Spending Ban: Update 3

Well...I failed spectacularly on my spending ban during the middle of last week! I was feeling a bit down (no excuse I know!) and splurged big style!  I'd looked at this little set before Christmas and was tempted to buy it at the Harvey Nichols Shopping Party...but resisted...until now!

I'm already a huge fan of Shay & Blue's Atropa Belladonna scent - see my review here.

The set also includes the delicious Salt Caramel which I can't stop wearing. It contains caramel, sea salt, tonka bean, Bourbon vanilla and sandalwood. It is sweet, delicious, cozy and makes me feel like I've come home! This is my new signature scent for sure (two people have asked me what perfume I'm wearing!) and I know I'll buy a full size when this one's finished.

Also in the set is Blood Oranges and Sicilian Limes two fresh and fruity scents. I've not really tried them much yet so further thoughts to follow.

The final scent in the set is Almond Cucumber which is perfect for Spring and Summer. Light and refreshing and quite unlike anything I've worn before.

And so, I'm going to continue my ban into February too after this enormous splurge (£65).

For once, I'm not wanting anything this week!  If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Organic Surge Replenishing Facial Oil

I was recently sent Organic Surge's Replenishing Face Oil (30ml - £23.50)* to review. This oil is part of the new Extra Care range.  You can see my review of the Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser here*.

The oil is enriched with Argan Oil, Yarrow Oil, Safflower Oil and scented with Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils. A super-lightweight oil (I initially thought it was too light for my skin - but upon using it regularly I was proved wrong!) which absorbs instantly and hydrates and rejuvenates the skin leaving it radiant and renewed.

Suitable for Normal-Dry, Sensitive and Mature skin types. It is 100% natural and 55% Organic and certified by EcoCert.

To use: apply a few drops after cleansing. It can also be used to add extra moisture to a face cream or mask.

I'm really impressed with the performance of this oil and it's one I'd buy.  Look out for my forthcoming review of Organic Surge's Hydrating Eye Cream*.

*PR sample

The Naked Skincare Company: Evening Relax Body Oil & Hydrating Skin Balm

I received these The Naked Skincare Company products in December's Souk Souk Beauty Box. I'm really impressed with both these products and I definitely want to try more from the brand! I received their Rose Water Toner in the Rose Hamper from Nardine but I've not cracked it open yet!

Stephanie along with her husband and children run the business from South Cumbria and their children inspired the range after Stephanie began making products for the family to use.

Products are natural, eco-friendly, free from chemicals and artificial ingredients and are beautiful! Packaging is recyclable and minimal.

Evening Relax Moisturising Body Oil (30ml) - Full size is 250ml (£25) - this oil is simply gorgeous! It is made with Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood Essential Oils and smells beautiful.  Packed full of nourishing oils such as Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernal and Vitamin E.  It is perfect to use just before bed to calm and relax. I know I'll be buying this again and again.

Orange & Frankincense Hydrating Skin Balm (30ml) - Full size is 100ml (£8.95) - this rich balm smells delicious! It deeply nourishes the skin and soothes and calms the mind.  It absorbs instantly and is great for elbows, knees, feet, hands and in fact all over the body! 

There is also a beautiful range of skincare, soaps, bath bombs, DIY Kits, Accessories and Candles.

Have you used any products from The Naked Skincare Company?

Shopping My Stash #61

Sorry for no blog post yesterday my laptop is sick! I'm taking it in for repair this morning first thing! Hubby let me borrow his for a while yesterday.

This week I've been reaching for..

Studio 10 Long Lasting Velvet Liquid Lips in Tearose - this full size came in a Cult Beauty GWP. This is demi-matt, long lasting, moisturising and not sticky! The shade is really pretty too and one I'd have picked.

Sunday Riley Start Over Active Eye Cream 10ml - this came in the same goody bag from Cult Beauty. I initially found it a bit drying around the eyes especially under the eye but on persevering with it I've found it is great for reducing dark circles and brightens the under eye area. It has more of a gel texture than a cream.

