7 Festively Scented Pamper Products

I thought I'd continue with the Christmassy themed posts this week and introduce a few of my favourite festive pampering products.  I really love the whole build-up to Christmas and I get ever so excited - for me, it's often better than the day itself and I like to make the most of things by switching up my every day products for a select few that get me into the festive spirit.  If you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?! With the darker evenings and colder weather, nothing makes me want to curl up and relax more than having a small collection of 'go to'  winter warmers!  If you're after a bit of stocking-filler inspiration or just fancy treating yourself on the run-up to the big day, hopefully this post might be of some use! Here's what I'll be using throughout the month of December...

Organic Surge // Spiced Lily Foaming Bath // £5.99 for 250ml // Link

This is such a fabulous winter product and although I enjoy using it at Christmas, I use it all throughout the autumn/winter season as it's just so comforting and warming.  It has quite a thick gel consistency and makes for the perfect winter bubble bath as you only need a small amount.  The spicy, yet gentle scent is so relaxing and soothing and the essential oils and aloe vera extracts means that it's also softening on the skin. It featured in a 'festive bath soaks' post on my blog last year.

LUSH // Snow Fairy // £3.75 for 100g // Link 

An all time Christmas classic - LUSH's 'Snow Fairy' is a cult favourite for a reason! It's not exactly the most festively scented product ever but because I've been buying it for years, it really does remind me of Christmas.  Although it's a sweet scent, it has a bit of a 'kick' to it that's quite hard to describe - definitely one for the girly girls amongst you!  The scent also lingers on the skin after you've got out of the bath so it's a nice one to use before a christmas party or night out!

LUSH // Hot Toddy // £3.95 for 100g // Link

A new found favourite of mine! I spoke about it in a recent post so I won't say too much - but if you could bottle the scent of Christmas and sell it as a bath product - you'd have yourself some Hot Toddy! It smells like traditional Christmas - with hints of cinnamon it's very spicy and warming and the dark red colour swirled with golden glitter makes for the perfect festive blend.

LUSH // Yog Nog Soap // £3.40 per 100g // Link

Again, I won't speak about this too much as I've written a full review not too long ago - but this has to be my newest addiction! I'm not usually one for soaps but I've been converted with this one.  To me, it smells like creme brûlée with a very subtle spicy hint.  I don't even need to use it to smell it - it's sat on a dish in my bathroom and it makes the room smell like festive sweetness constantly. Yummy! Its very creamy and softening on the skin, and the scent lingers very faintly on the skin after your bath. 

Teapigs // Spiced Winter Red Tea // £4.49 // Link

I actually have a full post about this product from last year here, but if you're a fellow tea-belly like myself - you need Teapigs' Spiced Winter Red tea in your life.  It's like drinking Christmas in a mug -  it's really warming and the scent is seriously spicy. Flavour-wise, it has hints of orange and berry, with a little cinnamon-like kick. I can always tell when I have some brewing because it makes the room smell so festive  - it's a nice one to treat yourself to as you're wrapping presents, having a cosy night in or watching a Christmas film. A must-have for Christmas Eve!!

Tisserand // Seasonal Joy Vapourising Oil // £5.50 // Link

Ok. Out of the whole bunch - this has to be the product I've been most excited about using. Seriously, it's been sat on my bedside table since the beginning of October and I'm so so happy that it's finally time to use it. As I don't use candles an awful lot (without sounding silly I'm the clumsiest person ever and they're just a fire hazard around me!) I rely on oils like this to fragrance a room.  I used this non-stop last year and I absolutely adore it. It has that typical traditional Christmas scent - rich, orange-y, with hints of spice and calming to the senses.  There's a number of different ways you can use it but I simply drop some of the oil onto a thin tissue and place it on top of my radiator - job done.  As soon as the room heats up, it's filled with the scent of Christmas.

Hugo Boss // 'Orange' Perfume // Price Varies // Link

Now then, this isn't exactly a Christmas product but it's perfect for the colder months.  I've never worn another perfume quite so much as this one - and although I wear it year round, I really do enjoy using it around Christmas time.  I always seem to get compliments on it whenever I wear it and it's also really long-lasting.  The orange hints are so beautiful and it's just such a luxurious fragrance to wear.  Definitely one for Christmas day! 

What are your favourite festively scented products?!

Christmas at LUSH | 'Snow Fairy' & 'Hot Toddy'

When it comes to Christmas pampering, LUSH is my first port of call.  It's my annual tradition every Christmas Eve to watch Love Actually, wrap the last of my presents and have a bath full of festive lotions and potions before getting into bed with a mug of festive tea and brand new christmas-themed pyjamas.  You may have seen my previous LUSH post this week all about their 'Yog Nog' soap which has fast become one of my new obsessions (post here), but I tottled back into the store the other day to see what other festive-themed goodies they had to offer - how could I resist? A girl can never have too many bath-time treats, right?! I walked out with my trusty old favourite, 'Snow Fairy' (which in all honesty was an impulse buy at the till) and a bottle of the rather christmas-y looking 'Hot Toddy' - this isn't one I've tried before but I was sold on description alone.   Even though they're shower gels, I sometimes use them under the tap as a bubble bath so for me, they're much more versatile than a one-use bath bomb and I'm able to enjoy them for the entire lead up to Christmas.

