ReCover Correct & Conceal Red

I've been testing out ReCover Correct & Conceal Red (5ml - £28)* a solutions based concealer which corrects facial redness. I chose 3 - Beige and it really is the perfect match for my skin tone (1 - Light, 2 - Fair, 3 - Beige, 4 - Mid Tan and 5 - Deep Tan). 'Very light' is coming soon.

The product has been developed and formulated by Annabel Jardella, a make up artist with 25 years experience who has worked on film sets such as Evita, Gladiator and Sense & Sensiblity.  She also teaches at Delamar Academy the UK's leading make up school.

I'm really impressed with this product as it totally covers the broken capillaries around my nose and helps to even out any redness on my cheeks. The gold plated nib applicator is cooling against the skin.

You can use it where needed, all over the face as a light base or with foundation.  It's great for on-the-go retouching.

To use: apply a small amount where needed blending outwards with a make up brush or your fingers to create a naturally balanced finish.

Correct & Conceal Under Eye and Correct & Conceal Pigmentation is launching in the Autumn.

Have you tried this concealer?

*PR sample

Miller Harris Rose Silence EDP

I first tried this beautiful scent when in London in October and dropped some serious hints to hubby. I never for a moment thought he'd remember or buy it so I was absolutely gobsmacked and thrilled when I opened my Christmas gifts from him.

Rose Silence is simply divine "A beam of light streams in through the curtains and you wake slowly, breathing the scent of a fresh white pillow. An unexpected embrace: faint, fresh rose with undertones of sandalwood and patchouli. Untouchable yet crisp, possessing an intoxicating magic. An intimate thrilling moment".

It has top notes of mandarin and blackcurrant, a heart of rose and base notes of patchouli and cashmere musk.

A feminine true rose scent and one I'm very happy to have in my perfume collection.

What's your favourite Miller Harris scent?

de Mamiel Winter Facial Oil

I've now come the full circle having enjoyed all the seasons - Spring, Summer and Autumn. Winter is all about restoring, cocooning and elevating.

The packaging is so exquisite too - a real joy to open.

I bought this just before Christmas and the oil is hand blended in time for the equinox on 22 December.

A rich and nourishing blend it is rich in Vitamins, Minerals and Fatty Acids essential for healthy and glowing skin.  The blend is nurturing and replenishes tired and dull winter skin.

It contains anti-ageing Argan and Seabuckthorn Oils along with Rosehip Seed Oil which is high in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Rose Geranium (as well as smelling divine) increases circulation and Frankincense is great for fine lines and wrinkles. Nurturing Vetivert and grounding Neroli are great for the skin and the senses and six hand made flower essences work on the emotions.

To use: place 4 drops in palm and warm in the hands before cupping around your nose and breathing deeply. Massage over face and neck until absorbed.

As ever, I'm really enjoying this beautiful blend and know I'll be happy to start the cycle again in Spring.  Have you used any of the seasonal blends?

A.S APOTHECARY: Mineral Powder #2, Cleansing Oil #5 & Facial Serum #3

Amanda very kindly sent me some of her beautiful products just before Christmas. I've been enjoying using the Mineral Powder #2* both as an exfoliator mixed with Cleansing Oil #5* (review) and as a mask mixed with a floral hydrosol.

The Mineral Powder #2 is a combination of Argyll Green Clay, Hebridean Kelp, healing flowers and wild gathered herbs which decongests, brightens and heals blemishes leaving the skin radiant and renewed.

To use as an exfoliator: mix a small amount of powder with the cleansing oil until a paste is formed. Apply to the skin in circular movements before rinsing with warm water.

To use as a mask: mix a little of the powder with a floral hydrosol or A.S APOTHECARY Geranium Cleansing Water until it forms a loose paste. Apply to the skin, leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

The little ceramic bowl and spoon* is an absolute delight. The spoon is made by local ceramist, Emily Ticehurst and has a tiny hand added on the back with the words "truth" and "love". It makes the treatment into a very special ritual.