Onnen Organic Coconut Oil Glycerine Face Cleanser Unperfumed 100ml* - this is an unscented face cleanser which is hand made in small batches in Wales.  I usually favour scented face washes but this is really lovely to use and very gentle on the skin.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 400g - this is a staple for me as it just works. See my review here.  I always have these in my stash.

Salcura Hand Hydrator 75ml - this hand cream came in December's Love Lula Beauty Box. It is perfect for dry winter skin and I use it every night before bed.  It deeply nourishes the hands and nails and absorbs quickly.

Vinali Body Lotion 25ml - this came in January's Love Lula box. It was nice to see a new to me brand in the box. It is made with Organic Grape Extract. A light lotion which absorbs quickly and smells nice.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR sample

Rachel's Plan Bee: Body & Facial Oils

I spotted Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil over on Julie's blog and knew I had to have it! By the way do pop over to Julie's blog it's a great read and I always see products I want!

Rachel first created a lotion bar for her son before launching Rachel's Plan Bee. All products are made with natural oils, butters, beeswax, with gentle scents and absorb easily, nourish and soothe the skin.  Handcrafted in small batches with love.  Her son is "still the centrepiece of this endeavour: my very best product tester and certainly my biggest fan".

The products contain no parabens, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances, phthalates or gluten. Packaging is recyclable (and pretty!).

The Body Oil ($24 - 112ml) is one of the nicest I have ever used! It smells gorgeous and super nourishes the skin.  This is a product I want forever in my stash!  It contains Apricot Kernal Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil and is scented with a delicious blend of Vanilla and Orange Peel Oils.

Customers loved the scent of the face oil and asked Rachel to create a body version.

And this is so true! "will have you reaching for your bottle between bath times to remind you of life's simple pleasures".

To use: shake the bottle and massage 1-2 pumps onto damp skin to seal in moisture. It can also be added to your bath, as a massage oil and before shaving.  Love!

The Facial Oil ($20 - 30ml) is a botanical blend of skin loving oils including Apricot Kernal, Squalane, Grapeseed, Vitamin E, Safflower, Cranberry Seed along with Vanilla Planifolia and Orange Peel Oils.

It absorbs quickly and is more suited to Normal to Dry skin types (I'm normally combination but in winter time my skin is more dry).  I find my skin only needs a drop.  The oil feels really lovely on the skin. A fuller review to follow.

To use: shake the bottle before using and apply 2-3 drops to cleansed skin both morning and evening.  There are approximately 200 applications per bottle. 

Rachel very kindly popped in a sample of her Bee Cream which is a rich and nourishing moisturiser perfect for dry skin areas, cuticles and hands. 

Next time along with the body oil I'll be adding Lotion Bar, Body Butter and Body Polish if fact I want the whole shop!

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @RachelsPlanBee 

See the website here

L'Erbolario Peony Scented Bubble Bath

L'Erbolario is an Italian Beauty Brand which recently launched in the UK.  It was founded in Italy by husband and wife team Franco & Daniela. They have a passion for the healing properties of plants and flowers which led them to create a wonderful and wide range of perfumes, oils, soaps, creams, conditioners, body and skincare products.  You can view the catalogue here and visit their London store at 106A Upper Street, N1.

I was sent Peony Scented Bubble Bath 250ml (£12.50)* to review.

This subtle floral bubble bath creates lots of foamy bubbles and can be used in both the bath and shower.   Makes for a super relaxing bath.  The other products available in this scent are - EDP, solid perfume, perfumed body cream, perfumed soap and diffuser oil.

I think it would make a great gift or treat.  Have you tried any products from this brand?

*PR sample

Spending Ban: Update 2

I failed on my ban last week and bought the SW Basics Discovery kit in the a beautiful world #PinkFriday sale. I bought one for me and one for my giveaway - see here.  The kits were reduced to £18 in the sale and I had a tenner worth of points making my purchase a bargainous £26 - so I don't feel too guilty!

