Showing posts with label jason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jason. Show all posts

March Empties: Products I've Used Up

Tuesday, 3 April 2018

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

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

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

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

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

S5 Illuminate Serum*
Specially formulated for hyperpigmentation, I used this serum a lot last year to help tackle some dark spots, but for some reason, I stopped using it, moved onto other products and ended up forgetting about it. I had a little clear out last month and noticed that it was nearing its expiry date so I decided to finish the rest of it up. Whilst it does the job, there are just a lot of other serums in my stash that I prefer over it.  Repurchase? No. 

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

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

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

April Empties / Products I've Used Up

Thursday, 1 May 2014

A new month already?!  I've gathered up all of my empties, so here are the products that I've finished up recently, my overall thoughts on them and whether I'll be repurchasing or not.

February Empties / Products I've Used Up

Friday, 28 February 2014

It's Empties time once again!  Here are the products that I've managed to finish off this month, my thoughts on them, and whether I'll be repurchasing or not. 

August Empties / Products I've Used Up

Sunday, 1 September 2013


Empties time!  You all know the drill by now; so here are the products I've finished off this month, my thoughts on them, and whether I'll be repurchasing them in the future or not.

July Empties / Products I've Used Up

Tuesday, 30 July 2013


Empties time!  You all know the drill by now; here are the products I've finished off this month, my thoughts on them, and whether I'll be repurchasing them in the future.

May Empties / Products I've Used Up

Thursday, 30 May 2013


Is it really that time of the month again?  Here are my empties/finished products for May, and my mini reviews about whether I'll be repurchasing any of them in the future.

Currently Using: Lip Balms!

Wednesday, 13 March 2013


It's no secret that I have something of an obsession with lip balms.  I have a tube, pot, stick, tin or even sphere of the stuff somewhere near me at all times.  If I didn't, I'd probably run to the nearest shop and purchase one, such is my dislike for dry, chapped lips.  I decided to count up how many of these lip saviors I have in current usage which involved a quick check of my handbags, desk drawers, coat pockets and generally any available surface space that could accommodate such an item.  The total that came back was nine!  So here are those nine lip balms that I currently have on the go:-

January Empties / Products I've Used Up

Tuesday, 29 January 2013


January has felt like a long, long month, and I'm not surprised that there are quite a lot of products that I've managed to finish up given that I'm on a Spending Ban.  So without further ado, here are my recent empties:-

Boots Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover
A staple of mine, I always use this one because its cheap and does the job.  Repurchase?  Yes, I already have another in my stash.

I Love...Vanilla & Ice Cream Exfoliating Shower Smoothie
Bought this on a whim ages ago because it was only £1 and it smells just like vanilla ice cream.  It's absolutely rubbish as an exfoliator but was OK as a general shower gel.  Repurchase?  No, the scent got to be too sickly even for someone me!

The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream
As you can see from the old-style packaging, I've had this for absolutely ages in my bathroom because I have so many shower products to use up.  It has a lovely coconut scent and I always enjoy using it.  Repurchase?  Am sure I will in the future.

Burt's Bees Extra Energizing Citrus & Ginger Root Hand Soap
A nice liquid hand soap with an unusual scent, but one that I grew to like over the last few months that I used it.  Repurchase?  Maybe if I saw it on offer again.

JASON Hydrating Hemp Hand & Body Lotion* - (featured in my 7 Winter Skin Saviours here)
Great body lotion for dry skin, feels light and soaks into the skin straight away with no greasiness.  Repurchase?  Yes, definitely will after my ban.


Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturiser
This was a really good sample for me to use up when it was freezing cold recently.  Has a pleasant delicate rose scent and kept my face hydrated all day.  Repurchase?  I would only use this in the dead of winter as it would be too heavy for my oily/combo skintype, so I'd probably just pick up another sample tube and use it when it was needed.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
I've rarely seen a bad review of this now cult face mask on the blogosphere and like the majority, I like it too.  It smells fruity and feels like non-sticky marmalade, but it always makes my face feel soft and look fresh when I use it.  Repurchase?  I'm not sure I love it enough to splurge on a full size, but I certainly would use up another sample of it.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - (featured in my 7 Winter Skin Saviours here)
Best hand cream ever, I'm rarely ten feet away from one of those beauties!  Repurchase?  Yes, already have a couple of handbag sizes in my stash.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion* - (featured in my Hayfever Beauty Essentials here)
This is brilliant for using on a cotton pad over your closed eyes in the morning to de-puff and refresh them.  Also a must-have in S/S when hayfever season starts up.  Repurchase?  Yes, already have a travel size of it from my Liz Earle Advent Calendar.

Essential Care Organic Lip Silk Lip Balm*
Loved using this, it's one of the best organic lip balms I've ever used, so much so that I've added it to my Holy Grail list!  Repurchase?  Definitely.

Etat Pur Salicylic Acid 300mg - (reviewed here)
I was surprised by how long this little bottle has lasted me, I must have been using it for at least 4 or 5 months.  Works really well at reducing blemishes and was gentle/non-irritating to use.  Repurchase?  Will do in the future.


