Blog Tour: The Girl I used to Know by Faith Hogan

Today I'm on the blog tour for Faith Hogan's fabulous new book The Girl I used to Know*. It's absolutely brilliant and one of my favourite reads of 2017.

"A beautiful, emotive and spell-binding story of two women who find friendship and second chances when they least expect it.

Amanda King and Tes Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn't be more different.

Amanda seems to have it all, absolute perfection. She projects all the accoutrements of a lady who lunches. Sadly, the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart. By comparision, in the basement flat, unwanted tenant Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love. 

It takes a bossy doctor, a handsome gardener, a push teenager and an abandoned cat to show these two woman that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations".

My thoughts?

Amanda King and Tess Cuffe may be neighbours but they despise each other. Amanda is married to Richard, a successful businessman, they have a gorgeous house, two teenage children and she is a lady who lunches. She gave up her career as an upcoming artist to settle down.

The only thing wrong with Amanda's life is Tess, the neighbour who won't move away despite the angry words and threats. They just hate each other. We learn Tess had her heart broken and has since led a lonely life never getting over the things that happened in the past. Her doctor and friend encourages her to start singing again and it really opens up her life.

For Amanda and Tess it's all about new starts, romance, new friendships and really living and enjoying life. The story is just the sweetest thing and I loved it. 

*complimentary copy from netgalley

Saskia's Flower Essences

I've been trying two products* from Saskia's Flower Essences. The essences contain the vibrational energy from the plants they come from, carried as a message in water. It reminds you of your personal energy and how to be.

Flower essences can bring positive and effective change like unlocking your full potential, finding inner peace, rebalancing the body and mind, change long standing behaviour and thought patterns and become more aware of who you truly are.

The essences can be used straight from the bottle dropping a few drops under your tongue AM and PM. You can also add a dropperful to your bath as an effective way of using the essence.

Saskia sent me Calm & Confident (£10 - 30ml)* in a base of cider vinegar (rather than Organic Vodka) which can help with challenging situations like panic attacks, fear in new situations or if you are out of your comfort zone. The blend contains Walnut (protection during change), Buttercup (self confidence), Wild Garlic (universal support), Rock Rose (fear and panic) and Cherry Plum (calmness).

I've found the drops to help during moments of unease and stress. They are easy to take and I'd recommend.

The second item she send I absolutely love! My Personal Space Spray (£10 - 30ml) which is great to use if you work in an office, for people who are being bullied, coping in crowed space or for those with weak boundaries. I've found it really helps in the office!

The blend contains pure rosewater that Saskia has distilled herself along with the following essences - Yarrow (psychic protection, separation of self from others), Borage (for coping with all life throws at you in a calm way), Walnut (for protection from what others think of you), Nettle (for standing up for yourself and maintaining your boundaries), Buttercup (for increasing self confidence), Potentilla (for loving yourself just the way you are).

You can also pick up pretty Cards to Inspire, Single Essences and Hydrosols.

*complimentary

JOIK Advent Calendar: Days 15 to 21

Here's my thoughts on days 15 to 21 (these are just initial musings full reviews will follow for most products).

Day 15:

Today we received Illuminating Passionfruit & Mango Body Milk 50ml which seems nice. It has a lovely fruity scent and leaves the skin looking glowy. 

Day 16:

We received another mini soap this time in Oriental Night which I can't currently find on JOIK's website.

Day 17:

Today we received an Eye Contour Cream sample size which can be bought full size at £20. See HERE. I'm looking forward to testing this one out!

Day 18:

Sweet Orange & Mint Body Oil 50ml which I'm looking forward to trying out. It retails at £10 for 100ml over at Love Lula.

Day 19:

I'm a huge fan of the lovely White Chocolate Bath Truffles see my review HERE.

Day 20:

I'm super pleased with this Velvety Red Lip Lip Balm which retails at £6. Find it HERE. It gives the lips a lovely pop of festive colour. I'm going to enjoy using this!

Day 21:

Today we got a Deep Moisturizing All-Over Balm 15ml which I'll enjoy testing out.

