September Empties: Products I've Used Up

A little later than planned with my Empties post, but here's everything that I've managed to use up last month and my thoughts as to which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Dafna's Active Mist*

A beautiful luxury toner spray that I mainly used throughout Summer. Lovely fresh scent and it made my skin look so healthy and dewy, whilst giving it an instant boost. Repurchase? Will do next Summer. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Detox Facial Wash* 

Another luxury green beauty favourite, I loved using this Evolve gel cleanser again during the hotter Summer months as it feels so refreshing, and is perfect for balancing oily skin. Repurchase? Yes, I'd definitely buy this again next Summer. 

DHC Cleansing Oil (travel size, reviewed here)

Regular readers know how much I adore the simplicity of DHC's amazing Cleansing Oil as I've used this so many times over the years. It literally takes off everything; waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation and all the day's grime and pollution. Repurchase? Already have.

Ying Yang Skincare MSM Cream Tissue Repair* (reviewed here)

If you're a fan of running or stretching exercises likes pilates and yoga, this stuff is a real lifesaver. Infused with MSM, you can apply it to tired and overworked muscles for instant relief. It smells gorgeous too! Repurchase? Yes.

Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask* (reviewed here)

Suitable for all skin types, Green People's Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask is one of those face masks that I tend to reach for when my skin is feeling congested and on the verge of breaking out. It draws out all impurities including stubborn blackheads for clearer, smoother skin. Repurchase? Definitely.

Bains & Nature Baja Moana Cream*

One of my friends brought me this back from Paris and it's one of the most decadent luxury body moisturisers that I've ever had the pleasure of trying. Not only does it smell incredible but the texture just sinks right in. Repurchase? I will keep an eye out to see if it's available in the UK!

Love Beauty And Planet Shea Butter & Sandalwood Shower Gel*

I think this came in a Glossybox - lovely and moisturising for dry skin and also has a beautiful comforting and clean fragrance. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other shower gels.

Dr. Konopka's Restoring Foot Cream* (reviewed here)

Finally, my last empty product is another one that I've used up mainly over the Summer when my feet were permanently in sandals and flip flops. Great for dry skin and cracked heels, it's a good one to try if you want something different from the usual 'minty' footcare as it smells like raspberries instead. Repurchase? Yes.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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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

The Empties basket in my bathroom has been overflowing this past month with mainly skincare items, so it's time to dig through the trash and have a quick recap on all of these beauty products that I've recently used up! Let's get stuck in, shall we?

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (reviewed here)

A solid favourite of mine for a number of years now, this is one of Antipodes' best serums which can be used by all skin types, but benefits dry and dehydrated types the most. I suffer from the latter every now and then, and Hosanna instantly gives my skin what it needs and noticeably plumps it up with each use. It's oil-free too, so great for acne and problem prone complexions to try. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other serums first.

Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF 30* (reviewed here)

Another skin care product that I've been using for a long time is Aveda's bestselling Daily Light Guard Defense Flud SPF 30. I originally reviewed it back in 2016 and I've repurchased it every Summer since, though I do tend to use it all year round. It lasts ages and works well underneath makeup without peeling or flaking off. Repurchase? Yes.

Madara Age Defense Day Cream* (reviewed here)

A brilliant anti-ageing moisturiser for anyone who wants something lighter and easily absorbed in texture than most anti-ageing formulas (which can be on the thick and heavy side of the skincare spectrum), but still retaining its hydrating properties. I've gone through at least three tubes of this stuff! Repurchase? I'm testing out some others at the moment, but I'm sure you'll see it again in a future Empties post.

Weleda Skin Food (reviewed here)

I always have at least two or three tubes of Weleda's iconic Skin Food somewhere in my house; one's usually in the bathroom, one mini like this in my handbag, and the other is often by my bedside table. If you've yet to try it, it's an ultra thick, seriously moisturising multi-purpose product that can be applied anywhere and everywhere to deeply hydrate. Repurchase? Yes.