Have you used up any products this month?  
Feel free to link to your empties posts below!




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

Monday, 31 December 2012

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


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

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

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

Post your own Best Of 2012 links below!

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Joliebox - October 2012: The Pure and Natural Box

Saturday, 20 October 2012

 Joliebox (£10 per month + P&P, link)

I was so excited to open this month's Pure and Natural themed Joliebox - I'm pleased with the contents and really like it when beauty boxes branch out to do a themed box like this.

My 7 Winter Skin Saviours

Thursday, 18 October 2012


Although technically it's not winter until December, I'm sure you'll all agree with me that it's getting very cold, especially in the evenings now.  If you're looking to stockpile some beauty products that will keep your skin happy in this weather, then look no further.  I've picked 7 of my favourite winter skin saviours that I reach for the most often at this time of the year:-

Tried & Tested: JASON Brightening Apricot Scrubble (+ comparison with St Ives)

Monday, 17 September 2012

  JÄ€SÖN Brightening Apricot Scrubble (128ml, £5.29, link)*

I'm a huge fan of JÄ€SÖN's products (previous reviews here), and I have been trying out their much hyped Apricot Scrubble for the last few weeks.  I can certainly see why so many bloggers have been adding this scrub to their skincare routines, it's amazing!

Top 5: Most Reached for Summer Products

Monday, 27 August 2012


I've been enjoying watching the 'Most Worn Summer Items' videos on Youtube recently and decided to compile my own top 5 'Best of Summer' post for today.  Sadly we haven't had much of a summer in England this year (again!), but on the occasional hot sunny days, I have been reaching for these products.

Tried & Tested: JASON Long & Strong Jojoba Shampoo and Conditioner

Wednesday, 1 August 2012


JÄ€SÖN Long & Strong Jojoba Shampoo (480ml, £6.29)*
JÄ€SÖN Long & Strong Jojoba Conditioner (480ml, £6.29)*

I have been testing out these two products from JĀSÖN's Long & Strong range for around six weeks now, and wanted to give them a longer trial run than usual due to the healthy hair growth claims.

This shampoo and conditioner work in conjunction to help strengthen long hair which is getting to that stage of being difficult to grow any longer.  I find that my hair happily grows quite quickly to around shoulder length level, but then begins to get very dry and brittle at the ends, and the growing speed shortens dramatically as a result.  As I dream of having Rapunzel style locks, I always look out for haircare which will hydrate my dry ends and make them happy again, and when my hair is happy it usually grows, hurray!

The Long & Strong Jojoba combo has a gorgeous slightly floral scent which makes your hair smell lovely and fresh.  The shampoo contains Naural Jojoba Seed Oil which helps to restore and replenish moisture in the hair, thoroughly hydrating it, whilst added Vitamin B5 and Wheat Protein aims to prevent breakage and split ends, in addition to improving the elasticity of the hair too.  I found that it foams well and gives your hair a decent cleanse without that tight squeaky clean feeling.  I had no issues with it irritating my sensitive scalp so I was able to thoroughly massage it in to test out the hair growth claims which comes from the Grapefruit and Yucca Filamentosa extracts.

The conditioner is even better and has a wonderfully thick formula which means that you only need to use a small amount each time after shampooing.  It made my hair soft and swishy and features the same natural extracts that the shampoo does.

So did they make my hair grow?  Honestly, I can't say I noticed a difference in the speed of my hair growth which probably doesn't grow very much in six weeks anyway.  I can say however that my hair definitely feels a LOT stronger than it did prior to using these two products, and I have noticed that I have less hair strands on my brush as a direct result of seeing less breakage.  I'll continue to use these both up and will add a final note about them in an empties post.  

If you're looking for new haircare products that will help to strengthen your hair, then definitely give the JÄ€SÖN's Long & Strong Jojoba Shampoo and Conditioner a go.  The bottles offer great value for money because they come in huge 480ml sizes (it still feels like I have loads of product left even though I've been using them for six weeks!) and are very reasonably priced at £6.29 each.  They are also paraben, SLS and phthalate free.

The full range of JĀSÖN haircare is available direct from their website.

Do you use any products to promote healthy hair growth?

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*PR samples

What's in my toiletries travel bag?

Friday, 20 July 2012


As some of you may know, I am going on holiday to Prague tomorrow evening, so I thought I'd do a 'What's in my travel bag?' post for the toiletries I'm taking with me.  My travel bag was bought in Japan earlier this year, can't remember the name of the shop, but I've seen similar designs for sale over here.  I'm a sucker for anything cute with owls on!


Haircare

Burts Bees Super Shiny Shampoo and Conditioner
These were from my grab bag ages ago.  Have seen a few mixed reviews of these, so I'll try them 
out tonight and see what they're like.

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment
I love this hair oil more than Morrocan Oil these days.  
Perfect for keeping my hair in great condition.

KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray
Love this, just a simple heat protection spray with the added benefit of acting a bit
like a hairspray too!