Lush // Snow Fairy Shower Gel // £3.75 for 100g // Link

An old favourite of mine, 'Snow Fairy' has to be my festive guilty pleasure.  I went absolutely crazy for it in my teenage years and found myself slightly addicted to the super-sweet, girly scent.  In all honesty, I haven't gone mad for it the past couple of years as I've favoured slightly spicier scents, but I decided I'd treat myself to a bottle on a bit of a whim.  I took one sniff and remembered why I used to love it so much. Even though it's quite a young scent, it's the perfect girly treat.  I wouldn't say it's actually very festive, however, since it's a product they release as a limited edition every year I can't help but associate it with Christmas!  It's definitely not for you if you don't like sweet scents as it can be quite sickly - it's like candy floss, pear drops and vanilla all rolled into one big bottle of sweetness but it's so unique. I adore it. The scent lingers on the skin long after you've gotten out of the bath and the iridescent, pearly pink colour is just the perfect finishing touch - Snow Fairy really does live up to its name.  They've added more skin softening ingredients this year so it's bound to be a winner.   Loved by many, there's a reason why they bring this back every year...

Lush // Hot Toddy Shower Gel // £3.95 for 100g // Link

It was the gorgeous deep red colour swirled with golden glitter flecks that sold me on this one.  With cinnamon, ginger, lemon oil and skin softening seaweed, this festive concoction is warming and spicy and looks the part too.  It's definitely more of a traditional fragrance (as opposed to Snow Fairy's quirky signature scent) and is a good option for cosy nights in - i find it really calming and it would be a fab one to use if you're feeling a bit under the weather. It definitely does knock your socks off slightly!  It fills your bathroom with a beautiful, festive aroma and instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit. It's such a gorgeous, wintery product and if you're after something that really does smell like Christmas in a bottle, I really recommend picking this up!

What are you favourite Christmas LUSH products?

Christmas at LUSH | 'Yog Nog' Festive Soap

If you ever need an excuse to pop into LUSH, it's the moment they release their festive range.  It's my favourite time of year for treating myself to bath goodies and I always find myself wandering in to my local store much more frequently as soon as the dark nights and chilly weather starts rolling in.  I love to stock up on a few pamper treats and I always pick my favourite selection for an extra-special bath on Christmas Eve night...it's my annual routine. Usually, I'll make a beeline straight for the Snow Fairy shower gel (who doesn't?), but this year - well - I seem to have gotten a little daring in my old age.  I have to say I'm not usually one for the soap selection. I tried 'Rockstar' once and although I liked it, I just didn't find myself going crazy over it - but I took one sniff of 'Yog Nog' and knew I had to try it.  I'm a sucker for anything sweet or vanilla scented and the moment I caught a whiff of the creamy, creme-brulee like scent (with a hint of christmas-y spice), I was sold. 

Said to be a 'creamy Christmas tipple of a soap' and a 'creamy skin drink', this stuff is seriously divine.  As soon as you pick it up it begins to melt in your hands (it contains moisturising soya yoghurt as well as ylang ylang essential oils) - its beautifully soft.  It's topped with a dusting of aromatic cocoa powder just to add an extra little dose of sweetness, and due to the essential oils it contains, it has a lovely little hint of cinnamon-like spice in there too.  Personally, the scent reminds me of creme brûlée - it's very milky and seriously smells good enough to eat.

When used in the bath it melts into a lovely, milky consistency - its really easy to get a good bit of product onto the skin and it feels really moisturising to massage in.  It's soft to the touch, lathers into a thick cream and leaves your skin feeling soothed and pampered.  The fragrance leaves your bathroom smelling all sweet and yummy and I always feel so relaxed after I've used it - the scent actually fills my landing and drifts into my bedroom long after I've gotten out of the bath.  It does linger on the skin slightly afterwards - you're left with a very subtle hint of sweetness but I secretly wished it would stick around a little longer - i guess that's just my personal preference!  Overall, a fab LUSH product and if you love sweet scents, you'll love this one.  I really wish they'd bring out a shower gel version too! You find 'Yog Nog' on the LUSH website here, priced at £3.40 per 100g.

Have you tried Yog Nog? What's your favourite festive LUSH product this year?

Bath-Time Treats | The Bathory Custom Bath Soaks

The Bathory | Custom Bath Soak | £18.00* | Link

When it comes to the 'bath vs. shower' debate, there's no doubt about it - I am most certainly a bath girl. As soon as the colder weather and darker evenings roll around there's nothing I look forward to more than relaxing with some candles and a magazine and taking time out to unwind from the day's events.  Bath time is most certainly 'me time', isn't it? It's a nice little treat at the end of a long day and it's a chance to reflect on everything that's been going on - a way of melting away your worries and woes.  I often treat myself to a bath product or two (nothing ups your bath game like a luxurious soak!) but more often than not, I seem to opt for something that has specific calming qualities - I find it genuinely helps if i'm feeling a little bit anxious or stressed. I also think that fragrance is very important - if you play it right, a bath product can really help to change your mindset in an instant.

