Naturisimo Self Love Discovery Box

You've got to be quick when a Naturisimo Discovery Box lands. This latest one entitled "Self Love" sold out in record time! It's carefully curated and worth £90/cost £20 plus p&p. Of course a full size RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek is always going to excite. I was especially interested in the little deluxe pots from Lola's Apothecary and Susanne Kaufmann.

The set is presented in a reusable box which is tied with a "Naturisimo" branded ribbon. You also get 10% off the product you fall in love with.

And for a closer look..

WOW! 

It really is a stunning selection!

There's a full size RMS Beauty lip2cheek in lost angel (4.82g - £34) which is a very pretty shade. It's fairly neutral on my lips so I'm hoping it gives a pop of colour to my cheeks.

I'm totally smitten with Susanne Kauffmann's Restorative Toning Body Cream (15ml - £13). It's just a shame a full size pot comes in at £130, even with the discount that's ouchy! It's great to be able to try it however.

Balancing Body Polish in Delicate Romance from Lola's Apothecary looks and absolute delight. Inside is a 15ml (£12). Full size is £33, while in the luxury category definitely affordable for a treat. I've used the matching Body Souffle which is dreamy. See my review HERE.

Can't go wrong with some Tata! Inside is a luxurious 10ml of their Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser (£20). Full size is £101. So this is a lovely treat. A review to come! I've always been intrigued by 100% Pure's Bright Eyes Mask and inside is a pair which costs £6.

Rounding up the box is a sweet Bamford Geranium Pebble Soap Mini 40g (£4). I've used these before and they're absolutely gorgeous, pampering with a creamy and luxe scented lather.

Did you pick up a box? What are your thoughts on the contents?

Naturisimo: Vegan Life Discovery Box

As you know, I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box! Their latest one is Vegan Life Discovery Box and inside are 9 hand picked items with a total value of £80! Pick up a box for £18.95 plus p&p (or free with a £25 spend).

It's absolutely stuffed full!

From Pai Skincare there's a 2ml tube of their Perfect Balance Blemish Serum which I've not tried before. I do get occasional spots (who doesn't?) so I'm looking forward to putting it to the test.

From Inika there's a full size (and worth £19.50) Lipstick Crayon in Pink Nude, a very wearable, suit everyone shade. I love this! (and it's always nice to see a couple of make up items in boxes!)

I received Boucleme's Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo 100ml (£12) in a previous discovery box and my scalp loves this effective detoxifying shampoo. Happy to have another in my stash!

Antipodes's Rejoice Day Cream 15ml had been on my wishlist so this is why (along with the JMO product) the box firmly landed in my basket! A review will come.

From Fushi there is 50ml of their Organic Jojoba Oil (£14) which is great to nourish the skin and hair (I also love the glass bottle packaging).

The second item to sway me into buying the box was John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-In Conditioning Mist 30ml (worth £10) as it had been on my wishlist for what seemed like forever!

Ever luxe, a dinky jewel from RMS Beauty. I adore mini make up products and this one's a beaut. Inside is their Luminizing Powder Madeira Bronze 2g which will leave the skin glowy and radiant. 

Rounding up the box are 3 x 5g sachets from The Nue Co of their Debloat Food & Prebiotic which are great if you suffer constipation and bloating. These are very much an acquired taste (vile) but do work. Rounding up the box is a 40g sachet of Form Nutrition's Superblend Protein Chocolate Caramel, a protein shake containing 20g plant based Vegan protein.

Did you pick up a Vegan Life Discovery Box?

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Cocorosa Beauty, RMS Beauty, Eteaket, Connock London, REN & Alteya Organics

Here are my top picks for Valentines Day (products marked * I've been kindly gifted for review):

Totally luxe, pampering and award winning Cocorosa Beauty Egyptian Neroli Cleansing Oil (from £18) is simply one of the best cleansing oils I've ever used. It makes quick work of make up and daily grime and smells divine! I was very kindly gifted a selection of try-me sizes* along with my order which I've loved using. You can pick these up HERE - perfect for try-me or travel (they make great small gifts too).

RMS Beauty Wild with Desire Mini Lipstick Set (£33)* from Love Lula is a set I pick up time and time again. The shades are fantastic and the colours very long lasting. They are the perfect size for night's out and holidays.

