Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

Are you ready for a bumper Beauty Empties post? It's always the way isn't it; this is about two months' worth of empties as I didn't feel like I had enough to warrant writing a post last month, and now the recycling bin is overflowing. Grab a cuppa and settle down, there's a lot to discuss here!

Bloomtown Natural Deodorant Bar in Lemongrass & Peppermint* (reviewed here)

I've been using natural deodorants for the best part of 10 years now and I haven't looked back. Admittedly, it can take some trial and error at first to find one that works for you, but a long-time favourite of mine is this deodorant bar from Bloomtown. It lasts a good 2-3 months, is plastic-free, I love the scent and it keeps me fresh all day. Repurchase? Yes.

Nip + Fab Purify Salicylic Fix Spot Patches

These were from a Glossybox and sadly, I didn't find them to be very effective. They didn't dry out my skin, but they also didn't do much to reduce the size of blemishes. Repurchase? No. 

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts & White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica Bath Salts* 

Epsom salts are amazing for reviving the muscles after exercise or just to help you to relax after a stressful/busy day. I'm a big fan of the Westlab Bath Salts which are one of the most affordable brands on the market; the Reviving ones are fragrance-free, whilst the other pack is infused with White Willow, Eucalyptus & Arnica. Repurchase? Definitely.

Saach Organics Henna Orange Oil Shampoo* (reviewed here)

If, like me, you use henna to colour your hair, then this is a fantastic shampoo that contains henna orange oil to keep your colour looking vibrant for longer. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

It's always a very sad day when you finish up a full-size bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil! I adore these so much, and although they are a luxury splurge, a tiny amount goes a long way. This is the De-Stress blend which is amazing for tired and sore muscles. Repurchase? On my wishlist!

This Works Sleep Balm

A cute little pot of scented balm that I like to apply to my pulse points before going to bed. If you have trouble sleeping, I can't recommend the This Works Sleep range enough. Repurchase? Yes.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

Another one that I found in a Glossybox, I originally really liked this, but over time, I began to find the coconut flavour too sickly sweet. Repurchase? No.

Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This is the classic original formula which has peppermint and Vitamin E in it. You really can't go wrong with these lip balms, I must have gone through loads of them over the years! Repurchase? Yes.

Emma Hardie Brilliance Face Oil* (reviewed here)

An absolutely beautiful product, Emma Hardie's bestselling Brilliance Face Oil is just sublime. I love the blend of natural plant oils and my skin always feels healthier and more glowy whenever I use it. Repurchase? Yes.

Dook X Jupiter Artland Salt Soap

My favourite brand discovery of this year so far has been Dook. Their famous handmade Salt Soaps are not only exquisite and works of art in their own right, but the compact formula means they never go mushy, even after using them every day for the past few months. This one was a special Limited Edition collaboration that they did with the Scottish artist Jupiter Artland. Repurchase? I will buy more from their main range for sure! 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Bath and Shower Gel (travel size)

I do love a bit of Molton Brown and Rhubarb & Rose is quite possibly my favourite scent from them; it's so fruity with a touch of floral and a little sherberty zing. A lovely touch of luxury for the bath or shower. Repurchase? Yes.

Tisserand Mandarin & May Chang Uplifting Hand Cream* (reviewed here)

Another beautifully scented product is this hand cream from Tisserand which has a lovely oriental floral and spicy fragrance. My top tip is to stock up on these when they're on offer in TKMaxx. Repurchase? Yes.

Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ 

An excellent choice for sensitive skin, this sunscreen does the job and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil* (reviewed here)

Another good option for sensitive skin is this bath & shower oil from Evolve Organic Beauty has a very delicate and gentle formula so I tend to use it a lot when my skin is having an eczema flareup. Repurchase? Yes. 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I only use micellar water to remove waterproof mascara as I prefer cleansing oils/balms for the rest of my face, so one of these big bottles lasts me around six months or so. It gets the job done and is fragrance-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Neals Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream*

Gorgeous softening formula with a gorgeous cheerful scent, I've been using these for years and always have one in my stash somewhere. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturecan Purify CBD Clay Mask* (reviewed here)

Whilst I enjoyed using this, I did feel like it's a pretty basic clay face mask and there are other brands that I prefer a lot more. Repurchase? No.

