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!

What products are you currently loving?

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Foodie Friday | Fudge Kitchen review | AKA The Best Luxury Artisan Fudge in the UK

Need a sweet pick-me-up? Fudge has always been a real nostalgic treat for me and I've been searching for the best fudge in the UK for a while. Guess what? I think I've finally found the holy grail of all luxury, artisan fudge thanks to Fudge Kitchen.

Scattered across six different locations across the UK, Fudge Kitchen has been making handmade fudge since 1983 which is always a good indicator of a successful business in these chaotic times we live in. And when I say handmade, I really do mean handmade; they've gone viral online for showcasing their 'theatre for fudge', where you can see their makers pour incredible mixtures (based on traditional recipes from the 1800's) over Italian marble tables and shape it into the most incredible fudge you'll ever taste in your life.

You'll find Fudge Kitchen in tourist hotspots such as Bath, York, and Edinburgh, and fudge addicts can even book onto courses to learn how to make fudge in their stores. For those not near a bricks and mortar shop, don't despair because you can order Fudge Kitchen online and have it delivered straight to your door. Perfect for birthday gifts and special treats!

Having sampled this holy grail fudge in their Bath store, I had to order some more as soon as I got home. Fashioned into thick slabs (this really is a million miles away from any other kind of fudge I've tried in the past)  and made with only minimal natural ingredients, they have a delectable range of flavours to choose from so there's something for everyone. 

From classic favourites such as Clotted Cream and Sea Salt Caramel, to experimental delights like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Pina Colada, you are truly spoilt for choice. There are also special seasonal additions available throughout the year; Eton Mess is the current one as a celebration for Wimbledon, and I'm happy to say that vegans are catered for as well with Fudge Kitchen's unique vegan recipes.

I highly recommend the 'Build A Box' option which allows you to choose five flavours and arrives beautifully packaged with no plastic. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the heavenly sweet fragrance of butter and sugar, and I couldn't wait to sample everything!

Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge

Chocolate and orange is just one of those classic, to-die-for flavour combinations that I can never get enough of. Here Fudge Kitchen has created a vegan, dairy-free version made from a finely honed sugar-crafting technique that incorporates ingredients such as oats and oat drink to form the base. I have tried some different brands of vegan fudge in the past and I have to admit, they have been disappointing, but it's safe to say that Fudge Kitchen has truly nailed its vegan recipe here with a smooth, dense, creamy texture that doesn't feel bitty or gritty like others do. As expected, this Chocolate Orange Vegan Fudge is a dream come true; not too sweet, very chocolatey and with a good dose of orange mixed in.

Creamy Coffee Fudge

I'm one of those people who doesn't drink coffee but loves the coffee-flavoured things (bizarre I know!), and this Creamy Coffee Fudge hits the spot perfectly. The buttery texture melts in your mouth and the infusion of coffee is strong, but not overpowering if that makes any sense. Absolutely superb and one of my favourite flavours.

Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge

Following on from the success of the Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge, my attention quickly turned to the moreish Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge which is another culinary winner. I'm a huge fan of peanut butter so this was an easy choice to win me over with, but again, that unique dairy-free texture is so impressive. I particularly enjoyed the crunchy pieces of peanuts which kept my tastebuds interested with every bite.

Chocolate Swirl Fudge

Imagine a classic clotted cream recipe with a generous swirl of chocolate sauce and real chocolate chunks added and this is what you get. Beautifully buttery and creamy, this one had a slightly softer and subtly chewier texture than the previous flavours, with that insane melt-in-your-mouth quality. This one was very popular with everyone who tried it!

Butter Pecan Fudge

Saving the very best til last, the Butter Pecan Fudge is what sweet dreams are made of. My goodness! This is the flavour that I sampled in their Bath store, so of course I had to purchase another slab of it because the first one didn't last long! Butter Pecan is just sublime with a rich, nutty flavour, coupled with caramel, sugar and butter, and a dense, yet slightly crumbly texture. Heaven on earth right here.

