Products I Used Up | September 2017

Another delved into the pile of beauty trash I amassed over the past months starts with the usual regular appearances of Sure Maximum Protection* and The Wet Brush. Both are staples in my daily routines, although the former may be opted due to a new deodorant I've discovered recently so stay tuned for that in a later post. The Mitchum Deodorant mini is the usual type I have thrown in my bag for freshening up on the go.

I'd love to hear from other Wet Brush users and whether you have to change yours as regular as I do - especially as I don't think I have particularly thick knotty hair to battle. It's probably my only gripe that I do sometimes feel I'm replacing it every month or two but it does give me an opportunity to try out a new colour and there's nothing like a fresh new hairbrush.

Sticking with haircare and shampoo of the dry and regular varieties; Catwalk by TIGI Transforming Dry Shampoo* and John Frieda Sheer Blonde Honey Blonde Colour Illuminating Shampoo*. Both were products that worked as they should and I enjoyed using. You can read full reviews here and here but I suspect any repurchase will be made at John Frieda. As much as I loved the scent of the TIGI Dry Shampoo, I'll still with paying a few pound for the regular offerings.

The cooler temperatures means allowing my hair to air dry isn't so much of an option and it's time to reach for the hairdryer. When I was I powered through TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray* with it's beachy scent and more moisturising offering that left hair less crispy. I would repurchase again, and indeed would for my forthcoming holiday were it not for one or two other bottles lurking around I'd like to use up before the year is out. You can read my original review here.

I've been trying some new skincare items recently so we only say goodbye to Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner* and Lacura Expert Eye Gel. Interestingly and for transparency both these items were ones I loved in it's early stages but later started to find fault and hence there appearance in the basket. In the case of Dermalogica I think I was at fault and had allowed the product to hang around to long in amongst many other skincare products. At first it seemed fine when I reached for it again but the first tell tale sign with any product if the smell seems off it's time to get rid.

The Lacura Expert Eye Gel appeared in my April Favourites I liked it so much in it's early stages but as time went on I found it was a little drying and not quite doing what I wanted. That said a few other gel eye creams I've reached for I've found the same result so think in my older years I need something a little more powerful.

Two products I'm sad to say goodbye to are my Carmex Classic Wild Pot* and Revlon Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in Devotion. Again I'm trying to use up lip balms I have in my collection before buying others but I really am missing Carmex although I'm not a fan of the pot. Stiletto nails do not create the perfect conditions for dipping fingers in but the product was fantastic at keeping lips moisturised.

Revlon's Devotion was my go to lip when I wanted some colour but I wasn't in the mood for the maintenance of a red lip, it also works well whatever the weather. I realised as I was wearing this week that it was becoming less easy to work with and dispense the product so I decided it was time to favour other products. I would repurchase but also as part of my decluttering I'm allowing myself time to discover if indeed I am missing certain products before hitting the repurchase button.

The ever present hand creams that I used up this month were again disappointments. Sorry for this months empties post appearing on the negative side but I guess thats how some months go. Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Hand Cream* but as with Leighton Denny Best Defence Hand Cream* I found that my hands would not feel so moisturised after I'd applied. They were not dry in the same way as when they come out of water but I still find it was my usual experience.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

My Make Up Declutter

I appreciate it's the height of 'first world problems' and a rather nice problem to have but one of the 'downsides' as a beauty blogger is quite simply the sheer abundance of products that we own. Over recent months I've tried to take a step back from making unnecessary purchases, accepting press samples I do not need and instead focus on working my way through my collection using what I have or decluttering things I do not love or have need for. I've rather enjoyed the process and enjoyed using products to their end rather than constant chopping and changing, reigniting my love for products once forgotten and finding I'm able to gather more thoughts on the products I do or not like. Today's post is sharing some of those products that haven't quite made the cut this month. 

First is L'Oreal Paris Infalliable Total Cover Foundation which despite my claims that I am not making any unnecessary purchases shows I am still prone to be swept up by some new releases because I have no need for more foundation. As is often the case this was first released in the US and unclear whether it would indeed hit UK shores I was able to ask a friend to pick it up for me. This was way back in December yet it's only recent months I've been reaching it for and I do not like it at all. Having such love for L'Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte Foundation I expected that it would be a case of loving what I presumed what just be a fuller coverage version. Yes it is fuller coverage but far too much for my skin which felt suffocated whilst wearing. It did nothing for my mature skin and instead highlighted every line on my face so it's certainly not something I would reach for. I actually felt like I was wearing a mask that would crack and was literally itching at my face wanting to remove it.

