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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Beauty Empties | Products I've Used Up

The early May Bank Holiday has thrown me off course a little, but here are my latest Beauty Empties, a few days later than planned! Check out what I've finished up recently and which products I'll be repurchasing again.

Westlab Mindful Bath Salts* (featured here)

For affordable, budget-friendly bath salts, you can't go wrong with anything from Westlab and you can buy these in big bags from places like TKMaxx where they are even cheaper! I love these Mindful Bath Salts which are infused with Frankincense, Bergamot, and CBD. Repurchase? Yes.

Naturecan CBD Infused Coconut Conditioner* 

Having tried out some skincare from Naturecan a few years ago, I was curious to see what their haircare was like, but if I'm being honest, I've found it a bit disappointing. This conditioner is meant for dry/damaged hair but it didn't feel particularly moisturising/hydrating in my opinion, and had quite a thin and watery texture. Repurchase? No.

Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub* (featured here)

One of my favourite luxury body scrubs of all time, I've gone through so many tubs of this over the years! It smells incredible; just like what you would imagine coconut candy to smell like, and it's packed full of nourishing ingredients so when all the exfoliation is done, your skin feels silky smooth afterwards. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak* (featured here)

Another luxury favourite, again because they work so well, are the Deep Sleep bath salts from This Work. Clinically proven to help you sleep better, I'm a huge fan of this range and adore the ultra-relaxing scent of Lavender and Vetivert. Thankfully, they are quite potent so you don't need to use much each time. Repurchase? Definitely.

Evolve Organic Beauty Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum* (featured here)

A staple in my skincare routine, this Blemish Serum is one of the best that I've tried for calming down breakouts, without irritating sensitive skin. It feels light and gentle on, but is incredibly effective thanks to a blend of spot-busting plant actives such as Willow Bark and Copaiba. Highly recommended. Repurchase? Will do.

Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream* (featured here)

Every now and then, I get flare-ups of pompholyx eczema on my hands, and Balmonds is my go-to brand to help relieve it. Their Intensive Hand Cream is amazing stuff and free from a long list of 'nasties' so it's a fantastic 99% natural formula. In short, it works! Repurchase? Yes.

Dr. Pawpaw Age Renewal Hand Cream*

Another good option for eczema-ridden hands is this fragrance-free formula from Dr. Pawpaw. It's very hydrating and feels very soothing, plus soaks in easily. Repurchase? Would certainly consider it.

Brave New Hair Keratin Mask Concentrate (travel size)

I liked this a lot. It has a lovely thick texture, is super moisturising for dry hair, and smells fresh and coconutty. Repurchase? Maybe!

Skin & Me Soothe + Smooth Light Moisturiser*

For a straight-up, everyday facial moisturiser, this was brilliant and did the job very well. Packed full of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, it keeps your skin nicely hydrated without being too much for my oily/combination type to handle. I also love the metallic tube. Repurchase? I'm using REN at the moment but would consider coming back to this in the future.

Mádara Exfoliating Oil-to-Milk Scrub* (travel size)

I've used this many times in the past - it's a good exfoliator that's quite grainy but not too harsh and I love the oil-to-milk formula. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you been using up lately?

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Top 4 Bath Salts To Help You Relax & Sleep | featuring This Works, M&S Apothecary, Westlab & Bloomtown

Once only used by women of a 'certain age', bath salts are enjoying a long-awaited revival thanks to the self-care movement and I'm totally here for it! There are so many different blends and compositions to choose from these days that it can be a little overwhelming knowing what to buy. To point you in the right direction, I've put together my top four favourite bath salts post to help you to relax after a long day, and get a good night's sleep.

If You Love Floral Scents Try: Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden* (285g, £10, link)

Most bath salt products on the market are generally made up of Epsom salts, Magnesium flakes, or Dead Sea salts (or even a mix of these), so I wanted to feature a Pink Himalayan Salt product as they are also becoming much more popular. Not only does it look pretty, but Pink Himalayan Salt is famed for containing over 80 trace minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. This gives the salt a unique composition which is great for drawing out toxins and rejuvenating the skin. Just make sure to really stir these salts around the bath as they are harder to fully dissolve if you don't.

I'm a big fan of the Bloomtown Pink Himalayan Salt Soak in The Rose Garden scent which smells incredible; if you love heady floral fragrances mixed with musk, this is the one for you. It's also a good alternative for those who aren't keen on lavender scents, but still want something that's relaxing.

