April Empties

Marked * I've received free of charge for review purposes. Here's what I've been using up:

Amly Radiance Boost Silver Rich Face Mist 100ml which I adored. See my review HERE. A definite repurchase when my mist stash reduces a bit.

Shiseido Vital Protection Uplifting & Firming Cream 1.5ml - this free sachet came in my monthly Red mag. A nice cream, would consider full size at some point.

Tropic Skincare Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum 5ml* I loved this serum. See my review HERE. Another one I'll buy full size when my stash reduces.

Ermana Hydrate Organic Rose Water Mist 100ml* beautiful and rosy. See my review HERE. Another one I'd buy again.

Bomb Cosmetics Peppermint Patch Hand Wash 300ml - nice to use with a peppermint scent (although I did find it slightly drying) Would maybe buy again.

Saint Iris Adriatica Vitality Spritz 30ml* - oh definitely a buy again when my stash reduces. An absolutely gorgeous product. See my review HERE.

Avon Senses Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Hand Wash 250ml - does the job with a beautiful scent. Would buy again.

Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care 4ml - this was a Feel Unique Beauty Kit pick. I absolutely loved this. The scent was wonderfully uplifting and the elixir absorbed instantly. My skin loves this one - full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Color WOW Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner 10ml sachets - these worked well and I'd definitely consider buying full sizes. 

Di Palomo White Grape Moisturising Body Wash 225ml - I found this in the back of my cupboard and used it up quickly in the shower. It has a lovely floral fruity scent and I'd buy this again (my sister gave me this one as a gift).

What have you been using up this month?

*Tropic Skincare: A Walk on the Beach Collection

*gifted Tropic Skincare's A Walk on the Beach Collection (eco - £22, boxed - £24) is perfect to get your feet ready for summer. As will all Tropic Skincare's products the trio has beautiful scents and the products are a pleasure to use (it'd also make a great Mother's Day gift).

And nestling inside..

Ocean Fizz 100g

Polishing Foot Pebble 130g

Repairing Foot Remedy 80ml

Add 3tbs of Ocean Fizz to a footbath/bowl and mix to activate the foam. Pop your feet in and relax for 10-15 minutes before rubbing the slightly abrasive Polishing Foot Pebble over your feet concentrating on rough skin areas around the heels.  Apply a generous amount of the rich Repairing Foot Remedy, all over the feet while concentrating on rough skin areas (you can also pop a pair of socks on to lock in moisture while you sleep).  I've found the trio to be absolutely fantastic and will be reaching for it again coming into spring.

Pick yours up HERE.

*Tropic Skincare: Mini Complexion Trio: Fresh Faced

*productsample I've been trying Tropic Skincare's fab little Mini Complexion Trio in Fresh Faced (£18 for 3 x 5ml serums).

Inside the kit you'll find:

Fruit Peel Resurfacing Serum 5ml

NEW: Glow Berry Brightening Serum 5ml

NEW: Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum 5ml

It's a great little kit for try me or holidays (there are another two sets to delve into too!) See HERE.

I'd tried the FRUIT PEEL when it was called something else (Good Skin Day Resurfacing Serum review) so it was lovely to revisit this gentle treatment serum which helps to make your skin glow! 

Totally new to me are GLOW BERRY & RAINFOREST DEW (squeals). GLOW BERRY brightens, helps to banish hyperpigmentation and plump up lines and wrinkles. 

To use: pat 3-6 drops onto the skin twice a day (it's recommended to refridgerate once opened). Afterwards use RAINFOREST DEW, SKIN FEAST, SKIN DREAM, SUPER GREENS or ELIXIR for best results. I've been using mine in combination with RAINFOREST DEW.

RAINFOREST DEW bathes the skin in moisture. It increases hydration by 46% as well as evening the skin tone and giving it a huge dose of hydration (this is my personal favourite from the trio). 

