Epic Empties - part two!

While I was cleaning out a few things, I noticed that quite a few of my lip stain pens had dried out. Sad, but I've had them for quite a few years, so I'm not too traumatised. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip stain and balm in Passion - I love lip stains. I'm a massive fan of low maintenance lip looks. Love this colour, but as with all of these pens, they dry out in the end. Probably wont repurchase this one as Revlon knock it out of the part with their (newish) Kissable Balm-stains!! 

Josie Maran Magic Marker lip and cheek stains in Jitterbug (hot pink) and Jive (orangey coral) - I purchased both of these from the Sephora in Times Square NYC. And what a trip it was!! I really enjoyed both of these colours, Jitterbug slightly more. I'll be honest, I never used them on my cheeks, but fhey wore pretty evenly and lasted a decent time. I'll have a look at these when I'm back in the States, even though they are pretty expensive. Who knows, a repurchase might be on the cards! 

Max Factor Lipfinity Liptint in 02 - I wasn't a massive fan of this colour on me and to be honest the MF stains wear off me in an odd way. They leave that weird ring around my lips.  I probably won't repurchase.

Josie Maran GOGO mascara - another nice JM product that came from the Lash Stash. Made my lashes very separated, although not massively volmumising in my opinion. I'm not as huge fan of those traditional wands, but a good everyday mascara. Might consider a repurchase one day. Maybe.

Fairydrops mascara - another Lash Stash product.  I liked the wand on this one although I can't say I noticed anything amazing. It's certainly no Benefit They're Real! That's for sure.  Again, may consider a repurchase one day. 

Diesel Loverdose EDP - my love for this fragrance is well document on this blog. Although it wasn't something I planned to fall in love with, I wouldn't be without it. So many lovely compliments from people when I wear this perfume. I've also found this to be an exceptionally good layering scent - much like its high end twin, Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise (which I also adore!!). I have bottles on standby that were gifts and I can't see myself neon without this, so it's a dead cert that I'll repurchase. 

The final empties instalment will feature hair care, skin care and body care. Keep a look out... 

Epic Empties - Part one!

I did mention this was EPIC, right? I've been ploughing though my goodies for the last few months and here are the results.  I think I've done pretty well,  but there is still a way to go.  This is going to be a fairly massive post, so get yourselves comfy. We're going in for part one...

• Givenchy Ange ou Demon - I love this perfume and I've already blogged about it here Gorgeous. I have another bottle to use, but think this one will always be in my collection. 
• Givenchy Play - got this a while back whist seeking out the Play Intense version. Nice enough but not really me.  I don't think I'll repurchase this one.
• Calvin Klein Euphoria - Another long standing love. Have another bottle ready to use and will repurchase when I need to.

•  Hugo Boss woman body lotion - Nice, but nothing special. Wouldn't repurchase.
• YSL Top Secret pro remover - came in a YSL freebie.  Really good eye make up remover. I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I'd buy it as its fairly expensive and I'm not sure it works better the the cheaper versions. Still, nice to give it a whirl.
•  Origins make a difference + treatment - Loved this! It was really light and hydrating. When I run out of moisturiser, will purchase the full size.
•  Revlon ColorStay - Long time love. Have a back up and when its gone, I'll repurchase for sure!
•  Espa Skin Radiance Moisturiser - This was a nice dewy moisturiser and it smelt amazing. I took this away to Berlin with me, as it was a super handy travel size. I don't think I'd purchase the full size though.
•  B&BW Sleep Night Time Tea lotion - This was really lovely, very moisturising and a great calming scent.  Will buy the large one when I'm back in the States in September.
•  Vichy Purete Thermale calming cleansing micellar solution - Enjoyed using this micellar solution. Made my skin feel really nice and soothed. Would certainly consider a re-purchase.

