GIVEAWAY! - NOW CLOSED!

I was going to wait until I got 50 followers before doing a giveaway but  nearly there so decided to do it today!  A big thank you to all that follow me already.

Clarins is one of my favourite skin care brands so up for grabs is a Radiance Boosters Collection.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is:-

Follow me on GFC (if you don't already)

Tell me what your favourite beauty product has been this year (I love finding new products to try).

Leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win

You must have your parents permission to enter if you are under 16

UK only - sorry.  Planning on doing an international giveaway next year.

Winner will be chosen randomly when the giveaway closes on 20 November at 5pm. x

P.S. - if you blog about my giveaway and link it to me that will give you another entry.

Bluebellgray Shopper/Tote Bag

I picked up this beautiful shopper bag from Bluebellgray.

Bought for a gift but may end up gifting myself :-) Its 40cm x 60cm x 20cm so perfect for shopping.

Fi Douglas paints each design by hand before printing onto cottons and linens (or in the case of this bag onto laminate).

I am now saving up for one of the gorgeous cushions and I am loving Liz,  Poppy and Magnolia. I can wish! x

Freebies with Cosmo Mag - December

December's Cosmo has some good freebies.  A Body Shop gift card worth £3, £15 or £100! You only find out at the checkout, a Lip Rock Lip Gloss I picked up the rose shade and a mini pack of Cadbury's chocolate fingers.

ila Face Oil for Glowing Radiance 30ml

I was lucky enough to win this face oil on a Naturisimo Facebook Friday Competition!  I also mentioned it here.

It retails at £50 – gulp.  (although I must admit I have bought this….once).

It’s gorgeous! Scented with Rose Damascena and Sandalwood with Argan and Rosehip Seed Oils.  It improves skin texture, gives radiance and revitalises the skin.  It has become a cult product worldwide – loved by women and men!

You can read about ila here.  It's founder spent the first year researching and sourcing ingredients from ethical farmers.  The products are made in a barn in the Cotswold hills.  Products are blended in small batches and each ingredient is sourced for its physical, emotional and spiritual benefits.

Good for dry, mature or at night time, normal skin.  After cleansing and toning smooth 3-5 drops over face and neck.  I use it at night mainly. It's definitely a product which send a home facial into the heavens! It smells amazing and leaves my skin radiant and its a product I would buy again.

Latest in Beauty - The Stocking Filler Box - Buy it Now!

Just noticed that the stocking filler box is now available to buy!

Contains treats from This Works, DP London, Richard Ward, Orla Kiely, Yardley and Dove.

Retails at £4.95 including P&P worth £24.

Photo from Latest in Beauty website.

Top Sante Amarya Beauty Box Offer

Amarya are offering Top Sante Readers a year's subscription of 12 beauty boxes for £100 (instead of £120).  Two boxes free x

Sanctuary Spa Therapies - Relax Warming Body Oils

I picked these Sanctuary Spa Therapies Relax Warming Oils up in Boots.  There are five individual use tubes in the pack, each 15ml.

They retail at £10.25 for five.  They are currently available to purchase in the 3 for 2 offer.

Place unopened tube in a cup of hot tap water for 5 minutes, snap off the tip and massage the warm oil into the skin...ahh bliss.  Alternatively, you can pour the oil into your bath water.

With oils of vetivert, cedarwood and lebdanum and almond, castor and jojoba oils.  Great for relaxation before bed as its got quite a nurturing scent.  I found there was too much oil for one use so kept the remainder for the next evening's bath. 

Would also be good for splitting up for stocking fillers.

Lush Haul

I haven't been into Lush for a while and picked up -

Mint Julips Lip Scrub which is gorgeous!  I used to get Sarah Happ's version which retails at a whopping £19.00 for 30ml.  Lush's version retails at £4.95 for 25g and I think is just as good and tastes yummy.

