REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle & Natural Hand & Body Lotion...

On the one hand, I'm a little sad that this is the last in the current series of Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy product reviews - it's been such a pleasure to trial all these beauties. But on the other, I'm excited as I've just placed an order for the hand cream and lip balm from the same range, so it won't be long before they arrive, are put to the test and the results shared with you here. For now, it's my absolute pleasure to tell you all about the Natural Hand & Body Lotion, and Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Lotion (500ml, RRP $39.95)

I mentioned in my review of the Hand & Body Wash (HERE) that I may not even need this partner product because the shower gel is so moisturising and skin softening. But the winter chill is on the horizon, which means that in a matter of weeks, my skin will transform literally overnight into a thirsty and flaky mess, so I'm thrilled I have this bottle of dry skin antidote at the ready! It has the same glorious essential oil fragrance as the body wash, and similar delicious ingredients (Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Argan Kernel Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil) but with the added bonus of Shea Butter, Wheatgerm Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract & Chamomile Flower Extract. Quite possibly the most soothing body moisturiser to ever grace my vanity, I can't imagine anyone else not falling in love with this rapidly absorbed and intensely nourishing lotion. My skin feels supernally soft, smooth and supple - in short, the way it's supposed to be ♥...

Lemongrass, Ginger & Lime Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle (400g, RRP $44.95)

Candle lovers rejoice! This huge jar of uplifting goodness is literally a breath of fresh air and something I will treasure throughout the months ahead. I have several Urban Rituelle reed diffusers scattered through the house to maintain a continuously harmonious environment - in the larger spaces they work magically to provide a subtle scent as we swish past, and there's always one or two in the bedroom to aid relaxation. But for an intensive aromatherapy session, this candle is the ticket - whoa! Not only does it look beautiful (even before it's lit), the scent is sublime - lemongrass, lime and ginger are an inspired blend that lifts my spirits and creates a restorative atmosphere that's both energising and rejuvenating. Truly, I'm obsessed. Given the size and potential 80 hours of burn time, I was hoping this would see me through the winter, but at the rate I'm lighting it up (like, every night after work lol), I may need another one pronto ♥...

With dual 100% cotton wicks, the burn is even, slow and smokeless, and the glow of the amber glass is both warming and comforting. There's also Lemon & Star Anise Essential Oils in the mix, and a matching lid to sustain the fragrance when not in use, and keep the dust and bugs out. The 100% post-consumer recycled paper box includes detailed instructions on how to burn the candle safely, and to maintain its integrity. The jar is 100% recyclable, but this is one item that won't be hitting the yellow bin - I'm keeping it for my trinkets and/or cotton buds ♥...

This whole range is genius - congratulations UR Team, and thank you again for the chance to discover that stunningly fragrant and restorative products can be made, packaged and experienced without harming our beloved planet ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Sending Love Box...

Last month I had the great fortune to win a giveaway from my beautiful and fellow blogger pal Di at Max the Unicorn - the prize was a Sending Love Box. Hadn't heard of this parcel subscription service before, but I can't think of a better way to learn about it! Some cute items which will be much loved (and used), and I was super impressed with how quickly the pack arrived after the comp closed...

Darling Di wanted to keep some surprises for the two lucky winners, so she didn't detail all the items in her review, so I will, and here we go...

Each box is themed, and always contains an antique charm, a soy wax candle (or melts) and a soap made here in Australia - the other inclusions vary from one month to the next. My prize collection was called "Looking Good" - perfect, as that's something I strive for on a daily basis (with mixed success ha ha). So here's the pretty blue fragrance atomiser, the kind of thing I can never EVER have enough of given my passion for perfume, and a decanting funnel was thoughtfully included...

Makeup brushes and tools are always welcome - I'll probably keep these at work so I don't have to carry any around in my everyday makeup purse...

The soy wax candle has a lovely soft floral fragrance, white flowers I would say, and has a burn time of 35 hours...

The detangling brush is neat and compact and has a cover that clicks firmly to protect the teeth. The one I received isn't actually branded Redberry, but it works just fine...

