August & September Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Regular readers will have noticed that I didn't publish an Empties post last month, and that's because I only had three empty products in my bathroom basket, but fret not, here's a full August & September empties round up to enjoy!

Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood 360 Serum* (review) 

A beautiful light-weight serum that hydrates, plumps up and brightens the skin. I always enjoy using this in the evenings and it works well under all of my face oils and moisturisers. Repurchase? Yes, I've repurchased this before and will continue to do so. 

Mont Trod Purifying Clay Mask* (review)

I discovered this luxury natural mask during lockdown earlier this year, and it's been a real saviour for fighting off blemishes and keeping breakouts and 'maskne' at bay. Gets rid of spots fast but doesn't dry out the skin. Repurchase? I have some similar clay masks to use up first, though I'm sure I'll treat myself to this again in the near future.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant* (link)

In pre-Covid times, I would usually layer this on top of another natural deodorant to double up the strength, but with working from home now a regular occurrence and socialising off the cards for most of us, a quick spritz of this natural deodorant is all I need to feel fresh these days! Repurchase? Yes.

OSKIA Renaissance Mask (travel size)

Oh, how I love this mask and I was so pleased to find it in a GWP goody bag leftover from Xmas. It's one of the best that I've ever tried for brightening and smoothing a dull and lacklustre complexion and gives instant glowing results after just one use thanks to a powerful blend of Fruit Acids and prebiotics. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment sadly but I'll definitely pick it up the next time I see it on offer.

Tropic Clear Skin Mask* (review)

You can tell I've had a lot of time on my hands to do some serious pampering this year can't you?! This is another fantastic face mask for zapping blemishes and clearing up 'maskne'. You can see what it looks like on in my review post here. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other masks.

Typology Pamplemousse Petitgrain & Cèdre Vétiver Fragrances* (review)

One of my favourite brand discoveries for 2020 has been the luxury French natural brand Typology, and I absolutely adore their fragrances. These two samples are from one of their Perfume Discovery Sets and I loved them both. Repurchase? Tempted!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (travel size)

Like many people, I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup recently, but I did manage to use up a mini of the incredible DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which is still one of my favourite make-up removers. It takes off everything, including waterproof formulas. Repurchase? Yes.

A'kin Cleansing Micellar Water* (review)

Perfect for all those lazy days at home (and there's been so many of them...), I've been using this micellar water as a quick and easy cleanse in the mornings. Very light and refreshing. Repurchase? Yes.

Ogario Restore And Shine Hair Masque* (review)

A long time favourite of mine, this magical hair mask has been a staple in my bathroom for the last few years and I never tire of slathering it on when my hair needs some serious hydration. It gets to work in just 10 minutes and always leaves my hair so smooth and shiny afterwards. Repurchase? Already have!

All Naturals Handmade Soap in Spectacular Jasmine* (review)

Finishing up this round-up with another long time fave of mine, I've been buying these All Naturals Soaps for 2-3 years now and Spectacular Jasmine is such a gorgeous scent, I can't get enough of it. Repurchase? My sister kindly sent me some earlier in the year so I'm all stocked up for now.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for another Empties round-up? Here's a basketful of products that I've used up recently, plus my thoughts on the ones that I'll be repurchasing again and which ones will be staying permanently in the recycling bin.

This Works Light Time Cleanse & Glow (travel size)

Given the current lockdown situation, I've been going through my minis stash and unearthing some forgotten gems such as this gorgeous Vitamin C infused treatment from This Works. Ideal for to use whenever your skin needs a brightening pick me up, Light Time Cleanse & Glow gets to work in just one minute to deliver an instant result. Repurchase? I have a few more of these minis to use but will definitely purchase the full-size when they're all gone!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (travel size)

If you're looking for another active ingredient to include in your skincare routine to bring more radiance and glow to your skin, definitely try Glycolic Acid. It's easy to find as the superstar ingredient in REN's Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and I've been using this for years (check out one of my reviews from back in 2015 here). Repurchase? Absolutely.

Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil* 

Whenever my eczema flares up, I swap over whichever body moisturiser I'm using to a fragrance-free one and I love this Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil which has a simple blend of beneficial natural ingredients such as Rosehip, Sweet Almond and Apricot Oils. Absorbs quickly and is great for massage. Repurchase? Yes.

