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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Recent Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

A long overdue post - here are about four month's worth of beauty empties! The growing pile of empty beauty containers has been piling up in my bathroom, so it's time for me to share my final thoughts on these, and discuss which ones I'll be repurchasing in the future.

There's quite a lot to go through here so let's jump straight in, shall we?

Original Source Hydrating Water Infusions Raspberry & Rosewater Shower Gel

I tend to have a couple of different body washes/shower gels on the go in my bathroom (hey, I'm a beauty blogger, OK?!), but the one that I've used the most this summer has been the wonderfully cheap and cheerful Original Source Shower Gel. This smells so fruity and summery, you just can't go wrong with it. Repurchase? Yes.

Paul Yacomine Huile de Parfum Body Oil (travel size)

A gorgeous discovery from a beauty box, this luxury body oil from Paul Yacomine has the most beautiful silky texture and heady tropical floral notes. Highly recommended if you love Bergamot and Ylang Ylang scents - it's heavenly stuff. Repurchase? Out of my budget at the mo sadly!

Ben & Anna White Fluoride Natural Toothpaste* (reviewed here)

If you're looking for a plastic-free toothpaste and you're not keen on those solid tooth tabs, this is a brilliant alternative as feels much more like a regular toothpaste but is packaged in a glass jar instead. I've used up quite a lot of these over the past few years and find that a jar lasts a good couple of months for me. Repurchase? Yes.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm

Oh, it was a sad day when I came to the end of this beauty! I've loved this cleansing balm for such a long time and still regard it as one of the best that I've ever used. The texture is spot on for me as it's not too heavy or greasy, and is easy to rinse off with a warm flannel. I love using it in the evening as part of a double-cleanse. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

Absolute Aromas Detox Epsom Salts* (reviewed here)

Regular readers will know how much I adore Epsom Salts, and indeed, one usually pops up every time I write an empties post. One of my new faves, these Detox Epsom Salts from Absolute Aromas are brilliant for aching muscles and joint pain. Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Gloss & Shine Gloss Conditioner* (reviewed here)

For an affordable green beauty conditioner that ticks a lot of the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Lavera's haircare, particularly their Gloss & Shine range. This is a really good conditioner for fine, dry, and dull hair types, and gives lovely swish-worthy results. I think this is my third or fourth bottle. Repurchase? Yes.

Natura Siberica Taiga Daily Protection Hand Cream* (travel size)

I can't fault this hand cream - it's 99% natural, smells great, and moisturises my hands. What's not to love?! Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray*

A bestseller and one that I've used for the good part of at least 10 years. Whenever I use this before going to bed, I always find that I can sleep better, which for someone with insomnia/sleep disorder problems, is a real bonus. I feel that this is worth every penny! Repurchase? Definitely.

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Defence Moisture Mist* (reviewed here)

I've lost count of how many times I've used this or for how long it's been a staple in my skincare routine - it's truly one of those products that I just always come back to time and time again. A fantastic toner mist packed full of skin-friendly ingredients such as Prebiotics, Hyaluronic Acid, and Prickly Pear. Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk* (travel size)

If you love fresh and uplifting lemony scents, you'll absolutely fall in love with Dr. Hauschka's Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk. In fact, you'll probably fall in love with the whole range! The lightweight silky texture instantly absorbs into the skin and the natural fragrance puts you in a good mood for the whole day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Green People Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum* (reviewed here)

My skin drinks up Hyaluronic Acid based serums like this booster from Green People, and I've recommended this particular formula to so many people as it's fragrance-free and easily tolerated by most skin types. I prefer to use this in the evening to plump up my skin overnight as you really do see a noticeable difference come the morning. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara*

I've been rubbish at using up makeup this year as you can tell, but I always try to remember to change out my mascaras every few months to prevent any eye issues like conjunctivitis - ditch those old mascaras! I enjoyed using this one from Eyeko as the curved brush added lots of volume and it didn't clump or smudge. Repurchase? Yes.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask

I finally took back some old Lush pots to trade them in for a free face mask (their recycling scheme is seriously awesome!), and picked up a fond favourite from back in the day - the amazing Catastrophe Cosmetic. As the name suggests, this is the face mask for troublesome skin and it's brilliant for soothing and calming everything down. Repurchase? Definitely.

