Shopping my Stash #53

Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence 10ml - I received this in the S/S Green Beauty Swap from Ailsa and I love it. Full size bottle is very firmly on my wishlist.  It smells deeply of roses and I love that it has multiple uses - you can use it in your bath and also add a couple of drops to your rinsing water after cleansing.

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 100ml - this came in the BBB Dream Box. It easily removes make up including stubborn waterproof mascara leaving the eye and face clean and soft with no tightness.  It has a neutral scent and I tend to use it before a cleansing balm. 

Molly Rose Pickles & Ice Cream Lip Balm* - this unusual lip balm came in the Vegan Cuts box. The flavour has definitely grown on me and the balm is super moisturising.

Another product from the Vegan Cuts box which I'm loving is Medusa's Make up Lipstick in Baroque* a rich red/pink toned lipstick which is a great colour and moisturising on the lips. 

And finally, my body moisturiser of choice lately is Laidbare's Butter Me Up Body Butter which is a rich Jasmine scented cream. Gorgeous!  See my review here.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR samples

Bloom Remedies: Mood Relaxing Bath & Body Gift Set

I received this Bloom Remedies gift set from Ailsa in the S/S Green Beauty Swap.  I think it's fabulous and I've been enjoying using all the products it contains. The ramie eco shower mitt elevates my morning shower into a luxe pampering experience.  Apply your shower gel to the dampened mitt and it will exfoliate and clean the skin.

The gift set is presented in a cute little hessian bag. Also included is a 15% off your next order voucher which is a nice extra touch. I've already bought a full size of the Shower Gel.

In the set:

Geranium, Cedarwood & Sweet Orange Shower Gel (50ml) - a naturally foaming shower gel which is super-uplifting and great to use with the shower mitt.  Use in the morning.

Serenity Slumber Bath Oil (30ml) - a relaxing bath oil which contains Neroli, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Vetivert, Sweet Marjoram and Lavender essential oils. Use before bed to relax and unwind.

Serenity Slumber Body Oil (30ml) - perfect to use for massage or as a body moisturiser. Used in conjunction with the bath oil you are guaranteed a perfect night's sleep.  The body oil has a base of Sweet Almond oil which nourishes the skin.

Have you used any of these?  What's your favourite Bloom Remedies product?

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum & Overnight Fruit Lift Creme

Dahliana's latest launch which is available exclusively at a beautiful world in the UK is available to buy now!  A very special offer launched yesterday - buy the Wildflower Youth Serum (1oz - £29)* and get a mini trial size of Overnight Fruit Lift Creme* free.

I've been using the Wildflower Youth Serum* constantly since I was sent it - alone in the morning and layered with the Overnight Fruit Lift Creme* or another night cream in the evening.

The serum contains super hydrating coconut water, wildflower essences and Camellia oil with Vitamins A, B, C and E which helps to build collagen, help with cell renewal, protect against free radicals and environmental stresses.

Lightweight it sinks into the skin immediately, tightening and moisturising.  It has a gorgeous scent too - fruity and floral.

Apply to cleansed skin either alone or with a moisturiser layered on top. Suitable for normal, oily, mature, dry and combination skin types.  I'm totally smitten with it and know I'll buy it again and again.

Overnight Fruit Lift Creme* is also a product I'm becoming hooked on.  It is packed full of natural active ingredients from cherries along with Co-Enzyme Q10. It brightens, hydrates, regenerates, boost collagen production, refines the skin and smells delicious!  Again, it is suitable for normal, oily, mature, dry and combination skins.  Apply after the serum massaging a small amount onto the skin.

This is the first time I've tried any products from the Dahliana range - I'm now keen to try them all as I've been so impressed with the performance of these two.

Have you tried Dahliana? What's your favourite product from the range?

*PR samples

Giveaway! Helenere Hedelweiss Intensive Serum 30ml

Helenere have very generously provided a bottle of their Hedelweiss Intensive Serum 30ml worth £60 for a giveaway.  This moisturising serum contains edelweiss extracts which helps to restore the skin's moisture levels, smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines. Use it AM and PM before applying day or night cream.