This little Paris-inspired zippered makeup purse will come in very handy, the perfect size for the above makeup brushes actually...

The soap is by Tilley, and it has a Ylang Ylang and Tuberose fragrance - smells divine and has already secured a place in my undies drawer until I'm ready to use it.  On the left is the sweet antique two-hearts charm - I'll find a way to wear this for sure...

There's various plans available HERE, and if you're interested in subscribing, there's a discount code available till late November which will give you $10 off the first box (how about that cute-as heart peg clip ♥)...

Month by month price is $29.95, and most of the previous boxes are still available to purchase HERE.  Such a terrific idea, and a beaut way to treat yourself, or a friend...

Thank you dear Di and Sending Love Box for the chance to sample this fun and great value service ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Glasshouse Fragrances - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade...

Being a fragrance fanatic, making sure my home smells welcoming, fresh and clean is high on my list of absolute musts. For me choosing the right scent for the household is as important as the perfume I select to adorn my bod every day, and I decided that a new house deserved a new scent. After much sniffing and sampling at David Jones and a local pharmacy, I chose this delectable cocktail from Glasshouse Fragrances - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade...

The pink packaging doesn't go with my decor at all, but I was so enraptured with the blend of grapefruit, cherry and lemon, I had to have it ♥. Fresh, playful and invigorating, this scent is perfect for my new abode, which for once isn't surrounded or overshadowed by enormous trees, and natural light floods into just about every room. I wanted to build on this bonus of bountiful sunlight by choosing a scent that made me feel like opening up and letting in even more of the joys of life, and Pink Lemonade literally bubbles over with fun ♥...

The diffuser is a generous 250ml, and with the liquid being triple strength, I find I only have to flip the reeds once a week, fortnightly in hot weather. It's by far the most potent diffuser I've ever tried - it costs a little more (RRP $42.95) but so worth it for the wide area it permeates ♥..

I already knew how enriching the hand wash formula was as a few months ago I purchased Manhattan - Little Black Dress, which is a gorgeously sexy scent (I bought it to match the bathroom decor), but it lacked the particularly summery zing I was after. Since adding Pink Lemonade to my vanity bench, I find myself grinning like a loon every time I wash my hands lol ♥...

For those of you with skin sensitivities, it does contain SLS, but I find it super moisturising, and my hands feel and smell so fresh after washing. The bottle is huge (500ml $24.95), solid as a rock, and the sturdy pump dispenses just the right quantity in one squirt. The ingredients list includes rose hip and argan oils, there are no parabens or animal derived products, and woo hoo, this Aussie company doesn't test on animals ♥...

I've only bought the mini candle so far (RRP $18.95), but am working the 350g one (RRP $42,95) and even the GIANT 700g (RRP $79.95) size into the budget. These are stunning candles that burn cleanly, leave no residue in the glass jar, and the scent lingers forever even when it's not lit ♥... 

They are by far the most fragrant candles I've ever come across. I find some other brands have a not so pleasant background or "under-scent" which spoils the effect for me - I guess it's the type of wax that makes the difference. I also have one of these in Rio De Janeiro, which is Passionfruit and Lime - it was my favourite until I discovered Pink Lemonade ♥...

There's also a hand creme in the range which is next on my list. The website offers free shipping over $50, and I took advantage of the 10% discount that comes when you sign up for their newsletter. Gosh there is such a wide variety of equally delish fragrances, and I expect that once we get towards the end of Autumn and the beginning of Winter, I'll probably change to something earthy, or even the Violet & Patchouli. But for now it's Beverly Hills all the way baby! ♥♥♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's ever popular Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party - come see the best of the blogs ♥...

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Hibiscus and Cranberry...

Last July, I posted a review of the fabulous Urban Rituelle Turkish Rose and Vanilla range that I had either been gifted by family, or won as a prize. To say I was smitten with the products was somewhat of an understatement, and since then I've been on a mission to explore all the other delights they have on offer. I still have a long way to go, if for no other reason than they have SO many goodies to choose from, but I've already discovered something I'm even crazier about - Hibiscus and Cranberry (warning: picture heavy post)...

