Living Naturally: Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm

I recently tried some of Living Naturally's products - see my post HERE which I've really been enjoying. Their Chamomile & Rose Beauty Balm (60g - £8.50)* is an absolute delight.

It's multi-purpose - you can use it on your face, hands, feet and body (I love a multi-use product!) and is 100% natural and 90% organic beauty treat which deeply nourishes and calms the skin.  Absorbing instantly it's great for dry and cracked skin and will also help itchy skin and problem skin types.

Organic Wildcrafted Soapnuts extract helps the skin produce its own hyaluronic acid moisturising and fighting ageing. Organic Rosehip is full of Vitamins and Antioxidants which repair, restore and protect. Rose nourishes and refines and adds a floral scent. Organic Marshmallow soothes, softens, heals and repairs and reduces inflammation while Organic Chickweed and Calendula soothes and heals.

To use: apply a small amount to the skin and massage it in.

Have you tried this beauty balm?

*complimentary

Beaufort London Lignum Vitae EDP

I just adore Beaufort London's Coeur de Noir EDP (which I first tried in my Bloom Perfumery September 2015 sample pack) and quickly fell for it. I also mentioned it HERE.

Latest launch in the niche line is Lignum Vitae EDP which you can buy as a sample (and get a fiver off a full size) or full size 50ml - £95.

I'm such a fan of this new launch. It's mellower and sweeter than Coeur de Noir and is "inspired by the innovative use of materials that allowed 18th Century clockmakers to construct the first truly accurate marine chronometers. Lignum Vitae combines wood, metal and salt to produce a truly unique, transportive fragrance".

With top notes of Black Pepper, Red Berries, Madeleine cake accord, Marine note, Mandarin, Winter Lemon, Bergamot, Juniper, Ginger, Lime, Frankincense and Carmel notes. First spritz brings a spicy sweet cake note to the fore, with a burst of citrus before the woody spiced heart notes appear. With base notes of Sand accord, Sea Salt accord, Amber, Frankincense resin, Moss, Musk and Vanilla which gives the perfume a woody, slightly green, salty sea breeze feel.

I love how throughout the day you catch different notes and the perfume keeps evolving and changing. It's on the wishlist for sure!  Have you tried any scents from Beaufort London? If so, what's your favourite?

Supernatural Beauty: Redemption Face Oil

I received a 10ml size of Supernatural Beauty's gorgeous Redemption Face Oil (Full Size - 30ml - £45) in the recent Content Beauty GWP - see what I bought HERE. As soon as I saw it was scented with collagen boosting and cell renewing Rose Otto Damask I knew I'd be sold! 

Founders Tyron and Jenny's son suffered from Eczema and Jenny had health problems of her own so they decided to create their own natural and organic skincare range. This oil was Editor's Choice in Fi's The Beauty Shortlist's Awards 2016.

It really is a beautiful oil which is suitable for all skin types and is 100% organic and free from harmful preservatives. Absorbing quickly it leaves the skin radiant, happy, nourished and smoothed (and smelling of roses!).  As you've probably guessed I absolutely love it.

That's one of the reasons I love GWP so much as I always find niche and new to me brands which more often than not I fall for! I will definitely be replenishing this beautiful oil and looking at the other products in the range.

To use: warm 2-4 drops on your fingertips before massaging onto clean face and neck in upwards motions.

Have you tried any products from Supernatural Beauty? If you have, what's your favourite?

You can meet Supernatural Beauty at Clean Cult at Ethos Spitalfields on 10th July along with other green brands. See more details HERE.

A.S Apothecary: First Aid Kit #12

This little calming balm by Amanda at A.S Apothecary has been on the wishlist a while. I first discovered Amanda when she was running Wellgreen Lewes and I bought several of her delicious Rose Body Butters among other things (link). I've also had the pleasure of meeting her in Edinburgh.

See my reivews of A.S Apothecary products - Cleansing Oil #5 & Lip Balm #9* (review), Mineral Powder #2, Cleansing Oil #5 & Facial Serum #3* (review).

First Aid Kit #12 is a tonic for the nervous system (one sniff and you feel instantly calm!) The balm contains essential oils and homeopathic remedies to calm and invite tranquility into the mind.  It helps with situations where you feel deeply anxious.

A blend of Madagascan Vanilla which is comforting, Sweet Majoram (grown and distilled in Cyprus) calms, relieves anxiety and stress, Bergamot uplifts and Chamomile calms and heals.

