Latest Buys: Witchy Wicks, Martha & Flo, The Ghost Family Haunts, Aromatherapy Associates, The Edinburgh Wax Co, Naturisimo, La Montana, Latest in Beauty & Soap Folk

Here's what I've been buying recently:

I've been really impressed with the Witchy Witch soy wax melts I've tried so far. I couldn't resist their Halloween Sample Bumper Pack (£21) recently which has samples of all the melts in the Halloween range!

I discovered Martha & Flo on Etsy and have bought a couple of bits. The little 'love lives here' hanging heart is exquisite and super cute (£6).

I picked up some spooky melts by the Ghost Family Flame at The Ghost Family Haunts - Sabrina - Pumpkin Bread, Myers - Baked Apple and Fright Night - Pumpkin Marshmallow Latte (£6) which smell gorgeous. I also picked up a clam (£4) of my fav Lyndhurst a deep apple scent topped with botanicals and magic!

Aromatherapy Associates have just brought out a new range which is the scent of optimism and entitled "Rose Reimagined" - Damask Rose, Geranium and Palmarosa - the scent really is exquisite. They are currently running an offer buy an item in the new range and get a free 50ml hand cream - be rude not to, one for me, one for my mother-in-law's Xmas! A review will follow (gorgeous)!

New-to-me scoopable wax (£6.50 each) from The Edinburgh Wax Co which is a blend of soy and coconut wax and coconut oil along with a range of scents (I've already tried the Rhubarb & Plum candle - gorgeous!). The scoopable wax comes in reusable or recyclable tins with a little wooden scoop. Review to come!

As you know I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery Box and their recent "Most Wanted" was absolutely fantastic at only £19.95 - see my review HERE.

La Montana the maker of gorgeous Spanish inspired candles have introduced a fragrance discovery set (which is £10 with code until the end of the month). Such a brilliant invention and of course I now want to try all the candles (already love Winter Oranges). The little room mists 9 x 2.5ml give you a real feel of how the candles will smell. Fig Grove and Sacred Roses, you are first! 

Of course, a Latest in Beauty box is hard to resist. I'd been desperate to try Aromatherapy Associates Revive Shower Oil - and inside the box Stella Smart Beauty Awards Edit is a full size worth £26! The whole box as a LiB Box Pro member came in at £49.50 instead of £54 - so be rude not to (some bits inside are also for gifts).

Lovely Soap Folk offer a clever "All Kinds" Soap Offcuts box (£12.50) which have wonky edges, slight imperfections or rippled faces. Inside is a mix of sizes and scents. I'd wished on instagram that my box contain a piece of their newest soap - Spiced Apple - and it did!

What have you been buying lately?

*Skincare to Watch: Raven Botanicals

I first came across Raven Botanicals on social media and then their Skin Saviour Facial Oil (10ml) appeared in my Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in July which I was delighted about.

Founders, formulator and sisters Arabella & Charlotte Harvey are the names behind the brand. They grew up in the Scottish Borders and have degrees in Fine Art & Botany. They started experimenting and researching ingredients and before long Raven Botanicals was born! The small batch range is ever evolving and growing and I've had the sheer delight of trying a few products from the range including Skin Saviour. 

The girls sent me a few bits to try:

Skin Saviour Facial Oil (mini £4.50, £24 - 30ml) has a beautiful golden orange hue which comes from the Sea Buckthorn berries which grow in abundance along the coast in East Lothian and which have a distinctive earthy scent. It gives the oil a richness and is perfect for anti-ageing. The oil is also formulated with skin loving and healing Rosehip, Organic Jojoba, softening Sweet Almond, anti-inflammatory Avocado and anti-oxidant Sunflower Seed & Vitamin E oils. The essential oils in the blend are regenerating Frankincense, calming Lavender, uplifting and nourishing Sweet Orange and balancing & brightening Geranium. 

The oil absorbs instantly and leaves the skin delicately scented, nourished, hydrated, balanced and glowy! To use: massage 2-6 drops into the face and neck AM and PM. My skin's been loving this precious oil which is part of a really special range of products.

