November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Well, this may be my smallest Empties post of the year so far, but there are some fab products in this lot, so it's not to be missed! Find out which ones I'll be repurchasing in the near future below.

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash* & Body Lotion* (travel sizes, featured here)

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of Weleda and particularly love their Almond range which has been made especially for sensitive skin. I find that my eczema tends to flare up at this time of the year in line with the colder weather, so it's no surprise that I reached for these two this month. The Body Wash is SLS-free and lovely and creamy, and the matching Body Lotion is nice and nourishing, without being heavy or sticky. They have a fresh, subtle almond scent that always smells very 'clean' to me which I love. Repurchase? Yes, I'll definitely pick up the full sizes of both of these. 

Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil* (full size, reviewed here)

If you're after a cleansing oil that's light in texture, yet gets the job done, this one from Caudalie is fantastic. It's made from 100% natural ingredients and I generally find that 2-3 pumps is all I need to get rid of everything on my face. It melts into the skin and quickly dissolves all types of makeup, including stubborn waterproof formulas, in no time at all. Love it! Repurchase? Yes. 

Faith In Nature Coconut Shower Gel & Foam Bath (travel size)

I used to really like this, but since trying out some similar products, I've realised that the coconut scent just isn't strong enough for me as you can hardly smell it at all when it's used in the bath (the fragrance very rapidly dissipates when added to water). For this reason, I used it up as a shower gel, but it's very 'meh', despite the nice SLS-free formula. Repurchase? No.

Kiss The Moon Dream Bedtime Bath Salts (travel size) 

Oh my, these were amazing! Made from a blend of Epsom and Dead Sea Salts which are infused with a range of essential oils such as Lavender, Bergamot, Chamomile and Cedarwood, these were so relaxing to use and perfect for when I needed to de-stress and unwind after a long day. Absolute bliss. Repurchase? Definitely, I need a full-size tub ASAP.

Naked Lips Organic Lip Balm in Superfruits* (full size, reviewed here)

Lip balms take me forever to use up as I have lots of half-used ones in every drawer, bag and coat that I own, so I've made it my mission to try and stick to using just one until the situation becomes more manageable, ahem! The first one to bite the dust is from Naked Lips which I enjoyed using - it's natural, organic and moisturising, with a delicious fruity flavour. Repurchase? Not until the lip balm stash is under control, but yes I would buy it again in the future.

Tints Of Nature Hydrate Conditioner* (full size, reviewed here)

I've used up a few bottles of this conditioner now and keep going back to it because it works so well for my very dry and fine hair. Sometimes conditioners for dry hair can be too thick and more like a mask or treatment, but this one gets the formula just right and doesn't weigh my hair down. It's gentle enough to be used every day if you're a frequent washer and smells good too. Repurchase? Already have!

What have you used up recently?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Green Beauty Edit 2018

2018 has been another amazing year for Green Beauty and with more and more consumers wanting to make the switch to cleaner and more natural beauty products, I just had to include a whole host of my favourite brands in this special Gift Guide edit.

Stocking Filler / Secret Santa Ideas from Benecos, Crazy Rumors, Lavera, Madara and The Humble Co

If you want to introduce a friend or family member to the world of Green Beauty, these stocking filler friendly products are ideal - you could even buy a few and make them a festive beauty box. My top picks include Benecos Body Lotion in Pomegranate & Rose* (150ml, £5.95, link), which is a lovely vegan and budget-friendly option with a light and hydrating texture, plus it smells beautiful too. I'm also a big fan of Crazy Rumors Lip Balms and this one in Hot Cocoa* (4.4g, £3.99, link) is not only super moisturising for dry lips, but tastes good enough to eat!

Lavera has released some special editions for Christmas and their Winter Bloom Body Butter* (150ml, £10.90, link) is a gorgeous product with a real luxury feel for instantly velvety soft skin. It smells so festive with Organic Mandarin and Coconut - I think this would make a great Secret Santa gift as well. 

