April Empties / Products I've Used Up

I hope everyone enjoyed the bank holiday weekend! Here are my April Empties - all of the beauty products that I managed to finish up recently and my thoughts on whether I would repurchase them again or not.

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November Empties / Products I've Used Up

Ready for another Empties post? Here are all of the products that I managed to use up this month, my final thoughts on them and whether I'll be repurchasing any again or not.

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Budget Beauty: Witch Skincare Review + UK Giveaway!

When I was a teenager, one of the very first skincare ranges that I used was Witch, so when I saw some of their new products in Boots recently, it felt like a trip down memory lane.

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Triple Review & Swatches: Lavera Beauty Balm, Witch Anti-Blemish Beauty Balm & Dr Dennis Gross All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturisers and BB creams/balms have always featured prominently in my make-up routines, and I've been experimenting with a number of new ones lately.  All three of these provide different benefits, yet they all deliver a good, light base for those days when you don't want or need a face full of foundation.

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February Empties / Products I've Used Up

Ready for another Empties post?  Let's get stuck in then!  Here are the products that I managed to finish up recently:-

DGJ Organics King Of Colour Glossy Brunettes Shampoo & Conditioner* - (review)

Natural haircare can be so hit or miss, but these worked so well for me that I'm actually sad to see them used up!  Repurchase?  Definitely will after the spending ban.

I Love... Mango & Papaya Exfoliating Shower Smoothie 

A product I am happy to see go into the recycling bin is this one because it's been lingering around in my bathroom forever.   The scent is very artificial and it's rubbish for exfoliating with.  Repurchase?  No.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner - (review)

I thought this was OK, especially when my scalp was getting super dry due to the cold weather, but it seemed to stop working as well as it initially did as I reached the end of the bottle.  Repurchase?  Probably not.

L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Shower Gel

Used this up in my travel bag, and I wasn't that keen on the scent as it's way too heavy and flowery for my liking.  Nice foamy formula though.  Repurchase?  No. 

LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask - (review)

I have to admit that I didn't use all of this pot up because it started to smell really off last week, despite it still being within the best of date.  It was an OK mask, but I prefer other LUSH masks a lot more.  Repurchase?  No. 

Laidbare DIY Cleanser & Toner* - (review)

Love, love, love this stuff!  I've been raving about it since I first tried it out and I still think it's a fantastic natural budget beauty buy.  Repurchase?  Already using another one that was in my stash!

Beauty Formulas Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips
These didn't do anything for me, so I'll be sticking with the Montagne Jeunesse ones in the future.  Repurchase?  No.

Essential Care Mineral Concealer in Fair* - (review)
Liked this a lot, was great to use under the eyes and around the nose especially.  Repurchase?  Might do, but at the moment I have loads of concealers to use up.

Witch Pressed Powder - (review)
This is brilliant stuff for keeping your t-zone shine free and so cheap too.  Last ages as well!  Repurchase?  Yes, after the spending ban.  

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

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Tag: I Love Drugstore / Highstreet Make-Up

I spotted this tag over on Beth's blog recently and thought it would be a great idea to do it.  I have to admit that over the last few months, my tastes have been veering towards more high-end make-up, so I hope this tag inspires me to rekindle my love for all things highstreet/drugstore.  There are a lot of beauty bargains to be had out there! 

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June Empties

It's that time again!  Here are my empties for June and whether I would repurchase them:-

•  The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub - Although I adore anything coconut scented (and this does smell good), I thought this scrub wasn't very effective at all.  It's more like a shower smoothie and has these tiny bits in it that just don't exfoliate anything.  Repurchase? No.
• Lush The Olive Branch Shower Gel - I always seem to have a small bottle of this in my bathroom and like to use it every now and again for a change.  Repurchase? Yes.
• KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry Spray - Love this, it does what it says it'll do and is lightweight on the hair.  Repurchase? Yes, definitely will get a full size.
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Tinted Moisture Lotion - I do like this because it moisturises well and gives pretty good coverage for a tinted product, but I feel it's better suited to dry skin types because it can feel a bit too greasy on my oily/combination skin, especially in summer.  Repurchase? Maybe in Winter.
• Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in 09 Currant - Nice sheer gloss, a little sticky though.  Repurchase? I wouldn't buy a full size, but I would pick up another sample.
• Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream - Lovely to use at night as it's very rich and super hydrating.  Repurchase? Already have another sample.
• LJ's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Moisturiser* - This was too heavy for my skin so I used it up as a night cream and it was great for that.  I imagine it would work really well for dry skin.  Repurchase? No.
• Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Cleanser - Loved this sample, my skin did look brighter after just one use.  Repurchase? Yes, I think I would buy a full size.
• Montagne Jeunesse Sauna Masque - One of the best budget beauty buys out there, this is simply amazing for only 99p!  Has a warming effect which draws out any impurities clogged in your pores and always makes my skin look really clean afterwards.  Ideal if you're prone to breakouts.  Repurchase? Yes!