To use: pat 3-6 drops onto the skin twice a day. Use after GLOW BERRY or PURE LAGOON. Follow with SKIN FEAST, SKIN DREAM, SUPER GREENS or ELIXIR.

What are your top picks from Tropic Skincare?

*Christmas Gift Guide: The Rose Tree, Beatitude, Ancienne Ambiance, ION-Sei, Tropic Skincare, Petits Rituels, Heka Aromatherapy, Bubu Skincare

marked*productsample there are tons of lovely gift sets and candles for gifting this year. You can see my top picks below:

This gorgeous Soothing Aromatherapy Gift Set* (£39) from The Rose Tree is the ultimate treat for soothing and relaxing - perfect for some me-time after the busy run up to Christmas. Inside you'll find a gorgeous heart shaped bottle of their Geranium, Cypress & Lavender Bath & Body Oil 30ml and a matching duo in the form of Soothing Body oil 30ml and Soothing Aromatherapy Roller Ball 10ml. It's the perfect gift to relax and enjoy some down time (I've got a lovely giveaway upcoming in collab with The Rose Tree so keep your eyes peeled!)

Beatitude's Winter Comfort Candle* (300g - £30) is one of the nicest "Christmas" inspired candles I've tried so far this year. See my review HERE. Staying with the brand a cheaper but just as nice option (makes a great Secret Santa gift) is their Body Oil Christmas Bauble* (£12) REVIEW.

I had the real pleasure of meeting Ancienne Ambiance's founder, Adriana during one of our trips to London and visiting the gorgeous shop. She very kindly gifted me the then, new Beauty Shortlist Award Winning Tuberosa Tuberose Tealight Set. I was absolutely over-the-moon and then some to recently be gifted a full size Special Edition Tuberosa Tuberose Scented Candle* (£44 - 200g) which has 60-65 hours burn time. I love anything rosey and this scent really packs a punch with rich and creamy tuberose blooms - totally decadent and quite wonderful. A review is forthcoming! I do believe this would be a perfect gift for a candle and fragrance lover this Christmas.

I received Skin Alchemist's Midnight's Serenade Intensive Skin Treatment (120g - £36) in my one-off October Natural Beauty Box. This treatment candle is an absolute delight. I love everything about it, the scent (rose de mai, jasmine and orange), the gentle and calming scent when burning and the feel of deliciousness when the warm butters touch your skin. It's housed in a re-usable pouring vessel which has been designed by Sue Pryke. This is the luxurious treat you realise you need in your life always upon first try. A review is to come!

A new toothbrush! I've been testing out ION-Sei's Sonic Electric Toothbrush* (£129.99) which you can buy at Amazon and selected retailers. The toothbrush was a Pure Beauty Global Awards Finalist 2019. 

"ION-Sei has patented technology: Whereas most electric toothbrushes only remove some of the plaque and harmful bacteria, ionic technology actually helps to suppress the bacteria causing plaque too.The ION-Sei electric toothbrush uses an Ultra Violet (UV) LED light that reacts with a Titanium Dioxide bar in the brush handle, to create ions that suppress the bacteria that cause plaque.The negative electrons are sent to your mouth via water or saliva. Although ION-Sei uses advanced technology, it harnesses nature using "water and light".ION-Sei also works with your body's natural electrical charge through a conductor on the handle, producing a weak charge that inhibits bacterial growth and helps to attract bacteria from teeth onto the brush".

I've been very impressed with it's performance and a review is forthcoming! It'd make an ideal Christmas gift.

There's a huge array of covetable gifts at Tropic Skincare. Perfect to get your feet in tip top condition is their A Walk on the Beach Collection* (£24) which contains everything you need for pampering your feet. The polishing foot pebble is fantastic! Also inside is their Ocean Fizz and Repairing Foot Remedy. Another option is their new in, Mini Complexion Trio - I chose Fresh Faced* which contains three 5ml minis: Fruit Peel Resurfacing Serum (REVIEW) and the two new serums - Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum and Glow Berry Brightening Serum - I'm looking forward to trying these (this set costs £18 for 3 mini products).