Going plastic-free has been big news this year (and rightly so), and there are plenty of plastic-free stocking fillers out there. Two that I would highly recommend are Madara Cloudberry Oat Milk Hand & Body Soap* (150g, £6.50, link), a heavenly, ultra-nourishing formula that's gentle on sensitive skin, and The Humble Co. Humble Brush* (£3.99, link), the world's bestselling plastic-free toothbrush that's made from sustainable, eco-friendly organic bamboo. Available in a range of different bristle colours and with options for adults and children, this ethical brand also funds The Humble Smile Foundation which supports healthcare projects around the world for children in need.

 The Festive Candle: JOIK La Bohème Soy Wax Scented Candle* (145g, £13.50, link)

I love JOIK's range of soy wax candles with its impressive variety of fragrances, there's something for everyone and they do festive/wintery candles particularly well. This one named La Bohème is a sultry and enchanting blend of Musk, Spices, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Carnation, Bergamot, Jasmine and a little Vanilla thrown in for good measure. Each candle burns for around 30 hours and because it's made from natural soy wax, it will have a cleaner burn than traditional paraffin-based candles.

 The Luxury Bath Oil: The Rose Tree Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit* (40ml, £19, link)

Give the gift of relaxation with The Rose Tree's Revitalising Bath & Shower Oil in Juniper & Grapefruit, which will de-stress busy minds and help to uplift and invigorate the senses. The beautiful heart shaped glass bottle houses a sublime blend of powerful botanicals and flower oils so your recipient can recreate their own spa experience in the comfort of their bathroom. Looking for something more floral? Check out The Rose Tree Calming Bath & Shower Oil in Rose & Ylang Ylang which I featured in this post earlier in the year - it comes in the same gorgeous bottle and smells oh-so-good.

 Fragrance Fans: Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set* (£16, link)

Fragrance lovers will adore the Balm Balm Single Note Perfumes Gift Set which features five mini bottles of the brand's bestselling single note fragrances. There's Lavender, Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin and Bergamot, for a complete scent wardrobe that can be worn individually or layered to create your own bespoke fragrance.

 For Gardeners & Hardworking Hands: Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set* (£15, link)

Neal's Yard Remedies have really outdone themselves with their exquisite range of gifts this year, all of which feature lovely festive packaging. My top pick from them is this Bee Lovely Hand & Body Gift Set that comprises of a Bee Lovely All Over Balm (15g) and a Bee Lovely Hand Cream (30ml). Both of these products are perfect for anyone who deserves some TLC, and especially for gardeners and people who use their hands at work a lot. And being from Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely range, they have a gorgeous uplifting and citrusy scent to help chase away those winter blues.

 The Luxury Mood & Skin Booster: Dafna's Active Mist* (100ml, £38, link)

Aromatherapy products are always popular around the busy and often stressful Christmas period, and this unique Active Mist from the luxury brand Dafna's, marries together an expert blend of essential oils with skin-boosting plant extracts and oils. This 100% natural and vegan-friendly product will help to create calm, reduce anxiety and irritability, and leave the skin hydrated, fresh, nourished and glowing at the same time.

 The Luxury Anti-Ageing Skincare Treat: Alteya Organics Rose Regenerating Concentrate* (30ml, £55, link)

I'm a big fan of Alteya Organics, having recently reviewed some of their products here, and I'm thrilled to feature this luxury skincare treat from them - the Rose Regenerating Concentrate. This high performance, anti-ageing serum is packed full of natural bioactive organic ingredients which help to transform the texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even; improve radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin its youthful bounce back. Quickly absorbed, this concentrate gets to work fast and you'll be able to see a noticeable difference after just the first use, with more results evident in just 30 days. One for mums, grans and aunties!

Best Festive Skincare Set Under £16: Trilogy Skin Treats Mini Celebration Cracker Set* (£15.30, link)

You can't beat a Christmas cracker that's filled with natural skincare minis, can you? This affordable festive gift set from Trilogy features three of the brand's most popular products from their bestselling Rosehip range; Cream Cleanser (30ml), Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) and Vital Moisturising Cream (20ml). A lovely introduction to the brand and ideal for anyone who travels a lot and wants a three-step, travel-sized skincare routine to pop into their carry-on bag.

