Love Me Beauty Box December 2015

It has been quite some time since I subscribed to a Love me Beauty Box and they have changed hugely in that time. When this month's options popped up on my bloglovin feed, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist. Each month you are allocated 60 points to choose from their boutique, but you can top up these points if there is something that really takes your fancy.

 

What caught my eye are the products from Therapie Roques ONeal. I topped up my points, and with a half price box offer I managed to snag all of these products for an amazing price of less than £20.

I have had my eye on the Therapie Roques ONeil range for quite so time. I must admit that aromatherapy based products are a huge weakness of mine. The products are Boost Hair & Body Wash, Equilibrium Bath & Shower Essence, Cherish Body Repair Serum, and Restore Aura Spray. Each mini bottle contains a generous 30-50mls of product, so will allow me to get a good feel for them.

 I absolutely love the Himalayan Detox Salts and always have one of the mini bags in my stash. My box only came yesterday, so I haven't had chance to try them properly yet. Everything is package beautifully and smells wonderful. I am very much looking forward to having a very luxurious pampering session with these.

Focus on Serums

Like many of you, I have quite the stash of products. I thought I would write another post focusing on a type of product. This time I have chosen some of the serums that I am currently enjoying. 

This is my second little pot of Herbfarmacy's Mallow Beauty Balm, so it is safe to say this is a firm favourite. Although this is a balm, it performs very much like a serum. It can be used as a cleanser, but I much prefer to use this as a serum. I absolutely love the fragrance of this.

 

This is another product that has a very rich formula. It really does only need to be used sparingly. I used this all through last Winter and be skin thanked me for it. This is something I will turn to, when the temperature drops. I also like to use a thin layer of this as a barrier, when I run in the cold weather. It also works particularly well after swimming when the chlorine has sucked all the life out of my skin. Although it comes in a glass jar, it is robust enough to cope with being thrown in my gym bag.

 

 Ingredients: *Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, *Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, *Cera flava (Beeswax), *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), *Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) root extract, *Calendula officinalis flower extract, *Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) extract, *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) extract, *Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium) leaf oil, *Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) peel oil, *Cananga odorata (Ylang ylang) flower oil, *linalool, *limonene, *geraniol, *eugenol (Essential oil ingredients)* = Organic

I have tried one or two products from FOM and have been especially impressed with their skincare. Their Overnight Rose Repair Serum is something that I use couple of nights a week as an intensive treatment.

 

FOM are a brand which focus on Anti-aging. The Overnight Serum is full of nutrients, fatty acids and vitamins and works wonders on my skin overnight. It really does brighten my skin and makes it so much softer. For me in my late thirties, this works well a couple of nights a week. If your skin is much mature would be a great product to use more regularly.

 

Simmondsia Chinesis, Rosa Rubiginosa, Persea Gratissima, Passiflora edulis, Sclerocarya birrea, Hippophae rhamnoides, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ricinodendron rautanenii, Plukentia volubilis, Tocopherol, *parfum (natural) *geraniol, limonene, linalool, citral, eugenol, farnesol, citronellol (naturally occurring in essential oils).

I have almost finished my sample of Pinks Boutique Anti-Aging Serum. I have been enjoying using this in the daytime. This feels such a luxurious product to use

 

The Anti-Aging Serum has a rich and nourishing formula.The star ingredients being Rosehip, Avocado, Jojoba and Apricot oils. I am definitely drawn to products with these ingredients, as I find they work well for my skin. I love how this plumps my skin. I have found that in the milder weather we have currently had, that I haven't needed to use a moisturiser on top of this.

I am also impressed with how quickly it absorbs, given it's rich formula

 

 Ingredients: Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, rosa canina fruit oil*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, camellia sinensis leaf extract*, parfum*; lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil,* pelargonium graveolens flower oil*, pogostemon cablin oil*, cananga odorata flower oil*, tocopherol, citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool**, (*CERTIFIED ORGANIC.) (**NATURAL CONSTITUENTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS.)

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser.

I got this sample of Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser a while back as part of a gift with purchase from Being Content. Therapi are a brand I was aware of, but hadn't tried any of their products.