• BE Bisque/Well rested - This seemed to last forever!Product was okay. Didn't really get the point of Well Rested. Probably won't repurchase, unless it comes in a QVC kit.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion - Love this. Wouldn't be without it. Definite repurchase.
• OPI nail envy - This went a little weird at the end. I like this, but I can't say I notice anything major improvement in my nails. Decent base coat though. May consider repurchasing.
• Hourglass Film Noir - Decent mascara from the Sephora Lash Stash but I personally dont think it was anything outstanding. Wouldn't repurchase again.
• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - Really like this so much so, that I've already repurchased.  Just as good as Seche Vite, cheaper and easier to get hold of!
• Too Faced LashGasm - Another Sephora Lash Stash mascara.  Liked this formula and its rubber bristles. Might consider a repurchase in future.
• Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill - Really don't know what the fuss was about this, I'm really not a fan! Its a very wet mascara with a standard brush. Can't say that I noticed anything amazing for my lashes. Won't buy the full size.
• BareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing - And yet another Sephora Lash Stash mascara. Not a fan of this one either. Didn't find it particularly voluminous. Prefer the original Flawless Definition. Won't repurchase.
• Rimmel 1000 kisses tint balm 110 stay very berry - Not a fan. Nice original stain, but wore off in a patchy mess. Won't repurchase.
• Max Factor Lipfinity lasting lip tints in 03 (pink) 04 (nude) - Again, these we nice on initial application too, but wore off in a strange pattern, leaving a crazy pigmented lip line (reminiscent of a drag queen) No thanks! They dried up really quickly too. Won't repurchase.
• No7 pink lip balm/gloss - Think this was intended to compete with the Clarins Lip Perfectors. I haven't tried them, so I can't comment other than to say that this was okay. Nothing major to say about it really. Think it was a limited edition, although I don't think I'd repurchase even if it was still available.  

Now, onto part two...

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?

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?  

The Weight of the (Cosmetic) World on your Shoulders

I found an abandoned Radley lurking about the house last week.  One I hadn't used since I got my Dora just after Christmas.  I was about to put it back in the little pink dustbag, when I thought - this feels a bit heavy?! Upon further inspection, the contents of my bag can be found here. This is quite clearly an extreme case. I usually end up orphaning a lip gloss or two during the great handbag change, but nothing usually to this extent. On the plus side, I've found lots of MIA make up and it's now returned to proper circulation. 

My Mother is always telling me that my handbag is too heavy and that I am going to damage my neck and back.  And right now, I agree with her.  Why I was carrying all this stuff round with me was quite beyond me!

Firstly, you know I'm obsessed with lip gloss, lip balms, lip stains.... and now lipsticks. But why oh why did I have 10 different lip products with me?? 1 lip balm, 4 lip stains, 2 lipsticks, 2 lip glosses and a lip tar. Any ideas? No, I'm flummoxed too!  In fairness, the 3 unopened Cover Girl lip stains (extreme right of the picture) came from my friend who had been home to Texas, So I can discount them...can't I?

Then came the Bare Escentuals foundation and the Well Rested eye shadow along with a BE Flawless Face and Concealer brush.

My finale was a Max Factor Miracle Touch cream blush and a Sleek Rose Gold powder blusher. Basically, I could have applied a full make-up (minus mascara) from what was left unloved and untouched in my handbag.

This is indeed a shameful tale. Please tell me that someone else does this, or I'm going to feel really bad!!

Benefit - Bella Bamba

I found a lonesome gift voucher from Christmas that escaped the OCD perfume buying frenzy. So I decided that I needed a new product and Bella Bamba caught my eye.  I mean, look at the packaging. How could you ignore this?!?

Benefit says "Amplify cheekbones and create the illusion of sculpted features with this 3D watermelon blush. Laced with shimmering gold undertones, Bella Bamba is taking eye popping pretty to the third dimension...you'll never use traditional blush again!"

This is a really flattering pink shade with some shimmer (not glitter!).  It really adds something to my skin-tone. I have to say, I really like it. I'm not sure about the 3D effect though, but it certainly makes me look refreshed and awake! That's got to be good, right?

I then started thinking about Benefit 'Coralista' which I love. As you can see, Benefit have changed their packaging for their latest release. I know there are some people who don't like the traditional 'box' packaging of Benefit blushers, but it has never been a problem for me.  Bella Bamba has a flip top lid and the inclusion of a mirror. Useful if you are taking it out and about with you.

  The picture below is deceptive and makes both products seem to be kind of similar tones, when quite clearly they aren't.  So I began swatching.  It began by looking at Bella Bamba and Coralista together.  Then I discovered 2 other products from other ranges that are not totally dissimilar to the pink and coral shades of the Benefit products.

So now, we have this..

 Bare Escentuals blush 'Irresistible' , Benefit 'Bella Bamba', Benefit 'Coralista' and Max Factor eye-shadow 'Coral Jungle' - In packaging with flash.

Swatches - Bare Escentuals blush 'Irresistible' , Benefit 'Bella Bamba', Benefit 'Coralista' and Max Factor eye-shadow 'Coral Jungle' - Natural light

Swatches - Bare Escentuals 'Irresistible' , Benefit 'Bella Bamba', Benefit 'Coralista' and Max Factor eye-shadow 'Coral Jungle' - With flash.

I have no idea why I started playing about like that, I just thought it might be useful to someone. Or maybe I just enjoyed doing it.  Who knows!  All the products shown above provide a nice bloom to the skin.  They all have a certain sheen and slight shimmer, but no glitter.  Bella Bamba looks slightly  glittery in the pan, but this does not translate onto the skin. Either way, I'm hooked. I love Bella Bamba.