For The Person Who Has Everything: Forrest & Love Aroma Sachet Collection* (£25, link)

Looking for something truly unique and different for that person on your shopping list that has everything? Surprise them with the Forrest & Love Sachet Collection - a gift set of five mini aromatherapy cushions that they can use around the home and in the car to restore balance to the mind, body and soul. Each handmade, cruelty-free and biodegradable cushion is made from 100% cotton and contains a blend of different herbs, spices and essential oils. There's one for Love, Meditation, Positivity, Tranquillity and Energy, and these can be placed in handbags, clothes drawers, in the car etc, to replace artificially fragranced products that are bad for your health. They smell wonderful!

Which green beauty gifts are on your wishlist this year?

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Health & Lifestyle: Gumi Sugar Free Energy, Multivit and Beauty Gummies review

If you don't like swallowing large tablet supplements and instead, want to find a more enjoyable and tastier way to take your vitamins and minerals every day, why not try these ones from Gumi?

I often get emails from readers asking me to recommend them supplements that aren't in the traditional capsule or tablet format, as it seems that many of you don't like or find it difficult to swallow larger pills, so this feature is especially for all of you! I was recently introduced to Gumi, a bright and colourful, family-friendly supplements brand that specialises in a wide range of 'gummies' which help to support your daily health and wellbeing needs.

All of Gumi's supplements are sugar, gluten and lactose-free, as well as being free from artificial colours, artificial flavourings and preservatives. Unfortunately, they aren't suitable for vegetarians or vegans as they contain bovine gelatine, however, the brand is currently working to develop veggie-friendly gummies in the near future, so I'll be sure to update this post when that happens.

For all the non-veggies out there, Gumi's gummies come in different fruity flavours (depending on which supplement you're taking), which makes them easy to give to children, and there are family, women's, children's and men's ranges available. Below are just three examples of what Gumi have to offer.

Gumi Family Energy Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Suitable for everyone in the family to take (from the ages of 3 years), the Family Energy gummies have been formulated to help revitalise the whole family to keep those energy levels active and balanced throughout the day. This special blend features Vitamins A, D3, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin, and Iodine, which can help to support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, whilst also keeping your metabolism and immune system working properly, and contributing to normal healthy cognitive and psychological functions.

It's recommended that you take two gummies a day and these have a yummy orange flavour. Like all the Gumi products, they have a childproof locked lid so adults can have complete control over the correct dosage amounts.

 Gumi Women's Multivit Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Developed especially for women on the go, Gumi's Women's Multivit gummies are an easy way to ensure that you're getting all of your daily nutrients and can be taken all year round. These strawberry flavoured gummies are packed full of a multi-tasking blend of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid, making them a great all-rounder for busy women everywhere. Two gummies a day are all you need to see the full benefits, but do be aware that these are not suitable for pregnant women.

Gumi Women's Beauty Gummies* (60 gummies, £12.99, link)

Beauty supplements are the most searched for in the Health & Lifestyle section of this blog according to my blogger stats, so I had to include Gumi's Women's Beauty gummies when I spotted them on their website! With a specialised blend of active ingredients and vitamins, the Beauty gummies help to support the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails with its expert blend of Vitamins B6, B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc and Selenium. You take two gummies a day and they have a delicious fruity berry flavour, so it's a quick and tasty way to rediscover your beauty glow from within.

Shop the full range of Gumi supplements at gumivits.com - currently on a 3 for 2 offer!

Disclaimer: Food supplements should never be used to replace a healthy and varied diet with plenty of exercise. Always consult your GP before taking if you have any queries, existing medical conditions or are taking any medication.

Do you prefer taking gummy supplements like these?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Luxury Edit 2018

Looking for a luxury beauty gift? Take your pick from these beautiful advent calendars, makeup palettes, skincare sets and more in this luxe Christmas edit.

 Glossybox All I Want Beauty Advent Calendar* (£99, link)

Glossybox, one of the world's most popular beauty subscription boxes, have released their first ever beauty advent calendar this year and it's massive! Unwrap the ribbon to open the doors which will reveal 25 individual boxes to truly spoil you this Christmas as you count down the days through the festive season. What's more, of the 25 products included in this calendar, 17 of these are full-size! Contents are worth a combined total of over £300 and feature brands such as NARS, Zelens, Real Techniques, Huda Beauty, bareMinerals, Eyeko, Mitchell & Peach, Philip Kingsley, Pixi by Petra, Nip + Fab and Yankee Candle, to name but a few. 

