Friday, 17 May 2013

Bodhi Mint Thé Temple Balm

I was super excited when Elijah sent me two brand new products which are launching next month.  They are part of the Artisan Series Collection - Bodhi Mint Thé Temple Balm* and Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub*.  The products are hand blended in small batches and are free from parabens, petrochemicals, silicone, artificial colours and fragrances.  You will know I am a huge fan of Bodhi and especially love Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Body Therapy - see my review here.  

Mint Thé Temple Balm* contains the same essential oils found in the Bath & Body Therapy - Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Rosemary, Lavender, Clove, White Thyme and Frankincense as well as Menthol Crystals to clear the mind and calm the senses.  White Camphor and Cajeput soothe sore and aching muscles and Organic Shea Butter and Babassu Nut Oil protect and comfort.





The balm comes in a black pot and it is boxed encased in pale blue ribbon.  It will cost £15 for 15g and will be available from Bodhi and selected stockists from June.

The balm is simply amazing - it relieves tension headaches, soothes travel sickness, eases minor muscular aches and pains and I've found it helps relieve anxiety and stress.  I've been using it on my temples, my pulse points and inhaling it straight from the pot (it smells so good).  It is also suggested to rub into tired feet and any other areas of the body where you feel mild pain.

It is cooling on the skin and revives the senses as well as uplifting the mind and spirit.

Bodhi founder Elijah Choo says, “This is an aromatic refreshment in a handy little jar. Pop it into your bag for an instant pick-me-up whenever and wherever you need it – especially good on the legs after a long hard day of retail therapy.”

The little pot will last for ages as you only need the tiniest amount, it melts upon contact with the skin.  One of these products you must have - I will always have a pot or two on the go (one definitely in my desk drawer).  I feel sure this balm will be a best seller.

Follow Bodhi on Twitter  
See the website here


*complimentary

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Shopping my Stash #16


Here's what I've been reaching for this week - 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime 50ml - I received this as a freebie with another order.  It's lovely! Can be used pre-shampoo, post-shampoo before blow drying or to control frizz.

Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml and Sensual Body Moisturiser 40ml - simply love this spicy oriental - been so lovely to use every evening during this cold weather we've been having.  You can see my mini review here.

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel 10g* and Green Tea BB Cream 8g* - I've found the marvel gel amazing at getting rid of blackheads/whiteheads on my chin.  The BB cream is a suit most people shade and give a natural look - reviews to follow.

The London Oil Company After Hours Sensual Massage Oil 10ml - I love how you can buy sample type sizes before buying full size.  This is a lovely thickish oil scented with jasmine, sweet orange, cedarwood, patchouli and ylang ylang.  A 10ml sample retails at £4.00.

Melvita Eau Florale de Rose Flower Water 26ml - Nardine at Live..Laugh..Love sent me this from her Latest in Beauty box as she doesn't like rose scents - well it's gorgeous and I'm really enjoying using it.

Palm & Soul Lips & Shimmer - in Blood Orange 7g* - smells amazing, gives the lips a red tint and moisturises.  Review to follow.

Have you used any of these products?



*PR samples


Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Spending Ban Update

Well I'm now fifteen days into my spending ban and on day 10 I caved! Oops. Pai Skincare had a special offer - buy a BioAffinity Toner and get a 50ml Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (worth £12.50) FREE!  I chose the Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner (£30 for 50ml). I've used both these products before and you can see my reviews here and here. I'm so looking forward to using this amazing toner again!  The offer runs until the 19th May.




On Monday, I was browsing in Crabtree & Evelyn and had a spray of their new Somerset Meadow scent - simply gorgeous with wild flowers, ivy, waterlily, blackberry and bergamot.  Yesterday I went back and picked up the perfume gel (£12 for 12ml). As a VIP card holder I got 15% off making it £10.20. Yvonne, one of the advisors in the Edinburgh branch gave me a sample pot of the hand cream - I love Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams.  A full review will follow.