Kueshi Double Effect Makeup Remover

I can't remember where this came from, possibly a GWP or a beauty box?! Anyhow, it's a Spanish brand and I really enjoyed using it. It's one of those dual-phase, shake-them-up formulas and it removed all traces of waterproof eye makeup without any tugging or irritation. Repurchase? I haven't seen it in the UK yet but I'd definitely pick it up again in Spain!

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (reviewed here)

Here's another Antipodes product that I've been using for a few years now and still very much love. This Nourishing Night Cream is very hydrating and always leaves my skin so soft come the morning. One jar will last me a good couple of months as you only need to use a tiny amount. Repurchase? Yes.

DHC Cleansing Oil (reviewed here)

I promised myself that I was going to go through my minis stash and use more of those up, and then I end up with mostly full-sized empties instead - hey-ho! Well, I did finish off a travel size DHC Cleansing Oil which I used as a first cleanse to remove makeup and SPF. Brilliant stuff, it gets rid of everything and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy afterwards. Repurchase? Already have another in my stash.

True Organic Of Sweden All You Need Is Me Balm (reviewed here)

A friend bought this for me when she was in Sweden over Christmas and I've only just used it up as a tiny amount goes such a long way! I've used this before in the past and it's basically an all-natural and organic version of Vaseline, so you can use it on chapped lips and dry cuticles etc. Repurchase? I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks this in the UK sadly :(

Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Lotion* (reviewed here)

You can never go wrong with a good quality, affordable everyday cleansing lotion and this one from Handmade Naturals has a short but sweet ingredients list. Lovely gentle formula, it's great for removing makeup, and daily grime, as well as being a really nice morning cleanser if you prefer to use light cream formulas. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

Phyto 9 Nourishing Hair Day Cream (reviewed here)

Finally, a haircare product! I picked this up in the Black Friday sale from a local salon, but I've used it a couple of times in the past. Again, it's another one lasts a long time and I highly recommend it as a leave-in conditioner/treatment for anyone who has very dry, damaged or fine hair because it adds moisture without weighing your tresses down. Repurchase? Yes.

Tropic Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash (reviewed here)

Another sale bargain that I couldn't resist picking up when I saw it on offer, Tropic's Wild Mint, Lime and Pineapple Body Wash is like a holiday cocktail that you slather on in the shower! I love the rich, creamy formula which is very similar to the ones that Weleda do, but in a different scent. Repurchase? Will definitely buy it again when it's on offer.

Rosenrot Festes Koko Shampoo

Finally, my last empty is sadly a disappointing one because I've been trying to find a solid shampoo bar that works for my hair to no avail, and this one just wasn't compatible either. My friend sent it from Germany and I'll probably use it up to clean my makeup brushes with. Repurchase? No.

What have you used up recently?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Another month is rapidly drawing to a close, so you know what that means - it's Empties time! I've managed to finish off a lot of products that I've had on the go for a while, plus a decent amount of travel sizes as my samples stash was getting a bit out of hand!

Samaya Kapha Anti-Ageing Cream* 

I thoroughly enjoyed using this daily anti-ageing moisturiser and my skin loved it just as much. Beautiful texture and perfect for morning use. Repurchase? I've been lucky to be gifted two of these in the past, but sadly it's way out of my budget to buy myself.

DHC Beauty Lift Eye Care Essence Roll On*

I've been using this on and off for the past couple of months and sometimes I love it, and other times I'll just reach for another product. I think the main reason is because it's such a light essence, it's not always hydrating enough for my undereye area, but I do like the cooling roll-on applicator. Repurchase?  Probably not.

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

This is my favourite mask from Glamglow, but I've never purchased a full-size tub because I seem to have accumulated lots of these travel sizes from various GWPs and beauty boxes! It's a brilliant treatment for congested skin and really does draw everything out. Repurchase? Already have a bunch of these minis!

Naobay Calming Face Toner*

It takes me ages to get through toner and I've had this one from Naobay on the go for such a long time. It's a gentle soothing toner which is perfect for when my skin is feeling more sensitive than usual, but I generally prefer toners in spray bottles to be honest. Repurchase? No.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Lotion*

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm obsessed with the scent of Weleda's Pomegranate range and their Body Lotion formulas are just amazing. They sink in quickly and provide a lot of hydration. Repurchase? Yes, will definitely pick up a full-size at some point.

Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm*

I often seem to have one of these in my stash somewhere and these huge pots always last me several months! A brilliant cleansing balm that removes all makeup and daily grime, as well as being lovely to use as a second cleanse product. Repurchase? Yes. 

Westlab Detoxing Salt Body Scrub* 

Another product that's taken me ages to use up is this body scrub from Westlab - the tub is huge! I loved using this before applying fake tan because it always makes my skin so much smoother afterwards. Repurchase? Currently using up their Reviving Salt Body Scrub at the mo. 

Melvita L'Or Bio Huille Extraordinaire 

Multi-purpose oils are something that I like to carry in my travel bag and Melvita's L'Or Bio Huille Extraordinaire is a firm favourite. You can use it on the face body and hair, and it smells absolutely delicious. Repurchase? Yes.  

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash*

I highly recommend Welda's Creamy Body Washes for anyone who has dry skin and doesn't have time to apply moisturiser after a shower - these work a treat! The Lavender scent is lovely to use in the evenings to help you relax. Repurchase? Yes.

Epic Blend More Moisture Lip Balm in Grape*

These Epic Blend lip balms really do live up to their name and this one definitely saved my lips during those chilly Beast From The East storms! The grape flavour is super yummy too. Repurchase? Will do once I've made a dent in my existing lip balm stash.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

I've gone through a couple of these travel-size serums in the past (again, they seem to be a regular in GWPs and beauty boxes) and I really like it. Certainly helps to brighten up a dull complexion thanks to the Vitamin C based formula. Repurchase? Already have some more minis in my samples stash.

Dr Organic Virgin Olive Oil Hand & Nail Cream

This was OK but nothing amazing - I ended up mainly using it up as a foot cream. Repurchase? No.

Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood Shine Shampoo
This was OK, but I felt it was maybe better suited to a different hair type to mine as it left my hair a little frizzier than usual afterwards. I also tested out the matching conditioner but hated that one - it just wasn't moisturising enough for my dry ends. Repurchase? No.

Madara SOS Hydra Repair Intensive Serum*

I loved using this serum during those freezing months a while back, and I've finally just finished it up as I've been alternating it with a few others in my routine. It's definitely more of a cold weather essential for me, but if you have dry or dehydrated skin, you'll love it all year round I'm sure. Repurchase? Will do around Winter time.

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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Project Pan #4: 6 Months of Makeup Empties!

Last Summer, I set myself another Project Pan target to see if I could use up 15 makeup products before the 7th January 2018 - here's how I got on!

I've been doing regular Project Pans to declutter my makeup stash for a while now (check out my previous posts here), and they've been a great way to help me rediscover forgotten favourites that have been hiding at the back of my collection. It's also a good way to save yourself some money and is a real motivator to keep you going when you're on a 'No Buy'! 

If you haven't heard of a Project Pan before, you basically pull out all the makeup that you want to use up, set a time frame, and well, use it up! You can follow the rules/goals of someone else's Project Pan (check Instagram, Youtube or Facebook groups), or simply make up your own like I did which was to use up 15 makeup products before 7th January 2018. 

I fell short of the mark by one product, but I'm still pretty pleased that I managed to use up 14! Below is everything that I finished off and whether I would repurchase them again:-

Base Products, Foundations & Concealers

• ILIA Vivid Foundation in F3 Santorini* - (review & swatches here) - This has been my go-to foundation for the past few months, especially since the weather started to turn colder as it's quite moisturising. I love the dewy, 'fresh face' finish that this foundation gives, it blends well and I would recommend it to anyone who wants buildable coverage, but doesn't want to look like they're caked in product. F3 Santorini was a great match for my olive skin and I didn't have any problems with oxidation or anything like that. It's expensive though which is the only downside! Repurchase? I would love to buy this again when I've used up some other foundations, but it's definitely a treat purchase!

• La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Creme SPF 30* - (review here) - I used this CC a lot during the Summer, and it's ideal for toning down and helping to cover up any redness. I found it gave me a lot more coverage than most CC style products, so it's a nice one to have in your makeup stash for those days when you don't want to wear a foundation. Repurchase? Maybe when it's Summer again as I didn't reach for it at any other time.

• Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser Tint SPF 30* - Another Summer favourite was this beauty from Perricone MD. I really loved this tinted moisturiser as it feels so silky soft on the skin and gives a lovely, healthy hint of colour that's perfect for 'no makeup days' and holidays. Repurchase? Yes. 

• RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 22* - (review & swatches here) - This little pot of multi-purpose goodness lasted for almost a year thanks to its 'a little goes a long way' formula. You can use it as a foundation or as a concealer, and it works well both ways, though I tended to use it more as a light-medium coverage base. Repurchase? Yes.

Bronzers

• Vita Liberata Trystal Self-Tanning Bronzing Minerals* (review here) - I finally used up a bronzer! This loose mineral-based bronzer from Vita Liberata contains DHA which gives you a light, buildable, gradual tan in the process, and can be used on both body and face. Gives a gorgeous, healthy-looking glow which looks great all year round. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeliners & Eyeshadows

• Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner (review here) - I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this as it's one of my favourite liquid eyeliner pens. I love how easy it is to use and it has a beautiful glossy sheen to it. Stays put all day on me! Repurchase? Currently using Kat Von D, but I'm sure I'll go back to this at some point!

• Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Black Amethyst - When I don't want to wear straight up black, I found myself constantly reaching for this liner instead which comes in a gorgeous blackened-purple shade. Adds a little something different to a smokey eye and pairs incredibly well with dark brown eyes. Smudgeproof and long wearing. Repurchase? Yes.

• Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Velvet - (review here) - An old time favourite of mine, I've been using this seriously underrated Daniel Sandler eyeliner for years and must have gone through at least three or four of them. Affordable (less than a tenner), pigmented and can be used to create a wicked, thick and grungey smokey eye. Repurchase? Yes.

• ILIA Silken Shadow Stick in In Between Days* - (review here) - Oh how I enjoyed using this eyeshadow stick for about a month or so, and then it started to dry out and crumble! This shade was a pretty warm golden shimmer for everyday wear, but it needed a primer underneath to stop it from creasing on my oily lids. Repurchase? No.

Mascaras

• GOSH My Favourite Mascara* - (review here) - I'm definitely a big lash kinda gal, so natural looking mascaras never really do it for me. This was fine for casual days, but I didn't use it very often and then it dried up. Repurchase? No.

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara* - (review here) - Now this is my favourite mascara! I love everything about it - it makes my lashes look thicker and bigger, doesn't smudge or flake, and stays put until I want to take it off. Perfect! Repurchase? Yes.

• DHC Double Protection Mascara* - (review here) - Despite enjoying this mascara and putting it into a favourites post last year, I've since changed my mind because it dried up so quickly. The formula itself is great, but I'm so disappointed to see it dry out so fast. Repurchase? No.

• PUR Fully Charged Mascara - I picked this up in a GWP and was excited to try it, but sadly this mascara was a fail for me. It flaked, smudged and just turned into a mess within hours of wearing it. Repurchase? Nope!

Lip Products

• Korres Lip Butter In Wild Rose - I didn't manage to use up any lip products this time around, but I wanted to include this tinted lip butter from Korres as it's very pigmented and can easily pass as a lip stain in my eyes! Provides a super pretty rosy red tint to the lips and feels really moisturising. Repurchase? Yes.

Have you ever done a Project Pan like this?

Have you tried any of the products that I used up?

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November Beauty Favourites

Happy 1st of December everyone! Before I dive into the Christmas Gift Guides (these are coming up next week!), it's time for a quick recap of my November Beauty Favourites.

 Botanicals Hands & Nails Replenishing Serum* (10ml, £14, link)

I haven't been using this product for very long, but after testing it out every day for just under two weeks, I'm already smitten with it. I usually am with anything from Botanicals, and this Replenishing Serum for Hands & Nails is no exception! Made from an exquisite blend of cold-pressed organic oils, this serum has been specially formulated to give your hands and nails a seriously good rejuvenating treatment. It tones, gently tightens, reduces the appearance of micro-wrinkles, and helps to soften dry cuticles. I also find it very relaxing and therapeutic to massage a few drops of it in - a perfect self-care product to add to your me-time routine.

