Empties - Autumn Edition

Sweet Lips lip scrub from Lush - while I do really like these lip scrubs from Lush, I feel a bit weird about the idea to 'lick off' the excess. If its doing its job correctly (and I believe that it is), that excess will contain dead skin from your lips and you'll end up eating that too. Ewwwwwwww. Anyway, I've repurchased already and in case you didn't already get the idea - I don't lick off the excess.

Nivea In Shower moisturiser - love and have already repurchased.

Got2B Powderful - another weird one! It works, but I don't understand it and I really hate how it feels on my hands, let alone my hair. I find dry shampoo can achieve the same results for me. Nice for a touch of volume occasionally but I don't think I'll repurchase for a while, if at all.

The Sanctuary toner - I liked this, but not being a massive 'rose' fan, I wasn't overly in love with the scent. It did feel very hydrating on my skin during my dry skin days though, so I might buy it again.

Elemis Quiet Mind bath elixir - ooooh this was nice. Not your typical relaxing lavender scent. It was comforting and to my nose, it had slightly medicinal scent - which I personally love. I'll buy this one again for sure.

Boots Cocoa Butter shower gel - nice enough bath/shower product but nothing outstanding in my book. 

Lush Sweet Lips - same as above.

Botanics Microdermabrasion scrub - LOVE LOVE LOVE. Have repurchased endlessly! 

Philosophy Hope in a Tube eye and lip treatment - I hoped (geddit?) that this would be really outstanding, but it didn't really wow me and for that reason I wouldn't repurchase.

Armani Code Luna EDP - I LOVE this perfume. It's a new fave in my collection. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before and if I have, I'll link it here!

Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm - this was a freebie with a magazine. Really enjoyed using this. It gave me a lovely, healthy glow and the scent is amazing. I have the full size to work my way though and will probably consider a repurchase in the future.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner - I really like this duo and apparently The Boy does too - although he doesn't use the conditioner and that bugs me. Oh and he puts the shampoo the wrong way up (so they don't fit together as shown in the picture above), yeah, that might bug me too. I'll repurchase for sure.

Bath and Body Works PocketBac in Raspberry Pink Peony - lovely scent. Love these. Will buy more FOR SURE when I'm on holiday next month.

The Body Shop Coconut hand cleanse gel - so if you can't get hold of the B&BW PocketBac's, these are a really good alternative. They're twice the size of the B&BW ones and although they don't some in the same massive range of delicious scents, they're are a few fruity scents to choose from. I like the Coconut and Mango versions best.  I keep this on my desk at work and everyone comments on the scent. Will certainly repurchase. 

So I might have been using perfume like a demon over the last few months! 

Estée Lauder Sensuous - a classic, grown up scent. I love it. I'll probably re-buy in the Boxing Day sales.

Gurlain La Petit Robe Noire - a modern twist on a rose perfume. While I've said that I'm not rose's biggest fan, I really enjoyed using this. The addition of a really sharp berry note to the blend, made it much more appealing to my nose. I'm not sure I'll be in a massive rush to repurchase. But, then again,  I wouldn't rule out either. Hmmm! Undecided. 

Diesel Fuel for Life - not my favourite scent by any stretch of the imagination. I couldn't wait for this to go! I won't repurchase. Promise! 

L'Occitane Sweet Almond liquid soap - I had a bunch of these from various kits purchased from QVC and while I love them (they make your jewellery sparkle like nothing else!) I'm not sure I'd repurchase them on their own. I don't used them in the bath or shower, so essentially they're a luxury hand wash for me - and could I justify the expense in the future? Probably not. 

Nails Inc A&E and mini Heathrow Express - great addition to any manicure. Makes a nice change from OPI Nail Envy. Will probably repurchase.

La Roche Posay Micro Exfoliant - this was okay. I didn't notice anything dramatic while using it - good or bad. Probably wouldn't repurchase, as I prefer the Alpha H Liquid Gold.

Elnett 3 day volume styling spray - this was quite nice, but certainly, didn't give me volume for the stated 3 days! It was a bit annoying, because higher trigger broke after the first few uses, which made it awkward (although not impossible) to use. I might consider repurchasing in the future, but not for a while.

Boots hard skin reducing cream - cheaper alternative to Flexitol. Worked really well and I'll certainly repurchase in future.

Hydraluron - is one of those products that you only realise the full value of it, after you've run out! Everyone and their dog love this daily hydrating serum (thank you Mrs Hirons!), I'm no exception. Already repurchased as it's on 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment. 

Origins Eye Doctor - (apologies about the blurry iPhone picture)  this was a decent eye cream, but I feel like I need something more than this can deliver. It was fairly lightweight and somewhat hydrating - I just need more. Probably won't repurchase at this stage.

Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil - this was a very generous magazine sample. I liked it, but it wasn't actually that Volumising! As there are other hair oils and serums I prefer, I won't repurchase.

Urban Decay Supercurling mascara - really enjoyed this. Did exactly what it said on the tin and I'll certainly consider a repurchase in future.

Alpha H Liquid Gold - LOVE! Will certainly repurchase!! 

Sephora lip gloss - loved the colour and scent of this gloss (until it went off!). As it's something I can't easily get my hands on in the UK, I'd be inclined to choose another US brand of lip gloss, but I did really enjoy them.

Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods body cream - this was a lovely gift from a lovely friend. It has such a delicious scent and really is a lovely product. I'll certainly repurchase when the opportunity arises.

Hempz Strawberry Cheesecake body lotion - this was another gift from the same friend and like I mentioned above, it was a great choice. I loved this lotion as it really was moisturising without being tacky. Same applies, when I get the opportunity, I'll repurchase for sure.

May Empties

• Philosophy Aloha Colada body cream - got this from a set from Macy's NYC. Lovely reminder of a lovely trip. Smells divine, but I've never seen it anywhere else to repurchase. I'm sad this is gone although I have a tonne of body cream to get through.
• Nivea Pearl Beauty mini deodorant - found in a travel bag and finished it up. Okay but nothing worth noting. Prefer Mitchum.
• Dior Addict Perfumed shower gel and body lotion -  can you tell I'm making a effort to use up these fragrance related bath/body freebies?  Love the Addict perfume and these are really heavily scented with the fragrance, which I like. Although I did wonder if I would have a reaction to it (I didn't). I can't honestly say that I will buy these as individual products, but I'll certainly use them up if I buy them as part of a fragrance gift set.
• Haus of Gloi Hearth bubbling scrub - lovely warm scent to this scrub. Loved the consistency.  Will repurchase more HoG when I have depleted the stash a little more.
• L'Occitane Vanilla Flower shower gel - LOVE this! Same as above...
• Smashbox Photofinish primer - got this in a kit from QVC and I'm not really a fan.  I can't say that I noticed anything outstanding when I was using it, no extra wear from my foundation and I'm not really fussed on the texture. Not for me.
• Clinique Take the Day Off makeup remover - this mini size was included in my Sephora Lash Stash. I liked it, but I think there are other (cheaper) make up removers that do the same job. Might consider a repurchase, but not for the time being.
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar M - I really enjoyed using this sebo-mattifying moisturiser. Effective yet gentle and a great base for make up.  Just noticed it is part of the 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment, so a repurchase is potentially imminent. 
• Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia perfume sample - I have the full size of this, so when I found the sample size it was thrown in my handbag and used up at work.  I love the perfume and it was a total godsend in a stuffy office. I love Jo Malone perfume.
• No7 Beautiful Skin cleansing water - another micellar solution for make up removal.  It was nice enough. Loved the pump action dispenser.  May consider a repurchase, but giving the Vichy version a try out at the moment.
• Fan di Fendi perfume sample -  I thought I'd give the sample a shot after I read about the composition of notes, but it isn't for me.
• Tresor Midnight Rose perfume - I have adored this and it has been quite a surprise to me, just how much I have loved the perfume considering its a rose based scent.  Will repurchase when I have made space.
• Dior Addict perfume - one of my all time faves.  I actually felt quite sad when it came to the last spritz.  I think this is one perfume that  I will always want to have in my collection.  I'll put this on the list and as with Midnight Rose, repurchase when I've used a few others up. Maybe I'll be able to swoop it up in my Boxing Day Bargains *crosses fingers*

• L'Occitane Cocoa Flower hand cream - you know I love this hand cream and the cocoa flower scent is really lovely. I'll get this one again, although I already have back ups...