For the rest of the month I'm not spending! Onto my wants - I've been using the gorgeous paperblanks* journal I was gifted during my last spending ban.



How is your spending ban coming along?


*complimentary - sent for use during my 100 day spending ban

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Skin Tonic & Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser

I was recently sent Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Skin Tonic* £30 (200ml) and Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser* £47 (50ml) to review.  Up until now I've only tried a couple of skincare items from the brand which I have found to be very effective.  I'm a huge fan of the bath oils especially the Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection.

Aromatherapy Associates was founded in 1983 by Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechey.  They trained with Micheline Arcier in the late 60s and early 70s and Micheline Arcier herself was taught by aromatherapy founders - Marguerite Maury (an Austrian Biochemist and Skincare Pioneer) and Jean Valnet MD (an expert in the science of essential oils).  Aromatherapy Associates products are sold in 40 countries world wide.

Soothing Skin Tonic 200ml*


The tonic is packaged simply in a pump action bottle.  Blended with essential oils of Roman Chamomile with Arnica and Liquorice root.  A gentle toner which refreshes, revitalises and calms the skin after cleansing.  To use: apply a pump or two to a cotton pad and wipe over the face after cleansing.  Can also be used to refresh the skin throughout the day.  I've been loving using this gentle and lightly scented toner.

Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser 50ml*


This is a gorgeous moisturiser, it has a light texture making it ideal for spring and summer months and smells beautiful. It is scented with neroli and ylang ylang essential oils. It also contains rice extracts, aloe vera, jojoba and evening primrose oils.  Nourishing and revitalising it is non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.  To use: apply to cleansed and toned face and neck.  Leaves the skin smooth and matt making it ideal to use before applying make up.  A really lovely moisturiser which is perfect for combination, oily or problem skin types.

Have you used any of these products before?  What are your favourite Aromatherapy Associates products?


*PR samples

Monday, 13 May 2013

Kiehl's Aromatic Blend - Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit



I recently bought this Aromatic Blend from Kiehl's - it is light and fresh and perfect for summer!

This is part of a new range which includes fragrance, body cleanser and body lotion and is available in four scents - Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit, Orange Flower & Lychee, Vanilla & Cedarwood and Fig Leaf & Sage.  

The fragrance comes in two sizes - 100ml (£52) and 30ml (£26). I purchased the smaller size.

A really lovely light scent with Nashi Blossom, Pink Grapefruit, Ginger, Soy Milk and White Musk. I find it's a fruity floral on my skin.  Spray onto neck and pulse points throughout the day.

Have you used any of the Aromatic Blends?

Sunday, 12 May 2013

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask

I was recently sent Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask* (£4.95 - 75ml) to review.


Amie (which means friend in French - is truly your skin's best friend) is an award winning pure and natural skincare brand for sensitive skin which can be oily and prone to breakouts or dryness.  Fiona Parkhouse (an ex-Estee Lauder Executive) originally created the range to treat her daughter's teenage skin.  I initially thought this was a range for young skin only but people of all ages can use it - I have an oily t-zone and still get the odd breakouts especially on my chin and nose.

Made using natural plants and botanicals the range is on average 95% natural and free from parabens, SLS, mineral oil, petrochemicals and animal extracts.  Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.  All packaging is recyclable and products are dermatologically tested.

I was amazed at the price as the mask is really effective - so it is an affordable brand for everyone.  You can see the full range here.

The mask contains white clay which absorbs excess oils and impurities, natural zinc oxide which is antibacterial which helps clear and prevent blemishes, lime butter - this gives it a really zingy scent and it helps to tone the skin and shrink pores.  The organic peppermint refreshes, cools and soothes the skin.  The mask has a thick texture but is easy to spread onto the skin.



I've been using this mask solely on my t-zone (and using a more moisturising one on my cheeks).  To use: smooth a thin layer over face, avoiding the eye area.  Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes. I've been using a damp warmed muslin cloth to remove the mask and then splashing my face with cold water before patting my skin dry with a towel. It leaves my skin healthy and radiant looking.

