July Empties (Extremely late!)

I can't believe its nearly September and I am only posting my July empties! At the start of August I was struck down with a bad case of tonsillitis, and then once I was better this month seemed to fly by! I feel bad that this is only getting uploaded now, especially when August empties will be up in the next couple of days; but better late than never I guess!

Through July I managed to finish an impressive 15 empties!
For the first time I have tried to group them together, as there is a lot of skin care products.

I will start with:

shower gel.

Original Source Vanilla Milk and Raspberry Shower Cream 250ml: This smells like a strawberry milkshake, which is weird as it is raspberry. Its very sweet and as a result can be a bit sickly. It took me ages to use up as I kept getting sick of it. I prefer more citrusy fragrances for shower gels (though you'd not think it with my other empty) but this was nice for a change. It lathered up well, and you didn't need to use too much product so it does provide value for money in that sense. I was given this as a gift, but I know its not very expensive. I'd probably not repurchase it, but then I'd not refuse using it again either.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel for hair and body 100g: This shower gel is one of Lush's most iconic items from their Christmas range. Every year, without fail my sister always buys about 5 massive bottles to keep her going throughout the year. I have always attributed this as her shower gel. This is the first time I have ever actually used it properly myself, as it came in a gift set that I bought in the 50% off January sale. It is nice, but like the Original Source, I found it sickly after a while. It lathers up well and is pretty, as it's a bright pink glittery colour. I have another small bottle (from another gift set) but I won't be reaching for it straight away.

Haircare.

Lush Rehab Shampoo 250g: This smells AMAZING! Its got papaya, mango, kiwi and pineapple in so fragrance wise it would always be a winner. On the bottle it boasts about having oils for extra strength, enzymes for cleaning, seaweed for softness and essential oils for toning your scalp. It does not disappoint. It really does work wonders on my hair. Whenever I feel like my hair is being weighed down, or is too greasy, or needs a pick me up, I will reach for Rehab. Lush is hands down my favourite place for shampoos. I prefer their solid shampoos the most, but this is a nice change. And fact fans out there might like to know that Rehab is my dad's shampoo of choice! (he has long hair & beard)

Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL Volume 200ml: Another empties post, another dry shampoo. This was the first time I had used the XXL version and I must say I was impressed. I have never noticed a white powder from Batiste (or any dry shampoo for that matter..) and I honestly did notice a bit of extra volume. I have really fine and thin hair so anything that improves the volume of my hair is generally a winner. This also smelled really really nice. I won't repurchase for a while though as I am currently trying out Superdrug's dry shampoo after a mad offer that they had on.

Skincare - cleansers.

Superdrug Deep Action Daily Exfoliating Wash 150ml: I remember buying this when I was in my final year at uni and wasting time browsing Superdrug. At the time I needed an exfoliator for my very dry skin. I used this occasionally (like most cleansers) but wasn't very impressed. When I moved back home it sort of got lost, until I found it in a draw during my mission to use things up. At first I was really dreading using this, as I could tell it would last me a very long time. I must tell you that I am a bit rubbish when it comes to skin care. I never wash my face morning and night, lazy and terrible I know, but my skin is generally good so I never feel the need. THIS CLEANSER CHANGED EVERYTHING! I decided to start using it twice a day to try and use it up quicker but I became hooked! It made my skin glow! The smell is sort of masculine/unisex, however I LOVE it. It cleansed my skin so well I actually wanted to wash my face morning and night! My pores around my nose aren't massive, but I noticed a huge difference when I was using this cleanser. It made my skin really soft and smooth. I told myself I would repurchase as soon as my stash of cleansers has shrank, but I don't think I will be able to wait that long. If you've not tried this I highly recommend you do! Amazing!

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel 30ml: I got this last year in a special pack with 30ml toner when buying the full sized moisturiser. Clarins Daily Energizer range is aimed at early 20s skin. It smells really luxurious and energising. As a cleanser though I wasn't really that impressed. It wasn't bad, but it just seemed a bit like a 'nothing' item. It might have been because I finished it off when my Superdrug cleanser ran out, but I won't be buying the full size.

