Five Perfumes for Spring

*one item has been gifted/sample These are the perfumes I'm reaching for (and will continue to reach for throughout spring and into summer):

From OV Naturals their gorgeous Golden EdT* a luxurious and niche perfume, handcrafted using 19 natural aromatics. See my review HERE. It really is an exquisite scent which is deeply floral with citrus and spice notes.

Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino EdP is one of my favourite neroli scents. I love the packaging too. Pure luxury. 

I simply adore Shay & Blue's latest scent White Peaches which evokes long summer days, sweet juicy peaches and elderflower granita. Refreshing and cooling. I love!

My second bottle is their Dandelion Fig perfume which is simply stunning. It blends figs, dandelion leaves, lemongrass, tomato vine and juniper for a fresh and slightly woody scent. 

Rounding up my Spring picks is Miller Harris's Tea Tonique EdP which blends Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lemon, Smokey tea, Nutmeg, Mate abs, Birch Tar and Musk. It's gently floral, with citrus and earthy notes.

What's your favourite perfume for Spring?

April: Lately I've Been Loving

So many April loves..

I've had the real pleasure of trying exquisite and decadent Mangata Baume de la Rose* (£83 - 30ml) an anti-ageing beauty balm by Holistic Green Beauty which truly is one of the most luxurious products I've ever tried. It's perfect in every way from the feel on your skin to the beautiful scent. Expect a full review very shortly (this product has WOW factor and is likely to feature in my top products of '18).

And two products with the WOW factor in the same month! Vanderohe's No.1 Nourishing Face Serum* (10ml - £33) is one of the best skincare products I've tried. Catch my review in early May.

It was my 50th birthday earlier in the month and we went back to the fab L'Horizon Hotel at St Brelades Bay, Jersey. The hotel is right on the beach and is just wonderfully relaxing. We were also lucky to have two very sunny afternoons.

Coffee was a must in the sunshine at Jersey Crab Shack on the bay (and their wonderful crab salad was also consumed!)

We got the open top bus into St Helier (and I nearly fell off my seat trying to take selfies..haha)

Hubby treated me to the gorgeous Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EdP at de Gruchy (cheaper than UK with no VAT!) The assistant also decanted two generous samples for me. Review will follow! I love it.

Of course there had to be fizz! And cocktails..

lanique (rose attar (like liquid turkish delight yum), crushed ice and lime

Old Fashioned and Negroni

amuse bouche

 potato - quails egg- paris brown

Morel Cream - Pea - Lemon - Spring Herbs (pretty as a picture, delicious & one of our favourites) 

scallop - celeriac - truffle - apple - smoked eel

Spiced Apple - Backberry

We dined again at amazing One Michelin Star Bohemia Jersey and the food was gorgeous. Would highly recommend it if you are on the Island.

Thank you Bohemia!

My friend Nardin treated me to a gorgeous bottle of perfume from Jo Loves - Smoked Plum & Leather. See my review HERE.

My friends Magi and Derek asked their very talented neighbour and friend to draw our old dog Bess. The likeness is uncanny! Such a beautiful and heartfelt gift.

What have you been loving this month?

*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

Perfume Collection

I have quite a few perfume sample vials as you can see below!

Today I'm showing you my collection of perfumes - full size, travel size and rollerballs. I actually have quite a small collection (only 40). You can see what I had in my stash in January 2012 and in March last year.

The two that are the most expensive in my stash are Chanel's Sycomore EdT (when I bought it was £100 - 75ml). I love its woody, mossy and vertivert notes.  See my review HERE.

Tom Ford's Santal Blush EdP (£145 - 50ml) this is my third bottle! An absolute hug in a bottle. It has notes of sandalwood, cumin, fenugreek, cinnamon, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine, woods, benzoin and musk. I just love it. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Shay & Blue. I recently finished Watermelons which I loved. It will definitely be a re-purchase.  Currently in my collection is Framboise Noir* (REVIEW), Salt Caramel (mini Review) and Atropa Belladona (HERE). I've also got two mini sizes of Blood Oranges and Almond Cucumber.

