Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for a Beauty Empties post don't you think? Come and rummage through the recycling bin with me and discover which products I'll be repurchasing again, and which, if any, will be staying in the bin!

Skin & Me Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser* (featured here)

I'm all about using creamy hydrating cleansers during the winter months and this little gem from Skin & Me has served me well. It's brilliant as a quick morning cleanser to prep my skin for my makeup and I love the recyclable aluminum squeezy tube. Repurchase? I've switched back to the REN Evercalm Cleansing Milk at the moment, but I'll definitely pick this up again.

Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist* (travel size)

I love a refreshing spritz and Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist is perfect for balancing excess sebum and keeping pores clear. If you have oily/combination skin, you should try it! Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (travel size)

If you're a fan of thick cream cleansers that also double up as makeup removers, this bestseller Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia is amazing stuff. Removes all traces of makeup and leaves my skin so wonderfully fresh and clean. Repurchase? Yes.

Jacqueline Organic Honey Hydrating Lip Balm* 

Despite the name 'honey', this lip balm is suitable for vegans and has a 'honey-ish' natural scent to it which is really lovely. Keeps chapped lips at bay and is another product that I've enjoyed using this winter. Repurchase? I have a lot of lip balms in my stash to use up, but yes, I would repurchase!

Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water (travel size)  

You can definitely spot a hydrating theme in this Empties round-up can't you?! I sometimes find that my eyes get very dry and scratchy when the central heating is on, so for days when I've been wearing mascara, I've been using Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water to remove it. It's certainly one of the more hydrating/moisturising micellar waters that I've tried, no doubt due to the Hyaluronic Acid in the formula. Repurchase? Yes.

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts are just amazing and I always, always have a bag or two in my bathroom. I've gotten into the habit of using them more often this winter, and my everyday aches and pains have been reduced as a result. Magical stuff! These ones are straight-up 100% natural mineral salts so I'll usually add a little bath/essential oil for some fragrance. Repurchase? Already have!

Wildheart Organics Revive Shower Oil*

Wildheart Organics is a beautiful natural luxury brand and I loved every single drop of their Revive Shower Oil. Incidentally, I used this purely as a bath oil and adored the blend of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak* (featured here)

Very similar to the bath oil above, this Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak has a similar blend of essential oils which are infused into the bath salts, along with some CBD. This results in a very relaxing bath which is perfect to use after a long, stressful week. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Stress Check Kind Hands

No winter empties post would be complete without at least one tube of hand cream and my go-to has been the bestselling Stress Check Kind Hands from This Works which I picked up for a bargain in TK Maxx. If you haven't smelt the Stress Check fragrance, you must! It's so calming and the hand cream itself is ultra-moisturising without being sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Already have.

Laidbare Butter Me Up Body Butter* (reviewed here)

Oh wow, this product has been a long-time favourite of mine, having first reviewed it back in 2012! Sadly, this amazing body butter has been discontinued and this was my very last tube of it so you better believe that I'll be cutting open the tube to get every last bit out! Repurchase? Discontinued :(

This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray (travel size)

Lastly, I finished up a travel mini of the This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray. This is the first that I've tried from the Love Sleep range and it's such a beautiful and highly addictive blend of Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. Repurchase? Very tempted to pick up the full size.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

It's that time again when I rummage through the wicker basket of empty beauty products under my bathroom sink and share what I've used up recently - here are my Beauty Empties! There's quite a lot this past month with plenty of skincare faves so let's jump straight in.

Therapi Lemon Myrtle No 1 Honey Gel Cleanser

Gel cleansers are a must-have of mine over the summer months as they really suit my oily skin when the weather heats up and Therapi has a fantastic range of them. I've used their Lemon Myrtle Honey Gel Cleanser on and off for years and it's brilliant; gentle, purifying, and perfect as a morning cleanser. Repurchase? As it's now Autumn, I'm switching to a cream cleanser but I'll happily pick this up again next year. 

Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream* (reviewed here)

My skin often feels dehydrated during summer so another gel-like favourite of mine is a good hydrating moisturiser and I love this one from Sukin. Lovely and lightweight, it sinks straight in and makes a great base for makeup too. Repurchase? I'll certainly consider it again next summer.

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Wash*

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of smelling NYR's Bee Lovely range, you need to get yourself to one of their stores ASAP! Honestly, it's such a heavenly and uplifting citrusy scent - I simply adore it! This hand wash was gorgeous. Repurchase? I typically don't purchase hand washes in plastic bottles anymore (this was a PR gift), but I'll see if they sell a hand soap instead!