That's why I was so intrigued by 'The Bathory' - a website and brand which allows you to create your very own bath soak tailored to your specific needs and preferences, from choosing the main ingredients to individually picking which fragranced oils to blend together. Well, you didn't need to tell me twice! I got to work straight away.  I've been job hunting recently and therefore, it's fair to say I've been feeling a little 'edgy',  so I went all out with the relaxation ingredients and chose a blend that would help to calm my anxious mind. Lo and behold, a couple of days later, this wonderful little package arrived...

Firstly, I just have to mention how flippin' fantastic The Bathory's brand identity is (oo do pardon my little geek outburst there but for a graphic design graduate - this stuff never goes un-noticed. I'm scrutinising products long before I break open the lid seal let me tell you!)  From the way the products are packaged to the way the website is designed - The Bathory really do know how to make their personalised bath-soak concept work - and i mean it really works. Choosing the ingredients was such a fun experience and not once did I feel lost or confused - the simplistic nature and quirky design elements really add value to the brand ethos and what The Bathory is all about, altogether creating such a fun, indulgent experience.

The Process: So, for the first step in the process you choose what your bath soak is to be made up of. There's 3 options: 'Bask' - containing mineral salts to awaken and revive, 'Soothe' (the option I went for) which is made up of hydrating butter milk, honey and oatmeal, or 'Detox' - a blend of epsom salts and other ingredients to help draw out toxins from the body. Once you've decided this, the next bit really is the fun part! You have the option to choose from a wide variety of different oils in order to fragrance your bath soak.  Each one has a simple description which tells you what the benefits are - whether it's calming, stress-relieving, detoxing, mood-lifting... the list goes on - as well as which other oils it blends well with. This is a great feature as you're able to pick and choose what oils you want at the same time as getting some advice as to what will work well together.  If you're struggling, there's also the option to select your preferred 'mood' - The Bathory will show you options tailored to that specific mood to make it a little more simple.

The Soak: After much deliberation, I settled on my 3 essential oils - Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Chamomile.  I wanted something that was quite relaxing but I also wanted a bit of a 'kick'. I added Ylang Ylang which is said to have an 'exotic' scent which helps to uplift the senses - the perfect addition for an evening bath! I also added two key 'relaxation' oils, Lavender and Chamomile.  The soak itself is lovely it blends into the water instantly - you don't need all that much in order to fill the room with the scent and I'm always left feeling suitably relaxed afterwards! The hydrating base i chose is also perfect for this time of year - if your skin is feeling a little bit dull and dry, this helps to add some moisture to your skin and you're left feeling perfectly pampered and soothed.

Overall, I'm so impressed.  Okay - so things like this aren't a necessity but for someone like me who loves to indulge in a good bath product, it's the perfect treat. With Christmas coming up, I think it's a fab idea for someone who likes a good pamper evening - what could be better than creating your very own bath soak?!  Hand-blended in the UK, the total cost of a soak is £18* and you can find out more on their website here. Quite pricey, but considering the size of the tub and the fact that you get such a personalised experience, it's a great idea.

Are you a bath-product obsessive like me? Or will you be sticking to your shower gels?!

Brand Focus: Organic Surge | Shower Gels

Organic Surge is a brand I've been familiar with for a while now and I've featured a few of their products here on Bird's Words. Their cruelty free products are 100% free of harsh chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances and colourants and are full of naturally derived, nourishing ingredients and fragrant essential oils.  My favourite product has to be their '2 Minute Moisture Hair Mask' and it's one that I've repurchased a couple of times since I first tried it. I'm also a big fan of their 'First Class Face Mask' and their facial moisturisers as well as their bath foams (I'm a bit of a bath product junkie!) I just think the whole brand hits the nail on the head when it comes to affordable skin/body care and the entire brand ethos is something I really feel drawn to. Sometimes, I feel as if natural products can be very hit and miss but Organic Surge really have impressed me and their products really do work.  I'm also really excited to see that they've introduced some Travel Sized products to their range - I'll definitely be stocking up on the minis the next time I jet away on holiday or find myself away from home for a while.

Today, I thought I'd focus on their range of shower gels.  I'm aware it's difficult to get excited over a shower gel but as shower gels go, these one's are a treat I tells ya! Each one contains 250ml and they last absolutely ages.  I find them to be really nourishing on the skin and the thick, gel consistency means that even the tiniest blob gets a good bit of lather going on (a very crucial factor for me!) I've tried 4 of their gels now and each one is deliciously scented whilst providing a range different benefits...I find it difficult to pick a favourite!

Fresh Ocean | £4.95* | Link

This is the newest addition to my little OS stash! Enriched with lime, rosemary and lemon oils this one is rather refreshing.  It isn't overly citrus-y which I really like -its just the right sort of balance for me and the 'ocean' hint definitely comes across. This one is said to be beneficial for dull or dry skin, whilst helping to soothe irritation with it's intense natural moisturisers.

Citrus Mint | £4.95* | Link

This is one for those early morning showers! Citrus Mint is really refreshing but with a certain 'kick' to it! I find it to be really awakening and I love using it when I need a bit of a perk up! It also contains healing aloe vera which is great for irritation and blemishes - I went through a stage where I had a few little blemishes on my back and I have to say this helped no end.  It helped to keep my skin looking clear and calmed and it really does seem to help keep my skin clear.  It's also a good one for summer time as it helps to cool the skin and leaves it feeling really refreshed.

Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel | £4.95* | Link

I know summer is coming to an end, but this one really has been a firm favourite for me over the past few weeks.  It reminds me of Solero ice lollies! Yummy! Sweet orange and bergamot oils help to cleanse the skin and the uplifting fragrance provides a lovely little mood boost.

Super Fresh Body Wash 'Awakening' | £5.99* | Link

A little pricier than the other shower gels, this one is said to target and stimulate the senses for a naturally 'uplifting' effect - containing a blend of spicy may chang and bergamot oils. I prefer to use this in the mornings, it has a similar effect to the Citrus Mint but is a little more warming and 'zingy'...

Overall, I really recommend these body washes.  They're a little pricier than your average but they hardly break the bank and the mix of essential, natural oils combined with their range of unique, beautiful scents make them well worth it.  Like i said earlier in this post, I've repurchased a couple of products from them now and this is the type of thing I'd add to my basket for an added treat now and again - it's worth mentioning that they often have offers on as well as providing different 'bundles' (I signed up to their email newsletter and often get little codes and heads up on offers). If you're after little 'stocking fillers' these make lovely little gifts - I'm not sure if it's just my graphic design background coming out in me, but I really like the whole brand appearance too. You can find the range of shower gels and bath goodies on their website here.

Have you tried Organic Surge? What's been your favourite product so far?

A New Favourite | Arran Aromatics 'Velvet Isle' Shea Butter Cream

Arran Aromatics | Shea Body Butter in 'Velvet Isle' | £14.50 (currently £10.88)* | Link

When winter is well and truly in full swing, there's nothing like a bit of pamper time, is there?  You know the drill - hot bath, bubbles galore and a selection of skin treats to delve into whilst you soothe away your winter woes (and by heck have I got a lot of those right now)! Body butters are a key part of my routine all year round - but during the colder months, they're a must.  I've been loving Arran Aromatics just recently - ever since I first tried one of their facial gel washes in a beauty box a few months back (featured in my favourites of 2013 post here), I've really been intrigued by their skin treats and pamper products! As well as an array of skin care goodies and aromatherapy treats (even candles!), they also have little 'collections' which all have their own unique scent and a selection of products to go with it - hand creams, oils, soaps, shampoos and conditioners and body lotions - you name it! After having a jolly good read up on each scent, I settled for their 'Shea body butter' in their 'Velvet Isle' collection.  As soon as I unwrapped it, I fell in love.  Not only with the beautiful simplistic packaging, but also with the stunning fragrance and unique texture of the butter.

The Velvet Isle collection is described as a silky blend of fresh figs, honeyed fruit and coconut. It's honestly the most delicious, luxurious scent I've ever come across in a body butter and it really was love at first whiff! The slight coconut hint gives it a sweet kick, whilst the fresh figs and honeyed fruit combine together to create a completely unique, silky fragrance that really does capture the whole 'relaxing on a desert island at sunset' sort of vibe.  And it doesn't stop there.  The whole 'silky' fragrance and theme continues into the texture of the butter - it's so smooth and buttery and rich - very much like the texture of actual butter cream.  It's much more like a true body butter as opposed to a rich lotion and is incredibly moisturising and soothing on the skin - the added vitamin E makes it even more softening to apply.  The scent lingers on the skin for ages afterwards and has such a calming influence - it really is lovely to apply after a bath before you get all snuggly in bed and it doesn't leave you feeling 'greasy' or 'sticky' in any way. To top all of this off, Arran Aromatics receive extra brownie points from me for boxing their body butters - the little gold box is the perfect finishing touch.

Overall, it's safe to say that I really have discovered a new favourite. Not only in the body butter but also in the Arran Aromatics brand.  I've since made an order on a selection of their products so I'm really excited to share even more of these lovely pamper treats with you! You can find the Arran Aromatics website here, view their scent collections here, and find their 'Velvet Isle Shea Butter Cream' here (it's currently £10.88 - this is usually what I'd spend on a drugstore body butter so bare in mind that Arran Aromatics prices are really amazing for the quality!) I'm so excited to see they do a candle in this fragrance - something I'll probably treat myself to at some stage in the next few months.  It's worth mentioning that you can also find a selection of their products on both the House of Fraser website and also on All Beauty - where I picked up a replacement bottle of their lovely Lavender and Tea Tree facial gel wash for just £5.95!

Have you tried Arran Aromatics? What are your thoughts on the brand?

The Best of 2013 | Skin, Hair & Body Care

 

Rightyho.  After having a little mini-break from blogging for the past 4 days (yet again, blame the uni coursework!), I'm back with another instalment of my 'Best of 2013' series.  This time around, I'm focusing on an array of hair, skin and body products which I've been loving the past 12 months. If you still haven't read my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, you can find that here.  I could have easily added to this post - after all, combining skin, hair and body into one post consisting of just 13 products is pretty tough going (at least, it is for me!) but in order to avoid a post as long as my arm, I thought I'd restrain myself and stick to the whole '13' rule! One has to be consistent after all! Without further jibber-jabbering - I shall kick off the second instalment of the 'Best of 2013' series...

