September Empties

I'm not going to use up anything else this month so here are my empties:

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this rose scented mist. See my review HERE. I've got several of these minis in my stash but I'd buy again.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream 40ml - which is the lushest rose scented cream ever! I've used it a few times and find it deeply moisturising. Would buy again.

Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream 30ml - I'm using up too many rosey things this month! A rich and deeply nourishing hand cream. I just cracked open a new one.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this product and have bought it loads. See my review HERE. This will be replenished!

Rosalena Goodness & Tonic Face Mist 15ml - gorgeous to use and I'll pick it up again at some point. See my review HERE.

JOIK Energising Bath Salts with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Essential Oils 500g* - these were fantastic and great value for money. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy them when my stash reduces a bit.

mio double buff dual action enzyme exfoliator 50ml - this was lovely to use with just the right amount of scrubbiness. Would maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 55ml - which is one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates products. See my review HERE. This one was a gift from my friend Julie but I'm sure I'll buy it again.

Diptyque Philosykos EdT 12ml - which is one of my favourite fig scents. Will buy it again for sure.

Elemis Revitalise-Me Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - it was nice to re-visit Elemis! Apex Hotels offer Elemis minis in their rooms which were a real treat. I'd maybe buy full size.

Olverum Bath Oil 15ml - I love this bath oil. See my review HERE. I've got a few of these minis in my stash but I'd buy this full size.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in Geranium & Neroli 40ml - I'm a huge fan of the product but prefer the unscented original version. Already cracked open a new one.

John Masters Organics Lavender, Rose, Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap 42g* - I've used this lovely soap several times. Would buy again.

Various Stop the Water 6ml samples - White Sage Shower Gel, White Sage Body Lotion, Lavender, Sandalwood Shampoo & Conditioner. These seemed quite nice although I sometimes find it hard to tell if I'm going to like something from a small sachet.

Herbfarmacy Body Oil samples x 2 - which seemed lovely. Would probably buy full size.

Corinne Taylor Balance Himalayan Bath Salts** which came in August's Skin Organics Beauty Box. I'm already a huge fan of the brand and it's likely that I'll buy them again.

You Dirty Scrub Mint & Eucalyptus Bath Salts 100g - these smelt glorious! I did find they clumped a bit together in the bath but that didn't spoil the enjoyment. I'd maybe buy again.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir vial - again a teeny sample. It seemed nice but just not enough to get a feel for the product.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 5ml - huge fan of this product and the brand. See my review HERE. I've got a full size of this awaiting opening!

Phaedon Coton Egyptien EdT sample vial - I love that Bloom Perfumery offer a fantastic sample service with most at £2 for a 1ml vial. I have totally fallen for this beautiful fresh perfume and of course now want full-size!

What have you been using up this month?

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

**complimentary

August Empties

I think this is the smallest amount yet! I threw out some things I used over summer holidays instead of bringing the empty pots/sachets back.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Wash 40ml - a beautiful rose scented body wash. I have a few in my stash but would buy full size.

Kiss the Moon Love After Dark Bath Oil 5ml - a lush and heady scented bath oil (Rose, Palmarosa, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense). I definitely want the full size of this! See my review HERE.

bodhi & birch Botanical Dew Hand & Body Wash 200ml - this was lovely to use. See my review HERE. Will buy again.

MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion 100ml - I was really sad to finish this invigorating and de-stressing bath oil. See my review HERE. Another one will be mine when I finish up some other bath products. Loved it.

Aromatherapy Associates Light Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - nice to use. Huge fan of these. Sure to pick up again.

REN Neroli & Grapefruit Body Wash 50ml - there were REN toiletries in Hotel du Vin in Birmingham. This was nice and refreshing on a hot day and after travelling. Would maybe pick up again.

L'Occitane Mer & Mistral Shower Gel 50ml - loved this sea inspired scented shower gel which was very refreshing. Would buy again.

Mio Clean Slate Workout Swipe for Face & Body - a single use large wipe which is great after exercise or travelling. Would buy again.

PG Gardenia Grand Soir EdP sample - which came in my October 2015 Bloom Perfumery sample pack. Loved this and full size is on the wishlist.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Deodorant - I prefer the Pomegranate one so wouldn't pick this up again.

Lucy's Lotions Vitamin E & Grapefruit Body Butter 150ml - this was pleasant to use but was more a cream than a butter. See my review HERE. I wouldn't buy this particular product again but love the lip balm in the range.

Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid 50ml - I love using this at weekends or light make up days. It gives the skin a glow with light coverage. Just cracked open a new one.

UrbanVeda Rose+Botanics Reviving Exfoliating Facial Polish 20ml - really nice to use with a gentle scrub. Would buy full size.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 20ml - this just works. Already opened a new tube.

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser 15ml - this is lovely to use and smells divine. Would buy.

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo 30ml - I buy this again and again as my hair loves it. 