What do you think of this week's contents? (only 3 days to go!)

*The Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme points in November paid for part of the calendar. I added £57.

** My post contains a few affiliate links

Magical Tree: Sweet Delight Body Scrub

I recently tried Magical Tree's fabulous Body Butters* (see my review HERE). They are one of my favourite tries this year.

Sweet Delight Body Scrub (Orange & Grapefruit) £19.99 was shortlisted in the free from skincare awards 2017.

The scrub is made of natural ingredients including Virgin Organic Coconut Oil and pink Himalayan salt which has a natural exfoliating effect. The scent is uplifting and zesty and perfect to use in your morning shower.

To use: massage onto damp skin before rinsing. No need to moisturise after patting your skin dry as the skin is left feeling comfortable and nourished.

The body scrub is suitable for Vegans and is created with 100% natural and partially certified organic ingredients. No artificial colours, fragrances, preservatives, parabens or sulphates are used in production. The products are hand made in small batches with love and care. There is no animal testing on the ingredients used or the products and packaging is recyclable.

It has the perfect amount of "scrubbiness" and the scrub smoothes, exfoliates and nourishes the skin. Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary

Beauty Kitchen: Seahorse Plankton Range

Way back in September I received Beauty Kitchen's Seahorse Plankton 5 Minute Miracle Mask in the final YOU Beauty Box (see HERE). It's an absolutely fantastic mask (and range).

I've been testing out a few bits* from the range so read on to find out what I think. 

Beauty Kitchen very kindly sent me some other items from the range to test out with the mask. You can pick the products at Holland & Barrett countrywide or online.

The Seahorse Plankton range is made with Plankton microalgae which is stuffed full of Omega fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants which help to increase collagen production by 19.3% in just 24 hours. The products will make your skin firmer, plumper, more radiant and glowy.

Beauty Kitchen have teamed up with The Seahorse Trust to help #SaveStan and millions of endangered seahorses like him. They will donate money on your behalf to help save these magical creatures. If you buy a #SaveStan Skincare Treasures Set, you will receive a free 4 month Seahorse Adoption pack.

I've been really impressed with the whole range - how lovely they are, how nice they feel on my skin and how effective they are.

Everlasting Radiance Cleansing Gel* (£14.99 - 100ml) is pale blue in colour! The cleansing gel smells of the sea and contains 100% natural biologically proven microalgae which cleanses and refreshes the skin. The cleanser also contains frankincense, immortelle, angelica root and blue chamomile which hydrate and protect.

To use: massage onto damp skin before removing with warm water or a konjac sponge or cloth. My skin is left feeling clean, comfortable and nourished.

The star product for me is the High Definition Face Oil* (£19.99 - 30ml) which is an absolute delight to use.  The oil contains biologically proven seahorse plankton microalge which helps to smooth out wrinkles, plump the skin and nourish. It's suitable for all skin types and helps to prolong a youthful glow.

To use: apply a few drops to the face and neck twice a day using circular motions.

The Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser* (£19.99 - 60ml) is suitable for daily use. As well as the seahorse plankton microalge it contains sea kelp, blue chamomile, angelica root, immortelle and frankincense. 

To use: apply a small amount to your face and neck daily. For extra special results use after the facial oil.

The 5 Minute Miracle Mask (£14.99 - 60ml) is a CEW Beauty Awards Finalist 2017. The mask feels lovely on the skin, plumping, nourishing and firming.

To use: apply a thin layer to face, neck and decolettage and relax for 5-15 minutes before removing with a cloth or konjac sponge. My skin is left feeling soft, healthy and plumped.

Have you used anything from Beauty Kitchen? If so, what's your favourite product?

*complimentary

Review: Proverb Skincare for Men

Proverb Skincare is an exciting new launch of skincare and supplements especially for men. Founded by Luke & Kirstie Sherriff (the couple behind Pink's Boutique) and Ben Burch, former GB Rower and IT expert.

The range is free from parabens, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, SLS and propylene glycol. Packaging is stylish and very shelf worthy! The range includes skincare and supplements along with expert advice.