Have you used up any beauty products lately?

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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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Project Pan #6: 6 Months Of Makeup Empties

Fans of Marie Kondo and the decluttering trend will love the concept of a Project Pan, especially if you want to streamline your makeup collection and stop wasting money on products that you never use.

I've been a keen Project Panner for a long time now and although it might sound strange, I find it hugely satisfying to use up a makeup product. Similar to my popular monthly Empties posts that contain skincare and bodycare items that I've finished off, I've been saving my make-up empties for these six-month Project Pan posts to keep track of what I've been using up.

If you haven't heard of a Project Pan before, it's basically where you choose a number of makeup products from your collection to completely use up, and often, many Project Panners will tie this in with doing a No Buy challenge (e.g they won't buy any more mascara until their opened ones are finished off first). It's a great way to save money, clear out any old or expired products (I generally do this before choosing my products), and rediscover some old makeup favourites that you may have pushed to the back of the drawer and forgotten about.

So! Here are the results are my latest six-month Project Pan if you're curious to find out what I've been mainly using recently and whether I would repurchase any of them again. I initially chose 20 products as my target, but fell a little short of the mark and finished up 17 instead - but that's still pretty good going for me!

Tweezerman Browmousse

My brows have a mind of their own if I don't tame them with something and I've used Tweezerman's Browmousse in the past with good results. Another one arrived via a beauty box and I like it because it doesn't flake or go crunchy throughout the day. Repurchase? There are cheaper, similar products out there so probably not. 

Collection Super Size Fat Lash Mascara

Another beauty box find but one that was totally rubbish to be frank! It gave me panda eyes within an hour of wearing it and dried out quickly too. Repurchase? Nope!

Lily Lolo Mineral Blush in Ooh La La

It's incredibly rare that I repurchase blushers because they take an eternity to use up, but I loved this one so much that I immediately bought it again when I lost the original on holiday. Ooh La La is a gorgeous everyday pink that instantly makes my complexion look healthier and more awake. It's only taken me about three years to finish this one up! Repurchase? I'm sure I will at some point.

Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner*

Whilst I adore Eyeko's Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner, this Fat one was really disappointing. The nib is just way too chunky to work with IMO, although it does have great pigmentation and staying power. Repurchase? Not for me. 

RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 22*

Featured in a previous Project Pan here, this multi-purpose foundation and concealer is a firm favourite of mine and I can imagine that I'll always have one of these in my makeup collection. My shade is 22 which is a perfect match for my skin tone and I just love the light-medium, buildable coverage that it offers. Repurchase? Yes.

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Orange Blossom

LM's Second Skin Cheek Colours are some of the most flattering blushers that I've ever tried and this shade Orange Blossom has been in my stash for a long time. The formula is beautifully light and blends so easily (hence the name), and this colour was simply sheer peachy goodness. Repurchase? I think these may have been discontinued? :(

Doucce Fierce & Fine Graphic Pen Liner*

Argh, this is one of those annoying liquid eyeliners which is amazing in every possible way (staying power, pigmentation, ultra-fine skinny nib for precise flicks etc), but it dried up within a month of opening it! Repurchase? No.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in 5 Medium

If someone asked me today to pick a holy grail liquid foundation, it would be Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation without a doubt. It covers all of my imperfections but doesn't make me feel or look like I'm wearing a thick mask. Worth every penny, though the bottle is a nightmare to get the last remnants out of. Repurchase? Yes.

Munio Miscui Skin Perfecting Veil in Nude*

I was very kindly given another one of these beauties at a blogger event last year and it's been my go-to setting powder ever since. Super finely milled, it's talc and preservatives free and gives the most natural looking 'my skin but better' finish. Repurchase? Yes.

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Primer & Brightener*

One of my favourite primers, Jane Iredale's Smooth Affair goes on like silk and provides a lovely base for makeup, whilst also making your skin look brighter and more glowy. Many supermodels use it as a hangover/long flight pick me up and I can see why! Repurchase? Definitely want to buy the full-size.

