Fair Squared Lip Balms

These Fair Squared Lip Balms came in December's Love Lula Beauty Box. I hadn't heard of the brand before (one of the reasons I loved beauty boxes for trying new to me brands).

Founders Oliver and Salvatore chatted on the phone in London and Cologne and Fair Squared, an alternative trading company and pioneering Fair Trade brand was born. Social engagement, protection of the environment and animals are core values as well as quality ingredients and the feel good factor. Products are made with fairly traded organic ingredients and are Vegan and Vegan Society registered and they use producers in some of the world's poorest countries.

I initially thought oh just another lip balm in quite plain packaging...how wrong I was this lip balm is fantastic! Super moisturising and really lovely to use. My favourite is the Pomegranate Lip Balm which is super fruity and great for dry and flakey winter lips.

The lip balms are made with almond, apricot kernal and coconut oils along with cocoa butter, Vitamin E and natural flavourings. There are no parabens, petroleum or sulphates in the balm.

At a very reasonable £2.99 each I know I'll pick these up again and again. Buy them here. Other flavours available are Spearmint, Citrus and Vanilla. You can pick up a set containing all 4 flavours costing £10 here.

Have you tried these lip balms?

Beauty Wishlist

I'm trying not to buy any beauty products as I'm saving for my summer holidays. These are the products I'm lusting over right now.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Body Oil (£17.56 - 100ml) - I'm loving using body oils at the moment and this new one from Weleda sounds gorgeous.

source

I dropped by Neal's Yard on the way home from work on Thursday for a browse. Their Wild Rose Body Elixir (£29 - 150ml) has my name written all over it! It is a light rose scented serum which absorbs instantly leaving the skin soft, moisturised and smelling of roses. What's not to love!

Skin & Tonic Travel Kit (£45) - I totally adore their Steam Clean Cleanser so I'd love to try the rest of the range.

source

Cowshed Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath & Shower Gel (300ml - £16) after having tried a sample of this a while back this shower gel has been on my wishlist. It is great to use in the morning for an uplifting and awakening shower.

source

JOIK Damascus Rose Soy Candle (145g - £17.50) I've tried JOIK's wonderful bath truffles and definitely want to try more from the brand. I love rose scents so I know I'd love this candle.

source

What's on your wishlist right now?

Organic Surge: Extra Care Nourishing Rose Moisturiser & Hydrating Eye Cream

Happy Valentine's Day!

As you'll know I'm a huge Organic Surge fan. You can see my love for the brand here.

I've lately been really loving using their Extra Care Nourishing Rose Day Cream (50ml - £21.50)* and Hydrating Eye Cream (20ml - £18.50)*

The Nourishing Rose Day Cream* is an absolute delight! It smells delicious and absorbs instantly into the skin - it's a keeper for me! It's suitable for normal. dry or mature skin types and leave the skin deeply nourished as well as smoothing out fine lines and rejuvenating the skin. To use: apply after cleansing to the face and neck.  You could use the Replenishing Face Oil* beforehand.

The Hydrating Eye Cream* is enriched with Jojoba Oil and is also suitable for normal, dry or mature skin types.  It is a light cream which melts easily into the eye area - Organic Surge say "Apply after cleansing with your ring finger, working from your lower outer eye clockwise for your right eye and anti-clockwise for your left"  It hydrates and brightens the under eye area.

Have you used either of these?  What's your favourite Organic Surge products?

*PR samples

Shopping my Stash #62

Shay & Blue Blood Oranges 10ml spray - I broke my spending ban in week 3 and splurged on a little set containing 5 scents. This one is fresh and fruity and intensely citrussy. It's perfect for coming into Spring and Summer. Love!

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml* - this cleanser is just divine! With an uplifting scent and a very gentle foaming lather it makes my morning shower so much better!  It leaves my skin clean and refreshed and feeling great!

Aroma Actives Neck & Decollete Cream 80ml - this range is made by Aromatherapy Associates and is exclusive to larger Sainsbury's. I reviewed their Exfoliating Cleanser and Triple Hydrating Gel Mask here*.   This neck cream is really rich and nourishing and smells gorgeous! 

