Create your own Gin with Inspirited

When it comes to a drink with friends in a bar or even at home, you’ll often find me with a Gin & Tonic or something Gin based if I’m drinking alcohol. I’ve been through the Vodka years and we don’t really mix well, but Gin is the one drink I do really enjoy and in recent years, the selection has increased exponentially. When Inspirited, a craft gin distillery based in Strathaven, just outside of Glasgow got in contact to see if I wanted to make my own Gin, there was only one answer - Yes!

Inspirited, as I have mentioned is a craft Gin distillery and as well as having the opportunity to purchase one of their creations, as a customer, there is the most amazing gin tool that gives you the visitor a chance to create your own bespoke gin and there is so many combinations it is so much fun - and yes I did of course created the Beautyqueenuk Limited Edition Gin!

Through our gin tool visitors to our site can create their own fully bespoke gin, distilled with their botanicals of choice – we distil each gin individually – we don’t just add botanicals to a base spirit like other offerings might! – and finish it off complete with personalised label and gift box.

Now obviously I am no expert on making Gin, this is the first time and opportunity I have had to do so. There is a really handy step-by-step guide which takes you through the different stages of your gin making journey. It is definitely worth taking the time to read it before you begin the process, though at any time you can just start over. I also spent some time looking through the Tasty Tips page which is an incredibly useful tool when it comes to pairing ingredients and botanical's for your drink. There is a total of 35 botanicals to choose from and you are free to choose as many as you think you need, but the advice is to choose between 6 and 10, but not more than 12 otherwise it could dilute the taste of your product.  

Juniper is pre-selected for you because without it, well it wouldn't be gin and the same with Coriander (no not the leaf the seeds) which helps to tone down the punch that Juniper packs.  As you look through each ingredient and botanical, there is a handy little information button which gives you the low down on each one, so whether you want something fruity, floral, citrus, nutty or even exotic, there is a guide as to what it smells and tastes like, for example:

• Strawberry - Somewhere between sweet and sour this household favourite has rose to gain fame as a mild, sweet and quite delicious flavour
• Cucumber - The widely grown cucumber plant has origins from ancient India. The plants fruit is a popular accompaniment to gin, and has a very distinct slightly bitter but refreshing taste.
• Marigold Flower - Sometimes referred to as poor man's saffron, marigold has a complex flavour that can be described as earthy and spicy with a hint of green apple and orange.
• Angelica - Slightly bitter and slightly herbal this earthy root works much like Orris root in that it is a fantastic fixative.
• Grains of paradise - also known as alligator pepper, have a complex flavour with distinct similarities to black pepper with additional citrus notes.

So as you can see, just because something sounds like you would like it, you might not quite like it in a creation of gin!  Now I am sure you are all dying to know what is in my Gin, so here we go:

• Juniper,
• Orris Root,
• Coriander,
• Rhubarb,
• Seville Orange,
• Kaffir Lime,
• Grapefruit Peel,
• Hibiscus,
• Lemongrass,
• Baobab

All of the flavours that I like in Gin or other products I choose to purchase and now all together in one bottle.  The whole process was so easy to follow, I think I learnt something about the art of making and creating gin and having had a play around with ingredients and botanicals to see what grabbed my attention.

If you are looking for a unique gift for someone this Christmas, then you could create a Gin for someone and send it to them with that personalised label, you can add whatever you like to the label, so it is a nice way of sending a congratulations or thank you message, or you could buy someone a gift card and let them loose on creating their own gin if you think that is something they would enjoy.  

Whatever you choose, I am sure, like me you will have a lot of fun creating your gin and all for just £49.99.

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

Nourish London - The Gift of Radiance

I love a good skincare set, as you might have noticed and from Nourish London, I am sharing with you their The Gift of Radiance set, which would make an amazing gift.

Inside this The Gift of Radiance kit you will find four products which give you every opportunity to have that 'at home' facial experience using some of the brands best-selling products.

Few things make a person feel better and look younger than skin that glows naturally with radiance. This skincare gift does just that.