An old favourite is Vivienne Westwood Boudoir Perfume that was my holy grail scent of old. In recent years I do not wear very often because it is a strong and heavy scent not suitable for day, or certainly work. As such the bottle has languished on my vanity unused and as part of my declutter I reached for it and realised that either the scent is perhaps too strong for me or quite simply I left it unloved too long and it's gone off. It was sad to part with a scent that brings back so many memories - good and bad - and I can remember when my mum purchased for me when it was only available exclusively in Harrods many years ago. 

Dr Lipp's Nipple Balm for Lips - yes that is its name - was one of the products I first purchased having moved into beauty blogging and saw appearing on various other blogs and YouTube channels. I was never particularly enamoured but what for me is simply a thick balm. Designed as one of those versatile products, original as the name suggested for the nipples of breastfeeding women but not is hailed to tackle any irritation from dry cuticles to lips and even babies bottoms. Interestingly I'm currently using a pot of Carmex that I prefer in the tube yet in this instance the tube was troublesome due to being such a thick formula. I actually had some success for Dr Lipp having left on the windowsill by accident one particularly sunny day so it had melted and dispensed with ease. That said life is too short to be fighting with a product I don't particularly enjoy using.

I purchased Make Up Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Pink Lights over 2 years ago and I've rarely reached for it if at all. I prefer either a pigmented pink that works as a blush or at champagne or gold highlighter. This is just too cool toned and a bit 'out there' for me as beautiful as it is. Time to pass it on.

Like many other bloggers I loved the Sephora Lip Creams when they were first released and wore often but there is no denying that if wearing on a long day they are very drying and reapplication does bode for a clean lip look. I was always conscious of this so in latter months found myself reaching for it less and less, even when I was working through my lip collection. Finally taking the plunge I didn't make it 5 minutes from leaving home before noticing any moisture being sucked from lips and decided it was time to move on to other products such as the L'Oreal Lip Paints which are a far creamier and less drying. 

OPI Face and Body Shimmer is a product I'm once again ashamed to admit the age of and it's clearly only had sporadic use over the years. This is a very glittery product but not in an offensive way, but does mean choosing the appropriate occasion is key. I took this to St Lucia with me on holiday and love a dusting on the shoulders but decided that was where it should stay and instead I can use one of the many highlighters in my collection.

The final product in today's post is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush a long term favourite of mine and well used. Recently I've been enjoying Beauty Blenders and Oval Brushes for foundation application and seeing my Real Techniques brush looking wearing from such use and cleaning I decided to throw it out and purchase myself a new one in the future. 

I'm really enjoying relieving myself of the excess products in my collection and hope to keep continuing to do so. Are you a beauty hoarder or have you joined the current craze for decluttering your stash?

*this post contains press samples and/or affiliate links

My Favourite Make Up Brushes

Make up brushes, the tools of the trade and the product that can make or break any make up look. Hmmm perhaps that is a little to over enthusiastic but there's something to be said for a decent make up brush aiding someone who is wanting to learn and hone their skills.

To say I was always a fan of make up brushes is a stretch but I did enjoy the process of buying, my early collection came from The Body Shop and in recent years US trips saw me stocking up on Sonia Kashuk. I also shouldn't tell you my old method of washing them would be rinsing under the tap and then dumping in a jug of water for a few hours/days. Thankfully now my current brush cleaning method is far more effective.

Ramblings over let's actually talk about what my favourite make up brushes and why starting with the foundation brushes. It'll be no surprise that first up is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which annoyingly can only be purchased inside the Real Techniques Core Collection. I've tried the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and even the Bold Metals 101 Triangle Foundation Brush but neither compare to the Buffing Brush for me.

This is the closest I get to an airbrushed finish without that Snapchat filter and I find it works well with all types of foundation I own. Even if I'm rushed with my make up application I still get good results, and when working at my leisure even better.

Sephora's Pro Airbrush 55 brush is definitely one I use when I have more time on my hands as I find the longer bristles make hasty application a little harder. I typically have used this in the past with my beloved Make Up Forever HD Foundation and it is a beautiful partnership. I was even able to pick up a smaller handled travel size which I will be testing out this month when I'm off on holiday.

New to me is Brush Works Multi Tasking Brush* from MakeUpBrushes.co.uk. This website features a lot of familiar make up brush brands, with fast dispatch and free first class delivery. I was able to take a look round the website and pick a brush or to try, the Multi Tasking brush being one of them. I was keen to see how it would fair against my favoured Buffing Brush and it's a hit. I have a pile of make up brushes sitting in my kitchen waiting for cleaning so I've been able to give the Brush Works Multi Tasking Brush a through testing and I'm pleased with what I'm seeing. Dense fibres create the perfect conditions for blending my foundations and for £6.99 I'm happy.

