Neal's Yard The Icons Edit

Fans of the brand Neal's Yard are going to absolutely love The Icons Edit, I mean, I know one or two of their products and even I think it is amazing and it is on sale right now!  Having already shared The Winter Wellbeing Beauty Box, which was also incredible value for money, this Icons Edit is incredible.

Inside this box are 12 full-sized products, which is almost the most amazing advent calendar if you want to just open one at a time! It is worth over £335 and is on sale right now for just £250.

Our most luxurious gift set yet, The Icons Edit is the ultimate ethical beauty and wellbeing collection for a truly indulgent moment of self-care. Uniting three best-selling, iconic collections, smoothing Frankincense IntenseTM, glow-giving Wild Rose and harmonising Women’s Balance in one beautiful, reusable keepsake box, this exclusive collection is the ideal treat for natural and organic beauty lovers.

If that description isn't enough to make you want this Icons Edit, then the contents which are shown below probably will.

Contents

• Wild Rose Beauty Balm; 
• Wild Rose Glow Day Cream; 
• Wild Rose Hand Cream; 
• Frankincense IntenseTM Cleansing Melt; 
• Frankincense IntenseTM Hydrating Essence; 
• Frankincense IntenseTM Age-Defying Cream; 
• Frankincense IntenseTM Hand Treatment Serum; 
• Women’s Balance Massage Oil; Women’s Balance Shower Oil; 
• Women’s Balance Remedies to Roll:
• Women’s Balance Foaming Bath:
• Wild Rose AHA Toner:
• Goodnight Pillow Mist:

As you can see, there is very much every product you could possibly need to have that 'at home' spa experience with all of these products, the downside? I don't suspect it will be in stock for long.

The Neal's Yard Icons Edit is on sale for £250 right now.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Coping with SAD

I’m very much a Summer girl. I love the sunshine, the light, the heat but I also love the rain, the cold and the joy of being able to have such a thing as seasons. But what is it about the darker mornings and evenings that just don’t work for me.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is often referred to as the Winter Blues or Winter Depression and it affects people in different ways, some more debilitating than others, and whatever your symptoms, they should in no way be compared to anyone else’s . The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are also really wide-ranging and are described as being somewhat atypical when compared to other depressive disorders. 

They include:

• Prolonged low moods
• Low energy and irritability 
• Difficulty focusing 
• Oversleeping and finding it hard to get out of bed in a morning 
• Feeling anxious
• Overeating, craving carbohydrates, gaining weight 
• Loss of energy 
• Withdrawal from social situations

For me, I tick the obvious of boxes, low moods, low energy and irritability, the craving of carbs and I don’t feel particularly sociable, though I do force myself to be so. 

I had never heard of SAD until it was referenced when I was at University. At the time, I was lucky enough to have a GP who was willing to listen but who also suffered from SAD and she was able to talk through the symptoms, talk about her own issues whilst at the same time, reassure me that everything would be just fine, which it was and still is. However, my one piece of advice to anyone who is struggling, needs help or someone to talk to, if you can’t talk to your GP, then you can always arrange online counselling with a qualified, objective professional who will help you get to the bottom of your uneasiness.

I have tried many different things to help with my SAD and there are a few that I still rely on today. The first is light therapy and that is where my Lumie Clock comes into its own. In a morning instead of being rudely awakened by an alarm, my Lumie light gently wakes you naturally producing light that gradually increases in intensity, just like the sun. 

So instead of hearing a foghorn going off as my iPhone kicks itself awake and has me jumping out of bed confused, I can set my Lumie to slowly wake me up. But that’s not all, this clever device can also be used in an evening to help me wind down and relax, plus I have the option to add in some white noise or have the radio on if I need too.

Then we have aromatherapy, something I am hugely obsessed with. There is a whole host of essential oils which can have an affect on your mood, for example:

• Orange, lime and bergamot are great for uplifting your mood
• Lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus help to de-stress and relax
• Grapefruit, pine and cinnamon help to boost energy

I spent years figuring out what works best for me, reading books and articles on how to use them. So currently, I have an essential oil diffuser which is great and dispensing my oil(s) of choice throughout the room I am in. You can of course opt for aromatherapy rollerballs that are great for use on the go, or another product that I use is my Lava diffuser necklace if I have got a packed day and need that extra support.