• Percy Reed Spendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner - Didn't hydrate my hair, it made it even drier, hated it!  Used it up as shaving cream instead.  Repurchase? No!
•  Witch Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer - I like this a lot as I find it really works well for oily skin and creates a barrier that prevents make-up from breaking you out.  Repurchase? Yes, but not for a while as I'm using Benefit's The POREfessional at the moment.
• Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion - Lovely formula that sinks into the skin straight away, but it doesn't really have a scent.  Repurchase? No.
• Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Body Moisturiser* - The scent of this is absolutely divine but I prefer the formula of other body moisturisers more.  Repurchase? Probably not.  I'd rather splash out on the shower gel with the same scent instead.
• Lavera Basis Sensitive Hand Cream - Great summer hand cream because it's quite light, really like this.  Repurchase? Yes.
• Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash - This has a wonderful uplifting citrus scent and was quite moisturising too.  Repurchase? Yes, would buy a full size at some point.
• Iroisie Ultimate BB Cream SPF 25 - Tried this today and wasn't that keen on it.  Smells quite strongly and was very thick which made it difficult to blend.  Repurchase? No.

Have you used up any beauty products this month?  Link me to your empties posts below!

*PR samples

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What's in my make-up travel bag?

Keeping my travel make-up fairly simple(ish!) and packing all of the above:-

Brows: Korres Eyebrow Pencil in 1 Dark Shade
Eyes: Benefit Lemon Aid, Urban Decay Primer Potion, Urban Decay Naked Palette, Urban Decay Double Eyeliner with Zero and Whiskey, The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara.
Face: Witch Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer, MyFace MyMix Foundation in Medium 02, The Body Shop Vitamin E Tinted Moisture Lotion, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealers in 2 Light and 3 Medium, Everyday Minerals Mint Colour Corrector, The Body Shop Lightening Touch Pen in 03, Benefit High Beam, Witch Pressed Powder.
Cheeks & contour: The Balm Fratboy Blush, MAC Eversun Beauty Powder Blush, Benefit Hoola bronzer
Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 050 Berry Smoothie, Diego Dalla Palma Lipstick in 42, Barry M Lipgloss Wand in Toffee, Elf Conditioning Lip Balm with SPF 15 in Nice and Natural.





Onto brushes (all of which will obviously be cleaned beforehand! from L-R):-
Joliebox Concealer Brush, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Brush (that came with the Naked Palette), Models Own Eye Blending Brush, Avon Eyeshadow Brush, Elf Complexion Brush, Everyday Minerals Angled Contour Brush, Ecotools Blush Brush, Everyday Minerals Kabuki Brush, Elf Fan Brush, The Body Shop Eyelash Curlers.

Only last thing to pack beauty-wise other than the bigger stuff like straightners and hairdryer etc, are nail polishes, will probably take two or three with me I think.

Are there any amazing Japanese beauty brands I should be looking for?

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February Favourites

I don't know about anyone else, but I am SO happy that February is over and done with. Despite it being a short month, it always seems to drag for some reason, so I am looking forward to Spring and (hopefully!) some good weather soon. Here are my beauty favourites for February:-

(1) Steam Cream - I've only used this once so far since receiving it in my Carmine box, but I already know I'm going to love it. It soaks into the skin immediately without any residue and moisturises like a dream. (2) Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - I'm always a little wary of super hyped products, but I can't believe just how good this stuff is. Will be posting a special review on this and my new Liz Earle skincare routine soon. (3) Witch Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer (review) - If you ever suffer from breakouts and/or have oily skin, then give this primer a go. It makes my make-up last a lot longer throughout the day and has improved the look of my skin too. (4) Witch Pressed Powder - Again, strongly recommended if you have oily skin, gives fantastic long lasting shine free coverage and is very cheap too. (5) Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium 03 (review) - Love this so much, works so well for me and conceals everything. (6) Barry M Nail Polish in Bright Purple (NOTD) - One of my all time favourite shades, not bad for less than £3! (7) BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Medium Beige - I was very happy to try this out in a Latest In Beauty Box and think I'll be buying a full size soon. It's coverage is similar to that of a tinted moisturiser, but it feels so good on the skin, like you're not wearing any product. Very pleased with the results that this gives and something I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of in the Spring/Summer months when I naturally wear less make-up.