Eteaket's glorious Blooming Marvellous Candle 6oz in collab with Laura Thomas. This beautiful candle is created with Blooming Marvellous Green Tea! It has raspberry, rose and vanilla notes in a soy wax base and will burn for 30hrs. It's truly perfection!

Connock London's signature scent Kukui Oil EdP is the perfect gift. As well as looking stylish it is created with beautiful floral notes of Gardenia, Italian Bergamot, Moroccan Rose, White Jasmine and Calla Lily. The scent is enhanced with Sandalwood, Vetiver, White Amber, Cashmere and Sheer Musks along with Vanilla Absolute and Tonka Bean. It truly is a delight!

This month as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger I picked a trio of rose scented products* (full reviews to come!) which are perfect to add a touch of romance and sparkle to your Valentine's Day. They are all simply sumptuous! 

What are you hoping to receive on Valentine's Day?

Shopping My Stash #105

*productsample I shopped my stash back in March and it's a post I plan to resurrect and share at least twice a month. here are the lovely things I've been reaching for lately..

I'm totally obsessed by RMS Beauty's Wild with Desire Mini Lipstick Set* which featured in my Valentine's Day Treats POST. My absolute favourite from the set is Temptation, a beautiful and very wearable pinky mauve (and it's one I'll buy full size). 

From Butter Bar Soapery I've been loving their soothing Cornflower & Frankincense Bath Soak which came in November's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box.  It really is a relaxing treat and especially nice to use before bed.

I recently reviewed three fabulous products* from The Urban Smallholders. See my review HERE. My hands are really loving this nourishing Whipped Lavender Hand Balm which deeply cares for the hands and nails.

The luscious Avo Bao Cleansing Balm from bodhi & birch really is a luxe treat. See my review HERE. Hardworking and luxurious it's one of my favourite evening cleansers.

My final item is Enchanted Plant's almost good enough to eat Cardamon & Coconut Cream Soap which is a joy to use. It's creamy, aromatic and has a scrubby exfoliating texture. Trust me, this is the one to try!

Have you used any of these products? What have you been reaching for lately?

Valentines Day Treats: RMS Beauty, Flaya Perfumes & The Rose Tree, Gin Galore & Content Beauty & Wellbeing

Here's some of my top picks for Valentines Day (products marked with * I've kindly been gifted):

These chocolate hearts (come in a box with dark & milk varieties £5) from Cocoa Et Co available from Sainsbury's and are delicious (as well as pretty!)

From new to me Scottish perfume brand which is founded by a mum and her two daughters - Flaya Rose Perfume which is gorgeous! Prices start from £12 for 10ml. This is the perfect romantic rose scent and is exquisite! (expect a full review + giveaway soon!) I picked up my bottle in Jan de Vries, in Edinburgh's West End but you can also buy online.

Staying on the rose theme from The Rose Tree I'm currently trying their stunning Rollerball in Rose & Ylang Ylang* (£13.50 for 10ml) which is simply divine.  The scent is truly exquisite, uplifting and calming too. Roll onto your pulse points or a small amount to your palms and breathe in the beautiful aromatherapy scent. A full review will follow.

From RMS Beauty their gorgeous Wild with Desire Mini Lipstick Set (£33 for 5 mini lipsticks*). This set is simply stunning. With highly pigmented long lasting moisturising shades in an array of colours that any beauty lover would be very pleased to be gifted. Again, a review will follow.

Gin Galore by Sean Murphy* is the perfect informative gift for any gin lover. It's a great read and I've thoroughly enjoyed dipping into it and have added a few new gins to my wishlist. Another thoughtful gift alongside would be a bottle of one of the gins featured in the book or the promise of selecting one after the book is read! Again, a review will follow in my book round-up.

A Content Beauty & Wellbeing Gift Card for the pleasure of choosing some skincare/beauty bits at leisure. 

Are any of these on your Valentines Day wishlist? Or do you wish for them?

*gifted. My post contains one affiliate link

Naturisimo: Healing Makeup Discovery Box

You'll know I can never resist one of Naturisimo's Discovery Boxes. Their latest one is entitled "Healing Makeup" and contains 9 items - samples, trial sizes and full sizes. Costing only £17.95 (with free p&p) and worth £70. 

