Products I Used Up | June 2017

No, it's not a typo these are last months empties and very soon you'll have this months and a flurry of empties posts since I found a whole bag filled with my 'beauty trash' of products I've yet photographed and shared with you. If in any doubt my mission to work through the products I have before repurchasing is going well.

First we step into the bathroom and finally I have finished my Champney's Citrus Blush Shower Mousse*. I say finally only because I feel like I have been using this product, admittedly off and on, for years! This is a product I would repurchase and it's perfect for this time of year and unlike any product I've used before. If you're bored of the usual gels, then I'd say give this a try for a more luxurious shower companion. 

When I first started using wash products for 'the intimate area' I thought it would be too much bother swapping between that and a regular shower gel but it's become something I don't even realise I'm doing now. Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* is less intrusive than the more well known offering Femfresh in large part because it's less 'obvious' in the bathroom. If you're a little shy about these matters then this is the product to use. I would repurchase, although it was Femfresh I did this month only because it was on offer and cheaper.

Another month, another stick of Sure Maximum Protection and this month a small mini that I have been carrying around in my handbag to ensure that I'm not 'that commuter' on the London Underground. I think we know the answer is a resounding yes to repurchasing.

As I had a spring clean of my bathroom I was amazed how much shampoo and conditioner I had in half used states so it's been my mission to ensure that they make there way to these posts. Last month it was TIGI S Factor that I finally said goodbye to. You can read my original review of the range to find out more but the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is the packaging - no one wants to fight with a shampoo morning when they just get out of bed.

I've moved onto salt sprays in recent weeks but prior to that I was using Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray*. This is more subtle than a salt spray but still adds some texture and better suited to cooler weather if hair is already a little dry and brittle. You can read my review of the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion range here. 

I've found that since returning to work I'm more active in applying hand cream once again and one I have used is Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate. This style of tube is one of my favorites as it's both small without lacking on product. I loved the scent of this as it was sweet and perfect for the Summer without being overpowering. 

The first three products that I used up last month you will note from my St Lucia Skincare regime and they are favourites. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a long term favourite and I absolutely love it in the spritzer version. Again I'm trying to use the toners that still sit in my stash but I will certainly repurchase again in the future. Liz Earle Eyebright I'm not so sure about repurchasing. I do love it, it's fantastic when eyes are particularly suffering due to hayfever but it's a product I forget to reach for or think about it so it goes a little unloved. I think I'll see whether it's missed.

A product that is missed is the B. Effective Stubborn Make Up Remover*. I thought this was just a nice product and happily returned to the Garnier Micellar Water once it was used up but I'm not enjoying it so much and missing the former.  The B. Make Up Remover is a bi-phase solution and I find it gentler on my eyes which is what I use micellar waters and the like for. I'll definitely be repurchasing this again in the future.

Ren Glycolactic Mask I have little to say about unfortunately as I think it sat on my shelf too long and when I have attempted to use it the smell is a little off so into the bin it goes. Let me know if you've used before and whether it's something I need to seek out in the future.

Janjira Illuminating Day Cream* is a product from the stash sitting half used that needed to be used up. The packing for this product is sleek and lux and I like the pump dispenser to avoid product finding it's way under my nails. It's a nice light moisturiser to use in the warmer months when my skin is oiler and sits at a mid range price point of £24 I would think about repurchasing if there wasn't so many other offerings on the high street that I'm keen to try. Or more importantly a basket filled with moisturisers I need to use up first.

Finally is Perricone Md Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment which I used as a second cleanse. This was an interesting product to use as my second cleanse as it's not one you use to wash off and it's somewhere between a liquid and gel that is nice to apply but I think I prefer my wash products and certainly those which aren't so expensive.

I was gutted when my travel sized Mac Fix+ came to an end and I had hoped to refill from my larger bottle but the cap has beaten me. For now I've got a couple of other fixing sprays I'd like to use first but I will be repurchasing soon as I love having this in my handbag to freshen up make up if I'm heading out after work.

As part of my declutter process I'm trying to be more diligent at discarding mascaras when they have been in use for some months and it's been a success. I don't wish to tempt fate but I've not had what was a sporadic but frequent eye infection since I've been adopting this tactic. Last months mascara empties were two from Chanel, the Le Volume Mascara and the L'Oreal Superstar. Interestingly I had the smaller travel sizes of the Chanel Le Volume and loved it but once I'd purchased full size I was less impressed and actually found it disappointing and with fall out. The L'Oreal Superstar Mascara I enjoyed and would repurchase but mindful of it's something of a faff applying the primer first and it's quite large and bulky packaging for a mascara.

Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen is a great concealer perfect for the better days when you've had a good nights sleep, or at least want to fake having had one. It's not a must have in that I would seek it out from a UK seller but if I come across it when I'm in the US later this year I'm sure I'll throw one into my basket.

Finally a perfume that I enjoyed but didn't love, YSL Black Opium. It's a strong heady scent with a slight sweetness so it's perfect for Summer evenings.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Duty Free Haul

I’m sure the reason I love airports so much is that they usually involve going on holiday and if that’s the first then the second is Duty Free. Once I’m through security I’m like a woman possessed acting like someone with a Khardashians bank balance, throwing anything and everything into my basket. Please tell me I’m not alone in thinking that Duty Free spending isn’t like ‘real life’ spending.

When I hit Duty Free last month the top item on my list was Estee Lauders Bronze Goddess. This is a very clichéd Summer fragrance but in defence of jumping on the bandwagon I did resist for a long time as this scent is wheeled out every year and bloggers rave about ‘summer in a bottle’. I must have given Bronze Goddess a sniff on many occasions over the years and decided it wasn’t for me. I tend to favour heavy scents so it’s no surprising this ‘eau fraiche’, the most diluted version of a fragrance didn’t spark any joy… until now. A few weeks ago I was strolling through House of Fraser and gave it the cursory spray and wandered off once again unimpressed. Hours later I would keep getting wafts of the scent and realised how much I loved it. Interesting Ben turned his nose up when I was making my purchase but later in the holiday he commented on how he actually now liked it so if you haven’t found love in first spritz do try it on your own skin and see how it settles later in the day.

There’s little I can tell you that every other blogger and fan has; sun, sea, sand, coconut, memories of laying on a beach, yes it is all true and all there. It’s a whooping 100ml, glass bottle which makes me wonder would they not have been more successful bringing this out in a more travel friendly option such as the Chanel Purse sprays. It was the perfect scent to wear on my Menorca trip but I’ll be slightly reluctant taking it to Italy with me next month due to my luggage allowances.

And if one bottle wasn’t enough my mum has just returned from holiday and given me another bottle, not realising I had already purchased for myself. Clearly I mentioned this a lot recently. At least I’m stocked up now for the next couple of Summers.

Elizabeth Arden Eight House Cream Lip Protectant was one of my most used and repurchased items years ago. If I was travelling through Duty Free I would pick up this and an YSL mascara but as my beauty blogging grew and I discovered other products this little ritual disappeared. Did I need another lip balm, and certainly a pricey one at that not really but sometimes you just think why not.

The Elizabeth Arden Lip Protectant is £20 on the high street (£16.65 in Duty Free) and available in clear, my preference, and sheer tinted versions which I’ve never tried but would perhaps lend themselves well to current trends. It has the same properties as the Eight Hour Classic products and if like me you don’t like to apply product with your fingers to lips then this is a better choice. Containing skin softeners, sunscreen and Vitamin E it works from Summer to Winter. Whether you need to protect lips from sun exposure or dry and chapped lips this product will see you through. I’ve really enjoyed this rediscovery and am questioning why I ever stopped using it, it really is one of the best products and is saving the day when wearing matte lip products.

No trip to Duty Free is complete without swinging past the Mac Counter, my usual purchases are make up brushes, often adding to my stash of Mac 217 and 239. This time I needed to replace my 266 Small Angled Brush which for some reason is the brush I’m forever loosing. I always have a list of lipsticks and eyeshadows that I’m keen to investigate but depending on time and how many others have the same goal plays a part in whether I explore further. Continuing with the blogger clichés my list included Velvet Teddy, the lipstick that received notoriety when it was rumoured that Kylie Jenner was a fan. I also had Whirl and Soar Lip Liners on my list. I asked the sales assistant which she thought was a better match. After confirming I preferred a pink rather than brown nude she suggested Soar.

I’m still ‘new’ to nude lip colours and I’m definitely finding that the more pinks suit me better than browns and Velvet Teddy is definitely on the browner side and it’s matte finish, whilst with a creamy edge, isn’t the most flattering I own. I also found that Soar was very similar to the shade Dervish which I already own and perhaps are brown liner would’ve been a more complementing match. I’m still experimenting with it and I’m glad it’s in my collection, just perhaps Summer isn’t the right time for it to come out to play.

