Friday 31 May 2013

May Empties!

This month I finally redecorated my bedroom which meant I had to move all of my things out of my room and back in again afterwards. So I took it upon myself to try extra hard to use up some products this month, and guess what it worked! Maybe I should decorate my room more often...
June Empties
June Empties
First up shower gels. Yes I managed to use up three shower gels this month! First up being the Soap & Glory Clean On Me, I got this in a set at Christmas and to be honest it isn't my favourite. I did manage to use this up as a bubble bath which worked pretty well, however I will not be repurchasing this. Next is another Soap & Glory product (there is a theme developing here) the Sugar Crush Body Wash, now I do love this scent and product and would definitely consider repurchasing it in the future. Finally I have the Imperial Leather Precious Body Wash Gel, I used this when shaving my legs and it was a nice scent however I do prefer the lime scent they do and have repurchased that. 
June Empties
Onto body products, first up the Soap & Glory Smoothie Body Milk (review), I really enjoyed this product. It was moisturising, smelt lovely and was great to use in Winter. I would consider repurchasing this. Next is the Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Soothing Gel Cream in Peach. I love these body lotions so much and this one smelt lovely. I will always have one of these in my stash. Next I have some foot creams, first being the Palmers Cocoa Butter Concentrated Cream. I rediscovered this practically empty when sorting out my room, from memory this was a really good, thick cream which was great for any dry skin. I would consider repurchasing it. Next is the Soap & Glory Heel Genius (review), I really like this foot cream because it really moisturising but doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I would consider repurchasing this. Lastly I have a sample of the REN Vetiver V7 Hand and Body Cream, this product smelt lovely absorbed quickly into the skin. I don't think I would repurchase it because I have so many other creams on the go at the moment.
June Empties
I've managed to use up a few skincare bits this month, first being the REN ClearCalm3 Replenishing Night Serum (review), I love this serum because it is light on the skin and I really do think it helps with any blemishes I have. I have already repurchased this. Next up is the Nelsons Pure & Clear Purifying Daily Facial Wash (review). I really enjoyed this face wash, it seemed to help with any blemishes I had and wasn't drying to the skin. I would repurchase this. Next I have the Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for Combination/Oily Skin. First time I tried this I liked it, then I found it wasn't doing enough for my skin so I stopped using it. In trying to use things up I started using it again and my some what clear skin started breaking out but not just is small whiteheads, oh no big under the skin blemishes which are a pain to get rid of. I stopped using it and I stopped breaking out. I have about a third left but i'm just going to throw it out now, as you can guess I will not be repurchasing this again.
June Empties
Onto some samples, first being the La Roche Posay Effaclar K, now here's a cream that I love and is great for oily skin. I've purchased the full size a few times and always go back to it. Next is the REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel, I used this on holiday last year and still had a little bit left. I enjoyed using it and it was cooling under the eyes but nothing amazing so I would not repurchase it. Finally I have the Origins Super Spot Remover (review), I dug this back out to help get rid of the under the skin blemishes the Liz Earle cream gave me. This stuff really does work but can be a tad drying, however I have repurchased this and will probably continue to do so. This bottle also seems to last a long time too.
June Empties
Only one make-up product this month but it's a good one, the Revlon Growluscious Mascara. This is definitely one of the best mascaras i've tried and I always seem to go back to it. I like the way it makes my lashes look and the shade Blackest Black is very black which I love. I will repurchase this once i've used some other mascaras up.

So that's this months empites, woo that was a lot of products! A lot of Soap & Glory ones at that too! I didn't plan on using up so many S&G products it just seemed to happen!

Have you used up any favourites this month?

Wednesday 29 May 2013

May Beauty Favourites!

May has been a busy month with exams, finishing my 2nd year of Uni (eek!) and decorating my bedroom but whilst all that has been going on i've had a few stand out products which i've been loving. 
First up I have skincare, I haven't bought that much skincare this month since i'm saving to get some bits in Paris next month. Something I did pick up is the Clarins Lotus Face Oil, this stuff is so lovely. It smells great and is a great oil for oily skin because it isn't too heavy but makes my skin feel so hydrated. I also think this is helping with redness and scaring. Full review coming soon. Next is my current go to Summer day cream, the La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat, this is such a good day moisturiser for oily skin and I think it also helps keep my make-up in pace during the day. Another Summer favourite product, the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I was so happy to be able to dig this out again this month. I love spritzing this on my face after applying my make-up or as a mid day refresher the skin. 
Onto this months make-up picks. First up is my current go to foundation, the Bourjous Healthy Mix Radiance Reveal Foundation (review here). This has a great medium coverage and as a lovely glowy finish. It also stays in place really well on my oily skin, perfect. Next I have two cream blushes i'm loving lately. First being the Bourjous Cream Blush in Healthy Glow. This is a lovely peachy coral shade which gives a lovely glow to the cheeks. (full review here). The other being the Illamasqua Cream Blush in Dixie, when they had 50% off everything the other day I had to snap this up. It is a lovely peachy pink shade which looks so natural on the skin and is very buildable. 
I've been loving anything coral lately and one of my favourite coral lipsticks in the Maybelline Superstay 14 Hour Lipstick in the shade Stay With Me Coral . This is a lovely pinky coral shade which alone can be a little drying but with a lip balm underneath looks lovely and bright. Another Maybelline product I picked up in America. This trio is called Bronze Haze from the Modern Metallics Collection and has some lovely bronzey shades which i've been loving lately and the quality of the shadows is really nice too.
I did a whole post on my love for mint polishes recently and one of my favourites is the Bourjous Amande Defile polish, it's a lovely apple white pastel shade which is perfect for Spring/Summer. A body product i've dug back out this month is the Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Gel Cream, I love these creams when I can't be bothered sitting around waiting for my body butter to sink it because it dries so quickly so is perfect for Summer. 

So that's this month beauty favourites. I'm looking forward to having a relaxed month in June after being so busy the past few months. I'm also off to London and Paris at the end of June so expect some packing post and haul posts coming your way.

What have been your beauty favourites this month?

Monday 27 May 2013

Bourjois Cream Blush in Healthy Glow - Reviewed!

So today I have yet another cream blush for you all, it is safe to say i'm obsessed and will have a full post on my favourite ones very soon! Today I thought I would share one of my current favourite by Bourjois. The minute they announced they were doing a range of cream blushes I knew I would have to try them.
 After swatching each of the four shades available I was drawn to the coral shade (another obsession of mine) which is 02 Healthy Glow. The packaging is very cute and simple. It is a very small product which I didn't expect, around the same size of their powder blushes. 
Each shade has a different colour casing depending on the shade which I always love especially if you have more than one because it makes it easy to pick out the shade you want. 
The product is a cream to powder formula similar to the Topshop cream blushes. It is creamy and easy to blend onto the cheeks, as with all my cream blushes I use the Real Techniques Stippling Brush but you could also use your fingers. The shade is a beautiful coral shade and like the name suggests it gives a lovely healthy glow to the cheeks. 
The wear time of the blush is also good, by the end of the day I can still see some of the colour on my cheeks. All in all I have yet another cream blush that I love to add to my collection. 
 The only downside is for the price I would have liked some more product especially for a drugstore product, however if these are ever on offer I will be sure to pick up some more shades.

Bourjois Cream Blush retails for £7.99.

Have you tried the Bourjois Cream Blushes?

Thursday 23 May 2013

The Skincare Extras

I've seen a few of these posts floating around recently so I thought it would be fun to share the skincare extras I reach for, such as masks and treatments to keep my skin in good nick! 
First set of products is for breakouts, first being two masks. Starting with the Origins Out Of Trouble, my go to mask for blemishes, this stuff is amazing and getting rid of those big painful blemishes and I can't be without it. Next is the REN Invisible Pore Detox Mask, perfect for when my skin is feeling congested and in need of a deep cleanse. Not drying at all and even helps with oilyness and blemishes! Perfect. Onto actual spot treatments, the Murad Blemishes Spot Treatment is perfect for healing a blemish with leaving any dry patches and even helps with scarring. For those big horrible blemishes the Origins Super Spot Remover does the job, can be a little drying so I only use this on those blemishes that just won't go!
The next two products are for radiance and exfoliating, both from REN because I adore their products. The first is the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask, feels like marmalade on your skin but removes dead skin cells leaving your skin feeling smooth and brighter. This stuff really does work but my favourite radiance product is definitely the REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate, similar to the infamous Alpha H Liquid Gold, this thick liquid works best applied alone but isn't drying. The next morning for skin feel amazingly soft and bright, I also think this has helped fade my acne scarring, love this stuff and seems to be last well. I would use either of these products once a week.
Last few bits each do something different. The Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is amazing for dehydrated skin because it adds moisture back into the skin, also makes it feel cleansed and the manuka honey helps with blemishes. Next up the La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque, a Winter essential when my skin is feeling dry. Applied all over and left over night, the next day my skin feels smooth and hydrated. Final product is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, I only use this the warmer months to refresh the skin. I love spritzing this on after applying my make-up to stop it feeling heavy on the skin. 

So those are my skincare extras, what are some of the products you reach for when your skin is needing some extra help?

Tuesday 21 May 2013

L'oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution - Reviewed!

It safe to say I'm a firm Bioderma lover but with a trip to Paris planned at the end of June I thought it would be a good chance to try some of the new micellar waters that are popping up at the moment. Today I have a review of the L'oreal version that i've been putting to the test recently.
This packaging is nice and simple, you can see how much product you have used up which I like, as well as this it is a very slim bottle so great for travel.
It claims to dissolve make-up, unclogs pores and removes impurities and tones and soothes the skin. It definitely removes all my make-up even stubben mascara (Benefit They're Real i'm talking about you!) I personally don't think it unclogs pores, I always double cleanse in the evening anyway but it does feel soothing on the skin. I love that you can use this on the eyes without it stigging and I would definitely agree that it would be suitable for sensitive skin. It doesn't contain alcohol so it won't strip your skin either.
All in all i've been really impressed with this and it's definitely the closest thing i've found to Bioderma that is easy to get hold of in the UK, I even picked up this bottle whilst in Sainsbury's doing the food shop!

I would definitely recommend giving this a go if you want an alternative to Bioderma and just something that will remove all your make-up easily.


Have you tried this micellar water?

Sunday 19 May 2013

Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiance Reveal Foundation - Reviewed!

The original Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation is the best drugstore foundation i've ever tried, the Healthy Mix Serum is my go to Winter foundation. Also the Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer is my favourite concealer, so from this it's safe to say i'm a big fan of their face products. When I found out they were replacing the original Healthy Mix with a radiance version I was scared but knew I would have to give it a try!
First up packaging, on a whole I like it. I did prefer that with the old packaging you could see how much product you had left though. Like the original formula it claims to have 'fruit therapy' to help achieved hydrated and luminous skin. This definitely does feel hydrating on the skin and gives a lovely sheen to the skin without looking oily which I love. I do set it with powder but but it still gives a natural finish.
The product comes with a pump which is great, I tend to use 1-2 pumps depending on the coverage I need. I tend to apply a thin layer all over and concentrate more product and my chin and around my nose where I have acne scarring and redness. What I love about the the Healthy Mix foundations is that you can really build them up without them ever looking cakey or over done. 

So is it any different to the original formula? Yes, but not that much. It still does all the thing I loved in the original, buildable, good coverage, natural finish and a good and even wear time. As well as all of those it now has an added glow to it without making you look like a disco ball!
The shade I have is 52 (second lightest) all the shade do run on the yellow side which I personally love but it's something to bare in mind. The shade range is pretty rubbish but if you can find a shade that matches your skintone this foundation is a true gem and definitely worth trying.
So there you have it, yet another Bourjois product that i'm in love with. I think this will be my Summer foundation because it looks glowly but not too much and I can get a good 8 hours wear on my oily skin. If when it does start to wear away it still looks good. It's safe to say this is my new favourite drugstore foundation!


Have you tried this foundation?

Friday 17 May 2013

A Minty Love Affair

So a couple of days  ago I blogged about how I was having a bit of a obsession for red nails, that's definitely still happening but i've also rediscovered my love for mint nails. When looking through my collection I found I had 5 mint nail polishes that were all a little bit different from each other so I thought I would share them with you all.
Mint Nails
Mint Nails
The first minty polish I have is 17 Lasting Fix Mint Choc Chip, not going to lie the name of this one did help me want to buy it. The colour is a lovely grey/blue toned mint, this is the least vibrant of the bunch but is a great colour to go from Winter to Spring with. The next one is Rimmel Pro in Peppermint, another lovely name and this is a classic pastel mint shade. It is the closet dupe i've found to the next polish I have the infamous Essie Mint Candy Apple, the two are very similar however the Rimmel one is a little more blue toned but to the average person on the nails it's hard to spot the difference. The next one is a new favourite in Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Greenberry, I love bright minty shade which is perfect for Summer especially with a bit of a tan. Finally there is a new addition and one if my favourites is Bourjous Amande Deffile this is a lovely pastel apple white shade which is like nothing i've seen before. I love this shade and is perfect for Spring/Summer.
Mint Nails
L-R 17, Rimmel, Essie, Barry M, Bourjous
So those are my favourite mint polishes, of course you don't need all of these (unless you're nail obsessed like me!) but I would definitely recommend all of these polishes. What is your favourite mint polish?

Monday 13 May 2013

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask - Reviewed!