Vetivert is earthy and grounding, Ambra Grisea is great for anxiety or sadness. Argentum nitricum balances and helps to take the edge off anticipatory anxiety. Actonitum napellus alleviates panic and tension while Gelsemiun combats weakness which sometimes comes with anxiety.

To use: dab onto pulse points when needed to de-stress and regain control.

I've found this really helps me when I get stressed or feel anxious. Even opening the pot and inhaling the balm makes me feel calm. 

What's your favourite A.S Apothecary product?

*complimentary

Blue Labelle: Light & Balancing Facial Oil

I'm a huge fan of Pascale's gorgeous products - see my reviews - Rhassoul Lava Clay Powder, Body Oil & Hand Oil and Argan & Sea Buckthorn Face Oil*.

I've been enjoying using the Light & Balancing Facial Oil (10ml - £6, 30ml - £16) which is perfect for daytime use (although it can be used in the evening too). It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin looking radiant.

Made with certified organic ingredients it has a zesty uplifting scent and contains essential oils of Sweet Orange, Geranium and Frankincense along with three base oils and three C02 Extracts.  Suitable for oily/combination/all skin types although great for all skins in summer time as it's so light.

To use: press one pump into face and neck. It primes the skin perfectly for make up.

A new product has just launched which sounds fabulous - Divine Blend Treatment Oil (£38) which is multi-use - use it on hair, body, head, bath and massage - sounds like my kind of thing (I love a multi-use product). It's scented with Frankincense, Orange, Bergamot, Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

What's your favourite Blue Labelle product?

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #76

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15 30ml - you just can't beat a Chanel Foundation! This one applies easily and feels like a "second skin". It smoothes over imperfections leaving the skin with a matte finish. Love!

NIOD MMHC (Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex) 30ml - is one of the most amazing products I've ever used on my skin (it's not natural, but it works). I've only been using it a few days and the lines above my top lip have completely disappeared. It came from this little set and the I've since purchased CAIS.

Yogandha Detox Body Oil 125ml - this is my second bottle of this uplifting body oil. Scented with Lemongrass and Juniper Berry it awakens the body and mind and is absolutely gorgeous!

Aurelia's Aromatic Repair & Brighten Hand Cream 75ml (£28*) - is simply divine. It deeply nourishes the hands repairing and brightening dark spots. With essential oils of Vetivert, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli (smells beautiful). This one's beside my bed! (expect a fuller review shortly)

My final item is the amazing 4160Tuesdays Buddhawood Box 30ml - which recently crowdfunded (122%) and is one of the Mystery of the Materials quartet. See my initial thoughts HERE. I love its spicy woody notes with the mellow creamy notes. Just gorgeous!

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Ogario London: Restore & Shine Hair Masque

I've been loving using Ogario London's Restore & Shine Hair Masque (200ml - £28.50)* as it's one of the most luxe and deliciously scented hair products I've used. Scented with Lavender and Sage the masque restores and repairs damaged hair leaving it shiny, silky smooth and smelling gorgeous!

Ogario London, is an award winning British haircare range. Products are made with plant extracts and essential oils. Creative Director, Norris Ogario started his career as an apprentice in a West End salon. Twenty years on his own salon in North London has grown organically and extended into a haircare range.

The range includes Revive & Shine (suitable for all hair types) and Hydrate & Shine (for colour treated hair). Restore & Shine is the masque and this comes in the larger size and a smaller 50ml size which is ideal for try me or travel.

The Restore & Shine Masque* deeply nourishes the hair, repairing and improving it's condition. It's packed full of good things for the hair and scalp including Avocado and Olive oils, Aloe Vera, Nettle, Horsetail, with Vitamin rich sage and calming lavender.

To use: use once or twice a week on towel dried clean hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave on the hair for 10 minutes or so before rinsing.

I've been really impressed with how healthy and shiny my hair looks and feels. Have you used any products by Ogario London?

*PR sample

Less is More by Brandhuber & Trummer: Rose Serum

This serum by Less is More has been on my wishlist a while. I picked it up during the recent GWP promotion. See my post HERE.

The range is a collaboration between stylist and salon owner, Hannes Trummer and Doris Brandhuber, a chemist and aromatherapist. Innovative formulas and certified organic ingredients make the products luxurious and indulgent but the brand also care about the environment. All packaging is recyclable and products are free from any chemicals.

I like that the company do their bit to help refugees arriving daily in Austria. They've created an all in one wash and shampoo which they have donated directly to refugees at the Vienna Westbahnhof and if you buy one the net profits will be donated to Caritas Refugee Aid.