 

Therapi say that their cleansing gels are made with honey to naturally cleanse and purify the skin, without drying it. The Orange Blossom is designed with normal skin in mind. If I had bought this myself I would have chosen the Rose Otto as my skin is on the dry side. Having said that I have been pleasantly surprised at just how gentle this is. I have found this to be a pretty effective cleanser, although it doesn't quite remove all my eye make up. I tend to use this either first thing in the morning or as a second cleanse, and find it works really well like this. I particularly like using a konjac sponge with it.

 

As a huge fan of citrus, it is not surprising that I love the fragrance. It reminds me of sherbet orange. It is a soft and sweet scent, that doesn't linger around. The Orange Blossom cleanser lathers slightly, so there is no risk of stripping the skin of moisture.

 

I have to say I also really like the packaging, it is sleek and functional. The pump allows you to remain in control of how much is dispensed, and it hasn't clogged or dripped everywhere.

 

I would happily recommend this to others and would buy this again. I do want to try the Rose Otto at some point too.

 

Aqua, Mel (Honey)*, Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Gluconolactone, Xanthan Gum, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Yucca Schidigera (Y. Vera) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil*, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Parfum*, Limonene+, Linalool+, Citral+  * Organic   + Naturally occurs in essential oils

Empties November 2015

I have finally got around to November's Empties. I don't seem to have had a spare minute lately. I am sure everybody feels like this at this time of year.

Elemental Herbology Facial Detox is a lovely gentle mask. I enjoyed using this but much prefer their Facial Glow Radiance Peel so would buy that instead.

 

Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner. I got a couple of uses from the vial. I though it was nice but wasn't blown away by it, so probably wouldn't buy the full size.

 

Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil on the other hand I loved, and the full size is on my wishlist.

 

Can you tell I am steadily working my way through my Beautiful World box yet? I was also very impressed with my sample of Get It On body wash by Plant. I loved the fragrance and definitely want to try more from the brand.

 

One Love Organics Skin Saviour. This is one of my all time favourite cleansing balms. It also makes a very good facial mask. I have a couple of the sample pots of this.

 

Neals Yard Remedies White Tea Facial Mist. This is another product that I loved and would happily buy a replacement for.

Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost. I really wanted to like this as everyone seems to rave over it. It didn't love me. I don't know quite what, but something irritates my skin. I haven't finished this, but have given it up as a bad job.

 

Ila pure Relaxation Bath Soak. I loved this. It is so calming. I have already bought a replacement.

 

Caudalie Divine Oil. I really liked how soft this left my skin, but found the fragrance overpowering. I won't be repurchasing this.

 

Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash. These crop up pretty regularly in my Empties posts. I really like these and will continue to repurchase.

Botanicals Foot Balm

I have featured Botanicals a few times on my blog, and it's no secret that I have quite a soft spot for them. Today I am going to share my thoughts on their Foot Balm.

 

I find Botanicals so appealing as they use simple, good quality ingredients and their products are always such good value for money. Products are made by hand and are certified by The Soil Associtation.

 

 The Foot Balm is no exception to this. The formula is as you would expect, rich and nourishing. It needs only be used sparingly, yet leaves my feet beautifully soft. It has a lovely soft texture, which melts easily with contact with the skin. In terms of consistency it reminds me very much of their cleansing balms.

 

I like the combination of Spearmint and Peppermint, as it is sweeter and softer than peppermint alone. Although the Tea Tree is in the background, it doesn't dominate the fragrance. Much as I appreciate it's naturally antibacterial benefits, it will never be my favourite aroma.

 

It is easy to see why this won silver in the FreeFrom Awards, this really is a fantastic product which I would happily buy again.

 

Ingredients:-

 Helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, glycerine***, tocopherol, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil*, mentha spicata (spearmint) leaf oil*, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), leaf oil*, zea mays seed flour*, limonene**, **linalool. (*Certified organic. **Natural constituents of essential oils. ***Organic origin.)

Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil.

 I think the sample of Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil was the product I was most excited to receive in the ABW Autumn/Winter sampler box. Now that I have finished my sample I thought I would share my thoughts.