Ocean Salt  I love this face scrub which I sometimes use as a body scrub due to its gritty salty feel.  Smells of the sea with lime, coconut and vodka.  Retails at £6.75 for a 120g tub.

Lemon Flutter cuticle butter 50g for £5.95.  This tub is going to last for ages, smells of fresh lemons.  I first read about this product on Evelyn's blog. 

Ginger solid perfume £5.50 for 12g.  Love this, one of my favourite Lush scents, although I also want to try - Vanillary, Imogen Rose, Tuca Tuca and Orange Blossom.

Also on my Lush want list is - Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie, Rose jam Bubbleroon and Ro's Argan Body Conditioner.  Oh I love Lush!

What are your favourite Lush products? And what should I buy next?

October Empties

I seem to have got through loads this month!  Though I was using up a lot of the last wee bits of some of the products.

Caudalie (three of the products from the set first mentioned here.) 

Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel 30ml - soap free so no lather, was okay to use and smelt nice but wouldn't purchase again.

Gentle Conditioning Shampoo 30ml - no lather. Didn't feel like my hair was clean so wouldn't repurchase.

Anti-Wrinkle Fluid 4ml - freebie thrown in - was ok, wouldn't purchase full size.

Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid SPF 10 - 15ml - this was from October's Feel Unique box.  I loved this product (and have re-purchased).

Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask 3ml - this was a free sample, one use and liked the fact that it didn't sting my skin.  Would look into re-purchasing next time I need a mask.

Kerastase Bain Chroma Riche - Luminous Softening Shampoo 80ml - used this on my two week hols and just finishing it up.  Love Kerastase so would re-purchase.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - this was a free gift with Red magazine.  Smells like Turkish delight - scented with Rose Otto, Palmarosa & Geranium.  Love this would definitely re-purchase.  Full size of 260ml retails at £12.25.  Free from parabens, sulphates etc.

Deep Steep Tangerine & Melon Bubble Bath 60ml - this was an okay product - and one that I  got free with purchase.  Not one I'd re-purchase.

Balm Balm Witch Hazel Toner - 100ml - sort of enjoyed using this but wouldn't purchase again as it contains alcohol.  I prefer toners which are more natural.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 30ml - love, love, love this cream but only buy it in value gift sets from QVC, Time to Spa or instore.  Eyewatering price for the full size product.

Clarins Satin Smooth Body Lotion with Sorbier Bud 100ml - This is a generous Gift with Purchase size.  I loved the lotion but hated the smell.  So wouldn't re-purchase.

Avon Naturals Black Cherry & Nutmeg Room & Linen Spray 125ml - like this scent and its cheap!  Usually buy with the hand wash when there is a offer on.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm 15ml - this was part of a set from SpaceNK.  Lovely product and smells great, full size costs £34 for 100ml so one to save up for.  Would definitely re-purchase although I'd shop around for best price.

Clinque All About Eyes Serum - 5ml - this was a GWP size, nice product and felt quite cooling on the eye area not sure if I'd re-purchase or not.

Bath House Relaxing White Tea & Rose Bath Salts 60g - £3.99.  This smelt better in the sachet than in the bath so won't repurchase.

No.7 Sumptuous Bath Soak 200ml - nice enough product, bought with a Boots £5 off voucher.  Wouldn't buy at full price as just didn't like it enough.

Pure Age Defiance Wipes - 2 packs for £1 Poundland - Lucy Brown (of Beauty Box Swaps on Facebook) recommended these wipes and they are great - they don't sting at all and are so cheap.  I don't use them all the time but sometimes only a wipe will do!

Dr Hauschka Revitalising Mask 2.5ml sachet - quite liked this product, felt nice on the skin, may purchase when I need a face mask.

Avon Hand Wash - Great price and does the job.

Armani Light Master Primer 30ml - great product and lasts for absolutely ages. May re-purchase in the future.

L'Occitane Verbena Shampoo & Conditioner each 30ml - received in a gift set, nice products and enjoyed using but unsure if I'd purchase.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil 10ml - quality product but had quite a strange smell so don't think I'd purchase again.

