Currently Loving | The Golden Hour Edit

In between the torrential downpours that we've been having here in the UK (hello Climate Change), there have been these odd little glimpses of sunlight peaking through now and then. As we approach the end of July, I wanted to share a few products that I've been loving lately to celebrate those precious Golden Hour moments and to help brighten your mood if you've been feeling like it'll never stop raining!

The Fruity SPF Lip Balm | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango* (10g, £4.99, link)

A delightfully cheap and cheerful lip balm with SPF 50+ protection, Bondi Sands has really hit the ball out of the park with this range. Ideal for dreamy beach days and al fresco picnics with friends, these hydrating lip balms soothe dry lips and come in several different flavours. My current fave is Tropical Mango and I'm also quite fond of the Juicy Watermelon. An absolute bargain for only a fiver.

The Perfume Rollerball | Farryn Amber Perfume Oil Roll On in Floral Oud (10ml, RRP £18)

I'm a huge fan of perfume rollerballs and feel that they truly come into their own during the summer months when you want something small and convenient to throw into your carry-on or beach bag. This one from Farryn Amber is a gorgeous heady floral scent with plenty of musky Oud thrown into the mix.

The Luxury Aromatherapy Treat | Prismologie Rose Quartz + Manganese Comforting Meridian Balm (75ml, prices vary)

I came across this Prismologie aromatherapy treat whilst browsing the beauty section of TK Maxx (a great place to find a whole host of bargains from big and niche brands) and I instantly fell in love with the box packaging. Upon opening it at home, I was delighted to be greeted by the beautiful scent of fresh roses. combined in a chunky twist-up balm stick. This multi-purpose balm wand glides onto the skin and is infused with Rosehip Oil to gently moisturise whilst delivering aromatherapy benefits. A lovely treat for less than a tenner and they had plenty of others to choose from if you're not a fan of Rose.

The Glowy Bronzer/Highlighter | Iconic London Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow in Date Night (5g, £25, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose product and I fell head over heels for this much-hyped newbie from Iconic London. Yes, this was definitely one of those 'Instagram made me do it' moments and I have no regrets! These Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glows are insanely beautiful and I had a hard time choosing a favourite. In the end, I opted for Date Night which is the most perfect glowy bronzer-meets-highlighter for olive skin tones. This baby really pops against a summer tan! The powder compact is buttery soft and super blendable so you can apply a light dusting or go to town and layer it up for a more intense glow.

The It-Girl Aviators | Versace Aviator Sunglasses (gift from a friend)

Despite my ever-growing collection of sunglasses, I didn't actually own a pair of aviators until one of my good friends kindly gifted me this pair of Versace Aviator Sunglasses for my birthday last month. Since then, I've been wearing them all the time and I love how they go with pretty much every summer outfit imaginable. Smart and chic, they are one of those classics that never goes out of style so I know I'll be wearing these every summer until the end of time.

The Vintage Summer Bag | Jane Shilton Round Bag (charity shop find)

Quick confession, every year I hate the trend of those straw/wicker bags, mainly because I dislike the feel of them so much. Instead, I was on the hunt for a light-coloured small bag and found this beautiful vintage Jane Shilton bag in a local Oxfam charity shop for the bargain price of £6.99. The soft woven texture gives off beach vibes and the long strap can be worn across the body. One of my favourite purchases of the year so far!

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Health & Lifestyle | Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection review

Freshen up your home this Spring with a delightful set of 100% natural essential oils from Clarity Blend, which you can use in your diffuser or burner. 

Using essential oils in your home is one of the easiest ways to explore the exciting world of aromatherapy and its many benefits. I particularly enjoy using different blends in different rooms to create a particular atmosphere, or to simply help change my mood. 

If you're new to aromatherapy, Clarity Blend's Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection offers the perfect introduction with a set of five essential oil blends that covers all bases.

It's always a good sign when you first open a boxed set like this and you can immediately smell a strong natural fragrance of all the oils; you know you have purchased something that's high quality and potent!

Clarity Blend was recommended to me by an aromatherapist friend who uses their products a lot for her personal and professional work. Handcrafted in Berkshire, this lovely English natural brand was founded by a wife and husband team who have an immense passion for reconnecting with nature, and capturing its essence in bottles so that everyone can benefit from its properties.

