My Little French Riviera Box

Sunday, June 21, 2015
The June edition of the My Little Box was late this time round due to a production problem but in my opinion it was well worth the wait. The theme for this months box is the French riviera and the box design and products are making me wish I was going abroad this year *cries*

There are three beauty products and two lifestyle items in this months box as well as the usual magazine, drawstring bag (which are super cute and useful) and print. The boxes themselves are also useful and great for storage. The boxes I believe are £14.95 per month including postage and packaging and although it is a little more expensive than other subscription boxes, it is definitely the best, in my opinion. 

For the lifestyle items, I received a pair gorgeous matte purple sunglasses which were designed in collaboration with My Little Box and Sarah Lavoine who is an interior designer. I love the retro, unique design and the matte finish! The second lifestyle items are plant pot covers which is a really unique idea - I haven't seen anything like this before. There are two sizes, one larger and the other is really quite small. I love the summery, nautical design. 

Now onto the beauty items, the first is a gorgeous nail polish which is again a collaboration between My Little Box and Sarah Lavoine. It is in the shade 501, it's a gorgeous deep teal. It has a thin brush which is my only complaint as it is a little difficult to apply but on the whole it's a really nice polish. I will have a photo of the polish on my nails on my instagram (heathernixon4) later today. Next up, the My Little Beauty Sailor Scrub which is a sea salt scrub in the most adorable packaging - it has little anchors on it! Last but not least, I received the Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Hair Milk which I cannot wait to try.

Overall, I am very happy with everything in this months box and the theme/design is making me want to go on holiday. I will definitely get use out of all of the items. It isn't my favourite My Little Box (that would be the dream box) but it's a lovely summery box. 

Are you subscribed to My Little Box? What do you think of the items included?

Sleep Helpers ft. Sulis + Thermae

Friday, June 19, 2015
If you're like me and you find it really difficult to sleep and to unwind then aromatherapy and relaxation products might be the answer. I've been using these products, which were very kindly sent to me from Sulis and Thermae, both of which have been helping so much! 

The all round favourite is the *Aromaworks Nurture Candle (£32, 30cl). The candle contains 100% organic essential oils as well as soy and beeswax. I have made everyone, friends and family, smell this candle and the reaction has been exactly the same - instant relaxation, followed by oohs and aahs. The candle has notes of May Chang, Sandalwood and Roman Chamomile, all of which combine to make the most relaxing, soothing candle ever made! The scent is strong but not over powering, it is so highly scented that you just need to open the lid of the box and it scents the air all around you. I also smell lavender in this candle, it's an incredibly relaxing scent. 

The candle smells amazing when it's lit too, it's so relaxing! The throw is fantastic, it scents the whole room and then some. I am really impressed with the dispersion of the scent as well as the strength but it isn't too strong or cloying. The wax doesn't melt all the way to the sides of the glass which is the only negative point, in my opinion. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

I've also been testing the *Aromaworks Serenity Bath Oil (£34.50, 100ml) which comes beautifully packaged as does the candle. The bath oil is 100% natural and it contains organic ingredients such as evening primrose oil. The oil also contains lavender flower oil, may chang fruit oil, natural vitamin E, neroli oil and coconut oil. The bottle has a pump dispenser which is so handy especially as oils can be so messy. The instructions don't say how much to dispense and I definitely used too much the first time round but it did make the whole bathroom smell so lovely and relaxing. I find that after a bath I do always drift off to sleep much quicker. It doesn't produce bubbles or change the water as most of my other bath products do but it feels like such a luxurious and indulgent product to use. The bath oil left my skin so smooth and moisturised, I didn't need to use a lotion or body butter afterwards! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Overall, I'm so happy with both products and since using them on a fairly regular basis I have noticed that my sleeping pattern is better and I am able to drift off much quicker even when I've been nervous and stressed! I would 100% recommend both products and I would buy both products in the future although I would choose a smaller size of the candle as it is a little pricey.

Have you tried any products from Aromaworks? Have you bought anything from Sulis & Thermae? What are your favourite products/tips for a better nights sleep?

