August Empties

I'm getting quite good at this using things up lark!  Making a conscious effort each month to use up some of my stash, has made me truly appreciate the products that I really love and depend upon.  A 'separating the wheat from the chaff' if you will.    There are items that I have already or intend to repurchase.  I still want to try new things, I just am getting a bit better at reigning myself in and thinking - have you got something similar at home.

The flip-side of this coin is that I realise what I really cannot wait to get rid of.  It's usually the things that you like the least, that seem to take an eternity to use up.  Does anyone else find that?  So what have I used this month?

• Givenchy Ange Ou Demon - beautiful, classy fragrance.  I was upset that I'd used this up, then found another two new bottles.  So I'm happy again now! hehe.
• The Body Shop Vitamin E facial mist - this is okay.  I got it as a kind of make up setting spray, I don't think it was particularly successful for that.  But it is quite refurnishing just as a facial spritz. 
• Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Shine Protection mist - another meh product.  I have had this for forever. I love how it smells, but I'm not sure that it actually protects my hair from heat styling. I guess we will see if I notice a marked difference now it's finished.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion - this is one of those can't be without kind of products. Love this and can't remember what my life was before UDPP.
• Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara -  was okay. Nothing major.  This was a sample size I must have picked up somewhere. Certainly didn't wow me.
• No7 Extreme Length Mascara - love it. Read here

• L'Occitane 20% Shea Butter Hand cream - my number one hand cream. Would not be without this. Even got Parental Unit Number One (Mothership) onto this one now and she is not remotely bothered by things like this at all! Woah, what an achievement! 

• Origins Checks and Balances - I like this cleanser, but I don't love it.  It does exactly what it says on the packaging.  Only sometimes, my skin is left feeling a little tight and almost squeaky clean.  Does that make sense? I guess my combination skin is not it's target market and it would be more suited to oily skinned beauties. 
• Garnier Pure Active Exfo Brusher Wash - love the scrubby bits, they're great. Hate the packaging design and the actual product. I find it really cumbersome to use and quite difficult to get any cleanser on the Exfo Brusher.  Plus I find it a little too drying for combination skin. 
• Original Source Chocolate Mint Shower Gel - really like this although the chocolate brown colour was a little bit off putting.  Still, it made for a very refreshing, zingy bathing experience.  

• Alpha H Rejuvenating Cream - this is a nice moisturiser. Feels a little strange upon first application.  It's a bit tingly due to the inclusion of glycolic acid.  I'd buy this again.

What have you used this this month? Have you rediscovered any gems in your collection?

Belated August Favourites

I thought I might do a quick belated post on my August's Favourites.  There are products that you find yourself reaching for, they are not the most exciting, luxurious items.  But they are the products you depend on, on a daily basis. Here are a few of mine, that I have relied on in August.

• La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution - I really like this solution for taking of my make up at the end of the day.  It's free from a lot of chemical nasties and really gets the job done without stripping your skin.  This can be used on face and eyes without any problems/reactions.  I'll certainly be re-purchasing.
• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream/stick (both pictured) - I use the iconic 8 hour cream every single day.  I put some on my lips while I'm getting ready and let it sink in while I do my make up.  It's pricey, but it seems to last for ages.  
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - Creamy, blendable and a great colour match.
• No7 Contour and Blending Brush - as good as many high end blending brushes on the market and if you get them with a £5 No7 voucher, they cost about £2!!
• ELF Shimmering Facial Whip (Lilac Petal) - I got this as a present from a lovely friend and I cannot believe that I hadn't tried it before.  I usually use Benefit High Beam, but when that runs out, I think I'll buy another ELF version.  It really is just as good, for a fraction of the price.  For £1.50 you can't grumble. The other bonus of the ELF Shimmering Facial Whip, is that it comes in a range of colours to suit all skin tones. Check them out here
• VO5 Miracle Concentrate - This treatment oil is amazing for the price. I think I paid £2.50 for this little bottle of liquid gold.  A few drops are all that's required for smooth, frizz free hair.  It's a staple in my haircare routine now. 
• Max Factor Miracle Touch Blush (Soft Pink) - I use this as a base to layer my blusher each day.  A little of this goes a long way and it also helps promote the longevity of any powder blusher choose to use afterwards.  You can of course wear it alone for a dewy finish.  
• Revlon ColourStay - Favourite foundation ever. FACT!
• OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go - great handbag essential.  The pen applicator makes it very easy to apply on the go.  I use it while sat on the train in the mornings.  It also makes your nail varnish super shiny.  
• No7 Extreme Length mascara - I think I got this from a little No7 freebie kit and threw it to one side without much investigation.  This mascara lengthens and separates perfectly.  I don't find it gives much volume. But I am fine with that. Now I've used up this sample size and I will repurchase - except for the fact I have a lot of mascara to try first. I will return to it though.  I really like the wand!
• Borghese duo fiber blending brush - I use this brush to apply the Facial Whip and the cream blusher.  I think it's fabulous.  Plenty similar brushes like this out there on the market, so find one that suits.
• Garnier Roll-On Anti Dark Circles - this product provides both treatment and immediate (light) coverage.  If you have really bad dark circles, you would probably still need to use a concealer.  But some days, I find this is adequate coverage for me.  

What are your daily staples? Or what have you been loving in August?  

Pink to make the Boys Wink: From one extreme to the other!

I bought both of these lipsticks at the beginning of the month, whilst out with Sarah (@Sarahln).  And neither of which I have worn yet!  Isn't that awful? 

First up I got Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour in Mod Pink (£16) described on the Bobbi Brown website as "A bright pink".  I guess this is something that I am going to wear on a daily basis, to add a bit of colour to my face.  That is, when I remember that I have it! I love it. It's such a beautiful colour.  I did have other pictures of this lipstick, but they keep uploading to the blog at funny angles. So I gave up after the fifth attempt.

And I also succumbed to MAC Impassioned (£13.50), which is an amplified lipstick that is described as "amped up fuchsia".  I initially wanted a bright Spring/Summer lipstick - and boy did I get that!  But having got this one home, I've been a little cautious about what to pair it with.  Hence the reason why I haven't worn it yet.

  Needless to say, the lovely MUA Kenneth Soh was on hand and gave me some fab advice (and a bit of confidence) on how to actually wear it.  His suggestion was to pat it onto lips with my finger and add a touch of gloss to finish the lip look. Keep brows defined and pair with just a simple slick of mascara.  Keeping the look very fresh and all about the pout.  So as I am off out tomorrow night to see Peter Kay, that is the look I am going to try out.  The Boy will be surprised! 

Please tell me that other people buy things, get them home and then are too scared to use them? I really hope I'm not on my own here...

QVC Beauty Day - 19th September

Having a mooch through the QVC website and I noticed this preview of Beauty Day from Alison Young.  I love it when they do specialised days and got very excited when I saw that everything that goes to air will be on

4 Easy-Pay's!!!!!

The main ethos of the day is "beauty made simple" and will feature shows from Decleor, Bobbi Brown, OPI, L'O'ccitane and more!  The TSV will be from SBC. So if you are interested,  check it out!!

Oh no! I'm out of Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer....

I have really loved this product.  I find it has great coverage and seems to work on both blemishes and under the eyes. The big question is, do I stick with it and re-purchase or can someone recommend something else I can try??

(P.S Yay for me, finishing another product!! I'm getting good at this ;o) )

Leanne’s 10 products that she can’t live without!

      Perfume.  Now this may seem a bit strange to some, but I have worn perfume every single day for as long as I can remember.  It began at Duty Free shopping at the airport. Mum would treat herself to a bottle of something lovely and I would get something too!  It’s a tradition that I still perform to this day and rest assured, as long as the airlines/American government allow it – I will be purchasing a lovely new scent on the way to New York.  I never did like the “Charlie”, “Exclamation” or those perfumes aimed at teens and I hold my Mother fully responsible, when one Christmas I was treated to a bottle of Sun, Moon, Stars by Karl Lagerfeld.  I smell it now (although it is not so easy to find on the High Street anymore) and it takes me right back to that Christmas morning.  Scent is such an evocative sense.  And I love it when people tell me “Oh, you smell nice”.  Every woman has her own signature scent, mine being Contradiction by Calvin Kline.  I spray this perfume and I’m enveloped in a cloud of happy memories of fab nights out and feeling of total contentment.  Even the name is so me! A total contradiction.  That being said, I wear LOTS of other scents from different perfume houses.  My family dutifully purchase Boots vouchers for me at Christmas and I will brave the sales to stock up on my perfume quota for the year.  My Dad thinks I’m crazy, I think I’m frugal.  I’m game for trying pretty much any scent, as long as it’s not too floral.  I prefer the heavier, muskier blends.  Other particular favourites include Dior Addict, Calvin Kline Euphoria (Thanks LWM for introducing me to this!),  YSL Cinema and Givenchy Ange Ou Demon and yes, I do wear these in the daytime.  I know that would not be to everyone’s taste as many people would think these are evening wear. But hey, didn’t I say I was a Contradiction?!!