All of Clarity Blend's products adhere to strict practices as outlined in the Good Manufacturing Guide and there is a strong focus on sustainability too; the brand do not use any essential oils that are from endangered or vulnerable plant species such as sandalwood or rosewood, and everything is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and SLS. 

The Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection comprises of five essential oil blends.

Try These In The Bedroom

Sweet Dreams will help you to get a restful night's sleep with its calming blend of crisp, organic French Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Geranium. Heart Chakra is another good choice for the bedroom and can aid in setting the mood for love thanks to an exciting blend of exotic spices such as Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit.

For The Home Office

If you need help finding your focus again try Active Life which has an uplifting and invigorating selection of essential oils which features Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Grapefruit (this is also an excellent choice if you're feeling under the weather). I personally love Energy Boost when I have a deadline to meet as the combination of Rosemary, Sweet Orange, and Peppermint instantly awakens the senses which helps with my concentration.

Relaxing Living Spaces

To de-stress and relax, you can't go wrong with adding a few drops of Mind Spa to your diffuser or burner, so this one's ideal for use in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. The blend of Blue-Gem Eucalyptus with Patchouli and Bergamot feels very grounding and calming so that you can take a step back and just appreciate being in the moment.

Clarity Blend Home Sanctuary Essential Oil Blend Collection* retails for £29.99 and is available from various stockists including clarityblend.com

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Modern Aromatherapy | This Works Love Sleep Breathe In & Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerballs review

Aromatherapy rollerballs are something that I often carry in my handbag when I'm out and about, and they're equally handy to have in your desk drawer/office space for those times when you need a moment of peace and calm. On the flip side, more of us are turning to aromatherapy use in the bedroom as well, which showcases the versatility of these natural essential oils, and the effects that they can have on our moods and emotions.

There are a number of British brands that specialise in aromatherapy rollerballs as part of their wider well-being ranges, and there's quite fun to make yourself as well (Youtube and TikTok have plenty of how-to's on this for anyone who fancies the DIY route). However, if you'd prefer the easy 'add to basket' option, here are two of my faves from This Works.

For The Bedroom Try: This Works Love Sleep Breathe In Rollerball* (8ml, £21)

Alongside scented candles, aromatherapy rollerballs are fast becoming a discreet must-have in the bedroom for consumers who are looking for an all-natural product to help them switch off and unwind so that they can reset their mood for intimacy. This Works Love Sleep range is certainly leading the way in this area with its unique 'Love Sleep' blend of essential oils which includes Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Frankincense. 

Tested on panel members, it's become popular thanks to its ability to help people to relax, unwind and feel more calm, whilst the sensual blend can get you in the mood for sex. Apply to your wrists and breathe in to feel the effects - it's great to incorporate as part of a pre-bedtime ritual.  

For The Office Try: This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball* (8ml, £19)

Whilst the root causes of major stress need to be addressed by a medical professional such as your GP or a mental health nurse, milder symptoms or 'moments of stress' can be somewhat easier to deal with, especially if they are related to an important meeting at work or an approaching project deadline. For these times, This Works Stress Check Breathe Out Rollerball may be able to give you a little bit of aromatherapy support so that you can get back in control of these stressful times that arise.

I'm a natural worrier as well, so I find this range to be very useful. The expert blend of Ylang Ylang, Neroli, and Lavender is wonderfully calming, and there's something about just taking a moment out of your busy schedule to apply this to your pulse points and focus on your breathing for 5-10 minutes, which really helps to calm the mind. 

Discover these products and more at thisworks.com

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Health & Lifestyle | NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser review

Essential oil diffusers are one of the biggest must-have items for home offices, and it feels like every well-being brand on the planet has their own version that they are currently promoting. Prices can vary dramatically across the board, so I thought I'd feature one of the UK's bestsellers that is available for a more affordable price; the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser.

Why Are Essential Oil Diffusers So Popular Right Now?

