Tuesday 30 June 2015

June Books


The Saffron Trail by Rosanna Ley - Nell's mum dies quite suddenly leaving her understandably devastated and unable to move on. Her husband, Callum gifts her a cookery week in Marrakech and it's here she bonds with Amy, a young photographer who is trying to find out what happened to her Great Aunt's son.

Nell's mum grew Saffron at the farm and with Amy they go on a tour and end up meeting someone who is connected to them both. The book is set in Cornwall and Morocco and is full of family secrets, connections, love, heartache and new beginnings. Loved it.


In the Shadow of Papillon by Frank Kane - Frank was on holiday with his girlfriend Sam when he agrees to smuggle cocaine home.  They are caught and are given 10 year sentences. You find out what life is like in the Venezuelan Prison system. A scary but fascinating read.



The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies* - I got this ARC from Love Reading (published 3 September). I simply loved this book and couldn't put it down. It follows the story of 19 year old Gwendoline who is newly married to a rich and charming widower and she is eager to join him on his tea plantation. On the boat she meets attractive Savi Ravasinghe, an artist and she is drawn to him.

She soon falls pregnant and in the delivery room finds herself faced with a terrible choice and she must keep secrets from her husband...although he has secrets of his own...





See her Run by A K Leigh* - I received this copy from NetGalley. The story follows Diana who has changed her name, her look and her job and moved to a new town. She meets Jon, a local farmer who has connections to her past. There is an instant attraction and Diana can't help but fall for him. However her evil ex Russ is trying to find her.. A light-ish and enjoyable read.  



Flawless (Hostile Beauty #1) by Jan Moran* - again I received this book from NetGalley. I loved it and have bought the second in the series. Verena Valent runs the family business, a Swiss Skincare company taking over when her parents were tragically killed. She supports her grandmother Mia and her younger twin sisters. She is expanding the company into Asia when things begin to unravel.. 

Her fiance, Derrick works for a company who want to take over and own her business. She meets Lance, an Executive Chef at Beverley Hills Hotel and is drawn to him. She finds out all that really matters are friends and family. There is hope at the end of the book. Looking forward to the next in the series which is about Scarlett, Verena's friend.


First One Missing by Tammy Cohen* - another book which I received via NetGalley and is published on 2 July.

The book opens with the murder of a little girl called Poppy. Leanne Miller, FLO informs Emma Reid before it hits the newsstand. Her daughter Tilly was also killed by the "Kenwood Killer". Megan Purvis was the first victim followed by Tilly, Leila and Poppy. The families meet to give each other support. The characters are interesting and the story is fast paced. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book and there is a twist at the end I just didn't see coming. Loved it.

What have you been reading this month?

*sent for review

Monday 29 June 2015

June: Lately I've been Loving

Here's some things which have been making me happy in June:



Having adored the de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil I knew I'd definitely pick up Summer and....I love it as much as the Spring one. Review up shortly!


I've found Earth Conscious Citrus Deodorant* to be the best natural deodorant I've tried. See my review here.


These really pretty temporary tattoos from Tesora London


The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies* - I got an advanced reading copy from Love Reading. Simply couldn't put the book down. Loved it so much I recently picked up Dinah's first book The Separation.


Looking forward to some delicious strawberries from the Allotment (hopefully soon!) You may have seen from twitter that our Allotments are under threat from developers. If you can, please sign our Petition and follow us on Twitter @CraigentinnyTel

*PR samples

Sunday 28 June 2015

Travalo Classic Refillable Fragrance Portable Spray


The Travalo Refillable Fragrance Portable Spray (5ml)* is perfect for carrying your favourite perfume around. It's just the right size to take to festivals, on holiday and for everyday use. It's a refillable shatterproof spray and you'll get 65 sprays each time you fill it.

I've been filling mine with Chanel Sycomore EDT. Filling is really easy - take the spray top off your perfume and fit to to the Genie-S pump. Pump it a few times and the bottle fills. The see through window lets you know when the spray bottle is full.


The inner bottle can be removed and is interchangeable - so you can choose the colour of your case to meet your mood. There are 10 colours available.

Buy direct from Travalo.com or from Debenhams. RRP is £12.50 or buy 2 for £25.