Onto my wants this week...

I love the Content Curates kits having picked up the last few. Their New Year Collection is packed full of treats for the mind, body & skin as well as supplements and snacks.  Do you spot my favourite Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts in the kit? (these alone are worth £10). Making this a great value set.

My next want this week is the gorgeous sounding The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist by May Lindstrom. A 100% natural botanical mist with a "heavenly scent". It calms, heals and restores elasticity leaving the skin dewy and radiant. Want!

I just spotted my next want last night! Shay & Blue Watermelons fragrance spray. It sounds delicious! With notes of Watermelon, Green Mandarin, Honeysuckle, Green Tea and Vetivert. It sounds heavenly and really refreshing and I can't wait to try! I'm going to pick up a sample soon!

My last want this week is Jo Loves A Fragrance Shot Box which contains 10 x 2ml samples of all of Jo's fragrances which is rather an indulgent treat. I'm already a huge fan of Pomelo - maybe after 31st January I'll splurge!

My January Love Lula box arrived last night (the only box I was keeping during my spending ban). It's a great value box and I will use everything but... there are only three items within I've not tried before (the Madara Dextox Mud Mask and the two Vinali products - body lotion & day cream sachet) so I'm cancelling my subscription for now.

If you are on a spending ban how's it going?  What are your thoughts on the contents of the Love Lula box this month?

SW Basics Discovery Kit Giveaway

I mentioned on Twitter I'd broken my spending ban last Friday when a beautiful world had their one day #PinkFriday sale. I picked up two of these little kits - one for me & one for one of my readers.

So what can you win? There is one prize of an SW Basics Discovery Kit which is packed full of trial sizes.

SW Basics is a beautiful no frills skincare range. Products are made with 5 or less ingredients and only natural and organic ingredients are used.

Included in the kit is:

Body Scrub 20g - made with Organic Sugar, Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Coconut - it smells just like cake!

Cream 30ml - a rich cream which you can use on your body or face. Made with Fair Trade Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Olive Oil.

Exfoliant 20g - made with ground Organic Oats and Almonds mixed with Maine Sea Salt.

Cleanser 30ml - I use this to remove make up before using a cleansing balm. It contains Organic Glycerine, Organic Rosewater and Organic Tea Tree Oil.

Toner - 30ml - this toner removes last traces of cleanser and tightens pores. It is made with Water, Organic Cider Vinegar, Witch Hazel, Organic Clary Sage and Organic Sandalwood Essential Oils.

The photos are of my set - the winner will get a sealed kit.

All you need to do to enter is fill in the Rafflecopter - Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Antonia Burrell: Mask Supreme 7-in-1

Antonia Burrell is one of the UK's most sought after facialists and skincare experts with over 20 years experience in the beauty industry. She also lectures in the Chemistry of Aromatherapy at London's College of Fashion.

Her range of skincare products are super luxe and turn your skincare regime into an indulgent treat.

I was sent the new Mask Supreme 7-in-1 (£57 for 50ml)* to review.

The range is made from potent bioactive ingredients of the highest quality and are 100% natural. Bottles and jars are recyclable and made from Swiss violet glass which helps to preserves the products.  All are free from parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and glycols.

The mask improves elasticity, moisture, brightens, blurs uneven skin tone, reduces sun damaged cells, clarifies and purges blackheads, renews, refines, smoothes, firms and helps to reduce blemishes and inflamation. WOW!

It is packed full of good things for the skin including micro algae, Bentonite Clay, Lactic Acid, Abyssinian oil, Mango Butter and Certified Organic Anti-Blemish active which helps to reduce blemishes and leaves the skin matt. Frankincense and Rose Geranium Oils give it a slightly herbal and rosey floral scent.

To use: Apply a generous layer to the face and neck and leave for 10 minutes before removing with a warmed damp cloth. The mask can also be left on overnight for super moisturised and radiant skin by morning.

