Organic Surge | Super Rich Body Butter in 'Lavender Meadow'

Body butters are an absolute must-have for me.  I kid you not, it's like the body butter version of Jenga on the sides of my bath right now - I'm obsessed.  I often have a few on the go at the same time and new to the towering stack is Organic Surge's 'Lavender Meadow' Super Rich Body Butter (£15.75*).  As winter takes its toll on my skin, I often find myself searching for something slightly richer than your average and Organic Surge's offering sounded sure to be just the ticket.  Enriched with natural oils and with a super-thick, buttery consistency - it's the perfect treat for dry, thirsty skin.  

The butter itself seems to have a pearlised effect when you take off the lid - it really is quite inviting and looks luxurious.  I have to say, the lavender scent really is quite strong.  Now, I love a dose of lavender as I find it helps me to sleep, but even for me - this is quite overpowering and floral.  It's not one that I'd apply before a night out as it could have a tendency to completely take over your perfume - but it's lovely for use in the evenings after a bath before you go sleep.  It's very soothing to the senses.  The butter itself is very thick in consistency and feels very rich - almost like a moisturising paste.  Personally, I found it took quite a while to get it to massage in but it doesn't leave a greasy residue whatsoever - in fact, it doesn't leave any sort of tacky feeling on the skin at all.  It's not what I expected and usually I do prefer for my skin to feel a little more 'quenched', but if you're the type who likes to moisturise and go then this would be perfect.  

Although it is without a doubt very moisturising, I'm not sure the consistency is for me.  I've been enjoying using it before bed - particularly on my arms and chest as I do find it helps to relax me if I'm feeling a bit stressed but I'm not sure if it would be an instant re-purchase for me.  It takes a little more working in than what I'm used to.  It's nice little treat to use in the evenings and seems to work best when your skin is a little warmer and you've just got out of the bath, but I prefer something a little more creamy. Overall though - I've enjoyed using it and I'd recommend it if you're really suffering with dry skin and want something a little more sumptuous.  You can find the Super Rich Body Butter on the Organic Surge website here, priced at £15.75*.

Monthly Favourites | March

No word of a lie, I actually had to check what month it is just then. Is it really April? Cripes. March was indeed a bit of a toughie for me.  Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis may have noticed that my usual blogging schedule went a little topsy-turvy. As the type of person who likes a bit of routine in her life, you can only begin to imagine how much this made my eye twitch with nervousness... however, that ugly, black cloud that some like to call 'the dissertation' is now handed in and I'm slowly starting to get my life back. Wahey! Hopefully, Bird's Words won't be so empty this month - I had visions of seeing tumbleweed bouncing across my blogger homepage if it carried on much longer...

Nevertheless, amidst all that time sat at my laptop referencing clever folk and trying to make myself sound somewhat well spoken (anyone else find themselves shocked at just how many 'therefore's and 'furthermore's seem to spill out when you start typing anything for uni?!) - I've still found the odd bit of time here and there to find myself some new favourites.  Here's what I uncovered last month...

Elizabeth Arden | Eight Hour Lip Cream*

Admittedly, this is a fairly new discovery for me and I've only really been using it religiously over the past couple of weeks, but Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour lip cream has become my go-to lip balm for March.  Ok, so it doesn't last the 8 hours - I shan't lie - but its a very good little tin of balm nonetheless.  I find it much more moisturising than similar products I have in my collection and it's really smooth and soft.  It also smells really fresh and pretty. It does absorb and sink in pretty quick, which is what makes me a little dubious to the 8-hour claim but I find that i have to apply balm much less often when I use this - must be doing some good! I have to say, it does moisturise them very well. I'm not sure if I'd go out and repurchase but it's a nice product to have in my handbag and on my bedside table.