Chantecaillie La Creme Riche Anti-Age+ BioLifting Cream+ 10ml - a delicious and truly luxurious cream. Full size is extortionate so won't be buying anytime soon unfortunately!

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean 15ml - this is a staple product for me. I used this one on holiday and finished it up when I got home. Already using another.

Olivine Love+Roses Beauty Mist 8oz - this mist can be used all over the body and hair to refresh. See my review HERE. I'd definitely buy again.

What have you been using up this month?

March Empties

Here's my March Empties with a few make up items! 

Mio Clean Slate Workout Swipe for Face & Body single use - great for use all over the body when you can't get near water/shower. They have a nice cucumber/fresh scent. Use after the gym, on a flight or for holidays. Will definitely pick these up.

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil 9ml and Massage Oil 9ml - these were really lovely to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

bodhi & birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml - I think this is my third bottle. I just love it. See my review HERE. I'll be picking this up again when my hand care stash reduces a bit.

Olivine Love+Peace Sparkling Pink Butter Bath 10oz - these made for a relaxing soak but I wasn't expecting them to be quite so lavender scented. Wouldn't re-purchase as there are other bath products I prefer.

John Masters Organics Rosemary Shampoo 10ml sachet - huge fan of John Masters haircare range and would and have bought this full size.

SkinOwl Neck+ 15ml - absolutely loved this. A gel like texture which absorbs instantly, firming and smoothing. Would buy.

The Rose Tree Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter 6g - this is lovely to use and turns cleansing into a real ritual. See my review HERE. Would buy again when my cleansers stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm 5ml - love this orange scented cleansing balm. See my review HERE. Sure to pick up again at some point.

Shay & Blue Watermelons 30ml* - I finished a perfume! I simply love this divine refreshing fruity scent. See my review HERE. Will buy at some point.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner 2oz - huge fan of the brand and this leave-in conditioner leaves the hair feeling silky soft and nourished. Just cracked open a new bottle. Would buy again.

Ogario Hydrate & Shine Shampoo 100ml - I quite liked this shampoo but didn't love it so wouldn't buy it again.

DECIEM Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex 50ml - a hand cream which just works! Just opened a new one.

RMS 'un' Powder - this is a staple for me which lasts about 6 months making it great value. Have already cracked open a new pot.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF15 - 03 Fawn - this was an impulse (and expensive) buy which I bought before my spending ban in August - so it's lasted really well. A nice foundation which I'd maybe buy again.

Urban Decay Perversion mini Mascara - loved everything about this mascara. Full size is on the wishlist.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts sachet - this was nice to use and would buy again.

Dr Bronner Peppermint Pure Castille Soap 237ml - this is a staple for make up brush cleaning. Just cracked open a new one.

Just Be Happy Hand & Body Wash 250ml* - loved this citrus wash. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy this soon.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

NET-A-PORTER: The Travel Kit

I found I just couldn't resist The Travel Kit from NET-A-PORTER (£38 plus P&P). Having loved one of their previous kits - The Holiday Kit I knew I'd love it. It's jam packed full of gorgeous goodies which I'm looking forward to testing out.

This time I chose not to get the luxe packaging so my order arrived in a brown cardboard box. Inside was a branded and ribboned box (so I did get a touch of luxury). My friend Julie worked it out and the value is an incredible £192!

Here's what is inside:

There are 3 full size items and a mixture of travel sizes and sachets.

Full size:

Deborah Lippmann's Cuticle Oil 15ml (£18) - which will nourish and repair even the driest cuticles.

Lashfood Conditioning Drama Mascara - Black 8ml (£16) - makes your lashes longer and thicker. Smudge proof and long lasting.

Lipstick Queen Invisible Lip Liner 0.28g (£18) - the lipliner which co-ordinates with every shade. Create the perfect lip shape while holding colour firmly in place.

Trial sizes:

Leonor Greyl Nourishing Shampoo 50ml - repair frazzled hair and split ends with this nourishing shampoo which will strengthen and soften.

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask 50ml - one of the ingredients in this mask is prickly pear oil, a natural source of Vitamin E and antioxidants. It will leave hair shiny and renewed.

Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream+ 10ml - helps to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, plumping and rejuvenating the skin.

Erno Laszlo White Marble Treatment Bar 17g - a facial bar which is enriched with powerful time-release brightners and smoothing fruit acids. It cleanses, exfoliates and clarifies fighting dark spots at their source.

Erno Laszlo White Marble Radiance Emulsion 5ml - a lightweight serum which brightens and evens the skin tone. Best used in conjunction with the treatment bar.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml (huge fan so delighted to have this back in my stash!) - a refreshing and soothing mist which calms and restores balance.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick - Icon 1g - this is perhaps not a colour I'd have picked but it feels lovely on the lips. Enriched with emolients and antioxidant vitamins which nourish. A single application will last all day.

Sachets:

2 x Mio Clean Slate Workout Swipe - ideal for freshening up after the gym or on a plane the wipes are enriched with gently exfoliating lactic acid and scented with Mint and Cucumber.