Skincare
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
I always take one of these with me when I'm travelling.  
Doubles up as a fantastic make-up remover too.

Essential Care Organic Rose Petal Tonic*
This is so lovely to use, great for refreshing yourself with when you're on the go.

Dr Nick Lowe Oil Control Anti-Blemish Day Cream
Featured in my favourites last month, I'm on my second travel size tube of this 
and it works so well for my oily/combination skin.

balance Me Radiance Face Mask*
Also featured this in my favourites last month, it's a fab 3 in 1 mask 
that helps to perk up dull skin.

Figs & Rouge Sweet Geranium Balm
Multi-purpose balm, always travel with one of these products 
in my bag because they come in so handy.

Clinique All About Eyes
One of my favourite eye creams, simple and effective.
 
Bath & Body

Steamcream
Recently reviewed this here.  Love it!  The tin is also a great size for
travelling with.

NEOM Tranquility Bath Oil
Received this in the Utter Relaxation gift set for my birthday and can't wait
to use it.

Mitchell and Peach English Growers Shower Wash
I think this was from a Joliebox from around xmas time?!  
I really should use up seeing as it's July now, so it's coming with me!


Sunscreen / Misc

JĀSÖN Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20*
JĀSÖN Mineral Natural Sunblock SPF 30*
No summer travel bag is complete without sunscreen and these ones 
from JÄ€SÖN are light and non-greasy.  Reviewed here.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care with SPF 15
Great for wearing under lipsticks and is very moisturising too.

Essential Care Organic First Aid Lotion*
For all those 'just in case' times that happen on holiday!

I'll post a make-up bag tomorrow as that's always the last thing I pack.
 Have you been or are you going on holiday this summer?

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*PR samples

June Favourites

Sunday, 1 July 2012


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


Skincare & Haircare etc

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

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

A'kin 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
I have been raving about this a lot recently and for good reasons.  Seriously one of the best leave-in conditioners you can pick up that is also 100% natural.  Reviewed here.

JĀSÖN Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20*
I've always disliked wearing sunscreen in the past because the products I've tried have always been too heavy for my skin and don't absorb easily, I hate that greasy feeling!  This facial sunscreen from JASON is the exact opposite and is ideal for putting on under your make-up.  Reviewed here.

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


Make-Up etc

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

Leighton Denny Remove & Rectify Cuticle Remover
Does what it promises to do simply and effectively.  Reviewed here.

Nails Inc for In Style Blue Bell
Gorgeous summer pastel blue, NOTD.

China Glaze Dress Me Up
I've been wearing this dusky rose neutral shade a lot this month, the formula is just perfect.
NOTD.

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

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl
My new favourite nude lippie, swatches here.

 Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia
Easy to wear, sheer red toned lip balm.  Gives a lovely wash of colour and is very moisturising.
Swatched here.

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


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*PR samples

Summer Essential: JASON Natural Sunblock/Sunscreen

Wednesday, 13 June 2012


Summer seems to be evading us in the UK at the moment, but apparently the good weather is "on its way".  Fingers crossed!  Or if you are lucky enough to be jet setting out of this grey and rainy country soon to warmer sunnier shores, then this post might be useful to you.  I was kindly sent these two products by the US natural brand, JÄ€SÖN to try out, and I've managed to sneak some samplings into my routine on the few sunny days that we've had recently.

First up is JÄ€SÖN Mineral Natural Sunblock SPF 30* - an all mineral sun screen that is fragrance free as well as being free from chemicals.  It's a broad spectrum sun screen meaning that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Unlike most conventional sun screens I have always used in the past, this one feels light on the skin and doesn't take forever to rub in.  It just soaks straight in, no fuss whatsoever.  I also had no issues with my sensitive skin because it's hypoallergenic too.  Is there anything this sun screen doesn't do?!  Well the only downside is that it isn't waterproof, so you'll need the 'Sport' sun screen if you plan on doing any swimming etc.  But if you're going on a non-swimming holiday like a city break or just want a general, all round sun screen for your body when the weather warms up, this would certainly be a good option.

For the face, there is JÄ€SÖN Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20* which is a sheer translucent sun screen that you can wear under make-up (make sure to always put your facial sunscreen on BEFORE applying make-up, not after, because you want your sun protection to be the first layer next to your skin!).  It has a handy pump that dispenses just the right amount at a time.  I really love this one because like the Mineral Sunblock above, it soaks straight into the skin and doesn't leave any greasy residue.  It also suits my oily/combination skin because it has a lightweight oil-free formula and doesn't feel like it's clogging my pores, so I'm not worried about it breaking me out like some sun screens do.

To summarise, both of these natural sunscreen products are:-
  • Hypoallergenic - Suitable for Very Sensitive Skin 
  • Broad Spectrum - Will protect against both UVA and UVB rays
  • Paraben free
  • Cruelty free - BUAV approved
  • Fragrance free
  • Light & non greasy formulas which absorb into skin straight away
Have you tried anything from JASON?

*PR sample  
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