Facial Serum #3* is one of the most indulgent and luxurious facial serums I've ever used! It's suitable for all skin types and hydrates and heals leaving the skin glowy and nourished. It's made with petals, leaves, stems and fruit which is organically grown or gathered in Sussex and Cyprus.

Rosehip oil is great to help to reduce wrinkles and a powerful antioxidant, Arnica helps with healing, Meadowsweet conditions, Calendula and Hypericum heals and Pumpkin oil helps to reduce wrinkles. The three essential oils it contains are Myrrh, Rose and Labdanum.

To use: apply a few drops of serum to the fingertips and massage into the skin in circular movements. 

Have you used any A.S. Apothecary products before?

*complimentary

Flying Wild Organic Organic Beeswax Lipbalm Review & Giveaway - it's over!

Flying Wild was founded by Beekeeper, Arno Schouwenburg who has 60 hives in Ballinderry in Co Tipperary, Ireland.  The Organic Beeswax Lipbalm with with raw Irish Honey & Rosemary* (5.99 euros - approx £4.58) is entered into Fi's Beauty Shortlist Awards 2016 - good luck!

The lipbalm is handmade with certified organic ingredients in Arno's workshop in Ballinderry. The balm has a creamy texture and super moisturises the lips leaving them with a herbal rosemary scent.

As well as rosemary the balm is made with nourishing grapeseed oil, protecting beeswax, healing raw Irish honey and anti-oxidant Vitamin E.

There are no parabens, SLS, PEGs, urea, TEA, synthetic fragrances or colours used in production of the balms which are handmade in small batches and products are tested on willing family and friends - the toughest panel ever!

Keep your eyes peeled for new products - Arno is currently developing a hand cream and a foot cream and hopes to have created and formulated six products by the end of 2016.

One of my readers can win one Organic Beeswax Lipbalm - this giveaway is open worldwide.  Good luck!

*sent for review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joy Bath & Candle Aromatherapy Duo

I was a bit late to the party with this one! Bodhi & Birch and Heartwood Candle Co collaborated to offer beautiful sets for Christmas. They are currently still available to buy on both websites.

The candle which most appealed to me was Sweet Orange & Cardamon and this has been paired with one of my favourite Bath & Shower Therapies - Siam Ginger (see my review HERE) and they complement each other so well.

The set comes in a beautiful black box (which would be great for future gifting).

This is the first time I've tried a Heartwood candle and I'm really impressed with everything about it.  Handmade with eco soy wax and the highest grade essential oils it really is a delight.

Heartwood Candle Co was set up by two friends Laura and Dominique who are passionate about what they do. Laura is an aromatherapist and Dominique has a love of design. They both adore beautiful candles and the Heartwood Candle Co ones are made with love and care.

The company supports the Woodland trust and gives them 10% of profits - I love companies which give something back!

Inside the recyclable box is a little poem and a candle care card. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to receive one of these luxe candles - I know I'll be picking up a few for gifts throughout the year.

My Sweet Orange & Cardamon candle is gorgeous. The fruity and spicy scent fills the room and is calming and warming. I absolutely love it. Will definitely pick up some more candles soon!

Did you pick up any of the duos?

Beaufort London: Fragrance Samples

I first came across Beaufort London fragrances via my September Bloom Perfumery Subscription Box. Inside was a sample of Coeur De Noir EdP which I totally fell head over heels in love with.

Towards the end of last year I treated myself to all three samples (2ml) which you can buy for £5 each with free P&P. You also get a fiver off a full size bottle with a sample purchase. See HERE.

The range (now including candles) is created by musician and writer Leo Crabtree who was born into a family of artists, psychologists and sailors. His first home was a boat on the Thames.  The 'Come Hell or High Water' collection draws on Britain's nautical past. Inspiration comes from ships, sea battles voyages and tattoos.

My favourite is Coeur De Noir, a simply stunning scent and unlike anything I own. With top notes of ginger, ink and rum, a heart of leather, paper and vanillin with a base of cedar, tobacco and birch tar. It mellows to a smokey sexy scent.

East India is inspired by sea trade and Britain's relationship with other nations. It is heady and exciting. It has top notes of cardamon, black pepper and tea leaf, with a heart of whisky, incense and opium with a base of tobacco, birch and oud.