Kueshi Naturals Lemon Shower Gel

I think this came into my life via a beauty box, I'm not sure but I can't say I was impressed, unfortunately. The lemon scent is very weak and the ingredients are not as clean or natural as it appears. Repurchase? Not for me.

Moor Spa Nourishing Facial Oil* (reviewed here)

A lovely 100% natural facial oil that's great for massages and evening use. A simple but effective blend of highly nourishing plant-based oils and full of essential fatty acids. As with all facial oils, a tiny amount goes a long way so this has lasted me a good 3-4 months. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant* (reviewed here)

Hands down one of the best natural deodorants out there and trust me, I have tried a lot of them! This one does the job without any fuss and never lets me down. It's on the more spendy side as it's definitely a luxury product, however, Aurelia do offer a money-back guarantee where you can try it for seven days and then send it back for a full refund if it doesn't work for you. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum* (reviewed here)

My blemish-prone combination skin loves this serum and it's another skincare favourite that I've been using on and off for years. Unlike other targeted spot serums that can dry or strip the skin, this Evolve Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum is 100% natural and uses Salicylic Acid to keep blemishes and breakouts in check. Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser* (reviewed here)

As my skin sometimes likes to throw tantrums every now and then, I like to keep a fragrance-free moisturiser on hand in my skincare stash for those troublesome moments. Green People's Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser ticks all the right boxes by providing soothing essential daily moisture when my skin needs it the most. Repurchase? Definitely.

Beauty Pro Coconut Infused Sheet Mask*

Beauty Pro has a fab range of vegan and cruelty-free sheet masks which are 100% plastic-free, plant-based and biodegradable. I've tried several of these masks and the Coconut one is a good all-rounder for when your skin needs a hydrating pick-me-up. Repurchase? Yes.

Rodial Dragon's Blood Jelly Eye Patches

I got these in a beauty box and they surprised me with how effective they are! Amazing for depuffing and revitalizing tired eyes that need a quick fix boost for a special occasion. Repurchase? Tempted!

Flamingo Soap Co Coffee Soap* (reviewed here)

For fans of all things coffee scented, you can't go wrong with this gorgeous soap from Flamingo Soap Co. I've had it in the shower for a while and it smells so good when you're struggling to wake up first thing in the morning! The wraparound paper label is studded with wildflower seeds that you can plant to provide food for the bees - how cool is that? Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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June Empties: Products I've Used Up

What a bumper month June was for Empties! I decided to take part in a month-long 'No Buy' challenge over on Instagram and this was the result - a whole box full of beauty empties! As there are so many to discuss, I'll get stuck in straight away.

Therapi Rose Otton No. 2 Hydrating Facial Toner*

A gorgeous luxury Rose Otto-based toner which has just the most divine subtle rose fragrance. Ultra calming and soothing, it's brilliant for refreshing the skin morning and night. Repurchase? I'm using the Dafna's Active Mist at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this beauty again in the near future.

Sheffield Skincare Body Oil Lavender & Chamomile*

Lovely 100% natural body oil from an independent Sheffield-based company that I discovered in a beauty box. Great to use after an evening bath to help you relax and unwind. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Whitening Toothpaste* 

One of the go-to SLS-free whitening toothpaste that I've been using on and off for years now. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive teeth, contains fluoride, and does a good job of removing daily stains. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil* (reviewed here)

Although stretch marks will never go away, you can improve the texture and appearance of them with a daily targeted body oil and this one from Evolve Organic Beauty definitely helps. This Super Berry range smells amazing too - very sweet like candy! Repurchase? Definitely.

Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask* (reviewed here)

I've loved using this Moor Spa Kelp Enzyme Mask whenever my skin has been feeling congested or on the verge of having a breakout. A brilliant multi-tasker that deeply cleanses, tightens and exfoliates all in one handy weekly facial treatment. Repurchase? I have a lot of face masks to use up at the moment first but it's certainly on my repurchase list.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara*

Despite the fact that I adore the Eyeko Black Magic Eyeliner, I'm not much of a fan of the matching mascara which I found quite clumpy and it dried it in the tube pretty fast after opening. Repurchase? No.

REN & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray*

This is one of my all-time favourite pillow sprays and it really does help! If you suffer from insomnia or sleep problems, I highly recommend using this. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate* 

My morning moisturiser for the past few months, Tropic's Skin Feast Nourishing Cream Concentrate is a bestseller for a reason as it provides lots of hydration without overloading the skin. Creates a lovely smooth base for makeup so you don't need to use an additional primer. Repurchase? I'm trying out a couple of different moisturisers at the moment, but like all my faves, I'll be back!