If You Want A Good Night's Sleep Try: This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak* (200g, £24, link)

For my fellow insomniacs, you must try This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak. In fact, the entire Deep Sleep range is incredible for those of us who really struggle to get to sleep, however, the Bath Soak is something special. Infused with the brand's signature Deep Sleep natural fragrance, these sea salts are saturated with an expert and clinically proven mix of Lavender, Vetivert, Patchouli, Ho Wood, and Wild Chamomile essential oils. 

A truly relaxing and luxurious bath is sure to follow when these magical salts are added to the water and This Works recommend that you use them about two hours before you want to go to bed for the very best results. They are expensive, but it's worth pointing out that you only need to use a spoonful for each bath as they are so potent.

If You're On A Budget Try: Westlab Mindful Bath Salts with Frankincense, Bergamot & CBD* (1kg, £3.79, link)

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything from Westlab. I have used their products regularly for years, and the quality is always wonderfully consistent, with excellent results. It was difficult to choose just one product from them as they have such a good range, but their Mindful Bath Salts are brilliant and they're something that I've recommended countless times to family and friends.

Here we have a mix of both Epsom and Himalayan mineral salts, along with the addition of CBD oil to promote a feeling of tranquility and essential oils of Cedarwood, Orange, Geranium, Frankincense, and Bergamot. You can pick up Westlab Bath Salts from a wide variety of stockists including many budget-friendly stores such as B&M and Saver's where you'll usually find a big 1kg bag for around £3.50 - £3.79, which is such a bargain!

If You Want Your Bathroom To Feel Like A Spa Try: M&S Apothecary Sleep Bath Salts* (300g, £7.50, link)

OK, so all of the bath salts in this post will make your bathroom smell amazing, but if you're looking for one that's going to go the extra mile and make it feel like a proper spa experience, M&S Apothecary is the range to look into. They have a couple of different blends available, and the Sleep Bath Salts are a clear winner in my humble opinion.

Housed in a beautiful smoked grey glass bottle with a classic apothecary style vibe, these sea salts instantly hit you with a really strong and heady fragrance of Lavender, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, and Jasmine. This fragrance will quickly fill your whole bathroom, evoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Best of all, you can purchase refills which not only help to cut down on your packaging waste, but also make these bath salts more affordable in the long run.

Are you a fan of bath salts?

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Beauty Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for a Beauty Empties post don't you think? Come and rummage through the recycling bin with me and discover which products I'll be repurchasing again, and which, if any, will be staying in the bin!

Skin & Me Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser* (featured here)

I'm all about using creamy hydrating cleansers during the winter months and this little gem from Skin & Me has served me well. It's brilliant as a quick morning cleanser to prep my skin for my makeup and I love the recyclable aluminum squeezy tube. Repurchase? I've switched back to the REN Evercalm Cleansing Milk at the moment, but I'll definitely pick this up again.

Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist* (travel size)

I love a refreshing spritz and Nourish Balance Refining Toning Mist is perfect for balancing excess sebum and keeping pores clear. If you have oily/combination skin, you should try it! Repurchase? Yes.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (travel size)

If you're a fan of thick cream cleansers that also double up as makeup removers, this bestseller Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia is amazing stuff. Removes all traces of makeup and leaves my skin so wonderfully fresh and clean. Repurchase? Yes.

Jacqueline Organic Honey Hydrating Lip Balm* 

Despite the name 'honey', this lip balm is suitable for vegans and has a 'honey-ish' natural scent to it which is really lovely. Keeps chapped lips at bay and is another product that I've enjoyed using this winter. Repurchase? I have a lot of lip balms in my stash to use up, but yes, I would repurchase!

Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water (travel size)  

You can definitely spot a hydrating theme in this Empties round-up can't you?! I sometimes find that my eyes get very dry and scratchy when the central heating is on, so for days when I've been wearing mascara, I've been using Mádara Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water to remove it. It's certainly one of the more hydrating/moisturising micellar waters that I've tried, no doubt due to the Hyaluronic Acid in the formula. Repurchase? Yes.

Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts are just amazing and I always, always have a bag or two in my bathroom. I've gotten into the habit of using them more often this winter, and my everyday aches and pains have been reduced as a result. Magical stuff! These ones are straight-up 100% natural mineral salts so I'll usually add a little bath/essential oil for some fragrance. Repurchase? Already have!

