Shopping My Stash #17

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

The Little Skincare Shop English Rose Floral Water (£8.15 for 60ml) - this is from a lovely new company selling floral waters. The rose one is produced from the steam distillation of hand picked fresh rose petals - it smells divine!  Other scents include lavender, orange, tea tree and chamomile - you can also buy as a mixed pair.  Use to refresh the skin after cleansing.  It only arrived on Monday but already it's become a much loved item in my skincare routine.

Botanicals Hand & Nail Serum 10g - simply love this deeply moisturising fennel scented oil.  See my review here.

Stila One Step Skin Tone Correcting Brightening Serum 30ml - received this in the Selfridges box last summer.  My favourite primer at the moment.

Herbfarmacy Lip Conditioner with Marshmallow & Vanilla - received this in I think an Amarya box.  I have in my back up the one I won in Ana's Giveaway.

MUA Eyeshadow Palette in Heaven & Earth - simply great shades with good pigmentation.

Stila Lip Glaze in Hibiscus - love this shimmery shade.

Lancome mini Juicy Tube - love these for glossy shine.

Acqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile EDP roll on - with notes of bergamot, mandarin, magnolia, lemon, neroli, freesia, lily of the valley, musk, patchouli essence and vanilla - a really lovely floral.

Have you used any of these products?

Red Magazine July issue - free Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 15ml

The July issue of Red magazine (I get it a bit earlier as a subscriber) has a free Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 15ml - this is Elemis's latest launch! Can't wait to try it out!  There is also a sachet of L'Oreal EverRiche Shampoo 10ml.

Next month Red are giving away three REN minis - super excited!  A 3-piece holiday skincare set - Vita-Mineral Day Cream 10ml, Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel 15ml and Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream 3ml - on sale 3 July. I may be picking up another mag as I'm a huge REN fan!

Laidbare Body Butter Me Up

I picked up this gorgeous Body Butter after reading Evelyn's review.  It's a huge 250ml tub which cost a very reasonable £9.99 from Naturisimo.

Packaging is simple and is fully recyclable. The product is formulated from plants, natural extracts, vitamins, cocoa butter, Avocado oil, Rosehip oil and essential oils of Jasmine, Bergamot, Patchouli and Vetivert.  You have to really love the scent of Jasmine (luckily I do!) as that is the scent which you smell upon opening the pot.  A rich cream which is easily absorbed leaving the skin moisturised and lightly scented.

Apply all over the body - suitable for all ages and skin types.  Made in the UK.

Have you used this or any other Laidbare products?  Do you have any recommendations of other products I can try from this brand?

Betrousse Glitz & Glamour Box

Betrousse, a French company sent me a Glitz & Glamour Box* to review.  Amazing value at £10 (plus P&P) with a value of £70. You get full size products in every box and there is no subscription - you just pick and chose which boxes you want.  You can see the current range of kits here.

The products come in an outer cardboard box and inside there is a large black branded box (reminds me a bit of a shoe box!).

Here's what is in the box:

Tulecos Tonifying Oil with Organic Peppermint (50ml - worth £33) - this is the most interesting item for me in the box.  From a brand I've never heard of before - this is for using on your feet! It smells really nice and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Jason Normalising Shampoo (255ml - worth £7.20) - scented with rosewater and chamomile. A gentle cleansing shampoo which leaves the hair clean and fresh.  Looking forward to using this.

Fair Naturally Mango & Safflower Body Moisturiser (200ml - worth £3.99) - this smells really lovely and absorbs quickly into the skin.  Another brand I've not heard of before.

Make Believe Beauty Shimmer Lip Gloss (15ml - worth £10) - a clear gloss with a little bit of shimmer. Would be great to use on holiday.

Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Cleanser for boys and girls (30ml - worth £14) - another brand I've not heard of before.  This is for young skin (ages 12-24) so I'll probably give it to my niece to test out.

All in all, a great value box.  Full reviews will follow once I've tried the products.  You can see the BeTrousse website here and follow on Twitter @BeTrousseUK 

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

*PR sample

Lotil Lip Care SPF 30

I was recently sent this Lotil Lip Care balm SPF30* to review (4g retailing at £2.50).  It has a SPF 30 making it suitable for winter and summer months.

A 100 year old tried and tested formula it gives relief to dry skin.  It has a light vanilla scent and it is rich and hydrating making it ideal for dry and chapped lips.

No frills packaging and very reasonably priced - it's a product I'd buy in the future. Stockists include Boots, Amazon and Lloyds Pharmacies.

*PR sample

Veggie Growing - Update 7

You can see my last veggie growing post here.  I was down the plot yesterday for a few hours which was nice - I got some seeds in at long last - the weather has been so awful here.

So far I've planted garlic, onions, potatoes (they are just starting to come through) and I put in carrot, parsnip and beetroot seeds, then lettuce and courgettes.  Near the top I've got herbs - sage, parsley, thyme, rosemary, apple mint, Morrocan mint and lavender.  I'm going to put in some edible flowers too and some more herbs.  It's not a big plot but I love getting some fresh veggies and the herbs have lasted all over winter - so much nicer cutting a sprig or two when needed instead of buying from the supermarket.