I adore rose scents. I picked up the Jo Malone Tudor Rose 30ml at the great Perfume Society Rock the Ages event I went to last year - see HERE. Hubby listened to my hints and bought me the gorgeous Miller Harris Rose Silence EdP (50ml) for my Christmas. See my review HERE.

Aqua di Parma's Rosa Nobile EdP which I received last year for Christmas. It has notes of mandarin, bergamot, pepper, peony, violet, lily of the valley, Centifolia rose, cedarwood, ambergris and musk. It's a really pretty feminine scent.

I reviewed True Nature Botanicals solid perfume Noble Floral* and totally fell in love with it. With notes of Tuberose, Rose, Jasmine and Citrus. See my review HERE.

Diptyque's Eau Rose Roll on is a beautiful true rose perfume and has notes of bergamot, lychee and blackcurrant, damask and centifolia roses, with musk, cedar and honey.

I picked up Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves 30ml when in London last year. It really is exquisite. See my review HERE.

Lush's Imogen Rose solid perfume is a fairly light rose scent with rose and green notes. It doesn't really last long but it's a cute little scent.

I recently tried a sample of Escentric Molecules 01 and loved it. This is the 30ml travel size refill. The scent smells differently on everyone and two people (so far) have been enticed with it - one male, one female!

I'm a huge fan of lovely Gorse by Laboratory Perfumes (100ml) this one is beautiful. The gorse gives it a coconutty edge and this perfume smells differently on everyone as well! See my review HERE.

Estee Lauder's Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EdP (30ml) another scent I first picked up in London before it was widely available. See my review HERE.

I've got a lot of love for Diptyque's Philosykos and have it in the rollerball oil and the EdT spray. It takes me back to hot summer days in Greece. The best and original fig scent. The EdP is on the wishlist.

My in-laws got me Angel for my birthday last year. I used to go through it by the gallon but hadn't worn it for a few years. 

Abahna's Frangipani & Orange Blossom re-fillable spray is also a favourite. See my review HERE.

From the 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar I totally fell for London 1969 (this little spray is nearly done so I'll definitely get full size) and Raw Silk & Red Roses both 9ml. See my review HERE.

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (30ml) was the first scent I bought from Jo Malone. I like it paired with Lime, Basil & Mandarin body lotion.

Khiel's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit (30ml) is a delicious fruity floral with notes of pink grapefruit, ginger, soy milk and musk. 

Annick Goutal Mandragore EdT (30ml) which came in a beauty box ages ago. It has fruity minty notes.

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic which is refreshing and zesty and Salt Air with seaside ozonic notes.

Oliver Bonas Blackberry Musk roll on which I picked up while Christmas shopping. See my review HERE.

Infusion Organique Sands of Morocco Organic EdP roll on which is lovely to wear on hot summer days. See my review HERE.

kai perfume oil roll on which is always in my stash. I love the gardenia and fresh green notes. It's the perfect holiday scent.

Ancienne Ambiance Colonia Collection* are a simply stunning trio of scents. See my thoughts HERE.

Jimmy Choo Perfume roller-ball which I picked up in Sephora in Paris. Love a little Jimmy Choo and rollerball perfumes!

Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia Roll on* which is a blend of gardenia, jasmine, sweet orange and tea leaves. It really is lovely. See my review HERE.

L'Occitane Magnolia & Mure Trial Size EdT which is fruity and floral. Figuier & Osmanthus EdT was limited edition last summer and is a juicy fig scent.

Freak by Illamaqua EdP I first got a sample of this in a Glossybox. This is my second full size bottle. It has notes Black Davana, Opium Flower, Poison Hemlock and Frankincense.

I received this little bottle of Tom Ford's White Suede EdP after a make-over. It's really lovely and has notes of musk, rose and amber.

On the wishlist are these along with Beaufort London's Coeur De Noir EdP.

What perfumes are in your collection?

*PR samples

March Empties

Here's my March Empties with a few make up items! 

Mio Clean Slate Workout Swipe for Face & Body single use - great for use all over the body when you can't get near water/shower. They have a nice cucumber/fresh scent. Use after the gym, on a flight or for holidays. Will definitely pick these up.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil 9ml and Massage Oil 9ml - these were really lovely to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml - I think this is my third bottle. I just love it. See my review HERE. I'll be picking this up again when my hand care stash reduces a bit.

