SANA JARDIN The world’s first socially-conscious, luxury fragrance house

I absolutely love discovering new fragrances. I like being to take a fragrance away to see how it smells on my skin an hour or two after it has been applied, rather than right there and then in a shop.  I was recently introduced to Sana Jardin and it has been quite the journey. Sana Jardin is described as being the world’s first socially conscious fragrance house created by Amy Christiansen Si-Ahmed. Amy created the business primarily as a vehicle for social change and the company sits at the intersection of social impact, luxury and the economic empowerment of women, which personally, I think is really quite something.  It launched in 2017 at Harrods with a collection of 7 Eau de Parums.  

Each fragrance within the collection is described as being one which exudes nature’s most exotic scents and harnesses the healing power of essential oils, whilst remaining free of artificial colourants, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde. 

With 7 fragrances to try, it could become a bit overwhelming to try and choose the one you like the most, but thankfully, Sana Jardin have a perfect way to get yourself acquainted with the brand and to choose your favourite(s) and that is with this Discovery Set which features seven sample (2ml) sizes of the brand’s signature scents and here they are:

The first fragrance is Berber Blonde and is described as being "Glittering rays of golden sunlight emanate light, love, and happiness". If you like a light and fresh fragrance with a few green notes thrown in, then this will tick all of those boxes for you. It opens with top notes of Bergamot, Orange Bigarade and Petitgrain Bigarade which give it that instant citrussy hit.  The heart notes of Neroli and Orange Flower Water Absolute intensify that citrussy orangeness but adds some warmth before the base note of Musk, bring the sharpness of the orange down a notch and it settles just beautifully on the skin.

The second fragrance I tried was Tiger By Her Side and this one turned out to be the most popular with friends when I wore it.  Described as being "Seductive, mysterious, connect and unleash your true power and innate wildness".  If you love a Floriental fragrance then this one is right up there to try.  I love the opening notes of Bergamot, Cinnamon Bark and Coriander Seed because together they are quite powerful but warm notes.  The middle notes of Rose Absolute, Benzion Res, Siam and Patchouli Heart are just as stunning with the rose, for me, being the dominant scent. The base notes of Labdanum red, Vanilla and Olibanum are sweet but the overall scent isn't overdone by the Vanilla.  It also happens to work well, really well in fact with Berber Blonde layered over the top.

The third fragrance is my second favourite fragrance out of the box and it is Savage Jasmine and anyone who knows me will know that I love the scent of Jasmine and love a product, especially a fragrance which features Jasmine as one of its notes.  This fragrance has the following Description "Captured at the moment petals unfurl and unleash their exotic, heady scent into the balmy night air". It opens with notes of Clove which dies down really quickly having given you a bit of spice and warmness before the heart note of Jasmine Absolute opens the fragrance up and does its magic. If you have any fragrances with Jasmine in them, it is one of the most uplifting smells I have ever come across and it is just beautiful. The base notes of Musk, Tobacco Absolute Balkan Low Nicotine finish off the scent to give it that exotic scent. 

The 4th Fragrance is Sandalwood Temple and admittedly this scent is everything I imagined it not to be.  Described as follows: Invoke the cosmic, sacred and sensual.  This fragrance opens with Bergamot, Neroli and Orange Water Absolute which I wasn't expecting but when it is mixed with the middle notes of Cedarwood Heart and Cedarwood there is something quite calming about this scent and the base notes of Guaiacwood which on its own is a beautiful scent as it is sweet, it is woody and also spicy and powdery all at the same time but mixed with Sandalwood Album and Vanilla the sweetness comes through and it is a really lovely fragrance.

Up next comes Celestial Patchouli and again, this is one of the fragrances I got the most comments on when wearing.  Described as being "Intense, rich and gathers global explorers attracted to the mystical elements of the cosmos". Opening with Coriander seed as the sole note and it gives the fragrance a warmness before the middle notes of Orris, Osmanthus and Rose Absolute bring about a floral aroma which isn't too overpowering because the base notes of Cypriol, Cedarwood Bark, Leather Patchouli and Sandalwood bring about a hint of spice, greenness and whilst the rose is still there in the background, it is, for me, the scent of Orris that I can detect the most.