 Skincare - make up remover.

Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent 30ml: I don't remember getting this! Another find from my drawer. It had been used a couple of times so I couldn't pass it on. It was good at getting rid of eye make up without irritating my eyes, and didn't really have a fragrance (which I liked). I wasn't wowed by it though so won't repurchase.

Skincare - Toners

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1 100ml: This toner is aimed at very dry to dry skin. Like all of Clinique's toners this smells very alcoholic. I don't mean like the kind of alcohol you would drink though, more sort of sterile, and for some reason the smell reminds me of a lab. I wasn't majorly impressed with this toner. It was gentle and non-drying on my dry skin, but I didn't notice any improvement.


L'Occitane Eau Radieuse Face Toner 50ml: I got this free with Glamour magazine, and believe it or not it was the first L'Occitane item I have ever tried. Apparently it's the toner from their new skin care range (I received the moisturiser from this range in a Jolie Box). The first thing that impressed me with this item was the fact that it has braille on the side of the bottle. I have no idea about L'Occitane, and if they have braille on all/a lot of their products; but the fact that this does was a very nice touch. It smells nice, floral and fresh at the same time. It didn't dry my skin or break my out. I'm not sure if it improved my skin at all though as 50ml isn't a good enough judge. I probably would try this again. If I remember.

Skincare - Moisturiser. 

Superdrug Simply Pure Aqua Hydrating Serum for Dehydrated skin 50ml: I bought this serum purely because it was on offer and I had used up my Caudalie Serum. At first I wasn't sure about it, but after a couple of weeks I became HOOKED. My skin drank it up and it glowed. I used the Superdrug cleanser and steam cream moisturiser in conjunction with this serum and I honestly feel like I have found my skin heroes. I will repurchase this over and over again. It is amazing!

Steam Cream Jane 75g: I got this in a Carmine beauty box. At first I wasn't blown away by it so put it to one side. Once I started using it regularly I realised how amazing it actually is. It's light weight but powerful and my soaked into my skin well. It can be used on face, hands and body - but I just used it on my face. I love that the tins are all limited edition with different names for different prints, it gives it something extra. Even though I have never been into skin care in terms of cleansers I have always been a moisturiser buff. I without question have put this in my top 5 moisturisers of all time. I will buy this again without a doubt (I just need to downsize my ridiculous moisturiser collection first...)

Topic Skin Revive with vitamins blueberries and rosehip: Another item from Jolie Box. This smells really nice, but it might be a bit too overpowering for some as you can notice it lingering on your skin. The cream was heavy so I used it just on a night. It did moisturise my skin, however I did notice a little redness, so if you have sensitive skin I wouldn't recommend. I wouldn't repurchase as its only ok.

YonKa Vital Defence Anti-Age 5ml: Another sample from Jolie Box. I once again used this as a night cream. I liked it, but a 5ml sample doesn't go very far so I've no idea how my skin would react to it long term. I wouldn't repurchase purely on the fact that I don't know enough about it.

 Make up.

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer 30ml: This lasted me ages! I bought this about 18 months ago and every time I thought it was dead more product would come out! I kept going off this as even though it made my make up last for hours I wasn't sure if it was breaking me out or not. I'm still not sure so wouldn't repurchase for that reason; however it does work and is good value for money so I guess I might be tempted in future.

Miscellaneous.

Boots Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover 150ml: This was the green bottle. I didn't like it at all. It made my nails really dry and brittle and took ages to get my nail varnish off. So pleased its used up, I won't buy again!

Well that's July empties finished! See you in a day or two for August empties! (Where has this year gone?!)

x

June Empties

Another month and another slightly late empties post (oops!) This month I managed to get through an impressive 14 items.

