okay scent but wouldn't repurchase though great quality product.

Giorgio Armani Regenessence Multi-corrective Rejuvenating Cream 3ml - lovely product but mega bucks.  £75 full size.  Smells amazing though and really feels like it works.

Body Shop Morroccan Rose Shower Gel 60ml/Body Lotion 60ml - lovely scent, would re-purchase.

Elemis Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir - De-stress Bath Soak 100ml - really nice product would re-purchase full size. Smells great and really relaxing after a stressful day.

Caudalie Cleansing Water 50ml - this was quite a nice product - would be good for holidays (and kept in the fridge).

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil 1.2ml sample - I'd always wanted to try this but wasn't really impressed, was ok product, scent was of lilies and I didn't really like it.  Though I'd like to try the lip balm in this range.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 125ml - love this for use in the bath or neat as a body moisturiser for dry skin areas.  Normally pick this in GWP deals.

Palmolive Milk & Honey Handwash 300ml - picked this up in the supermarket for 60p - nice product.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml - love, love, love this cream!

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel 75ml - a good cleanser would probably re-purchase.


I also finished the Prada Candy EDP sample from Feel Unique box - a full size bottle is on my Christmas wish list, a Bamford Organics mini soap in Rose - smells beautiful and creates lots of lather.  What products have you been using up this month? x

Freebies with Cosmo Mag - December

December's Cosmo has some good freebies.  A Body Shop gift card worth £3, £15 or £100! You only find out at the checkout, a Lip Rock Lip Gloss I picked up the rose shade and a mini pack of Cadbury's chocolate fingers.