Products I've used up | February 2016

I was ready to start this month's empties post announcing how I would be adding any products I have tried and not been a fan of into these monthly posts. I have one problem, the product in question this month being La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion* but I've subsequently realised I was using it incorrectly so let's pretend it's not there and move on to the products I am able to speak of.

I was not a big fan of Maybelline Baby Lips when I first tried them buying into the hype that was across social media. That aside it was sat on my desk and came in handy when I wasn't interested in touching up my lipstick but either needed some colour or to fill in where lipstick had left nothing but liner. I clearly have changed my view as I have repurchased the Cherry version and it is back sitting on my desk for when needed.

I'm not going to say too much about Regenerate Toothpaste* as I will have a full blog post coming up soon, including their teeth whitening products. I can say that as a competitor to my favoured Breathe Company version it faired well. For me its all about the taste as I expect the usual results from any toothpaste I use and this one did not cause any disappointments.

Lush Salted Coconut Hand Scrub was a fun product to try from Lush and smelt delicious. I did enjoy adding this to my manicure regime and would repurchase but not in any hurry. I make the assumption that any scrub I use on my body will have some impact on my hands and as I'm not a fan of my weekly manicures this is a step I'll skip.

I've had the odd small bottle of Lancome Tonique Doceur come through my skincare stash on a couple of occasions. As toners go this is pleasant to use but certainly not something that I would warrant the extra expense on.

I whizzed through Eloquence Beauty's Serum* over the past couple of months which shows that I was reluctant to swap it out of my routine. I enjoy discovering serums that can be used in the morning and not interfere make up and this was one of these. Not too heavy and filled with skin plumping ingredients that leave my skin look fresh and awake it's definitely a product I would return to. Find out more about Eloquence Beauty in this post.

Teeth whitening is something I'm having a bit of a moment with although like most things it's slighty sporadic. The iWhite system* featured in my Oscars Red Carpet Ready post and it's quick and simple to use which of course appeals to my desire not to add anything too cumbersome into already overloaded routines.

Finally and just because is another of my favourite Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant. It's monthly appearance means you already know it's a favourite.

What have you been using up this month?

*this post contains press samples

New Launch | Batiste Sweetie Dry Shampoo

I'm pretty loyal to Batiste Brunette Dry Shampoo but when I was sent the new release Batiste Sweetie* I was more than happy to give it a try. With a cute russian doll design and raspberry and vanilla scent what was not to like?

My preference for the Brunette version is I find it's more forgiving on my darker hair but to be honest I either wash my hair or spray some Batiste into my roots, brush out and then tie into a pony tale - if you can manage to have second or third day hair that looks good I'm in envy of you!

Batiste comes into its own for me as a staple to freshen up my hair after a day in the office when an impromptu invitation comes up. A good shake, a spritz into my roots and I look ready to tackle the dance floor.

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to recommend the use of dry shampoo on young children but I'm sure this would be a favourite for them. I know when my niece visits she loves for me to 'style' her hair and use some Batiste and it avoids any struggles if not a fan of hair washing time.

Have you tried Batiste Sweetie?

*this post contains press samples

February 2016 Beauty Favourites

I've been enjoying my return to blogging following my hiatus earlier this year and with that has come the rediscovery of old products and the introduction of some new finds to my daily regimes.

The first new discovery was Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer* which I shared with you last week in this post. There was a time when primer was something I saved for nights out or occasions where applying make up was done at my leisure. Now it's part of my daily make up routine and I feel and look better for it. Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer smooths out skin and provides a base for my make up whilst avoiding stripping my skin. I've moved on to testing a new primer this week but rest assured this is a product that will be returning.

Favourites posts contain some scorn from readers for being a jumble of PR samples and never less than when a product is shown that barely look used. There is some fear that that view could be taken with Rossi Cleansing Oil* as it doesn't even look like I've touched it. I can only say take my word for it that that isn't the case and it only goes to show the thickness of this oil and how little you need to use. I have been comparing to another cleansing oil in my stash but it's still been used more often than not and is something I'm enjoying using. As I've often mentioned my evening cleansing routine is not something I rush to do but Rossi Cleansing Oil has seen me more enthusiastic as it works so quickly without fuss. Read my full review here.

A rediscovery this month has been Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Stick. I picked up the shade INSERT when I was in the US some time ago after seeing it used for contouring and wanted to try for myself. I never found that it was something I got along with and into the drawer it when. During my recent declutter and pulling out products to try and see if they really were destined to be passed on I fell in love. I'm by no means skilled with contouring and nor do I try that hard but the Foundation Stick seems to work far better for me at the moment than any powder. Simply swipe in the hollows and blend out.

You would've thought that I'd have picked up one of the famous Sephora Lip Stains far earlier than my recent trip to Florida. For whatever reason I'd held off and now regret not picking up sooner, and only 01 Always Red. I used this for the first time and was bowled over but its staying power. Usually by the time I've reached the office a couple of cigarettes and a morning coffee mean that any lipstick I have on is a distant memory, the Sephora Lip Stain lasted until lunchtime.  Amazing stuff and one to try.

