Products I Used Up | March 2017

A small handful of products were used up during March prior to leaving for my holiday that I have t share with you today, starting with a product that made an appearance in both April 2016 and my end of year of favourites. That product is the L'Oreal Brow Artiste Plumper in Medium which I will definitely be repurchasing. I've probably dragged out use of this product longer than necessary and naturally found that the coverage became lighter in the latter months of use. It seems to last longer than Maybelline BrowDrama and I find the smaller wand easy to work with.

I was surprised how quickly I went through L'Or Des Pharaons Face and Body Mist* since it's appearance in my Thirty Plus Skincare post and as I said in that post it was a lovely product to use, what product with 'nanoclusters of gold' wouldn't be but for around the £40 mark I'm looking for something more.

I've become a big fan of Imperial Leather in recent months, especially their Sweets range of which I've tried a number of the scents (my favourite is the Banana) but today it's the Imperial Leather Shower Cream in Sherbet Lemon that's found it's way into the empties pile. This is probably my second favourite and once I've completed my 'mission' to use up the numerous half used products in my bathroom I will be repurchasing. They have also brought out a Marshmallow Bath Cream
in the range to compliment so I'm hoping they add the other scents although following a tip from Caroline I did test this out as a bubble bath and it worked quite well so perhaps I won't need two separate products.

Another disappointment was the Zoella Fizz Bar. I appreciate I'm probably not the target audience and I think I pinched this to try from a stash of products I was gifting the teen daughters of friends I know. I am partial on occasion to bath bombs and the like but I found this, used with and without bubble baths didn't add anything but grit to my bath water.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm was limited edition and unfortunately no longer available which is a shame because it's a nice, more subtle scent to their sweet and citrus to Sugar Crush. I paired this with the orange scented Patisserie de Ban products I was enjoying recently which made for a great combination. Never fear all of the Soap & Glory scrubs are great but if you favour the tube style of dispenser then try Scrub of Your Life.

Keep an eye out as there will be a holiday installment of products I used up coming up soon.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Bombshell Blue Beauty Products

When I first added beauty blogging to my repertoire what fascinated me most was how little bloggers appeared to wash their hair thanks to dry shampoo. As some with oily roots that was lucky to get through a day unfazed, the fact some went a day without washing let alone numerous days was mind blowing.

Now thanks to a little help from dying my hair can now last a day longer on occasion and whilst I'm happy with the affordable options such as Batiste and Colab from the high street it's always nice to try something a little high end that isn't as bank busting as Oribe.

Catwalk by TIGI Transforming Dry Shampoo* is around £10-15 depending on retailer and my first impression was that it looks far more sophisticated than the aforementioned budget brands. Even Colab has adopted a more colourful rebranding which I think is a shame as it stood out against Batiste. But back to TIGI Catwalk Dry Shampoo which I'm rather impressed with and could justify the more expensive price tag.

It has a musky masculine scent which I enjoy and its one of few dry shampoo's I've used that really doesn't leave a white cast in my brunette roots and doesn't leave hair powdery. The oily roots I'm usually trying to disguise are perked up and left looking a lot fresher. For it's price I really wanted to be a little blasé about it and say it wasn't worth the tag but if you're a brunette and struggle with the more affordable options available this might be worth a try.

Next, just like Britney I did it again, I justified purchasing the Wet Brush Bombshell Blue Hair Brush because of the colour palette and setting up this photograph. Yes I know I only just picked up a new Wet Brush recently but in my defence I had spotted this gorgeous blue colour on a dash through Boots one afternoon and could't stop thinking about it. Yes I know, sad isn't it I couldn't stop thinking about a hair brush but you all know by now I'm a big fan of the Wet Brush.

There's nothing I like more than repurchasing a new Wet Brush as you remember how good they are and tick yourself off for allowing your older brush to outstay it's welcome. As I type this I'm on holiday in St Lucia and following a day on the boat coated in really salt spray and deciding to let my hair whip around in the breeze rather than tie up my hair is something of a knotted mess but my Wet Brush, and admittedly it's the older of the two which I'm planning to leave behind has been far kinder to my hair as I try to brush it out.

How are you treating your hair at the moment?

* this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Monthly Beauty Favourites | March 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What products have you loved this month?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Products I 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

Forgotten Favourites

Following my dabble with The KonMari Method I have been moving onto decluttering my make up stash and as such finding a few forgotten favourites along the way to share with you.

First is the Bare Minerals Powder Foundation which was one of the first foundations I ever really dabbled with on a 'serious' basis and even featured way back in 2011 in a post that is lacking photography skills and content. I picked this at the time, please don't judge for it's age and the fact it's one of two pots I've discovered, as I wanted a foundation with coverage but conscious of my lack of a skincare routine and preference for stumbling into bed complete with full face of make up. Whilst I wouldn't recommend purchasing a foundation because they suggest your skin is still able to breathe whilst wearing it and thus allowing sleep it did treat me well and I repurchased on a number of occasions.

As a foundation its easy to use and I have enjoyed the finish, making a change from the usual coverage of a liquid foundation. I don't think I'm converted back to making this a regular staple in my routine and it's coverage is lighter than what I have preferred of late and I when using I begin the dithering of what about a cream concealer, can I apply on top but otherwise it's been a nice trip down memory lane.

Next is an old blogger favourite, the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette which I first featured way back in 2014 - hmmm where do we stand on whether it's past it's best? I'm a little torn on this palette and whether to say goodbye to it or keep hold of as I have been enjoying it of late. As in my initial review it is the left hand side which I'm enjoying most and find easiest for daily wear but when I consider my love for the Lorac Pro Palette and those being the ones I reach for do I need this?

A lot of the shades are hailed as dupes from Mac the full down of which can be found at Temptalia but even my original Mac eyeshadows are going unloved lately. I'm wondering whether my mum might make us of it as she loves shades of green or perhaps depotting and keeping the neutrals I'm enjoying to see if I can better use of them in that state? If you're looking to get your hands on this palette in the UK check out The Vitamin Grocer.

Finally is a product I would've put in my monthly favourites when I came back from Las Vegas if there had been such a post and that is Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream which apologies is a product only available in the US. The first time I tried this I went for the light option which was too light even on my pasty skin so on another trip I went for the darker shade which was a much better fit. This is a moisturiser which smooths and evens out the skin so is perfect for holidays and I will be throwing into my suitcase for St Lucia to help 'photoshop' my legs. I need to have a little more of a play with this product and then I'll see whether I'll stock up later in the year.

What products have you rediscovered lately?