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Nobody's Baby

For the ultimate low maintenance, throw it in your handbag and re-apply without a mirror lip product, you can't go wrong with the Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioners. Nobody's Baby is their everyday neutral pink shade and I'm pretty sure this is the second or third tube that I've gone through. It's very moisturising and has a lovely glossy finish. Repurchase? Yes.

Clinique Colour Pop in Nude Pop

This lippie from Clinique is sort of similar to Nobody's Baby, but it offers more colour and is more of a standard satin lipstick finish. I liked it a lot, however I did find that it dried out my lips every now and then. Repurchase? Probably not.

Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in 06

I find cream eyeshadow sticks so easy to use as you can simply swipe them on, blend with your fingers and you're good to go, so I reached for this quite often on a day-to-day basis when I was in a rush in the morning. 06 is a great shimmery bronzey/taupe shade that accentuates dark brown eyes beautifully. Repurchase? Yes.  

MEMI Expert Liner*

I'm not having much luck with liquid eyeliners lately - this is very similar to the Doucce one above as it performed so well and was really easy to use, but again, I found that it dried up too quickly for my liking (and I always make sure the lids are on properly - how disappointing!). Repurchase? No.

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand in 2

This is Charlotte's answer to the Touche Eclat and it features a double ended tip with a brightening concealer on one side and an eye cream on the other. I LOVE the concealer end but the eye cream side proved to be too heavy, greasy and rich for my skin which is a such a shame because it puts me off buying it again as I loathe wasting product. Repurchase? No, but I'll try out her other concealers instead.

Doucce Maxlash Volumizer Mascara*

I was very impressed with this mascara - it gave me massive, wide awake lashes and definitely helped to lengthen, thicken and define them so it's a great all-rounder! Repurchase? Yes.

GOSH Forever Eyeshadow Metallic Eyeshadow Stick in 03 Light Copper

GOSH are a hugely underrated makeup brand IMO and their eyeshadow sticks are comparable with the KIKO ones above in terms of price and performance. They glide on easily and stay put all day, what more could you ask for? This shade 03 Light Copper is brilliant for brightening up the waterline or simply adding a glossy sheen of coppery gold all over the lids. Repurchase? Yes.

Have you ever done a Project Pan?

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

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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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Project Pan #3: 6 Months' Worth of Makeup Empties

Project Pans are a fun way to use up products in your makeup stash, and they've become a popular hashtag across social media as beauty junkies from around the world share their makeup empties with each other. 

I don't know why, but it's strangely satisfying to finish off a beauty product like a face cream or a body lotion, and it's even more satisfying to finish off a makeup product, simply because they seem to last forever! My monthly Empties posts on here are some of my most popular and most read posts, so I've been starting to collect my makeup empties too and putting them in these 6 monthly Project Pan posts (you can check out my previous Project Pan posts here and here). 

The general idea behind a Project Pan is to select a bunch of makeup that you want to 'hit pan on' or use up within a certain time frame, but it's pretty flexible and you can set your own rules and goals. As I managed to finish off 20 products last time, I set my goal for 20 again this time around, but I fell a little short at 15! Nevertheless, I'm still very happy with what I did use up as it's cleared out some much-needed space in my makeup collection which is always a good thing.

So then! Here's a rundown of everything that I used up makeup-wise in the past six months, and whether I would repurchase them again or not.

Foundations, Primers & Face Products

• INIKA Mineral Foundation in 04 Nurture - Unsurprisingly, I only managed to use up one foundation as I have quite a lot that I rotate between which means that I never seem to fully finish off any! However, INIKA's Mineral Foundation is by far the one that I use the most as it gives such a beautiful, natural looking finish to the skin and this shade Nurture is a perfect match for me. I've been using this foundation for years and have gone through a good number of them over that time. I don't think I'll ever be without it now. Repurchase? Already have! 

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - I have oily lids so an eyeshadow primer is a must for stopping shadows from creasing or fading on me. UDPP is a firm staple in my makeup bag and like the INIKA Foundation, I've also been using this for years. It never lets me down! Repurchase? I'm on the hunt for a cheaper alternative, any suggestions?