I'm not very adventurous with my eye make up but I find that a trio of brushes from Mac really help make my life easier. Eyeshadow colours are packed on with the Mac 239 Eye Shader Brush, I pick up a new Mac 217 Blending Brush from Duty Free whenever I travel, it really is worth the hype. And a new addition is the Mac 219 pencil brush which I dip in and out of using depending on the look.

Of course these aren't the cheapest of brushes and it seems like Real Techniques, the typical high street make up offering don't provide a good selection of make up brushes. That's where Zoeva fit in. I have the Zoeva Rose Gold 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush* and I might even love it a little more than the Mac 217. I use this a lot during the week when I'm just reaching for a single eyeshadow and it blends it beautiful. Often the proof is in the cleaning and this cleans up a treat with no shedding to speak of. I definitely think it's time I added a few more Zoeva brushes to my collection - send me your recommendations.

I was also sent the So Eco Eye Brush Set* from MakeUpBrushes.co.uk which contains a concealer brush, eye shading brush, angled eye liner brush and finally a lash and brow comb which I have to ask why we are still be subjected to these - does anyone use them? Although the spooly is a greatyly appreciated.

My two top picks from the list are the eye shading brush and angled eye liner. Wider than the Mac 239 it allows for packing on those one colours without needing too much detail. I'm usually loyal the to the Mac 266 Small Angled Brush but I don't know what it is about it, I keep losing them! Luckily I have had the So Eco version to hand to play with. It's thicker than the Mac version so not ideal for detailed work but it's serving me well until I hit duty free and great to have in the collection for use between washing or if I want to go a little thicker with my liner (I use powders typically).

If I have one or two of these brushes to hand I can apply my make up with ease. What are your favourite brushes?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Soap & Glory Massage Glove - A Brush Cleaning Secret

Cleaning make up brushes. Isn't that just the worst job in the world? I'm not a fan of washing up anything if I'm honest but the task of cleaning make up brushes is one I hate.

Back in the day my make up brush cleaning regime was shocking and it's a wonder my brushes survived. After a cursory run under the tape I'd just dump them all in a jug of water. Shocking really.

Nowadays I'm of course more knowledgeable about how and why I need to ensure my make up brushes are kept in tip top condition and whilst I may not still be as diligent as I should be I've found the tool to make my life so much easier.

The first problem I encounter when cleaning my make up brushes is my taps. I don't have dual taps which means that you run the hot and cold taps separately, resulting in one scolding stream of water and another icy cold. Not exactly the pleasant conditions for an unloved task.

Of course I didn't come up with the idea of purchasing the Soap & Glory Massage Glove all by myself. I had seen a YouTube video featuring the extremely pricey Sigma Cleansing Glove and thought to myself, I'm sure there are similar more affordable versions available out there. And there was.

Currently the Soap & Glory Massage Glove is on offer for £5.67 and it's well worth purchasing if you're not a fan of your make up brush cleaning routine as it makes it effortless. I actually don't mind cleaning my brushes now and I'm not left dealing with scolded hands from ice or heat burns.

First I squirt my brush cleaner of choice onto the glove. Dip the brush under the running taps and then swirl on the glove, adding in more water as needed and watch as the water turns from the murky colour of what product is being removed to clear. A quick swipe on some kitchen towel and then leave to dry. Absolutely brilliant.

The glove is thick enough to tackle the temperatures of my taps and the 'bobbly bits' help with getting the dirt of my brushes. And even better. No pruning hands. You can either go the extra mile and pile on some hand cream before putting on the glove.

I know Real Techniques have just launched their cleansing mitt for brush cleaning and whilst I can't speak with any authority because I haven't tried it for myself, at £12.99 at Superdrug I think I'll stick to my find.

How do you clean your make up brushes?

Make Up Revolution Ultra Pro Brush Collection Review

Did I need new make up brushes? Not really but when I saw the the Make Up Revolution Pro for around £10 I couldn't resist - anything that meant I wouldn't have to clean brushes so frequently due to more choice.

We all know that Make Up Revolution is a budget brand whose make up really does take on it's higher end competitors but how would their brushes fare? I have a mix of brushes in my collection, predominantly Real Techniques with the odd Sephora or Mac brush thrown in for good measure but if these brushes, priced at a few pounds if purchased individually were a success this could be very good news.

Before continuing I can't seem to find this set available online to link up as it was part of a Christmas set, hence the gold detailing but I'm sure aesthetics won't be too much of a concern if the product works its magic.