The giveaway is open to residents in the UK, Ireland and USA.

source

You can see my review of Helenere's Perfect Neck Lifting here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NaturVits Omega-3 with Vitamin D3

NaturVits Omega-3 with Vitamin D3 (£11.99 for 30)* are chewable lemon and orange flavoured jelly drops which contain Omega-3 and Vitamin D3. The drops contain fish oil which is often lacking in a UK diet. The supplements help to maintain normal brain function, keep your heart healthy, hydrate the skin, help with fine lines and wrinkles as well as protecting the skin from the ageing effect of the sun's UV rays. They help to boost your overall heath and wellbeing and your immune health.  The drops are quite tasty and they don't taste of fish which is a bonus!

I've found my skin to be more radiant and hydrated after taking these tablets for a couple of weeks.

You can buy at Holland & Barrett instore or online.

*PR sample

Organic Surge Gardeners Hand Scrub & Hand Cream

This lovely new Gardeners range from Organic Surge was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show Gala recently.

Gardeners Hand Scrub* (£7.99 for 150ml) is simply gorgeous! Rich and super moisturising it cleans and softens hands which have been working in the garden.  Natural olive seed lightly scrubs rough skin and ingrained dirt.  It contains plant extracts and shea butter and is scented with Lime, Basil and Rosemary. To use: massage a generous dollop into dry hands and nails and rinse before patting dry. This is my favourite of the two products. 

Gardeners Hand Cream* (£7.99 for 75ml) use this after the hand scrub for deeply nourished hands.  A rich hand cream which absorbs quickly. Use it before gardening to protect hands and afterwards to nurture and pamper.

Stuffed full of good things for the skin like Peruvian Inca Inchi Oil which helps with dehydration and damage, Marine Algae which soothes, nut butters and seed oils which work to remove ingrained dirt and nourish and Aloe Vera which calms and soothes.  It contains the same refreshing oils as the scrub. To use: apply as often as needed.

*PR samples

Palmers Coconut Oil Haircare Range

I first spotted Palmer's Coconut Range on The Black Pearl blog and knew I wanted to try them. The range doesn't contain any sulfates or parabens. I was unable to locate them instore at Superdrug so bought them online and picked them up at my nearest store.

Coconut Oil Repairing Shampoo (400ml - £3.99) - a rich and moisturising shampoo which lathers up well and is enriched with coconut oil and Vitamin E. It leaves the hair clean, healthy and smelling delicious.

Coconut Oil Repairing Conditioner (250ml - £3.99) - a nourishing conditioner which contains coconut oil, keratin and pathenol which smoothes and repairs dry and damaged hair. It leave hair silky smooth and frizz free. Leave on for 5-6 minutes for deeper conditioning.

Coconut Oil Replenishing Hair Milk (250ml - £4.99) - this leave in hair lotion is formulated with coconut milk and coconut oil.  It is a lightweight lotion which detangles and smoothes flyaway hair. Good for sleek styles or to define curls. This is a leave in product.

Coconut Oil Formula Protein Pack (60g - £1.99) - a deep conditioning hair mask. Use once a week for an intensive treatment. It contains coconut milk and oil and Vitamin E. It restores dry and damaged hair leaving it deeply conditioned and smooth as well as smelling divine!

Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray (150ml - £3.45) - this spray invigorates and refreshes the scalp and is good if you suffer from tightness or itchiness.  Again it contains coconut oil to strengthen and add shine along with eucalpytus extract and pure peppermint to stimulate circulation.

My favourites are the shampoo, conditioner and mask.

Have you tried any of these products?  What is your favourite hair care brand?

Little Treats #3

See my previous little treats posts here - #1 and #2.  Here are my current favourites.

I'm a huge Pure Thoughts fan and this little try me size soap (30g - £1.25) in Tea Tree & Mint is gorgeous. Perfect try me size or to take on holidays. This is a new soap scent which is refreshing and moisturising.

OLE HENRIKSEN Truth Serum Collagen Booster (15ml) and Truth Creme Advanced Hydration (7ml) - simply love this duo.  The serum boost skin with Vitamin C complex which helps to smooth out lines and wrinkles. It absorbs quickly and penetrates the skin. The creme is light and smells gorgeous! It helps prevent ageing and brightens the skin as well as helping to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

Bloom Remedies Peppermint & Lemongrass Foot Balm sample* - a rich and nourishing foot balm which is a real treat to use. It is great for dry and tired feet and smells fab.  It's stuffed full of Organic Shea and Cocoa butters, beeswax along with essential oils that refresh and deodorise the feet. One of my favourite products this year so far.