Rose Serum (30ml - £26) repairs, nourishes, de-frizzes and helps to treat itchy, flaky scalps. Made with a blend of Rose Hip Seed, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel and Coconut oil it has a citrus floral scent and is a blend of Rose Damascena, Rose Geranium and Sicilian Tangerine which uplifts and rejuvenates as well as smelling divine!

To use: As a glossing finish - work a few drops through wet or dry hair or as an intensive overnight treat shampooing out in the morning.

I absolutely love this serum and it's been worth the wait. Now I want to try some of other products in the range (link).

Content Beauty Wishlist

I spied some new to me brands and products at Content Beauty yesterday. So you know what's coming up...A wishlist!

I'm loving the look of Isla Apothecary..

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The products are hand made in small batches in the UK. What caught my eye was their Blood Orange + Vanilla Moisturising Sugar Scrub (220g - £23) which sounds like a delicious combination. 

I'm also loving the sound of their Hawaiian & Himalayan Detox Bath Soak (220g - £26) which blends black Hawaiian and Himalayan salts with Patchouli and Citrus.

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Neroli Body Oil (100ml - £32) which is scented with Neroli, Citrus, Frankincense and Patchouli and can be used in your bath or as a luxe body oil.

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Next up, a new range Julisis Gold Day Wash (150ml - sold out at present!) which blends Neroli flower extract, Carrot oil, Jojoba and Liquid Gold. 

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I also spotted John Masters Organics SPF30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen (50ml - £28.50) which protects and nourishes the skin.

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What's on your Content Beauty wishlist?

Gallinée La Culture Hand Cream

After having loved Gallinée's La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser* (REVIEW) I knew I'd also love their Hand Cream (£12 - 50ml)* which is a lightweight citrus scented cream which absorbs easily into the hands and nails. It really is fantastic and I will buy (pick up the products at Look Fantastic, Beauty Expert, HQHair and Beauty Mart online).

The cream intensely nourishes the hands and the skin feels instantly hydrated, soft and smooth.

Containing probiotics (deactivated bacteria from the Lactobacillus family) which are gentle on the skin and help support the microbiome and the skin's protective barrier, prebiotics (a mix of gentle fibres and sugars which feed your skin's good bacteria and help support the skin's barrier), Lactic Acid a gentle AHA which helps the skin stay at its optimal pH level as well as hydrating and softening. Daisy extract brightens and helps to prevent dark spots while Shea butter hydrates and protects.

Products are free from colourants, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, microbeads, phenoxyethanol and methylisothiazolione. 

To use: massage into the hands as often as needed.

*PR sample

The Glamour Summer Edit: Latest in Beauty

The Glamour Summer Edit (£20) is available now from Latest in Beauty. It contains Glamour mag's Beauty Director's favourites which are perfect for summer. The contents are worth an incredible £104!

I'm currently obsessed with Aurelia Probiotic Skincare's Miracle Cleanser. Inside the box is a 30ml size (perfect try me or for holidays) and a bamboo muslin cloth. See my review HERE.

Oribe Dry Texturising Spray 75ml also caught my eye. I'm always on the lookout for new to me haircare and this one adds texture and volume.

Grounded's Chocolate Orange Body Scrub uses coffee grains to exfoliate the skin leaving it soft and smooth. The chocolate orange scent sounds right up my street!

Nuxe's Prodigieux Shower Oil comes in a 30ml tube and is perfect for holidays as it has a golden shimmer. With notes of Orange Blossom, Vanilla and Magnolia this smells great. 

WOW Mask Luxury Facial Mask which is a single use sheet mask and contains collagen-boosting ingredients which firm and plump the skin.

The Revlon Ultra HD Matte LipColor is just the sort of shade I'd choose (Devotion).  A matte finish which is comfortable on the lips and a pretty shade.

St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mist 125ml is (apparently) easy to apply and give an instant streak free colour.  I'm not a real fake tan fan but might give this a go before my summer holidays.

The final item is Ladival Sun Protection Spray SPF30 150ml which protects the skin from infrared-A rays as well as UVA and UVB.

What's your favourite item from the box? Did you pick one up?

John Masters Organics: Orange & Rose Hand Cream

I love when new products arrive at Love Lula and I was excited to see a range of hand and body washes and hand creams from John Masters Organics.