I treated my hands afterwards to Bee Fruitful's wonderful Intensive Hand Balm* (60ml - £5).  This rich balm which is scented with rosemary makes my hands super soft and nourished - just perfect after a morning's gardening.

*complimentary 

Samples #9

You can see my last samples update here.  Here's my thoughts on what I used in #9:

I seem to have binned a few samples with my last lot of empties - oops!

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml - this was a bit too harsh for my skin.  From a brand I've not heard of before.

Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml - loved this! 

Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml - this seemed nice but quite a small sample.

Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream - the whole range of these were nice. It was from a brand I've not heard of before.  They came from a Latest in Beauty Little Beauty Box.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml - not a huge Eve Lom fan - this was ok but nothing special.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml - loved this and would consider buying full size.  Liked how you can use it around the eyes and the lips.

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml - this was lovely with just enough scrub. Don't think there is a Caudalie product I haven't enjoyed using.

Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream - nice to use.

Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml - I like every Sarah Chapman product I try! Must treat myself soon to a QVC set.

Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml - I didn't like this, found it irritated my eyes.

Belnatur Balance Cream - as above nice to use.

Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml) - these were lovely.  My first try of this brand.  Definitely will look into it more.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml - I know this is a best-seller but I just didn't like it.  I hated the scent and felt it made my skin feel tight and dry.

Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml - loved this. Really nice to use and I'd consider purchasing it in the future.

Here's what I've chosen for #10:

Two bath bombs from Bee Fruitful in Honey, Peppermint & Rosemary* and Honey & Lemon*

sk:n Age-Delaying Cream 5ml

Blend Collective Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion 5ml

Spa Fabulous Organic Heavenly Glow Exfoliator

Apivita Natural Serum

Clarins BB Cream 1.5ml 

Australian Bush Flower Essences Face Wash Serum 3ml

Apivita Pink Clay Mask

Melvita Ultra Nourishing Cream 

NUXE 24hr Soothing & Rehydrating Fresh Mask 4ml

NUXE Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Cream 2ml

NUXE 24hr Moisturising Body Lotion 7ml

Nourish Hand Lotion

Formula Treatment Oil

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

Palm & Soul Three Rose Solid Oil Moisturiser Travel Companion 30g - Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Ria at NatuRia Beauty who won my Palm & Soul Giveaway!

Souk Souk May Box

My May Souk Souk box came the other day. It contains:

Green People Moisturising Shower Gel 30ml - this smells great - it is scented with orange blossom and is 84% organic.  I have used this shower gel before and loved it.

Green People Nurture Body Lotion 30ml - a light and easily absorbed lotion which is scented with bergamot. 91% organic.  Looking forward to trying this.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Rose Pure Castile Soap 59ml - I love Dr Bronner's soap - my favourite scents are Peppermint and Almond.  I've got a couple of the rose ones to use.

Inika Brow Pencil in Brunette Beauty - this is a full size product and is worth £13.50.

Balm Balm Fragrance Free Lip Balm 7ml - another full size product. I love the Rose Geranium balm.  Can be used on the lips, face, body and feet.  Retails at £3.50.

I didn't find this an exciting box (my heart sort of sank when I opened it) as I've either used the products before or used other products from all the brands.  I was hoping SoukSouk would introduce me to brands I haven't used before.  I do think it is a great beauty box for those just starting to use natural products as it is great value - this box contains two full size products.

I have cancelled my subscription for now but I'll keep checking out the Facebook page for new brands/products.

Souk Souk costs £12 per month plus £2.95 P&P.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Bodhi Mint Thé Temple Balm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Bodhi on Twitter @BodhiUK 

See the website here

*complimentary

Shopping my Stash #16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

Spending Ban Update

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

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

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

How is your spending ban coming along?


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

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Skin Tonic & Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser

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

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

Soothing Skin Tonic 200ml*

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

Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser 50ml*

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

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

*PR samples

Kiehl's Aromatic Blend - Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit

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

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

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

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

Have you used any of the Aromatic Blends?

Guest Posts @ Beauty & the Books and Been There, Done That, Got the Lipstick

I'm super lucky today! My guest posts are featuring over at Jo's blog Beauty & the Books where I'm talking about pampering products and at Fran's blog Been There, Done That, Got the Lipstick where I'm showing you what's in my make up bag - do pop over for a look!

Thanks Jo and Fran for having me!

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow amie on Twitter @amie_skincare 

*PR sample

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

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

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

source

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

What do you need to do?

Follow Palm & Soul on Twitter - see here

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

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

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser

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

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

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

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

Shopping My Stash #15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What have you been using this week?

*PR sample

Amarya Beauty Box Review - May 2013

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

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

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

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

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