2017 FAVOURITE FAVOURITES | PART 2

*this post contains affiliate links and/or press samples

If we can all just overlook my New Year 'announcements' about my posting schedule and indeed the lack of any posts since that very announcement and instead dive into Part 2 of my yearly favourites. Yes it may be woefully overdue but it is (April!) favourites time.

Once again my review of 2017 favourites features items that were very much staples throughout the year. Everyone approaches their yearly favourites different whether only speaking of new releases from that year or items that featured in monthly favourites. For my review I like to reference the products that were picked up repeatedly, not just over one or two months but over the course of that year.

All that said my first two favourites were a 2017 release, They're Real Double The Lip from Benefit*. A quirky innovative product that features a teardrop shaped bullet in two complimenting shades. The darker tip provides your liner and the fuller end fills in your lip. Admittedly I haven't paid much attention to the application process and it's been the shades Revved Up Red and Nude Scandal that I've enjoyed. Revved Up Red is the perfect everyday red shade, not too bright but enough pigment to have my favoured red lip in evidence. The 'USP' of this release was it's method of tilting the lip bullet to apply your lip liner and then using the fuller part to fill the lip. For me I tend to just apply in one go and find it works well enough although as wear has applied the teardrop shaped has rounded so even if I were to use the application method (and indeed my application is reason enough for the shape to change) it wouldn't quite work. And more sadly as I reached for Revved Up Red last week the bullet, which is thinner than your regular lipstick actually snapped leaving me devastated. Now I'm slightly torn with whether to replace or rely on the other 3973729576 red lipsticks I own!

Another favourite which is reached for when the Autumn season arrives but is still being reached for as recently as last week is Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Plum Rose. This Milani lipstick feels oddly nostalgic in so much as it feels like the traditional lipsticks I knew and loved in my younger years. The packaging isn't anything special and the lipstick formula is rich and creamy. Not matte, not a liquid lipstick just a good old lipstick. The shade Plum Rose is described as a rich mauve but on the pink end of the scale. You're wearing lipstick but its an obvious subtle shade which I find more wearable than a nude.

When I did want a nude it was Burts Bees Lip Shimmer in Peony I'd reach for. I think I saw this on Alessandra Steinherr and was instantly taken with it as if I'm wearing a nude lip I like a pink tone. On that note Mac Syrup has been another and longterm favourite and recently repurchased. Both shades are easy wearable Pinks. The cliched 'your lips but better'  and really I'm inclined to abandon any other nude shades and stick with these. Burts Bees as the name suggests has a shimmer whereas Mac Syrup whilst a lustre is more subtle. Both these shades compliment the rare occasions I wear a heavier eye look or more likely the days I wanted to wear lipstick but didn't want the full impact of a red or similar.

The final in the lip pick for 2017 is a strange one because its a favourite on one hand and troublesome on the other. To explain the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil hit the beauty scene and everyone was in raptures and I was somewhat bemused at 'how good could it really be'. I then received a sample and first couple of uses I felt that it was nice but still didn't join the bandwagon. As I'm in the continued state of wanting to use what I have before I'm able to purchase others I had this sitting atop my dressing table and would apply as part of my morning and evening skincare regimes and watched my lips transform from a dry mess that I finally saw what everyone was raving about.

So impressed was I that I decided to purchase in it's full size, picking Red Berry to add a tint to my lips and I once again swayed from loving and hating the product in equal measure. I certainly found Red Berry stickier than the one I'd previously used and in part due to my lip colour found it didn't so much as add any colour apart from some pooling around my lip line. I also wasn't a fan of the large sized applicator, prefer a more traditional size, the larger seeming to make far too much mess and cause wastage. I still found the quality of the product itself and the benefits to my lips outweighed any of my gripes and I would buy again, just perhaps in the traditional 'shade'.

Perhaps my stand out product of 2017 and even into 2018 has been Milani's Luminiso Blush. A cult blogger favourite that I've myself mentioned many times on these pages it's a fail safe blush which accompanies any make up look. On appearance it's a peach shade but leans enough to the pink to make it a colour I enjoy to wear. There is a shimmer but not sparkle that suit my mature skin and it's pigmented enough to make a statement without being overbearing. On my trip to the US last year I picked up a replacement as unfortunately the product outlasted the packaging and it was making transporting it cumbersome and I didn't want to find myself in a situation where it became damaged and I was left without.

Finally it's my mascara favourite, all from L'Oreal who have become, if not always been my go to brand for mascara and last years picks were; Volume Million So Couture, False Lash Sculpt and Lash Paradise. Volume Million and False Lash Sculpt were a duo I enjoyed together, the former a fave alone for simple looks. The favourite for long volumised lashes was Lash Paradise and I agree with all the rave reviews but for the fact on me it does have some fall out but there are few mascaras that I don't suffer that fate with.

Sorry this post took so long for me to hit publish on and indeed I do hope I can pick up with some more regularly blogging in coming weeks - I've missed it.