The fragrance that is second to last out of the box is the one with the most intriguing name and that is Nubian Musk and my absolute favourite out of the seven. Described as being an "Intoxicating raw scent of skin amplified in the heat of passion, limbs intertwined".  It opens with the sole note of Grapefruit Blossom which is just stunning in its almost Marmalade like scent that hits you before the middle notes of Jasmine Sambac (which I adore on its own as well as in a fragrance), Rose and Sandalwood work to bring about an almost woody scent before the base notes of Musk, Vanilla Bean Extract, Vetiver, Patchouli and Cypriol come to life and just create an incredible floral with a hint of fruitiness and it is just incredible. If I was to pick a favourite, it would without question be this fragrance, I absolutely love it and it is the first vial I finished and I felt truly sad about it.

The final fragrance is Revolution De la Fleur and it is my third favourite out of the box. Described as being "Tropical and exoctic for the feminine muse with a sensuous presence and a flower in her sun kissed hair" and it is a floral fragrance which a soft fruitiness to it.  Opening with the top notes of Rose and Frangipani you have both the floral and the fruity notes right here and they are for me, dominant notes throughout.  As the scent dries down the middle notes of Neroli, Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine come through the middle and they are delicate scents which add a stronger touch of floralness before the base notes of Vanilla Bean Extract and Sandalwood come in and thankfully don't overpower what is a beautiful fragrance, but rather intensify what is already there.

So there we have seven fragrances which are all very different despite sharing some of the same notes such as Sandalwood, Vanilla Bean Extract and Neroli. What I have really loved is the chance to try them all and whilst I appreciate that some people are not a fan of these sample vials, I am a huge fan of them and it is through them that I have found some fragrances I would never want to be without in my stash.  I like that Sana Jardin has created a discovery kit and that it features all seven fragrances from the range. They are a luxury and you will find that 100ml bottle costs over £150 with a 50ml bottle being around £95 so before spending that kind of money, I want the option of having something I can wear for a few days here and there to see how it works with my skin and how long it lasts. 

All of the fragrances are free from artifical colours, parabens and formaldehydes.

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

Willow Beauty: Organic and Natural Skincare

Willow Beauty is a brand I have been getting to know for the last few months and if Organic Skincare is something that intrigues you, then this brand is ticking a lot of boxes right now. Launched back in 2007, Willow Beauty set out to provide a range of natural and organic products that would be kind to your skin and the environment. All of the products are designed, formulated and made in Britain using superior, ethically produced ingredients.

The range consists of skincare, Bath & Body, For Men, Home Fragrances and Gifts.  I have been lucky enough to use three products from the skincare range - Daily Cleansing Wash, Cell Renewal Cleansing Mask and Vitamin Facial Oil.  The first thing that stands out is the colourful pastel coloured packaging which is just stunning to look at and the designs transfer from the box to the products.

The Daily Cleansing Wash (£28) is part of the Sorbet Glow Range which Willow describe as being their new skincare range harnessing the power of natural fruits and botanicals combined with Gatuline Expression, hailed as a natural alternative to Botox. Potent ingredients include the Amazon's best kept secret - sustainably sourced Cacay Oil; Raspberry extract; Acai oil; Pomegranate and many more...

The cleansing wash is incredibly gentle on the skin but oh my is it effective at what it does. Not just any cleanser, it has finely ground extracts of Bamboo which help to gently exfoliate the skin and it is rich in skin protective antioxidants as well as having astringent qualities which help to clear oily and blemished skin. It also contains Acai oil which is rich in vitamins and Chamomile oil which have calming and anti-bacterial properties. 

The Cell Renewal Cleansing Mask is more than just a mask, it is a dual product which is designed to cleanse the skin whilst at the same time providing deep nourishment, removing impurities and brightening your complexion. 

What I absolutely love about this mask is that it contains coconut extract and I absolutely love coconut in my beauty products.  Used within this Cleansing Mask it has a whole host of benefits for the skin. Highly nourishing and moisturising, it also has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities, it is effective in the fight against a number of bacterial infections, soothing inflammation, fighting acne and pilliates red dry skin which can cause acne. Coconut extract also helps to remove gently the surface layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother.

