Acqua di Parma Acqua Nobile Gelsomino EDT Roll on 7.5ml

Harper's Bazaar magazine usually have good offers for subscribers.  This month I got my hands on a free 7.5ml EDT roll on of Acqua di Parma's Gelsomino fragrance.  This is a jasmine based scent and is simply gorgeous - just perfect for Spring and Summer.  A light and fresh floral fragrance.

With notes of Jasmine, Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Neroli, Petigrain and a hint of Musk.  The perfume was inspired by a garden filled with morning dew.

The other two scents in the range are Acqua Nobile Magnolia which takes its inspiration from the smell of magnolia flowers at daybreak.  It contains White Flowers, Bergamot, Mandarin, Cedar, Lemon, Neroli, Musk, Patchouli and Vanilla. Acqua Nobile Iris (I've got a mini roll on of this) contains Iris, Violet, Neroli, Orange Blossom, Musk and Vanilla and was inspired by the air in a sun drenched garden.

125ml retails at £85

Have you used this scent or any of the others in the range?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - April 2013

I received my Amarya beauty box this morning and I am pleased with the contents.  I have used the John Masters products before and am familiar with  the brand Essential Care (I love their creamy coconut cleanser & rose moisturiser).  You can see my review of the cleanser here.

Onto the contents -

Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo 30ml (£3.50) - "the first ever shampoo to be certified to Soil Association standards, this lightweight, delicately scented shampoo is ideal for those with dry and irritated scalps to soothe and nourish". Suitable for all hair types - looking forward to trying this out.

Essential Care Organic Avocado Replenishing Cream 15ml (£7.50) - "Organic avocados have been combined with olives and shea butter to create a wonderfully nourishing face cream".  This is suitable for dry/mature skin or if you spend time outdoors on a cold day.  I've received this before in an Amarya box and liked it.  (My favourite Essential Care Moisturiser is Rose Moisturiser) but happy to use this.

John Masters Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 30ml - used these two matching products before and really liked them so happy to see them in the box.  "A creamy and wonderfully scented body wash that creates a great lather whilst being sulphate free. Gentle enough for all skin types and safe to use on the face".

John Masters Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30ml - again used before.  "A perfect accompaniment to the body wash, this milk absorbs easily leaving you feeling silky smooth".  These are great for weekends away or try me sizes.

Blend Collective - this is a new brand for me and there are two 5ml samples included - Enlivening Hand & Body Lotion (Sicilian Lemon, May Chang, Myrtle, Lime) and Unwinding Hand Cream (Sandalwood, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Neroli).  Looking forward to testing these out.

Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts on the contents of this month's box?

Beautylishious April Beauty Bag

I received my April Beautylishious Beauty Bag yesterday.  I was really looking forward to receiving Lola's Apothecary mini bath oils which came in Rose & Geranium and Eucalyptus & Mint and a mini pot of Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Polish (mine had leaked a bit and seems to be more oil than scrub) but nonetheless I'll enjoying trying it out - as it smells gorgeous.

The other items in the bag are Neutrogena Multi-Defence Moisturiser 50ml - this is full size and suitable for normal/combination skin.  This retails at £7.99 and two sachets of Australian Bush Flower Essence both 3ml - Intensive Hand Cream and Face Wash.

The bags themselves have changed from hot pink organza and leopard print tissue to floral tissue and cellophane wrapped with a bit of pink raffia and the little hand made with love heart - which is a nice touch.

Harriette is doing two more bags in June & July before she has a break to spend time with her new baby.  You can see the shop here.

Follow on Twitter @HBeautylishious 

Did you get the bag?  What are your thoughts?

A Haul

I've been busy doing online shopping since my spending ban came to an end.  Here's what I've been buying.  Full reviews will follow.

Just Be Botanicals Just Be Tranquil Botanical Blend (40g - £4.80) - A soothing tea which is a blend of Chamomile Flowers and Lavender.

Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil - I'm hugely into body oils at the moment and am enjoying using this light blend made with coconut oil, petigrain, Helichrysum and Ylang Ylang. (30ml - £9.95)

I received a beautifully wrapped order from Bloom Remedies, an organic skincare company based in Cornwall.  