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

Monthly Beauty Favourites | March 2017

Before I jetted off to St Lucia I found myself reaching for a small handful of products as I dashed about prepping for my trip to the Caribbean that I'm sharing with you today. First is an oldie, that having scanned my blog pages I'm somewhat horrified to discover is nearly three years old.

The Clarins Bronzing Duo was one my first blogger inspired purchases and one I reached for and used frequently. In fact I was so overjoyed when I hit pan that I repurchased during a duty free visit yet I still haven't managed to use up completely. That said it may be time to pop this in the empties pile and crack open the new one.

The Clarins Bronzing Duo is as the name suggests complementing lighter and darker shades. I either swirl across the pan using both shades or if I'm feeling attentive use the darker for some basic contouring; the former is my usual preference. Its a gorgeous finely milled powder that adds some much needed warmth to the skin and is perfect for those days when I'm not looking to be too exact with application.

A similar product, and again one I'm using for quick and simple make up looks is the Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Rose Champagne. This is another double duty product, allowing a flush of colour to the cheeks and enough of a shimmer to act as a subtle highlighter without needing additional products. If I'm just looking to bronze and add a red lip this is the perfect addition to my line up.

Wading through products trying to decide what is to be used or passed over I found the Laura Geller Pout Perfection Lip Liner in Cabernet and its become a firm favourite, even joining me on holiday. The shade is a pink, not nude enough for such looks, but coloured just right if you want to make more of an impact without going all out fuchsia. It's a lovely liner that feels creamy to apply thanks to Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. I'll definitely check out more shades from Laura Geller's Lip Liner collection.

I first received the By Terry Light Expert Click Brush* a year ago and it had fallen to the back of a draw till a recent rummage and I dug out thinking it would be perfect for my current preference of light coverage bases. I don't know if I had simply forgot how lovely this product was or it was the fact it meets my current needs but I'm reaching for this often and enjoying the coverage it provides.

You can read my initial review to find out more but what I can tell you now is that you simply click the brush and four drops of product are released into the brush and you then buff into skin; its actually a great product for travelling and I only left it behind because the shade is too light.

It's such a light feeling product that blends beautifully into the skin and feels like satin and with my Clarins Bronzer and Rose Champagne it's a perfect combo that's quick and easy to apply. Whilst the colour range is small they have added another three shades to the line up so if you can find a good fit it's one to try.

Finally is another hit from Palmer's, the Raw Shea Body Lotion* containing raw, natural Shea Butter which has been sustainably sourced in Africa. I favour the pump dispenser, I find I'm more likely to apply a body lotion if I can pump the product out and I wanted to ensure skin was moisturised in advance of hitting the St Lucian beaches.

I did expect this to heavier than it is, and I mean that in a positive way. If I've bothered to apply body lotion I certainly don't want to hang around waiting for it to dry or spending what feels like hours rubbing into skin. The scent is enjoyable and combining Shea Butter, Marula, Oatmeal, Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E, all ingredients that help to seal in moisture and calm any irritation.

It's a simple no nonsense product that keeps my skin feeling great and for a few pounds. Also shout out to Raw Shea Hand Cream* which again, I expected and does feel thick on application but is rubbed in quickly and easily and has been placed by sofa at home for reapplying as I need - and no tackiness which I appreciate.

What products have you loved this month?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Products I've Used Up | Skincare

I love to see a pile of skincare empties as a reward to myself that I have been regularly following a skincare regime although it is sad to say goodbye to some of these products.

Let's start with cleansers and first Eloquence Beauty Purifying Cleanser*. I was newly introduced to the brand and enjoyed all of the products I was able to test. As a cleanser I preferred this for my morning cleanse and the packaging definitely makes it a product I would think of when looking for a cleanser to travel with as it ticks all boxes and would work well for removing make up.
You can read a full review of Eloquence Beauty here.

Next is an old favourite that I'm sure I've had far longer than I should it's a worry my face didn't drop off. Cleansing Balms are something of a 'thing' in blogger circles and I like to think I was unintentionally ahead of myself when I discovered Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm. I initially saw this in Space NK, balked at the £50 price tag and then managed to purchase from QVC for half price. The problem is now I would happily pay the higher price because I really loved this cleanser. Whilst I enjoy using cleansing balms in there more traditional solid form found in pots which you 'dig out' and rub in, this is a balm 'liquid' which is dispensed via the pump. Far less faff in my opinion.

A pricey serum which I used as part of the Pycnogenol Challenge was Clarins Double Serum - Complete Age Control Concentrate*. We're told that if we're to spend our money on one particular skincare product it should be our serum and I would happily spend my pounds on this Clarins Serum. As I explained in my original post on the challenge I used this serum alongside supplements and couldn't deny that my skin was in the best condition it had been for a while, I feel that was down to the products I was using, namely the serum.