Earth Tu Face Balm 25g - this balm came in the very wonderful Net-a-Porter The Holiday Kit. This balm is super nourishing and I tend to use it at bedtime or on dry elbows and hands. It is made with Immortelle, Rose and nourishing oils which help regenerate the skin, repair and calm.  This is really lovely and I'd like to try more from the range.

Ambre Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Invigorating Herbal Bath Oil trial size - this is gorgeous. It helps to relive stress and calm both the body and the mind as well as nourish, soothe and soften the skin.  See my earlier review of their facial soap and body butter here.

Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 - I simply love these tinted moisturising balms for a pop of colour.

Chantecaille Anti-Ageing Face Illuminator Sheen 23ml - this again came in the Net-a-Porter kit. I wear this alone or mixed with a little foundation or moisturiser. It really brightens up the skin.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*PR samples

Naturisimo: Natural & Organic Beauty Online Store

I was recently sent a selection of trial and sample sizes* from Naturisimo which is one of the UK's leading natural and organic online beauty retailers (and one of my favourite places to shop). The range available is fantastic and samples are available to buy with your order (up to 5 - sometimes these are free of charge) as well as free World Wide shipping, gifts with purchase and excellent customer service.

I've been using newly launched Caudalie's Premier Cru The Elixir (10ml)* for the last few days and I can honestly say that I think it is a fantastic product. It is half oil and half serum which absorbs instantly into the skin leaving it feeling silky soft and comfortable.  It helps to target wrinkles, dark spots, firms, lifts, nourishes and brightens the complexion. Look out for a full review coming soon.

Samples* (I'll let you know my thoughts about these in an empties post):

Caudalie Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream 3ml

Lavera Mattifying Balancing Cream 1ml

Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift Youthful Serum 2ml

Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream 2ml

What's your favourite buys from Naturisimo?

*PR samples

Birch & Brook Library Scented Candle

Birch & Brook's range of luxury natural wax candles are gorgeous!  The range has been created by Jessica Jones, who studied graphic arts and has an MA in Printmaking.

She was brought up in Suffolk and her candles are inspired by the English countryside, as well as literary and historical pleasures.

The candles come boxed and are made with the finest ingredients from renewable and sustainable sources.  The 100% natural wax is made from GM free, organic and certified Vegan ingredients with a natural fibre wick. Packaging is simple and stylish. P&P is free in the UK.

I was sent the exquisite Library Scented Candle (235g - £36 - 40hrs burn time)* which has really captured the essence of being hidden away in a corner of a Library enjoying "the quiet decadence of a stolen afternoon, lost in the world of a long forgotten book".

The candle has top notes of guaiac wood and patchouli, with heart notes of Cinnamon, Clove buds and base notes of cedar and moss. It is really reminiscent of the scent of old books and wood. 

Other scents available are: 

Dressing Room (with berry, rose, violte, peony, musk, sandal and cedarwood)

Festival (with bergamot, lily, mandarin, patchouli, rose, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, amber, musk and leather)

Fireside (with leather, spice, guaiac wood, amber, patchouli, wood, cedarwood, moss and musk)

Secret Garden (with greens, mandarin flower, lily of the valley, cyclamen, peony hyacinth, vetivert, musk and heliotrope).

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @BirchandBrook

*PR sample

Olivine Love+Roses Beauty Mist

I'd recently tweeted Olivine's founder to ask if she shipped to the UK as I was desperate to try Love+Roses. I didn't get a reply but soon found out a beautiful world was stocking the very gorgeous Love+Roses Beauty Mist. It launched yesterday and costs £8.50 for 2oz or £18.95 for 8oz.  Get 10% off with code ROSE10.

It is simply divine! Use it to spritz your skin, body and hair. It has a glorious rosey scent and is made with a blend of anti-ageing beautifiers, essential oils, sacred flower essences and waters.

Cassia Augustifolia Seed Polysaccharide mimics hyaluronic acid which helps to retain water in the skin. Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract protects the skin from environmental damage and helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Moringa Seed Extract is an antioxidant and anti-inflamatory which helps to promote collagen production and firm the skin.  Rose Quartz Essence promotes self love, self esteem and confidence while Andean Orchid Flower Essence helps with cellular regeneration and vitality. Rose Damascena Flower Water and Oils refine and renew the skin.

