Top Beauty: January to June 2019

I did a top books post for the January - June period so decided to do a Top Beauty one! Over this period I've reviewed 80+ products. These are the ones which make my top 26:

Marked with *productsample In January I reviewed *Wild & Precious - see HERE. My favourites of the products I tried were the Facial oils and the Rose Water, which is one of the best rose waters I've ever used.

I fell head-over-heels for this *The Organic Pharmacy Discovery/Travel Kit. See my review HERE. The products are just so well made and effective.

Blue Labelle's newish Organic Vegan Soaps are just wonderful. See my review HERE.

I loved *Dr Hauschka's Spruce Warming Bath Essence which is perfect to use in the winter months for a warming and cosy soak. See my review HERE.

I started my love affair with Beauty Pie and you can see what I picked Jan-June - HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Every *Dafna's Personal Skincare product I've tried I've loved. The Active Mist brightens and refreshes and is a pleasure to use. See my review HERE.

I received Clockface Beauty's Hand & Cuticle Roll On in my January Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It's a gorgeous product scented with Frankincense & Rose Otto. See my review HERE.

Again, from Dr Hauschka is their *Pure & Fine Collection which I loved. See my review HERE.

I've enjoyed nearly every Tropic Skincare product I've tried (there's infact only one item in the whole range I've not loved). I do however think their *Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum is absolutely fantastic. See my review HERE.

I absolutely adore Beatitude and I've loved watching the brand grow (I first tired them way back in 2012). Their *Revitalise Night Oil is a beauty. See my review HERE.

Another discovery via Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box is gorgeous Belenos Skin Botanique. Inside my February box was nestled their Repair Serum which is absolutely fabulous. I've just finished it and I'll buy it again soon! See my review HERE.

I also went on and bought their Feng Shui Love Body Oil which is an absolute delight and one of my favourite body oils ever!

I adore the aromatic *Rose & Ylang Ylang Calming Aromatherapy Rollerball from The Rose Tree. It really is heavenly. See my review HERE.

Everything I've tried from Micheline Arcier I've adored (I first discovered the range long before I started blogging). The *Cold Season range is exquisite and very effective. See my review HERE.

I first tried the Discovery Set (REVIEW) by Maya Njie and totally fell head-over-heels dizzy for the stunning Les Fleurs which is a beautiful fresh floral.

I love this duo* by Pure Anada which are uplifting and freshly scented. See my review HERE. I will buy them once their are finished as they are very effective, smell great and are lovely to use (thanks, Live in the Light for introducing me to them!)

I received this Farryn Amber Lunar Evening Facial Oil in my March Natural Wellness Box. I'd first discovered the brand via February's Skin Organic Clean Beauty Box. This Facial Oil is gorgeous - see my review HERE.

I love Award Winning Dr Jackson's *Baobab & Rose Oil which I reviewed HERE.

In March's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box we received a full-size Skin Alchemist's The Humble Warrior Complete Cleansing Oil which my skin has loved (click the link above to see my review).

I picked this Alteya Organics *Rose & Mullein Pure Moisture Face Cream as part of a selection as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. My skin loves this light and fluffy cream which absorbs instantly onto the skin. See my review HERE.

Discovering gorgeous Dook Luxury Handmade Salt Soap which is one of my favourite finds this year. The soaps are handcrafted local to me by Helen. See my review HERE.

I've tried a lot of lip balms but this one by bowe organics is one of the best! See my review HERE.

My skin's been loving beautiful Icelandic *rå oils eternal radiance harmonising & rejuvenating face oil. See my review HERE.

I adore the gorgeous Elevate Body Oil by Zing Organics see my review HERE.

I've always been a fan of Ermana Natural Skincare having first tried their products back in 2015. I recently tried their REFINE Cleansing Oil and found it very effective and nice to use. See my review HERE.

My lovely friend Julie gave me this NUXE Nuxuriance Luxurious Body Cream for part of my birthday (we do a swap each year) and it's one of the most decadent products I've used. See my review HERE.