Transformulas Marine Miracle EyeZone* was the right mix of a light formula whilst packing a punch with its powerful ingredients which you can read about in my full review here. My eye area is the one I have most 'concern' for and I'm always conscious of keeping any fine lines in check and I can report that this product helped to do this.

A more affordable and subtle primer than say Benefit Professional is Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur* which I enjoyed using. I am using up my collection of primers which is made harder due to finding I've taken a step backward and am skipping the step! You can read a full review here.

I enjoyed the Nip+Fab Kale Make Up Removing Pads* for those nights when all I could manage is falling into bed. That said sometimes my eye make up would be irritating me and I'd reach for these in my bedside cabinet. My only major gripe is that they're quite small and I'd find I'd have to use a few before my face was clean. There's a full review here.

I wasn't particularly excited about F.O.Y Moisturising Day Cream* but nonetheless I used diligently that its made it's way into this post. Initially lacklustre about this day cream on use it did its job well and was a perfect cream for my mature skin whilst still wanting something light enough to combat the heat. You can read my review of the F.O.Y range here.

AEOS is a new to me brand that I've had an opportunity to try via their travel try me kit. I have a mix of the products in my travel minis draw and you will have seen the Hydrating Mist in my holiday skincare regime. Two products I used up swiftly were AEOS Gentle Cleansing Lotion (Blue)* and
AEOS Energising Conditioner*. This is a pricey brand with products around the £50 mark and whilst they have been nice to use I'm not sure if there's anything about them that makes me want to repurchase at that price. The cleansing lotion was akin to the usual wash off formulas and the Energising Condition whilst a nice step, was an extra one I don't think I want nor need.

Finally is the AVENE Micellar Water which I have little to say about other than it's handy size was perfect for nights away. It removed make up easily and I would repurchase but more than likely I'd go for a 'cheaper' option.

What skincare products have you been using up?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Pycnogenol Challenge with Holland & Barrett

Whilst I cover skincare frequently on Florence and Mary I am no expert. Of course over the course of testing and trialling products I am able to review on these pages and make recommendations for friends, learning more and more about the ingredients that make up some of our favourite products.

A new ingredient I have recently learned of is Pycnogenol, used in many skincare products such as Clarins Double Serum* but can be taken in supplement form available from Holland & Barrett. I could of course recite all the clinical studies that have been carried out and blind you with science but in short Pycnogenol is 50 times more potent than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C and whatever for you choose to take it, it will enhance skin skin elasticity and leave you with healthy glowing skin.

I was asked to take the Pycnogenol supplements whilst using Clarins Double Serum and report back on my findings. There are a number of things I can state from my experience before talking about the products further. Using the serum was easily done. It slotted into my skincare regime easily and worked alongside other products I was testing. It was quite a nice experience to use a product in its entirety before switching to something new and you will see it appear in my monthly empties post.

Using the supplements was less easy to get used to. I found that putting them on my desk at work helped as I would take one before lunch but I did forget here and there. I've never been someone to readily take supplements so this was a new experience to me and these aren't something 'cheap' to pick up but if used properly in comparison to the cost of some skincare products or if you're not particularly into your skincare it could easily be an alternative.

Over the month period in which I used these products I was pleased with the results and can still see them paying off. Pycnogenol will even increase the presence of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen in the skin, which if you read my earlier post about Hydrating Skincare from Pixi you'll know I'm often keen for a boost in those areas. I certainly found that my skin looked better in appearance, more luminous and any lines were less evident.

I often talk about skincare and say it's often hard to say what is and isn't working, and what results would or wouldn't be evident using just a basic regime but I can't deny that despite late nights, exposure to the sun - another benefit of using Pycnogenol is prevention of UV damage - and all the other stresses I put my skin through I've had none of the usual side effects evident. It's interesting to note that as I type this post and have come to the end of the trial I'm finding one or two of the other niggles rearing their head whether it's dry patch or a new line deepening.

I'm keen to explore this trial further, wondering whether I can use the supplements alongside other serums in my skincare cabinet and I'll still see the benefits - I just need to remember to take them regularly!

Do you regularly use skincare supplements or is this a new concept for you?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Clarins Gift With Purchase at Debenhams

Whether you're a brand devotee or a beauty blogger looking for an excuse opportunity to try some new products there is nothing better than a gift with purchase offer. Right now Clarins has a rather fabulous gift with purchase online at Debenhams*. until Sunday 7th August.

As is typical with such offers you're required to make a purchase of two or more Clarin's products before you receive your bag of goodies, at least one from their range of skincare - my pick would be Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which you'll have recently seen in my monthly favourites.

Your Clarins Gift with Purchase includes, and is held within a pretty beauty bag which is the perfect size for holding all your Clarins products ready for any forthcoming holidays. Inside you'll find Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser 50ml* which is a deliciously orange scented product. This cleanser made it's way in my Empties way back in 2014. It's a gritty gel like texture which is ideal if like me you can be lax with your skincare regime, skipped a mask or two and need something to freshen up the skin. It's perfect for holidays if you are a fan of tanning and need to ensure any dead skin is sloughed away - just remember SPF. I've been enjoying this recently targeted around my nose where blackheads tend to gather, especially from wearing sunglasses since the sun has appeared in the UK.