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant* 

A frequent player in my Empties posts, I've been using Weleda's deodorants for years and often come back to this lovely Wild Rose one. If you're a fan of florals and prefer a lighter, spray-on deodorant, this is the one for you. Repurchase? Already have.

Odacité BI+C Serum Concentrate*

Another skincare favourite for blemishes is Odacité's BI+C Serum Concentrate. A tiny amount goes a long, long way and it makes a huge difference to the size of blemishes after just the first use. Particularly useful for those angry 'under the skin' spots! Repurchase? Yes.

Odylique Mosimix Body Oil*

I've yet to find a product that completely keeps those damn mozzies away, but I can say this Mosimix Body Oil from Odylique seems to stop a few of them so it's handy to take with you if you're camping/hiking/doing outdoor activities this summer. Repurchase? I'll give it another go.

Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Hair Masque* (reviewed here)

Calling all of my fellow fine hair friends! I've used this particular hair masque countless times over the past few years and it's always the one I seem to keep returning to. If you have fine hair that's also dry, you need to try this as it gives your hair all the essential hydration it needs without weighing it down. Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Firm & Replenish Body Serum* (reviewed here)

I seem to have used up a lot of body care recently, must be summer! I'm a huge fan of Aurelia's Firm & Replenish Body Serum as it helps to improve skin texture for a smoother appearance - great for using on any 'wobbly bits' to give you a confidence boost. Repurchase? Yes.

The Humble Co Dental Floss*

If you're joining in with Plastic Free July, make sure this is on your shopping list. Not only is the brand ethical in many ways (they donate dental products to people in need all over the world), but the packaging is completely plastic-free, yay! Repurchase? Definitely.

What have you used up recently?

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December Empties / Products I've Used Up

What better way to round off 2018 than with an Empties post?! I'm pretty pleased that I've managed to finish off a lot of skincare, as some of these products have taken me months to use up, so it'll be nice to look forward to starting 2019 with a couple of new things instead!

Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser* (reviewed here)

Grace is one of my all-time favourite cream cleansers and this must be the third or fourth tube that I've gone through since I discovered it. I especially love using it during the Winter months when I need something a bit more hydrating and it's just so lovely and gentle to use which makes it great for sensitive skin. I generally use this as a morning cleanser or as a second cleanser in the evenings. Repurchase? Yes.

Sheffield Skincare Company Honey Love Bath Truffles (travel size, link)

A good friend of mine gave me the most beautiful self-care package for Christmas and inside was a sample pack of these Honey Love Bath Truffles which I've thoroughly enjoyed using over the past couple of nights. 100% natural and they make your skin feel so soft afterwards! Repurchase? Yes. 

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum* (reviewed here)

I've used Tropic's Super Greens Serum on and off since it launched, and this is the second bottle that I've used up. It's something that I like to keep on hand for when my skin feels like it's lacking something as this serum always gives it a nourishing boost and helps my complexion to get its glow back. Perfect for Winter. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some of my other serums!

Madara Time Miracle Age Defence Day Cream* (link)

As far as everyday moisturisers go, this one from Madara is brilliant if you hate the traditionally thicker types of creams that are so prevalent in the anti-ageing industry. Instead, it feels rich and nourishing, yet absorbs very easily into the skin without any greasiness and layers well underneath makeup. I also love the fresh natural scent that it has and the excellent pump packaging that dispenses just the right amount each time. Repurchase? Definitely.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Treatment Lotion* (reviewed here)

Another Winter friendly skincare product that I always reach for at this time of the year is the Hydrating Treatment Lotion from Aveda. I often use it just twice a week or so to give my skin an extra shot of moisture if it's been feeling tight or dry, or you can use it daily if your skin is drier than mine. Repurchase? Yes.

Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment (featured here)

I have a serious love/hate relationship with this product! Sometimes my skin adores it and other times I feel like it causes me to break out - argh! I've used it a couple of times in the past and decided to give it another go when I received it in a GWP over the Summer, but I'm still not sure about it to be honest. Repurchase? Probably not!

Inner Senses Deep Blue C Facial Oil* (reviewed here)

One of the best brand discoveries for skincare this year has to be finding Inner Senses and I have absolutely loved using this Deep Blue C Facial Oil over the past couple of months. It's definitely something that I tend to reach for every now and then when my skin is being troublesome as it really helps to calm down breakouts and any irritation, so if your skin is going through a difficult phase, I highly recommend it. Repurchase? Yes, will do once I've used up some of my other face oils.

