Top Products 2020: September to December

This year I broke up top beauty and books into little chunks. See my top beauty products January - April HERE and May - August HERE. If an item is marked * I was kindly gifted it for review. 

Here's what I loved and rated in September:

Discovering Scottish brand, Raven Botanicals. The girls very kindly sent me a few samples* to try and review. See HERE. It's a simply stunning range, carefully formulated and hard working as well as gorgeous.

A perfume which has been on the wishlist a while before I snapped it up is Rahua's gorgeous Palo Santo Oil Perfume. See my review HERE. Simply stunning.

So much love for beautiful Ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume. Autumn 20 is simply exquisite. See my review HERE. So much love for this co!

Rounding up September's top picks is John Master's Organics Maximum Moisturizer with Mandarin & Glycoproteins* which I received free of charge as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger for review. It's a fantastic hydrator and perfect for autumn and winter skin. See my review HERE.

In October, Naturisimo brought out a fantastic range of starter kits. I reviewed their Moisturisers one HERE they're great for beauty lovers and beginners alike!

I also had the pleasure of trying Charlie Miller award-winning Haircare & Styling products* which are absolutely fantastic. See my review HERE. 

I treated myself to Inika's Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Serum after trying a sample. It makes my skin glow! Check out my review HERE.

As soon as it launched I had to have Kiss the Moon's Relaxing Eye Pillow with DREAM Aromatherapy Drops. The set's simply stunning. See my review HERE.

Coming into November there was more Raven Botanicals love when I tried their 24 Carat Oil to Milk Cleanser which takes cleansing to another level. Check out my review HERE.

I also loved ila spa's The Big Sleep Drops which really do what they say on the bottle! See my review HERE.

My skin loves NeuroSkinFeeds The MicroOil* which intensely rejuvenates the skin and senses. See my review HERE.

In December, I reviewed nknaturals full Autumn mini Seasonal Collection - see HERE and two items from the current Winter collection - see HERE. I just love these carefully formulated seasonal collections.

Rounding up my top picks for December is Skin Elixir's Magnificent Night Oil* which I reviewed HERE. 

Do we share any top picks for 2020?

*Skin Elixir: Magnificent Night Oil

*gifted product I fell head-over-heels when I tried Skin Elixir's Organic Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser*. See my review HERE, so when founder and formulator, Shona got in touch to see if I'd like to try and review her new Magnificent Night Oil (20ml - £28)* I said, yes please! (seeing my quote on her little info card which came with the oil, made my day, if not year!)

Magnificent Night Oil* is a truly luxurious product with a gorgeous scent. I adore Rose and Vetiver so to have these two organic essential oils in the one product is just the best thing ever! Also inside is Basil, Sandalwood & Frankincense which makes the scent luxurious and unique. In fact, I'd say it's probably the most luxurious night treatment I've ever used with an exquisite scent. Also inside is restorative and rejuvenating organic Moringa oil, skin calming Calendula, balancing organic Pomegranate Seed Oil which boosts collagen, increases elasticity and promotes youthful skin and skin healing cold pressed virgin Black Seed oil.

The oil absorbs instantly and is suitable for all skin types, is Vegan, cruelty free, organic and 100% natural. 

To use: massage a few drops to the face and neck before bed and awaken with glowing, soft and nourished skin. 

As you'll probably have guessed I love it! Pick yours up HERE.

December Empties

I think as I'm currently trying lots of new things as a Beauty Shortlist Judge I'm not using much up! Another small amount of empties to round up the year! If a product is marked * I've kindly received it for review. 

From the Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar* (partly gifted) I've used up - Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Cream 10ml, Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk 10ml, Quince Hydrating Body Milk 10ml and Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil 10ml. I loved trying all of them and recently bought the last one full size. Expect a review soon!

From L'Occitane is samples of their Immortelle Precious Serum 1ml and Immortelle Reset Overnight Eye Serum 1ml. I simply adored the eye serum and full size is added to the wishlist. My third sachet this month is Vichy's Neovadiol Rose Platinum Nuit 1ml which my skin loved. One to add to the wishlist.