Fudge Kitchen's Build A Box costs £20 for five thick slabs plus shipping - order online & discover more sweet treats at fudgekitchen.co.uk

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Spring Beauty Edit | 5 Products To Take You Into Spring & Beyond

Let's face it, most of us don't need an excuse to have a little splurge and treat ourselves to some shiny new beauty products, but a new season is always a good excuse anyway! Believe it or not, there are practical elements to swapping out and adding in a few different products as well, as we (hopefully) move into the warmer and sunnier months ahead.

Here are five beauty products to take you into Spring and beyond.

Treat Your Skin To A Facial Massage | PMD Gua Sha RQ* (£32, link)

If you haven't tried Gua Sha yet, make Spring the time to give it a go! Gua Sha is the ancient traditional Chinese practice of using a tool, usually a shaped stone, to 'scrape' the skin or body to help stimulate new blood flow to the area, thus boosting cellular repair and collagen production. It may sound a little strange at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to stop doing it, and many people say it helps to lift the contours of the face so it's a good one to try if you want a more naturally sculpted look.

All you need to practice Gua Sha at home is your favourite facial oil and a tool such as the new PMD Gua Sha RQ. Start by adding a few drops of face oil to your skin to provide lubrication and then gently scrape the tool against your face in upward and outward sweeping motions, applying more pressure as you get used to it. There are loads of tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. I particularly like the PMD Gua Sha RQ as it's made from Rose Quartz and has five unique points, edges, and curves to really get a good deep massage into the skin. The rubberised grip in the center is also very well-thought-out to make the tool much easier to use so it's a great choice for beginners.

Swap Your Cleansing Balm For An Oil | Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil* (100ml, £4.99, link)

As the season changes and especially as the weather starts to (slowly) warm-up, you may find that your skin becomes less dry and more oily. This is especially true if you have a combination skin type, and I can usually start to see and feel my complexion begin to change around this time of the year. If you've been using a thick cleansing balm over winter, why not try swapping it for a much lighter cleansing oil? Most skin types will enjoy the change and if you've always been concerned about using an oil-based product because your skin is oily, don't skip this; it's a common misconception and can actually improve your skin instead - win-win!

A fantastic budget-friendly option is Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil which you can pick up on the high street from places such as Boots. This cruelty-free cleanser transforms from an oil into a lightweight milk once you add water, removing all traces of impurities and makeup along the way. The pro-collagen formula contains active Vitamin C to visibly brighten your complexion and the blend of Olive, Grapeseed, and Rosehip Oils ensures that skin is left nourished and not stripped.

Embrace The Relaxing Powers Of CBD Into Your Bathroom | KLORIS CBD Bath Block Melt in Recharge* (140g, £15, link)

These days you'll find CBD in virtually everything from skincare to health drinks, such are its revered natural abilities to help us stressed human beings relax and recover from our busy lives. It's no surprise then to see CBD popping up as a key ingredient in many luxury bath products and these Bath Block Melts from KLORIS are so popular that they frequently sell out as soon as a new fresh batch is released.

Substantially chunky just like a brick, these bad boys are like a supersized bath bomb and are available in a range of different blends such as Recharge, Revive, Relax and Restore. I've had the pleasure of trying all of them and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Recharge one. Infused with two of my all-time fave essential oils, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, each block also contains a whopping 100mg of premium CBD oil and a super luxurious cocktail of Hemp Oil, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter to soften your whole body. Add to a warm bath, watch it fizz, and indulge in some me-time for at least an hour for the full benefits. Pure bliss.

Swap Powder Blush For Cream | Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Petal Poppin (3g, £21, link)

One of the easiest makeup swaps for Spring is to replace your powder blush with a cream one instead. Why? In bright sunlight, powder blush can look a little too harsh and even glowy ones can start to look a little cakey, whilst cream formulas tend to look much fresher and more youthful. I've always been one to steer mainly clear of cream blushers as most don't tend to last very long on my combination skin, however, after reading a string of positive reviews about the Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cheeks Out Cream Blushers, I felt compelled to pick one up to try out.

