AromaWorks Purity Face Toner

I was recently sent AromaWorks Purity Face Toner (100ml - £28)* along with some samples* (Rejuvenate Face Serum Oil, Nourish Purity Eye Cleanser and Nourish Body Finish Cream to review). The range was recognised in the Natural Health International 2015 Awards.

Founder Jane Hibbert has a love of essential oils which stretches back to when as a teenager she spent her pocket money on them in order to experiment.  

http://www.aroma-works.com/ was founded in 2009 and the first products were luxury Aromatherapy candles with a top, middle and base notes. Other product were later added along with a range for men.  Products are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides and there is no animal testing.

Purity Face Toner* this award winning toner is suitable for all skin types and soothes, refreshes and tones the skin. To use: apply to a cotton pad and wipe over the face and neck AM & PM after cleansing. The scent is a sweet citrus herbal blend with essential oils of Bergamot, Lavender, Neroli, Chamomile and Sandalwood and is a real pleasure to use.

It also includes Aloe Vera which soothes and encourages cell repair, Arnica extract which is good for acne, is anti-inflammatory and boost circulation. Marshmallow extract helps to soothe and soften while Green Tea extracts is a powerful anti-oxidant. Liquorice root is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

I also was really pleased to receive some samples* too as it meant I got to try some more products from the lovely range.

Body Finish Cream* I simply loved this rich and deeply scented cream which absorbs easily into the skin. Suitable for all skin types it has the same delicious scent as the toner. It leaves the skin feeling nourished and cared for and full size is firmly on the wishlist!

Purity Eye Cleanser* this lovely product is suitable for all skin types which easily gets rid of eye make up and waterproof mascara. It is soothing and makes taking off make up an absolute pleasure.

Rejuvenate Face Serum Oil* a luxury face serum oil for mature and dry skins which helps to rejuvenate, smooth out wrinkles and nourish. It has a really beautiful scent as it uses Rose, Bergamot and Frankincense essential oils.

Have you used any products from AromaWorks before?

*PR samples

GIVEAWAY #1: Travalo Atomisers x 2 - IT'S OVER

I've got a lovely giveaway for you this Saturday (and the next 3!). I'm celebrating 4 years of blogging on the 24th of this month!

Travalo very kindly send me these two atomizers* to giveaway to two of my readers.  See my review here.  This giveaway is open internationally.

I stole this idea from Sam at Honey Go-Lightly who is also celebrating her 4th Blogiversary and you can check out her giveaways - here (only 2 days left to enter), here (currently 8 days to go), here (currently 16 days to go) and here (22 days to go) - go enter lots of lovely things to win!

All you need to do is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saach Organics: Green Tea & Aloe Vera Shower Gel & Hand & Body Lotion

Harvinder Parhar, the founder of Saach Organics recently sent me a box full of goodies to review. I'm trying these out and will post reviews of them all shortly.

Harvinder saw a photo of her grandmother putting oil in her mother's hair. Her mother carried on the tradition with Harvinder. Saach Organics brings everything that is good about Indian beauty traditions to the Western market.

Products are natural and are made with herbs grown and harvested to Ayurveda traditions and are free from parabens, sulphates and petrochemicals.

The first products I've tried are the very lovely Green Tea & Aloe Vera duo - Shower Gel (200ml - £9.95)* and Hand & Body Lotion (200ml - £10.95)*

They are packed in boxes and pump action bottles making the shower gel easy to use when in the shower.  The fragrance is refreshing green tea and aloe vera with a hint of fruitiness. It's my new favourite shower gel! It leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh.

The body lotion absorbs instantly and feels really moisturising on the skin. The skin is left gently perfumed and smooth.

Love these. Pick the range up at Love Lula.

*sent for review

Bloom Perfumery: TARDES by CARNER

The very gorgeous TARDES by CARNER (EdP) came in my Bloom Perfumery July sample pack. I've promised myself I can buy one of my favourite scents in the July to December period (once my spending ban finishes at the end of December). This is a very high contender as I simply love it!  It's also a Bloom Perfumery best seller.

The perfume is created by Sara Carner alongside recognized perfumers. She comes from a long line of leather artisans and has infused CARNER Barcelona with Spanish workmanship as well as collaborating with the finest designers and suppliers.