• Liz Earle Healthy Glow Powder in Nude - You know you're onto a winner when you realise that this is the second Liz Earle blusher that you've ever used up! This shade is such a perfect, everyday nude-apricot pink colour for the cheeks. I think I've had this one on the go for about two years and I'm very sad to see it empty. Repurchase? As much as I love it, as I have so many blushers in my collection to use up first, but I'd definitely pick it up again in the future. 

Mascaras, Eyeliners & Eyeshadows

• Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Mascara in Black Taffeta - A gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous mascara! It's been a long time since I was so impressed by a high-end mascara, but this beauty just hit the ball straight out of the park. Super pigmented, gives big volume lashes, doesn't smudge or flake and is just fantastic all round. Repurchase? The full size is a splurge, but I may treat myself if I see it on offer!

• Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara in Black - Whilst this is a good mascara, it doesn't build volume as effortlessly as the one above, and being in a similar high-end price bracket I would always pick the Givenchy over this one given the choice. Sorry LM. Repurchase? No. 

• Eyeko Black Magic Mascara in Black - Usually I'm a big fan of everything by Eyeko (especially their liquid liners), but this mascara fell short for me. I found it quite clumpy and it dried out pretty quickly. Repurchase? No.

• Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice - I'm still struggling to find a natural based mascara that works as well as mainstream ones, and sadly this Jane Iredale mascara wasn't good at all. It flaked, smudged, clumped and dried out quickly. Repurchase? No.

• Benefit They're Real Tinted Lash Primer - I really enjoyed using this sample; it's basically a light brown tinted mascara which acts as a primer that you apply before your mascara. It gives your lashes a real boost and works with any mascara. Repurchase? Definitely considering buying the full size at some point.

• Illamasqua Precision Ink Eye Liner in Abyss - This is a fantastic liquid eyeliner. The nib is flexible but precise, and the formula is richly pigmented like a glossy black. No problems with smudging or fading and it lasts all day! Repurchase? Yes. 

• Maybelline 24h Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze - I finally finished an eyeshadow - hooray! Loved this cream eyeshadow as it was so easy to apply with just a finger and looks great swiped all over the lid for a quick look in the morning. Repurchase? I have so many eyeshadows and similar products to use up first, but again, it's something I would pick up in the future.

Lip Products

• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and Precious - Remember when these were all the rage a couple of years ago on Youtube and the blogosphere?! I bought my fair share of them and these two shades have been my most used and repurchased. Honey is a great everyday pink and Precious is a simple nude/neutral that looks gorgeous with a smokey eye. Repurchase? Not right now as I have too many similar colours and lip products already!

• PIXI Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink - This was a cute little sample that I had in my handbag for a long time. Unique Pink is one of those shades that changes depending on the colour of your own lips so it looks a little different on everyone. It gave me a really pretty hint of pink and was nice to use when I just wanted a more subtle wash of colour on my lips. Repurchase? Tempted!

• Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Precious* - I'm a sucker for a pretty rosy pink lip and this lipstick was just so perfect in many ways. The colour really suited me (see my swatch of it here), the formula was nice and moisturising, and the finish was lovely and glossy. Repurchase? I think this shade may have been Limited Edition, but I have similar ones from other brands in my makeup stash.

Nails

• Nail HQ Strengthener* - If you're looking for a budget friendly alternative to OPI's Nail Envy, check out this one from Nail HQ. I get the same results as Nail Envy but it's cheaper - yay! 

Have you ever done a Project Pan like this?

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

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UK Magazine Freebies: Eyeko with InStyle & Benefit with Elle - June/July2016

This month's new magazines have hit the stands and they're causing something of a buzz thanks to their very generous beauty freebies! I've picked up two of the most popular ones to give you an idea of what's available, plus I've included a full round-up of everything else on offer.

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Makeup Edit: My Current Favourite Black Eyeliners

A trusty black eyeliner is a must have item in my makeup bag, as it makes a huge difference to the appearance and definition of my eyes in a matter of minutes (plus it's a really easy way to look more polished and pulled together if you're feeling hungover...!).

