Beauty Empties Round Up: Products I've Used Up

 

My oh my, how time flies! Another month has flown past so it's time for another Beauty Empties round-up. Here are all of the products that I've managed to use up recently and my thoughts on which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner* (reviewed here)

I've not been dyeing my hair much this year (or since Covid began to be honest!), but whenever I do, I like to keep a bottle of this Infuse My Colour Treat Conditioner in the bathroom. I've gone through several of these over the years and I just love the protection that it provides, without weighing down my fine hair. Repurchase? Will do the next time I colour my hair!

Good Bubble Bubble Bath in Cloudberry* (reviewed here)

For an affordable, family-favourite bubble bath option that's 98% natural and has a gentle formula for sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with Good Bubble. Their bubble baths are only a few quid and Cloudberry in particular has such a lovely sweet scent. Repurchase? Definitely.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence* (reviewed here)

On the opposite side of the bathing price spectrum and for those times when you just want to really pamper yourself and indulge in a beautiful, hot bath for two hours, Dr. Hauschka comes highly recommended. This bath milk is seriously rich and creamy; you won't need to use a moisturiser afterwards as it leaves your skin feeling like silk and smelling of fresh roses. Pure heaven. Repurchase? On my wishlist for when I see it on offer!

Green People Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil

Another luxury favourite, this time from Green People's founder, Cha Vohtz's range, the Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil really is pure luxury in a bottle. Super nourishing, it softens and smoothes, leaving a delicate, fresh Neroli-based natural fragrance on the body. Repurchase? It might already be on my Christmas wants list...

Skin + Me Daily Doser*

Moving onto some skincare, I've enjoyed using the prescribed Skin + Me Daily Doser for the past three months, and the plastic-free recyclable aluminium twist-up tubes are brilliant. My custom formula had lots of beneficial ingredients such as Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid in it and when I was sticking to using it regularly, I did see an improvement in some of my problem areas such as getting rid of stubborn blackheads. Repurchase? Although it's a great formula, I do love trying new things and I have to admit that I got a little bored of this, but I'm sure I'll come back to it in the near future again.

Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm (travel size)

For dull and congested skin, this exfoliator from Aurelia is fantastic stuff, especially when used as a quick five-minute treatment once a week. It smells very similar to Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish as it also has Eucalyptus in it, but it feels more luxurious for a lovely pampering treat. Repurchase? Tempted to pop this on my Christmas list as well...

Terre Verdi Yoga & Sports Body Oil* (travel size - reviewed here)

I seem to have accumulated a few of these mini bottles from various beauty boxes and GWPs, but I'm certainly not complaining as this Body Oil is so pleasant to use and works a treat after a hot yoga session. Great for soothing tired muscles. Repurchase? I'm pretty stocked up at the mo!

Gallinée Eye Contour Cream* 

Gallinée's skincare is quite underrated in my opinion and I urge you to check out this natural French brand if you want to add some prebiotics and probiotics into your skincare routine. I've been using this tube of Eye Contour Cream for months and it's a lovely lightweight moisturiser that sinks straight in so you can apply your concealer on top right away - perfect for those busy mornings. Repurchase? I've gone back to my beloved Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream as I always need something a bit richer for the winter months, but it's another product I'd happily buy again in the future.

This Works Stress Check Roll-On (travel size)

You guys know how much I love my aromatherapy products and of course, This Works has an amazing Sleep and Stress range. Their Roll-ons are perfect for popping into your handbag or having next to your laptop for those times when you need a moment of calm. Simply apply to your pulse points, breathe in and relax. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (travel size)

A long-time favourite of mine for nearly 10 years, Eyeko's Skinny Liquid Eyeliner is a must-have for anyone who wants an eyeliner that stays put all day (and night) without fading or smudging. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Definitely.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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New In Beauty: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask, Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha & Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum review

 

Time for shiny newness in the green beauty world with these amazing new kids on the block from Beauty Cleanse, Samaya and Antipodes. Let's go!