The final favourite is the Zoeva Pink Spectrum Blush Palette* which makes picking a blush in the morning easy whilst still allowing me to have a choice and change up my look. Usually I find blush palettes either have too similar shades or too varied, and whilst there are four shades of pink so no great differences the variety of finishes make subtle differences I enjoy playing with.

What have been your favourites this month?

*this post contains press samples

National Cereal Day with Nutribix

Today is National Cereal Day and I have a confession to make, I don't really like cereal. Well that's not exactly true, I do but you see I don't drink milk so therefore any cereal I have is dry. Yes I'm sure you're all scrunching up your nose at this right now.

Usually I rely on cereal bars for my breakfast fix but as I embark once again on a Slimming World journey this week I'd like to try and find a better alternative, enter Nutribix*. Nutribix has to versions, Gold and Grains and a gluten free version that launched last year found on the aisles of your regular supermarket.

Despite my image above and my subsequent announcement regarding my cereal preferences I have been using my supply of Nutribix is another manner. Instead I have used them as the main ingredient to making the famous Slimming World Weetabix Muffins. I substituted Weetabix with Nutribix and voila I was good to go.

As you only need two Nutribix to one Muller Lite Yoghurt (the other main ingredient) which will make four muffins. Your yoghurt flavours the muffins and you can add in any other fruits you might like to pack a punch. It's so quick and easy to do that every couple of days I can make up a batch ready to eat on the train with my morning coffee. Perfect.

I can't promise my Slimming World journey will be easy nor consistent but Nutribix and these muffins will be.

What's your favourite cereal?

*this post contains press samples

Beauty Picks for Mother's Day

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the UK and I'm sure we're all looking forward to spoiling our mum's with a few gifts. As is customary in blogging circles here's a rundown of one or two of my suggestions you might want to pick up for your mum if you're planning on shopping today.

Years ago I myself would have turned up my nose a little at hand or foot creams as gifts, now, hand cream especially is one of my favourite things to receive. I could literally put together a post of my favourite offerings across all budgets but Crabtree and Evelyn and Soap & Glory are good places to start.

These handy size tubes from Crabtree and Evelyn are only £5 and available in your local Waitrose and can be added to a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers for an extra touch. Currently I'm favouring the Pomegranate scent but there are plenty to choice from.

Heading to Boots there is of course a wealth of gifts for you to choose from. Does your mum like sweet scents and fun packaging then Soap and Glory have you covered across the board. You already know my bathroom is stocked up their range of body scrubs but in my bedside draw you'll find a tube of Heel Genius which I pop on my feet at bedtime.

Another brand I'm a huge fan of is Roger and Gallet, they too have some handy sized hand creams, and try anything from the Fleur de Figuier range - its an amazing scent and included in the new body balms I spoke on in a post earlier this week. I've tried shower gels and body lotions and not one product has let me down yet. Track the range down in your favourite Marks and Spencer beauty hall.

My mum enjoys make up and is a fan of using her hands for applying make up but she has been musing lately about getting herself 'some nice brushes'. Perhaps I could help her our but gifting her the Zoeva Rose Gold Brush Set*. I've recently had a chance to try one or two brushes from the Zoeva range and found them to be exceptional despite their lower price tag. They are comparable to Real Techniques both in price and quality and dare I say look a little more attractive sitting on the dressing table.

As you know I'm not a fan of rose scented products but many are. There have been one or two rose scents that I have enjoyed this year, none more surprising than Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 20*. This was created to celebrated Liz Earle's 20th anniversary and I was expecting to think 'very nice but not for me'. Instead I was met with a sophisticated scent of rose that didn't make me wrinkle my nose up.

Another rose product I've found myself enjoying recently is Pixi Beauty Rose Oil Blend*. One of the more affordable serum's around with pleasing packaging that is very 'instagram worthy'. The Rose Oil Blend will help provide all those things mature skins want; luminosity, rejuvenation and radiance. Along with the scent of rose geranium oils there's sweet almond, jojoba and others which make this something I'm enjoying. If your worries are dehydrated, dull or sagging skin then this is the moisture you or your mum might need.

MonuSpa Rosewood Reviving Mist* has been a saviour for me this week whilst being unwell this week. With a changing temperature and moving from the cold outside to stuffy and warm a refreshing mist has been just the thing to keep me going through the day. It has a zesty fragrance which provides the perfect pick me up and would be great for any mum's that enjoy their sports of travel a lot and like to have a hit of moisture when needed.

Another skincare treat for mums who like their products to be multi-tasking is Weleda Almond Oil*. Whether you want to use this as a facial treatment for sensitive skin, eye make up remover or on dry cuticles you can use this nourishing treatment as you see fit. I have mine sitting in my bedside table so that I can reach for it when I need it.

My final shout out goes to Champneys who you may remember recently went under a huge rebranding.  Maybe you want to plan a spa trip for you and your mum or just simply allow her to have the experience at home now you can pick from any of their easily identified ranges such as Heavenly Days or Summer Dreams. My top pick for any new mums is Champney's Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist* with lavender, geranium and chamomile create a soothing aroma that you simply spritz over bed linen and allow yourself to settle for a perfect nights sleep.

Are you giving your mum any beauty products tomorrow?

*this post contains press samples