Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Are you ready for a bumper Beauty Empties post? It's always the way isn't it; this is about two months' worth of empties as I didn't feel like I had enough to warrant writing a post last month, and now the recycling bin is overflowing. Grab a cuppa and settle down, there's a lot to discuss here!

Bloomtown Natural Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (reviewed here)

I've been using natural deodorants for the best part of 10 years now and I haven't looked back. Admittedly, it can take some trial and error at first to find one that works for you, but a long-time favourite of mine is this deodorant bar from Bloomtown. It lasts a good 2-3 months, is plastic-free, I love the scent and it keeps me fresh all day. Repurchase? Yes.

Nip + Fab Purify Salicylic Fix Spot Patches

These were from a Glossybox and sadly, I didn't find them to be very effective. They didn't dry out my skin, but they also didn't do much to reduce the size of blemishes. Repurchase? No. 

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts & White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica Bath Salts* 

Epsom salts are amazing for reviving the muscles after exercise or just to help you to relax after a stressful/busy day. I'm a big fan of the Westlab Bath Salts which are one of the most affordable brands on the market; the Reviving ones are fragrance-free, whilst the other pack is infused with White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica. Repurchase? Definitely.

Saach Organics Henna Orange Oil Shampoo* (reviewed here)

If, like me, you use henna to colour your hair, then this is a fantastic shampoo that contains henna orange oil to keep your colour looking vibrant for longer. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

It's always a very sad day when you finish up a full-size bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil! I adore these so much, and although they are a luxury splurge, a tiny amount goes a long way. This is the De-Stress blend which is amazing for tired and sore muscles. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

This Works Sleep Balm

A cute little pot of scented balm that I like to apply to my pulse points before going to bed. If you have trouble sleeping, I can't recommend the This Works Sleep range enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

Another one that I found in a Glossybox, I originally really liked this, but over time, I began to find the coconut flavour too sickly sweet. Repurchase? No.

Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This is the classic original formula which has peppermint and Vitamin E in it. You really can't go wrong with these lip balms, I must have gone through loads of them over the years! Repurchase? Yes.

Emma Hardie Brilliance Face Oil* (reviewed here)

An absolutely beautiful product, Emma Hardie's bestselling Brilliance Face Oil is just sublime. I love the blend of natural plant oils and my skin always feels healthier and more glowy whenever I use it. Repurchase? Yes.

Dook X Jupiter Artland Salt Soap

My favourite brand discovery of this year so far has been Dook. Their famous handmade Salt Soaps are not only exquisite and works of art in their own right, but the compact formula means they never go mushy, even after using them every day for the past few months. This one was a special Limited Edition collaboration that they did with the Scottish artist Jupiter Artland. Repurchase? I will buy more from their main range for sure! 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Bath and Shower Gel (travel size)

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and Rhubarb & Rose is quite possibly my favourite scent from them; it's so fruity with a touch of floral and a little sherberty zing. A lovely touch of luxury for the bath or shower. Repurchase? Yes.

Tisserand Mandarin & May Chang Uplifting Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

Another beautifully scented product is this hand cream from Tisserand which has a lovely oriental floral and spicy fragrance. My top tip is to stock up on these when they're on offer in TKMaxx. Repurchase? Yes.

Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ 

An excellent choice for sensitive skin, this sunscreen does the job and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

Another good option for sensitive skin is this bath & shower oil from Evolve Organic Beauty has a very delicate and gentle formula so I tend to use it a lot when my skin is having an eczema flareup. Repurchase? Yes. 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I only use micellar water to remove waterproof mascara as I prefer cleansing oils/balms for the rest of my face, so one of these big bottles lasts me around six months or so. It gets the job done and is fragrance-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream*

Gorgeous softening formula with a gorgeous cheerful scent, I've been using these for years and always have one in my stash somewhere. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturecan Purify CBD Clay Mask* (reviewed here)

Whilst I enjoyed using this, I did feel like it's a pretty basic clay face mask and there are other brands that I prefer a lot more. Repurchase? No.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight (travel size)

One of the best, if not the best, natural mascaras you'll find on the market right now. I love this mascara so much! It lengthens, adds volume and doesn't smudge or budge all day long. Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Tarteist Brow Gel

As far as clear brow gels go, this works really well and keeps fluffy brows in place. But is it worth the money? Nope; you can find the same kind of product elsewhere for a much more affordable price. Repurchase? No.