The New Multi-Tasker: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask* (45g, £27, link)

Designed to declutter and simplify your skincare routine, Beauty Cleanse's new Nearly Everything Powder Mask is a true multi-tasking genius that will transform how you view your beauty products. As the name suggests, this is a 'do it all powder mask', which will help all skin types and concerns and is made from 100% natural ingredients such as Liquorice Root extract, Rice extract, Organic Aloe Vera extract, Vitamin C powder, Charcoal powder and Orange Turmeric extract. 

As it's waterless (which is better for the environment and your wallet as you get twice as much product), you simply mix a teaspoon of powder with a 1/3 of a teaspoon of water to create a smooth paste that you apply directly to clean skin. Leave for around 20 minutes and then rinse away with warm water. You can also use it as dedicated spot treatment, applying where it's needed, as well as a hand and foot mask too.

Thanks to the clever combination of ingredients, the Nearly Everything Powder Mask is brilliant for a deep cleanse to remove impurities and unclog pores, and it's amazing for giving the complexion a brightening and revitalised boost. A winner all round!

The New Luxury Eye Cream: Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha* (15ml, £59, link)

Fans of luxury ayurvedic skincare are going to fall in love with the new range of eye creams from Samaya. When I originally tried out Samaya a few years ago, I thought it would be a good idea for them to bring out an eye cream to compliment their cleansers and moisturisers, so it's fantastic to finally see this come to life and the wait has definitely been worth it!

Mixing together clinically proven plant-actives such as Probiotics, Caffeine and Green Tea, with specially selected potent Ayurvedic botanicals like Ashwagandha, Sandalwood, Vetivert and Gotu Kola, Samaya have created eye creams for each dosha type and I've been trialling the Kapha one with excellent results. Since using it over a month ago, my undereyes feel much smoother and my eyes look brighther overall. I'm also intrigued by the anti-pollution and photo-protection properties against different light forms such as UV and blue light to see what the long term results will be like.

The New Vitamin C Serum: Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum* (30ml, £35, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention in this New In Beauty round-up is the latest release by New Zealand brand Antipodes, who you all know I'm incredibly fond of and have used a lot of over the years. Again, I was very excited to see this newbie come onto the market as Antipodes are famed for their serums and I've always felt like they've been missing a Vitamin C based one - lo and behold, the Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum has been born!

Suitable for vegans, this serum is described as 'golden hour in a bottle' and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dull ones. The key superstar ingredient in this is called Kakadu Plum which contains 100x more Vitamin C than oranges. It's also rich in Bakuchiol and plant-based Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin, boost collagen and protect against free radicals that cause premature ageing. The brightening effects can be seen within less than four weeks of regular daily use, so get a head start on your glowing Christmas selfies and add this to your skincare routine now.

What's new on your beauty shelf?

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - July 2021 review

Featuring excellent value for money every single month, the LoveLula Beauty Boxes are a great way to treat yourself or a loved one to an exciting selection of green beauty goodies. I've been receiving these boxes for a few years now and they still do not disappoint!

Curious to find out more? Check out my previous LoveLula Beauty Box reviews here and below, you'll find a rundown of what's inside this month's box which is worth £58.

Soul Tree Kajal in Pure Black (RRP £14.20)

Made from an Ayurvedic traditional recipe that uses a 3000-year-old process, Soul Tree's Kajal's have a smooth and creamy texture which makes them glide on effortlessly without any dragging or pulling. Cruelty-free and free from a long list of 'nasties', this kajal instead uses natural pigments and ingredients such as Ghee, Camphor, and Organic Almond Oil to deliver a true alternative eyeliner. Amazing! Be sure to follow my Instagram Stories for a quick tutorial on how I use this.

Gallinée Probiotic Eye Contour Cream (RRP £22)

One of the original French natural beauty brands that were at the forefront of probiotic skincare, Gallinée's bestselling Eye Contour Cream has been specially formulated for the most sensitive and reactive eyes. It smoothes, protects, and soothes the delicate eye area and is just what I need after my recent laser eye surgery!