 DHC Beauty Lift Eye Care Essence Roll On* (6ml, £24, link)

If you're looking for a great anti-ageing eye treatment, this new one from DHC has been keeping my peepers happy this month. Their Eye Care Essence Roll On is the latest addition to their popular Beauty Lift range, and is packed full of peptides and beta-glucans to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet. The treatment is packaged in a convenient clicky pen that dispenses a little of the essence through the top where three massaging beads are, and these feel lovely and cooling on the skin. It hydrates my dry undereye without overloading it and smoothes out fine lines so that my eyes look brighter and younger. Perfect to use first thing in the morning before applying concealer.

 Vee Beauty LDN Lash & Brow Serum* (10ml, £10.95, link)

Vee Beauty LDN are a new natural and cruelty-free British brand that I came across on Instagram recently, and I was curious to try out their Lash & Brow Serum. Made from 100% natural ingredients, it uses a blend of oils which have been revered for their natural nourishing properties that help to promote hair growth naturally; Castor Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Olive Oil and Vitamin E (sourced from Wheatgerm Oil). I've been using this on my lashes and brows every night for about a month now and I've started to see some differences, mainly in that my lashes feel stronger and more resilient (I'm not getting the odd one on my cheek that comes out after I take my mascara off anymore), and my brows are starting to look a little fuller than they were before. I'm hoping that with continued use I'll see even more results, but I'm loving it so far!

 Fushi 100% Pure Organic Shea Butter* (300ml, £11, link)

Shea Butter is one of my go-to multi-purpose products in the Winter months and this stuff is literally magical at saving dry skin. I always recommend buying unrefined, pure and organic shea butter wherever possible because a lot of products on the market that are labelled as 'shea butter' often only contain 5 or 10% (usually in a cheap mineral oil base - no thanks!), so I was very happy to stumble across this one from Fushi. 

Not only does it tick all of those boxes, but this shea butter has also been ethically sourced from the Yumzaa Women's Association which is a community based cooperative in Ghana. In addition, Fushi donates 50p from the sale of every jar to Tree Aid, which goes towards the Women's Enterprise Group that helps teach local women how to use the nuts from the shea trees, to make and sell products like soaps and butters. This means they can make their own livelihoods, support their families and further their education and independence. A brilliant initiative that results in a brilliant product! 

Aveda Pramāsana Exfoliating Scalp Brush* (£16.50, link)

Earlier this year, I wrote about Aveda's new Pramāsana range (full post here) which is a dedicated range for 'scalp-care'. If you have an itchy, dry or flaky scalp, using exfoliating products and properly massaging it, can really make a big difference and I've had a lot of success with changing one or two things around in my own haircare routine to accommodate a few extra massaging steps. I recently managed to get my hands on the Exfoliating Scalp Brush from this range and I love it. The brush is so lightweight and features soft, looped bristles which gently massage your scalp to loosen dirt and dead skin, plus it helps to increase microcirculation for a healthy scalp that leads to happy hair days - win win!

What are your beauty faves this month?

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Beauty News: DHC Bestsellers now available at Harvey Nichols!

Harvey Nichols' Beauty Stores have turned into a must-visit destination for many beauty fans, and now you can pick up some of DHC's best sellers during your next shopping trip.

DHC, one of Japan's most cult skincare brands that is loved worldwide, has launched an exclusive edit of some their best selling products into eight Harvey Nichols Beauty Stores this month. Here's what you can pick up:-

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil* (70ml, £12.50)

I've used this cleansing oil on and off for years now and it's something that I always have in my skincare stash. It's one of the best cleansing oils that I've used to remove makeup with, as it literally dissolves and melts away all traces, including stubborn waterproof mascara formulas. I love using this as a first cleanse in the evening to completely get rid of any dirt, grime and of course makeup, and as the oil transforms into a milky cleanser when you add water to it, you can get a really good massaging action going on. Afterwards, my skin always feels thoroughly clean and silky soft, so I can't recommend it enough. Apparently, one is sold every 10 seconds somewhere in the world and I can see why!