I opted for the shade Petal Poppin which is the most gorgeous medium pink shade with a warm undertone that I feel would work really well for a range of skin tones. I love everything about this blush. From the super cute compact to the ultra-lightweight cream formula that blends like a dream, you can't go wrong with the sheer buildable pop of colour that it offers. Non-sticky, non-greasy, and lasts on my skin a good 6-8 hours before a little touchup is required.

Discover A Fresh New Scent | Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist (90ml, £22, link)

My fifth and final top pick for Spring is of course, a fresh new fragrance because who doesn't love changing up their perfume to fit with a new season?! You've no doubt seen this one all over social media so I'll keep this bit relatively short. Since reviewing Sol de Janeiro's Body Washes last month, several people on Instagram recommended their Perfume Mists to me so I obviously had to try one out. 

There are about five or six different fragrances to choose from and the one that I was attracted to the most was the Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist which is popular as it has some strong Baccarat Rouge vibes (and I really don't hate that). It's a sweet and sexy floral fragrance that reminds me of sunny days with notes of Brazillian Jasmine, Hibiscus, Pink Dragonfruit, Lychee, and creamy Vanilla. 

What's on your Spring beauty shopping list?

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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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Luxury Mother's Day Gift Idea: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist & Rose Cleansing Balm review

Need a last-minute gift for Mother's Day? Elemis is always a surefire winner with their Pro-Collagen Rose collection being a bestselling range for many years. Maybe your mum already has some in her bathroom cabinet and would appreciate a top-up?

Elemis feels like one of those luxury British brands that have been around forever as it's become such a well-loved part of the beauty community, particularly with older women. Launched back in 1990 by Noella Gabriel, Elemis has gone from strength to strength, and was one of the first true 'skin wellness' brands, marrying together a love of nature, science, and aromatherapy. 

I've tried quite a few products from Elemis over the years and particularly love their body care range, as well as their bestselling Pro-Collagen Rose collection, which my skin is enjoying now it's nearer 40, than 30!

Here are two products that I'd highly recommend picking up; the Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist and the Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. These would be perfect to add to a DIY pamper basket for your mum, along with a lovely candle, flowers, and some of her favourite foodie treats.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist* (50ml, £46)

A mist doesn't sound very exciting but this is no ordinary mist. Oh no! This is a super hydrating serum-in-a-mist which is actually pretty interesting concept wise and works beautifully for more mature, dull and dehydrated skin types. Dubbed as a 'high-performance anti-wrinkle serum-in-a-mist', this clever multi-purpose skincare gem has an incredibly soothing effect on the skin, leaving it smooth, softened, and hydrated for 24 hours.

Hero ingredients in this innovative formula are Padina Pavonica (a clinically proven seaweed extract that boosts collagen production), Microalgae extracts (to freshen and hydrate), and Organic Rose Hydrolat (famed for its natural moisturising properties). Use it after cleansing, and it also doubles up as a fantastic makeup setting spray.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm* (prices start from £13 for 20g)

Based on its famous big sister, the original Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (one of which is sold every 13 seconds in the UK!), this Rose version has become equally as popular thanks to its delicate fresh floral fragrance. Infused with Rose and Mimosa waxes with Elderberry, Starflower, and Elemis' trademarked blend of Optimega Oils, this mineral oil-free balm is just so beautiful and luxurious to use. The texture is rich and effortlessly massages into the skin to remove all traces of dirt and impurities - you can see why it's used in the Elemis spas from the minute that you try it.

Super nourishing for the delicate skin barrier, the balm emulsifies into a hydrating milk when water is added, leaving skin soft, clean, and properly feeling pampered and nourished. A tiny amount goes a long way as expected and it can also be used to remove makeup, as well as a weekly hydrating facial mask for dry skin.

Shop the full range at uk.elemis.com

What are your favourite Elemis products?

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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

What are your favourite essential oils?

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Payday Treats | New Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Sorcery & Decade | Review & Swatches

Need a payday treat? The new shades of Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss from Lisa Eldridge have me swooning and falling back in love with juicy, shiny lips after what seems like a lifetime of matte lipsticks!