Bloomtown Lemongrass & Peppermint Deodorant Bar (RRP £10)

I featured this recently in my Summer Beauty Favourites so I'm thrilled to see it in this month's LoveLula beauty box as so many of you were asking about it on Instagram! This is one my favourite natural deodorants and has a bicarbonate-free formula that makes it suitable for sensitive pits.

Skin Alchemists Equilibrium Artisan Soap Bar (RRP £10)

Celebrate Plastic Free July with this gorgeous luxury Soap Bar from Skin Alchemists. I've tried one of their soaps before and I loved it so it's great to have another one back in my bathroom. The Equilibrium Bar has a beautifully fragrant blend of Lavender, Lime, Vetiver and Cedarwood and a lovely moisturising formula to keep hands nice and soft.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Tried & Tested: Nourish London Anti-Ageing Kale Skincare Range - T.S.L Neck Elixir, Eye Cream & Hand Cream review

Ageing well and looking your best has never been easier with the helping hand of natural skincare brands such as Nourish London. Their Anti-Ageing range incorporates superfood ingredient Kale with a whole host of plant-based actives to smooth, tone and soften where's needed, without the use of any harmful 'nasties' or undesirable ingredients.

Although the term 'anti-ageing seems to be something of a hot topic within the beauty industry right, I still get a lot of searches for it here on my blog, so I thought I'd post about Nourish's Anti-Ageing range which I feel can be beneficial for those in their mid-30s onwards. As I've recently joined the mid-30s club, I can definitely say it's better to start using more advanced skincare formulas earlier, rather than later, to see the most positive results.

Below, I've tested out three products from Nourish London; their T.S.L Tighten, Sculpt and Lift Neck Elixir, Kale Anti-Ageing Eye Cream and Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream, which individually target the most noticeable early signs of ageing. 

All products are certified by the Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International, as well as the Soil Association for the organic ingredients used.

Nourish London T.S.L Tighten, Sculpt and Lift Neck Elixir* (30ml, £23.50, link)

Featuring a brand new self-locking smart pump that eliminates the need for a plastic cap, Nourish's bestselling T.S.L Neck Elixir is a specialist 3-in-1 product that aims to lift, firm, and smooth the neck and decolletage area. Using a combination of antioxidant rich bioactives and peptides, this clever cream helps to stimulate healthy collagen production, whilst vitamin and mineral-rich plant extracts such as Kale and Griffonia protect against further environmental stress and damage. It's, strangely enough, a real pleasure to use and sinks into this delicate area beautifully where the skin is thinnest, making it an essential part of your evening skincare routine.

Nourish London Kale Anti-Ageing Eye Cream* (10ml, £30, link)

Eye creams are often very hit and miss, but I'm pleased to say this Kale Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is an award-winner and a definite hit! It's one of those rare few that actually delivers noticeable results and features a supercharged anti-ageing formula that is bursting with biomimetic peptides and vitamin-rich Kale extract to seriously reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I'm a big fan of this and have used it many times in the past - it's wonderfully light, refreshing, and slightly cooling to use so try it first thing in the morning to wake up tired and puffy peepers.

Nourish London Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream* (50ml, £12.50, link)

Regardless of your age, I feel that everyone who has lived through this awful pandemic could benefit from using Nourish's Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream to help restore weary and over-washed dry hands. Not only does it instantly transform the driest and cracked hands back to their soft and supple former glory, but the super-rich and hydrating formula is scientifically proven to improve skin texture and protect against the ageing effects of pollution thanks to several key ingredients such as Kale extract, Rose of Jericho, Hyaluronic Acid and bioactive peptides. 

