Products I Used Up | June 2017

No, it's not a typo these are last months empties and very soon you'll have this months and a flurry of empties posts since I found a whole bag filled with my 'beauty trash' of products I've yet photographed and shared with you. If in any doubt my mission to work through the products I have before repurchasing is going well.

First we step into the bathroom and finally I have finished my Champney's Citrus Blush Shower Mousse*. I say finally only because I feel like I have been using this product, admittedly off and on, for years! This is a product I would repurchase and it's perfect for this time of year and unlike any product I've used before. If you're bored of the usual gels, then I'd say give this a try for a more luxurious shower companion. 

When I first started using wash products for 'the intimate area' I thought it would be too much bother swapping between that and a regular shower gel but it's become something I don't even realise I'm doing now. Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* is less intrusive than the more well known offering Femfresh in large part because it's less 'obvious' in the bathroom. If you're a little shy about these matters then this is the product to use. I would repurchase, although it was Femfresh I did this month only because it was on offer and cheaper.

Another month, another stick of Sure Maximum Protection and this month a small mini that I have been carrying around in my handbag to ensure that I'm not 'that commuter' on the London Underground. I think we know the answer is a resounding yes to repurchasing.

As I had a spring clean of my bathroom I was amazed how much shampoo and conditioner I had in half used states so it's been my mission to ensure that they make there way to these posts. Last month it was TIGI S Factor that I finally said goodbye to. You can read my original review of the range to find out more but the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is the packaging - no one wants to fight with a shampoo morning when they just get out of bed.

I've moved onto salt sprays in recent weeks but prior to that I was using Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray*. This is more subtle than a salt spray but still adds some texture and better suited to cooler weather if hair is already a little dry and brittle. You can read my review of the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion range here. 

I've found that since returning to work I'm more active in applying hand cream once again and one I have used is Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate. This style of tube is one of my favorites as it's both small without lacking on product. I loved the scent of this as it was sweet and perfect for the Summer without being overpowering. 

The first three products that I used up last month you will note from my St Lucia Skincare regime and they are favourites. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a long term favourite and I absolutely love it in the spritzer version. Again I'm trying to use the toners that still sit in my stash but I will certainly repurchase again in the future. Liz Earle Eyebright I'm not so sure about repurchasing. I do love it, it's fantastic when eyes are particularly suffering due to hayfever but it's a product I forget to reach for or think about it so it goes a little unloved. I think I'll see whether it's missed.

A product that is missed is the B. Effective Stubborn Make Up Remover*. I thought this was just a nice product and happily returned to the Garnier Micellar Water once it was used up but I'm not enjoying it so much and missing the former.  The B. Make Up Remover is a bi-phase solution and I find it gentler on my eyes which is what I use micellar waters and the like for. I'll definitely be repurchasing this again in the future.

Ren Glycolactic Mask I have little to say about unfortunately as I think it sat on my shelf too long and when I have attempted to use it the smell is a little off so into the bin it goes. Let me know if you've used before and whether it's something I need to seek out in the future.

Janjira Illuminating Day Cream* is a product from the stash sitting half used that needed to be used up. The packing for this product is sleek and lux and I like the pump dispenser to avoid product finding it's way under my nails. It's a nice light moisturiser to use in the warmer months when my skin is oiler and sits at a mid range price point of £24 I would think about repurchasing if there wasn't so many other offerings on the high street that I'm keen to try. Or more importantly a basket filled with moisturisers I need to use up first.

Finally is Perricone Md Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment which I used as a second cleanse. This was an interesting product to use as my second cleanse as it's not one you use to wash off and it's somewhere between a liquid and gel that is nice to apply but I think I prefer my wash products and certainly those which aren't so expensive.

I was gutted when my travel sized Mac Fix+ came to an end and I had hoped to refill from my larger bottle but the cap has beaten me. For now I've got a couple of other fixing sprays I'd like to use first but I will be repurchasing soon as I love having this in my handbag to freshen up make up if I'm heading out after work.

As part of my declutter process I'm trying to be more diligent at discarding mascaras when they have been in use for some months and it's been a success. I don't wish to tempt fate but I've not had what was a sporadic but frequent eye infection since I've been adopting this tactic. Last months mascara empties were two from Chanel, the Le Volume Mascara and the L'Oreal Superstar. Interestingly I had the smaller travel sizes of the Chanel Le Volume and loved it but once I'd purchased full size I was less impressed and actually found it disappointing and with fall out. The L'Oreal Superstar Mascara I enjoyed and would repurchase but mindful of it's something of a faff applying the primer first and it's quite large and bulky packaging for a mascara.

Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen is a great concealer perfect for the better days when you've had a good nights sleep, or at least want to fake having had one. It's not a must have in that I would seek it out from a UK seller but if I come across it when I'm in the US later this year I'm sure I'll throw one into my basket.

Finally a perfume that I enjoyed but didn't love, YSL Black Opium. It's a strong heady scent with a slight sweetness so it's perfect for Summer evenings.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

My Current Everyday Beauty Favourites

There's a mixed bag of products in today's post but all ones that I've been using as part of my everyday routine. Some are perhaps not the most exciting and others might just pique your interest into wanting to know more.

We'll start in the bathroom with two from Soft & Gentle, a brand typically associated with antiperspirant. They have now expanded with the new intimate wash and care range. Starting with Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* which if you read the small print is 'ph balance for intimate skin' and 'gynaecologist approved'. In short Soft & Gentle Daily wash is a competitor to FemFresh. If the fact you're concerned that your intimate area but too embarrassed to pick up the recognisable FemFresh and have it sitting in your bathroom then Soft & Gentle's offering is certainly more discreet and looks like any old bottle of shower gel. The difference, unlike regular shower gel which has a PH balance sitting between 9 and 12, is that Soft & Gentle Gentle Daily Wash is PH balanced for the intimate area which sits around 4 - something to consider.

Next is a more familiar style of product although still new to the Soft & Gentle line up, their 2 in 1 Shower & Shave Mousse*. The difference? That PH balanced formula I referenced above is present in this mousse so it can be used in the bikini area. I haven't yet tested as such and have used in the traditional fashion for shaving and have no complaints. I have talked about this style of product in the past and do think 'is it necessary' when shower gel can do the job. Then I receive a can and realise how much easier shaving my legs is and a smoother finish.

John Frieda is a brand I've used often, long before I knew beauty blogging was such a thing. Interestingly despite regularly using the Brunette range once I'd 'gone blonde' I hadn't dabbled until now. Millie Mackintosh, she of Daily Mail tabloid fodder, was recently announced as the UK cretive collaborator for John Frieda. With that has come the release of the new John Frieda Sheer Blonde Honey Blonde Colour Illuminating Shampoo* (and a conditioner) available exclusively at Superdrug. Formulated with oatmeal and honey so that any golden tones are amplified, perfect for those with highlighted hair. Whilst there have been benefits to my blonde balayage and the dryness being one I do at times miss the shininess that I often took for granted as a brunette. No more thanks to the John Frieda shampoo which because it's formulated for those with colour treated hair there are no worries about colour stripping.

Toothpaste is not the sexiest of products but one I'm always keen to try as a smoker with a red wine habit. White Glo was originally developed for models and actors and is famous as one of the market leaders in Australia. Now available in the UK when I was asked if I wanted to try White Glo Professional Choice Whitening Toothpaste* I said yes - model figure no, but maybe theres an opportunity for model white teeth?

White Glo contains the same ingredient used by dentists in clinics, but if you've ever visited your dentist for teeth cleaning I can assure you that a tube of White Glo is much cheaper. The formulation will lighten any discolouration and yellowing of teeth from food, drink and yes, tobacco stains. I haven't used for such an extensive length of time that I can tell you I'm resembling Ross in that episode of Friends, you know the one I mean, but I can say that teeth do appear brighter and more noticeably so than other toothpastes I use.

I talked last week about how much I hated the taste of a toothpaste I used on holiday and was expecting similar from White Glo but I can happily say it was almost pleasant. There was that faint tang of bicarb but not overpoweringly so. This could be a definite keeper.

Anyone and everyone is having their lips done it seems and no fears of 'trout pout' seem to be slowing them down. If like me you're too scared to go under the needle then you might want to know more about Transformulas Lip Volume* 'a pain free alternative to cosmetic surgery and collagen'. I was skeptical at best about using this product and whilst I'm not going to tell you it takes you from Kylie circa 2011 to present day it will make a difference to your lips appearance.

I've been in a habit of slicking this on as part of my morning skincare regime and certainly feel that my lips look plumper. You can argue you'd expect that from the ingredients which enhance moisturisation of your lip but whatever it is, it works for me. Lipstick definitely has a better appearance when I apply after using Transformulas Lip Volume, especially those of the liquid variety. I have had a break from using due to putting it aside for photographing and missed its use but am now back to once again using on a daily basis, recommended time for use and full results after 30 days of treatment. At around £30 this is not the cheapest of products although comparable to a high end lipstick purchase and certainly cheaper than a cosmetic appointment. One particular point of note for me was that there is none of that 'tingling' often associated with products of it's type.