PHB Lavender Natural Soap*

Lovely 100% natural soap bar that's made without Palm Oil. Creates a gentle and soothing lather without any SLS so I've been using this in the shower. If you like Lavender scents, this is the soap for you! Repurchase? I have some other soaps to use up first but I'll happily buy from PHB again.

Merci Handy Hand Cleansing Gel in Coco Rico

Pretty self-explanatory right? I'm a big fan of these Merci Handy Hand Gels because they don't dry out my hands as much as other hand sanitisers do and they smell incredible. Coco Rico is basically summer in a bottle! Repurchase? I bought a multi-pack so I have a few other scents to try out.

Odacité BI + C Serum Concentrate* 

My skin has been a little fussy during the lockdown but this serum treatment from Odacité has managed to keep blemishes and breakouts under control. You can either add a few drops to your day or night moisturiser or apply it directly onto spots and problem areas for a more intensive treatment which is generally how I prefer to use it. Repurchase? Yes.

CHOBS Aloe Face Mask*

I don't tend to use a lot of sheet masks these days, however, I did thoroughly enjoy the soothing benefits of this CHOBS Aloe Face Mask which felt amazing on my skin after a long day in the sun. I kept it in the fridge beforehand and it was literally heaven when I applied it! Repurchase? Tempted.

Organii Facial Sun Cream SPF 15*

This is a bit of a weird one as I used it mainly over the Winter months (I feel that SPF 15 isn't enough during Summer) and although I initially liked it, I've found the texture to be much too thick and greasy to use in the warmer weather so I'm glad it's been used up. Repurchase? I've since found other sunscreens that I prefer over this so I wouldn't buy it again.

A'kin Organic Rosehip Oil*

One of the best Rosehip Oils out there, I've gone through so many bottles of these over the years and always have one on the go somewhere! I tend to use it once or twice a week in the evenings and find that it works particularly well when rotated with other facial oils and treatments. Repurchase? Yes.

Origins VitaZing SPF 15

My last Empty for this round-up is another long-time favourite of mine - the much loved and hyped Origins VitaZing SPF 15. It's a brilliant tinted moisturiser which I use all-year-round when I don't fancy wearing a full face of foundation and the coverage is actually much better than what you might think from a typical tinted moisturiser. Repurchase? I'm using one from Tropic at the moment so we'll see if that's better or not!

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, atomisers and face mask sachets with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept, such as flexible plastic tubes at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Ready for a bumper Empties post?! As per my usual pre-Christmas tradition of having a declutter, I made it my mission to use up as many of the half-full and nearly used up bottles and jars in my bathroom as possible and here are the results! You might want to grab a snack and make a cuppa first...

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate*

A gorgeous face moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid for the winter months - nice thickish texture but absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy at all so perfect for most skin types I would imagine! Repurchase? I'm currently testing out the new fragrance-free version which I actually prefer :)

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish (travel size)

I love the scent of REN'S Moroccan Rose Otto range because it's so fresh and uplifting. This is a proper luxurious body scrub that works a treat. Repurchase? On my wishlist.

Bodhi & Birch Super 25 Botanical Serum* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a luxury all-natural serum, I would add this to your shopping basket right now. It's a sublime blend of 25 superfood botanicals and it's free from essential oils which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment sadly.

Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Bath & Shower Oil (travel size)

Everything from Lola's Apothecary is beautiful and this bath oil is no exception - it smells gorgeous and so calming. Repurchase? On my xmas list.

Bodhi & Birch Sicilian Rose Body Oil (reviewed here)

A good friend gifted this to me for my birthday and I was so happy because I've used it in the past and absolutely adored it. The scent is heavenly and the texture of the oil just leaves your skin silky soft. Repurchase? Another that's on my xmas list ;)

Lavera All Round Cream (reviewed here)

Long-time readers will recognise this - I've gone through many tins of this amazing multi-purpose moisturiser over the years. Super thick and buttery, it's a must-have for dry skin during winter and it smells like lemon cheesecake! Repurchase? Already have.

Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Rapid Flash Serum (travel size)

I'm a big fan of Sunday Riley's C.E.O Vitamin C range and this serum was such a pleasure to use that I was gutted when it ran out. Brilliant for brightening up dull skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Vitality Spritz* (reviewed here)

Uplifting and invigorating is how I would describe this luxury body spritz which is lovely to use after hot yoga or pilates. Repurchase? Sadly not, it's one of those products that I used a lot at first, but then forgot that I had which is why it's taken me such a long time to use it up.

Handmade Naturals Cocoa & Mandarin Lip Balm* (reviewed here)

A fantastic budget-friendly natural lip balm that tastes a bit like a Terry's Chocolate Orange - what's not to like?! Repurchase? Yes.

L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil (travel size)

I will always have a soft spot for this as I've been using it for years and the scent is quite nostalgic for me now. It's also still one of the best products to use to shave your legs with - silky smoothness guaranteed every time. Repurchase? Yes.

A'kin Rosehip Oil* (reviewed here)

My skin loves Rosehip Oil so I always have a bottle of it in my stash and this one from A'kin is another longtime favourite of mine because it's so pure and has a lovely texture. Repurchase? Definitely.

Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo* (reviewed here)

I can't remember how many tubes I've used up in the past but I often have one in my bathroom and alternate it with other shampoos. Brilliant for dry hair without weighing it down. Repurchase? Will do once I've used some other shampoos first.

Lavera Basis Sensitiv Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

One of the best organic toothpastes that I've tried for sensitive teeth. Contains sodium fluoride but is SLS free. Repurchase? I've trying out Lavera's Whitening Toothpaste at the moment.

B. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover* (reviewed here)

If your eyes are quite delicate and sensitive, as most people's are, this affordable, vegan eye makeup remover is fantastic because it removes everything (including waterproof makeup) without stinging or requiring scrubbing. I've used lots of these! Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Monoi And Orange Flower Luxury Bath Foam* 

Perfect for a luxurious bubble bath, this SLS-free Tropic Bath Foam smells incredible - I'm a sucker for anything with Monoi in it - and it's really relaxing to use before bedtime. Repurchase? Yes.

Elsa's Organic Skin Foods Natural Deodorant Stick in Ocean* (reviewed here)

I've been lucky enough to try out all of the different natural deodorants from Elsa's and my two favourites are Love and Ocean. The latter is super fresh and a great unisex scent too. Repurchase? Already have.

P.S - Recycle your beauty empties with Terracycle! 

Most of these plastic and glass containers can be recycled through my local council service (blue bin in my area), however, things like the pumps have metal springs in them which are not accepted as they require a different method in order to be recycled. Luckily, Garnier have teamed up with Terracycle to recycle beauty and personal care waste which is deemed difficult to recycle. It's free, all brands are accepted and there are drop off locations all over the UK. Read more here.

What have you used up recently?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

I had a feeling that I was going to have a bumper load of Empties this month, so I wasn't surprised to see my Empties box overflowing with products today! Let's jump straight in then, as there's a lot to chat about.

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

I've had a rough time this month with about two weeks of flu and let me tell you - when I have the flu, I literally look like death warmed up. Seriously, it's not pretty! Luckily, I had a pack of these in my skincare stash and they are fantastic for quickly depuffing your eyes and making you look like you've had a full eight hours of sleep. Repurchase? Definitely!

RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipe

I don't use a lot of wipes these days, but I like to have some handy for travelling. These ones from RMS Beauty are basically coated in pure Organic Coconut Oil and don't contain anything else, so they're very gentle on the skin. They worked well with removing mineral-based makeup but struggled with shifting waterproof mascara, and given how expensive they are, I don't think I would bother picking these up again. Repurchase? No.

Green People Hydrating After Sun Soothing Moisturiser*

This is one of my favourite after-sun formulas and I really enjoyed using it all Summer long. It isn't sticky or greasy, and feels wonderfully hydrating - just what you want to soothe the skin after too much fun in the sun! Repurchase? Yes.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads

There are so many budget-friendly options out there if you want to add some Glycolic acid to your skincare routine, but I'm a big fan of these cleansing pads from Superdrug as they feel gentle, do a good job, but don't irritate my skin. I always stock up when they're half price. Repurchase? Yes.