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight (travel size)

One of the best, if not the best, natural mascaras you'll find on the market right now. I love this mascara so much! It lengthens, adds volume and doesn't smudge or budge all day long. Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Tarteist Brow Gel

As far as clear brow gels go, this works really well and keeps fluffy brows in place. But is it worth the money? Nope; you can find the same kind of product elsewhere for a much more affordable price. Repurchase? No.

Organic Works Bergamot Body Lotion* (reviewed here)

I love fresh scents as you can probably tell from this post and this big bottle of body lotion from Organic Works has served me well! Lovely light non-sticky formula and a lovely fresh fragrance. Repurchase? Yes.

NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist* 

An essential on my bedside table, I always like to spritz my bedding with a sleepy pillow mist before calling it a night. This one's in my top three favourites but I do feel that the This Works mist performs slightly better. Repurchase? Maybe.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (travel size)

Lastly, I've used up a travel size of REN's bestselling Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream which is something that I have recommended countless times to friends and family. If you have sensitive skin, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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Women's Health: Tisserand - The Restore Balance Discovery Kit review #MoodBalance

 

Whether you're menstruating, experiencing the first symptoms of the perimenopause, or going through the menopause, Tisserand's new Restore Balance range is here to offer some natural aromatherapy help.

Launched just last month, British aromatherapy brand, Tisserand, has released a dedicated new range of natural products to support women through all the physical and emotional stages of life. A tried and trusted natural brand since 1974, Tisserand has a vast range of products available and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw from, so it's great to see a range such as Restore Balance on the shelves.

As the name suggests, Restore Balance addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to discussing women's emotional changes that occur naturally through menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. The most common symptom that around 70% of women report when going through these life stages is a 'change in mood', and thus Restore Balance aims to help through its expert blend of comforting Geranium, nurturing Rose, and uplifting Clary Sage essential oils.

In fact, 3 out of 4 women reported more 'settled emotions' after using Tisserand's Restore Balance range for just two weeks, which certainly shows that there are some empowering natural properties in these aromatherapy products.

One of the easiest ways to try out this new range is with the handy Restore Balance Discovery Kit which comprises of three travel-size items; a 9ml Body Oil, a 9ml Body & Room Mist, and a 10ml Pulse Point Roller Ball. Not only are these brilliant 'try me' sizes, but they're also super convenient to use when traveling or simply to have in your handbag when you're out and about.

How To Use

I love the 100% natural essential oil blend which is both calming and revitalising at the same time. You can start your day by applying the Body Oil all over after a shower, and then top up the soothing fragrance by spritzing a little of the Body & Room Mist in your car or around your home office. If you're on the go, apply the Pulse Point Rollerball to your wrists as and when needed, inhaling the natural scent deeply to bring instant calm to stressful moments. Mood swings be gone!

Tisserand Restore Balance Discovery Kit* retails for £16 - available from various stockists including tisserand.com

What products do you like to use to help balance your mood?

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New In Beauty: Tisserand Nature Spa Range - Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand Cream and Hand & Body Soap review

 

Earlier this year, Tisserand released their brand new Nature Spa Bath & Body Collection so if you're in the mood for some self-care pampering at home, this is the range for you!

For those who aren't familiar with Tisserand, they are one of the UK's leading natural wellbeing brands with a vast range of aromatherapy-based products. Based in the beautiful countryside of West Sussex, Tisserand has become hugely popular, and I just love exploring all of the different essential oil blends that they have to offer. 

The new Nature Spa Bath & Body Collection has something for everyone and I was very kindly sent a Hand & Body Soap and Hand Cream from my personal favourite fragrance; the Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang.

Starting with the Tisserand Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand Cream* (75ml, £12, link), this hand cream is a real pleasure to use thanks to its silky texture that is easily absorbed without any hint of greasiness. Packed with moisturising natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E rich Sunflower Seed Oil, it delivers instant hydration to dry hands and is something that I like to keep on my bedside table to remind myself to apply before going to sleep. Come the morning, my hands are so smooth and soft!

Another must-have in this new range is the matching Tisserand Uplifting Mandarin & May Chang Hand & Body Soap* (100g, £6.50, link). It's the ideal addition to your bathroom sink and a super-easy way to help reduce the amount of plastic that you use as this solid soap is simply packaged in a neat cardboard box. Embossed with the Tisserand logo and bursting with that gorgeous uplifting Mandarin & May Chang fragrance, this soap is enriched with moisturising Coconut Oil and Shea Butter to keep hands soft and supple throughout the day.