Finally I returned home with a new perfume, YSL Black Opium which was available for an additional 20% discount on my Easyjet flight. I think the discount and lack of exiting Duty Free purchases on my outbound journey meant I was easy prey. Admittedly I had seen this scent doing the rounds on blogs and it was ingrained in memory after smelling in store and enjoy it’s scent. This is more of my traditional style of fragrance than Bronze Goddess with a sweeter hit for Summer. I can’t deny I love the look of the bottle too.

Rather a nice little Duty Free haul there for me, I just need to decided what I’ll be buying on my next trip now. What do you recommend and do you have any traditional duty free purchases you make?

Products I've used up | January 2016

My first empties post of 2016 featuring a variety of products starting with the last product to make it's way into the pile, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo. This is an old favourite of mine but as I rotated products around my bathroom I'd shifted this larger bottle into my travel stash and would use to decant into smaller bottles I had. I took those smaller bottles to Florida with me and fell in love once again with this shampoo I'm definitely tempted to make a repurchase very soon. 

I'm a big fan of La Roche Posay and the Physiological Cleansing Gel* didn't disappoint for it's formula, packaging and ability to see when it was sadly coming to an end. Apparently the formula contains ingredients so gentle that they're used in contact lens solutions but that doesn't mean that it's too soft to remove all make up and grime from your face at the end of the day. 

Regular readers will know I'm loyal to Sure Maximum Protection for my deodorant needs but I'm not against trying new products. In this instance it was Dr Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant* which whilst not a competitor for my regular product was a pleasant one to use at night time. If you're a coconut lover this is one for you. Another deodorant I tried was from Soft & Gentle* and unfortunately it just didn't pack the punch I need either. Just call me sweaty betty!

Hot on the heels of the shampoo is L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Conditioner, both of which are great products for giving thick, glossy locks. Definitely one for the repurchase list. 

The MonuSpa Body Buffer* was a complete luxury product that I loved using and shows why sometimes it's worth spending the extra few pounds for bath time product. Whilst I have a healthy stash of Soap & Glory Body Scrubs to work through I will be considering a repurchase for when I want an additional pamper. 

I've had the Elegant Touch Drama Queen false nails have sat in a draw at home for some time and they finally made an appearance for a friends birthday dinner after Christmas. Despite my intentions of a full on manicure as usual time escaped me and instead I reached for these. Unlike the House of Holland nails I'd used these were much smaller in size and whilst still giving me talons I was able to 'function' much easier. They did mean I was unable to type as freely as I would like so I did soak them off the next day but it was worth it for a quick fix before a night out. 

Cocoa Brown Tan* is well known for being a well performing affordable tanning product and I can see why. I seem to have a rather large collection of tanning products without the frequent use and I'm trying to change that, hence Cocoa Brown's tanner finding its way into the empty pile. 

I used Bobbi Brown Corrector for years and whilst there is still a small offering left an end of year declutter I decided to put this in the trash. I haven't reached for it in months and other products are used with more frequency. Yes it knocks out the colour of my dark circles and will not sit in my fine lines but I have other products that I prefer these days. 

A product thats more function rather than one I have much to say on, Nails Inc Base Coat was my go to first step in my nail regimes. Again my end of year declutter highlights the abundance of nail products available to me so there is no need for a repurchase yet and I'm comfortable that many base coat products I've used do the same job.

As I enter 2016 I've decided I need to be more strict with my mascara and rather than flog to death, let them go when the time is needed. Two that have had the boot recently are NYX Propel My Lashes* which I loved and will repurchase when the time comes and L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara* from Just My Look which I didn't. I didn't enjoy the spindly brush nor clumpy look of my lashes. One very much, for the bin. 

I had been using YSL Touche Eclat for years and repurchased constantly. As I became less brand loyal, or shall we say experimental with my product ranges this product fell to the back of the draw and I don't know how long it's sat there. I have used sporadically throughout the year but as part of the already mentioned declutter it was time to let go. Yes I have my eyes on that collectors edition, stay tuned. 

Whilst on holiday and browsing the Sephora aisles I dithered whether to repurchase Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black in full size knowing the small rollerball had reached the end of it's life. In the end I decided to hold fire, sure I'll be in the US later in the year when I have less perfume lining my dressing table. 

And finally is Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion which was an amazing find last year. To target Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin as it's known it's worth the price tag. I'm lucky that I only have a small patch on one of my legs but this cleared it up a treat. As usual with my usage I'm sporadic but nonetheless when used properly this product works a treat. The only reason I won't be repurchasing yet is I managed to pick up an alternative in the US, once again stay tuned!