Finally, 1805 is inspired by battle and the year Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar and lost his life. It is bold and dark and contains top notes of lime, smoke, gunpowder. With heart notes of blood, brandy and seaspray and a base of Amber, Fir Balsam and Cedarwood.

Have you tried any of these scents?

The Perfume Society: Scent with Love

I couldn't resist The Perfume Society's latest box - Scent with Love as it contains Shay & Blue's Spring launch - English Cherry Blossom (2ml) - a lush fruity floral which is perfect for springtime. It has top notes of bergamot, pink cherry blossoms and green mandarin with a heart of black cherry, honeysuckle and iris with a base of cherry wood - it's gorgeous! - I know I'll be buying it full size.

4160Tuesdays Sex Goddess (2.25ml) - after having had their Advent Calendar (loved) I know I'll enjoy using this one. It has top notes of peach and blackcurrant, a heart of strawberry and geranium with a musk and vanilla base.

L'Artisan Mure et Musc EdT (1.5ml) - this was the first L'Artisan perfume I tried. Love it. It has top notes of lemon, orange, basil and lavender, heart notes of blackberry and jasmine with a base of musks, patchouli and oakmoss. A lovely fruity and musky scent with a distinct scent of blackberries.

Agonist Vanilla Marble EdP (2ml) - this is so edible! It has top notes of vanilla, almond and tiare flower with heart notes of orchid, white fig, amber and patchouli with a base of sandalwood, vanilla, benzoin and tonka bean.

Elie Saab Rose Couture EdT (1ml) - this is another new launch and is really pretty. It has top notes of orange blossom, peony and rose with heart notes of jasmine, rose, vanilla and fruity notes with a base of sandalwood and patchouli.

Narciso Rodriguez for Her EdP (0.8ml) - I used to wear this all the time so this is a trip down memory lane for me!  It has top notes of peach and rose, a heart of amber and musk and a base of sandalwood and patchouli.

Moschino Fresh Couture EdT (1ml) - full size of this comes in what looks like a Flash bottle! I initially didn't like this one but when it settled on my skin I quite like it. It has top notes of bergamot, mandarin and ylang ylang with a heart of raspberry, white peony and osmanthus with a base of cedarwood, ambrox and white patchouli.

Juicy Couture I am Juicy Couture EdP (1.5ml) - this is very fruity with floral notes and contains top notes of raspberry, pomelo and passionfruit with a heart of gardenia, heliotrope, rose de Mai and sweet pea with a base of musk, woods and amber.

Taylor Swift Incredible Things EdP (1.5ml) - with top notes of grapefruit and pink pepper, a heart of suede, passion flower and vanilla orchid with a base of musk, vetiver, white amber and vanilla.

The extras this month are a sample of Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm & Revitalise Dry Body Oil which I've used before and loved and a 30ml tube of Time Bomb Hand to Hand Combat Hand Cream.

The box costs £12.50 for VIP Subscribers and £17.50 for non-subscribers. See the shop HERE. 

001 Skincare: Exfoliating & Conditioner Cleanser

I'm a huge fan of the lovely range of skincare products by Ada Ooi. You can see my reviews of Intensive Elixir*, GLA & Antioxidant Balance Cream* and Pure Active Peel* HERE. The Rosa Damascena Essence Mist* was perfect to take on holiday to refresh, rejuvenate and hydrate as well as uplifting and calming the senses.  I was also tempted by the gorgeous Christmas gifts and 001 Rose Performance featured in a Christmas Gift ideas post see HERE.

I've been testing out the rose scented Exfoliating & Conditioning Cleanser (15ml)* which deeply cleanses, exfoliates and conditions the skin. Used with the Professional Disposable Wash Cloth (rinse this out each time and use each one 3-5 times) the skin is left radiant and renewed as well as feeling really clean and glowy.

Natural Lactic and Salicylic Acids gently exfoliate removing dead skin cells and excess sebum.  The cleanser also contains Allantoin "an anti-inflammatory superstar" and is scented with Bulgarian Rose, Chamomile, Geranium & Ylang Ylang.