As well as those ways of helping, the advice from professionals and advice bodies is to get as much natural sunlight as you can - even if it is a brief and brisk lunchtime walk out in the fresh air. Sit near windows when you are indoors and make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible - I annoy my work colleagues by constantly opening windows, I’m not a fan of the heating being on at any point. Then there is the option of further medications which your GP might recommend such as therapy or antidepressants. 

If you think you suffer from SAD, there is a lot of information online about it and the differing symptoms and the NHS website has some really useful articles that I found helpful many years ago. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

4 of the Best Ways to Look Great and Feel Great, Starting Today!

Looking and feeling as great as possible is one of the key things you need to consider when it comes to improving and assessing your health and well-being and improving your life. Try to make sure you work on some of the best ways of being able to look and feel as great as possible. This is one of the best things that you should be keeping in mind when you are looking to improve your life as much as possible. 

There are a lot of things that you have to try to make the most of as much as you can, and there are so many ideas that you have to keep in mind here. Try to think about some of the best ways of helping you to improve the way you look and feel, and this is something that plays a massive part in helping you improve your life. These are 4 of the best possible ideas that you can use that will help you to look and feel great as much as possible.

1. Take Time for Yourself

One of the key things that it’s easy to forget when trying to make a big difference to your health is the fact that it is essential to make sure you take time for yourself these days. There are a lot of benefits to doing this, and it is so important for allowing you to relax, unwind, and feel more fulfilled, and this is so important. There are a lot of elements that you need to try to make sure you improve upon, and this is something that you need to figure out as much as possible. Taking the time for yourself is so important, and this is something you need to make the most of moving forward right now. 

2. Be Happy With How You Look

Being happy with who you are and the way you look is very important, and there are so many ideas that can help you to improve upon this. Being able to take the right steps to help you achieve success in this is vital. You have to try to make sure you are happy with the way you look, and this means you should be looking to think about the best ways to do this. Losing weight and giving yourself a makeover are a couple of the key ways of helping you to achieve success with this. There are a lot of factors that you need to make sure you get right when you are trying to be happier with the way you look and feel about yourself. 

3. Stop Bad Habits

Bad habits can have a very detrimental impact on your life, and this is why you need to make sure you work on doing as much as possible to stop bad habits and remove them from your life as much as you can. This means that you need to come up with alternative solutions that will allow you to remove your bad habit. For instance, smokers should look for the best vape mod to help them quit smoking and take up vaping instead. Something like adopting a meat-free diet can also play a huge role in helping to make your health and life better, and leave you feeling happier and healthier in the process.  

4. Reduce Stress in Your Life

Reducing and limiting the stress in your life is one of the most important things that you can do, and this makes a huge difference to the way you live your life right now. Try to make sure you come up with some of the key techniques that you can use to help you when it comes to boosting and improving your mental well-being, and reducing the stress in your life. You should be trying to work on improving your mental health, and finding better ways of being more relaxed and calm is essential for helping you to reduce the stress in your life as much as possible. This is one of the best things that you can do to help you get rid of a lot of the stress and worry in your life, and you need to make the best decisions here to help you with this.  

You have to make sure you take the right steps to help improve your health and wellness, and there are a lot of things that play a role in this process. It is vital to make sure you look for some of the best ways of being able to achieve success when you are looking to boost your life as much as possible. There are so many ideas that play a role in helping you work on some of the key ways of making your health and wellness better, and allowing you to look and feel great as much as possible. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The AM-PM Glow Kit from Alpha-H and The Beauty Chef

Today on my blog I am sharing a collaboration between Alpha-H Skincare and The Beauty Chef who have come together and collaborated to create the AM-PM Glow Kit.

It’s not secret that I absolutely love Alpha-H as a brand and their recent beauty releases, such as the Beauty Sleep Power Peel have been just superb, and this collaboration is incredibly clever.

Discover truly radiant skin with this powerful pair - both thoughtfully formulated to elevate your beauty ritual and support your inner and outer glow

So what are those products? 

Well Alpha-H have included their Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum (15ml). A clever product that I have shared on my blog before. Described as being an industry first, this delicious serum is one which not only works on your skin overnight, but it combines two of the most powerful age-defying skin revitalisers - Glycolic Acid and Granactive Retinoid. It’s job is to resurface, reboot and renew skin that is dull, tired and prematurely ageing. I am on my second bottle, that’s how much my skin loves it.