Superdrug Simply Pure Refreshing Toner Sensitive Skin 200ml:  I loved this toner. It was in my may favourites post (here). It was really good value for money. I will definitely be buying it again once my other toners have been used up!

Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam 125ml: I got this years and years ago and never though it would end! Granted I had forgot about it for a few years, and should have probably threw it out....but seeing as it was expensive at the time and half full I decided to use it up. Considering my skin is dry, and I very rarely get spots this cleanser worked quiet well for me. I didn't use it every day as I think it would have been too harsh, and I wasn't keen on the smell, but apart from that it did the job.

Superdrug Facial Cleansing Wipes Fragrance Free 25 wipes: These were good. Didn't irritate my skin or eyes, so their sensitive skin claim is true. They only cost 99p too which is good. The biggest down side was how dry they were. Not too dry to use, but not as moist as more expensive face wipes. I would buy them again however as they removed my make up well.

Superdrug Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover Pads 30 pads: These are also for sensitive skin. They were amazing. They really did get rid of every last trace of mascara etc. However due to the size I usually had to use two (one for each eye) if I had a lot of make-up on. Superdrug usually have offers on like "2 for £XX" or "3 for 2" so I am sure I will pick these up in future.

Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover 75ml: This has featured in my January empties (here).

Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion 30ml: I got this in a Feel Unique(?) box at the start of the year. I neglected it as I've mentioned before I'm far too lazy for body lotions. I decided to give it a go last month and I LOVED it! It smelled amazing, I'm really bad at describing smells, so sorry for not trying but it wasn't anything distinctive. Sort of typical Caudalie (typical of the other Caudalie products I've tried). It absorbed into my skin really quickly and left a nice light toned feeling, rather than that sticky greasy feeling that I hate. I will consider buying a full size!

Lush The Olive Branch shower gel 100g: This is one of my all time favourite shower gels. I've repurchased this time and time again. Its really good for dry skin as its very moisturising due to the olive  oil in it. Its a lovely light fragrance and I will probably get another bottle at some point. If you've not tried this shower gel, or you're not into Lush products, I recommend you do!

Lush Iced Wine Shower Jelly 100g: I got this Christmas 2010 and it has been sat in my bathroom, almost empty for a stupidly long time. It was bright red and the smell reminded me of strawberry jelly. This was a limited edition jelly as part of the Christmas 2010 range, and I didn't notice it last year. If Lush reintroduce this to their seasonal line I would buy it again in a flash as it was very fresh and fun :)

Soap & Glory Travel Size Flake Away Body Scrub 50ml: Another item that was sat in my bathroom with barely anything in it. I liked this scrub, but its not my favourite.  I'll no doubt use this again at some point, as it always seems to pop up around Christmas, but I'll not rush out to buy it.

Original Source White Pear and Avocado Damage Limitation Shampoo 250ml: Finally I've used up a shampoo! It takes me AGES to use shampoos up for two reasons. 1. I have too many shampoos and my hair is weird so I actually need to mix it up often. 2. My hair is also super thin so when I wash it I only need the smallest amount of product. These factors mean shampoo is used up super slow!! I loved the smell of this shampoo! I love pears so this fragrance was always going to be a winner. I probably would buy this again if I spot it in home bargains or somewhere; however the best shampoos for my hair seem to be Lush's solid shampoos.

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Volume hairspray 50ml: I'm not sure I ever believe the claims of hair products that say they produce volume; but that is probably because my hair is so rubbish. I got this as a gift in a set. It was a good hairspray and the perfect size to take on a night out for touch ups.

e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set 60ml: I loved this! The information rubbed off quickly, and the spray wasn't the best (so I swapped it with Simple Moisturising Mist from last months empties) but it really did help my make up last. It was also great at giving my skin a refreshing boost throughout the day. I will buy this again, probably the next time elf have some sort of free postage offer.

benefit The PoreFessional Primer 7.5ml: I got this free in last month's Glamour magazine. I had heard a lot of good things about this primer, so was pleased I could try it out and see if it lived up to the hype. I'm not sure if its as good as people claim, but it really is a good primer. It helped minimise my pores and helped my foundation last all day. I doubt I'll repurchase though as its about £24 for a full size (which I'm sure is only about 20ml?!) so I think its too expensive!

