FaceGym: Odacite Skincare

FaceGym is located in Selfridges and offers amazing sounding non-invasive facial workouts. See Fifi Friendly's great reviews HERE and HERE. I am definitely booking in next time I'm in London. I definitely like the sound of The Hangover Cure - perfect for this time of year!

You can buy gift vouchers to experience a FaceGym workout, gift boxes and sets right up to Christmas Eve at Selfridges. Alternatively, order online before midnight on 21st December for delivery before Christmas.

Brands available to buy include Cult 51, Mimi Luzon, Royal Fern and Odacité. I was sent a fantastic collection of Odacité products which I can't wait to try. Reviews will follow. Thanks so much FaceGym!

Inside the branded box is:

Vital Glow Booster which is made with rare and precious Wild Carrot Seed Oil which helps to restore glow and vitality to the skin. Radiance Effect Booster which contains Green Tea and Lemongrass (the scent of this is amazing). It helps to restore radiance and uplifts. I was also sent sample vials of Dull Skin Booster and Youthful Glow.

Also inside is Jojoba Beads Exfoliant 50ml and Olesomes Time Release Delivery Creme - both of which I can't wait to try!

See more details about FaceGym HERE and follow on Twitter @face_gym

*Complimentary

Mistletoe Kisses Christmas Flower Diffuser & Bath Oil Crackers

Just this week I was sent Maddi Alexander's exquisite Mistletoe Kisses Christmas Flower Diffuser (£30)* along with 2 bath oil crackers (10ml) in Evocative and Serene (£10 each)* I reviewed the Serene Bath Soak HERE and a YOU Beauty Discovery Box (Limited Edition) Rose Box HERE.

The diffuser is simply gorgeous, indulgent and would make the perfect present. The scent starts to come through the delicate flower after a couple of hours or so and fills the room with a festive scent of orange, mandarin, bergamot, neroli, frankincense and Myrrh.

To use: remove the cap from the diffuser, place the silver cap over the glass bottle and insert the cotton flower stem. The fragrance will infuse through the flower.

The crackers are a lovely little treat and would make great table presents. They contain a 10ml bottle of bath oil. I've used these bath oils before and they are fab.

What's your favourite Maddi Alexander product?

*PR samples

My top 15 products of 2015

I was trying to limit to 10 again this year but found I just couldn't. These aren't in any order they are just my top products. I have divided them up into product types.

Skincare:

Lulu & Boo Chocolate Orange Cleansing Oil* (100ml) - this cleansing oil is a recent favourite. I reviewed it in November and I can honestly say it is one of the nicest and most effective cleansers I've used this year.

Skin &Tonic STEAM CLEAN (50g) - I'm a huge fan of Skin & Tonic's STEAM CLEAN. The minty balm cleanser uplifts the senses while cleansing the skin of daily grime and make up. I've gone through several pots of it this year and will keep on buying it as it works (I love it too).

Holistic Green Beauty Rose Radiance Toning Mist* (100ml) - another new launch this year. See my review HERE. An amazing toner which hydrates, tones and plumps the skin. Love!

Living Nature Radiance Night Oil* (10ml) - this rose scented oil is one of the most luxurious I've ever used. See my review HERE. I don't currently have this in my stash but plan to buy it again soon.

de Mamiel Seasonal Facial Oils (20ml) - I've tried and reviewed Spring, Summer and Autumn. I know I'll keep on buying these exquisite oils as my skin loves them.

A.S Apothecary* - This is cheating a little bit as it's two products! The very fabulous Cleansing Oil #5* (review) and new product Mineral Powder #2* mix a small amount of the powder in a bowl with a few drops of Cleansing Oil to form a paste before applying to the skin as an exfoliator (full review to follow shortly). Amanda has created an amazing range of products. I also love her range for Harris Distillery.

Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator (50ml)* - one of my favourite Bee Good products. See my review HERE. 

Bath & Body:

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (200ml) - this is my favourite new bath product this year. See my review HERE. I've already got back-ups of my back up!

Odylique Rose Velvet Body Lotion (100ml) - which is another new (Limited Edition) launch this year. A rich lotion which is scented with roses. See my review HERE.

Beatitude Joy Body Oil* - an uplifting and rich body serum which is a joy to use! See my review HERE.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - I buy these again and again as they just work. See my review HERE. If I could only use one bath product it would be these.

Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy - my favourite Bodhi & Birch scent. Invigorating and refreshing. See my review HERE.