The first product from this collection of products is my favourite within the set and it will come as no surprised when I state that it is Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Balm which is every bit as incredible as it sounds.

Described as being an all-in-one cleansing balm it not only works to as a decongesting face polish but also as a nourishing mask and intensive moisturiser and this is exactly why I think it is so brilliant. With those three ways of using it, the advice for each step is as follows:

• To Cleanse and exfoliate - Apply a small amount of beauty balm to fingertips and massage into damp skin paying more attention to congested areas such as the the t-zone (nose, chin and forehead).  When you feel you have completed your cleanse, accompanying the balm is an organic face cloth which can be used to gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead and dry skin cells.
• As a Mask- If your skin is in need of some TLC, then you can apply this balm to freshly cleanse skin and leave it on for around 20 minutes and then remove it following the advice above or you can also leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. 
• As an intensive moisturiser - If you feel your needs really needs some attention, then the advice is to apply the balm to any dry patches such as lips, cheeks or even cuticles to let it work its magic.

The ingredients within this balm include Jojoba Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil and ginger extract, all of which are packed with protective antioxidants, replenishing omega-rich oils and there is also the inclusion of a clinically proven anti-ageing marine algae to tone and firm the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

The second product is the Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum which is designed to brighten, rejuvenate and hydrate the skin.

This Serum is formulated to incorporate tripeptides, Foxberry, Tonka bean and Rose oil which come together to stimulate the production of collagen which in turn gives a smoother, fresher, more youthful appearance and minimising lines.  Plus to help boost hydration, there is of course the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid.

On the skin, this serum is on the watery side for a serum, but I like that because less is more with a serum and this bottle is going to last for ages!  There is a scent of the Rose Oil which is delightful and on the skin, it feels like water and absorbs really quickly, so this is a product I am going to enjoy continuing to use.

The next product within this gift set is the Radiance Firming Facial Oil and again, a product that I have so far really enjoyed using.

This oil, which is 98% organic is designed to improve elasticity, firm, hydrate as well as to lift the complexion. It uses a blend of omega-rich oils which includes the likes of Macadamia and Pumpkin, alongside both Rosehip and Borage oil and to gently add a fragrance there is the inclusion of Geranium and Damask Rose. Also added in is French Marine Algae extract and Frankincense which help to boost collagen production.

To finish off this 'at home' facial experience there is the Rose Quartz Gua Sha tool which is also included.

The Rose Quartz Gua Sha, which as you might know, is a tool known in traditional Chinese beauty regimens for its ability to reduce fine lines while firming and contouring the skin. It can be used from the forehead to décolleté. What I love about using a tool such as this is just how cooling it feels on the skin and of course, the  Gua Sha also works to reduce puffiness and tighten pores.

As you can see, The Gift of Radiance set from Nourish London is absolutely lovely and perfect for anyone who loves their beauty products as much as me, or for someone who you think deserves some TLC.  It is on sale now for just £65 and it sits alongside a few other gift sets, which sound equally divine.

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

Introducing Abhati Suisse

Abhati Suisse is described as being a next generation skincare and hair care brand that blends technology with tradition to create a line of contemporary Ayurvedic products. The art of cleansing, hydrating and soothing comes naturally for the oils, creams and soaps made for hair, body and face. With products that have been described as lavish and luxurious and rich in their rich consistency, conditioning properties and perhaps for some, the most important of all their subtle yet addictive fragrances.

I was sent a whole set of products to try and test and whilst I am doing that, I wanted to introduce you to the brand so that you too can become as intrigued as I am. 

The first product I have is called Manali and it is a Moisturising shampoo bar. I have used a fair few shampoo bars in recent years and it is amazing how good some of them now are.

Suitable for all hair types, Manali is a pH-balanced formula that is said tin gently yet effectively hydrate the hair without weighing it down. Using an expert blend of organic cannabis seed oil and elderberry which are packed with nutrients that restore shine to tired looking hair, then we have amino acid-rich spirulina extract and it not only stimulates growth but also gives the hair touchable softness and lustrous shine.