The third product in my trio is the Vitamin Facial Oil and this is probably my favourite of the three products, though they are all just amazing. Described as being loaded with vitamins A, E, C & F and formulated to hydrate, protect and nourish it has two ingredients that I absolutely love in an oil.  The first is Rosehip which naturally contains Retinol, Omega 3, Omega 6 plus anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids all of which come together to help to correct dark spot pigmentation and hydrate dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth to touch.  Then we have Jojoba which has anti-inflammatory properties and has a similar composition to that of the skin's own oils, so it is quickly absorbed and is excellent for dry and mature skins as well as inflamed conditions.  Finally, we have Vitamin C which is an incredible multi-beneficial ingredient that works to build collagen and even skin tone.

On the skin, as this is an oil it isn't overly greasy when applied, infact what it does do is sink into the skin rather than sit on the surface and it leaves no trace behind.  It is perfect for use on its own, or as part of your skincare routine and is suitable for all skin types.

There is one ingredient which is common in all three of these products and it is called Gatuline Expression and is hailed as a natural alternative to Botox. Scientific studies have shown that Gatuline Expression not only visibly smoothes crows feet but it also redefines eye and lip contour areas as well as reduces the appearance of wrinkles.  I am fortunate enough to not yet have anything I can use as a marker on these claims, but what I have found is how different my skin feels having used the products, no dryness on my cheeks or forehead, a slight reduction in redness and a natural glow.

I am enamoured with this brand, it is just beautiful to use and I am looking forward to trying some more products from the range, especially when it comes to Candles and Bath and Shower Oils. If you still have Christmas gifts to find, Willow Beauty have some stunning gifts waiting to be found!

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

Find Me A Gift Christmas Guide feat. Bomb Cosmetics

Last year I featured Find Me A Gift (my review here) as a place to source unique gifts for loved ones, secret Santas at work or even for the cat and dog.  Describing themselves as being a site which has an extensive range of unique gifts make finding the perfect gift a piece of cake! From the fun and novelty to the cool and quirky, we've got all sorts of awesome gifts that are sure to light up someone's face.  

As soon as I mentioned the Bogey Man Egg Separator, my feed went slightly insane with a mixture of laughter, hysterics and some accepting it is a little bit genius, so here he is again and he is still £6.99.

Whenever I look on Find Me a Gift, I naturally gravitate towards the beauty section because ultimately that is where my interests lie (along with looking at what to buy the cats) and this Bomb Cosmetics Mistletoe Kisses Gift Set jumped out at me because I love the brand but find getting hold of anything locally quite the challenge.

Make bath time even more relaxing than usual with this fabulously cute and extra special Mistletoe Kisses Gift Set from Bomb Cosmetics - even the name sounds delicious! This festive treat is full of goodies to make a peaceful soak in the tub your number one priority when it's nice and frosty outside.

What I love about Bomb Cosmetics is that whilst everything is handmade and not factory produced, a lot of effort goes into making the product look aesthetically pleasing as well as smelling amazing. Scents such as vanilla, cinnamon and orange within the Mistletoe Kisses gift set are very much those I associate with Christmas, be it looking around a Christmas Market whilst drinking mulled wine or walking down Oxford Street as the food stalls roast nuts.

Inside this lovingly packaged box, you will find 6 handmade bath bombs and soaps and each one of them is Christmas themed.

1 x Christmas Wonderland Soap - This soap screams Christmas. Not only is it bright red in colour it uses the essential oils of Cinnamon Bark and Myrrh and as soon as you open the box, the first scent that hits you are both of these.  Once used in water, it lathers and the scent intensifies and is just divine.

1 x Snowtime Like the Present Soap - Again, Christmas in soap this one has the Gold of Pleasure Oil which is high in Omega 3 and is perfect for helping to protect the skin. Also included is Frankincense Oil, which I love the scent of and it is perfect for aiding relaxation and on the skin it helps heal.

1 x Ho Ho Holly Bath Blaster - I love how festive this bath blaster looks and it is the one which fizzed the fastest in water! It contains Black Pepper Oil which is a warming oil and it helps to boost your body’s natural defences and is perfect for aching muscles. Plus there is Cinnamon Bark Oil which has properties to help relieve stress and is incredibly calming.