Instagram is the devil! I keep discovering new to me brands. I adore this deliciously scented Turkish Delight Vegan Lip Butter by Blushberry Botanicals. See my review HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

KurlySue Organic Shea & Argan Body Butter

I received this little pot of goodness by KurlySue in my June Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. I was excited as inside June's box there were three brand new to me brands - that's what beauty boxes should be about!

Founder Coline Benjamin's baby son Joel was the inspiration behind the brand. The products are kind and gentle on the skin, handmade with ethically sourced raw plant-based ingredients in small batches with love and care.

The range is 100% vegan, natural, cruelty free and handcrafted. The products are multi-use and packaging is recyclable.

The butter is an absolute delight, light and fluffy with a natural soothing scent. It melts instantly on warm hands and skin and deeply nourishes - I'm kind of in love with it.  Use it all over the body, as a deep treatment for hair or to tame frizz.  

Can't wait to try more from the brand!

Beauty Pie Review: Month #7

It's now my 7th month of Beauty Pie (I also had an extra spend this month in the form of their brand new Luxury Haircare - I'm looking forward to that arriving!)

Here's my picks this month (I'll do proper reviews when I get the chance to try them).

Quantum Bronzer Matte Goldilux (8g - typical price £26 - members pay £5.29) I tried to photograph the shade but it's really sheer and gives the skin healthy looking natural glow. It feels soft and silky on the skin.

My second pick was my favourite foundation Everyday Great Skin Foundation in Shell (30ml - typical price £30 - members pay £7.75). This is my 3rd bottle and my back up of my current bottle! See my thoughts HERE.

My third pick is Super Healthy Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 in Medium (50ml - typical price £28 - members pay £5.63). I'm looking forward to testing this out. The shade and formulation seems really nice.

My final pick this month (well not really, as I had another purchase!) is the EdP Sampler Set (3 x 2ml - typical price £7 - members pay £5.20) which are samples of the 3 perfumes Beauty Pie currently stock. I'm looking forward to really testing these out but on first sniff I'm loving Brazilian Lime, Fig Leaves & Tea and Red Apple, White Peony & Cashmere. A full review to come.

What's your favourites from Beauty Pie? Feel free to use my link to SIGN UP.

My Top Reads: January to June 2019

You can see my top reads January - June 2018 (HERE) and July - December (HERE). This year in the January to June period I read 48 books (books marked * I received either from netgalley/publisher for review) My stand-out reads are:

January: Book Round-Up

In January, I read 10 books (!) and my top reads were:

*The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne - which was a fast paced page turner with twists I didn't see coming.

Betsy & Lilibet by Sophie Duffy - I loved this carefully researched and sweet tale which fictionally follows the very different lives of Queen Elizabeth and Betsy Sunshine. 

*Call Me Star Girl by Louise Beech - a creepy and twisty read edged with sadness and love. With memorable characters and storylines.

*The Hidden by Mary Chamberlain - I loved this story which is set in the current day and when the Germans occupied Jersey in the Channel Islands during the Second World War.

*Bitter Edge - DI Kelly Porter #4 by Rachel Lynch - I just love this series - and DI Kelly Porter! Another fast paced tale where the storylines are cleverly weaved together. 

*Dead Memories by Angela Marsons - DI Kim Stone #10 - a roller-coaster of a read. Someone is recreating every bad thing which happened to her and the race is on to stop them before it's too late...

February Book Round-Up

In February, I read 9 books and my Top Reads were:

The Puppet Show by M W Craven - this new series featuring Tilly, Poe and Edgar! is seriously one of the best series I have ever read. Totally un-put-down-able and brilliant.

*Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce - I had the real pleasure of meeting Harriet at an event very generously held by Headline for 'new voices' in Edinburgh, earlier this year. Again, a superb debut which had me on the edge of my seat throughout. 

*Nobody's Wife by Laura Pearson - when I was reading this novel it was always just one more chapter! A rollercoaster of a read which has an OMG twist.

March Book Round-Up

In March I only read 5 books. My top picks are:

*The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary - I loved this funny tale which was laced with humour, friendship, sadness and love.

