Products I Used Up | May 2017

May I continued to make headway with my mission to use up products I own but it's always sad to see Chanel in an empties post - and costly if I'm going to repurchase!

First is Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Twist & Spray travel set, the final bottle since recently appearing in my April favourites. A classic signature scent that I would typically repurchasing but for now I'll be enjoying my new Summer scents and other perfumes in my collection and I'll save the repurchase for later in the year when I hit Duty Free - now if there was ever a mission to declutter that perfume collection.

Once again another 'holy grail' and favourite product, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder which due to broken packaging, not reaching for so often of late and it being the 'final dregs' I decided to say goodbye. I'm certain this will be a product I'll repurchase but for now I want to try and use and test alternative products I own before I do so. I'm not back at work and this was previously a handbag staple so I'm keen to see if it's absence becomes something I need to replace urgently.

Regular staples and repurchases come in the form of Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant* and an evening bubble bath. This month I'd tried Imperial Leather Relaxing Sleep Bubble Bath and unfortunately wasn't a fan. A strange gripe was that I found it 'dolloped' into the bath rather than poured out of the bottle. I don't know why this bothered me but it did. I also found it didn't create as many bubbles as I usually find with my Radox. For now I'm enjoying This Works Deep Sleep Bath Salts.

Two hand cream minis, L'Occitane Vitoria Regia and Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair both of which were enjoyable but nothing I'm rushing to repurchase. I found the L'Occtane a thinner formula than Liz Earle but the latter was a perfect mini size for travel or in your handbag.

I always enjoy when I find make up appearing in my empties, and more so at the moment as I continue my declutter. With a brand new Clarins Bronzing Duo sitting untouched in my drawer it was madness I was clinging to this older version to avoid wasting.  I've spoke of the Clarins Bronzing Duo often and remembered how much I loved it back in March this year and it'll be nice to make a dent in a fresh one.

Another product that I dread to think how old it is (but I know my Mac lipstick collection moved from my parents to my flat over 7 years ago!) is Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Hot Gossip. I'm quite impressed that I obviously loved this product enough to have almost used it up but somewhere along the line it had become too hot and was broke and in a right old state so I've added it to a pile of products I have to 'Back to Mac'. For fans of Syrup lipstick from Mac you might like this shade. It's lovely for this time of year.

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Mascara is your typical product of it's type which I enjoyed using. I have since repurchased L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper which is not dissimilar although as a slightly smaller wand to work with. With Wet n Wild not readily available on the high street it's not something I'd need to hunt out but I might throw one into my basket when I'm next in the US.

The Portuguese toothpaste, Pasta Medicinal Couto was one I used for travel and in later weeks everyday to use up and it's not for me. If you're a fan of the traditional toothpastes that taste more like bicarbonate of soda them you may favour this. The tube was also a nightmare to squeeze from.

Peel of masks have been one of the latest trends and a source of great amusement of late and even my friend tagged me in one on Facebook but I'm pleased to say that Superdrug Black Seaweed Peel Off Mask* isn't one of the pain inducing ones. If you are one of those people who was a fan of painting your hands with glue to peel off then pick up one of these affordable masks from Superdrug at just 99p.

Containing Seaweed and Sea Buckthorn which will cleanse and detox the skin I didn't find this harsh at all and skin looked fresh and cleansed. I kept on for approx 15 mins and some of the thicker parts were still a little wet and had to be washed rather than peeled off but I appreciated that it was less messy than clay masks so can certainly see the appeal.

Skincare products used up recently including ALGENIST Genius Ultimate Anti-Ageing Cream* after using in Center Parcs and my previous years holidays. As I've said in previous features it's a mousse like texture which is step up from a thinner lotion but not as thick as heavier creams. It's a high end brand so perhaps a little more than I'd like to spend but never say never.

The Hero Project is a brand I only discovered last month and the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost* was my least favoured of the products. It's a gel like product, similar to Pixi's H20 Skindrink Hydration Gel which I prefer.

