My Top Ten

It has been really difficult to chose my top 10 products of 2013. I featured 31 products in 2012 - see here. I was initially going to do my top 5 but I just couldn't choose.  Here goes..

bodhi Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - my favourite bodhi product (love the rest of them too though!).  Just love this refreshing and revitalising Shower Gel. It's a great wake up call in the morning and is also lovely to use to refresh after a hot day. It's a product which will always be in my stash. It featured in my 2012 favourites - see here. See my mini review here.  See the online store here.

A'kin Lavender & Anthyliss Leave in Conditioner 150ml - one of the best hair care products I've ever used. It featured in my top products of 2012 see here and it featured in my June favourites here. It leaves my hair soft and moisturised and looking great with split ends diminished! You can purchase from Naturisimo here.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 400g - these bath salts are one of my favourite tries this year. I always have an restful and deep night's sleep after using them. You can see my mini review here.  Buy here.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - huge fan of Dr Organic products. The rose otto range is simply divine. This is a good dupe for REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil and a third of the price. Dr Organic can be bought from Holland & Barratt instore or online. (Although REN's Moroccan Rose Otto will always be my favourite).

Shay & Blue Atropa Belladona perfume - this is a recent try for me and I've worn it every single day since I bought it! Need to stock up soon. See my review here. Check out the Shay & Blue website here.

001 Skincare Intensive Elixir 50ml* - this is quite simply the most ground breaking skincare product I've used this year. It makes my skin look simply fabulous. See my review here.  You can buy at a beautiful world.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 118ml* - Love this body oil. It just smells so good and super moisturises the skin. Scented with Cardamon which gives it a spicy edge with Rose Otto and Sandalwood.  See my review here. Pick it up at a beautiful world.

Balmology Neroli & Sweet Basil Cleansing Balm 50g - this heavenly scented balm simply removes all make up and daily grime. See my review here. I bought this at Samsara Skin.

Mary Elizabeth Spearmint & Tea Tree Nurture Balm 15ml* - love that you can pretty much use this balm wherever you feel you need it - lips, dry patches, flyaway hair, hand and heels. See my review here.  See the online shop here.

Naturally Nourished Exotic Body Balm 90g - this is one of my favourite finds of the year. It smells quite simply heavenly. A rich balm which melts easily into the skin and is scented with Monoi de Tahiti Oil, Ylang Ylang and Palmarosa oils.  See my review here. See all of the products available here.

What's in your top ten?

*PR samples

Conscious Skincare: Soothing Hand Cream for Hardworking Hands

Founder of Conscious Skincare Rebecca Martin, started using skincare just into her teens enjoying a facial treatment every weekend.  I started using skincare at 13 too.

The organic products are made in a rural retreat in West Wales. All packaging is recyclable (I'll be keeping mine when it's empty as it would be great for decanting products for travelling).

The Soothing Hand Cream for Hardworking Hands* (50ml - £14.99) is packaged in an aluminium tin making it great for popping in your handbag.  It featured in the Daily Mail's "5 of the best Gardeners' Hand Creams".

It is seriously good for using after garden having tested it out after a morning's work at the plot.  It soothes and nourishes dry hands.  It's made with nourishing butters, avocado oil and scented with geranium.  It has a natural scent and just melts into dry skin.  Gorgeous!

Free from SLS, Parabens and Phtalates. Vegetarian approved and Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free.

I first tried Conscious Skincare in April's Beautylishious Bag - Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Polish.

I'm definitely keen to try more. Have you used Conscious Skincare before? If so, what are your favourite products?

*PR sample

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar - Days 8-14

On Day 8, I received the very fabulous Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil (7.5ml). I reviewed it here. One I'll definitely buy full size.

Day 9 gave me Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - I'm super excited to try this one out. Smells gorgeous and feels really great on the skin. Full review will follow. Great size too.

On day 10 I got Inika Mineral Eyeshadow in Gun Metal - I've received several of these in beauty boxes before. 

Day 11 saw me receive a full size pot of STEAMCREAM

On Day 12 I got a Stila Lipglaze in Kaleidoscope. This looks like a really wearable shade and I love Stila's make up range.

Day 13 saw me get a Dermalogica Ultracalming Set which includes cleanser, masque, mist, serum and eye serum.