It's absolutely stuffed full! 

Inside is:

Odacite Black Mint Cleanser 7ml (exciting) - an ultra fresh minty gel which cleanses, eliminates excess oil and impurities. I'm looking forward to testing this out as I've not tried much by Odacite.

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strengthen Mineral Mascara 7.5ml - a full size product which I'm excited to try.

RMS Beauty 'Un' Powder 0.44g - a translucent loose powder which minimises pores and absorbs oil. Huge fan of this already and this is a handy size to carry about.

Bellapierre Mineral Blush Powder (Autumn Glow) 4g - another full size product which gives the skin a healthy glow.

REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist 9ml - a mist which shields and protects the skin from ageing effects of harmful free radicals and pollution.

Dr Hauschka Lip Gloss (Raspberry) 3ml - a rich glossy gloss with a slightly metallic raspberry sheen.

Estelle & Thild Healthy Glow Foundation (121) 2ml - lightweight wash of colour which evens out skintone and BioHydrate All-in-One Tinted Moisturiser (01) 2ml - blends onto the skin tone for an even and healthy glow. I'm always keen to try new bases.

Inika Organic Lip Tint (Candy) 3.2g (full size) - superhydrating Vegan lip tint which conditions and leaves the lips with a light colour tint (not sure this is exactly my shade).

I'm pretty pleased with this selection - what are your thoughts?

February: Lately I've Been Loving

So many February loves...

I love to make my own marmalade using beautiful Ave Maria Oranges which I buy at Waitrose - they really are the best! I made this at the very end of January but have sneaked them in as a February favourite.

Lunch at Ondine was amazing - that roasted shellfish platter delicious! Can't wait to go back!

This square mini bag from Cathrin Brodie is simply gorgeous! You can pick one up onsale just now for £10 - be quick! Only when stocks last. Made with Scottish Linen which is woven in Kirkcaldy with a cheeky sheep lining. Perfect for small change or for make up on a night out!

February's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box is just amazing. See my review HERE.

I love sample size for try me or holidays and this sample size 3ml RMS Beauty Beauty Oil** (£6). Full size is £74 so this is the perfect try me size. The potent oil balances, adds nourishment and leaves the skin feeling comfortable and looking radiant and can be used AM or PM after cleansing. It feels really light on the skin and absorbs quickly.

I'm just loving my Formula Botanica Diploma in Organic Skincare* see my what I think of it so far HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary **picked as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme credits for February (I added £4.75 to my monthly allowance to allow me to try this oil).

Shopping my Stash #86

Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

My pal Julie gave me the Miller Harris Tea Tonique EdP 15ml at Christmas which is refreshing, energising and aromatic.  With top notes of bergamot, petitgrain and lemon with a heart of smokey tea and nutmeg with base notes of mate abs, birch tar and musk. It's the perfect scent coming into spring and summer.

rms beauty tinted 'un' powder sample 9g shade 2-3 I'm a huge fan of the un-tinted version so was keen to try. I bought this as a sample at Love Lula (£5). It's the perfect shade for me and I'll buy full size at some point.

Fairfield Gardens Raspberry Rose Lip Balm 4.25g* which is a delicious blend of Raspberry & Rose. See my review HERE.

The Body Deli Almond Milk Cleanser sample which I received in one of the a beautiful world sampler boxes. It nourishes while it cleans leaving the skin feeling comfortable, refreshed and moisturised.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Calming Botanical Essence 50ml** is one of the lushest skincare products I've ever used. It smells glorious and helps to calms both the skin and senses. Use AM and PM before moisturiser. You can also use it throughout the day to boost radiance or refresh make up. It can also help to calm and destress.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*received as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**received as a Stylist mag reader judge

May Empties

I think this must be the smallest amount of empties yet. But included are some definite re-purchases.

Bee Good Honey & Crambe Daily Hand Cream 50ml* - really lovely to use and I'd buy it once the hand cream stash reduces a bit.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil 100ml* - I love this luxe citrus scented oil. See my review HERE. Just cracked open a new bottle (I'm going to wash out this bottle and use it as a reed diffuser).

Botanicals Indulgence Aromatic Body Oil 50ml - lovely to use and a real luxe treat. Again, when my body oils stash reduces a bit I'll pick it up.