Finally I want to share two skincare heroes I've been using lately that are both ends of the price spectrum but very similar in type and results given. Starting with What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum* a brand that was new to me and again from Australian shores like White Glo.

Honestly I wasn't a fan at first, it felt too greasy, or certainly oily when I first applied despite the serum claiming a 'non-greasy formula'. For once my laziness worked in my favour and 'too busy' to swap the serum out for another it was what I continued to reach for, instead finding ways to 'make it work' and as time went on collecting comments about how good my skin looked and admiring how much better make up was sitting on my skin.

What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum is a blend of vitamins and plant extracts to give 'superior hydrating and skin cell renewal properties' offering treatment for; scarring and pigmentation, hydration and nourishment, skin balancing and skin cell renewal and it certainly gave me positive results. Typically I would have used this serum of an evening due to it's oily nature but with such great results by day I found that if I applied then made my commuter coffee and allowed it some time to sink in then I could apply moisturiser on top without any issues. If you have dry skin, and certainly as the colder weather sets in this could be a life saver.

From the affordable to the more costly and well known brand Dermalogica and their September release, Phyto Replenish Oil*. Priced at around the £60 mark this is for the skincare connoisseur and certainly the more sophisticated of the two products.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil* is a facial oil which will shield you against environmental stressors, smoothe lines whilst strengthen and restoring the skins natural protective barrier and all of that will ensure your skin looks healthy and locks in moisture for an all day glow.

If you have mature skin I'd direct you more to Dermalogica's offering which targets restoring your lipids, your natural protective oils, which take longer to recover in older age (just like hangovers) against the everyday stresses we are all familiar with.

I've used Phyto Replenish Oil less so than the aforementioned serum but it's been amazing to apply for days I'm at home and make up free and can still feel the moisture locked in whilst being a lighter formula. Tomorrow I'll be testing under make up so stay tuned. I'm not worried as Dermoalogica advise this is a multi-use product which you mix in with SPF and even primers. It's not one I'm ready to part with.

What 'not so exciting products' have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I've used up | January 2016

My first empties post of 2016 featuring a variety of products starting with the last product to make it's way into the pile, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo. This is an old favourite of mine but as I rotated products around my bathroom I'd shifted this larger bottle into my travel stash and would use to decant into smaller bottles I had. I took those smaller bottles to Florida with me and fell in love once again with this shampoo I'm definitely tempted to make a repurchase very soon. 

I'm a big fan of La Roche Posay and the Physiological Cleansing Gel* didn't disappoint for it's formula, packaging and ability to see when it was sadly coming to an end. Apparently the formula contains ingredients so gentle that they're used in contact lens solutions but that doesn't mean that it's too soft to remove all make up and grime from your face at the end of the day. 

Regular readers will know I'm loyal to Sure Maximum Protection for my deodorant needs but I'm not against trying new products. In this instance it was Dr Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant* which whilst not a competitor for my regular product was a pleasant one to use at night time. If you're a coconut lover this is one for you. Another deodorant I tried was from Soft & Gentle* and unfortunately it just didn't pack the punch I need either. Just call me sweaty betty!

Hot on the heels of the shampoo is L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Conditioner, both of which are great products for giving thick, glossy locks. Definitely one for the repurchase list. 

The MonuSpa Body Buffer* was a complete luxury product that I loved using and shows why sometimes it's worth spending the extra few pounds for bath time product. Whilst I have a healthy stash of Soap & Glory Body Scrubs to work through I will be considering a repurchase for when I want an additional pamper. 

I've had the Elegant Touch Drama Queen false nails have sat in a draw at home for some time and they finally made an appearance for a friends birthday dinner after Christmas. Despite my intentions of a full on manicure as usual time escaped me and instead I reached for these. Unlike the House of Holland nails I'd used these were much smaller in size and whilst still giving me talons I was able to 'function' much easier. They did mean I was unable to type as freely as I would like so I did soak them off the next day but it was worth it for a quick fix before a night out. 

Cocoa Brown Tan* is well known for being a well performing affordable tanning product and I can see why. I seem to have a rather large collection of tanning products without the frequent use and I'm trying to change that, hence Cocoa Brown's tanner finding its way into the empty pile. 

I used Bobbi Brown Corrector for years and whilst there is still a small offering left an end of year declutter I decided to put this in the trash. I haven't reached for it in months and other products are used with more frequency. Yes it knocks out the colour of my dark circles and will not sit in my fine lines but I have other products that I prefer these days. 

A product thats more function rather than one I have much to say on, Nails Inc Base Coat was my go to first step in my nail regimes. Again my end of year declutter highlights the abundance of nail products available to me so there is no need for a repurchase yet and I'm comfortable that many base coat products I've used do the same job.