Perfume:

Shay & Blue - I've got huge love for this beautiful brand. The perfumes are different and very wearable. I'm looking forward to their new launch next year too! See my reviews - Atropa Belladonna, Watermelons*, Framboise Noir* and Salt Caramel.

Bloom Perfumery Yearly Sample Pack Subscription - is one of the most exciting subscription launches this year. I've tried some amazing perfumes and added lots to the wishlist! See my reviews for each month here July, August, September, October and November.

Make up:

Lippy Girl Rosie Posie Lipstick - I read Hephzibah's blog post on this lipstick and it was a severe case of "the blogger made me buy it". Such a pretty and wearable shade I'm hardly without it!

What products have been top for you this year?

*PR samples

Bee Good: Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum

Having loved both the Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream (mini review) and the Youth Enhancing Plump & Firm Moisturiser (review)* I knew there was a pretty good chance I'd feel the same way about Bee Good's Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum (30ml - £25)*.

The serum is best used before the moisturiser and is suitable for all skin types but especially mature or ageing skin.

The serum absorbs instantly and helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as even the skin tone and hydrate. It has a lovely honey/ fruity scent and is a real pleasure to use.

Formulated with "collagen stimulating peptides, hydrating British honey, anti-oxidant rich propolis, firming blackcurrant seed and larch extract which helps to retain moisture in the skin".

To use: apply to the skin after cleansing to the face and neck, massaging until absorbed. For best results apply the matching moisturiser.

Have you tried any products from the Youth Enhancing Range?

*PR sample

Advent Calendars: Days 7 to 15

I've been enjoying most of the items from my Advent calendars.  You can see what I got Days 7 - 15 here:

7 December:  

YOU Beauty - Konjac Sponge - I've used these in the past. Passed this one onto a friend.

M&S - Rituals Zensation Shower Foam 50ml - My friend Magi loves these shower foams. So gave it to her.

4160Tuesdays - today gave us Who Knew? - which is a mix of perfumery materials blended together to see what happens. This is a lush dark rose scent with smokey vetivert, Benzoin, Vanilla and Green Tea Absolute. Pretty keen on this one.

8 December: 

YOU Beauty: Heaven Skincare Bee Venom Eyes 15ml - this is a great size sample. I'm not really into products with Bee Venom in them so passed to a friend.

M&S: pure Grape Day Cream 30ml - a decent size sample and I'll give it a whirl.

4160Tuesdays: Paris 1948 - a chypre inspired by Paris masters in the late 1940s. With top notes of peach, grapefruit and basil with heart notes of rose, cedarwood, orange blossom, rosewood and honey with base notes of oakmoss, hay, musk and labdanum.

9 December: 

YOU Beauty: ESPA £15 Gift Card plus Optimal Skin Pro Serum 8ml - I'm a huge fan of the serum and can always find something to buy online!

M&S: Filorga Time Filler 10ml - I've not heard of this brand so will need to read up on it. I've not got a huge amount of wrinkles (yet).

4160Tuesdays: Rome 1963 - a unisex scent which has top notes of bergamot and chocolate, heart notes of heady tuberose, ylang ylang and cedarwood with base notes of tobacco and patchouli.

10 December: 

YOU Beauty: Teeez Read my Lips Lipstick - this seems quite nice. Still to try it!

M&S: Neals Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream 25ml - I've a feeling I've tried this before and I didn't love the scent. I'll give it another try as I'm a huge fan of the brand.

4160Tuesdays: Midnight in the Palace Garden - with Atlas cedarwood, frangipani, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, blood orange, vanilla, coffee.

11 December:

YOU Beauty: Lipcote Lipstick Sealer - I used this in the 80s and found it totally dried my lips up. I won't be using this one.

M&S: Josh Wood Volume Shampoo 50ml - this seems nice enough but don't really notice any extra volume - maybe it would be best using with the matching conditioner.

4160 Tuesdays: Centrepiece - with honey, frangipani, green tea, cedarwood, vanilla, citrus sorbet and and a hint of chocolate. Inspired by the Ice Cream parlour at Fortnum & Masons.

12 December:

YOU Beauty: Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pencil - Noir - this seems quite nice and non-dragging. Will be used!

M&S: Diego Dalla Palma Lipstick No.46 - a really pretty shade from a brand I haven't tried before.