1 x Santa's Baby Bath Blaster - With the image of Santa's face looking back at you as you chuck it in the bath to fizz away, the essential oils of Frankincense and Myrrh comes to live and create a wonderful aroma which works it way through the house. Frankincense is great for relaxation and Myrrh is helpful to those with dry and chapped skin, as well as having beneficial properties for other skin ailments.

1 x Chilly Willy Bath Blaster - As soon as you drop Chilly Willy into a warm bath and watch him fizz away, the essential oils come to life.  Alongside Cocoa butter, you will find the pure essential oils including Sweet Almond, Sandalwood, Orange and Cinnamon.

1 x We Three Kings Creamer - This is the most luxurious product within the box and I absolutely loved using it. Packed full of incredible ingredients such as Cocoa and Shea Butters to help moisturise the skin, Geranium Oil which helps to create a balance between oily and dry skin and it also helps to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety and Ylang-Ylang which has a whole host of beneficial properties on the senses, scalp and skin.

I adore this set and love that it is so Christmassy. It isn't overly expensive and is currently on offer for just £8.99 right here.

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

Pure Style of London - Happiness At Home

At this time of year, I have candles burning the whole time I am home sitting in the lounge, I love the atmosphere they help create and I find the flickering flame oddly relaxing to watch.  I am also a huge fan of Reed Diffusers and have one in every room of this house, even the kitchen and again, I love to smell the fresh scented aroma, usually a different one in each room, that I am greeted with.

Purestyle of London kindly sent me a gift set from the Home Fragrance Collection which contains a reed diffuser and a candle.  Founded in London, PureStyle of London sells locally sourced, hand poured Reed Diffusers and Scented Candles. They launched in 2018 and have gone on to sell many of their premium products into the UK and beyond.

At PureStyle of London our aim is to add a little bit of extra happiness to you. Our products have been carefully selected and are being hand made in the UK.

PureStyle of London has recently launched the first ever ‘Home Fragrance Club’, offering consumers a new and convenient approach to having personalised home fragrance products delivered all year round and prices start at just £14.50 per month raising in price depending on your preference in need, plus there is also the option to try a one-off option too. So if candles and home scents are something that is an absolute must-have for you, then this service could be invaluable. It is fully flexible means that the consumer can change their fragrance or reeds and can pause or cancel at any time.

I was given the gift set option and having never tried anything like this before I was engrossed in making selections for the products I really wanted to try.  Starting with which colour glass you want your reed diffuser bottle to be - Black, Clear or White and from there you select the colour Reeds you would like and again there is a choice of six to choose from before finally choosing your fragrance and at this point you have a choice of 9 scents to decide between and I did struggle between which one I thought I would prefer.  In the end I opted for Neroli Rose based on the notes. 

Once you have selected your reed diffuser, it is then time to select your candle and again you get to choose between black, white or clear glass followed by which lid you would like your candle to have - the choice being silver or copper. The final choice is to select the fragrance of your candle and if you struggled with the first task, this one is equally hard because they all sound just incredible.  I opted for Lemongrass and lime in the end in black glass with a silver lid and it looks just amazing.

I have had both of these products within my possession for almost 6 weeks now and I wanted to really give them a try before saying whether or not they are worth the money. Hands up, they are!  I think for all of the Reed diffusers I have ever bought or have been sent, this one is the strongest and longest scent I have had. I placed the diffuser in the lounge below the TV, so being next to the kitchen and the hallway, there is always an abundance of smells which make their way around the house and every time I have entered the lounge, the first thing I can smell is Neroli Rose.  Both Neroli and Rose are quite strong scents and together they work so well, described as being a delicate, sweet Orange Blossom and calming, soothing Rose to intoxicate the senses, what you get is a fresh scent, as though you have just walked into a florist. 

The candle is also an incredible scent. Described as being a fresh fragrance with squeezed lemons, ripe limes and twisted with aromatic lemongrass and eucalyptus, if you want an uplifting fragrance when you feel a bit out of sorts, then this one ticks all of those boxes. The addition of eucalyptus is genius because it brings this scent to a whole new level.

Once your order has been made, everything arrives so incredibly well packaged, nothing gets broken. The two cylindrical tubes which house the products are a really nice way to show off the brand and the whole concept would make an incredible gift for someone, whether you sign them up for a subscription service, or opt for a one time try.

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