Thankfully my efforts have been aided and abetted by the fact that UR have had a whole series of sales over the last few months, and the above selection is what I've been able to amass across several orders, all of which have arrived within days, with free shipping, and a generous little surprise in the box each time (latest one below) ♥

But enough of the blurb, what does it smell like? Hard to describe because I've not smelt anything quite like it before, but it's tangy and tart without being sour, and amazingly refreshing - an inspired blend of hibiscus tea, cranberry, lime and sugar cane. I simply adore the initial zing, which then softens down to a delicate fruit-with-slightly-floral blend, with the accent on the fruit. Definitely a Summer-ready fragrance - it's almost like a cranberry sherbet ♥

The Scented Candle ($24.95) is 180 grams, with an approximate burn time of 40 hours. I haven't lit mine yet - I'm saving it for a dull and dreary day when I need a zesty pick-me-up. You can probably tell from the photos that all UR products are stunningly presented, sturdily boxed for safe delivery, and I reckon any candle-lover would be in raptures to receive this as a gift... 

 

These three little travel size mini sweethearts came in a clear pouch with a zip lock - the 40ml size is perfect for packing light, and there's Body Lotion, Hand Therapy and Bath & Shower Gel. The Body Lotion ($22.50) will be my next purchase in the full-size - it contains a host of skin-loving ingredients including Chamomile, Grape Seed Oil, Ginseng, Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil, Calendula and Aloe Vera. And there's no tedious waiting for it to be absorbed - my skin soaks it up like a sponge. This will be a must-have for me through the hot months, to keep my skin soft and supple, and smelling berry-licious...

I need a giant size of the Hand Therapy! ($20.96). All hand creams in the "Tea Ceremony" range contain Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oils, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Ginseng, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Gingko Biloba - a powerhouse tube of nourishing, protecting and re-conditioning natural ingredients to restore and keep your hands and cuticles in tip-top condition, without being greasy. The formula is light but intensive, and leaves my paws satiny smooth and delicately fragranced. The standard tube is a generous 100ml and lasts forever - I also love that it isn't made of metal (like some other high-end brands), so it doesn't look all dented and tatty after a few squeezes. This little 40ml wonder is already safely tucked away in my handbag...

You'll find my rave about the Bath & Shower Gel further down the page ♥

The perfumes come in two formulas, both delightfully purse-friendly - Petit Parfum, an EDT spray, and Perfume Oil, which has a teeny little roller-ball applicator. The spray is light and the scent doesn't last long, but that's its beauty - sometimes I just want something to make ME feel good and smell delish without permeating the whole space around me. As you would expect, the oil is more potent and durable, and yet it has an enticing subtlety. I wore it today actually and smiled every time I moved and my nose caught a little waft of the scent. Ingredients include Sweet Almond, Grape Seed, Avocado, Sesame, Sunflower and Rose Hip oils, so you can imagine how softening it is on the skin. This is still on sale at the moment for $13.56 - I can't find it listed anywhere except on the Sale Store page, so I hope that doesn't mean it's being discontinued...

As usual I've saved the best till last - oh boy, am I in shower heaven! Regular readers will know that I'm a bodywashaholic, and given I've tried so many of the ones in the market place, for me to say this Bath & Shower Gel ($28.50) is my absolute all-time favourite is really quite a statement. But there it is, I've said it! Gee, how to describe my experience of this mouth-watering bod-cleanser? Ok, for starters the bottle is a huge 500ml and has a twist click lockable cap. The pump is sturdy and one push delivers only a teeny dollop, but I'm glad because I'm somewhat heavy handed with my gel dispensing, and quite a bit goes down the drain. I find about six squirts is just the right amount for a blissfully bubblesome experience. The gel is thick and clear, and smells divine. Honestly this is a sparkler of a fragrance, and I feel like I'm washing myself with cranberry soda fizz! After showering my skin feels soft and hydrated, so much so I can skip the body lotion step on those rushed weekday mornings. And it's no wonder with a stack of natural ingredients like Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Chamomile, Calendula and Witch Hazel. This is a forever keeper ♥