I don't think there's a beauty blogger on the planet who doesn't love Lisa Eldridge so it was a bit of a no-brainer to see how hugely successful her own cosmetics brand has become since its launch four years ago. The legendary makeup artist and creative director extraordinaire, Lisa Eldridge is someone who I have fangirled over for a long time and I just love her makeup tutorials on YouTube. 

I've dipped my toe in the range before and tried a few things such as the iconic True Velvet Lipsticks and the sell-out Cinnabar Eyeshadow Palette, but oddly enough, it's been the launch of a couple of new shades of her Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss that have got me flustered lately.

As soon as I saw them on Lisa's Instagram, I added two to my shopping basket immediately because the shades looked so beautiful, and boy, are they even more gorgeous in real life! These substantially chunky lip glosses come packaged with their trademark gold caps and embellished with Lisa Eldridge's brand signature. 

The whole makeup line is 100% cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. Whilst it's not a green/clean beauty range, there are some key natural ingredients included in the formulas, and the vast majority of products are suitable for vegans (just check the ingredients online first if this applies to you).

What attracts me the most to Lisa Eldridge's cosmetics is the performance and quality of the products which are truly top tier as you would expect from a world-renowned makeup artist. It's clear that a lot of time has gone into the development of everything that Lisa launches and you know she wouldn't produce anything that she wouldn't use herself or on her celebrity clientele of famous faces.

With this in mind, let's get back to the glosses. I picked up two of the new shades of Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Sorcery and Decade. This range is a gloss and lip care hybrid thanks to the inclusion of Wild Mango Kernel Butter, Acai Berry Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Vitamin C.

Gliding on super smoothly, these non-sticky lip glosses feel like silk on the lips and each shade offers a different level of pigment. 

Sorcery, pictured above, is a cool-toned earthy rose with a touch of mauve. This is the one to opt for if you love that 90s Indie girl vibe (think Drew Barrymore) and it has a light natural level of pigment so you get a lovely wash of colour along with lots of beautiful shine. I find this shade leans a little pinky on me and gives me that 'my lips but better' finish which I absolutely love for everyday wear.

Decade is another cool-toned gloss that has an insanely rich chocolatey syrup thing going on that's a stunning mix of brown and berry tones. As you can see, this shade offers a medium level of pigment and can be built up with a few layers if you want to have a more statement lip.

I'm so impressed by the quality and performance yet again of these lip glosses; they are by far the best I've ever tried and are such a pleasure to wear as they're so moisturising and non-sticky with no sickly sweet or perfumed fragrance. In my view, they are worth every penny!

Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Decade & Sorcery (4.5ml, £18 each) are available from lisaeldridge.com

Have you tried anything from Lisa Eldridge yet?

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3 Of The Best Bubble Bars from Lush | Sleepy, Rainbow & Creamy Candy review #PlasticFree

Colourful, plastic-free, and zero waste, Lush's Bubble Bars may not be as famous as their bath bombs but they are a more affordable option for those fun, indulgent bathtimes. Don't tell anyone, but I actually prefer the bubble bars over the bath bombs... and here are three of my favourites!

What Is A Bubble Bar?

First things first though, if you're not a Lush addict (or a Lushie as the fans are fondly known), you may be thinking, what exactly is a bubble bar? Good question! A bubble bar is very similar to a bath bomb in that it's solid and concentrated, however, the main difference is that they've been designed to be easily broken off into pieces so that you can crumble a chunk at a time under a running tap. 

This is why they work out more cost-effective than a bath bomb; you can get several baths from one bubble bar, whereas most people will throw in a whole bath bomb into the tub (of course, there are some Lushies break up the bath bombs to get more uses out of them but I'm talking in general usage terms here).

Lush currently has around 20 different bubble bars in their range and in true Lush fashion, there are seasonal Limited Edition creations that pop up throughout the year. If you're new to Lush's bubble bars, here are three of my favourites which are available all year round.