From Petits Rituels I've been enjoying their exquisite Aromatherapy Candle in Orange Gourmande* which gives a double hit of fragrance with its double wicks. This really is a treat for creating a soothing and welcoming ambiance. The double wick candles cost £36 with 40hrs burn time (200g). Look out for their Black Friday deals too! A review is forthcoming but rest assured, this candle is gorgeous!

From totally new-to-me brand Heka Aromatherapy is two of their hand-blended pulse point oils*. They'd make the perfect gift or stocking filler. These retail at £12.95 each and a review is coming - they're gorgeous!

Rounding up my gift ideas are Bubu Skincare's fun sheet masks* which are single use with tongue-in-cheek names. Retail prices is £5-£7 so they make an excellent small gift for any skin loving friend. There are five bespoke masks in the range which as well as being fun deal with real skincare issues such as hydration, exfoliation, anti-blemish, anti-pollution and lip plumping. I'm looking forward to trying these out!

What's on your Christmas wishlist?

*Tropic Skincare: Tahitian Vanilla & Coconut Luxury Bath Foam

*productsample As you know, I'm a huge fan of Tropic Skincare and have been enjoying their Tahitian Vanilla & Coconut Luxury Bath Foam (260ml - £18.00). As well as enjoy the exquisite exotic holiday scent I've been enjoying summertime bathing - sometimes only a bath will cool and refresh!

You only need the tiniest amount for a froth of delicious scented bubbles which will relax and calm both the body and mind and leave the skin deeply nourished and delicately scented. 

To use: pour 1-3 capsules under running water (less is definitely more!) swish to create millions of soothing bubbles before jumping in!

Pick yours up HERE.

May Empties

*productsamples I'm not going to use anything else up so here's my May empties:

INKA Botanicals Marmalade Mist sample which came in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I just loved this - the scent's totally uplifting and the mist a real treat. Full size is on the wishlist.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 9ml huge fan of these and no doubt will buy this again (and again).

de Mamiel Spring Seasonal Face Oil sample so lovely to be back in the world of this exquisite range. I loved this and definitely will do all four seasons again. See my reviews of the samples I selected HERE. See my year in 2015 of Seasonal Oils Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton Brilliance Hand & Nail Cream 6ml I just loved this little pot of goodness. It's a hand cream I'd buy full size.

A.S Apothecary Body Elixir #33 25ml which came in my September Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. See my review HERE. It's one I'd definitely buy once my body care products stash reduces in size!

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml which came in my Feel Unique Pick 'n' mix recently. It was nice to use and I'd buy full size (although Summer Rising scent is my absolute favourite).

Belenos Skin Botanique Feng Shui Love Body Oil which I adored. See my review HERE. Will buy again when my stash reduces a bit.

Cocorosa Beauty Egyptian Neroli Cleansing Oil mini which came in my February Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved it so much I rushed out to buy full size. Review to come!

*The Organic Pharmacy Rose Shower Gel 65ml which I received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. See my review HERE (it's part of a travel kit). I absolutely loved this rose scented wash and I'd buy it full size.

Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Natural Deodorant which is my fav scent from the brand. I adore the deodorant and will buy this again.

Aldi No.14 Velvety Rose Luxury Hand Cream 30ml deeply nourishing with a gorgeous scent. Would buy again.

*Tropic Skincare Wildmint, Lime & Pineapple Body Wash 50ml which is one of my favourite scents from the range. See my review HERE. I think this one would be perfect for summer holidays.

*Wild & Precious Shampoo/Skin Wash 01 300ml which I reviewed on 1st January this year! See my review HERE. Nice to use and very long lasting making it great value. I'll maybe pick it up again.