*Final Betrayal - DI Lottie Parker #6 by Patricia Gibney - I just adore Lottie Parker!  As ever, a fast paced on the edge-of-your-seat read.

*Runaway by Claire MacLeary - I took part in the Blog Tour having not realised it was the third in a very magical and readable series. I adore the characters of Maggie & Big Wilma.

*The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson - I also took part in the Blog Tour for this fabulous novel which is based on real life events. 

April Book Round-Up

In April, I read 8 books and my Top Reads were:

*Death at the Plague Museum - A Health of Strangers Thriller by Lesley Kelly - I've met Lesley in real life (she's a member of the Authors & Bloggers group in Scotland on Facebook - we have occasional get-togethers which is really nice). I took part in the Blog Tour. My fav character is Bernard who really steps up to the plate in this episode!

*Bold Lies by Rachel Lynch (DI Kelly Porter #5) - always happy to read another DI Kelly Porter tale. Fast paced and exciting this series just keeps getting better and better.

*The Lives before Us by Juliet Conlin - a stunning and richly drawn story set in 1939 Shanghai before and during the Japanese occupation.

*You will be Safe Here by Damien Barr - an incredible read which is based on a true story. I'm still thinking of it now.

May Book Round-Up

In May, I read 6 books and my Top Reads are:

*Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - a deeply descriptive and rather brilliant debut novel set in 1781 which follows Captain Harry Corsham on his search for his missing friend. 

*Those who are Loved by Victoria Hislop - Victoria Hislop at her best! I took part in the Blog Tour.

*The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell - this is a super creepy read which I devoured in a couple of days. I'll be sharing my review in my August book round-up.

*The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey - a stunning read set in the 1920s and 1930s for which you'll need a a box of tissues. I absolutely loved it.

Indian Summer - Mirabelle Bevan #7 by Sara Sheridan - I'm a huge fan of plucky Private Detective Mirabelle Bevan and in this book her cases all seem to be connected. A wonderful read.

June Book Round-Up

Coming into June, I read 7 books and my Top Reads are:

*Black Summer - Washington Poe #2 by M W Craven - I just love this series and Poe, Tilly and Edgar! Absolutely amazing. That opening chapter OMG. I can't wait for book #3.

Turn the Other Way by Stuart James - oh wow oh wow what a creepy read. I'm still thinking of that ending now!

*Horizontal Collaboration by Navie & Carole Maurel - my first graphic novel which I found atmospheric, very vivid and very real. I took part in the blog tour - see HERE.

*Child's Play - DI Kim Stone #11 by Angela Marsons - yet another jaw-droppingly fabulous book featuring Kim Stone. I've not actually reviewed this yet as it's out in August. 

*The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland - wow this is an absolutely incredible read with characters I'm still thinking of now. See my stop on the blog tour HERE.

Do we share any Top Reads?

Review: The Soap Mine

I first discovered The Soap Mine quite randomly just after Christmas last year. There were some Christmas Soaps remaining so I dived right in! I'm hoping to pick up some of these beauties again this year.

source

Founder and formulator, Vicki first started making soap as a hobby but it soon developed into an obsession. She decided to start selling her soaps to the public (and found working from home the perfect way to make some money while her children were still small).

The soaps are drop pour and she loves choosing colourways and fragrances for each new soap which are handcrafted with love and attention to detail. The bars are made with Olive, Coconut, Avocado and Castor Oils along with Cocoa and Shea Butters. They are Palm Oil free and Vegan friendly and the soaps are presented in a reusable drawstring bag.

I've found the soaps to be perfectly scented and creamy with a rich lather. They hold their shape and last and last. There's not currently a website but you can order via Facebook.

With my last order Vicki very kindly sent me a bath bomb which made for a relaxing soak and a solid conditioner bar. 

Follow on Instagram HERE and Twitter HERE

Have you tried any products from The Soap Mine?

Sandwick Bay Candles: Subscription Corner: July: Thyme & Olive Leaf

My July Sandwick Bay Candle subscription arrived on Thursday (postie had 6 parcels for me, oh dear, he was very unhappy!) This month the theme is Thyme & Olive Leaf with a nod to freshly cut grass, olive oil and summer holidays in Cyprus. Inside is:

WOW how lovely!