I chose the Orange & Rose version (£14 - 54ml) which has a deeply aromatic slightly spicy citrus floral scent which is lush.  You can currently pick up 2ml samples (50p) with purchase. Others in the range include Lime & Spruce and Lemon & Ginger.

A rich hand cream which absorbs easily nourishing and soothing the hands. Including 9 organic ingredients which hydrate and smooth the hands.

Use as often as needed throughout the day (I now want another one for beside my bed and in my desk drawer).

What's your favourite hand cream?

Craft Gin Club: June 2016: NB Navy Strength Gin

My June Craft Gin Club box arrived at the end of last week. It's definitely one of my favourites!

Inside this month is a bottle of NB Gin Navy Strength (57%), a bottle of Fentiman's Sparkling Lime & Jasmine (review) a miniature of Martini and a jar of Alco Olives which are infused with NB gin and of course the fab Ginned! mag.

A smooth and delicious gin (with a kick) made with botanicals of Juniper, Coriander Seed, Angelica root, Grains of paradise, Cassia bark, ground Cardamon, Lemon peel and Orris root powder.  It makes a delicious martini.

Sign up HERE. Remember you can get a tenner off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM.

The Manchester Bee Company: The Beekeeper Mug by Tea with Jud

I was invited to GirCo's pop-up shop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh last Thursday. Unfortunately I was unable to go but enjoyed checking out their Facebook page and oohing and ahhing over the beautiful crafts.

A company which jumped out at me was Tea with Jud so I went to investigate...

Jud Pollock is a ceramicist from Northern Ireland who lives in Rattray, Perthshire and creates beautiful pottery ranges and knitwear. You can see her online shop HERE. 

This in turn led me to The Manchester Bee Company and the adorable Beekeeper Mug (£20 plus P&P) which is absolutely exquisite. Hand thrown with a hexagon detail and hand made especially for the company by Jud. You can check out the shop HERE.

Jo Malone: Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil

I received this bottle of Jo Malone's Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil (100ml) from my pal Julie at Christmas. I've used it on and off since then but am finding I'm using it more and more now as the scent lingers all day and is perfect for using in summer (and it's super lush!)

It has top notes of Clove which adds a spicy note, a heart of Damask Rose which is opulent and sweet finishing with a rich and resinous oud base. 

It's just gorgeous! All you need to do is spray it onto the skin and pat in. Absorbing instantly the oil nourishes and smoothes the skin leaving deliciously scented. A real luxe treat.

What's your favourite Jo Malone scent?

Shopping my Stash #75

I've been enjoying revisiting Mendill. Their organic wipes* are really effective and smell great. There are also some new editions to the range including the gorgeous Jasmine and Grapefruit scents. Really handy for summer and holidays. See my review HERE.

I've been spraying the delicious Jo Loves Pomelo which is the perfect summer scent. See my review HERE. 

Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist refreshes and hydrates the skin (perfect for summertime) and is scented with Neroli & Rose. Gorgeous!

Schmidt's Bergamot+Lime stick is my favourite natural deodorant. It keeps me protected all day and smells great. I love this scent. It features in my Top Three over at a beautiful world.

I'm slightly obsessed with new to me brand Supernatural Beauty. A 10ml size of their Redemption Face Oil came in the recent Content Beauty GWP. This oil is simply divine - it's scented with Rose Otto Damask (swoon) and packed full of good things for the skin incuding Rosehip, Grapeseed, Evening Primrose, Wheatgerm and Carrot Seed oils. It leaves my skin looking radiant and healthy. Love.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR samples

The Botanical Farmer: Bath Botanicals & Candles

I've been trying out The Botanical Farmer's Bath Botanicals and Candles and I can quite honestly say they are gorgeous! The company was started by Sam Ellson who runs the award winning The Traditional Flower Co. and The Artisan Dried Flower Co.

Based in Staffordshire the flower business is a small scale outdoor operation of approximately 8,000 scented rose bushes, over 5,000 herb plants and acres of seasonal flowers and foliage. They plant, sow and harvest most of the ingredients.

I was sent their Bath Botanicals Bath Tea No.4 Citrus Floral* (half ltr jar - £12.00)* and Bath Tea No.7 Rose* (half ltr jar - £12.00)* which are packed in kilner jars as well as two candles* (more about them later!)

The packaging is super cute..