Turbliss Bioactive Peat Toner* (featured here)

Another product that's ideal for blemish prone skin is the Bioactive Peat Toner from Turbliss, and I think this is may be my second or even third bottle that I've used of it. It feels very refreshing so great for morning use and it helps to keep your pores nice and clear, thus minimising breakouts and blackheads. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturally Tribal Iya Body Food* (reviewed here)

If you have dry skin, you must check out Naturally Tribal who have been a firm favourite of mine all throughout 2018! Their Body Foods are amazing multi-purpose moisturisers that are so thick and buttery which makes them perfect for using on your feet, hands, elbows, knees, and anywhere that needs some extra TLC. The Iya one has the most gorgeous floral scent and they last a long time as a little goes a long way. Repurchase? Yes.

Be In Blossom Ocean Flower Multi-Complex Serum + Cream* (reviewed here)

Towards the end of Summer, I was using this serum a lot but as the weather changed, I felt myself reaching for it less and less. It's a beautifully crafted serum and it's definitely one that I would happily use again next year when it's Spring or Summer again, but it doesn't quite cut it for me in the colder months as my skin needs something more. Repurchase? May do next year.

Aurelia Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew* (featured here)

I'm usually not much of a fan of eye serums, but Aurelia's Eye Dew is a complete game-changer as it's light, non-sticky and you really do see a difference when you use it! I loved everything about this product - from the ingredients, the smoothing out of my fine lines, to the cooling rollerball applicator, it was such a pleasure to use all round! Repurchase? It's pricey but I'm very tempted to save up for another!

Aurelia Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream* (featured here)

It's no surprise to see the accompanying Eye Cream in this post as well, as the two work so well together and can be layered or used as a powerful morning and night team. The Eye Cream is of course much thicker and richer, but it doesn't overload the delicate eye area and it does a brilliant job of depuffing and smoothing everything out. If you suffer from puffy eyes first thing in the morning, it's definitely worth splashing out on. Repurchase? As above.

Aurelia Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser (travel size, featured here)

I've had a couple of these travel sizes in various beauty boxes and GWPs over the years and I find this moisturiser a little too rich for my skin for daytime use. However, it's lovely as a night cream if I don't fancy using a face oil or if I'm travelling. If you have dry or mature skin, I'm sure you'll love it! Repurchase? I wouldn't personally buy the full size but certainly wouldn't say no to another travel size pot!

What have you used up recently?

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Christmas Gift Guide: The Luxury Edit 2018

Looking for a luxury beauty gift? Take your pick from these beautiful advent calendars, makeup palettes, skincare sets and more in this luxe Christmas edit.

 Glossybox All I Want Beauty Advent Calendar* (£99, link)

Glossybox, one of the world's most popular beauty subscription boxes, have released their first ever beauty advent calendar this year and it's massive! Unwrap the ribbon to open the doors which will reveal 25 individual boxes to truly spoil you this Christmas as you count down the days through the festive season. What's more, of the 25 products included in this calendar, 17 of these are full-size! Contents are worth a combined total of over £300 and feature brands such as NARS, Zelens, Real Techniques, Huda Beauty, bareMinerals, Eyeko, Mitchell & Peach, Philip Kingsley, Pixi by Petra, Nip + Fab and Yankee Candle, to name but a few. 

There's a great mix of makeup, skincare and haircare, so if you like a bit of everything, this is the beauty advent calendar for you! It retails at £99, however, if you're a Glossybox subscriber, you can purchase it for just £75 as a special member price.

 Tropic 12 Days Of Tropic Gift Collection* (£100, link)

Designed to be gifted on Christmas Day itself, Tropic's 12 Days Of Tropic Gift Collection is a lovely present for anyone who is a fan of the popular luxury green beauty brand, or it serves equally as well as an excellent introduction for someone who is brand new to Tropic. Each product included in this gift set is certified cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and has been made by Tropic's Beauty Chefs in their Surrey Beauty Kitchen.

Packed full of natural skincare, body care, hair care and even featuring an exclusive full-size makeup product, the gift collection includes some of Tropic's bestsellers such as their Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil, Nourishing Hair Cleanser, Fruit Peel Resurfacing Serum, Vitamin Toner Pore Refining Mist and Whipped Body Velvet, so you can pamper yourself all the way into 2019!

 Weleda Nature's Collection 12 Days Of Christmas* (£34.95, link)

Weleda has commissioned the local Derbyshire based artist Emma Britton, to design their Christmas range this year and you'll be able to see her beautiful nature-inspired illustrations in all their glory on the exclusive gift packaging - no need for extra wrapping paper! As always, Weleda has a gift for everyone's green beauty needs and budgets, but my top pick is the Nature's Collection 12 Days of Christmas set which is a sheer delight to open up.