Shop the full range at tisserand.com

Have you used any products from Tisserand before?

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December Empties: Products I've Used Up

There's nothing more satisfying than collecting together a bunch of empty beauty products, and it's even more satisfying when it's for the last blogpost of the year! Let's round off 2017 with my December Empties, which includes a lot of travel sizes that I've used up over the Christmas break.

BetterYou Magnesium Flakes Original Foot & Body Soak 

If you suffer from any soreness after exercise or get a bad case of the monthly cramps, magnesium products are an absolute godsend (check out my original feature on them here for more info about their benefits). I've tried a couple of different brands, but my favourite are these Magnesium Flakes from BetterYou which I always stock up on during Holland & Barrett's penny sales. Repurchase? Already have!  

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts 

Another bath product that I enjoy using are Kneipp's Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts, which are super relaxing and ideal to use before going to bed if you have any sleep or stress problems. They're enriched with Poppy and Hemp Oils and they smell SO good. Repurchase? Yes.  

STARSKIN Hydrating Mask*

I love STARSKIN's Bio-Cellulose masks because they feel like a 'second skin' and do an excellent job of locking in all the goodness from the serum, plus they're a good fit! This Hydrating Mask is one of my favourites from them and is perfect for this time of the year. Repurchase? Yes.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum* 

You know when you finish a really expensive skincare product and feel incredibly sad because you know you can't afford to buy another one? That's how I feel right now!  I absolutely loved this serum and it's one of the few that I've tried where I really saw a difference in my skin. The downside? It's £80 *sobs*. Repurchase? Way out of my budget at the moment sadly!

Bodhi & Birch Ylang Ylang Incensa Bath & Shower Therapy*

If you're a fan of Ylang Ylang and you haven't smelt this yet, you need to get a bottle pronto. It's seriously heavenly and feels like such a pampering treat whenever I use it. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other bath products first.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer

Lost count of how many of these I've gone through over the years, and I love these 30ml sizes for travelling with. A really great toner spritz that you can also use over makeup to refresh it during the day. Repurchase? Already have another one in my stash.

Tisserand Sweet Dreams Bath Oil*

Last month, I used up a big size bottle of this and I just had to finish off this travel size afterwards! One of my favourite relaxing bath oils, especially for those evenings when I feel like I'm not going to get any sleep, this really does help. Repurchase? Yes.

Evolve Organic Beauty Satin Leg Gloss*

If you're into shimmery body oils, Evolve's Satin Leg Gloss is a must-try and is 99% natural. Despite the name, you can use this all over your body, but it looks especially good on arms and legs to give them a sexy and healthy looking sheen. Perfect for the party season and it smells incredible! Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Another relaxing/stress relieving favourite of mine and something that I always travel with. Used up a lot of these over the years! Repurchase? Currently using a full-size bottle that's on my bedside table.

Wabi-Sabi Botanicals SAGGA Rose Cleansing Grains

This is one of those dry blends of exfoliator that you mix with water or a base oil/cream to create your own cleanser/scrub/mask. I liked it and it was fun to mix up, but there are other exfoliators out there that do a better job for my skin type. Repurchase? No.  

Herbfarmacy Calming Face Cream*

One of the best moisturisers for combination skin on the green beauty market, I was sad to see this end. It's wonderfully calming and balancing, plus I found that I needed to use less of it compared to a mainstream moisturiser, so it lasted ages. Repurchase? Definitely will after I've finished up some other moisturisers.

Caudalie Divine Oil

Oh, how happy I was when I found this in my stash as I thought I'd used up my last one last month! I've raved about this multi-purpose oil so many times and can't recommend it enough. It smells divine and is brilliant on hair and body. Repurchase? Yes.

Ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation

There's a definite 'relaxing bath' theme going on in this post isn't there?! Here's yet another favourite of mine from a lovely Cotswolds based company. This bath soak is pure bliss and always makes me feel relaxed afterwards. Repurchase? Yes.

Balm Balm Petitgrain Single Note Eau de Parfum*

It takes me forever to use up a bottle of perfume so it always feels like such an achievement when I get to include one in an Empties post. I love the Balm Balm Single Note fragrances and Petitgrain was a delightfully fresh and woody scent. Repurchase? I think it's been discontinued sadly.