There's a great mix of makeup, skincare and haircare, so if you like a bit of everything, this is the beauty advent calendar for you! It retails at £99, however, if you're a Glossybox subscriber, you can purchase it for just £75 as a special member price.

 Tropic 12 Days Of Tropic Gift Collection* (£100, link)

Designed to be gifted on Christmas Day itself, Tropic's 12 Days Of Tropic Gift Collection is a lovely present for anyone who is a fan of the popular luxury green beauty brand, or it serves equally as well as an excellent introduction for someone who is brand new to Tropic. Each product included in this gift set is certified cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and has been made by Tropic's Beauty Chefs in their Surrey Beauty Kitchen.

Packed full of natural skincare, body care, hair care and even featuring an exclusive full-size makeup product, the gift collection includes some of Tropic's bestsellers such as their Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil, Nourishing Hair Cleanser, Fruit Peel Resurfacing Serum, Vitamin Toner Pore Refining Mist and Whipped Body Velvet, so you can pamper yourself all the way into 2019!

 Weleda Nature's Collection 12 Days Of Christmas* (£34.95, link)

Weleda has commissioned the local Derbyshire based artist Emma Britton, to design their Christmas range this year and you'll be able to see her beautiful nature-inspired illustrations in all their glory on the exclusive gift packaging - no need for extra wrapping paper! As always, Weleda has a gift for everyone's green beauty needs and budgets, but my top pick is the Nature's Collection 12 Days of Christmas set which is a sheer delight to open up.

Behind each door, you'll find a range of 12 mini Weleda products which perfectly showcase the best that the brand has to offer with body lotions, moisturisers, shower treats, luxury oils and more, plus there's the iconic Skin Food in a bigger 30ml size on the last day which is one of my personal favourite multi-purpose skincare products.

Aurelia Night Time Indulgence Collection* (£70, link)

Probiotic skincare has been a huge trend in the beauty industry this year and I imagine it's only going to become even more popular in 2019. One of the very first British brands to research the power of probiotics in skincare was Aurelia, and to this day, they are at the forefront of developing some really impressive and effective formulas. I've had the pleasure of trying out many of their products and they are one of only a few luxury clean beauty brands that I often recommend for all skin types to try.

If you're new to Aurelia, their Night Time Indulgence Collection is a must-have and I'd be thrilled to find this gift set under my tree! The collection contains six of the brand's award-winning products such as the Refine & Polish Miracle Balm, Revitalise & Glow Serum, Cell Repair Night Oil and Miracle Cleanser, all presented in a chic black bag. 

 Gatineau Perfection Ultime Smoothing Collection* (£77, link)

My mum and many of the older female relatives in my family are big fans of French skincare, so Parisian brands such as Gatineau are always popular choices at Christmas in my house. Gatineau's range of gifts this year is exceptional as always and there are some amazing deals to be had, such as this Perfection Ultime Smoothing Collection which is worth £199 but can be purchased for £77 - that's 61% off!

Presented in a stylish white bag with a festive gold pattern, it contains three customer favourites; Perfection Ultime Retexturizing Beauty Cream (50ml), Collagene Expert Ultimate Smoothing Serum (30ml) and Mélatogénine Futur PLUS Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask (75ml), and is sure to delight any mum, gran or auntie who loves luxury French skincare.

 Gatineau Little Luxuries* (£29, link) 

If you're sticking to a smaller budget, but still want to treat your mum to some Gatineau, take a look at their Little Luxuries gift set which is more affordable at £29 and is worth £92.42. Featuring seven of the brand's iconic products in handy travel sizes, it has everything that they'll need to compile an effective at-home, anti-ageing skincare routine and comes in a high-quality zip-up toiletries bag.

 Miller Harris Digne de Toi Candle* (185g, £45, link)

Candles always make superb Christmas gifts and the more luxurious the better! This particular one from the famed London based perfumers Miller Harris, is named Digne de Toi and has a delicately soft and unashamedly feminine scent. Notes of Pink and White Roses are blended with Fresh Mandarin, Lychee and Blackcurrant for a summery warmth to help you beat those winter blues.