The perfume retails at £122 for 100ml, £81 for 50ml or pick up a try me 1.6ml sample for £2 - see HERE.

It has top notes of Almond, Bulgarian Rose and Geranium which give the scent a floral note with a hint of almond and a touch of sweetness. Middle notes of Celery, Plum and Virginia Cedar give it a spicy and fruity heart while base notes of Heliotrope, Musk, Rosewood and Tonka Beans gives it musky, woody and edible sweet tones.

It's truly a perfume I love - it feels like coming home and I even feel it could be my signature scent!

What perfume have you tried lately that has totally wowed you?

Isle of Harris Distillery: Collaboration with Amanda Saurin Apothecary

A truly exciting new collaboration is with Isle of Harris Distillery and Amanda Saurin. The Distillery will make whisky (and gin) and will be there to serve the people of Harris - to create jobs and to educate - both locals and visitors alike.

Amanda has created a truly wonderful and unique range of products especially for the Distillery using botanicals found freely on the Island.

The Distillery very kindly sent me two of the products from the new range to try and review.

Sweet Gale & Thyme Candle (£20)* is inspired by the scent of the Island and is simply exquisite. The candle comes in a beautiful little hand thrown pot (which Amanda suggests using as a milk jug for one or for mixing & pouring essential oils) when the candle is finished.  I suggested refills should be made as this candle is simply heavenly. It is scented with notes of the island - woods and spices with Sweet Gale, Juniper, Thyme and Birch. These are blended in non-GM soy wax. It is a real delight and would make a wonderful gift.

The second item I was sent was Rose & Honeysuckle Hand Cream (30g - £15)* which is a rich cream scented with soothing and calming Rose with anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial Rose Geranium. Honeysuckle soothes. The hand cream is rich but absorbs instantly and is a real luxe treat. It contains an eco-preservative which is one of the gentlest on the market.  

Another item which caught my eye is Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water (50ml - £20) which is perfect to add a salty sweet tang of the sea to your dram or G&T. I've decided I'm going to pick it up when I buy my first bottle of Isle of Harris Gin.

What are your thoughts on this magical new range?

*complimentary

True Nature Botanicals: Pacific Soothing Face Oil & Face Serum

I've been testing out new launches at True Nature Botanicals - Pacific Soothing Face Oil (30ml - $110 - £72)* and Soothing Face Serum (30ml - $140 - £92)* over the past few weeks.

The products are "serious luxury" with "superior results" which I can quite honestly agree with! No expense is spared when it comes to ingredients as the most effective ingredients are used which are sourced from suppliers who also care about the quality. Product are natural and are free from chemicals, waxes, water and nut oils.  Hillary Peterson the founder is passionate about creating the most luxurious and effective products.

Pacific Soothing Face Oil moisturises and calms sensitive ageing skin leaving the skin radiant with wrinkles softened and nourished.  The oil is perfect for rosacea prone, over exfoliated and sun-exposed ageing skin.

It's packed full of ingredients which calm and care for the skin including Helichrysm and Blue Chamomile which calms, is anti-inflammatory and skin healing. Pomegranate Seed Oil is a rich and deeply nourishing oil with high levels of anti-oxidants which fight free radicals and skin ageing.

Grape Seed and Hemp Oils are rich in Vitamin F which are anti-inflammatory, healing and calming.  The oil is 99% organic. To use: shake and massage a few drops on the face, neck and chest after toning.

Use Pacific Soothing Face Serum straight after the face oil applying a thin layer to the face, neck and chest. The serum soothes and nourishes and contains extracts from Mushroom, Chamomile, Calendula and Plantago. The serum helps to reduce inflammation and calm the skin and is 45% organic.

The duo are of an extremely high quality and a pleasure to use. They leave my skin glowy, healthy and nourished.

I previously reviewed the gorgeous Noble Floral Solid Perfume* - see my review HERE.

Have you tried any products from True Nature Botanicals?

*PR samples

Spending Ban: Update & Wants #3

I've been finding the spending ban very much okay! I did buy some birthday presents and received this fab Bodhi & Birch freebie which is a great little set for holidays. So ideal for popping in the hand luggage.