*this post contains press samples 

May 2015 Beauty Favourites

This months favourites are very much those I discovered, rediscovered or just enjoyed whilst on holiday in Dubai.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid
Despite appearing in my 2014 Foundation Favourites post I haven't used Chanel Les Beiges for some time. Anticipating the Dubai heat I thought there would be evenings I'd prefer this than Make Up Forevers HD Foundation so took it away with me. As expected I ended up casting aside the heavier coverage and it was this I wore every evening. This was the perfect base for my lightly toasted skin which was in the best condition it has been for some time. As such I am forgoing all other base products and packing this for my next trip to Ibiza.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My holy grail product was bound to appear in a favourites post sooner or later and it really proved it's worth in the heat of Dubai. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder is always in my handbag and will always accompany me on nights out but its more as a back up and lipstick touch ups. Despite everyone telling me that the air conditioning would protect from the heat that wasn't always the case. With a camera at every opportunity and Ben's love of the flash I need regular powder applications to try and battle the shine.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, 01 Le Rouge*
It's well documented how much I love a red lipstick and I certainly have a new favourite from the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Range. Part of a World Duty Free Limited Edition set I couldn't be more impressed with the formula of these lipsticks. As I mentioned in my previous posts the formula is deliciously creamy and long lasting.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer
Once again I reference the excessive heat in Dubai as a reason that primer was a must have during my trip. The combination of Benefit's POREfessional and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder ensured that at the end of the evening my make up wasn't sitting down my face. Whilst I know not everyone loves the silicone formula of this primer I have no issue with it and it feels like it's creating the base for my make up to be applied to. Once again this is a must have for me on my next trip and throughout Summer that I'll be picked up a replacement in Duty Free as my current tube is nearing the end of it's life.

Tom Ford Lipstick, Flamingo
I purchased the appropriately named Flamingo lipstick from Tom Ford when I was in LA and it's been a constant in my make up arsenal ever since. It's pretty much the closest I get to a nude lip. Of course it isn't a nude lip at all, it's very much pink but a soft enough pink that it goes with anything yet bright enough that I feel like I have something on my lips. Due to the clothing choices I made on my holidays I had to steer away from my regular reds more often than usual and as such it was Flamingo that came to my aid.

Caudalie Divine Legs
I have had Caudalie Divine Legs for years and it has remained untouched. Another of those 'the beauty blogger made me do it' purchases I was alway petrified of it. For some reason I decided to take it on holiday despite it's un-travel-friendly glass bottle thinking that with some colour on my usually pasty pins I would be a little braver. I'm not very good with tanning products or even this style of tint and always worry about streaks and then seem to rub the product to such a degree it disappears from sight. The first time I used it I panicked and was not a fan but as I'd deemed it worthy of space in my luggage and I persevered and found I rather enjoyed the additional sheen and colour it added to my legs (and arms). I applied with a mitt to avoid messing with my hands and do find this darker than I thought although I was very pale before so it's one to be cautious with. Once again I liked it so much that I will take it to Ibiza to ensure I get maximum usage.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads received a glowing review in my holiday skincare post and for that reason they of course could not be omitted from this months favourites. Back from my holidays I had decided to use other products and save these to take away with me again being so travel friendly and my skin has not thanked me for it. They are currently being pulled from my half packed suitcase to rectify the situation.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid*
I intended to publish a blog post on La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range during my holiday but unfortunately too many cocktails and lazy days on the beach allowed my schedule to go awry. I still intend to publish that post but in advance I thought I'd share the love in particular for the Ultra-Light Fluid. I actually arrived in Dubai armed with all manner of La Roche-Posays Anthelios skincare range which we all shared between us. As I've said my skin was in great condition and that might not have been the case had I been doing what many women do and using the SPF's for the body on their face or even worse forgoing it at all. It speaks highly of the Anthelios range that I didn't suffer any break outs from this light weight formula.

So that's this months favourites, hopefully you will find some of these useful for any forthcoming holidays you may have coming up. Spot anything you think you need?

World Duty Free | #jetsetbeauty

Whilst talking about our holidays we will say it was the sun, great food and company that we enjoyed most I think secretly a lot of us beauty lovers are really thinking 'Duty Free Shopping'. There's something about airports that sees me taking leave of my senses and suddenly budgets don't apply and spending any of amount of money seems justifiable. And that's before you take into account the discounts.

I admit usually when shopping in Duty Free I tend to pick up products I'm familiar with. Last year for example I took the opportunity to replace my Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder. Prior to that my Duty Free staples used to be Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant and the YSL Make Up Kit containing Touche Eclat and their mascara and a new perfume.

