May Empties

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

D’ALCHÉMY Essential Body Balm Mini 15ml - I simply loved this and the brand is amazing. See my review HERE. Full size is on the wishlist.

YULI Ambrosia Beauty Nectar Sample* - beautiful brand. See my review HERE. Would very happily use this again but it's pricey.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 10ml - one of my favourite products from REN. Will buy full size again when my stash reduces. See my review HERE. These small sizes are perfect for travel/try me.

Vanderohe No.1 Nourishing Face Serum 10ml* - which is one of my favourite skincare products of '18. See my review HERE.  Yes, I'll definitely buy this at some point (simply stunning).

Apothaka Rejuventating Face Oil 10ml - which I received in my March Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I loved this beautiful light oil - see my review HERE. Will pick this up again when my face oil stash reduces (it's a bit out of control at the moment!)

Kat Burki Bio-Correcting Face Creme 10ml - this was nice to try but not sure I'd buy.

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm 15ml* - I was part of the focus group for the new Superfoods Series and I simply adored this. Rushed out and bought full size - fabulous! See my review HERE (the formula has been tweaked slightly and I love it even more!)

Anita Grant Organic Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter 15g - I received this in my April Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It was lovely to revisit (and I've already bought full size). See my review HERE.

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash 20ml* and Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml* - I loved both of these and would buy full size. Check out my post on their #CleanerBeauty Campaign HERE.

ByTerry Baume de Rose Body Cream 50g - I received this in a gift set from a friend. It was lovely to use, super rich and nourishing. My stash is huge so unlikely to buy.

balance me super toning body polish 50ml - nice to use. Maybe not quite scrubby enough for me. Unlikely to re-purchase.

Tropic Skincare Jasmine, Neroli & Vetivert Body Wash* - loved this exotic scented wash. See my review HERE. Likely to buy when my stash reduces.

NorthburN Revive Orange, Lavender & Palmarosa Luxury Bath Salts 100g - I received them in March's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and really loved them. Although I used them one evening (in error) and had a terrible nights sleep haha. I'm currently trying their Neroli and Vetiver ones. Absolutely gorgeous and will review soon (and will buy again).

Seed of Life Holistic Health Eternal Rose Luxury Mineral Bath Salts 100g - I received them in February's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. Really enjoyed them and would buy.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF30 - Pure Beige - I wasn't totally taken with this. I found it just too watery although the shade was good. Wouldn't buy again.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose Hair Oil 3ml - simply loved this. Full size is firmly on the wishlist. See my review HERE.

ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray 75ml - I really like this dry shampoo for refreshing between washes. Just opened a new one.

Ere Perez Herbal Facial Tonic 100ml** - which is absolutely beautiful. One I'll definitely buy. See my review HERE.

Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Oil 100ml*** - a new to me brand for Beauty Shortlist Award judging. Absolutely gorgeous. See my mini review HERE. Sure I'll buy this when my cleansing stash goes down a bit.

Tabitha James Kraan Clean Conditioner - Amber Rose 10ml - I got at least 6 uses out of this sachet which is a great try me or for holidays. See my review HERE. I'll definitely consider buying this soon.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo 7ml and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner 7ml - these were nice to try but didn't really suit my hair so wouldn't buy.

Sisley White Ginger Contouring Oil for Legs 8ml - this had a gel type texture and I got 2 uses from the sachet. Seemed nice but too small a sample to see any difference. 

LIXIR Electrogel Cleanser sachet - I've been wanting to try the range for a while. This cleanser seems nice but teeny one use sachet. Not sure I love it enough to buy full size but nice to try. I am loving however their Vitamin C Paste!

Faith in Nature Watermelon Shower Gel & Bath Foam 7ml - I didn't find this fruity enough (it had a synthetic type of scent). Wouldn't buy.

Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash**, Rose Jasminium Timeless Glow Renewal Moisturiser** and Rose Jasminium Illuminating Perfecting Serum** sachets - I loved the face wash but wasn't keen on the scent of the moisturiser and serum.

Sisley Reconstructuring Conditioner 8ml - this seemed lovely but unlikely to buy as it's pricey. But nice to try.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary

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

***Beauty Shortlist tester

Vanderohe No.1 Nourishing Face Serum

I've had the real pleasure of trying Vanderohe No.1 Nourishing Face Serum (10ml - £33)*. The serum is super luxe and a real treat for the skin and senses (and I can quite honestly say it's one of my favourite products this year).

Formulated with the highest grade Organic cold pressed oil and 100% pure Organic and wild harvested essential oils. All oils are sourced from countries where the plants have optimal conditions for growth and each oil is chosen for its unique skin healing and mood enhancing properties.

The scent of the serum is instantly calming and a real pleasure to use. It's fresh, floral, earthy and herbaceous. 

Organic Apricot Kernel Oil from Pakistan is high in antioxidants, helps to fight free radicals and is good for ageing skin. Organic Grapeseed Oil from South Africa is rich in flavonoids which help to remove free radicals and promote collagen production. Helps to slow down the ageing process and can help with broken capillaries. Organic Rosehip Oil from Chile is rich in antioxidants and is great for ageing skin. 

Organic Cedarwood essential oil from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco helps to improve tone, tighten pores and balance. It's also calming and soothing on the mind. Organic Rose Geranium from Egypt heals and balances and lifts the mood. Organic Lavender from Bulgaria is anti-inflammatory, balancing and calming. Organic Rose Otto also from Bulgaria is the queen of essential oils - it soothes, tones, lifts, softens and adds radiance to the skin. Organic Frankincense from Kenya regenerates and boosts the skin. Organic Roman Chamomile from the UK calms and soothes the skin. Organic Neroli from Morocco regenerates and helps to shrink pores. Wild crafted Myrrh from Somalia is anti-inflammatory, soothes and reduces wrinkles.

10% of profits go to Marine Savers programme at the Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives. They also run a carbon offset scheme and plant a tree for every pound donated to help undo their carbon footprint for transporting oils from around the globe.

To use: apply 3-4 drops to the palm, breathe in before massaging onto the skin, pressing carefully around the delicate eye area. Use AM/PM on it's own or add a few drops to your daily moisturiser

All the packaging is recyclable and the box is 100% cotton. Pick it up directly and soon at Net-a-Porter.

My thoughts?

I absolutely loved trying this beautiful serum which made my day complete! I fell totally head over heels for it. I'm now rather sad I've finished it as it's truly a treat for both the skin and senses. My skin's texture and feel has improved with fine lines smoothed and my skin feels firmer, radiant and evenly toned. I'll definitely splurge when my stash reduces a little bit.

Have you tried Vanderohe?

*complimentary

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