My hubby has been testing two products* from the range (of course I had to pinch them too, all in the name of research! And they are fab!)

Cleanse & Shave Nutrient Mud (100ml - £30)* which is suitable for all skin types. It calms, cleanses, washes and shaves the skin and contains 12 natural ingredients and 2 laboratory proven actives. Glycoproteins calm and repair, natural clay minerals cleanse while lycoprotene reduces skin stress. The products also have EWG Clean Ingredient Certification.

To use: To cleanse - wet face apply a small amount massging into the skin and neck in circular motions before rinsing. To shave - apply to skin, shave and then rinse. To combine - apply to skin, shave, massage residue into skin to cleanse before rinsing.

It's a really lovely product (I pinched it for shaving my legs!). The mud applies easily and has a fab herbal citrus scent. The other half is suitably impressed with a multi-purpose product which leaves his skin clean, smooth and nourished.

Hydration Pro Moisturiser (50ml - £55)* is suitable for normal to dehydrated skin types and will protect, strengthen and tone the skin. The moisturiser has a gorgeous aromatherapeutic scent - it contains essential oils of bergamot, lavender, sweet orange and clove bud to name a few and is right up my street! (I must admit to testing this out too!)

Again, like the Cleanse & Shave Nutrient Mud the moisturiser is packed full of natural ingredients and a few lab proven actives. In vitro tests showed 32% reduction in wrinkles over a 42 day period.

To use: massage onto the face and neck after cleanser and serum AM and PM.

This is a fantastic moisturser which is easily absorbed, lightly nourishing and protects the skin (it also smells great!)

Do you think the range is something you or your other half would use? Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary

Love Lula: UrbanVeda Soothing Body Ritual Gift Set

UrbanVeda have some great value gift sets available at Love Lula which range in price from £11.99 to £29.99).  This set which I've been trying is the Soothing Body Ritual Gift Set (£29.99)* which contains 3 full size products:

Soothing Body Wash 200ml - is a gently cleansing Ayurvedic infusion of Sandalwood, Rosemary, Patchouli, Peppermint, Geranium, Palmarosa, Clary Sage and Myrrh. The blend helps to fight tiredness, dehydration and stress and leaves the skin clean and nourished.

Soothing Body Scrub 200ml - Ana at Ana Goes Green reviewed this scrub HERE. Her review piqued my interest and this is why I chose this set to review. The scrub is extra gentle and sloughs away dead skin cells with crushed walnut and volcanic Pumice. Vitamin rich Orange, Lemon, Arjuna, Geranium and Palmarosa hydrate. It's enriched with Clary Sage, Sandalwood & Myrrh which fights fatigue, dehydration and stress. The scrub leaves the skin feeling refreshed and renewed.

The final item in the set is Soothing Body Lotion 250ml - which smoothes and softens the skin. It contains the same essential oils as the other two and deeply nourishes the skin helping to improve tone and suppleness.

I think the kit is really great. Pick yours up HERE.

Love Lula will be shipping right up until 21st December - for free 1st class delivery orders should placed by close of play tomorrow

From today until Thursday 21st on orders of over £80 Love Lula are offering free next working day guaranteed delivery

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme. My post contains a few affiliate links

Love Lula Beauty Box: December 2017

December's Love Lula Beauty Box* while not the most exciting is great value for money. The products are worth £58 this month (UK subscription costs £13.95 a month recurring). Every month there's also a special code for 20% off the brands in the box.

So what's inside:

The first thing that caught my eye is Madara's SOS Hydra Moisture & Radiance Mask which is full size (60ml) and worth £35. We received a trial size of this mask last November and my skin loves it!

Next up are two make up items from PHB Ethical Beauty while I love the brand I feel they are in the beauty box too often (a little bit like Madara!)

There's a Liquid Eye Liner in Black (£12.95) and a Peach Lip Crayon (£8.95). Unfortunately, I won't use either of these (have too shaky a hand for liquid liner and the peach liner's not really my shade). They are good value items in the box however and both are full size.