Today, Day 14 I received a Green People anti-ageing Eyeliner pencil in Grey. Looking forward to trying it out.

Are you opening the calendar each day? What are your thoughts on the contents so far?

INSKIN Precious Anti-Ageing Face Oil Tester

I was recently sent a sample vial of INSKIN Precious Anti-Ageing Face Oil* which you can buy on the website for £1.50 or £20 for 30ml.

Lizzy Radcliffe, a Clinical Aromatherapist first created this oil over 15 years ago. It was reformulated to meet the needs of ageing skin.  It rejuvenates, regenerates and nourishes the skin.

It is packed full of skin nourishing ingredients - Macadamia oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin A and E.  It contains Essential Oils of Rose for soothing and firming, Frankincense for cell regeneration, Geranium which balances the skin and Lemon for skin brightening and antioxidant boosting properties.  It has a rose scent with a hint of lemon and is gorgeous!

To use: cleanse the skin and tone and apply 3 drops to the skin massaging it in AM and PM. You can apply moisturiser on top if you wish.

It's definitely one I'm adding to my ever expanding wishlist! I'm also adding Soothing Concentrated Bath Oil Soak, Warming Concentrated Bath Oil Soak and soon to be launched - Cracked Hands & Heels Butter Balm.

Have you used any INSKIN products?

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @InskinSkincare 

*PR sample

Shopping my Stash #39

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

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Cuticle & Nail Solution 15ml (£6.19 - offer at Holland & Barratt buy one get one half price at the moment) - I simply love this super moisturising cuticle serum.  It leaves the cuticles and nails in great condition and it smells rather nice too.

The Argan Company Argan Oil 30ml* (£11.99) - I won this in the company's first Twitter competition.  This oil is cold pressed from the nut, is ethically produced and rich in nutrients and essential fatty acids. My skin, hair and nails have been loving this super moisturising oil. A fuller review will follow.

Mendill Organic Wet Towelettes** - I reviewed the Lavender ones here. I love how they each have some of the same uses (use on hands and body) but some different uses too. Organic Tangerine** an opened towelette can be used to refresh the air in the bathroom and you can use it to remove oil, grime, grease and to wipe counter tops.

Organic Lemon** can be used as a face astringent or aftershave.  You can also massage the towelette onto your forehead to help with concentration issues. Organic Orange** can be put in the fridge to refresh after exercise or on a hot day. It also brightens the skin and Organic Eucalyptus** freshens, deodorises, relieves sore muscles and can soothe sunburn.

eos Summer Fruits Lip Balm - love this natural and fruity lip balm. Lasts for ages too!

Naturally Nourished Frankincense Hand Cream sample - a rich hand cream stuffed full of nourishing shea butter, kukui nut oil and scented with ylang ylang, rose and frankincense essential oils. Gorgeous!

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Roomiest Rose - this is a really lovely deep rose shade.

What have you been reaching for this week?

*Twitter Competition Win

** PR samples

YOU Beauty Discovery Box: December

My December YOU Beauty Discovery Box arrived on Monday night. It's Party Prep box and is fab. This box costs £6.95 per month including P&P making it the best value beauty box out there! Join up here.  You pick two items and YOU Beauty add two samples.

I chose Magnifibres Brush on Lashes (full size - 0.9g worth £20!) I'm looking forward to trying this out! To use - apply one coat of mascara then apply the Magnifibres when mascara is still wet then wait 30-60 seconds and apply a second coat of mascara to cover the white fibres.

My second item is a duo - Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip (70ml) and Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydromist Blow-out Spray (25ml) The hydrocream whip is a styling cream which lightly conditions and gives a smooth finish. the blow-out spray gives hair body and smoothes down frizz.

Extras this month are a mini Green & Black's Raisin & Hazelnut chocolate bar and a sample vial of Flash by Jimmy Choo.

Did you get this month's box? What did you pick?

outerhebrides soap shack

My friend Julie brought me back a Hebridean Seaweed soap from outerhebrides soap shack from her holiday in Barra this year.

As you'll know I love trying new brands and love bars of soap. The soaps are handmade by Sam on the Island of Grimsay on North Uist in a workshop attached to the family home. The soaps are made using natural ingredients and are enriched with shea butter and sweet almond oil and are produced in small batches. You can see more details on the website here and on the Facebook page here. 