Have you used any products from Amie before?  I'm wanting to try the Skin Shield Daily Moisturiser SPF15 (£5.95 for 75ml) and the Morning Clean Purifying Face Wash (£4.95 for 150ml) next.

Products can be bought direct from the Amie website, from Victoria Health see here or instore at John Lewis and Waitrose.

Follow amie on Twitter  


*PR sample


Saturday, 11 May 2013

Giveaway! - Palm & Soul Three Rose Solid Oil Moisturiser Travel Companion 30g - NOW CLOSED

I am a huge lover of Palm & Soul products.  I especially love the Three Rose Deep Balm - see my review here.

I'm giving away a Palm & Soul Three Rose Solid Moisturiser Travel Companion (30g worth £18)



This is a new product - I've not tried it yet! - it was launched in April.  It can be used on your face, neck, hair, nails, elbows, feet - wherever you need it.  Scented with Moroccan, Damascan & Bulgarian rose.  To use: rub between your hands and the surface of the oil will melt allowing you to smooth it onto your face and body.  Once placed back in the tin it will become solid again.  You know how I love a multi-purpose product!

What do you need to do?

Follow Palm & Soul on Twitter - see here

Extra entries - follow me on GFC, Bloglovin, Twitter, Tweet about the giveaway

Please let me know in the comment box which of the above you've done and I'll draw a winner next Saturday at 5pm using Random.org.  Good luck!

Friday, 10 May 2013

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser

I bought this Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser from Naturisimo (£14.04 for 100ml) recently.




You will know my love for rose scented products - this is just gorgeous! A lightly whipped foaming cleanser lightly scented with rose.  It contains rosehip oil, willow bark extract and pumice to gently exfoliate.  Lather a small amount between fingertips and apply to the skin, lightly massaging it in and remove with with a warm dampened muslin cloth.

It helps with moisture levels in the skin (mine is quite dry at the moment), removes impurities and daily grime and it leaves my skin soft and smooth.

Have you used this cleanser before?  It work perfectly with the rose balancing mist.  See my review here.  I've added Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Cream to my weekly wants.

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Shopping My Stash #15



Bee Fruitful Mandarin Lip Balm* 5ml - a lovely super moisturising lip balm scented with mandarin.  Keeps the lips moisturised and super glossy.  Can be bought on the Bee Fruitful Website for £1.80.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil 30ml - I bought this a while back - firstly thinking it was a face oil but it is actually an oil for removing make up.  It's part of a two step process - use the oil and then a separate cleanser.  Leaves skin clean, radiant and smelling of roses.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream SPF 15 75ml - a supermoisturising face cream which is scented with rose.  Hydrates and nurtures the skin. Love that it's got SPF too.  

Stila Coming Clean Revitalising Gel Cleanser 10ml - this came in a WIMH gift set which I received for my birthday.  A light gel which smells minty.  Makes skin feel really clean. I use this in my morning shower.  I'd buy it again once I get through the ones I've got.

Bloom Mineral Lip Butter - Killing me Softly - a really cute lip butter with a little mirror in the lid.  A light pink shade.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP mini - I love this heady scent although I mainly wear it in the evening.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - I first tried this in a Latest in Beauty box.  Have accumulated some from swaps.  Simply love this. Mini review here.

Just Be Happy Rollerball 10ml - an uplifting scent to banish the blues - with coconut oil, Pink Grapefruit, Lime and Bergamot.  A sunny scent. Roll on pulse points.  See the website here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR sample

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Amarya Beauty Box Review - May 2013


I came home from work to my May Amarya box.  Here's what is included this month -

Madara Refreshing Body Soap 250ml (£9) - this is scented with peppermint essential oil and ideal for an energising shower.  I'm happy to see a full sized product back in the box.

