June Empties

I'm not going to use up anything else this month, so here are my June Empties. If a product is marked * I very kindly received it free of charge for review. I'm currently addicted to wax melts so I'm going to add these to my empties posts.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Body Buff 15ml, Brazilian 4 Play Moisturising Shower Cream Gel 90ml and Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 25ml - I'm obsessed with the bum bum cream and love the sweet vanilla scent. It was nice to try two other products in the range. I'd buy all three again.

*Wild & Precious Rose Water 01 100ml - a beautiful product from a gorgeous range. See my review HERE. I'd definitely buy this when my stash reduces.

*Bodhi & Birch Superfoods Series Lemon Water Hydrosol Tonic 100ml - I adore this (and have just opened a new one). See my review HERE.

Bodhi & Birch Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash 200ml - a great hand wash (which you can also use as a body wash). See my review HERE. I bought two of these at the beginning of lockdown but would buy it again for sure!

*REN Citrus Limonum Hand Wash 300ml - I simply loved this citrus scented hand wash and will buy again. I was quite sad when I finished it. See my review HERE.

Molton Brown Suede Orris Bath & Shower Gel 100ml - love Molton Brown's shower gels. This one was nice to use and I'd happily have it back in my stash.

*Oskia Eye Wonder Nutri-Active Eye Serum 10ml - I judged this award winner in the recent Beauty Shortlist Awards. It does everything it says it will and I must say I was very sorry to finish this up! It's on the wishlist.

System Professional Inessence Mask 15ml - which was nice to use but my hair needs a cut and colour right now (I was supposed to be there on 4th April so it's been a long time!) Might or might not buy.

Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Restorative Rich Cream 10ml - which was a Latest in Beauty pick. I loved using this at night time as it's super-rich. Would consider buying full size as my skin seemed to love it.

In May, I signed up to the Balneaves Wax Melt Subscription Box. See my thoughts on June's box HERE. Campbeltown based Olfactory is also new to me and I discovered them after connecting on instagram. Their Misi Melts cost only 75p (plus p&p) and are a great size to get the feel of a scent.

So this month I've used up: Olfactory - Black Orchid which is just like the perfume. A lush aromatic (and strong) melt which I loved. A full size purchase of this is on the cards! I also tried their Fresh Coffee, an aromatic blend of coffee with a hint of chocolate. This was lovely but I felt the "coffee" scent could have been a little bit stronger. My third use-up is their Perfectly Chantelle, another perfume inspired powdery floral (I wasn't so keen on this one).

From Balneaves: I adored Tuberose & Angelia, Black Raspberry & Vanilla, Rhubarb & Elderflower and Vetiver, Cedarwood & Fir. Dragon's Blood is a very heady melt which I found a bit overpowering.

What have you been using up this month?

Shopping my Stash #106

I took this pic on a really sunny day! My post contains one item which is a #productsample/AD.

I've been loving trying Eco by Sonia Eye Compost, which is their latest launch. It comes with a dinky jade stone applicator. I'm pretty impressed with how good this is. It brightens and plumps the eye area, reducing dark circles and smoothing out fine lines. 

Botanico Vida Omega Balm is a deeply nourishing balm which is formulated with Sacha Inchi Oil, the world's richest plant source of Omega 3, 6 and 9, Catorlatum TM, a new ingredient which naturally locks moisture into the skin, Argan, Avocado, Rosehip and Coconut oils along with Vitamin E and Calendula. It's great to use on dry skin patches, flyaways, hands and cuticles, lips and heels. This smaller size pot's perfect to pop in your handbag for instant moisture on the go.

The SPF30 Mineral Shield Daily Primer from Beauty Kitchen came in a kit - see HERE.  I really like this - it mattifies and smoothes the skin before foundation application. 

My friend Julie gave me the Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner for my birthday. I'm a huge fan of this brand and have previously tried a few items from the range. This toner smells heavenly! It refreshes and balances (and is great for my oily T-zone).

I recently placed an order with Noble Isle and was sent some lovely freebies including this mini Golden Harvest Luxury Body Hydrator. I love it's gel like texture and subtle scent. I think it would be the perfect body product for summer and holidays.

This simple but luscious lip balm* from Wild & Precious is rich and nourishing. See my review HERE.

Rounding up my picks is the sublime White Peaches by Shay & Blue which I think is summer in a bottle. It's deliciously refreshing, sweet and floral. 

What have you been reaching for lately?

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?

Shopping My Stash #103

It's been a looong time since I shopped my stash! You can see my last post back in September HERE.

Here's what I've been reaching for this week:

NEOM Scent to Sleep Nourish, Breathe & Sleep Hand Balm which is perfect to use just before bed to help you have a restful sleep. Wake up with nourished, soft and smooth hands. See my review HERE.