*I received this product as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. I think the Natura Siberica brand is excellent - very affordable, lovely and effective. Their Revitalising Bath Soak 600g is a gorgeous product. See my review HERE. Sure to buy again when the stash reduces a bit!

My final empty this month is the very lovely Molton Brown Festive Frankincense & Allspice Liquid Hand Wash 300ml which I simply adore. I buy enough in the sales to last me all year! See my review HERE.  As long as they keep making it, I'll keep buying!

What have you been using up this month?

Review: Tropic Skincare Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum

*Gifted for Review. Just about every Tropic Skincare product I try I love (there's actually only one product in the whole range that doesn't suit me). Their Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum* (30ml - £42) is truly fantastic.

The serum feeds you skin's eco flora and is a godsend for acne/blemished/combo skins. I wonder how I lived without it! (I have combination skin). I've been using the serum on my oily T-zone. It'll help to control sebum, gently exfoliate blocked pores and help to prevent blackheads.

Blue Spirulina and Malachite extract soothes and reduces inflammation and redness. Vitamin B2 and Zinc PCA balance sebum and helps to reduce pore size, Hyaluronic Acid plumps and hydrates, Prebiotics and Bioflavonoids optimise the skin's natural flora and help defend against acne causing bacteria. 

To use: apply 3-6 drops on cleansed skin once or twice daily. Follow with Skin Feast or Supergreens or use alone. 

The serum is cooling, absorbs instantly and comforts stressed skins. It's lovely to use and has a fruity fresh scent. My oily t-zone has definitely mattified and I've got less blemishes. Absolutely Love!

Have you tried Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum yet?

*gifted for review purposes

Content Beauty x Psychologies Real Beauty & Wellbeing Awards Box A

Way back when this box launched last year I really wanted it. It's a collaboration (there's a box B too) with Psychologies Magazine (and their Award winners for 2018) with profits from sales of the collections going to WEN - Women's Environmental Network. I was chuffed to bits to pick it up for £65 in the sale as it's such a blooming bargain! (was £80) and the contents are worth over £180 (if I could afford it, I'd buy it again..!) These boxes are only available while stocks last.

And for a closer look..

I'm already such a fan of these two - Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g which are worth £10 (review) and Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml (£11) (this one and Inner Strength are my favs from the range). 

Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum 30ml Full Size (worth £22) which will plump up the skin while adding a much needed shot of nourishment.

You'll know I'm a Beauty Kubes fan having reviewed their Normal/Dry Kubes HERE. I'm looking forward to trying these ones which are suitable to use for Shampoo and as a Body Wash and come in at £8.50 for 27 cubes.

I tried MV Organics last year when I was a Beauty Shortlist Judge so I was very pleased to see their Organic Rose Plus Booster (8ml) nestling inside the box. It's a beautiful product which I took on my recent weekend away. Expect a review soon!

I've always wanted to try more from TWELVE Beauty (I've tried a few face care samples before) and inside is their Hyaluroil Lip Treatment (10ml - £28 Full Size). I'm trying this just now and loving it. Expect a review soon.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Rose Balm 10g (£28) is a lush pot of rosy goodness. I've used it so far on cuticles, as a hand balm and for flyaways. Just. Love. 

Wunderworkshop Turmeric CBD Oil 2ml which slightly intrigues me - I'll definitely give it a try and NEOM's fabulous Happiness Travel Size Candle (75g - £16) which is an exquisite blend of neroli, mimosa and lemon.

2 x pukka tea bags along with Wild Nutrition KSM-66 Ashwagandha Plus (£19.50) which will support the body through challenging times like anxiety and stress as well as helping with memory, immunity, sports endurance and recovery. 

Nude by Nature Radiance Powder Loose Foundation 2g and Inika Certified Organic Liquid Eyeliner - Black - Full Size (£19).

Tropic Skincare Clarifying Hair Wash 50ml which I reviewed HERE.

Alexandra Soveral Angel Balm Cleanser & Cloth 15ml (£19) which is truly lush! Expect a review soon!