As I enter 2016 I've decided I need to be more strict with my mascara and rather than flog to death, let them go when the time is needed. Two that have had the boot recently are NYX Propel My Lashes* which I loved and will repurchase when the time comes and L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara* from Just My Look which I didn't. I didn't enjoy the spindly brush nor clumpy look of my lashes. One very much, for the bin. 

I had been using YSL Touche Eclat for years and repurchased constantly. As I became less brand loyal, or shall we say experimental with my product ranges this product fell to the back of the draw and I don't know how long it's sat there. I have used sporadically throughout the year but as part of the already mentioned declutter it was time to let go. Yes I have my eyes on that collectors edition, stay tuned. 

Whilst on holiday and browsing the Sephora aisles I dithered whether to repurchase Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black in full size knowing the small rollerball had reached the end of it's life. In the end I decided to hold fire, sure I'll be in the US later in the year when I have less perfume lining my dressing table. 

And finally is Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion which was an amazing find last year. To target Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin as it's known it's worth the price tag. I'm lucky that I only have a small patch on one of my legs but this cleared it up a treat. As usual with my usage I'm sporadic but nonetheless when used properly this product works a treat. The only reason I won't be repurchasing yet is I managed to pick up an alternative in the US, once again stay tuned!

*this post contains press samples 

In Flight Essentials | Short Haul Flights

Most of my previous flights to date have been long haul and therefore my in flight essentials have been hardier than what was needed for a two hour trip to Ibiza. That said I still wanted to have one or two items with me to ensure that I didn't look too travel wearing when I arrived at my hotel.

Avenue Thermal Water Spray*
Yes this is essentially a can of water but it's nonetheless a travel essential for me and always appears in my beach bag or as part of my sightseeing kit. For flights it's just the thing to refresh the face and combat dehydration from the cabin air. It's also handy to have on hand for sunburn and other irritations you might experience on your trip.

Soft & Gentle Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Deodorant*
This is in no way a contender for Sure Maximum Protection but it's perfectly adequate to freshen up before your land and board a sweaty coach to your destination. It was also handy to throw into my bag when I travelled to visit my parents on the Island or reach for when needed. Sometimes a spray is what you need to feel the gap when a cream would be too messy.

Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer
I travelled to the airport by train for this trip so on top of that, the flight and a coach journey a hand sanitizer was definitely required. I also knew I was in a middle seat on the plane and unsure how easy I'd be able to get in and out of my seat so wanted to ensure I could still keep my hands clean as necessary. The current flavour I'm using is Candy Apple from the Halloween range - it makes me smile every time I use it as it reminds me Apple Sourz from my youth!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour Cheek Gelee, Getaway Red
I love this Cheek Gelee from Josie Maran I often wonder why I haven't purchased more from the range. In any case this is a perfect blush for travelling as it requires no brushes and adds a flush of colour which can be needed if feeling a little peaky from travelling.

Trilogy CoQ10 Age Proof Eye Recovery Concentration*
I've become quite taken with this rollerball from Trilogy since featuring it in my Hydrating Skincare Favourites post. When I was putting together my inflight kit I knew this was perfect for travelling with me. For a two hour flight I knew I wouldn't be bothered with removing make up and applying creams and such but also that my eyes would suffer more than most. Having this rollerball to hand for reapplying when my eyes needed it ensured I didn't look like I'd spent the night in club already.


NYX Butter Lipstick, Coral Red*
Since appearing in my April Favourites I've found it hard to turn to any other lipstick lately, fearing this might actually be one I used up before the end of the year I use it so frequently. As I mentioned in that post it's the perfect red for the time of year and the formulation doesn't leave lips dry.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My Holy Grail Product and one I'm never without. A touch up of this powder and an addition of the aforementioned lipstick and cheek gelee and I was good to go on arrival. Obviously this powder was also perfect for tackling shine throughout my holiday.

Roger & Gallet Fleur d'Osmanthus Hand Balm*
I used this hand cream religiously on holiday. I don't know what was going on but whatever I seemed to do my hands were crying out for moisture. This was a fruity fragrance just perfect for a Summer holiday.

DrPawPaw Original Clear Balm*
Not only perfect for your holidays this is a product that could also come in handy during the festival season. A balm containing papaya, olive oil and Aloe Vera oil that is perfect for skin irritations such as sunburn. This tiny tube can be used to stray hairs, massage into cuticles and as a lip balm. I had it on hand mainly for it's lip balm properties but during the week I was away it was nice to have something for looking after my nails. Even better it's a UK made product.

So there's a peek at what I take on a flight with me, what are your essentials?

*PR Samples