June Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here are my June empties. If a product is marked * I very kindly received it complimentary for review.

I fell totally head-over-heels for Butterwhips when I tried them recently. Warmly Relaxing Body Butter with Bergamot, Lavender & Vitamin E is simply exquisite. See my review HERE. This is the brand which will be replenished again and again. I also love the eco-friendly reusable or easily recyclable tins.

Typology Orange Blossom Hydrolate 100ml* which I loved using. See my review HERE. It's on the wishlist for when my stash reduces a bit.

I love Beauty Kitchen and fell in love with their Seahorse Plankton Superglow Active Mist 100ml. Again, on the wishlist when I use up some of my stash.

Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil 75ml is an absolute delight. Creamy with a lush lavender aroma. I was sad to use this one up! Check out my review HERE. Will be bought again when I use up more stuff.

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and loved both of these bath and shower gels 100ml - Vetiver & Grapefruit and Geranium Nefertum were both great scents which I enjoyed with a rich foamy lather. I'll definitely buy both again.

I've loved trying Africology products this year. Their Rose Absolute Tonic 25ml* was a joy to use. See my review HERE.

From Heavenly Organics I enjoyed their Lavender Hand Balm 15g* which is presented in a recyclable/re-usable tin. See my review HERE.

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. I was pleased to try a mini 25ml of their new Bom Dia Bright Cream recently which brightens and smoothes the skin. It gently exfoliates and retexturises with fruit AHA's as well as smelling lush. Full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Rounding up my June empties is my hands-down-favourite bar shampoo - EarthKind's award winning Tea Tree & Eucalyptus Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health 50g*. I use this once or twice a week and this bar has lasted over a year!! See my review HERE. I've just opened a new one and have a couple more in my stash! 

What have you been using up lately?

Top Products 2020: May to August

Way back in April I posted my Top Products 2020 for the period January-April - see HERE. These are my top picks for May-August (marked * I've very generously been gifted for review):

I fell totally head-over-heels for Antipodes BAPTISE H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel. See my review HERE.

nknaturals season specific skincare is just the best. I adored the couple of products I tried from their SPRING range and when founder and formulator, Nicola sent me the whole SUMMER collection* - I couldn't quite believe it. So, so generous and of course the range is stunning - see my review HERE. I'm looking forward to buying some of the AUTUMN range when it launches on the 22nd September for the autumn equinox. Check out the shop HERE.

I was invited to try a "my" skin specific range* of products from Typology in May which I absolutely adored. See my reviews HERE and HERE. 

I discovered DESAVERY as a Beauty Shortlist Judge and fell totally in love with the range, packaging, concept and scents (see my top picks for the 2020 Awards HERE). I was kindly sent two new-to-me products in May - see my review HERE. Absolutely love DESAVERY - they are first on my list (especially STELLAR Daily Serum) to replenish when my stash reduces a bit! 

I first tried Ecooking as a Latest in Beauty pick (REVIEW) and then as a Beauty Shortlist Judge - see HERE. In June I tried their Fragrance Free Cleansing Scrub* - REVIEW - in my post I said "this is one of the best scrubs I've ever used". I just love this brand! 

During lockdown I had scalp issues and this little bar of goodness totally cleared them up! I just love Earthkind's Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health* see my review HERE (Latest in Beauty had this as a pick recently so I stocked up!)

I'm a huge, huge fan of the Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie range which really are the creme de la creme of aromatherapy products and are totally timeless. I've loved everything I've tried from them - the products are luxurious, aromatic, a pleasure to use as well as being therapeutic (and good for the soul). See my review of their Richesse D'Or Bath & Shower Crystals* and Body Oil* HERE.

I received Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil* in my June Love Lula Beauty Box*. I fell totally head-over-heels (and then some, for it). See my review HERE.

I received Absolution's Le Gommage Corps Body Scrub in Naturisimo's Summer Vibes Discovery Box - I can never resist their discovery boxes. This scrub is one of the nicest I've ever used. See my review HERE.

I've really enjoyed Terre Verdi's award winning NeroliPom Moisturiser*. See my review HERE. I'm a sucker for the luxe packaging as well as the beautifully scented, silky product within.

Of course, my Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume just has to be there (I've just heard the notes within the Autumn batch - excitement much, it'll arrive in time for the autumn equinox) Summer20 was simply stunning - I totally fell in love with it. See my review HERE.

