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.

The return of the Epic Empties - part one

All I ever seem to post about anymore are empties and QVC - and even that's infrequent of late - so why change the habit of a lifetime! ;-)

Seriously, as I'm feeling the urge to blog I thought I'd start off with something I can do from my iPhone. I get too wound up with mechanics of blogging and need to get back to basics. Put simply, I'm interested in Beauty stuff and talking to like minded addicts about beauty stuff. Simples. So that is what I am going to do.

So today, I am going to chat about my empties *roll eyes* (a small selection of my massive stash which will probably have to feature in seperate posts), but I do have other things in the pipeline, I promise... And so we begin:

JLo Miami Glow perfume - this has been in my collection for years. It's a inoffensive summer scent that has a slight coconut tinge to it. I'm not sure ill buy it again, but I have enjoyed using it.

Gucci Guilty EDP - another scent I enjoyed and I got lots of compliments wearing this. Warm, classy, I will repurchase.

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector - smelled nice but did nothing for me. Won't repurchase.

bareMinerals Well Rested - I never really got the hang of this. Is it an eye brighter? Is it a concealer? I have another sample pot to use, so if anyone has any ideas how to use then please let me know. Undecided about this, but we'll see.

ByTerry Baume De Rose - easily the most luxurious lip balm I've ever owned and I'm a lip junkie! This was a gift from Nic many moons ago and has long since been my bedtime lip balm. This lightly rose scented balm smooths dryness away overnight. Would I buy it? Probably not. Rose isn't my fave scent and I think it's a tad overpriced. Lovely, but overpriced.

Cutex Nourishing nail varnish remover - this was okay, it did the job, but I can't say I noticed it was particularly nourishing. Might consider repurchasing.

Leighton Denny Miracle Mist - does what it says on the tin.  Will probably repurchase at some point in the future.

Pout Liquid Highlighter in Love Glow - this has been hanging around for years too. Probably as long as the JLo Miami Glow! Made a concerted effort to use it up. I'm not even sure you can buy this anymore! Not sure I would anyway, there are others I like better (Benefit High Beam) 

Origins A Perfect World antioxidant moisturiser - this was a freebie from Origins when I recycled an old pot. How nice! I liked this, but kept it for nighttime as it made my combination skin a little oily for daytime use. Might buy it some time in the future.

Origins Spot Remover - another fairly ancient product! I can never really tell if this works or not. Maybe it's just a placebo. Who knows! Probably not going to repurchase.

B&BW PocketBac in Apple Lavender - you know I love these. I'll always have them on my person!! End of story.

So that's it for now, but it's certainly not the end of my empties!!  I'll be back for part two.. Part three... Part four... You get the idea! 

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...

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?