B. Effective Stubborn Makeup Remover

Another cheap-as-chips favourite of mine is this eye makeup remover from Superdrug's B range. This works a charm and is on the same level as much pricier brands in terms of performance, yet you can often pick it up for a mere £4 when it's on offer! An absolute bargain and massively underrated. Repurchase? Yes.

Esse Probiotic Serum*

For something much, much more expensive, Esse's Probiotic Serum was a real pleasure to use and my skin fell in love with it. Due to its hefty price tag, I didn't use this every day and instead rotated it with some of my more affordable serums so that it lasted longer. If you're into luxury probiotic skincare, Esse is a worthy brand to look into. Repurchase? It's out of my budget at the moment, but I would be tempted if I saw it on sale. 

Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion*

I've yet to come across a Weleda product that I don't like, and I'm a big fan of their Wild Rose range which smells beautiful. Their Body Lotions have a gorgeous formula and absorb easily into the skin - I loved using this after a long hot bath. Repurchase? Yes.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Face Cleansing & Makeup-Removing Gel

Received this in a recent GWP and I hated it. It left my skin feeling tight, dry and not very clean (like there was still some residue left behind), plus it didn't remove all of my makeup. Repurchase? Nope!

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200*

Oh, it was a sad day when this ran out because it's one of the best Hyaluronic Acid based serums that I've ever used! It feels virtually weightless on the skin, absorbs rapidly and it really plumps everything up, making your complexion look more refreshed and rejuvenated. Repurchase? Will do once I use some other serums up.

Antipodes Juliet Brightening Gel Cleanser*

I love a gel cleanser in the Summer months and this one from Antipodes served me well when it was hot and sticky outside. Great for oily and combination skin, it gives a deep cleanse without stripping the skin and helps to clear up blemishes as well. Repurchase? I'd happily buy this again next Spring/Summer.

Weleda Evening Primrose Revitalising Body Oil*

Lovely body oil, very rich and nourishing so perfect to use for a pampering session and another great product to apply after a hot bath to rehydrate the skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Jung & Schön Cleansing Milk*

This came to me in a European beauty and lifestyle box and is from the Austrian brand Jung & Schön which translates as 'young and beautiful'. It's a nice and gentle light cleansing lotion/milk with a fresh and slightly fruity scent to it - it was very nice to use. Repurchase? Would pick it up again if I saw it in the UK.

A'kin Brightening Rosehip Oil*

A'kin do the best rosehip oils in my opinion - there's just something about their formulas which feels very refined and high-quality.  I mainly use it as a facial oil in the evenings to help lighten any old acne scars and brighten up pigmentation areas. Repurchase? Already have another bottle in my stash.

LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel

I'm a sucker for the sickly sweet, candy-floss like scent of Snow Fairy and always overdose on it in the Christmas sales. This is my last bottle from last year's haul and I'm looking forward to treating myself to another bottle this Christmas! Repurchase? Yes.

Have you tried any of these? 

What have you used up recently?

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QVC The Big Deal Offer: A'kin Skincare Hydration Collection review

I've been a fan of the Australian natural skincare brand A'kin for a long time now, and I recently featured some of the many ways that I use their amazing Rosehip Oil in my routine. There's a lot more to A'kin than just their superstar oil though, so I wanted to share this fantastic offer from QVC on their Skincare Hydration Collection.

I don't know about you, but my skin is feeling a bit parched after that recent Bank Holiday heatwave (which was absolutely glorious wasn't it?!), and if yours is also in need some of essential hydration, this four-piece skincare set will be right up your street! 

Comprising of some of A'kin's bestsellers, it's a great value-for-money way to try out the brand, and all of the products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free from a long list of 'nasties', e.g there's no sulphates, parabens, silicones, PEGs, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial colours or synthetic fragrances, which makes them suitable for all skin types to use. In the Skincare Hydration Collection, you'll receive all of the following:-

A'kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (20ml)

Certified organic by COSMOS, this 100% natural Rosehip Oil contains a minimum concentration of 80% essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 & 9), to give your skin an ultra-hydrating and nourishing boost. There are just two ingredients in this concentrated formula; pure Rosehip Oil and a small amount of Rosemary Leaf Extract to further boost its antioxidant content. This multi-purpose oil can be used in various ways; massage a few drops on the face after cleansing as a hydrating treatment, or rub a little into any dry skin area like cuticles and knuckles to give them some instantly softening TLC (check out my post here on my top 5 ways to use Rosehip Oil).