Kneipp Herbal Bath Back Comfort Devil's Claw

This is the last bath product I swear! Another Kneipp favourite of mine is their Back Comfort Herbal Bath. Very relaxing and a great way to temporarily reduce back pains and tension. It does turn the bath water red though which is a little strange, but it doesn't stain anything. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean

I've used a couple of these travel size pots from Skin & Tonic and I'm still not sure whether I like this balm cleanser or not. It does a fantastic job of removing makeup and gives a really deep clean, but it stings a little if I get it anywhere near my eyes which puts me off buying the full size. Repurchase? No.

Weleda Skin Food*

Skin Food needs no introduction on my blog as my regular readers will have seen this iconic green tube featured on here many, many times! I always get through a tube during the Winter months and I highly recommend it for anyone who has very dry skin as it can be used anywhere and everywhere. Repurchase? Already have!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Another month is rapidly coming to a close so I think it's time for another Empties post! Here are my thoughts on everything that I've managed to use up recently, and whether I would repurchase them again.

Antonia Burrell Bright & Light Eye Cream* 

I featured this beautiful eye cream in my February Favourites earlier this year and I'd say it's one of my top 3 favourite eye creams, ever! I loved everything about it - from the light but easily absorbed texture, the way it smoothed and nourished my skin, to the cooling roll-on applicator which made puffy eyes disappear in the morning. Repurchase? Yes, definitely! I have some other eye creams to use up first, but it's on my shopping list!

Green People Natural Lip Primer*   

I have notoriously dry lips, especially during the Winter months, so I'm not surprised to see this Natural Lip Primer in this month's Empties pile. It feels like a regular, moisturising lip balm that comes in a twist-up lipstick style applicator and provides the perfect smooth base for any lipstick. Repurchase? Maybe - I'm not sure that it did anything that my regular lip balm doesn't do, but I did enjoy using it.

Caudalie Divine Oil

I've lost count of the number of times that I've raved about this amazing multi-purpose oil and its gorgeous scent, but I think this might be the last travel size bottle in my stash - nooooo! I love applying this to the ends and lengths of my hair as a leave-in conditioning oil, and it's simply divine as an all over pampering body oil too. Repurchase? On the Christmas wishlist!

Balance Me Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser

Despite being a big fan of Balance Me, I didn't particularly like this cream cleanser for my combination skin. I felt it was too heavy and left a bit of residue, so you might like this more if your skin is drier. Repurchase? No.

Green People Fruit Scrub Exfoliator*

This is a really nice and gentle facial exfoliator made with natural and organic ingredients. Did a great job of unblocking clogged pores and made my whole complexion look brighter and clearer. A lovely find! Repurchase? Yes.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

There was a time when I used this on a regular basis and saw results, but for some reason, this product no longer works for my skin. It just doesn't seem to do anything for me anymore and simply feels like a regular moisturiser that's neither hydrating or mattifying. Repurchase? No.

Tisserand Sweet Dreams Bath Oil*

Regular readers (and my Instagram followers no doubt!) will know that I'm not a good sleeper so I rely on a lot of aromatherapy products to help me unwind. I love Tisserand's Sweet Dreams range for this reason and their Bath Oil is so lovely and relaxing to use before going to bed. Repurchase? I think I already have a travel size of this somewhere - will need to dig it out!

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo & 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner

I've gone through a couple of these travel size bottles from Giovanni's haircare range, and this combo is definitely the one that works the best for my hair. The shampoo is great for oily roots but doesn't feel stripping, and the conditioner is just moisturising enough for regular use and doesn't weigh down my fine hair. Repurchase? Yes, I'll definitely pick up the full sizes once I've used up some of my other haircare products. 

Kadalys Hydramuse Comforting Cream*

I discovered this in a French beauty box and it's a beautiful daily facial moisturiser that feels calming and hydrating, and sinks into the skin quickly without any greasiness or sticky feeling. Great for Winter skin and makes a super smooth base for makeup in the morning. Repurchase? I can't find anywhere that sells this in the UK - if anyone knows a stockist, please let me know!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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Health & Wellbeing: How To Add Essential Oils To Your Beauty Routine

Last month, I received a lovely package from Tisserand showcasing their newly repackaged essential oils, which got me thinking about how much I use these wonderful, all natural oils in my everyday beauty routine. 