Shop the full range of products at nourishskinrange.com

What are your favourite anti-ageing products?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up (+ How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties)

A little later than usual but here are my recent Beauty Empties, plus some tips on how you can recycle them.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (reviewed here)

I love all of Antipodes Hand & Body Creams but Joyful is definitely my favourite. Not only does it transform dry skin into silky smoothness virtually overnight, but the natural fragrance is just heavenly with a divine fruity floral scent. As this is pretty pricey, I save it for my hands! Repurchase? Yes.

Odacité Black Mint Cleanser* (reviewed here)

I feel that Odacité is such an underrated luxury natural skincare brand, however, their bestselling Black Mint Cleanser is certainly popular for a reason. This is one of the best purifying cleansers that I've tried for oily/combination skin and it's so refreshing to use first thing in the morning. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers first.

REN Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash* (reviewed here)

If you're in the market for a truly uplifting and fresh luxury Body Wash for your morning showers, you can't go wrong with this hidden gem from REN. Infused with Magnesium to give your energy levels a boost, it makes a real difference to how I feel when I'm tired or under the weather. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream* (reviewed here)

Quite possibly my all-time favourite Eye Cream ever, I've used Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream on and off for years now and keep coming back to it - it's that good. Perfect for those who have dry and sensitive eyes, if you've been struggling to find an eye cream that actually makes a difference, try this. Repurchase? I'm using up a few others at the moment but I'm sure I'll come back to this in the near future.

Seascape Island Apothecary Sleep Oil* (reviewed here)

I'm a terrible sleeper (thanks insomnia!) so I rely on a range of aromatherapy products to help me count those sheep at bedtime. Whilst I enjoyed using this one from Seascape Island Apothecary and found it relaxing, I thought the essential oil blend was not as potent as some other brands that I've tried. Repurchase? Probably 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, 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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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - April 2020 review

This month's LoveLula Beauty Box is worth £57 and April's edit will definitely appeal to anyone who loves their clean, natural and organic skincare! Here's a rundown of the contents:-

John Masters Organics Lip Calm (RRP £7)

I'm a lip balm addict and have used this brilliant Lip Calm from John Masters Organics in the past. It's a great all-in-one, twist-up lip balm treatment that intensely moisturises and protects and it has a lovely, relaxing scent to it. If you find some natural lip balms too hard or waxy, try this one as it melts into the lips easily.

Madara Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules (RRP £29.30)

The star of this month's box for me is this new formula box of Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules from Madara which are worth nearly £30 on their own. Each ampoule is filled with a targeted serum that's packed full of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen to help address fine lines, wrinkles, very dry and tight skin by hydrating and improving the overall texture of your skin. Use them underneath your favourite moisturiser day or night to give your routine a real boost! 

Ayumi Neem & Tea Tree Body Wash (RRP £6.99)

Funnily enough, I'm currently testing out the matching soap from Ayumi's Neem & Tea Tree Body Wash at the moment for an upcoming blog post so I have a feeling I'm going to get on well with this body wash! I'm a huge fan of anything Ayurveda inspired, and the combination of Neem & Tea Tree is a fresh and invigorating sensation that I know I'm going to enjoy.

Nature's Kitchen Berry Beautiful Skin Polish (RRP £12.99)

Next up, I found another full-size skincare treat, this time from Nature's Kitchen. Their Berry Beautiful Skin Polish uses natural Bamboo Cane and Red Berry Fruit extracts to gently buff away dull, dead skin cells for a smoother result. 

INIKA Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Eye Cream (sample)

To round off this month's LoveLula Beauty Box, there's an assortment of INIKA skincare sachet samples which have been included and I was pleased to receive the Phytofuse Renew Resveratol Eye Cream to try out as I haven't used it before. Thanks LL!

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

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New In Skincare: 3 Products To Try From Evolve Organic Beauty - Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner, 360 Eye And Lip Contour & Daily Defence Moisture Mist review

Last month, I received some exciting new releases from Evolve Organic Beauty, who I've been a fan of for years now. If you want to breathe some new life into your skincare routine and boost your biome, these three products will definitely help!