*PR sample

Saturday 27 June 2015

Bathing Beauty: Soothe Body Oil Infusion

I was super excited to find out recently that some of George's lovely Bathing Beauty products are now available locally to me at Napiers.

I'm a huge fan of the brand - I first mentioned it on the blog way back in June 2013.


Of course I had to pick a little something to try....



Soothe Body Oil Infusion 100ml - which is presented in a cardboard tube and the oil is in a chic aluminium pump bottle.  The oil was created for George's son Titus to cure his eczema.

It contains Calendula, St John's Wort and High Altitude Lavender Essential Oil along with Sunflower and Peach Kernel Oils and Vitamin E.

The body oil was commended in the Free From Skincare Awards 2013.

I have to say I'm loving this calm-inducing oil which is free from parabens, sulphates and fragrance oils.  I love using it just before bedtime to relax and calm. It has a lovely light lavender scent.

It's perfect for sore sensitive skin types, eczema, psoriasis and sunburn (so one to pack for the summer hols). 

What's your favourite Bathing Beauty product?

Friday 26 June 2015

June Empties

I've got through loads of products this month and I'm not going to use anything else up so my empties post is a little bit early this month:



A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis Leave-in Conditioner 150ml - really loved this and would buy again for sure.  It lasted ages.

Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hair Cleanser 30ml - lovely to use although I missed a bit of lather. See my review here. Not sure if I'd buy full size although I simply loved the Golden Citrus 4 in 1 Conditioner 30ml - it's on the wishlist!

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g - a staple and a buy-again and again and again product. Already got some more in my stash.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 60ml - this was lovely to use. Will probably pick this up again sometime.

Nourish Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser 50ml* - I didn't get to finish this as it had gone off! I loved this. See my review here.  I've got a couple of sample pots to use.

RMS 'un' Powder - this is a staple for me. I'm already into a new one.

LJ's Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml x 2 - this is a another staple for me and a bit of an addiction! See my review here. Just opened a new one.



bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20 shade 07 30ml - I really liked this foundation and will buy again.

LJ's Soothing Organic Handbag Hand Lotion 8g - a rich and nourishing lotion. See my review here. Too many hand creams to use up right now but I'd consider buying it in future.

Beatitude Patience Bath Oil sample - gorgeous! See my review here. I'll be adding full size to my wishlist.

Inner Soul Organics Romance Me Skin Oil sample - huge Inner Soul Organics fan and love this body oil.  See my review here.

Eminence Sweet Red Rose Treatment Masque 1/2oz - this was scented deeply of rose and looked like strawberry jam!  It was nice to try out but probably wouldn't purchase full size as there are other masks I prefer.  See my review here.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 2oz - this is one of my favourite body oils of all time. See my review here. I can luckily say I've got a back up of this in my stash which I've just cracked open.

Ruth Romano Lemongrass Dead Sea Bath Soak 400g* - I simply loved these bath salts. They smelled divine and made bathtime a total pleasure. Will buy soon. Very reasonably priced too! See my review here.



HAND Fig Organic Shea Butter Soap - I won this in Evelyn's giveaway a while back. Was lovely to use and smelled delicious. Still got a second one to use!

AMBRE Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Bath Oil 15ml - this was lovely to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml* - a beautiful nourishing oil which I now want full size!

AS.AP Cleansing Oil 25ml* - I'm so sad this is finished as I loved it. See my review here. Will definitely buy at some point.

The Body Deli Jasmine Tuberose Nutrient Hand & Body Wash 8oz* - this is simply divine and I'm so sad I've finished it! Will definitely buy. See my review here.

SAMPLES:


Leonor Greyl Volumising Shampoo for Long, Thin & Limp Hair 16ml - this seemed an okay product but didn't love it so wouldn't buy.

Hairy Jayne Deep Cleansing Shampoo sachet - huge Hairy Jayne fan. See my previous review here.

Rahua Shower Gel 12ml sachet - this was ok. Had a gentle lather and mild minty scent a bit like murray mint sweets. Nothing special. Wouldn't buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Thursday 25 June 2015

Beauteque June's Mask Maven

Beauteque offer a couple of monthly subscriptions with Mask Maven* being one of them. The other is the BB Bag.  What you will receive every month is a variety of masks (between 9-11). This month's theme is anti-ageing.


You can subscribe month to month, subscribe for 3 months, 6 months or 12 months which you pre-pay.

