Palm & Soul: The Beauty Serum Cocktail Bar: Beauty Serum Cocktail

I've loved Palm & Soul for a long time having fallen for their beautiful products as far back as 2012! See my review of their Three Rose Deep Balm for Face & Neck HERE.

Shopping at Palm & Soul should be a slow and leisurely experience so grab yourself a glass of wine, G&T or cup of tea and nestle down to be seduced by the gorgeous ranges. I had the real pleasure of picking my own bespoke Beauty Serum* from the Beauty Serum Cocktail Bar. 

Serums are presented in a 30ml pump bottle and range in price from £27-£59 depending on the ingredients selected. You can see selections HERE.

Choose 1 shot, 2 shots, 3 shots - STAGE 1 is The Mixers - Pure Raw Plant Oils - pick 1 or 2, STAGE 2 is The Shots - Active Powerhouse ingredients with high potency content to give your beauty cocktail a kick! STAGE 3 is The Twist - aromatic essentials which rebalance and enhance mood and wellbeing. Kathy, Palm & Soul's founder will select your chosen ingredients and blend, shake and pour them together before sending the finished product to you in the post!

I chose ingredients which appealed most to me and how my skin and mood was feeling at the time. My first pick in STAGE 1 was Watermelon Seed Oil which is a light oil which absorbs quickly, is nourishing and suitable for combination and sensitive skin types. STAGE 2 saw me pick Arctic Blackcurrant Seed Oil which is stuffed full of Omegas 3 and 6. It balances and gives dull skin a pick me up.

You can use the 2 shot serum as it is or add an essential twist. For STAGE 3 I picked Neroli which as well as smelling gloriously floral is uplifting, regenerating, calming and helps to soothe worries away. My second essential oil pick was Orange Peel which balances and uplifts. 

To use: on face at night after cleansing or as a body serum (you know how much I adore a multi-use product!)

My choice of raw plant oils and essential oils came in at £51 as I'd picked a ROYAL OIL (Neroli). The blend is exquisite and I absolutely adore it!  My skin feels more radiant, rejuvenated and balanced and that scent...just perfection!

*complimentary

Formula Botanica: Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation Update

As you'll know I've been studying the fantastic online diploma with Formula Botanica in Organic Skincare Formulation*. You can see my initial post HERE and my first update HERE. I've been slowly working my way through the modules, taking loads of notes, researching different ingredients and creating products using my own formulations.

You can sign up to any of the courses right now - see the choices available HERE. Enrollment is open until 10th July 2018 for this intake.

At the end of my last post I was just about to blend a cold and warm blended cream. One of my favourite creations was a warm blended cream with Grapefruit & Vetiver.  As well as the essential oils, I formulated the cream with Shea Butter, Sweet Almond oil and antioxidant Vitamin E. Also in this module we learn how to formulate an oil blend before taking the module quiz which enables us to pass to the next level.

The next modules involve Facial Product Formulation - toners, cleansers and moisturisers. I picked up a few ingredients from several suppliers.

In this group of modules we learn how to formulate Facial toners with and without solubiliser, Facial gels, Bi-Phase Facial Cleansers, Cream, Gel and Foaming Cleansers, Micellar Waters, Anhydrous Facial Creams, Facial Oils, Facial Balm, Lip Balm and Facial Emulsions. It really is fascinating and the course is very easy to follow. Next up it's Body Cleansers, Moisturisers and Spa Exfoliators. 

I'm really enjoying the course and hope to share with you some more creations soon! Remember you can sign up until 10 July. See more details HERE.

*complimentary

Naturisimo: Sensitive Soul Discovery Box

I find it very hard to resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box and Sensitive Soul Discovery Box just had to be mine! It's stuffed full of wonderful green beauty goodies worth £76 (the box only cost £17.95 with free p&p and it's now unfortunately out of stock). You can sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know of any offers (or follow them on Twitter/Instagram).