NEOM Real Luxury Organic Body Lotion 50ml - this came in the Amarya October box.  Liked the lotion but not the scent.  Would possibly re-purchase in a different scent.

Bamford Botanics Trio - Geranium Bath Oil (30ml), Geranium Body Wash (50ml) & Geranium Body Lotion (50ml) - £5  Luxury samples from Latest in Beauty.  Would buy the bath oil again but not the body wash or lotion as they smelt too herbal (they also contain oils of peppermint and lavender). Although I'd be keen to try them in a different scent as they were good quality products.

Goldwell Rich Repair Shampoo 250ml & Rich Repair 60sec Treatment 200ml - bought at the hairdresser at special price.  Think it was £8 for both.  Nice and lasted ages.  Would re-purchase.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait - Lipid Replenishing Body Milk 15ml - quite a nice product would consider purchasing full size especially for dry skin. (this was bought in a sample pack of 32 assorted samples for £10 from http://www.escentual.com/ in the try B4 you buy section - they also send you a voucher code by email for £10 off a product from the range, so you are getting the samples for free, and I also bought when they were offering free postage).

Champneys Wild Rose Bathing Oil with Turkish Rose Otto 75ml - bought this in a 3 for 2 offer at Boots.  Smells lightly of rose and goes milky on hitting the bathwater.  Definitely one I'd re-purchase.

Would you buy any of these/or do you use any of them already?  What did you use up in October?

DIY Beauty

I sometimes make my own DIY beauty -

Bath Oil: single use - 5 drops of essential oil in 10ml (2tsp) carrier oil (e.g. Almond, Coconut, Sunflower, Calendula etc).  My favourite blends are Rose Geranium & Lime and Geranium & Lavender.

Salt Scrub: enough for one treatment - 2tbs sea salt, 1tsp dried lavender buds, 2tbs Almond Oil, two drops of essential oil.   Mix all ingredients together and use immediately.  This leaves the skin smooth, soft and moisturised though be careful because the bath/shower will be slippy after use.

Hair Treatment: one treatment - mix together 2 drops of Chamomile essential oil with 1tsp coconut oil.  Massage through the hair focussing on the scalp and ends.  Leaves hair conditioned and silky smooth.

For restful sleep: put 2 drops Lavender oil onto a ball of cotton wool/a tissue and tuck inside your pillowcase.

Keep Calm: keep a bottle of Frankincense oil in your bag and sniff to combat feelings of panic or for use in stressful situations. 

Notebooks

I love notebooks but buy too many!

I always have one in my bag for jotting down blog ideas, recipes, notes and websites I want to visit.

My favourite one at the moment is the "Love Notebook" from Jan Constantine which I got from John Lewis for £8 - a great handbag size!

voucher codes

Red Magazine included a few voucher codes this month and may come in handy for Christmas shopping.

Rodial are offering 15% off using code RED01.  Their new body products sound lush.  Though very expensive brand.

Bombay Duck are offering 15% off and free delivery using code RD936.  They have some really lovely gifts.

Bloomsbury are offering 15% off using code RED15.  Again, great for gifts.

Favourite Foundations

These are the bases I am currently jumping between at the moment.

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric - this looks quite dark but shade 2 was too pale for me.  A fab product it melts into the skin leaving a flawless face.  Its got a really lovely gel like texture. It's good if you just want a light base. Retails at £30 for 40ml.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - shade 5 - an oil free fluid with a silky texture and the ability to build on colour.  I'm just about running out of this one and I'd definitely re-purchase.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15 - shade 3 - love this if I just want a bit of colour, very moisturising and gives a natural tone.

BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation - light - really love this, easy to use and can build up coverage.  BareMinerals also has a brilliant starter set which is a great introduction to this brand.

What do you use? I'm always looking for suggestions for foundations.