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Makeup Review & Swatches: Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner + Selfridges Eyeliner Bar News

Have a rummage through my make-up stash and you'll always find an Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner pen in there somewhere. I've tried most of their liner offerings, but this Black Magic one is definitely my favourite.

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Budget Beauty: You Beauty Box - February 2016 review

As I mentioned last month, the You Beauty Discovery box has undergone a re-branding and become simply You Beauty box. The first official box since the change came out a few days ago and I'm very happy with it! 

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February Favourites

February may have been a cold and miserable month weather wise, but inside my bathroom and on my vanity, things were looking up with so many new beauty discoveries!  These are my February Favourites including some products I haven't featured before.

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Review & Swatches: Alexa Chung for Eyeko - Eye Do Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner

If you're making eyes at a certain someone this weekend, make them bold and dramatic with a slick of black liquid eyeliner and super pigmented mascara.  These two products from Alexa Chung's range for Eyeko won't let you down!

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Review: Latest In Beauty - 'Get The Gloss Beauty Insider's Kit' 2015

I don't know how they do it, but Latest In Beauty have managed to release another stellar beauty box.  This time around, they have teamed up with Get The Gloss to create a special Beauty Insider's Kit featuring products picked by the GTG team.  Let's have a look inside!

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The Black Eyeliner Stash

Black eyeliner has been a staple of mine for as long as I can remember.  Whether I want a sexy cat eye flick, a thicker, more grungey/smokey line, or a subtle touch of definition for everyday, black eyeliner is where it's at. 

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Latest In Beauty - The Glamour Beauty Edit Box review

Latest In Beauty have teamed up with Glamour magazine once again to offer us beauty junkies a quick fix in a box!  The Glamour Beauty Edit Box is exactly as it sounds; a specially selected, handpicked box of the best beauty must-haves.  Want to see what's inside?

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Magazine Freebies #2 - REN with In Style, L'Occitane with Marie Claire & Eyeko with Glamour

My mum surprised me with this mini haul of magazine freebies today which definitely put a smile on my face!  I'm sure you've seen these mentioned countless times this month already, but here's a quick recap of what's available:-

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Shopping My Stash

I've been meaning to do a 'Shopping My Stash' post for absolutely ages, but it was only when I saw Sophia's posts recently, that I finally decided to have a good old rummage through my make-up collection.  The concept of 'Shopping My Stash' is simple - you basically go shopping via your beauty stash!  No money or budgeting required.   Now that's really the best kind of shopping isn't it?

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Joliebox - March

This month's Joliebox boasts a first for any beauty box; it contains all full size products! Do you think someone perhaps took notice of the drama surrounding last month's box of small (but still sample) sizes? Hmmmm. There's also the addition of the 'Joliemag', a 24-page glossy magazine showcasing new beauty products, meet the team features and how-to guides etc, which is pretty neat. Onto the products that I received, firstly there's a 200ml Yardley Luxury Body Wash in English Lavender. Now, I'm probably in the minority here when I say that I actually like lavender, I know that it's certainly something of a marmite scent for most people so I can imagine a few being disappointed with receiving this. I've seen some of the other floral scents that were sent out so I guess it's just one of those luck of the draw things? The product that I'm most excited about is the Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm which was sent out with one of the other beauty boxes recently and I thought it sounded really interesting. It's a 98% natural balm that can be used on hair, face and body so I'll certainly make use of this. Oh how I love multi-purpose products!

Two make-up items were included this month, an Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner in Powder Pink and an LCN nail polish which is a German brand I believe. I'm happy with the colours that I got sent; the nail polish looks like a pretty shimmery peach shade and I've been meaning to experiment with a pink eyeliner for that 'wide awake/bigger eyes' look. There's also a little extra in the shape of the Joliebox mirror which isn't exactly great quality wise as it looks mega cheap, but no doubt it will get thrown into one of my many make-up bags regardless. Summary: I thought this box was great, all things that I will use again which is always good of course!