Organic Works Bergamot Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

I love fresh scents as you can probably tell from this post and this big bottle of body lotion from Organic Works has served me well! Lovely light non-sticky formula and a lovely fresh fragrance. Repurchase? Yes.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist* 

An essential on my bedside table, I always like to spritz my bedding with a sleepy pillow mist before calling it a night. This one's in my top three favourites but I do feel that the This Works mist performs slightly better. Repurchase? Maybe.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (travel size)

Lastly, I've used up a travel size of REN's bestselling Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream which is something that I have recommended countless times to friends and family. If you have sensitive skin, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Another month has flown by which means it's time yet again for another Beauty Empties round-up! This is something of a bumper collection as I've been on a bit of a No-Buy challenge recently so I've finished up quite a lot of products. Grab a cuppa and let's get stuck in.

Naobay Hyaluronic & Hemp Recharge Splash Facial Mist* (travel size)

I really enjoyed using this - it was super light and refreshing and also doubled up nicely as a setting spray too. Repurchase? I've gone back to using the Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist, but I would be happy to buy this again in the future.

Balance Me BHA Exfoliating Concentrate (travel size)

If you have oily/combination skin that's prone to blemishes and breakouts, then I highly recommend this liquid exfoliant. It's brilliant for unclogging pores and getting rid of dead skin/congestion. Repurchase? Yes.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (reviewed here)

This is one of the best face masks that I've ever tried for helping to repair the skin barrier. It has so many beneficial ingredients like Magnesium and Zinc in it that you really do see a noticeable difference in your skin after the first use. Genius stuff. Repurchase? Already have :)

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum* (reviewed here)

A hugely popular serum for a reason, this one combines Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C in a slow-release formula to really plump up and brighten your complexion. Very impressed by this and will be most definitely cutting open the tube to get the last bits out! Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown The Rose Garden Salt Soak* (reviewed here)

I recently featured this in my top four relaxing bath salts post so it should come as no surprise to see it here. These are gorgeous, fresh rose-scented Himalayan salts that are very relaxing and spa-like. Repurchase? Yes. 

Puur Ingrid Ultra Body Oil* (featured here)

This is a luxury Canadian natural brand that I was introduced to when I was judging the Cert Clean Beauty Awards. A delightfully silky body oil with a heavenly scent of Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Bergamot. Repurchase? I'm not sure if they have a UK stockist but I'll certainly be checking!

Greenfrog Botanic Shampoo Bar Argan & Rose Oil*

One of my favourite shampoo bars as it produces a nice thick lather and feels very hydrating. Vegan and SLS-free, these bars last forever, I'm sure I've been using it for at least 3 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm* (reviewed here)

Another product that's lasted for a long time has been this tube of Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm which I'm sure I opened around Christmas time to put it into perspective! Amazing for any dry skin bits like lips and cuticles, it's fragrance-free so ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Organii Almond & Avocado Cream Soap* (reviewed here)

If you have dry hands, you must try these Organii Cream Soaps. Not only are they packed full of natural moisturising ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, but they're an absolute steal at only £3.50. I like to use them mainly as hand soaps to cut down on my plastic waste, though they are brilliant to use in the bath and shower as well as they retain their shape and don't go mushy.

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up (travel size)

One of the best multi-purpose beauty products to throw into your travel bag. This little gem triples up as a hydrating face mask, everyday moisturiser, and makeup primer. I particularly like it using it as a primer as it completely smooths out my face in prep for makeup and keeps everything looking fresh. Repurchase? Yes.