Thyme & Olive Leaf is a delicious fresh and herbal blend of lemon thyme, green olive, olive leaves and bergamot and is absolutely gorgeous! I'm looking forward to burning this one! Also inside is a delectable tea light in freshly cut grass (it smells just like it!).

A second extra comes in the form of a bottle of Olive Oil (chilli, basil or garlic) from Olive Olive (100ml) which is worth £3.50 and is a great added extra which fits the theme very well.

What do you think of this month's subscription corner?

*Giveaway: AA Skincare: New Frankincense & Rose Face Toner

*product gifted for review/giveaway I've a fabulous giveaway in collaboration with AA Skincare. One of my readers can win their brand new travel size (50ml) of their Award Winning Frankincense & Rose Face Toner (worth £3.95). It's the perfect try-me size or for packing for holidays (I'll be packing it for my summer hols).

Spritz onto the skin to tone and refresh the skin, after cleansing or throughout the day for a calming and balancing burst of hydration. Luxurious Damask Rose is combined with toning Frankincense to refresh.

The formula also combines Pomegranate, Honeysuckle and White Willow Bark which calms and balances.  Skin is revived and hydrated. 

It really is the perfect holiday companion and one of my readers can win their very own! Please follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below! (the giveaway is open world wide). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Project 10 Pan: Perfume Update #1

Way back in January I set myself a Project 10 Pan for Perfume - to use up 10 perfumes so's I could buy a much lusted new one. See my post HERE. It's now just over the half year mark and I've only used three!

The original line up....

And what I've used up...

Miller Harris Tea Tonique EdP 14ml - I liked this fresh and aromatic scent a lot. It has notes of bergamot, petitgrain, lemon, smokey tea, nutmeg, mate abs, birch tar and musk. It's one I'll add to the buy-again list.

Shay & Blue Dandelion Fig 30ml - this is my favourite scent from Shay & Blue (mini review). I've still got a nearly full size bottle of this nestling in my stash but it'll be replenished when it's gone.

Escentric Molecules Molecule 03 30ml - I adore this Vetiver scent (I'm currently on my 2nd bottle). It's total perfection with woody, aromatic, spicy, earthy and grassy notes. 

And so, I now realise it's going to take a lot longer than expected to use them all up! (I have of course been using other perfumes too!)

Updated use-up List:

1. Walden Castles in the Air EdP 15ml

2. Rook Perfume Forest EdP 30ml

3. Byredo Bal D'Afrique EdP 15ml

4. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir 9ml

5. Jo Malone Amber & Lavender 9ml

6. Miller Harris Rose Silence EdP 10ml

7. Diptyque Eau Rose EdT 20ml

Are you doing a Project 10 Pan?

*Blog Tour: The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland

*book gifted for review/to take part in the blog tour Today I'm on the blog tour for the utterly amazing The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland.

A single phone call from halfway across the world is all it takes to bring her home . . . 'Ellie, something bad has happened.'

Desperate to escape her 'kid from the scrapyard' reputation, Ellie Rook has forged a new life for herself abroad, but tragedy strikes when her mother, Imelda, falls from a notorious waterfall. Here, according to local legend, the warrior queen Finella jumped to her death after killing a king. In the wake of her mother's disappearance, Ellie is forced to confront some disturbing truths about the family she left behind and the woman she has become.

Can a long-dead queen hold the key to Ellie's survival? And how far will she go to right a wrong?

My thoughts?

Ellie Rook, named after the fierce huntress, Finella leaves her home and life on the scrapyard as soon as she can to start living her life to the full.

A phone call brings her back to a place she doesn't want to be.. her mother has gone missing, presumed dead due to the nature of her disappearance and her younger brother, River is cool and distant and her dad and his cohort from the scrapyard are their usual boorish and threatening selves. 

Ellie needs to draw on her inner strength to cope with all that being back home throws at her. Her father, a controlling man who has always been the boss doesn't expect his daughter to have a mind of her own and expects her to step into her mum's shoes and look after the menfolk.