It refreshes and tones the skin and hair and uplifts the spirits.  I can't stop spritzing it!  I'm packing the small size when I go on holiday in the summer. It is gentle enough for all skin types, is 100% Vegan and Animal friendly.

Do you think this is something you'd try?

Ingredients: Unconditional love*, Water, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Cassia Augustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Panthenol, Phosphorus, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Pantothenate, Magnesium Salicylate, Zinc Gluconate, Moringa Seed Extract, Dextrin, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*, Polysorbate 20, Flower & Gem Essences.

*Denotes organic ingredient.

Wild About Beauty: Mattifying Balm

Wild About Beauty is a paraben free make up range by Louise Redknapp and make up artist Kim Jacob. They met on a shoot about 10 years ago and became friends.  The range is affordable, stylish, high performing, uses the best available ingredients, comes in pretty, wearable shades and are easy to use.

I was sent their Mattifying Balm (£21 for 22g)* which is "fast becoming a Wild About Beauty hero!".

The balm is lightweight and colourless and is easy to apply. Use it as a primer or to control shine throughout the day.  It was shortlisted as a finalist in the 2013 CEW (UK) Beauty Awards for Best New Make Up Product - Face.

I have used it both as a primer and to touch up shine throughout the day and it is fantastic! It has become a beauty staple as it leaves my skin shine free.

It is easy to apply with the sponge provided for a perfect shine free complexion.

Have you used this product or any others from the range?

*PR sample

Bamford Green Weekender

I always keep an eye out over at Naturisimo for their newly arrived products. I've got a few short trips coming up and I thought this little kit would be the perfect travelling companion.

The bottles are plastic making them travel friendly and are packaged in a super cute re-usable muslin bag which will be perfect to use for samples to take away after the products are used up.

The Weekender Kit costs £22 and includes all you need for your trip.  Inside is:

Geranium Body Wash 50ml - this will refresh and clean the skin. Geranium Body Lotion 50ml - leaves the skin delicately scented and nourished. Botanical Shampoo 50ml - cleans and strengthens the hair. Botanical Conditioner 50ml - enriched with Macadamia Oil and Shea Butter to smooth and protect.  Botanical Bath Salts 2 x 30g - helps to create a home spa experience to calm and relax.

Products are free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances are made in the UK and are certified Organic by the Soil Association.

I'm also a huge fan of the bath oil.

Roll on my next trip!

Rock & Roast Special Edition Valentine's Box

Rock & Roast is a fantastic new company based in North Berwick, in East Lothian. Set up by three friends Caroline, Leisha and Zoe who have a mutual passion for artisan coffee and chocolate.

The Special Edition Valentine's Box (£19.99 plus P&P) is stuffed full of delicious Scottish artisan goodies. You can choose from coffee - ground or beans or hot chocolate - I chose chocolate!

Boxes fit through the letterbox and are beautifully hand packaged arriving within 3-5 days or you can choose next day delivery.  There will be special edition boxes available throughout the year - Christmas, Easter, Valentines and Father's Day, for example. I'll definitely be picking up a few for gifts.

WOW!

The Hot Chocolate is made by Chocolate Tree, a Scottish craft chocolate maker who make chocolate from the bean as well as producing fine chocolate and hot chocolate.  Included is a 250g packet of flaked organic milk chocolate with a 42% cocoa content.

Also from the Chocolate Tree is a luscious looking bar of their Organic Strawberry & Pepper Bar. This is made from 55% Organic Cocoa Dark Chocolate infused with crushed black peppercorns and topped with strawberries.

There is a bar of interesting sounding Beetroot & Lavender Chocolate from Hello Chocolate! which has subtle earthy tastes with sweet floral ones. It looks really pretty too!

Ailey Mae Roasted Almond, Honey and Smoked Sea Salt truffles - these sounds incredible!

And finally, there is a mini "please share me" neapolitan of the Chocolate Tree's Organic Rose & Vanilla chocolate (I've had a bar of this and loved it!) It is delicious White chocolate with rose oil and vanilla seed. Yum!