Fruu Watermelon Lip Balm*

Can you tell I'm getting better at using up my never-ending stash of lip balms?! I'm a huge fan of these Fruu ones which come in a range of different flavours - Watermelon is so fruity and delicious. The hydration that these lip balms offer and the curved end make me keep buying them over and over. Repurchase? Definitely. 

Vapour Mesmerize Mascara (reviewed here)

It was certainly bittersweet to finish off this mascara as Vapour Beauty is sadly no more and I'll miss several of their products including this as it was a bloody good mascara. Repurchase? Discontinued :(

Alexandra Kay Time To Relax Essential Oil* (reviewed here)

I've used this for about 2-3 years now and still love it; I'm not sure why, but it's one of the most relaxing essential oil blends that I've come across. Repurchase? Yes.

Alteya Organics Eucalyptus Essential Oil*

When it comes to single essential oils, you can't go wrong with the purity and quality of Alteya Organics. I use Eucalutpus a lot throughout winter to help with itchy scalps/dandruff (add a drop or two to your shampoo), and clearing blocked sinuses when I've had a cold (great for water steam inhalation). Repurchase? Most definitely!

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Top 4 Bath Salts To Help You Relax & Sleep | featuring This Works, M&S Apothecary, Westlab & Bloomtown

Once only used by women of a 'certain age', bath salts are enjoying a long-awaited revival thanks to the self-care movement and I'm totally here for it! There are so many different blends and compositions to choose from these days that it can be a little overwhelming knowing what to buy. To point you in the right direction, I've put together my top four favourite bath salts post to help you to relax after a long day, and get a good night's sleep.

If You Love Floral Scents Try: Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden* (285g, £10, link)

Most bath salt products on the market are generally made up of Epsom salts, Magnesium flakes, or Dead Sea salts (or even a mix of these), so I wanted to feature a Pink Himalayan Salt product as they are also becoming much more popular. Not only does it look pretty, but Pink Himalayan Salt is famed for containing over 80 trace minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. This gives the salt a unique composition which is great for drawing out toxins and rejuvenating the skin. Just make sure to really stir these salts around the bath as they are harder to fully dissolve if you don't.

I'm a big fan of the Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden scent which smells incredible; if you love heady floral fragrances mixed with musk, this is the one for you. It's also a good alternative for those who aren't keen on lavender scents, but still want something that's relaxing.

If You Want A Good Night's Sleep Try: This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak* (200g, £24, link)

For my fellow insomniacs, you must try This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak. In fact, the entire Deep Sleep range is incredible for those of us who really struggle to get to sleep, however, the Bath Soak is something special. Infused with the brand's signature Deep Sleep natural fragrance, these sea salts are saturated with an expert and clinically proven mix of Lavender, Vetivert, Patchouli, Ho Wood, and Wild Chamomile essential oils. 

A truly relaxing and luxurious bath is sure to follow when these magical salts are added to the water and This Works recommend that you use them about two hours before you want to go to bed for the very best results. They are expensive, but it's worth pointing out that you only need to use a spoonful for each bath as they are so potent.

If You're On A Budget Try: Westlab Mindful Bath Salts with Frankincense, Bergamot & CBD* (1kg, £3.79, link)

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything from Westlab. I have used their products regularly for years, and the quality is always wonderfully consistent, with excellent results. It was difficult to choose just one product from them as they have such a good range, but their Mindful Bath Salts are brilliant and they're something that I've recommended countless times to family and friends.

Here we have a mix of both Epsom and Himalayan mineral salts, along with the addition of CBD oil to promote a feeling of tranquility and essential oils of Cedarwood, Orange, Geranium, Frankincense, and Bergamot. You can pick up Westlab Bath Salts from a wide variety of stockists including many budget-friendly stores such as B&M and Saver's where you'll usually find a big 1kg bag for around £3.50 - £3.79, which is such a bargain!

