2017 Fragrance Favourites

If you were to ask my holy grail fragrance it would be Chanel Coco Mademoiselle but two favourites this year that always make me smile and bring about a waft of memories are those that I reach for as the seasons change.

As the leaves turn orange and a chill in the air beings I bring out Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit and I am instantly ready for the fun that Autumn brings and indeed the festive season. Original released in 2013 as part of the Sugar and Spice Collection it was an instant hit but alas Limited Edition. Thankfully my prayers were answered when it was added to the line up of returning fragrances available only in London's Regent Street store.

I defy anyone to not find themselves licking their lips at the description of Ginger Biscuit from Jo Malone website 'Just-baked biscuit. Spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, melting into caramel. Butter crumbly with roasted hazelnuts. Warmed by tonka bean and vanilla. Irresistible.' literally good enough to eat.

This scent certainly has a sweetness but with an spiciness that makes it mature and warm and just perfect for this time of year. It's strong without being too overpowering and lasts well into the evening after it's first spritz. I am slowly coming to the end of this bottle so I will look forward to marking the arrival of Autumn this year with a trip to purchase a new bottle.

Summer still seems so far away but when it does indeed arrive I will be jumping straight back onto the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess bandwagon. I first picked up a bottle two Summers ago and have finished off one bottle already but I'm lucky enough to have a new bottle lined up ready to go but will once again make a plea that they offer a travel sized version.

It's everything cliched about scent for the Summer months yet with an anything but cliched finish. Again like Ginger Biscuit it's different from the fragrances I'd usually wear but it just works so perfectly for the warmer months and reminds me now of so many holidays I have been on.

What scents have you loved in 2017 or indeed are you looking forward to trying in 2018?

*this post contains affiliate links

Aldi Candles | A Jo Malone Dupe?

It's quite likely if our paths have crossed recently that you would have heard me wax lyrical about the joys of Aldi and indeed noticed a smattering of Aldi products starting to appear on these pages.

Whilst my Aldi love is in full force in recent months I was only dabbling at the beginning of the year and as such the realise of the candles being hailed in the press as dupes for Jo Malone had escaped. Luckily for me Aldi heard pleas from their customers and have now made them part of their standard range so I was able to pick them up for myself to try and see if indeed they were worthy of their dupe status.

On first impression you can't argue where their 'inspiration' has come from and indeed the fragrances are matched with Jo Malone offerings. Of course the biggest difference is the price tag. I've never treated myself to a Jo Malone candle - I'm prone to burning money at whim but the price of Jo Malone candles makes even me bulk. At just £3.99 I was happy to experiment with Aldi's offering.

I picked up each of the scents, Lime Basil and Mandarin, Blackberry Bay and Pomegranate Noir and started with the latter being my favourite scent from Jo Malone. On initial sniff the candle did indeed have that familiar scent but it wasn't as strong as I'd expected. When I use just a capful of the Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil my whole flat literally fills with the scent like no other product I've used before so I expected, even if not as strong it would still have some power behind it.

I lit the candle and nothing and I was disappointed. I belong to an Aldi group on Facebook and as with anything of it's type opinions were divided between those stating the candles had no scent, certainly in comparison to the first release which created such hype (and inflated prices on eBay) and others stating how fabulous they were. As I say for me there was nothing.

Now I am a smoker so I appreciate that any scented candle is fighting with cigarette smoke so I thought it could indeed be my 'testing conditions' but having conversations with friends and family who also tried them out they too fell the same.

I even added a dash of my Jo Malone Shower Gel to the wax to add a little punch and it did help but defeats the object somewhat.

I have since burnt the additional two scents and they were perhaps 'even worse' than Pomegranate Noir as I can smell nothing as they burn which is a shame. Even last week I saw someone shopping in Aldi with a friend, picking up a candle and declaring 'you need this in your life' so I presume she has a much better experience than I.

They have since released reed diffusers and in recent months I've had more positive effects from them in my home so I'm looking forward to trying those and hopefully finding a much better result but I will keep you posted.

