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

Bee Lovely Body Lotion.

September has been a good month for magazine freebies. One of my favourite samples I have picked up is Bee Lovely Body Lotion by Neals Yard Remedies. This came with October's InStyle magazine so should be around for a little longer.

 

Bee Lovely is one of my favourite ranges from Neals Yard Remedies. It has a beautiful citrus fragrance from the inclusion of mandarin and orange essential oils. As the name suggests, there is also honey and beeswax in the formula. It feels very Summery, and as I am not quite ready to embrace Autumn I have really been enjoying using this.

 

Bee lovely is a very light formula, but is big on moisture. It absorbs well and doesn't leave a trace of stickiness. It makes my skin beautifully soft and smelling lovely. Neals Yard Remedies donate £10,000 a year to projects which help save the bees through sales of the Bee Lovely range. I love brands that give back to projects.

 

Ingredients taken from the website:-

Aqua (Water), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Cera alba (Beeswax)*, Citrus sinensis (Orange) peel oil expressed*, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil expressed*, Styrax tonkinensis (Benzoin) resin extract*, Mel (Honey)*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder*, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Alcohol denat.*, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate, Potassium sorbate, Sodium dehydroacetate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Content Beauty & Wellbeing Gift With Purchase.

Having been relatively restrained with my spending lately, I have had an almighty blow out this week. There have been some fantastic offers throughout Organic September, and some have been too good to miss.

My biggest splurge this month has been with Content beauty & Wellbeing, but I have really got my money's worth. They are currently offering a free Organic Beauty Collection when you spend £100 on Soil Association brands shown in the link. I am not sure how much longer this will be available, but don't imagine it will be around for very much longer.

 

The Organic Beauty Collection contains the new Naked Beauty Oil by Skin & Tonic, Intelligent Nutrients Destress Express hand cream, samples of Pai's Lotus & Orange Blossom Skin Tonic and their Chamomile & Rosehip day cream, Essence of Eden Organic Coconut Oil, Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Cleanser, Nourish Skincare Revital Eyes and Argan Skin Renew and a packet of  Raw Gorilla Munchies. The only thing I have tried is the Argan Skin Renew, so there is lots to play with.

Here is what I bought to qualify for the GWP. It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Skin & Tonic, so I used the opportunity to buy a full size of the Steam Clean. I was also desperate to try the new range so I bought the Rose Mist and the Coco Mask. I simply love Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil and Nourish's Balance Refining Toning Mist so they went straight in my basket.

 

I will review products in more detail in due course.

Valia Purifying Wash.

I am definitely a girl who prefers a cleansing balm, but every once in a while I like to use something a little different. I am trying hard to use up some of my samples and am currently enjoying using this Purifying Wash by Valia.

 

Valia use natural herbs, grains and essential oils in their products. Their philosophy is based on ancient Japanese traditions which you can read in more detail here. Products are suitable for vegans as Valia strongly embrace Vegan fundamentals.

 

The Purifying Wash is suitable for all skin types. I have found it to be very light. The texture is almost like a gel, that foams slightly. Made with papaya enzyme, it gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. The Aloe Vera Leaf juice adds moisture, allowing it to cleanse and moisturise without feeling like it strips the skin. It also contains Green Tea, vitamin C and Yuzu which all add the brightening effect.

 

I have really enjoyed using the Purifying Wash as a morning cleanser. It has a lovely citrus fragrance which is very uplifting. I think it lives up to it's brightening claims. The only thing that puts me off buying it is that it doesn't seem to very easy to track down in the UK. As this was part of an ABW sample box, I hoped that they would sell it, but sadly not.

 

Ingredients taken from the Valia website:-

 Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract (Hato Mugi/Job’s Tears/Pearl Barley), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Peel Oil, Squalene, Chondrus Crispus, Bromelain (Pineapple), Papain (Papaya), Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid.

Organic Glam Mascara

You know you are getting old when the only time you buy a glossy magazine is when it comes with a worthwhile freebie. Having said that, this month has been a bumper month in terms of freebies. The October edition of Red Magazine comes with a full size Organic Glam Mascara which retails for £21.95. Well worth the price of the magazine indeed.

Organic Glam is the makeup range by Organic Pharmacy. Having liked the skin care I have tried by Organic Pharmacy I was excited to try this mascara. It has is 60% organic and has been 5 years in production. Organic Pharmacy say that it curls, lengthens and conditions in one step. The version that comes with the magazine is the black one, but there is a dark brown available too.

 

The packaging is simple and sleek, which I would say is in keeping with Organic Pharmacy as a brand. The wand has short bristles, which allows you to coat even the shortest of lashes. However, I personally prefer a softer, thicker wand. I find this type a little scratchy for my liking.

 

Once applied, I find the formula very nice. It doesn't irritate my eyes, and the consistency isn't too wet or too dry. It applies well and coats my eyelashes evenly. It definitely gives length, but I can't say I have noticed a curl. Perhaps that is my poker straight lashes being stubborn though. I would say it gives me 5-6 hours wear time, and have been pleased that it doesn't flake or smudge.

 

 My overall thoughts are that it gives a nice natural look which is perfect for daytime wear. I was hoping for a little more volume, but in fairness this mascara doesn't claim to give that. For that reason I wouldn't repurchase this, but I will continue to use it for daytime wear.