2 x Roloxin Lift Revitalising Facial Treatment - described as "facelift in a sachet".

Did you pick up The Travel Kit? What are your thoughts on the contents?

Latest in Beauty: Build Your Own Box

Just last week I spotted that Latest in Beauty had new items in the "Build your own Box" section. Of course, I couldn't resist! I went for the 9 items box which cost £16.99 plus P&P.

Here's what I chose:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 5 x 5ml sachets - I love this cleanser and thought these would be great for holidays/weekends away. See my review of the cleanser HERE.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt with Red Poppy & Hemp 60g (1 bath) - I'm a fan of the Kneipp Herbal Baths so thought these would be nice to try for a change.

Dr Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum 15ml (full size worth £9.99) - I'm currently using the one I received in a YOU Beauty Box and I can honestly say it's lovely. I may use this one for a gift (or backup!)

Kneipp Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml - I've used this before and loved it. See my mini review here. 

The Library of Fragrance Gin & Tonic Cologne Spray 15ml (worth £10) - this smells just like a G&T when you first spray it mellowing down to a light and refreshing scent.

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge Energising Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml & Bois D'Orange Invigorating Sorbet Body Lotion 50ml - I picked these as I'd received a body lotion by R&G in one of my advent calendars and had really enjoyed using it.

Mio Double Buff Dual Action Exfoliator 50ml - I'm a fan of Mio but not tried this scrub before. It has particles of Pumice, Lava and Bamboo blended with Papaya and Pineapple enzymes to slough away rough skin.

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil 17ml - which is suitable for use on body and hair - a handy size which I may keep for travel.

Have you Build Your Own Box recently?

Mio Workout Wonder Invigorating Muscle Motivating Gel 30ml

After a morning gardening on Sunday (lots of bending and stretching) I decided to reach for Mio's Workout Wonder. I received this in my recent Cult Beauty GWP and it's fabulous!  I'll definitely buy this when my sample size runs out (£21 for 100ml).

You can use this pre and post exercise and Mio says it's an "energy shot for your muscles".

The light cream/gel absorbs quickly reviving, energising and cooling muscles instantly and easing aches and pains.  It is also great to use after a hard day at the office! It smells lovely too! Ingredients include menthol, V-Tonic TM, Arnica, Horse Chestnut, Murumuru Butter, Spearmint and natural Magnesium.

Massage one or two pumps onto legs, back, neck and shoulders in need of some TLC - you will feel it working within a few minutes.

Free from parabens, petroleum, synthetic fragrances and colours, xenoestrogens, PEGs, glycols and phalates.

And a gardening update...

I've put my seeds in at my veggie plot but not much has come through yet apart from the start of some potatoes, little beetroot and lettuce seedling and I've just planted two courgette plants I grew from seed on my kitchen windowsill.  I've also added to my herb garden (and the weeding never ends..) Looking forward to some nice home grown produce again this summer.

See more details on Mio's range here
Follow on Twitter @MioSkincare

Cult Beauty Purchases: Kai, rms beauty & Astalift

Cult Beauty just last weekend offered an amazing gift with purchase.  I had the products in my shopping cart then out my shopping cart and then in again and so I ended up breaking my spending ban big style!

My parcel arrived yesterday and I am delighted with it. It felt so good getting some new beauty bits.  Back on the ban now (apart from a few birthday buys) and a wee re-sub to Souk Souk (my favourite beauty box)

I picked up my favourite Kai roll-on which is expensive but I love it.  I've mentioned it a few times on the blog and it featured in my March empties. So an essential purchase.

I tried the rms beauty 'un' cover up via a sample from Content Beauty & Wellbeing - see here.  Loved it so much I bought the full size.

To bring my order up to the required spend for the free gift I chose a single use Intense Replumping Moisture Mask from Astalift. The packaging is gorgeous and it would make a great gift or stocking filler.

With all orders of £40 you can choose three free samples. I only chose two as there wasn't a huge choice left - Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint (Glow) and Embryolisse Nourishing Moisturiser.

Onto the gift! It's an absolutely fab collection of goodies.

mio Workout Wonder - invigorating muscle motivating gel 30ml

Eve Lom Age-Defying Smoothing Treatment x 4 single doses

Erno Laszlo phelityl pre-cleansing oil 15ml

Aestelance Mud Mask 5ml

d.j.v. Beautenizer Volume Lash 8.2ml 

Therapie Joie Uplifting Bath Infusion 60g - (can't wait to try)

Le Soft Perfume Zazou Solid Perfume Stick 5g - full size

Cute Lipstick Queen branded cosmetic bag

Zelens 3t Complex Essential Anti-Ageing Cream 10ml

Collin Resultime Smoothing Resurfacing Mask 5ml

Alpha H Balancing & Pore Refining Mask with Jojoba 30ml

So you can see why my spending ban went off the rails! Super excited to try everything. Did you pick up the offer?