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

Worth The Hype? | URBAN DECAY Alice through the looking glass eyeshadow palette

As an fan of Alice in Wonderland and a beauty blogger it was a no brainer that I would succumb and purchase Urban Decay's Alice Through The Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette. I pretended that I was merely sharing an interest when I swanned past the Urban Decay stand at my local House of Fraser but one look and I was sold. But was it worth that's the question I'm asking myself today.

In short the answer is yes and no. Did I love it when I purchased it, certainly but since then has it been shown the love and become a favourite product I couldn't be without? Not really. But it's 'Alice in Wonderland' you cry. Well to be honest even that factor hasn't been enjoyed to it's full advantage.

The packaging of this palette is what drew me in, whimsical, three dimensional but in truth my love for Alice tends to stem from the Disney character and a more quirkier image, in fact I haven't even seen the film that sparked this collaboration. Instead it's boxed shape fits neatly on top of my dressing table and the pull out draw makes it easier to access the eyeshadows when I use them. Which I do.

The eyeshadows themselves, all twenty of them were apparently 'brand new' although I did not own any previously to compare or double up on them so they would always be new to me. It's a jumbled 'Mad Hatter' of a palette which appealed. I'm not exactly sporting green or pink eyeshadow on a regular basis but would this be the palette to change that? Not so far.

So what have I loved about this palette? Well the answer is there a few shades that I do reach for on a regular basis when I don't really want to think about what I'm doing. As I've said this sits permanently on top of my dressing table and I simply pull the draw out and away I go.

The shades I've enjoyed using are the obviously more wearable of the bunch and I really can't fault them for texture, pigmentation and they work well.

Duchess is my safe bet, a peachy pink shade with a frosted finish that works well all over the lid and usually paired with Dormouse your medium brown matte shade in the crease. If I'm feeling a little bit 'crazy' then I'll use Paradox on the lid which is another frost in orange tones.
Kingdom is another frost finish in a pinky brown shade that gets the all over the lid treatment and if I'm daring then Chronosophere the frosted deeper version smokes things out and finally there's Cheesboard a darker brown which works for me as a liner.

Obviously that's quite a fair yet safe combo of colours I've been working with but a least I'm putting the palette to use. Lately I've been catching the eye of Salazen Grum, a frosted red that reminds me of a more muted Mac Cranberry and will be perfect for some Autumnal experimentation along with Cake a a pinky purple shade.

So maybe the greens and blue shades may never get a look in and I don't regret the purchase at all as I am putting it to use but perhaps it wasn't worth my impulsiveness and I should've admired from afar.

Did you pick up this palette or are sorry you missed out on it?

Summer Holiday Essentials

Two holidays and sunshine in the UK here's the line up of must have items you need whilst enjoying or suffering (for us underground commuters) warm weather.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser*
Having made an appearance in my June Favourites post it's no surprises I'm highlighting this as a Summer must have. In fairness whilst I'm a big fan of the Caudalie tinted moisturiser and it is my current favourite it's symbolic of all lighter bases. Other favourites of mine include the Erborian BB Creme and Manuka Doctors ApiRefine CC Cream. No one wants to feel suffocated by their base at this time of year or certainly not on holiday and these lighter choices are the way to go.

Benefit The Porefessional
A primer is a must have whilst the sweat is on and if you're not against those with a silicone feel Benefit's Porefessional is the way to go. I have used other primers in the past but this remains my favourite and will be repurchased. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it makes pores disappear, as we all know that's not really possibly but I do find it gives me a smooth base to being applying my make up.

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine & Fragrance Spray*
This is a complete vanity product which I'm sure some will look at and ask themselves, Fragrance for the hair? Is this a step to far. I'm not going to disagree but I have to say I really enjoyed using this on my holidays particularly during the day. This would be when I'd pull hair up on to my head without washing and sitting round the pool I wouldn't be using perfume so a spray of Eau My Goodness would help me feel like I wasn't a completely mess.

Scissors
Random it may be but scissors are an absolutely necessity for me, and I don't mean fiddly little nail scissors either. From cutting tags off clothes to getting into difficult packaging a 'proper' pair of scissors always accompany me on holiday and this pair sits in my dressing table to be used as needed.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Range
Firstly I'm not blonde so anyone put off of using this range for that reason, cast your doubts aside. I'd seen the Beach Blonde range popping up on blogs of late and was intrigued how the Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray would fair against my favourite Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray. I have to say it's a pretty good and more affordable competitor - and the smell is holiday in a bottle. For coconut lovers this is one for you. I'm really into letting my hair dry naturally at the moment and a few sprays of this and I'm left with gently tousled hair that's office as well as beach ready.

I'm less enamoured with the Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo and Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner although that isn't to say they're not good products. I rarely get excited about a shampoo and conditioner unless they leave with me with big bouncy hair and the these two products are designed to cleanse your hair and as such this can often leave things a little flat and therefore a frown on my face. This aside I realise the importance of using these two products when hair is piled with products, exposed to the sun and pool water and for that purpose they leave hair clean and in a far better condition.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
I was pleased to receive a small travel sized edition of this setting spray many moons ago and was pleased to give it a try. Whilst I used to use for nights I rarely picked up on a daily basis so I never quite got to grips with it's worth. It really stood the test of time in Dubai when I experienced heat like no other. I couldn't believe how well using this setting spray kept things in place (with of course my primer and trusty Chanel Les Beiges powder). As such I repurchased prior to heading off to Ibiza and am using daily for work and finding my make up is staying in place far longer than it ever had. This is very much becoming a daily essential.