I'm taking part in a circle swap (stole the idea from Beauty in a Box Facebook page). I send a box of products to the first person, they take out what they want putting in the amount of items they take out and so on until the box returns to me!  A definite good way to get a beauty fix - thanks to @amberbeautytalk, @Anagoesgreen and @wildorganicblog for taking part! I'm hoping to get the parcel off on Tuesday...

Onto wants...

source

Votary Rose Maroc & Sandalwood Facial Oil (£65 - 30ml) a brand new launch of a range of skincare products by make up artist, Arabella Preston and friend Charlotte Semler. I first spotted this in YOU magazine only yesterday. It's definitely being added to the wishlist. See more details HERE and buy at Liberty.

source

Guy Morgan Apothecary Salem Rose Hair & Nail Oil (£36 - 30ml) again another exciting new brand to me. This rich and lush hair and nail oil strengthens, conditions and cares for both hair and nails - I love a multi-purpose product. I also like the look of the Himalayan Pink Salt Mask.

If you are on a spending ban how are you coping?

Naturisimo: Haircare Heroes Discovery Box

This fantastic Limited Edition launches today. Get yours for £9.95 including P&P at Naturisimo. As ever, the box is great value for money and packed full of lovely goodies for the hair.

Inside is:

Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hair Cleanser Golden Citrus (60ml - £9) and 4-in-1 Golden Citrus Conditioner (60ml - £9). I've tried these both before and especially loved the conditioner. See my review HERE.

Also inside is a generous travel size of Swell's Ultimate Volume Masque (50ml - £10) which creates volume and gloss and is suitable for fine and limp hair. See my review HERE.

The final items in the box are sachets by Rahua - Shampoo (12ml), Conditioner (12ml) - love these and so handy for travel/gym, Cream Wax (5ml) and Finishing Treatment (5ml).

I think the box is incredible value for money and packed full of great brands. Do you think you'll pick one up?

*PR sample

Serenata Flowers: Outback Adventure

I recently received a gorgeous bouquet from Serenata Flowers. I chose Outback Adventure*, a beautiful mix of Gerberas, Clay Red Roses, Leucospermum blossoms with leafy eucalyptus.  It really is a simply stunning bouquet.

A standard bunch costs £24.99. Make your bouquet deluxe by adding £4.99 (5 extra stems) or supersize by adding £9.99 (9 extra).

http://www.serenataflowers.com/ is the UK's largest online florist and buys in a huge amount and variety of flowers from all around the world.  You can order 7 days a week for next day free delivery.

The flowers are great quality and fresh.  I know next time where I'll head when ordering flowers as I'm really impressed with this gorgeous bunch.

You can also buy other gifts such as wine, champagne, chocolates, hampers and house plants - see more details HERE.

What's your favourite flowers?

*PR sample

Take 5: Lipsticks

These are the 5 lipsticks which I use again and again:

My current favourite is Lippy Girl's Vegocentric Rosie Posie which I first saw reviewed on Hephzibah's blog - it was a true case of "the blogger made me buy it". I lost my first one on a night out (quickly bought another) and mourned it until the new one popped through my letterbox. It is just the perfect brick red with an orange-ish tone. I simply love it and wear it all the time. I only took two lipsticks on holiday and this was one of them!

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang which came in the amazing Net-A-Porter Holiday Kit way back in November last year (and one of my favourite beauty boxes ever). This tinted sheer is so beautiful and the best way (for me at least) to wear red-ish lips. 

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani shade 512 is a lovely deep rose shade which I bought last time I had a make over at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. Huge fan of these luxe lippies.

A blogger favourite which has to be Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy an easy wearing pink-ish shade which suits everyone and is super glossy.

My final one of the five is my only Tom Ford! The very gorgeous Tom Ford Indian Rose a very wearable rose shade which is really moisturising and long-lasting on the lips.

Are any of your favourites in my top five?

Aspen Therapies: Signature OSKIA Glow Facial

Cari, from Aspen Therapies invited me along for a complimentary Signature OSKIA Glow Facial* last Friday.  Her lovely treatment room is based at her home (with a separate entrance) in the Liberton area of Edinburgh.  She offers luxurious holistic and beauty therapy treatments - which you can see here.

source

She studied Beauty Therapy at the Mary Reid International Spa Academy in Edinburgh where she discovered her passion for massage and facials. After having worked in various leading hotels and spas she decided to set up her own business.