Well by now I hope you're sufficiently entranced, and if you've made it this far down the page, well done (lol!), and there's a treat - I ordered an extra bottle of the Perfume Oil so I could give one away, and share the UR love ♥ If you've not experienced any Urban Rituelle products, and especially not the Hibiscus and Cranberry fragrance, this is your chance to try it out...

The Rafflecopter will decide the winner, so please make sure that you follow the entry instructions, and read the Terms and Conditions inside (Australian residents only). Please note that leaving a comment, providing your email address inside the Rafflecopter, AND following my blog one way or another from the many choices listed are MANDATORY for entry...

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This giveaway is now closed

Check back later tonight to see who the lucky winner is!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Anna M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Anna please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Thursday 4th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. All products were purchased by me - the plan was to give some of them as Christmas gifts, but I couldn't resist trying them, and well, that's the end of that plan ha ha!

P.P.S. Urban Rituelle products are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals ♥

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Festive Candles...

Santa made an early delivery last week ♥ - this beautiful glossy white box arrived courtesy of the lovely Lauren from Urban Rituelle, and boy did it get me in the mood for Christmas...

Nestled inside were two delights from their Limited Edition Festive Favourites Collection - travel sized scented soy candles in the delectable fragrances of Warm Cinnamon & Cranberry, and Fresh Fig & Sugar Plum. Just reading the names had me salivating, and busting to open the pretty packaging to see if they lived up to my sensory expectations, and hopefully breathe in some Christmas cheer...

Well I sure wasn't disappointed! The presentation is stunning - classy and elegant, and I can just tell the candles have been poured with love ♥ The first one I opened was the Cinnamon & Cranberry - such a delicate fragrance, the perfect balance of fruit and spice. I spent a while taking photos, and the clock hands did a few more circuits before I could bring myself to light up this little gem. It's neither sweet nor sour, but somewhere in the middle, and if I had to describe it in one word, I'd say "calming", which makes it the perfect antidote for the merry mayhem of the silly season. Interestingly, the cinnamon becomes a lot more obvious when you extinguish the flame...

So then I opened the Fresh Fig & Sugar Plum, and that's when I fell - in love that is ha ha! This treasure is sweeter and fruitier, and I reckon I'll be ordering several of the 400 gm size so that I can savour her delights well into the new year. I find the FF&SP fragrance more sensually stirring, and my one word description would be  "appetising". This little darling actually makes my mouth water, and has me yearning to tuck into some mince pies and plum pudding. Of the two, this one has my heart - the scent becomes even more intensely fruity after blowing it out, and while I usually put the lid on my candles when they've been put to bed, I leave this one off till morning so I can enjoy the extra little boost...

In summary, both of these candles are a delight, and perfect partners. I experimented with burning them at the same time, and neither one dominates - in fact they enhance each other, and turn my office into a gourmand haven. I can't think of anything more wonderful than finding more of these under my tree on December 25th - I know some family members and friends who would feel the same, so that's a chunk of my shopping taken care of :-) Actually I placed an order during their recent sale (haul pics here), so my pressie stockpile is already well under way - looks like it will be an Urban Rituelle Christmas this year :-)

In case you're wondering, the small candles (45 gm - $17.95) burn for around 15 hours, and the full size ones (400 gm - $39.95) will last up to 80 - that's a measly 50 cents per hour to surround yourself in some sweetheart seasonal scents that will bring a smile to your face, and lift your spirits...

Thank you so very much Urban Rituelle for sending these to me for review, and the opportunity to immerse myself in some festive delights ahead of the big day - I'm completely entranced ♥

Well ladies, have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Urban Rituelle products contain no artificial colours, fragrances, sulphates or parabens, and are 100% cruelty free ♥