Scent qualities aside as a candle they really to burn cleanly so it's just a shame they let down on scent. I will make do with stocking up on Bath and Bodyworks Mahogany Teakwood candles when I'm in the US next month - now that is a strong candle that works a treat for me.

Have you tried the Aldi candles? I'd love to hear if you had better success than I did.

Products I Used Up | February 2017

So it's not just monthly favourites that are back to Florence and Mary but here I am with a monthly empties post. This is just a small edit of the products that have made their way into the empties pile but they are the ones that I have used this month and at some point I will catch up with the backlog as it's not lost on me that I'm hoarding bags full of beauty trash which I'm not quite sure 'spark joy'.

First is L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal which my friend over in the US brought over for me on her last visit as apparently they cannot be sent by post. As she said 'what is in these'? I enjoy using exfoliating pads and of course being a US exclusive it made these more desirable but I have to say they were nothing special. With so many great versions, at all price points available in the UK and even those under £5 I featured on Monday which are as good by comparison this is not something I'd seek out again as a must have.

Two moisturisers that have been used up this month are DHC Beauty Lift Cream* and SKINeffects Active Day Face Cream* which have seen to different needs and meet different price points. I first tried the DHC Beauty Lift range* last Summer and I'm currently trying to work my way through using up lots of half used products and the Beauty Lift Cream was my moisturiser of choice recently. I referenced in my original post that this was too rich for daily use at the time but during the colder months when skin tended to be drier I found it was the right formula for tackling my skins needs. This is a pricey moisturiser at around the £50 mark which I'd be anxious at repurchasing but if you have the cash to splash it's filled with wonderful ingredients to fight those fine lines and feels wonderful on the skin.

SKINeffects Active Day Face Cream* by comparison is only £7.99 and available exclusively from Lloyds Pharmacy.  I receive a lot of traffic for this being hailed as a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream due to it's thick consistency. I have had this pot in my dish by my sofa to reach for and tackle the dry patches I find behind my ears which can be quite sore. I slather a layer of this on and it does the trick. Whilst my skin is always dryer during the Winter months it's not as dry as has been in recent years thanks to some wonderful heavy duty serums and oils I've been using so as a moisturiser for the face its too heavy for me but for those persistent dry patches it's a godsend and one I reach for to tackle my red nose if I'm suffering a cold and have spent too long blowing it.

Two products that have found there way to today's post hand in hand are the Sephora Rose Eye Mask and Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara.  The latter has been discontinued and they may give a nod to both this mascara's age and warn me of the dangers of trying to work through and declutter ones make up stash.

I've noticed on odd occasion this month that my eyes have been a little sensitive and sore which I mentioned in last weeks favourites was being helped by an eye gel. On one particular evening when I knew I had used this Urban Decay mascara and they really were causing me some discomfort I picked up my Sephora eye mask and soothed the area. These masks are affordable and great fun and probably the only product I wish Sephora was coming to the UK for. I have a few more from the range in my skincare draws so I will be trying some more out.

As for the mascara I can't say definitively it was at fault but I wasn't prepared to chance it again and as it's no longer available it seems foolish to work with something that I can never track down again. With it's curved brush which you can find from other brands and nothing amazing me on it's use it's time to say goodbye.

It was also bye bye to Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer* which has received a lot of coverage on these pages. Repeating what I've said in every post this is again a lovely primer and really does work to smooth out the skin and ready it for foundation application but is at a high price point that . In comparison to DHC Primer which I talked about in my monthly favourites this is definitely a thicker formula so depending on your priming needs I'll allow you to make your choices with what to spend and what you need.

As a blogger I should be allowed to come up with the perfect justification to buy any beauty product claiming it's 'research' or 'for the good of the blog'. The only problem with that is I only have one face and I'd rather use the products I'm lucky enough to be sent and provide thorough reviews on those products than chopping and changing more than necessary. That said there is something of a eureka moment when I find that I no longer have a particular product in my stash and can hit Boots and try out something new. In this instance it was only a deodorant but let's be thankful for the little things. It's well documented I favour Sure Maximum Protection and has ceased featuring in my empties as it was getting a little repetitive and instead sharing on Instagram but I wondered if I was indeed in a rut and decided to pick up Mitchum Gel Deodorant to compare.