From the Beauty Chef we have the GLOW Inner Beauty Essential (150g), a daily powder which is formulated with 18 Certified Organic wholefoods including bio-fermented maqui berries, queen garnet plum and pomegranate fruit peel extract. Then we have vitamin C to help boost collagen production and zinc to support healthy hair and nails. Plus provitamin A, broad-spectrum B vitamins and more. 

So with these two products you have the AM part of the duo to take in the morning with aThe Beauty Chef GLOW, to use it is said you can Mix 1 tsp (5g) in 200ml of water, a smoothie, yoghurt or your favourite drink and consume immediately. Then in the evening, as part of your routine, continue that path to glow with Alpha-H and their Liquid Gold Reboot Serum.

This AM-PM Glow Kit from Alpha-H and The Beauty Chef is priced at £50 and is available from Cult Beauty.

 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Creating a relaxing environment with Aery Living

Having spent 90% of the last 18months working from home, separating life from office hasn't been easy. It’s actually very easy to pick up your laptop and start work earlier than usual and log off later than usual, a slippery slope you don’t need to be going down when life has been hard.

I don’t need Autumn to light candles and make my living space a relaxing environment to be in, it’s something I do pretty much all year round in different ways with different products. Aery Living is a brand who believes in wellbeing and back in 2018, they set out to create an ethical and responsible brand that focused on sustainability before profitability. 

Having become inspired by the multi-sensory aspect of creating fragranced products. Through trial, error, heartache, and joy over the course of the last few years Aery Living have now perfected their craft and created their very own unique fragrances, some of which I have been fortunate to try and am now sharing with you today.

We believe in creating rituals that are personal to us and contribute to our mood and wellbeing. Sometimes it is simply the acknowledgement of needing some time out, creating the space and setting the scene with fragrance that will trigger the senses.

I choose my fragrances, be that perfume, Reed diffuser, room spray, candles, essential oils and even wax melts depending on my mood or the scene I want to create. If I am wanting to relax and wind down, then I’m looking for Lavender and Chamomile or if I am wanting to change my mood and want something uplifting then I’m looking for the more citrusy scented products. 

From Aery Living I chose three products to try and get to know, two candles and a Reed diffuser, the latter will feature on my blog in its own post. When it comes to candles, again, I always have one burning in whichever room I happen to be in. The two scents I chose from Aery Living are ones which can be paired together to create a unique scent or they can be used on their own, either setting is just beautiful.

The first candle is called Eternal Optimist and it is one of the strongest scented candles I have tried in a very long time.  I chose it because it has notes of Green Leaf, Neroli Blossom and Jasmin, all of which as notes I adore in fragrances that I wear most often. In this candle those notes are paired with Magnolia and Lily as well as having the base notes of amber, Sandalwood and Warm Musk.

This is a candle which works in any room - the lounge, the office, the bedroom or even the bathroom. It has a 45 hour burn time and is made from 100% plant based wax and it pairs well with Positive energy as an ultimate mood-boosting hero, which takes me on to my second candle.

I loved the sound of the Positive Energy Candle from its description which described this candle as being a mix of carefully selected essential oils and perfumes. Uplifting grapefruit fills your home with punchy fresh and juicy notes.

Within this candle you have notes of Lemon and Vetiver which are the scents you can detect as soon as the candle is removed from its packaging and then once alight as it settles you get further notes of Grapefruit and then the peppermint which comes through the middle and is said to help stimulate focus making these great home office additions, get some creativity flowing! Then finally with the base notes of both Amber and Violet Leaf which gives an earthy note to the fragrance, almost preventing it from becoming too fruity.

These candles have been some of the best I have ever used, their scents simply incredible and ones which last hours after the wick has been extinguished. Whether used alone or together, I would quite happily make my way through the entire catalogue of fragrances. Each candle is 200g and priced at £26 and they would make the most wonderful gift.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Cooling Gel

Having now been fully vaccinated, I have had a series of after effects that whilst uncomfortable, I would happily go through all over again to ensure I do not ever get this dreadful illness that has plagued the lives of so many people I know.  From a fever and night sweats, to arm ache and a dead leg, I am not someone who reaches for painkillers easily, I would much rather let my body work its way through the issue on its own, but the leg ache, which is part is caused by an ankle injury (yes still) and the vaccine is rather irritating, so I turned to the Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Cooling Gel for help.

I have made no secret as to how much I love this brand, from their SOS Forehead Balm to the Muscle Recovery Soak, this brand is exclusive to Boots comes from the lab responsible for Aromatherapy Associates, but at a fraction of the cost and I determined to work my through the entire collection.

The Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Cooling Gel (£12 here*) is described as being a cooling gel for instant relief and recovery for general stiffness or to soothe tired limbs, everything I am looking for in one giant tube and it is perfect for using as that Muscle Recovery Soak

When it comes to using, you simply give the tube a slight squeeze and then gently to apply the cooling gel onto affected areas. As you can see there is a metal applicator which rolls lightly across the skin giving that lovely cooling effect as the gel come into contact, you need to only apply the littlest amount of pressure to feel the benefits too.

As with all Aroma Active Laboratories products, this one comes packed full of amazing ingredients which are known for both their amazing aromas and their aromatherapy properties.  Ingredients include:

• Turmeric with calming properties to help ease.
• Rosemary with soothing effects to help ease and recover.
• Lavender with its soothing, calming and relaxing properties
• Adaptogenic Marjoram - for its effective anti-spasmodic and relaxing properties

Added to that incredible list of ingredients is also the relieving complex of Patchouli Leaf Extract and Phytocannabinoids (3%) which together help calm and relax. The there is an instantly cooling Menthol blend with Borage oil and their job is to firm and hydrate the skin. Coming together you have a whole host of ingredients, which when combined are known for their soothing, cooling and calming properties.

As mentioned, I've been using it on my leg and ankle which has been painful for a while now and the soothing and cooling sensation is just absolute bliss. Better still, as someone who is not really happy with my feet being touched, I suffer with Plantar Fasciitis which can also flare up and be incredibly painful, making walking an absolute nightmare, so again, just a few minutes of this roller on the soles of my feet is so much more soothing and relaxing than sorting to a foot massage, the latter often more painful than the walking.

I absolutely love this Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Cooling Gel if you hadn't guessed and it is definitely worth picking up try for those muscle aches and other ailments.

You can find the entire Aroma Active Laboratories Collection both instore and online with Boots right here*.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Recovery Soak

If there is a brand which currently has my full attention, it is Aroma Active Laboratories. Having featured products such as the SOS forehead balm just a few weeks ago, today I am back with the Muscle Recovery Soak.

I love my weekly soaks in the bath, my ‘me time’ which gives me at least a whole hour to myself as I switch off and think of very little, except whatever it might be on the book I am reading. 

The Aroma Active Laboratories Muscle Recovery Soak comes packaged inside a subtle navy blue apothecary-style bottle which looks incredibly luxurious sitting on your bathroom shelf. As with all of the products I have been using within the range, this one has a job to do and for most of it, it will be something we need once in a while.

As the product name states, it is designed to revive a tired achey body that’s overdone itself with the home workout, the extra long walks with our new found freedom or even those hours spent decorating, building flat pack furniture or re-arranging furniture. 

Using a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients such as:

• turmeric which is said to be useful in preventing and relieving inflammatory and other types of pain.
• rosemary which is known for its ability to help to reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin. Lavender for its soothing and easing effects. marjoram relaxes muscle spasms and tension. It's known for its ability to ease pain and inflammation.
• cinnamon which is known to boost the circulation and aid muscle relaxation, which will help prevent muscle pain. Cinnamon is also and effective anti-inflammatory, helping to ease aching muscles
• ginger to ease discomfort and tension. 
• Arnica’s in there too for its healing properties.

Putting all of these ingredients into one product makes quite the relaxing milky bath and one which does wonders for aching backs and thighs from all those issues mentioned above.

To use, the advice is to pour generously into warm running water and then once in the water inhale the comforting aromas as you soak. A wonderful product which fills the entire house with the most relaxing of fragrances and it is on sale right now, exclusive to Boots for just £15 for 250ml, or you can purchase this soak as part of a bundle which I shared last week as a gift for Father's Day!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Father's Day with Aroma Active Laboratories

I am pretty obsessed with Aroma Active Laboratories and have featured them a few times now on my blog with the SOS Forehead Balm and the Sleep Collection, but today it is an introduction to products for Father's Day!

Aroma Active Laboratories is a new brand to Boots and it comes from the lab responsible for Aromatherapy Associates. Anyone who, like me, loves Aromatherapy Associates, this is the brand you need to own absolutely everything of! I am making my way through some of the products the brands has to offer, right now, you can grab 25% off* the bundle I am sharing with you today, which would make an amazing Father's Day gift!

Within this bundle you will find three products which are perfect for that tired, aching and stressed body right now.  