I love bodhi & birch's Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash 200ml - see my review HERE. I've got another of these in my stash ready to open soon.

From last season's collection at nknaturals I finished up the luscious Autumn Copper Distilled Botanical Mist 50ml. See my review HERE. I just recently tried two products from the Winter Collection - see HERE. I love these seasonal products!

Rounding up my empties this month is a bar of Tuscan Wisteria & Lilac Nesti Dante Bar Soap. I simply love these highly perfumed bars which have a rich creamy lather.

What have you been using up this month?

nknaturals seasonal specific skincare: winter concentrated cleansing balm & winter nutrient rich facial oil

Today the solstice, the turning of autumn to winter sees the launch of nknaturals Winter Seasonal Specific Skincare. I picked up the Winter Nutrient Rich Facial Oil (15ml - £15) and founder and formulator, Nicola very kindly sent me a mini pot of the Winter Concentrated Cleansing Balm (30ml)* to try. You can also pick up the full collection in full size or mini or pick and choose.

I've had this duo a week or so and my skin's loving it. The Cleansing Balm addresses the changes of the seasons and the effect of cold winter air (and sometimes snow!) on your skin. It's nurturing, nourishing and calming. The blue-hued silky balm makes short work of make up and daily grime and turns cleansing into a true ritual. It also smells incredible! Formulated with blue tansy (one of my favs), yarrow, violet leaf absolute and patchouli, the scent which runs through the whole collection is an absolute delight!

To use: massage a small amount onto the face and neck before removing with a warmed damp cloth. Skin is left feeling comfortable and clean.

Winter Nutient Rich Face Oil is an intensely rich oil with the natural colour of the seasonal sky at dusk. It's perfect to combat cold winter air and central heating. It'll repair and revive. Jojoba, Coconut and Cacay Oils are blended with yarrow and blue tansy, anti-inflammatory violet leaf absolute contains essential Vitamin C revives while patchouli uplifts.

To use: PM before bed, to awaken with nourished and regenerated skin.

Again, a complete joy to use and the perfect size to see you through the season. Yet again, huge love for this beautiful and effective range. Pick yours up HERE.

*Heavenly Organics Skin Care: Organic Orange & Grapefruit Facial Oil

*ProductSample I received this Organic Orange & Grapefruit Facial Oil from Heavenly Organics Skin Care in the fantastic Happy Planet Box - Summer 2020 - see my musings HERE. It has gone up in price slightly since I received it in the box.

A truly uplifting blend which absorbs quickly leaving the skin nourished and comforted. Formulated with cold pressed sunflower seed oil which helps to neutralise free radicals, promote cell regeneration and is anti-inflammatory while jojoba oil regulates, balances and nourishes. Zesty citrus oils of Orange, which boosts the mood as well as helping to reduce pore size, firming and with acne and other skin conditions while Grapefruit stimulates, is antioxidant, antiseptic, antimicrobial and balancing.

To use: apply a few drop to the face and neck after cleansing and toning

My combo skin has been loving this truly uplifting oil which balances and hydrates (and smells glorious!) What are your favourites from the brand? (I'm also a fan of their Hand and Feet solid moisturisers!)

*Evolve Organic Beauty: Pomegranate and Goji Aromatic Wash

*giftedproduct - AD. As you'll probably know I'm a huge fan of Evolve Organic Beauty's natural body washes which are formulated with essential oils and skin loving nourishing organic ingredients. I was very kindly sent their latest launch - Pomegranate and Goji Aromatic Wash (£14 - 250ml)* which is super uplifting and my staple in my morning shower (I'll need to buy more after Christmas!)

The 99% natural wash is presented in a recyclable pump bottle which is perfect to use beside the shower (I'm also a huge fan of their daily apple hair & body wash - REVIEW).

Formulated and hand blended with soothing aloe vera and moisture locking quinoa along with moisturising goji berry it'll gently cleanse and nourish the skin. The scent is a blend of pomegranate, pear, peach, raspberry and citrus. It's the perfect wake-up scent and a pure joy to use.