I love this de-stress duo from Sanctuary Spa - see my review HERE. I've found both the De-Stress Warming Body Balm and Calming CBD Oil very effective and I'd buy both again.

I was recently very generously sent EVOLVE Organic Beauty's 360 Smoothing Body Contour* which is absolutely dreamy. See my review HERE.

Magic Cocoa* from ZOJO Beauty Elixirs is absolutely fantastic. I very generously received it free of charge for review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. See my review HERE.

CiTY SURViVOR was another brand I discovered as a Beauty Shortlist Judge (I loved Immune Support and gave it top marks). Founder, Daisy very kindly sent me the trio* to try together. See my review HERE (I've since replenished NIGHT SUPPORT).

Just this month I reviewed Awake Organics new Natural Vegan Shampoo* which comes in powder form (and eco-friendly packaging). See my review HERE. 

Do any of my picks make your top products for 2020?

*Typology Natural Eaux de Parfum Perfume Discovery Sets

*pr samples Way back in May I was very kindly gifted some skin specific products from Typology. See my review HERE. I've played about with the Perfume Discovery Sets (£8.80 each, each have 3 x 2ml vials) since then and here are my thoughts. The little sets are great try-mes and are perfect for layering. Try the samples then buy the Layering Collection. The perfumes can be worn alone too if preferred.

I loved all the scents in this collection - Pamplemousse Petitgrain - Jasmin Neroli - Cedre Vetiver. The perfumes can all be layered together to create a delicate floral scent or to create a sweet citrus layer Pamplemousse Petitgrain with Jasmin Neroli. The scents aren't very long lasting but I've enjoyed using them. Full size bottles come in at £32.80 for 30ml.

Pamplemousse Petitgrain is a very fruity, bright and sweet scent with a note of bitterness from the petitgrain. Jasmin Neroli has rich and opulent citrus floral notes. Cedre Vetiver is woody and warm with green aromatic notes.

The second discovery set contains Yuzu Mandarine - Sauge Romarin - Cypress Genevrier. I adored Yuzu Mandarine but found the other two more of an acquired taste. Yuzu Mandarine is wild green mandarin with Ichang lemon and is very citrus, Sauge Romarin is aromatic and herbal while Cyprès Genévrier is woody, fresh, peppery and aromatic.

To create a sweet aromatic perfume layer the trio of scents or create an invigorating perfume with Sauge Romarin and Yuzu Mandarine.

I've really enjoyed trying the perfumes in the range in an affordable way. Of course, now I "need" "want" full size bottles of Jasmin Neroli, Yuzu Mandarine and Pamplemousse Petitgrain! Have you tried any of the Eaux de Parfum from Typology?

May: Lately I've Been Loving

*means I've received the item free of charge for review Here are my May loves:

I fell head-over-heels and then some for Typology* the Vegan French skincare brand which is now available in the UK. See my review HERE.

We've been enjoying some fabulous Edinburgh restaurant dinners - Dining at Home experiences - above Angels with Bagpipes - Angels Wings' main - Pork Belly, Fondant Potato, Apple, Cabbage & Sage Jus (which was delicious!) We've never actually dined at this Royal Mile restaurant - but we plan to when we're allowed to dine out again!

We also enjoyed dinner at home with The Little Chartroom. We've dined at this bijou restaurant before and loved watching Roberta cook her way through the Great British Menu on TV recently. That Chocolate Tart with orange and creme fraiche was to die for! Truly delicious.

Last night, we enjoyed First Coast at Home which was a yummy Indonesian Style Feast! 

We also enjoyed Smith & Gertrude At Home who offer a CV19 Weekend Survival Pack! It contains a bottle of red, white or fizz, a selection of local cheeses, bread, Charcuterie and chocolate (although the chocolate has now been replaced with olives).

We've also been making good use of our local wine shop - the fabulous The Fine Wine Company in Portobello (you can also pick up beers and a wide range of spirits) who also do home delivery in the local area. Last night I tried a delicious summery fresh rose wine - I must admit I was also swayed by the pretty label!

Hubby treated me to a couple of face masks by Catherine Aitken which are gorgeous! I've been wearing them going to the supermarket.