Next you'll find a 15ml size of Clarins HydraQuench Cream* which I'm tucking away for my next long haul flight as this will be perfect to ensure my skin stays hydrated during the flight so I can arrive to my desitination looking radiant even if jetlag is starting to kick in. It's worth exploring the HydraQuench range to make up your qualifying purchases whether it's the Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask which I enjoy using overnight, especially when I'm hungover or Clarins HydraQuench Replenishing Lip Balm which Lupita Nyong'o had to hand the night she won her Oscar.

Your final two products are for that extra bit of pampering, Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion* and a Mini Instant Light Lip Comfort* the latter being the product I'm keen to try once I rid myself of a pesky cold sore. The lip treatment has a non-sticky, lip plumping formula which has made itself rather popular on other blogs.

If you're keen for some more suggestions on what to buy from Clarin's then another favourite of mine is the Clarins Bronzing Duo; this is a product I actually hit pan on and repurchased which says alot! See it in action here.

If you want to pick to take advantage of this offer you can order online at Debenhams right now.

March 2016 Beauty Favourites

My blogging mojo has certainly returned the past couple of months and I feel like I've found 'my groove'. As such I've been testing, rediscovering and enjoying many products which I will have already shared, or plan to in their own posts. This month's 'dedicated' favourites post features those which I haven't yet shared with you.

First up is a product I am seriously regretting buying in the smaller size, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish in the the Limited Edition Sweet Orange and Mint scent. I've discussed Cleanse and Polish numerous times and it remains one of my favourite cleansers to rely on. I wasn't actually in the market for a cleanser when I stumbled across the new limited editions last year, one sniff and I couldn't resist with some attempt at 'being sensible' with this small size. As I'm starting to recognise the extra effort required from a pump I can sense I may be nearing the end. I prefer to use this in the mornings although it works perfectly fine as an evening cleanse depending on the amount of make up you may be wearing. For that reason Cleanse & Polish is often the one I'll take on holiday with me for ease. On the bright side I did give the newest scent from Liz Earle, Rose and Cedant a sniff the other day and once again Liz Earle have managed to create a rose scent I like.

Next up is Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, two cult products that once again I've had for some time but never really paid attention to. I had some sporadic use of Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and must admit it didn't have much of an impact on me but since I've got into a regular routine of using once a week I've certainly goldieforway a difference in my hair. A weekly detox to remove all product residue, hard water minerals, pollutants and the like. I'm not one for using numerous products on my my hair but it does get particularly greasy and along with another shampoo and conditioner duo I'm using that hasn't been too much of a problem. It's on the pricey side but despite weekly use I'm not finding I'm going through it at too rapid a rate to make it seem too expensive to repurchase.

Clarin's Beauty Flash Balm was a gift with purchase I can't even remember and it's sat in the draw for far too long. As I was having my 'must use what I have moment' and enjoying testing out various primers, of which this is recommended for use I moved it onto my dressing table.

It does seem to be something of a marmite product in the beauty world, you either love it or hate it. Some say it adds a glow to your skin and they claim to 'erase traces of dull, lifeless skin' and others just complain it does nothing for them or makes them look oily. I can understand that and don't think it's a product I'll be using as the weather warms up but during Spring it's coming up a treat. I reach for it when I've had a sleepless night or maybe a night on the town and want to perk up my skin and really feel like it does. Combing with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid really does amp up the glow and it stops Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation appear too flat.

I do apologise for repeating myself but as I work my way through the Spring Cleaning of my make up stash I've been moving products onto my dressing table to decide if they should stay or go. Two that have been under scrutiny and passed the test are Benefit's Hervana Blush and L'Oreal Amber Rush Infallible Eyeshadow.

I literally cannot give you an explanation for why I original purchased Hervana, was it blogger influenced I don't know as when I look at it, or certainly until recently it wasn't a blush that made me particularly excited. Suddenly I can't be parted from it and it's not be moved on so I can test other products I'm enjoying having it regularly to hand. A mix of shades that I just swirl my brush in it gives a subtle stain finish which brightens up my day time look. Perfect paired with a brighter lip or smokey eye I'm glad to have rediscovered it.

L'Oreal Amber Rush I do remember purchasing. This is one of those 'only available in the US' products and was on every 'things to buy when visiting the US' post. Duly I did as instructed and then admittedly, as we many eyeshadows I cast aside. Why I ask myself. Only the other day I was in the bathroom washing my hands as a friend tried to talk to me and I had to apologise as I was not listening and admiring my sparkly eyes. I don't have the best eyelids, or shall I say smoothest and perhaps it's time to leave the sparkle to others but I'm not ready yet. It's a perfect one shadow colour paired with some mascara and perhaps liner.