Easy Living Magazine - December

Easy Living Magazine is offering a £20 off in Monsoon gift card if you spend £80 or more (December issue).  It can only be used for full priced ladies clothes.

Liebster Blog Award

Nav from Navilicious Beauty awarded me this! - thank you so much Nav!

I have to award 5 blogs with less than 200 followers -

Sian at Quite Frankly

Alex at I am a weapon of massive consumption

Molly at mollyox

Rachel at shopuntilyoudrop!

Victoria at Cosmetic Cravings

Check out their fab blogs! x

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme

I had never heard of this product until I received it in my Boudoir Prive box.

Boudoir Prive says:

"Huile de Palme is a pre-shampoo conditioner that will soften and nourish dry and damaged hair.  From a range of hair care products that use only natural ingredients, delicate aromas and plant extracts".

I got it as a solid product but has turned to a liquid (I think due to central heating being on) but advice given has said to put the bottle in warm water to soften. It's recommended to use every 3rd to 4th time you wash your hair.

It’s got a slight honey smell, I applied as recommended to lengths and ends and combed through.  I left the product on overnight and when I washed my hair next day after blow drying it felt smooth and silky and had a great shine.  No need to use conditioner or serum.

I'd be interested in repurchasing this item although I reckon this little bottle will last for a while.

95ml retails at £24.

                                                                                  

A unique handmade bag just for me

My friend Claire, over at Pootle Handmade gave me this gorgeous bag she had lovingly made as a gift.  Though I did hint to her that I loved it!  It's made with Amy Butler fabric and has four internal pockets and a magnetic closure.

Claire has a Folksy shop which you can find here.  Although having moved house on Friday I am sure sewing will be the last thing on her mind at the moment.  Claire also has a Facebook page which you can find here.

Keep checking back  though (as she's got a dedicated sewing room in her new house).  Isn't it gorgeous.  I was made up.  x

Claire is making me a make-up bag to be included in my "January Blues" giveaway - more details to follow late December x

Free Delivery Code - Cowshed

Cowshed are offering free UK delivery (save £4.95).  Enter code AUT11 by 30th October 2011.

All I want this Christmas Selfridges Advent Calendar 2011

Look at this little beauty which arrived in the post today.

I read about this amazing advent calendar last year and it retailed at £60.

This year it cost £80 - gulp!  It contains 24 gifts including products from Lancome, Kiehl's, Shu Uemura, Armani, Viktor & Rolf and YSL making for a very exciting December!

A Model Recommends and The Beauty Scoop have both posted about this item recently.

I decided to buy this and sneakily used the joint account hoping hubby wouldn't spot my purchase.  Needless to say, he did and was less than impressed....To soften the blow I've said I will make him his own special calendar (though his will be featuring food, drink, sweeties and maybe the occasional beauty product!!).

It contains:

Lancôme Teint Miracle 03 5ml, Trésor eau de parfum 7.5ml, Miracle eau de parfum 5ml, Hypnôse Drama Mascara 2ml, Hypnôse Classic Mascara 2ml, Absolu Nu 302 Mini, Mini Juicy Tube 19 – Lychee, Visionnaire 7ml, Génifique 7ml, Génifique Yeux 5ml, Rénergie Lift Volumetry Day 15ml, Eau Micellaire Douceur 50ml, Bi–Facil 30ml

Giorgio Armani⁄Emporio Armani Armani Code Femme eau de parfum 3ml, Emporio Armani Diamonds eau de parfum 5ml

Kiehl's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 7ml, Kiehl's Crème De Corps 30ml, Kiehl's Hand Salve 30ml, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil 20ml

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb eau de parfum 7ml

YSL Belle D'Opium eau de parfum 7.5ml, Rouge Pur Couture Mini, Khol Pencil Mini

The confirmation email from Selfridges made me smile "Your order has left the building - gratification is on its way".

10% off at the Bath House

Use code 9725 at checkout to get 10% off at Bath House valid until 8th November 2011.