Nourish Discovery Set From Naturisimo

Thursday, June 18, 2015
I have tried a couple of products from nourish since blogging but until now I've only tried their bodycare products. I have already reviewed their Protect Nutri-Rich Body Cream and the Toning Body Shimmer.  You can purchase this 'discovery' set which is an exclusive set from Naturisimo for £7.95 with free delivery! 

Firstly, I tried the *Nourish Revital-Eyes Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream which contains peptides, amino acids, B vitamins, antioxidants, kale extract, and pomegranate enzymes to counter puffiness, dark circles and visibly reduce lines. I have eczema around my eyes and this cream didn't irritate my skin. A little goes a long way as it is very moisturising and it leaves my skin looking very plumped and glowing without being glittery or greasy looking. I genuinely notice a reduction in the appearance of my very fine lines which is amazing! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Next up, the *Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer and to be honest the words 'illuminating face shimmer' do terrify me but when used with caution this illuminator is gorgeous. It is very golden so I only use it on my cheekbones otherwise it would look crazy but with a bronzy smokey eye it's amazing, especially for summer! However if you blend too much then it almost disappears leaving a few specks of golden glitter and only use a tiny amount or you will look like a glitter ball. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Now onto a product for those with super dry skin, the *Nourish Argan Skin Renew which is a moisturiser rich in argan oil, vitamin E and Rose of Jericho. The moisturiser claims to repair and dramatically boost skin hydration. The cream does leave my skin very smooth and moisturised although if I apply too much then it can feel a little heavy and greasy so I think this is more of a 'very dry skin' day product for me or part of my winter skincare routine. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Sticking with moisturisers the next product is the *Nourish Protect Hydrating Moisturiser which contains ingredients such as rosehip seed oil and vitamin C to protect collagen and to protect from damaging free radicals. The cream smells lovely, it doesn't irritate my skin and it goes on so smoothly. This moisturiser is a great base for makeup, it doesn't pill/ball up. Also if my concealer/foundation is looks a little dry then I apply a tiny amount of this moisturiser over the area with my foundation brush and I just push/stipple the moisturiser on and it adds a boost of moisture without ruining the makeup - don't sweep the moisturiser on, you need to stipple/push the product on or it will move the foundation/concealer. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

There is one facial oil in this set, it is the *nourish Argan Skin Rescue and I've been using it every other night as part of my evening skincare routine and it is a lovely oil overall. The pump dispenser is handy and it the oil has quite thick; it's almost like a gel/oil hybrid which makes it less messy. I've been using the oil in the evenings only and it is great. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Lastly, the *Nourish Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser which contains pomegranate enzyme and kale extract. It can be used as a gentle cleanser, face mask or facial. I've only used it as a cleanser and in my opinion I wouldn't describe an exfoliating cleanser as a 'gentle cleanser'. The cleanser is fairly scrubby and I wouldn't use it everyday. It does leave my skin super clean and smooth so it's great for mild exfoliation but I don't feel as though it strips my skin. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Overall, I'm very happy with the majority of the products, especially the eye cream which has now made it into my morning skincare routine. There are a couple of products such as a oil and cleanser which didn't wow me as much as the moisturisers and eye cream did. I think this set would be great if you wanted to try something from the brand but you didn't know if your skin would react or which products would you like/dislike.


Have you tried any Nourish products? What do you think of this Naturisimo exclusive Nourish 'discovery' set?

A Pint Of Thanks Ft. Mainline Menswear

Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Father's Day is almost here *It's the 21st June - this Sunday* and the lovely people at Mainline Menswear have put together a fantastic Father's Day package that I know my dad will love! My dad is quite difficult to buy for, he is always happy with socks, shower or shaving products or basic tees. 

Mainline Menswear have such a wide range of discounted and full price designer and highstreet mens clothing and accessories, from Vivienne Westwood, Adidas Originals, Converse, Clarks, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Vans, Ralph Lauren and many more. I have the *Armani 2 Pack Crew Neck T-Shirts (£35, Black) which are under the category of 'underwear' but they would be great as lounge wear, in my opinion. The T-shirts are stretchy, smooth and they have a certificate of authenticity on the label to show that they are genuine Emporia Armani products. 