A'kin Cleansing Micellar Water (150ml)

Remove all of the day's dirt, impurities and make-up with this super easy to use natural micellar water which is infused with Organic Coconut Water, Green Tea, Cucumber and Lavender extracts. Soap-free and pH balanced, this is one of the most gentle micellar waters that I've tried, yet it does a brilliant job and feels nice and refreshing on the skin. I love using this as a quick first cleanse (just pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep over the face), on days when I'm wearing mineral-based makeup as it removes all of this in less than two minutes.

A'kin Hydrating Mist Toner (30ml)

No hydrating skincare set would be complete without a refreshing toner and this travel-size bottle will be perfect for throwing into your handbag or suitcase this Summer. Like the Micellar Water above, the Hydrating Mist Toner is also infused with Organic Coconut Water and Green Tea, and it feels so lovely to use, especially on a hot day! Simply spritz all over the face as part of your regular skincare routine or whenever your skin needs an instant shot of hydration.

A'kin Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream (50ml)   

To finish off the collection, there's a full-size Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream which is worth £20 on its own! Packed full of ingredients such as Coconut Water, Aloe, Macadamia Oil, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Olive Fruit Oil and Rosemary Leaf extract, this day cream has a gorgeous texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling softer, plumped up, thoroughly hydrated and protected against the elements. You can also easily skip using a primer as this works so well underneath makeup, creating a super smooth base for a flawless look.

 A'kin Skincare Hydration Collection* is currently The Big Deal offer on QVC for one week only priced at just £29.98 - strictly whilst stocks last! 

Have you tried anything from A'kin?

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Skincare Favourite: A'kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil review & 5 Ways To Use It

Rosehip Oil is one of the most beautiful and beneficial oils that you can add to your skincare routine and it's certainly been coming in handy during this recent cold snap!

I honestly can't remember how long I've been using Rosehip Oil for. I first heard about it as a useful ingredient to look out for in skincare when I was researching products that could help with acne scars. Naturally, Rosehip Oil popped up and the more I read about it, the more I knew I needed to try it. I purchased a bottle from a local health store several years ago and I've never looked back.

There are a lot of brands out there who have their own versions of this superstar oil, but the two key things to look out for are purity and organic certifications. For the best results on your skin, you want a pure Rosehip Oil that doesn't contain any additional 'nasties' such as parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial colours or fragrances. I'd also recommend looking out for a organic certification logo on the packaging, as many are marketed as 'organic', but are not verified in any way.

The one that I've been using the most often over the years is A'kin Rosehip Oil which is certified organic by COSMOS (one of the highest and strictest organic accreditations on the market). It contains just pure Rosehip Oil, with a little Rosemary Leaf extract to help 'turbo-charge' the antioxidant content, with nothing else added, so it's naturally vegan-friendly.

Why Is Rosehip Oil So Good for the Skin?

Rosehip Oil is derived from Rosehip Seeds which are naturally high in essential fatty acids, carotenes and antioxidants. These are fantastic for the skin as they help to keep it healthy and hydrated, as well as improving skin tone and texture, brightening the complexion, diminishing marks and scars, and also helping to reduce any redness and irritation. It's often touted as an 'anti-ageing' oil thanks to its Vitamin A content which helps to promote healthy cell renewal and regeneration to keep skin looking younger for longer. The purity and multi-benefits of Rosehip Oil makes it suitable for all skin types to try out, but as with all skincare products, please do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

5 Ways To Use Rosehip Oil

• Hydrating Facial Oil Treatment - massage 1-3 drops into cleansed skin before applying your moisturiser, to give dry skin a hydrating boost.
• Boost Your Moisturiser - alternatively, mix a few drops directly into your current moisturiser to supercharge your morning and/or evening skincare routine.
• Dry Skin Saviour - massage a couple of drops into any area on the face and body that feels dry or cracked. It's brilliant for heels, elbows, knees and even on the lips!
• Hand & Nail Treatment - rub in a few drops directly into dry hands, paying particular attention to the cuticles, knuckles and nails to give them some moisturising TLC.
• Frizz & Flyaways Smoother - apply 1-3 drops (depending on the length and thickness of your hair) into your hands and smooth over your lengths and ends to tame any frizz and flyaways for a sleek finish.

