Christmas Stocking Gift Ideas

Here's some Christmas gift ideas (there's just so many amazing gifts out there this year!) These ones are ideal for stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts and are £15 or under.

Kure Bazaar Nail Polish in Glitter Pigalle (isn't it beautiful!) 10ml (£15). The polish is clear with flecks of red glitter making it perfect for Christmas parties! This Limited Edition polish is formulated with 85% natural ingredients making it the eco-friendly polish of choice.

I had the pleasure of trying beatitude's gorgeous Christmas Crackers last year which are £10 each and include a 10ml size of one of the three bath oils - Joy (my fav), Patience or Peace. See my review HERE.

I love all the Christmassy crackers and this Hand Care Cracker from Cowshed (£12) contains Cowshed Cow Herb Restoring Hand Cream 50ml and Cowshed Apricot Nourishing Cuticle Oil 11ml which will help restore and groom the hands and nails.

AA Skincare Vitamin Boost Face Kit (£12.60) contains 100ml Sandalwood & Palmarosa Cleansing Face Gel and 100ml Sandalwood & Palmarosa Moisturising Face Lotion. This is such a great value set! (and would make an excellent Christmas gift as well as a stocking filler!)

This is a great value Apricot & Elderflower Gift Set from Benecos (£10.95) which contains mini sizes of Apricot & Elderflower Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Hand Cream.

Content Beauty & Wellbeing have some lovely small gifts including this cutely packaged Therapi Honey Lip Nectar (£9.50 - 5ml). I'd love to find this in my Christmas stocking!

Yellow Gorse have some beautiful products which would make excellent stocking fillers. I reviewed a few of their items recently - see HERE (the ones I chose were in the £3.50 - £6.80 price range and are perfect).

Do any of these make it onto your Christmas wishlist?

Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Skincare Blooming Marvellous Lip Butter

As you'll know I'm a huge Lucky Cloud fan having first tried them way back in December '15. As part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program I picked their Blooming Marvellous Lip Butter (£4.50 - 10ml)* which was created in collaboration with Edinburgh based Eteaket - the leaf tea expert.

I love the quirky retro tin packaging which makes it easy to slip into a pocket or handbag or even desk drawer! The Lip Butter is Vegan friendly and inspired by Eteaket's Blooming Marvellous Green Tea.

Formulated with sweet Vanilla, aromatic Rose, fresh Lemon and tangy Strawberry. The blend is enriched with Coconut and Cocoa Butters, Sweet Almond and Thistle oils and Vitamin E.

To use: apply to lips as needed for nourished and soft lips (I've also used it on my cuticles and flyaways!) What's your favourite Lucky Cloud product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program - my post contains one affiliate link.

Love Lula: NĀDŪR Serenity Body Oil

It's always exciting seeing new brands arrive at Love Lula. I've been trying out NĀDŪR's gorgeous Serenity Body Oil* (£29 - 200ml).

The brand is Irish, luxurious, vegan with minimalistic formulas and the natural ingredients used are ethically sourced. Packaging is simple but stylish.

The blend is absolutely gorgeous! It absorbs easily onto the skin leaving it deeply nourished and smelling lightly of delicious neroli.

Formulated with skin loving oils of Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Vitamin E along with Elderberry Fruit Extract, Mandarin Peel and Neroli Essential Oils.

To use: apply liberally after your bath or shower for soft, nourished and sweetly scented skin.

Pick yours up HERE.

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains 2 affiliate links

Love Lula: Madara Volcano Scrub Soap

I've been trying Madara's Volcano Scrub Soap (£8.95 - 90g) from Love Lula. I recently was "most helpful member" on their Facebook Group and received £50 worth of points to spend on whatever I pleased (how nice is that and how lovely to pick some new treats!)

I'm a huge bar of soap fan and of Madara products so knew I'd have to pick one of their new-ish soaps. Volcano is amazing! It's got finely ground black lava sand in there along with energising volcanic minerals and the soap is scented with cedar-lime. 

It makes my morning shower uplifting and revitalising (did I say how much I loved the natural scrubbiness? It's perfection!)

To use: lather onto wet skin (it creates a great woody-lime scented foamy lather) before rinsing.

Absolutely love & can't wait to try the others.

