Empty Products #20

The first empties of 2022 and my first empties in quite a few months! With the pandemic etc. I’ve slowed right down on how quickly I go through things and definitely don’t get to play with and use products as often. I will continue to write empties posts as long as my blog is active, there might just end up being more of a gap between installments!

Haircare

1. Function of Beauty shampoo

I will miss seeing this pink shampoo when I shower. I finished the matching conditioner in my last empties and this set worked really well for my hair. My third set arrived in September 2021 and I started using it in October 2021. I kept the five hair goals the same except for one, I switched nourish roots out for fix split ends. This shampoo lasted me about 6 months which does help justify the price of Function of Beauty a bit more.

Repurchase: Yes.

2. Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Light Luminous Oil

I started using this oil in May 2020 alongside the shampoo and conditioner from the Oil Reflections range. It contains 100ml of product, I wash my hair two or three times a week and I have long hair so that gives you a good indication of how long products like this can last. I didn’t use this after every single hair wash but for the majority I did. A little goes a long way and I found it applies best when the lengths are still slightly damp, but the oil can be applied to dry hair too. It helped to smooth the ends and keep hair looking sleek and shiny. The oil didn’t weigh my hair down or make it greasy. One of the main ingredients is camellia oil which gives off a lovely scent.

Repurchase: Yes, I would happily use this again.

3. Giovanni 2chic Frizz Be Gone Smoothing Hair Mask

This hair mask is housed in a lovely pink tube and the packaging is lightweight and sleek. The shea and almond oil give the product a nice scent but that’s where the positives stop for me. I didn’t hate this product but I don’t feel it did anything. It claims to have 20 benefits but I didn’t notice any major differences compared to now that I’ve stopped using this product, perhaps I’m not the target audience. I also think this may have caused an occasional skin reaction, areas of my neck and fingers would become dry and itchy and I had to apply hydrocortisone cream to calm things down. It may just have been a coincidence but something I did notice when using this mask.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

4. Clinique Dramatically Different moisturiser

I purchased this in 2020 when I needed a new evening moisturiser. I’ve used a couple of Clinique’s facial products in the past so I knew the chances of me not getting on with this were low. The moisturiser comes in a see through bottle with a pump so it’s easy to tell exactly how much is left. The moisturiser itself feels nourishing and lightweight and is also a good day time one for under makeup. Where the product falls down a little bit for me is the fact it doesn’t have SPF, I purchased this as a night time moisturiser to begin with so it’s not a big issue but when I started to use it in the daytime when I was getting closer to finishing it and wasn’t wearing makeup or foundation with SPF due to the Covid situation in New Zealand I realised I do like having a daytime moisturiser with SPF. Also, this is quite expensive compared to other moisturisers I’ve used in the past that I’ve liked equally as much.

Repurchase: Probably not.

5. Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier

This was the very first face mask I started using years and years ago and this is the third tube I’ve finished up. What I enjoy about Natio’s products is they are nice and natural, don’t contain ingredients that irritate my skin and are affordably priced. I do feel like this face mask has changed and I don’t love it quite as much as I used to. What I used to enjoy was being able to feel the clay set without irritation and still remaining gentle on my skin. Now the formula feels very thin like a watery lotion as opposed to a mask. Not ruling out purchasing this in future but it’s no longer my go to.

Repurchase: Not sure.

BODY

6. Eugaia Bloom Hydrolysed Marine Collagen – Passionfruit & Lime

I had never tried anything like this before and I was curious to see if I would like it and notice any differences. Eugaia is one of Shaaanxo’s brands. The product is made in New Zealand and it aims to support hair, skin, nails, gut health, joints and bone health. Ideally each tub lasts one month with one serving per day, I tried to have a serving most days but my tub lasted longer, some days I either forgot or didn’t have time. What’s great about this though is that it’s easy to mix and you feel like you’re being healthy. This is not a dietary supplement or meal repalcement and the flavour did taste nice, I didn’t get a weird aftertaste or feel grossed out when drinking it. The best part is that when you mix the powder with water there are sparkles from the kiwifruit powder. Overall I noticed a couple of differences: stronger nails and brighter, clearer skin (could be a combination of this and not wearing makeup). After finishing this flavour I purchased one of the Strawberry & Lime tubs but didn’t like it as much, it tastes sweeter and more artificial.

Repurchase: Undecided – the product is a little pricey but not as steep compared to others on the market. I would only consider repurchasing the Passionfruit flavour.

7. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss body butter

I have tried both the regular Japanese Cherry Blossom and Strawberry body butters from The Body Shop and am a big fan of both! This scent is an amalgamation of the two and I would describe it as a floral strawberry. I purchased the body butter online so I couldn’t be certain if I was going to like it or not but after a few uses I was converted. This body butter isn’t part of the OG range and is slightly more expensive but it’s worth it in my opinion, the product feels extra luxurious and nourishing.

Repurchase: I think so.

8. The Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter

I remember trying this years ago and being a fan and I wanted to revisit and try it again ever since. I didn’t enjoy the scent as much this time around. The product itself isn’t bad and is up to the brand’s usual standard but I won’t be rushing out to buy this again anytime soon.

Repurchase: No.

9. The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter

I had never tried anything from this range until this and I picked it up on sale at the start of the year as it was in the old packaging and The Body Shop is transitioning to the more sustainable eco-friendly new packaging. I love how fresh and zesty this has been for summer and I really enjoyed using it. The formula was lovely and felt soft and moisturising.