 

Indie Lee products consistently get good reviews from other bloggers. Made simply with squalane derived from olives and nothing else, this is the ultimate minimalist product. The Squalane Facial Oil claims to improve skin elasticity, even skin tone and boost cell regeneration. I had high hopes for this.

 

My little sample has lasted me almost 3 weeks of daily use, so I cant make any comments about cell regeneration. I have to say in all honesty I am a little sceptical about such claims, as how an earth would you be able to tell? What would you measure it against? Joking aside, what I can say is that this is a very good oil indeed.

 

The Squalane Facial Oil is odourless, and has a lovely silky texture. It needs only be used very sparingly, one to two drops really is all that is needed. Used like this, it gives such a healthy glow to the skin, use too much and it does make the skin look like shine city. It absorbs very quickly and makes a great base for make up. I like to use one drop in the morning and two drops at night.

 

What I want from my skincare, is something that perks my skin up, that makes it look brighter and delivers enough moisture. I also want something that I can afford to buy regularly. I think that the Squalane Facial oil delivers on all these points. The full size is definitely on my wish list.

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to win a giveaway hosted by Sandra. As a huge fan of Weleda, their Arnica Muscle Soak had been on my wish list for quite some time. I was very excited when my parcel arrived.

 

I had heard lots of positive feedback about Weleda's Arnica range. As someone who runs a lot, a product which soothes the mind as well as the muscles is obviously very appealing, especially after a long run or over doing it at the gym. I wasted no time in putting it to the test.

 

I would say that the fragrance is mainly from the Rosemary, and that it is one that most people would associate with this kind of product. I am pleased to say that this really does work. I think this is one of the most effective bath soaks I have tried for relieving muscle aches, and out performs products that I own with considerably higher price tags. What surprised me most about the bath soak, is how wonderfully relaxing it is. I would therefore whole heartedly recommend this to help with a good night's sleep.

 

I have used a capful in my bath most nights since I received this and have probably used a third of my bottle. I wouldn't say that this is a cheap product, but it is very good value given the quality of ingredients and how long it lasts. I can genuinely see this being a staple in my collection and have already bought a back up bottle (courtesy of a recent Naturisimo discount code).

 

Thanks again Sandra for introducing me to this.

 

 Aqua(Water), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Potassium Olivate/Sunflowerseedate, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Alcohol, Arnica montana Flower Extract, Betula alba (Birch) Leaf Extract, Limonene*, Linalool*. *From natural essential oils

Pure Natural Beauty Box (Second Edition).

Today I received my Pure Natural Beauty Box. This is a beauty box which is released every quarter. Contents are available to view beforehand, and you can purchase on the release date. There is no subscription. My box was priced at £25 with £3.95 delivery. I think this is exceptional value for money.

The first item alone covers the price of the box. I have tried a sample of Bodhi & Birch's Rosa Rosa Clarifying Cleanser and loved it so I am thrilled to have the full size.

 

I have heard a lot of good things about Greenfrog Botanicals but have yet to try any of their products. The Neroli and Lime Handwash smells amazing and I am sure I will enjoy using this.

I am a huge fan of Weleda's skin care but haven't tried any of their dental range. Included is a full size Ratanhia Toothpaste and a Woobamboo toothbrush. I look forward to trying these.

The final items are sample sizes of Green Peoples Age Defy + 24HR Brightening Moisturiser and Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator. I have tried these before and really like them both. They are nice sizes to use when travelling.

 

Fresh Therapies is another brand I have heard a lot about but am yet to try. The box includes a sample of their Natural Nail Polish Remover and a mini dry wipe. Again I am pleased to be able to try this.

 

I am very impressed with the second edition and will definitely look for the third edition when it is released.

Empties October 2015

October is a much more satisfying month in terms of Empties, especially as there are a few full sizes in there too. 

Bodhi & Birch crop up pretty regularly in my Empties posts. Mint The Bath & Shower Therapy is so refreshing and is brilliant either in hotter weather or after exercise. I will buy this again.

 

Initially I liked the fragrance of John Masters Organics Geranium & Grapefruit Body Milk, but somehow this reacted with my skin and just didn't suit me. I won't repurchase this.,

 

Balmology are a brand I have wanted to try for ages. Although I liked the sample of Exotic Rose Beauty Oil I wasn't blown away by it. I have other oils that I feel give me better results so wouldn't buy the full size.