The final items are controversial sachets (I personally love them) as I find them great for trying before buying.  The one I'm most looking forward to trying is by new brand at Love Lula - MOSSA - I got a sachet of their Miracle Peel which I'm looking forward to using (before my work Christmas night out next week). Other sachets include a trio from UrbanVeda and a Dr Hauschka Hydrating Cream Mask.

Did you get a box this month? What are your thoughts on the contents?

*sent to me as part of of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Programme. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains a few affiliate links

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Merry Christmas December Box

Now this is what a Christmas beauty box should look like! It made my heart sing and really excited me. The December boxes are now sold out but you can sign up for January now (£21 plus £3.95 p&p).

It was packaged up so beautifully too - and included two extra treats!

So what's inside:

From BRYT Skincare there is a full size Night Cream (£18.50 - 50ml) and a sample sachet of their Day Moisturiser. This is a brand which is known to me but I've never tried any of the products (excited).

This is only my 2nd try from Siskyn Skincare and I'm looking forward to testing out their Grapefruit & Sweet Fennel Toning Body Oil (£9 - 30ml) which smells mouthwatering! 

From well loved bodhi & birch there is a 50ml travel size of their Ylang-Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy (£5.50). See my review HERE.

I recently tried NARLOA and can tell you that their Mandarin Cleansing Oil (£12.50 - 50ml) is gorgeous. See my review HERE.

The final items is a mini Rudolph's Nose Pore Refiner from The Konjac Sponge Company (£6.99) which is a cute little Christmas edition.

And we also received some fabby extras..

From Lilian Jones a gorgeous cinnamon swirl tealight candle which smells divine and from Truffle Pig, a handmade dark chocolate orange, raspberry and rose chocolate bar.

Thanks so much Paula for a wonderful Christmas subscription box!

AA Skincare: Christmas Gift Sets

AA Skincare have a lovely selection of Christmas gifts and are shipping until close of play on Monday 18 December - so you've still time to pick up some of their great value and fab gift sets.

The ones which caught my eye..

Detox & Restore Face Mask Collection £23.50 which contains (3 x 100ml masks) - Mint & Dead Sea Salt Cleansing Clay Mask, Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Clay Mask and Vanilla & Honey Skin Polisher Clay Mask (which I think all sound gorgeous and perfect for pampering depending how your skin's feeling that day). 

Helping Hands Kit £13.50 which contains Peppermint & Ginger Uplifting Soap (250ml) and Almond & Sandalwood Moisturising Hand Cream (50ml). I think this set is particularly good value for money and would make a lovely small gift.

Soothing & Balancing Face Kit £19.50 which contains Lavender & Tea Tree Facial Cleansing Gel (100ml), Lavender & Tea Tree Moisturising Face Lotion (100ml) and Lavender Calming Multi-purpose Gel (50ml). The trio will calm, soothe and balance acne prone skin.

Face Rejuvenating Kit £28.50 which contains products from their best-selling Frankincense & Rose range which hydrates, tones and firms the skin. Inside you will find - Rejuvenating Rose Hydrating Daily Face Gel (50ml), Frankincense & Rose Cleansing Face Gel (100ml), Frankincense & Rose Moisturising Face Lotion (100ml) and Frankincense & Rose Moisturising Face Cream (50ml) it's a great set for someone who loves the range or is new to it. I've used some of the products from this range and I'd highly recommend it.

See the selection of gift sets available HERE (there are also several haircare ones, a natural remedy kit and other face kits available).

JOIK Advent Calendar: Days 8-14

Here's what I received in my JOIK Advent Calendar* days 8-14:

Day 8:

A scented sachet in Vanilla Noisette which has a rich vanilla scent with carmel notes (almost smells good enough to eat). Put it in your car, cupboards or drawer. I like the idea of getting slightly different things in a calendar (I'm looking forward to the upcoming candle!)

Day 9:

I absolutely adore Silky Facial Serum with Cranberry Seed Oil (we've got a 10ml rollerball in the calendar). My skin's really enjoying it - expect a full review soon.