Rimmel Lipstick in 'Undressed'

Ohhh what's a monthly favourites if there isn't a lipstick in there somewhere? This month, I've really gotten into nudes again.  But I've definitely switched up and away from the typical nudes I'd usually wear and gone for something a little more, dare I say, 'grown up'. At 23, that seems a little silly to say - but I've really been getting into brown-ish hues and darker nudes as opposed to milkier ones (not that I was ever into 'concealer lips' but you get what I'm trying to say...) I've really been loving this offering from Rimmel - so much so that I reckon I've worn it almost every day throughout the month.  It's such a lovely colour - it's ever so slightly darker than my lips so when I wear it it still looks like I'm wearing a lipstick as opposed to a tint or a nude balm - and it provides a great deal of definition.  I've had quite a few people ask me about my lipstick this month too - so it must be a good'un! I've also been a fan of Mac's 'Half and Half' which is ridiculously similar (Mac's is a tad darker) - if you're after a dupe - head on over to the Rimmel stand!

Deep Steep | Moisture Stick in 'Lavender and Chamomile'*

I mentioned this in my Love Me Beauty box post earlier in the month and mentioned how intrigued I was (post here).   It's fast become one of my new favourite products to reach for and I've found it so, so handy to have.  For some reason, around this time of year, my skin always seems to go a little itchy and irritable - I always seem to be allergic to something in the air around March time! This moisture stick is so useful - you simply just twist up and apply to skin - you don't really even have to rub it in (i do, but you could get away without it...) It's so simple to use and completely mess free so you can moisturise on the go without looking like a loon with a tin of body butter on the bus.  I tend to use it most on the tops of my arms and it provides instant moisture relief, at the same time as keeping your skin feeling soft through the day. Love it.

Dove | Purely Pampering Body Butter (Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla)

Speaking of body butter... Here's another one! Why do I always seem to have a body butter in my favourites? Nothing like realising you feature one every month to highlight just how quick you get through the stuff, is there?  I threw this one in my basket on a complete whim a couple of weeks ago.  I wanted to cut down on the fragranced stuff whilst my skin has been so sensitive and try something a little different. Dove always seems to be a winner for subtle scents so I opted for this one. I can't quite bring myself to use an un-scented product (such a girl...) so I thought this one would be perfect as it's not overpowering.  Firstly, the scent is beautiful - it's very light - but it's got a hint of sweet-ness to it. Secondly, the consistency is gorgeous - really thick and creamy - think Soap & Glory's Righteous Butter but even more so.  It's so dreamy - honestly, grab a tub! I'm so glad I walked past it and decided to take a chance - it's a definite re-purchase.

Eyelure | Naturalites in '020'

These have to be my most re-purchased lashes ever.  I know what you're thinking - but there's nothing to them? Maybe so. But that's exactly why I like them.  They look so natural and blend in to your real lashes so they're almost completely undetectable. They add that little bit of extra volume and thickness without looking like you're actually wearing falsies.  You know when you have one of those mornings when your mascara just doesn't sit right... (no? surely it can't just be me...) these lashes are perfect for those moments. They're super light and I often forget I'm wearing them. I much prefer wearing these to big, dramatic lashes now.  Honestly, give them a go. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Natural looking false lashes so under-rated.

Sanctuary Spa | 'Relax' Reed Diffuser

Yep. That's right. A reed diffuser. I'm aware it's not exactly the most exciting product in the world, nor is it beauty related but it's something I've been loving this month regardless. I'm a sucker for any 'relaxation' product.  This offering from Sanctuary is just the ticket - it smells beautiful - almost oriental - and it isn't overpowering either.  I catch the odd whiff of it when I'm sitting in bed or getting ready of a morning and I just love it. I can't really say much more about it other than it looks pretty sitting on my dresser and it makes my bedroom feel like my own little relaxation haven. Definitely going to re-purchase it as soon as it runs out - although judging by the size of the bottle, I doubt that will be anytime in the near future...

 What have you been loving this month? Any of my favourites tickle your fancy?

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?

Handmade Body Butter | Conscious Skincare

Conscious Skincare - Body Butter | £18.99* | Link 

I actually think I have an addiction to body butters.  There's a stack of them that live on my bathroom shelf and to be honest, it's starting to get a little bit out of hand - a rather impressive tower of tubs!  One more won't hurt, right? Of course not - a girl can never have too many body butters!  When I first heard about Conscious Skincare - I was sold instantly on the brand and its ethos.  Handmade in Wales by a lady named 'Rebecca Martin', these body care products really are the definition of organic and honest.  Every single ingredient used serves a purpose; nothing is added for the sake of filling a tub or adding a bit of colour and all products are free from preservatives, synthetics and chemicals. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure high ethical standards and fair trade, and everything is packaged using recycled materials.  As well as this, each product is lovingly handmade at the company's rural retreat in Wales.  How lovely is that?!  There's a lot of organic brands out there these days, but this one really does have such a personal, homely feel about it.