 I have to say that the Max Factor eye-shadow in Coral Jungle makes a gorgeous blusher. I know that might sound a bit weird to some people, but it does. I have had it for ages and never really thought it would work on my eyes, until I saw the Chanel Spring 2011 promo images. The model is wearing a gorgeous peachy/grey smoky eye, which is just beautiful. I think I might have a try at that one. And if it doesn't work, I will continue to use it as a blusher.

Do you have any products that you use in a non-conventional way? Or do you always play by the rules?

Guest Review from @SalsaAmy: I'm picking up good foundations

Leanne and Nic have generously invited me to guest on their fabulous blog about my search for the perfect foundation. (***Thank you Ames for being our first Guest Blogger!***)

It all started when I went on a mission to update my eye make up (it’s all a little monochrome at present), got distracted with free foundation samples and started to tweet about it!

I’m never seen in public without foundation so it’s pretty important part of my daily kit and I’ve used the same daily foundation for the last six or so years. It’s pretty good, tried and tested, but tends to have vacated my face by the end of the day especially if I go dancing (which I do, lots). I use Estee Lauder Double Wear when the foundation does need to look good all day but my skin can’t handle it every day. Hence the search for the perfect daily foundation.

My current foundation: Max Factor Lasting Performance

Colour: Honey Beige – matches my skin tone very well in the summer – slightly orange in the winter.

Type: liquid

Positives: It looks amazing when it first goes on, matches my concealer and powder perfectly and I have one and a half containers to use up.

Staying power: By the end of the day it’s slid, it’s patchy and my skin looks and feels greasy – never ever a look I wish to rock. Oh, and it claims not to come off on your clothes?!? Humm, no, not true.

Sample 1: Estee Lauder Double wear light

Colour: I wasn’t hopeful for this foundation as they only do three shades. I got number 2 which I generally write off as too light for my olive skin but surprisingly it matches pretty well! Matched my concealer and powder well too. I have slight reservations about how it would fare on my summer skin.

Type: Liquid

Positives: This foundation glides on like a dream! It’s a pretty light formula (should have guessed that from the name) and you can put layers of the stuff on without it looking blotchy! Comes out a little dewy for me but I managed to adapt with my powder.

Staying power: I was impressed! The claim is 15 hours but I did that and I played badminton then went to ballet class and it still stayed put! Good job EL!

Verdict: I would definitely purchase. It’s very, very good. Might just get them to mix me a new shade though?!?

Sample 2: Max Factor Xperience

Colour: This sample wasn’t really matched to my skin tone. When I first put it on it looked really orange and I was quite sure someone would comment. My concealer didn’t blend at all so there was a slight reverse panda effect happening also.

Type: Liquid

Positives: It claims to be weightless and I agree. It does go on very well but I was nervous about layering it given the colour issues – I really couldn’t risk going orange for the day – so the coverage wasn’t good.

Staying power: I’m pleased to report no slippage but it must have faded pretty well towards the end of the day.

Verdict: My Xperience wasn’t great – maybe the Xperience would be improved by the correct colour matching? Or if the formula was a little heavier, but then I guess it wouldn’t be weightless… I wasn’t sold on it.

Sample 3: Max Factor Miracle Touch

Colour: I chose the ‘Golden’ colour of the two on offer in the sample. It was a very good match and matched the concealer and powder well too.

Type: some moussey odd thing…

Positives: A miracle did occur – I managed to get the moussey odd stuff out of the pot and on to my face with no spillage but once I’d gotten it on to my face spreading it about was almost as problematic! Me no likey the mousse.

Staying power: I did a very hot LBT class on my way home tonight, I don’t think there’s much foundation left to speak of let alone in the place I left it!

Verdict: No, I couldn't, I wouldn’t purchase the odd moussey stuff, because it was mousse and it was odd.

So my conclusion is to savour every drop of the Double Wear Light sample and save up while I finish off the stock pile of Lasting Performance! Maybe I might venture out and collect a few more samples – do you have one to recommend or warn about? Tell us in the comments.

Thanks for listening,

Amy (@SalsaAmy)

PS Foundation etiquette – is it acceptable to have more than two foundations, say like expensive one perfect for long days or long nights, a light one for every days and a cheap old thing that really doesn’t matter?!

Its a miracle!

Just wanted to say that I'm loving this cream blusher from Max Factor. I think it was about £6.50 from Boots. Easy to use, a doddle to blend (even for a cream blush novice, such as myself) and the perfect shade of pink to lift my whole face. The colour here is Soft Pink, but I think they do another shade.  Seems to have decent staying power too. I'm impressed!