A'kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil* is QVC's 'Supersize Product of the Month' throughout March - pick up a massive 45ml bottle for only £25.68 (link)

Have you tried Rosehip Oil?

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Organic Beauty Week: The Weekend Pampering Edit

To round off Organic Beauty Week, I wanted to compile a Pampering Edit for the weekend, demonstrating how easy it is to add some truly luxurious organic beauty products into your life (and in your bathroom). It's time to treat yourself!

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November Empties / Products I've Used Up

Empties time!  Here are the products I've managed to finish up recently, my overall thoughts on them, and whether I'd repurchase any again or not.

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August Empties / Products I've Used Up

It's the end of the month so that can only mean one thing - it's Empties time!  Here are the products I've managed to finish up recently, my overall thoughts on them, and whether I'd repurchase any again or not.

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June Empties / Products I've Used Up

Empties time!  Here are the products I've managed to finish up recently, my overall thoughts on them, and whether I'd repurchase any again or not.

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The Pre-Valentine's Day Pamper

Whether you're planning for a hot date, going out for a romantic dinner with a loved one, or simply celebrating being single with your girlfriends (like I will be!), this little pamper will have you prepped and ready to go for a fun Friday night out tomorrow.

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The New Year's Day Pamper

I hope everyone has had a good start to the New Year!  If you went out last night or indulged at home too much, and feel a little worse for wear like I do (my head is oh-so-fuzzy right now so please forgive any spelling mistakes), then this is the pamper post to get you feeling like yourself again. 

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My Hair Products / Styling Stash

My hair is naturally dry and has a slight wave to it which can either look good (like once or twice a year), or it can look plain awful (i.e most of the time).  It's also a frizzy nightmare to boot, which has forced me to keep an arsenal of products on hand at all times in order to make myself look marginally presentable.  Now, I'm not saying that messy hair isn't cool, on the contrary, but let's face it - getting that 'just got out of bed look' is the same as that 'no make-up look' that requires at least five products isn't it?!  So here's a rundown of what's in my hair products/styling stash.

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My Current Favourite 5 Face Oils & Serums

For a very long time, I avoided using any kind of face oil for fear that it would make my oily/combination skin, 'even more oily'.  As my skincare knowledge grew, I quickly realised that this is one of the biggest myths in the beauty world.  So much so, that the opposite is in fact true; using a face oil on oily skin can actually make it less oily and more balanced because your skin isn't having to work so hard to make more natural oil/sebum for your face.  Once I had embraced this, I soon began to reap the many benefits of incorporating one into my skincare routine, and I branched out into serums as well.  Finding one to suit you can take some trial and error though, so I thought I'd share five of my own favourite face oils and serums to give you an idea as to what's on the market.

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July Beauty Favourites

I'm a little late with posting these favourites, but hopefully it's not too late!  I've discovered quite a few amazing products recently, some of which may be even be HG quality.  Ooooo....

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A Belated Birthday Haul

It was my birthday a few weeks ago, so this is a rather belated mini haul as the title suggests.  I've kept it strictly beauty related because I think that's what you'd all like to see the most.  As I was lucky enough to receive some gift vouchers this year, the majority of what you'll see in this post has been chosen by myself.  

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Best Of 2012: Part 2 - Hair / Skin / Bodycare

Haircare:  A'kin 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner has become a regular staple in my general getting ready in the morning routine.  It helps to tame frizz and keep my dry ends and lengths happy (reviewed here).  2012 was the year that I experimented with the wonders of hair oils and I quickly decided that the Macadamia Oil range was my favourite, especially the Healing Oil Treatment and Deep Repair Masque.  I also enjoyed using the Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Flatliner Iron Serum Spray with my straighteners.  

Skincare:  Liz Earle pretty much dominated much of my everyday skincare routines in 2012, favourites being their Brightening Treatment Mask, Gentle Face Exfoliator and of course the cult beauty classic, Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser.  Other skincare favourites that I discovered later in the year include JASON Brightening Apricot Scrubble, Essential Care Organic Rose Petal Tonic and Laidbare DIY Cleanser. 