Love Lula: ZOJO Beauty Elixirs: The BIKINI BODY Formula

I've been testing out ZOJO Beauty Elixirs The BIKINI BODY Formula (£17 - 35g - 7 days worth)*. I can honestly say it's fantastic (I love the packaging too!) It has easily become a morning ritual and I'm excited to try others from the range too - GORGEOUS* and SUPERGREENS (expect reviews soon!)

I've never personally found a supplement which suits my lifestyle or I take regularly. The ZOJO Beauty Elixirs are easy to fit into your daily life. Formulated with organically grown adaptogens, potent plants and superfoods and 100% organic. They also taste great and are easy to blend into juice, milk or smoothies.

ZOJO say "introduce this beauty elixir into your daily diet and you'll be able to unveil your body with real confidence".

It'll improve your metabolism, support your digestive system, speed up fat burning, increase collagen production, decrease your appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. 

I think I'd need to take the supplement for a longer period of time to see huge differences but I'm impressed with the improvements in my gut health and overall vitality.

Mix 5g of powder into your chosen liquid and enjoy! 

Have you tried ZOJO Beauty Elixirs yet?

*complimentary - sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affiliate link.

Love Lula: Neal's Yard Remedies: Prepare for Bed Night Time Gift

I'm always excited when I see Christmas gifts arriving at Love Lula. This month as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program I picked up my first gift set - Neal's Yard Remedies Prepare for Bed Night Time Gift (£12.50)*.

The gift set comes in a pretty recyclable cardboard box and the products inside are generously wrapped in tissue (there's also a sheet of tissue nestled inside to wrap the box - which I think is a nice touch).

Inside is:

Remedies to Roll for Relaxation 9ml

Goodnight Pillow Mist 8ml

Ingredients are sustainable, ethical and fair trade and the organic English Lavender was selected with expert advice from the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and is especially grown for Neal's Yard Remedies in Hampshire. 

Remedies to Roll for Relaxation is a pocket friendly roll on aromatherapy blend which help to relax your body and mind before bed. It can also be used throughout the day to ease stress and tension. Blended with Lavender, Bergamot & Frankincense to soothe and relax.

To use: roll onto temples and wrists breathing in the calming scent.

Goodnight Pillow Mist is an award winning sleep aid which will improve your sleep from first use. Formulated with organic Lavender, Vetiver and Mandarin essential oils it will promote a feeling of calm and relaxation.

To use: spritz 1-3 times around the bedroom just before bed and lightly over your pillow.

I think this duo is fab. I suffer from stress and anxiety and have found myself to be more relaxed. It's a great treat to yourself, a gorgeous secret santa gift or Christmas gift.

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains 1 affilate link.

Love Lula: Pierre de Plaisir Scrubbing Stone for Body

I've been testing out Pierre de Plaisir Scrubbing Stone for Body (£12.99 - 90g)* which is a unique and innovative exfoliator which you use wet with your shower gel for soft and smooth skin. The stone is handmade of natural ingredients and can be used on the body, feet, hands, knees and elbows.

To use: 2-3 times a week depending on type and sensitivity of your skin. Use wet with soap or shower gel. Lather soap or shower gel over the skin before massaging the wet stone over the skin (scrubbing intensity can be varied depending on the area). Thighs, Calves, Buttocks, Feet - Standard Scrubbing and Face, Back, Shoulders, Chest, Hands and Stomach should be soft scrubbing.

I've found my skin is definitely smoother and softer but I haven't noticed any improvement in my cellulite, for instance. I'll definitely keep using it and let you know if I see an improved difference over time.

Have you used one of the scrubbing stones for Face or Body?

*sent to me as part of the love lula accredited blogger program. My post contains one affiliate link

Planted 100% Natural Gift Set - Skincare Essentials

I do love a try-me set and this one by Planted (£30 for 4 mini items)* is a great try me or for holidays. It comes cutely packaged in a little bag making it the ideal gift.

Inside is:

A really good quality organic muslin cloth, Virgin Shea & Cocoa Whipped Body Butter (50ml), Nutrient Rich Face Cream (15ml), Circulation Boosting Orange Coffee Scrub (50ml) and Oil Cleanser with Black Cumin & Raw Honey (60ml).