If You Want Your Bathroom To Feel Like A Spa Try: M&S Apothecary Sleep Bath Salts* (300g, £7.50, link)

OK, so all of the bath salts in this post will make your bathroom smell amazing, but if you're looking for one that's going to go the extra mile and make it feel like a proper spa experience, M&S Apothecary is the range to look into. They have a couple of different blends available, and the Sleep Bath Salts are a clear winner in my humble opinion.

Housed in a beautiful smoked grey glass bottle with a classic apothecary style vibe, these sea salts instantly hit you with a really strong and heady fragrance of Lavender, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, and Jasmine. This fragrance will quickly fill your whole bathroom, evoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Best of all, you can purchase refills which not only help to cut down on your packaging waste, but also make these bath salts more affordable in the long run.

Are you a fan of bath salts?

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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!

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - July 2021 review

Featuring excellent value for money every single month, the LoveLula Beauty Boxes are a great way to treat yourself or a loved one to an exciting selection of green beauty goodies. I've been receiving these boxes for a few years now and they still do not disappoint!

Curious to find out more? Check out my previous LoveLula Beauty Box reviews here and below, you'll find a rundown of what's inside this month's box which is worth £58.

Soul Tree Kajal in Pure Black (RRP £14.20)

Made from an Ayurvedic traditional recipe that uses a 3000-year-old process, Soul Tree's Kajal's have a smooth and creamy texture which makes them glide on effortlessly without any dragging or pulling. Cruelty-free and free from a long list of 'nasties', this kajal instead uses natural pigments and ingredients such as Ghee, Camphor, and Organic Almond Oil to deliver a true alternative eyeliner. Amazing! Be sure to follow my Instagram Stories for a quick tutorial on how I use this.

Gallinée Probiotic Eye Contour Cream (RRP £22)

One of the original French natural beauty brands that were at the forefront of probiotic skincare, Gallinée's bestselling Eye Contour Cream has been specially formulated for the most sensitive and reactive eyes. It smoothes, protects, and soothes the delicate eye area and is just what I need after my recent laser eye surgery!

Bloomtown Lemongrass & Peppermint Deodorant Bar (RRP £10)

I featured this recently in my Summer Beauty Favourites so I'm thrilled to see it in this month's LoveLula beauty box as so many of you were asking about it on Instagram! This is one my favourite natural deodorants and has a bicarbonate-free formula that makes it suitable for sensitive pits.

Skin Alchemists Equilibrium Artisan Soap Bar (RRP £10)

Celebrate Plastic Free July with this gorgeous luxury Soap Bar from Skin Alchemists. I've tried one of their soaps before and I loved it so it's great to have another one back in my bathroom. The Equilibrium Bar has a beautifully fragrant blend of Lavender, Lime, Vetiver and Cedarwood and a lovely moisturising formula to keep hands nice and soft.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Currently Loving: Summer Beauty Favourites from Bloomtown, RMS Beauty, John Masters Organics & The Organic Pharmacy

I think it's finally safe to say that Summer is perhaps here to stay now in the UK, so before the sun goes in and it starts raining, I thought I'd put together a little edit of some of my current Summer Beauty Favourites.

Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (50g, £10, link)

If you're looking to make the switch to a natural deodorant, these Bloomtown Glide-On Deodorant Bars are a great place to start. I'm a huge fan of this lovely British brand and find that their natural deos are seriously underrated! With absolutely no aluminum, baking soda or parabens, they're ideal for sensitive skin to try out and currently come in two scents, a floral Lavender and Rose Geranium, and a fresh Lemongrass & Peppermint. I opted for the latter and love the uplifting fragrance! I found this worked well for for everyday wear and effectively kept the body odour at bay which is what you want a deodorant to do!

Just a heads up if you're new to these - natural deodorants are not antiperspirants so they won't stop you from sweating. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to use antiperspirants all the time as blocking your natural perspiration function isn't healthy in my view, so be prepared for a bit of 'wetness' during the summer months or if you're exercising etc when using these.