No.4 Citrus Floral Bath Botanical* helps calm and relax and smells simply divine. It's a blend of dried botanicals (rose petals, lavender, lavender grains, chamomile and lemon balm), essential oils and Himalayan Salts. The oils used are Sweet Orange which de-stresses, Rose Geranium helps relieve depression, Lavender helps with anxiety and Bergamot uplifts. All you need to do is fill the cotton muslin bag included and hang from a running tap. When you turn off the tap you can add the bag to the bathwater to infuse further.

No.7 Rose Bath Botanical* is sensual and rosey. Again, a similar blend with Rose Geranium and rose petals (this would be perfect for taking on Honeymoon or for a weekend away).  I love that the packaging is re-usable.

I was also sent two matching natural candles* (small £10) which are simply exquisite. Packed in mini jars the scents are long lasting and natural. Burn time is 14-16 hours and I think they'd make brilliant gifts.

Have you tried any products from The Botanical Farmer? Which scents would you choose?

*complimentary - sent for review

Content Beauty & Wellbeing: British Beauty GWP & Purchases

I couldn't resist the latest Content Beauty & Wellbeing GWP which is now sold out. Worth £95 and free with a 100 quid spend.

My parcel arrived on Wednesday and I couldn't wait to open it.

I'd been wanting to try A.S Apothecary First Aid Kit #12 (30ml - £18) for ages. It restores calm in anxious situations. Expect a full review soon.

Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN with cloth (50g - £27) is a staple for me - I've always got this in my stash.

New to me is LIHA Beauty Idan Beauty Oil (30ml - £16) which I'm also looking forward to trying. It smells divine and is made from cold pressed coconut oil and tuberose flowers. It's solid at room temperature so you need to warm the bottle a little before using.

Another item which has been on the wishlist for ages is Less is More's Rose Serum (30ml - £26) One word. Gorgeous! Again, review will follow.

I also bought something for a forthcoming swap (so it's not in the photo).

Onto the gift (reviews will be forthcoming)

Supernatural Beauty Redemption Face Oil 10ml (lushest oil ever)

pai Skincare Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner 12ml

Skin & Tonic Gentle Scrub 50g Full size

AS.Apoth Lip Balm #7 Full Size

Therapi Orange Honey Moisturiser 15ml (mini review)

LIHA Shea Butter 15ml

Nourish Revital-Eyes Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream 5ml

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 30ml + bamboo cloth (review)

Included in my parcel was a surprise Trial Set of sachets from Madara (new design) which are great for try me/holidays.

What do you think of my purchases? Did you pick up the GWP too?

Marc Jacobs Rain EdT 100ml

I first tried Rain by Marc Jacobs when it launched way back in 2006 and it was love then as it is now. The only difference is the size of the bottle. Back then it was a massive 250ml and now a 100ml chunky simply designed bottle.

It's the perfect summer scent - watery and refreshing just like a summer rain shower.

With top notes of Wet Cut Grass, Wild Strawberry, Clementine Zest and Cypress with a heart of Tropical Rain accord, Passion Flower, Sunshine Flower and White Orchid with a base of Beech Amber, Tree Moss, Musk and Teakwood.

The scents are perfect for sharing as they are suitable for both men and women. Also available is Pear which captures the sweet nectar of summer with fresh Pear, Bergamot and Lemon Peel. Cucumber is crisp and cooling with notes of Cucumber, Lily of the Valley, Linden Blossom and Freesia while Cotton is a clean and comforting scent with notes of Peach, Mandarin, Bergamot and Aquatic accord.

Which one would you pick?

VRAC Ethical Tea Shop & AS.Apothecary for VRAC

Amanda is featured in June's Country Living magazine - she's on a roll as she's also in The Simple Things!

In the article she mentions that she makes a soap for VRAC based on tea - so I went off to investigate and purchased these..

VRAC Ethical Tea Shop is based in Lewes (where Amanda lives) and you can buy the teas (and soap) online. There is always around 30 to choose from which are from small estates around the world. Most blends are made by hand in the studio.

For my tea choice I picked Ceylon Chai (£8 - 100g) - I'm slightly obsessed with Chai and this one smells mouthwatering and is delicious! A blend of chocolaty fine whole leaf Ceylon from the Kataboola estate in Sri Lanka is blended with cinnamon, green cardamon pods, cloves, star anise and black peppercorns (I also like it with a splash of milk).

The Spring Tea Soap (£8 - 100g) Amanda has created for VRAC is simply divine. It's made in small batches using VRAC's Seogwang detox blend (Vietnamese Green Tea, Lemongrass and Ginger) and smells of citrus and spicy notes.

See VRAC's website HERE.