• Avon Beyond Colour concealer - not sure where this was unearthed from.  It's gone now, never to return.  
• Max Factor Mastercover - another concealer that is pretty meh, in my opinion.  I didn't really rate it so I would not repurchase.
• Thierry Mugler Alien EDT perfume sample -  love Alien EDP and it was nice to have a sample of the EDT. Not currently in my collection, but will repurchase the EDP at some point.
• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration mini shampoo and conditioner - not sure why I brought these back with me from my last trip, as they were almost gone.  I quite like this scent. Reminds me of holiday's.  I my pick these up, for travel sizes they are great.
• Blistex Intensive Moisturiser - lip staple.  Love the medicated/menthol smell to this. Super cheap, works wonders.
• Blistex MedPlus lip balm - really liked this variant.  Very moisturising and the scent reminded me of cherry flavoured Tunes.  Mmmmmm.

Well that's me done for another month.  What have you used up last month?

January 2012 Empties

So this is much later than I'd anticipated,  but here are my empties for January!

• Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream stick - I've had this for ages.  I like the fact that the famous 8hr cream comes in a stick format. Sometimes you just don't want to get your hands all messed up.
• Victoria Secret Balmy Days lip balm - This is another product I've had for yonks. Nice vanilla scent however, nothing special in my humble opinion. 
• OPI Remover - Mini size that came from a QVC kit. Again, nothing special.  Can't imagine me being in a massive rush to re-purchase.
• The Body Shop Neroli Jasmine shimmering scent - Got this about 2 Christmases ago in the sale.  This was my bedtime scent, as it was packed full of glitter.  I love the smell, but I would have never worn the glitter out of the house. To bed, was fine though. Okay, I know I'm weird. But you knew that already!

• La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution - Love it. Trying out a different brand now this one has finished, but pretty sure I will return and repurchase.
• L'Occitane Body Lotion - Love This! Have backups, so no need for an immediate repurchase.
• Original Source Vanilla and Cocoa bath soak -Smelled okay but made me a bit itchy when I got out of the bath. Won't be in a rush to buy this again. 
• Bath and Body Works Mistletoe Kiss Foaming Soap - I LOVE THIS! Damn you B&BW for not being easily available in the UK.  I got this in my Black Friday gift.  I'm not sure it is a scent that I would have picked out myself, but I certainly enjoyed using it over the festive period. 

• MAC Cleansing Oil - I'm glad I decieded to try the travel size version. Wasn't overly impressed with this (apart from the packaging). I prefer to use Origins Clean Energy, so I won't repurchase this.
• Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods shower gel - Sadly, I LOVE THIS TOO! My lovely friend Jeanie picked this scent out for me and stupidly I didn't buy myself another bottle while I was in the States. Big Mistake! 
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple - Really like this cleanser.  Good job as I have a massive bottle in my bathroom, ready to use! 
• bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser - It was nice, but I wasn't bowled over. Also feel the same about...
• bareMinerals Purely Nourishing moisturiser - Nice, but nothing special.

• Angel Perfuming Shower Gel - I've always been a bit stupid and not used these bath/body products that come with my perfume.  I'm making an effort to use these up this year. Love the scent and it really seemed to linger on my skin, even without the addition of the perfume.
• Angel Perfuming Body Lotion - Obviously I love the scent, but I was surprised at how moisturising this actually was.  I'm not sure I'd buy either of these products again, but I did enjoy using them, much to my surprise! 
• Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner - Really enjoy Aveda products. Nic actually bought these for me ages ago.  I love the beautiful scent and how my hair looks and feels.  Will repurchase.