Cari is a lovely, warm, kind and caring person who makes you feel instantly relaxed.  The treatment room is gorgeous (just like at a top spa) with a calming feel to it.

Aspen Therapies is the only place in Scotland to offer the OSKIA facials. You'll know I just love this skincare range so I was really looking forward to my treatment. The Signature OSKIA Glow Facial leaves the skin bright, hydrated, toned, luminous and leaves the mind calm and de-stressed. 

After settling down under the cozy blanket (and heated bed) Cari removed my make up with Renaissance Cleansing Gel massaging it gently into my skin before removing it with warm hot towels. See my review of the cleansing gel here.

Next my skin was gently exfoliated with Micro Exfoliating Balm, a nutri-active refining polish with Organic Rose, Lychee and Peppermint. 

A warm Rose Oil mask was applied while Cari gave me a scalp massage using the oils from the Rose de Mai Massage Candle (smells heavenly). What followed was a neck, shoulder and facial massage again using the oils from the massage candle.  I have a lot of tension in my shoulders and the massage relaxed some of those knots.

The facial massage helps to lift, plump and add vitality to the skin. Specialised facial and eye contour massage is used (Cari even used cold stones around my eyes - which was an incredible experience - it felt really cooling and helps to reduce puffiness as well as stress and tension from the eye area).

This was followed with the Renaissance Mask which is made with passion fruit enzymes and AHAs which helps to accelerate cellular renewal. See my review of the mask here. While the mask was working it's magic I was treated to a hand and arm exfoliation and massage (this was such a nurturing extra - I loved it).

An application of serum and moisturiser before a half passion fruit brings a "gentle return to reality".  Thanks so much Cari for such a wonderful treatment. My skin felt and looked amazing after my treatment. 

source

*complimentary

Mallow+White Skincare

Mallow+White is a new Artisan Skincare company which is based in Hertfordshire. Products are created with love and care by founder Joanna and they contain 6 ingredients or less.  Their facial oil won a joint Silver award (with pai) in the 2015 Free From Skincare Awards.

Currently there are two products, a facial oil and a mask available in 3 skin types - Dry, Sensitive and Mature.

Joanna worked for BBC Radio for 20 years but a love of skincare eventually developed into creating simple but effective skincare for others to enjoy. Her first company was called White Wash Soaps and has only recently changed to Mallow+White.

All packaging is recyclable and 10% of profits go to charity.

I was sent Revitalise Facial Oil for Mature Skin (£36 - 30ml)* - which is hand blended using high quality 100% natural organic ingredients which helps to boost cellular rejuvenation, rejuventate and nourish the skin. The light textured oil instantly absorbs into the skin and is made with Camellia, Macadamia Nut, Rosehip, Grapeseed Oils with essential oils of Mandarin and Frankincense.

The result is a lovely oil which cares for and pampers the skin. To use: add a couple of drops to your day or night cream, as a base before applying make up or alone AM or PM. 

I'm a huge fan of masks you mix up yourself and Revitalise Face Mask (£20 - 30g)* is just perfect. The mask is made with cleansing Pink Clay, French Red Clay, Moroccan Lava Clay, Organic Cornstarch, Organic Hibiscus Flower and Palmarosa essential oil.

You can use it as a mask or an exfoliator. To use: Mix the mask with water, a few drops of facial oil, honey or natural yogurt before applying to the skin. To use as an exfoliator blend to a paste and massage onto damp skin.

See the range HERE.

*PR samples

Madara Micellar Water

I picked up Madara's Micellar Water (100ml - £12) when Love Lula were offering a fiver off.  It is super gentle and removes make up and daily grime. I normally use it as a pre-cleanser or on it's own on non-make up days.

It balances, tones and hydrates the skin and contains moisturising Aloe Vera and skinquenching Hyaluronic Acid along with Calming Northern Peony.

Apply to a cotton pad and wipe over the face, eyes and lips.

See my review of Madara's Refreshing Soap here. 

What's your favourite Micellar Water?

August: Lately I've been Loving

So many loves in August...