If you haven't come across Evolve Organic Beauty before, they're a British, award-winning natural skincare brand who pride themselves on their high-quality products which are handmade in small batches in Hertfordshire, England. Everything is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and as eco-friendly as possible - it's easy to see why I'm a fan!

Their ever-increasing range of products is a joy to shop from, with all skin types and concerns catered for, so I was thrilled to try out these new releases.

Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner* (100ml, £20, link)

It's common for your complexion to look a bit dull after the winter months, and if yours is in need of a brightening boost, look no further. This Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner will be, in my opinion, one of Evolve's new bestsellers thanks to its gentle but effective formula. Made from 100% natural ingredients, it uses fruit-derived AHAs such as Glycolic Acid from Sugar Cane, Citric Acid from Citrus Fruits and Malic Acid from Apples, to deliver noticeable results after just the first use. There's also BHA Salicylic Acid from Willow Bark included as well to help further remove dull, dead skin cells, and promote a clearer, smoother, brighter and more rejuvenated complexion.

If you haven't used a liquid toner like this before, simply pump out a small amount onto a cotton pad and smooth all over the skin, making sure to avoid the eye area - it's a leave-on treatment so don't rinse. Do this after cleansing and then follow up with the rest of your evening skincare routine. I'd advise using it 2-3 times a week for most skin types and just once a week if you have sensitive skin. You will love the results! Packaged in glass.

Evolve Organic Beauty 360 Eye And Lip Contour* (15ml, £26, link)

A new product that will instantly appeal to fans of Evolve's 360 'age smarter' range, their 360 Eye And Lip Contour is an eye treatment which really does cover all bases. The clever advanced formula is bursting with Probiotics which help to care for your skin's microbiome so that it works with it and not against it. Key ingredients include Green Tea, Pomegranate, Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid and Sacha Inchi Peptides to really boost collagen production, increase hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, reduce puffiness and make the whole eye area look younger and more awake!

I've been dabbing it on as part of my evening skincare routine, but you can use it morning and night if you'd like. It gives an instant hydrating and smoothing feeling, and also doubles up as a targeted lip contour treatment to address fine lines in that area if it's a concern to you. Packaged in glass.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (100ml, £20, link)

Regular readers and fellow Instagram followers will already be acquainted with this last product as I've often featured it in my skincare routine snaps on IG Stories but wait, it's actually new! That's right - Evolve's amazing Daily Defence Moisture Mist has been reformulated to be 100% natural now with a new and improved formula!  This rebooted version is a welcome re-release which will benefit all skin types with every spritz. There are prebiotics derived from Chicory Root which balances and nourishes the delicate skin barrier, whilst Organic Prickly Pear works its magic thanks to its revered natural antioxidant and hydrating properties. Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in and Orange and Rose Flower Waters soothe and soften irritated skin.

This is a facial mist that I often recommend for the Spring and Summer months to anyone who finds that their skin flares up due to heat or allergies, but I enjoy using it all year round to keep my skin looking and feeling its best as part of my daily routine. You won't be disappointed! Packaged in glass.

Discover the full range at evolvebeauty.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Evolve Organic Beauty?

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Beauty News: I'm judging CertClean's Clean Beauty Awards 2020! #cleanbeautyawards

I'm thrilled to announce that I've been asked to be a finalist judge for CertClean's Beauty Awards 2020! For the past couple of weeks, I've been testing out the exciting finalists for the Best Eye Care category and now that I'm in my last week of judging, I thought I would give you a quick glimpse into the products that have been gracing my vanity table.

What Are The Clean Beauty Awards?

The Clean Beauty Awards have been created by CertClean who is North America's leading certification for safer skincare. Although many of the products that I've tested out below fall into typical areas of green, vegan, natural and organic beauty, the general idea behind the awards isn't about how natural or organic a product is, it's about the overall safety of that product instead (in particular, CertClean focuses on products which are free from over 1400+ potentially harmful chemicals).