Behind each door, you'll find a range of 12 mini Weleda products which perfectly showcase the best that the brand has to offer with body lotions, moisturisers, shower treats, luxury oils and more, plus there's the iconic Skin Food in a bigger 30ml size on the last day which is one of my personal favourite multi-purpose skincare products.

Aurelia Night Time Indulgence Collection* (£70, link)

Probiotic skincare has been a huge trend in the beauty industry this year and I imagine it's only going to become even more popular in 2019. One of the very first British brands to research the power of probiotics in skincare was Aurelia, and to this day, they are at the forefront of developing some really impressive and effective formulas. I've had the pleasure of trying out many of their products and they are one of only a few luxury clean beauty brands that I often recommend for all skin types to try.

If you're new to Aurelia, their Night Time Indulgence Collection is a must-have and I'd be thrilled to find this gift set under my tree! The collection contains six of the brand's award-winning products such as the Refine & Polish Miracle Balm, Revitalise & Glow Serum, Cell Repair Night Oil and Miracle Cleanser, all presented in a chic black bag. 

 Gatineau Perfection Ultime Smoothing Collection* (£77, link)

My mum and many of the older female relatives in my family are big fans of French skincare, so Parisian brands such as Gatineau are always popular choices at Christmas in my house. Gatineau's range of gifts this year is exceptional as always and there are some amazing deals to be had, such as this Perfection Ultime Smoothing Collection which is worth £199 but can be purchased for £77 - that's 61% off!

Presented in a stylish white bag with a festive gold pattern, it contains three customer favourites; Perfection Ultime Retexturizing Beauty Cream (50ml), Collagene Expert Ultimate Smoothing Serum (30ml) and Mélatogénine Futur PLUS Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask (75ml), and is sure to delight any mum, gran or auntie who loves luxury French skincare.

 Gatineau Little Luxuries* (£29, link) 

If you're sticking to a smaller budget, but still want to treat your mum to some Gatineau, take a look at their Little Luxuries gift set which is more affordable at £29 and is worth £92.42. Featuring seven of the brand's iconic products in handy travel sizes, it has everything that they'll need to compile an effective at-home, anti-ageing skincare routine and comes in a high-quality zip-up toiletries bag.

 Miller Harris Digne de Toi Candle* (185g, £45, link)

Candles always make superb Christmas gifts and the more luxurious the better! This particular one from the famed London based perfumers Miller Harris, is named Digne de Toi and has a delicately soft and unashamedly feminine scent. Notes of Pink and White Roses are blended with Fresh Mandarin, Lychee and Blackcurrant for a summery warmth to help you beat those winter blues.

 Charlotte Tilbury Glowing Pretty Skin Palette* (£49, link)

You can't have a luxury Christmas Gift Guide without some Charlotte Tilbury can you?! Honestly, everything from Charlotte Tilbury would be incredible to unwrap as a gift this Christmas, but if I could only pick one item, it would likely be the Glowing Pretty Skin Palette because you basically get six products in one, and who doesn't love a luxury makeup palette?

This palette has the classic Charlotte Tilbury branding/design that's become so covetable and inside, you'll discover six different powders to get your skin glowing this Christmas. There's Airbrush Flawless Finish in 2 Medium: a warm powder with golden undertones to help set your makeup, Blush in Pretty: a youthful rosy flush to illuminate any skin type, Illuminating Glow: a soft champagne highlighter. Bronze and Contour: a neutral cocoa to tone and sculpt, Blush in Summer: a bright coral with a soft sheen and Highlighting Glow: an opalescent with golden/pink undertone for a dazzling glow to your complexion. Stunning!

Ciate London Glitter Storm Eyeshadow Palette* (£36, link)

Know someone who lives for NYE? Get them the new Ciate London Glitter Storm Eyeshadow Palette to dazzle everyone at this year's party! From the addictive cascading glitter packaging to the nine wearable shades of eyeshadow inside, these formulas are all high quality, with fallout-free glitter being the main feature. This enviable array of pressed glitter, soft mattes and molten metallics is a dream come true for party girls everywhere! 

What's on your luxury Christmas wishlist this year?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

Lots of Empties again for last month - the beauty stash in my bathroom is slowly being decluttered - yay! Here's everything that I've used up recently, and my thoughts about whether I'll be repurchasing them again or not.

The Soap Shop Peppermint & Cornflower Sugar Scrub

If you're looking for a hardcore body scrub that's also plastic-free, this is a really good one to try. It's almost identical to the PHB Sugar Scrubs and does an excellent job of removing dead skin, especially on your feet! Repurchase? Yes.