Wildheart Organics Revive Shower Oil*

Wildheart Organics is a beautiful natural luxury brand and I loved every single drop of their Revive Shower Oil. Incidentally, I used this purely as a bath oil and adored the blend of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak* (featured here)

Very similar to the bath oil above, this Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak has a similar blend of essential oils which are infused into the bath salts, along with some CBD. This results in a very relaxing bath which is perfect to use after a long, stressful week. Repurchase? Yes.

This Works Stress Check Kind Hands

No winter empties post would be complete without at least one tube of hand cream and my go-to has been the bestselling Stress Check Kind Hands from This Works which I picked up for a bargain in TK Maxx. If you haven't smelt the Stress Check fragrance, you must! It's so calming and the hand cream itself is ultra-moisturising without being sticky or greasy. Repurchase? Already have.

Laidbare Butter Me Up Body Butter* (reviewed here)

Oh wow, this product has been a long-time favourite of mine, having first reviewed it back in 2012! Sadly, this amazing body butter has been discontinued and this was my very last tube of it so you better believe that I'll be cutting open the tube to get every last bit out! Repurchase? Discontinued :(

This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray (travel size)

Lastly, I finished up a travel mini of the This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray. This is the first that I've tried from the Love Sleep range and it's such a beautiful and highly addictive blend of Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. Repurchase? Very tempted to pick up the full size.

What beauty products have you finished up lately?

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October Empties: Products I've Used Up

Lots of Empties again for last month - the beauty stash in my bathroom is slowly being decluttered - yay! Here's everything that I've used up recently, and my thoughts about whether I'll be repurchasing them again or not.

The Soap Shop Peppermint & Cornflower Sugar Scrub

If you're looking for a hardcore body scrub that's also plastic-free, this is a really good one to try. It's almost identical to the PHB Sugar Scrubs and does an excellent job of removing dead skin, especially on your feet! Repurchase? Yes.

Naobay Oxygenating Moisturising Cream

I think this is my second or possibly even third bottle that I've gone through and it's one of those face moisturisers that I keep going back to. Great for combination skin as it feels hydrating and balancing at the same time. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some other moisturisers first.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

Another skincare fave that I've used on/off for the past few years is this wonderful Miracle Cleanser from Aurelia. It has lots of probiotics and peptides to give your skin a lovely glow and it works particularly well as a first or second cleanser in the evenings. Repurchase? I think I might have another travel size from a GWP somewhere!

Westlab Supersalt Body Cleanse Himalayan Bathing Salt*

I love using bath salts and these ones from Westlab are a firm favourite. They're delicately scented with Lemon and Rose, and always help me to relax after a stressful day. Repurchase? Definitely.

Hope's Relief Formula 2 Scalp & Hair Conditioner*

If you have a dry scalp that's prone to dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, this stuff is a must try. It's gentle enough to be used every day, but I tend to use it just once a week or fortnight and find that it really helps to keep my scalp hydrated and happy. Repurchase? Yes.

Bloomtown Botanicals The Spring Soothing Mask*

This is a beautiful fragrance-free face mask that I often used when my skin was feeling congested or overly sensitive. There are lots of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in it which help to calm down irritation and redness, plus it doesn't dry out the skin as the clay in it doesn't set. Brilliant stuff! Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil*

I'm a huge fan of all of the Weleda Body Oils, but this Wild Rose one is definitely one of my favourites and I absolutely love the scent. Formula-wise, it's very rich and moisturising - just the kind of product to use during the Winter months if you have dry skin. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some similar products in my stash.

Green People Daily Aloe Shower Gel*

Whenever my eczema flares up, I'll switch my shower gel to something like this and use it until my skin calms down, so I've had this in my bathroom for a while now. It's super gentle and SLS-free. Repurchase? Yes.

Skin & Tonic Coco Mask*

I've got a bit of a love/hate relationship with this face mask because it's a powder that requires mixing with water before you can use it. I love the hydrating results, but I simply found that I didn't reach for it very often because I'd always pick a mask that didn't need mixing over it, almost every time. It's a great product, just not for me. Repurchase? No.

Elemental Herbology Vital Cleanse Facial Cleanser

I enjoyed using this light gel cleanser but it's definitely more of a Spring/Summer product for my combination skin, now that the weather has turned much colder. Repurchase? Will consider next year.

Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra-Light Facial Moisturiser

Same as the above for this one too - liked it a lot but it would definitely be better suited for my skin in Summer than it would in Winter, as I need some more hydration from my face moisturiser right now. Repurchase? Possibly next year.