Whilst I'm here, I just wanted to add my two cents to the news of the Carmine box being no more. Carmine was definitely my favourite out of all of the beauty boxes as they always offered great value and a good range of products. Sad to see them go, but I didn't think much of them merging with Glossybox. What was that all about?! I don't think I'll be signing up again to Glossybox, though my mind may change if they become more like how Carmine used to be. I'm sure only time will tell.

Did you receive a Joliebox this month? What did you think?

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January Favourites

So glad that January is over and done with, I swear I thought it would never end! Here are my beauty favourites for January:- (1) Ecotools 6 Piece Brush Set - I have been using this every single day since I got them and they've washed perfectly with no problems, no shedding either. If you are looking for some new make-up brushes I seriously recommend these! (review). (2) Zoya nail polish in Petra (NOTD) and (3) Ciate nail polish in Wait Until Dark (NOTD) - I have been loving purple shades this month and these two have been worn the most. (4)Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Satin Taupe - I know some people have been slating these since receiving one in this month's Carmine box but I really like it. The main criticism seems to be about how sheer they are, but you can build up the colour by adding one or two extra layers. I like how this can be used for a subtle smoky eye that's suitable for daywear. To get this to work for you, it's essential to use a good primer otherwise it will crease, but I've had no problems using it with UDPP. (5)Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque - Oh Rubenesque how I love you so! You can see my swatches of it here. I love these paint pots and definitely want to pick up more! And finally, (6) Barefoot Botanicals SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion - I was so pleased to win this in a giveaway and it's been my new go-to body moisturiser in this freezing cold weather (review) Smells good too!.

What have been your January beauty favourites?

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Carmine Box - January

Look what arrived today, the lovely Carmine box! Like everything New Year themed at the moment, this month's box has a focus on 'a fresh, new start'. Here's what was inside mine:-



(1) Balance Me Extra Care Radiance Face Oil, 5ml sample. I saw this advertised on Naturismo's e-newsletter the other day and had made a mental note to myself to find out more about it. So what great timing to receive a sample?! This face oil is 100% naturally active and features a whole host of exotic sounding ingredients such as Amazonian buruti nut, yarrow, camellia oils etc. I'm really liking the Balance Me brand at the moment so I look forward to trying this out, will probably use it before going to bed.



(2) Eldora False Eyelashes in style B158 - I'm not a big false lashes wearer, but these do look really nice. When I do wear falsies, I always opt for the more natural looking ones but that have that extra OOMPH, so these look like they may suit me. Will do a separate post on these when I wear them :)





(3) Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Satin Taupe, full size. Another item I was pleased to see in the box was this creamy eyeshadow stick. I've been looking for a colour similar to the one I was sent, and this is exactly what I was after! It's really nicely pigmented and soft with a generous amount of glossy shimmer to it.



(4) Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturising & Brightening Cream, 10ml sample. I received a sample of this from a Boudoir Prive box a few months back that I still haven't used yet. Judging from everyone's reviews of this though, I'm 90% certain I'll love it so I wasn't annoyed about getting another one. I do think I may be starting to accumulate a stash of beauty box products that I haven't gotten around to using yet though!



(5) Westlab Himalayan Pink Salt, sample bag. This is a natural mineral rich detoxifying treat for your skin that looks pretty, but I don't really use bath salts because I find that they sometimes irritate my skin. I might swap this or use it in a foot soak instead. I appreciate that it fits in well with the detox/new you theme though and I like how the sample bag is the perfect size for one bath.

Online offer codes:-
- 10% off full size Balance Me Face Oil w/ CARMINE2012 @ balanceme.co.uk (expires 1st March)
- 50% off when you spend £15 or more from Eldora w/ eldoracarmine2012 @ eldorashop.co.uk (expires 29th Feb)
- £5 off when you spend £25 on Korres products w/ WILDROSE6 @ houseoffraser.co.uk (expires 31st March)
- 30% off the Detox and Revive Kit w/ 4321 @ westlabshop.com (expires 1st March)

Summary: Another great box from Carmine, lots of things for me to try out and I love, love the Eyeko eyeshadow stick!

Did you get a Carmine box this month? Which Eyeko shade did you get? If you sub to more than one box, how do you feel about getting the same samples?

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