My thoughts? This is a gorgeous face mask which leaves the skin looking luminous, dewy, radiant and refreshed.  It feels deliciously moisturising on the skin and is the nicest face masks I've ever used!

Would I buy?  Definitely! I reckon you'd get at least 10-12 uses out of the pot. Have you tried this face mask or any other Antonia Burrell product?

You can buy direct via Antonia's website, at Urban Retreat, Content Beauty & Wellbeing and online at Naturisimo and Amazon.

*PR sample

Five Favourite Body Oils

I tend to use body oils the most during winter months. These are my current favourites:

inner-soul organics Romance Me Skin Oil 100ml* - this rose and jasmine scented body oil is gorgeous. See my review here.  Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - I just adore this body oil. See my review here.

Indie Lee Vanilla Citrus Moisturising Oil 4oz* - an easily absorbed oil which you can also use on your face and hair. See my review here.  Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 2oz* - quite simply a body oil I always want to have in my stash. I love everything about it - simple packaging, luxury feel on the skin and easily absorbed as well as having the most amazing rosey cardamon scent. See my review here.

My final body oil is from The Naked Skincare Company which I received in December's Souk Souk Beauty Box. This lush oil is scented with Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood and is perfect to use before bed. Stuffed full of moisturising and nourishing oils it has firmly placed itself as one of my all time favourite body oils.

Are you a body oil fan?  What's your favourite?

*PR samples

The Perfume Society: VIP Subscriber

I picked up The Perfume Society's Holiday Discovery Box back in November and loved it! Just after Christmas and before my spending ban kicked in (broke it already!) I signed up to be a member which costs £25 a year. For this you receive an introductory box full of trial sizes and samples, get online issues of a fab magazine - The Scented Letter, smelling strips, a notebook, fragrance notes postcards and a hand cream. You can also buy the forthcoming discovery boxes for £10.

Inside is:

Versace Crystal Noir EDT 5ml - this is an ORIENTAL scent with notes of blackcurrant, black fig, violet, frangipani, tuberose, jasmine, cashmeran, vanilla pod, heliotropine and sandalwood. This is gorgeous! Sweet and Floral with a tiny bit of wood. One of my favourites!

Miller Harris Fleur de Sel EDP 1.6ml - from the CHYPRE fragrance family. I've tried this scent before and loved it.  It has notes of red thyme oil, clary sage, angelica, iris, narcissus, ambrette seed, rose, vetiver, oakmoss, leather, patchouli and labdanum. A "deeply sensual and earthy fragrance, with astringent salt at its heart".

Chloe EDP 1.2ml - from the FLORAL family. It has top notes of pink peony, freesia and lychee with heart notes of magnolia flower, lily of the valley, rose and freesia with base notes of cedarwood, amber and honey.  This is a true floral and very feminine.

DALI WILD EDT 6.5ml - from the WOODY fragrance family. This is a really powerful and strong scent. It has top notes of yuzu, green notes, tuberose and gardenia with middle notes of jasmine and magnolia and base notes of mahogany, zebrano and woods.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million EDP 1.5ml - from the FLORIENTAL family. This is my first try of this best seller.  It contains notes of bitter orange, raspberry, neroli, jasmine, gardenia, patchouli, amber and honey. It's lovely.

Atkinsons 24 Old Bond Street Eau de Cologne 2ml - A FRESH perfume.  It contains notes of juniper, cardamon, rose, black tea, Turkish rose absolute, whisky, cade oil and cedar. I love this one!  It starts off really fresh with hints of juniper mellowing to a smokey scent.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir EDP 1.5ml - from the GOURMAND fragrance family.  When first sprayed it has a rich and fruity sweet scent. It is very girly and contains notes of wild berries, mandarin, strawberry, honeysuckle, gardenia petals, jasmine sambac, amber, caramel and vanilla. I love it.

Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps EDT 1.2ml - I'm not keen on this one - it's a bit too powdery and old fashioned smelling for me.  A FLORAL with notes of peach, bergamot, neroli, aldehydes, carnation, gardenia, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, musk, sandalwood and iris root.  It was launched in 1948 and is still popular today.