Day 10:

This Luxurious Citrus Bath Milk 30gr unfortunately opened in transit and cast a fine powder over most items in the calendar (which is a shame). It would have been better if the little pot had a seal on it. Apart from that, it smells glorious and I'm looking forward to testing it out.

Day 11:

We got a 50ml Micellar Water on day 11 which I'm slightly on the fence about - I've tried it once so far and found it stung around my eye area. Will give it another try before passing it on.

Day 12:

This Citrus & Bergamot Body Butter 50ml isn't available at Love Lula. It smells gorgeous and I'm looking forward to using it. 

Day 13:

Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub 15ml is also a new try for me. Some of the other girls who also got the calendar have been raving about it - so I'm looking forward to trying. Again, a review will follow.

Day 14:

Today's pick was Juicy Apple Shower Foam 50ml which again I'm looking forward to using.

Full reviews will be forthcoming once I have the chance to test everything out. Did you pick up a JOIK Advent Calendar? (I noticed last night they've been reduced to £85.60 so if you fancy one I'd say...be quick!)

*Love Lula Accredited Blogger points paid for part of the calendar. I added £57

**my post contains a few affiliate links

Nourish Radiance Duet

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Nourish and had to share with you one of their beautiful Christmas Gift Sets which would make the ideal small gift, stocking filler or Secret Santa gift. The Radiance Duet* (£15) contains:

Nestled inside the re-usable tin are two minis (5ml each) which I've used before and loved! 

The illuminating face shimmer is one of my favourite products from Nourish so I'm delighted to have it back in my stash. See my review HERE.

Award Winning Radiance Firming Facial Oil is also a beaut! See my review HERE.

I think this is a great set and one which I'd love to find under the tree! What's your favourite Nourish product?

*complimentary

Hemptouch Skincare Review

I've been testing out some products* from Hemptouch, a skincare company which creates products for those with sensitive skins. Hemp cannabinoids with skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, hemp-flower hydrolate rich in powerful skin-enhancing antioxidants and raw hemp oil rich in omegas and amino acids are used in the formulation of products. The hemp seed oil is made by Hemptouch - they oversee the plants from sowing to harvest and cold press the oil in their own press. Buds from the cannabis resin are harvested by hand and processed via CO2 extraction and maceration. The products are natural there are no chemicals, perfumes, dyes or alcohol used.

The product I liked the best from the ones I tested is their Nurturing Face Cream (50ml - £24.90)* a soothing formula which is suitable for hypersenstive skin, prone to irritation and redness. It deeply nourishes and regenerates, strengthening and caring for stressed and troubled skin. Cold pressed raw hemp oil supports the skin's natural process for renewal and promotes skin resilience. Gentle rose and hemp flower extracts help to improve microcirculation leaving the complexion smooth and supple. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for long-term hydration.

The cream is suitable for - dry and dehydrated, mature, fine-pored, premature wrinkling, pale, redness, flaky, thin skinned, constantly reddened cheeks/nose, flaky, hypersensitive, prone to irritation and redness and stressed reactive skin.

To use: apply 1-2 pumps onto clean dry skin. Use AM and PM and it can also be used on dry areas on the body.

My skin has been loving the cream and the scent is slightly edible! I wasn't however keen on the Calming Face Cream as the scent was just too herbal for my tastes.

My husband has been testing out the Ointment for Irritated Skin (50ml - £19.90)* as he's got dry patches of irritated skin on the inside of his elbow. He's been finding it super soothing and it has helped to calm the inflamed skin.

The ointment helps those with very dry and flaky skin soothing irritated, reddened, itchy and hypersensitive skin. German chamomile, calendula and lavender restore and calm. The omegas 3 and 6 in organic hemp oil protects and moisturises.

It has a pleasant herbal green scent and can be applied to the skin when needed.

Ointment for Problem skin 5ml* is a "rescue remedy" when acute care is needed. You can pick up a sample pack, which contains trial sizes HERE.

*complimentary