Amarya - April

Included in the Amarya Beauty Box this month is a full size 100% Argan Oil by Simply Argan worth £21!  It can be used on your hair, skin, body, nails and in the bath - a truly multi-purpose product.  It even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity!  I am looking forward to trying this product out.  A review will follow.  Check out their website here.

Also included are two sachet samples - Evolve Protein Build Conditioner for Dry/Damaged hair (7ml) and a 2ml Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Eye Cream.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts on what's included this month?

I won a giveaway!

I was so excited to learn I had won Beauty Boudoir's Giveaway recently.  My prize arrived this morning!  

Included in the gift set -

Lacoste Touch of Pink EDT 50ml

Shower Gel 50ml

Body Lotion 50ml

It's a lovely light, sweet and fruity scent ideal for spring & summer.

With top notes of orange, coriander and cardamom, heart notes of jasmine, violet leaves and carrot seed oil and base notes of sandalwood, musk and vanilla.  It’s gorgeous!  

Thank you so much Beauty Boudoir! x

Online Organic Beauty Shops

The three online organic shops I use are Love Lula, Naturisimo and Amarya.

Love Lula lets you collect points per spend enabling you to save up for a product you want for free!  They also offer a choice of up to 3 free sachet samples (subject to availability).  For a 5% discount use code BB12.  They now offer supersaver free delivery which takes 5-8 days to arrive.  If you need your delivery sooner you can pay £3 for arrival in 1-3 days.

Naturisimo offers up to 5 samples per order (some are free and some you have to pay for).  They also offer free gifts with purchase and free postage.  If you sign up to their newsletter they will send offers to you by email.

Amarya a site I heard of via a Natural Health magazine offer.  I signed up to the monthly beauty box (in September I subbed for the year for £100 plus I received a free Santaverde gift set worth £56).  I have used this site to buy a moisturiser which featured in one of the boxes with 15% off.  They offer free postage but no samples with order.

Can you suggest any other organic UK beauty sites I can look at?

COMO Shambhala Invigorate Shower Gel & Lotion

This gift set was one of the lovely birthday gifts I received yesterday.  I discovered this fab brand via a swap on Beauty Box Swaps (and I've got more of the 50ml ones coming to me!)

Scented with essential oils of eucalyptus, geranium, Lavender & Peppermint.  Free from parabens, petrochemicals, artificial colours & fragrance & sodium lauryl sulphate.  The scent is gorgeous.  I'll be checking out other products in the range.

You can read more about the company here.  My next want is to visit the COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali - hey I can dream! x

It's my birthday!

Sorry for the late post - it's my birthday today!  I thought I'd share some pics from my day.

I received some amazing presents - hubby had ordered online at Jo Malone and I received a beautiful gift set - unfortunately the Red Roses candle had smashed in transit - I was so sad - fortunately they are sending a replacement.  The bath oil and body creme are so lush.  I got freebies too - a mini nectarine blossom and honey shower gel and two sample vials - White Jasmine & Mint and Amber & Lavender.

My Cult Beauty goodies I received from my mum & dad - COMO Shambhala shower gel and lotion - discovered these beauties in a swap.  Adore.  Moroccanoil Travel Kit - I'd had my eye on this - only disappointment I was expecting it to contain an intense hydrating mask rather than a hairspray.

I took the day off work and we went for lunch to The Honours which was lovely.  They do a very reasonable set menu at £17.50 for three courses - Tuesday-Friday (and we had wine!)

I've had a lovely day!

Bliss Diamancel Classic Big Buffer - Diamond Foot File

I bought this big buffer foot file a while ago in a gift set with socks and foot cream.  Expensive but it really does slough away hard skin leaving feet soft and smooth.

Bliss say "nickel-coated flexible fiberglass files, electroplated with industrial grade diamond chips, so they rarely (if ever) wear out.  The Diamancel Classic Big Buffer is a gem of a sole-smoother which effortlessly buffs away scratchy skin".

Use on dry feet before shower/bathing.  Bliss recommend using in conjunction with Bliss Softening Socks and Bliss Foot Control.  

I use with cotton socks and whatever foot cream I'm currently using - either Liz Earle or my new Soap & Glory one I got from one of my bunny boxes.  

Retails at (ouch) £39.90 but it really does last and last (I've had mine a good few years now) and it leaves feet feeling brand new!

Surrender to Chance - Perfume Sampling

Surrender to Chance is a new US based Perfume Sampling Service.

It is run by Patty and Lisa who formerly ran the Perfumed Court with Diane.  Diane is still running the Perfumed Court and Patty and Lisa left to set up Surrender to Chance. I have bought several times from the Perfumed Court.

Its a great way to try perfumes before you buy a bottle - you can see whether your really like a scent before buying full size - sample vials range in size and price from half a ml upwards.  The choice of scents is huge! I am going to get Chanel Beige EDT - one I've been lusting over for a while!

They also have a Facebook page you can check out here.