I was also sent a 10g package of their gorgeous Eventide Rejuvenating Mask (£5, or £15 for 50g) which I got two generous uses from. This mask is ideal for dry, mature or sensitive skin types and is formulated with mineral rich French Pink Clay which draws out toxins as well as exfoliating, with Rosehip, boosting collagen and cell renewal as well as moisturising the skin. Hibiscus brightens while Gotu Kola protects against environmental stressors.

To use: activate the powder with a little water to form a paste. Apply to the skin avoiding eyes and lip area. Leaving on for 10 minutes before removing with a warmed damp cloth. 

I love how glowy and refreshed my skin looks after using this mask. I'll definitely be stocking up on the larger size!

The third item I've been trying from the range is the fantastic Skin Saviour Night Balm (£5.40 - 10ml, £18 - 30ml) which really is a pot of goodness! It'll care for your skin while you sleep, restoring, repairing and balancing. Awakening with nourished and renewed skin! 

The intensive balm is formulated with skin loving ingredients including Rosehip, Hazelnut, Sunflower and Argan oils, Beeswax, Vitamin E and a range of restoring and uplifting essential oils - Frankincense, Geranium Bourbon, Lavender Leaf and Neroli. It really is an absolute delight!

To use: warm a small amount on your fingertips before massaging onto the face and neck (any residue can be massaged into the hands and nails).

I've absolutely loved trying this trio, I think the brand's fantastic and I highly recommend it. Definitely one of my favourite new tries this year (all of the above will be purchased at some point!) Have you tried Raven Botanicals yet?

My Must Haves: Naturopathica, Kiki Health, Sanctuary Spa, Kiss the Moon & Zing Organics

If an item is marked * I've generously received it free of charge for review purposes. These products are my must-haves (but not all on the same day as some of them contain similar ingredients):

naturopathica's CBD+ Unwind (30 capsules - £39.99)* I've been testing out these capsules and they really do what they say on the tin! Inside is 5mg of super concentrated full spectrum CBD which helps to relax and unwind and help you sleep. They are also formulated with Magnesium, Vit B1, Theanine and Chamomile.  I've found myself feeling less stressed and more chilled! Take one capsule a day.

I received KIKI Health's Magnesium Oil/Spray* 125ml in January's Love Lula Beauty Box. It increases the magnesium levels within the body. It helps with fatigue, muscle function and healthy teeth and bones. Spray onto the body morning and night and massage in (it does tingle slightly!) I've found it really helps an old knee injury of mine.

I simply love Sanctuary Spa's new wellness range. I reviewed two product in the range HERE. Their Calming CBD oil 45ml helps the body and mind relax and relieve stress - it's also got a gorgeous scent. Use it on pulse points for instant relief or in the shower or bath.

The whole Kiss the Moon range is simply exquisite. Their CALM After Dark Sleep Balm* is scented with exotic Jasmine and Ylang Ylang, grounding Sandalwood and soothing Roman chamomile. It helps you have more restful and deep sleep. See my review HERE.

Rounding up my must-haves is Zing Organics's gorgeous Fabacado Organic Hand & Body Butter in Softening Avocado, Wild Spruce, Frankincense & Lime 25g which is heaven in a jar! This rich skin loving butter melts instantly onto dry skin leaving it feeling comfortable and deeply nourished.

What are your must-haves? 

*Green People: Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum

 *sent to me free of charge for review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. Thanks also to Green People for the opportunity of trying out one of their latest launches.

Green People's Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum (28ml - £27)* is part of the newest fragrance free launch (there are 3 other products in the range) which is inspired by Scandinavian's love of purity, simplicity and functionality. I love the simple but stylish packaging and how dewy my skin looks after application. It's certified COSMOS Natural by EcoCert.

The serum is white in colour and is presented in a pipette bottle. It absorbs instantly leaving the skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. Formulated with hydrating plant extracts which work with your natural p-H balance. Hop flowers target hyperpigmentation and age spots while Squalane is youth boosting. Also in the formulation is hydrating Glycerine and skin plumping Sodium Hyaluronate. 

To use: apply to the skin AM and PM after cleansing.