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 2g sample - I'm a huge Neal's Yard fan and love this multiple use rose scented balm. Use it as a cleanser, moisturising balm, on cuticles, dry skin patches and even flyaway hair.

Have you used any of these? 

*complimentary

S/S Green Beauty Swap

Ria at NatuRiaBeauty recently organised a S/S Green Beauty Swap. I was paired with Ailsa at Pretty Beauty Dreams. We chatted about likes and dislikes and decided on a budget. My parcel arrived yesterday and I'm super pleased with everything. Some of the products I've never tried before and some are old favourites.  I was oohing and aahing while opening!

I simply love the gorgeous Bloom Remedies Mood Relaxing Bath & Body Set. I'm a huge Bloom Remedies fan but I've not tried any of these products before. The set comes in a cute hessian bag and contains - Serenity Slumber Bath Oil 30ml (with Neroli, Jasmine & Vetivert) which smells gorgeous, Serenity Slumber Body Oil 30ml, Geranium, Sweet Orange & Cedarwood Shower Gel 50ml along with a shower mitt. I'm so looking forward to a pampering session!

Organic Surge Citrus Mint Intensive Hair Treatment 150ml - I love Organic Surge products and hair treatments. This smells great and looking forward to trying it.

A tube of Neom Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream 50ml - I smiled when I unwrapped and saw this...my most favourite hand cream ever and in my favourite Moroccan Blush Rose scent.

Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence 10ml - this smells deeply of roses - gorgeous! Can't wait to try it.

Hurraw! Grapefruit Lip Balm 4.3g - I've never tried this brand before. A deliciously fruity and super moisturising balm. I'm a fan already!

Pure Thoughts Eucalyptus & Rosehip Natural Soap 120g - huge Pure Thoughts fan and love bars of soap. I've not tried this scent before.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 10g - this is my all time favourite Pure Thoughts product. Great size for travel. I picked this one too for Ailsa!

Pure Thoughts Lime & Ginger Hand Repair Balm 10g - it smells really zingy and spicy. Looking forward to trying it out. The perfect size for popping in a handbag or pocket.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 10ml & Body Milk 10ml and Rose Foaming Face Wash 5ml - huge John Masters fan and love these for travel.

And a yummy nakd Cocoa Delight bar.

Thanks again Ailsa! Love everything and thanks to Ria for arranging the swap. You can see what I gave Ailsa here.

See Ailsa's Blog here and follow her on Twitter @a1sinclair87 

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream

 I've been wanting to try Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream (120ml - £28.99) like forever! So imagine my delight when I spotted it at Lucy Rose - The Online Organic Beauty Boutique.  

I remember seeing it on Kat's blog way back in December and since then I've been trying to find a UK stockist. (It did come boxed but my postie had flattened it almost completely shoving it though the letterbox and it was in no fit state to be photographed!)

The cream is super rich and creamy and absorbs easily leaving the body and hands deeply moisturised and silky smooth.  The scent is just gorgeous - Vintage Gardenia petals with a hint of green notes.  As lovely as I was expecting!

Antipodes say "lifts you to holiday dreams and makes your spirits sing". I can't think of a better description. It is uplifting and makes me feel happy.

It is stuffed full of good things for the skin - Macadamia Nut Oil, Marigold Flower Oil and Vinanza Grape extract. It's perfect for dry skin and leaves it delicately scented, soft and moisturised.

Antipodes products are sold in 9 countries and in 300 stores throughout New Zealand.  I'm also a fan of their Divine Face Oil.  Lucy Rose is offering a free Joyful Hand Cream when you buy two products (excluding lip balm). See more details here.

Have you used this?  What's your favourite Antipodes product?

Aroma Actives: Exfoliating Cleanser & Triple Hydrating Gel Mask

You'll probably be aware that Aromatherapy Associates have joined forces with Sainsbury's to offer a purse friendly Aromatherapy range which is exclusive to larger Sainsbury's stores.

Products are free from parabens, SLS, propyene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, PEGs, Artificial colours and fragrances.

There are 16 products available including cleansers, oils, toners, masks and creams.  You can see the full range available here.