Let's say sometimes you're not in a rut and simply know what product works for you. Whilst I used this completely as it wasn't dreadful and I'm spending more time on the sofa than running around an office of late it won't be something I repurchase and I will be returning to Sure forthwith. Firstly I would turn the dial to release the gel but it would almost pour out wasting a lot of product each time. I would also find that it was very wet under the arms leaving me doing a chicken dance before I could dress. That said the wetness would always feel ever present. Interestingly I discovered I tried the solid version of Mitchum and it was a fail so I think it's safe this is not a product that works for me.

Finally is a product that makes me weep with sadness that it is here, Jo Malone Bath Oil in Pomegranate Noir. My friend introduced me to Jo Malone many years ago and I still shed a tear that my cleaner broke the stopper on my glass bottle which I'd been refilling from the plastic packaging. This has been a repeatedly purchased product and one I love to use. The scent fills my bathroom and I just love the smell that floats around my home. My only complaint and wondering with Jo Malone is why they do not have a version with bubbles. There's something about climbing into a bath filled with bubbles and whilst the scent of this makes up for the lack of I do miss it. I'll definitely repurchase but think I might save as a treat for duty free or a reward when I finally find a new job.

What products have you used up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

January 2016 Beauty Favourites

I had intended to resume posting last week but with today, 1st February being a Monday and life still offering it's daily challenges I thought I'd give myself the extra week to get ahead with scheduling.

You will have noticed I missed out on Decembers favourites and whilst that was because I only had two offerings and their favoured state remained throughout the past couple of week I've bundled together to share with you today.

Starting with the Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette. Whilst December should've been a time for glitter and sparkles, and yes there was some of that, for the most part time was short and as such leisurely make up routines were not high on the agenda. That said I wasn't ready for make up free and still wanted to look my best and the Tarte palette is perfect for that. Everything you need bar your usual base, mascara and lipstick are housed in this palette taking any decision making about what to wear away. After applying base I can pick up this palette, throw the additional products in my bag and put on in a matter of minutes. You can see some swatches and in my earlier post.

Another palette which I've swiftly fallen in love with is the Lorac Riesling Romance Eyeshadow Palette which was released as part of the Christmas 2015 collection and sadly no longer available to buy. My friend Rose sent this as part of my Christmas gift and whilst I'm sure the shades of brown are blah to some of you to me it was perfect and was the only eyeshadow selection I took on holiday to Florida with me. Like all Lorac eyeshadows the colours are pigmented and creamy and blend like a dream.

Another gift from Rose was the Covergirl Star Wars Darkside Mascara. I'm by no means an uber Star Wars fan but I do love themed packaging and a bit of fun and was excited to try this. I was surprised considering the chunky packaging that there was such a thin plastic brush but it's worked a dream. The size of the brush allows you to coat all your lashes and they fan out and lengthen nicely to give the right balance for a dramatic day look. I rarely coat my bottom lashes in mascara but have used this. Covergirls offering shows gimmicks aside you can still create a good product.

Whilst I'm desperate to try the new foundation from Chanel's Les Beiges range it was Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid that accompanied me to Florida last month and reminded me how much I love it. Whilst holidaying my skin tends to be in much better condition as I'm better rested and relaxed and strangely tend to be more diligent with skincare regimes. This is a light coverage base which makes skin look as 'healthy' as they claim. I've spoke of it before and you may remember it was one use from a magazine sample that led me to making the full sized purchase. Despite being such a light coverage it gives a flawless natural base and I was quite pleased how my skin would look in my Disney selfies. My enthusiastic use means I'm currently squeezing every last drop as it reaches empty and I will definitely be repurchasing.