I've been really impressed with this serum (although I've not been using it for long). My skin is hydrated, plumped and more glowy. Have you tried anything from the Nordic Roots range yet?

*Toure Cosmetics: Lavender & Coconut Shea Butters

 *gifted products for review Founder, Djibril from Toure Cosmetics got in touch to see if I'd like to try his Shea Butters. He kindly sent me two samples - Lavender & Coconut. As a child he was fascinated by his father's jar of Shea Butter which had no label or brand name. This stayed with him as he sought to create something special for himself and us, the consumer. He works with Women's Cooperatives in West Africa who handmake the Vegan, Organic and Unrefined Shea Butter. You can buy it as it is (use as it is or for DIY projects) or scented versions - Lavender, Lemon and Coconut.

I've been testing out the Lavender and Coconut versions. Lavender combines the Shea Butter with natural lavender oil from the South of France (giving it a subtle Lavender aroma) while the Coconut version is blended with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Ghana (the butter has a distinct coconut aroma). Djibril works with local independent health shops in London and will also deliver your purchases by bike in the area and of course if you live further afield you can buy online.

I'm a huge fan of a multi-use product - use it on your face, body, feet, hair, lips, cuticles. It's also good for wound healing, after shaving and to soothe the skin after sunbathing. 

The butters are lovely to use, deeply nourish and delicately scent the skin. I highly recommend! Pick yours up HERE.

Naturisimo Most Wanted Discovery Box

 As you'll know I can never resist a Naturisimo Discovery box. I'm always looking to see if there's a new one! Imagine my delight when I spotted their Most Wanted Discovery Box. Create an account (new feature) and you can collect points which you can use against individual buys or save them up for a big spend - see HERE - they're also currently offering a £5 reward when you open an account!

Costing £19.95 and worth an incredible £92! WOW!

So what's inside:

Kosas Weightless Lip Colour in Rosewater 4g FULL SIZE worth £20

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Eye Complex 10ml FULL SIZE worth £16

ILIA Beauty Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Twilight 0.4g FULL SIZE worth £24

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner 10ml TRIAL SIZE worth £3.30

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser 15ml worth £10.20

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength 15ml worth £18.75

A great box, don't you think?

September Empties

Marked* I've kindly been gifted a product for review. I'm not going to use anything else up so here are my September empties (a little bit early!)

I absolutely adore Noble Isle and their Summer Rising Bath & Shower gel 75ml which I first discovered in a Beauty Box (I've since bought their new Rhubarb Rhubarb! hand sanitiser which is fantastic - review on it's way). See my review HERE.

I received the NUXE 30ml reve de miel Melting Honey Body Balm as a Latest in Beauty pick. Lovely to use, buttery soft and deeply nourishing. Something I might pick up full size if my body product stash ever reduces.

I simply adore Avon Senses Zen Mandarin & Jasmine Hand Wash 250ml it's cheap as chips coming in at only a quid. I buy it again and again as I love its beautiful scent.

Evolve's Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash 250ml was gorgeous. Equally good for hair and body. See my review HERE. I'll definitely pick this one up again.

My mum had given me Method's Sunshine Bloom Hand Wash 354ml after me admiring hers in her bathroom. It was lovely to use with a nice sunshiney citrus scent! I've got my eye on their Rose Water and Tropical Cloud ones next!

*The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash 20ml which I received as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. Lovely to use. See my mini review HERE. Definitely one I'll pick up when my gel cleanser stash reduces a bit.

balanceme's Flash Cleanse Micellar Water 30ml was fantastic. Very effective and gentle. It's on my to-buy list. Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Plumping Daily Serum 10ml was a Feel Unique My Beauty Kit pick. My skin loved this in summer. 

Award winning Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist* which I tried again as a Beauty Shortlist Judge 2020 is the creme de la creme of face mists! See my thoughts HERE. I've just opened a mini from a Latest in Beauty Box.

My skin adored nknaturals Summer Copper Distilled Botanical Mist 50ml* and I was sad to finish this! I'm looking forward to buying Autumn's version on the equinox on 22 September! See my review of the whole Summer collection, which founder and formulator, Nicola kindly gifted me HERE.