First we have the Muscle Recovery Soak (£15), which is heaven in a bottle and I have a full review of it coming next week. Described as being a milky bath soak to help relieve tension and stimulate body and mind, it uses an incredible selection of ingredients known for their amazing aroma and their therapeutic properties. With this soak is an easing blend of essential oils known to warm and stimulate, relieving tension.

• Turmeric with calming properties to help ease.
• Rosemary with soothing effects to help ease and recover.
• Cinnamon to help ease stiffness and stress. It has a comforting effect on the mind to help ease tension.
• Ginger to invigorate the body.

As you can imagine, this smells just heavenly as soon as it comes into contact with warm water and steam and it is just so relaxing and one of my favourite products from the brand so far that I have tried.

The second product is the Muscle Recovery Balm (£12), again perfect for those tired, aching and stressed limbs, this is a balm which melts onto the skin, cooling as it does and the scent is just so calming and relaxing.  As with the Muscle Recovery Soak, this product also has an incredible selection of ingredients known for their amazing aroma and their therapeutic properties.

• Turmeric with calming properties to help ease.
• Rosemary with soothing effects to help ease and recover.
• Lavender with its soothing, calming and relaxing properties
• Marjoram - for its effective anti-spasmodic and relaxing properties

What I love about this balm is that I could use it on my tired, aching feet, which after a lot of walking and it is just a wonderful treat.

The final product is the Muscle Cooling Gel (£12). This cooling gel for instant relief and recovery for general stiffness or to soothe tired limbs.  The ingredients used within this gel are the same as those shown above for the Muscle Recovery Balm, only the application is different.

The tube, which is really easy to squeeze, features a metallic roller on one end and because it is cool, it feels a delightful, especially if used when you have one of those surprising yet painful muscle cramps.

Over on the Boots website, as well as in store, Aroma Active Laboratories is offering an amazing 25% off* this collection when bought as bundle and the offer is valid from now until 22nd June!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Staples of Self-Care Everyone Should Follow

Self-care is all the rage at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. In an age when life is a little more difficult than it could be, it’s more important than ever that we’re looking after ourselves. There are many benefits to living in the modern world, but it’s just a fact that it doesn’t always help us to feel at our best. So it’s up to us to make sure that that’s the case.

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the staples of self-care that everyone should follow. If you take all of the tips that we’ve outlined below, then you’ll be well on your way to feeling your best.

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Placing Boundaries

Very often, it’s not our own lives that cause us to feel a little less than stellar. It’s other people. While you’ll hopefully have a group of friends that can help you to live your best life, there’ll always be times when you come across people that take more than they give. If you’ve ever experienced a breakup that wasn’t quite as smooth as it could be, and the person that ended things continued to mess you around, then you’ll know what we mean. In these instances, the best thing we can do is simply place boundaries. You can’t control how you feel, but you can put barriers in place that prevent the to-blame parties from having any more of an impact.

Wellness Treatments

There’s a growing market for wellness help, and that means that there’s plenty of businesses that can help you to feel great. If you ever need a little pick-up, look at seeking out these companies. You’d be amazed at just how much better you’ll feel following a massage, yoga session, manicure, or pedicure. These things do, of course, require an investment, but it’s one that’s worth making. You’ll spend plenty of cash on frivolous things that don’t necessarily make you feel better. Spend some cash on the things that will.

A Night of Indulgence

Not that you necessarily need to pay someone else to feel good, at least not always. There are things you can do at home that’ll have you feeling pampered and feeling slightly better than you did beforehand. If you’ve got a bath in your house, then you’ll have the perfect vehicle that’ll help you to feel better. Some things you can DIY, soaps and face masks being two of the easier home projects that anyone can manage. Once you’ve got them ready, light some candles, sink into the bath, and do nothing but rest and pamper your weary body. It’s a remedy that can help you to overcome, no matter how troublesome it proved to be.

Healthy Living

You are what you eat. Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy, homemade meal. The act of cooking in itself can be therapeutic, providing you fully engage with the task (rather than seeing it as a chore). Look up a healthy meal, buy the best quality ingredients and get to work. It doesn’t matter if you’re making the meal just for yourself or there are other people involved, too. Food is one of the joys of life, capable of elevating our spirits in ways that can seem inexplicable.