As I'd spent over £20 I could pick three sachet samples -

I think it's an incredible box and I'm so glad I picked it up! Did you buy one?

September Empties

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

Sisley Energising Foaming Exfoliant 15ml - I really enjoyed this refreshing and slightly exfoliating cleanser. I'd probably not buy full size but it was nice to try.

Estelle & Thild BioMineral Healthy Glow Foundation 121 2ml sachet - I really liked this foundation which gave light everyday coverage. I'd buy full size.

Miller Harris Lumiere Doree 10ml - I never finish perfume! I loved this light neroli scent which I'd buy again in a heartbeat.

Luxe Botanicals CAMU Brightening Serum 2ml - I love trying new brands but I just wasn't keen on the scent of this serum so wouldn't buy.

BAO Skincare - Face Recovery - loved, would buy full size, Stretch Away - wouldn't buy, Coconut Body Scrub - wouldn't buy, Shea Mandarin Body Cream - loved, would buy and Cocoa Body Butter - wouldn't buy. See my review HERE.

Sisley Floral Toning Lotion 30ml - nice to use but probably wouldn't buy.

REN Flash Hydro Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion 10ml - a light and easily absorbed moisturiser which I'd maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml - loved this. Would buy full size. See my review HERE.

Kat Burki Complete Eye Creme Complex 5ml - which came as a magazine freebie. It was ok but dried out before I had a chance to use it all. Wouldn't buy.

bodhi & birch Super25 Botanical Serum 5ml* - from a stunning range launched this year. I've got a new one ready to crack open. See my review HERE.

Tropic Hair Feast 50ml* - oh how I loved this so! So much so I cut open the tube to get every last bit out! See my review HERE. Will buy this again. My hair just loved it.

Antonia Burrell Bright+Light Eye Cream 15ml* - which was amazing. See my review HERE. It's one I'll buy when my stash reduces a bit.

ORIBE Gold Lust Dry Shampoo 43ml - I'm a huge fan of these mini dry shampoo cans. I've just opened another.

REN Atlantic Kelp & Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil 110ml - I received this from my pal Julie as a pressie and I loved it. Would buy again as I loved the seashore scent and it was nice for a relaxing dip.

P&G "Marzipan" Body Souffle 100ml - I just loved this. See my review HERE. I'll buy this again when the stash reduces in size.

BAO Skincare Orange Face Wash 5ml - loved. Would buy full size.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn and Evening Primrose Body Oils 10ml each - again, beautiful to use and I'd buy both of these full size.

ISUN Celestial Body Silk Sample - this is a really runny milk which absorbed quickly and had an exotic scent.

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 150ml - I just adore this soak. It's featured a lot on the blog. See mini review HERE. Bound to buy it again. And soon.

Jo Browne Natural Facial Cleansing Balm 50g* - which I judged in last year's Beauty Shortlist Awards. It was one of my top picks (see HERE) and I'm very sad that's my pot now done! 

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

Tropic Skincare: Awaken the Senses Bath Soak

Awaken the Senses Bath Soak (260ml - £38)* from Tropic Skincare is absolutely fantastic. The scent is uplifting and awakening (bergamot, lime, lemon, mandarin, sweet orange and neroli). It really is a gorgeous scent.

The soak will revitalise, restore and nourish the skin while uplifting your mood.

Add 3 capfuls to a running bath where it'll be turned into a nourishing milk making it the perfect potion for a relaxing soak.

Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #102

Here's what I've been reaching for..

It's been years since I've used hair mousse* but I've found this one by Eco Cosmetics (150ml - £9.95) to be fabulous!  It's suitable for all hair types and gives great volume and hold. Enriched with pomegranate and goji berries it leaves the hair smooth and silky with maximum volume.

I love Balm Balm's single note scents and these ones - mandarin and bergamot have been perfect for hot summer days. Zesty, fruity and uplifting and easy to pop in a handbag or pocket!