Finally it's too lip products that in colour are not too dissimilar but certainly are in finish.  Benecos Lipstick in Marry Me* I've only just recently shared with you and that's how it's found it's way into my favourites pile. Initially tested and then added to the every growing pile of lipsticks I can't bear to part with I started wearing again to remind myself what I thought for the blog post. Suddenly it's in the everyday pile and I'm reaching for it often. As I explained in my Benecos review its a reddish pink perfect for the current season.

Likewise NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo is a the opposite of Marry Me in formula but the shade a raspberry pink works well, again for those days when I'm not feeling a bold lip but want more colour than a nude.

Stay tuned for another selection of favourites from my bathroom and don't forget to share with me what you've been loving this month.

Products I Used Up on holiday

A bonus empties post for this month thanks to my recent trip to Dubai with plenty to talk about so let's dive straight in.

Radox Invigorate Shower Gel*
A bottle of Radox shower gel often accompanies me on holiday especially when I am travelling with friends or family as it's a great sharer. Ben and I happily worked our way through the lemon and rosemary scent particularly as we needed as much 'invigorating' as possible due to being in ultra relaxation mode whilst away. It wasn't quite full when we left the UK but there was plenty for over the ten day period in addition to another shower gel I was using (more on that coming up soon).

Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo & Conditioner
I threw this sachets of the Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo & Conditioner (along with my surf spray) on a whim thinking they'd be ideal for days I wanted to let hair dry naturally and add a bit of texture. I completely fell back in love with the Surf range which I hadn't used over Winter and will definitely be stocking up for my trip to Ibiza in 3 weeks.

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Cream*
This was a great holiday moisturiser, light, hydrating and contained SPF. You can see the rest of my holiday skincare regime in last weeks post or follow the link for my review of The Body Shop Aloe Range.

Clayspray Aloeveratherapy - White Clay and Aloe Vera*
Just because I was on holiday I didn't want to abandon my weekly face masks so poor Ben had to endure my walking out the bathroom with various versions on my face. I threw a Clayspray sachet into my make up bag as it was the perfect travel companion. I'm going to publish a more formal review soon of the Clayspray range but I can say I enjoyed this mask, feeling cool on application and quickly tighten (so Ben had a few moments of silence from my jabbering). The White Clay and Aloe Vera mask was to comfort and soften reactive skin which was just what I needed.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray*
Battling the excessive heat of Dubai a make up setting spray was essential to ensure my make up didn't slip off my face throughout the evening. A great combo with Chanel Les Beiges and I will certainly be repurchasing.

Korres Milk Proteins 3 in 1 Cleanser, Toner & Eye Make Up Remover
I'd had little opportunity to use such a small sample of Korres 3 in 1 Cleanser but my outbound flight was the perfect opportunity. As I was flying overnight I arrived at the airport with a face full of make up that I wanted to remove when I settled down to try and get some sleep. The Korres all in once cleanser contains lactose and amino acids to nourish the skin and add a hydrating film which is a necessity in the recycled air of a planes cabin. It quickly removed make up to provide the base for all my facial spritz applied throughout the flight.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream*
It was a no brainer that the Fleur de Figuier hand cream would join me on holiday along with the Fleur de Figuier Perfume. I can't bear dry hands and never more so than flying and I spent much of the flight and week away reapplying this cream so much so that it made it's way to the empties pile. Will I repurchase - most certainly.

Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara
This was one of my first 'the beauty blogger made me do it' purchases and something I don't use often but essential for nights out. By day I tend to leave my bottom lashes au natural but at night it adds a little something extra I like. I fully intended to repurchase this at World Duty Free on my way home but completely forgot so it will be added to the Ibiza Duty Free wish list in a couple of weeks. Lastly - how have the drugstores not duped this yet?

Palmers Foot Magic Scrub*
Days spent in flip-flops and nights in heels I didn't want to abandon my Palmers Pedicures whilst on holiday so took along this gritty foot scrub to treat my feet. It was great to apply in the shower and keep my feet tip top whilst away and I will definitely repurchase as I liked the harsher scrub for my feet than the body versions have.

Bath & Body Works Island Margarita Santizing Hand Gel
Previously this hand gel was kept on my desk at work and I threw into my hand luggage for the flight. The scent of this is amazing and frequently on using at work someone would comment on 'you smell nice' - not bad for something to fight germs. Whilst I did visit a Bath & BodyWorks at Dubai Mall I was completely overwhelmed and decided to wait for a haul when I hopefully visit Rose at the end of the year.

Clarins Moisturiser with SPF
I forgot to note exactly what product this was but remember receiving as a sample during a Sephora visit last year and being told it was a great SPF. Such a small tube I thought it was perfect to use quickly during my trip. As an SPF it worked great and I can report that this in addition to all the other facial SPFs I used created a great tan on my face with no obvious damage. As for the formula of this cream it was thin and certainly of the 'watery' variety but none the less was absorbed into the skin effectively.

