Samples #4

Here are my thoughts on this week's samples - 

Sk:n Hand Cream 3ml sachet - This was really gorgeous and I'd consider buying this full size. Made my hands really soft and it was lightly scented.

Sk:in Cleanse 3ml sachet - I chucked this out with my September empties - oops.  Again a lovely product.  Haven't used this brand before.  Definitely one I'm going to look into more.

Dr Brandt Lineless Lines no More sachet .5ml - I didn't really like this, didn't notice it doing much.

Dr Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure Castile soap - liked this but not as much as the peppermint variety.

Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders - Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Invigorating Night Gel and Sheer Transformation - I wasn't keen on the scent of these so wouldn't purchase although the actual products seemed nice.

Hyaluronan Hydrating Sheet Mask - love sheet masks, this left my skin super-hydrated.

Rodial Glamtox Active Daily Moisturiser 2ml - really liked this moisturiser would like to try more Rodial products.

Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt 4ml - another one I chucked out with my September empties - hated the scent of this so wouldn't buy.

A'kin Rose de Mai Anti-Oxidant Day Cream 1.5ml - this smelt gorgeous and melted onto my skin.  Only downside such as small sachet so only got one use.

Fudge OOMF conditioner 7ml - another great performer but I hated the scent of bananas (and another one which went out in the bin with September empties)

Vaseline Intensive Moisture 50ml - a nice budget body lotion.  I'd maybe buy in the future but got loads to use up first.

Here's my samples for week #5:

sk:in Moisturising Cream SPF 30 3ml
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum 3ml
Thalgo Thalgomince Cream 5ml
Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator 3ml
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair 1.5ml
Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation 1.5ml
Sanctuary Spa Peptide Transformation Serum/Thermal Rose Clay Mask
TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo/Conditioner/Treatment

Samples #3

Here are the samples I've been using this week and my thoughts on them (I've not quite finished the Freyaluna soap).

Biotherm Aquasource 24 hour moisturiser sachet - loved this light gel textured moisturiser with a fresh ocean scent.  One I'd definitely like to try full size.

Dior The New Nude Foundation - Light Beige 1.5ml sachet - loved this and the colour was just about right.  I'd maybe purchase full size.

Suti Fabulous Foot Balm mini pot - loved this and have since bought full size.  You can read my review here.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial 2ml tube - this smells amazing! With frangipani, jasmine, rose and tuberose.  I loved this light serum/oil.  Want to look into trying more Sarah Chapman products.

Dr Bronner's 18 in 1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap - loved this little sachet of loveliness.  Used it in the shower but you can also use it to clean your teeth(?), as  a face wash, hand wash. The list is endless.  Would definitely re-purchase this.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey & Coriander Body Lotion 27ml - a lovely light scented, easily absorbed lotion.  Would maybe purchase.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructuring Shampoo and Hair Reconstructor - both 10ml.  Adore these products.  I definitely want to purchase the Hair Reconstructor at some point.  It leave my hair soft, healthy and static free.

Freyaluna Rose & Geranium mini soap.  I  got this in my Freyaluna Selection Box.  A gorgeous soap and one I'd purchase full size.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask sachet - in a word gorgeous! Left my skin radiant and healthy.  Would love to buy this but at £44 for 30ml I think it will be one which is always on my wishlist!

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Ageing & Anti-Wrinkle Light Texture Cream 1.5ml.  Loved this, a light cream which sinks easily into the skin.  One I'd definitely like to try again.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation - Golden Beige - 1ml - a nice product, blended well but not quite my colour. I'd probably try it in a different shade.

REN Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel 5ml tube - a nice cleanser, quite liked the scent but probably wouldn't buy it again as didn't love it.

Dr Bragi Bio-Marine Exfoliant - this was way too harsh on my skin, didn't end up finishing it as just didn't like it.

Naked Revitalising Hair Treatment 20ml sachet - loved this, made my hair look great.  Will definitely pick this up again.

Here are my samples for Week #4

Sk:n Hand Cream 3ml sachet
Sk:in Cleanse 3ml sachet
Dr Brandt Lineless Lines no More sachet .5ml
Dr Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure Castile soap
Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders - Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Invigorating Night Gel and Sheer Transformation
Hyaluronan Hydrating Sheet Mask
Rodial Glamtox Active Daily Moisturiser 2ml
Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt 4ml
A'kin Rose de Mai Anti-Oxidant Day Cream 1.5ml
Fudge OOMF conditioner 7ml
Vaseline Intensive Moisture 50ml

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

My top 5 Lip Balms

Like hand cream I have an addiction to lip balm!  Here are my favourites:

Palmer's Lip Butter Dark Chocolate & Peppermint - I just discovered this beauty via reading about it on several other blogs.  It's gorgeous, sweet, chocolately and minty.  A clear balm which leaves lips glossy (and tasty).  You can wear it alone or with lipstick.  One will be included in my next giveaway - coming soon!