What products must you have to hand throughout the Summer?

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?

*PR Sample

PRODUCTS THAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME #6

As I continue to 'shop my stash' and use products I already own before buying new ones it will of course stand to reason that some products, particularly due to the numbers I am now sampling, won't work for me. Here is the latest hit list.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette link
This was a Christmas gift the one before last and one my mum couldn't believe would cost so much for an eyeshadow palette so it's something of a shame a year on I'm just not a fan. Everyone of course loves and lusts after the Urban Decay Naked Palettes and I can't deny that this was on my wish list purely for it's hype around its release and a desire to have it. Whilst gorgeous to look at its palette of rose pink neutrals complete with mattes, pearls and metallics I just do not find it works for me.

I have of course tried, followed tutorials and the like but I just don't find it's something I reach for on a regular basis not feel a desire to keep in my collection. As such you'll see it coming on a blog sale very soon.

Sure Compressed Deodorant Invisible Black & White Crystal* link
My go to deodorant is Sure Maximum Protection and you will have seen it mentioned countless times on Florence and Mary so it was something of a disappointment that the Black & White Crystal version was quite the opposite. Despite using over Winter when shall we say things are less sweaty I found I was feeling wet minutes after using. Crazily I persevered thinking maybe it was the particular clothing I was wearing on certain days or some other reasons but nothing made a difference until I returned to Sure Maximum Protection. Yes it's stick form and size isn't as handy as the can and yes the Black  White definitely stood by it's non yellow staining abilities but for me it was a no go.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser* link
If you read my post on the full 3-step routine from La Roche Posay then you will know that this cleanser was far too drying on my normal-combination skin. Whilst a fan of the Effaclar Duo the cleanser just didn't work for me. If you have super oily skin I'd definitely give this a try.

Doctor Manuka Brightening Facial Oil* link
We're all fans of facial oils these days and any that offer to brighten and give me a more youthful looking complexion catch my attention. As expected the Brightening Oil contains the hero ingredient Manuka Oil and I found this was gorgeous to use during colder months when my skin was drier and needed a boost of hydration in my morning skin.

You may as why speaking so highly of this non greasy facial oil that it is appearing in this post, well unfortunately for me the smell was just too off putting. I can only describe it as a cheesy scent - and I like my scent. If it were not for my 'beauty blogger status' and access to numerous products I would have stuck with using this oil as the smell disappears very quickly and doesn't linger in anyway and it's benefits far outweigh the seconds of recoil at the smell. That said when I had numerous other products at my disposal I just wouldn't reach for this and would far rather pass on to a friend or family member with a less delicate nose than myself.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment
I have gone through numerous tubs of this once holy grail product over the years. I first discovered via QVC and I can remember many years ago my mum and I stocking up on Ojon products from Sephora in the US where it was significantly cheaper. Now I just find it a bit of a faff and hence it's appearance in this post.

The Ojon Restorative Hair Treat is very much a cult classic within those in the know. Back in it's QVC days there were fabulous videos showing rain forests where the Ojon nuts are found and the 'golden elixir' is born to return your hair to a soft, silky and manageable state once again.

My hair has never been on the drier side and despite daily washing and a blast from the hairdryer I find that this product doesn't do anything I can't get from my hair conditioning treatments I prefer to use. I've had this tub sitting in my bedside table in an effort to use it but find the whole process of scooping out a teaspoon and warming in my hands and brushing through my hair whilst tucked up in bed a pain. It certainly makes hair oily and your hands too (not to mention bedding!) and hair does appear much better the day after but the whole process isn't something I do frequently enough to warrant keeping hold of it.

Ciate Paint Pot, Pillow Fight* link
I've had limited exposure to Ciate Nail Paint Pots so I was pleased to see one in a goodie bag after an event (where I had Boudoir applied which I loved). Whilst I have no gripes with the polish itself the colour just didn't flatter or work for me at all. Whilst appearing lilac in the bottle it was definitely more on the grey side than I would like and I wouldn't reach for again so off to a more appreciative home it goes.

Mally Volumizing Mascara* link
Little to say about this mascara from Mally other than the fall out for me made it unwearable.

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara*
Like the Mally mascara above this too was a fall out disaster for me. I also found it very wet and clumpy when I first used it. I persevered some more with this once it had dried out a little but the fall out remained.

Victoria Secrets Love Spell Fragrance Mist link
Love Spell a 'flirty floral fragrance' from Victoria Secrets was once a favourite of mine. Back in my 20s I had a body lotion complete with sparkle which I would always apply before a night out so of course nostalgia got the better of me on one of my US trips and I picked up this fragrance mist (my body collection is too vast to justify one of those) thinking it'd be a nice spritz before bed or when I was sitting about at home. Maybe my tastes have changed as I get old but this is just too overbearingly sweet for me and again I just avoid using it.

There you have the recent products that I couldn't make work, do you see any surprises featured?

*PR Sample