Moments of Joy

There are days when it feels like we have a million and one things to do. On those days, we’re just a ball of energy, continually trying to stay on top of everything. But if we have too many days like this, then it won’t be long before we begin to feel a little drained and tired. Why? Because it’s likely that there weren’t that many opportunities to experience joy. If life isn’t naturally putting joy in your path, then you’ll need to make it happen yourself. Every day, find ways to give yourself a little dose of happiness - even if it’s just taking five minutes to do something that you enjoy. Those little moments can make a world of difference to our day.

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Morning Rituals

How you begin your day will have a big say in how the rest of your day pans out. If it’s chaotic and messy, then you can’t be all too surprised that that’s how the rest of your day goes. That’s why it’s important to work on developing a morning schedule that pushes you towards the good life. If you’re meditating, making the time to enjoy a slow breakfast, doing a spot of reading, then you’ll be setting yourself up for a great day. Many of us have mornings that are dictated by our jobs, and the demands that they put on us. By initiating your own morning routine, you’ll be reclaiming some of your time. And that’s huge.

A Night of Entertainment

Many of the tips that we’ve discussed so far have to do with engagement, with yourself, with your body, with your mind, with your spirit. But sometimes, that’s not what we need. Engagement will take you a long way, but there are times when we want to do anything but engage with ourselves. And this is where the wonders of modern technology can come into play. Spending an evening curled up on the couch, doing nothing but binge-watching Netflix shows, watching old movies, and all-around sinking into the pleasures that a cosy living room and large television can bring plenty of relaxation and happiness.

Gratitude Journals

It’s all too easy to fall into the habit of thinking that life is getting away from us, that we should be doing or have more. But if we take a moment to reflect, then we’ll see that this isn’t really the case. A moment of reflection can show us just how much we have to be thankful for. Studies have shown that two weeks of daily gratitude journals can have a significant impact on our happiness levels. Plus, it’ll make you more appreciative of the world in which you live -- enjoy all that you have, while you have them!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Emma Hardie Moisturising Hand Sanitiser

Now this is one launch that I definitely did not see coming, I always hope there will be a bath/shower product one day, bringing to life that most amazing Moringa scent, but I am glad I now have more Emma Hardie products to play with - you could say I am a bit of a fan!

I am sure I won't be the only one who was using hand sanitiser before it became part of your everyday routine, the only thing that has changed for me is that I am now using ones which contain much more alcohol which in turn means I need a whole lot more hand cream to prevent my hands from drying out. But... what if there was a brand who managed to combat both issues? Well there is!

Sitting within the Amazing face collection comes the Emma Hardie Moisturising Hands Sanitiser which is available in two different sizes - 240ml and 60ml and right now both are an absolute must have - the 60ml being in my handbag to use as I am on the go. This Moisturising Hands Sanitiser is a little different from the ones I have been using because you can use it to wash your hands as well as sanitise your hands and despite being 70% alcohol it features some pretty amazing ingredients which work to prevent your hands feeling dry and in need of some TLC.

Ingredients such as Aquaxyl works to boost moisture levels in the skin, boosts hyaluronic acid and reinforces the skins natural barrier within 24 hours. Then we have an ingredient called Polustop which creates a protective film over the hands preventing cell damage. But when you use the product there is this most wonderful scent which isn’t overpowering and definitely was not what I was expecting, but we have both Tea tree and Eucalyptus which, if you have used them within products, you will be aware that they both have amazing antibacterial properties and then of course the wonder that is Lavender and it works to calm and soothe the skin as well as being wonderfully calming in many other ways too.

Then we come to the texture. Most hand sanitisers that I have used are either gel like or more of a foam and most of them smell like you’ve opened a cheap bottle of vodka and could get drunk off the fumes or they smell like fly spray. This one is more of a lightweight serum, perfect for using dry or for hand washing as mentioned already. On the skin it absorbs really quickly and there is no sticky or tacky feeling as thought you’ve just covered your hands in Pritt Stick, instead my hands are so soft and smooth, I’ve put all my other hand sanitisers away and just use this one.

There is nothing I dislike about this Emma Hardie Moisturising Hands Sanitiser, it is 70% alcohol, it kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, smells divine, doesn’t sting or leave the skin sticky after using and I love it.

On sale with Emma Hardie, you can find the travel size for just £7 and the bigger 240ml pump bottle for just £18.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aroma Active SOS Forehead Balm

I’ve become a real fan girl of the brand Aroma Actives and have featured some of their products on my blog already such as the Sleep Collection. The brand, which is exclusive to Boots comes from the lab responsible for Aromatherapy Associates, but at a fraction of the cost. 