Naobay Oxygenating Moisturising Cream

I think this is my second or possibly even third bottle that I've gone through and it's one of those face moisturisers that I keep going back to. Great for combination skin as it feels hydrating and balancing at the same time. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other moisturisers first.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

Another skincare fave that I've used on/off for the past few years is this wonderful Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia. It has lots of probiotics and peptides to give your skin a lovely glow and it works particularly well as a first or second cleanser in the evenings. Repurchase? I think I might have another travel size from a GWP somewhere!

Westlab Supersalt Body Cleanse Himalayan Bathing Salt*

I love using bath salts and these ones from Westlab are a firm favourite. They're delicately scented with Lemon and Rose, and always help me to relax after a stressful day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Hope's Relief Formula 2 Scalp & Hair Conditioner*

If you have a dry scalp that's prone to dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, this stuff is a must try. It's gentle enough to be used every day, but I tend to use it just once a week or fortnight and find that it really helps to keep my scalp hydrated and happy. Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Soothing Mask*

This is a beautiful fragrance-free face mask that I often used when my skin was feeling congested or overly sensitive. There are lots of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in it which help to calm down irritation and redness, plus it doesn't dry out the skin as the clay in it doesn't set. Brilliant stuff! Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil*

I'm a huge fan of all of the Weleda Body Oils, but this Wild Rose one is definitely one of my favourites and I absolutely love the scent. Formula-wise, it's very rich and moisturising - just the kind of product to use during the Winter months if you have dry skin. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products in my stash.

Green People Daily Aloe Shower Gel*

Whenever my eczema flares up, I'll switch my shower gel to something like this and use it until my skin calms down, so I've had this in my bathroom for a while now. It's super gentle and SLS-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Coco Mask*

I've got a bit of a love/hate relationship with this face mask because it's a powder that requires mixing with water before you can use it. I love the hydrating results, but I simply found that I didn't reach for it very often because I'd always pick a mask that didn't need mixing over it, almost every time. It's a great product, just not for me. Repurchase? No.

Elemental Herbology Vital Cleanse Facial Cleanser

I enjoyed using this light gel cleanser but it's definitely more of a Spring/Summer product for my combination skin, now that the weather has turned much colder. Repurchase? Will consider next year.

Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra-Light Facial Moisturiser

Same as the above for this one too - liked it a lot but it would definitely be better suited for my skin in Summer than it would in Winter, as I need some more hydration from my face moisturiser right now. Repurchase? Possibly next year.

Barefoot SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion*

Fantastic product for eczema and very dry skin. I always have a tube or two of this on hand in my bathroom to deal with flare-ups, although you can happily use it as an everyday body moisturiser if you just have dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Hurraw! Papaya & Pineapple Lip Balm*

I've tried so many different flavours of these Hurraw! Lip Balms and I loved this fruity Papaya & Pineapple one, it's very Summery! These lip balms have brilliant moisturising formulas and I often go back to them when I need a new one. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Green Beauty: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm & Replenish Body Serum & Botanical Cream Deodorant review

Aurelia are well known for their probiotic-infused skincare, and are a firm favourite amongst beauty editors, skincare gurus and green beauty lovers alike. Having been introduced to their incredible Eye Revitalising Duo (which I featured in my Hayfever post here) recently, I was very keen to try out some of their much-loved body care products, so I've been testing these two in my bathroom for the past couple of weeks.

Try if You Want to Indulge in Some Luxury Pampering: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm & Replenish Body Serum* (250ml, £48, link)

As I have dry skin, I tend to use some kind of body moisturiser every day, and especially after baths and showers. My bathroom cupboard is full of body lotions, butters and balms, but this is perhaps the first time that I've had the pleasure of trying out a body serum.  Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, Aurelia's Firm & Replenish Body Serum is a brilliant luxury product to use if you're showing a bit (or a lot!) of skin this Summer as it's rich in antioxidants and helps to smooth out and firm up the skin's texture. The formula contains some of my favourite ingredients, including Shea and Cocoa Butters, Argan Oil, and Aurelia's signature African botanicals, Baobab and Kigelia, and it has a beautiful spa-like, fresh and clean scent thanks to a blend of steam-distilled essential oils (Mandarin, Angelica Root, Lemongrass, Chamomile, Bergamot and Cedarwood). 

Texture-wise, it's very lightweight and is somewhere between a lotion and a serum in consistency. It sinks in quickly, but leaves a bit of tackiness if you apply too much, so I'd recommend taking your time by using smaller amounts and layering them for a more pampering experience. My skin feels instantly soothed and nourished whenever I use this, and it's also lovely to use as an aftersun product.

