Xmas 2015 / Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern

Weleda is one of my top favourite brands all year round.

I will say it again, again - their baby range is also fantastic and worth investing in and I also used their products during my pregnancy because it's a brand that I trust.

For the Festive Season 2015, they came out with the cutest little stocking fillers in the form a Christmas Tree Lantern decorations - they will look lovely hanging from a tree branch too! :)

You can choose from a few different scents, I got the Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern* which contains a miniature Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash & a miniature Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil.

The Pomegranate range is nourishing and regenerating to help fight the signs of ageing; it improves firmness and elasticity. The milky body wash is refreshing and invigorating to the senses, thanks to sandalwood and neroli too.

I like to use the oil on damp skin, just out of the shower; the oil is rich in nutrients and it has shown to accelerate renewal by 50% in only two weeks... a real treatment for the body.

Anyway, I recommend that you visit www.Weleda.co.uk because they have an excellent selection of gift ideas for every budget. The Weleda Christmas Tree Lanterns are only £5 which is a really fantastic price for these luxurious items.   

Have you tried Weleda before? Which is your favourite range?

Christmas 2014 / L'Occitane Arlesienne Collection

The new fragrance from L’Occitane is called Arlesienne. The inspiration comes from the lands of the south of France with a strong, tenacious, mysterious woman.

It’s a floral scent that  includes notes of rose, saffron and violet - with violet, especially, coming through and enveloping the senses. 

Personally, I love it! I don’t usually go for floral scents and prefer more powdery perfumes but the wintery twist makes it quite delicate, not sickening and euphoric.

The design of the whole collection is beautiful too and inspired by the lively dance of the Arlesiennes. 

The crafted glass bottles and the rose gold metal accents gives a romantic turn of the century appeal; furthermore, the labels are embellished with a feminine and elegant floral print, same as the colourful skirts of these dancers.

Arlesienne is becoming part of the permanent line of L’Occitane with an Eau de Toilette, Shower Cream, Beauty Milk, Velvet Hand Cream, Perfumed Soap and Body Oil that are going to be available all year round, but there are also some Limited Edition items that you can pick up now and are going to make fab presents to give someone for Christmas - Hair Mist, Beautifying Powder, Gorgeous Lips,  Solid Perfume and Perfumed Candle.

The collection is available nationwide and online now, starting from only £8... go on, treat yourself - you know yout want to! ;)

Review / Weleda Citrus Refreshing Body Oil

Weleda oils are some of the finest you can find on the market. I was first introduced to this brand a few year ago and since then I have also tried the Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and the Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil. I love the green philosophy of the brand and the attention to absolutely avoid artificial preservatives; the dark glass bottle is also not by accident but will protect and preserve the natural ingredients inside, from the light.

I like how their selection of plant oils caters for different needs, on top of supplying for moisturization.

The Citrus Refreshing Body Oil* is ideal for this time of the year when - maybe after an holiday in the sun - our skin could suffer from dehydration.

This Collection is created using Sicilian sun-kissed lemons, extracting essential oil, juice and flesh from 75,000 tonnes of fruit in one season; in this oil you will only find pure, essential lemon oil and it takes 100kg of lemons to product 100gr of essential oil, involving amazing artisan and harvesting work.

It feels refreshing on the skin and also invigorating and stimulating, thanks to the zesty scent; almond oil and unsaturated fatty acids leave the skin subtle and super-soft and the lemon is a natural astringent which can also help with the appearance of cellulite.

I've been enjoying using it every evening after a shower and it's great to nourish slip-ends, without weighting the hair.

Review / Caribbean Essentials Restore Massage & Bath Oil

Caribbean Essentials is a selection of Spa products and treatment rituals created by Linda Hall, a leading Well-being expert and International Spa Consultant. Linda used her in depth knowledge of plants, indigenous to the Caribbean, and create a line inspired by the vitality and energy of the Caribbean.

This unique range is based on aromatherapy and it's chakra orientated, where the selection of herbs and spices possess healing and therapeutic properties too.

Using only the purest and finest highest botanical ingredients, each formulation is carefully selected for a key purpose and aiming at delivering the desired results.

Caribbean Essentials Restore Massage & Bath Oil* is ideal to soothe and rehydrate post summer skin! It's anti-inflammatory, eases aches & pains and helps digestive imbalances.

I just have to drizzle few drops under running water and my bathroom is instantly filled with the soothing and warming aroma of patchouli mixed with ginger and peppermint. This is truly one of the most relaxing bath that I've ever had and I need to put my magazine down and enjoy the moment... recharge my body and my mind.

The blend also includes lemon - proven to stimulate the immune system - grapeseed oil for hydration, rosemary with its antioxidant properties and orange to combat stress.

Like many, I'm a devotee of oils! I've come to appreciate them in recent years and I love how multitasking and how fast and intensively acting they are. You can also apply it to wet skin for intense moisturization... and why not - for a spicy aphrodisiac massage with your partner! ;)

Have you tried Carribean Essentials yet? What do you recommend?

Empties / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

Beauty Swaps

Many of you already know Beauty Box Swaps - Facebook page where you can exchange unwanted products from the beauty boxes with other fellow subscribers... or also any other beauty item that it's just not for you. I have been swapping since the beginning and now it has become and ever growing community ... Thanks goes to the founder Lucy Brown!! 