Barefoot SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion*

Fantastic product for eczema and very dry skin. I always have a tube or two of this on hand in my bathroom to deal with flare-ups, although you can happily use it as an everyday body moisturiser if you just have dry skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Hurraw! Papaya & Pineapple Lip Balm*

I've tried so many different flavours of these Hurraw! Lip Balms and I loved this fruity Papaya & Pineapple one, it's very Summery! These lip balms have brilliant moisturising formulas and I often go back to them when I need a new one. Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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July Empties: Products I've Used Up

Can you believe how quickly this year is flying by?! It's already time for another Empties post! Here's everything that I've used up recently and whether I'll be repurchasing them again or not.

This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil

With so many restless nights due to the recent heatwave, I've been using my arsenal of sleep-inducing aromatherapy products to help and I'm a big fan of the This Works Deep Sleep range. This 100% natural body oil smells heavenly, makes my skin silky soft and is perfect to slather on after a bath. Repurchase? Yes.

Conscious Skincare Cypress and Sage Organic Shampoo & Conditioner*

This SLS-free duo has been keeping my hair happy over the past couple of months (I only properly wash my hair once or twice a week), but I've started to feel like it's time for a change as I'm no longer getting the super shiny finish that I originally did when I started using them. Repurchase? Might do in the future. 

Antipodes Immortal SPF 15 Face & Body Moisturiser*

I've mainly been using this as my daily facial SPF and have had no problems with breakouts or anything like that. It does take a while to sink into the skin, but I appreciate its moisturising properties as some sunscreens can feel a bit drying. Repurchase? I've gone back to using one from Aveda as it has a higher SPF, but I may return to this for Winter/Spring when the UV levels drop.

Herbfarmacy Rose & Echinacea Toner

Pretty sure that this is my second or third bottle and I still love it! It's such a refreshing toner and great for sensitive skin as it's so soothing. My top tip for using it in Summer is to pop it into the fridge and liberally spritz all over when it's hot outside - pure bliss! Repurchase? Yes.

Ayurvana Shatavari & Aloe Vera Body Gel*

This is an amazing after-sun gel that feels super cooling and helps to heal irritated/sore skin. A little certainly goes a long way as I was pleasantly surprised by how long it's lasted. Repurchase? I'm testing out a bunch of after-sun products for a feature at the moment, but I'd definitely pick this up again.

LUSH Bubbly Shower Gel

Anyone else still using up their Christmas stash of Lush goodies?! I love the uplifting fruitness of Bubbly, it really does smell amazing and is perfect for those early morning showers. Repurchase? Sadly it's LE -let's hope it comes back this Christmas!

Antipodes Divine Face Oil*

Another firm favourite of mine and one that I've recommended many times on here. It's great for a lot of skin types including dry and sensitive, however, I've been recently finding it a little too rich for my oilier skin now that it's Summertime. Repurchase? Will do later in the year.  

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream

You can tell how much I love this because I just had to cut it into two to get out every last bit! This is such a gorgeous hand cream in both texture and fragrance (the scent is incredible), and it's a real pampering treat for dry hands. Repurchase? Definitely.

BON Liquid Gold Pure Tissue Oil*

BON's Liquid Gold is brilliant for so many different things as it's a basic blend of mostly Avocado, Grapeseed and Rosehip Oils. I've enjoyed using it for facial and body massages, as well as rubbing it into stretch marks and old acne scars to help lighten them up and improve the overall texture of the skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Westlab Reviving Salt Body Scrub & Bath Soak*

It's been way too hot for baths lately so I've been using this up as a body scrub in the shower. It's perfect to use before applying fake tan, plus it smells amazing! Repurchase? Will do once I've finished off some other body scrubs that I've got on the go.

Sister & Co Coconut Oil*

You know those memes about putting coconut oil on everything to make it better? Well, I'd say they're 99% true! I always have a jar of coconut oil in my bathroom as I use it to shave my legs, moisturise my body, remove makeup, as an intensive hair conditioning treatment etc, in fact, if I wasn't a beauty blogger, I would probably just use coconut oil for most things! This one's 100% pure, cold-pressed, raw and organic. Repurchase? I've picked up the KIKI Health one as it was cheaper, but I'd get this again if I saw it on offer.