Bodycare:  In 2012, I finally tried out the much hyped Weleda Skin Food which is a fantastic winter skin saviour, as is budget friendly Lavera All Round Cream and another cult product, Steamcream.  I also wanted to include the gorgeous smelling Bee Lovely range from Neal's Yard Remedies (Body Lotion and Busy Bee Balm pictured above).

So that's everything!  If you missed Part 1 you can read my make-up favs of 2012 here.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what I'll discover and fall in love with in 2013!

Post your own Best Of 2012 links below!

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June Favourites

I have a lot of favourites this month, so I've split them into two sections below for ease of reading.

Skincare & Haircare etc

Dr Nick Lowe Oil Control Anti Blemish Day Cream

This is one of the best moisturisers I've ever tried for oily skin.  It gives you the hydration that you need (and oily skin still needs some!), whilst also helping to regulate sebum.  I end up using a lot less powder throughout the day when I apply this in the morning as it keeps shine at bay.

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask*

 I've used this twice so far, and I'm really impressed with it.  It's a 3 in 1 mask that "polishes, hydrates and smoothes", which means that it gives you a deep cleanse as well as exfoliating your face.  When you take it off, it leaves your skin feeling moisturised too.  Amazing stuff and 98% natural too.

A'kin 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner

I have been raving about this a lot recently and for good reasons.  Seriously one of the best leave-in conditioners you can pick up that is also 100% natural.  Reviewed here.

JĀSÖN Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20*

I've always disliked wearing sunscreen in the past because the products I've tried have always been too heavy for my skin and don't absorb easily, I hate that greasy feeling!  This facial sunscreen from JASON is the exact opposite and is ideal for putting on under your make-up.  Reviewed here.

 NEOM Tranquility Organic Pillow Mist

This was from the NEOM Utter Relxation Collection Gift Set that I received for my birthday.  Absolutely love the scent of this pillow spray, so calming and relaxing, just what I need to help me sleep.

Make-Up etc

Real Techniques Buffing Brush & Contour Brush

Although I have been using all of the brushes in the Core Collection, these two have quickly become daily favourites in my make-up routine.  The Buffing Brush is just THE brush for applying foundation with and the Contour Brush has been great for applying very pigmented blushers because the shape of it gives you a lot of control. 

Leighton Denny Remove & Rectify Cuticle Remover

Does what it promises to do simply and effectively.  Reviewed here.

Nails Inc for In Style Blue Bell

Gorgeous summer pastel blue, NOTD.

China Glaze Dress Me Up

I've been wearing this dusky rose neutral shade a lot this month, the formula is just perfect.

NOTD.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer

Love this primer, it really does reduce the size of my pores and foundation just glides over the top of it.  So glad that I picked up a couple of the samples with Glamour magazine!

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl

My new favourite nude lippie, swatches here.

 Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia

Easy to wear, sheer red toned lip balm.  Gives a lovely wash of colour and is very moisturising.

Swatched here.

What are your beauty favourites this month?  Feel free to link below to your posts :)


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*PR samples

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Review: A'kin 24 Hour Intensive Leave In Conditioner

I have been pretty obsessed with this product since trying out a sample last month.  I immediately purchased a full size tube via Naturismo and I was so happy when it arrived today.  A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hour Intensive Leave-In Conditioner is the BEST leave-in conditioner I have ever tried.  It's formulated for normal, dry and textured hair and it really does work wonders on de-frizzing and hydrating my dry hair.  It's a light cream that absorbs into the hair immediately without any greasy or sticky residue.  I know that not everyone will like the scent of this because it does have lavender in it, but I find it quite subtle and relaxing, and once it's in your hair I didn't really notice much of a scent.

You can use it on dry or wet hair, and I find that it works equally well both ways, though I mostly use it after towel drying on damp hair before blow-drying or styling it.  You only need to use the tiniest amount each time (and I have medium-thick long hair) so this 150ml tube will last a long, long time!

I also love that this is 100% natural, made from plant derived ingredients and it's cruelty free, as well as being suitable for vegans.  Bonus points all round for A'kin! 