1. The Facewash | Arran Aromatics - Lavender Tea Tree Reviving Toning Facial Gel Wash

(oo what a mouthful!?) I know what you're thinking - 'you're kicking off a Best of 2013 post with a bloomin' FACE WASH?!'. Well, yes - I am indeed.  I don't often get excited about cleansers and facial washes - I never see a dramatic enough difference for me to get overly chipper about a certain brand if I'm honest - but 2013 has become the year that I discovered Arran Aromatics. I received this earlier in the year in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes, and I've been addicted ever since.  It's lasted me a good while as I find I only need a little blob, but I'm just about to order myself another - definitely a sign of a good discovery! I've written about this little skincare gem here and in a monthly favourites post here if you fancy a read up! I have sensitive skin which breaks out if I use anything overly fragranced or heavy - so this little gel wash is perfect for me as it's really gentle.  It has the most beautiful scent and I find it really relaxes me before I go to bed of an evening (I've mentioned before that it reminds me somewhat of these spa-products you find in posh hotels!) - and my skin is always left feeling smooth, soft and completely clean afterwards. The texture is unlike any other facial wash I've used  and I find it really soothing to massage into the skin. It also contains small exfoliating beads which help to remove any dull, dead skin and keep your complexion looking fresh, healthy and blemish free (thank the Tea Tree in it for that!).  I LOVE it. My only bug-bear so far is that it isn't the easiest to get hold of - but well worth having a search around for! It retails for £12.95 - which in my opinion, isn't half bad for a luxurious little face wash that does wonders for the skin.

2. The Face Mask | Organic Surge First Class Mask

Again, I was sent this little beauty for review purposes but it is without a doubt a product I will be purchasing again in future.  Organic Surge as a brand have fast become a favourite of mine this year - and I use a select few of their products on a daily basis now.  This face mask really did impress me.  It's really gentle - so you can use it more than once a week, and the fact that it doesn't create a lot of mess is a massive plus point for me.  I find it so simple to use and I reach for it one heck of a lot when my skin is feeling dry, congested or just in general need of a spruce up! I have a full review of it here if you fancy reading more! It retails for £8.49 which is a fabulous price for a face mask bottle which will last you absolutely ages! 

3. The Blemish Treatment | Harley Street Skincare Spot Buster

If I didn't include this in my 2013 favourites post then it would be a complete travesty - a TRAVESTY I tells ya! I was sent this to review waaay back in July (you can read my thoughts and review here) and since, I have repurchased another 2 times. Its always a good sign when a blogger repurchases a PR sent product and I can honestly say I will be buying this little bottle again and again and again. It's an amazing spot treatment that you can use day or night - even under makeup as it doesn't leave any crusty residue (there's no way of saying that without it sounding a bit disgusting...sorry).  I'm lucky that I actually do have pretty clear skin the majority of the time - I don't suffer with acne but now and again, I do get the odd breakout! I suffered over the summer with a tonne of breakouts when I came off a certain contraceptive pill - and i kid you not - this little gem saved my life! I can't sing it's praises enough - it heals breakouts quick, prevents more from forming and really does work. It's a little pricey at £25 (it used to be £20) - but even the extra fiver doesn't put me off.  If you're at your wits end with spot treatments - it's worth making an order on one of these (you can find them here). Harley Street are amazing with their deliveries too - you do pay a fee but it arrives within 1-2 days without fail and I cannot wait to try more of their 'Spot Less' range.

4. The Moisturiser | Superdrug Tea Tree

Well, I could have lied and made it sound like I use a posh, expensive moisturiser on a daily basis but sometimes - you don't always get what you pay for and there are plenty of drugstore cheapies that do the job just as well! Don't underestimate budget friendly skincare! I've been using this moisturiser all year round without fail. Don't get me wrong, it's not the only one I use - and I alternate between Nivea, Organic Surge and Balance Me depending on the time of year, but one I always go back to is Superdrug's Tea Tree! It's like my little skincare secret.  It's a really good little all-round moisturiser - I used it on holiday to soothe my skin when I'd accidentally sat on the sunbed for one too many hours, I used it when my skin had a bit of a 'tantrum' earlier in the year and I still use it now as part of my daily regime.  It seems to really help keep my skin clear, soothes any redness and isn't greasy in the slightest. Obviously, if you're not a fan of Tea Tree I wouldn't recommend this - but it isn't overly strong at all and is the perfect little skin soother - and the best bit? It only costs a couple of quid!

5. The Shampoo | John Frieda Frizz Ease Hydrating Shampoo

I love John Frieda.  I use their products year in, year out and I always have a bottle somewhere on my shower shelf! My hair drawer is full of back-ups! They just seem to really work for my hair and I'm a massive fan of both the 'Volume' range and the 'Blonde' range.  This year, I discovered the Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo.  I'd used the Conditioner before but after my hair started to feel a little dry half-way through this year, I thought I'd better give the shampoo a whirl.  It completely revives my hair when it's feeling dull, lack-lustre and straw-like and transforms it into swishy, Rapunzel-like locks in just one wash.  