If you subscribe monthly you pay on the 20th of the month and if you subscribe after the 10th of the month you will receive the next month's bag (subscribe 11th July you will receive the August bag).

month to month $16 (just over £10)
3 months $16/month (just over £10)
6 months $15/month (just over £9)
12 months $14/month (nearly £9)

International shipping is $8.95 a month (£5.70) and bags are posted out from the 20th of the month.

I'm looking forward to trying the masks out!  I think it is a lovely selection. You can see the huge variety available here.  All the masks this month are sheet masks.


Inside the June Mask Maven:

Fresh Pomegranate 3W Clinic Mask - this mask can help reduce inflammation and protect from sun damage.

It's Skin Blueberry Mask - is good for treating acne, blotchy skin and damaged skin cells.

Nature Republic Avocado Mask - helps with sun damage and keeps skin moisturised.

Nature Republic Royal Jelly Mask - this mask deeply moisturises the skin and can help the skin look younger.

Medicos Pure Snail Essential Mask - this mask moisturises and hydrates protecting from future damage.

Tosowang Pure Mask Propolis - encourages cell growth and repairs damaged skin.

3W Clinic Red Gingseng Mask - this increases blood circulation and helps with under eye circles and puffiness.

My Beauty Diary Imperial Bird's Nest Mask - this mask brightens, hydrates and repairs.

The Face Shop Sparking Wine Mask - this helps to exfoliate and cleanse the skin.

Fuller reviews will follow when I've tried them out. 

*PR sample

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

I received a sample of Indie Lee's Brightening Cleanser in the S/S '15 Sampler Box. I'm a huge fan of Indie's range and have previously tried - Squalane Facial Oil*Vanilla Citrus Moisturising Oil*Blemish Lotion and Rosehip Cleanser & Lemongrass & Calendula Body Lotion*.


Full size is 4oz and costs £24.95. This trial size is a great try me size or for holidays. It has a delicious strawberry scent - yum! The cleansing gel easily removes make up and daily grime as well as clearing the pores and leaving the skin refreshed and clean.

The cleanser contains Strawberry Oil, an antioxidant and exfoliator which helps to leave the skin looking brighter and clearer.

I've been using it in my morning shower mainly and it has an uplifting and happy scent. To use: apply to damp skin, massage and rinse.

Have you tried this cleanser?  What's your favourite Indie Lee product?

*PR samples

Tuesday 23 June 2015

A surprise parcel from Tracey at Face Up Beauty

I recently sent Tracey a decant of the Alteya Organics Bulgarian Rose Hair Treatment along with some samples. See her post here. She was super naughty (but kind!) and send me some Balance Me decants and some other goodies she enjoys for me to enjoy!


Here's what she sent:

Decants of the new Balance Me Collagen Boost Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser (which is lush!) and their new Protect & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner (see Tracey's thoughts here). I'm loving both of these and the shampoo smells really uplifting.

A cute little Heyland & Whittle Bed of Roses soap with teeny rosebuds, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil (a particular favourite with Tracey), a tub of STEAM CREAM (a favourite with me too) and a Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Eye Rescue Rollerball which helps reduce puffiness, tired eyes and dark circles.

Thanks again, Tracey - such a lovely box to receive. Looking forward to testing everything out.

Follow Tracey on Twitter @FaceUpBeauty

Monday 22 June 2015

I Do's by Lucy Annabella Organics: Hen Treats

Lucy Annabella Organics have recently launched an exquisite range of luxury gift boxes for brides and their bridesmaids.  All are super luxe!

Pick from..
The Honeymoon Secret (£50) - Adore Organic Treatment Oil (125ml) & Adore Aromatic Candle (65g)

For My New Wife (£180) - Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil (125ml), Antioxidant Aromatic Moisturiser with Geranium & Frankincense (200ml), Time Out Organic Bath Milk (125m) and Bergamot & Palmarosa Aromatic Candle (200g)


Bridesmaid Soothing Remedy (£40) - Lavender & Neroli Aromatic Candle, Soothing Organic Bath Milk (15ml) & Soothing Organic Treatment Oil (15ml)

Other gifts include: Bride's Body Lift (£50), Bride's Restful Aid (£50), Adore your Bridesmaid (£40) and the very gorgeous gift for your hens Hen Treats (£15)

Hen Treats* are presented in a cute keepsake cotton bag and includes:



Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil 10ml (review)
Time Out Organic Bath Milk 10ml
Antioxidant Aromatic Geranium & Frankincense Body Moisturiser 20ml



I think this would be a lovely thoughtful gift for your Hens (or even perfect as a small gift). The bags can also be customised too which I think is a nice touch.