Try if You're Looking For a Natural Deodorant for Summer: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant* (50g, £18, link)

I've been using natural deodorants for a couple of years now and I find that the ones which work the best for me often have a cream-to-powder texture, which perfectly sums up this Botanical Cream Deodorant. Having won numerous awards, I was keen to put it to the test over this recent hot spell we've been having in the UK and so far, it's been holding up incredibly well. 

This deodorant is aluminium and parabens free and includes only natural ingredients such as Corn Starch, Shea Butter, Arrowroot, Lavender, Vitamin E, Kaolin, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Orange Peel Oil, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Rosehip Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil. The ingredients all have their own unique functions such as Arrowroot and Kaolin, which help to keep dry absorb perspiration throughout the day, Shea Butter to moisturise and soothe the delicate underarm area, and essential oils to provide antibacterial properties and a fresh scent to keep you smelling good. It comes packaged in a luxe glass jar and you only need to apply a small amount directly to your underarms, so 50g of product will last longer than you might expect! This is one that I'd definitely recommend if you're on the hunt for a gentle, but effective natural deodorant.

Explore more from Aurelia Probiotic Skincare at aureliaskincare.com

Have you tried anything from Aurelia?

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Healthy Living: Natural Products To Make Hayfever Season Easier

Don't let your hayfever ruin your Summer plans! Here's my edit of natural products which can help to alleviate your symptoms and help you look your best, so you can go outside and enjoy the glorious weather.

Summer is without a doubt my favourite time of the year, but it's also a pain-in-the-ass because I have hayfever. For me, it starts around early May and continues until late September. My eyes stream, I'm constantly sniffling, my sinuses feel blocked, and I basically feel like I have some kind of mild Flu that just won't shift. Not fun :(

Luckily, I've found some natural products which help to take my hayfever symptoms from severe, down to a much milder level. I still have to take anti-histamines every day (I sadly haven't found anything natural-based yet that replaces those), but the rest of my symptoms are much more manageable now, so I hope some of these products and tips can help out my fellow hayfever sufferers this Summer!

(1) Try Out Homeopathic Formulas from Weleda - Hayfever Relief Oral Spray (20ml, £10.95, link) & Rhinodoron Nasal Spray* (20ml, £9.95, link)

One of the most popular natural hayfever products on the market is Weleda's Hayfever Relief Oral Spray. This homeopathic medicinal product contains a unique blend of Allium Cepa 6X, Euphrasia officinalis 6X and Gelsemium sempervirens 6X, and provides much-needed relief from all the main hayfever symptoms, as well as other types of allergic rhinitis. The vegan-friendly formula is easy and convenient to use; simply spray directly into the mouth up to three times a day, and it can be used by adults, the elderly and children over the age of 12. It does have a slightly bitter alcoholic taste as it contains ethanol, but it's not too bad. When I first tried this, I found that I needed to use it every day for about two weeks before I started to see some benefits from it, so I'd recommend sticking with it to see if it works for you.

Another very useful product from Weleda is their Rhinodoron Spray which is a godsend for when the pollen count starts to climb and it's dry outside. This clever nasal spray is formulated with Aloe Vera which helps to clear congested nasal passages, but also keeps it moisturised at the same time. I always find that hayfever severely affects my sinuses, especially when the air is really dry, so this has been an amazing find! I've personally found it a lot more helpful than the nasal sprays that my GP has prescribed in the past so I can't recommend this enough!

(2) Put Some Balm Up Your Nose - Balm Balm Beauty Balm* (60ml, £16.50, link)

Did you know that most multi-purpose balms can help with your hayfever? By applying a small amount of balm to the inside base of your nostrils, you can trap some of the pollen and stop it from entering the nasal passage, thus reducing the level and severity of the allergic reaction and its related symptoms. Pretty clever huh? I find that this helps me a lot and I always notice a difference when I forget or don't use it. Multi-purpose balms like Balm Balm Beauty Balm are also brilliant for their intended use and that's for moisturising any dry and cracked skin areas, so if your nose feels sore after sneezing, rub a little of this on it to instantly soothe and hydrate.

(3) Wash Your Face - Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser* (200ml, £24.99, link)

If you've been outside, make sure to wash your face when you get in to remove traces of pollen from your skin and eyes. A gentle cleanser like Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser will do this perfectly (as well as removing pollution and daily grime), or opt for a cream cleanser if you have dry skin. Just ensure that it's a cleanser that you're happy to use over and around your eyes!