Have you tried this or any products from A'kin?

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May Empties

It's been another good month for using stuff up, here are my empties for May:-

•  John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight - I have a love/hate thing going on with this one.  Sometimes I really love using it because it de-frizzes and straightens my hair like a dream.  Other times, it feels like it leaves a lot of residue which leads to product build up and makes my hair look dull.  Needless to say, I've had this bottle for about 7 months and have only just finished it.  Repurchase?  Probably not, I think I'll stick with my Macadamia Oil instead.
• Boots Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover - This has been a staple of mine for years.  It's cheap and does the job.  Repurchase? Yes.
• Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy* - Love, love, love this!  My absolute HG high-end all-natural bath product.  Smells absolutely incredible!  Repurchase? Yes, it's pricey but worth every penny IMO.  Going onto the birthday wishlist.
• Lush American Cream Conditioner - Really like this and have bought it several times.  Smells great and makes my hair lovely and soft, without weighing it down.  Repurchase? Yes.
• Burts Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar - Didn't get on with this at all, sorry to say it's one of the worst shampoos I've ever tried and I had to throw it out after just one use.  Left a horrible greasy, sticky residue type film on my hair which took several rinses to get out.  Not good!  Repurchase? No!
• A'kin 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner - Was pleasantly surprised by this because a lot of leave-in conditioner leave my hair feeling on the greasy side, but this one absorbed into my hair straight away and it felt beautifully light.  My hair was sleek and frizz free, as well as feeling properly hydrated.  Amazing stuff from such a natural product.  Repurchase? Definitely, I got 2 uses out of the sachet sample, which makes getting the full size even more affordable as a little goes a long way.
• Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover - One of the best makeup removers on the market, takes off everything and never irritates my skin.  Repurchase? Yes.
• Lavera Basis Hand Cream - I like this for using in summer as it's nice and light.  Smells good too, a bit like subtle marzipan!  Repurchase? Yes, have another sample tube in my handbag that I'm using.
• RMK Cleansing Oil - Wanted to like this because it's often raved about, but it was just too heavy for my oily/combination skin.  I imagine it would be great for dry skin though. Repurchase? No, not for me.

•  Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy* - This is another gorgeous all natural bath product that I adore using.  So soothing and great to use before going to bed.  Repurchase? Yes, I would save up and get a full size of this once I've used some of my other bath products up.
• Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion - Another staple of mine, I've bought this countless times and find that a tub lasts a good couple of months.  Makes my feet soft and smelling fresh!  Repurchase? Yes.
• Smooch Lip Gloss in Jelly Bean - I liked the sheer colour of this, a pretty coral which is great for layering over lipstick.  Has taken me ages to finish this though because the formula is very sticky, so I mainly used it on nights out.  Repurchase? No, there are others I like more than this.
• Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid - Love this, smells and tastes just like lemonade and is super moisturising, whilst also delivering some subtle shimmer.  Repurchase? Yes.
• bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige - Really do like this a lot, excellent for oily skin, especially in summer.  Coverage is on the sheer side but can be built up if wanted.  Repurchase? Yes, will buy a full size of this soon!
• Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 in 01 Light/Medium - Received this in a bonus time GWP last year I think?  It's far too shimmery for my liking to be used as a bronzer, however it looked gorgeous when used as a highlight which is how I used it up.  Repurchase? No, I have too many highlighters as it is and don't use them that often.
• Evolve Organic Beauty Protein Build Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair - Oh my, this smelt insanely good!  Sweet like cookies and cake batter, so strange for a hair conditioner, but I'm not going to complain!  Great conditioner too, noticed my hair feeling softer after just one use.  Repurchase?  Yes, I'm sure I'll get a full size of this at some point.
•  Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup - I thought this was OK but nothing amazing.  Repurchase? No.
• Inlight Organic Daily Face Oil - Lovely oil that absorbed straight away into the skin and didn't feel greasy at all.  Smelt good, bit like vanilla.  Repurchase? Maybe.
• Lush Ceridwen's Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt - Great for dry skin and when my eczema flares up, calms everything down and makes my skin feel normal again, whilst leaving it incredibly soft.  Reviewed here.  Repurchase? Yes.

*PR samples

What are your beauty empties this month?

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