So what's inside:

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence 15ml

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser 20ml

Pai Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask 10ml (REVIEW)

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Grapefruit Deodorant Cream 28g

Scentered LOVE Therapy Balm 1.5g

A'kin Organic Rosehip Oil 3ml (REVIEW)

John Masters Organics Lavender, Rose Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap 42g

Green People Damask Rose Facial Oil 5ml

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum 2ml

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Nourishing Cleansing Oil 2ml

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin Plumping Serum 10ml

LOV Organic Love is Zen 1 x teabag

It's a fabulous box and I'm looking forward to trying it all. Meow Meow Tweet had been on the wishlist! Did you pick one up?

AA Skincare: Festival Picks

AA Skincare have a great range of products which are perfect for taking with you the next time you are at a summer Festival. How clever are these Tea Tree & Aloe Vera Cleansing Bodycare Wipes (currently on sale at £2.64). I picked these up via Latest in Beauty recently. They are great for top-to-toe cleansing. Tea Tree oil is naturally antiseptic and cleanses and removes bacteria while Aloe Vera cools and calms. The wipes are alcohol and free from artificial fragrances. To use: simply wipe over the body to freshen up. I'm not a huge tea tree fan so probably would prefer these in a different scent but they'd be fab for festivals where there may not be access to a shower.

I've used their Green Tea & Aloe Vera Soothing Cleansing Wipes* before (25 wipes - £3.30) which I first received in a YOU Beauty Box (link). I don't use wipes often but these are the ones I'd pick as they are pleasant to use, effective and super gentle.

The final item which I'd recommend (you do need access to a shower however!) are their shampoo bars* (£5.94) which are very long lasting and easy to tote about. See my review HERE.

What are your top picks for Festivals?

*complimentary

Rare Beauty: NAKIN Purifying Face Toner & Freyaluna Skincare Shampoo Travel Kit

Founder Corinne at Rare Beauty asked if I'd like to be a "mystery shopper". I was given a voucher code* to use and went to explore the site which is the UK's first women-led natural beauty store.

Current brands include: Nakin, Freyaluna Skincare, Mallow+White and Supernatural Beauty. You can see the full range of brands HERE. This is always evolving and growing so keep your eyes peeled for new brands being added.

Corinne's hobby was making her own natural skincare and last year had a lightbulb moment to create her own online shop with the products handcrafted in small batches by women.

There are also a small select group of Beauty Residents who honestly review all the products instore. Check them out HERE.

And so to the products I selected..

The products are beautifully wrapped (it's the little things..) 

I'd heard of NAKIN before but hadn't up to now tried any of their products. I selected their Purifying Face Toner (150ml - £15)* which comes boxed and has quite sleek but simple packaging. The toner will cleanse, tone and condition the skin. Aloe Vera cleanses while Witch Hazel detoxifies pores, Seaweed extract purifies and Hyaluronic Acid hydrates.  The toner has a pleasant naturally fresh scent and is suitable for all skin types. 

My second pick was Freyaluna Skincare's Shampoo Travel Kit (2 x 30ml bottles - £10)* which are great for try me or travel. I love the simple but pretty packaging (I'm already a fan of this brand having reviewed their Rose Petal Gift Box (link) (I think the nearest thing to that now is the Smell the Roses Gift Box) and their clever TRY ME Selection Box (link - although I reviewed this way back in 2012 and prices have understandably increased).

The bottles are nestled in tissue and inside the box is 30ml of Nourishing Nettle & Lavender Shampoo which is nourishing and strengthening and 30ml of Gentle Geranium & Ylang Ylang Shampoo which is formulated for normal hair types and leaves the hair soft and very shiny. There is enough in each bottle for six washes making them the perfect try me or for holidays. I've enjoyed using both varieties but I think Nourishing Nettle and Lavender just has the edge!

Have you bought anything yet from Rare Beauty yet?

*complimentary

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Mystery Box

I'm always thrilled by the thought of a mystery beauty box. Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box are offering a surprise box with two items inside at a tenner including P&P - exciting! Making it an affordable treat, small gift or for those who live in England, an end of term teacher gift (Scottish schools broke up last week).