Finella, her namesake who was a strong and brave huntress who jumped to her death after killing a king comes back to her, a folklore tale her mum told her when she was little. 

Her ex Liam, a one-time love who married her rival is back on the scene and vying for her affection. She finds she has a connection with Rocky, the Polish guy who works for her dad. Shelby, her mother's friend is still hovering in the background looking out for her and her mum.

There are some very dramatic, dark and tense storylines which had me on the edge of my seat, just hoping things would turn out okay but when the truth is revealed is there any coming back from it..?

An exceptional novel. I'm still thinking about some of the characters and storylines long after I finished the book. Would highly recommend.

Beauty Pie: JEJU Daily Skincare

As you'll know I've been a Beauty Pie member since January (click on the links to see my buys January, February, March, April, May and June). 

In June, I chose two new items from the JEJU Daily Skincare Collection - Daily Multi-Phase Purifying Cleansing Milk (Typical Price £28 - Members Pay - £9.72) and Daily Rehydration Mist+ (Typical Price £30 - Members Pay - £9.76). I can quite honestly say I think they are absolutely fantastic!

Beauty Pie say: "Jeju. The largest island in Korea. And birthplace of the latest beauty-boosting ingredients that beauty editors have gone gaga for. the 'Hawaii of Asia' is one of the most unpolluted areas in the world and therefore its indigenous ingredients are purer than those found elsewhere. The volcanic island is largely made up of solidified lava, which makes for a natural and totally transformative ingredient for the skin. The ashy soil on the island is the perfect 'breeding ground' for a large variety of botanicals, which make for the perfect ingredients for effective, super-gentle skincare". 

JEJU Daily Multi-Phase Purifying Cleansing Milk has a gorgeous cream/gel type texture with a fresh fruity/floral type scent. As you massage it onto the skin it turns into an oil! It makes light work of make-up and daily grime and is extra gentle. 

To use: massage 1-2 pumps onto your skin AM and/or PM (I like using this in the evening). The milk will transform to an oil, add a splash or two of water and rub into a light milk. Rinse or remove with a warmed damp cloth.

It's formulated with ingredients like Jeju Cherry Blossom, Bamboo Grass, licorice-root extract and meadowfoam seed oil.

The Daily Rehydration Mist+ is fabulous! Spritz over the skin after cleansing or to hydrate throughout the day (it has the same lovely fruity/floral scent) and it's formulated with ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, bamboo grass, Jeju Yoshino Blossom and antioxidant Scutellaria root.

Really impressed with both products (I'll buy them again!) On my wishlist is currently Out of Stock, JEJU Overnight Moisture Superinfusion.

Sign up HERE to get your first month (£10 rolling subscription) free! You pay member's prices for products & p&p on top.

What are your favourites from Beauty Pie?

*Odacite Rose & Neroli Hydra Vitalising Treatment Mist

*gifted from my friend Julie as part of our Birthday Swap - I'd kind of dropped hints I'd love to try this newish launch from Odacite having previous loved their Black Mint Cleanser and some of their other skincare bits.

Rose & Neroli Hydra Vitalising Treatment Mist is in the must-always have in stash category. The scent is incredible (I absolutely adore both rose & neroli) and I think it would be the perfect "treat" product to take on your summer holidays.

It's perfect to care for combination, normal or sensitive skin to balance and restore. It'll comfort, hydrate and minimise pores while making the skin glow.

Formulated with Rose water to balance, Aloe Vera juice keeps the skin moist and clear of environmental aggressors, Aspen bark is astringent and will help to minimise pores while Neroli helps to minimise blemishes and uplift the skin and senses.

To use: spritz onto the skin whenever you need a hydration boost, use before applying your serum or moisturiser to seal in actives, use on the plane or after exercising to refresh. The treatment mist can also be used to set make up (I do love a multi-use product!)

As you'll guess, I've fallen totally head-over-heels! Next on my to try list is their Blue Aura Cleansing Water, All Embracing Serum Watermelon & Hibiscus Crystal Infused Hydration and Green Ceremony Cleanser. What's your favourites?