To use: apply to damp hands/body and massage over the skin before rinsing

This wash makes me happy, is a pleasure to use and one I'll pick up again (and dare I say it, one of my fav new tries this year!) Pick yours up HERE.

*Love Lula Beauty Box: December 2020

*Sent to me free of charge as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review. December's Love Lula Beauty Box arrived on Saturday and for me the star of the box is the new Walden Natural Perfume - Tonic of Wildness (inside is 10ml of the perfume oil which is worth £17). As ever, there's a generous 20% off the brands in the box. Sign up to the Beauty Box HERE.

It's absolutely stuffed full! Inside the box this month is:

2 x 50ml The Castilian Soap Company Castile Soap Travel duos in fragrance free and lavender. Lets face it, at the moment liquid soap is on everyone's shopping list! Handy for anyone travelling over Christmas/for use when out and about - there's not always soap in toilets away from home or to use at home. The 50ml size retail at £4.50 each.

Walden Natural Perfumes Tonic of Wilderness Perfume Oil Rollerball 10ml (£17). This is the latest launch and is gorgeous! It has top notes of Bergamot, Grapefruit and Sour Orange, a heart of Black Pepper, Cardamom and Cabreuva with base notes of Iris Pallida and Ylang Ylang. A review will come of this one! It's lush.

From Soul Tree is their Hand & Foot Cream Kokum & Honey with Mountain Rosemary 100g (£14.03). I do love a multi-use product, so looking forward to trying it. It's very rich and nourishing with a pleasant herbal aroma. 

From popular brand Ayumi is their Bio-Active Fairness Daily Intensive Facial Night Cream 50ml (which is presented in a huge box!) (£8.99). The cream absorbs quickly and has a fairly neutral scent. It's suitable for all skin types and good for marks, blemishes, age spots and pigmentation. It'll also repair, plump and rehydrate when you're sleeping. 

Rounding up the box are 2 x 3ml sachets of Kiss the Moon's fantastic DREAM Night Cream for Feet. I reviewed this product HERE.

A useful box with little touches of luxury this month. What are your thoughts?

Five Dot Botanics: Pure Rewind Rose Clay+Lavender Restorative Face Mask

As you'll know, I'm a huge fan of Five Dot Botanics having had the pleasure of judging them in this year's The Beauty Shortlist Awards. I bought their award winning Pure Rewind Rose Clay + Lavender Restorative Face Mask (£28 - 30ml) a while back and I'm embarrassed to say, I've never reviewed it! I love the simplicity of the recyclable packaging and that each product only contains 5 ingredients. 

It has a gorgeous rich glossy texture and is formulated with natural rose coloured clay, safflower seed oil, glycerin, glycolipids and lavender essential oil and that's it! The mask is perfect to restore the skin in times of stress. It'll balance, calm the skin and mind, remove impurities and make the skin glow! 

To use: apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes before removing with damp warm cloth. Use once or twice a week.

I found that my skin is left feeling detoxed (oily t-zone), nourished and looking glowy and radiant. If you're looking for a new face mask (suitable for all skin types) this is the one to BUY.

*Love Lula: UrbanVeda Hand Sanitisers

*gifted samples as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program - As you'll know I'm always on the lookout to try new hand sanitisers! See my posts on ones I've enjoyed using so far during the pandemic HERE, HERE and HERE.

UrbanVeda has 3 sanitisers in their range - I picked up the two larger ones to try and review (100ml - £7, although currently at time of writing this on special at £5.95)!

The pump action spray (which is made from PET and 100% recyclable) is very easy to use and the sanitiser will kill 99.99% of bacteria. It's formulated with 70% alcohol, essential oils and natural glycerin to soften and moisturise. 

Citrus Fresh* has a uplifting Bergamot, Lemon and Lime aroma while Spa Blend* is scented with herbal Rosemary, Lavender and Clary Sage.

To use: spray onto hands and rub together for fragrant and protected hands

Yes, you've guessed it I love these! Pick yours up HERE.