Order now for Valentine's Day - last day today for 2nd class and Wednesday 11th February for 1st class post.


See the website here
Follow on Twitter @RockandRoast

Salcura Skincare

I was sent a selection of Salcura* products to try and review and I can honestly say I'm really impressed.

Salcura products were originally developed for factory workers handling chemicals to treat skin problems.  Further research and improvements followed and in 2002 Salcura was founded.

You can buy products online, in Boots, Independent Chemists and Natural Health shops.

Products are free from parabens, paraffin, cortisones and peroxides.  Pure naturally active ingredients are used. There is no animal testing, products are gluten free, dermatologically tested and suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians.

The packaging is functional and not really very pretty but it's what is inside that counts!

Salcura Hand Wash (£8.49 - 225ml)* - this is an Omega rich wash which contains Sea Buckthorn Oil.  It nourishes, heals, cleans, repairs and moisturises the hands.  It is suitable for all skin types and is really pleasant to use.

Salcura Bath Oil (£13.99 - 200ml)* - a multi-use product - use it in your bath or as a body oil. Super nourishing it makes bath time a real pleasure. Packed full of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 it deeply moisturises and calms itchy skin. I'm suffering quite dry skin on my body at the moment and this bath oil is my hero!

Salcura Body Hydrator (£13.99 - 200ml)* - it absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling comfortable, rejuvenated, calmed, deeply nourished and soothed. This is suitable for mild to moderate dry skin. I've been enjoying using it.

Each Season Salcura bring out a hand cream. The Winter Skin Warming Hand Cream (full size - £12.99 - 85ml) is lovely. I was sent a 10ml sample tin*. The cream is rich in Soya Bean Oil, Wheatgerm Oil, Coconut Oil with Ginger Oil and Vitamin E.  It has a real spicy and warming scent.  Absorbing instantly it nourishes and hydrates dry winter skin and helps fight signs of ageing.

I'm now a huge fan of this fab brand and definitely want to try more from the range. Have you used Salcura before? What's your favourite product?

*PR samples

End of Spending Ban Giveaway: John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk

I've decided to end my Spending Ban (big sigh of relief!) I'm going to try and make more considered purchases and not just buy everything I want!  I bought this lovely John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk (118ml) worth £25 to giveaway from Love Lula - one of my favourite online stores.

You can see my review of the hair milk here (the photo is of mine).

The giveaway is open Internationally. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfume Society: Love Scents Discovery Box

I picked up my The Perfume Society Love Scents Discovery Box yesterday.  I first mentioned it last week in my Spending Ban Update #4.

It is packed full of gorgeous scents (although I am missing one of them - Juliette Has A Gun Lady Vengence 2ml EDP - the little envelope it is presented in is empty boo - I have emailed to say it's missing). Edit: I was sent the missing scent and it's beautiful!

Tonight I tried Dear Rose, I love my Man (2ml EDP) and it's lovely! It has notes of Bulgarian Rose, Centifolia Rose, Cinnamon, Tonka Bean and Sandalwood and it's from a brand I've heard of but not tried before.  Created by a mother and daughter team there are five fragrances in the range. Love! Definitely want to explore the others! (this is from the floral fragrance family).

I've tried a couple of samples previously from 4160 Tuesdays so I'm looking forward to trying Sexiest Scent on the Planet Ever (IMHO) (4ml EDP) it has a top note of Bergamot, a heart of woods and ambergris with base notes of Vanilla and Musk. It's a decent size too for a few uses. (this is a Woody scent)

I've never heard of Cloud 9 Parfum - the one in the box is a 2ml EDP sample of Roads, a floral scent with notes of Chamomile, fresh Geranium, Jasmine, Amber, Musk and Sandalwood - it smells delicious and is light and fresh and unlike anything I've worn before.

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Velours 2ml EDP is again from the floral fragrance family. It has notes of Bergamot, Violet Leaves, Rose Absolute, Golden Honey, Iris, Woods and Benzoin. This is beautiful! It is fresh with a deep heart of rose with vanilla notes. Love!

Carven L'Eau de Toilette (2ml EDT) a fresh and fruity floral with woody and musky base notes. I thought I wouldn't like this one but I agree "it's Spring in a bottle". It has a real freshness and lightness to it.