Have you tried any of these? What have you used up recently?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

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

Samaya Kapha Anti-Ageing Cream* 

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

DHC Beauty Lift Eye Care Essence Roll On*

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

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

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

Naobay Calming Face Toner*

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

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Lotion*

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

Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm*

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

Westlab Detoxing Salt Body Scrub* 

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

Melvita L'Or Bio Huille Extraordinaire 

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

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash*

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

Epic Blend More Moisture Lip Balm in Grape*

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

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

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

Dr Organic Virgin Olive Oil Hand & Nail Cream

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

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

Madara SOS Hydra Repair Intensive Serum*

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

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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Green Beauty: Relax & Pamper Yourself With Westlab

Stressful or busy week? If the answer's yes, it sounds like you need some well deserved 'me time', so relax and get ready to feel all zen again with these pampering treats from Westlab.

If you're new to Westlab, they're an all-natural British brand who specialise in bath and body products that contain soothing and beneficial minerals such as Dead Sea, Epsom Salts and Magnesium Flakes. I've used their Epsom Salts many times in the past as they're perfect for when you need a deeply relaxing soak in the tub after a long day.

Last month, I raved about a Westlab Detoxing Salt Body Scrub and Bath Soak (which you can read about here if you missed it) and I was contacted by the brand soon after asking if I'd like to review any more products from them. Given how much I've been enjoying using the Scrub & Soak, I eagerly said yes and picked out the three products below to try out.

Westlab Supersalt Himalayan Body Cleanse* (1kg, £7.99, link)

In addition to using Dead Sea, Epsom and Magnesium minerals, Westlab also have a couple of products available which use Himalayan Salts and this Body Cleanse is one of them. I'm a huge fan of Himalayan Salts in bath products as they have some interesting and relaxing therapeutic benefits, so I was very keen to try these. This Body Cleanse is basically a bath soak that contains Himalayan Salts which are infused with extracts of Seaweed along with Lemon and Rose Essential Oils. Himalayan Salts have a naturally pale pink colour to them and these smell just as beautiful as they look! To use them, you just add a couple of handfuls to a bath and enjoy a relaxing soak for at least 20 minutes to reap the full benefits. After using these, I always feel much calmer and they're ideal to use before going to bed for a restful night's sleep. A must-try if you have anxiety, insomnia or suffer from any stress!

Westlab Muscle Spray* (50ml, £6.95, link)

This Muscle Spray is a new launch for Westlab and it's been specially formulated to be a 'natural first aid remedy' for sore muscles. It features Epsom Salt, Spearmint and Eucalyptus to refresh and soothe aching muscles, whilst helping to revive fatigue at the same time. I've found this to be very useful after Hot Yoga and Pilates sessions if I've overstretched something, and the convenient travel sized bottle makes it the perfect product to pop into your gym bag.

Westlab Reviving Salt Body Scrub & Bath Soak* (500g, £18.45, link)

For a spot of luxury pampering, you really can't beat this 2-in-1 Body Scrub and Bath Soak which is made from 100% pure Epsom Salts that are blended with natural botanical oils, and nothing else. It has an incredible fragrance of Rose, Lime, and May Chang and feels so refreshing! I love using this as a body scrub since it leaves my skin feeling super smooth and pampered afterwards, but it's equally as good used in the bath as a relaxing soak. No wonder it won a Finalist Award in the Natural & Organic Europe Awards last year!

To shop the full range of Westlab products, visit westlabsalts.co.uk

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Mid-Week Pamper Treat: Westlab Detoxing Salt Body Scrub & Bath Soak review

For this week's pamper treat, I'm shining the spotlight on a seriously underrated product from an equally underrated brand. Meet my current favourite 2-in-1 bathroom treat from Westlab.

If you've ever been waiting in a queue in a chemist, you may have spotted some huge white bags of Magnesium Flakes and Epsom Salts on the shelves from a brand called Westlab (which are amazing by the way!). You may have thought that they didn't sell anything other than these skin-softening minerals because I've never seen any other Westlab products on sale anywhere, but this British brand have been strangely hiding an amazing secret product; their Detoxing Salt Body Scrub and Bath Soak.

The minute that I cracked open the tub, I knew I was going to get along with this product. To start with, there's a lovely subtle scent of Mint and Lemongrass - it's not too strong or overpowering, but there's enough of it to make me feel happy and uplifted. 

Secondly, I could see a really good amount of oils (Rice Bran Oil, Grapeseed Oil and Apricot Oil) in this mixture of naturally Pink Himalayan Salt. All too often, salt based scrubs can be way too harsh on the skin because some brands skimp on the oil content to keep costs down, but Westlab have got this salt-to-oil ratio perfect. The formula consistency is also bang on, as you can easily scoop out the right amount of scrub to use without it going everywhere.