To use: pump a small amount into palms and lather onto damp skin. Use the wash cloth to remove.

What's your favourite 001 Skincare product?

See the website HERE

Follow on Twitter @001skincare

*PR sample

Shopping my Stash #69

Minvita Baobab Body Oil* - I simply love this lush, super moisturising oil which is perfect for dry winter skin. 100% natural it absorbs instantly nourishing the skin, improving skin's elasticity, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, intensely moisturising and helping with bruising and scaring. 

Cold pressed from the seeds of the Baobab Superfruit it's high in Vitamins A, D, E, F, B1 and B2 along with Phosphorous, Iron and Protein. It featured in one of my Christmas gifts posts.

Eye of Horus Charcoal Goddess Eyeliner - simply love the staying power and colour of this. One of my favourite eyeliners.

Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves - one of my favourite perfumes. See my review HERE.

Balm Balm Neroli Floral Water Hydrosol* - a deliciously scented spritz which freshens and uplifts. See my review HERE. 

Green People Ho Wood & Red Mandarin Hand Cream* - this came in a Christmas pack. See my review HERE. Love the scent and great moisturising qualities.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR samples

Cîme De Mains en Main Hand Cream

I first mentioned Cîme Skincare when Shubana at au sujet de Vert sent me a lovely box of goodies. See this post HERE.

Father and daughter, Walter and Anke were trekking in Ladakh in India when they came across some gorgeous high altitude wild roses, seabuckthorn berries, edelweiss flowers and other plants which survive in harsh conditions of cold, wind and sunlight.

On returning home Anke told her friend Isabel, a fellow lawyer with an interest in natural skincare. They decided with the help of Anke's dad, who is in the business of Organic extracts and oils to develop a range of skincare products using these active ingredients that grow at high altitude in the Himalayas.

I've been testing out Cîme's De Mains en Main Hand Cream (£21 - 100ml)*

The hand cream is simply packaged in an aluminium pump bottle which is recyclable.  All products are free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrances, propylene glycol and are ECOCERT certified.

With each product purchased direct from Cîme a donation will be made to the Nepal Trust.

Enriched with Apricot Kernal Oil and Aloe Vera Extract the hand cream is light and easily absorbed leaving the hands feeling deeply nourished.

I'm currently testing out the lush Rosée de Roses Cleansing & Toning Lotion* so expect a review shortly.

Have you tried any Cîme products?

*complimentary

4160Tuesdays: Advent Calendar Thoughts

As you'll know I had the very special 4160Tuesdays Advent Calendar last year. I've now had the chance to try the perfumes out properly and I have found two that I really love, one I didn't like and the rest I'm going to enjoy using (and perhaps find another favourite or 3).

You can see what I thought days 1-6 HERE, 7-15 HERE and 16-24 HERE. I liked that I also got a perfume for Christmas Day!

The only one I didn't like is The Lion Cupboard - I found it a bit too musty and old fashioned but there is a really nice story behind it which you can read on the website.

The two which I really, really loved were London 1969 (I've been carrying this about in my make up bag constantly). 

"A true unisex citrus, with a fresh outdoors feel and a dark secret. Hyde Park in the summer, the groovy King's Road, leading to late nights in grubby Soho backstreets".

It has top notes of lemongrass, Grapefruit, mandarin and cedrat with heart notes of Moroccan cedarwood, sandalwood, incense, lavender and violet with base notes of Indian patchouli, labdanum and musk. I just recently bought a Handbag Atomiser of this one.

My other favourite is Raw Silk & Red Roses which is a beautiful rosey scent. 

"A pure full-bodied red velvety rose. The rose we've been searching for, with notes of geranium, musk and hints of fruit".

It has notes of rose, geranium, musk and fruits. 

What's your favourite 4160Tuesdays scent?

Bath & Unwind: Beauty Bag with At Home & Tess Daly

As you'll guess the January spending ban is well and truly over! I'm not feeling too guilty as I did recently last 71 days on one.