Nourishing Organic Body Oil for dry skin (50ml - £7.99) - with organic Avocado, organic Wheatgerm and organic Evening Primrose oils scented with Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender and Neroli organic essential oils.  Really enjoying using this.

Sleep-Easy Organic Bath Oil (50ml - £6.99) - great if you suffer from sleepless nights.  With Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Vetivert, Sweet Marjoram and Lavender.  A delicious blend - again enjoying using this.

Two tote bags from Totes Amazed aren't they cute!  Now debating whether to keep or gift as originally planned! They were both £8.

Laidbare Butter Me Up Body Butter (250ml - £9.99) - I first spotted this on Evelyn's blog We were Raised by Wolves - she's mentioned it a few times on her blog.  You can see her review of it here.  Looking forward to using it.

Organic Burst Baobab (70g - £8.29) - boosts the immune system, promotes healthy digestion and revitalises your metabolism.  I feel like I could do with a boost - to use dissolve 2 tsp in water, juice or smoothie (don't use fizzy water like I did first time round - it bubbled up over the top of the glass!).  Review will follow.

Bee Fruitful Rose & Lavender Soap with Beeswax (70g - £2.50), Peppermint Lotion Bar - looks like a bar of chocolate! (40g - £2.50) and a cute little candle (50g - £2.50).  They also sent me additional free goodies to try - bath bombs, a mandarin lip balm and an intensive hand balm (which will be great to use after gardening).  All came presented in a cute little basket.

Full reviews will follow.  Have you tried any of these products before?

Spending Ban - My Wants

My Spending Ban came to an end this week but I thought I'd look over what I'd been "Wanting" over the 11 weeks and see what I think I may buy...

Week 1
Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set £40
Robert Piguet Blossom EDP 100ml £130
Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner 250mls - £12.50 each
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath £31
REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream 300ml £17
Temple Spa Body Truffle 150ml £60

I'll buy at some point: Therapie Roques O'Neil Discover Me Set, Trilogy Smooth & Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner and REN Citrus Limonum Prebiotic Hand Cream.

Week 2
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint £15 for 4
Jimmy Choo Flash EDP (tried this but didn't like it)
Nourish Radiance Body Treats Set £39.50
Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil £19.50
Alpha H Best of Alpha H WIMH 
Instructions for a Heatwave - Maggie O'Farrell

I'll buy at some point: Alpha H Liquid Gold and maybe Jouer Luminzing Moisture Tint.  I'll definitely pick up the Maggie O'Farrell book.

Week 3
RMS BeautyLip2Cheek Smile £28
The Organic Pharmacy Rose Balm (Grace at All that Slap sent me this and I love it!)
Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub 260g £36
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler £20
Badger Yoga & Meditation Balm 28g £6.09
Tara Smith Shampoo & Conditioner - picked a trial set up in my M&S haul

I'll buy at some point: Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Week 4
Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser 50ml £37.50
Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Essence 10ml £16.50 - I was sent this to review - see my post here.
Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 200ml £21.95
Weleda Citrus Refreshing Milk Bath 200ml £9.50

I'll buy at some point: Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser and both the Weleda products.

Week 5
Undergreen Pink EDP 100ml £120
OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 60ml £28.99
Jo Loves Orange Tulle 30ml £45
Jo Loves Lemongrass, Amber, Tiare Flower Candle £75
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 30ml £26.50
OV Naturals Petal Soft Skin Rose Hamper £35

I'll buy at some point: OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser.  See my review here.  I'd also love the Hamper.  I've got a few of the Trilogy mini oils to use up.  I'll probably buy it again in the future though.

Week 6
Saaf Face & Body Kit £26.99
YSL Touche Eclat Foundation £29 - I got colour matched for this recently and love it!
Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP
Clinique All about Lips
Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

I'll buy at some point: YSL Touche Eclat Foundation - simply love this!  I'll maybe pick up the Dr Perricone MD no concealer concealer

Week 7
Prada Candy L'Eau EDT £50 for 50ml
Lancome Genitique Yeux Light Pearl £44
Creme de la Mer The Moisturising Lotion 50ml £160

I'll buy at some point: Nothing! I'd like the original Prada Candy again.