*PR sample

Sunday 21 June 2015

Itha Organic Lip Glow

Kelly, founder of Itha got in touch with me to see if I fancied trying her gorgeous lip product Organic Lip Glow (6ml) which are available in a range of colours. The balms are stuffed full of nourishing organic ingredients and give a subtle wash of colour as well as moisturising the lips.


I was sent two of the lip glows in Cherished (Vegan) which gives the lips a pinkish berry colour and Sweet Bomb a light candy pink. Sweet Bomb (Vegetarian) has been shortlisted in the FreeFrom SkinCare Awards 2015, the winners of which will be announced at the Love Natural Organic Show on 3 July at Olympia.  Good luck Itha and Kelly!

If you are attending the show there is an extra special offer available buy one Lip Glow (£8.50) and get the second half price.

See the website here.

*pr samples

Saturday 20 June 2015

Ravenscourt Apothecary: Indian Jasmine Bath Salts & Fragrance Sampler

I was browsing through twitter looking for #GreenBeautySwap when I came across what Tamara sent to Modesta way back in January. I was totally blown away with how gorgeous the products looked and went to investigate.

Of course I had to have a little purchase...


Ravenscourt Apothecary was launched by Tanya in 2013 and her beautiful products are inspired by Victorian literature, a love of tea and nature. Products are hand made in small batches with love and natural ingredients in her studio.

The selection available are - bath salts, soaps, perfumes. body butters, salves and lip balms.  The botanical perfumes don't last as long on the skin as they are natural and contain no chemical fixatives.

I chose Indian Jasmine Bath Salts (£8 - 250g) which are made with Himalayan Pink Salt blended with dried jasmine petals and jasmine essential oil. These smell incredible and I'm looking forward to trying!


I'm also looking forward to testing out the Women's Fragrance Sampler (£10 - 4 x 1ml) - scents which are inspired by literary heroines.

Alice - neroli jasmine, mandarin
Jane Eyre - rose, bergamot, clary sage
Elizabeth Bennet - basil, anise, lemon and mandarin
Anne of Avonlea - Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Sweet mandarin

Have you tried any Ravenscourt Apothecary Products before?

Thursday 18 June 2015

Earth Conscious Natural Deodorant


I was recently sent an Earth Conscious Natural Deodorant (Citrus) (£4.99 - 60g)* to try and review. I can quite honestly say this is a fantastic product. I've been using it over the warm weather recently and this deodorant has kept me dry and fresh all day long. 

The deodorants are hand made by two work at home mums using natural organic ingredients and are free from parabens, aluminium and synthetic fragrances. 

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Arrowroot, Sodium Bicarbonate, Organic Shea Butter, Beeswax and Organic Orange and Lemon Oils.

The packaging is really holiday friendly (or for applying after the gym) and easy to recycle.

Have you used this product? What's your favourite natural deodorant?

*sent for review

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Love Lula Beauty Box - June 2015

My Love Lula Beauty Box arrived yesterday and it's a goodie! This is my last box for a while as I have so many bits and pieces to use up (and have had to chuck a few products which have gone off eeek!) 


So what's inside:

Saach Organics Strengthening Shampoo with Basil, Hibiscus and Peppermint 50ml and Mint and Rosemary Shower Gel 50ml - this is a brand I've fancied trying for a while so I'm pleased to see these trial sizes in the box.

NATOrigin Eyeliner Pencil in Black (£7.25) and a mini Hand & Nail Cream sample (4ml).

JOIK Lip Balm which nourishes and nurtures the lips (£5.50). It's scented with Orange Essential Oil and Balm Balm Fragrance Free Face Balm (£6.99) which is a multi-purpose product - use on dry areas on the face, lips, hands, feet and great for flyaways.

I'm really pleased with the contents of the box this month. What are your thoughts?

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Take 5: Skincare

These five products are the ones I'm reaching for right now.


