Lush - Plum Rain

When I first saw this Plum Rain in Lush, the first thing that jumped into my head was Purple Rain by Prince (yes I am sure you are now singing it too) and being drawn to the name, the shower gel was in my basket doubly quick and paid for (£4.95 for 100g).

Plum Rain is one of these exclusive to Oxford street products and smells just absolutely incredible, something I associate with most Lush products if I am being honest. Now unsurprisingly, I havent seen a lot of information about Plum Rain and with it being a new product, I am surprised it isnt even online.

Anyway, if you have ever tried a Lush Shower Gel, then you will know that they are amazingly thick and creamy, which ultimately means you only need a small amount for lots of lather and bubbles. Bright purple in colour (purple rain.... purple raaaaaain) it shimmers in the sunlight and smells slightly plum like, quite fresh rather than artificial and sweet but earthy all at the same time and as you might have guessed, it has quite a few amazing ingredients.

Starting with Umeboshi Infusion, something I have never come across before, Google tells me that it is infact translated to mean a Japanese pickled plum only it is more like an apricot than a plum and it tastes extremely sour and salty. Also included is: 

• Petigrain oil which helps to clear greasy skin and fight skin blemishes and have calming and relazing properties.
• Sicilian Mandarin oil helps to relieve stress and works to increase circulation to the skin, reduce fluid retention and help prevent stretch marks
• Carrageenan extract which is extracted from Irish moss seaweed and acts as an excellent moisturising agent
• Osmanthus oil is said to help with the body’s removal of toxins and is a great emollient for the skin leaving it feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. 

Plus there is also the inclusion of Fresh plum juice.

I absolutely love this shower gel, it doesn't take the top spot away from The Comforter, but it is just a delight to use and has such an amazing scent to it that I am without question going to purchase a larger bottle next time.  It leaves your skin soft and smooth and with a scent that lingers on the skin for hours after use.  A big thumbs up from me!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Back to Work Handbag Treat!

My poor Radley and Osprey black handbags are on their last legs, I have had both for 8 and 9 years respectively and the time has come to think about replacing them, something which makes me feel quite sad as I do get attached to my bags.

With that in mind, I have a few weeks off work coming up and in an almost 'Back to School' type thought, I think a new handbag is the perfect treat for returning back to the office.  Whenever I buy a new handbag, I always think about what I need to carry in it as opposed to what I always shove in there and this is what I have come up with:

Michael Kors Rhea zip grey stud backpack which I absolutely adore the design of. It is a lovely shade of grey and the studs really stand out and capture the attention, more so than the name 'Michael Kors' even though it is present. It is deep enough to house most of my needs and almost colourful enough not to be bold and brashy.

Coccinelle Blue mini hobo bag is such a beautiful shade of blue that I am almost tempted to buy it for that reason! I love the design of Hobo bags and whilst this one is called a small bag, it would still just about everything I really need to have with me on a daily basis and would stop me adding items to fill the space.

The sensible options comes with Radley and this black Millbank shoulder bag. I like Radley bags because they are strong, reliable and dependable and pretty indestructable. Most of my handbags are, as I have said been black, it is a colour that goes with everything, doesn't really stand out amongst the crowd and is just a beautiful bag. 

The final option is a cross body bag, perfect for London life, doesn't make people hate you on a packed tube as you cram into that precious space in rush hour and they comes in all shapes, sizes and colours. Ted Baker Ellen purple cross-body bag is just beautiful and I love everything about it - the purple pink outer shade, the interal leopard print design and even the gold clasp is stunning. Again, perfect for fitting in the essentials with no room for extras and a great travelling companion in London during rush hour.

The question is, which one is the most practical or does that really matter?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise/collaboration