And so for a closer look.....

WOW! 

Inside is 90g "Feel Great" Mouthwatering Mandarin Coffee Scrub (worth £6.99) from Optait which has a zingy citrus scent. I find this coffee scrub great to use - perfectly scrubby and effective. I'm a fan of their "The Hungover" Coffee Scrub in Potent Peppermint. See my review HERE. I'm looking forward to trying this new scent.

My second surprise is TOSé Apothecary's gorgeous Wild Rose, Frankincense & Myrrh Facial Serum (30ml - £28) which is a brilliant second addition to the box. I've tried this beautiful serum before (REVIEW) and more than delighted to have it back in my life!

I'm very impressed with my great value "mystery box". Pick yours up HERE. If you decide to buy one please let me know what's inside!

June Book Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in June:

Deep Fear - DI Kelly Porter #2 by Rachel Lynch - having loved the first DI Kelly Porter book I was very excited when I spotted book #2 on Amazon. DI Kelly Porter and the team are on the hunt for a serial killer who leaves similar typed prose scripts on their bodies and leaves them in specific areas of the Lake District. The race is on to find out why and who is behind the killings. I didn't for one moment see it coming! The story is fast paced and twisty and I loved it! I also liked how the characters are developing. Roll on book #3.

Her Mother's Secret by Rosanna Ley** - I took part in the Blog Tour for this amazing read. See my review HERE.

Anna by Niccolo Ammaniti - Anna and her brother have been living alone in the family home for four years since the virus killed her mother and all other adults. Her mother had the foresight to write instructions for them when she was no longer there to care for them. The electricity fails and food and water are now scarce. Anna keeps Astor safe from the outside and goes on scavenging trips alone often dodging packs of dogs and children. Astor disappears and she goes to search for him meeting a boy of similar age to her on the way who becomes her friend. Astor and Anna journey to the mainland to find an adult. The ending is rather sudden and I found I was left wondering. 

Watching You by Lisa Jewell* - this amazing roller-coaster of a read isn't out until July so I'll share my review in my July round-up.

Tubing by K A McKeagney* - Tubing is a fabulous twisty read which I loved (and is one of my favourite reads this year). Polly lives in London with her boyfriend Oliver who is a nice guy and he seems to love her. He's never spontaneous however. She works in a dead-end job on a free London newspaper and finds her life dull. 

She's been out for drinks with Oliver's bossy sister Charlotte and while slightly drunk on the tube meets a random stranger. The chemistry is instant and they passionately kiss which leads to other things. Nobody seems to notice on the packed tube and at the next station he disappears. Polly is left in shock but has the desire to see him again. She searches obsessively online for him and discovers what she's done is called tubing - silent sexual meetings with strangers...It's an absolutely thrilling read and OMG that ending! I loved it.

Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor - Rebecca, a tourist on holiday with her parents goes missing after walking in the hills. Everyone in the village turns out to help the search party. But life goes on and we see the seasons for the next 13 years in the aftermath of her disappearance. The narrative is exquisite and I was totally drawn into the lives and loves, deaths, secrets and friendships of the villagers. Highly recommend.

Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead - Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia. She's an outcast, is coming into womanhood and her life's going to get harder. She's caught the eye of the owner's son a cruel and unforgiving man so when fellow slave Caesar tells her about the Underground Railroad they decide to escape.

Things don't go to plan and they are hunted. The journey isn't easy but they are helped by the engineers and conductors who operate the secret network of tracks to help slaves on the run. They arrive in South Carolina, a seemingly haven and decide to stay. However, Ridgeway, the slave catcher is on their heels and is desperate to capture Cora after her mother evaded him years before. A chilling but compelling read.

the map of us by Jules Preston* - Such a quirky read with endearing characters. It follows the North family and in particular Violet who was abandoned by her immediate family for being a cripple. She lives in a beautiful house with a rambling garden and is a bestselling novelist. She met her husband when he arrived at her door looking for work with his dog "dog". Tilly, her granddaughter is a statistician and compiles a compatibility test about her soon to be ex-husband. There are a whole cast of eccentric characters including her sister who collects designer handbags but never uses them (they have their own room in her house). Her brother is the world expert....on the colour blue! A great read which I really enjoyed.