Figs & Rouge Balm Sweet Geranium 8ml: I was SO excited (and sad) when I finished this product! Excited because I've never finished a tub of lip balm ever. I know, shocking, but I always seem to get about half way through a tub lip product and then lose it! I made sure I kept this with me at all times so I couldn't lose it. I was sad because I loved this balm so so much. I got this in a beauty box ages ago, but it's alright as I received another figs & rouge balm in GlossyBox (I think?) a month or so ago. This is without a doubt my new favourite lip balm and I think I will be using it again and again!


And that concludes the end of my empties post for this month. 14 items is pretty good right? Well I'm already on 6 (yes that's right SIX) empties for July. I know it's only the 4th, I don't know whats going on haha. I seem to have developed an obsessive need to use everything up. That's good though.
Did you get through many products in June?
x

May favourites

• Clinique - Super City Block SPF 40
• Superdrug BB Cream Light
• Korres Watermelon Body Scrub
• Superdrug Simply Pure Refreshing Toner
• Steam Cream (Jane)
• Stila Blush - hint.
• Decleor PhytoPeel

May Empties

Well it's that time of the month again (this year is flying by!) Its slightly late as I have been very distracted by the Roland Garros and by drinking too much gin (oops). 

Anyway, I managed to use up an impressive 13 items. Even more impressive considering at the start of May I was convinced I'd struggle to use up 5 items. 

Beauty Without Cruelty Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black 4ml. I loved this eyeliner so much and am slightly heartbroken at the thought of not being able to use it again! I think BWC discontinued this eyeliner when they rebranded. I hope not as it was brilliant. I will keep checking websites to see if I can find a new one, but I don't have much hope.

Good Things Total Wipe Out Cleansing Wipes. Do I really need to mention these again? No? Didn't think so.

Hello Kitty for Liberty Body Wash 75ml. I got this for Christmas as I love Hello Kitty. The packaging is great, however I wasn't really a fan of the scent of the body wash. It lathered up well but it felt a bit too synthetic for my liking. I've never bought anything from Liberty before so not sure if this is their standard scent, but if it is I won't be buying anything from them again.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Original 50ml. I seem to be going through dry shampoo like it's going out of fashion! I'm sure you all know about this product and have tried it. I obviously like it at the rate I'm getting through them! I got this in June's Glossy Box (last year).

Caudalie VinoSource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum 10ml. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! I got it in April's natural themed Glossy Box and I definitely think its one of the best items I've ever had in a beauty box. I didn't want this to end, but at the same time couldn't stop using it so knew it would go quick. I loved everything about this product, the scent, the texture, how quick it sank into my skin and how it worked so well for me. My skin literally drank this up and looked amazing as a result. I will without a doubt repurchase this item. Can't recommend it enough and its made me a lot more excited about trying out other items from Caudalie.

Colbert M.D. Nourish Eye Cream. Another product I got in a beauty box. I've never used an eye cream so have nothing to compare this to, which is a shame as apparently its worth a lot of money. I can't see myself buying this again. Apart from thinking there are better things to spend my money on than eye cream, I just didn't really see what this did. I know its bad but I just use a moisturiser on my whole face, then again considering my skin is pretty good it might not be bad? A very blah item.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Skin Toner 100g. Another empty which I love. I first bought this toner over a year ago, used it a couple of times and then it got lost in a drawer. During my attempt to use things up I've rediscovered it and I'm so pleased I have. I've got really into skin care recently, especially toners, and my skin has definitely thanked me. This is such a good product. Its very gentle, yet effective and smells amazing. I never sprayed it onto my face as I found the pump to be too direct, so I would spray onto cotton wool then sweep across my face. I will buy this item again, but I also want to give the other Lush toners a try.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist 50ml. This was a such a life saver spray during the recent heat wave we briefly enjoyed. It was great to refresh my make up and help set it in place, while giving my skin a perk up. It suits it's name as it really did give me a 'moisture boost'.