And finally Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit perfume the scent I might love even more than my 'signature' Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. A limited edition from yesteryear, recently returned and only available at the flagship store on Regent Street it was well worth every penny. Cheesily it's like a comforting hug especially at this time of year. I left this fragrance behind whilst on holiday and it brought an immediate smile back to my face when I returned and the chilly weather meant I was able to return to spritzing this long lasting, sweet yet mature scent.

What have you been loving this month?

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit is Back

I don't know who it is I have to thank for telling me Ginger Biscuit had returned to Jo Malone but as I do know as soon as I heard I planned a trip to the Regent Street store to treat myself to a bottle. There's the snag, it's back, but only in the new London flagship store along with nine other favourites.

Ginger Biscuit was part of the Sugar & Spice Collection way back in 2013 and was an instant sell out and only available in their smaller 30ml bottles. Favouring the scent at Winter, and let me tell you it's the perfect fragrance for the holiday season, I was able to avoid using it too quickly but now with an 80ml bottle in my position I can use with wild abandon.

This was a surprising hit for me as I'm not usually a fan of sweeter fragrances and Ginger Biscuit 'captures the scent of just-baked cookies spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and dipped in caramel' so that is certainly a list of ingredients good enough to eat.

For an extra £4 you can pick your own choice of bottle top. There are all manner of colours but I couldn't resist copper as I felt it matched the scent perfectly.

What is your favourite perfume for the Christmas period.

Airline Approved Beauty

When a trip to Edinburgh was discussed I was naturally enthusiastic. Flights and accommodation were booked and then it came to packing and I realised that I was only allowed hand luggage and that meant a limited selection of make up and beauty products - cue panic!

All the products shown above fitted in this airline approved travel bag from Sephora as well as a few samples of moisturisers and serums to use from Kiehls. These products are also those I generally know work well and with better planning and more time (packing was somewhat last minute) I might have put more thought into double duty products.

Soap & Glory Clean On Me link
You can't go wrong with a Soap & Glory shower gel. The right size for travel, wonderfully scented what more can you ask for? Soap & Glory are great for offering many of their product in travel sizes and often on 3 for 2 offers.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush link
My biggest worry was hair products. I'm so used to reaching for various products depending on whim but none were available to my in mini size nor suitable for decanting. I have since investigated and know that my favoured Bumble & Bumble Dryspun finish is available in travel size and have been testing Collab which I am loving and is also available in a handy travel size for forthcoming trips.

That aside I had a small can of Batiste in Blush available. As you will know I prefer the Brunette version which is only available in full size but the floral and fruity scented version did what I needed to give enough oomph to my hair.

Jo Malone Vitamin E Cream link
Adding this to the travel bag was something of a faux pas as I'd somehow read it was an eye cream, which it is not. I even used it as such and thought 'hmmm this is a bit greasy/oily/weird for an eye cream'. It was only the following day (when less cocktails had been consumed) I realised my error.

It's a shame I hadn't taken this along and used as intended it would've been just the thing. An oil-based moisturiser to treat dry, dehydrated or weathered skin would have been perfect after spending the day walking the cold windy streets of Edinburgh and battling snow storms. Likewise you can use on elbows, feet which I didn't benefit from during my stay. At least I'm informed for next time.

Avene Thermal Spring Water* link
The Avene Thermal Spring Water is fast becoming a travel essential for me having popped up in my beach bag and sightseeing essentials posts of last year. It was a no brainer to throw this handy can into my hand luggage. It's probably more suited to trips to sunnier climes but as a refresher from the biting wind we experienced this was perfect and suited my toner step in the regime.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish link
An oldie but a goodie. The cleanser of choice for me whenever I travel. I've little to say but a handy travel size cleansed that works in the am and pm and tackles make up as needed.