Don't Look for Me by Mason Cross - this is my first Mason Cross Book (and the fourth in the series). I met him last year at a book event where he read a section of this book and I had to buy it! 

Carter Blake hasn't looked for his ex Carol in 6 years since she left him a note saying "don't look for me". Her neighbour and friend, Sarah and ex-crime desk journalist and now author wonders why they've vanished so suddenly. She sees men enter their house and remove a laptop and other things and calls the cops who don't seem bothered. She's the inquisitive type so goes to check out their home and finds a notebook with an emergency email address. 

Carter Blake meets up with Sarah and she shows him a photo of her and the couple at a neighbourhood BBQ. Despite the hair colour change he knows it's Carol and she's likely in danger and they set off together to look for her.

Trenton Gage, a hitman has been employed to track down the Freels as they have something the three men want. He'll  stop at nothing to reach his goal. A fast paced and twisty read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Quaker by Liam McIlvanney* - the story is set in Glasgow in 1969 and is loosely based on true life killer Bible John. The Quaker is a bible quoting killer who seems the perfect gentleman, courteous and polite. Three women are raped, beaten and murdered close to home after a night out at the Barrowlands Ballroom.

The police seem unable to catch him and the city is gripped by fear. DI Duncan McCormack, a leading light is drated in to close the case and write a report. There is a fourth murder which is similar and the police wonder if a copycat killer is at large.

Alex Paton, a peterman originally from the city but now based in London arrives to take part in an auction house heist. He's set up to lie low in an abandoned slum flat which will be torn down in a few weeks as part of the city regeneration. He seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as the police want to nail him as The Quaker.

McCormack is a brilliant and tenacious character, who I'm looking forward to meeting again in book #2. He's willing to risk all at great personal cost to see all those guilty sent to prison. A great read. Would recommend.

*sent to me by the publisher via Netgalley
**sent to me by the publisher

June Empties

Here's what I've been using up in June:

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil Free Moisture Cushion 15ml which was a sea scented light gel cream and seemed perfect for my combination skin. Very nice. Would maybe buy.

Organic Trevarno Lavender & Geranium Cleansing Oil 5ml which was lovely to use. I'll definitely buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. 

Bodhi & Birch Lemon Water Hydrosol 15ml* I was part of the focus group for the new #SuperfoodsSeries and totally fell for this beauty. See my review HERE. I've just opened a full size I was gifted for taking part in the group. Totally lush. 

Enchanted Plants Blossom Hydrating Facial Mist 100ml which I totally fell head over heels for. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.

001 Pure Lavender Hydrosol Toner 100ml* which was lovely to use. See my review HERE.

Geo Mitchell Relax Bath Salts (one use sample)* these were lovely and I'd consider buying full size. They featured in my recent Shopping my Stash post.

Alteya Organics Bio Damascena Ageless Rose Otto Eye Cream sachet** which gave several uses (I'd reckon they'd be enough in this sachet for a week's holiday). Really lovely. Full size is on the wishlist!

Luxe Botanics CAMU Brightening Cleanser 4ml a lovely citrus scented milky cleanser which made short work of make up and daily grime. I only got 2 uses out of this sachet but fell in love. Would buy.

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g these are my favourite bath salts. See my review HERE. They also featured in Beauty Balm Curates...with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in May - see HERE.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Wash 20ml* in one of my favourite Weleda scents. See my review HERE. Sure to pick this up again at some point.

Beatitude Joy Bath Oil sample Joy is my favourite scent by Beatitude. See my review HERE. Will definitely pick it up again!

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Verde Bath & Shower Oil 15ml* totally lush and when I need bath oils I'll be picking this up. See my mini review HERE.