 

All the ingredients used in this product (taken from website)

Aqua (Water) , Vitamin A (From Daucus Carrota) , Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) , Vitamin E (Tocopherol) , Stearic Acid, Silica, Ozokerite, Acrylate/Carbamate Copolymer, Panthenol , Beeswax (Cera Alba), Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica), Glycerin (vegetable)*, Isopropyl Myristate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Glyceryl Stearate*, Carnuba Wax, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Candelia Wax , Dehydroxanthan Gum, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxides, Cetyl Alcohol , Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis)*,

 

 

Love Lula Beauty Box September 2015

 My LoveLula Beauty Box came yesterday. Whilst I think that September's box is good value for money, and has some really nice products, I am not blown away with excitement. All this month's brands have featured in previous boxes. Although I haven't tried all of the products, I don't feel that there is anything that is a new discovery to me.

I have received a lip balm and a hand cream by Fair Squared in previous LoveLula boxes and have enjoyed using them. The price of the Facial Cream (full size) alone covers the cost of my September box. I have used this today and liked it, so will review when I have used it for long enough. 

 Ren's Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial (10ml sample) is as the name suggests an overnight treatment which promises to make the skin brighter, more radiant and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 Skin blossom Caring Handcream (full size) smells lovely. I am very impressed with this.

 John Master's Organics Lavender & Avacado Intensive Conditioner (60mls) and Lavender Rosemary Shampoo (10mls) are both products I have used before and really like, but this is the third month running I have received something by John masters Organics

There are two other sachets included Jason C Effects Pure Natural Cream which is an anti-aging cream and Madara Micellar Water which we had the full size a few months back

Mary Elizabeth Juniper and Jojoba Hand Cream.

Quite some time ago Mary Elizabeth had a twitter competition, and I was lucky enough to receive a jar of their Juniper and Jojoba Hand Cream. I had previously tried and loved their Frankincense and Rose Moisturiser (review here) so was rather pleased to be able to try this.

 

Mary Elizabeth and a mother and daughter team who make a small range of products harnessing Cecilia's skills as a trained aromatherapist. The brand has one several awards and is a member of the Real Beauty Manifesto.

 

The Juniper and Jojoba Hand Cream comes in a plastic jar containing 50g of product, making it safe and light enough to be carried in your bag. This is quite a thick and nourishing hand cream. It is light enough to use throughout the day, but does need a moment to fully sink in. Where I think this hand cream comes into it's own, is when I apply a thicker layer at night time. Having said that, I don't find it greasy or heavy. It just leaves my hands wonderfully soft.

 

The formula is very nourishing and contains Jojoba and Calendula Oils, as well as Juniper, Geranium and Chamomile Essential oils. It has a lovely subtle fragrance, which is unlike anything I have come across before. I have been very impressed with the quality and effectiveness of this hand cream.

 

Ingredient list taken from the website:-

Aqua, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract^, Buxus Chinensis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter^, Cera Alba^, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil^, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil^, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil^, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil^, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Asparagus Officinalis Root Extract, Stay C-50 Sorbitol, Glycerin, , Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citronellol*, Citral* ^ Organic
*potential allergens from natural sources

 

 

Empties August 2015

I have finally managed to organise myself enough to get my Empties post up on time, and this month feel that I have used up a reasonable amount too. 

Caudalie Vinosource Mosturising Sorbet was perfect for my skin over Summer. This is lovely and light and absorbs really quickly. Possible repurchase.

 

I managed to get 2 uses from this sample of S5 Skincare Vitality Mask. Whilst I like the brand and did enjoy the product I have other masks in my stash that do as good a job for a lower price tag. I won't be repurchasing the full size of this.

 

I have had my Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask way too long, so sadly had to discard the last of it. I bought mine as part of the facial oil Christmas gift set, so the packaging has changed. I am pleased to see that you can now by the mask throughout the year as this really is lovely.

 

I reviewed Botanicals Rose & Camellia Cleansing Melt last week and this is another product I just loved. I am very sad to finish this. I must use some more of my cleansers up first, but this is firmly on the wishlist.

 

I just love Steam Clean by Skin & Tonic. This and the Botanicals Cleanser hold a

 very special place in my heart. I have a couple more of the mini's stashed, but do plan on buying the full size in the future.

 

The facial moisturiser and cleansing oil were part of AS.AP's Little Box of Indulgence that I reviewed back in July. These are absolutely divine and will definitely buy from Amanda's beautiful range again.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil is perfect to use before bed after a tough day. I find this really calming. I have already bought the full size.

 

This is my one empty this month that I was not overly keen on. The May Chang in Abahna's White Grapefruit & May Chang Bath Gel is a little too dominant for my personal taste so wouldn't buy this again.

 

Balance Me are one of my favourite brands. Their Super Moisturising Body Wash is just lovely. I have another sample size to use but will buy this again.

 

 I have rationed the use of my TEWC Cedarwood & Bergamot Bath Oil as it was a limited edition in the run up to last Christmas. I loved this and am very sad to have finished it. I do hope it will be coming back this year.

 

The two sachets are samples of Hairy Jayne's Deep cleansing Shampoo and the Treatment Conditioner. I managed to get a couple of uses from each sachet, and really like being able to try this size before committing to a full size. I have a couple more sachets to use but was very impressed with both of these products.