RMS Beauty Back2Brow Brow Powder in Dark* (3.5g, £21, link)

I was looking for a new brow product and I always opt for a powder when the weather gets warmer because they seem to be able to stick around for a lot longer throughout the day. This Back2Brow Brow Powder from RMS Beauty is exactly what I was looking for. Within the compact square is a finely milled powder, rich in natural pigment and minerals that's super easy to blend and work with. It gives a good dimensional look to the brows which helps them to look instantly thicker and fuller, as well as much more natural, and the Dark shade suited me perfectly. A fabulous find!

John Masters Organics Hair Milk* (118ml, £29, link) & Lip Calm Pomegranate* (4g, £7, link)

Throughout the pandemic, I have to admit that I haven't been paying much attention to my hair thanks to WFH life, and it's been in some dire need of TLC. I've used this John Masters Organics Hair Milk in the past and felt it was time to step up to the full size as it's such a useful product to have in your beauty stash, plus it lasts forever! If you haven't heard of it before, it's basically a lightweight leave-in conditioner and styling treatment. Free from silicones, it's a good one to pick up if you have fine and very dry hair like mine as it won't weigh it down or make it look greasy, but it will deliver all the essential moisture that your hair needs to look its best. Perfect for adding shine and making your locks sleek and frizz-free.

Whilst I'm mentioning JMO, I thought I'd sneak in a cheeky shoutout for their brilliant Lip Calm Pomegranate which is a new release and based on their bestselling, original Lip Calm formula. I actually like this one more as I love the Pomegranate flavour which adds a fruity twist to their classic balm!

The Organic Pharmacy Luminous Perfecting Concealer in Medium* (5ml, £19, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention is the incredible Luminous Perfecting Concealer from The Organic Pharmacy. This Medium shade that you can see above is the perfect salmony pink colour for counteracting and brightening up dark circles. A really lovely hydrating formula that doesn't settle into those pesky fine lines and can be easily set matte with a light touch of banana powder. I'd definitely recommend this concealer more for the undereyes, rather than for concealing blemishes as it's not quite heavy duty enough to cover acne etc, so do bear that in mind, but it's OK for the odd spot here and there if you did want to double up.

What are your summer beauty favourites this year?

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5 Natural & Cruelty-Free Fragrances To Try This Summer

The sun has finally come out to play and Summer definitely feels like it's on its way! As the new season approaches, I thought I'd put together an edit of some of my favourite cruelty-free, natural fragrances for the Summer months ahead.

Try If You Like Sensual & Exotic Scents: Balm Balm Single Note Ylang Ylang Eau de Parfum* (33ml, £22, link)

Regular readers will know that I'm obsessed with all things Ylang Ylang so this natural perfume from Balm Balm had to be my number one pick. If you haven't tried these Balm Balm Single Note Eau de Parfums yet, you're truly missing out! Made from simply essential oil and pure grain alcohol, these fragrances are 100% vegan, natural and organic (certified by the Soil Association) and feature just a single essential oil for the purest outcome. Ylang Ylang is a bold and sensual perfume and can be worn on its own or layered with other single-note fragrances from the Balm Balm range. 

Try If You Like Happy & Uplifting Scents: Kathleen Natural Citrus Cheer Roll On Perfume* (10ml, £18.40, link)

For those who prefer an alcohol-free fragrance, you can't go wrong with these lovely Kathleen Natural rollerball perfumes. 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, my favourite is called Citrus Cheer which sums up this scent so well! This essential oil blend has top notes of Lemon and a heart of Rosewood which is layered over a base of Geranium. Happy and uplifting, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Try If You Like Fruity & Fresh Scents: Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Roll-On Perfume* (10ml, £12.99, link)