 Charlotte Tilbury Glowing Pretty Skin Palette* (£49, link)

You can't have a luxury Christmas Gift Guide without some Charlotte Tilbury can you?! Honestly, everything from Charlotte Tilbury would be incredible to unwrap as a gift this Christmas, but if I could only pick one item, it would likely be the Glowing Pretty Skin Palette because you basically get six products in one, and who doesn't love a luxury makeup palette?

This palette has the classic Charlotte Tilbury branding/design that's become so covetable and inside, you'll discover six different powders to get your skin glowing this Christmas. There's Airbrush Flawless Finish in 2 Medium: a warm powder with golden undertones to help set your makeup, Blush in Pretty: a youthful rosy flush to illuminate any skin type, Illuminating Glow: a soft champagne highlighter. Bronze and Contour: a neutral cocoa to tone and sculpt, Blush in Summer: a bright coral with a soft sheen and Highlighting Glow: an opalescent with golden/pink undertone for a dazzling glow to your complexion. Stunning!

Ciate London Glitter Storm Eyeshadow Palette* (£36, link)

Know someone who lives for NYE? Get them the new Ciate London Glitter Storm Eyeshadow Palette to dazzle everyone at this year's party! From the addictive cascading glitter packaging to the nine wearable shades of eyeshadow inside, these formulas are all high quality, with fallout-free glitter being the main feature. This enviable array of pressed glitter, soft mattes and molten metallics is a dream come true for party girls everywhere! 

What's on your luxury Christmas wishlist this year?

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Christmas Gift Guide: Gift Ideas For Him - Buy Him Something To Remember #Ad

Men can be so difficult to buy for. Stay practical yet premium with some great gift ideas for him!

Well, we’ve all been there. It can be as little as a week before Christmas and the men in our lives still don’t have anything to open on the 25th. They’re just so difficult to buy for! It’s not like we can get socks and a jumper for the third year running, or a crate of their favourite beverage…again. Not only is it pretty obvious that you’ve not really given it much thought, but you might also feel a little deflated too. However, 2018 is the time for change; let’s get you well on your way to a perfectly organised Christmas!

First things first; who are your recipients? Dad, brother or partner? Perhaps it’s a friend or other family member. You need to know your recipient and their hobbies and interests. Do they have a beard? Are they sporty? Are they a budding chef? Once you get to know the type of person they are, it can be much easier than you think.

Beard and skincare

The beauty about beard or skin care is that every man can benefit. Whether they go for the clean-shaven look or sport a lengthy beard, this gift category is the practical choice. A list of gift ideas for him wouldn’t be complete without premium beard grooming and shaving products. For example, choosing a great beard balm, shampoo or even a high-quality razor can make all the difference. Shop around and get some advice from the experts themselves – men!

Clothing and equipment

No, not the usual sock and jumper combo we mentioned earlier. If you have a recipient who likes to keep active, purchasing the essentials for them can go down a treat. If they’re the walking or running type, ask about specialist jackets or footwear, or if they’re an avid golfer, treat them to a new club! Whatever they’re into, there’ll be something you can buy for practical use. 

Kitchen items and appliances

Whether your spouse is a whiz in the kitchen, or if he’s just starting out in the culinary world, get him some helpful kitchen items to use on his journey. Trying out new recipes and going out of your comfort zone a little can really feed a passion. After all, some of the best chefs in the world are male!

Experience days

Instead of opting for a particular item you just know is going to end up being shoved in a cupboard for the whole of 2019, research difference experiences for your recipients. These can sometimes work out to be a little pricey, so it’s not really a practical option for everyone on your gift list. However, for the right person, you could opt for a flying lesson, skydiving, or even a race around a track in a super powerful car.

Gadgets

The latest gadgets or pieces of technology usually go down really well with men. With the latest mobile phones having the capability to do pretty much anything these days, they can seem an attractive option alongside the latest video game console or tablet device. Where gadgets are concerned, you may want to discuss the options with your recipient as there are so many on the market, each with different advantages and disadvantages.