I've been using essential oils for years, and have regularly flirted with the idea of doing a proper aromatherapy course (I'll get around to it one day I'm sure!) after experiencing many of their benefits for myself. Like a lot of ingredients that are derived from nature, essential oils have some fantastic therapeutic properties and each one harnesses different benefits. 

The world of aromatherapy and essential oils is, of course, vast and fascinating (especially when you start to read up on their history and usage throughout time), but I thought it might be useful for those who are reading this that are new to essential oils, to understand some of the simple ways that you can use them by focusing on five of my favourite ones to experiment with.

Best For Scalp Treatments / Healthy Hair Growth - Tisserand Rosemary Organic Pure Essential Oil*

Rosemary pops up as a key ingredient in many green/natural haircare ranges thanks to its well-known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it's a useful essential oil to use in DIY hair and scalp treatments. It's great for dry scalp and dandruff problems and is also good for helping to stimulate hair growth, so ideal for those who have fine or thinning hair. To give it a go, just mix a few drops into your regular shampoo, or try a weekly natural hot oil treatment by melting 2tsp of Coconut Oil with 5-6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil and applying it all over the scalp whilst it's still warm. Leave on for an hour and shampoo as normal.

Best For Making Your Own Natural Deodorant - Tisserand May Chang Ethically Harvested Pure Essential Oil*

The exotic-sounding May Chang is often used by people who can't stand the smell of Tea Tree Oil, and instead prefer the scent of this uplifting, citrusy, lemony oil. May Chang is a powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal oil, so it's perfect if you want to make your own natural deodorant. Simply fill a spray bottle with warm water, a tsp of Baking Soda and 15-20 drops of May Chang, for a refreshing and absorbing spritz for your pits!

Best For Sleep Problems & Anxiety -Tisserand Lavender Organic Pure Essential Oil*

One of the most widely used essential oils around the world is Lavender and it's a wonderful essential oil to use if you experience any problems with sleep and/or anxiety. The scent of it is definitely something that people either love or hate, but if you're in the former camp, you can easily use Lavender Essential Oil by adding a few drops directly to your pillow, bedsheets or a warm bath before going to bed, or add a couple of drops to a cotton handkerchief to breathe into whenever you're feeling anxious. 

Best For Anti-Aging & Healing Acne Scars - Tisserand Frankincense Wild Crafted Pure Essential Oil*

You might have only heard about Frankincense from the three wise men, but this humble essential oil has been used for centuries to heal and protect the skin. One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of this oil is to make your own facial oil and apply a little as an anti-ageing treatment 2-3 times a week or apply it to acne scars every night. Try mixing a couple of drops of Frankincense with 20ml of Jojoba Oil in a dark glass bottle to start your off and always do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

Best For An Uplifting Body Oil - Tisserand Grapefruit Organic Pure Essential Oil*

I'm a huge fan of citrusy scents and Grapefruit is one of my all time favourites because it smells so fresh and zingy! I find it incredibly refreshing and uplifting which is ideal if you suffer from the winter blues or just need a little cheering up on a bad day. I like to add a few drops to a nourishing carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil to make my own pampering body oil - it's so lovely to use after a morning shower to set you up for the day in a good mood!

Tisserand Essential Oils are 9ml each, prices vary from £4.75, and are available from a range of stockists including direct from tisserand.com

Do you use essential oils?

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September Empties: Products I've Used Up

I'm a little late posting my Empties (I blame the flu!), but I hope this massive post makes up for it as I've used up a hell of a lot of products recently. It's been one of those month's where everything just seemed to run out at once! So here's what I've used up and whether I would repurchase it again or not.

REN Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial*

This is my third tube and it's one of my favourite overnight skincare treatments that's packed full of Glycolic and Lactic Acids to exfoliate, hydrate and moisturise. Really does give you glowing skin in the morning and makes my complexion look much brighter. Repurchase? I have a few similar products to use up first, but I'll definitely buy this again.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser

Another product that I've gone through a couple of bottles of is this lovely cream cleanser from Aveda's Botanical Kinetics range, which I'm a big fan of. I love using this in the evenings as it removes all of my makeup easily, and works just as well as a second cleanse or as a light morning cleanser. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other cleansers.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser*

If you prefer gel based cleansers, this one is brilliant and like the Aveda one above, can also be used to remove makeup as well as being a wonderfully refreshing morning cleanser. It's got a great organic formula that includes fruit based AHAs and Vitamin C, so it's a great one to try if you have dull skin that you want to brighten up. Repurchase? Definitely will once my cleanser stash is more under control!