Cowshed Slender Cow Extra-Firming Body Butter 50ml - I picked this up as a magazine freebie with InStyle recently. It's ok but I'm not too keen on the scent.  It is worth £10.

Finally the box is made up of 3 x 1.5ml sachets from Madara - Time Miracle Day Cream and Tinting Fluid in shades Golden Beige and Rose Beige.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts on the contents?

Eve of St Agnes Rose Body Balm

Eve of St Agnes, is a British Skin & Body Care Company which was founded by Emma Heywood. Products include this gorgeous Rose Body Balm* which I was sent to review.  The products contain no parabens, SLS, Mineral oils, artificial colours and fragrances or animal derived ingredients.

The balm comes in a screw top tin which makes it great for travel.  It is simply gorgeous! Lightly scented with rose and made with shea butter, mango seed butter, calendula oil, rosa damascena and rose oil.





A rich balm which is great for dry skin areas over the body including the face.  I have been applying it nightly to my legs, elbows, hands and feet just before bed. It leaves my skin super moisturised, soft and delicately scented.

To use: massage a small amount between your palms before applying to your body.

I want to try the Refining Bamboo Exfoliating Polish next!

See the website here
Follow on Twitter  

*sent for review - love it and would buy! (£12 - 100ml)

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Deep Steep Grapefruit - Bergamot Hand Scrub

I love using a hand scrub. One of my favourites is from L'Occitane (link).  I recently bought this Deep Steep one from Feel Unique. (59ml - £8.95)



Deep Steep is an American company who make an all natural luxury Bath & Body range which is free from parabens, artificial colours and fragrances, petroleum, mineral oil and SLS.

Dead sea salts lightly exfoliate the hands leaving them moisturised.  The scrub also contains Argan Kernal Oil and Papaya Seed Oil.  The scrub helps to smooth hands and to replenish and the grapefruit and bergamot oils leave them smelling nice!

To use: massage into skin on the hands as if you were washing them and then rinse.  

I also love the Tangerine-Melon and Candy-Mint scents and looking forward to trying Brown Sugar - Vanilla soon.

Have you used any Deep Steep products before?

Monday, 6 May 2013

Face Oils

I just love oils of any kind - body, bath and face.  Here are the face oils/serums in my current stash -


Myroo Starflower & Orange Blossom Skin Boost Facial Serum* (12g - £15) - a really lovely, light and deliciously scented light serum.  See my review here.

Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil (30ml - £56) - my favourite face oil...ever!  It smells simply amazing and makes my skin radiant and glowy.  See my review here.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil* (30ml - £30) - a rich face oil which smells gorgeous.  Suitable for all skin types.  A review to follow.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - I first tried this in the Selfridges Advent Calendar in 2011 - see here.  This is a second or third sample - really lovely - makes skin look radiant and renewed.

LaylaD Sweet Almond Facial Oil* (10ml - £8.99) - a light oil which is lightly scented love that you can use if on your cuticles too - link.

OV Naturals Firm Friend Uplifting Organic Face Oil* - with 100% natural ingredients to repair & protect. With neroli and frankincense essential oils.  Please see the website for details of the new range of oils - link.

Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil* (30ml - £16.89) I was sent this oil for review by Nature's Healthbox. A beautiful face oil - see my review here.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 2.5ml - simply love this oil - got a few to use up. Light and absorbs quickly.

Do you use any of these facial oils/serums? What are your favourites?

*PR samples

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Saaf Skincare

Following a chat on Twitter Saaf Skincare sent me some samples to try - Organic Pure Face Cleanser with exfoliating cloth, Ultimate Moisture Serum and Complexion Boosting Serum.



Dr Mah, the founder of Saaf Skincare (a Homeopath & Pharmacologist) created a skin balm for her mum which worked wonders on her skin.  Dr Mah then decided to create and skin and body care range using 100% naturally derived ingredients with no chemicals which would soothe, smooth, nourish, nurture and restore the skin.