Lush Sleepy Bubble Bar (200g, £6.50)

With my obsession for any kind of product that helps me to sleep, the aptly named Sleepy Bubble Bar was always going to be high up on my favourites list.  Sleepy is a beautiful cloud-shaped bubble bar with lots of purple and pink colours swirled together. It smells sweet and comforting thanks to Lavender essential oil and Tonka Absolute, with a little Ylang Ylang thrown in for good measure. When crumbled into your bath, the water will transform into a gorgeous pinky-purple shade with lots of bubbles. The perfect bubble bar to use before bedtime!

Lush Rainbow Bubble Bar (200g, £6.50)

If you want something more uplifting for a weekend morning bath, you can't go wrong with Rainbow. This substantially chunky bubble bar always cheers me up whenever I see it, although I will say that the rainbow colours don't always translate well in the bath water. By this I mean, you can sometimes get some interesting reds and oranges coming through, and other times they have merged together to result in an unappealing dark, muddy yellow shade - but don't let this put you off! The citrusy scent of Rainbow is what keeps me repurchasing this one and not that bath art, as I love the vibrant notes of fresh oranges and lemons.

Lush Creamy Candy Bubble Bar (100g, £4)

Although it may be one of the smaller bubble bars that Lush produces, Creamy Candy is a must-have for anyone who loves Lush's sweeter fragrances. I also find that it seems to be more concentrated than other bubble bars in the respect that a small amount produces a mountain of bubbles. The pretty pink bathwater feels oh-so silky like you're bathing in the softest candyfloss and you'll emerge smelling of vanilla, sugary almonds and a hint of bubblegum.

Shop the full range at lush.com

Have you tried Lush Bubble Bars?

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Luxury Bathtime Treats from Neal's Yard Remedies: Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath & Geranium & Orange Bath Oil review

 

With temperatures dropping across the UK, now's the time to indulge in a long hot soak in the bath with a luxury treat from Neal's Yard Remedies. Glass of wine, optional of course.

I remember being a teenager when I first came across a Neal's Yard Remedies store on the high street and I adored the apothecary-style display of their iconic blue glass bottles in the window. Needless to say, Neal's Yard Remedies have been one of my favourite British organic cruelty-free and ethical brands for a long time, and I've always admired their strong and practical business sense which has kept the company trading in physical stores on the highstreet, when so many others have fallen by the wayside.

Indeed, a trip to a Neal's Yard Remedies shop is always a pleasure with their friendly educated staff and a wide range of skincare and body products to explore and play with. For your next shopping trip, consider adding these two bathtime bestsellers to your basket (physical or virtual - the choice is yours).

Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil (100ml, £19)

With 85% certified organic ingredients, Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Bath Oil is actually a more affordable luxury option than several other brands of a similar quality and ethos, especially when you factor in that this is a large 100ml bottle. Bursting with bright and sunny Orange essential oil and revitalizing Bergamot essential oil, it's a firm favourite of mine to use during the dull and gloomy months to help banish those lingering post-January blues (when it feels like January stretches ever onwards until May!). I love the natural cheery fragrance so much and it makes my skin feel really soft and pampered afterward. As with all bath oils, a little goes a long way - you only need a tiny swirl added to a hot bath to get the full effects.

Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath (200ml, £16)

For those who prefer their baths to be filled with bubbles, you absolutely can't go wrong with NYR's range of Foaming Baths, of which there is a Geranium & Orange version if you liked the sound of the above but don't like bath oils. I've had the pleasure of trying most of the Foaming Baths and Beauty Sleep is perhaps my personal favourite as I can never get enough of a product that's going to help me to get a good night's sleep. With an ultra-relaxing blend of organic Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, and Patchouli essential oils, it smells exquisite and produces enough SLS-free bubbles to keep me in the tub for a good half hour's worth of me time.

Shop the full range at nealsyardremedies.com

What are your favourite products from Neal's Yard Remedies?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: NEOM The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio review

 

Candles are an instant way to bring new festive scents, light, and joy into someone's home, so it's no surprise to see them at the top of many people's Christmas wishlists! Treat a loved one to this gorgeous Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio from NEOM Organics for a luxury gift option this year.