The product I’ve used the most over the past few weeks the SOS Forehead Balm, is part of the SOS range which is said to be the collection you need the most when you need help with everyday ailments such as headaches, colds or feeling sluggish.

I suffer with a condition called Barometric pressure headaches and they occur after a drop in barometric pressure. These headaches feel like your typical headaches and migraines and like both comes with additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. increased sensitivity to light. The only treatment offered comes in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or something like naproxen, but I’m hopeless with taking medication and would much prefer to use an alternative such as a cold towel, sleep or even a light head massage. Then I was kindly sent the product I’m sharing today - Aroma Active SOS Forehead Balm.

This balm, which comes in the form of a stick is a  cooling and calming forehead balm. It uses a restorative blend of cooling Peppermint, invigorating Eucalyptus and Lemon, all of which are known for their uplifting, cooling & calming properties.

In a stick form such as this product, the advice it is that you should massage the balm into and onto the temples and forehead, avoiding the eye area. As the balm comes into contact with the skin, those ingredients mentioned above comes into their own and those soothing, cooling and calming properties are incredible. When you have one of the headaches I suffer with, you do feel hot, sweaty, a little bit green and what I’ve found using this balm, the cooling sensation on the skin after application is incredible, the sensation lasts for a fair amount of time and whilst I still use a cold towel on the back of my neck, I’ve found myself reaching for this balm quite a few times.

The balm is non-greasy, it isn’t sticky or tacky and priced at just £8 here, it is a great product to try, especially if you suffer with stress, tension of even Barometric pressure headaches!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Tisserand Happy Vibes Collection

I am all in favour of products which are uplifting, mood changing, calming, relaxing, destressing and even one to help you wind down. During the past year, I have made my way through a whole host of essential oils which I’ll share on this blog soon, but the use of essential oils lead me to Tisserand as a brand.

Happy Vibes, of which I have both the Bath & Shower Wash and the Moodmix Mist which came as a duo inside a Mr & Mrs Gloss beauty box some time ago and I have become a bit obsessed with them.

Brighten your day with this wonderfully uplifting blend of Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot and Nutmeg 100% natural pure essential oils, helping to refresh the skin and boost your mood.

This Happy Vibes blend has been designed to not only refresh your skin, boost your mood but to also brighten up your day and promote feelings of positivity. I am a huge believer in choosing a scent to suit your mood or to improve your mood and this is often where essential oils can play their part.

The Tisserand Happy Vibes Bath & Shower Wash which can, as the name suggests can be used in both the shower or bath and it is designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it.

With this Bath and Shower Wash, as it comes into contact with warm water as you massage across the skin, the essential oils come to life and the smell is just wonderful. It uses:

• Bergamot Peel Oil - As well as having antiseptic qualities, this oil is great for uplifting the mood and relieving stress and tension
• Lemon Tree Oil - This oil helps with not only cleaning greasy skin and hair, it also helps with the removing dead skin cells. It is also great for helping to fight fatigue as well as helping to uplift the mood.
• Petitgrain Oil - This is the oil you need when you are stressed and need a moment of calm and soothing, plus it helps to fight blemishes.

Alongside other ingredients, this product is free from parabens, SLS/SLES/ALS/MCIT/ Cocamide DEA and animal-derived ingredients making it both Vegan friendly and cruelty free.

The Tisserand Happy Vibes Mood Fix perfectly accompanies the Bath & Shower Gel with its scent and ingredients, making quite the ritual and I think the name 'Mood Fix' is just perfect for this product.

Mood Fix is made using a formula of 100% natural blend of pure essential oils, so as before you can expect to find Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot and Nutmeg, so just as the Bath and Shower wash, this unique formula has been designed to promote feelings of joy and well-being only this time with a spray.

The advice when using this product is to simply spray it around your home to get that sensorial transformation. When spritzed, what you get is a sense of warmness as well as the sharp citrus notes and definitely more of a kick to it than the Bath and Shower Wash, but naturally this is something you can use at home or take with you in your handbag to use whenever the need arises, for me, it will definitely be coming back to the office!

You can find both of these products on sites such as Tisserand, Amazon*, Holland & Barrett and even in your local Sainsburys and Waitrose too with prices starting around £9.99.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Oliverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil

Olverum is one of my favourite products to turn too when I am feeling run down and have a cold on its way, their bath oil is absolutely incredible, as is the pillow spray, but today is the turn of a new product to join the Olverum family is the Pure Radiance Facial Oil.