I was sent two of the products in the range to review - Exfoliating Cleanser 150ml (£7)* and Triple Hydrating Gel Mask 100ml (£7.50)*. Sainsbury's are currently offering a third off the whole range (although I am unsure how long this offer runs).  While shopping on Saturday I bought the Neck & Decollete Cream at a bargainous £11.99 instead of £17.99 (review to follow on this!)

Aroma Actives Exfoliating Cleanser - this has largish exfoliating beads which are made of corn granules with antioxidant rich meadowsweet and anti-bacterial lavender.  The product is suitable for all skin types although I'd say not sensitive skin types as the exfoliating granules are quite scrubby. I've been enjoying using the cleanser (it smells amazing) and it leaves my skin clear, bright and radiant. To use: once or twice a week, massage over face and neck using circular movements. Avoid eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Aroma Actives Triple Hydrating Gel Mask - a super hydrating mask which is great for all skin types but especially dry and dehydrated skins.  It contains Geranium and Vanilla Essential Oils (smells gorgeous).  To use: apply to the face and neck, leave 20 minutes and then rinse or use as an overnight treatment. Use 2-3 times a week.

Have you tried any Aroma Actives products?  

*PR samples

Filberts Bees: Duo for Hand Care

On Friday I had my hair cut and coloured at ArtHaus Hair which is situated on Broughton Street in Edinburgh (thanks Robbie I love it!) Afterwards I stopped by a couple of the little gift shops nearby and picked up this cute little set from a brand I'd never heard of before at Dragonfly Gifts.

Filberts Bees is based in Dorset and was set up by Dorset farmer, Mark Rogers and his mum, Philada.  Mark looks after the bees and beekeeping and now has 100 hives. Freya, Mark's wife uses her photography skills to take the photos which are on the website and throughout the catalogue. Friends Holly (who designs the cute labels on the packaging) and Tessa (helps out at shows and events).

He first set about making a nutrition bar with honey, wax and pollen which didn't work out and on cleaning the pots found that the residue round the pan was the perfect base for a moisturising balm.  It was then he decided to create a concentrated hand salve which is still a best seller today - see more details here.  The company was launched in 2008 with a handful of products.  You can see the full range here.

I'm also loving the look of Gardeners Gift Tin, Seed Bank, Lip Balm Gift Tin, Lemon & Geranium Body Butter and Candle Card (a greetings card which comes with a sheet of beeswax for rolling into a candle - what a great idea!)

I bought Duo for Hand Care (£6.99) which contains a 24g tin of Hand Salve and a cute little nail brush.

The hand salve is housed in a cute tin which has a pretty label. It is deeply moisturising and you only need a tiny bit. It contains Grapefruit, Bergamot, Rosemary and Lavender essential oils and has a nice natural scent. It is packed full of nourishing things for the skin - Sweet Almond, Olive Fruit, Coconut and Avocado oils and Beeswax. It leaves the hands lovely and soft. You can also use it to soothe grazes or scratches.

Natural preservatives are used and products don't contain any parabens or petrochemicals. 

Have you used any Filberts Bees products before?

May Books

Here's what I've been reading in May. I read 7 books!

Screams in the Dark by Anna Smith - this is the third book in the Rosie Gilmour series.  Crime Reporter Rosie is drawn into researching the case of missing refugees. A torso with body parts missing is found in the Clyde and Rosie throws herself into finding out more putting herself in danger..

Two Turtle Doves by Alex Monroe - a sweet and memorable book which jumps between the past and present.  Alex shares with us his childhood where he spent lots of time having fun with his siblings - go carts, booby traps, boating and lakes.  He shares with us family life with his wife and daughters, ideas for his jewellery, shows and in the workshop. There are lovely stories which stay with you, like when he sees Sophie Dahl and then a stranger on a train wearing his jewellery.  It made me laugh out loud lots. One of my favourite books this year.

The Rental Heart & Other Fairytales by Kirsty Logan - I read one of Kirsty's short stories in The Simple Things magazine and just loved it. I don't tend to like short stories as I find them too short! This is a mix of tales of love, loss and lust.  Some I liked better than others with some staying in my mind long after I finished the book like the boy with the tiger tale and the girl with antlers and a girl who seeks out Baba Yaga, a witch as a dare which fables have warned to stay away from and the twist in the tale.