Where Can I Find Out More?

You can check out CertClean's official website here, and be sure to head on over to the PurPicks website here as well as they are basically like a Tripadvisor review site for nontoxic skincare, and a partner to the Clean Beauty Awards.

Which products have I been judging?

I've been given the very exciting task of judging the finalists for the Best Eye Care category so I've been testing out the following which have all been new-to-me products:-

• Polyn Cooling Under Eye Serum
• Biossance Squalene+ Marine Algae Eye Cream
• Puristy Yerba Mate Eye Cream
• Eco By Sonya Eye Compost
• Sanre Organic Skinfood Eye Candy
• Biossance Squalene+ Peptide Eye Gel
• Lo & Behold White Turmeric & Green Tea Eye Cream

How have I been testing them out?

With just over five weeks of time available to trial seven eye care products, I decided to follow Sali Hughes' expert skincare judging advice and test out two different products at the same time by applying one to each undereye area. I then took notes over the days of using them and switched up the products accordingly - pretty easy! I was quite surprised by some of the differences that I noticed by doing this method as it really drew attention to how my skin responded to the different ingredients and formulas of the products.

When will the winners be announced?

Juding for the finalists ends on 20th March 2020 so I will update my social media to let you know who the winners are when they are announced in due course.

Huge thanks for Cert Clean for asking me to be part of their judging panel for a third year in a row! 

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Winter Skincare: Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten - Skin Renew Cleansing Oil, Dark Circles Eye Cream & Booster review

Looking for an affordable way to give your Winter Skincare routine a boost? Check out these Vitamin C infused helpers from Super Facialist and banish dull complexions for good!

I don't need to tell any fellow Brits this, but the lack of light that the Northern Hemisphere gets during the winter months can give everything a greyish tinge, including your skin, so you're certainly not alone if you've been feeling that your complexion looks a bit more lacklustre than usual recently.

The good news though is that there's an abundance of Vitamin C infused skincare on the market which can help to brighten and rejuvenate your skin, and when you see the affordable prices from Super Facialist below, these products will brighten your bank balance as well!

I've been testing out the following from Super Facialist's incredibly popular Vitamin C+ Brighten range over the past month, to see what all the hype is about.

Side note: Super Facialist is a cruelty-free brand and although the formulas aren't as natural as some other brands that I feature on here, everything is free from parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum and synthetic colours. 

 Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil* (100ml, £5.50, link)

I love using cleansing oils for removing daily grime and make-up after the end of a long day, so when I saw this award-winning one, I knew I had to try it! Featuring nourishing ingredients such as Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil and that all-important brightening Vitamin C, Super Facialist's Skin Renew Cleansing Oil has a gorgeous silky texture which transforms into a milky cleanser when water is added to it.

This SLS and alcohol-free Cleansing Oil did an excellent job of removing all traces of impurities and make-up, including long-lasting liquid foundation, though it's important to note that this shouldn't be used to remove eye makeup such as mascara (I'd recommend using a separate micellar water for that job and then going in with this afterwards to use over the rest of your face). My skin felt soft, hydrated and thoroughly clean after rinsing with a flannel and I love the fresh citrusy scent. Available in two sizes, the handy 100ml bottle pictured above is great for travelling with and a good way to try it before purchasing the larger 200ml bottle.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Dark Circles Eye Cream* (15ml, £14, link)

As someone who has hereditary dark circles, there's little that you can do to change them as it's all down to winning the genetics lottery, unfortunately, but some targeted brightening eye creams can make them look a little less severe which is how I would describe Super Facialist's offering. 