Lalique L'Amour Lalique (2ml EDP) again a floral scent with notes of Bergamot, Rosebud, Neroli, Tuberose, Gardenia, Jasmine Petals, Cedar, Sandalwood and Musks.  This contains some notes I simply adore like Tuberose and Gardenia. 

L'Occitane En Provence Arlesienne (7.5ml EDT) another floral which has quite a sweet floral scent.  It has notes of Saffron, Mandarin Orange, Rose, Lily of the Valley, Sandalwood, Violet and Tonka Bean.

Salvadore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza (1.5ml EDP) this is from the Chypre fragrance family. It has top notes of Pear flesh, Grapefruit flesh, almond powder, Osmanthus Absolute, White Leather accord and Patchouli heart. I kind of like this one! It reminds me of a perfume I already own.

Valentino Uomo (4ml EDT) this is a male gourmand scent so I'll give it to hubby. mmm it's rather nice! It has notes of Bergamot, Myrtle, Roast Coffee, Gianduja Cream, Cedar and Leather.

Juliette Has A Gun Lady Vengeance (2ml EDP) - It has notes of Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla and Patchouli (sounds right up my street!) It is! 

Penhaligon's Artemisia (1.5ml EDP) with notes of Nectarine, Green foliage, Green Apple, Lily of the Valley, Cyclamen, Jasmine Tea and Violet. This is my least favourite as I find it a bit old fashioned and powdery.

The extra this month is a dinky 10ml L'Occitane En Provence Rose et Reines Hand & Nail Cream which smells deeply of roses and nourishes and hydrates the hands.

Did you get one of these boxes?  What are your thoughts? I'm personally really pleased and am looking forward to trying the samples. Get your box here. I think this would make a great Valentines Day gift.

White & Elm: Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner & Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum

I first mentioned White & Elm back at the beginning of January when my order arrived. I've been using both products since then and I'm nearly finished the Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini. I look like I've hardly started the Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum but a little goes a long way.

The best (and mostly organic) ingredients are used. These are sourced from Organic Certified Farms and Fair Trade suppliers. Products are lovingly hand made by Sherelle in Fort Collins, CO and are made with 10 ingredients or less, are Vegan and Cruelty Free. Products are free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, PEGs, glycols, fillers, silicones and dyes.

Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini - this toner smells delicious! It cleans, refreshes, balances, hydrates, reduces pores, soothes, heals and moisturises. To use: shake the bottle, apply toner to a cotton pad and wipe over the face after cleansing.  This is one of the nicest toners I've ever used. Full size is going on the wishlist!

Ingredients: Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Hydrosol*, Glycerin (Vegetable)*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract*, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Essential Oil*, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Essential Oil*

*Organic Ingredient

Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum - I've used this everyday since I got this serum and it hardly looks like I've touched it making it great value for money. A little goes a long way. The serum brightens, strengthens and nourishes the delicate eye area. It's the perfect size to pop in your bag for weekends away and holidays.

To use: apply a small amount of serum to slightly damp skin onto the outer corners and just below the eye.

The serum is stuffed full of nourishing oils which slow down ageing, soothe, soften, rejuvenate, help restore elasticity, heal, reduce lines and the depth of wrinkles.

WOW this product is amazing! My under eye area looks brighter and lines are less visible. I'd definitely buy this again.

Ingredients: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckhorn) Oil*, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) Oil Non-GMO

*Organic Ingredient

Next time I think I'll be tempted by - Sweet Almond Foaming Cleanser Mini, Rosehip & Argan Antioxidant Serum and definitely one of the Masks.

Have you tried any products from White & Elm?

5 Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Here are a few beauty ideas for Valentines Day. 

This little Kneipp Herbal Bath Collection* (6 x 20ml - £9.95) is available to buy at Big Green Smile and is perfect if you enjoy a soak in the bath. It contains Pure Bliss (Red Poppy & Hemp) - this is one of my favourites, Enjoy Life (May Chang & Lemon), Balancing (Lavender), Stress Free (Mandarin & Orange), Sweet Dreams (Valerian & Hops) and Eucalyptus. The herbal baths are free from paraffin, silicone and mineral oils.  They lightly scent and tint the bath water and are soothing and calming.

source

lj's natural solutions Valentine Little Bottle of Love (50ml - £7.95) - this heavenly scented massage oil comes with a little bag of rosepetals which you can add to your bath or sprinkle over your bed.  This Organic bath/body/massage oil is scented with Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Amyris and will uplift, calm and soothe.

Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum 30ml (£20)* - this serum rejuvenates and hydrates the skin. It is perfect to use as a primer before applying make-up. It has a gorgeous rosey scent and absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and radiant. Wear over moisturiser for a dewy glow or under for a more matt look.

Make Lucy's gorgeous Floral Bath Melts - get the recipe here. Lucy very kindly wrote a guest post for me on these fab DIY treats.

source

Bamford Body Splash One Morning (£75 - 245ml) - a delicious new body splash with notes of fresh violet, jasmine, iris, musk, amber and vanilla. Use all over the body to refresh and scent.

*PR samples

DIY Beauty: Floral Bath Melts

Lucy over at No Mud, No Lotus very kindly agreed to do a guest post for me. Her bath melts look amazing and would be a perfect Valentine's Day gift. I'll be making them..and soon!  Over to you Lucy..

Hello! My name is Lucy, I write a blog over at No mud, No lotus.

I was very happy when Sandra offered me an opportunity to guest post on her lovely blog and wanted to dream up something that Sandra would enjoy for my post. 

I am a huge fan of bath products. For me, there is nothing more soothing than a long, steamy bath and playing around making my own bath products makes the whole ritual even more special. 

These bath melts are an easy DIY for a little treat for yourself, or as a gift for a friend. Now, as with all oil based bath products, please be extra careful getting in and out of the bath and give the bath a good clean afterwards to get rid of any oil residue.

You can customise the scents and key ingredients depending on what your preferences are. 

The melts in my pictures are made with rose and frankincense essential oil, cornish sea salt, bicarbonate of soda, coconut oil and rose, lavender and calendula flowers. I chose these to provide a relaxing and skin soothing blend, but you could use any butter or oil that is solid at room temperature (but will melt in warm water) as your base and choose herbs and oils to your own taste and needs. I like adding some salts/bicar or milk powder, as these help give the water an even more silky feel and for the added benefits of these ingredients for your skin and state of mind. 

Here are some ideas of other combinations: 

Invigorating melts: bergamot oil and dried rosemary leaves (rosemary flowers would also look very pretty!) in a base of shea butter, with sea salt. 

Soothing pre-bed time melts: lavender oil, dried lavender flowers, milk powder and epsom salts in a coconut oil base.

Sensual melts (just be careful, the bath will be slippy!!), ylang ylang and rose oil and  rose petals in a cocoa butter oil base with pink himalayan salts (to add a little colour and for the fantastic skin loving minerals). 

Here is how I made my melts:

Ingredients:

6 heaped tablespoons of organic virgin coconut oil

6 drops of rose oil

6 drops of frankincense oil

1 tablespoon each of rose petals, calendule flowers and lavender flowers

2 tablespoons of sea salt (optional)

2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda (optional)

Equipment:

Plastic jug

Plastic bowl of hot (not quite boiling) water

Ice cube tray (or other small moulds)

tablespoon

Method:

1. Add a sprinkle of each of your chosen flowers or herbs to each section of your ice cube tray or mould.

2. Spoon the coconut oil (or your butter/s) into your jug and place the jug in the bowl of hot water to create a bain-marie. 

3. When it has melted completely, stir in your sea salt and bicarb (or any other powders, if using) and add your essential oils. Stir well until combined. 

4. Spoon the mixture into each section of your icecube tray or mould (this means you get a good mix of oil and salts in each section, if you pour, you'll tend to get the salts hanging around at the bottom). 

5. Allow to set in a cool place or the fridge for around two hours.

6. Pop out of the mould/tray and admire your handy work. Store your melts in a cool place in a bag, tin or jar.

7. Add 1-2 melts to your bath and enjoy!

I hope you have fun trying this out... what ingredients would you choose?

Find me on twitter and let me know!

Lucy

No mud, no lotus

xx