My good friend Nardin had sent me this hot chocolate bauble at Christmas (eek) and I hadn't got round to drinking it. Was fun to watch it melt slowly and the see the little marshmallows appear!

My gorgeous Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box entitled Spring - see my review HERE.

My My Chronicle Book Box which contains a book this month which isn't published in hardback until August! See my review HERE.

I've also been loving the sunny days and restrictions on lockdown - it's the simple things really that count! What have you been loving this month?

Typology: Vegan, Cruelty Free, Ethical Sourcing, Made in France

*products sent to me for review. I was really excited to try Typology, the French brand which has just landed in the UK. Products are Vegan, Cruelty Free and Ethical Sourced. Packaging is simple but stylish and recyclable/reusable. Founder, Ning Li wanted to offer a premium natural skincare line which uses quality ingredients, offers a skincare regime - think AM and PM products suited to your skin type (I've been trying out my personal regimes which take guesswork out of which products you should be using). I have to say, I'm really impressed.

You can shop by Back in Stock, Bestsellers, By Category, By Concern & Routines & Kits. You'll find it really is a treasure trove (and you'll want it all - but never fear prices are very affordable!) Fuller reviews will follow but I highly recommend everything I've tried.

These are the products I was kindly sent for review:

My diagnosis is VE(*) does "not have any particular problems but, like all skins, face ageing. Your phototype and/or lifestyle promote the oxidation of skin cells, leading them to start deteriorating. In fact, oxidation and the formation of free radicals often result in damage to collagen, elastin or DNA. Brown spots can be revealed, the cells renew themselves less quickly, the structure of the dermis is changed and the skin starts to sag". These types of skin "are lucky because they only have one challenge: slowing down skin ageing".

AM: Hydrating Cleansing Bar (100g - £11.80) which comes in a recyclable box. Use the cleansing bar in the shower, lathering the soap in your hands before rubbing onto the face and neck before rinsing. It will gently cleanse the skin leaving it feeling clean and hydrated and never tight.

Orange Blossom Hydrolate (100ml - £8.80) has a beautiful orange blossom scent. It's lovely to use, very uplifting and balancing. Apply with a cotton pad. 

Vitamin C 11% Serum (15ml - £11.80) which fights against oxidation of skin cells which contributes to ageing and lack of radiance. Apply 3-4 drops onto the skin using circular motions. This is presented in a pipette bottle and has a neutral scent.

The final item in my AM routine is Face Cream with 9 Ingredients (50ml - £17.80) which is fragrance free and formulated with 9 ingredients. It has a light texture which absorbs instantly and which leaves the skin feeling hydrated as well as comfortable. 

PM: Cleansing Oil with 7 Ingredients (100ml - £14.80) which is a fragrance free silky oil which makes short work of make up and daily grime. It thoroughly but gently cleanses and leaves the skin clean and nourished. Apply to the skin before removing with a warmed damp cloth. 

Exfoliating Toner 8% Glycolic Acid (215ml - £17.80) which removes dead skin cells, exfoliates, tightens pores and reduces blackheads. Apply on a cotton pad sweeping over the skin, avoiding the eye area. 

The night time serum duo are: Hydrating Serum 3% Hyaluronic Acid+2% B5 (15ml - £11.80) which is the first step. This unfragranced serum rehydrates. Apply 3-4 drops in circular motions before following with Retinol 0.3% Serum (15ml - £14.80) which has an sort of medicinal scent. It'll lift and tighten the skin, plumping out wrinkles and fine lines. Apply 3-4 drops in circular motions. 

I've actually loved having the guesswork taken out of my skincare regime. I love the idea of a routine to use every day and have enjoyed using all the products selected for me. Check out the routines HERE.

I was also very kindly sent the two Perfume Discovery Sets (£8.80 each which include 3 mini sample vials in each (2ml). A fuller review will follow for these (simply stunning) but the ones which have grabbed me immediately are - Jasmin Neroli, Pamplemousse Petitgrain and Yuzu Mandarine). It's a clever way to try before you buy full size. I'm loving the look of the Layering Kit.

I was also sent their 9 Ingredient Lip Balm (15ml - £9.80) which nourishes and cares for the lips leaving them with a glossy finish.  Also if you spend £80 you'll receive a free branded pouch and shipping is free over £50.

I've been so impressed with everything I've tried. Check out the shop HERE. What do you think you'll buy first?