With its slim and chic design, it's easy to see why the Pacifica Roll-On Perfumes are so popular and I've tried out various scents from this range over the years. The one that I keep repurchasing on a yearly basis though is the Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume which marries together juicy Blood Orange with zesty Italian Mandarin, plus lovely sparkling Raspberry and Strawberry notes to keep the Summer vibes going strong all season long. Natural, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

Try If You Like Sweet & Comforting Scents: Bloomtown The Café Roll-On Infused Oil* (10ml, £6, link)

If you're on a budget, I highly recommend the Roll-On Infused Oils from the British natural brand Bloomtown. Handmade in Truro, Cornwall, these are seriously underrated and they are an absolute steal at just £6! The range is certified cruelty-free, vegan, and palm-oil-free, and they have six signature scents to choose from. I love The Café which is a sublime blend of Hazelnut, Vanilla, Coffee and Chocolate for a sweet and cosy fragrance. Not only that, but these double up as nourishing oils for your skin and hair too and can be used to hydrate dry skin areas, as well as smoothing split ends - pretty clever indeed!

Try If You Like Contemporary & Fun Scents: Flaya Island Eau de Parfum* (10ml, £12.99, link)

Flaya is a new brand discovery for me and I was delighted to come across their natural, organic and vegan-friendly perfumes when I was browsing LoveLula one evening. This small, family-run business specialises in fragrances that are created from only natural and plant-based ingredients. Each perfume is handmade, hand-bottled and hand-packed in the UK, and the brand is proud to have several certifications from a range of ethical companies including the Vegan Society and the Ethical Consumer Best Buy label. I decided to try their Island fragrance recently and I've been smitten with it ever since. It's a warm, fun and modern scent with happy fresh Citrus notes combined with sensual undertones of Ylang Ylang. 

What are your favourite Summer fragrances?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

Lots of Empties again for last month - the beauty stash in my bathroom is slowly being decluttered - yay! Here's everything that I've used up recently, and my thoughts about whether I'll be repurchasing them again or not.

The Soap Shop Peppermint & Cornflower Sugar Scrub

If you're looking for a hardcore body scrub that's also plastic-free, this is a really good one to try. It's almost identical to the PHB Sugar Scrubs and does an excellent job of removing dead skin, especially on your feet! Repurchase? Yes.

Naobay Oxygenating Moisturising Cream

I think this is my second or possibly even third bottle that I've gone through and it's one of those face moisturisers that I keep going back to. Great for combination skin as it feels hydrating and balancing at the same time. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other moisturisers first.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

Another skincare fave that I've used on/off for the past few years is this wonderful Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia. It has lots of probiotics and peptides to give your skin a lovely glow and it works particularly well as a first or second cleanser in the evenings. Repurchase? I think I might have another travel size from a GWP somewhere!

Westlab Supersalt Body Cleanse Himalayan Bathing Salt*

I love using bath salts and these ones from Westlab are a firm favourite. They're delicately scented with Lemon and Rose, and always help me to relax after a stressful day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Hope's Relief Formula 2 Scalp & Hair Conditioner*

If you have a dry scalp that's prone to dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, this stuff is a must try. It's gentle enough to be used every day, but I tend to use it just once a week or fortnight and find that it really helps to keep my scalp hydrated and happy. Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Soothing Mask*

This is a beautiful fragrance-free face mask that I often used when my skin was feeling congested or overly sensitive. There are lots of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in it which help to calm down irritation and redness, plus it doesn't dry out the skin as the clay in it doesn't set. Brilliant stuff! Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil*

I'm a huge fan of all of the Weleda Body Oils, but this Wild Rose one is definitely one of my favourites and I absolutely love the scent. Formula-wise, it's very rich and moisturising - just the kind of product to use during the Winter months if you have dry skin. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products in my stash.

Green People Daily Aloe Shower Gel*

Whenever my eczema flares up, I'll switch my shower gel to something like this and use it until my skin calms down, so I've had this in my bathroom for a while now. It's super gentle and SLS-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Coco Mask*

I've got a bit of a love/hate relationship with this face mask because it's a powder that requires mixing with water before you can use it. I love the hydrating results, but I simply found that I didn't reach for it very often because I'd always pick a mask that didn't need mixing over it, almost every time. It's a great product, just not for me. Repurchase? No.