 

My second Bodhi & Birch product is their Flora Paridiso De-Stress Massage Oil. I absolutely love this. I think it is probably my favourite product from them. I already have back ups of this. 

 

I reviewed John Masters Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo earlier in the month and really liked it. Would possibly buy again.

I have quite a soft spot for Skin Blossom. Their products are so affordable. Whilst I wasn't hugely keen on the fragrance of the Facial Toner I think it performed well and was perfect to use when mixing face masks. I would happily buy this again.

 

Balm Balm is another favourite brand. I reviewed their Little Miracle Rosehip Serum a while back and loved it. Balm Balm consistently prove that you can buy product with high quality ingredients and not spend a fortune. The only thing I would want to change is for it to have a pump applicator as I managed to break the pipette. Would buy this again.

 

I also reviewed Valia's Purifying Face Wash fairly recently and again was very impressed with it. It doesn't seem to be very easy to get hold of in the UK.

 

I am so sad to have finished my Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm. It is one of the best cleansers I have tried. It is fantastic value for money and lasts ages. I really want to buy this again but I must use some of my other cleansers up first.

 

Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream is another product my skin loved. I will undoubtedly buy more from Balance Me in the future.

Suki Tinted Active Moisturiser was simply too dark for my skin tone. This just wasn't for me.

 

I loved the effect Green People Age-Defy Tinted DD Moisturiser gave my skin, and I think this is one of the best tinted moisturisers I have tried. I perhaps wouldn't buy the full size as I just wouldn't use it often enough, but will happily pick up the samples from Naturisimo.

 

Funny Bee Pretty BB Cream on the other hand is the worst. It has a horrible waxy texture and looks so patchy. I washed it straight off. It's not often I say I hated a product but I am afraid this is the case here.

 

I really enjoyed JMO Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo but felt I had better results from the Lavender/Rosemary shampoo. 

A Beautiful World Autumn/Winter Beauty Box

It's that time of year again, that always creates a buzz in the green bloggers world. Yesterday was the release of  the abeautifulworld Autumn/Winter Beauty Box. These always sell out super fast and are completely pot luck as to what they contain.

The first item is a 30ml sample of Get It On body wash by Plant. I seem to recall that there were one or two full sizes of this in the last box. Fragranced with Ginger, Sandalwood and Cedarwood this smells lovely.

 

A 30ml sample of S.W Basics Makeup Remover which is made with sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and olive oil. This can also be used as a light moisturiser.

 

A full size S.W.Basics lipbalm in Peppermint.

The bigger bottle is a 30ml sample of YTTP cleanser. This brand is a new arrival to ABW. Made with Spinach, kale and green tea, this is full of antioxidants. I am looking forward to trying this.

 

The first vial is a sample of Indie Lee's CoQ-10 Toner which is said to hydrate, brighten and tighten the skin. I love the smell of this.

 

The second vial is the product I am most excited about and was secretly hoping I would receive. I have wanted to try the Squalane Facial Oil for ages, expect a review soon.

The Body Deli samples are the Living Hair Sprouted Greens Shampoo and Conditioner. I am curious to see how these perform as my hair is notoriously hard to please.

 

The one item I don't think I will use is the false eyelashes by Helen Dowsley. I feel like a real party pooper by saying this, but false eyelashes are just a faff that I can't be bothered with.

 

The final item is a nail lacquer by Intensae. The shade I received is Muse, which is really pretty. It will be perfect for the upcoming Festive season. It is still far too early to mention the "C" word.

 

I love the hustle and bustle that the ABW boxes bring. I think that they are fantastic value for money and a good way of showcasing the store. If I am being totally honest I am not completely blown away by this box, but that is because I have preferred the contents of previous boxes. I am really looking forward to seeing what everyone else got in their boxes, so if you bought one leave me a link so I can have a snoop.

 

Swell Ultimate Volume Masque

Finding cleaner hair care has been one of the things I have found to be really hit and miss. Thanks to the recent Hair care boxes from Naturisimo I have found a few products that have impressed me. Swell's Ultimate Volume Masque  is one of those products.

