New and Old Favourites in my Bathroom

Its not all luxury skincare and red lipsticks that put a smile on my face, there are many daily essentials I wouldn't without. Today I'm sharing a few of mine, both new and old favourites that are currently sharing space in my bathroom.

First is the old favourite and another product I've mentioned many times, Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant*. Repeatedly appearing my monthly empties posts I think there is no doubt readers are aware that this product isn't going anywhere soon. Sometimes curiosity leads me to try other brands, question whether Sure Maximum Protection really is good as I think it is. The answer is, it is and will always be a product I rely on and return to. If you're trying to step away from aerosol deodorant than this could very well be what you're looking for. A cream product which doesn't dry or irritate after shaving and it even has an innovative formula to provide a protective layer across your sweat glands. You'll be protected no matter how much sweating you're doing on the underground (in my case more likely than sweating it out in the gym!).

Moving on to shower gel, of which I need no more than an eskimo needs ice, but one whiff of the new Banana scent from Imperial Leather and it was thrown into my supermarket trolley. I've tried a few from this scented range including Fruit Salad and Lemon Sherbet. Interestingly I don't eat bananas but it seems I do like their scent. If you see it on the shelf on your next shop I recommend you having a sniff.

Another old, but new favourite is Batiste Marrakech Dry Shampoo* (currently on 3 for 2 at Boots if you're interested) replacing Batiste Sweetie, that as I expected my niece duly saw and asked if she could have. It's worked out far better because I definitely prefer the more maturely scent of Batiste Marrakech, inspired by the aromatic sights and sounds of Morocco's bazaar's I've actually found myself spraying more for the scent than anything else. Does it leave a white/grey powder when I spray it on my brown locks, yes but it brushes out easily and doesn't leave any unsightly residue.

Finally I think I have found a hair duo that is here to stay, the newly released L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo and Conditioner. It was released around about the time I was in need of a purchasing replacements and when I discovered it was for oily roots and dry ends it sounded like it was made just for me. Apparently the effects will last for 72 hours and I certainly haven't found that but my hair is looking cleaner and more healthy and I haven't had one of those days where despite washing my hair still looks greasy of lank. Whilst I dispute the 72 hour claims I have found that my hair doesn't look as greasy the next morning as I would usually expect. I wasn't too tempted with the clay masque pre-shampoo treatment but I am now.

I know one shouldn't worry too much about these things but the scent of the shampoo and conditioner is lovely and the only complaint is a regular one with L'Oreal bottles and the conditioner will sit upside down in the bathroom but I can forgive them.

So there's a peek into what products I'm enjoying that are the less than exciting ones that often forgotten.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Beauty Empties | October 2015

Along with my late October favourites, so too is that month's empties. In fact empties have fallen by the wayside more that any other posts of late so there are few jumbled posts that will appear but for now let's focus on what has recently made it's way into the pile.

Quite a few of this months empties have already been repurchased and that includes KMS California AddVolume Shampoo and Maybelline BrowDrama. Both these products are staples and ones I can rely on. For different jobs obviously. KMS California AddVolume Shampoo* isn't the cheapest product but I love the volume it gives my hair and I recently found a bottle at a reduced price in my local Homesense so I couldn't resist picking it up. See my review on more KMS California products here.

Maybelline BrowDrama I've discussed many times. Day to day I'm too lazy for penciling in individual hairs, even with products that make that easy. Instead a quick swipe from this Brow 'mascara' and I'm happy with the look. I have of course replaced already and am tempted to try other versions for comparison but I always resist preferring to stick with what I know. 

Two favourite skincare items ended up in the pile this month, Vichy Idealia Eyes* and L'oreal Age Perfect RefreshingToner. Both of this affordable items hold their own against luxury brands. Vichy is one of my go to high street brands, particularly the Idealia range. The products are perfect for my 30plus skin that I don't always treat as well as I should. With dreadful sleeping patterns and habits dark circles can be a problem for me but Idealia Eyes makes me look more awake than I feel. Toners are always difficult to talk about for me, this isn't the 'refreshing' spritz, nor the tingly acid tone type but it's one I like for those inbetween days when you want something more than just the refreshing spray but not too much for exfoliating toners. There is a lovely masculine scent to this toner which I enjoy and I always feel like my skin looks better for using this.

