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.