Olivine Love+Peace Sparkling Pink Butter Bath 10oz - these made for a relaxing soak but I wasn't expecting them to be quite so lavender scented. Wouldn't re-purchase as there are other bath products I prefer.

John Masters Organics Rosemary Shampoo 10ml sachet - huge fan of John Masters haircare range and would and have bought this full size.

SkinOwl Neck+ 15ml - absolutely loved this. A gel like texture which absorbs instantly, firming and smoothing. Would buy.

The Rose Tree Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter 6g - this is lovely to use and turns cleansing into a real ritual. See my review HERE. Would buy again when my cleansers stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 5ml - love this orange scented cleansing balm. See my review HERE. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Shay & Blue Watermelons 30ml* - I finished a perfume! I simply love this divine refreshing fruity scent. See my review HERE. Will buy at some point.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner 2oz - huge fan of the brand and this leave-in conditioner leaves the hair feeling silky soft and nourished. Just cracked open a new bottle. Would buy again.

Ogario Hydrate & Shine Shampoo 100ml - I quite liked this shampoo but didn't love it so wouldn't buy it again.

DECIEM Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex 50ml - a hand cream which just works! Just opened a new one.

RMS 'un' Powder - this is a staple for me which lasts about 6 months making it great value. Have already cracked open a new pot.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF15 - 03 Fawn - this was an impulse (and expensive) buy which I bought before my spending ban in August - so it's lasted really well. A nice foundation which I'd maybe buy again.

Urban Decay Perversion mini Mascara - loved everything about this mascara. Full size is on the wishlist.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts sachet - this was nice to use and would buy again.

Dr Bronner Peppermint Pure Castille Soap 237ml - this is a staple for make up brush cleaning. Just cracked open a new one.

Just Be Happy Hand & Body Wash 250ml* - loved this citrus wash. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy this soon.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Perfume Wishlist

Here are the perfumes currently on my wishlist:

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Jo Loves Pomelo (50ml - £65) - this was the first Jo Loves perfume I tried. It has notes of fruity grapefruit, rose, clove, vetivert, suede and patchouli. A lovely fruity scent with a spicy edge.

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Diptyque L'Eau de Tarocco EdT (100ml - £65) - I first tried this via a sample the store in Marylebone kindly gave me. It's a lush orange scent with Bulgarian rose, cinnamon and saffron and perfect for Spring and Summer.

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Tardes by Carner EdP (50ml - £81) - I first tried this perfume via my Bloom Perfumery Yearly Sample Pack Subscription.  It's been on the wishlist a while! See my review HERE.

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Tom Ford Soleil Blanc EdP (50ml - £145) - I'm a huge fan of Tom Ford's Santal Blush EdP and am now on my third bottle (gulp). See my review of it HERE. This latest launch has notes of jasmine, coconut with woody and vanilla notes.

What's on your perfume wishlist?

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #6

My last spending ban update was way back in September - see here. I did have two purchases in London (which I allowed myself in the ban - see my post on my Jo Loves pick here). 

I'm now actually beginning to see my stash go down - which is brilliant.

I do have a couple of wants though:

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This fabulous advent calendar by Susanne Kaufmann (£99) available at Cult Beauty - is stuffed full of lust worthy goodies for body, face and hair and includes tea too!

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Tom Ford Private Blend Collection Set (£225) and includes 6 x 12ml bottles of - Neroli Portofino, Jasmine Rouge, Oud Wood, Tuscan Leather, Tobacco Vanille and Noir de Noir. It's a luxury want for sure - could be tempting with 15% off at the Harvey Nics shopping party in November. It sure would be a ban breaker!

What's on your wishlist? If you are on a spending ban how's it going?

Take 5: Lipsticks

These are the 5 lipsticks which I use again and again:

My current favourite is Lippy Girl's Vegocentric Rosie Posie which I first saw reviewed on Hephzibah's blog - it was a true case of "the blogger made me buy it". I lost my first one on a night out (quickly bought another) and mourned it until the new one popped through my letterbox. It is just the perfect brick red with an orange-ish tone. I simply love it and wear it all the time. I only took two lipsticks on holiday and this was one of them!