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml this award-winning blend is one of my absolute favourite body products. See my review HERE. It also featured in May's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box Beauty Balm Curates...see HERE. I just opened up a new mini and will buy full size again. Just love.

Anita Grant Nerolage Body Oil 15ml which is absolutely heavenly. I adore anything neroli and this is a real treat for the body and mind. Full size is very firmly on the wishlist. 

Only & Eve Naples Grove Reed Diffuser* I absolutely loved this diffuser which I started using in December and only finished this month. See my review HERE. So impressed with how long it lasts making it excellent value. Will buy at some point either this one or another scent.

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Wash 500ml which I received from my friend Julie as a gift (at Christmas). Totally lush scent - rose petals, black pepper and cardamon. Loved the pump action bottle - great for beside the shower. Would buy again.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Giveaway: Soap Folk - it's over!

I've got a fantastic giveaway for one of my readers. You can win 2 bars of soap from Soap Folk* in Juniper Berry and Lemon & Bergamot (these are worth £5.95 each). The soaps are Soil Association Organic Certified and COSMOS Certified. You can see my review HERE.

All you need to do is follow the Rafflecopter and the giveaway is open worldwide Good luck!

The Rafflecopter widget collects your email address (so I can contact you if you are the winner) See my Privacy Policy in the sidebar for more details.  Thanks to Soap Folk for providing the soaps for the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June: Lately I've Been Loving

So many June loves...

I've been testing out East Lothian based Miel Botanicals wonderful Prosecco Shave Soap with Vegan brush* which is absolutely fantastic. It helps to give the perfect shave and I'd never go back to shaving foam - a review is forthcoming!

Scotch Bonnet Marinated Smoked Salmon - Avocado - Heritage Tomatoes

Crab Scotch Egg

We had dinner at White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar in Edinburgh. The food was incredible and I can't wait to go back.

I totally fell for new niche perfume brand Rook Perfumes in June. See my review HERE. The signature perfume Rook by Rook EdP (£79.50 - 50ml) is now available to buy. This was a private blend they kept for themselves until now! (A 2ml sample is also available at £3.50). It contains 25 ingredients and has top notes of Ginger, Cardamon, Ylang Ylang, Incense and Smoke, a heart of Tobacco, Violet, Guaiac wood and Agarwood with base notes of Vetiver, Castoreum, Ambergris, Musk Mallow and Civet. I'm looking forward to smelling this one!

Roasted Scallop - Sweet Cicely Carrot Puree - Puffed Oats paired with One Square Gin with Fever Tree Tonic

Strathdon Blue trifle - Walnut Biscuit - Lochnagar Grape Chutney 

We dined at One Square at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa last week and the A Taste of Scotland 5 Course Tasting Menu with matching Scottish Beers and Spirits was incredible. See my review HERE. 

I missed the recent blogger event at Jan de Vries Queensferry Street but I was very kindly kept a goody bag. Thanks also to Lizzie for showing me round the store - it's fabulous - there are a lot of make up and skincare brands you only ever see online as well as supplements, teas and foods. It's well worth a visit if you are in Edinburgh. I'll be doing reviews of some of the products (the matcha drink and protein bars have been eaten and were delicious!)

I totally fell for Tropic Skincare's new haircare range*. See my thoughts HERE. Full sizes will be bought of the Nourishing Hair Cleanser and Hair Feast.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

A Taste of Scotland at One Square, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

On Friday night we went to The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh for their A Taste of Scotland - 5 courses matched with Scottish Beers and Spirits. The menu is seasonal, costs £65 per person and is available Thursday-Saturday, between 6-9pm.

We started with drinks in the airy hotel bar - mine's the negroni! Hubby chose The Mermaid's Tail, which is made with Gin Mare, homemade Mediterranean vermouth, sea salt and olives, stirred and served straight up. Both were delicious.