DHC Lip Cream* (1.5g, £8.75)

Although it's called a lip 'cream', this product is actually an intensely moisturising twist-up lip balm, and it's a fantastic lip balm, to say the least. Enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Aloe, Vitamin E, Lanolin, Beeswax, Olive Oil and Squalene, this lip balm is perfect to use underneath your matte lipsticks and is ideal to swipe on before going to bed so that you can wake up to soft, moisturised lips every morning.

DHC Olive Virgin Oil Swabs* (pack of 50, £6.75)

For the ultimate beauty quick fix, these clever little cotton swabs are soaked in 100% Olive Oil and you can use them to clean up and fix any eye makeup mistakes, so you can quickly say goodbye to wonky eyeliner and mascara smudges! The swabs are individually wrapped which means you can pop a few into your handbag, desk drawer at work, flight carry on bag etc, to also use as a cuticle and nail softener whenever you want to.

DHC Oil Blotting Paper* (pack of 100 sheets, £4.50)

Having an oily t-zone means that I always carry a pack of blotting sheets in my handbag, and these ones from DHC are made from natural hemp fibre to fully absorb any excess oil and they will mattify your complexion within seconds. The packaging is super pretty too!

This edit of DHC products are now available at eight Harvey Nichols Beyond Beauty stores, as well as online at harveynichols.com

Have you tried any of these from DHC?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Another month is rapidly coming to an end, so it's time for me to dig out the basket that I keep all of my Empties in and share its contents with you all! Here's everything that I've managed to use up recently - a good mix of skincare and body care, and lots of favourites of course.

DHC Rich Eye Zone Care Pack*

I call these the 'superhero' eye masks because they cover most of the eye area including the lid - you can check out my original review here to see what I mean - and I think they're fantastic. This is the second pack that I've gone through, and although I do tend to reserve them for special occasions, they're great for any time that you need a quick fix to reduce puffiness and make you look more awake. Repurchase? Yes.

Conscious Skincare Pure Body Polish*   

A lovely and simple, but effective, fragrance-free body scrub that's made from just two natural and organic ingredients; vegetable glycerine and sugar. Does the job and does it well. Repurchase? Maybe - I generally prefer scrubs that have some kind of natural fragrance in them, but I did like the simplicity of this one.

STARSKIN Brightening After-Party Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask*

I've had the pleasure of trying out a lot of sheet masks from STARSKIN over the past year, and their Brightening mask is definitely one of my favourites. It does what it says it'll do and really helps to brighten and perk up a dull or tired complexion. I love the bio-cellulose material too, which makes it fit like a 'second skin', so no more sliding around or falling off! Repurchase? Yes. 

Kneipp Herbal Bath Back Comfort Devil's Claw 

Another favourite of mine - if I've overdone it with Yoga or Pilates, or simply had a long and tiring day, this stuff is amazing. It instantly relaxes and soothes your muscles, easing any aches and pains. My mum uses it for arthritis and it works wonders for her. You can get two baths out of one of these travel size bottles, so you don't need to use much of it to feel the full effects. Repurchase? I'm sure I already have one or two more mini bottles in my samples stash somewhere - need to dig them out! 

Aveda Stress Fix Body Creme*

This is a luxury pampering treat for dry skin and it has Aveda's distinctive Stress Fix aroma that's wonderfully calming and relaxing. It's a very thick body creme (much more like a body butter) and one that takes a little while to fully sink in, so it's something that I'll use after a long hot bath before going to bed. Repurchase? Yes. 

Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream*

I've gone through countless tubes of this moisturiser and it's still something that I return to time and time again. This day cream contains Manuka Flower Oil which I find helps to prevent breakouts, and it's really nice and light to use during the warmer Summer months. If you have oily/combination skin that's also prone to being sensitive, it's a must-try. Repurchase? Yes.

Scentered Sleep Well Therapy Balm

I have a lot of problems with getting to sleep, so I often use some kind of aromatherapy product to help me to relax and switch off my busy mind. I really like these balms from Scentered, with this Sleep Well one being particularly useful for me. Repurchase? I'm currently using up a similar product from Tisserand, but I would happily buy this again in the future.