I was browsing Bath & Unwind for Eye of Horus Goddess Eye Pencil (£15) as I finished my favourite Charcoal one last month. I spotted a fantastic beauty bag offer with At Home & Tess Daly which is stuffed full of goodies (including that eye pencil in my favourite shade).  Costing £29.99 and worth £100 it was too good to miss!

The products are presented in a white Bath & Unwind branded bag and inside is:

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Charcoal (£15)

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute 50ml (£25)

Elemental Herbology Grapefruit & Mandarin Body Wash 100ml

Bathing Beauty Balaclava Protective Face Salve 15ml (£9)

Arran Aromatics mini Scented Candle 5cl in Jasmine & Philadelphus

Korres Citrus Shower Gel 50ml 

Dr Hauschka Hand Cream 10ml (£3)

Badger Tangerine Breeze Lip Balm (£1.99)

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 10ml sachet

Guam Britannia Dren sachet (for water retention)

I also got sent a REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial 2ml sachet.

If this sort of beauty bag purchase interests you sign up to the newsletter to be kept informed of offers. See HERE.

Love Me Beauty Box

It's been a while since I have had a Love Me Beauty box. I spotted on Karen's blog that Therapie goodies were included (Ana also flagged it up). Being on spending ban I decided I shouldn't...until I came across a discount code, thanks Mags!

Normally a box costs £13.95 (including P&P) and this entitles you to 60 credits - you can also buy extra credits which I think is great if you see other items you must have that month.

I've been wanting to try Moa's Fortifying Green Bath Potion (100ml - worth £27.50) (20 credits) for ages! It smells minty and herbal and is good to use when you've got the flu as well as soothing aches and pains and de-stressing the mind. Expect a full review shortly.

Therapie's minis - 

Cherish Skin Repair Serum (30ml - worth £12) (20 Credits)

Equilibrium Bath & Shower Essence (30ml - worth £10) (10 Credits) 

Boost Hair & Body Wash (50ml - worth £10) (10 Credits) (review). 

I've used all of these before and loved them so I'm looking forward to using them again. Are you subscribed to Love Me Beauty?

YTTP: Cleanser & Serum & it's #PinkFriday16 today!

I've been testing out two of YTTP (Youth to the People) products one of which I received in the A/W '15 sampler box.

YTTP is a Californian eco-luxe brand made in small batches before being hand bottled and packaged.  Formulations combine science with clean natural ingredients.  Inspiration came from the founders' grandmother who created her own natural and botanical skincare line over 30 years ago and YTTP work with the same chemist who worked with Grandma Eva!

Products are free from soap, sulphates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and colours.

YTTP Cleanser this is a trial size (full size retails at £28 for 8oz) and it's formulated with Kale, Green Tea, Spinach and Vitamins. I like using this in my morning shower mainly as it is a gel type wash which cleans, balances, removes make up and impurities while leaving the skin feeling fresh.  To use: damp skin and then apply a 10p size over the face and neck, massage before rinsing.

I was sent YTTP Serum (£43 for 1oz)* to review and wow what an amazing product. It instantly firms the skin, plumping and adding radiance. I can quite honestly say I felt it working from the very first use! It contains Kale, Peptide Molecules, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. To use: apply after cleansing and before moisturising.

Remember today is #PinkFriday at a beautiful world where you can save up to 50% with ABW giving 10% of all sales to breast cancer charities. It's live from 7.00am.

*PR sample

Natural Being Manuka Cleanser

Natural Being is an affordable range of skincare which is certified natural and made with active New Zealand Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil.

The range is made by Living Nature and are simple, effective, kind to the skin and contain no synthetics or chemicals.  

Products are BDIH certified, natural and authentic manuka honey and oil is used, are Halal approved, there is no animal testing, and packaging is recyclable. There are 9 products available and they help to balance the skin and help with first signs of ageing.

I've been testing out the Cleanser (£13 - 100ml)* which is suitable for normal/oily skins (there is also one available for normal/dry skins). Even though I am a bit older (the range is aimed at 30s and younger) I have found the cleanser really suits my combination skin.

It comes boxed in a tube with a screw on lid. My only slight negative is I'd have preferred a pump bottle or flip top lid for using in the shower but this is not really an issue it would just make it easier to use.