NEOM always outdo themselves when it comes to their festive ranges, and its 2022 Christmas candles collection boasts a brand new fragrance, plus two returning fan favourites that are guaranteed to delight old and new customers!

You can purchase their Christmas candles in three different sizes so you'll find one to suit your gifting budget with prices starting from £18. For those who are looking for an extra special luxury treat, you can't go wrong with The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio. Not only is this gift beautifully presented, but inside you'll find three travel-size 75g candles so that your recipient can experience the full range of exclusive NEOM Christmas scents.

Made from 100% natural ingredients, these hand-poured candles feature a clean-burning vegetable-based wax blend and 100% natural fragrance for the utmost purity in home fragrance.

Let's unbox this beauty, shall we?

Christmas Wish (75g)

Bursting with the fragrance of 13 pure essential oils, Christmas Wish is a wonderfully comforting scent with strong notes of fruity Mandarin, sweet Tonka Bean, and spicy Cinnamon. Designed to help you relax and unwind, it brings a moment of calm and peace to the often stressful festive season - which I'm guessing is everyone's Christmas wish!

Perfect Peace (75g)

Perfect Peace is what I would describe as a very classic and traditional Christmas-scented candle. With a sparkling and uplifting blend of 25 pure essential oils, it's a complex fragrance that includes refreshing Pine, aromatic Myrrh, and zesty Lime Peel. Breathe in this gorgeous scent and let all your troubles melt away.

Cosy Nights (75g)

My personal favourite from this trio is Cosy Nights and this truly is the ultimate 'snuggly' feeling candle to light when it's cold and dark outside and you want to create that ideal hygge-esque atmosphere at home. With a range of sophisticated pure essential oils which include Sandalwood, Frankincense and Nutmeg, it's sure to be a real crowd-pleaser when you have guests over.

NEOM The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio (£45) is available from neomorganics.com

Have you bought any candle gifts this year?

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In My Bathroom: Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence review

 

Bath like Cleopatra with Dr. Hauschka's luxury Rose Nurturing Bath Essence; a real bath-time treat for dry skin!  

You guys know how much I love Dr. Hauschka and I honestly feel like their bath and body products are just not spoken about enough, despite the fact that they have so many hidden gems (check out their Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk in my recent Empties post). 

If you love luxury bath products as much as I do, this is the blog post for you!

What Is It?

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence is a luxurious, ready-to-use bath milk that aims to calm and harmonise the mind and the senses with its natural Rose fragrance, whilst delicately softening the skin.

What's In It?

Key ingredients include Rose Essential Oil, Rose Petal Extract, Rose Flower Water, Jojoba Oil, and Almond Oil. There is some Alcohol and Parfum in this formula, however, they are from natural origin sources as all of Dr. Hausckha's products are 100% certified natural. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Free from synthetic ingredients, artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. 

Who Is It For?

This bath essence is especially useful for those for have dry skin, though as always, if you have sensitive skin as well, be sure to do a patch test before using it in the bath.

How Do I Use It?

You can either pour a few capfuls under a running tap to infuse your bath, or simply drizzle some in. You know you've used enough when you can smell that beautiful rose scent which is a fragrance that quickly fills your whole bathroom.

Overall Thoughts

Dr. Hauschka's Rose Nurturing Bath Essence is one of those truly luxury bath time treats that you always want to have in your bathroom as soon as you try it for the first time. It's an easy product to fall in love with if you're a fellow rose fan, and this natural rose fragrance is just beautiful. It smells like freshly picked rose petals, rather than something powdery and old-fashioned that you might find in your grandmother's bathroom. Did I mention it makes your skin feel like silk afterward too? Add it to your Christmas wishlist now.

P.S - Please note this bottle is made from glass so be extra careful when using it in your bath.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence* (100ml, £19) available from various stockists including drhauschka.co.uk

Do you love rose scents?

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