The soaps are cold processed and made in the traditional way.  There is no animal testing and sustainable palm oil is used.  Packaging is kept to a minimum and is recyclable.

The Hebridean Seaweed Soap is made with seaweed extract and is rich in Vitamins and Minerals. Suitable for all skin types.  This soap is a best seller due to it's scent of the sea. I also think it smells a bit minty. It lathers well and leaves the body and hands feeling clean, fresh and moisturised.

You can see the full range in the shop here.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil

I received Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil (7.5ml) yesterday in my YOU Beauty Advent Calendar (Day 8). I'm a huge Aromatherapy Associates fan.

Geraldine Howard, Co-Founder and President of Aromatherapy Associates created this oil when she was getting treatment for cancer. She tailored the oil to give her strength, courage and a positive mind frame to help face her fears, calming her and keeping her strong on her path to wellness.

The oil contains Clary Sage, Frankincense, Cardamon, Vetivert and Geranium Essential Oils.

If you buy the full size bottle (55ml - £39) 10% goes to the charity, Defence against Cancer Foundation.

The oil helps to focus the mind giving you calm thoughts as well as relaxing the body and balancing emotions.

Add a couple of capfuls to the bath or smooth over your body before showering. I tried it out last night just before bed and it gave me a restful night's sleep. I really love the cardamon notes in the oil. I also love Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil.

Have you used this? What's your favourite Aromatherapy Associates product?

Ancienne Ambiance Reed Diffuser

Ancienne Ambiance have recently brought out a gorgeous new range of reed diffusers.  You can find out more here.  They cost £36 and last for 3-4 months.

I was sent Ambra Reed Diffuser* which is a peppery, dry and soft aromatic inspired by the Ambergris resin loved by Roman Emperors. It's spicy and slightly sweet and lightly scents the room.  I've got mine in the hall and I can smell it in the living room.

Presented in a luxury gift box it would make a great gift (especially one to yourself!). Each 100ml bottle is filled with high quality natural fragrances which are free from chemicals. 

To use: Remove the stopper and place the gold cap on the neck of the bottle and then insert the reeds. The reeds will start absorbing the fragrance oil and will start diffusing it into the air - this happens within a couple of hours. To refresh - after about a week remove the reeds and flip over.

There are three scents available:

Ambra* - peppery, dry and soft aromatic which is inspired by the Ambergris resin loved by Roman Emperors.

Cedrus - warm and spicy inspired by the Phoenician forests in the Lebanon.

Damask - sublime rose which is the symbol of love across the ancient world.

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @AncientAmbiance 

*PR sample

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar Days 1-7

I've been simply loving opening my YOU Advent Calendar. Such a treat getting a luxury beauty product each day.

Here's what I've received days 1-7:

Day 1 saw me receiving Sisley Black Rose Mask (10ml) - a luxury face mask from a top of the range brand. I've been lucky enough to use this mask before - it plumps up the skin leaving it radiant and renewed. This little one is going in my travel bag for my next weekend away.  You can see my initial post about Day 1 here.

On Day 2 I got Caudalie Feuille de Cassis Hand & Nail Cream (30ml). I've used this lush hand cream before and love it.  See my review here.

Day 3 saw me getting an ESPA duo - Refining Skin Polish (7ml) and Optimum Skin ProSerum (4ml) - see my review of the ProSerum here - I'm really happy to have a back up of this gorgeous serum! We also received a code for £15 off ESPA online with no minimum spend - a very generous offer.

On Day 4 I got Leighton Denny Nail Varnish (4.6ml) in VAMP - I'm not a huge varnish lover but will pass this onto a friend who I know will love this rouge-noir shade.

Day 5 gave me balance Me's Super Toning Body Wash 100ml - one of the few balance Me products I've not actually tried!  I'll review it once I've tried it.

On Day 6 I got Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation 7.5ml - I've used this several times before via beauty boxes. A great product so happy to see it in the calendar.

Day 7 saw me get a cute little pair of The Vintage Cosmetic Company Tweezers.

What are your thoughts on the first 7 days?  Did you get the calendar too?

Clinique Bonus Time - Harvey Nichols - 28 November - 14 December

Last Thursday I headed to Harvey Nichols to pick up a fantastic Clinique Bonus Time offer.  You need to buy two items, one to be skincare in order to pick up the gift.