Repurchase: Maybe, I enjoyed the smaller size of this scent for something different.

10. Nivea Anti-Perspirant x2

You know the drill by now, these feature in every empties. Lately I have been alternating between the Clear and Silky Smooth roll ons.

Repurchase: Yes.

What was the last product you finished up?

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Empty Products #19

Another empties post, the fourth this year! I’ve finished up a couple more products from my Project Pan and it’s rewarding to see how many things I’ve used up in total so far in 2021. Please leave a comment if you still enjoy reading empties posts or if you’ve tried anything mentioned here.

Haircare

1. Function of Beauty conditioner

I decided to give Function of Beauty another go after having a better experience with the products towards the end of finishing my first set of shampoo and conditioner. I changed up the hair goals and changed my formula to suit medium thickness hair rather than coarse hair. I think I just have a lot of hair which makes it seem thick but that doesn’t mean it’s coarse. The second set has been much more enjoyable to use and you can read more of my thoughts in this post *HERE*. I’m not far away from finishing the shampoo from this set either but let’s face it, 97% of people finish conditioner first!

Repurchase: Yes, my third set of shampoo and conditioner will be sent towards the end of September.

Makeup

2. BECCA Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid

Who doesn’t love glowy skin?! I like a soft, lit from within glow that isn’t too intense and in your face. This liquid shimmering skin perfector was part of a set with two other mini products from BECCA and it’s beautiful! I would use this in place of a traditional primer and buff it in with my foundation, the effect it gave was lovely.

Repurchase: Possibly if BECCA weren’t closing down.

3. Garnier Micellar Water

I was so excited to try this when it launched 5-6 years ago as it’s a great concept for makeup removal but my skin didn’t agree with the product. I haven’t tried the version for sensitive skin but I’d be apprehensive as I didn’t like how this felt on my skin after makeup was removed. When I purchased some sets of false lashes in 2020 I re-purchased a small bottle so I could empty some product into a container and soak the lashes to remove any glue after wearing them. It works a treat and this small bottle lasted well over a year for that purpose.

Repurchase: Yes, to soak false eyelashes, not as a makeup remover.

4. Colourpop Pretty Fresh Sponge

I’m one of those people who doesn’t like applying base makeup with a sponge. I don’t find they give even coverage or the look I like and much prefer brushes. As far as sponges go this one is decent, it’s soft and bouncy and doesn’t absorb too much product. I’ve had this sponge for a wee while now and haven’t used it in months so it’s time to say goodbye.

Repurchase: No, not because it’s bad, I’m just not a fan of sponges.

Skincare & Fragrance

5. Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF50+

I hadn’t tried this product before but I like my daytime moisturisers to have SPF and it sounded perfect for applying under makeup as it claims to be a non-greasy formula. The moisturiser is lightweight, hydrating and makeup applies nicely over the top – it’s a great day to day option! I have a different day cream from Natio to use next but I can see myself going back to this afterwards.

Repurchase: Yes.

6. Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Boost Day Cream-Gel

Natio is one of those brands whose skincare just works really nicely with my skin. They use a lot of natural ingredients and the price point of their products for the quality is very reasonable. That being said, this moisturiser isn’t my favourite product from them. It’s not bad by any means but I’m not a fan of gel formula moisturisers, I find them less hydrating for my dry skin. The scent of rose is also quite prominent, not enough to be annoying or irritate my nose but if you’re sensitive to smell this might not be for you.

Repurchase: No.

7. Destiny by Delta Goodrem

This perfume was one of the original 10 items in my project pan I started in January. I enjoyed the warmth of the scent and the notes of orange blossom which leant it to being a nicer winter perfume than a summer perfume. I didn’t find the longevity of this very good, the other Delta Goodrem perfume I mentioned in my last empties had better longevity and was more up my street overall.

Repurchase: No.

8. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy

This perfume is my holy grail and I consider it my signature scent! It’s got everything I love; vanilla, gourmand, sweetness and more. Certain perfumes work well in conjunction with a person’s body chemistry and this is one of mine. Whenever I wear this I feel confident and upbeat and over the years I’ve received compliments about how good this smells on me too. Viva la Juicy is feminine, fun and sexy.

Repurchase: Already have.

Body

9. The Body Shop Peppermint hand cream

This was given to me at Christmas time by a work colleague. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this smelled – like mint chocolate – and it felt pretty hydrating too!

Repurchase: Would happily use again.

10. Nivea Invisible Silky Smooth Anti-Perspirant

I deviated from my usual Nivea deodorant and this one is a winner! Past deviations didn’t leave me impressed but I would happily alternate between this and my usual in future. This is formulated with skin conditioners for silky soft and velvety skin and keeps black and white garments their respective colours.

Repurchase: Yes.

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Empty Products #18

My second blog post in just over a week and my third empties post this year! I finished up another couple of the original 10 items I started project pan with and I’m making really good progress with that project. There’s only one item from this bunch I wouldn’t be happy to use again, the rest are all winners!

Haircare

1. Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner

I purchased a set of Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner in August 2020, started using the products in November 2020 and finished them in April this year. The set lasted a few months which is normal for shampoo and conditioner for me and the rose scent I chose is lovely. I did purchase a second set of shampoo and conditioner in March and changed a few of the hair goals to see if there was any difference and I’m enjoying my second set even more than the first.

Repurchase: Yes, I purchased a second set and plan on getting a third set in September as well.

2. Toni & Guy Damage Repair Mask

I have a Toni & Guy heat protectant spray and like that so when I saw this hair mask on sale I was curious enough to pick it up. The masks aims to provide intense nourishment to enhance softness and shine and has a deep conditioning formula that penetrates deep into hair fibres for advanced repair. I’d use this mask a few times a week after applying conditioner and leave it on my hair for 3-5 minutes. I like masks that are quick and don’t have to be left on for a long time. I felt this mask does work and hair feels sleek and soft with use. The scent is also really nice.

Repurchase: Maybe

Makeup

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW10

Ever since trying a sample of the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation I fell in love with it! The formula of the foundation is a natural velvet matte finish that doesn’t accentuate my dry skin. Products layer nicely on top of this foundation and it is such a good everyday one for work. The foundation doesn’t break down throughout the day and lasts for a long time, over the course of a day when the skin’s natural oils come out it still looks good. The only con is the pump I had broke and if I buy another bottle of this foundation which I certainly see myself doing, I’ll have to buy another pump as well. (The pump broke when I unscrewed it to decant the remaining product into a container).

Repurchase: Yes

4. Rimmel Brow Pro Micro in Soft Brown

I ran out of my trusty Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil at the start of the year and saw this micro brow pencil in store and decided to pick it up on a whim. The colour is a little cooler toned than the pencil I use but it still looks natural and works for me. I liked not having to sharpen a pencil and wasting product if the pencil snapped. The spoolie is a lot softer for brushing brow hairs up and the micro brow pencil doesn’t snap. Product is creamy but not patchy. The regular brow pencil is a little cheaper and lasts longer but I don’t mind paying a little bit more if the product doesn’t snap and there’s no wastage.

Repurchase: Yes

5. Rimmel Magnif’eyes Eye Primer

I still stand by my claim that this eye primer is a good dupe for Urban Decay’s Primer Potion. The doe foot applicator picks up a good amount of product at a time and doesn’t create any mess. I feel this doesn’t have the longevity of Primer Potion, not on the eyelids but once the product is open, it won’t last as long. You can’t see how much product is left and can’t see if there’s wastage, with the Primer Potion tube you can really squeeze product out. I wouldn’t rule out buying this again in future.

Repurchase: Maybe

6. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

I had never tried this classic setting spray until this year and I totally get the hype! I like the lightweight feel of the mist and that it doesn’t soak the face. It doesn’t upset the makeup underneath and melts products together which makes everything look effortless and gives a natural glow. I’m currently using the ‘Glow’ version of the All Nighter and both are pretty similar, one isn’t better than the other and the Glow version doesn’t add too much dew. If you want to buy the regular All Nighter and it’s out of stock I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Glow version.

Repurchase: Yes

Skincare & Fragrance

7. Delta by Delta Goodrem

Delta Goodrem is one of my favourite musicians and when she announced she was releasing a perfume I was excited. The fragrances are sold through Chemist Warehouse in Australia and New Zealand and she has released three so far; Delta was the first. I love the simplicity of the bottle and the little leaf charm around the neck of the bottle. This scent is fresh and feminine and out of the two Delta Goodrem perfumes I have this is the one I like better. It’s a good perfume for work but doesn’t have the best longevity on me.

Opening with notes of juicy mandarin, velvety nectarine and bright green apple, the scent’s top notes are infused with vivacious energy and sparkle. The heart of the fragrance shares Delta’s joyous style with a hint of sweet honeysuckle that mingles harmoniously with jasmine pearls and wild orchid. Rooted in the background are ingredients that lay close to skin with the softest touch including creamy sandalwood and warm vanilla wrapped in a white musk to embody pure luxury.

Repurchase: Maybe

Body

8. MOR Juicy Blooms hand cream

I have a little hand cream stash in my makeup drawer and this MOR Juicy Blooms hand cream came as part of a trio set I purchased in 2019. I try to match my hand creams to seasons and this one was lovely for summer. It was fruity and fresh and the formula is lovely, soft and moisturising. MOR products can be a little pricey but I would consider purchasing more of their hand creams.

Repurchase: Maybe

9. The Body Shop Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub

I really didn’t like this product. I love the Shea range and the fact The Body Shop do have scrubs that don’t have SLS in the ingredients list and won’t react with my skin. I use body scrub when I shave my legs to combat dryness and razor burn and this one did the job but it was really oily and slippery and would clog up the razor. I’m glad I only purchased the small size and it only took me a short while to use up.

Repurchase: No

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Still my anti-perspirant of choice! I’ll be devastated if this gets discontinued.

Repurchase: Of course!

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Function of Beauty Experience

This post is not sponsored. I purchased these products myself and all opinions are my own.

Over the past year or so I have heard the name Function of Beauty crop up numerous times in the YouTube and blogging world. Function of Beauty allows individuals to decide what goes into their own custom hair products.

The site quizzes you on hair type, hair structure, scalp moisture and allows you to select up to five hair goals that you’d like your unique formula to deliver. You can choose a fragrance and how strong you’d like the scent to be but there is a fragrance free option too. You can name your formula, choose the colour (there is a dye free option) and the size you want to purchase. Shampoo and conditioner comes in 8oz (236ml) and 16oz (473ml) bottles and you can purchase a product individually or as a set. Pumps are included but if you re-order you can opt out of getting new pumps each time and re-use your existing ones. Before the checkout process there is the option of adding custom hair treatments like a mask or a serum to your order and you can even choose how frequently you’d like to receive your formula. I chose the one off option as it takes me a while to get through shampoo and conditioner and if I like the service I can re-order later on. I decided to try Function of Beauty when I was beginning to get low on my previous shampoo and conditioner and it sounded fun to be able to choose what was going into my formula and tailor it to my needs.

Function of Chanelle

Unique formula number: 2984668
Hair profile: Coarse + Wavy + Normal

The hair goals I chose:

1. Deep condition – Moisturise and deeply condition dry damaged hair from the inside out, restoring hydration lost from heat and/or chemical processing.
2. Fix split ends – Smooth and coat your split ends for a sleek hair surface while building moisture content to minimise future split ends.
3. Straighten – Relax and style unruly hair with a biolipid complex that leaves a sheathing film which naturally disciplines hair even in humid conditions.
4. Anti-frizz – Hydrate and soften hair texture while protecting strands from frizz, static and breakage.
5. Replenish hair – Replenish damaged, nutrient-depleted strands and protect your hair from environmental stressors.

Size: I purchased the 8oz shampoo and conditioner set without any additional hair treatments. I basically just wash my hair and let it air dry. Occasionally I’ll dry it with the hair dryer or straighten it but I don’t mind my natural hair and tend to keep things simple.

Fragrance: I was going to get a fragrance free formula but Strike a (r)ose sounded nice so I opted for the light strength of that. Strike a (r)ose has top notes of rose, black currant, sandalwood and orange blossom. Function of Beauty describe it as, “a cool, modern rose fragrance with a bit of edge.” When placing the order I selected the peach fragrance by mistake. I got in touch with the customer service team who switched the scents for me straight away. I love the rose scent and I’m glad I went for the lightest strength, I can still smell it the days between hair washes and it’s nice and subtle.

Colour: I couldn’t decide on a colour for the shampoo so I went for dye free and chose light purple for the conditioner.

As the products are custom made, from the time I placed my order to the time it arrived it took about three weeks which is not bad at all. When my order arrived it was well packaged, there were no leaks and everything matched what I ordered. Inside the box are stickers to decorate the outside of the bottles and a brochure with details about your formula. The box everything comes in is personalised too which is a lovely touch.

I ordered my shampoo and conditioner last August and started using them in November. There’s still about one third of product left in each and I wanted to share my thoughts once I’d had a chance to use them for a decent amount of time. Do I think it’s the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever tried? No, but I do like using these and my hair feels clean without feeling stripped and dry afterwards. I got my hair cut at the end of November and I do notice quite a few split ends, one of the hair goals I chose was to help with split ends. I will see if I notice less when I finish this shampoo and conditioner and go back to Wella. I also don’t think the products by themselves provide as much anti-frizz as I would like. I have been using a hair mask from Toni & Guy after conditioner and massaging in a hair oil when my hair is almost dry. That’s what I think actually makes my hair look straighter without having to reach for my GHD. My hair is naturally a little wavy but the frizz is more noticeable if I don’t use the hair mask and oil.

Once I finish these up I am on the fence as to whether I’d purchase from Function of Beauty again. Doing the quiz is fun and perhaps I’d change the hair goals a little bit to see if that made a difference. The products can be pricey if you don’t find a good offer or coupon but if you pick the right hair goals it’s worth it. I’m glad I tried the brand and I’m not disappointed, the shampoo and conditioner are pretty good. My mind will be made up about whether I’d repurchase or not once I try the Wella Elements products I’ve got waiting in the wings to use next.

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Would you be interested in making your own shampoo and conditioner and trying Function of Beauty? What hair goals would you choose?

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Empty Products #16

I feel like this is the empties where a few discontinued products feature which sucks a little as I enjoyed those products and wouldn’t rule out repurchasing them. I am going to try to be on a low buy in 2021, I’ve bought a few things in January as it’s my birthday month but other than that I’m aiming to keep spending to a minimum. I have products in my collection I’m close to finishing and want to focus on those as much as I can.

Haircare

1. Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Shampoo

I finished the matching conditioner in my last empties but the shampoo took a bit longer to get through as it contains more product. The shampoo is clear, has a lightweight texture and it lathers up well, you don’t need to use a lot to make hair feel clean. The scent is a mix of white tea extract and camelia and it sticks around after hair has been washed which is nice. The bottle of shampoo contains 250ml and it lasted me about six months. Overall this range is lovely.

Repurchase: I can see myself using this again.

Makeup/Beauty

2. GlamGlow Glowsetter Setting Spray

I’ve seen so many people singing this setting spray’s praises and I kind of get it. I purchased the 30ml bottle which was a mistake, the nozzle on my bottle didn’t work properly and I had to use a dozen sprays each time to get mist onto my face. I wish I had spent more at the time and got the full size because the effect of the actual mist on my skin is nice and the smell is as delightful as everyone says! Unless the full size is on sale I don’t know that I’d repurchase as $60 for a setting spray is a lot of money.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

3. The Body Shop Rose Dewy Glow Face Mist

In comparison to the previous setting spray I can get away with four-five sprays of this and I find they have similar effects. This mist is not too wet and smells lovely, the rose fragrance isn’t too strong at all. Less is more with this spray, too much and makeup can cake up around my nose area but it’s great to add a dewy glow after powder products have been applied.

Repurchase: Yes, but it’s been discontinued.

4. bareMinerals Lashtopia Volumising Mascara

I got this as a free sample with an order from Mecca but it’s the mascara I’ve liked the least in a long time. The brush does have proper bristles which I prefer but I found this mascara performed better when it was first opened and the formula was wetter. When it started to dry up (maybe two months after I opened it) the formula would not layer well, it became sticky and tar-like. I also found this more lengthening than volumising. This is a nice, natural everyday mascara but doesn’t pack the punch I personally want.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

5. The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

I had heard so many good things about this product before trying it and if you like cleansing balms for removing makeup I urge you to give this one a go! You only need a coin sized amount for the entire face and if you rinse off your hands after the initial rubbing and rub the skin again while your hands are slightly damp you will see even more makeup melt off. The packaging is lightweight which would also make it a good travel option and the scent is lovely and soft. If you don’t like fragrance in products I don’t think you’d be put off by this. I would use this again but not having The Body Shop in my city any more makes it harder to get hold of.

Repurchase: Maybe.

6. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy La Fleur

Apart from the original Viva la Juicy this is one of the nicest Juicy Couture fragrances I’ve tried. I love the soft subtle florals mixed in with the gourmand and fruit notes and this is a wonderful perfume for work. From memory I purchased this in August 2019 and it was finished by December 2020. The bottle contains 150ml of perfume which is more than usual and I used it up quickly. I didn’t need a lot of sprays, most days I would have used around four or five, I just really enjoyed it as an everyday fragrance. The lasting power is decent too.

Repurchase: Definitely – I already miss this!

Body

7. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

You know the drill by now, this is my favourite deodorant and it does what it’s meant to.

Repurchase: Yes.

8. The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Scrub

My skin is extremely sensitive, especially on my legs. I had bad eczema as a child and whilst I don’t get it now I know to stay away from soap like products or products with lathering ingredients. I wash my hands with soap and they’re fine (thankfully) but other parts of my body react. This body scrub I purchased to use as an exfoliator before shaving my legs and it worked a treat. This scrub lasted me a good couple of years for that purpose and my legs didn’t get irritated. The scent is more of a smoky, spicy vanilla as opposed to sweet but it’s lovely. I would consider repurchasing this scrub if The Body Shop bring it back.

Repurchase: This was a limited edition Christmas fragrance a couple of years ago but maybe if it returns.

9. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Butter

The fragrance of this body butter is DIVINE! I have tried my fair share of body butter scents from The Body Shop and I’m putting it out there that this is definitely in my top three. This is one of the body butters with the slightly higher price point but it feels ultra luxurious and it’s worth it! The texture is super soft and moisturising and the smell is gorgeous and feminine; a lovely mix of sweet magnolia, blooming cherry blossom and hinoki wood accords.

Repurchase: Yes.

10. Zoella Reach For the Moon Hand Cream

I was sent this hand cream by one of my best blogging friends and it was such a delight to use. The tube contains 90ml of product which is huge and the vanilla-mint scent was a lot nicer than I imagined. I hadn’t tried anything from Zoella Beauty before this and if the other hand creams were of similar quality I missed out. The hand cream soaked in quickly and kept my hands soft and supple.

Repurchase: Yes, if it hadn’t been discontinued.

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Empty Products #15

This is my fourth empties post of 2020 but it feels like I have used products up so slowly this year due to Covid and lockdown and being home more, has anyone else noticed the same? Overall in this round up all of the products were good, there aren’t any I’d begrudgingly use again if they were back in my collection.

Haircare

1. Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Conditioner

The scent of this range is lovely; white tea extract and camelia. This conditioner aims to work in 30 seconds to smooth hair and lock moisture in but I always leave conditioner in for a couple of minutes before rinsing. The conditioner does help hair feel and look shiny and smooth. The one slight gripe I have is that the shampoo and conditioner don’t come in the same size bottles, the conditioner is only 200ml. Most people tend to use more conditioner than shampoo and I wish brands would keep both products the same size or have larger sized bottles of conditioner so products can be finished up at the same time. (I am still using the shampoo at the time of publishing).

Repurchase: I can see myself using this again.

2. Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask

I got this mask in a set with the shampoo and conditioner and most of the time I would alternate between using this or the conditioner. Occasionally I would mix this mask and the conditioner in together if I wanted super silky, soft hair. The texture of the mask is not as runny as shampoo but it’s not thick either, it’s malleable and able to be massaged in really easily. I do think my hair wasn’t as smooth once I ran out of this mask but at the same time I won’t rush out to repurchase it.

Repurchase: The mask on it’s own, no, but if I find it as part of a set with the shampoo and conditioner again I would happily use it.

Makeup/Beauty

3. BECCA First Light Priming Filter

I had heard so many good things about this product so when I saw it as part of a BECCA set on the Sephora website last Christmas I snapped it up. The packaging of this smaller size is beautiful, it’s a pretty purple iridescent tube reminiscent of the primer inside. If you like glowy skin or want something light to wear on top of moisturiser on minimal makeup days I think you will enjoy this. I liked the glow it gave but I found with certain moisturisers and base products if there wasn’t a matte element it would pill and crumble up on my skin.

Repurchase: No.

4. Maybelline Master Prime Hydrate + Smooth

The more I used this primer the more I enjoyed it. Unlike the BECCA primer this would apply the same no matter which base products I used and give a nice smooth, even look to my skin. This is a good, all round every day primer that does what it says. I don’t know how oily skin types would get on as they may find this a little slippery but if you have normal-dry skin you’d probably like this.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Most people either like this mascara or they don’t and I sit somewhere in the middle. For a lot of people this is their holy grail and I will say when this mascara is good there is plenty to like. When I first started using the mascara the formula was wet and it would smudge but as it dried out I started to like the formula more, the mascara layered and built volume better. The brush is a nice hourglass shape and made of real bristles which I prefer. I’m glad to finally have tried this mascara but it won’t be taking holy grail status.

Repurchase: No. If I received the mascara as a gift or in a set I would use it again though.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This is the third or fourth bottle of this oil I have finished up over the past couple of years. The oil is not heavy or greasy on the skin and three-four drops is ample. The oil soaks into the skin quickly and keeps it feeling nourished and hydrated. If I am applying this oil I do so in the evening after washing off my makeup. I haven’t had to reach for this oil a lot this year due to winter being mild and trying a new night cream that would do a good job on it’s own most of the time.

Repurchase: Yes. This is lovely applied over my nighttime moisturiser when my skin feels especially dry.

7. Natio Renew Radiance Night Cream

I started using this at the beginning of the year and the 75ml tube lasted the best part of a year with almost nightly use. Natio products seem to work well with my skin and I love that the brand uses plant and natural ingredients. This cream contains pomegranate and vitamin c and the blend is lovely. The texture is very lightweight and a little goes a long way. Product soaks into the skin quickly without compromising on hydration. I found with using this I didn’t need to reach for facial oil as often, my skin wasn’t getting as dry.

Repurchase: Yes. I think the brand has discontinued this range *sad face* but I have found a tube online which I purchased.

8. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive

This is the second bottle of this lotion I have finished up. I used to only use Simple moisturiser but after trying this it’s more hydrating than the Simple product and I haven’t gone back. I do use separate day and night moisturisers – this is such a nice one to wear under makeup, it’s lightweight and non-greasy. This contains SPF too which is an added bonus.

Repurchase: Maybe. I’m currently exploring other daytime moisturisers.

9. Marc Jacobs – Daisy EDT

Before trying this perfume I had seen the bottle as a prop in tons of photos but didn’t have any idea what the fragrance actually smelt like or what the notes consisted of. I first tested this in store and really liked it, it’s fresh, light and bright, floral and feminine. The scent is not overpowering and has good lasting power. This perfume is a perfect one to wear day to day, to work and it’s good for a first date too. This is a safe, all rounder that I will definitely purchase again once I’ve used up some of my other perfumes.

Repurchase: Yes.

Body

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have been using this anti-perspirant for over 5 years now and I don’t tire of it. It works so well and does what it claims and features in every empties.

Repurchase: Yes.

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Empty Products #14

My first empties round up post lockdown! Has anyone else noticed they have been using less   due to not wearing making and not using as many beauty products? On the whole this bunch of products wasn’t the best for being ones I love and would gladly repurchase but there are a couple I really enjoyed.

Haircare

1. Schwarzkopf Leave In Treatment

I would apply this product after a shower when my hair was 80% dry and let it soak in. The smell was pleasant, my hair did look sleeker as opposed to if I didn’t use this but it’s not a product I’ve missed since finishing it up.

Repurchase: Probably not.

2. Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair Shampoo

The scent of this is very manly but not in a good way. I didn’t find this worked well on my hair and I didn’t enjoy using it.

Repurchase: No.

3. Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair Conditioner

Usually I can remember if I preferred a shampoo or conditioner more but I can’t with this range, I just know I wasn’t a fan of either of these.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup/Beauty

4. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair

This CC Cream is totally worth the hype! I purchased a 12ml deluxe sample from Sephora in December and love how this looks on my skin each time I wear it. The quality day after day is consistent and it makes such a lovely everyday base. One light layer of product was enough for the finish I like and this does not cling to dry patches, it skims over the skin and gives a natural, healthy look. Product can be layered but I found I didn’t need more than one layer. I did notice Fair was a slightly better match for me in summer as opposed to autumn but I can still make the shade work.

Repurchase: Maybe. I see IT Cosmetics have come out with a new Fair Ivory shade but not in the 12ml size yet. I’d want to try the smaller size first in the new shade.

5. YSL Volume Effet Cils The Curler Mascara

I got this mascara as part of a set of YSL minis last year and started using it in February this year. The mascara has a plastic wand which I’m not usually a fan of but this formula was so good I didn’t mind the brush not having real bristles. This mascara gives length and volume and it’s super black which I love, it adds to the drama and really makes your eyeshadow pop. The formula was consistent throughout the time I used this and it was a nice medium between wet and dry. The formula wasn’t sticky and layered well without clumping.

Repurchase: No, sadly. Not because the product is bad but no full sized mascara is worth $70 – that’s ridiculous!

6. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel

This brow pencil is all I have used to fill in my brows for the past four years. This shade matches in with my auburn hair perfectly.

Repurchase: Already have.

7. Delon Regular Nail Polish Remover

This did the job and wasn’t harsh on my nails when it came to removing nail polish but I didn’t like it as much as the Cutex Strengthening nail polish remover I tried years ago and loved. The Cutex product is difficult to track down though.

Repurchase: If it was the only type available then yes but there are other nail polish removers I prefer.