Weleda's Pomegranate Body Lotion 20ml* lightly moisturises the skin leaving it feeling nourished and delicately scented. The lotion is lightweight and perfect to use in summertime.

As you'll know I adore Tropic Skincare's having loved everything I've tried. The coconut scented sun care range is beautiful and very effective. I've been using their Sun Shade SPF 50* and been suitably impressed. See my review HERE. 

I love Minyara's Lip Balms, they are super nourishing and great value for money!

The final item I've been reaching for is Sofia Latif's glorious jasmine scented face oil*. See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*complimentary

Tropic Skincare: Sun Care Discovery Kit

I've been testing out Tropic Skincare's fabulous Sun Care Discovery Kit (3 x 100ml - £40)* which is packaged in a branded drawstring bag. The set's been perfect for the recent sunny weather and would also be great for holidays.

Inside the kit is:

Skin Shade SPF50 & Skin Shade SPF30 are broad spectrum, water resistant mineral sunscreens which protects the skin from the sun and helps to prevent premature skin ageing. It takes a few minutes to rub into the skin and smells glorious (coconutty). As well as 100% mineral protection from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Exotic kahai and roucou oils which are rich in omega fatty acids keep the skin soft and hydrated. Extracts of anti-oxidant rich Australian kakadu and illawarra plum protect.

To use: apply liberally to the body 15 minutes before sun exposure and after swimming.

Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion is a cooling lotion which calms redness and helps to prolong your tan. It absorbs almost instantly and is really lovely to use if you are feeling hot and bothered after a day at the beach! Aloe vera juice and menthol cool and soothe while Argan & Vitamin E nourish. Bisabolol and eucalyptus repair and calm.

To use: apply liberally after sunbathing. 

I've been really impressed with this kit and I'll definitely pick it up again (or indeed full sizes!) Buy yours HERE.

*complimentary

June: Lately I've Been Loving

So many June loves...

I've been testing out East Lothian based Miel Botanicals wonderful Prosecco Shave Soap with Vegan brush* which is absolutely fantastic. It helps to give the perfect shave and I'd never go back to shaving foam - a review is forthcoming!

Scotch Bonnet Marinated Smoked Salmon - Avocado - Heritage Tomatoes

Crab Scotch Egg

We had dinner at White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar in Edinburgh. The food was incredible and I can't wait to go back.

I totally fell for new niche perfume brand Rook Perfumes in June. See my review HERE. The signature perfume Rook by Rook EdP (£79.50 - 50ml) is now available to buy. This was a private blend they kept for themselves until now! (A 2ml sample is also available at £3.50). It contains 25 ingredients and has top notes of Ginger, Cardamon, Ylang Ylang, Incense and Smoke, a heart of Tobacco, Violet, Guaiac wood and Agarwood with base notes of Vetiver, Castoreum, Ambergris, Musk Mallow and Civet. I'm looking forward to smelling this one!

Roasted Scallop - Sweet Cicely Carrot Puree - Puffed Oats paired with One Square Gin with Fever Tree Tonic

Strathdon Blue trifle - Walnut Biscuit - Lochnagar Grape Chutney 

We dined at One Square at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa last week and the A Taste of Scotland 5 Course Tasting Menu with matching Scottish Beers and Spirits was incredible. See my review HERE. 

I missed the recent blogger event at Jan de Vries Queensferry Street but I was very kindly kept a goody bag. Thanks also to Lizzie for showing me round the store - it's fabulous - there are a lot of make up and skincare brands you only ever see online as well as supplements, teas and foods. It's well worth a visit if you are in Edinburgh. I'll be doing reviews of some of the products (the matcha drink and protein bars have been eaten and were delicious!)

I totally fell for Tropic Skincare's new haircare range*. See my thoughts HERE. Full sizes will be bought of the Nourishing Hair Cleanser and Hair Feast.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary