May Empties - Loves and Loathes

I'm a bit late with this month's empties as I've been busier than I anticipated this weekend, even though it was twice as long due to the Jubilee.  There were so many things I was planning on doing but it seems to have just flown by and I've not had any time for blogging until today!  So lets crack on with my empties.

KMS Quick Blow Dry Spray (reviewed here) - a great little spray I received in my last Carmine box  I will certainly be purchasing the full-sized bottle soon.

Naked Volume Body Building Shampoo (reviewed here) - really REALLY disliked this and ended up making hubby use it and using it to clean my make up brushes.  Would not repurchase.

Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blonde Conditioner  - I've been working my way through this humongous bottle for what seems like months but it was finally finished this month which is a good thing as it was taking up far too much space in my bathroom!  This conditioner is fab at keeping my coloured locks in good condition and is one I return too time and time again.  I've already bought another (smaller!) bottle which is more portable and better for travelling.

Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo (reviewed here) - I was a bit disappointed with this as it seemed to get used up very quickly and was quite a basic shampoo for the price.  I won't be repurchasing.

 

Bed Head Very Berry Whipped Mousse Body Lotion - as part of my efforts to reduce my body lotion stash, this had been languishing in my draw for quite some time.  I don't even think they sell it any more and even if they did I wouldn't repurchase as it wasn't overly moisturising and seemed to sit on the surface of the skin, rather than be absorbed by it.

The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream (reviewed here) - a creamy moisturising shower cream that was perhaps more suited to evening bathing and showering that first thing in a  morning.  I liked it but not sure I would repurchase.

The Body Shop Peppermint Intense Foot Rescue - one of my staples of my Summer Footcare prep, I have repurchased this several times previously and will continue to purchase it as it is the only foot lotion that can go some way to smoothing my scaly feet!

Dr Hauschka Rose Body Lotion (reviewed here) - a small sample which didn't last long but was very nicely scented and absorbed quickly into the skin.  I'm on a body lotion ban, otherwise I would consider purchasing. 

Lush The Carrot Bubble Bar - so disappointed with this as on the second use, the bubble bar broke away from the stalk and I had to fish it out of my scalding hot bath.  The bubbles weren't that great with this either and I wasn't overly enamoured with the scent.  I wouldn't repurchase this if they bring it out next Easter.

L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - I enjoyed the effect this gave but for some reason recently, my eyes have become really sensitive and I wasn't able to use this without my eyes becoming red and watery.  I wouldn't repurchase solely for this reason, although I loved how my lashes looked when it was applied.

Jo Loves Pomelo Fragrance - This was a sample but it is so clean and fresh smelling I'm certainly going to see if I can get hold of a full sized bottle.  It seems to last on the skin for ages too.

Biotherm Aquasource Levres SPF8 (mini review here) - a small sample but this lasted for ages so I can imagine the full size would last  a while.  I have plenty of lip balms at the moment to get through though so I wouldn't repurchase this yet, but I may do in the future.

Have you tried any of these products?  What did you think of them?

April Empties

 

Another month, another large pile of empties amassed!  I'm actually quite proud of myself for finishing off so much!

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (review here) - I didn't mind this, finding it quite gentle, although a little drying.  However I wouldn't repurchase.

Nina, Nina Ricci Body Lotion - receieved as part of a gift pack, it had a very strong scent.  As I often find with perfumed body lotions, it wasn't overly moisturising.  Wouldn't repurchase.

Tigi Dumb Blonde Shampoo - Love this and always have a tube on the go - I've already repurchased!

Lush Cinders Bath Bomb - this came as part of a Christmas gift set.  I like it but its not my favourite of the Lush Christmas bath bombs. I prefer the Abombinaball and Satsuma Santa!

Vaseline Essential Moisture Clean Feeling Body Lotion (review here) - a decent basic body lotion for normal skin but I prefer more heavy duty body butters. Wouldn't repurchase.

Marks & Spencer Spa Collection Ultra Energising Shower Gel - This came as part of a gift pack. It had a lovely minty menthol scent, great for waking me up in the morning.  Would maybe repurchase.

No 7 Cleanse & Care Eye Make-up Remover (review here)- really disliked this.  Would not repurchase.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Makeup Remover - My staple eye make up remover.  I've already got two backups!

L'Occitaine Hibiscus  Hand Cream - I love L'Occitaine hand creams as they are rich and non-greasy.  Will certainly be looking at others in their range.

No 7 Quick Thinking Wipes - I always pick these up when the £5 off Boots vouchers are floating about.  I don't think they are worth the £7.50 full price though.

Charles Worthington Full Volume Shampoo (review here) - again a decent highstreet shampoo which cleansed my hair and left it feeling shiny but sadly didn't deliver on volume.  May repurchase.

Laura Mercier Full Blown Mascara in Black (review here) - Really liked this natural-looking, lengthening mascara.  I will certainly be repurchasing once I get through my current mascara stocks!

Bobbi Brown Touch up Stick in Warm Sand - my everyday concealer, I have already repurchased.

Have you managed to finish any of your stash this month? 

Have you tried any of these products?

March Empties

I’ve had a great March using up lots of products, including quite a few full-sized ones too.

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Shower Gel in Pear and Lemongrass (review here) – I liked the idea of this shower gel but the fragrance didn’t wow me and it was far too watery and liquid – the consistency was almost like water!  I wouldn’t rush to repurchase another from this range, purely due to the watery consistency and the fact it was very easy for more to end up down the plughole than on my body!

TiGi Dumb Blonde Shampoo – this is one of my holy grail products and although I like to try other shampoos, this is by far the one I come back to the most.  I finished this bottle and promptly restocked!  I love it as it leaves my hair soft and manageable and prolongs the life of my colour.

Trevor Sorbie Colour Protect Shampoo – this has been lounging in my draw for ages and it was time to use it up!  I think it has now been repackaged, and potentially reformulated, however I wasn’t overly impressed with this mini bottle and I don’t think this would replace my Dumb Blonde!

Lush Three Gold Rings Bubble Bar – this was left over from Christmas but I think they are released every year.  I loved the scent of vanilla / orange oil and it produced monstrous amounts of bubbles (I always just crumble the whole bar in but you could easily get several baths from it).  It did leave a gold stain around the bottom of the bathtub that was horrendous to shift though!  I would possibly repurchase this next year although Lush always brings out new products that I am tempted by!

Neal’s Yard Remedies Seaweed Salt Scrub (review here) – this scrub was sufficiently ‘scrubby’ for me but the scent really put me off and for that reason I wouldn’t repurchase.

Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Body Lotion  - a product that does exactly what it says on the tin, providing instant relief to dry, scaly areas.  At the moment I wouldn’t repurchase as I still have a heap of body lotions to work my way through!

Johnsons 24hr Extra Rich Bodywash – I found there was nothing overly remarkable about this product, probably as I prefer scented shower gels and creams.  It did leave my skin nicely hydrated though and those who prefer unscented body washes would probably like this.  However I will not be repurchasing, mainly as there are hundreds of shower gels and creams I have yet to try!

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Concentrated Cream – this is another of my staples.  I love the scent of cocoa butter and this never fails to provide my hands with instant moisturisation.  I already have a back up!

Sure Deodorant – not much to say about this, it does the job!

Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap  - received probably as part of a Bonus Time promotion, I wasn’t overwhelmed by this as I found it quite drying for everyday use.  It was handy to use after a run as it made my face feel very clean, although you do need to use a good moisturiser afterwards and I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skins.  I wouldn’t repurchase but I’m sure a couple more of these will turn up in future Bonus Time free gifts!

Liz Earle Smoothing Eye Serum (review here) – I used this in conjunction with the Liz Earle eye cream and much preferred this serum to the cream.  I used it in the evenings and although I’m not sure it made a visible difference, it did hydrate my eye area overnight.  I would consider repurchasing but I currently have another couple of eye creams to test out.

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes – I always have a couple of packs of wipes on the go for a quick refresh or often just to remove swatches!  These are a great price and, like other Simple products, do not irritate my skin.  I would repurchase.

What have you managed to use up this month?

Christmas and December Gifts and Purchases!

 

Its a little late but as I was away visiting various family members for the past 2 weeks, I haven't had a chance to show you these yet.  I was very lucky at Christmas and received quite a few lovely gifts. I've also made a few purchases recently from Buyapowa (again!) which are also included above.

I will be doing reviews of some of these products soon when I have had a chance to test them out properly, but please let me know if there are any in particular you would like to know more about.

Fragrances

I tend not to buy perfumes myself so had asked for several of these as gifts.

Prada Candy  - I love this!  It is very sweet but not in a sickly way and the bottle is gorgeous

Tom Ford Violet Blonde - I had a sample of this and promptly fell in love with it.  I had been leaving hints for hubby about this and amazingly it appeared under the tree on Christmas morning!

Jo Malone Honey and Nectarine - another one I had a sample of and loved.  I adore  sweet smelling perfume, and pretty much everything Jo Malone makes I like!

Jo Malone Cologne Collection - this was a surprise present from my parents which I was really pleased to receive.  It contains minis of Grapefruit, Red Roses, Vanilla & Anise, Pomegranate Noir and Wild Bluebell.  I already have Pomegranate Noir but I am looking forward to experimenting and combining some of the others and creating my own bespoke scents.

Make up

Bobbi Brown Anniversary Lip Palette  - a gift from my mum.  I am in love with this, and love every colour I have tried so far.  A review on this will be up soon!

Chanel Smokey Eyes Palette - I bought this just before Christmas.  This is my go-to palette for a smokey eye look and it is the 3rd time I have bought it!  I  never hit pan on any make up but I have been purchasing this for years!

Mac Lipglass in Pink Clash - Another purchase by me.  I hadn't tried any lipglasses before, previously being more of a fan of Mac's lipsticks.  I've been pleasantly surprised by this.

Mac Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby - an impulse purchase but I have been enjoying using it so far.

Eyelure individual lashes - I have slowly been getting used to applying and wearing false lashes and these will be great for a more natural look.

Bobbi Brown dual ended liner in Chocolate and Bronze - a gift from my mother in law who apparently had major difficulties finding this as it was sold out everywhere at the time.  It is so soft and easy to use.

Maybelline The Smoother Skin Retexturising Primer - I've only used this a few times so far but I am quite liking it and you only need a tiny amount for your whole face.

Bath and Body products

After mentioning to everyone how much I love bath bombs I got quite a few for Christmas!  This is fine with me though as I love a relaxing bath and its great fun experimenting with all the different bath bombs, although not as much fun when you have to clean the bath out afterwards!

I received several Christmas-themed lush bath bombs, including the cute Little Christmas Pud and the melting snowman which I am looking forward to trying.  I also received a number of Bomb Cosmetics bath bombs and melts which are also super cute.  

I didn't receive many gift sets this year, but I did receive one from my boss.  From Marks & Spencer it contains hand and nail cream, body lotion, bath milk and shower gel.  Marks & Spencer always do good quality products so I am looking forward to trying these.

I hope you all had a fab Christmas and New Year.  

Victoria

x

What is your bath style?

I love a bath! In the mornings for practicality, I always have a shower, but I look forward to a Friday evening bath as a time to relax and de-stress whilst reading a glossy mag and perhaps having a cheeky glass of wine! This is making me sound as though I am an OAP wearing my nana shoes, but honestly, although I enjoy going out with hubby and friends and family, at the end of the week, I am usually too knackered to do much and a bath is just what I need!

There are 3 different types of products you can use in your bath, depending on your personal preference and the overall effect you would like. 

Bath Foams

These are the traditional type which provide lots of suds! Very useful for making impromptu Santa’s beards out of if you so desire (or am I the only person who does this??!).

These can often be quite drying for the skin, especially in combination with a scalding hot bath, mainly due to the use of sodium laureth sulfate.

Some tried and tested foaming products that I have enjoyed using are:

Radox Bath Soaks, around £2 – an affordable treat which comes in a variety of scents. The Sleep Easy and Eastern Spirit varieties are my favourites.

Sanctuary Bath Soak, £5.10 – this has the usual Sanctuary scent and I find it to be more moisturising than most bath foams.

Green and Spring Relaxing Shower and Bath Foam, £18 – this has a gorgeous lavender scent although it is quite pricey for a bath foam. It can also be used as a shower gel too which is how I tend to use it as I feel the scent tends to linger for longer

Lush bubble bars £2-£4 These are solid products which are crumbled under running water to produce a foam. As with all Lush products, they are heavily scented which is no bad thing for me. They are however not the most economical method of enjoying a foaming bath as you tend to only get a maximum of 2-3 baths out of one bar.

Bath Oils

These are my favourite type of bath product as I find the scent tends to be strongest in oil form and a little goes a long way. They are also very moisturising, although you have to be careful to rinse the bath out properly afterwards as I once forgot and hubby almost knocked himself out when he slipped on the super oily residue! 

Cowshed, £20- these are my favourite bath oils and you can pick up travel packs of their various products for less which allows you to try a wider variety of the range . They are not cheap, but I have yet to come across a scent I do not like, and I am particularly fond of their ‘Lazy Cow’ scent which is a mixture of essentials oils of Jasmine, Chamomile and Sandalwood. The oils can also be used for massage if you wish.

Aromatherapy Associates, £37 is another good producer of bath oils and they do a selection pack so you can try out your favourites.  This year, for Christmas, they are also doing little star shaped tree decorations, £10, with bath oils contained within them, which are cute stocking fillers.

E45 Emollient Bath Oil, £5.49, is a cheaper but equally moisturising bath oil for sensitive skins, and is a veritable bargain.  There is no fancy scent, but it is super moisturising and great if you suffer from eczema or dermatitis.

Bath bombs / Bath melts

These are almost a theatrical spectacle in some cases, as you watch them fizz and dash about in your bath. The bath bombs tend to be the fizzy ones and often provide a stronger scent but they can be less moisturising. Bath melts are a creamy consistency which dissolve gradually and tend to leave your skin softer and more moisturised. One thing you do have to watch for with bath bombs is that they can have a lot of ‘bits’ in them which mean the bath will need a good clean once you have finished. I find cleaning the opposite of relaxing so I usually give it a quick rinse and hope hubby cleans it the following day….!

Lush is perhaps most famous for its bath bombs and they constantly have new products coming out. The Christmas products in particular are worth investigating, with the Abombinaball and Cinders being two of my favourites.

Bomb Cosmetics – I have mentioned Bomb Cosmetics previously here as they are a great alternative to Lush, if you fancy a change. Their bath bombs and melts are smaller than Lush’s but no less pungent and are well worth a try.

These are my favourite bath products. What are your favourite methods of bathtime pampering?