Balance Me Skincare

Balance Me sprung to fame when sisters Rebecca and Clare created Super Oil from their kitchen table, which was followed by Body Washes, Lotions and a brilliant Scrub making it one of the best known brands in the world of natural skincare. They have since created a line of facial products which continue to deliver on their promise of luxurious yet affordable skincare without the use of synthetic ingredients, mineral oil, silicones or parabens.

Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm £20

If you like oil based cleansing balms then you're in for a treat: a base of Sweet Almond Oil has been blended with Mango Seed and Shea Butters, oatmeal and a host of essential oils to create a blissfully gentle yet effective cleanser that melts into the skin removing all traces of make up including mascara. It smells amazing thanks to May Chang, a zesty flower which I have only come across in one other cleanser before and I wish more brands would use! The oatmeal gives it texture rather than exfoliating properties so it's no problem to use it round the eye area. It comes in a squeezy tube making it great for travel and you only need a small amount so a tube should last you at least 2-3 months. I love using this before getting into a hot shower, it leaves the skin ultra soft. For me, this is their star product!

Balancing Face Moisturiser £24

This is my 2nd favourite product in the range: a lovely, light lotion which really hydrates and softens the skin without a hint of greasiness. It's fantastic as a day cream and ideal for use under make up or in hot weather (this will be a great summer moisturiser). Smells slightly of Lemongrass, one of my faves!

Moisture-Rich Face Cream £24

This would make a great day cream for those with normal to dry skins as well as a night cream for those with normal to oily skins. I have been using it under make up in the cold weather but prefer this at night or for use at weekends when I'm not wearing any foundation. It has a lovely creamy texture and a delicate scent. 

Wonder Eye Cream £14 for 10ml

This is a very light cream thanks to Glycerin and Witch Hazel which help combat puffiness. It makes a perfect eye cream for day as it sinks in well and doesn't leave a trace making it also ideal for contact lens wearers. Suitable as a night eye cream for those with very young or oily skin.

Radiance Face Oil £15 for 10ml roller ball (pictured)

I tested the roller ball which allows you to apply to specific points on your face making it a great starting point for those just beginning to use oils. It also comes in a 30ml bottle with a dropper which I personally prefer as I like to warm the oil in between my hands before massaging in.  A blend of Sweet Almond, Grape Seed, Kukui Nut, Jojoba, Rosehip, Moringa and Camellia give this a silky texture with a slightly "warm" fragrance. It contains essential oils of Chamomile, Yarrow and Rosemary, none of which are overpowering. It's light, sinks in well, and has a slightly "serum-y" finish, so it's perfect if you don't like the feeling of oiliness on your skin.

All in all, I really like the range, the packaging is good and everything is reasonably priced, especially given the standard of the ingredients. I would definitely purchase the cleanser and recommend you try some samples of the creams. For more details click here

Beauty Items of the Week

Trilogy Gentle Moisturising Shampoo RRP £12

This SLS free shampoo gently cleanses dry/coloured hair leaving it soft but not heavy, without irritating the scalp. It's very delicately scented and contains a host of nourishing oils including rosehip, coconut and avocado. Absolutely Lovely. 

For more details click here

MV Organic Skincare Daily Soother $86

From the fabulous MV Organic Skincare range comes this oil based skin booster which can be added to your usual moisturiser or, as I prefer, massaged into damp skin after cleansing and spritzing with MV's Rose Hydrating Mist. A high concentration of organic, cold pressed Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Carrot, Rosehip and Calendula oils are blended with essential oils to soothe, nourish and protect sensitive, inflamed or dry skins. Blissful. 

For more details click here 

Living Nature Concealer £14

This is a wonderful concealer: it's very creamy yet highly pigmented, so you really only need to use a little plus it doesn't show up in skin's creases! It's unscented and comes in a tiny tube making it easy to use and super portable. Contains Jojoba and Macadamia Nut oils as well as their trademark Manuka Honey. One of the best I've tried. 

For more details click here

Vapour Organic Beauty, Siren Lipstick £18

From one of my favourite make up brands comes this fantastic lipstick. I don't usually like lipstick as I find it's always too dry and over pigmented. Siren is creamy and soft without being greasy or shiny, and delivers the exact strength of colour you see. On top of this you get great packaging and all natural, organic ingredients. I'm hooked. 

For more details click here

Lavera Glossy Lips £9.90

If you're more of a lip gloss girl then this from Lavera is brilliant, it's soft and shimmery without a hint of stickiness or grease, it also doesn't give you any nasty surprises as the colour looks exactly as it does in the tube.  For more details click here

eightpointnine.com Coffee Delivery

Love coffee? Of course you do. But, if like many, you’ve decided to start making your own Latte-to-Go in the morning, have you bought some decent coffee to make it with?

If you’re content with instant then stop reading now. However, if you like real coffee but aren't inspired by the selection at your local supermarket, then you might want to try eightpointnine.

eightpointnine.com is an online boutique coffee company. You choose what you want, they deliver it. Freshly ground coffee. That’s it. And more.

How does it work?

Step 1: Choose from 2 options: Artisan Blend or Grand Cru.

Artisan Blend allows you to select the aroma (fresh, sweet, spicy) and strength (light, mellow, rich) you prefer, it sounds convoluted but it’s a simple button you slide to adjust your perfect blend. You then give it the name of your choice (yes, any name you like) and it will show you below, what coffees make up your blend.

If you prefer an element of surprise then the Grand Cru option skips this part altogether and you receive a different artisan blend every time which allows you to sample different coffees from around the world (which are all fair trade by the way).

Step 2: Choose your grind

If you have a grinder you can select to receive Beans, otherwise, simply select the grind for your coffee maker: Espresso, Cafetiere, or Filter/Stove Top (eg Bialetti)

Step 3: Choose whether you want to receive your coffee at the beginning of the week or in time for the weekend (good option for a Bank Holiday)

Step 4: Choose whether you want your delivery weekly or fortnightly (you can also postpone deliveries if you’re going on holiday or cancel altogether at any time)

Step 5: Enter your delivery and payment details (payment is taken after every delivery, not in advance)

eightpointnine will grind your coffee at their warehouse in the Cotswolds then send it by 1^st class post that same day, so you receive it within 24 hours of grinding. It comes in very ingeniously designed flat packaging which fits through any letter box, so it’s no problem if you’re not going to be at home to greet the postman.

The pack then unfolds into a classic brown paper bag containing 150 grams of coffee, which is enough for 16 cups. At £5.89 including delivery I’ll leave you to work out just how much cheaper it is than your takeaway Latte…!

I opted for an Artisan Blend which was deliciously rich and smooth, just how I like it. All in all, it’s a brilliant concept, with a brilliant website and brilliant customer service, the cornerstones for me when it comes to any [sucessful] online retailer.

eightpointnine are offering all new customers their 1^st delivery FREE so give it a go, you won’t be disappointed!

For more details click here

With thanks to Paul

Oskia Massage Candle: The Winner is....

Michelle Smith from Liverpool!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
It will be with you in time for Valentine's Day!!!!