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Hand & Nail Cream 10ml - a rich cream scented with roses. Would buy again.

Fair Squared Vanilla Shower Gel 10ml* - this is a great little try me size/for weekends away. See my review HERE. It's one I'd pick up full size.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - again one of these products I buy periodically. See my review HERE.

Isle of Harris Distillery Rose & Honeysuckle Hand Cream by Amanda Saurin Apothecary 30g* - absolutely loved this and will buy once my hand cream stash reduces a bit. See my review HERE.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this is my favourite Aromatherapy Associates scent. See my review HERE.

Clarins Booster samples (0.8ml) in Repair, Detox and Energy - liked Detox and Energy so would maybe buy.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor 10ml - used this loads of times before. Makes the hair shiny and healthy looking. Will no doubt buy again.

Corinne Taylor Recharge Himalayan Bath Salts with Sweet Orange, Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang to uplift and Revive 70g single use sachet - these were gorgeous. I'll definitely buy these again. See the products available HERE.

Skyn Iceland Pure cloud Cream 1.7g sample - absolutely loved this lightweight nourishing cream. Will definitely think about buying full size at some point.

RMS Beauty The Ultimate Make Up Remover Wipe - This oily wipe is great for removing make up (although maybe a tiny bit small). Will still buy at some point as they'd be great for holidays.

MAULI Rituals Himalayan Healing Salts 60g - these are made for MAULI by Michelle Roques O'Neill of Therapie. Love these.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts 60g single use sachet - lovely. Will buy full size soon.

Green People Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo sachet - nice to use would maybe buy.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body Creme 7ml - loved this beautifully scented rich cream. One for the wishlist!

Neom Daily De-Stress Burst Capsule single use - lovely and would consider buying.

Bjork & Berries Dark Rain Body Lotion 5ml sachet - gorgeous! Will definitely look closer at this lovely range which is available to buy at Cult Beauty.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

A Surprise Birthday Present

I recently met my pal Julie (both our birthdays are in April and we do a birthday swap) - reviews will follow on the gorgeous goodies she gave me. Some which have already become "must haves" in my stash such as Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette (my first) and Lipstick Queen's Chinatown liner, gloss & lipstick in one in three really wearable shades - Watermelon, Nude-Pink and Dusky Pink. Love.

We arrived back from our Anniversary trip (amazing two days at Isle of Eriska Hotel review to follow) to a surprise birthday parcel from Nardine, (on twitter @Miss_Nardine) one of my London pals (who like Julie), I initially "met" on a beauty Facebook group and have met twice now in real life!)

Inside the pretty box is:

A cute card which made me smile

A box of lovely rose scented goodies

A beautiful hand crafted notebook

A Limited Edition Set of Jo Malone Colognes

Absolutely love everything and reviews will follow!

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #5

I picked up a staple product for me in the Tabitha James Kraan sale (£15.50 plus P&P). I use it every single day and at that great price it had to be bought!

Onto my wants this week:

source

Narynda Face Care Pack (£7.50) - I'm always a sucker for try me sizes and this little set is great! It contains cleanser, toner, face & body scrub, day cream and night cream - see my reviews of the cleanser, toner and day cream HERE*. I'm also keen to pick up the Body Care Pack (£5.50) (the heel balm is ace!)

Staying on the travel sizes...

source

I spotted this little Autumn Mini Treats set at LJ's Natural Solutions (£9.95) - it includes - 30ml Autumn Uplift Organic Body Oil, 5g Balancing Organic Moisturiser, 5g Organic Deep Cleansing Balm and 3g OMG Serum.

I was also tempted by (but didn't) an email offer from Naturisimo which was a free sample pack with any with purchase and included samples from: Spiezia, John Masters Organics, Inlight, Estelle & Thild and Patyka. Sign up for Beauty Alerts at the bottom of the main webpage.

I'm finding the spending ban fairly easy but I know there are going to be lots and lots of wants in the run up to Christmas! If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

My Top 10: 2014

Here are my top ten beauty products this year. You can see my top 10 from 2013 here. I found it fairly easy to select as these are all products I already buy again and again or will do in the future.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel 250ml - I first received this shower gel as a PR sample but loved it so much I buy it again and again. I just love the slightly exotic and fruity scent.  See my review here*.