*Ella Mae Penetrating Hair Repair Monoi Shampoo & Mask

*PR samples I've had the real pleasure of trying an Ella Mae hair care duo! The ranges are formulated using tried and tested formulas with added ingredients which make the hair glow! Karanja oil from India is antioxidant rich and protects and nourishes the hair. The range is made from high quality natural ingredients in France. I was very kindly sent the Penetrating Hair Repair Monoi duo* (£49.99). 

The duo is said to "increase the density of the hair fiber from within. It'll Repair dull hair and split ends while providing a natural shine". Fleur des Isles Shampoo & Mask is sulphate and paraben free and has a beautiful exotic aroma (Monoi oil is made by soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenia in the purest extra virgin coconut oil). This aromatic and fragrant oil nourishes and smoothes and is the perfect addition to this repairing formula. It's perfect for dry, damaged, thin and weakened, or heavy & flat low volume hair. My hair is dry and coloured and it's been loving this duo which turns haircare into a real ritual to be enjoyed! It also helps to de-frizz and make the hair super shiny and luminous.

To use: shampoo as normal and then apply a generous amount of hair mask, leaving it to penetrate into the hair shaft for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and styling. 

My hair is left looking healthy, smooth, super shiny and smelling gorgeous! Pick yours up HERE getting 30% off your 1st order with BEAUTYBALM30.

*Love Lula: Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar 2020 - Days 1 - 9

*partly gifted I shared my initial musings when I received the 2020 Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar* as my November Love Lula Accredited Blogger Pick HERE (I added £35 to the cost of the advent). You can see my daily posts on Instagram.

Day One - Quince Hydrating Body Milk 10ml - See my thoughts on day 1 HERE. After using it up my thoughts are it's nice, but I'm unlikely to pick up full size as there are other body products I like better.

Day 2 - Quince Day Cream 5ml - a light and easily absorbed day cream which is suitable for normal skin types. It'll balance, moisturise and protect. Although not quite for my skin type (ageing combo) I've been enjoying this one!

Day 3 - Daily Hydrating Eye Cream 2.5ml - this is a totally new to me product from the brand and I'm really enjoying it! It's rich and hydrating. Containing ingredients which smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while deeply hydrating the delicate eye area. This one's for a full review soon!

Day 4 - Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk 10ml - I've got a love/hate relationship with Lemongrass so I sort of liked this. I think it would be great for summer months/to take on holiday as it doubles up as aftersun. 

Day 5 - Soothing Mask 5ml - this powerhouse calms and balances sensitive, irritated and stressed skins (I've not actually had the chance to try this yet, but I'll share my thoughts in an empties post).

Day 6 - Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil 10ml - for me this is the star of the advent so far. I loved it so much I bought full size! It has a milky texture which turns into an oil on contact with warm skin and a soothing lavender scent. I could honestly say, it's one of my favourite products this year - and I've only found it in December!

Day 7 - Cleansing Cream 10ml - the cult classic - when I think of Dr Hauschka products I think of this and Rose Day Cream! I reviewed it HERE.

Day 8 - Facial Toner 10ml - the multi-purpose facial toner (you can also use it as aftershave!) balances and tones.

Day 9 - Melissa Day Cream 5ml - I've had the pleasure of using this product before. See my review HERE. It's perfect for my combo skin!

And so, I've really enjoyed my first taste of the Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar. Are you a fan of the brand? If so, what are your favourites?

*Love Lula: Ooh! Oils of Heaven Discovery Set

*gifted via the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review. I'm a huge fan of Love Lula's Ooh! Oils of Heaven and this brand new Discovery Set is absolutely fantastic. Inside the branded box are 5 x 5ml selected from the range. It's a great try me kit or for travel and excellent value for money (£20). It'd also make a great Christmas gift.

Nestling inside the easily recyclable box:

Tamanu Oil: which has a very strong and pungent nutty-like aroma and is rich in Omegas 6 and 9. The oil also has quite a thick texture. It's ideal for moisturising and can help with stretch marks and scarring. Use AM and PM.