 

Having long, fine hair, I find a lot of products either weigh my hair down or make it look greasy. I find a lot of products, especially intensive conditioners and oils too heavy for my hair. For the most I have overcome this by using a leave in conditioner, but I was missing the benefit of a weekly treatment. 

 

I have used the mask weekly for about 5 weeks, and still have a huge amount of product left. The instructions tell you how much product to use and for how long according to the length of your hair. To be honest I have found I don't need to use quite as much as they suggest. I see this lasting me a very long time.

 

 The formula is rich and hydrating, but is light at the same time. It is unlike any other hair product I have tried before. It doesn't weigh my hair down. It leaves my hair very soft and easy to manage and has started to look fuller. I have never quite had results like this before, so I am very impressed. I have already bought another one and am planning to try the rest of the range.

 

Ingredients taken from the website:-

Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Bisethyl (Isostearylimidazoline) Isostearamide, Behentrimonium Chloride, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, Pelargonium, Graveolens Flower Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Niacinamide, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Hydrolysed Lupine Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Oat Beta Glucan, Cedrus Deodara Wood Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Pyridoxine Hci, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Gluconolactone, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Calcium Gluconate, Linalool*, Limonene*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Citral*.

Green People Fruit Scrub Exfoliator.

An exfoliator is an important part of my beauty regime, even more so as we move into colder months. It is probably the one that I tend to forget to mention. I have tried quite a few products from Green People so today I thought I would share my thoughts on their Fruit Scrub Exfoliator.

 

I know a lot of people are put off by manual face scrubs. They have a bad reputation for being overly harsh and for being full of plastic microbeads. When they are done right however, they are so much more gentle. I trust Green People, as they always use ingredients which are kind to the skin as well as to the environment. There are no microbeads to be found here.

 

 I have found this to be very true of the Fruit Scrub Exfoliator. The particles of apricot seed are just the right size to be an effective exfoliator, without being too abrasive. It tackles dry patches very effectively, leaving my skin super soft and brighter in appearance.

 

This has a lovely citrus fragrance thanks to the addition of mandarin peel oil, lemon peel oil and bergamot. For my dry skin this works beautifully. I always find citrus aromas to lift my mood, so this is a good product when I want to give my skin a little pick me up. I know that citrus oils are often a trigger for some, so in this case this perhaps wouldn't be suitable.

 

Ingredients taken from the website:-

AQUA (SPRING WATER), OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) SEED POWDER, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL*, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER*^, GLYCERIN* (VEGETABLE DERIVED), SQUALANE (FROM OLIVE OIL), CETYL ALCOHOL (EMULSIFYING PLANT WAX), CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), CETEARYL ALCOHOL (EMULSIFYING PLANT WAX), ELAEIS GUINEENSIS (PALM) OIL*^, GLYCERYL STEARATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL*, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT*, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (MARSHMALLOW) ROOT EXTRACT*, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) WATER*, HYDROLYSED JOJOBA ESTERS (FROM JOJOBA OIL), AROMA [LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) HERB OIL*^, CITRUS NOBILIS (MANDARIN) PEEL OIL*, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL*^, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) PEEL OIL*], CITRIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SALICYLIC ACID, SORBIC ACID, LIMONENE*, LINALOOL*, CITRAL*, GERANIOL*. *88.6% ORGANIC, ^FAIRLY TRADED

Focus on Toners.

Today I thought I would share my thoughts on some of the toners I have in my collection. I tend to keep my reviews to products which have impressed me, and this is true of all three of these products. I would just vary what purpose I use them for.

 

Neals Yard Remedies White Tea Facial Mist was given to me by the lovely Annie from Hello Purple Clouds when we did our beauty swap. NYR describe it as being a gentle facial mist to calm, refresh and rehydrate the skin. This gives a super fine mist and really does calm the skin when I have felt hot and bothered. This has been wonderful when the weather has been really muggy and I like using this after exercise too. The smaller bottle makes it a great size to keep in my handbag or gym bag.

I am a huge fan of Botanicals Rose & Camellia range. Out of the three toners, this Hydrating Mist is the one that gives the biggest hit of moisture. I love the fragrance and would use this to refresh my skin throughout the day. This is also the best value for money. 