Lucy's Lotions Vitamin E & Grapefruit Rejuvenating Night Oil 100ml - this light and easily absorbed oil nourishes the skin. It smells of uplifting grapefruit. See my review here.

RMS Beauty 'Un' Powder 9g - I'm now on my second pot of this wonder powder. It absorbs any oil on the skin leaving it matte and flawless. I'll always have it in my stash!

Laboratory Perfumes Gorse EDT 100ml - a winner hands down for me this year i.e. my favourite scent. Love it's coconutty fresh scent. It smells different on every wearer.  See my review here.

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean sample pot - I received this in a YOU Beauty Discovery box and can quite honestly say its the best cleanser I've used this year. Super minty it cleans away every last trace of make up and daily grime leaving the skin feel clean and nourished. It featured in Lately I've been Loving last month - see here.

Yarok Feed your Moisture Masque 4oz* - quite probably the best deep conditioning hair treatment I've ever used! it leaves the hair glossy and silky smooth. See my review here.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - I buy the 100g pouches again and again to top up my chic black pot. These salts just work. They also featured in my top ten last year too!  See my review here.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - a rich and lush body oil which smells divine. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Daily Moisturiser 50ml* - a real luxe product. This heavenly scented and easily absorbed moisturiser is my favourite moisturiser this year. The cleanser and toner are pretty special too.  See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml - simply love this zesty scented nourishing serum.  This is my second one! See my review here*.

What's been your favourite product(s) this year?

*PR samples

Natural & Organic Make-Up

I've got a huge stash of make up but not much of it is natural and organic. 

I know I want to try an ILIA Lipstick and some more from rms beauty.

And onto my (very small) collection...

Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid - love to use this at weekends for very light coverage. Love the grassy type scent it has too!

rms beauty "un" cover up and "un" powder - these are both staples I use everyday. Expensive but worth it.

bite beauty deconstructed rose lip glosses - my most favourite lip glosses ever! I love the range of shades which give a glossy pop of colour and they are scented with rose. Love.

Neals Yard Remedies Lip Gloss in Goji Berry - this came as a magazine freebie. Glossy sheer colour which is super moisturising.

Medusa Lipstick in Baroque* - a vegan lipstick in a really pretty shade. This came in February's Vegan Cuts box.

Xenca Perfection Lipstick in Spice* - long lasting moisturising colour - see my review here.

PHB Ethical Beauty Lip Pencil in Nude - this came in April's Souk Souk box and works well with the lipstick above.

Lily Lolo English Rose Lip Gloss*, Miami Taupe Mineral Eyeshadow* (review) and Romantic Rose Lipstick. All really wearable shades.

BWC Natural Mineral Eye Pencil in Brown - my main colour choice for eyeliner.

Modern Minerals Eyeshadow in Vixen* - this is a brown with golden shimmer.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink - this is always in my stash as I love its natural shade.

What do you suggest I add to my collection?

*PR samples

Shopping my Stash #54

Here's what I've been enjoying using lately - rms beauty 'un' Cover Up a really great under eye concealer.  It can also be used as a light foundation. It is expensive but worth it!  John Frieda Full Repair Flyaway Tamer Smoothing Wand which is one of these products I wonder how I managed without! Perfect for smoothing frizzy bits of hair for a sleek and polished look. Diptyque Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll on this is one of my all time favourite scents. With fig and green notes it just conjours up summer for me.  butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil a super moisturising oil which smells of pineapple and coconut and suntan lotion. It deeply nourishes nails and cuticles. And finally, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm which gives the lips a beautiful and nourishing sheer pop of colour.  What have you been reaching for lately?

Spending Ban - Update 3

My last update was in March - see here. 

I've kind of gone off the rails in April! I bought some goodies from Cult Beauty and received an amazing GWP - see here - it was worth it as I've loved trying out the product from the gift and so nice to have some new things to try. 

I also picked up (still to arrive) some Latest in Beauty luxury samples including my favourite Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts (a steal at £4 for 100g).  My final splurge this month was Love Lula Win-Win Selection Box (again waiting for it to arrive).  I did have some birthday money so not feeling too...guilty.

Onto my wants:

If you are on a spending ban how's it going?