Following an event World Duty Free hosted last year I think it's time I start looking at their beauty exclusives a little more carefully. I was lucky enough to go home with two, the OPI Hawaii Mini Collection* and a YSL Lipstick Selction*.

OPI's Hawaii Mini Collection contains six perfectly sized bottles for travelling and the price, £16.35 is amazing value.  Each shade would compliment your tan with the blue shimmer, 'This Colours Making Waves' adding to any mermaid fantasies.

As for the YSL Lipsticks. Wow. They are admittedly my favourite. Two reds, one true one of the orange size and a bright pink we could easily rename this 'Victoria's Perfect Colour Match'. Each has accompanied me to Dubai and they are possibly the creamiest texture I have ever used not to mentioned the ultra luxe gold packaging.

Last weekends Duty Free shopping as I embarked for Dubai was rather rushed from a beauty perspective as priority was ensuring we arrived ready to stock up our mini bar but I did make a couple of quick purchases which I will share soon but I low when I have browsing time these exclusive collections will be what I'm looking out for.

Do you have a regular Duty Free purchases or are you a browser?

Beauty Empties | March 2015

A somewhat earlier empties post for March solely which seems appropriate because if I left it any longer I don't know how many more empties would feature in this post! Lets get straight into my beauty trash.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo 

The John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo is a favourite of mine and one you would have seen repurchased here. I will definitely repurchase this again once I've said goodbye to the other six or seven bottles of shampoo sitting in my bathroom.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution 

I like to use Micellar Waters to remove my make up before going in for cleansing of an evening although my preference is for the Garnier one which has been repurchased. You can see the battle of these two micellar waters here

Electric Volume Liquid Mist* 

I just reviewed here the  Electric Volume Liquid Mist and it's a great product which unlike many sprays  I apply to wet hair before blow drying. For my casual day to day look it's perfect and fuss free which is ideal for the mornings when I'm getting ready for work. I would consider repurchasing if visiting the salon although with more affordable options available it would have to be for a splurge or treating myself.

Lotil Foot Cream* 

There is nothing I like better than a foot rub, sadly I have to provide my own but it's made somewhat better by the delicious scent of Lotil's foot cream. If you're a fan of marzipan you will love this. You can see my earlier review here

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxident* 

Another product you may remember I reviewed here. I enjoyed using this oil and would definitely repurchase when a need comes. For now I have an overflowing basket of skincare to work through.

Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facewipes
I have little to say about the Brightening Facewipes from Yes to. In fact I must stop buying face wipes as I find they make me lazy knowing they're in the drawer. I picked these up in the US when the brand was on my radar popping up on other sites.

Goya Black Rose* link
Sadly despite loving it's vintage origins the Black Rose fragrance from Goya isn't for me. You can read more about this 50s revival here

nspa Nourishing Eye and Lip Treatment link
I have had this tube of eye and lip cream floating around in my skincare basket for years. It's handy tube size has accompanied me on many a flight and I finally decided to use up so it could move on - I'm slightly dubious the length of time I've had it whether it was even serving it's purpose.

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara* link
I enjoyed this mascara from a 'new to me' brand Eye of Horus who really do live their brand using Moringa Oil, a rare and precious oil found in King Tutankhamum's tomb. No paragons but plenty of Vitamins and antioxidants this is one mascara that wants to take care of your lashes.
Whist it didn't give the va va voom I'd like for evenings on first coat it was certainly perfect for day when you might find yourself heading for after work drinks another layer builds up nicely. I have some photos of me wearing which I'll pop on Instagram.

YSL Volume Enhancing Mascara link
Another product that has been in my collection for some time and no surprises has dried out as I sample other mascara's. This mascara was my holy grail 'back in the day' and was repurchased often. I don't really need to replace although I may treat myself at Duty Free in May!

MAC Wonder Woman Blusher in Amazon Princess  link
This blush has been in my collection since 2011 when the Wonder Woman collection was released by Mac. I actually had quite a lot from the line when it was released although all that remains were this blush and two lipsticks. Unfortunately despite only rediscovering the blush in my collection early last year I subsequently dropped and shattered the blush to pieces. Gutted isn't the word. Now I'm in two minds as to whether to keep the compact for memories sake. I believe I have some photos of the blush in it's pink glory which again I'll post on Instagram. Do you remember this collection?

Maybelline Baby Lips, Peach Kiss link
I want to do a celebratory dance that I have finished a lip balm - I think this might be one of the few times this has happened! I originally posted on my Baby Lips purchase in this post and whilst I wasn't wowed it held a worthy place in my lip balm collection (which is massive might I add and there is a post forthcoming)

What have you been using up this month?