Avocado Oil: has a herbal/green type of scent (and colour!). It's rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamins A, D and E. It'll deeply hydrate and protect. Use AM and PM to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. I love its earthy scent and nourishing properties.

Raspberry Oil: is rich in essential fatty acids and has a superior anti-inflammatory quality making the oil perfect of acne prone skins. It's also good for dehydrated and sensitive skins. The oil has a herbal and slightly fruity scent, absorbs instantly and is nourishing and protecting.

Plum Oil: this is currently my favourite ooh! Oil of Heaven. I can't get enough of that beautiful marzipan-like scent! It's perfect to moisturise and condition dry skin. I'm combo but my skin loves this! See my review HERE.

Rounding up the discovery kit is their Hemp Oil: which has a beautiful earthy aroma. It's rich in essential fatty acids, Omegas 3 and 6 and has an ultra low comedogenic index which makes it suitable for all skins including those with acne and oily skin. Deeply hydrating it's suitable for day or night.

I think this Discovery Set is fantastic. Pick yours up HERE. What are your favourites from the range?

White Rabbit Skincare Sample Pack

I recently picked up White Rabbit Skincare's Sample Pack (£10 for 4 x 5ml). The Vegan moisturisers are presented in little aluminium tins in a drawstring bag, which is a nice touch. They'd be ideal for a little stocking filler, to try before going onto buy full size or for holidays/weekends away.

Inside the kit is: Rose & Frankincense Day Cream, Rosehip & Camellia Day Cream, Coconut & Rosehip Calming Cream and Rose & Orange Night Cream.

Rose & Frankincense Day Cream has a beautiful aroma. The cream is pleasant to use and absorbs instantly, moisturising and softening. It's best for mature skin types but perfect as an anti-ageing solution for all skin types.

Rosehip & Camellia Day Cream is super hydrating and soothing making it perfect for sensitive skin types. It's formulated with Rosehip, apricot Kernel and Camellia oils.

Coconut & Rosehip Calming Cream soothes and nourishes making it perfect for dry and itchy skin or skins suffering breakouts. It'll cool and calm.

Best selling Rose & Orange Night Cream works overnight repairing and regenerating the skin. It's also got a beautiful aroma. 

I've really enjoyed sampling these creams (each tin gives about 4 uses). Pick yours up HERE.

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: Ambiance: November 2020

Sadly this is the last of the bi-monthly Skin Organics Clean Beauty boxes as founder, Paula has decided to do something new next year. I'm excited to see what she brings us as her carefully curated boxes have always brought a smile to my face and a new brand or two. November's theme is "Ambiance" and inside are a whole host of beautiful products including an item I've never seen in a beauty box before.

And so, for a closer look..

WOW just WOW! Going out with a total bang. What a carefully curated selection. All the brands apart from one are known to me. I've never before seen a reed diffuser in a beauty box! 

I absolutely adore beautiful Skin Elixir (I'm currently testing out their Magnificent Night Oil, it's a beauty - expect a review soon!) I was made up and then some at seeing my little quote on the info card!) Inside the November Skin Organics Clean Beauty box is their Organic Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser 15ml (£10). I've tried this before and my skin loved it, so I'm happy to have it back in my stash! See my review HERE.

A mini reed diffuser from help me organics is just so lovely and so unique as well as being perfect for Christmastime - Apparently I need to Chill Out is the scent - how apt! This is worth £10 also and the aroma will help you rebalance and relax - bring it on! 

Hunter's Moon is a totally new to me brand and inside is a sachet of their Sleepy Bath Salts (£4.50) with Lavender & Bergamot which will clear your mind and soothe your soul. These are lovely. I'll definitely explore this brand more.

From Myroo Skincare is their Calming Marula Super Boost Drops 13ml (£15) which now come with an eco-friendly aluminium lid. I've used this lovely skin treat before. See my review HERE.

Also inside is a delectable duo from No Secrets Beauty in the form of a mini pot of their No. One Hand Butter (£10) and a sachet of their No. Four Hand & Body Butter. I've used this beautiful brand before so I'm happy to see them in the box.