I only had good experiences myself - fingers crossed - and every swap turned out perfectly.

Here is a summary of some of the swaps I made... I apologize if I forgot to include any of you but only recently I started keeping a record of these items... so, please, if you remember swapping with me let me know! :)

Zoya in Kendal

This is a gorgeous pastel lilac and, definitely, missing from my collection. It's pretty stunning on the fingers and one coat is enough for good coverage.

Unfortunately, not the best lasting performance and it started chipping after 3 days.

I paired with Planks a Lot from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection.

Swapped with Sandra @ Beauty Balm 

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

I was soooo eager to try this!!! I didn't get it in my box and took me a good couple of months before I found somebody to swap with.

What a disappointment!!! :(

At first, it looks very similar to Emma Hardie' cleanser (which I adore!): same smell of almond oil/marzipan and same paste consistency that you need to work with a bit of water in your hands, before applying. 

BUT Omorovicza is so incredibly oily!!! It's a nightmare to rinse off... in fact, you need another cleanser on top to be able to wash it off. Very disappointing for the price and I'm glad I managed to try it, first.

Bionova Eye Wrinkle Treatment

I've been getting a bit obsessed with eye creams, lately so I had to try this one!

It's pretty expensive at £43 / 14.18gr and was intrigued by the nano skin technology.

I read many people complaining about the smell and I must admit is not very pleasant. First few applications, I wasn't too bothered but then I had to stop and use it only before bedtime because of the smell.

Personally, I haven't seen any consistent improvement in wrinkles and fine lines but It's a good moisturising cream.

Origins Youthtopia Firming Eye Cream

Another rather disappointing eye cream - It didn't do much for fine lines.

Illamasqua Freak Parfume

I love this perfume. I tried it in store but I didn't get one in my GlossyBox - Typical!!!
So I manage to get 2 sample from the lovely Stacey
It's pretty pricey so I don't want to invest in a full size bottle; I like to rotate my scents and the samples will last me for some time.

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil

another hard to find product as not many people received it in the GlossyBox. This is full size and I'm going to use it after shower/bath on wet skin. It has been, specifically, formulated for pregnant women but of course you can use it even if you're not... it must mean it has no nasty ingredients in it. Score! :)

Teapigs Tummy Tonic

I like when beauty boxes also include other extras like this... it's a lovely peppermint tea, nothing more to say, really. :)

I exchanged the last 3 with the lovely Stacey @ lisainherownworld.blogspot.com

...more swaps to come...

Shopping / Boots

Boots is doing again their 3for2 offer and this time you can mix&match between body and face products... which makes me veeeery happy!! :)

Nivea Firming Body Oil: this is a new product which just came out. I'm a fan of Nivea Q10 line for many years and I'm fan of body oils so I had to try it.

I like using body oils just after a bath or shower on wet skin; recently, I have been using the Monu oil and I keep it in my bath and planning of keeping this new one in the shower, instead.

Being clumsy, I like that it has a plastic bottle but I'm not a fan of the screw top (too fiddling).

I have only used it twice but I love it - beautiful smell and will definitely re-buy once it's finished.

Biore' Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: I use these on my nose from time to time... they're kinda of ewww but it's kind of satisfying to see all the dirt coming out - sorry for the grossness! ;P

Simple Kind to Eyes Make-up Corrector Pen: I like my make up to be a bit messy, kinda of rock chick but it's good to have a back up in case you need a flawless work. I've been meaning to try this for some time but always holding off because of the price (I think nearly 5quid) so I picked it up now and it was free (because of the 3for2, of course).

Kleenex Facial Cloths Cotton Touch: I bought these to use with my make-up brushes more than on my face. I, sometimes, use a spray to quickly change colours on my brushes, in between proper washes, and I found that wiping them off with toilet paper it's just a mess; the paper breaks leaving all residues on the brittles. I'm hoping these will work better, being more resistant.

Real Techniques Powder Brush: yes, I caved in and got another RT brush. 

I have many blush brushes but only 1 kabuki for the face... so you see I REALLY needed this one. ;)

I already got the Core Collection (review here) so it was a natural step to buy this brand again.

It's super soft and it's the perfect size for a face brush (I like them huge and fluffy to applying setting powders). 

just to give you an idea of the size

Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream:  I've been wanting to try this for so long!!! Unfortunately, it's a disappointment :(

It smells divine in the pot - proper banana that you want to eat it but then once rubbed into your hands, it transforms into a wax smell (not too pleasant). It's also very very thick and I can only use it before bedtime.

Lanolips Lemonaid: here is something which never disappoint, instead. :)

I'm a huge fan, love their original 101 version and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this too. Of course, at 10quid, it's not cheap and that's when Boots offers comes in handy. 

This is already my favourite: it has organic lemon oil to hydrate and naturally exfoliate plus a hint of shimmer. I bet it'll look great as a top coat on lipsticks... or also on its own. 

Lanolips Rose Balm Everyday for Dry Hands & Nails: have I mentioned I love Lanolips yet?? hehe

well, they also have a couple of hands creams... again not cheap but technically free.

I like it very much so... I find the smell very soothing, comforting and it absorbs beautifully. In fact in that sense, it's the best I have ever tried; if you can't stand hand creams because of the residue or greasiness they may leave, you definitely need to give this one a go.

Have you tried any of this products before?

How are you going to take advantage of the Boots' offer?

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