Described as being a unique formulation of gentle, natural retinol alternatives exactingly designed to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and blemishes – restoring vitality to both your skin and your spirit. If that doesn't sell it to you, read on.

This Pure Radiance Facial Oil is Suitable for all skin types and it is not only Vegan, but also cruelty-free as well as being free from artificial preservatives, fragrance and colourants, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Sulphates, Phthalates, Parabens, Triclosan and animal derived ingredients.  It is, however formulated with Bakuchiol, the first natural retinol alternative, to firm, plump and balance the tone of skin without causing any irritation, an ingredient my skin absolutely loves and one which doesn't get as much praise as it should. Alongside the Bakuchiol, this oil also offers vitamin rich oils which are known as F, A, C and E and they include cacay oil and rosehip oil. 

If anyone is a fan of the bath oil, which I really am, this oil has a much more subtle scent but the gentleness of the scent is incredibly uplifting. Bringing together the likes of lavender, geranium, clary sage and patchouli gives you that much needed soothing at the end of a busy day. Those busy days that come with the end of lockdown approaching means that time we spend winding down is all the more important, or at least for me it is.

To use, the advice is three drops into the palms of your hand which then naturally warms the oil, then cupping your hands around your nose, take the time to breathe in that scent, something I learnt long ago with another brand on their beginners guide to aromatherapy oils and benefits is the importance of those few minutes getting to know that oil to really reap its benefits. Once you have taken in the scent, massaging the oil onto the skin, if you have a Gua Sha tool or a roller then even better, otherwise the fingertips do just as good a job. 

This is a rich oil but it is one which isn’t greasy, it doesn’t leave a film on the skin and surprisingly it absorbs incredibly quickly and in doing so, it leaves my skin very soft and smooth to the touch.  As someone who has combination-oily skin, I always assumed using an oil on my skin would just exacerbate the problem, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. With regular use, it is said that this Olverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil not only calms signs of skin irritation but also helps to brighten, plump fine lines and reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation.

Priced at £60, you can find this oil via Olverum and SpaceNk*

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Boostology Moon & Star - 14k gold filled lava diffuser necklace, with essential oil

Boostology is one of those stores I cannot wait to visit in person. Describing themselves as an independent retailer based in London, not only do they offer unique, innovative and exclusive gift ideas, each product is designed to give you, and the planet, a boost. Their range includes organic, vegan, plastic-free ideas and so much more. I was kindly gifted the Moon & star - 14k gold filled lava diffuser necklace, with essential oil.

Nestled inside the white presentation box is the Moon & Star necklace, an instruction card plus a vial of essential oil. 

The necklace features a 16 inch, 14 karat gold filled chain, complete with a spring ring clasp, so when it is worn, it doesn't sit too tightly round the neck and instead sits on the chest bone. The star which compliments the chain, is also a lovely addition to the necklace theme, with the moon being made from natural black lava stone.

I absolutely love my essential oils, some of my current favourites I have written about in this post on my blog.  With this necklace is a 2ml vial which features a blend of natural oils and it is  called Dream Weaver.  Dream Weaver is described as being a tranquil aromatherapy blend which is soothing, calming and perfect for enhancing a quiet moment to yourself. It is made up of three essential oils:

• Lavender Oil - Used for its relaxation benefits
• Roman Chamomile Oil - Used for its anxiety relief benefits
• Angelica Oil - Used for its benefits to calm nervousness and anxiety

All three of these essential oils are also known for their promotion of sleep benefits too and together they are a perfect blend for its pairing with this natural lava stone necklace.

To use with this necklace, you simply use the brush, shown above, to dab the essential oil onto the stone, to calm you, wherever you go. Perfect for that going back to the 'real world' that we once knew as the norm before the Pandemic set in.

Priced at £33 here from Boostology, this Moon & Star 14k gold filled lava diffuser necklace is a unique, slightly unusual but incredible thoughtful gift and made more so because of the brands commitment to the environment which includes some of the following:

• They have banned products that are made entirely from plastic. You will only find small plastic accessories (for example lids) on our website, where no other alternative is available to us.
• They Plant one tree for every order you place with us.
• All orders are sent in eco-friendly parcels, which contain no plastic
• They recycle all of their office waste and use 100% renewable electricity at Boostology HQ (from solar, wind and hydro-electric power stations).

So, at a time when we should all be doing our bit for the environment by cutting down on excess waste, packaging and looking at our carbon footprint, Boostology do this and so much more.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.