Socks are always a staple gift for dads and my dad never throws anything away so he has so many socks now from almost 23 years of Father's Days! However he doesn't have a pair like this which are the *Luke 1977 3 Pack Socks (£15, sale) which look so fancy. I can't find this specific set on the Mainline Menswear site but the brand Luke 1977 have a couple of other pairs to choose from. 

Lastly, in the amazing Father's Day package were a couple of items from *Blue Beards Revenge which is a brand my dad has tried before and really liked; as well as a pint glass because it will be for Father's Day after all. I think my dad will love all of these extra Father's Day gifts - the perks of having a blogger as a daughter!

Here are some of my Father's Day gift picks from Mainline Menswear:


What do you think of my Father's Day picks? What will you buying for your dad/granddad?

Father's Day Gifts: Scaramouche + Fandango

Monday, June 15, 2015
Father's Day in the UK is the 21st June and this year, as with every father's day, myself and my sister don't know what to buy our dad! We have tried video games, a remote control helicopter, ties, socks and food but the only 'safe' gifts that we know he will love is bodycare/shower products. 

The lovely people at Scaramouche & Fandango sent me one of their new Father's Day gifts. I have the *Scaramouche & Fandango Twin Pack (£13.50) which contains the Black Quinoa Shampoo (200ml) and the Brazilian Papaya Body Wash (200ml). Scaramouche & Fandango products are made in England, they are free from parabens and contain 97% naturally derived ingredients. 

The shampoo contains cleansing black quinoa and shea butter; it smells like an aftershave my dad has but it is more subtle. The body wash contains remineralising brazilian papaya and vitamin E complex; it has a similar scent to the shampoo but it is stronger than the shampoo. The scent is exactly what my dad would choose and I think he will love both products. 

Scaramouche & Fandango have some pretty fantastic Father's Day gifts and the price is really reasonable. I love the packaging, it is simple and masculine! They have great gift sets, travel sets and minis too with prices from £2.75 to £40 so there is something for all budgets and dads. Here are some of the products and sets available:
What do you think of this gift set? What will you be buying for your dad this Father's Day?

Naturisimo Travel Essentials Discovery Box

Sunday, June 14, 2015
Naturisimo have just launched their 'Seven Travel Essentials Discovery' Box so if you want to grab one you will have to be quick as they always sell out so quickly. I have a sneak peek at the goodies in this months box!

The *Naturisimo Seven Travel Essentials Discovery Box (£9.95, free delivery) contains six travel sized products and one sachet sample. The brands included are: Caudalie, Giovanni, Barefoot SOS, Balance Me and Dr Bronner. I haven't had one of their boxes before so I didn't know what to expect in terms of sizes or the types of products included but I think it has a great mix of more natural/eco/green brands so it would be great if you want to try natural brands but don't know where to start as the world of green, eco and natural beauty can be a little confusing and overwhelming. 

First up, there is the Dr Bronner's Magic Soap in the Rose scent which smells amazing! I already have a few travel size versions of their liquid soaps and a full size. I love the Dr Bronner's magic liquid soap for washing my makeup brushes, it gets them super clean.  Another product from a  brand that I love is the Caudalie Divine Oil which I have been using over the past few days and I love it as a hair treatment. Also from Caudalie is a sachet sample of their Divine Legs which is a tinted body lotion - it would be perfect for summer holidays!

Sticking with the skincare theme, the Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream is the product I was most excited to receive when I opened the box as it is suitable for eczema/psoriasis which I have. I haven't used it yet but it definitely sounds promising. The last skincare item is the Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream, again I haven't used it before but I have received a few Balance Me products  as magazine samples last year and I've been really happy with them on the whole. 

Lastly, a couple of haircare items from a brand I haven't tried before - Giovanni. Included in this months box is the Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Calming Conditioner which I can't wait to use as well as the Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo. I personally don't like tea tree products in general so I will be passing this onto my sister to try. 

Overall, a really nice mix of products that would be great travel sizes to add to your toiletries bag for upcoming summer holidays. I personally love the Dr Bronners Magic Soap as well as the Caualie Divine oil - both of which are amazing multi-use products. 

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? Will you be buying one of the Naturisimo Travel Essentials Discovery Boxes?