Unfortunately the Nanokeratin System Re-Vive Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner* was not as much as a favourite as KMS was. Nothing to dislike just nothing to love either - especially for the price point and from a salon brand. Despite being specially formulated for 'virgin hair' like mine it never gave results that I couldn't get from cheaper alternatives. I do have another couple of sachets of this product to use so I will try again and see if I notice better results.

Another month, another hand cream and Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails* is perfect for this time of year and a great size for those of you like me who use a lot of hand cream and an even better price. This isn't the fanciest of hand creams but it keeps hands moisturised, isn't greasy and has a subtle scent. 

Even before we reach the end of 2015 I think I can safely say 007 Fragrance for Women* was my surprise hit of the year. As I talked about in my initial review I had a slightly snobbish opinion of what I would class as a novelty fragrance and was proved very wrong. The 007 fragrance became as loved as my Chanel classics and for a much more affordable price. Perfume is something I usually request for Christmas or might treat myself to in duty free but this is one I could easily justify treating myself to 'just because'. 

If you saw this instagram post then you'll be aware of my love for Sure Maximum Protection deodorant. It literally won't let you down, or me at least. I've dabbled with other deodorants, as much as recently in fact and they just don't compete with this favourite. Sexy it isn't but I'm a sweaty betty and have spent years tackling wet patches under the arms and trying every deodorant known to man and this is the first that ticks all the boxes. My only complaint is I seem to go through them sooooo quickly. 

And finally is a boring product but one I mention for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was introduced to The Breath Co via a press sample and secondly it's important for me that my readers see that I will continue use products beyond the 'freebie' and purchasing with my own money - especially in this case when I could by far cheaper versions. This is a toothpaste that I recommend for anyone who doesn't like that minty toothpaste flavour. Minty it says but it has none of that overpowering flavour that would make you gag if you took a sip of orange juice. If you're interested keep an eye on the usual Boots offers, you can usually get it discounted. Read my original review here. 

Did you spot any products you use in my trash?

*this post contains press samples

August Empties

It's that time again when I dive into my empties bag and share with you the products I've used up this month. Some products I will have mentioned before so I will link up to the previous post to keep things short. Let's dive in.

Radox Passion Splash Shower Gel* link
Despite Mango Madness being my favourite scent last month it's Passion Splash that I finished first! There are multiple posts on Radox throughout this here blog so you'll know I'm a fan. I love their shower gels and find they work just as well for leg shaving duties whilst I abandon the L'Occitane Almond Oil due to fake tanning.

OSMO Deep Moisturising Shampoo* link
You can find the full review for this shampoo here but in short I'm a fan. The only downside is not being able to pick up this product in local stores and I'm not really one for ordering beauty online.

Clinque 7 Day Scrub link
If you read my review here you'll know whilst I had use for the 7 Day Scrub it wasn't something I'd rush to repurchase. That said my evening skincare regime has been shocking recently and I really feel a good scrub is in order.

Soap & Glory Calm One link
Sad to say that I wasn't a fan of this bubble bath from Soap & Glory. I didn't find there was any scent to speak of which is important to me when I'm having a soak in the bath and surprising for a Soap & Glory product.

Sure Maximum Protection link
Another product I've mentioned on numerous occasions and reviewed in full here. Safe to say this will be perpetually emptied and repurchased.

Clinque High Impact Lipstick in Rosette link
I received this lipstick as part of a bonus time gift and really enjoyed using and the colour and thanks to it's petite size is the first lipstick I've used up in some time. I used the lipgloss (in Kissyfit) sporadically with and without the lipstick but if it came to repurchasing it would be Rosette I would choose.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer -  link
Unfortunately it looks, or rather smells like the use by date of this product is up. This has been a concealer I've enjoyed using for my under eye area but last week I noticed there was a unpleasant smell so it was time to add it to the empties pile. Not having used this product in it's entirety due to a small number of other concealers in rotation has further cemented my view that it's time to pair back the make up stash to ensure minimal wastage.

Barry M Cor Balmy Tinted Lip Balm link
I'm on the fence about this product even more so as I threw this into the empties photography having brought home from work as I wasn't enjoying using it but applying as I type this paragraph I'm reluctant to get rid. It is certainly moisturising and the shade Jam Jar is rather pigmented for a lip balm, even a tinted one. For work it was ideal to bridge the gap between lipstick reapplication but I found it a little messy and wasn't reaching for it enough. I think I'll keep it on my coffee table for another week or two yet and see how it fairs.