Summer hols in Jersey & Paris. See my post about them HERE. A special mention must go to Bohemia Bar & Restaurant when we dined on an amazing surprise tasting menu (it's a definite want to go back to).

We had a great afternoon out at Foodies Festival and the sun shone! I bought a delicious chocolate circle decorated with rose petals and ginger (from Caxton Grill) and got a hello from Head Chef Adam Handling! We are dining there again in October - can't wait! We also enjoyed Spanish wine with nibbles along with lots of other edibles and drinks.

I picked up a copy of The Scented Letter from The Perfume Society which will give me hours of pleasure. It's a super-informative read.

My first lot of courgettes (and mini marrow!) from the allotment. Delicious!

We had a delicious lunch at Slighhouse (used to be Bar Khol) and the food was simply yummy. The dishes are small-ish and made for sharing.  A highlight was the very delicious Fried Green Tomato BLT with homemade Pimento Cheese. In the background was melt in the mouth Braised Shoulder of Lamb with warm Nicoise garnish. See more details HERE. Can't wait to go back!

This Arnica Muscle Soak* by Weleda is quite simply one of the best bath products I've ever used. See my review HERE. It's a product I know I'll buy again and again.

Just yesterday, I had an incredible The Signature OSKIA Glow Facial** from Cari at Aspen Therapies which was the best facial I've ever had. My skin was left positively glowing and so healthy looking. I'll be doing a separate review on it but it needed an August love mention!

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples
** Complimentary

F.O.Y. Skincare

I've been testing out some products by F.O.Y. (Fountain of Youth) which were originally developed to provide post-operative treatments for patients undergoing surgery and non-invasive aesthetic procedures.

They were formulated to provide patients with products which would allow them to prolong the results of their treatments in their own homes.

There are 8 salon skincare products in the range which have been created and formulated by professional aestheticians, perfected by scientists and tested by dermatologists. See the range HERE.

Suitable for mature skin types with advanced active ingredients the products restore and rejuvenate the skin.  I was sent four products for the range to try and review.

Moisturising Day Cream (50ml - £45)* - a lightweight but intensive cream which is easily absorbed and nourishes, protects and cares for the skin in the daytime.  It's also great as a make up base.  Apply to the skin using upward strokes. The cream contains Hyaluronic Acid which plumps, smoothes and softens, Shea Butter which is rich in Vitamins A, E and F and Jojoba Oil which banances and moisturises.  

Rejuvenating Night Cream (50ml - £45)* - this rich cream rejuvenates and regenerates the skin while you sleep. It hydrates and improves the skin tone as well as being a super luxe treat. Gingseng root, Gotu-Cola and Symphytum fight the signs of ageing and helps to reduce wrinkles.

Revitalising Eye Gel (30ml - £35)* - this gel eye cream absorbs quickly targeting wrinkles while firming and tightening.  This is one of my favourites from the selection. Use a small amount around the eye area morning and night. It contains Echinacea extract which is anti-ageing, Hyaluronic Acid which softens and smoothes and Sea Chamomile which relaxes and calms.

Double Action Anti-Cellulite Gel (200ml - £35)* - this has a nice gel texture which absorbs instantly. It helps to fight the formation of trapped fat below the skin's surface and "orange peel" thighs.  It's best used after body brushing/exfoliation.  I've not really had the chance to really test this out properly so I'll update you with my thoughts in a couple of months.

Have you tried any F.O.Y. products?

*PR samples

August Books

Here's what I've been reading this month:

source

Death Row Chaplain - Unbelievable True Stories from America's Most Notorious Prison by Rev Earl Smith* - Former criminal Earl Smith was a Chaplain at San Quentin Prison for 23 years. He got to know the men inside and guided them, negotiated truces between rival gangs, played chess with Charles Manson and heard the final thoughts of those on death row. An interesting memoir.

source

The Venus Trap by Louise Voss - At 16 Jo Atkins lost her dad, was assaulted by a stranger and had her heart broken.

In the present day she's still getting used to being a divorced single mum. She enters into the dating game and meets Claudio, a former classmate when she was at school. She dates him a few times before deciding he's not for her. 