The joy of a shampoo bar is that it cuts down on the need for having plastic bottles, which in turn has a better impact for the environment. Shampoo bars are growing by brand and what I’ve enjoyed about using this one so far is that it hasn’t irritated my scalp or caused irritation and as someone with greasy roots and dry ended my hair hasn’t felt lank after washing. 

One way to get to know a brand and find out what does and doesn’t work for you is a collection of products like the Nomads kit. This kit contains 5 of the best-selling and much loved products.

For the face we start with the Mahanadi Lip Treatment (10ml). Described as being a rich, velvety lip conditioner, this is so far one of my most used products. Ideal for using on its own or you could also use it as a lip primer before applying your favourite lipstick. It uses salicylic acid to exfoliate, Himalayan sea buckthorn which is high in vitamins A and E and omega 7 and together they work to tone and condition lips.

For the Body there is two products. The first is  Periya Body Cleanser (50ml). This can be used in both the bath or the shower and is gentle enough for all skin types and it smells just incredible.

Alongside the likes of chamomile and coconut oil you will find bergamot, lime, pink pepper, freesia and vetiver off of which create a fragrance that just uplifts your mood, the kind of scent that should be in a candle for those dark and gloomy mornings.

The second body products is the Kanva Body Lotion (50ml) which is described as being a mighty moisturiser with a tantalising aroma. Designed to hydrate, soothe and moisturise the skin. Ingredients such as Wild Cherry Oil alongside lychee, freesia, and sandalwood give you a scent that starts of sharp but it warms down and leaves your skin lightly scented.

The final two products within this kit are for the hair. The first product, Yamuna is a Nourishing Shampoo (50ml). Described as being a gentle, yet highly effective detoxifying formula of organic botanicals for hair and scalp. It’s main ingredient which has a high content of vitamin c is Indian gooseberry and as a potent antioxidant it works to encourage the hair’s healthy growth, natural pigmentation and impressively it also helps curb dandruff.

Then finally we have the Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner (50ml) which is described as being fabulously fragrant and thanks to the use of Suisse technology, this conditioner enters each individual strand to rescue and repair hair, leaving it healthy from within. Using a combination of Himalayan wild cherry and moringa oils, neem and then the likes of Swiss edelweiss and sunflower lipids work to weightlessly nourish hair and provide shine without build-up.

The final product within my collection is the Rich Facial Cleanser called Shanta. This gentle that effective cleanser is applied like a serum, before adding warm water to release its full power as a non-foaming cleanser. 

As a cleanser, Shanta is tasked with working to remove makeup, cleanse, exfoliate, purify, and balance skin all in one. It is also said to improve elasticity and enables self-healing. With its incredible soothing formula which minimises redness and reduces irritation, leaving the complexion supple, hydrated, and bright. Again, we are back to the use of thag bouquet of Himalayan Ayurvedic botanicals and again we see the inclusion of Indian gooseberry, moringa seed oil, turmeric, neem leaves, and Swiss edelweiss. The formulation is rich in AHA fruit acids, amino acids, and antioxidants.

As you can see, this is an incredible collection of products from the scents and the descriptions to the incision of specific ingredients, whether they are oils, seeds, fruits or even those much loved botanicals.  A brand that is vegan, cruelty-free and free from parabens, sulfates, sillcones, and colorants.

If Abhati Suisse has caught your attention, then you can find all of those products and more on sale with Glamour Genius and if you use the code QUEEN20 you can grab yourself a discount too! 

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

Florena Fermented Skincare - An Introduction

Florena Fermented Skincare is a new brand who recently launched over on Escentual and I was kindly sent some of the products to try. Whenever I am sent skincare, I like to really give it old few weeks of trying it before I share it on my blog and then as I’ve used it for longer periods of time, I come back and update the post.