The extra in the box is a Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Hand Cream 25g. Did you join up?  What are your thoughts on the perfumes included?

white & elm: Organic Small Batch Beauty

I had a big US splurge just after Christmas as I knew I was starting my spending ban (failed yesterday as I picked up two SW Basics Discovery Sets in a beautiful world's #PinkFriday sale - one for me, one for forthcoming giveaway - I did have a tenners worth of points saved up though which made my purchase a bargainous £26).

I came across white & elm on Twitter and quickly browsed the website - two things which jumped out at me were Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini (it smells gorgeous!)($12) and Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum ($18).

My order cost $20 to ship which with the two products worked out at £33.24. Unfortunately, I had to pay Customs of £3.85 with a hefty £8.00 admin charge to Royal Mail.

Despite this, I'm looking forward to trying both items.  I'll let you know my thoughts once I've had the chance to try!

Follow white & elm on Twitter @whiteandelm

My Daughter Fragrances: Joyful Spritzer

This My Daughter fragrance (10ml) - Joyful came in the Petit Vour: Emily Nolan Ltd Ed F/W 14 kit (please note: Petit Vour can now no longer ship perfumes and nail polishes to the UK).

I simply loved everything that came in this little set.  The fragrance spritzer is worth $25 approx £15. I also loved the spotty organza bag it came in too!

Founder, Janey Ganson created this gorgeous scent as a love letter to her daughter of Orange Flower, Lime Blossom, Rose, Jasmine and Sandalwood. It is fresh and floral and really easy to wear and perfect for springtime.

Janey works directly with a Perfumer in France who send her the formula for curing, blending, filtering and bottling by the family in Canada. $4 from a full size bottle goes to charity.

The scents contain no pthalates, parabens, colourants or animal products. The My Daughter website will ship Internationally but please note customers are liable for any taxes and custom charges.

Have you tied this scent or Always Loved?

Spending Ban: Update 1

Well that's me been on my Spending ban for a whole week and I've only really lusted after buying a handful of things!  I'm still awaiting my American goodies so that is keeping a curb on my spending I reckon.  I'm sorry to miss out on #PinkFriday over at a beautiful world at 7am on Friday - I must admit I'll drop by for a look!

Here's my small list of wants this week:

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne 30ml - I received a sample of this with my Christmas diffuser. I used to wear it a lot and I'd forgotten how lovely it is.  I love its rich fruity notes with a touch of wood and spice.

source

Plant Brooklyn GET HAPPY Botanical Body Wash 9.5 fl oz - this is a new addition to the shelves at a beautiful world.  I fancy all the scents but GET HAPPY appeals to me to help banish the January blues! The wash contains Geranium and Peppermint Essential Oils. Use code HAPPY10 for 10% off the brand.

My final want (I really, really want - but don't need!) is a couple of the Body Oils in the Blue Labelle sale. Pascale is shutting up shop for a whole 6 weeks for a much earned holiday. The body oils are £12 each for 100ml.

If you are on a spending ban how is it going? 

#PinkFriday: 1 day flash sale at a beautiful world!

Such bad timing for a spending ban as it's #PinkFriday over at a beautiful world this Friday and for one day only! Make you to head over to the site on Friday at 7am to shop their #PinkFriday super sale.

There will be discounts of up to 50% on brands such as Indie Lee, Dahliana, Yarok, The Body Deli and Marble & Milkweed.

10% of all sales on #PinkFriday will go to Breast Cancer Charities.

I may have a little peek!  Naughty I know!

Do you think you'll buy anything?

SOAK Yourself Muscle Soak Bath Ritual Recipe Kit

I received this little SOAK Yourself bath kit* in my Giveaway prize from Michelle at Lady Woolf. You can see what I received here.  The first thing I've tried is this little kit.

Beautifully hand packed in a handcrafted box the goodies nestle in shredded paper.  Each box is signed by the team member who packed it which I think is a nice touch.