Sleek Brow Stylist Pencil in Medium link
There was instant panic when I wound up this eyebrow pencil to realise that I had finished it as it was completely unexpected despite it being on of my favourites over the month. I'm having something of a brow moment lately and found this eyebrow pencil from Sleek a great product for those not too lazy days when I use something like BROWdrama from Maybelline but ones that I haven't got the time or inclination to pay complete attention with the thinner Brow Wiz from Anastasia (which I'm also having a reignited love affair with). I have since repurchased as you will see in a forthcoming post and comforted to have it back in my make up bag.

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer link
I mentioned this primer from Murad in my round of those in my collection here and took to using this on a regular basis as such a small bottle I thought I would get through it quite quickly. As I mentioned in the previous post this was a nice product to provide a base for any foundations and the like but with a very light coverage to even things out.

Nina Ricci La Tentation de Nina Eau de Toilette
Mum brought my this perfume created with Laduree for my birthday earlier in the year and whilst I was swept up in the cute bottle (apparently based on the tale of a girl who has bitten an apple and succumbed to the ultimate temptation, doesn't that sound familiar!) and loveliness of macaron's. Unfortunately if I'm honest whilst I didn't dislike the smell it was a little too sweet for my usual tastes  and not something I would repurchase. In an effort to use it throughout the Summer I think I bored myself of it even more although my niece and friends were fans of this fragrance so don't let my more heavier taste put you off.

Palmers Eventone Dark Spot Corrector* link
I don't have much issue with dark spots that I need correcting but those I have definitely saw improvement from using the Eventone Dark Spot Corrector from Palmers. The packaging of this product is great in that it has a pump which dispenses just enough of the light gel like fluid for us on the skin. The only downside to this product is the heavily artificial fragrance which I didn't enjoy at all and was the only reason I'd not repurchase. If only their skincare had that lovely cocoa butter scent.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Refreshing Toner link
I'm as equally in love with this toner - which you would have first seen in my Morning Skincare Regime post here - as I am Liz Earle's Skin Tonic and have since repurchased both so I can split between my morning and evening regimes. Definitely one to try even though it pains me it's for 'mature skin'!

Well it doesn't look like I kept that as short and sweet as I'd initially intended but you will have had plenty to read about a varied selection of products. Don't forget to link me up to your empties post, I'd love to read them.

*PR Sample

Beauty Haul and Repurchasing

I've been harping on about spending bans and de-cluttering and here I am with a haul but I have my excuses ready…

L'Oreal Age Perfect Refreshing Toner link
My beloved Liz Earle Skin Tonic had reached it's end and I was too lazy to walk to my nearest Boots that stocks it. Instead I picked up L'Oreal's Age Perfect Refreshening Toner to keep me going until Liz and I could be reunited.
It pains me to say that the Age Perfect Smoothing Toner has been designed for mature skin and it wasn't why I chose this but I guess it can't hurt? I was more drawn to the anti-fatigue properties (Vitamin C hello) as I'm not known for the best sleeping habits and anything that can help with waking me up in the morning I'm all for. If you're interested in this product give it a sniff first as I like the somewhere between fruity and masculine and I'm sure there are some that will be offended by it.

VO5 Plump It Up Amplifying Blow Dry Lotion link
I said in May's Empties post here that I was thinking fondly of VO5 Amplifying Blow Dry Lotion so we knew it wouldn't be long until it made it's way back in my life. I use this blow dry lotion daily and find that it doesn't weigh my hair down and helps give me the lift I like from my hair whilst protecting it from heat damage.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+] link
Another repurchase that I have reviewed fully here. I've managed to cut my use of this wonder product to once a day but it's not one I feel I can do without in my routine. Another couple of months on and I'm still remaining blemish free and I put it all down to this little tube.

Barry M Cor Balmy Tinted Lip Balm link
Following my skin analysis from MyChelle and another similar skin assessment at a La Roche Posay event last month it was commented on how hydrated my lips were due to regular use of lip balms so I had to give the latest release from Barry M a try. Wow these pack a punch. I chose Jam Jar as we all know I like a red lip and I thought this would be handy on my desk at work as an easier reapplication of colour when I haven't got time that the lipstick would require. I think I'm going to like this creamy little beauty.

Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak link
I have picked up this product on numerous occasions then decided it was an unnecessary purchase but following a recent problem with one of my toes and the subsequent pressure it's putting on my feet I decided to treat myself to this foot soak to enjoy after a day pounding the pavement. I've yet to try it out so stay tuned for a review

So there you have my recent purchases, nothing to extravagant to speak of and all very necessary don't you agree. What have you treated yourself to lately?

#theSOproject // Week 1 Skincare

It stands to reason that the first post in the #SOproject is skincare as it is literally the starting point. If you don't look after your skin you will pay the price and without prepping the skin no amount of fancy make up tricks will work to their full potential. That said and despite my collection of skincare goods above it is only the last couple of months I have really started paying attention to my skincare and that is in large part from reading Caroline Hirons blog and my subsequent skincare consultation with her which you can read about here.

Halfway through writing my post I found it was getting to long as there is so much to learn about double cleansing and so on and each step is a blog post in itself. I found myself constantly referring back to Caroline's blog posts and advising you read her cheat sheets on the various steps that it made sense to start again and simply say read Caroline's blog.

I hope no one finds that cheating but part of sharing wisdom is to share the resources you use and defer to those that really know. I wish I'd had such a blog to read years ago so I didn't rely on removing my make up after a night out but rubbing my face into the pillow!

Having done my reading here is my regime and some products I use

Eye Make Up Remover

Despite Caroline saying you don't need to have an extra step in removing your eye make up with something other than your cleanser I like to do so. I've suffered a number of eye infections over the past year and like to remove the eye make up in the first instance and also prefer that than seeing a wash of black on my cleansing flannel. Remover of the moment is L'Oreal's offering, Liz Earle's eyebright is washed over my eyes in the mornings to help wake me up when all I want to do is hit the snooze button and the one I stay away from, Clinque - that one stung dreadfully.

Cleansers

I've never been good at a full cleansing regime and here I am with an array of products and double cleansing! Micellar waters are for my lazy days and I always ensure I have one by my bedside with some cotton wool pads so I have no excuse when I'm too lazy to walk to the bathroom! My Rodial cleansing balm is absolutely luxurious and a dream to use (and a bargain price if you saw yesterdays post here)

Toner

Toning has long changed from being the forgotten step, an afterthought to simply remove last traces of your make up. I was even told at Kiehls when I started taking my skincare seriously that I didn't even need to use toner - read about that here. As well as double cleansing I'm double toning, an exfoliating toner; Pixi Glow Tonic and one for Hydrating, Nude Purify Toning Water. Another favourite for hydrating is Liz Earles Skin Tonic and I've recently been swapping out Cadaulie Beauty Elixr.

Moisturiser

This month I was going to treat myself to Origins Ginzeng moisturiser but having gathered my stash for this photo I don't really think I can justify it. I am still playing around with moisturisers trying to find one I like. Currently I'm swapping between the L'Occitane Ultra Rich face cream and Clinque's Youth Surge which the latter of I'm not too keen on. I am very happy with my night time treatment of Kiehls Midnight Recover Concentrate. This smells divine and is the prefect step of an evening. I'm not a fan of oils as can't bear my skin feeling greasy but this one is just the right balance. Pricey this may be but I'm using it nightly since April and I'm not even half way through the bottle as you only need a small drop so initial outlay is costly but on a price per use basis it's very fair.

Serums and Eye Creams

Serums etc are an area I'm still looking into. Ultimately there are no wonder treatments and at 34 I've left things a little late and am extremely lucky to show too many signs of ageing. I've been using the Balance Me Facial Expression* filler for some weeks now and much prefer it to Kiehls Line-Reducing Concentrate which I had such promise for. Bare Minerals Multi-Wrinkle* is a product I've yet to try so stay tuned for a review on that.

Hydraluron is a blogger staple new to my arsenal. It's not the nicest product to use as it's quite tacky on the skin but if it locks in the moisture I will continue using. Clinques Even Better Eyes is another new product so I can't comment on that too much as yet.

Masks

And finally my two masks of choice at the moment. Clarin's HydraQuench Cream-Mask which I use as an overnight treatment or now I've finished my GlamGlow Mud mask (read a review here) it's the turn of Origins Charcoal mask of which a review will come soon.

I hope this post wasn't too long for you and if you've stuck it out and you're still reading; thank you! I'd love to hear any of your skincare recommendations and if you try any of the products I've mentioned I'd love to know your thoughts.

*PR Sample