Bee Good Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream

This eye cream is one of Bee Good's best products. It's seriously underrated, but it does an excellent job of keeping the under eye area feeling hydrated and looking brighter and younger. This may be my second or third tube! Repurchase? Yes.  

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Micellar Make-Up Removal Gel*

Despite what its name may have you believe, this is terrible for removing makeup with, but it's a nice and gentle morning cleanser that helps to reduce any redness or rosacea. It's not a problem that I have often though (I tend to only get mild flare-ups of redness every now and then), so it took me a while to get through this bottle. Repurchase? Probably not - I think I'll just stick to a mild cream cleanser instead.  

La Roche-Posay Serozinc

I've used Serozinc on and off for a while now. It definitely comes into its own during the Summer months when my skin is naturally a lot more oily, and it does work really well at keeping my t-zone in check. I don't see much of a difference with its effect on blemishes though, but it's something that I like to have in my skincare stash as a cooling/mattifying spritz when the weather gets hot. Repurchase? Yes.

Which beauty products have you used up recently?

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March Beauty Favourites

How is it April already?! I discovered a lot of new products during March, but here are my top beauty picks that I'd recommend getting your hands on.

ILIA Vivid Foundation & Perfecting Buffing Brush*

I've been loving a natural, healthy looking, slightly dewy base at the moment, and ILIA's Vivid Foundation has been the perfect choice for achieving this. It's also brilliant for making dull skin look more glowy and it has really great buildable coverage. I've been using it mostly with ILIA's Perfecting Buffing Brush which is a fab little kabuki-style brush, and it buffs and blends everything perfectly. You can check out my more in-depth review of these two here. 

Bean Body Facial Exfoliant* (100ml, £14.95, link)

Whilst you can technically use coffee-based body scrubs on your face, I personally find them a little too harsh for that area as I have sensitive skin, so I was pleased to see Bean Body bring out a dedicated facial exfoliator back in February. I've used their body scrubs many times (in fact, I have one or two of their packets currently on the go in my bathroom!), and I now love this new exfoliator as it's much more gentle for the face, yet shares many of the same beneficial, natural ingredients as the body scrubs do. A good one to use first thing in the morning to perk up your skin and make it look more awake!

DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection* (5g, £15.90, link) 

I'm sure you've spotted this mascara doing the rounds on the blogosphere lately, and yes the hype is real! It's gotten a lot of attention since Emma Watson named it her favourite mascara (and apparently it's the only one she uses on herself), and being a dedicated Watson/Mascara fan, I obviously had to try it for myself. It features a clever kind of water-resistant tube technology which basically means that it gives you long, defined, black lashes that won't smudge or flake - yet you can remove it with just warm water at the end of the day. Genius stuff! I also really like the skinny, small wand for applying on my lower lashes too.

Naturally Tribal IYA Women's Body Food* (150ml, £16, link)

I experienced a really horrible eczema flare-up last month and this pot of moisturising goodness definitely helped to calm everything down. It's a super thick and rich, all-purpose moisturiser that's mainly made from high-grade Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, and has a little Sweet Orange Essential Oil in it for a subtle pleasant scent. It's done an amazing job of keeping my dry skin hydrated and really helps to soothe any inflammation or irritation. All of Naturally Tribal's products have ingredients that are sourced ethically and fairly from the women's tribes in Esan in Nigeria which helps their families and the local communities to become more self-sufficient.

F.E.T.E Bamboo Toothbrush* (£5, link)

I've mentioned on here before about the eco-friendly benefits of swapping your disposable plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one, so I was pleased to come across F.E.T.E (From Earth To Earth) who are a small UK business that currently makes sustainable toothbrushes. These bamboo ones are naturally antibacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, and feature 100% biodegradable nylon bristles. An easy way to make a small, but significant, green swap in your life and stop another plastic toothbrush going straight into a landfill site! Available singularly or in a family-sized pack of four for £15.

Which beauty products have you been lovely recently?

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