The set contained six brushes; Powder Brush F104, Contour Brush F105, Stippling Brush F103, Eyeshadow Blending Brush E103, Eyeshadow Brush E101 and finally an Eyebrow Brush E104 which on opening I noticed that the bristles were extremely soft and they felt as much of a match for any luxury brand.

The Powder Brush, F104 is a nice size in comparison to Real Techniques Powder Brush which I find so big I rarely reach for it. If I'm more interested in an all over bronze look rather than contouring The F104 is just the thing for the job.

I am by no means an expert in Contouring but I do like to try. If I mean serious business I use the Nars ITA brush but day to day I'd use the contour brush in Real Techniques Core Collection. The Make Up Revolution Contour Brush, F105 is a very different to the Real Techniques in shape and perhaps better suited to blush. I've used for more subtle contouring if you can call it that but it is nice to use for blending out more focussed contouring.

I've yet to test out the F103 Stippling Brush which I'm keen to try with my cream products and see how it works on applying foundation. With a flat top will it be a competitor for my favourites the Real Techniques Buffing Brush or Sephora's Pro Airbrush #55.

Finally are the brushes for your eyes. I'm pretty faithful to my Mac eyeshadow brushes and have multiples and rarely stray but I do like to experiment with other brands blending brushes, especially if I'm in between cleaning. The Eyeshadow Blending Brush E103 is a fair competitor to the Mac 217 
Brush I love. It's much softer and less dense but still allows me to blend my eyeshadow out nicely.

Again I've not yet tried out the Eyeshadow Brush E101 or Eyebrow Brush E104 as I'm scared to stray from my Mac 239 or 208. I've only just replaced my 208 as I somehow lost the one I had and was using one from L.A.B.2 Strokes of Genius Eye Brush Set*. I use this style of brush to apply powders as eyeliner and L.A.B.2's offering was much thicker than what I was used to. It was nice to smudge things out and but I did miss Mac for thinner application.

I'm impressed with Make Up Revolutions brushes and at such an affordable price point. I think it's great to see high street brands battling the higher end in make up tools. The right brushes can really make a difference to how your make up applies and I think we've come a long way from sponge tipped applicators - although why brands are still including those with their products I don't know.

What make up brushes are your favourites?

What's in my bag | Sightseeing Essentials

Longchamp Le Pliage Small Shopper link

The Longchamp Le Pliage bags appear to be the ones most people turn to when travelling and I was no different. I had a black version years ago which I actually sold on eBay and regretted ever since and replaced it with the red one you can see here when I went to Florida a couple of years ago as they are perfect to pack, light to carry and ideal for those holiday days when you need something big enough to store cameras and the like.

For this reason it was the bag I chose for my sightseeing adventures recently and I thought you might like a nose inside my sightseeing bag. 

Camera | Panasonic Lumix link

As I was taking the photo the camera you can see is Ben's which he brought in Duty Free at Heathrow. There was actually some tantrums on my part as I tried to get to grips with my new Canon EOS M that I wanted Ben's instead as it was far easier to get to grips with and the quality was excellent, surpassing some of my shots. Any posts from my trip will be a mix of both mine and Ben's photos so you'll be able to see examples if you're interested in a simple but good quality camera.

Purse and Sunglasses

This was a purse I picked up in Hawaii complete with pineapples obviously. I was in charge of our kitty on our trip that covered the essential coffees, taxi's and tips. 

There's nothing worse than photos where you're squinting from the sun and the bright sunshine of Hawaii and it's accompanying winds made sunglasses essential. My trusty Rayban's were on hand to prevent this.

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Protective Sun Lotion* link

The Shimmer Effect sun lotion from Hawaiian Tropic was fantastic for protecting your sun on sightseeing trips as well as the mica minerals adding a lovely shimmer and sparkle to your skin as it catches the light. Of course there is the delicious and familiar Hawaiian Tropic scent that I adore and was even using this of an evening as it moisturised my skin so nicely. Usually I would leave sun lotions behind but as I'm off to Las Vegas in a few months I definitely want this to accompany me.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder link & Real Techniques Powder Brush link

It probably would've made sense to take along my trusty Chanel Les Beiges to tackle any shine during my sightseeing trip due to my mirror but I went for Rimmel Stay Matte powder and a hefty Real Techniques powder brush instead. Thankfully due to some windy hot spots and a fully air conditioned coach to travel on the need for touch ups wasn't imperative but it was handy to have this on standby for such a need.

Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray link
I have become slightly addicted to this fabulous spray which I know people roll their eyes and say it's water in a can but it really is so much more. Since my return home I have been using as my toner and love the simplicity of spritzing across my face but during my holiday it really came into it's own. The list of uses is never ending, it can treat sunburn, razor burn, set make up, freshen up whilst sitting out in the sun it's a great multi purpose product that should be in everyone's holiday bag.



*PR Sample

My Everyday Face

Whilst I may have aspirations to look uber glamourous at work when it comes down to it I'd prefer that extra five minutes in bed - yes I love the snooze button. I also find that as I spend most of my day darting in and out of meetings I've yet to find a look that remains the same with little more than a touch of lipstick between meetings - until now.

A combination of products I'd been sent to review and those I've brought or were at my disposal have helped me create the perfect low maintenance look that suits me on a day to day basis.

I start with Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint* in Bare 01. This was my first foray into Liz Earle's make up range and I was a bit concerned about the shade as it looked too pale in the tube but applied to the face it works like a dream and is the right light coverage I prefer. I disguise any blemishes and my hated under eye circles with Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer in Sand and follow this with a dusting of Chanel Les Beiges No 30 all over the face. I'm so glad I finally gave in and purchased this product. Such a finely milled light powder that really does give that sheer glow to the skin.

A pop of colour on my cheeks is provided by Chanel's Creme Blush in Affinite applied with Real Techniques Due-Fibre Contour Brush. When I first went to buy this the sales assistant told me it wasn't right for me, I'm glad I disagreed.

Brows are filled in using either my Anastasia Brow Wiz or Mac Omega depending on my mood, which also depends on whether I sweep some Omega across my lid.

My love affair with mascara's continues in the form of Barry M's Lash Vegas*. By the end of the day I need to neither touch up or remove any black smudges under my eyes which is a major plus in my book. I can also finally understand the people who claim they cannot live without mascara as it changes the look of your eyes without needing to apply eye shadow.

Finally I hide my lack of sleep with Rimmel's Wake Me Up concealer and reach for one of my lipsticks, in this case Rosette by Clinque.

What I love about this look is if I'm heading out of an evening it's usually only necessary to add some more Les Beiges, maybe some blush and usually I'll go for a red lipstick (tonight it's Chanel Amant). I'm finding this low maintenance look really works for me right now.

Below you can see the before and after looks. I must stress that the after has not been photoshopped despite my hair being a different colour! I actually took the before picture in the morning and the after once I'd done the above touch ups when the evening light was coming through my window so it has shown up the colour in my hair better.

I'd love to know if you've tried any of these products or what you use in your minimal everyday make up or even if you think this is still too high maintenance. 

*PR Sample

Boots Beauty Haul

Last Friday I popped into my local Boots branch solely with purpose of picking up a new toner and treating myself with my hard earned advantage card points to Chanel Les Beiges. Clearly as the above photo demonstrates I got a little carried away...

Liz Earle is a new addition to this branch and to be honest I didn't even realise Boots stocked Liz Earle products. The Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a favourite of mine so being able to pick this up locally was a definite win for me. Of course I then got side tracked by the Limited Edition Grapefruit and Patchouli Cleanse & Polish. I'd seen news of this release and was tempted to buy but having an abundance of cleansers in my arsenal including the original C&P I certainly didn't need it and had managed to resist. But seeing it store and the opportunity to sniff and swatch I was sold. I LOVE the smell of grapefruit and there was no way I was leaving without this beauty. I've been using this every morning since and it's the perfect wake up call.

Chanel Les Beiges, a product I missed out on first time round due to procrastination. There was no way I was missing out on it's second release and there I was on the dot ready to make it mine. Applied in store the light weight powder feels and looks amazing. Since it's purchase I've merely admired it so will pop a full review up in due course.

Chanel Creme Blush, how did that happen?? Well when you're at the Chanel counter and they ask whether you'd like to try anything else what is a girl to do. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, which you can read here, I'd looked into these before but had been directed to the paler shades which were too similar to other blushes in my collection and didn't excite me as Infinite. Such a fabulous pink which adds an Autumnal pop of colour to the cheeks. Again thus far it's only been admired and swatched for my mum so she good feel how velvety smooth this is on the cheeks but as I type this I feel the urge to throw into tomorrow's make up bag.

And last but not least were the Limited Edition Duo Fibre Real Technique Brushes. Once again a product I'd resisted but read multiple reviews singing their praises and I just knew if I left it too much longer their existence in my life might escape me and we couldn't have that! 

The spending really must stop now in readiness for my trip the US next month because we all know there will be no resisting once I enter the hallowed walls of Sephora!