Until 9th April they are offering 15% off using code honeybadgersaysopen (hey that's tomorrow!)

Another company which offers a sampling service is Les Senteurs which is based in London.  If you go to the shop in person they will give you free samples.  You can read more about the sampling service here.


I have also used Lucky Scent another US based company.  They also offer the sampling service although shipping can be a bit pricey.  They also have some amazing gift sets for sale.


Have you tried the sampling service?


p.s. I've just ordered Chanel Beige 3ml spray (including shipping) cost £8.28.  A bottle costs £100 for 75ml.

Origins Ginger

I received this Origins Ginger Gift set at Christmas.  I always hint for a set as I love the scent and the products - usually I am lucky!

I used a couple of the small ones recently.  Included in the set is 3 x 50ml Travel Size, 2 x 100ml and 1 x 200ml.

Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash - 50ml/100ml - a rich gel scented with ginger, lemon, lime and bergamot - a very uplifting scent.

Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub - 50ml/100ml - with sea salts, ginger scent, macademia, soyabean, kuki nut and sweet almond oil. Smells amazing and works well.  Its gritty enough without being too harsh.

Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream - 50ml/200ml - light and fluffy and super moisturising, leaving your skin delicately scented.

Also comes with a small see through wash bag (ideal for flights/holidays).  Do you use any Origins products?

Beautylishious - April

Harriette, from Beautylishious put a message on Beauty Box Swaps on Facebook asking for a blogger to review her beauty bag (free of charge).  I was the very lucky blogger she chose to review the April bag.

The beauty samples are presented in a beautiful pink cotton bag tied with pink ribbon.  A little "made with love" silver heart is attached to the front.  The beauty samples are tucked inside wrapped in leopard print tissue which is also tied with ribbon - a really nice touch.

You receive 4-5 samples for £12 including postage.  Expect homemade, boutique, organic and branded products.  From May you can find out what will be included in the bag if you fill in the contact form found here or message Beautylishious on Facebook.  I like the surprise element!

The beauty of the Beautylishious bag is that you are not tied to a subscription, you can come as you go as you please month by month.  Harriette makes 20 bags so its on a first come, first served basis.

Payment (by Paypal) for the May box opened on 6th April for despatch on 2nd May, for the June box payment opens on the 7th May for dispatch on 1st June.  You can see all payment and dispatch dates here.

Onto the contents:


A mini pot and 2g sachet (and information leaflet) of STEAMCREAM. This cream is the latest "must have" as it can be used all over the body making it a great product for holidays/gym.  I received this in my Carmine box previously.  This little pot is going in my desk drawer.


A mini pot of Crush Chocolate Body Buff - a natural sugar scrub which smells delicious.  The grains are quite scrubby which I like and the product is very moisturising due to the oils it contains. Definitely one I'd purchase full size.


A trial size of Lancome L'Absolu Rouge lipstick in shade 65, a brownish toned lipstick.  Feels really moisturising on the lips.


Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine...to Perfection Gloss Cloth - single use.  Gives dry hair a glossy shine and can also be used between washes.


Finally, three plastic pouches containing mineral eyeshadow/bronzer in brown tones from Willow Tree Minerals.  Shades include Autumn Leaves shadow, Sahara Shadow/Bronzer and Mulberry Cider Shadow.  I'm looking forward to try these out as they are lovely shades and from a company I've never heard of before.


My verdict?  A nice selection of product samples.  I especially love trying products from brands I haven't heard of before.  I will be re-using the cute bag for presents or to store cosmetics.


For more info:
http://beautylishious.co.uk/
Beautylishious - Facebook

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

Red magazine - free Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish 30ml & Muslin Cloth

Red Magazine are giving away a free Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml and a muslin cloth worth £5.50 with May's edition.  A total must have!

Beauty Box Swaps - Private Sale

One of the Beauty Box Swaps girls interested me in a job lot buy.  I got these items for £20 plus P&P.


You already know I love Bamford products!  

The Molton Brown bath & shower gel is in one of my favourite scents.

My new favourite shower gel is COMO Shambhala Invigorating Shower Gel.

2 x 50ml Bamford Body Wash

1 x 50ml Bamford Body Lotion

1 x 30ml Bamford Bath Oil

1 x 50ml Molton Brown Vit AB+C Bath/Shower Gel


1 x 100ml Molton Brown Vit AB+C Bath/Shower Gel

1 x 50ml Como Shambhala Shower Gel

Do you use any of these products?

Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner

I'd never heard of this brand until I received a 10ml sachet in my Cult Beauty free gift.

Amanda George & Neil Weisberg opened the Neil George Salon in Beverley Hills in 2005.  They are both English and went to the states in the early 90s and met while working at Chris McMillan Salon in LA.

The products contain Indian Gooseberry extract which makes the product smell amazing!  A rich cream which you apply to damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse.