Week 8
Korres Watermelon Body Scrub 150ml £9.60 - I picked this up recently it's gorgeous - review to follow.
Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask £58
Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash & Body Lotion
Diptyque Roses Candle £40
Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection £40
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish 330ml £32

I'll buy at some point: Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection and maybe REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

Week 9
Chantecaille Frangipani EDP 75ml £150
Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser 240ml £20
Miller Harris La Fumee Incense £30
Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme 178ml £110
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 110ml £30
Serge Lutens Sa Majeste La Rose EDP 50ml £69

I'll buy at some point:  I'd love the Chantecaille Frangipani EDP but I'll definitely buy the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil as its my favourite.

Week 10
Willow Organic Relaxation Box - £25
By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum - £75
Serena Linley Iris & Jasmine Bath Essence - 15ml £15
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder - £33
Giorgio Armani Rose D'Arabie EDP 100ml £190
Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Perfumed Soaps £40
Stila Colour Balm Lipstick £16

I'll buy at some point: Willow Organic Relaxation Box, Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Pressed Powder and Stila Colour Balm Lipstick.

Week 11
Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts 454g £29 - mini review here.
Botanicals Foot Balm £14.95
Beaute Chinoise Yin No.4 Facial Oil 10ml £35
Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist £20

I'll buy at some point: All of them!

I'll keep using my paperblanks* journal to record any wants.

So out of a total of 59 wants I'll definitely think about purchasing 26.

And I'm going to do a mini spending ban for the month of May - I'll update you at the end of May as to how I have done.



*complimentary sample

Spa in the City Event - Edinburgh 4th & 5th May 2013

source

Spa in the City returns for the sixth year running and is held on 4th & 5th of May in St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh.  The theme this year is "Fresh as a Daisy".

John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Jenners, Boots, Debenhams and the Roxburghe Hotel all have marquees and other beauty retailers present will be Superdrug, Lush Spa, Molton Brown and Kiehl's.

Treatments are free and are allocated on a first come first served basis.  The registration desk is open 9.30am-4pm both days.  There will be some pre-booking available through the facebook page (www.facebook.com/edsitc).

Brands include Shu Uemura from Harvey Nichols, Liz Earle from John Lewis and Clarins from Jenners.  Music will be provided by Jazz Band, Swing Supreme.

The event is organised and funded by Essential Edinburgh, the City's Central Business Improvement District.  Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said "we are delighted to be bringing Spa in the City back once again for its sixth year.  This has proved to be a really popular event with beauty lovers in Edinburgh.  This year the move to have major retailers hosting their own marquee shows just how far this event has come and how important it has become in the Edinburgh retail calendar".

See the Facebook page here.

Follow on Twitter @EdinSpa 

Find out more about Essential Edinburgh here.

Lanolips Triple Buttermilk Body Balm 170ml

I was recently sent Lanolips Triple Buttermilk Body Balm* (170ml - £13.99) to review.

I'm already a huge fan of Lanolips 101 Ointment and you can see my mini review here.  

A rich balm for use on very dry skin.  I've been using it on my legs mainly and my feet.  The cream keeps them moisturised all day long.

Contains a triple concentration of Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin, milk extracts and Vitamin E.

The thick balm is easy to massage into the skin concentrating on dry areas.  Leaves the skin super moisturised and soft.  My only negative is I'm not really keen on the scent (so I've been avoiding using it on my upper body) but I do love the balm's moisturising properties.

To use: Apply to dry skin, gently massaging onto the skin's surface and allow to settle.  Skin will remain hydrated and soft for hours.

You can buy online from Boots, Victoria Health or Zuneta. You can also buy some of the range in Boots.

Have you used this product before?   

*PR sample

Harper's Bazaar June issue - Freebie - REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream 50ml

As a subscriber to Harper's Bazaar magazine I get my issue before it hits the shops.  Imagine my delight when I found out next month (June issue - on sale 1 May) they are giving away a free REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream 50ml worth £7.  I simply love the REN Rose Otto range so I'll be snapping this up!

Beauté Chinoise: Beauty Tea & Yin No.1 Face Oil

I came across Beaute Chinoise on Twitter - and I am so glad I did!  

Beauté Chinoise Founder Maggie Brown is a registered Acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council.  She has had specialist training in Facial Acupuncture in New York and London and offers treatments at the Garry Trainer Clinic in Notting Hill, London.   Please see her website for further details (link).