Organic Pure Face Cleanser & Exfoliating Cloth* (full size is 40g - £29.99)
A balm which removes all make up (including waterproof mascara) and daily grime leaving the skin clean and fresh.  The cleanser contains a variety of oils, beeswax, shea butter, lavender, geranium and grapefruit peel oils.

To use: smooth a generous amount over the skin, massaging it in.  Remove with dampened warm cloth.  The balm is hydrating to the skin - so no need for moisturiser.  I really enjoyed using this gentle cleanser and it is one I'd perhaps purchase when I've got my stash a bit more under control.

Then follow with one of the face serums suited to your skin type -

Ultimate Moisture Face Serum* (full size is 30ml - £29.99)
Suitable for normal/dry/mature skin types.  It is an ultra-rich serum packed full of nurturing oils and scented with ylang ylang and geranium essential oils.  It will help to regenerate skin, restore suppleness and even out skin tone.

To use: press a small amount onto the skin after cleansing.

Complexion Boosting Serum* (full size is 30ml - £29.99)
Suitable for decongested, normal and oily/combination skins.  Contains oils suited to balancing the skin and scented with lemongrass and juniper.

I enjoyed using both the oils although I couldn't detect the essential oils in them.  I found they had a nutty scent.

You can see the website here
Follow on Twitter  


*trial size samples sent for review

Saturday, 4 May 2013

Real Techniques Brushes & Bloom Remedies purchases


I received some Amazon vouchers for my birthday. I was keen to try Real Techniques brushes as I've heard so many rave reviews.  I picked up the Core Collection for a flawless base (£14.66) and the Stippling Brush (£7.99).

The Core Collection contains:

Detailer Brush: can be used for concealer or as a lip brush.
Pointed Foundation Brush: use with liquid foundation/build custom coverage.
Buffing Brush - for mineral foundation or powder
Contour Brush - for highlighter

Stippling Brush - for foundation for an airbrushed look.

So far I've tried the buffing brush & the Stippling brush and I'm in love! - don't know what too me so long to try them.  Do you use these brushes?  What are your favourites?

My second purchase was some more Bloom Remedies body oils - hugely into body oils at the moment.  See my recent review here.


I picked:

Easy-Love Organic Body Oil (50ml - £8.99) - this is scented with essential oils of Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood and Patchouli.  

Sleep-Easy Organic Body Oil (50ml - £6.99) - I already own the bath oil in this scent - so looking forward to using them together for a restful night's sleep.

Marie sent me a sample of Organic Eye Make Up Remover* which is scented with rose - I've only used this a couple of times so far and I am totally in love with it.  Removes all eye make up, leaving the eye area clean.  It is non sting and no greasy film is left over the eyes.  A best seller - I can see why!  Full review will follow.

note: these purchase were made before the Spending Ban kicked in!



*sent for review


Friday, 3 May 2013

Just Be Botanicals - Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil & Tranquil Botanical Blend Tea



The Just Be range has been created by Aromatherapist, Gail Bryden.  A while back I went for an amazing Anti-Ageing Facial and you can see my post here and a Just Be Fresh Faced Facial see here.

All products are 'lovingly handmade in Scotland'  See the website here and follow on Twitter  

Just Be Tranquil Body & Massage Oil (£9.95 for 30ml dropper bottle)
With calming Petigrain, Helichrysum and Ylang Ylang with a coconut base.  A light oil which is easily absorbed and leaves skin delicately scented.  Warm some oil in the palm of your hand and apply to the body.  I like using this in the evening-time before bed.  Makes me feel relaxed and calmed.

Just Be Tranquil Botanical Blend (£4.80 for 40g)
A soothing tea blend of lavender and chamomile flowers to relax and unwind.  It can be sweetened with honey if desired.  Add 1-2tbs per cup (I use a teapot) ensuring a good mix of flowers.  Infuse for 4 minutes.  This tea is beautiful - really relaxing and tastes good.