6. The Conditioner | Neal & Wolf Intensive Care Treatment

Ok - so firstly, I do have to give a little mention to my other 2013 favourite - Loreal's Ever Riche Nourishing Conditioner - but since I didn't have a bottle handy, I thought I'd use my equal top-spot favourite - Neal & Wolf's Intensive Care.  I received this in my Love Me Beauty box way back in the summer, and instantly fell in love with it. Full on-head-over-heels in love!  So much so, I have since ordered another bottle (along with their heat protection spray which has fast become another favourite!) What makes Neal & Wolf for me is the scent.  It's not to everybody's taste and I know a few bloggers that have mentioned their dislike for it - but I personally find it really lovely.  Once I've used this, my hair smells like a salon for hours afterwards and often into the next day.  I find it really softening on the hair and think it works really well at putting some much needed moisture back into my ends! I featured it in my monthly favourites here a while back if you fancy a more in-depth read!

7. The Oil | Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Easily my BEST hair care find of 2013. I've tried my fair share of oils, that's for sure.  And although there's a select few on the market that I love, this one seems to top the mark for me.  Just 1-2 pumps massaged through the ends of damp hair before blow-drying and my hair is transformed into silky soft, easily manageable locks!  I can easily apply more without it weighing my hair down or looking greasy, and it really does moisturise the hair.  I also use this when my hair is already dry and styled to help combat any frizz or dry-looking bits, and it instantly revives my style without adding grease or heaviness.  It also smells amazing! I could go on all day about my love for this bottle, but in case you fancy reading up more on it - I have a full review of it here.

8. The Body Butter | Soap & Glory Righteous Butter

What's a favourites post without a bit of Soap & Glory in there?! I've been loving their Righteous Butter this year and have been using it all year round when I get out of the bath to help keep my skin feeling silky smooth and soft. As well as the big tubs of the stuff, I also purchase the mini versions (seen in the photograph above) to keep in my handbag as I actually use it as a hand cream throughout the day - I also take the mini versions on holiday with me because I can't bare to be without it. People at uni are always asking me what I smell of - and to be honest, if it isn't my perfume - it's probably this! It's easily my most favourite Soap & Glory scent ever - I often find myself just opening the tub a little purely so I can grab a whiff (...strange much?) My love for this product will without a doubt continue well into 2014 and if you're in the market for a really moisturising body butter for dry skin - I recommend this Soap & Glory blogger fave! I have an ancient review here.

9. The Perfume | Hugo Boss 'Jour'

Me and Hugo Boss fragrance get on like a house on fire. Seriously - I always seem to adore their scents! My signature scent has to be their 'Orange' perfume - but this year, I discovered a new favourite - 'Jour'.  I'm not the best at describing scents but if you like that whole fresh, clean and classy sort of scent - I'd give this a spray next time you're walking past a tester! It's stunning!  It just smells of sophistication and luxury and I'm so glad to have it sitting in my perfume drawer.  I have a more descriptive, 'adjective-overload' sort of review here.

10. The Bath-Time Treat | Elemis Spa Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir

This is easily one of my best finds of 2013.  Ever since I started going for massages at a local spa/salon, I've really gotten into luxury spa products and oils.  This bath elixir by Elemis is the most relaxing scent that's ever passed my nostrils and if ever I've had a stressful day, I pop some of this into a running hot bath and I'm sorted.  It lingers on the skin afterwards and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and pampered.  I have a full review of it in my 'Top 5 Relaxation Products' post which you can find here.

11. The Hand Product | Soap & Glory Hand Maid

I'm known to carry a bottle of this stuff everywhere with me.  I used to work with children and found I picked up ridiculous amounts of colds and coughs so it's been part of my daily routine for a good few years now - it's actually ingrained into my routine!  I used to have one in every locker, cupboard and bag - no word of a lie. Soap & Glory's Hand Maid is by far my favourite hand sanitiser.  I find that a lot of sanitisers have that 'medical chemically alcohol-y' sort of scent that totally overpowers any perfume you have on, but this one is lovely and sweet and gentle.  If you like Soap & Glory scents - I'd recommend this little bottle.  It lasts ages, costs around £2.50 and works a treat.  No more coughs and splutters and your hands smell yummy at the same time! Perfect.

12. The Nail Polish | Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Polish

My nails aren't in tip top condition at the moment as I've started nibbling them through stress at uni (New Years Resolution is to get my killer talons back!) - but throughout summer, these polishes really were the Bee's Knees and I think the entire collection sums up my nail polish preferences of 2013.  Barry M don't half know how to make a smashing nail polish! Their Gelly Hi-Shines are amazing to apply, give a super-shiny salon perfected finish and come in an array of beautiful shades.  I did a post on my entire collection of them in the summer, so if you're interested in having a nosey and a further read-up on them, you can find it here.