Claudio however has no intention of letting her go. He drugs her and she wakes up in her bedroom handcuffed to the bed. He gives her a week to tell him she loves him...or he'll kill her.

He finds Jo's diary when she was at school in 1986 and makes her read passages out loud to him. When she's alone in her room she ponders her life with her ex Richard and her fling Sean. A really creepy read which I couldn't put down!

source

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica* - Heidi sees a girl on the train platform in the pouring rain with a baby and can't get her out of her head. When she sees her again she invites her to stay with her family until she can get straightened out. Heidi's husband and daughter are not impressed with a stranger living with them and Heidi is drawn further into helping Willow out. and she is obsessed with the baby. We learn about Willow''s past and Heidi wonders if inviting her into her home has been the right thing to do...A great read.

source

Chance by Peter Dudgeon - A missing convict, a young woman assaulted and killed and an old man murdered in different areas of the city. Nine year old Cassie Janus knows there is a connection. She suffers from epileptic seizures and when she is out she is the killer in her nightmares. She confides in her friend Aaron and her Social Worker Laura but is not sure they believe her. A fast paced and brilliant read which I couldn't put down. Only thing I didn't like was we have to wait for the conclusion in the sequel. Would recommend though.

source

Sewing the Shadows Together by Alison Baillie* - The rape and murder of Shona McIver 30 years ago still haunts her brother Tom and her best friend Sarah. Modern DNA shows that the man who has been incarcerated for 30 years is innocent. Sarah is married to confident and self-obsessed Rory a TV Chat Show host and mother to grown up twins. She also has a demanding mother who expects her to drop everything to tend to her needs.

Tom having returned to Scotland from South Africa to scatter his mother's ashes attends the school reunion and finds he has a strong bond with Sarah. The race is on to find the murderer in their midst. A brilliant debut with interesting characters who all have secrets and I liked that the novel was partly set where I live!

source

Follow you Home by Mark Edwards - it was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime before settling down. Daniel and Laura are thrown off a train in the middle of Romania with Alina a girl they met on the train. Their passports, rail card and money has been stolen. To get to the nearest town they need to travel through a dark and creepy forest. 

Alina stops for the call of nature and disappears... They search for her and come across a house in the middle of the woods. What they see in that house totally freaks them out and will haunt them forever.

They return to their lives in London but struggle to put what they saw in Romania behind them. An edge of the seat novel with a twist I didn't see coming until it was upon me!

source

Eden by Candice Fox* - I simply loved this stunning second novel by Candice Fox which follows on from Hades (Book 1). Frank Bennett & police partner Eden Archer are in therapy before they can get back on the job. Frank has let himself go after the death of his girlfriend and Eden wants Frank to get his mind fixed on finding what happened to three missing girls who are connected to a remote farm and it's owner. Eden goes undercover to try and find out more while Frank is helping Hades find out who is stalking him. In the story we learn about Hades's upbringing which cleared up a few questions from book one.  

A fast paced and thrilling book which I was unable to put down. Highly recommend.

source

Hanover House by Brenda Novak* - WOW! This prequel to the new series by Brenda Novak is an amazing read. It features Psychiatrist, Dr Evelyn Talbot and State Trooper Sergeant Amarock. Evelyn has dedicated her life to solving the mysteries of the psychopathic mind after being kidnapped, tortured and left for dead by her psycho boyfriend when she was 16. 

She is the driving force behind a new facility in Hilltop, Alaska where the worst of the worst killers will reside. Sergeant Amarock and Evelyn have a connection but she is too scared to become involved with him especially after she is attacked again...A brilliant taster and looking forward to Whiteout #1 out autumn 2016.

source

Behind Closed Doors by Elizabeth Haynes* - This was my first read by Elizabeth Haynes (I've since learned there is a first book featuring DCI Louisa Smith which I'll definitely be reading).

Ten years ago Scarlett Rainsford vanished while on a family holiday in Greece. She is unexpectedly found in a brothel back in her hometown and DCI Louisa Smith finds she has been trafficked. It seems that two other cases the team are working on are linked. The story goes between the time when Scarlett is trafficked and what happens to her and the present day. Fast paced and un-put-downable. I'll definitely be seeking out more of Elizabeth's books.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary e-books from Netgalley