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang which came in the amazing Net-A-Porter Holiday Kit way back in November last year (and one of my favourite beauty boxes ever). This tinted sheer is so beautiful and the best way (for me at least) to wear red-ish lips. 

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani shade 512 is a lovely deep rose shade which I bought last time I had a make over at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. Huge fan of these luxe lippies.

A blogger favourite which has to be Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy an easy wearing pink-ish shade which suits everyone and is super glossy.

My final one of the five is my only Tom Ford! The very gorgeous Tom Ford Indian Rose a very wearable rose shade which is really moisturising and long-lasting on the lips.

Are any of your favourites in my top five?

I'm Back!

I took last week off the blog as I was on holiday. It was lovely and relaxing and we all had a wonderful time with a few days of glorious sunshine. I'll let you know what I got up to next week. We stayed at L'Horizon Hotel & Spa in St Brelade's Bay, Jersey (hubby and the folks). 

Of course there had to be a bit of shopping...

As the island is duty free it would be rude not to pick up my all time favourite Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP (50ml) which cost £127 instead of £145. See my review here. I picked this up at de Gruchys. (they also gave me some sample vials which we used on holiday).

My second buy (mum treated me) (ever since reading British Beauty Blogger's review I've wanted this) is Chanel's Le Blanc De Chanel - Multi-Use Illuminating Base (30ml) which costs £33 in the UK and £29 in Jersey. I picked it up at Feel Unique (which is a wonderful shop!)  I also got some foundation samples to try and have fallen for Perfection Lumiere Velvet.

Another couple of treats from mum (she also bought a couple and we shared the GWPs).

I'd wanted to get my hands on the Black Honey Clinique Chubby Lash Mascara but they were sold out! So I settled for shade Portly Plum.  The second item is an all time favourite - Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place Eyeliner in Smoke.

Above is my selection of goodies from the GWPs.

Hope you have all had a great week!

A Closer Look: Perfumes

I first showed you my perfume collection in January 2012 some of which are still there today!

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - this is my second bottle and it's nearly done sob! One of my favourite scents. See my review here.

Chanel Sycomore EDT 75ml - love this vertivert scent. See my review here.

Diptyque Philosykos roll on - the best fig scent out there (in my opinion!) It has figgy and fresh green notes.

Aftelier Perfumes* - Cepes & Tuberose EDP, Wild Roses EDP, Cacoa EDP and Cuir de Gardenia Extrait - some of the most unusual perfumes I've ever tried. See my review here.

Diptyque eau Rose roll on 20ml - adore rose scents.  See my review here.

Illamasqua Freak EDP 30ml - first tried this via a beauty box sample and just loved it. 

Shay & Blue Atropa Belladona 30ml - one of my favourite new finds. See my review here. I've just found out that Shay & Blue are now stocked in M&S Beauty Hall - be heading there soon!

Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP 30ml - this is my second bottle. Love this floral scent.  See my review here.

kai perfume oil - I'm nearly finished this one. It's one of my favourites. With white flowers and freshness. Only negative is it's price.

Annick Goutal Mandragore EDT 30ml - a fruity, minty and fresh scent.

Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Perfume Oil roll on - a really wearable scent.  See my thoughts here.

PG Embrace EDP 30ml* - one of the nicest natural perfumes I've ever tried. See my review here.

Jimmy Choo EDP 60ml - a fruity floral scent. Probably wouldn't re-purchase as I've grown a bit tired of it (third bottle).

Kiehl's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit aromatic mist 30ml - really like this light fruity floral. See my review here. 

Jurlique Essence of Rose Roll-on Fragrance Oil 11ml - huge rose lover and this is gorgeous. 

Balm Balm Mandarin single note EDP - I got this in a souk souk box. Fresh and Fruity.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom EDP - my favourite Abahna scent.  See my review here.

Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow 12ml Perfume Gel - see my review here.

Have you used any of these scents? What perfumes do you have in your collection?

*PR samples