I am a huge Skin and Tonic fan, so couldn't wait to get my hands on their Rose Mist. As with all Skin and Tonic products, the quality of ingredients is so high. The rose fragrance is beautiful, and this always feels very calming whenever I use it. For me, this is the one that I would save for when I am pampering my skin, for when I wanted to use something a little more special.

Pommade Divine

I feature a lot of cleansing balms on my blog, but today I thought I would share a slightly different balm. Today I wanted to talk about Pommade Divine.

 

Pommade divine is a rich balm, which the company say repairs and nourishes dry and damaged skin. Traditionally a pomade was a mixture of animal fat, lanolin and essential oils. Pommade divine does contain Lanolin so this obviously isn't a product that is suitable for vegans. It also contains 5 essential oils (benzoin, nutmeg, cinnamon, liquidambar and clove). All of these essential oils have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to reduce scars and brighten the skin.

 

Although this can be used to moisture very dry patches and cuticles, I would use this as a medicinal balm. Pommade Divine is a very rich and thick balm, so needs only to be applied sparingly. It's fragrance makes me think of Christmas because of the spicy essential oils.

 

Over the Summer I fell when I was running with friends. I made a real mess of my face as I fell on a gravel path. I am very lucky that I didn't brake anything, but I managed to give myself a nose bleed, a decent cut above my lip and to the bridge of my nose as well as grazing my cheek. On top of that I sported a cracking fat lip and black eye. I frightened the living daylights out of friends, who thought I should really go to A&E. I refused as I hadn't broken anything and as a nurse there wasn't anything I couldn't heal with myself. I won't show you the photos because they certainly aren't pretty. I am someone who bruises very easily, and normally it takes a good while for the bruising to heal.

 

I am so impressed with Pommade Divine. I applied it sparingly every couple of hours for the first few days and then probably twice a day for 3-4 days after. After 72 hours all the swelling to my face had gone down, the grazed area to my cheek had completely healed, leaving just dry scabs to the bridge of my nose and above my lip. Those scabs took about a week to lift, and I have very minimal scarring to the cut above my lip. I genuinely feel that this is because of Pommade Divine, as my skin would normally take much longer to heal. I also think I would have been left with much more noticeable scarring without it.

 

The only draw back for me is that you can only buy the full sized jars (50mls). As I would use this as a medicinal balm I would rather buy it in a tube. The 7ml sample that I had was perfect. This is probably a product I would use sporadically, and my concern would be that a big pot would spoil before I used it. As a nurse I think a tube is a much more hygienic option for this kind of product.

 

Lanolin, Olus Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Liquidambar Orientalis Resin Extract, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Eugenol, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance).

Love Lula Beauty Box October 2015

Today my Love Lula Beauty Box arrived. Sadly I am going to unsubscribe for a while.

 The first item is a full sized packet of Cleansing Wipes from the Yes To range. Although I quite like the products I have tried from the Yes To range, I am not a fan of cleansing wipes. We have also had different varieties of these in previous boxes. I will more than likely use these on the kids grubby mitts.

A 7ml sample of Pommade Divine. I have tried this all purpose medical balm before and really like it. Although this may seem a small sample, a little goes such a long way.

 These lip balms by Fair Squared are really good, but I think this is the third I have received from Love Lula. I am giving this to my daughter as there are only so many I can use. Having said that, these are super gentle and I am more than happy for her to use it.

A full size Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm by BalmBalm. I have tried this before and really like it. This is a very good cleansing balm and like all BalmBalm products they are very affordable too. I just have a lot of their products courtesy of my LoveLula subscription.

The final item is a sachet of Dr Bronners Lemongrass Lime Shikakai Soap. Dr Bronners liquid soaps are a staple beauty product for me, but I haven't actually tries the Shikakai soaps. I will be interested to see how these compare. 

 

There are some products in this months box that are really good and as a whole it is good value for money. If I were a new subscriber to Love Lula I would be really pleased with this, as a regular subscriber it just doesn't feel very exciting.

 

 I feel like I am guaranteed to get something by either John Masters, Yes To, BalmBalm, or Fair Squared, and either a hand cream or a lip balm. All of these products have been lovely, but I have a stash of very similar products. This is a shame as Love Lula has an extensive range of brands, and the beauty box does not show case the online store's full potential. As I said earlier, it is time for me to take a break from my subscription. I will continue to shop from Love Lula because of the choice of products and their excellent customer service.

Beatitude Peace Body Oil.

As a massive fan of aromatherapy products I have had my eye on Beatitude for quite a while. Their range of luxury soaps, bath, body, and facial oils is quite stunning so it took me a while to decide which product to start with. After much faffing I chose their Peace Body Oil

 

Beatitude was founded by Rebecca O Connor who is a qualified aromatherapist who trained with Geraldine Howard from Aromatherapy Associates (who are also one of my favourite brands). Beatitude combine pure essential oils with natural plant oils. Products are not tested on animals.

 

I chose the Peace Body Oil for it's fragrance. The combination of Ylang ylang, Lavender, Cedarwood and Petitgrain really does live up to it's name. I love to use this after my bath at night. I find it very calming and it definitely helps me to wind down.

 

The essential oils are mixed in a base of Oat, Camellia, Peach Kernel and Daikon Radish Seed oils, making the Peace Body Oil feel very nourishing. It feels wonderfully silky when applying, leaving my skin ever so soft and beautifully fragranced. It absorbs quickly and doesn't feel in the slightest bit greasy.

 

I couldn't review the product and not mention the packaging. All of Beatitude's oils come in solid glass bottles, which obviously make them very attractive. I plan on using mine as a reed diffuser when I have finished the oil as it is simply to pretty to confine to the recycling bin. My one criticism of the product, is that it took me a little while to get the knack of pouring out the product without any trickling down the sides of the bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo and Citrus & Neroli Detangler.

I have had my samples of John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo and Citrus & Neroli Detangler for quite a while. They were part of the first Haircare Discovery box that Naturisimo released. At the time I was very keen to be able to try the Rahua products, but in all honesty these have been much more to my liking.

John masters Organics are very much a luxury brand, and their prices certainly reflect that. However I do think that they make very high quality products and I managed to get 3 weeks use out of this 60ml sample, which isn't bad going to say I wash my hair on a daily basis. I think that although the products aren't cheap, they do last making them better value for money.

 

The shampoo itself has a low foaming action. I found it better to use smaller amounts and shampoo twice. Despite the low foam, I did find it fairly easy to distribute through my hair. I have found some of the natural shampoos I have used very difficult to get through my hair - my hair is very long, but this wasn't the case here. The Lavender Rosemary Shampoo has a pleasant herbal fragrance. It rinses out easily, and I was pleased with how shiny and manageable it left my hair. All in all I am very impressed with this shampoo.

The Citrus & Neroli Detangler is still going strong, I don't think I have used half of this yet. I have a lot of very fine hair that is easily weighed down by products. For me this is the perfect light weight conditioner. It gives the right amount of moisture, without weighing my hair down.

 

I have found the best way for me to use this, is to towel dry my hair and then add a pea sized amount to the ends when it is nearly dry. I think this is definitely a product for people with finer hair, as I am not sure that it would be moisturising enough for thicker hair. This is my favourite product of the two, and was the star item from the box for me and will repurchase in the future. Love Lula sell the 60ml sample size, which makes it a much more affordable option.

Empties September 2015

This is another month where I don't seem to have used up very much. That's the way it goes, some months are better than others.

 

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan oil Shampoo When I ordered this from Amazon, I actually ordered the conditioner and was sent the shampoo by mistake, and couldn't be bothered to send it back. I initially thought it was going to be a bit too rich for my greasy hair, but ended up relly liking it. As ever I still needed to wash my hair daily, but it didn't weigh my hair down. This has a gorgeous marzipan fragrance too. Would repurchase again.

 

Weleda Pomegranate Body Wash. I am a huge fan of Weleda. Their body washes are lovely and gentle and all smell amazing. I liked this a lot. I have a couple of others to use, but will buy this again.

 

John Masters Organics Geranium and Grapefruit bodywash. This was really gentle and I liked the fragrance, but wasn't blown away with it. Unlikely to repurchase.