4160Tuesdays: Fruits of the Tree of Knowlege - a rich fruity sweet scent with notes of grapefruit, lemon, yuzu, cucumber, watermelon, cherry, rose violet, raspberry with a base of sandalwood.

13 December:

YOU Beauty: Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Replenishing Body Lotion 50ml - this has a delicious fig scent. I've use the perfume before and loved it. So looking forward to using this.

M&S: Mio Skincare Liquid Yoga 53ml - this relaxing bath soak smells amazing. Looking forward to trying it out after a stressful day.

4160Tuesdays: Tokyo Spring Blossoms - with Spring flowers, fresh fruit, petals of rose and violet over balsams.

14 December:

YOU Beauty - Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream 20g - always happy to try a new cleanser.

M&S: Percy & Reed No Oil Oil 30ml - I've always been happy with this brand  so this will be used!

4160Tuesdays: Sleep Knot - with jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and black pepper...for nights when you don't plan to sleep...

15 December: 

YOU Beauty: Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum 10ml - I find this one a little bit rich for my skin so I've passed it on.

M&S: Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuer Hand Cream 30ml - this is lovely and matching the body lotion from a couple of days ago.

4160Tuesdays: Babylon Sunset with honey, rose, jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. This smells lush.

I've been enjoying most items from my Advent calendars and I'm looking forward to having time to try everything out properly (especially the perfumes)

Are you enjoying your advent calendar(s) or did you not buy one this year?

de Mamiel Altitude Oil

I've had this little bottle of de Mamiel's Altitude Oil (£26 for 10ml) quite a few months now. I carry it around in my make up bag constantly which is why it's looking a little battered!

As with all of Annee's products this little multi-tasking elixir which is hand blended in the UK just works. It clears the mind, boosts the immune system and is a great little pick-me-up when feeling frazzled.

Breathe in and feel all your worries diminish - it clears your head, gives a lift during long days stuck at your desk, protects against breathing in bugs when travelling on busy planes, trains and buses and helps with cold and flu symptoms in winter and hayfever in summer.

Lavender calms and relaxes, Peppermint lifts, Pine & Eucalyptus decongest and clears the head, Patchouli grounds, and Fragonia protects from infections and keeps the immune system boosted.

To use:

• Sprinkle a few drops on a tissue and inhale or place a drop under each nostril

• Inhale deeply straight from the bottle to clear your head and stimulate the senses

Have you used Altitude Oil before?

Rossi Uvema Range

I've been testing out a few products from Rossi Uvema, a company which was set up by husband and wife team, Alan and Rossi. Products are formulated using 100% pure and natural ingredients and are free from parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, PEGs, Phthalates, artifical fragrances, plastic fillers and synthetic chemicals.  I also think they are excellent value for money and nicely packaged.

The company is official sponsor of Clean Ocean International, a US non-profit based in California who aim to eradicate plastic pollution from the world's oceans.  Pick up your Rossi Uvema products direct, from Love Lula, from au sujet de Vert or from Bubbles & Light, Hampstead.

Intense Rejuvenation Rose & Pink Clay Mask (£15.25 - 70g)* this lush rose scented mask deeply cleanses the skin and is a pleasure to use. Formulated using ingredients like natural mineral clay, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and rose oil which is great for dry/mature skin types. I've found my skin is drier in the winter and this mask is a perfect pampering pick me up. To use: apply a even layer to the face, sit back and relax and remove with warmed muslin cloths after 10-15 minutes.

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Rose & Rosemary Face Toning Mist (£14.25 - 100ml)* I'm a huge fan of toning mists and this one soothes, refreshes and regenerates the skin.  Made with Rose flower water which regenerates while Rosemary flower water stimulates and is mildly astringent. To use: spritz over the skin AM/PM or whenever needed. 

Cocoa Butter & Grapeseed Hand & Body Lotion (£15.50 - 200ml)* this easily absorbed lotion is stuffed full of good things for the skin. Cocoa butter, Jojoba and Grapeseed oils nourish and strengthen the skin leaving it feeling deeply moisturised and protected. 

I'm so impressed with the range of products, their performance and great price. I'll definitely be treating myself to a few other things. 

Have you tried anything from Rossi Uvema?

*complimentary

Letterbox Gifts: The Christmas Box

Just last week I showed you the contents of The Signature Box at Letterbox Gifts. I totally fell in love with it and knew I had to pick up The Christmas Box! Everything is so carefully created and chosen with love and care. The cost for each box is £22.95 plus P&P.