My final empty is ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil 30ml* which I received in the June Love Lula Beauty Box*, see HERE. I simply fell head-over-heels for this face oil - see HERE. I repurchased it during the spend £20 get one free offer. It'll always be in my stash.

What have you been using up in September?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Sunset: September 2020

My Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box arrived the other day and it's absolutely fantastic! This month the theme is "Sunset" and inside are five products - one I've tried before, two brand new-to-me brands and two known to me brands but I've not tried the products in the box. How exciting!

WOW! The first item to jump out at me is Organic Works, a new-to-me brand. Inside is their Lavender Shower Gel (300ml - £12). It has a rich lather and feels silky on the skin with a gentle lavender aroma. I absolutely love it! A full review to come.

The second new-to-me brand (although I follow them on socials) is Fais Botanicals and inside is their cute Kiss It Lavender & Chamomile Lip & Skin Balm (15g - £8.50) which is great for lips, cuticles and dry patches. Again review to come.

I discovered Help Me Organics via my Skin Organics Clean Box and inside is their "it's way past my bedtime" candle (150g - £12) which smells glorious. I've been lighting candles again so this is great coming into autumn and for a restful night's sleep. A lovely addition to the box.

From Ezape Naturals is their latest launch (though they've been out a while now!) Lavender & Chamomile Bath Salts (250ml - £17). I adore bath salts so I'm looking forward to trying these.

Rounding up the box is a product I've tried before - NUORI's Vital Eye Cream (3ml - £11.95) which I loved.

It's a great box for me - I absolutely love it! Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts?

Zing Organics Subscription Club:September: Cute & Astute

It's always an exciting day when my Zing Organics Sustainable Subscription Club hamper arrives! I signed back up last month - see HERE. This is the box which keeps on giving! I'm still loving my August box one month on! It costs £29.50 a month including p&p with other special treats for members.

The theme this month is "cute & astute" and the products inside enhance spiritual awareness and help fire up your love life! 

This month we are treated to a Yogi's Crown Balancing Candle in Ginger Root with Lime with a burn time of 25hrs. In order to reduce waste the candle is supplied without a lid (but if you need one you can request it). It has a beautiful zingy and fresh scent (a special CO2 extract of ginger root is used - it's fizzy, vital and fresh) and I'm looking forward to burning it. September's just the time to enjoy candles again.

"Balancing the Crown Chakra allows for optimised 'knowing' and connection to spirit and the universe and a fortified nervous system. The essential oils have been selected as some of  those used over the annals of time to bring this chakra sited at the top of the head into alignment.  Ginger is magically also considered extremely powerful at igniting passion. The Crown Chakra is represented by the colour Violet. Mantra: Om".

Also inside is an Aromasoar solid perfume tin in Rosewood & Patchouli 5g which is formulated with beeswax and essential oils (there is an alternative product offered to Vegans). Rosewood restores equilibrium and is magically considered a potent aphrodisiac. It's combined with earthy and grounding Patchouli which is also considered sensual. 

The third item this month was two mouthwatering Vegan chocs by Violet Rose Vegan - the Salted Caramel one was especially good! (the other Chai & Maca). Again, an amazing box for me which truly makes my heart sing.

Latest in Beauty: Backstage Beauty Edit

I re-subbed to Latest in Beauty just before the cut-off date for free postage with the new box (the new box price of £12.95 instead of £15) for 6 products will kick into action next month. There's also lots of treats and money off codes for LiB Box Pro members. If you sign up now, you'll pay £12.95 plus £3.95 postage for 3 months before becoming automatically becoming a LiB Box Pro.

From this month's picks I chose the Haul of Fame product - NARS High Pigment Longwear Eyeliner 0.7g (worth £19). I use black eyeliner most days so I'm looking forward to trying it.

The rest of my picks this month were from previous months. I've got a total obsession with Earthkind's Shampoo Bar for Problem Scalps with Tea Tree & Eucalyptus 50g (£6.95). It just works - see my review HERE. As long as it's a pick, I'll keep snapping it up! 