Still stumped? Go for the gift card

There’s still the possibility of your recipient not being too blown away with your gift. If you’re buying for someone who you don’t know too well, or who is extremely picky with what they’d like, opt for a gift card for their favourite shop or restaurant. That way, they’ll be able to grab whatever they want at their leisure. 

Use these gift ideas for him to grab that perfect gift this year!

So, there you have it; a great list of something a little bit different for this year. As well as these gift ideas for him being great ideas for this Christmas, they’ll also be suitable for pretty much any occasion. Avoid panic buying the day before and make a mental note to get more organised!

*This post was in collaboration with The English Shaving Company, who provide the finest premium beard and skincare products. For more information on their range of products, visit their website: https://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com

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Foodie Friday: Spiced Winter Veg Soup (Vegan recipe)

Take a break from the chaos of Black Friday, and make yourself a warming and satisfying soup that's packed full of seasonal British veg - it's guaranteed to bring an element of calm and comfort to your weekend.

Unsurprisingly, soups are one of my favourite meals to make during the Winter months and I really look forward to settling down on the sofa and wrapping my cold hands around a steaming hot bowl of homemade soup. It's one of life's little pleasures :)

Making soup from scratch is a lot easier than you might think as it basically just involves chopping up a load of veg, throwing it into a big saucepan, adding some stock and allowing it to simmer for about half an hour, before blending it into a deliciously silky smooth texture. Super easy and a great way to use up some older veg that's been in your fridge for a while, so you can make yourself a hearty filling meal and cut down on your food waste at the same time. Soups are also fantastic for batch cooking and meal prepping, ensuring that you always have something healthy and tasty in your fridge or freezer when you need to whip up a quick weekday lunch or dinner.

Below is my recipe for Spiced Winter Veg Soup which has been adapted from a few different ones that I've spotted on Pinterest recently. You can use any kind of seasonal root winter veg (all types of squashes work particularly well in this one), and tailor the spices to your personal liking.

 Ingredients (makes 4 generous servings)

• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes
• 1 Onion, finely sliced
• 1 Butternut Squash, peeled & chopped
• 2 Carrots, peeled & chopped
• 2 Parsnips, peeled & chopped
• 1 large Potato, peeled & cut into chunks
• 750ml Vegetable Stock
• 1 tin (227g) of Chopped Tomatoes
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper 

Method:

• In a large saucepan, add the Olive Oil and finely chopped Onion, cooking over a low-medium heat for 10 minutes. 
• Add the Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika and Chili Flakes, stirring everything together for another 30 seconds to allow the spices to infuse.
• Next, add in all the chopped veg; Butternut Squash, Carrots, Parsnips, Potato, Tomatoes and the Vegetable Stock. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Pour the mixture into a blender and blitz until you have a silky smooth texture, or you can use a hand blender if you prefer.
• Carefully transfer into bowls, season with Salt & Pepper and add an extra sprinkling of Chilli Flakes if desired. Serve with slices of toasted Sourdough or crusty bread to dunk in. Enjoy! 

Storage tip: Once cooled, store in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days, or portion up individual batches and freeze for up to a month, making sure to defrost fully before heating.

What's your favourite type of Winter soup?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - November 2018 review

Worth a whopping £66, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box is another treat for organic and natural skincare lovers, although I suspect that one product, in particular, may raise a few eyebrows! Here's what's inside.

 The Perfect V Gentle Exfoliator (RRP £31)

They say that there's a product and a consumer market for absolutely everyone out there, however niche, and if you're someone who likes to look after your 'V' (and yes, we're talking about the bikini area down there), The Perfect V is the brand for you. Their luxury range of gentle products have been dermatologist & gynaecologist tested, and are designed to rejuvenate, enhance, and beautify 'The V'. Free from fragrance, SLS, parabens and pH balanced, this Gentle Exfoliator will help to prep the skin and prevent ingrown hairs and redness. Not for you? Try it as a body exfoliator instead - it works just as well!