The Bath Ritual Recipe Kit was devised by Jackie Hope in 2006 before being launched in 2012.  Ingredients are natural and organic and sourced in the UK wherever possible.

Included in the muscle soak kit is:

10ml blend of eucalyptus, bergamot, lavender, cinnamon, rosemary and lemongrass essential oils - this smells simply gorgeous! Very uplifting.

Pot of fizzy epsom salts which contain marjoram leaves and other natural ingredients

A mini Eucalyptus & Poppy Seed soap

A scented tealight and an Earl Grey teabag so you can enjoy a drink while you soak

This package makes for a gorgeous soak or two! I also added a drop of the oil blend to my unscented body lotion.

Have you used any products from SOAK Yourself before?

*Giveaway prize

Samples Stash

I was having a clear out and came across a huge selection of samples which I've now gathered together and stored in one place. I'm aiming to use several of these up a week and let you know what I think of them in my empties post at the end of each month.  Do you hoard your samples too?

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

I try not to use facial cleansing wipes too often but sometimes after a night out or on holiday I do.  I tend to favour the Yes to Carrots variety. Recently I tried Pacifica's Purify Coconut Cleansing Wipes which I picked up at Naturisimo (£4.99 for 30 wipes).

The wipes are super soft and gentle on the skin and are coconut scented. They contain coconut water which tones, balances and cleanses, papaya which exfoliates and aloe and calendula to soothe and calm.  Also great for non make up days to refresh the skin.

They aren't suitable for removing waterproof eye make up as they don't contain chemical solvents.  I'd buy them again as I was pleased with their performance. Have you tried these cleansing wipes before?

Shopping my Stash #60

My last shopping my stash post was way back in November. Here's what I've been reaching for lately.

Blue Labelle Rose & Jasmine Body Oil 50ml - this delicately scented body oil is now a limited edition - get it while you can! I've been enjoying using it but I think I slightly prefer the Ylang Ylang & Frankincense version which also featured in my Top Ten of 2014 - see my review here. 

Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile EDP 50ml - I first tried this scent while shopping in London and loved it. I received it from my mum and dad for Christmas. It is light, fresh, rosey and super feminine. It contains Centifolia roses which are hand picked at dawn during 40 days in May-June.

GlamGlow Powermud Dual Cleanse Treatment 15g - I first read about this product on Jane's blog and knew I wanted to try it at some point.  It is a mud to oil deep cleansing treatment. Apply to skin, leave on for 10 minutes before massaging it into the skin when it will emulsify before removing with warm damp muslin cloth.  My skin is left super soft, radiant and feeling really clean. You can also apply it overnight or in-flight for deeply hydrated skin. Love!

By Terry Baume de Rose 3g - I received this from Nardine in my fab Rose Hamper. It's a product I've wanted to try for ages too! Great for dry lips, cuticles, flyaways and dry skin it has a light rose scent and it soothes and heals the skin.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler 60ml - I'm a huge fan of the Citrus & Neroli version so was looking forward to trying this one. It has a really refreshing scent and it lightly conditions the hair.  Either leave in or rinse out. Another keeper which came in this special set.

What products have you been using lately?

No Buy January & Happy New Year!

I've decided to do #NoBuyJanuary again this year as I have lots and lots of lovely products and samples to use up so I'll be continuing to shop my stash and show you my wish lists! 

Just after Christmas I came across Rachel's Plan Bee via Julie's blog and treated myself to a Facial and Body Oil, and a couple of things each from also new to me brands - BEING Apothecary and White & Elm as well as a travel brush set from Bellapierre in the Naturisimo Sale and I also signed up to The Perfume Society as a VIP Subscriber.  I now most definitely need a month of no spending!

I am keeping one beauty box subscription (Love Lula) and I am also allowing myself to buy up to two magazines a month (as well as my subscription to Red mag).

This should be do-able. Are you taking part in a spending ban this month?

And a very Happy New Year to everyone!