I love a good hair mask and this one by HASK sounds lush. I picked their Rose Oil & Peach Color Protection Deep Conditioner 50ml (£4). Looking forward to a little pamper sesh!

From Strivectin is their Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 7ml (which is worth £14 ml by ml). Again, looking forward to trying and a review will follow.

Rounding up my picks this month is a full size duo from Natura Siberica - Organic Certified BB Correcting Cream 30ml (£8.99) and Organic Certified Moisturising Face Tonic 100ml (£8.99). Again, reviews to come.

Out of this month's box - I picked one much-loved product and five newbies. Have you selected a Latest in Beauty Box recently?

*Love Lula: John Masters Organics Maximum Moisturizer with Mandarin & Glycoproteins 50ml

*sent to me free of charge for review as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains a couple of affiliate links. I'd only ever tried John Masters Organics Maximum Moisturizer with Mandarin & Glycoproteins (50ml - £49.50)* as a sachet sample a few times. My skin loved it and so it's great to test it out full size. The slim tube comes boxed and both are recyclable.

The lightweight formula absorbs almost instantly and the cream has a gorgeous aromatic scent. It'll hydrate, brighten and make your skin glow and it's suitable for all skin types. Infused with brightening mandarin extract, calming aloe vera and skin smoothing aspen bark. 

To use: apply to cleansed skin daily

Although I've not been using the moisturizer all that long I can definitely see a marked improvement with hydration and my skin is looking more healthy. One for the long winter months. This one's a keeper.

Pick yours up HERE. 

Feel Unique: Pick & Mix

I do love Feel Unique's Pick 'n' Mix which gives you the chance to try 5 free samples a month for free essentially - pay £3.95 for postage & handling and get it back as a voucher code to spend on your next purchase. 

I'd actually chosen a different Moroccanoil sample than the one that arrived but I'm happy to try their new Blow Dry Concentrate 2ml which will give me a couple of uses. I adore Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Shampoo & Conditioner and inside are two sachets, each 10ml of their Shampoo & Conditioner (I'm keeping these ones for travel). I also picked their lush perfume SOL Cheirosa '62 EdP vial (I love the caramel vanilla buttery scent).

Rounding up my picks are sachets of Rahua's Leave-in Treatment 5ml and Vichy's Neovadiol Rose Platinum Night Cream 1ml (the latter of which I'd recently read about in a magazine).

Do you pick up pick 'n' mix from Feel Unique? Have you found any buy-agains from sampling?

*Love Lula Beauty Box: September 2020

*I very generously receive the Love Lula Beauty Box free of charge for an honest review as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger. September's Beauty Box is worth £62! Check out the subscriptions HERE. If you sign up today, you'll receive the October box (as ever there's the generous 20% off code for subscribers for brands in the box this month which is valid until 10th October).

The first thing that caught my eye was INIKA's Mineral Mattifying Powder 3.5g (which is worth £23!). I'm vaguely sure I've tried this powder before and found it excellent to use to set make up, or to use in place of foundation. I've started going back to the office 2 days a week, so am back to putting my face on!

The Turmeric range is my favourite from Ayumi so I was pleased to see it pop up in my box (the scents inside the box are random). Inside is their Turmeric & Papaya Glycolic Acid Face Toner 150ml (£6.99) which I'm looking forward to trying. A review will follow! (it smells beautiful).

From Madara we have their Smart Anti-Pollution Charcoal & Mud Repair Mask 12.5ml (£7) which I've tried before and my skin loved. It'll purify and remove impurities and promote skin cell renewal. 

Rounding up the box are two moisturisers - one for daytime and one for nighttime which are perfect for getting your skin into a routine for autumn.

From Dr Botanicals is their Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturiser 30ml (£15.99). This is a day moisturiser which protects, nourishes and hydrates the skin.

Rounding up the box is Urban Veda's Rose+Botanics Reviving Renewal Night Cream 20ml (£8) which smells incredible (rosey) and absorbs quickly onto the skin. I'm pretty sure I've used this before!

What do you think of the contents this month?