My hair looked really healthy after using this.  Soft, smooth, nourished and static free.  Retails at £19 for 215ml.  I got three uses out of my sachet.  It is definitely being added to my ever-expanding wishlist.  Also in the range is Intense Illuminating Shampoo which retails at £18 for 215ml, Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil, which retails at £32 for 118ml and Pure Shot Intense Treatment Spray, which retails at £41 for 15ml.

I just need to use up this little lot first....

One Lovely Blog Award

I was really thrilled to be awarded a One Lovely Blog Award by Beccy at Beautybeelondon please check out her fab blog! x

In honour of this award, I share seven facts about me -

1. I would love to go back to Tuscany, went on holiday there a couple of years ago, just loved it - scenery, weather, places we visited, the food and wine, and the people (& the beauty shopping in Florence).

2. My favourite cake/biscuit is macarons.

3. I know its bad for you but I love having a suntan.

4. I can't get moving in the morning until I've had a coffee, a latte (with skimmed milk).

5. My favourite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

6. I really want to shop at Sephora sometime soon.

7. My favourite drink is Champagne (or G&T).

Now for seven other lovely blogs:

Cara's Beauty Blog

Beauty Fiend

Cherry Lane

Em's Mixed Bag

Just Jess

loveletters and snippets

Thrifty Girl Loves

Beauty Box Swaps Easter Bunny Swap

Beauty Box Swaps arranges secret beauty swaps - we had a Christmas one and a Valentines one and now there is an Easter Bunny swap - only difference is you got to choose your bunny!  I have arranged two swaps with a budget of £10 (I went a bit over) - here is a small peek at my boxes before I wrapped them up for postage.

Easter Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations!

to

Toria at Powdered Almond who is the winner of my Easter Giveaway - make sure you check out her fab blog! x

Latest in Beauty - YOU Anti-Ageing Discovery Box

The Latest in Beauty YOU magazine Anti-Ageing Discovery box is just fabulous!  Costing just £8.95 plus P&P.

Included is:

L'Occitane Divine Cream 3ml - a Beauty Bible Award Winner.  I'm not keen on the scent of this one so have arranged a swap.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift & Sculpt Skin Plumping Serum 10ml - have used this before, a fab product in a great range.

This Works Enjoy Multi-Tasking Lotion 30ml - love the This Works range and this smells divine - with rose and geranium.  Can be used on body and face.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml - only tried the cleansing balm from this range so looking forward to using this one.

Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator 15ml - from a brand I've heard of but never tried any products from.  I've started using this in conjunction with the Face Finishing Moisturiser luxury sample I got from the Cult Beauty freebie.

Decleor Aroma Cleanse Hydra-radiance Smoothing & Cleansing Mousse 15ml - I am testing this full size product for Beauty Bible - its fantastic!  This will be a great size for holidays/weekends away.

Fushi Organic Anti-Wrinkle Lip Balm 10ml - really nice product, spa like and orange scented. Love it!  You can read more about it and other products in the range here.

CosmetoFruit Face Anti-Ageing Defence 30ml - tried this previously, will probably give this one a go too.

Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

March Favourites

These are my March favourites - a new post for me.

Benefit the POREfessional - an amazing product, especially for afternoon shine.  I kept reading great reviews on this product and now I know why!  This is always going to be in my make up bag.  A bit pricey but so worth it.

Clarins Eau de Jardins  - a treatment fragrance, fresh and uplifting and great for spring.

Revlon Lip Butter - shade 050 Berry Smoothie - I am so in love with this, great colour and it is super moisturising.  Definitely going to check out some other shades.

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser - mentioned this lip balm here.  Love the peachy scent and glossy finish.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand & Nail Cream - my new favourite hand cream.  Moisturises dry hands and has a spa like scent.

What are your favourites?

Cult Beauty Website

I ordered a couple of things from Cult Beauty (items will be revealed shortly - I am getting them from my mum & dad for my birthday so they are staying wrapped up until then.  I've hidden them away so I'm not tempted to unwrap! - the parcels being wrapped was such a nice touch - wasn't expecting that)  Cult  Beauty are offering a free beauty gift if you spent £60 so it was perfect timing!  You also get to chose 3 sachet samples with your order. Brilliant service, would definitely buy from this company again.

In the gift contains:

15ml BECCA Resurfacing Primer

15ml Alpha H Rejuvenating Cream

10ml TIME face cream 

15ml Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser

Seche Vite Top Coat mini

50ml Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter

5ml Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask

10ml sachet Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner for dry/coloured hair

1ml sachet Collin Regenerating Collagen Gel

sachet E-Boost Daily Health Booster

3ml sachet Egyptian Magic All purpose skin cream

Really excited to try these product out.  I am especially keen to try the Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask after reading an amazing review on Jude's blog.   Have you tried any of these products?

My free samples -

1ml Jouer Illuminating Moisture Tint

1ml Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner

3ml Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Have you bought anything from Cult Beauty?

Easy Living Rituals Freebie

Just noticed that Easy Living Magazine have a fab offer next month - available from 3rd May. I think I might be tempted to get both!