Maggie uses prescriptive face oils, body oils and tea with her clients.  They were a huge success and she asked the skincare expert who had formulated the products for use in her practice to create a small collection which she could sell in person and on her website.

The Yin Collection and The Yang Collection  are all made to balance the skin in accordance with the principals of Chinese Medicine.

I ordered Beauty Tea - the Yin (£16) - "In the ancient Chinese dynasties the ritual preparation of tea was as important as the tea itself, inducing calmness and serenity".

The tea, blended by Master Tea Blender, Tim d'Offay, is a "delicate Oolong infused with Rose, is Yin in quality - cooling and moistening thus encouraging balance".

To brew: place four precious black Oolong pearls into a cup, add hot water and watch the pearls unfold.

The tea is green, light, pale, delicate and perfect for relaxation.  Simply but stylishly presented in a small labelled jar, tied with ribbon and an information card - such a joy to open!

Maggie very kindly put in a sample Yin No.1 Facial Oil in for me to try - "the ancient Chinese sages searched for perfect balance in mind, body and spirit and created a method of measuring this balance. Yin and Yan. Beauté Chinoise has drawn from their wisdom and created a range of precious face oils".

Scented with rose, neroli, sandalwood and patchouli - its simply gorgeous!  

To use: every evening after cleansing.  Apply a couple of drops to the fingertips and apply to face and neck.  (10ml - £33).  Definitely one I'm adding to my wishlist (although I have Yin No.4 on my week #11 wishlist).

Other facial oils available are -

Yin No.4 Facial Oil - a meditative blend for comforting and restoring balance while you sleep.  With rose, neroli, mandarine, lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile and geranium.  Calms the mind, body and spirit.

Yang No.4 Facial Oil - protects, nourishes and firms the skin. Jasmine is yang in nature. With jasmine, rose, sandalwood and geranium. Helps stimulate cell regeneration. Uplifting to the senses.

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @beautechinoise 

Shopping My Stash #11

As you'll know I've finished my spending ban but I have really enjoyed Shopping my Stash so I'm going to continue to do this weekly.

Here what I've been using this week -

Diptyque Eau Rose Roll On 20ml - a beautiful rose scent.  See my review here.

Tara Smith Feed the Root Shampoo 50ml & Conditioner 50ml - these products smell of mint chocolates.  I picked them up in my recent M&S haul. I've been using them the last few days and enjoying them.  Review to follow.

Korres Watermelon Body Scrub 150ml - smells just like watermelon with a nice gritty-ness.  I first saw a review of this on Cosmetic Cravings.  Gorgeous! A review will follow.

Oh! Organics Rose Toner 50ml* - this is a lovely toner scented with rose.  A full review to follow.

Saaf Pure Face Cleanser Sample* - I was sent this and a couple of other samples to review.  A really lovely cleansing balm scented with lavender, geranium and grapefruit peel oil.  A review to follow.

RODIN Olio Lusso Lip Balm 5g - this was an impulse buy, a gorgeous lip balm.  Read my review here.

H20+ Deep Sleep Recovery Cream 5ml - received this sample free recently from M&S.  Seems a really nice cream with a gel like texture.

Have you used any of these products?

*complimentary sent for review

I won! : Ramblings of a Beauty Bird's Giveaway

I was really pleased and excited to win a prize in Sasha's recent giveaway.  You can see her fab blog Ramblings of a Beauty Bird here.  She and Alessia both ran giveaways with products which were in the Bristol Beauty Bloggers Meet up goody bags.

Here's what I won:

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Hand and Nail Cream 100ml - I am a huge fan of Dr Organic.  Not tried the coconut range yet (love coconut scents) so really looking forward to trying this.  It smells yummy.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream 50ml - Again, I've not tried this particular scent or in fact any of the Dr Organic skincare range.

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Night Cream 50ml - really happy to try this delicious smelling night cream.

Aromatherapy Gold Aroma Squeeze Me Stress Ball in Lavender and Bergamot - I'll be putting this in my desk drawer for times of stress! Love that it comes in its own wee tin.

Avene Cleanance Masque Sample 10ml - I've not used a lot of Avene products but love masks so keen to try it.

La Roche-Posay Lipid Replenishing Body Balm Sample 15ml - again not used a lot from this brand so looking forward to trying it out.