The Book of You by Claire Kendal - Rafe works beside Clarissa at the University. He invites her to his book launch and the next thing she knows is he is beside her in bed.  He starts stalking her, following her and sending her gifts.  Clarissa is on Jury Duty and thinks this will keep Rafe away from her but he just won't take no for an answer.  The case is parallel to what is happening to her now. Super Creepy.

Betrayed by Anna Smith - the latest Rosie Gilmour instalment and I think her best yet! I raced through this book.  The case is a missing barmaid and Rosie is determined to find her.  It leads her to the dangerous world of the Ulster Volunteer Force and drug dealing.  The story goes to Utrecht and Seville and Adrian and Matt (who we have met in previous books) are there to help.  Can't wait for the next one.

Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson - the story is set during the Second World War. Saba is working overseas for ENSA - Entertainments National Service Association and meets Dom a young fighter pilot who is recovering in hospital after being shot down. Mysterious Mr Cleeve asks Saba if she will help the war effort as she is half-Turkish and can speak the language. A easy read with many twists and turns. You keep hoping all will turn out well for Saba and Dom.

Return to Mandalay by Rosanna Ley - Eve, an antique dealer is asked to go to Mandalay on a buying trip by her employer.  Her grandfather was in Burma during the Second World War and has fond memories of his time there.  He asks her to return a mysterious artefact - a chinthe - to its rightful owner. There are lots of twists and turns, memories, history and love. A great read.

What have you been reading this month?

May Empties

MVO Face Oil sample size* - simply loved this. See my review here.  Sure to place an order one of these days as every MVO product I've tried I've loved!

Caudalie Vinexpert Eye & Lip Serum 1.5ml - quite a small sample but lovely to use. Would maybe buy.

ESPA ProSerum 8ml* - a lovely light treatment oil.  See my review here. I've got another in my stash to use.

Marble & Milkweed Spring Tonic Serum vial - this came in the a beautiful world box. Was nice but teeny tiny sample so hard to tell if perfect for my skin or not.

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - this was really lovely to use. Huge fan of the G&S range.  See my review here.

Lucy Annabella Organic Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil 125ml - simply love this oil and sad that it's finished! I'll definitely buy again.  See my review here.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Body Wash 250ml - a gorgeous rose scented wash. I received this one as a gift but sure to buy again as the rose range is one of my favourites.

Aestelance Mud Mask 5ml - this was nice but a small sample. Did make my hair look and feel good.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - this is a staple for me. Love the scent and it's effectiveness. Will buy again.

Ojon Rare Blend Infusion Shampoo 30ml - I loved this shampoo. Sure to buy full size at some point.

Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner 30ml - loved this. Again, sure to pick up full size at some point.

Ancienne Ambiance Rosa Bath Salts sample* - smells of roses and contains rose petals. I got two baths from this sample.  See my review here. Would purchase.

TEWC Lemon & Geranium Body Melt 6g - a rich butter which is easy to apply to the skin. I wouldn't buy this particular one again as the scent was too light for me.

TEWC Lavender & Sweet Orange Body Melt 6g - a perfect travel size. I loved the scent and full size is on my wishlist.

Inner-Soul Scandinavian Hand & Body Salve* - This was lovely, melted into the skin and smelled gorgeous. Would buy.  See my review here.

Neom Complete Bliss Bath & Shower Oil 5ml - one of my favourite Neom scents.  Huge fan of the brand.

Naked Rescue Repairing Hair Treatment 20ml sachet - love this! Helps make the hair look glossy and sleek. Sure to buy again.

Mendill Organic Wet Towelettes - Lavender, Orange*, Eucalyptus* and Tangerine* - huge fan of these wipes. See my reviews here and here. Sure to buy again as they are so handy.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo 10ml & Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor 10ml - love these and sure to pick up these samples again. I get two uses from each sachet making them great for weekends away.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 2 x 100g - simply love these salts.  See my review here. I've still got a packet in my stash but know I'll definitely buy again as they work.  If I could only use one bath product again - it would be these!

Naisture Collagen Mask Pack - a single use super moisturising sheet mask. Got a few of these in my stash. Lovely.

Forever Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo 4.5ml & Conditioning Rinse - made my hair feel clean, conditioned and shiny.  

Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra Sleek Shampoo & Conditioner both 7.4ml - a good sized sample giving two uses. These were really nice to use and I'd buy.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser 5ml - this little sachet gave me four uses. A huge fan of this product and the brand. I've got a full size pot of this and I'd buy again.  See my review here.