(4) Soothe A Sore Throat - Comvita Pure Manuka Honey Lozenges Extra Strength 10+ (pack of 8, £8.99, link)

Tickly sore throats are no fun, so I always have a pack of these Comvita Pure Manuka Honey Lozenges in my bag. Made from 100% pure UMF certified 10+ Manuka Honey from New Zealand, these are the best throat soothers that I've ever used.

(5) Depuff & Brighten Your Eyes - Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Eye Revitalising Duo* (Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew 10ml & Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream, £90, link)

My eyes are the biggest giveaway that I'm suffering from hayfever because they get SO puffy which is not a good look for me as it's something that really affects my confidence and makes me incredibly self-conscious. If you're the same, investing in some high-quality skincare that specifically targets the eyes will make a huge difference. I've been enjoying using the amazing Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Eye Revitalising Duo over the past month and it's a game changer for sure!

Aurelia are famed for their probiotic ingredients which are found throughout their skincare range, as they help to protect, restore and balance the skin from within, whilst also reducing the ageing damage from free radicals, pollution and stress. Couple that with some innovative anti-ageing formulas and you have an eye care duo that you're going to see some results from.

The duo consists of two products which work in synergy with each other so you layer the cream over the serum. There's the Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew which comes in a cooling rollerball applicator that gently gives the delicate undereye area a lymphatic massage that feels so lovely to apply. This serum contains a unique eye complex formula which includes Jujube and Olive extract which has been scientifically proven to show an age correction improvement of 5 years in just 28 days of use. It really does give you a noticeable difference and my fine lines look virtually diminished since I started to use this! After applying the serum, there's the Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream which feels rich and very hydrating, yet light and is easily absorbed at the same time. Packed full of Probiotics, and BioOrganic botanicals such as Arnica, Centella Asiatica and Butcher's Broom, this powerhouse of an eye treatment reduces the appearance of wrinkles, blitzes puffiness and brightens dark circles. If you have the budget available to try this duo - do it!

Do you use any natural products for hayfever?

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March Empties: Products I've Used Up

I'm a little late with my March Empties due to the Bank Holiday, but here they are! A short but sweet collection of beauty products that I've used up recently.

Weleda Skin Food

This iconic green tube really needs no introduction on this blog and it's been featured in countless Empties posts for a good number of years now. But! If you are new to the wonders of Skin Food, it's a brilliant, super thick, multi-purpose cream that you can use everywhere and anywhere that's dry and needs some TLC. It's been a proper must-have during all of those freezing Beast from the East days! Repurchase? Already have another tube on the go.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

I finished off this little travel size during the Easter break and had forgotten how much I loved it. Packed full of probiotics and peptides, it's a rich and creamy cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and gives the skin a really good clean, whilst leaving it feeling nourished and soft. I love using this as a second cleanse. Repurchase? I have a few more of these travel sizes from various GWPs - yay!

Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator*

If you enjoy using a physical exfoliator but are looking for one that can be used on sensitive skin, Reincarnation is one of the most gentle that I've ever tried. The exfoliator itself is like a thick cream and the scrubby bits are composed of natural Jojoba beads; these are really tiny, but they do an excellent job of polishing away dull, dead skin cells for instantly brighter and smoother skin. Repurchase? I was kindly sent another tube by the brand recently, so thank you Antipodes :)

JASON Nourishing Cocoa Butter Moisturising Creme 

My skin has been horribly dry these past couple of weeks due to the cold weather, so I've been slathering on body lotions like nobody's business! This one from JASON was from a recent FB swap box and I really loved the thick texture and how quickly it absorbed. However, the Cocoa scent is very sweet, almost to the point where it's a bit cloying, so I'm going to see if there are some other flavours of this available to try next. Repurchase? Yes if I can find it in a different scent.   

S5 Illuminate Serum*

Specially formulated for hyperpigmentation, I used this serum a lot last year to help tackle some dark spots, but for some reason, I stopped using it, moved onto other products and ended up forgetting about it. I had a little clear out last month and noticed that it was nearing its expiry date so I decided to finish the rest of it up. Whilst it does the job, there are just a lot of other serums in my stash that I prefer over it.  Repurchase? No. 

STARSKIN Dreamkiss Lip Mask*

I used this when my lips were feeling cracked when I had the flu a few weeks ago, and it really helped to rehydrate and smooth them out again. I also like using these for special occasions and nights out as an intensive lip primer treatment, especially if I'm wearing a matte liquid lipstick. Repurchase? Still have some left in the box. 

Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Cream Mask

A great sample to do a one mask treatment - brilliant for giving the skin an intense shot of moisture when it needs it the most. Leaves it feeling hydrated, plumped up and super soft afterwards. Repurchase? Would definitely buy the full size! 

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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