13. The Lip Balm | Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peach Kiss' & Carmex Moisture Plus in 'Pink'

Ok ok ok. So I cheated *slap wrist* - just think of the extra product a fruity little bonus? I've been loving 2 lip balms this year for different reasons. The first is the ever-famous Maybelline Baby Lips which finally hit the UK this year - causing a complete frenzy amongst us British Bloggers. They became a 'hit and miss' product for most but I'm personally in the love it camp.  Not necessarily for the moisturising properties - because truth be told, there are much better balms on the market - but more for the sheer wash of colour complete with ease of use and snazzy packaging. 'Peach Kiss' is perfect for throwing in my bag at uni as it provides a very faint wash of colour which smooths out my lips and it adds a little bit of gloss and moisture.  Perfect for everyday.  I have a full review here.  Carmex Moisture Plus is my go-to winter treat and I have a lot to owe to this little beauty.  I actually have a post coming up on my blog about it as it's been a favourite of mine since summer now, but it provides amazing moisture. When it comes to lip balms, I think Carmex has to be 'up there' with the best, doesn't it? If your lips are in need of some thirst quenching, then Carmex comes to the rescue! I personally love the 'Pink' sheer tint version (it also comes in other shades as well as a clear version) - it looks like I've applied a lip gloss or lipstick and provides instant relief from dry, thirst-deprived lips. The shade also looks beautiful against my winter skin - it instantly seems to brighten my complexion.  Look out for my full review post coming soon!

So there we have it - my top 13 skin, hair and body care products of 2013! I think it just goes to show how highly I rate these products as almost every single one of them has it's own post or review - a great number of them also have appeared in my monthly favourites throughout the course of the year.  If you missed my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, then you can find it here. I do hope you've enjoyed having a read up on my ultimate favourites and have atleast found yourself one product to try for 2014! 

What were your top skin/hair/body products of 2013? Do we share any of the same favourites?

Festive Bath Soaks | Organic Surge & Conscious Skincare

I'm partial to a bath treat or two.  Especially near Christmas.  When the weather gets colder and the nights grow darker, there's nothing that de-stresses me more than a nice, hot bath and a lovely bath soak to sink in to.  I prefer oils and soaks compared to bubble baths - I find them much more fragrant and relaxing and I like the fact that they tend to be softer and more gentle on the skin.  I usually pop into Lush and treat myself to a festive bath bomb or two, but having sensitive skin, I find that something with a little more moisture works much better for me.  Enter these 2 new additions to my 'run up to Christmas' bathtime regime... I defy you not to crave a bath after reading this!

Organic Surge | Spiced Lily Foaming Bath | £5.99* | Link

I have to say, after trying a variety of their products the past couple of months, I really do love Organic Surge.  If you haven't tried them but fancy a little beauty/skin care treat then I really do recommend them. As soon as I saw the name of this bath soak - I knew it would be just my cup of tea.  The 'Spiced Lily' foaming bath soak has a lovely, festive aroma.  It's warming, relaxing and wintery without being too spicy or strong, and it fills the bathroom with a sweet smelling fragrance as soon as you pop it under the running water.  It creates a lovely layer of foam on the top of the water and feels gentle and soft on the skin - just what I look for in a bath soak.  It contains essential oils to de-stress and 'revive the body and mind' and contains aloe vera to help soothe the skin. The fact that it contains no synthetic colouring, fragrances or parabens and is free from chemical nasties means it is so gentle on even the most sensitive of skin. I really love this little soak - for £5.99 it really is worth the money and I'd definitely purchase another.  It's worth keeping your eyes peeled on Organic Surge's website - they often have little offers on and they have a gorgeous selection of products. Definitely worth a look if you haven't already!

Conscious Skincare | Grapefruit, Lemon and Cedarwood Bathsoak | £15.99* | Link

Ok. So the fragrance of this little soak isn't entirely 'festive' - but lets just take a moment to admire the reindeer packaging, shall we? Conscious Skincare really do know how to package a product and make it special, don't they?! I previously reviewed one of their fabulous body butters (link), and was really excited to try out their other signature scent - 'grapefruit, lemon and cedarwood'.  This bath soak is most definitely very relaxing - but with a little citrus kick! It's definitely one to use when you need a bit of uplifting - something to use when you've lost your mojo and need it back! It fills the room with a lovely, sweet scent which lingers on the skin long after you've stepped from the tub. At £15.99, it isn't the cheapest bath soak, but it's a really nice one to opt for if, like me, you're a fan of bathtime treats and fancy trying something completely different. It would also make a lovely Christmas gift. I explained in my previous post about the company and what they have to offer, so if you're a fan of natural products, hop on over and have a read here.

What bath products are you loving on the run-up to Christmas? Let me know your faves fellow bath fans!

Anxiety Relief & Relaxation | 5 Products for a Calmer Mind

If you've followed my blog for a while or have had a delve and a rummage through my older posts, you may know that I suffer with panic attacks.  From time to time, I can feel a little bit edgy and although it's impossible to take it all away completely, there are some products on the market that I have found to be very good at helping me to relax and soothe my mind a little more. I know there's a lot of people out there who suffer with panic attacks and thought I'd share with you some of my favourite products that I reach for when I need a bit of calm in my life.  If you're going through a bad patch, you'll be amazed at how much good a little bit of 'me time' will do and hopefully you will pick up some tips and tricks from this post.  Even if you don't suffer with anxiety, you may find some of the products of interest for those days where you just need a little bit of a pick me up... Because we all need a little bit of TLC sometimes, right?