Jurlique Love Balm Rose - Intensely scented with rose (I love it) a multi-purpose balm - use it on lips, cuticles and dry skin all over the body.  You can buy it for £9 including delivery at Naturisimo - click the link above.

Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve, again a rose scented salve which is multi-purpose.  This was from Boudoir Prive. (yes, I love the scent of rose!)

Finally, two Vaseline Lip Therapy - I love these little tins - using cocoa butter (in coat pocket) rosy lips (by bed) and in my desk at work Creme Brulee.

What's your favourite lip balm - I'm always on the lookout for new ones!

December Empties

Here are my December empties -

Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream 100ml - one of my all time favourite hand creams - I will definitely re-purchase.  I blogged about this hand cream here.


Arran Aromatics Fig Room Spray 30ml - I really like the smell of this - have since bought the full size.


Age Defiance Wipes - always have a pack on the go.  Really good product, no sting and really cheap £1 for two packs at Poundland.


Rahua Sachets - 2 x Volumising Shampoo & 2 x Conditioner from Boudoir Prive - lovely product and enjoyed using but wouldn't pay full price of £27/£28.


Arran Aromatics Rosemary, Sage & Vitamin E Rejuvenating Spa Bath Soak 50ml - a freebie product from PA Exchange event.  Nice but not enough bubbles - wouldn't purchase.


NEOM Tranquility Bath Oil 5ml - lovely product would re-purchase.


Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - love this, would definitely re-purchase (I've got a full mini bottle from beauty box swaps).


Bamford Geranium, Lavender & Peppermint Bath Salts sachet 30g - lovely, this was gift with purchase would definitely purchase.


Elemis Revitalise Me Shower Gel 100ml - this was a gift with purchase product.  Didn't really like the scent so wouldn't purchase.


Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 50ml - another gift with purchase size, loved the scent - would definitely purchase full size.


Clinique Deep Comfort Body Moisture 200ml (this was a pressie last Christmas and just finishing it up now...oops).  Lovely product with thick texture.  Unscented so no clashing with perfume - would definitely purchase.


Melvita Cream Nectar Night Care 15ml - got this from Latest in Beauty Luxury Samples - loved this and would definitely re-purchase.


Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera 15ml - this was a free gift with purchase.  Loved this light lotion, will definitely re-purchase.


Korres Wild Rose 24-hr Moisturiser 10ml - from Boudoir Prive - loved this cream (got another in my Best of box).  Would definitely re-purchase.


Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner 50ml (loved this, won in Pai subscriber gift).  Maybe re-purchase but expensive for a toner although I loved it.  I reviewed this product here.


Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml from Holland & Barrett -  Love this and will definitely re-purchase.  A good dupe for REN Rose Otto Bath Oil - and a third of the price!


Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion 250ml - I always have one of these lotions on the go - just love the scent..and the price!


Vaseline Active Fresh Roll-on Deodorant - my fav deodorant cheap and effective.


Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Bath and Shower Gel 100ml - my favourite MB fragrance will definitely re-purchase at some point.


Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust 15ml - gift with purchase size, love this - try to pick up in sets or gift with purchase.


Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil 10ml - I have already re-purchased the full size of this - very relaxing.


Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion 50ml - from Boudoir Prive - lovely lotion and nice to use.  Have another to use from my Best of box.  Would definitely consider purchasing full size.


Lavera Rose Garden Sea Salts 80g sachet - love these sachets and great for weekends away/travel/try me size.


Clarins Daily Energiser Cleansing Gel 75ml - really good cleanser with nice scent. I got this part-used from a friend who didn't like it.  Would possibly purchase though got a load of cleansers to use from all the beauty boxes.


What have you been using this month?

Birthday Weekend

Last weekend we stayed at Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway.  The lodge was once home to the Hunter-Blair family - its now a country hotel in 30 acres with its own private beach - though much too cold in December for swimming in the wild Irish sea!  (I took this photo from the beach).

Our room was Churchill, which had an amazing bathroom and huge bed!  The bath was ancient and really deep and was large enough to be able to float without touching the sides! (even hubby who hates baths loved it!)  There was even a step to help you climb in!

Each morning we had a full Scottish breakfast which was yummy (if highly calorific!) complete with toast, muffins, oatcakes, croissants and pots of leaf tea.

Here are the pampering products I took with me:

It was a great weekend away (even though the weather was cold and windy) x

Vaseline Tin

I noticed this gift tin in my local chemists. I really like the quirky tin.  It contains 4 x 20g Vaseline lip balms in original, cocoa butter, rosy and aloe vera.  Retails at £6.99 so great value and a girl can never have too many lip balms!