The range is created and formulated by a make up artist and beauty consultant, Melissa Chartan who has spent years researching and blending oils, learning specific benefits to each oil and which combinations work best. Planted was founded in 2016.

Oil Cleanser with Black Cumin and Raw Honey* - this oil-to-milk has a gel like texture and a sweet spiced scent. Massage over dry skin to dissolve daily grime and make up before placing the dampened cloth over the skin to steam open the pores before wiping away the excess with the cloth. The skin is left feeling clean and comfortable.  This is one of my favourites.

Nutrient Rich Face Cream* - which is formulated with 11 of the most nutrient dense plant oils. Apply a small amount to the face and neck AM and PM. The cream has a neutral sort of scent. Skin is left nourished and regenerated.

Circulation Boosting Orange Coffee Scrub* - is the best coffee scrub I've used! It's got a lush, rich and creamy texture with a delicious almost edible scent and enough "scrubbiness" for my liking. I did find however it was slightly too rich for my face but loved using it on my body including dry elbows, knees and feet. Massage onto damp skin, leave 5 minutes for it to work it's magic before rinsing. 

The organic coffee in this scrub is grown by female farmers in co-operatives and small farms to enable them work for themselves and make their lives better.  It also contains nourishing shea butter, plant oils and unrefined cane sugar. Absolutely love and it will be purchased again and again!

Virgin Shea and Cocoa Whipped Body Butter* which deeply hydrates the skin. It's a blend of Shea and Cocoa butters and is lightly scented with Lavender & Geranium. It melts on contact with warm skin making it an indulgent pampering treat.

Have you used any products by Planted?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affiliate link

September: Lately I've been Loving

So many September loves...

Nothing I like more than homemades. This jam is one of many things I've made with the glut of plums from my plum tree at the allotment. Delicious!

This Oblepikha hair mask* by Natura Siberica is just amazing. See my review HERE - it's one of my favourite hair care products this year.

My fav breakfast ever - avo on toast with poached eggs (with feta & chilli too). Delicious.

I've just started testing out the beautiful range of products** by new Glasgow based brand Casa Mencarelli, who are also Formula Botanica graduates. Expect reviews soon! Thanks to Paula for including a trial size from the brand in August's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It really is a gorgeous and very luxurious range.

I picked up this delicious duo by aye pickled at our local monthly market. The strawberries are seriously yummy! 

This gorgeous calming NYC CALM candle from Wildheart Organics which I picked up in the summer in North Berwick is glorious. I've been having some stressful days at work so I've been lighting this in the evenings to de-stress and relax. It has notes of Lavender, Mandarin and Sandalwood. The candle is handcrafted using soy wax and pure essential oils and is one of the nicest candles I've used for a while.

Being invited again this year to be a Beauty Shortlist Judge for the 2019 Awards is an absolute honour and I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm currently putting some amazing products through their paces. Brands can sign up until Friday 2nd November - see more information HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary - sent for review

Love Lula: Natura Siberica

Natura Siberica is a fairly new brand at Love Lula. I've had the pleasure of trying their Northern Soap for Deep Facial Cleansing* before. See my review HERE.

The products are made with adaptogenic herbs and plants and the range is made with wild harvested ingredients sourced from unspoiled landscapes. The brand work with local tribes bringing changes and hope to their lives.

I've been testing three more products from the brand which are absolutely fantastic and all under a tenner!

Oblepikha Mask for Severely Damaged Hair (300ml - £8.95)** comes in a huge pot making it excellent value for money.

The mask is suitable for dry, damaged and coloured hair - my hair is coloured and is loving this deeply nourishing mask which has a fruity/floral scent (nice).

It'll repair severely damaged hair, protect the hair from exposure from styling/straighteners and smooth the hair shaft adding nutrients and vitamins. 

To use: apply to clean, towel dried hair concentrating on mid lengths and ends. Leave on up to 10 minutes before rinsing.

This really is a pot of magic and first-aid for the hair! My hair is soft, shiny, luminous and frizz free. Would SO recommend!

Revitalising Bath Salts (600g - £4.25)** which again is in a huge pot - making this the perfect pick-me-up low cost treat.