Elemis | Spa Home: Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir | £19.00 | Link

There's nothing like a relaxing, hot bath when you've had 'one of those days'. It's amazing what a difference they make and I always find that I fall asleep so much easier if I've had a bath of an evening.  Just recently, I decided it was about time I treated myself to a new bath soak and Elemis came to the rescue! This bath elixir has the most relaxing, luxurious scent which lingers on your skin once you've stepped out of the bath. I simply pour a little bit into running water and let the fragrance do it's thing.  Blended with cocoa butter and rich in aromatic oils,  it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth afterwards. I always find myself feeling really sleepy and relaxed once I've used this! Totally worth the money in my opinion - it would make a lovely Christmas present for a friend or relative who's been going through a bit of stress recently.  Elemis also do a matching massage oil which I have on my wish-list! The scent is unbelievable and it's without a doubt one of my favourite fragrances when it comes to 'stress relieving' products.

Bach | Rescue Remedy | £9.99 | Link

I won't say too much about this one since I did a full review a while back (you can find that here if you're interested!).  I always have a bottle of this with me.  In fact, I have 2 bottles on the go at the moment - I keep one on my bedside table and one in my makeup bag for on the go.  I've used this since I did my GCSE's and I've always find it helps me along a little bit if I'm feeling a bit panicky or stressed out.  I prefer the 'dropper' version, but if you're not fan of the taste then they also do pastilles and spray versions to try.  I couldn't live without this stuff - it just takes the edge off a panic attack and helps me to feel more calm if I'm having a stressful day. I used to keep a bottle in my locker at work! Honestly, I leave a trail of these things everywhere I go...

Badger | Sleep Balm | £3.99 | Link

I've known about this stuff for years! I remember I used to use it when I first started secondary school (a bloomin' long time ago) and I've recently re-discovered it's benefits.  I'm not great with flying and I always try to sleep through the journey if I can - so there always used to be a pot of this in my flight bag!  It's a solid balm which comes in a handy pot (also - how cute is the badger?!) and is perfect for travelling or keeping by your bed. No mess, no fuss and all natural ingredients. I simply rub a little on my temples, wrists and neck before bed and the scent helps me drift off to sleep a little easier - it has a very subtle warming effect too which only adds to it's soothing properties. As with most products meant for relaxation, it contains that familiar hint of lavender - it really is such a lovely scent and has a certain 'spice' to it.  They also do a 'Yoga and Meditiation' version which I'm thinking of getting soon and a sleep balm for little ones if you have a small child who struggles to drift off.  For under a fiver each, they're worth a try and I'm so happy that Feel Unique stock them as they used to be difficult to get your paws on! They do all sorts of pots - oh they're so cute I just want to collect them all...

The Body Shop | Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist | £10.00 | Link

I've had countless bottles of this stuff and I remember hearing that they'd discontinued it and feeling utterly lost! Luckily, it's still on the shelves and I will always recommend this stuff to people who really do struggle to get to sleep at night (If you're reading this, The Body Shop, please never ever discontinue this stuff - my sleep pattern depends on it!).  With camomile and blended essential oils the spray feels gentle and soothing on the skin and I always spritz it on my pillows, pyjamas and chest area before going to sleep.  It works a treat for me, and I always find I fall asleep much better once I've used this! It's perfect if you've been tossing and turning for hours - breathing the mist in deeply and taking a few calming breaths really does help relax and empty the mind if it just won't shut off.  I took a bottle of this along to London for a week with me as I knew I wouldn't sleep well with the noise - it seemed to do the trick the majority of the time! I've even been known to pack the stuff in my suitcase. Yep. Addicted.

Dermalogica | Stress Relief Treatment Oil | £16.90 | Link

The most recent addition to my anxiety army! I've recently been going for massages at a local spa/salon and I never realised just how much difference they make! I've always been a little sceptical about them but I've been proven wrong - I always leave feeling completely relaxed and ready for bed (I go at 7.30 at night and driving home afterwards can be a bit of a task if you're not careful!).  If you suffer badly with anxiety, you'll be surprised at just how much tension you hold throughout your body, and you can literally feel the 'knots' and tense-ness just disappear. Amazing. The 'undone' feeling instantly transfers to your mind-set and i've never experienced feeling so completely relaxed before! Anyway,  after my massage last week, I asked the receptionist about the oils they use - they smell gorgeous, leave the skin feeling silky smooth and warm up the muscles slightly so that you're left feeling like you're drifting on a little cloud of relaxation afterwards (I will do a little post on the massages I have if you're interested as I feel as if I'm rambling off on one now...) She wrote down the name of this one and I promptly went home and ordered myself a bottle.  The spa used the 'Dermalogica Professional' which smells a little stronger and works a little deeper (you can't buy it on the market unless you're a registered spa/salon I believe), but this one is just as good and is virtually the same.  I haven't used it much yet but I simply rub a little in around my shoulders and neck before bed and often rub a little onto my wrists during the day if I'm feeling edgy. I'd really recommend something like this if you're after a really good multipurpose relaxation oil.

And there we have my anxiety-busting army! I know this is a bit of a different post for me but hopefully you've found something of interest and feel inspired to try and relax your mind a little more! A lot of people simply ignore their anxiety and don't realise just how much difference a product or two can make - even just a relaxing bath now and again helps keep your mind at rest.  I'm looking to expand my little collection in the near future so I'll be sure to keep you all posted...

Have you tried any of these products? What's your favourite product for a relaxing treat?