It safe to say i'm a bit of a mask addict and I definitely don't need to add anymore to my collection yet I still have a long wishlist of one's I want to try! When REN had 30% off face masks over Easter I off course had to take advantage and pick up this beauty.
REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask
REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask
If you've been reading my blog for a while you will know I love REN products and they're packaging. This is from the Combination to Oily skin range hence the green/yellow detailing. It has comes with a great pump which is perfect for getting the right amount of product out; I tend to use 1-2 pumps each use. 
REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask
REN are known for having lots of great ingredients in their products and this mask is no different. It has french clay and lavender oil which helps to make it feel soothing on the skin whilst getting rid of all the nasties. 
REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask Swatch
As I said above I apply 1-2 pumps all over and leave for 10-15 minutes. For a clay mask this doesn't feel overly tight on the skin and removes very easily which gives it a big thumbs up from me! After use my skin feel smooth and clean but not drying. In the morning after use any blemishes seem to be less aggressive and on a whole my skin feels a lot less congested. 

I love how this mask makes my skin feel but also it is a lot less messy compared to other clay masks i've used especially because it removes so easily which is a bonus when you just wanted to do a quick deep cleanse. I would definitely recommend this mask, especially if you have oily skin because i've definitely noticed my skin is less oily after using this mask. 

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask retails for £18.00.

Have you tried this mask? What is your favourite clay mask? 

Saturday 11 May 2013

Current Obsession - Red Nails

I'm pretty sure the first nail polish was a red one, and ever since then the obsession has continued. I thought I was happy when it came to red polishes until I came across a gem by OPI.
Red Nails
Red Nails Swatches
The first red I have is probably my least favourite, it's Collection Hot Looks in Big Hair, the formula of this is a bit thin and takes about 3 coats but it's a classic red shade and very cheap. Next is 17 Fast Finish Polish in Knockout Red, 17 (or Seventeen) have some great affordable polish, two coats of this beauty and you will have lovely red nails, this one is more berry toned rather than orange but I do love it. Next up is my first red and is still the one I will always recommend (note i've made 2 of my friends buy this) Rimmel Lasting Finish in Double Decker Red named after London's famous red buses it is the perfect red and only takes two coats. Finally my new favourite OPI's Red Lights Ahead.. Where? Love the name and this is a lovely pink toned red with a hit of orange. It looks so bright on the nails I can't stop wearing it! OPI aren't the cheapest but I happened to find this on Fragrance Direct for a bargain £3.99! 
Red Nails Swatches
L-R Big Hair, Knockout Red, Double Decker Red and Red Lights Ahead.. Where?
So that's it, all my favourite red polishes, I would definitely recommend the Rimmel and OPI ones. Next on the list is the perfect orangey red then I think I might be set in the red nails department.

What is your favourite red polish?

Thursday 9 May 2013

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel - Reviewed!

After being in love with balm cleanser all Winter I wanted to step away from the amazing Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm and try something different. After watching a few too many skincare routine videos whilst trying to avoid doing Uni work this Clarins gem kept popping up. So I decided to treat myself and give it a go, I haven't really tried that many Clarins products but after trying this I am definitely going to be changing that!
Clarins Pure Melting Cleansing Gel
The packaging is lovely and in classic Clarins style, I like the fact that this comes in a tube making it easy to dispense the product. 
Clarins Pure Melting Cleansing Gel
Clarins Pure Melting Cleansing Gel
The product is marketed as a Pure Melt Cleansing Gel and contains Marula Oil. The product starts off as a gel and I only use a pea sized amount of product but when you massage it into the skin it turns into an oil, when you wash it off with water it turns into a milky consistency. I still use a flannel to remove it but it works well without. It removes all my make-up and leaves my skin feeling so clean but nourished.
Clarins Pure Melting Cleansing Gel
It doesn't feel as luxurious as a balm cleanser but for my skin I find that this is the perfect alternative for the warmer months. At the moment I only use this at night however for a good few weeks I was using it morning and night and my skin loves the stuff, I stop using it in the morning because i'm trying to use some other cleanser up.

I love this product, i've been using it a month straight and I would say I still have 3/4 left so I can see this lasting 3-4 months. 

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel retails for £15.60. on Escentuals.com. (who stock it cheaper than everywhere else)

Have you tried this? What is your favourite Clarins product? 

Tuesday 7 May 2013

L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer - Reviewed!

After discovering a holy grail concealer for blemishes and redness in the Bourjous Healthy Mix Concealer I felt I needed to find a good under eye concealer. I love Benefit Erase Paste but for everyday use it is a bit too heavy and the Rimmel one I was using just wasn't cutting it. After spending a good 10 minutes swatching every concealer in Superdrug I came across this gem.
L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer
First thing that caught my eye was the packaging, it's a lovely mirrored rose gold tube, and really stands out in my make-up bag. It comes in a pen style format which is definitely one of my favourites for under eye concealer because I find them so easy to use. 

L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer
You twist the product up and i've found that it is surprisingly easy to control the amount of product which gets dispensed.This is designed to be a highlighting concealer (YSL Touche Eclat dupe here!) although I personally haven't tried the famous YSL version I have heard the two are very similar.
L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer Swatch
The coverage is light but it does cover any discolouration I have, it feels so light on the skin and doesn't crease throughout the day. The product comes in 3 shades, I have the shade light which is a little yellow toned but looks so brightening under the eyes.

This might just be my new favourite under eye concealer, when testing out a lot of other concealers I found them to feel drying where as this one feels almost hydrating on the skin.

L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer retails for £8.49.

Have you tried this? What is your favourite under eye concealer?

Saturday 4 May 2013

Herbalife Radiant C Daily Facial Scrub Cleanser - Reviewed!

When it comes to my skincare routine facial scrubs is an area i'm still trying to find a product that I really like, i've tried a few which I thought were okay but nothing has really stuck around to stay in my routine. I was recently sent the Radiant C Daily Facial Scrub Cleanser* which I think might be a new favourite for me. 
The packaging is nice and simple and comes in a squeeze tube. The product itself contains jojoba beads and a stable form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for adding radiance to the skin. This is marketed as a daily scrub and you could definitely use it that often, i've been using it twice a day purely becomes the other nights I use a mask or another type of treatment. 
The beads are very fine and dispersed in a thick orange gel. It massages into the skin nicely and is easy to wash away. I rub it in for roughly 30 seconds and use a large pea sized amount. After using it my skin feel smooth and refreshed without feeling tight. I've used it a good few times now and my skin hasn't reacted to it or it hasn't broken me out. I do like to think the Vitamin C in it is helping my skin however it is a little too early to see the full results however it does mean the product has a lovely orange scent to it.

I really do enjoy using this product and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you get the chance too. It isn't the easiest product to get hold of but well worth checking out. 


*PR Sample

Thursday 2 May 2013

April Empties!

So i've decided that i'm going to re-decorate my bedroom in May/June which means i'm trying to use up as many products as I can before then! This month I managed to use up a good amount of products so lets get straight into it!
First up bath products, starting with the Botanics Rejuvenating Bath Elixir, this was an amazing product in Winter because of the spicey scent. I loved it so much however I don't think I will repurchase until the colder months. Next is the Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub, this stuff is just amazing, it's definitely my favourite scrub and it smells of maple syrup. Definitely will be repurchasing soon!
Onto body products, first being one of my favourite gradual tanners; the Garnier Summer Body, this stuff smells like apricots and gives you a lovely natural tan. Next is The Body Shop Vanilla Body Butter Duo, this smelt lovely and I loved the fact it was half a body butter and half a body lotion, definitely will consider repurchasing this. Next I have the Next Paradise Perfume, I love the scent of this and they've recently brought it back so i've repurchased it and i'm already onto my next bottle!
Next up haircare, starting with the Phil Smith Xtreme Style Xtravagant Hairspray (silly name!) this had a lovely sweet scent and was a great light hold hairspray. I do like this I might pick it up if I find it on offer. Next is the Clynol Wonder 10* this claims to be a 1 treatment with 10 benefits and I really did find it helped with managing my hair after washing it. I'm currently using a similar product which I prefer so I don't think I will be repurchasing it. Finally I have the Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, this was a pretty decent dry shampoo but it is a little pricey in my eyes but I might repurchase it if it's on offer.
Only one make-up product this month which is the Rimmel Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer, this was a pretty average concealer which did what it is meant to but isn't amazing. For that reason I won't be repurchasing it. 
Finally onto skincare, first being Hydraluron, I do really love this stuff! I haven't seen any huge differences in my skin but I did find my skin felt drier when I didn't use it. I have repurchased it and I think I will keep on purchasing it. Next are the Soap & Glory Off Your Face Wipes, I got this is a big set last Christmas and i'm really not a fan of face wipes but I really didn't like this. Mainly due to the smell because it's so overpowering and made my eyes sting. Definitely won't repurchase these! Next are two product I did like, first being the REN ClearCalm 3 Anti-Blemish Treatment Mask, this was great to use when my skin was breaking out like crazy. I did really like it, but I prefer the Origins mask which is similar so I don't think I will repurchase it. Finally there is the Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution 3 in 1. I really liked this product because it was so gentle on my skin because it is alcohol free. I definitely will be repurchasing it in the future when i've used up a few other toners. 

So that's my empties for this month, as I said i'm on a mission to use up lots of products so expect more empties over the next few months!