Nivea Men Aqua Cool Deodorant link
I don't know why I have this travel sized mens deodorant but I did and took it away with me. I don't mind using mens deodorants as I find they often have quite a pleasing scent and work a little harder than female equivalents.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil link
Whilst I had Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser by day (in sample form) due to my drier skin over Winter I still wanted to enjoy the indulgent evening step of an oil. It came to Tarte and their Pure Maracuja Oil to do the job. I love this oil (as you will know if you read this post) and as I type this post I'm wanting to dig it back out and start using day to day again.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner link
As I said products that travelled to Edinburgh were those that I rely on and enjoy using. Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner is a range that I repurchased almost immediately after sampling travel sizes (these are decanted as I kept the bottles for this purpose). You can read that post here. This duo was needed more than ever as I was travelling without my usual styling products and it gives me enough volume to get by.

I'd love to know how you manage to travel light when working with limited liquid allowances.

*PR Sample

Beauty Empties | January 2015

My mission to use up items from my stash continues with earnest in 2015 if no more because I like nothing more than writing my monthly empties post. So here is the first for the year

Bayliss & Harding French Lavender Relaxing Bath Foam link
Despite it's Molton Brown inspired packaging this is proof you get what you pay for. A pleasant enough product that had some scent to it there was no way it compared to more higher end products nor my favoured Radox which was promptly repurchased. Sometimes it's good to try something new, in this case it sadly wasn't the case.

Victoria Secrets Tweezers link
I picked these tweezers up solely because they have 'my name' emblazoned on them. They did the job for a small while but I believe I have used them for other means other than beauty purposes and they have bent so no longer able to function for purpose. I'll stick to my trusty Tweezerman.

Maybelline BROWdrama Sculpting Mascara link
I love the Maybelline BROWdrama for day to day use when I just can't be bothered to faff with eyebrows. A quick swipe of this sculpting mascara for brows and I'm ready to go. When I finished this I decided to see if I could manage without it, using the Rimmel Brow The Way but it just doesn't compare. I like the Rimmel version but it requires more thought and effort to work with so Maybelline's BROWdrama has been promptly repurchased.
You can see my original review of Maybelline BROWdrama here.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo & Conditioner link
John Frieda is a brand whose shampoos I love and can rely on and I have used, empties and repurchased many times. I currently have a large stash of shampoos and conditioners that I want to use up before I repurchase these but repurchase I will.

Sure Maximum Protection link
Shock horror, an empties post featuring Sure Maximum Protection. I've blogged about this product many times and it's a product I can rely. I'm actually using another deodorant at the moment and it's not quite acting as I would like so it's time to return to this trusty product.

Ragdale Hall Relax Restful Pillow & Body Mist link
I had long been intrigued by the rave reviews of This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray but at £16 I couldn't quite justify the purchase. I was overjoyed to spot a similar product in good old Marks and Spencer for a more purse friendly £5 and begun to love the ritual of spraying my pillows and the top of the duvet where I would snuggle and tuck myself at bedtime. There was some panic when it seemed to disappear from the M&S shelves and websites but I'm pleased to see it's been given a refresh and has once again appeared online along with a hand cream I have my eye on. Hopefully they will also return the Bath Essence which I enjoyed using.
You can see my original review of Ragdale Hall Pillow Mist here.

Jo Malone Pomengranite Noir Body Cream link
This small 15ml jar which appeared in my December Favourites was never going to last long but I throughly enjoyed using it. Would I repurchase the full size, maybe if I had some spare cash lying around but the reality is that I'm slack enough with body cream that the high street alternatives work just as well.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream link
This tube of foot cream used to sit on my coffee table at home alongside my other beauty bits that were to encourage me to pamper whilst I was in the couch potato zone. This is a nice cream, I could rub into my feet without fearing when I walked across the room I'd slip over. I would repurchase in a treat/money no object fashion but with so many cheaper alternatives available on the high street I might just try something else first.

Sephora Pomegranite Mask link
I had seen the new Sephora sheet mask range pop up on a few American blogs and YouTube channels so picked up one whilst in Vegas last year. I went for the Pomegranate Mask which was 'anti-fatigue and energising' which I thought was great for my jetlag. Obviously so fatigued was I that I couldn't even put a sheet mask across my face so instead I used this the night before my friends wedding. This was a great affordable product and I'd definitely try a few more from the range next time in the vicinity of a Sephora.