There are many reasons, but the main one appears to be that a lot of people who began working from home for the first time during Covid back in 2020 are still doing so. In fact, I've had countless conversations with brands and PRs that have discussed this huge lifestyle change that's occurred since the pandemic, and in fact, estate agents are also reporting that more people than ever are looking for an additional room in a potential new home that they can easily turn into an office space.

The rise of freelancers and side hustlers has boomed too as people seek new ways to increase their incomes, and thus products that help to boost productivity at home, or simply enhance our home working environment in some way, are selling incredibly well. So the Essential Oil Diffuser is definitely having its moment! 

What Do Essential Oil Diffusers Do?

It's all in the name; they diffuse essential oils into the air to fragrance your room, usually without the need for any water to be added. The latest models are all sleek, rechargeable, super easy to use, and have a simple on/off mechanism. 

NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser

The NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser ticks all of these boxes effortlessly and I absolutely love its minimal, elegant design. Perfect for smaller rooms such as home offices, bathrooms, etc, this diffuser can even be used in your car! It's beautifully travel-friendly too so if you're planning any weekends away, you can easily pop it into your luggage and you're good to go.

Using cold diffusion technology, the essential oils are converted into a micro fine vapour without using water or heat, so they can be released into the atmosphere for you to enjoy their benefits. Genius!

How To Use

Most essential oil diffusers are generally quite similar, but I'll give you a quick rundown on how the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser works if this is the first time you've bought one.

First things first, charge your diffuser using the provided USB cable. I attach this to my wall plug phone charger as I find it charges faster than when plugged into your laptop. Let it fully charge up for 6 hours before using. 

Place it on a flat surface. As you can see above, there's an internal chamber that comes out of the diffuser and this is where you insert your chosen bottle of essential oil that you'd like to diffuse. The NEOM Pod Mini is so easy; you simply push in the button on the bottom and hey presto, the chamber pops up at the top for you to take out. Unscrew to attach the essential oil bottle and pop it back into the diffuser. NEOM has even included an essential oil opener in the box which makes the task even faster to do.

On the top of the diffuser, you'll find the on/off button to the right and to the left, there's a button where you can control the intensity with three bars next to it. Press it until you reach the desired intensity; one bar is the lowest and three bars is the highest. That's it! Sit back and enjoy the essential oil scent.

Overall Thoughts

The NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser is a small, but mighty modern device that requires no water to be added; just put in your chosen essential oil blend, switch it on and relax. The sleek design is very chic (the shade pictured is called Nude) and the rechargeable aspect allows the device to be placed anywhere without the need for any messy cables. Once fully charged, the Pod Mini is good to go for up to 50 hours and covers up to 60 square meters. I'm really happy with its performance and would definitely recommend it for small rooms and spaces.

P.S: Do I Have To Use NEOM Essential Oils?

NEOM recommend that you only use their essential oils (of course), however, I have tested this diffuser with a variety of other brands' oils and the results are the same. Though it's always good to point out that if you use another brand's essential oils, you risk invalidating your warranty should anything go awry, so I'll leave this up to you to decide!

NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser* retails for £55 - neomorganics.com

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My Top 5 Favourite Scents From Aromatherapy Associates

When it comes to luxury aromatherapy products, British brand Aromatherapy Associates is one name that always comes highly recommended within the industry and is loved by influencers and celebrities alike. 

A cruelty-free and certified B Corporation, I love the wide range of essential oil blends that Aromatherapy Associates are famous for. From their iconic Bath & Shower Oils that will turn every bathroom into its own home spa, to their addictive Rollerballs which can be conveniently popped into every handbag and desk drawer for an immediate moment of calm, it's clear why so many adore their Aromatherapy Associates products.

But where to start if you're new to the brand? Here are my top five favourite AA scents to get you going.

Aromatherapy Associates Morning Bath & Shower Oil in Revive (55ml, £55)

Revive is Aromatherapy Associates' bestselling, award-winning morning bath & shower oil and it's a product that I have personally dubbed a hangover cure. That's right; if you've been out celebrating and partying until the small hours and wake up feeling like death (as you do when you hit your 30's), this is the awakening remedy that you need in your bathroom the next morning.

This energising blend boasts essential oils of Grapefruit, Rosemary, and Juniper Berry which all work together to magically uplift and refresh your weary mind and body. Citrusy and woody, Revive always hits the spot when I need it the most.