Elemental Herbology Vital Cleanse Facial Cleanser

I enjoyed using this light gel cleanser but it's definitely more of a Spring/Summer product for my combination skin, now that the weather has turned much colder. Repurchase? Will consider next year.

Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra-Light Facial Moisturiser

Same as the above for this one too - liked it a lot but it would definitely be better suited for my skin in Summer than it would in Winter, as I need some more hydration from my face moisturiser right now. Repurchase? Possibly next year.

Barefoot SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion*

Fantastic product for eczema and very dry skin. I always have a tube or two of this on hand in my bathroom to deal with flare-ups, although you can happily use it as an everyday body moisturiser if you just have dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Hurraw! Papaya & Pineapple Lip Balm*

I've tried so many different flavours of these Hurraw! Lip Balms and I loved this fruity Papaya & Pineapple one, it's very Summery! These lip balms have brilliant moisturising formulas and I often go back to them when I need a new one. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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October Beauty & Lifestyle Favourites

Ready for some monthly favourites? Here's a quick roundup of everything that I've been loving throughout October.

STARSKIN Eye Catcher Smoothing Eye Masks (£8.50 for a pack of 2 pairs, link)

Eye masks have become as much of an addiction as sheet masks for me, and these ones from STARSKIN have been a favourite for a while, but I don't think that I've properly given them a shoutout before! Like their amazing sheet masks, these eye masks are made from the same kind of bio-cellulose material which acts like a 'second skin' to help the infused serum absorb better. They do a fantastic job of depuffing and smoothing, so great for a quick fix before a special occasion or night out!

Leighton Denny Heritage Collection Nail Polish in Rural Sunset* (12ml, £12, link)

Leighton Denny have recently released a gorgeous new range called the Heritage Collection for A/W, and this shade Rural Sunset is the most perfect tone of soft, dusky pink for an ultra-chic manicure. Perfect for all year round, not just A/W.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (100ml, £25, link)  

Thanks to the colder weather, I've been reaching for my more hydrating skincare products this month and was missing a good hydrating face mask in my stash so I decided to repurchase this beauty from Origins. I've bought it a couple of times in the past and always enjoy using it at this time of the year, plus a percentage of the sales of this special edition goes to Breast Cancer research, so I couldn't say no!

Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask* (60ml, £12, link)

Another face mask that I've been loving is a new discovery for me and it's the Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask. It's amazing for all skin types to use, but dehydrated, stressed, tired and sensitive skins will especially love it. To see it in action, read my full review here. 

Clipper Happy Mondays Organic Tea* (20 teabags, £2.39, link)

You guys know how much I love my tea and I've been really enjoying this one from Clipper. Their Happy Mondays blend is an organic infusion of Lemon, Ginger and Cracked Black Pepper - so warming with a little spicy kick! It's the perfect tea to heat you up on a cold morning and certainly, helps to liven up a dull Monday. It works really well as a cheeky Hot Toddy too with a shot of Whiskey ;)

Vida Glow Original Marine Collagen Supplement* (30 doses, £32.95, link)

A high-quality collagen supplement can give a boost to your hair, skin and nails during the Winter months when you need it the most, and it comes in very useful the older you get, as we naturally lose collagen through age which leads to sagging and wrinkles. Vida Glow is made from all natural pure marine collagen, derived from the scales of ocean fish, and contains no wheat, gluten, sugar, additives, preservatives or flavours. To use it, you just add a scoop to your drink of choice - easy! This Original blend does have a very slightly 'ocean' type of flavour in plain water (like a subtle fish-meets-seaweed flavour), but it's easily masked in a smoothie or juice, or you could try one of the brand's other flavoured versions instead.

What are your beauty faves this month?

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