Dr Botanicals Kale Superfood Nourishing Day Moisturiser* which I received in my April Love Lula Beauty Box. My skin's been loving this easily absorbed light cream which thankfully doesn't smell of kale! It nourishes the skin smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Wild & Precious Lip Balm 01** deeply nourishes the lips. Simple but effective. See my review HERE. I've got this one in my bag for instant relief from dry lips on the go.

From new to me brand, Clockface Beauty my dry winter skin has been loving their Enhanced Recovery Body Oil which I received in December's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box (REVIEW). It's truly luxurious and has a gorgeous scent which calms and soothes both the body and mind. I definitely want to try more by this brand.

My final item is from lovely Kathleen Natural and is their gorgeous Sensual Rose Bubble Bath & Shower Gel* which I received in my December Love Lula Beauty Box. It's a beautiful product which you can use in the bath or shower and is scented with red roses, oranges with a hint of spicy nutmeg. 

What have you been reaching for this week?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affilate link

**complimentary

New In: Wild & Precious

I've had the real pleasure of trying newishly-launched Wild & Precious*. The range of natural skincare, toiletry and laundry products are simply but pleasingly packaged, affordable, as well as being fantastic.  

I've been testing out a few products in the range. If you sign up to be a "friend" you can get 50% off the whole range in exchange for feedback. See more details HERE and for a limited time you can pick up their "one of everything" box for £90 instead of £186.25.

source

Products are certified organic and handcrafted in West Cork using ethically sourced natural ingredients which are certified organic or wild harvested. I love that Wild & Precious also share their recipes so you can take part in a little DIY with their free How To Make It Guide. They share all their formulations and percentages on each product page "our not very secret formula" which is like a breath of fresh air compared to other brands! Packaging is recyclable or reusable and I love the branded bags used rather than packaging boxes. They also give back to charity which is a nice touch. 

So onto my thoughts:

The Shampoo/Skin Wash 01 is in a massive 300ml bottle (£14) which comes with a pump to make it easier to use beside the shower. 

It has a delicious zesty scent and is formulated with Wild Harvested Soapwort, Certified Organic Orange and Rose Geranium Essential Oils.

To use: use as a shampoo (not sudsy) for clean and shiny hair or as an all over body wash. 

The Shampoo/Skin Wash is nice to use and a great multi-use product.

Moisturiser 01, again in a massive 300ml bottle (£34) will nourish and hydrate your hands and body (oh and it can also be used on the face). A rich and nourishing cream which absorbs quickly. Formulated with 100% certified organic oils (as well as a natural emulsifier, thickener & preservative). It has a neutral scent and is pleasant to use.

To use: apply a small amount to face, hands and body.

Lip Balm 01 (4.5g - £4.50) melts instantly onto the lips leaving them smooth, cared for and deeply nourished. A simple product but a good 'un. Formulated with Certified Organic Jojoba, Virgin Coconut and Calendula Oils along with Cocoa Butter and Beeswax.  The Lip Balm has a natural slightly sweet natural cocoa butter scent.

To use: apply as often as needed for soft and kissable lips!

Rose Water 01 100ml (£5) is one of the nicest rose water's I've used. It's deeply rosy and will rejuvenate, freshen, calm and heal the skin. Use it to tone the skin after cleansing, as an after-sun body spray and as a cleanser. The Rose Water is sourced from the Bulgarian Valley of Roses.

To use: spritz onto the skin or apply with a cotton pad. It can also be used to flavour food and drinks and is great to use as a laundry spray.

Facial Oil 01 30ml (£29) is light and easily absorbed. Hand Blended using a range of pure certified oils and scented with Geranium & Neroli. You can also use the oil on your neck and body. I've been mainly using this oil in the morning and been using Facial Oil 02 30ml (£29) in the evenings as it's richer and more nourishing. The duo are fabulous and complement each other well.

To use: place a few drops on your fingertips and apply to the face and/or body.

I've been so impressed with this lovely, effective and affordable range. Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary 

November: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in November:

The brilliant sequel to Displacement by Anne Stormont. I just totally loved both books. See my review HERE (and there's going to be a book #3 which I'm really excited about!)

Coming across this beautiful new brand* via my Beauty Bible email subscription - Wild & Precious.  The products are gorgeous. Expect a review soon!

Finishing my challenge over on Goodreads of 100 Books (although I'll keep going until the year end!)

Discovering Blue Labelle have a gorgeous new soap range which smell incredible - of course I had to pick up a few. Reviews will be up soon! Really wish there was scratch and sniff - the scents are exquisite (prices range from £2 upwards).

I've been testing out some more products* from Guiltless Skin including the new moisturiser - Timeless Daily Moisturiser. It's a really lovely and effective range. Expect reviews soon! See my previous reviews HERE and HERE.

Real Rocky followed me on Twitter and then mentioned they could be purchased at my local gift shop COVE so on Friday I popped round and picked up a couple of small pieces.

Totally delicious and I highly recommend - see the online shop HERE. You'll also find them opposite Edinburgh Uni Library on George Square.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary