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...

October and November Empties

Woah, it's almost December already! Where has this year gone? I totally overlooked October empties, so I've smushed them in with November. So here goes...

• Kings & Queens Cinnamon Orange, Honey and Jasmine mini shower gel's - I really enjoyed trying out this brand.  I bought this set of minis from TK Maxx in the summer and they were great for travel. All the scents were really lovely, there wasn't one that I didn't like.  However, I would say the packaging annoyed me. The bottles were quite rigid and that made it difficult to get the gel out whilst showering.  I'll have to check if the full sizes share the same fault, other than that I'd certainly repurchase.
• Simple Eye makeup remover - Love this. Have a back up.
• Philosophy 'I'm Dreaming of... White Cranberry' 3 in 1 bath/shower gel - really enjoyed bathing with this. Made really nicely scented bubbles. As you know, I love the brand and will repurchase if/when I ever run out!!
• L'Occitane 5% Shea, Ultra Rich shower cream - Gorgeously creamy shower gel that never stripped my skin. I love this and is smells like clean babies. I have another one already on the go, so will repurchase in future.
• Possibility 'Raspberry Pavlova' shower gel - I think I got this as a Christmas present from someone last  year.  It doesn't take a genius to see that this brand have attempted to rip of the iconic Philosophy branding.  This is not even in the same league as the Philosophy versions.  My skin felt a bit scratchy after I'd used it. I'm glad its gone and no, I wouldn't buy this again. 
• Armani Code shower gel - After falling in love with the perfume, I enjoyed using up the scented shower gel.  I wouldn't specifically buy these kinds of shower gels, but at least I am using them now.  I'll certainly repurchase the perfume though.
• No7 Microdermabrasion scrub - favourite scrub. Will repurchase.

• bareMinerals foundation sample - I'm just going through and using up bits and pieces. I like this foundation and will repurchase when the miniatures have departed. 
• Tarte multiplEYE Prime and Extend mascara duo - As much as I love the brand Tarte, I didn't like this duo at all! The primer was okay, if a little sticky. The mascara was awful. Really dry and unworkable for me and I tend to like a drier formula. Not for me, I'm afraid.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara - now this Tarte mascara is amazing. I love the packaging, the product, the brush. Love! I have another one waiting in the wings, but think I'll have to stock up on this when I go back to the States.
• Garnier Pure Active spot-on roll-on - Hate this! Doesn't work, just dries your skin out. Will not repurchase.
• YSL Belle D'Opium EDP - Really enjoyed using this EDP, but it's not one of my all time favourites. Although, I did get lots of lovely comments from both sexes when I was wearing it. I just find there are other scents that are more 'me'. So at this stage, I wouldn't repurchase.

• Batiste Cherry dry shampoo - I use Batiste on a fairly regular basis and given that I love cherries, I thought this would be amazing.  But in truth, I tired of the scent fairly quickly.  It was nice enough, but I'm not sure I'll buy another huge bottle of this scent. Maybe I'll stick to the mini version.
• Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi bath/shower cream - I think Elemis products have to be the height of decadent bath time  This is just gorgeous. The Frangipani scent seems to linger for a long time on the skin (and in the bathroom). It's gorgeous and would make a lovely Christmas gift.  I'm not in the market for any new shower gels, but when I am, I'll be sure to pick this one up!!

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain - New Additions

The Boy decided to treat me to a few make up goodies, so naturally I went back to YSL and purchased some more Glossy Stains.  I'm a bit annoyed that I waited ages to pick mine up from Selfridges in London and now they have launched everywhere!! Hurumph!! 

So I went with No 4 (Mauve Pigmente) and 14 (Fuchisa Dore)

No4 and No14 with flash

No4 and No14 without flash

Exciting news was that YSL was on gift with purchase at Debenhams, so I was given this lovely little patent leather make up bag.  The YSL SA said I could use it as a clutch, but I'm not sure I would do that.  But it wasn't just a cute bag, no no no. There were some YSL goodies to try.

Inside the little bag was a full size waterproof eye-liner (black) and sharpener.  A sample of the Shocking volume mascara (black), Top Secrets eye make up remover, monogrammed mirror and a mini Rouge Pur Couture lipstick.

How cute is this and what a great colour?  I'm really pleased with my Glossy Stains and I'm looking forward to trying out a few other products from the YSL range.

Any further YSL recommendations for me?? 

London Haulin'

A few weeks ago, Nic and I headed to the big smoke for a day out shopping.  This is what I bought!

We popped into the Flagship store of Nails Inc on South Molton Street. Whilst browsing through their colours, Nic decided she was getting a manicure and I duly acquiesced and got one too!  I picked Kabaret for my mani. and made a few choice purchases.  I'd wanted Electric Lane holographic topcoat for a while and when you spent £25, you got to pick a trio of mini polishes (pictured above).  Clearly I went with the dark colours!

L-R Kabaret, Warwick Way and Windsor

Nails Inc manicure using Kabaret

L-R Topshop Hidden Treasure, OPI Designer, De Better and Topshop Gypsy Night

I've never tried any Topshop make up, so while in the Oxford Street store, I spotted a Chanel Peridot dupe.  I don't own the Chanel version, but Topshop Hidden Treasure looks pretty close to me.  I also scooped up Gypsy Night. Pretty!

We then trotted off to Liberty of London and I actually paid full price for a bottle of OPI Designer, De Better.   I must be crazy, but I haven't been able to source a decent OPI seller on Evil-Bay!  I've wanted the full size of this since Christmas.  The Boy bought me the OPI Mini Muppet set and it was instantaneous love.

At last, I saw the lovely Samantha Chapman's Real Techniques brushes in Boots.  Nic had already picked this set up and had been singing its praises.  Of course, I wanted my own set. I've only used the buffing brush so far, but I'm impressed.

Finally, the one thing I was actually on the hunt for, YSL Glossy Stains.  Since reading about the launch of these on BritishBeautyBlogger I knew I had to try them.  I'm obsessed with lip stains and I love gloss - so this sounded like a total winner for me.  I headed straight for the YSL counter at Selfridges and before I'd even swatched the colours, Naughty Nic had lassoed a Sales Assistant and was making a purchase! It made me laugh.  I finally decided on Number 5 (Rouge Vintage), although I'd have loved them all!!

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain in 5 - Rouge Vintage

Final stop was Laduree in Covent Garden, where we stumbled across the lovely beauty bloggers,  Annabella from Skin Scrubs and Aysh from Truly Madly Beauty.  After a spot of late lunch/afternoon tea and a natter we all headed off home,  not before a macaroon purchase had been made.  The Boy would have been devastated if I'd come home empty-handed.  How pretty is the box?!

The macaroons were pretty fabulous too!  I had such a lovely day and it was really nice to finally meet Annabella and Aysh.  Must do it again soon, ladies. 

Accidental Shopping

Today was one of those days. My first day back at work after the Christmas break  - fun!  On the way home I popped my head into Boots looking for something else.  As is often the case  for this time of year, I found myself at the sale section.   Merely to see what had been left once the vultures (myself included) had picked over the highly prized sale carrion and my eyes fell to this.  YSL Belle D'Opium.  Debenhams describes the scent as: 

The new addiction by Yves Saint Laurent. A woman full of ambivalence, elusive and obsessive, powerful and troubling, ingenue but dangerous. Her perfume, a disconcertingly bewitching new oriental.  

Sounds like me and my mood today!

An overdose of rare and precious ingredients: the narcotic scent of Casablanca Lily blends with spicy swirling Incense and mysterious overtones of a Nargileh accord. Her bottle, tinted with electric blue, is crossed by a flamboyant red wick, defining the line that unites it with her skin.

I've smelt this a few times and decided it had to be bought, so in the basket it went.

I then happened upon the Chanel counter.  I have to admit, I'm quite taken with Chanel at the moment.  I picked up a Rouge Coco Shine in Boy and was able to foot the bill with my Boots Advantage Card points. Yipppeeee! I've wanted this for ages.  Boy is the perfect choice for me. Pretty, neutral everyday MLBB shade.  Plus, it kind of reminds me of The Boy (awww smushy).  I've a feeling this will be getting a lot of love from me.

Right, time for me to be reunited with my beloved PJ's.  This working for a living really gets in the way of PJ time!

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!