FC5 Cooling Foot Creme 15ml. I got this in Glossy Box ages ago. I'm in two minds about this product. On the one hand it gave me sandal ready feet and really cooled and calmed them down after a long and active day. On the other hand the smell was awful (in my opinion). Unfortunately I can't see myself buying this.

Lush 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion 95g. I love this cleanser so much I've dedicated a whole blog post to it. You can read this here. As a result I'll not go into detail, but I've already repurchased the larger bottle.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild 30ml. This cleanser is probably a bit too harsh on my skin. Its something I have been using on and off for about 10 years now. I will no doubt  use it again as I always seem to have samples knocking around, but its not something I would buy (though that's probably due to the samples and due to the extra mild soap suiting me better).

Batiste Dry Shampoo Fresh 200ml. Another Batiste item! I got this for free at a beauty blogger event back in November.

Soap & Glory Girligo Spray-On Body Moisturising Mist 100ml. For me, a moisturiser that you can spray on is one of the best ideas ever. I'm so lazy when it comes to moisturising my body so thought I would love this, however the smell is a bit too over powering for me. The scent isn't as strong as other S&G products, but for a moisturiser its a bit too much still. I did like it though, just not as much as I thought.


Did you use anything up this month?
Now I must go back to the tennis.
x

Tatty Devine Sample Sale

Over the May Bank Holiday Weekend Tatty Devine offered a sample sale both online and in store. I obviously jumped at the chance to snap up some goodies.
You might remember Tatty Devine did something similar last year (my blog post about those treats is here).

My haul was delivered on Friday and I'm so pleased with what I got.

First up I bought a lucky dip. I love how Tatty Devine offers this, its a great way to try out pieces which are different to what you'd normally buy. While it can be a bit risky I do actually like all these items. The ring doesn't fit me, which is a shame, but otherwise I love what I got. Especially the earrings. I've recently got into wearing earrings again so I'll definitely be sporting these on a night out soon!

This horse & carriage came in either gold or black. I knew black would be easier for me to style so snapped it up for £20. I LOVE it!!

I also bought this black bobby pin necklace for £10. I always use bobby pins in my hair so this sums me up!


Did you buy anything from the sale?

9 to 5

I've found the best cleanser for my skin,  9 to 5 from Lush.

I first bought this cleanser sometime last year. Like most skin care items, I used it a couple of times wasn't wowed and shoved it into a draw. Several months later I started my "must use things up" quest so had to dig things out. Around the same time I was also starting to think I should get serious about my skin.
I'm 25 now so I really need to start taking better care of my skin before I look too old (ha).

This has totally agreed with me. I realise now that I wasn't impressed at first because I was using it all wrong. What you do is rub it onto your face, wipe off with cotton wool and then you're done. THAT IS IT. I'm sooooo lazy with skin care so this is perfect for me. Best of all it gets rid of all of my make up, is super gentle and leaves my skin really clean, soft and looking so fresh.
Its suitable for my sensitive skin days and is good for my dry skin. Whats not to love?!

I can't recommend this product enough I love love LOVE it. Go out and buy it now!

Have you tried 9 to 5?

April Empties

Well its been a busy month yet again, so I must apologise once more for the lack of posting. I promise to get better at this!

I managed to use up 9 products last month, including two shower gels (yesss!) and three moisturisers! 

Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Rock 'N' Roll Extreme Hairspray 200ml. I got this hairspray for Christmas 2010 in a set and its lasted me AGES! I don't really have much hair so products/shampoos/etc tend to last me a ridiculous amount of time as I only need the smallest amounts. I'm not the best person to ask about ideal hairsprays but this did do its job. I mainly only used it for nights out to try and give myself a bit more volume. Its not a miracle worker (but then nothing is for me) but it was alright. I'll probably not repurchase though as I'm sure this range is expensive for what it is.

Radox Daily Elements Anti White Marks Pure Clear Anti-Perpirant Deodorant 50ml. I don't know what to say about deodorant. It smells alright and works. Its only anti white marks if its dry though, but thats probably the same as the rest?

Lush Happy Hippy shower gel 100g. I love this shower gel it's so refreshing and nice! Its not too lemony/citrusy which is good as usually shower gels can be too overpoweringly lemon. It sort of reminds me of a shower gel version of Lush's I Love Juicy shampoo (which I also love). If you've not used it before you should definitely give it a chance! I will no doubt repurchase this in the future once my collection has downsized some more. I can't recommend Lush products enough, they are without a doubt my favourite toiletries brand.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub 330g. Another Lush product! This shower scrub smells devine! Its made with fresh sea salt and has lemon and jasmine in. Its not to harsh, but strong enough to scrub away dead skin and leaves skin glowing. This tub has lasted me ages as I neglected it for a while when trying to concentrate on using up other rouge shower gels. I will certainly buy this again as its a product I love (love love love).

Good Things Total Wipe Out Cleansing Wipes 25 wipes. Another item that I love. The featured in my empties post last month (which you can read here) and they will probably feature again next month as I already have another pack on the go!

Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturiser SPF 6 10ml. I got this in a beauty box ages ago. I really enjoyed using this. It was quite thick but sank into my skin well and really helped when I went through a bad dry spell. It does smell of rose, however its not too overpowering. I don't really think SPF 6 is worthwhile (in my opinion) as I don't think anything less that SPF 15 is going to protect my skin so my gripe is if Korres are bothering to put in sun protection it should be higher. I don't rely on my moisturiser for my SPF protection though, just incase some people do. I'm still undecided if I will purchase a full size replacement as I have too many moisturisers on the go and in my 'to buy/try' list, but I will definitely consider Korres in the future.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Icelandic Formula Vitalizer 5ml. I got this as a free sample when I visited the Blue Lagoon back in 2009. Usually 5ml isn't really a size which you can get a good feel for a product, but with this a little really does go a long way. It helped my skin combat dry patches and left my face looking and feeling amazing. I probably won't repurchase unless I visit Iceland again (which I do hope to do sometime) because its expensive to buy and to ship.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser Sample. Another Lush product! I've previously bought this cleanser in the past, but when a face mask left my skin very damaged a couple of months ago I popped into Lush for help. The lovely woman gave me a sample of Celestial moisturiser and this sample when I bought an Oatifix face mask. I've since been given another sample of Angels. Lush seem to be big on giving samples out so if you have a local store you should swing by and try it (or a cleanser more suitable for your skin type!) They pack the product in and you only need a tiny amount so lasts awhile. Because I don't properly cleanse my skin twice a day, and I didn't use this every day it lasted me longer than the 'average' person. I still think the sample would last someone a couple of weeks with regular use. I would buy this again, but the only off putting thing is the shelf life. Because it is so fresh and natural the 'use by' date isn't far off from purchase date. I'm pretty flexible with the dates on Lush items if I'm honest, but I still wouldn't use the full size cleanser up quick enough. Hmmmm.

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser 125ml. This is something which I have been using again and again on and off since I was a teenager. Its a very light and gentle moisturiser but is powerful enough to soften very dry skin. Its pretty amazing in that sense! It absorbs very fast and leaves skin fresh and ready to go. I usually use this on a morning as its a good base for make up, but its also strong enough for night time use too (for me anyways, and I have dry skin!) I've noticed a difference in my skin since I stopped using it and will definitely repurchase soon.


And thats the end of my nine empties. Did you use up much this month?
x