Our first course paired with Gunner Blonde Ale from Campbell's Brewery in Peebles was Brown Crab, Braeburn Apple and Mooli Salad which was deliciously fresh tasting and summery. The crabs served are from Orkney and are caught by lowering baited crab pots into the sea which allows undersized crabs and smaller females with eggs to be returned to the sea.  The crab was complimented by sweet apples and crisp and fresh mooli.

The second course was Roasted scallop, sweet cicely, carrot puree and puffed oats which was served with a delicious One Square Gin & Fever Tree Tonic (Pickerings) which we found to be the perfect match. This dish was delicious. The scallop was meaty and flavoursome and the sweet carrot puree was the perfect accompaniment. The dish is finished with samphire and a squid ink tulle. The scallops are hand dived again from Orkney as they are cleaner and free from sand and grit and are better for the environment too.

Moving onto course number 3, this is the main dish Textures of Scottish lamb, hazelnuts and capers which was truly mouthwatering and cooked to perfection. It was paired with melt in the mouth sweetbreads and potato. We didn't think the drink pairing was exactly spot on (I think I'd have preferred a glass of red with this rather than beer). It was paired with Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Finish Ale from Edinburgh. The lamb the kitchen use is bred on farms in the Scottish highlands.

We both loved the cheese course - so clever - it was served in a cocktail glass and looked like a pudding! Strathdon Blue Trifle, walnut biscuit and Lochnagar grape chutney which was served with Springbank 15yo from Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown. This matched really well (that pear crisp was perfection!)

Our final course was Bruce Farm's Scottish Strawberry Jelly with Vanilla Parfait which was paired with a yummy cocktail - One Square 76 a delicious blend of Verdant Dry Gin, Strawberry syrup, Elderflower syrup, lemon juice and Prosecco. The dessert was delicious and oh so pretty but melted really quickly.

Overall, we were really impressed with the food and friendly service and will definitely return when the menu changes as it's great value and a fab night out!

http://www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk/en/tasting-menu

Shopping my Stash #101

Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

Ere Perez Cacao Lip Colour in Play which is a peachy-pink guava coloured vegan lip butter which nourishes while leaving the lips with a pop of colour. This is gorgeous and I want to try more from the range. Pick yours up at Love Lula.

Aesop's Marrakech Intense Parfum is amazing! I love the rich spicy notes. See my review HERE.

Daisy & Mallow's Jasmine & Vanilla Lip Balm nourishes dry lips and cuticles and has a pretty floral scent. This came in the Time to Sparkle Letterbox Luxuries box hubby got me for my birthday.

From Palm & Soul I've been trying amazing Your Beauty Serum Cocktail* - I chose the ingredients and founder, Kathy mixed them up. I'll be reviewing this very shortly. I chose neroli and orange peel essential oils and this serum smells incredible. It's really lovely to use and can be used on the body as well as the face. It's one of the nicest products I've ever used.

Beauty Shortlist winner Jo Browne's Facial Cleansing Balm* is truly wonderful. I love everything about it (including that fabulous packaging). See my thoughts HERE. I'm very nearly finished this pot but it will be replenished when my stash reduces a bit. I just love it.

My final reach for is Zing Organics Ah There! Calming Body Oil* which soothes and relaxes the body and mind. See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*complimentary

Love Lula: REN Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash

I'm a huge fan of REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Range - see my reviews HERE and HERE and HERE. I was never really a fan of their Neroli & Grapefruit range (surprisingly!) so was excited to see they'd launched a new range - Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium. My friend Julie gifted me the bath oil in the same range and I love it!

Their Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash (300ml - £22)* is an uplifting, reviving and refreshing treat. The wash is sulphate free and is formulated with Atlantic Kelp extract and energising Magnesium PCA.  The formulation is enhanced with REN's Anti-Fatigue Essential Oil blend which will awaken and refresh sluggish skin as well as awaken your senses.

To use: massage a generous amount over wet skin before rinsing. 

I like to use this in my morning shower to help awaken, refresh and boost both the skin and senses.

What's your favourite REN Clean Skincare product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affiliate link.