Beauty Tip: soak two cotton pads in cold tea, place over the eyes and relax.

Have you tried any Just Be Botanicals products before?

Thursday, 2 May 2013

The Murrayfield House, Edinburgh

Last Thursday evening a friend from work and myself attended an informal show round with fizz & canapes at The Murrayfield House, a beautifully renovated "home" with 9 exquisite bedrooms. 


We met Craig Brodie, the Hotel Sales Manager and Kay Leigh Moriarty, Sales & Events Coordinator.  The evening was really relaxed and it was great to have a nosy at the bedrooms!

The house is available for exclusive hire - making it great for weddings, hen parties and corporate events etc. or you can book by the room.  See the rates here.

The rooms are simply gorgeous - decorated in neutrals tones with the odd splash of colour and quirky features - one room featured a little wooden glass fronted cabinet which contained a miniature bottle of whisky and a macaroon!




The bathrooms are all luxurious and feature separate showers and baths.  Toiletries are provided by The White Company.





The television is featured within the mirror - making it perfect for watching TV in bed!  There is also a well stocked mini bar, a comfy seating area, tea & coffee making facilities, biscuits, an iron & ironing board, GHDs & hairdryer - everything you'd expect to find in a boutique hotel.

Breakfast can be brought to your room or you can pop a couple of doors along to The Murrayfield Hotel to eat breakfast.

The Murrayfield House, 12 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6HN (only 10 minutes on the bus from the City Centre).
See the website here
Follow on Twitter 

Just before leaving we were all given a goody bag which contained information about all the hotels in the group - see here, a 25% discount for food at The Murrayfield Hotel during May, The White Company toiletries and a Tunnock's Caramel Wafer!


Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Spending Ban for the month of May (and a little payday spend yesterday)

There was a twitter conversation between a few of us about doing a spending ban in May.  I failed miserably in my 100 day ban recently so thought I should be able to do 31 days!  You can see all the people taking part on Kat's blog here.  

I'm not going to do weekly updates this time but I will do a post at the middle of the month and the end letting you know how I've got on and things I'm wanting.   I'm only banning beauty spending this time as I can't live without my magazines!

I buy two beauty boxes at the moment - Amarya and SoukSouk (They are an on-going subscription which will give me my beauty fix for the month!)

Onto the payday spends...

I split the Estee Lauder Gift with Purchase set (from Harvey Nichols) with my mum.  One item had to be skincare so she chose Resilience Lift Night Cream.  I picked up a present for a friend's birthday for the second item.  Nicole, the very helpful assistant at the counter said if I spent £11 more I would be eligible to receive the Gift with a £110 purchase...well...it would be rude not to - so to make it up to the required spend (a little bit over) I picked up Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Graphite.


In the gift:
A handbag and cosmetic bag
Re-Nutriv Hydrating Cream Cleanser 30ml
Re-Nutriv Softening Lotion 30ml
Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Age Corrective Creme 15ml
Pure Colour Eyeshadow/Lipstick palette
Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick - Pinkberry Cream
Pure Colour Gloss - Plum Divine/Pink Innocence
Sumptuous Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara


Here is the contents of the Gift with a £110 spend 

A cute cosmetic bag
Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP 5ml - this appeared in my wants in week 6 of my spending ban - it's gorgeous!
bareMinerals eyeshadow in Precious
YSL mini Effet Faux Cils Black mascara
Full size Butter London Nail polish in West End Wonderland
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 13g
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energising Mask 10ml
Elemis Triple-Enzyme Resurfacing Face Wash 50ml
Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer 15ml
Clarins Advanced Firming Neck Cream 30ml
Shu Uemura Skin Purifier 
ESPA 24-hr Replenishing Moisturiser 7ml
Lancome Visionnaire 5ml
Eve Lom Cleanser sachet and cloth
invitation card to visit Laura Mercier counter for make up session