Dermalogica is a brand I feature regularly and their Intensive Eye Repair* is a great eye product I enjoyed using and as you will hear me talking often in my reviews of late I do feel that I have seen a significant improvement in my fine lines around my eyes and dark circles resulting in my concealers applying far better than ever without any creasing to speak of thanks to my under eyes being so hydrated.

It may be surprising that the only purchases I made from Sephora when I visited Las Vegas last year were from the Sephora mask range. I'm not yet fully on the sheet mask band wagon although we did enjoy one or two in St Lucia and I do appreciate them for ease.

The Sephora Collection Eye Mask, Pomegranate and Sleeping Mask are the ones I used prior to my first day back to work and both were pleasant to use. The pomegranate masks are to 'awaken and tone the skin' and reduce the signs of fatigue so it's something I picked as I was typically in the 'always tired' camp through lack of sleep.

I used some DHC eye masks during my trip to St Lucia and they were amazing, they are scheduled for review and whilst the Sephora versions were nice enough for their price they felt inferior to the DHC offering. They felt very thin yet evident on the skin and not quite the 'right fit'. As I say these are only niggles and wouldn't stop me using nor repurchasing but not quite a must have.

The Sleeping Mask was very interesting. It's size makes it great for travel and I was able to get two uses out of this capsule. It was somewhat like applying jelly to my face and I was particularly surprised how cooling it felt on the skin so I imagine it would be a lovely product in the current weather we're experiencing in the UK.

Another sad addition to my empties bag this month was What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum* which is a saviour for tired, dehydrated or dry skin. I was introduced to the brand via PR and it's one I will repurchase in the future most certainly. You can read more about my usage here and I won't say much more because I just might have a little giveaway featuring this product very soon.

Maybe it's my age but I'm just not jumping on the full lip bandwagon so I was less inclined to be overly impressed with Transformulas Lip Volume* than others but I can't denying, whether that placebo effect or not as I added a swipe in the mornings by way of my skincare regime I did feel like my lips look plumper.

I used the This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* as part of my Holiday Skincare Regime and continued using on my return. Interestingly it reminds me of my current serum from B. which I talked about in my New In Skincare post. This Works offers hydration but is a light formula so was perfect for the Carribean climate and would suit the current one in the UK right - the last thing I'm keen to do is pile too many oils and heavy serums onto my face. I'm also a fan of the pump dispensers. I'm currently experiencing a rage against pipettes which I find one a product gets halfway used they seem to stop picking up an product so instead I'm pouring onto my hand.

I am laughing to myself as a I have read the blurb on A-Derma Exomega Cleansing Oil* reading to link and have had the realisation that this cleansing oil is for the body not the skin which is how I was using it.  What is a shower product for eczema-prone skin I am able to tell you was amazing as a cleansing oil on my face so you could argue it does double duty. Perhaps not my smartest move and it'll teach me to read up about a product before I pile onto my face although it's a shame as I really enjoyed using this product.

Finally is a travel size of Colab Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo*  a product I will certain repurchase in it's mini form as I love to have a supply of this in my handbag of desk at work to give myself a little volume throughout the day. I have talked about Colab many times if you'd like to read more.

There ends my bumper post of empties throughout May; what products did you use up this month?

*this post contains press sample and / or affiliate links

St Lucia Skincare Regime

Following on from my post on DHC Cleansers today I'm sharing some more products in my skincare line up from my trip to St Lucia last month. First up is an impressive high street favourite, B Stubborn Make Up Remover* which is a dual action formula and certainly reminds me of the Clarins version, in fact I prefer its formula and price. I'm not someone who wears heavy eye make up but still prefers to remove what I do wear, including mascara before cleansing properly and this works a treat. I don't even find there is any left over product needing removal when I follow with an oil cleanser or similar. As I tend to use this for eye make up removal, similar products can leave the eye area irritated but I do not find that with the B make up remover with it's Vitamin B5 and Cucumber Juice ingredients. As a contact lense wear I can find dual action formulas or oils will leave a greasy film on my eyes but that is not a danger with this product and currently half price at Superdrug at only £3.95 this is a bargain.