I recently dropped my beloved True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunkissed smashing it into a million pieces so I picked up a replacement.

For the second item I chose All about Lips - which provides gentle exfoliation as well as helping with fine lines, sun damage and giving the lips a smoother and firmer feel. I picked this up for a gift.

So what's in the free gift? (these are all very generous trial sizes)

A pretty make up bag

Repairwear Laser Focus All Smooth Makeup

Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream

Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream

Chubby Stick Intense in Roomiest Rose - a simply gorgeous shade - been wearing it constantly since I got it.

High Impact Mascara in Black

Eyeshadow Palette - Twilight Mauve, Brandied Plum, Graphite

Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser

Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Black

Did you pick up this gift?  What's your favourite Clinique product?

Pampering #3

I do so love a little pampering. Here's what I've been using:

Melvita Milky Cleansing Oil 145ml* - this is a gorgeous rich cleansing oil scented with Damask rose essence. It easily whisks away all make up and daily grime. Massage into the skin and then add a little water which turns the cleanser milky. Remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth. Leaves the skin feeling clean and moisturised.

Freyaluna Skin Support Facial Tonic sample - this came in my recent Souk Souk box. A simply lovely toner which balances and tones the skin. It contains rosewater and a blend of essential oils.  Already a huge Freyaluna fan.  See my post on the Selection Box here.

Maddi Alexander Frivolous Bath & Body Oil 10ml - this came in my YOU Beauty Box. A beautiful oil which contains African baobab oil, Kalahari melon and sweet almond oils and scented with Sicilian lemon, bergamot, sweet orange, ginger and clove.  I tried the Serene Bath Soak a while ago - see here. 

Apivita Face Scrub with Olive 40ml* - a fine grained scrub which removes dead skin cells and cleanses the pores. It leaves the skin feeling revitalised, soft and renewed. 

ila spa Face Mask for Revitalising Skin sample pot* - a mineral rich green clay mask which adds radiance and revitalises the skin. See my review here.

Yarok Feed Your Youth Hair & Scalp Serum 1oz* - Simply love this pre-shampoo serum. I also sometimes put a couple of drops in my conditioner before rinsing.  See my full review here.

Laidbare butter me up body butter 250ml - a rich jasmine scented body cream which melts into the skin. Love the scent and the moisturising qualities. Quite simply a lovely product to use.  See my review here.

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

Not another Bunch of Flowers

Not another Bunch of Flowers is an online shop set up by Anikka Burton. She was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago (she's now in the clear). She's one amazing lady who has been through so much.  You can read her story here.

She was sent lots and lots of bunches of flowers by friend and colleagues. A huge lover of flowers but there is only so many a girl needs!

Anikka has hand picked "favourite pretty pampering and practical gifts to brighten any loved one's day".  Everything is so special and perfect for gifting and will most definitely make someone's day if not their week! 

There is a need to be careful with pampering and edible gifts as many contain ingredients best avoided like SLS, parabens and dairy produce during chemo treatment.

A proportion of profits will be donated to select charities which I think is a really kind and thoughtful touch.

The shop has a beautiful selection of products designed to lift the spirits and make someone smile.

I picked up a beautiful mug with a heartfelt message - Always Remember how Much you are Loved by Juicy Lucy - this costs £7.99 and comes with a matching gift bag.  P&P is £3.95.

I just know the recipient of this will be touched and feel loved every time she has a hot drink.  It is just perfect for anyone needing "love and sparkle in their lives".

Anikka has thought of everything! There are hampers, general gifts, jewellery, pampering, chemo, surgery, mobility, little gifts, cards and gift vouchers available to buy.  See the full range here.  There are some gorgeous little gifts under the £10 mark - see these here. 

Here are a few which caught my eye - 

Look Towards the Sun Candle (£8.50)

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An adorable rose scented candle in a porcelain pot with a label bearing the words "Look towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind you".

Green & Spring Relaxing Hamper (£75)

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Which contains Liberty Print Daydream Eye Mask and Earplugs, Green & Spring Relaxing Bath and Shower Foam 300ml, Green & Spring Relaxing Body Lotion 300ml, Green & Spring Relaxing Candle Set 3 x 37g and a box of Pukka Night Time Tea.

