Summer Giveaway: Win a Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Scented Candle

Hi everyone!  No one likes a Monday, especially when it means going to work on a blazing hot summer's day when you could be on the beach, so today seems like as good a day as any to share a little summer giveaway with you.

Up for grabs, and just because I feel like it, is a full-size Jo Malone scented candle in the fresh and summery fragrance, Lime Basil and Mandarin, worth £40. These don't come cheap, so if you've been looking to get your hands on one for a while but just couldn't justify the price-tag, then now is your chance!

Just pop your details into the Rafflecopter form below and keep your fingers crossed. The giveaway will run until the end of the month, and if you happen to be under 16 then  make sure you have permission from your parents to enter.

I think that's about it - best of luck to you all and have a great week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xx

A Sunday Pamper Session

There was a time when a Sunday pamper came as naturally as breathing to me, but of late I've barely had time to sit back and relax, let alone slap on a face mask. So this weekend, I've decided to set aside some 'me' time and indulge myself with a good couple of hours of luxury.

To set the scene, I run myself a nice hot bath. Usually, I might go with a Lush bath bomb, or my favourite - The Comforter bubble bar. But this time, it's the Radox Herbal Bath Stress Relief Bubble Bath (not pictured). With its calming blend of rosemary and eucalyptus, it's the perfect way to unwind, easing any aches and pains as well as stilling the mind. Add to that some of my all-time favourite, the Elemis Skin Nourishing Bath Milk* and I'm guaranteed silky soft skin to boot - this stuff packs a seriously moisturising  punch, and can even be used as a body lotion, too. 

Before getting in, I usually light a couple of candles and place them around the edge of the bath. This is a new tactic I've started employing of late, as I do have a tendency to get a bit bored after a few minutes if I don't go out of my way to create a calming environment. At the moment, my candle of choice is Diptyque Noisetier*, but I generally switch things up a bit depending on how I'm feeling.

When I'm nearly ready to enjoy my bath, I take a scoop of the Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm and rub it between my palms to emulsify. Smoothing it evenly through the ends of my hair, I then pin my locks up on top of my head and I'm ready to go.

To keep me occupied during my soak, I've taken to bringing in my Ipad and popping on some of my favourite Youtube videos. It's amazing how much longer I can stay put if there is something to watch.

My skin has been looking a bit dull and lacklustre this week, so my face mask of choice this evening is the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel*. I leave this one on for a good few minutes, then massage it in a circular motion for a couple of minutes before removing with a hot cloth for smooth, radiant skin. If I still feel that I need an extra boost, then I might also pop a layer of Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate on when I get out, leaving it to do its magic overnight.

After twenty minutes, it's time to wash off my hair masque. I then shampoo and condition as usual - at the moment I'm using a selection from Aussie, which my locks seem more than happy with.

Once I'm done with my bath, I go for a layer of my favourite body moisturiser - M&S Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil Moisturising Body Butter. This stuff smells nicer than any other product I have ever tried - and that, I'd say, makes it an obvious choice. If you've not heard much about this range then keep an eye out for my review, coming soon.

After that, I usually go for a couple of pumps of L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil before drying my hair. Ordinarily, I might slap on a moisture mask before bed, or failing that, my usual toner and moisturiser. But as I'm going for the Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate option this evening, I'll leave it at that, as I find it does its best work when left to do its thing alone.

And that's me.

Once I'm done, it's all about curling up on the sofa with a cup of chamomile and my Ipad, with no intention of moving for the rest of the evening.

Are you having a pamper session this Sunday? Which products will you be reaching for?

xx

Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum

The fact that Elemental Herbology is a cruelty free brand has always warranted a big thumbs up from me, and with no parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or artificial colours in their products it comes as no surprise that they have quickly made their way up my mental list of great skincare brands.

The Elemental Herbology Cell Food Radiance and Vitality Facial Serum* is one of the brand's best-selling products, and once you have given it a go it's not difficult to figure out why. Containing fourteen active ingredients and six anti-oxidants, this serum is packed full of nourishing goodness to get dull, parched and lacklustre skin looking back to its radiant best in no time. The anti-ageing 'power house' of proteins, vitamins and anti-oxidants provide a real boost, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as reducing the prevalence of lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

With kombuchka to improve skin texture and diminish pigmentation, pomegranate to moisturise and nourish, and vitamins A, C and E, CoEnzyme Q10 and green tea (phew!) to fight against free radical damage and wrinkles, it's like feeding your skin a perfectly nutritionally balanced meal. But how did it actually fare when I put it to the test?

The Cell Food Serum comes in a sleek metallic bottle, making it the perfect decorative addition to any skincare shelf. But it's not just a pretty face.

Every morning and evening, I dispense a couple of drops of this onto my fingertips (using the handy pipette), and massage it into my skin after toning. It's a white liquid, which absorbs almost instantly into the skin without so much of a hint of greasiness or tackiness, meaning it won't slow you down on those days where you just don't have the time to wait around. Anyone with sensitive skin will love this, as the Aloe and Rose Damask water it contains will calm and soothe, making it the perfect partner for any and all skin-types.

The Cell Food Serum has made quite a considerable difference to my skin since I began using it, with a much more even tone and diminished dark marks (from going out in the sun without a high enough SPF on  - naughty, naughty). The best thing of all though, is the healthy, radiant glow it has given me - a much needed boost, and a welcome distraction from the pesky blemishes that have been bringing me down of late. My skin now feels healthy, comfortable, plump and well-nourished, and I'm more than happy to have this serum in my day-to-day routine.

The Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum is available direct from Elemental Herbology, and also from Feel Unique, priced at £45. 

Have you tried anything from Elemental Herbology? What are your favourite products?

xx