Best of all though, as the name suggests this is a 2-in-1 product as you can use it as a Body Scrub and as a Bath Soak. I love using this all over my body as an effective way to exfoliate dull, dead skin cells and it's great to use as pre-fake tan prep as it makes your skin feel so wonderfully smooth and moisturised. It's also fantastic as a Bath Soak; all you need to do is throw a handful into a bath and let the salts work their detoxing magic. I always feel so much more relaxed and de-stressed after having a bath with these, and the oils make your skin feel so soft afterwards. 

It's the perfect product to use for a multi-purpose pamper at home and one that's an affordable price point as well!

Westlab Detoxing Salt Body Scrub & Bath Soak* (500g, £14.99) is available from HelloSkinshop.co.uk

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March Empties

Thought I'd post my empties a few days earlier than usual as the recycling is being picked up tomorrow and it would be good to get these out of the house! Here's what I've used up this month and whether I would repurchase them or not:-

James Brown London Scandalous Intensively Glossy Rescue Treatment - A very good hair mask for weekly treatments. Only thing I didn't like about it was the highly perfumed scent which put me off using it for ages. Repurchase? No, I think it's been discontinued now. Korres Quince Body Butter - Loved this, fantastic for dry skin and soaks in immediately, gorgeous subtle scent too. Repurchase? Yes. Purity Facial Wash* - Used this as my in-shower foaming cleanser for a few months, stopped using it as it dried out my skin too much, but then started using the rest of it up these last couple of weeks due to the change in weather. Repurchase? No, doesn't really suit my oily/combo skin, would be better for very oily/sensitive instead. Lush Ultra Bland - Amazing cream/oil based cleanser that removes makeup quickly with no scrubbing. You only need the tiniest amount to do your whole face with so a little definitely goes a long way with this. Repurchase? Not at the moment as I'm happy with my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, but it might be something I come back to at some point.

Laura Mercier Eye Shadow in Vanilla Nuts - I've had this for such a long time but it took me forever to hit pan on it, and I've finally only now used the whole thing up! Repurchase? Not sure if they do this shade anymore and I wouldn't really need another neutral eyeshadow due to UD Naked Palette, but Laura Mercier eye shadows are really good, wonderfully soft and pigmented. Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Blast Lip Balm - This was a nice change but it got a little too sickly for my liking when I used it a lot. Repurchase? No. Lush Sweet Lips Scrub - Love this, lasted me a good couple of months. Repurchase? Yes, though I may try a DIY version. The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector - Got this travel size pot from a gift set at xmas. I do like it but I like my usual Lush Fairtrade Foot Lotion more. Repurchase? Probably not. BareMinerals Original SPF Foundation in Medium Beige - I really liked this sample and think it's a great foundation, though the coverage is on the sheer side, it's very good for people with oily skin. Repurchase? Yes, will buy a full size once I've used up some of my other foundations.




Caudalie Quenching Sorbet Creme - This was OK, but had a really strong floral scent which I wasn't keen on. Repurchase? No. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - Can't really vouch for the 'agesmart' properties that this claims to have, but it was pleasant to use and I got about four uses out of this 15ml sample. Repurchase? Maybe in the future. Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Bath & Shower Gel - This was a little on the artificial side for me scent-wise, think there are much nicer lavender products on the market. Repurchase? No. L'Occitane 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream - Seriously the BEST hand cream ever, I always seem to have a travel size one of these around. Repurchase? Yes! Westlab Himalayan Bath Salts - I asked around to see if anyone wanted these and I got a resounding "NO!" so I ended up using them myself last week. They did nothing for me, had virtually no scent and it was like sitting in a bath of plain hot water. Only positive thing I can say is that they didn't irriate my skin. Repurchase? No.

Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15 - Liked this a lot, all of the Clinique foundations I've sampled in the past have been great so I'll definitely look more into their range when I need a full size. Repurchase? Yes. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Soft Beige - Still umming and ahhing over this. The shade was a perfect match for me right now (would probably need one a touch darker for summer) and I liked the formula a lot but you need a lot of powder on top of it if you have oily skin like I do. Repurchase? Not sure. Bourjois Organic Bio Detox Foundation - Hands down one of the worst foundations I've ever tried! It was patchy, stuck to my face like glue and refused to blend. Awful! Repurchase? No! Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield - This is pretty good, reduced frizz by about 50% and made my hair a lot more manageable. It also didn't make it look greasy which is always a bonus with these products. Repurchase? Yes.

What products have you used up this month?

*PR sample

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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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