Superdrug Cotton Wool Oval Pads
I wouldn't usually throw my empty packs of Cotton Wool Pads into my empties post but as this are different from my usual Boots version I thought I'd offer comment. I picked these up during a Superdrug visit and I'm sure there was a usual 3 for 2 offer of similar so I had been using at home prior to my holiday also. On first use I wasn't too happy, they seemed to become wetter and soggier than their Boots counterparts but as I became used to them I was able to make things work - and avoid being  so heavy handed with my toners and the like. Their texture was also more wiry than I was used to which was also another plus against, that said they did perform their function adequately. Would I choose these over the Boots Cotton Pads? No but if I was in Superdrug and needed cotton wool pads I would happily pick these up.

Palmers Dark Chocolate & Cherry Tinted Lip Balm*
I picked the Palmers Tinted Lip Balm for my hand luggage as it's tint would add a little colour to my make up free face during the flight and likewise on the beach if I felt my lips getting a little dry. Unfortunately it was a casualty of the Dubai heat and managed to break, melt into the lid during my stay.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Mosituring Boosting Masks*
I no longer fly without having one of the Hydraluron Sheet Masks in my case to apply at the other end to combat the cabin air. Whilst I don't find any benefits from using Hydraluron serum on a regular basis due to other products in my regime the masks are something I rely upon to give that extra boost the skin needs. If you have any long haul flights on the cards I'd highly recommend you pick some of these up.

So there you have a rather extensive holiday empties post. It's quite fun to have had a holiday three weeks prior to my next as I have a great idea for what I do and don't need to take along with me. Anything you spot that you always use up on holiday?

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July Empties | Part 2

July Beauty Empties

We know the drill so let's dive straight in.

Mitchum Deodorant link
This is not strictly an empty more of a product that didn't work for me as I didn't even get to the bottom of this tube before repurchasing my favoured Sure Maximum Protection. This just didn't do anything for me and in this heat I need something that stands the test of time and this really wasn't it.

Molecule 01 link
You can read my review of Molecule 01 here and as that states I can't make my mind up about this scent. On a personal level there was nothing impressive about wearing Molecule 01, there were not hoards of men chasing after me, I couldn't really smell anything but whenever I'd just about given up I'd put it on in an effort to use up the bottle and someone would always comment on my smelling nice. For this reason I can't decide whether I would repurchase or not.

Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser link
This was a gift from my friend Rose as being a bit too harsh for her sensitive skin. I'm not too into manual exfoliating these days but every so often my skin can feel a little rough if I'm been lax on the usual regimes, or I have a random spot of milia pop up that needs some attention. As one would expect from it's orange extract this smells amazing and is lovely to use in the mornings. It's very gel like in texture with the added grit which as I often find with these things seem to stick around despite thinking I've removed every last trace. It wouldn't be the first thing I rush to repurchase but if I were looking for an exfoliating cleanser this is where I would head.

Barry M Lash Vegas Mascara* link
This was probably one of the first drugstore mascara's I had tried in a long time and it had the thumbs up from me. You can see it in action in this post. This is one of those reliable mascara's that lengthens lashes, isn't too wet (my bugbear with mascaras), there's no waiting for it to dry out it's a good all rounder that I would definitely repurchase if it wasn't for the fact I seem to currently have an abundance of mascaras in my stash.

Wilkinson Sword Quattro Razors
Its not surprise that with tights banished to the back of drawers whilst the sun is shining and bare legs on show razor's are making an appearance in this month's empties. You can read my review of the Wilkinson Sword Quattro Razor here and needless to say I'm a fan having repurchased razors to use on multiple occasions. Even if I'm being lazy and doing a quick shave with purely the wipe over of a baby wipe and some moisturiser these razors do the job.

Some hits and missed in this post, anything you have an opinion on? Don't forget to check out Part 1 here.

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April Favourites



The month of April was a favourite in itself due to my birthday, parents 40^th wedding anniversary and of course my amazing trip to America, that said it seemed harder than usual to pinpoint one or two favourites for you. You’ll see one or two of my everyday favourites in the multiple empties posts coming up (read part one here) but here are a few others worth a mention.

eBags Large Packing Cubes, 3pc Set  

After watching Miss Glam’s packing video (find it here) when she featured some packing cubes I went straight onto google to hunt down them down for myself. I love packing and due to the clothes need for my trip combined with a desire to do some shopping whilst in the US I knew organisation was required. I hate how clothes arrive at your chosen destination, muddled up no matter how much attention has been given to packing and folding neatly but these three packing cubes made it a dream – and even better when my case was overweight on one leg I simply removed one of these cubes and popped it into my hand luggage. They were also handy for dividing clean and dirty clothing as I moved locations. I’ll never travel without them in the future and will definitely think about adding some varied sizes for other items I usually take with me such as chargers and the like.