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit link
Another December Favourite made it's way into my empties post and this is a sad one for me. The end of a perfume that I loved and is no longer available. Once again Jo Malone - please re-release this one for me. This is the perfect Christmas fragrance and one I will miss this year. Original post can be read here.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser* link
I initially tried out this cleanser back in June (you can read about it in this post) and then cast it aside for other products. I recently dug it out as part of my use up what I have and now I've finished I'm regretting not adding it to my travel bag for any trips away when it's smaller size and reliability can be called upon. This is another of those I would repurchase but it's a pricey option and I know I can rely upon cheaper alternatives.

What products have you said goodbye to this month?

*PR Sample

December 2014 Favourites

I'm not sure who set the rules about monthly favourites posts and what point we should publish them  but I think it's safe to say I'm late with my favourites for December. Even so these were the products I particularly enjoyed using during the festive season and I wanted to share them with you.

Leighton Denny Miracle Mist* link
I received the speed-drying spray from Leighton Denny in a goodie bag following an event and must confess it had sat unloved for some time, rather strange especially since I'm rather impatient when waiting for nail polish to dry. Over Christmas I was chopping and changing colours to compliment my festive whims and started reaching for this spray and was pretty impressed with how quickly it aided drying time. The reason for this I learn is because of silicone causing a hard film to quickly form on top of the polish and voila. It's worst mentioning this mist also works to condition cuticles, that whilst I like to use a seperate cuticle oil, others may like being able to skip a step.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil, Cranberry link
I purchased the Bite Beauty Pencil from Sephora whilst in Vegas not last year, but the year before. I do love a good red and I can't deny the fact the colour was called Cranberry was a selling point as I liked the idea of making it my 'Christmas Colour'. Unfortunately I was somewhat underwhelmed but fast forward a year and for whatever reason it was not reaching favourite status.

The matte formula is creamy and doesn't cause dryness and the pencil form makes it ideal for slipping into clutch bags for nights out. Slightly darker than your traditional red it was the lip product I wore most throughout December.

Jo Malone, Ginger Biscuit Cologne link
Way back in November 2013 was when Ginger Biscuit Cologne, part of Jo Malone's Limited Edition 'Sugar & Spice' collection came into my life and it breaks my heart that you'll be seeing it pop up in my January Empties post. I'm not usually one for sugary sweet scents but this one had the right mix of warmth and sugar for me to enjoy and if it were still sold in stores I would repurchase. After working my way through the at least half of the bottle throughout the Winter of 2013 I put it away to use over Christmas 2014 as it's exactly the sort of fragrance you want to wear at that time of year. Jo if you're reading, please bring it back.

Sonia Kasuk Core Tools Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush - No 121 link
I've used a number of Sonia Kashuk make up brushes over the years, picking them up from Target during my visits stateside and they have stood the test of time sitting alongside recent MAC and Real Technique additions. I'd seen one or two YouTubers using a larger pointed brush for their foundation and I wanted to join in and decided to add No 121 from the Core Tools collection to mine. Used with Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer it created a dream team. The pointed end fits neatly under the eye with enough width to blend concealer and disguise dark circles and it's a duo I'm still using in January.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer link
I first reviewed this concealer back in March and you can read the post here and was in the camp who love this concealer. I still am not in a position to compare this to the higher end Nars version which this is often called a dupe for but let's just say my enjoyment of using Maybelline's version means I'm in no rush.

I think I have quite bad dark circles due to bad sleeping habits, other's tell me they're not so bad but either way I find that Fit Me provides the coverage I need. I have been using Make Up Forever's HD Foundation of late which is of a higher coverage so may explain why I can get away with what others say is too sheer a concealer. If you want to try it for yourself Boots are currently offering buy 1 get 1 half price on Maybelline products so it's a good opportunity.