The salts are enriched with essences and oils of wild harvested Siberian herbs and have an exquisite floral aroma. 

To use: dilute 4 tbs salts in warm water then lie back and relax.

Again, a really great product which I'm enjoying using. I love my baths!

Alladale Soothing Natural Foot Cream (75ml - £5.99)** comes boxed and in a squeezy tube.

This COSMOS Soil Association approved foot cream is made in partnership with Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands. Formulated with wild thistle (a nod to Scotland) and Siberian Snow Cladonia, the rich cream has a slightly herbal floral scent. It deeply nourishes rough patches smoothing out dry patches and calloused skin.

To use: massage onto the feet paying attention to dry and rough areas.

My feet love this cream! Deeply nourishing and lovely to use. Would recommend.

What's your favourite Natura Siberica products?

*complimentary

**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains a few affilate links

Shopping my Stash #102

All the products I've recently been reaching for are available to buy at Love Lula.

I tried Inner-Soul Organics Healing Night Cream* when I was a Judge in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018. This product is so lovely - relaxing, calming and nourishing. It really is a treat for the skin and senses.  You can see my top picks from the Awards HERE.

Ermana's Comfort Organic Hand & Body Lotion** is perfect to use just before bed. It calms and comforts the skin and senses and smells incredible. Deeply nourishing the lotion absorbs almost instantly and leaves the skin with a gentle floral scent.

Eco Cosmetics Hair Spray* is made with organic goji berry, organic pomegranate, organic orange blossom, organic sesame and jojoba oils. As well as giving the hair a natural hold it'll protect and strengthen the hair.

Gallinée La Culture Face Mask & Scrub** is fabulous and it's lovely to revisit it. See my review HERE.

The final product I've been reaching for is Walden See the Moonlight Perfume Oil roll-on** which is beautiful. It's also handy for carrying around or for taking on holiday. It's got notes of bergamot, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and ambrette seed.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*complimentary

**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

My post contains a few affiliate links

Be In Blossom Ocean Flower Multi-Complex Serum+Creme for Women 30ml

I've been testing out Be In Blossom Ocean Flower Multi-Complex Serum+Creme (30ml - £46.80)* which is created in Germany using active ingredients based on maritime technology including microalgae, sea holly and kelp extracts, rare oils and precious essences (obtained from petals, wood and grasses). 

The packaging is super pretty (although the box is rather large) and it gives the product a luxurious feel - it would be great for gifting.

The serum+creme has a very light serum texture but the feel of a nourishing cream on the skin. It's got a beautiful aromatic scent - exotic florals with a touch of the sea shore. Regenerating, nourishing, comforting and healing the serum+creme is perfect for all skin types and is free from parabens, mineral oils, silicones, petrochemicals and toxic materials.

To use: apply a small amount to the face and neck after cleansing. Can be used everyday and is perfect as a make up base.

I've been really impressed with how lovely this new to me brand is. My skin looks radiant, renewed and feels comfortable and moisturised.  Have you tried Be In Blossom? 

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains an affiliate link

August: Lately I've Been Loving

So many August loves..

We attended Foodies Festival in Edinburgh at the beginning of August and enjoyed a day in the sunshine and ate and drank some delicious food and drinks. (my pictures all seem to be of drinks...hmm)

I've been testing out a selection of healthy treats from Clearly Scrumptious** which I've really been enjoying. They are great for the afternoon slump at work and save me reaching for chocolate!

My favourites have been crunchy dried apple wedges and juicy dried strawberries - I'll definitely have to source some more of these and they are one of your 5 a day!

I've been trying the glorious Be In Blossom Ocean Flower Multi-Complex Serum+Creme (30ml - £46.80)* which my skin is loving. Expect my review early in September.

I've got Amanda at A.S Apothecary to thank for introducing me to the exquisite Tinkture Rose Gin. I just picked up "The Little Guy" but a full size bottle will be mine and soon. It's the most delicious gin I've ever tasted and the packaging is makes me squeal with delight - isn't it so pretty (and reusable!)

Of course I couldn't not mention Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box for August. The theme was Refresh and inside were four new to me brands - this is what beauty boxes should be all about - it really makes my heart sing. See my initial musings HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program
**complimentary