Twizzlers 

When I first visited the US many years ago I discussed Twizzlers and my friend will forever remind me of the ridiculous large tub I purchased and how she would wake in the morning to hear my chomping away on a Twizzler. Packs are always brought by myself or as gifts for others who have travelled stateside and of course this month’s trip was no difference. If I’m honest they are possibly falling out of favour to Swedish Fish, another sugary treat but for now Twizzler’s will always have a special place in my heart – even if everyone else I know hates them!

Clarins Bronzing Duo 

In the past bronzers have always been scary things and I tended to avoid using them for fear of that tangoed look. The first bronzer I went to when I decided to dabble was the Clarins Bronzing Duo. it looked complimentary to my skin tone as well as not too orange and I have used it frequently. The past months I’ve become braver with bronzers, tackling contouring (amateurishly) so it had been cast aside until for other products until I was pulling together make up for my trip. I would usually swirl the two colours together and apply for a natural bronzed glow but newfound knowledge led me to realise that I would be able to use the darker side as a contour as well as my usual method. We all know that a two in one product is the best for travelling and it didn’t let me down.

Chanel Le VolumeMascara 

Once again when packing for my trip I opted for the mini sized Chanel Le Volume mascara but there was nothing mini about my lashes when I used this. I will definitely be adding it to the wishlist and thinking about making it my Duty Free purchase when I visit the airport again in September. Available in a waterproof version if that is your preference this macara will not disappoint. It didn’t top my love for Tarte’s Lights Camera Lashes which I featured in my March favourites here but it could very well be my second favourite.

Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighter 

Highlighters, apart from their neon yellow form as a on the desk staple were something that had not even appear on my radar, even during the peak of the Kardashian hype. Now suddenly there is a highlighter in my life that makes the monthly favourites spot and that is the gorgeous Bar of Gold from Charlotte Tilbury.

Any beauty lover will remember the hype surrounding Charlotte Tilbury’s make up range launch and I managed to show restraint and waited to put some items on my Christmas list. Ben kindly brought some bits and pieces (and never lets me forget his horror at how much make up costs!) including the Bar of Gold highlighter.

Firstly this not a cheap highlighter and even I was shocked at the size of it, cute it may be but it’s definitely on the smaller than I expected size – I mean bars of gold always seem so large in the movies. But all that aside it is a stunning product and one I have reached for more often than not when occasion calls for it. The champagne gold finely milled powder is both subtle yet obvious but not scary it literally does what it says on the tin and as someone who is conscious of highlighting the wrong parts, ie lines and pores this doesn’t cause any problems at all.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner 

This Bumble and Bumble duo was among my first beauty products purchased whilst in San Francisco’s branch of Sephora (the rest of the purchases can be found on Instagram here) and only came about by chance due to their far too tempting beauty bars which sits beside the till points. The shampoo I took on my holidays wasn’t one of my favourites so I thought I’d dive straight into using these and once I saw the results anything else was cast aside. Since my return I’m trying to finish the dregs of other products and am definitely missing my thicken shampoo. My hair certainly felt fuller and far more voluminous on my travels which isn’t always the case when battling high heats and humidity. I will definitely be purchasing full sizes of these babies when the time comes.

What did you love during the month of April?

What's in my travel make up bag

Whilst I'm not afraid to visit my local supermarket on a Sunday with a make up free face the same can not be said of travel when there's the impromptu flash of a camera possible at any moment. That said I like to keep things simple so it's easy to remove once I've boarded the plane and reapply when coming in to land - here's what I added to my inflight make up bag.

No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation
I wouldn't usually bother with foundation for a flight but as I wanted to take my current fave on holiday with me I threw this into my make up bag. Whilst I usually apply this foundation with a brush I've discovered for a lighter base using the fingers works well

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
The concealer no beauty bloggers make up bag is without. Aside from it's brilliance I chose this as it's coming to it's end and could possibly find it's way into my holiday empties post

Chanel Les Beiges
My holy grail product from Chanel that sets everything in place without caking and instantly makes me look alive.

Clarins Bronzing Duo
There's no time for contouring during travel so instead I reunited myself with an old favourite, the Clarin's Bronzing Duo to add some colour to my face. Not a necessity but a pleasant addition nonetheless.

Chanel Creme Blush - Affinite
This blush is both easy to apply with the fingers and my go to whenever I want a pop of colour on the cheeks

MAC Paint Pot - Painterly
I didn't want to bother with eye shadow, brushes etc whilst travelling and I've been using Mac's Painterly as a base for some time now. I like the simplicity of this on the lid with some eyeliner and it's so easily applied with fingers.

Chanel Eyeliner - Ambre
Chanel's black kohl was a must have for me years ago and I mistakenly brought in the brown and left it abandoned for years until recently when I prefer to wear something more subtle.

Maybelline BROWdrama
The simple theme continues for brows with a product you can see reviewed in full here.

Barry M Gelly Lips - Capella
Lip crayons are fantastic for travel and the Barry M Gelly Lips being one of the thinner this easily slipped into the make up bag for a pretty pink on my lips.