Feel Unique: Beauty Kit

I'm a huge fan of Feel Unique's Beauty Kit - choose 5 generous deluxe trial sizes for £12.95 (plus £3.95 shipping - the shipping comes back to you as a code to spend how you please). You can pick once a month.

I picked up a couple of Estee Lauder bits for my mum this time - their Revitalising Supreme+ Anti-Ageing Power Creme 5ml (these are the sizes you receive at GWP time). Ml by ml this is worth £7. The second item I picked for my mum, is Estee Lauder's Revitalising Supreme+ Restorative Night Cream 5ml (ml by ml this is worth £7.20). The third Estee Lauder I picked for myself! It's their Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm 7ml (ml by ml worth £3.64).

Rounding up my selection is my fav Vichy Mineral 89 Serum 10ml (worth £4) which my skin just seems to love. Expect a review on this one soon and new to me product (I've tried their lip whip before) Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder 1g which is in a cute little package. Also included is a pouch to keep it all in! (great for travel too).

Are you a fan of Feel Unique's Beauty Kit?

*Blog Tour: Siren Song by Rebecca McKinney

Today I'm on the Blog Tour for Siren Song (Harrison Jones & Amy Bell Mystery #1) by Rebecca McKinney* with an excerpt.

Harrison Jones is a university lecturer with a secret: he moonlights as a psychic detective. Amy Bell is a paramedic who has the uncanny knack of knowing things are going to happen before they do. From their first accidental meeting on an Edinburgh bridge, both of their lives are destined to change.Harrison invites Amy to help him investigate the disappearance of a beautiful young singer. The search will lead them into the murky world of human trafficking, from Edinburgh to the streets of Athens, and into the darkest corners of the human mind…

About the author:

Rebecca McKinney is a writer, therapist and community development practitioner, living and working in Midlothian, Scotland. She shares her home with her husband, two teenagers, three cats, and a growing collection of musical instruments.

"There were still a few heavily-swaddled tourists in the vicinity of the Royal Mile but otherwise, the streets were quiet enough to stride out. Harrison hadn’t quite made his father’s height, but he had long legs and a stride that always had to be a little clipped when the streets were busy.

Now he was able to move along at his natural pace, covering ground fast enough that he couldn’t pick up the vibrations. He walked down the Mound, along Princes Street and turned up North Bridge. Midway along the bridge, he saw a girl facing out over the wall, staring down at the glass roof panels of Waverley Station below. Her feelings radiated from her like shockwaves: failure, guilt and profound loneliness. They hit him square in the chest from twenty feet away. She was thinking about jumping. He could read it clear as a searchlight flashing out into the dark. Harrison slowed his pace and approached her cautiously. She raised her eyes and stared out over the city, pretending to take in the view.

He came alongside her, allowing an arm’s length between them, and said softly, ‘This isn’t what you want to do.’ She stared at him, mouth half-open. ‘What did you just say?’ He jutted his chin toward the glass panels. ‘It would be a pretty spectacular way to go, right enough, but you don’t really want to. You just want help.’

‘How the fuck do you know what I want?’ Her accent was Irish. Northern. Hard-edged. ‘Because you’d have gone by now if you wanted to. What’s your name?’ She raised her eyebrows and didn’t tell him her name. ‘I’m Harrison Jones.’ ‘Harrison Jones?’ she giggled. At least he’d managed to distract her. ‘A heroic type, right? Should I call you Indiana?’ ‘You know you’re not the first person who’s ever asked me that. Can I take you somewhere? Do you want to go somewhere and talk?’

‘Congratulations, that’s the best chat-up line I’ve ever heard.’ Her voice dripped suspicion but her mind was relieved. ‘Thank you, but I’m not trying to chat you up. Do you think you need to go to the hospital?’ ‘Eh ... no. I don’t think so.’ ‘So, you’ll be okay?’ ‘Well, seeing as you’re so concerned, I promise you I won’t jump tonight.’ Beneath her bluster, he picked up humiliation and shame about her melodramatic impulses. Behind that, an echo of violence committed in the past, in another place. This girl had a history".

Pick up your copy HERE.