Argan Dew Miraculous Argan Oil 3.5ml* - a fantastic oil which you use on damp hair before blow drying. Makes the hair smooth and healthy looking and smells gorgeous.

Bodhi Mint The Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 10ml sachet - my favourite shower gel.  Great size for travel.

Ancienne Ambiance Ambra Reed Diffuser* - this really brightened up my hallway. A beautiful scent. See my review here. I want to try the rose one next.  This one last 5 months making it great value for money.

*PR samples

Yours Truly Organics

Kelita Bignall, founder of Yours Truly Organics recently very kindly sent me her skincare range which is suitable for Combination/Oily skins.  She suffered mild acne in her teens to early twenties and decided to create her own range. 

I love that she is so passionate about her natural and organic skincare range which is EcoCert certified, Vegetarian Society and Cruelty Free approved - "these products work they really do".

Take it away! Gel Cleanser (150ml - £22)* - the cleanser is enriched with Vitamin C and Sandalwood Oil. It removes impurities and leaves the skin soft and clean.  I initially found this a little bit drying on my skin but with continued use it has balanced my oily t-zone.  It comes in a pump action bottle and it is my favourite morning time face wash. The cleanser has a fruity scent.

Balancing Toner (150ml - £19)* - this is my favourite product from the range. A refreshing mist which contains soothing aloe vera and Witch Hazel. It helps return skin to its optimal pH level. It has a citrus scent which is lovely.

Fix Me! Repairing Serum (30ml - £28)* - the serum smoothes, repairs and tightens the skin (you can really feel it working!) It contains oat kernal, sesame seed extract and and saw palmetto which reduces inflamation and keeps blemishes at bay. You only need to use a small amount of the serum. Again, I really like this product.

Face Base Face Balm (100ml - £25)* - rather than a balm this is a rich moisturiser which absorbs easily into the skin. First time I tried it I used too much. Like the serum you don't need to use a lot.  It contains Pea and Daisy Flower extracts which improve elasticity, regulate sebum and brighten the skin.  Again the scent is lovely and refreshing and it leaves the skin nourished and calm.

Have you tried anything from the range?

*complimentary

May: Lately I've been Loving

The Rose cocktail - a simply delicious rose cocktail which contained Rosewater, Tequila, Rhubarb, Lime, Rhubarb bitters and topped with a fresh rose petal. So good I drank two! See my review of dinner at Aizle here.

I picked up this selection of Palmer's Coconut Hair products at Superdrug which are scented with coconut.  They leave the hair feel shiny and healthy (and smelling gorgeous!). Full review to follow.

I really enjoyed a weekend away with mum, dad and hubby.  You can read more about it here.

I've been loving delicious popchips* - the lighter alternative to crisps. They have less than half the fat of normal crisps and come in at around 95 calories and taste delicious - my favourites are salt & vinegar and barbeque flavour.

My mum gave me some new gardening gloves. You can read a gardening update at BodhiLuxe a new online magazine which savours life's luxuries - see here.

Neom's Refresh Organic Bath Oil is my absolute favourite at the moment. Uplifting and refreshing. The scent cheers up my day.

Lastly, I'm just loving Marble & Milkweed's Nourishing Body Oil*. You can see my review here.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

LJ's Natural Solutions: Organic Deep Cleansing Balm

I'm a huge fan of LJ's Natural Solutions products and I've featured them on the blog a couple of times. See my review of the Soothing Organic Handbag Handlotion and Very Indulgent Organic Face Oil here and you can read more about the Monthly Beauty Box here.

Lisa very kindly sent me the Organic Deep Cleansing Balm* (50g - £8.95) to try and review.

The balm is super rich and is stuffed full of good things for the skin - Shea Butter, Vitamins and Avocado Oil.  You only need the smallest amount. As you massage the balm onto your face and neck it melts to an oil cleanser. It has a really gorgeous scent. The balm contains Rosewood & Geranium Essential Oils.  It draws out impurities, daily grime and gets rid of make up easily.  Remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth. It's one of my favourite cleansing balms and great value.

There is no animal testing, no parabens, petrochemicals and artificial colours and fragrances.

LJ's Scratchy Balm is in the shortlist for the Free From SkinCare Awards 2014 - see more details here.

*complimentary