I didn't take any photos of the look whilst travelling but you can see it in action here when I gave it a test run when I popped out for dinner last weekend.

Not bad for avoiding scaring the immigration officials and everything above fitted neatly in the smaller of this clear make up bag set from Marks & Spencer which you can find here.

February 2014 Empties

My pile of empties for February is very skincare heavy with some new and old favourites so let's dive in so I can get this pile of bottles thrown away.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic link
Unless we're talking exfoliating toners not too other's are seen frequently popping up in blog posts so I tend to always gravitate to what I know and that's Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - especially now it's available in Boots. I've spoke about this toner before so you'll know it's a favourite and will obviously repurchase (in fact I already have) but if you have other recommendations do leave them in the comments.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion link
This is a slight empty 'cheat' as I found this bottle when I was moving furniture from my bedroom but I fear it could've been hiding for some time. I haven't repurchased this recently as I find it's more suitable in the Summer when I'm suffering from hayfever eyes but there have been one or two mornings lately when I wished for this to give myself a jolt in the morning.

Clarins Gentle Eye Make-up Remover link
This was a 'meh' product for me. It did what it said on the tin but I didn't find for it's price tag it was any better than L'Oreal's offering. In fact I often found that when I used this I had that glassy film over my contact lenses which no one likes. This year I'll save myself a few pennies and stick with the drugstore versions.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum* link
I was given this serum to try following a launch event I attended last year and was gutted when the final drops disappeared from the gorgeous pink packaging. This serum has a lovely light gel like texture which instantly boosted my skin that it was a go to in the mornings. Practically marketed just for me as someone who gets little sleep, drinks, smokes and does everything bad for you this luxe bottle helped me from looking like I had only managed a few hours sleep on many occasions. This is must repurchase from me although it will have to be with some advantage card points as I'm on a major spending ban right now.

Sure Maximum Protection link
A product you're probably sick of me talking about having reviewed it here and repurchased it here so I think we'll leave it as I'm a fan and this is my go to deodorant.

Givenchy Very Irresistible link
I can't even begin to describe fragrances beyond I did/didn't like it and it's either floral or strong. I've just hopped online to have a look at some better descriptions of it's scent (aromatic floral) and I'm not surprised I like it, I definitely think this could be one for my Duty Free shopping list. This handy sample size was thrown in my make up bag and came in very handy on a couple of occasions when I forgot to put perfume on before leaving the house.

The Comforter Bubble Bar link & Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic link
Two Lush products bit the dust this month, The Comforter which I've already talked about here and the Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic. The Fizzbanger was purchase purely for amusement and it did just that. I'm not sure I'd repurchase again but it was fun to enjoy the product whizzing around the bath and spilling out it's turquoise blue lava.

So that's the lot for February, I'm on a bit of a spending ban now as I said in preparation for my holiday in just forty-something days so hopefully I'll be able to make use of the products I already have at home and start shopping my stash,

*PR Sample

#theSOproject // Bronzer

Another week, another #theSOproject post and now things are getting interesting as we start talking about dare I say the fun stuff. We have our fabulous bases thanks to last weeks Foundation post which you can find here and now it's the turn of the products that add colour and life to faces, this week Bronzer.

Bronzer is traditionally used to give our skins a bit of colour . If you want to add a golden or bronze glow to your skin, reach for the bronzer, not your foundation a shade darker.

I've always been a little clueless where Bronzer has been concerned. I'm not sure why, maybe it's my previous inability to apply or at least know how to apply properly or simply picking the wrong shade but there is the fear that I will make myself look less bronzed and more orange.

As you can see from my photo I don't have a heavy stash of bronzers, the first and most used from Clarins which I only brought back in May following my desire to recreate a Tanya Burr tutorial. Since then it is a staple in my make up bag and I tend to apply to the recommended highpoints of my face rather than frantically swirling all over until I resemble an Oompa Loompa. That said sometimes I need a light dusting all over depending on the base I'm using that day.

Of course now we are also using Bronzers for contouring which is when I reach for either the Sleek Contour Kit or my Barry M Natural Dazzle* both being matte and fit for purpose. I won't delve too much into contouring for this post as it's still something I'm getting to grips with and certainly not something I would do on a daily basis.

It's always good to learn from someone else mistakes so here is what I've learnt about Bronzer.

• Your bronzer should only be two shades darker than your natural skin tone which if you choose to go a step further into contouring will help create your blank canvas for contouring.
• Always apply in light coats and build up the colour until you get the look you desire
• Apply to the top of your forehead, your cheekbones and along your jawline forming a 3 shape on either side of the face.
• Choose a matte bronzer rather than one with shimmer if you're masking imperfections

On what Bronzers are on my wishlist because I surely must add to my stash, well of course it goes without saying Nars Laguna (I can't wait to see if this features in numerous posts this evening!) and when I visit the US next month I'm hoping to pick up Tarte Amazonian Clay.

*PR Sample