This fragrance-free Eye Cream has Vitamin C, Caffeine, a Peptide complex and 'light diffusers' to help brighten up the undereye area, but after using it morning and night for four weeks, I can only say that I've noticed a slight difference. That said, it's great for smoothing out fine lines and provides a good base for applying concealer, so if you're looking for an affordable eye cream that does those, definitely try it. Just don't expect any miracles on the dark circles front.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Booster* (15ml, £18, link)

One of the newest releases from Super Facialist is their Vitamin C+ Brighten Booster, a supercharged serum that combines 1% Vitamin C, a naturally derived pro-collagen Vitamin C active and Allantoin, which all work together to deliver some serious glow to dull skin.

The fragrance-free and vegan-friendly formula has been designed to 'boost' your day or night moisturiser (from any brand), by simply adding 2-3 drops directly to the cream and then applying it as usual. This is a particularly useful product for any skincare fan who is on a budget, or for anyone to use during the darker Winter months to give their complexion a brightening helping hand.

I've really enjoyed using this and have tested it out with a couple of different moisturisers, all of which the Booster has worked and blended well with. A little goes a long way and you should see a noticeable difference within a fortnight of applying it on a daily basis.

Shop the full Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten range at your nearest Boots store or online at superfacialist.co.uk

Have you tried anything from Super Facialist?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

My little wicker basket is full once again just in time for this month's Empties post, so here's another rundown of the products that I've finished up recently. Which ones will I be repurchasing in the future? Keep on reading to find out!

Gallineé Body Milk* (reviewed here)

This is a lovely body moisturiser with a light and easily absorbed texture so it's been great to use throughout Summer. I love the fresh and clean scent that it has and I think this is the third bottle that I've gone through so you know it's good! Repurchase? I'll buy it again next Summer as I need something much more heavy-duty for my dry skin in Winter.

Bodhi & Birch Tomato Seed Cleansing Oil* (reviewed here)

From Bodhi & Birch's excellent Superfood skincare range, I enjoyed using this luxury cleansing oil as a first cleanse to remove makeup and daily grime and it smells absolutely delicious like a Bakewell tart! However, I prefer the overall texture and performance of the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm from this range more, so I wouldn't personally buy this one again. Repurchase? No.

Tropic Good Skin Day Resurfacing Serum* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a natural AHA based exfoliating treatment, you must try this and I believe it's my second or even third bottle that I've used up. I have the old packaging as it's since been renamed the Fruit Peel Serum but I believe the formula is still the same. Brilliant for brightening dull complexions and smoothing uneven skin texture. Repurchase? If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen that I've recently been sent two brand new serums to try out from Tropic, so I'm going to see what they're like first!

Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream* (reviewed here)

Another skincare product that I've used many, many times in the past is this gorgeous Eye Cream from Antipodes. Perfect for dry under eyes like mine, it hydrates and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, so it sits well underneath concealer. Plus, the pot lasts for ages too. Repurchase? I've gone back to the Dafna's Eye Care for the time being, but I would pick this up again.

Pai Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (reviewed here)

Whenever my skin throws a wobbly, I often come back to this ultra-gentle cream cleanser from Pai to help calm everything down. It always works a treat and usually restores my skin to its normal self within a week or so. This is another product that I've used countless tubes of and it's something that I'll always have in my skincare stash - I highly recommend it for sensitive skin types. Repurchase? Already have!

Yves Rocher Coconut Eau de Toilette

This travel-size bottle was an impulse purchase on holiday as I'd forgotten to pack a perfume with me. As the name suggests, it's a straight-up coconut scent which isn't too cloying like some others can be, but I found that it didn't last long before I needed to re-apply sadly. Repurchase? No.

Grace & Stella Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder Teeth Whitening Formula*

I was sent this from Amazon to try out and I have a real love/hate relationship with it! I love the fact that it's a natural teeth whitening alternative and it does help to remove stains and brighten up your teeth with regular use (it won't give you crazy white teeth as you can only achieve that through bleaching or by getting veneers, but I did notice a difference whilst I was using it). But I hated the mess as it's a loose powder and it gets everywhere. Repurchase? No, I'm using a different one from Laviish at the moment which I prefer as it's a solid formula.

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.

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