What sets this body butter aside is the texture.  It really is unlike any body butter I've ever tried and it's very satisfying to the touch! It has a gorgeous whipped, moussey texture that feels very light and airy - it simply melts into the skin.  It is very much a 'butter' rather than a cream or gel - even down to the fact it melts with the warmth of your skin.  The consistency sinks in fairly easily, but it does seem to leave a little bit of 'sheen' - almost like a residue - but I'm guessing this is down to the pure organic ingredients and it's easy to overlook.   I wasn't so sure about this at first as it felt a little strange, but the moisturising properties are undoubtedly really really good and the skin is left feeling really smooth and soft afterwards (it contains shea butter and rich cocoa butter, as well as coconut oil - so it really does moisturise the skin).  It's unlike any other body butter I've tried.  The only thing I wasn't blown away by is the scent.  It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but I lean more towards girly, softer scents.  It's definitely got a citrus kick to it, and combined with the texture it somewhat reminds me of orange cheesecake or lemon meringue! Although it's not my favourite scent ever, I still enjoy using it - and the citrus hint is actually quite uplifting -  it's just probably not one I'd apply before going out of an evening.  The body butter also comes in 'Grapefruit, Lemon and Cedarwood' - which might be more up my street.  I have a bath soak on it's way in this scent - so I'm looking forward to giving it a whirl.

Overall,  I've been impressed with Conscious Skincare.  Not only with the amazing, unique texture of the body butter but also with the ethos of the company.  This would make a lovely gift for someone who's very into their organic, natural products - and it really is unlike any other butter I've tried! The texure really is what makes this body butter for me - I find it lovely to apply and the mousse consistency is lovely and creamy. I have to say I really love the simplicity of the packaging too - the little aluminium tin is really lightweight and makes a lovely addition to your bathroom shelf.  For the skin care addicts amongst you, it's worth having a little nosey at their facial products too - they have some lovely bits and bobs!

You can find out more about Conscious Skincare over on their website.

Have you tried Conscious Skincare? Are you addicted to body butters like me!?

My Love For.. Soap & Glory's The Righteous Butter

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter | 300ml £10.50 (here) | 50ml £2.50 (travel size)

One thing I really enjoy using as part of my shower routine is body butter.  I have had a copious amount of tubs over the years, and have tried so many different brands and variations; my poor motherbear must get very annoyed at how many lotions and potions of mine adorn her bathroom shelves! I have recently rekindled my love for a very well known product - Soap & Glory's Righteous Butter.  I was recently sent the travel size in a giveaway win from the lovely Natalie over at youralmostalice (thankyou so so much I owe my re-discovery of this product to you!), and remembered how much I adore the scent of it (so much so it's sat in my handbag for a multipurpose little cream and for daily sniffing purposes - wow that makes me sound like an addict!). If you have never tried Soap & Glory then this would be the first thing I'd recommend to you - it's fabulous for all year round (I used to buy the travel size for taking away on holiday with me as it's really soothing).. but I usually use it after I shower to lock in moisture and to keep my skin smooth and soft in the winter.With 'softening shea butter and aloe vera' it's deliciously creamy and sinks in amazingly quickly to say it's a rather thick in consistency. It leaves your skin feeling smooth all day and I can still smell the scent hours later.

'Relax and take in the wonderful aroma's of leafy greens, bergamot and mandarin, with a floral and fruity middle note that makes your nose tingle a little, followed by soft, sexy, musk, oakmoss, amber and woody notes'.

I'm still yet to find a body butter than keeps my skin moisturised for as long as this one. It's not greasy, sinks in like a dream and is easy to massage - it's really rich and creamy and smells good enough to eat. I really recommend this for dry skin - it's instant nourishment in a tub.  I'm so chuffed to bits Natalie sent me the travel size - I've certainly rediscovered the love for The Righteous Butter - it really is pampering heaven!

What's your favourite Soap&Glory product right now?
♥