The ritual - how to use: warm one capful in your hands and breathe in deeply. Massage into the body before stepping into a bath or shower. You'll get about 20 or so 'well-being moments' from each full-size Bath & Shower Oil which works out at around £2.75 per bath/shower experience.  

Aromatherapy Associates Muscle Bath & Shower Oil in De-Stress (9ml, £12)

Next up, we have De-Stress from the popular Muscle range. Comprising of Lavender, Rosemary, Ginger and Black Pepper, it mixes these warming and energising essential oils together to help your tired muscles recover. I particularly enjoy using De-Stress after doing exercise and it's great for things like soothing sore muscles after pilates and yoga. These smaller 9ml travel-size minis are also brilliant for discovering your favourite fragrance blend before splashing out on the bigger bottle, and you'll get around 3-4 baths from each mini as these formulas are so potent.

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil in Support Equilibrium (9ml, £12)

Support Equilibrium is a relatively new-to-me fragrance from Aromatherapy Associates and I decided to give it a try after a friend recommended it to me. It also popped up in the recent Naturisimo Go Love Yourself Discovery Box so you can tell it's a popular choice with natural beauty fans! Described as one of the brand's hidden gems, Support Equilibrium is bursting with uplifting Rose, balancing Geranium, and mind-focusing Frankincense essential oils to bring some balance and harmony to your day.

Aromatherapy Associates Rollerball in Support Breathe (10ml, £25)

If you're not a fan of bath & shower oils or prefer something that you can use at your desk or whilst on your commute, the Rollerballs are a fantastic alternative and come in the same fragrance blends. For those times when I'm feeling run down with a cold or suffering from allergies, I like to have Support Breathe in my handbag as this contains Tea Tree, Pine, and Eucalyptus essential oils, AKA all the amazing natural ones that help to decongest and clear your sinuses! Also comes in handy for plane journeys and anywhere where there's a lot of recycled air conditioning like stuffy office spaces.

Aromatherapy Associates Rollerball in Deep Relax (10ml, £25)   

Another favourite for travel is Deep Relax and this blend is really interesting as it was born out of Aromatherapy Associates' co-founder Geraldine Howard's studies in aromatherapy and sleep. Featuring a blend of Chamomile, Sandalwood, and Vetivert, it has a classic tried and tested sleep-inducing formula to help calm, ground and relax you, wherever you are. I personally find it very useful for times when I'm feeling anxious as there's something quite comforting about this scent. 

The ritual - how to use: apply directly to your pulse points such as your wrists, close your eyes, and breathe in deeply. Apply as often as needed.

Shop the full range at aromatherapyassociates.com

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Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

It's time for another Beauty Empties round-up where I share the products I've recently used up and say which ones I'll be repurchasing again. Well, you guys know the drill by now! Let's jump straight in.

Moi Vert Liquid Soap in Lemongrass* (reviewed here)

There's always a liquid Castille-type soap of some kind in my bathroom and I love their amazing multipurpose qualities. From hand-washing to cleaning makeup brushes (and floors!), they are a concentrated and natural way to clean pretty much everything so a little goes a long way. I enjoyed the fresh Lemongrass scent of this one in particular. Repurchase? Definitely.

Evolve Organic Beauty Micellar Water* (reviewed here)

I tend to wear a lot of waterproof eyeliner and mascara so a high-quality micellar water is a must-have. Evolve's version is 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and doesn't cause any irritation. It simply feels like a gentle, but effective, water that removes all traces of makeup. The glass bottle is also a good option for those who are looking to reduce their plastic waste. Repurchase? Yes.

Absolute Aromas Soothe Epsom Salts* (reviewed here)

Another bathroom essential, I always have a bag or two of Epsom Salts somewhere! These magnesium-rich salts work like magic on tired and aching muscles; the perfect remedy post-workout or simply to help you relax after a long day. Absolute Aromas have a lovely range with some gorgeous scents including this Soothe blend. Repurchase? Yes.