Next up are two old favourites from Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer and Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion . The latter is the perfect product if you're a hayfever season, and like me you're starting to find yourself reaching for the antihistamines to avoid scratching your eyes out. If you're the type to lay back and relax soaking a cotton pad with Eyebright and then taking five definitely treats suffering eyes, or in my case on holiday I used the formula to refresh eyes before a night out.

The instant boost skin tonic is one of my favourite products and I especially love it's Spritzer bottle as I find it more favourable to use. Thanks to a combination of Caribbean sun, air conditioning and salt spray from one to many boat trips a quick spray from the skin tonic ensured my skin was hydrated and radiant looking.

My serum step was met by This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* which interestingly had been put on hold since my last Summer holiday. A a multi-tasking serum for lacklustre skin and notice a theme, adding hydration it was a light weight product that suited my vacations conditions. Applied in the mornings, or before heading out of an evening it's ingredients of Vitamin C and Red Algae Extract refine and brighten skin.

Having returned home to brighter, but cooler conditions than I was used to in St Lucia all these products remain in my skincare routine and work equally as well - the eyebright is certainly getting a lot of use thanks to the time of year.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Finding a Good Nights Sleep

I've discussed many times that I have dreadful sleeping patterns and habits. I will sit flicking through tv channels till all hours and even worse has been the latter months of my time at home that I find myself unable to kick start my day until early evening and continue through the night.

As I have begun interviewing for future jobs and my return to work is imminent I'm conscious of my need to adapt to normal business hours and an early morning commute into London that means trying to find one or two rituals and products that help relax me of an evening before bed.

First up is a relaxing bath, I've not a big relax in the bath fan I must confess but it's something I've enjoyed more off whilst having time at home and I've been using Imperial Leather Relaxing Sleep Bath Soak of an evening to unwind thanks to the Camomile and Ylang which aids restful sleep.

One ritual I'm find an ease at following is spraying my bedsheets with a pillow spray. I've been using pillow sprays for sometime although it's somewhat nicer currently that I can spray in a timely manner rather than spritzing moments before bed. The two I have in rotation at the moment are at two ends of the price spectrum, Ragdale Hall Sleep Pillow Mist is a mere £5 from Marks and Spencer and the mist I was first introduced to. For someone who usually turns their nose up at anything too 'lavender' this is a pleasing version of the scent that enjoy smelling as I might initially toss and turn in bed.

A little more expensive and to evoke the spa experience is Champney's Heavingly Days Pillow Mist* which also contains lavender mixed with geranium and chamomile and is a slightly more sophisticated smell and I also love spraying a little on my bedside lamp so that the scent 'burns' in the room creating a haven for bedtime.

This Works are well known for their pillow mist but it's the This Works Skin Deep Beauty Oil* which I keep in my bedside draw and apply the oil to my pulse points if I need to 'enhance feelings of well-being' and relax after a particularly stressful or tense day.

The final product is Melatonin in tablet form which is a manmade version of the hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle. My understanding is that it is only available to purchase over the counter in the US, where I picked up my stash and they have been used as an alternative to treating insomnia and for me they are priceless.

I had heard a lot about these through the wonder of the internet and finally purchased in Las Vegas last year but forgot about them as I struggled to fight my jetlag, when I finally remember I had them it was amazing at how they worked. My issue is primarily falling asleep and I find it difficult to switch off but all I need to do when I'm really struggling is to pop one of these tablets and find I drift off very quickly and easily.

So there are a few of my tools for finding a good nights sleep, what are yours?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Summer Travel Essentials

What's that we see in the sky? Could it be the sun? Yes the past two days have been glorious sunshine and whilst there may be rain on the horizon I thought I'd jump in quickly and share with you a few Summer essentials whether you'll be chasing the UK sun or travelling abroad like I am in two weeks time.