You can get 20% off today with a special code - see more details online. The beautiful postcard which comes with the box can be personalised with a message if you desire which I think is a nice touch.

Inside is:

Choc on Choc Handmade Penguin Bar made with Milk, White and Dark Chocolate.

Sweet Cecily's Mulled Wine Spice Kit which is specially mixed for creating your own mulled wine.

Sophia Victoria Joy Wooden Snowflake Decoration which is made from untreated wood. Mine's on the tree!

The Dartmoor Soap Company Artisan Orange & Cinnamon Soap which smells delicious. I'm a huge fan of bars of soap and I'm looking forward to using it.

The Natural Candle Company Winter Orange Soy Candle which has a festive orange scent.

I think these boxes are great for a treat (or gift) and I'm looking forward to seeing the new boxes launching next year.

Love Lula: Balm Balm

A month of two ago I received a gorgeous box of goodies from Balm Balm at Love Lula. The lovely message still makes me smile and is on my kitchen pinboard. 

I'm a huge fan of the brand having first loved their Rose Geranium range before trying some of the skincare and single note perfumes. The range is absolutely brilliant and great value. There are definitely more products I want to try.

The Relax All Over Balm* was the first product I tried from the box. It is an absolutely gorgeous body balm which deeply nourishes the skin leaving it scented with Rose Geranium, Mandarin, Lavender and Ylang Ylang. It instantly calms and releases any tension. My pot is now finished (featured in shopping my stash #66) but it's one I'll definitely buy again.

Neroli Floral Water Hydrosol* is an absolute delight. Neroli soothes and calms the skin while uplifting the senses. It can also help to keep nerves at bay. Use as a toner, refresher or general pick me up. I think it would be gorgeous kept in the fridge and sprayed on sun parched summer skin.

Body Oil Calm* this body oil contains Cedarwood, Frankincense, Patchouli and Sandalwood Essential Oils along with Evening Primrose, Peach Kernel, Rosehip and Jojoba Oils which soothe and relax both the body and mind. It absorbs easily onto the skin leaving it nourished and comfortable. 

I've been burning this beautiful Christmas Spirit Home Scent* in my oil burner. It's the best festive scent - a blend of Lemon, Sweet Orange, Mandarin and Cinnamon.  It's also good to use to freshen up pine cones.

What's your favourite Balm Balm products?

*complimentary

More Christmas Gift Ideas

I showed you some Christmas gift ideas HERE. Today I've got some more top picks:

Birch & Brook candles are just gorgeous (review of Library* HERE and Festival* HERE). I was recently sent a travel size of the beautiful Limited Edition scent in for Christmas - Evergreen* - a lush, crisp green which is "reminiscent of a winter walk". 

The candle is made of natural waxes and scented with fir balsam, pine, cedar, musk and amber. It's perfect if you are not a fan of cinnamon scents. I'm a fan of both but this is well worth having in your Christmas collection.

Minvita Baobab Body Oil (100ml - £35)* this luxe oil is 100% natural and organic and is made from cold pressed seeds of the African Baobab Superfruit. Best suited for dry and ageing skin as it contains Vitamins A, D, E, F, B1, B2, Phosphorus and Iron. 

It absorbs instantly and has a slightly nutty-fruity scent. The oil improves elasticity, helps to regenerate skin cells and deeply nourishes the skin. It's a really lovely oil and I'm so enjoying using it.

I'm a huge fan of kai fragrance oil and am now on my 3rd little roll on bottle. I normally pick these up when Cult Beauty have a GWP as they are an indulgent treat. I've mentioned this lovely brand numerous times on the blog. I was recently sent this gorgeous little gift set* (the nearest thing I can find is on Cult Beauty - but it doesn't include the fine linen wash see HERE)

Inside are 2oz bottles of: 

Shampoo: which contains mild surfactants which remove dirt and build up without stripping the hair.  Conditioner: enriched with vitamins, shea butter, plant oils and extracts the conditioner nourishes the hair leaving it delicately scented with the kai fragrance and silky smooth. 

Body Wash: which cleans and refreshes the body. Follow up with Body Lotion: which is made of nourishing safflower seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernal oil, cucumber fruit extracts and kai fragrance. The skin is left moisturised and smelling of kai.

Fine Linen Wash: this is the most recent addition to the range. It cleans linens and delicate fabrics leaving them scented with the signature kai scent and I think is the perfect addition to a travel bag.