As a brand, Florena is committed to having natural ingredients and being both ethical and sustainable. Given the brands name, Fermentation is said to be the beating heart of Florena Fermented Skincare. Fermentation naturally transforms ingredients into compounds that make them more powerful and concentrated. This process has enabled Florena to create eco-friendly skincare products such as face moisturisers, and facial oils which rejuvenate your skin using natural oils and flowers. The brand is also both natural and vegan and the skincare range includes a variety of products such as face masks and face cleansers which contain carefully chosen oils and flowers such as Camellia, Honeysuckle, Helichrysum and Jasmine, for their naturally beneficial skincare properties.

Inspired by the latin word ‘floreo’, Florena means to blossom and flourish.

A symbol of purity, femininity and beauty, Florena’s fermented skincare collection is created using carefully selected, sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality formulations. Comprising at least 99.46% natural derived ingredients, each formula has achieved a COSMOS natural certification, which means they meet rigorous ethical standards in everything from processing to packaging.

The vegan skincare range utilises the innovative process of fermentation to enhance each active and encourage the absorption of each nourishing ingredient into your skin.

The first product within this collection is the Cleansing Bar and it is enriched with fermented Jasmin and fermented Angelica oil. 

This facial cleansing bar contains a 100% natural origin formula that is designed to cleanse thoroughly whilst gently, removing dirt and impurities. Suitable for all skin types, what I like about this cleansing bar is that it cleans the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth to the touch without stripping it to leave it feeling in need of moisture.

The next product is the 24H Hydrating Day Cream and it is is enriched with fermented Camellia Sinensis and fermented Olive Oil. 

On the skin, this cream is incredibly lightweight and absorbs really quickly on contact with the skin and is designed to lock in moisture for 24 hours. It isn’t as overly scented as I had expected it to be, though there is a slight clean scent that you can detect.  Worth noting that there is also a night cream too.

I love a good face mask and with Florena, I used the 24 hour hydration Mask which is described as being a 5 minute mask for a boost of hydration.

Again, this mask like the cream above is enriched with fermented Camellia Sinensis and fermented Olive Oil which works to give your skin an intensive moisture boost. On the skin, this mask is really soothing and is designed to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.

The product which caught my attention from Florena is the Facial Oils and I have the Illuminating Facial Oil which, as you can see has petals freely floating within the oil.

Enriched with fermented Pink Helichrysum and fermented Safflower Oil, it is designed to not only leave your skin feeling silky smooth, but to also restore radiance and vitality to dull, tired skin.  Ideal for using on its own if you wish, but this oil can also be added to other products such as your day cream or even into a face mask, it helpfully comes with a handy pipette applicator.  What I have found with this oil is that it doesn't have that oily feel on the skin, mainly because as soon as it touches mine it absorbs in double quick time, but it also doesn't leave any greasy film on the skin either.

The final two products within my little collection are for the lips and I am a huge advocate of owning as many lip balms, lip oils, lip scrubs and lipsticks as is possible!  I have both the Florena Intense Hydration Lip Butter and the Florena Natural Gloss Lip Oil.

The Intense Hydration Lip Butter is absolutely divine and it uses a blend of fermented portulaca and olive oil for their deep moisturising and replenishing properties. Then there is also antioxidants and essential fatty acids omega 6 and 9 which work to prevent dryness and repair previous damage.  On the lips, the texture is rich and creamy and leaves the slightest shine.

The Natural Gloss Lip Oil, like the facial oil also grabbed my attention because of the floating Helichrysum petals that you can see through the bottle.  This Lip Oil is infused with 100% natural ingredients and it also has a unique plumping action that is said to add volume for a fuller-looking pout. This vegan-friendly complex contains pink helichrysum petals alongside fermented safflower oil and together they work to moisturise the lips leaving behind a glossy, natural-looking shine, added to that, this lip oil is also packed full of everything from antioxidants to omega 6 and 9, which work to repair chapped lips and protect from further irritation.

Florena Fermented Skincare as a brand has an amazing price point, starting at just £4.99 prices raise up too just £19.99 and for good quality vegan skincare like this, it is an absolute steal.  You can find the entire range over on Escentual and there is some great offers to be had.

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