Butterwhips Warmly Relaxing Body Butter* (reviewed here)

Only recently reviewed, I've fallen so much in love with this luxuriously thick and heavenly whipped body butter that I haven't been using anything else. With 97% organic ingredients, this cruelty-free beauty is plastic-free and delicately scented with bergamot and lavender essential oils for a relaxing natural fragrance. Repurchase? On my list!

Holistica Balance Crystal Mist

I'm pretty sure that this came into my life via a wellness / natural beauty box of some kind? It's a fab toner spritz with lots of calming properties, making it ideal for red or irritated skin. Repurchase? I believe it's discontinued :(

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Aqua Bomb Cream

I need to cut the tube in half to properly finish this off but I thought I'd sneak it into this Empties post as it's 99% done. This is a great daily moisturiser from a cruelty-free Korean brand, that's super hydrating and has a nice plumping effect. For a tenner, it's amazing value for money, although the ingredients are not 100% natural. Repurchase? I've gone back to using Skin & Me for now, but I may pick this up again in the future.

Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water (travel size)

This was good to try from a beauty box, but I prefer the Evolve Micellar Water above as it's more effective. I felt like I needed to use a lot of this product to properly remove my makeup. Repurchase? No.

Nourish Balance Nutritious Peptide Serum* (travel size)

A gorgeous balancing serum for combination skin that works a treat and helps to reduce the appearance of large pores. I was very sad to come to this end of this travel size bottle! Repurchase? Definitely.

Bloomtown Botanicals The Meadow Infused Oil Roll On*

I'm a huge fan of Bloomtown Botanicals and their range of Infused Oil Roll-Ons are some of the best in the aromatheraphy beauty world. They're also an absolute steal at just £6 and last forever. The Meadow is the brand's sleep and relax blend, so it's lovely and calming to apply to your pulse points before going to bed. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (travel size)

Whilst this is a beautiful nourishing night cream, it's a little too rich and heavy for my combination skin unfortunately, so I ended up using the rest of it as a hand cream. If you have dry skin though, be sure to check it out! Repurchase? Sadly not for me.

Marcelle Curling & Lenghtening Mascara (travel size)

From a beauty box, I'm not sure this brand is available in the UK, but this is a really good mascara that holds a curl well and doesn't smudge or flake. Repurchase? If I can find it!

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Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

My oh my, how time flies! Another month has flown past so it's time for another Beauty Empties round-up. Here are all of the products that I've managed to use up recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've not been dyeing my hair much this year (or since Covid began to be honest!), but whenever I do, I like to keep a bottle of this Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner in the bathroom. I've gone through several of these over the years and I just love the protection that it provides, without weighing down my fine hair. Repurchase? Will do the next time I colour my hair!

Good Bubble Bubble Bath in Cloudberry* (reviewed here)

For an affordable, family-favourite bubble bath option that's 98% natural and has a gentle formula for sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with Good Bubble. Their bubble baths are only a few quid and Cloudberry in particular has such a lovely sweet scent. Repurchase? Definitely.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence* (reviewed here)

On the opposite side of the bathing price spectrum and for those times when you just want to really pamper yourself and indulge in a beautiful, hot bath for two hours, Dr. Hauschka comes highly recommended. This bath milk is seriously rich and creamy; you won't need to use a moisturiser afterwards as it leaves your skin feeling like silk and smelling of fresh roses. Pure heaven. Repurchase? On my wishlist for when I see it on offer!

Green People Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil

Another luxury favourite, this time from Green People's founder, Cha Vohtz's range, the Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil really is pure luxury in a bottle. Super nourishing, it softens and smoothes, leaving a delicate, fresh Neroli-based natural fragrance on the body. Repurchase? It might already be on my Christmas wants list...

Skin + Me Daily Doser*

Moving onto some skincare, I've enjoyed using the prescribed Skin + Me Daily Doser for the past three months, and the plastic-free recyclable aluminium twist-up tubes are brilliant. My custom formula had lots of beneficial ingredients such as Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid in it and when I was sticking to using it regularly, I did see an improvement in some of my problem areas such as getting rid of stubborn blackheads. Repurchase? Although it's a great formula, I do love trying new things and I have to admit that I got a little bored of this, but I'm sure I'll come back to it in the near future again.

Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm (travel size)

For dull and congested skin, this exfoliator from Aurelia is fantastic stuff, especially when used as a quick five-minute treatment once a week. It smells very similar to Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish as it also has Eucalyptus in it, but it feels more luxurious for a lovely pampering treat. Repurchase? Tempted to pop this on my Christmas list as well...

Terre Verdi Yoga & Sports Body Oil* (travel size - reviewed here)

I seem to have accumulated a few of these mini bottles from various beauty boxes and GWPs, but I'm certainly not complaining as this Body Oil is so pleasant to use and works a treat after a hot yoga session. Great for soothing tired muscles. Repurchase? I'm pretty stocked up at the mo!

Gallinée Eye Contour Cream* 

Gallinée's skincare is quite underrated in my opinion and I urge you to check out this natural French brand if you want to add some prebiotics and probiotics into your skincare routine. I've been using this tube of Eye Contour Cream for months and it's a lovely lightweight moisturiser that sinks straight in so you can apply your concealer on top right away - perfect for those busy mornings. Repurchase? I've gone back to my beloved Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream as I always need something a bit richer for the winter months, but it's another product I'd happily buy again in the future.

This Works Stress Check Roll-On (travel size)

You guys know how much I love my aromatherapy products and of course, This Works has an amazing Sleep and Stress range. Their Roll-ons are perfect for popping into your handbag or having next to your laptop for those times when you need a moment of calm. Simply apply to your pulse points, breathe in and relax. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (travel size)

A long-time favourite of mine for nearly 10 years, Eyeko's Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is a must-have for anyone who wants an eyeliner that stays put all day (and night) without fading or smudging. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Definitely.

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Women's Health: Tisserand - The Restore Balance Discovery Kit review #MoodBalance

 

Whether you're menstruating, experiencing the first symptoms of the perimenopause, or going through the menopause, Tisserand's new Restore Balance range is here to offer some natural aromatherapy help.

Launched just last month, British aromatherapy brand, Tisserand, has released a dedicated new range of natural products to support women through all the physical and emotional stages of life. A tried and trusted natural brand since 1974, Tisserand has a vast range of products available and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw from, so it's great to see a range such as Restore Balance on the shelves.

As the name suggests, Restore Balance addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to discussing women's emotional changes that occur naturally through menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. The most common symptom that around 70% of women report when going through these life stages is a 'change in mood', and thus Restore Balance aims to help through its expert blend of comforting Geranium, nurturing Rose, and uplifting Clary Sage essential oils.

In fact, 3 out of 4 women reported more 'settled emotions' after using Tisserand's Restore Balance range for just two weeks, which certainly shows that there are some empowering natural properties in these aromatherapy products.

One of the easiest ways to try out this new range is with the handy Restore Balance Discovery Kit which comprises of three travel-size items; a 9ml Body Oil, a 9ml Body & Room Mist, and a 10ml Pulse Point Roller Ball. Not only are these brilliant 'try me' sizes, but they're also super convenient to use when traveling or simply to have in your handbag when you're out and about.

How To Use

I love the 100% natural essential oil blend which is both calming and revitalising at the same time. You can start your day by applying the Body Oil all over after a shower, and then top up the soothing fragrance by spritzing a little of the Body & Room Mist in your car or around your home office. If you're on the go, apply the Pulse Point Rollerball to your wrists as and when needed, inhaling the natural scent deeply to bring instant calm to stressful moments. Mood swings be gone!

Tisserand Restore Balance Discovery Kit* retails for £16 - available from various stockists including tisserand.com

What products do you like to use to help balance your mood?

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In My Bathroom: Absolute Aromas Soothe & Detox Epsom Salts + Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray review

 

Enjoying a long soak in the bath at the end of a busy week is one of life's small pleasures. The ritual of locking the door, turning on the tap, lighting a candle, and choosing to use one of your favourite bath products is something that I find so wonderfully relaxing.

As a beauty blogger, I'm utterly privileged and spoilt to be able to pick and choose from an array of bath oils, salts, bubble bars and all sorts of magical potions to help me unwind, but I often come back time and time again to bath salts, and in particular, Epsom Salts.