Jo Malone, Pomegranate Noir Body Cream link
I'm not really one to save things for best but I do reserve my Jo Malone Bath Oil's and such for nights out and special occasions. That said because my social life can often revolve around drinks after work the pre-night out pamper session rarely happens. During December I started reaching for my Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir products more either before a night or just because. I've had this small sized body cream for a while and usually because of other body lotions or tanning I've not used it waiting for the right time, well Christmas was it. We all know Pomegranate Noir is one of Jo Malone's best selling scents and I love its dark and enigmatic scent and loved extending the smell from bath oil, body wash to the final step of body lotion.

I hope you didn't mind my tardiness with this months favourites and I promise to be more prompt with January's.

*PR Sample

June Empties | Bath time

Radox Eastern Spirit Bubble Bath* link
I have spoke before how I was often a snob towards Radox and dismissing the products in the aisles which is why I'm thankful to have built a relationship with their PRs who had faith in the products and sent me many bath soaks and shower gels over the years (stay tuned for a review coming next week) that it is now a brand despite receive 'freebies' has happily repurchased from the range - Muscle Soak is my fave! Sadly Eastern Spirit was a limited edition so no longer available.

Dove Maximum Protection Deodorant link
Why I diverted from my trusty Sure Maximum Deodorant I don't know but I can tell you it was a mistake (as was the purchase of another brands but we'll save that for another day). This deodorant did nothing for me and within minutes I felt that grotty wet underarm feeling despite minimal exertion. Back to Sure it is.

Jo Malone Orange Blossom Shower Gel link
I cannot tell you how long this has sat in my shower and as you can see it has discoloured to a rather complimentary (for the name) shade of orange. You'll know I'm a fan of Pomegranate Noir from Jo Malone and this change of scent didn't hit the mark for me, especially I think it's a given that after so long it wasn't quite at the strength it should be.

Sure Compressed Deodorant* link
This is the bottle of deodorant that sits in my desk drawer at work for those freshen ups before a night out. Complimenting Sure Maximum Protection Stick (when I'm using it - see above!) perfectly this small can is budget friendly and does what it says on the tin offering a fresh scent which is just the thing to make you feel tip top before hitting the town.

Ragdale Hall Relax Bath Essence link
I am having something of a panic as when I went to link up Ragdale Hall's Bath Essence I can't seem to find it online which will be a tragedy if it is discontinued. I will be rushing into my local Marks and Spencer's tomorrow to hunt out a bottle as I love a relaxing bath of an evening using this product which I reviewed here. I'm also a fan of the complimentary pillow mist which you can read about here.

Any favourites you recognise here? The third and final instalment for June empties will hit on Friday and is very Chanel heavy.

*PR Samples

Products I Used Up | April 2014 - Part Two

Bad Brides, Rebecca Chance link

A book isn't typically featured in an Empties post but as I read and disposed of this book on my holiday I thought it was worth a mention. I love Rebecca Chance's books and I read Killer Queens in Vegas last year. They are easy reads (I think I managed this in three days), usually in sumptuous luxury locations and lighthearted - just what one needs on holiday.

Apricot Foot Mask link

I picked up these rather odd feet masks from Forever 21 in San Francisco. With aching feet and spotting these on the counter it was one of those moments marketers work for! I'm glad they were only a couple of dollars as they were vile to use/wear. You are basically given two foot socks which if you'll excuse me for being crude reminded me of wearing condoms on the feet. My feet didn't feel particularly soothed after wearing more like sweaty and they were not easily walked on. Certainly an experiment that went awry. 

White Cloud Cotton Rounds link

I ran out of cotton rounds (I love that is what they're called in America - aren't I easily pleased) on holiday and picked up these from White Cloud in an ABC store (they are every fifth shop in Waikiki). They were satisfactory for my time away although very fluffy and thin so they'd soak up a lot of product. I'm happy to return to my Boots favourites.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin link

Another Jo Malone sample but you'll know from April Empties Part 1 that I wasn't a fan of this scent - I think I actually used this as a room fragrance. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]* link

Another holy grail product that I refused to travel without, especially if not to TMI it would be that time of the month whilst away and I didn't want my blemish free skin to slip. I had actually repurchased this before going away so was happy to return to a new tube to use.