Vial of perfume oil: this beautiful original scent was created by Gaye Straza who spent her youth holidaying in the tropics. Years later she created her signature scent with rich notes of gardenia, tuberose and lily with touches of green notes.

I love this story "the first time Straza wore kai, she was stopped mid stride by a beauty editor on Madison Avenue, NYC asking where she could buy the scent".

Products are free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, phosphate and vegan and gluten free.

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I never grow tired of John Masters Organics and this little Limited Edition Holiday Kit from John Masters Organics would make a perfect gift (£27). Inside is: 2oz Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair, 2oz Citrus & Neroli Detangler, 1oz Rose & Apricot Hair Milk, 0.1oz 100% Argan Oil, a Bamboo Comb and Pouch.

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I just love this Oskia Cracker available at Cult Beauty (£18) which contains a 40ml size of Renaissance Cleansing Gel (review). I'd love to find this hanging on the tree or as a luxe table present.

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I'm intrigued by Strange Invisible Organic Perfumes and I'd pick the star sign of the friend I was buying for an unusual and unique gift (14ml - £59). I chose my sign - Aries Zodiac Eaux de Parfum - The Innovator - Element - Fire which is a blend of hydro-distilled essences of cinnamon, rose and angelica which "fuel a vibrant imagination". Frankincense, benzoin, lavender and sandalwood "cool fiery impulses, encouraging the composure needed to realize visionary plans". Sounds fantastic. One for the wishlist for sure!

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The Nordic Collection Gift Set from Inner-Soul Organics (£24.50) is a lovely pampering treat and would be ideal for your friends or mum. The kit contains Scandinavian Decadence Bath and Body Salt Scrub 60ml (mini review), Scandinavian Decadence Shower Serum 30ml and Nordic Berry Bliss Hand & Body Salve 60ml (mini review). 

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YTTP The Set £95 - which includes Cleanser, Serum and Cream. I've got an upcoming review of the Cleanser and Serum both of which are fabulous. This is a great set. Get 10% off with code YOUTH10.

Are any of these on your Christmas wishlist?

*PR samples

au sujet de Vert online boutique

Shubana, who writes Berry's Beauty has recently launched online beauty boutique au sujet de Vert (which means about green in French) She recently got in touch to see if I'd like to try a product from Cîme Skincare (a brand I'd never tried up until now).

It was a nice surprise to receive a hand cream from the brand but also some other lovely goodies.

I like that your order can be hand delivered if you live in the W1 area of London. Brands stocked are natural and organic and have no parabens. In the 'mixed' section in the shop you will find products which contain some synthetic ingredients but are much loved. Everything has been tried and tested by Shubana which I think is a nice touch.

Brands you can buy:

Cîme Skincare - I've been testing out their De Main en Main Hand Cream (£21 - 100ml)* which is enriched with apricot kernal oil and aloe extract. It leaves the hands nourished and delicately scented. Expect a fuller review soon. I was also sent some sachets and I'll update my thoughts on them in a samples or empties post.

Tabitha James Kraan - I was sent a 60ml size of the Organic 4-in-1 Conditioner in Amber Rose*. This smells absolutely heavenly and I can't wait to try it. I have tried the conditioner in the Golden Citrus scent and you can see my review HERE.

Ermana Natural Skincare - a brand I tried way back in August (review). The Comfort Balm (15ml)* cares for dry skin patches on the face and body. Scented with Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang and packed full of nourishing butters it's an absolute delight for the senses, a skin soother and hydrator. Use it on lips, elbows, cracked heels, knees, for cuticles and dry hands. You can also massage it onto the temples and wrists to help to calm down (I've also used it on flyaways).

Get 10% off your order with code BBALM10

which is valid until 24 December 2015

Evolve Beauty - (review of Satin Leg Gloss & Hyaluronic Serum 200 HERE)

Lyonsleaf - (review of Beauty Balm & Body Butter* HERE)

Carishea (review of their Shea Scot Body Balm* here)

Hairy Jayne (Taster Kit - no longer available HERE)

Vedani Botanicals* (recently reviewed HERE). 

I'm currently testing a few products sent to me by Rossi Uvema* and I hope to have my review up by Monday at the latest.  Lastly, Scent Trail handmade soaps which is another brand I've not heard of or tried before. Keep checking back as Shubana is adding new brands all the time.

See the website HERE

Follow on Twitter @SujetdeVert 

*complimentary/sent for review