NB Labs Bio-Extracts Hydra Boost*

These nifty syringe style boosters from NB Labs are a fantastic way to literally 'boost' your skincare routine as you just add a shot of the serum-like formula to your daily moisturiser and away you go. They do a bunch of different ones and Hydra Boost has been perfect for those times when my skin has been feeling dehydrated or dry. So easy to use and makes a big difference. Repurchase? Yes.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

Eyebright is something that I always use in the Summer months as it's a godsend for puffy eyes when hayfever season hits. This toner style formula instantly soothes and cleans the eye area, getting rid of pollen and other irritants, without the need for using eye drops. Genius stuff. Repurchase? Will do next Spring! 

Herbfarmacy Lip Conditioner*

Finally - I've used up a lip balm! I have so many on the go all over the place but this one from Herbfarmacy was a definite favourite. 100% organic, smells like vanilla and is really nice and moisturising. Repurchase? I have far too many to justify buying any more at the moment, but if I ever run out, I would happily pick this up again.

Evolve Organic Beauty Skin Saviour Body Oil*

This is a great oil for using on any kind of scars and marks including stretch marks and old blemish/acne scars, as it helps to reduce the appearance of them over time. Also lovely to use as an all-over body oil and perfect for dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

NUXE Rose Petals Micellar Cleansing Water

Picked this up in a recent GWP and was excited to try it after reading some positive reviews, but I was pretty underwhelmed with it to be honest. It's nice and gentle on the skin, but doesn't remove all of my eye makeup and struggled to shift high coverage foundation. Repurchase? No.

Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

I thoroughly enjoyed using this travel size bottle up; it's very refreshing and zingy on the scalp and gives a deep cleanse without using SLS. Lovely stuff! Repurchase? Tempted to splurge on the full-size at some point!

Vita Liberata Self Tanning Anti-Age Serum*

Although I've finished this up, I found this self-tanning serum to be very 'meh'. The colour is great and looks natural, but I didn't see any of the skincare benefits so I'll be sticking with my James Reed and Tropic products when it comes to facial self-tanners in the future. Repurchase? No.

Vichy Ideal Body Serum Milk*

This is a lovely body moisturiser for anyone who hates thick lotions and wants something thinner and more milk like in texture, but still with all the hydrating properties of a thicker lotion. I really liked the fresh and clean scent that this one has. Repurchase? Yes.

Tisserand Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist*

Regular readers will now that I have a lot of problems with anxiety and sleeping, so I regularly use pillow sprays like this to help me relax and send me off to sleep. It's not as potent as the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray which is my holy grail, but it's still a very good option if you want to try something more affordable. Repurchase? Yes.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir*

I only seem to reach for this in the Summer months as it's a little drying for me to use any other time of the year, but I do love how revitalising and refreshing it is. A cult classic in the beauty world, I love the awakening citrusy-meets-minty scent, and it instantly perks up tired skin with just one spritz. Repurchase? Will do next Summer.

Weleda Evening Primrose Revitalising Body Wash

I love Weleda's creamy body washes because they're so moisturising for my dry skin and this Evening Primrose scent was gorgeous. Clean, fresh and floral, without being too sweet - perfect! Repurchase? Yes.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir

This is my second bottle and I was just as sad to see it used up as I was when I finished the first one. It's one of those serum-meets-face oil-hybrid types of products, so I often used it when I didn't have time to do a full skincare routine in the evening. Makes my skin wonderfully soft, smooth, hydrated and glowy, what more could you want?! Repurchase? I need to use up some similar products first but I'll definitely be saving up for another bottle!

Caudalie Purifying Mask

Another Caudalie product that I've used up and loved to bits in the past is this Purifying Mask which is brilliant for anyone who has congested and spot-prone skin. It draws out impurities a treat but doesn't dry out the skin, and also helps to rebalance excess sebum, so it comes in really useful over the Summer when my skin is naturally oilier. Repurchase? Will do once I've finished up a couple of other masks.

What beauty products have you used up this month?