2.       Lip Gloss/Lip Balm.  Ok, so anyone reading this who knows me will know everything I am about to say is the truth.  I am addicted to lip gloss/lip balms! I just love them and my handbag is never without, hmm lets think, at least 6 variants of gloss – What? A girl needs choices!  A bit cliché I know, but I love Lancome Juicy tubes! I like the semi-stickiness that some people seem to hate. I find that it has quite a bit of staying power.  I’m not a snob though. I will literally try any lip gloss/balm going.  Other faves in my vast collection are the Stila Lip Glaze and Philosophy (hell yeah, I’m a Philosophy Girl) flavoured lip shine.  They both come in a variety of colours and flavours, so I’m totally spoiled for choice.  For lip balm, I don’t go to sleep without a layer of Body Shop lip butter (currently using Nut butter) covering my lips and providing a moisturising treat overnight. Well, that’s if The Boy doesn’t get to it first!  He always wants to kiss me when I’ve just put that on...

3.       Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment.  I love it, FACT.  I really should approach QVCUK about receiving commission for the sheer amount of people I tell about this.  I buy it for my friends as presents, I let them have a try of mine when they come and visit me (that was how I got Caroline hooked!) and yes, I have been known to tell random strangers how much I wouldn’t be without this product.  I just think it makes such a difference to my hair.  It’s softer, shinier, and smoother once I have had the Ojon treatment on.  I sometimes sleep in it (although not if I’ve got decent bedding on my bed!) and I can feel the difference when I come to wash it out. I have used other products from the Ojon range, usually from the TSV’s. And whilst they are really nice, the one thing I go back to time and time again is the Restorative Hair Treatment. Try it and tell me you don’t love it!

4.       No7 Microdermabrasion Scrub.  God bless Boots for their £5 vouchers, ensuring that I have never paid the full £10 odd for this product!  I really enjoy a good scrubby scrub and I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think this is one of the best on the High Street.  I purchase others from time to time (although I do love the Philosophy version, I’m not prepared for pay the £50 for it!), try them and still reach for the No7 one.  It’s like Ronseal, does exactly what it says on the tin and I wouldn’t be without it. 

5.       Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Mascara.  This was another part of a kit purchased on QVCUK and Alison Young raved about it.  I was a bit “meh” about trying it when it arrived, but wow, I’ve been converted.  Glossy, black, separated lashes that look perfect for day, or can be amped up for night.  I think that £21.50 for a duo is a bargain. I’ve spent more money on High Street rubbish; I’ll be putting in an order when I’m due for replenishment.

6.       Eyelash Curlers.  As I was talking about mascara, seems the perfect juncture to add this in.  I use the Body Shop ones and find them to be really good at providing a decent amount of curl. They are less than a tenner and I really think that make a huge difference in opening up the whole eye.

7.       Philosophy Purity Cleanser and The Great Mystery.  I have to include these both together, as I love them both equally.  Purity is just a great all round cleanser. It takes off eye makeup, it doesn’t make my skin feel tight, just really, really clean.  As for the Great Mystery, it’s the one minute facial. I use this in the morning with a muslin cloth to wake up my skin. It smells divine and really fresh.  I’m Normal/Combination skin type and I think both these products suit my skin’s need perfectly.

8.       Body Cream.  I get quite dry and skin on my body, particularly my elbows, so I love a rich body cream.  Current favourite is the Body Shop Monoi Body Balm (the smell reminds me of Elemis!) but I am also very partial to L’Occitane Shea butter body cream.  As always, the Body Shop body butters are still in my top 3, proving that you don’t have to spend a tonne of money for gorgeous, smooth skin.

9.       Philosophy high foaming shampoo, bath and shower gel.  These have long been an essential in my house and the source of much controversy when smelly boys have been using my lovely shower time goodies to wash themselves with!!  What the hell happened to Lynx?!  Because these gels are so beautifully fragranced there is no disputing their usage as soon as the bathroom door opens.  The Boy, Bro and Dad (when I was still living at Home) have all had a go with whatever I was foolish enough to leave in the bathroom.  Silly old me! Anyways, I love all the Philosophy range, especially the food scented varieties.  Special mentions must go to Pumpkin Spiced Muffin, Vanilla Birthday Cake and Chocolate Covered Cherry.  You can usually get a matching scented lip shine to accompany the shower gel – Bonus.

10.   Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer.  Normal/Combination skin + hormones = occasional breakouts ;o( this little pot of magic covers the little buggers and enables me to face the world, even with TOTM skin!

Apologies for the War and Peace style post. I just got a bit carried away!

Nic's 10 Things I Cannot Live Without.

1. GHD's! Forget The Wheel or the Internal Combustion Engine, this invention has revolutionalised my life! The days of hour long blow drys and crappy straighteners with various attachments (crimpers anyone?) before every night out, only to hit fresh air and have it all ruined, are thankfully over! Shameful though it is to admit I haven't blowdried my hair in the 6/7 years that I've had my GHD's, I just blast it dry and add heat protectant before straightening and I'm good until my next wash. Fabulous!

2. Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF15 in Porcelain. This foundation is so easy to apply, I use fingers or a foundation brush, it melts into my skin and becomes a part of it for that 'yes my skin is fabulous' appearance.

3. Benefit Coralista - I know! Who doesn't love this? It's such a refreshing change from the usual pink tones and goes with everything - or at least thats what I tell myself when I reach for it every day!

4. MAC eyeshadow in Motif. I had this shadow as part of a loot I bagged on ebay, I would never have bought it otherwise as it looks a tad Dijon-ish in the pan, it's quite a sheer duochrome so when the light hit's it you get a beautiful light pink shimmer. I simply adore it, I tend to reach for it when I'm just looking for something quick but interesting to wear with a bit of brown eyeliner but it's also fabulous as a highlight or a base for a brown smokey eye.

5. Smashbox no 21 bent eyeliner brush. Makes applying gel eyeliner a breeze! I can get a super skinny line or thick line and it's perfect for creating a wing with a lovely sharp point. I just did a swap with LeanneOCD and she gave me another of these, yay!

6. Bare Escentuals Warmth. This is perfect if your looking for a healthy, natural 'inner glow' effect rather than the sunkissed look that you get from bronzer. I find it especially good during the transition from winter to summer to add a little colour without changing my foundation.

7.ELF Studio Brushes. I have all of the studio brushes from ELF, I prefer the face brushes to the eye ones but at £3.50 each you really can't go wrong. They're synthetic, cruelty free (as is the entire ELF range), they wash well and dry very quickly too which is a huge bonus for me.

8.OPI Nail Envy. My nails grow quite quickly and are strong but a couple of them have a tendancy to break off at a certain point so I end up having to file them all down to match. Nail Envy stops that from happening and gives me perfect nails within a couple of weeks. I've been neglecting my nails recently so they look awful right now but it's good to know I have this ready to fix me up!

9. L'occitaine Verbena Body Ice Gel. I have tried many cooling body lotions but this one is by far the best. I bought it towards the end of last summer and It doesn't just cool you down it freezes you! The cool feeling lasts a good long while too so you don't have to constantly reapply it. Admittedly we didn't have the hottest summer last year so I haven't had chance to give it the ultimate test of hot summer nights or boiling days but I have faith, it does a perfect job after my volcanic lava temperature baths so I know it's a hard worker!

10. Elemis Tri-Enzyme Facial Wash. I started to use this facial wash at the beginning of this year and the difference it has made to my skin is incredible, I'll dedicate a post to explain more about that soon!

and a Bonus No 11, Threading! I'm adding this in as an extra because it isn't really a product but I absolutely can't live without my brow taming appointments. Perfect brows everytime and no more over enthusiastic plucking mishaps!

Which products do you refuse to live without?