• DKNY Delicious Night EDP - I really like this perfume.  The Boy bought it for me a few years ago, wont repurchase immediately as he also got me a back up - God, I love that man!

So there you have it, my (very late) January empties.  I'm going to aim to use up some make up products over the next few months. What have you been using up?

Autumn Empties

Wow! The last time I posted one of my empties posts was August!?!  And I was doing so well.  Needless to say, I've still been using things up.  Even if my posting has gone awry. Eek!!

• Paco Rabanne Black XS  EDP  - I love this perfume. You know I don't subscribe to the usual "this is a day fragrance, this is a night fragrance" and so this pretty much became my go to scent for work. I know some people might keep this for evening, but not me. If I didn't know what I felt like wearing, I reached for this and thanks to my Little Bro's Christmas gift last year, I have another bottle waiting in the wings. Boots.com describes the scent as the essences of Pink peppercorn, Tamarind blossom and Cranberry explode with freshness, youth and sensuousness. Then the heart notes of Black violet, Hellebore Rose and Cacao flower enter into play, weaving their own magic. An overdose of Massoia wood in the base notes forms the basis of Black XS for Her, with patchouli and Tahitian vanilla underscoring the luscious, feminine and sexy side of this bewitching fragrance
• La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar  Solution - This might be my second or third bottle of this.  I really like this gentle cleansing solution for eyes, lips and face.  It doesn't irritate it just cleans.  I generally use this as a pre-cleanse prior to my Clarisonic.  I will certainly repurchase when I head to Boots today.  
• Classics Nail Polish Remover - Cheap and cheerful. Nothing special about this remover. 
• Lacura Multi Active Serum - A product that received massive hype about it's anti-ageing benefits for the amazingly cheap price of £3.49! Did I notice any massive difference? No.  Did I enjoy using the product? Yes and on that note, I'd buy it again if I am passing Aldi.
• Revlon Colorstay foundation - I love this. I have back-ups. Enough said!
• Ghost Deep Night EDT -This is another fragrance I really enjoy and I am sad to see the back of this, as I haven't got a back-up. Good news is, this is usually reduced in the post Christmas sales.  Hopefully I can scoop it up as part of my Boxing Day Bargains!   Boots.com says Ghost Deep Night is an oriental vanilla fragrance that is sensual and passionate. Ghost Deep Night takes its wearer into the world of feelings between day and night. Created for the woman who is not only strong, self-confident, and clever. But also sentimental and romantic as well. A freshly oriental composition. A fragrance made for love - and loving.

• Original Source Vanilla and Strawberry shower gel - This smells like Strawberry milkshake, which I don't actually like, but do like the scent of! Weird I know.  Nice enough, but I prefer the Mint shower gel versions from Original Source. 
• Lancome Juicy Tube in Marshmallow Electro - Probably my favourite lip gloss range and one of the nicest colours.  It applies almost clear with a hint of shimmer with a totally divine scent (and taste!) Perfect for use alone or over another lip colour.  These mini versions are also ideal for throwing into a pocket. 
• Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser - This came as a sample in a GlossyBox and I was excited to try the Murad brand.  This is a really nice cleanser and when I need to repurchase cleanser (I'm working through a stack at the moment!) I'll certainly consider this one.
• The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion - Nice enough but a little overpriced in my opinion. Have other scrubs that I prefer to use, so I don't think I'll repurchase  this one.
• Soap & Glory Mist You Madly - I quite like this body spray, but I prefer it's sister Glam-A-Lot. 
• Yes to Tomatoes Trouble Free Facial Wash - This is another cleanser that was okay, but didn't wow me - so I'm glad it's gone!  As I mentioned earlier, I'm not in the market for cleanser at the moment.  However, unlike the Murad cleanser, I don't think I'd repurchase this.  

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?