 

Sranrom Sleep Tight Body Cream. This was a sample from a SoukSouk box ages ago. Not sure if I have had this too long, but it had a funny smell to it and I found it quite greasy. No repurchase.

 Cauldalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. I loved using this serum over Summer. Super light. Full size is going on my wish list.

 

Aromatherapy Associates Light Relax Bath & Shower Oil. These feature pretty regularly in my empties post, so it is no surprise that I love them.

 

TEWC Lavender Sweet Orange Body Melt this was lovely to use, but I do like the Lemon and Geranium one better. Would buy again in the Lemon and Geranium.

 

Inika Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation this was a great match for my skin tone and I loved the way it makes my skin look. However, I rarely wear foundation so £30 is to much for me to justify.

 

My final empty this month is Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts. This is another firm favourite product and I have a couple more stashed away. I absolutely love these.

 

Nourish Beauty Box September 2015

 I have found a new beauty box subscription to try, thanks to Jaina at Which Beauty Box UK. I ordered this on Monday and it arrived this morning, which is pretty impressive. Nourish Beauty Box are a new subscription service which deliver internationally for free. It costs around £23 per month and I can confirm that I did not have to pay any customs charges.

 

The subscription includes 4 full size products (the fourth being the bag underneath the products) and should normally arrive  around the 25th of the month. Products are cruelty free and of natural origin. My order came well packaged and wrapped up in the bag - it doesn't come in a box.

 

I used Jaina's code which got me an extra item, which you can also find on the link. My additional item was a second hair oil.

Seraphine  Botanicals Carrot + Rose Hydrating Facial Serum. I am obsessed with facial oils and serums and this is the product that drew me to this subscription. This has a very nourishing formula and a wonderful citrus fragrance. It has left my skin feeling very smooth this morning.

 Peony Cosmetics Vacation Glow. Many natural skincare beauty boxes tend to be very heavy on the skin care, so I am really pleased to have a makeup product. Vacation Glow is an illuminating powder, which obviously adds glow to the skin and diffuses large pores. The packaging is so pretty. I am looking forward to trying this.

 

The final product is Balanced Guru (Style Me Roots to Ends Hair Oil). This can either be massaged into the hair from roots to tip or just used on the ends if like me you have oilier hair. It can be used to style and control flyaways, frizz and curls. Again I am looking forward to trying this.

 

I am very impressed with the quick delivery of my order and all the items I have received. The Tote bag is really nice too. All of the brands are new to me, so this feels a much more exciting option than my current subscription. In all honesty I think I will cancel  that one in favour of this.

Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Balance Me. Their products feature pretty regularly in my Empties posts. Today I thought I would share my thoughts on their Moisture Rich Face Cream.

 

As the name suggests, the Moisture Rich Face Cream is a thick rich cream. Balance Me suggest it is suitable for normal to dry (and sensitive) skin types, but I would think it is better suited to dryer skins. Balance Me say that it plumps, protects and primes the skin.

 

The star ingredients of Moisture Rich Face Cream are Shea butter and rosehip, camellia and kukui oils as well as extract of cloudberry. This really does give the moisturiser a very nourishing feel. It does make the consistency quite thick, so I have been applying a spritz of facial toner just to give it a little more slip. Despite this, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy, and it does absorb well.

 

I definitely agree with Balance Me that it plumps the skin. I also think it does a fantastic job of priming the skin. I find this makes a great base for my makeup. It leaves my skin looking fresh and healthy. It has a subtle rose fragrance which is very much to my liking. I think it is also good value for money and I would happily repurchase this again.

 

Ingredients taken from website:- Aqua, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter***, Rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil , Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 dicitrate/stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl ricinoleate, Camellia oleifera (camellia) oil, Aleurites moluccana (kukui) nut oil, Rubus chamaemorus (cloudberry) seed extract, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract***, Rosa centifolia (rose absolute)*, Pelargonium roseum asperum (rose geranium)*, Citrus limonum (lemon)*, Styrax benzoin (benzoin), Chondrus crispus (carrageenan) seaweed gum, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Citronellol**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Citral**, Limonene**, Eugenol**, Farnesol** *natural pure essential oil **naturally occurring in essential oils ***certified organic ingredient