I've written about Epsom Salts many times in the past as I love they're naturally rich in Magnesium which is an essential mineral that many of us are deficient in. Luckily, you can boost your magnesium intake easily by adding a handful or two of Epsom Salts to your bath as your body readily absorbs them through your skin. The health benefits are well worth it too as Magnesium can help to relieve all manner of aches and pains, as well as anxiety and fatigue.

Needless to say, I have generally have a lot of Epsom Salts in my beauty stash and I love these two from Absolute Aromas. As one of the UK's leading aromatherapy brands, they certainly know a thing or two when it comes to creating some blissful bath salts and all of their products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and free from parabens and sulphates.

Absolute Aromas Soothe Epsom Salts* (1kg, £9)

Epsom Salts are often sold in big bags which makes them more affordable and Absolute Aromas have 1kg bags for a bargain £9! You can choose from a range of different blends and I personally love this one called Soothe which features essential oils of Tangerine, Petitgrain and Neroli. As the name suggests, it really does help to soothe not only your mind, but also your skin, drawing out toxins and relaxing the nervous system. 

To get the best results, I'd recommend using around a quarter of the bag per bath and pouring it under running water so that it dissolves easily. Deeply breathe in that lovely essential oil blend and let all your worries disappear for at least an hour. Heaven!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (300g, £4.50)

If you haven't tried Epsom Salts before or simply don't know which blend to opt for, I would suggest trying out some of the smaller tubs from Absolute Aromas so you can try the different ones that they make. These come in 300g tubs for £4.50 and are available across their range. 

I was curious to see what the Detox Epsom Salts were like as the essential oil blend that's used for these is quite an interesting mix as it features Grapefruit, Juniper, Geranium, Palmarosa, Cedarwood, and Vitamin E. It's a gorgeous uplifting natural fragrance that invigorates the senses and would be suited for those who enjoy a morning bath at the weekend. I really enjoyed this blend and would certainly be adding the full-size bag to my next order.

Absolute Aromas Lemon Myrtle Natural Room Spray* (30ml, £5)

There's a lot more to Absolute Aromas than just bath salts and a quick browse on their website will reveal a huge range of spa and massage products, skincare, aromatherapy oils, and much more! For some reason their Natural Room Sprays were calling to me so I tried out a mini bottle of their Lemon Myrtle blend which is incredibly zesty and uplifting - it instantly puts me in a good mood whenever I use it for a quick spritz around the bathroom!

Shop the full range at absolute-aromas.com

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Limited Edition: Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box 2022 review

 

I'm a huge fan of the Naturisimo Discovery Boxes and their latest edit of 'Team Picks' is one of their best to date! Winner of the Beauty Shortlist Award 2022 for the Best Green Beauty Box, these boxes are a fantastic way to explore and try out a wide range of natural beauty brands and products.

Check out my previous review of the Naturisimo Female Founders Discovery Box here.

Worth £134, the strictly limited edition Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box features eight all-time beauty favourites which have all been hand-picked by the team, and these ladies not only have exceptional taste, but they certainly know a thing or two about green beauty!

I was immediately drawn to the box when I saw it advertised via their Instagram because it contains a good mix of products that I've tried and loved myself in the past, as well as several 'new-to-me' discoveries.

Here's a rundown of everything that's inside:-

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser (travel size)

Caudalie is one of those French natural brands that I've used a lot of over the years, but this particular cleanser is one that I haven't yet tried. From the brand's popular Vinopure range for combination and acne-prone skin types, this Purifying Gel Cleanser is 99% natural and free from a long list of 'nasties'. I love to use a refreshing gel cleanser during the warmer summer months so this looks perfect!

OSKIA Renaissance Mask (travel size)

OSKIA Renaissance Mask is a cult skincare favourite across the world, and I've personally loved this face mask for nearly 10 years, having first reviewed it in a 'Worth The Hype' feature back in 2015. That said, I've only purchased the full size two or three times, and always when it's been on offer because the full size retails for about £68 (insert crying emoji face), so I'm always more than happy to pick up a travel size pot whenever I can. This face mask is one of the best quick fixes out there for dull skin as it makes your complexion noticeably brighter after just one use, and it's amazing for getting rid of clogged pores and impurities. 