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August Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's Empties time! I have quite a lot of products here that I managed to use up, so I'm just going to jump straight into everything; here are my overall thoughts about each one and whether I'll be repurchasing or not.

Tisserand Sweet Dreams Body Oil*

I'm a big fan of Tisserand's bliss-inducing Sweet Dreams range and this Body Oil was such a pleasure to use. It feels really luxurious and pampering when you apply it, but it's the scent that I love the most. Super relaxing and perfect to use before going to bed for a restful night's sleep. Repurchase? Yes.

Aveda Beautifying Radiance Polish*

For some serious luxury pampering, you can't beat Aveda's Beautifying line which smells amazing and so uplifting. This Radiance Polish is a fantastic sea-salt based body scrub that's infused with Sunflower, Olive and Safflower Oils to leave your skin silky smooth and hydrated afterwards. It's also great for removing old fake tan with. Repurchase? On the wishlist as it's pricey!

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam

I've used a couple of these travel size bottles up before and love the scent of this Relaxing Bath Foam from Green & Spring. This was from a recent GWP and it's so lovely! Creates a large amount of bubbles without the need for SLS which is awesome. Repurchase? Tempted!

Caudalie Divine Oil

This is one of my all-time favourite multi-purpose dry oils and I've gone through a number of bottles of it over the years as I always have to have one in my stash. If you haven't smelt this before, you really need to - it smells like pure luxury! I use this everywhere - on my hair and all over my body - it's heavenly! Repurchase? Already have some smaller bottles on the go.

This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow*

If you have dull skin that needs a glowy boost, this multi-tasking serum is a must-try. It has tiny light reflecting golden mineral particles in it to illuminate the skin and there's also a powerhouse of natural ingredients such as Green Algae and Vitamin C to hydrate and brighten the complexion. I love using this as a morning serum before moisturiser, or as a primer - works equally well both ways. Repurchase? Yes.

Tabitha James Kraan Golden Citrus Organic Hair Cleanser and 4-in-1 Conditioner

I've also used these before and they are amazing. The shampoo is perfect for balancing fine hair and the matching conditioner moisturises dry hair without weighing it down. Organic, SLS and silicones-free - just gorgeous! I also love the Golden Citrus fragrance which is heavy on the Neroli front - mmm! Repurchase? I have lots of haircare to get through at the moment, but I'd definitely consider picking up these again in the future.

NUXE Reve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream*

Despite being a massive fan of NUXE, this hand cream was a bit disappointing and 'meh'. Don't get me wrong, it's nice and does the job, but there are others that I simply love using more than this one. Repurchase? No.

Evolve Organic Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir

This 10ml travel size bottle has lasted me absolutely ages! You only need to use 1-2 drops each time, and I tended to treat my hair to it about once a fortnight so it's lasted me months! It's a brilliant all-natural hair oil and is great for using pre and post styling if you have dry hair. Repurchase? I have some similar products to use up first, but I'd pick this up again for sure.

Bee Good Honey & Wild Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water

I think this is my third or even fourth bottle that I've used up, so you can tell that I like it a lot! It's a really effective and gentle cleansing water that I mainly used for removing eye makeup but it works well at removing foundation and everything else too. Repurchase? Yes.

S5 Calm Serum*

Another long-standing favourite of mine is S5's wonderful Calm Serum which has rescued my skin many times. I like to reach for this when my skin is playing up and I have a lot of redness or eczema patches, as it really helps to soothe and calm down any irritation. Brilliant stuff. Repurchase? Will do!

What beauty products have you used up this month?

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Decluttering My Handbag: Minimalist Beauty Essentials

I used to be one of those women who carried everything in their handbag, especially when it came to beauty stuff. In fact, some of my most popular blog posts from a few years ago were 'What's In My Bag' features, and I love seeing the contents of other bloggers handbags (I don't know why, but I know I'm definitely not alone!). 

These days though, I'm much more of a minimalist and I've really scaled back on the number of beauty products that I keep in my handbag, carrying only what I'd consider being the 'bare essentials'. Why? Well, I've realised that a lot of the beauty stuff that I used to haul around in my bag simply wasn't getting used and that I honestly didn't need to have 12 different lip products rolling around at the bottom of it all amongst the receipts and pen lids.  