The herbal honey scented cleansing gel gently cleanses the skin while purifying pores and blemishes.  After use the skin feels clean, balanced and soft. It's my current favourite morning time cleanser.

Also in the range: Toning Gel 100ml (£13), Day Cream for normal/dry and normal/oily 50ml (£14) and Night Cream (both skin types) 50ml (£14), Eye Cream 10ml (£12) and Hand & Body Cream 100ml (£13.50)

I think it's a great value and very effective range.  Have you tried anything from Natural Being before?

*PR sample

Aveda StressFix Kit

I received this great little Aveda StressFix Kit from my mum and dad at Christmas. It includes the very gorgeous StressFix Soaking Salts (170g size) which I absolutely love. They instantly calm and de-stress both the body and the mind. The salts are made with a mix of sugar and mineral rich salt which is infused with calming essential oils of Lavender, Lavandin and Clary Sage. Ahh bliss...

The second item in the kit I haven't tried before (I have used their Beautifying Composition before which I loved). The StressFix blend (30ml) can be used on the body, pour a few drops in the bath to help unwind or as a scalp treatment.

What's your favourite Aveda products?

Skin & Tonic Rose Mist

Skin & Tonic got in touch with me just before Christmas to offer me the choice of a full size product as a thank you for all the support in 2015. 

I was touched with their generosity and chose the delicious scented Rose Mist* as I'd been dying to try it!  You'll know I'm a huge fan of their STEAM CLEAN cleanser.

As predicted I love it! It's made with Organic flower water which is extracted from roses grown and distilled in the French Alps and blended with Aloe Vera and Glycerine. The mist can be used as a toner, to set make up or to mist on the skin whenever needed to calm and de-stress.

It calms, cools, hydrates, soothes and refreshes the skin as well as uplifting the senses.

Have you tried it? What's your favourite Skin & Tonic product?

*complimentary

Shopping My Stash #68

Now I'm back on the spending ban I'll be shopping my stash weekly - I'm planning #NoBuyJanuary but might try and keep it up until the end of February. Here's what I've been reaching for -

Ermana Natural Skincare Comfort Balm 15ml* - I'm a huge fan of this brand and first mentioned the balm HERE. I've had a bit of a cold from the end of December so I've been using this on dry patches around my nose to soothe and moisturise.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser 7ml* - this is a rich moisturiser which nourishes and protects winter skin. It featured in Little Treats #11 see HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Sweet Orange & Vanilla Body Balm 60ml - I simply love this rich balm which deeply nourishes the skin and uplifts the senses making it perfect for dry winter skin.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose 4-in-1 Organic Conditioner 60ml* - I love a muti-purpose product and this conditioner does wonders for the hair. I use it either as a leave in or rinse out product but it can also be used as a nourish scalp cream or styling product. It has a powdery rose scent which is lovely.

Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick - I received this in a set at Christmas. A lovely rosey shade which moisturises the lips and leaves them with a pop of natural colour. I was surprised it had a flat top but it applies well and I love it!

What have you been reaching for?

*PR samples

Happy 2016

Happy New Year all! I never normally make resolutions as I never keep them. I do have a few things I want to do this year:

1. I'm taking part in #NoBuyJanuary again this year. I've got lots of lovely beauty products to use from Christmas and some sales buys and a month is so do-able. I recently lasted 71 days on a spending ban so I know I can do it! 

2. I'm going to try and cut back on my wine & G&T intake this month. We have a few things in the calendar where I know I'll have a drink of two but the rest of the month is #DryJanuary which will also help kick-start the diet.

3. Lose weight this year (at least 2st) I've picked up Joe Wicks - The Body Coach's Book to try and help me do this.

I'm also looking forward to incorporating Minvita's Baobab Superfruit Powder* into my diet in smoothies and juices.

4. Use up more make up - I have more skincare/bodycare items in my stash but I'd love to use some of my make up especially a lipstick or two.

5. I'm looking into opening an online natural beauty store part time. It's been a dream for a while.

Do you make NY resolutions and can you keep them?

*PR sample