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum (travel size)

This one's another product that I've used and loved in the past, and like the OSKIA mask above, it also comes with a hefty luxury price tag, so again I'm thrilled to have a mini version back in my stash. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum is a must-try for those who are 30+ and are starting to get those first visible signs of ageing, as well as for older skincare fans who are looking for a natural and green alternative. The secret behind this serum lies in the specialist blend of fruit stem cells used and there's some very interesting tech that the brand has invested in which sets them apart. Check out my previous review of the full-size product here.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil (travel size)

Regular readers will know that I adore Antipodes and they have been featured as favourites of mine on this blog for many, many years! I love this Divine Face Oil, which is rich in plant-based oils such as Rosehip and Avocado, because it's brilliant to use for an evening facial massage, and it's particularly great for tired and stressed skin. Packed full of nutrients and essential fatty acids, it really does deliver many benefits for your skin to keep it hydrated and happy. My full-size product review is here.

Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème (full size, RRP £33.80)

Moving onto the first full-size product of this discovery box, Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème has been recommended to me so many times by fellow bloggers and skincare gurus, that I've honestly lost count. I've been meaning to try it out for a long time so thank you to Naturisimo for finally bringing it into my life! Suitable for all skin types, this daily moisturiser is an 'all-rounder' as it can be used as both a moisturiser and makeup primer. It has a light texture that's quickly absorbed and leaves skin glowing.

Kosas LipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in Flow (full size, RRP £18)

You guys know how much I love lip balms and naturally, I was excited when I saw this one from the mega-hyped LA brand Kosas, in the box. Their LipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm is indeed infused with Hyaluronic Acid in addition to a number of other skin-loving ingredients, to deliver advanced lip care and comfort without the need for constant reapplications. As an added bonus, it's tinted so this shade Flow adds a wash of warm beige for a 'my lips but better' finish.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Back to another long-time favourite of mine, Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils are some of the best on the luxury market and their De-Stress Muscle blend provides ultra-soothing relief for aching muscles and joints. Key ingredients include lavender, rosemary and ginger for a warming bathtime treat.

Anatomē Lavender Recovery & Sleep Oil (travel size)

Last, but not least, we have the Anatomē Lavender Recovery & Sleep Oil. Described as a best-selling essential oil blend centered around three different types of lavender with proven relaxing and sleep-inducing properties, this handy travel size can be easily applied to your pulse points as and when you need it. 

Naturisimo Team Picks Exclusive Discovery Box 2022 retails for £22 and is available whilst stocks last exclusively from naturisimo.com

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New In Beauty: Tisserand Nature Spa Range - Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand Cream and Hand & Body Soap review

 

Earlier this year, Tisserand released their brand new Nature Spa Bath & Body Collection so if you're in the mood for some self-care pampering at home, this is the range for you!

For those who aren't familiar with Tisserand, they are one of the UK's leading natural wellbeing brands with a vast range of aromatherapy-based products. Based in the beautiful countryside of West Sussex, Tisserand has become hugely popular, and I just love exploring all of the different essential oil blends that they have to offer. 

The new Nature Spa Bath & Body Collection has something for everyone and I was very kindly sent a Hand & Body Soap and Hand Cream from my personal favourite fragrance; the Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang.

Starting with the Tisserand Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand Cream* (75ml, £12, link), this hand cream is a real pleasure to use thanks to its silky texture that is easily absorbed without any hint of greasiness. Packed with moisturising natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E rich Sunflower Seed Oil, it delivers instant hydration to dry hands and is something that I like to keep on my bedside table to remind myself to apply before going to sleep. Come the morning, my hands are so smooth and soft!

Another must-have in this new range is the matching Tisserand Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand & Body Soap* (100g, £6.50, link). It's the ideal addition to your bathroom sink and a super-easy way to help reduce the amount of plastic that you use as this solid soap is simply packaged in a neat cardboard box. Embossed with the Tisserand logo and bursting with that gorgeous uplifting Mandarin & May Chang fragrance, this soap is enriched with moisturising Coconut Oil and Shea Butter to keep hands soft and supple throughout the day.

Shop the full range at tisserand.com

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