Alteya Organics Rosehip Seed Nourishing Face Oil (RRP £8.75)

I recently featured Alteya Organics in my Introducing series (you can read that post here if you missed it), so I was very pleased to be able to try out another one of their products because I've been loving their Rose Otto range so much. The Rosehip Seed Nourishing Face Oil is a straight-up, 100% certified organic, cold-pressed Rosehip Oil. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it's a brilliant facial oil for anti-ageing, hydrating and softening the skin, and a particularly good one to use during the colder weather if your face is feeling on the dry side.

 Urban Veda Purifying Exfoliating Facial Polish (RRP £9.99)

Unfortunately, I've tried this product as a sample in the past and found it too harsh for my sometimes sensitive skin, so I'll be passing this onto my sister to try instead. If your skin is oilier than mine and is more tolerant of certain astringent ingredients, this may work for you, though I do personally find Urban Veda's skincare to be a bit hit or miss. Their body care products are lovely though!

 REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask (travel size)

Regular readers will know that I'm a big fan of REN's Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask and I always have a full size of it in my skincare stash. I've been using it for years and it's such a fantastic treatment that's packed full of fruit acid enzymes which help to remove dull dead skin cells and improve skin tone, leaving your complexion looking younger and brighter.

Natura Siberica Oblepikha Hand Cream (travel size)

I'm thrilled that LoveLula has started stocking Natura Siberica and this hand cream is definitely a must-try from their huge range! It smells amazing and has such a wonderful nourishing and comforting formula. If your hands are in need of some daily TLC, apply this before going to bed and they will be as soft as a baby's bum in no time at all!

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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Christmas Gift Guide: Gemstone Silver Jewelry Moonstone Rings review

Jewellery is always a popular choice for Christmas gifts, and this year, the trend for semi-precious jewellery is bigger than ever, so it's the perfect time to pick out some statement pieces.

When I was younger, I used to buy a lot of my jewellery from high street shops like New Look and H&M, but the older I get, the more I want to invest in better quality pieces with real gemstones. Some of my favourite pieces are vintage finds that I've discovered in flea markets, charity shops and the occasional auction house, and whenever I look for 'new' jewellery, I tend to gravitate towards styles that have an 'old' feel about them. 

The same goes for when I'm purchasing jewellery as a gift - I think there's something so wonderfully timeless about a classic looking piece that someone will cherish for many years to come, and I was particularly excited when Gemstone Silver Jewelry asked if I'd like to review some of their rings. One look at their website and I was smitten!

Gemstone Silver Jewelry is a US online retailer who specialises in Moonstone jewellery and they have a strong bohemian and vintage-esque style that I love (they also have a whole range of healing chakra jewellery which looks amazing, so it's well worth checking out). They kindly let me choose some rings to review and they are absolutely beautiful!

From top to bottom:

Moonstone Ring Azure Drop* ($37, link)

All of Gemstone Silver Jewelry's natural rainbow moonstones are ethically sourced from around the world, and the Azure Drop Ring is striking enough to be worn as a statement piece, but also small enough that it can be layered with other rings (such as midis etc) if desired. Set in 925 sterling silver, it's available in a range of different sizes.

Moonstone Ring Shielded Beauty* ($47, link)

The Shielded Beauty Ring is inspired by ancient Hindu jewellery designs and features an intricate display of 925 sterling silver that embraces a natural round rainbow moonstone at its centre. I quite like wearing this one on its own and it's received many compliments from family and friends.

Moonstone Ring Dreamy Teardrop* ($51, currently on sale for $33, link)

Embrace your inner hippy goddess with this boho classic - an eye-catching large Dreamy Teardrop Ring! I've always wanted a ring like this, and the sheer quality of both the sterling silver setting and the teardrop shaped moonstone is even better than I expected. The large moonstone really catches the light and reflects an enchanting spectrum of silver, blue and purple hues.

Moonstone Ring Neat Enticement* ($47, link)

Perfect for stacking, the Neat Enticement Ring is another sterling silver, classic boho-inspired style of ring, and its smaller size is ideal for those who enjoy layering their jewellery to compliment their outfit. I find this one so easy to wear because it just seems to go with everything!

Discover the full range at Gemstone Silver Jewelry

Do you like receiving jewellery for Christmas?

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