It was time for a declutter! Below is what I now keep in my bag (beauty-wise at least...!):-

 Handbag Beauty Essential No 1: The Hand Sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is a big essential for most people, and I'm really happy that I've found a natural one that I like, as I'm not much of a fan of the artificially perfumed ones. The Botanicals Organic Sanitiser* (50ml, £5.95, link) is 100% natural and contains essential oils of Lavender and Tea Tree to provide anti-bacterial protection without the need for petrochemicals. The alcohol in this formula is derived from Sugar Beet as well, and I don't find that it dries out my hands like some mainstream brands do. To use it, I just spray it all over my hands and rub them together  - it dries quickly and smells so lovely and fresh! You can also use this to refresh your feet, and it's available in a larger size bottle if you're carrying it around for the whole family to use on the go.

 Handbag Beauty Essential No. 2: The Aromatherapy Rollerball

As many of my regular readers will know, I'm very much into aromatherapy and mindfulness, so I like to carry a handy aromatherapy rollerball in my bag to help me feel calm when I'm feeling anxious or stressed, or to keep me feeling energised during a long day. Tisserand Aromatherapy Rollerball in Happy* (10ml, £5.95, link) mainly does the latter, but I do feel it helps to relax me as well which is a nice added bonus! It features a blend of Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot and Nutmeg essential oils to balance, uplift and comfort, and it works very well for me.

 Handbag Beauty Essential No. 3: The Lipbalm

When I was decluttering my handbag, I was shocked to find that I had six lip balms in there. SIX! Nobody needs six lip balms in their bag! Even more annoying was the fact that most of these lip balms had expired, bar this one which I remember buying last year. I binned all of the others and now I can get to work using this one up as it's already half done. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this Our Tiny Bees Lip Balm (13g, £4.95, link) before, but it's basically just a really great simple lip balm that's made up of three ingredients; Honey, Beeswax and Almond Oil - that's it. I've actually gone through a tin of it in the past which goes to show how much I love it!

Handbag Beauty Essential No. 4: The 2-in-1 Makeup Compact

Makeup is something that I've had to be very ruthless with as I used to have a lot of makeup products in my bag. I used to pack at least three lipsticks, a foundation, a concealer or two, a powder, a mascara, an eyeliner, a couple of lip liners and glosses, and I even had a set of false eyelashes in there (you know, 'just in case'!). Evidently, I soon realised that I was hardly using any of this as I very rarely touched up my makeup during the day. When I did, I pretty much only ever used a lipstick and a powder blush or bronzer as this often started to fade first as the day went on.

So I cleared out everything, and now I'm sticking with a simple 2-in-1 makeup compact. I have a few of these from various brands, but I'm currently enjoying using this one from Joan Collins which is her Summer Kiss Compact Duo* (£30, link). The gold packaging is beautiful with a sturdy magnetic closure, and inside the compact is a flattering, neutral toned bronzing powder with SPF 15, a mirror, a mini brush, and a full-size lipstick. I have the lipstick in the shade Suzy Starr which is a gorgeous coral pink that's perfect for Spring & Summer, and that's it - all the makeup that I need in my bag!

What are your Handbag Beauty Essentials?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2016: The Green Beauty Edit

Searching for that perfect gift for your green beauty obsessed friend, or want to find a present that's more environmentally friendly this year? Look no further, this is the Christmas Gift Guide edit for you!

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Health & Lifestyle: New Tisserand Aromatherapy Mists - De-Stress, Energy & Sweet Dreams review

I've mentioned my love of aromatherapy numerous times, and I'm always happy to share my passion for it by recommending products that I've found which work for me. The latest addition to Tisserand's multi-award winning Wellbeing Collection are these new Aromatherapy Mists. 

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Green Beauty: Tisserand's Sweet Dreams / Sleep range review

Getting a full eight hours of sleep every night is something that I've always struggled with, even if I'm feeling completely exhausted. If you're feeling the struggle too, check out these all-natural sleep aids from Tisserand.

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Beauty Products To Help You Relax: #National Stress Awareness Month

As this month is National Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to compile a personal edit of beauty products that help me to relax when my stress levels are high or when I have particularly stressful events coming up such as exams or job interviews. 

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March Empties / Products I've Used Up

My March Empties showcase another mixed bunch of products that I've managed to use up recently - some of these I've had on the go for a long time! Here were have some haircare, skincare, one or two pampering treats, plus my overall thoughts on them. One product in particular needs to be avoided!

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