Skin & Tonic STEAM CLEAN - I simply love this minty scented balm which whisks away daily grime and make up leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Hydrating Toner* - one of my favourite toners. Easy to spritz on for a shot of hydration and to refresh the skin before moisturising. See my review here.

de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil - I fell in love with the Spring Seasonal Facial Oil - see my review here. The summer one is equally as special - expect a review soon!

Josh Rosebrook Oculus Formula* - quite probably the best eye treatment I've ever used. See my review here.

Pai Copaiba Deep Cleansing AHA Mask* - a gentle yet deeply cleansing mask and one of my current favourite treats. See my review here.

What products do you currently find yourself reaching for time and again?

*PR samples

Monday 15 June 2015

COOLA launches at a beautiful world

COOLA has just launched at a beautiful world. It's a high performance range of sun care products made with up to 97% of certified organic ingredients. 

Get 10% off with code COOLA10

I was sent the very fabulous Mineral Face SPF20 Rose Essence Tinted Moisturiser (50ml - £29.95)* which leaves the skin with a sheer wash of colour while protecting from UV rays. It is water resistant for up to 40 minutes, the tinted formula suits most skin tones leaving the skin looking flawless and protected.  Since receiving it I've been using it most days and it's a product I'll buy again.


COOLA's Lip Lux SPF15 Vanilla Peppermint (£10) is a lush lip balm scented with Peppermint and a hint of Vanilla. It deeply nourishes the lips and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.  It would be great for summer or for a skiing holiday.  Tastes yummy and leaves the lips feeling cared for and soft.

I'm going to pick up their Cucumber Melon Body Lotion Bar (78g - £18) soon.

Have you tried COOLA before? Are you tempted by anything in the range?

*PR samples

Sunday 14 June 2015

Green Beauty Swap with Elegantly Eco

Ria at NatuRia Beauty organises a #GreenBeautySwap twice a year. This time I was paired with Hazel at Elegantly Eco. We decided a budget and I asked if I could specifically have Acure's Energizing Body Lotion after seeing it on Julie's blog (and really wanting it!) The rest is a selection of Canadian goodies all of which I love. Thanks Hazel - I hope your parcel arrives with you soon!  Full reviews will follow when I've tried the products out. 




First up is a gorgeous Lavender & Calendula Hand Lotion 100ml made by Flowers to Fragrance, a Canadian company.  This is easily absorbed and a natural and fresh handmade item which smells lovely. It leaves the hands feeling deeply nourished. Love!

I'm really loving the Acure Energizing Body Lotion 235ml which again absorbs easily leaving the skin scented with mandarin orange. Uplifting and perfect for summertime. Huge thanks to Hazel for sourcing it for me!


This next trio of products are all amazing and I can't wait to try them out.  First up, Lavina Skincare 100% Pure & Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil Hydrating Facial Serum 10ml (you know how much I love skincare so I'm super keen to try this out!) As ever full reviews will follow. 

Next up is Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser & Make up Remover 30ml which is great for all skin types. It's really lovely and I can't wait to try it! 

Thirdly, Lavina 100% Pure & Organic Argan Hair 10ml which can be used on wet or dry hair. Another I can't wait to try.


Sappho Organic Natural Lips Gloss - a really pretty shade (Hazey Dew) & one I'd have chosen myself along with a Sweet Hailey Eyeshadow.

I love bars of soap so was pleased to see one by Olive Authentique - Dead Sea Mud - it smells fab.



And some samples too!


A selection of foundation samples by Sappho Organics and a deliciously minty The Parkdale Butter Co Body butter.

Thanks Hazel really love everything and thanks to Ria for organising. Did you take part in #GreenBeautySwap?

Saturday 13 June 2015

Naturisimo Travel Essentials Discovery Box

Naturisimo have recently had some brilliant discovery boxes - their latest one - Travel Essentials Discovery Box* is jam packed full of mini products perfect for your summer hols. Buy yours HERE at only £9.95 including P&P. The box is available while stocks last.



Inside is:

A 5ml sachet of Caudalie's Divine Legs Tinted Body Lotion which is the perfect solution for a sun-free natural tan.  Also by Caudalie is Divine Oil 15ml which is a must try multi-purpose dry oil - use it on your body, face, hair or nails. A perfect multi-tasking holiday product.