Skincare & Fragrance

8. The Body Shop Mandarin Energizing Face Mist

I purchased this thinking it would be similar to The Body Shop’s Vitamin C mist as they both target tired, dull skin and aim to give it a boost. I did not enjoy the scent of this and it felt a little sticky on the face. It didn’t soak in and leave my skin hydrated, it just kind of sat on top of other products.

Repurchase: No, my least favourite face mist out of all The Body Shop ones I’ve tried.

Body

9. The Body Shop Warm Vanilla Body Butter

When I purchased this body butter I was overwhelmed at how sweet the scent was but once I started using it the sweetness was manageable. The scent is easier to digest in smaller doses and the sweetness wasn’t too much once product had soaked into the skin. As with other body butters this feels lovely and silky to apply and keeps skin nourished and soft.

Repurchase: Possibly. This was part of a Christmas range but The Body Shop tend to release a vanilla scent nearly every Christmas.

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Holy grail! This features in every empties for a reason.

Repurchase: Yes.

11. Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Deodorant

I strayed from my trusty Nivea anti-perspirant and this was nowhere near as good! The product was more like a cream than a liquid when applying it and it felt a little sticky. Product didn’t feel as moisturising on the underarms and I felt more sweaty. I used this during autumn/winter mainly working from home so I wasn’t getting particularly hot either.

Repurchase: No.

Discards

1. Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow – Perlina

I had heard so many good things about the Stila Magnificent Metals and when I purchased a set of three minis to try I was left scratching my head as to what all the fuss is about. One shade I threw out as product was non existent but I did want to make an effort to use up the other two shades in the set; Perlina and Kitten Karma. I went to apply Perlina on top of another eyeshadow recently and discovered it had dried up which I was disappointed about. I will not be picking up any of these in future as overall I haven’t had a good experience. I don’t know whether it’s because these are minis and the full sized shades perform better but I’ve been put off.

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May Favourites + Highlights 2020

I can’t believe we are at the end of May and it’s monthly favourites time again already! I’ve only got a small selection of products to talk about this month but they are really good ones.

New Zealand is also no longer under strict quarantine, most people have returned to work and businesses and shops have re-opened. Currently I split my working day between home and the library, I work from home in the morning and go into the office in the afternoon. This means there are less staff in the building until we fully re-integrate.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop It’s My Pleasure Palette – I purchased this palette in July 2019 and I feel like it isn’t until now that I have really started to appreciate it. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always liked It’s My Pleasure and before purchasing it I saw so many people raving about it but I didn’t start to gel with it until recently. For May, June and July I’m rotating through my Colourpop nine pan palettes week by week and I’m already looking forward to revisiting It’s My Pleasure! I’ve got a better idea how the colours work together and what combinations I like. My favourite shades are Do Or Dough, Earthshine, Fan Fiction and Sleeper.

2. Wella Oil Reflections Shampoo and Conditioner – After getting my hair cut in February and being impressed with how the Wella products that were used made my hair feel I started looking at products online with the intention of purchasing some. I decided on the Oil Reflections range as it’s suited for all hair types and aims to leave hair cleansed and luminous. The scent is lovely too, a mix of vanilla, white tea and fruit. The products make my hair feel amazing and since I started using these my hair looks nourished, soft and more sleek. This is more pricey than regular shampoo and conditioner but I’m proud of my hair and I want it to look good so I don’t mind paying a little extra.

3. The Body Shop Rose Face Mist – I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I have. I recently finished up the mandarin face mist from The Body Shop and I didn’t really like it so I was apprehensive about this one. The rose most is in an entirely different league and it really does make my skin and makeup look beautiful and dewy. The mist is fine and not too wet which is why I didn’t like the mandarin one, it didn’t feel refreshing and the scent wasn’t my favourite either. The rose scent is spot on, it’s very subtle and one I wouldn’t imagine would irritate you if you are sensitive to smell.

4. Colourpop Berry Good Lipgloss – This gloss was released alongside Colourpop’s Strawberry Shake palette. I have checked the website and this is no longer available but it is a beautiful shade that I have been reaching for a bit recently. Berry Good is a juicy pink-red that gives a lovely strawberry coloured tint to the lips. I purchased this gloss last year and the first time I wore it I wasn’t sure I liked it but I every time I have tried it since it has really grown on me. I purchased the other gloss from the Strawberry collection called Easy Bake (still on the website but showing as out of stock) and I personally prefer Berry Good.

May Highlights

• I’ve been feeling more body confident recently and I very bravely shared *THIS* photo to Instagram. The comments are all so sweet!
• I came up with an idea for a semi-regular Instagram series to share some of my favourite songs relating to a theme. For example, the first one featured five of my favourite feel good tracks (new and old). Feel free to leave any theme ideas in the comments!

May’s Spotify Playlist:

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YouTubers Made Me Buy It

Let’s face it, we all have those purchases someone else has convinced us to buy! We hear about a product and want to try it for ourselves. I watch a few beauty YouTubers and recently there have been some items I’ve wanted to give a go. I am on a low buy for 2020 and I’m not doing badly so far but a couple of these items were on sale and I was sick so I decided to treat myself!

1. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – Black

I have never tried anything from Benefit before because their products are pricey! I picked up Roller Lash as it was on sale on Makeup.co.nz for 20% off and while it was more than I usually pay for mascara it’s more justifiable than the regular price. Roller Lash is a mascara I’ve always been interested in trying and it seems to be a firm favourite in the beauty community. The packaging is cute and the mascara aims to grab, separate, lift and curl lashes. The formula contains provitamin B5 and serin, ingredients known for their lash-conditioning benefits. The mascara is also said to be water resistant and easy to remove. Roller Lash has a plastic wand which usually isn’t my preference but I’m hopeful the mascara will deliver.