Blinc Mascara and Eyeliner Minis - these look fab. I'm really looking forward to trying them and handy size to slip into my bag on a night out.

Dr Hauschka Hand Cream Sachet 2.5ml - love hand cream.

Thanks so much Sasha I absolutely love my prize and I'm looking forward to trying everything out.

Follow Ramblings of a Beauty Bird here.

Follow on Twitter @beauty__bird

Spending Ban - Update 11

Uh-oh my spending ban went completely off the rails in week 11 and I think it's now time to end it.  Ahhh...  I lasted 70 odd days with a few splurges - a lot less than I'd normally be treating myself to though.

I've been enjoying shopping my stash every week - so I'm going to keep doing this.  Here is what I bought during the spending ban period -

In Style Magazine for the beauty supplement in Week 3.

Sweet Cecily's Rose Body Butter and Mojito Lip Balm.  See my review here.  I bought these in Week 4.

In Week 6 I bought the Caudalie Set from Latest in Beauty and two Remedy..for organic body butter bars and an April Beautylishious bag (which I've still to receive).

See my review of the Remedy...for Organic Body Butters here.

In Week 7 I bought Good Housekeeping magazine which were giving away a free Balance Me Hand Cream and Marie Claire magazine which were giving away a Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream.  These are both worth £10.

In Week 8 I bought a copy of Psychologies magazine.

Week 9 saw me really caving when I bought Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and the LIB Organic & Natural Box.  You can see my reviews here and here.

In Week 10 I bought Botanicals Anti-Age Hand & Nail Serum and two try-me size pots of cleanser and foot balm (you can get the try me sizes for free just paying p&p).  Reviews to follow.  I also bought a April SoukSouk little green beauty box.

Finally Week 11, I bought Beaute Chinoise Beauty Tea - a Oolong infused with organic rose.  It sounds simply delicious.  Still to receive this.  I'll be doing a mini review on it and of course my M&S and Boots haul.  

I'm quite relieved to have ended my Spending Ban.  It was an interesting experiment and I know I buy too many beauty products.  I'll do a post later this week listing my "Wants" from the 11 weeks - and letting you know which ones I'm going to buy at some point. 

How is your Spending Ban coming along?

M&S Beauty Hall (and a haul)

I met my friend Julie on Friday for a meet up and a look at the shops. Imagine my absolute excitement and delight when I found out that at the shopping centre where we were meeting there was an M&S Beauty Hall.

There were lots of offers of gift with purchase and there was also a special of 20% off (28 March - 2 April). We also got some samples.

2 x Formula Skin Care Treatment Oil, 8ml H20 Deep Sleep Recovery Cream, 4ml sachet NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, 10ml sachet Apivita Propoline Women's Tonic Shampoo, 1ml sachet Apivita Natural Serum, 1.5ml vial Les Senteurs Gourmandes Musc Blanc EDP and 2ml vial Chantal Thomas EDP.

I did buy a few things too (oops Spending Ban fail again - more about that tomorrow!)

Tara Smith Feed the Root Trial size kit - containing - 50ml Shampoo, 50ml Conditioner and 20ml base coat serum.  I've been wanting to try this vegan range for a while.  The set cost £12.50.

Cowley Manor Awaken Soap 200g - a luxury soap scented with lemon myrtle, bergamot, willow and rosemary.  I just love bar soaps so looking forward to using it.

Apivita Pink Clay Mask 2 x 8ml sachets - love face masks and was keen to try another variety from Apivita.

I could quite easily have gone mad - the selection was fantastic and the range of free gifts with purchase very good.  With 20% off my purchases totalled £15.20.

In Boots I got colour matched for the YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation.  I was matched to shade B40.  I also got two sachets of Forever Youth Liberator Serum.  I simply love the foundation.

The sales assistant touched up my make up and used Rouge Volupte Shine in shade 9 (Nude in Private).  I just loved the texture and glossy shine as well as the luxe packaging. She chose well - I just had to have it!

My final purchase (before we headed off for lunch & wine) was Sk:n Hand Cream 50ml - which was £5.33 with a third off.  I'd used a sachet of this before and had simply loved it.

Have you used any of these products?  What do you think of the M&S Beauty Hall?