Rounding up this amazing November box is a delicious bar of Orange Dark Chocolate by Choc Affair which is worth £2.95 and tastes delicious!

An amazing box, what are your thoughts?

nknaturals season specific skincare - mini complete autumn collection

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of nk naturals season specific skincare having reviewed the seasonal range(s) a few times on my blog. I picked up their cute and cost effective new mini complete Autumn collection (£55 - it includes two full sizes and the rest half sizes) when it first launched and I've been enjoying the range very much.

Inside the Autumn collection is:

Concentrated Cleansing Balm 30ml - a true little pot of goodness! It's got a beautiful scent (petitgrain, rosemary and juniper berry) and is stuffed full of hydrating, balancing and calming ingredients which turn cleansing into a real ritual on cold autumnal nights. To use: massage a small amount of the balm over face and neck before removing with a warmed damp cloth. Skin is left comfortable and clean.

Copper Distilled Botanical Mist 50ml (full size) - having totally fallen for summer's blend I knew I was in for a treat with this one! A soothing and nourishing mist which can be used on the face and body to provide relief for dry, itchy and sensitive skins as well as soothing and revitalising dull autumnal skins. To use: spritz throughout the day or use as a toner.

Deep Steam Salt Infusion 60ml - having loved Spring and Summer's version I knew I'd love this one! See my previous review (it's exactly the same concept) HERE.

Nutrient Rich Facial Oil 15ml rollerball (full size) - another star of the collection. This easy to use (and great for travelling) the slim rollerball bottle is full of hardworking oils - sea buckthorn and pumpkin seed oils, here's looking at you! The blend is enhanced with the same beautiful essential oils which run throughout the collection (petitgrain, rosemary and juniper berry). To use: massage onto the skin before bed.

Rounding up the collection is a light as air and deeply nourishing Enriched Protecting Moisturiser 30ml which provides a daily protective base. To use: apply to face, neck and decolletage every morning after cleansing. This rich and aromatic whipped cream is an absolute delight and lovely to use.

The set is presented in a branded cosmetic bag and I got a lovely note from founder and formulator, Nicola! 

I've really enjoyed adding these products to my autumn routine. I've loved the sizes too - the perfect size if you use other products also or essential for travel/try me. Pick yours up HERE.

Oskia Safe Hands Hand Gel

I'm always on the lookout for a new hand sanitiser and have found that Oskia's Safe Hands Hand Gel (£8 - 80ml) is perfect for popping in my handbag pocket for use on the go!

It's formulated with 62% alcohol, moisturising glycerine and anti-bacterial essential oils (Lavender & Rosemary). Oskia donated the gel to local hospitals and care homes before it's general release. Just spritz a small amount of hand gel onto your the hands, rub together ensuring all areas, including inside fingers are covered and you're good to go!

The hand gel has a gorgeous herbal scent, is easy to use and I feel it keeps me safe. Definitely one of my favs. What hand sanitisers do you use?

*Love Lula: Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar Day #1

*partly gifted Today's the day for opening the first door of the Advent Calendars! (I received some lovely edible ones from my friend, Nardin which I shared on instagram and a beauty one from my friend Magi). I also picked up a couple of wax ones and my husband got me a Fortnum & Mason's tea one - so I've been truly spoiled!

I shared my initial musing on the Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar* which I chose for my November pick as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger (I put £35 towards the calendar to enable me to get it). See my thoughts HERE. Today, I'm sharing what was in box no.1! (I'm planning a weekly round up of the items in the calendar and you can check out my socials for daily updates!)

In box no.1 there is a 10ml tube of their Quince Hydrating Body Milk which has a very light milky texture making it easy to absorb onto warm skin. Quince Seed extract helps to improve elasticity, regulate moisture content of the skin and maintaining pH balance. The lotion has a pleasant fruity/herbal scent. 

To use: apply to warm skin after a bath or shower, use after shaving or as a cooling aftersun

I do love a multi-use product so chances are this one will make the full size wishlist. Are you a Dr Hauschka fan?