I'm a huge fan of Dr Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap (I must confess my favourite scent is Peppermint closely followed by Lavender) but I'll be packing this Rose travel size (59ml) for my holidays. I tend to use it to clean the bath or my make up brushes but it is also great to use as a shower gel (you can even clean your teeth with it!)

Next up is Giovanni's Tea Tree Shampoo (60ml) and 50/50 Balancing Conditioner (60ml). I've used the shampoo before and loved it. It feels really zingy and deeply cleans the hair. The conditioner is perfect for dry and sun damaged hair adding moisture and shine.

balance me Moisture Rich Face Cream (25ml) I find in summer my skin needs a bit extra moisture and this cream is perfect. It deeply hydrates and rejuvenates the skin and smells gorgeous (it contains essential oils of rose absolute and rose geranium - love) leaving the skin nourished and radiant.

The final item in this fab kit is Barefoot SOS face & body rescue cream (25ml) which is 99% vegan. It's great for dry and irritable skin on the face and body. I think it would be great to use if your skin has had a bit too much sun.

Do you think you'll pick the box up?

*PR sample

Friday 12 June 2015

The Perfume Society: Hidden Treasures Discovery Box

My Hidden Treasures Discovery Box arrived yesterday (many thanks to my neighbour who took it in for me!)  It is packed full of well known and new fragrances along with a couple of very welcome extras (this box is unisex - an acknowledgement to the 30% of VIP subscribers who are men!).

Sign up for a yearly subscription and each discovery box you subsequently buy is a tenner including P&P or pay as you go at £15 including P&P.  The sample vials are all around 1-2ml and this collection also includes a mini 5ml bottle.



The extras this month are AD Skin Synergy Night Treatment Facial Oil 5ml (review) and a 25g travel tube of 'cult' toothpaste Couto.

The first scent I tried was Bex London SW1X which is an Oud Rose which has notes of mandarin, lemon, bergamot, basil, pink pepper, clove, rose, saffron, muget, frankincense, jasmine myrrh, osmanthus with a hint of bank note. This is floral chypre with a spicy note and I love it! 

I'm a huge Miller Harris fan and pleased to see Cassis en feuille EDP a fruity floral which has notes of bergamot, galbanum, blackcurrant, geranium, tomato leaf, cedarwood and musk. It has a lush and fresh scent and is perfect for summer.

Next to jump out at me is Atelier Cologne Santal Carmin, a woody scent which opens with a burst of lime. It's a sensual scent with notes of bergamot, limette, saffron, sandalwood, gaiac wood, white musk, papyrus, cedarwood and vanilla.

Pierre Bourdon La fin d'un ete is a floral with a top note of ginger, a heart of jasmine and a base of patchouli. This is a beautiful and unusual scent which also has fruity notes. Looking forward to wearing this one!

Next up is Jean Patou Joy Forever a floral with notes of bergamot, mandarin, galbanum, rose, jasmine, orris, marigold, orange flower, peach, sandalwood, white musk, cedarwood and amber. I have to say I've never tried the original Joy perfume! This is a modern take with May rose and Jasmine from the original perfume. It is fresh, up-to-date and vibrant and another that I love.

Van Cleef & Arpels Precious Oud another one from the wood family. With top notes of bergamot, pink peppercorns and incense, middle notes of jasmine and tuberose with base notes of oud, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver and amber. This is beautiful. Love the huge rich hit of jasmine and tuberose. Looking forward to testing this one out.

Annick Goutal's L'ile au The is really fresh with notes of mandarin, tea absolute, osmanthus and white musks which is inspired by a paradise island. A perfect scent for hot summer days. There is a note within that I find really intense.

Fortnum & Mason 1707 Noir is a woody scent and has top notes of pink berries, cinnamon, grapefruit, nutmeg and cumin with heart notes of oudh, saffron and cashmere. Base notes are white musk, amber, vanilla and sandalwood. I was expecting this to be too masculine but I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Illuminum Vetiver Oud another woody one with notes of bergamot, vetiver, myrrh, patchouli and Madras oudh. This one is quite powerful and it contains a note I'm not sure I like. It also is quite powdery on me which I'm not keen on. 

Penhaligon's Malabah is from the Oriental family and is super spicy. It has notes of lemon, Earl Grey tea, coriander leaf, ginger, nutmeg, cardamon, rose, orris, sweet amber, sandalwood and musk.

Did you pick up one of the boxes? What are your thoughts on the contents?