First up is MonuPlus Beauty Balm* which I've been enjoying on my no make up days at weekends. The MonuPlus Beauty Balm is designed to 'energise and awaken the complexion' with Orange and Neroli Essential Oils to calm redness and broken capillaries - so perfect if you've enjoyed two many margaritas and late nights on your holiday.

Applied after your moisturiser this is perfect for smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so a great addition before heading to the beach if you need a little more confidence. You can even apply a thick layer and leave for 15 minutes creating a mask that leaves skin looking it's best if you have a big night out on your holiday when you know lot's of selfies will be taken.

If you're travelling long haul on your holiday or staying in an air conditioned apartment then keeping your skin hydrated will be important. Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* is from an Australian brand using 100% natural ingredients such as Chamomile and Green Tea (to soothe and calm) and Pomegranate (to promote skin elasticity).

The perfect natural moisturiser which protects against dehydrating environmental effects it is easily absorbed in the skin and makes it the perfect addition to your in flight beauty kit.

When I am heading on holiday you could almost say I enjoy the packing and planning process more than the holiday itself. I love nothing more than putting together check lists and one of the things I always used to include was some sort of first aid kit. The reality was that beyond a few plasters and paracetamol for those hangovers the other bumph would be taking up unnecessary space.

That said I'm quite keen to make space for NatraSan First Aid Spray* in it's handy travel buddy size as I have a feeling it will come in handy. Whether you're backpacking or relaxing in a luxurious beach resort I think you'll find a use for this new first aid spray.

NatraSan First Aid Spray contains pure hypochlorous acid which is the body's own antiseptic. And what does that do? Helps our body to kill all manner of germs that can be found in planes (tray tables are apparently harbouring more bacteria than the toilets - yuk!) but its also effective against pesky bites, minor burns from that Summer BBQ.

This handy 100ml size is perfect to check the box for having something to tackle the chance of a bite but more importantly having a sanitiser on hand. Anything that says it kills 99.9999% of germs gets the thumbs up in my book. I'll be testing more thoroughly in a couple of weeks so stay tuned.

This Works is a brand that is far much more than their famous Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and recently I've had the opportunity to try out This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow*. Marketed as a 'battery pack in a bottle' this all in one serum and skin luminiser is great for those of us that find sleeping a challenge or perhaps are exhausted and sleep deprived with jet lag.

You can use This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* in place of or in addition to moisturiser so it makes a suitable companion for the Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* or MonuPlus Beauty Balm*. If you're looking to maximise your products on holiday and find those that can achieve multiple uses then why not try adding to your foundation or as an illuminating primer step.

Perhaps you're travelling for business and need to boost your mental and physical alertness then this formula that contains Ylang Ylang ticks the box as well as balancing Geranium and revitalising Rosemary. All these ingredients are there to uplift and leave your radiant for any day ahead even if it's just battling tourists on your City Break.

Another product from the brand is This Works Skin Deep Beauty Oil* which comes in a travel friendly rollerball. Applied to pulse points as either a fragrance or mood booster, thanks to the plant oil ingredients, during your flight or simply as on the go boost of hydration to your skin this is very much a handbag essential. It's a simple way to add a little first class luxury in even the smallest economy sized seat.

Moving on to more intimate products and the travel sized Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash* which I've blogged about in it's more traditional size here. No one wants their holiday spoiled by discomfort and irritation and all that sea and sand can cause havoc. Designed especially for 'down there' it's well worth sticking to your routine if you find regular shower gels lead to issues. I traveled with Femfresh Wipes* when I went to Florida earlier in the year and they really came in handy if you found yourself in a bathroom without toilet paper - and even for any handy cleans ups from sticky ice cream .

Finally it'll be no surprise that if I'm heading to warmer climates I'll be armed with Sure Maximum Protection* my everyday must-have essential. Yes I could find a smaller, more travel friendly deodorant but I'd rather not take the chance and like to stick with what I know. I might not be the most active person on holiday (I'll be watching beach volleyball rather than participating) I still like to ensure that the walk from the hotel to that beachside cocktail bar doesn't leave me a sweaty mess.

What are your Summer Holiday essentials?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links