Clinque Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector link 

I hate the dark circles under my eyes hence this purchase from Clinque. On it's initial purchase I wasn't particularly impressed and found the silver tip a bit of a faff and preferred using fingers. It was discarded and only recently returned to when I found my mind had been changed and I was enjoying using it, especially in the mornings as it had some light coverage that working alongside with my current skincare meant I was even happier make up free than usual. I have a few other eye products I'm testing at the moment so despite being tempted in duty free I resisted but maybe next time Clinque offer a bonus time I will give it a try.

We're nearly there with April Empties, you can read part one here and part three here.

*PR Sample

April Empties Part Two

Bad Brides, Rebecca Chance link

A book isn't typically featured in an Empties post but as I read and disposed of this book on my holiday I thought it was worth a mention. I love Rebecca Chance's books and I read Killer Queens in Vegas last year. They are easy reads (I think I managed this in three days), usually in sumptuous luxury locations and lighthearted - just what one needs on holiday.

Apricot Foot Mask link

I picked up these rather odd feet masks from Forever 21 in San Francisco. With aching feet and spotting these on the counter it was one of those moments marketers work for! I'm glad they were only a couple of dollars as they were vile to use/wear. You are basically given two foot socks which if you'll excuse me for being crude reminded me of wearing condoms on the feet. My feet didn't feel particularly soothed after wearing more like sweaty and they were not easily walked on. Certainly an experiment that went awry. 

White Cloud Cotton Rounds link

I ran out of cotton rounds (I love that is what they're called in America - aren't I easily pleased) on holiday and picked up these from White Cloud in an ABC store (they are every fifth shop in Waikiki). They were satisfactory for my time away although very fluffy and thin so they'd soak up a lot of product. I'm happy to return to my Boots favourites.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin link

Another Jo Malone sample but you'll know from April Empties Part 1 that I wasn't a fan of this scent - I think I actually used this as a room fragrance. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]* link

Another holy grail product that I refused to travel without, especially if not to TMI it would be that time of the month whilst away and I didn't want my blemish free skin to slip. I had actually repurchased this before going away so was happy to return to a new tube to use.

Clinque Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector link 

I hate the dark circles under my eyes hence this purchase from Clinque. On it's initial purchase I wasn't particularly impressed and found the silver tip a bit of a faff and preferred using fingers. It was discarded and only recently returned to when I found my mind had been changed and I was enjoying using it, especially in the mornings as it had some light coverage that working alongside with my current skincare meant I was even happier make up free than usual. I have a few other eye products I'm testing at the moment so despite being tempted in duty free I resisted but maybe next time Clinque offer a bonus time I will give it a try.

We're nearly there with April Empties, you can read part one here and part three here.

*PR Sample

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit Cologne

Last month mum and I went on a shopping trip to Westfield Stratford City and a trip into Jo Malone was in order. I must admit there was some grumbling on my part as I had no need to visit... that was until I smelt the gorgeous Ginger Biscuit Cologne, part of the limited edition Sugar & Spice range. Apparently mother does know best.

Inspired by "delectable ingredients" and created for moments of "delicious pleasure" it's no wonder they have sadly sold out. Even the description has my mouth watering; Ginger Biscuit captures the scent of just-baked cookies spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and dipped in caramel. There are also some buttery toasted hazelnuts, tonka bean and vanilla.

Mum picked Bitter Orange & Chocolate for herself which was duly requested from my sister in law on smelling for her Mother's Day present. Sold out online this led to a desperate dash to my local branch where I was told that somewhere had been in earlier purchasing 20 bottles!

I'm rather picky about perfume and when I find something I like it's thrown into the shopping basket immediately although I'm sure I'll regret not buying extras when this one runs out. My sense of smell isn't particular sharp but even I've noticed that smell lasts for hours something which gets the thumbs up from me and if in doubt the handy 30ml size is perfect for popping in the handbag.

I have to say that of the many products I use and go through my bathroom and beauty draws it is always the Jo Malone scents that I pick up on.

Were you lucky enough to get your hands on one of the bottles or do they sound too sickly sweet for you?