What have been your beauty favourites?

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Budget Beauty: Witch Anti-Blemish Makeup Haul

I am always keen to try out make-up that claims to do something extra and to see if it works or not. I've seen Witch's Anti-Blemish make-up range numerous times when I've been out and about, but I was always a little sceptical of it, despite loving their Concealer sticks. One of the problems with having oily/combination skin is that a lot of brands tend to have products for oily OR dry skin. Those that promise something for the best of both worlds are either incredible Holy Grail items or just plain awful. I find that there's not much of a middle ground from make-up brands that I've tested in the past within this uncertain skin type area. It's almost like I'm Goldilocks, staring at rows of foundations and primers and saying "Well that one's just a little too drying", and "Well that one's just a little too greasy", desperately trying to find something that's "Just right!". So I picked these three products from Witch's Anti-Blemish make-up range to try out and have been using them for a couple of weeks to get a proper feel for them.



Witch Anti-Blemish Tinted Moisturiser in 01 Light, promises to control shine and targets spots and breakouts with the natural power of Witch Hazel. The oily parts on my skin are always prone to breaking out and I find a lot of tinted moisturisers are a little on the greasy side, so this sounded perfect for me. It does what it says and mattifies the skin beautifully, even if the formula isn't great (see below). I was shine free for around 7/8 hours before I needed to apply a little powder to my nose. But this is the weirdest tinted moisturiser I've ever tried. Here's why:-



This comes in Light, Medium and Dark. I'm usually a typical Medium in most ranges but after swatching a little on my hand, I decided to get Light. I mean it looks pretty Medium for something called Light doesn't it? Plus it doesn't exactly correspond with the 'Light' shade on the tube.



So I'm blending away, blending away, and blending some more because the formula is just not sinking into my skin very well...



...and then it's all gone! The more you blend, the lighter in shade the product becomes until it turns practically white! And if you don't blend it all in properly, you're left with white streaks across your face. In my opinion and for my skintone, this is much more like a primer and works very well as one, but as a tinted moisturiser it's definitely too light for me. I've used this on a much paler friend and thought that the actual colour coverage wasn't exactly great either. Definitely use it as a primer instead.



Thinking that I had purchased a tinted moisturiser, I decided to get the Skin Clearing Primer, which is also oil and fragrance free, and has extracts of Witch Hazel in it.



This is your bog standard white creamy type primer, but boy is it good. I had a few small spots on the side of my forehead which were being incredibly stubborn and refusing to disappear. After using this primer for a week, they were gone and my skin has been looking very clear. It also helped to smooth my face and prolonged the wear of my make-up so that I was shine-free for a whole day. This is an excellent primer for problem skin and would be great for teenagers to use too.






To complete the set, I picked up the Pressed Powder as it was in the 3 for 2 offer so I got this for free. It's finely milled and works exactly the same as translucent powder, in that it disappears when buffed onto the face and sets your make-up, but it also has the extra factor of not clogging up your pores and keeps your face oil-free.

Summary: I'd definitely recommend the primer for anyone who has oily skin or who just wants an oil-free, fragrance-free primer that works. The pressed powder is also great for keeping in your bag for touch ups, but the tinted moisturiser is best used as a primer instead. I do think this is a pretty good affordable range (I don't think anything's over the £6.99 mark and it's often in 3 for 2 offers) for anyone prone to breakouts or for those who perhaps wear a lot of make-up on a regular basis.

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January Empties

Here are my beauty empties for this month and whether I would choose to repurchase them or not. The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter - Have used this for years and it's still a firm favourite of mine. Definitely one that I enjoy using in the colder months because it's so thick and moisturising. Repurchase? Yes. Crystal Spring Salt Of The Earth Deodorant Spray (review) - I made the switch to all natural deodorants about a year ago and have mostly been using this brand. It's fragrance free and works great, no problems at all! Repurchase? Yes. Cowshed Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream - Received this when it was free with a magazine and although I've liked other Cowshed products, I didn't think much of this. It wasn't particularly moisturising in my opinion. Repurchase? No. Ceteum SCR Gold Creme De Lite - From a Boudoir Prive box, this smelt awful like talcum powder or something! Didn't rate it much as a moisturiser either. Repurchase? No. Lush Glogg & Snow Fairy Shower Gels - I love these, they smell so good. Repurchase? If they bring them back this year, then yes!



Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser in Shade 03 - Really liked this, has more of a foundation formula than a traditional tinted moisturiser but it was really good and non-greasy for my oily/combo skin. Repurchase? Yes, will get a full size when my current foundation has run out. The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream - Didn't like this much, don't think it's right for my skin. Repurchase? No. Burts Bees Honey Lip Balm - One of my all time favourite lip balms, like ever! I always end up going back to this and usually have a spare one around somewhere. Repurchase? Yes. Witch Concealer Stick - I do like this for covering blemishes but will probably try Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection next. Repurchase? Probably not. OPI Nail Envy Mini - Another product that I do like (review) but I've switched to using Trind for now. Repurchase? Maybe. Vinies Luminous Skin Mask - That face mask from Boudoir Prive. I thought it was OK but nothing amazing and the smell was a bit too off-putting for me. Swapped the other sample pot. Repurchase? No.

Have you used up any beauty products this month?

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Everyday Make-Up Routine

Whilst clearing out some old magazines, I came across an article which stated that the average woman uses, on average, over 20 different make-up products on a daily basis. Over 20 different products?! That seems like a huge amount, but is it really? I decided to look into this theory by compiling my own list of make-up products that I personally use for an 'everyday look'. Below are some of my regular favourites, as well as one or two new items which I'm testing out.



For everyday I tend to stick to a neutral look, so I start with applying a bit of
(1) Benefit's Lemon Aid over my eyelids with my fingers. I've used this product rather religiously over the last couple of years because it instantly makes me look more awake and one little pot lasts a long, long time. Next, I'll dab on a little of (2) Urban Decay's Primer Potion and whilst that dries, I'll fill in my brows with (3) Korres Eyebrow Pencil in 1/Dark Shade. Under my eyes, I'm currently using (4) The Body Shop's Lightening Touch concealer pen in shade 3, which is their version of YSL's Touche Eclat. It's a decent concealer which does the job, but if you apply too much or don't properly blend, then it has that annoying habit of settling into fine lines. I'll probably try out a different brand once this one has been used up.



On my eyes, I'll probably use two shades of eyeshadow; (5) an overall lid colour and then (6) a darker one for the crease. Urban Decay's Naked palette is still the best thing ever. I mainly use Virgin, Sin, Naked, Buck, Smog and Toasted for everyday looks.



I always wear some form of (7) eyeliner and was given Bourjois' Liner Feutre felt-tip eyeliner pen in 11/Noir recently by a friend. I haven't decided whether I love or loathe this yet. It's amazingly pigmented, a 'proper' black and doesn't smudge at all, UNTIL it gets wet and then it's one great big mess. Hmmm. I'll probably stick to my old faithful Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners. As with eyeliner, I always wear (8) mascara and am currently using up a small tube of Clinque's High Impact mascara, which used to be my favourite until I discovered bareMinerals. Next, I'll dab on a bit of this (9) Witch Concealer stick in 01/Natural onto any spots I might have. I think this concealer stick is discontinued now which is a shame because it's blended with Tea Tree Oil and gives excellent coverage.



I don't tend to wear foundation for everyday, so I've been trying out (10) The Body Shop's Vitamin E Tinted Moisturiser which gives a light coverage and lasts a decent amount of time too. It's a little too greasy feeling for my oily/combination skin on its own so I use (11) Benefit's Hoola Bronzing Powder all over to mattify (I've got olive coloured skin, so Hoola works well as a normal face powder for me). To cover up any red areas, usually around my nose, I apply a tiny bit of (12) Clinique's Redness Solutions, which is a thick green coloured cream which counteracts the red and equals it out. A fab product which also has SPF 15. I finish up by applying a (13) blusher, my current favourite is MAC's Wonder Woman powder blush in Mighty Aphrodite. And lastly, I put on a little slick of a neutral coloured (14) lipgloss such as ELF's Conditioning Lip Balm in Nice and Natural. All done!

So, I clocked up 14 products! Other products that I might use if I had extra time or just fancied it, would be:- a clear mascara if I felt my brows needed a little tidying, a translucent powder for setting everything if I didn't want to use Hoola, and an inner corner highlight for my eyes if I needed that extra illusion of looking more awake.

How many make-up products do you use on a daily basis?

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