Liberty Print Bold Beanie Rose (£22.99)

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Perfect for wearing alone or under a woolly hat. Especially picked for chemotherapy patients or alopecia sufferers.

You can follow Anikka on Twitter @notanotherbunch 

See the website here

Pink's Boutique Rose Wellbeing Box

I recently picked up this cute little two uses luxury stocking filler box at Naturisimo. It is quite pricey at £13.50 but is exquisitely presented and would make a gorgeous small present - I know I'd love to receive it!

So what's inside?

Rose Crystal Bath Soak 5g - Himalayan mineral crystal bath soak which are infused with a signature organic blend of rose essential oils.

Real Dried Roses

Rosehip Face & Body Scrub 5ml - containing crushed rosehip kernals which remove dead skin cells and polish the skin. 

Rose Face & Body Balm 5ml - A "superfood" nourishing balm for use in the evening.  A rose infused shea butter balm which can be used on both face and body.

Fill the bath and pour in the Rose Crystal Bath Soak and sprinkle the roses into the water.  Whilst soaking use the scrub on your face and chest. Remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth. Relax. 

Get out of the bath and pat yourself dry before applying the balm to both face and body.

Best used just before bedtime.  This is a great little tester set because now I know I want to try some more Pink's Boutique products. The bath soak smells simply gorgeous. I had a really restful night's sleep after using it.  The Face & Body scrub contains fine particles making this a super gentle scrub for sensitive skins. The Rose Face & Body Balm is simply pure luxury. Smelling of roses (one of my favourite scents) it melts easily into the skin.

Have you used any Pink's Boutique products?  What do you suggest I try next?

MIMI & ME Christmas Bliss Candle

MIMI & ME produce artisan products which are hand made in small batches in Shropshire.  I was sent Christmas Bliss Candle* (270g - £11.99) to review. I was also sent Signature Collection Body Creme* - which comes in a branded silky drawstring bag - (review will follow)

The candles are made with eco-friendly soy wax and are infused with essential oils. The scent is "Christmas pudding with a splash of cognac". It's a lovely Christmassy scent. 

It has top notes of Clove, Ginger and Patchouli which are spicy, sweet and rich, a heart of fruity notes of Lemon, Mandarin and Orange which gives the candle a zesty, fresh and sweet scent. Base notes of Benzoin, Cedarwood and Cognac give the candle spicy, woody and wine like notes.

The candle is in a chic white glass making it an ideal gift.  I've found it burns evenly and lightly scents the room. It would make a great Christmas gift or stocking filler.

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @NicSaccoOrganic 

*PR samples

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar

I've had my YOU Beauty Advent Calendar for a while now and can't believe today's the day for opening the very first door! It cost £49.95 with free P&P as a member of the YOU Beauty Discovery Box and includes products worth over £240!

I'm not going to be doing a post a day but will do a round up at the end of each week as to my thoughts on the contents.  Being the very first day I had to show you what I received..

Today I received a 10ml tube of Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask which retails at £93 for 60ml.  I've used this gorgeous mask before. It refreshes and energises tired and dull skin plumping it up and helping to make it look fabulous. You can see my mini review here. A great first day!

Have you used this?  Did you buy the calendar?

Redmond Earthpaste Cinnamon Toothpaste

Purely Natural Cosmetics contacted me to ask if I'd like to try one of Redmond's natural toothpastes. I chose the Cinnamon flavour to try (113g - £7.30).

Earthpaste doesn't contain SLS, Titanium Dioxide or any unnatural additives. It does take a bit of getting used to as it doesn't foam up like normal toothpaste and it is naturally coloured. The cinnamon variety tastes great! It has a spicy cinnamon/clove flavour.  It contains purified water, Food Grade Redmond Clay which polishes and cleans, Xylitol, a natural sweetner, Cinnamon Essential Oil which flavours, Redmond Real Salt which has antibacterial properties and Tea Tree Essential Oil which promotes oral health. 

I'm really enjoying using this toothpaste. It leaves my teeth clean and my breath fresh and I love that it is a natural product. 

Available in three other flavours - Wintergreen, Spearmint and Lemon Twist. I was also sent some trial size sachets.

See Purely Natural Website here

Follow on Twitter @PurelyNaturalCo 

Have you tried this toothpaste before?

*PR sample