Who made me buy it: Zoella and Shaaanxo

2. Australis Metallix Foiled Shadow – Guns ‘n Rose Petals

I am very much a single shadow girl. I love quick, easy looks that can be done in a couple of minutes. I’m also not afraid to use my fingers which is my preferred method to apply shimmery, metallic shadows as they appear more pigmented that way. Single cream shadows are not something I have a lot of but I was drawn to this shade because it looks super shiny and bright and will make my eyes pop. Guns ‘n Rose Petals is is a cool toned champagne pink and this will be pretty on it’s own or layered over powder shadows for a little more depth.

Who made me buy it: Arna Alayne

3. Colourpop Lilac You a Lot Palette

When this palette was released my first thought was It’s My Pleasure volume two… definitely don’t need it. When I watched the launch video for Makeup.Just.For.Fun’s No Shrinking Violet bundle made up of her Colourpop favourites and this featured I started to see the palette in a different light. Lilac You a Lot is much more lavender and cool toned whereas It’s My Pleasure is more warm toned. It’s My Pleasure is a beautiful palette but it’s my least favourite of the nine pans I have (I haven’t tested this palette out yet). The cooler tones of Lilac You a Lot will work really well in conjunction with It’s My Pleasure and hopefully make me enjoy it more.

Who made me buy it: Makeup.Just.For.Fun

4. Colourpop Still Crazy Lux Lipstick

This lipstick also features in the No Shrinking Violet bundle and it is described as a mauvey pink on the Colourpop site which is right up my street! I did consider picking up the entire No Shrinking Violet bundle to show my support for Amanda but I have similar products to the other three items and these were the two I was most drawn to. When I was reading reviews and looking at pictures, Still Crazy sometimes came across as brown-pink and other times just pink. I think it depends on skin tone to be honest, I am very fair so how a lipstick looks in the bullet is generally how it looks on me. I saw this labelled as a dupe for Craving by MAC which I included in my 1,000 Followers Giveaway in 2018. Craving also looks like a colour I would enjoy and this way I am getting a similar colour to Craving for half the price. I have another of Colourpop’s Lux Lipsticks in the shade Scorpio Moon and the formula is so comfortable and creamy on the lips.

Who made me buy it: Makeup.Just.For.Fun

5. Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Trio and Luminous Reboost Mask

Last month I got the layers cut out of my hair and got it cut to one length. The salon I went to had a stand full of Wella products and I’m assuming that was the brand of shampoo and conditioner used on my hair. Afterwards my hair felt so soft and lovely and I jumped online to research Wella products. I remember Melanie Murphy mentioning her love for Wella in the past and after looking online I was intrigued by the Oil Reflections range. The range is suitable for all hair types and is light and moisturising with white tea extract to leave hair cleansed, luminous and smooth.

The Luminous Trio contains shampoo, conditioner and a light reflective oil. I haven’t used a hair oil before but the oil in this set sounds like it adds a healthy shine without weighing the hair down. I opted to get the hair mask from this range as well as I read it can be used in place of the conditioner to deeply nourish hair and restore moisture and hydration. The conditioner comes with 50ml less product than the shampoo so this way I’ll be more likely to not to run out of one before the other.

Who made me buy it: Melanie Murphy

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Empty Products #12

The first empties post of 2020! Let’s see how many products I can get through this year! In my bullet journal I will keep a list of everything I finish up and at the end of the year total them up. I’m aiming to be on a low buy in 2020 and not purchase products until I’ve used others up first and stop buying things for the sake of it. I do quite well anyway but there’s no harm in trying to do better.

Haircare

1. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

I was curious to try this range after trying the Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner from OGX. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and my hair does feel smooth and soft when I use it but I can get the same result from cheaper shampoos. These bottles do last me a long time but by the end I was looking forward to moving on to something else.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

2. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner

I prefer the shampoo in this range to the conditioner. The conditioner has a strong scent and it’s not one I find pleasant. Like the shampoo, the conditioner didn’t do anything revolutionary for my hair.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup

3. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

I don’t use a setting spray each time I wear makeup but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The mist feels hydrating and gentle when it hits the skin and the mist sprays evenly when the nozzle is pushed. The scent is nice and natural and contains elements of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. If you’re sensitive to scented products you should be fine with this one. This is great to dampen eye brushes to pack on eyeshadow too.

Repurchase: Yes.

4. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

If you asked me a year ago what my favourite foundation is I would have said this one. It has decent coverage, has a nice satin finish, a little goes a long way and the tube packaging is compact and lightweight. However, since trying a couple of high end foundations in 2019 this pales in comparison. The colour doesn’t match me as well as foundations from MAC and YSL and towards the end the product wasn’t sitting as nicely on my skin as it once did… possibly due to age? If this was a touch lighter it would be the perfect drugstore option for me.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthly Luminous Makeup in W 1-2 Porcelain/Warm Ivory

I researched this foundation before I purchased it and the selling point for me was how good it was for dry skin. I have no doubt this is good for dry skin but a lot of the times I wore this I would need powder as the foundation is so thin and slippery. It’s not the best for layering and one thin layer works best. As a result the coverage is very minimal and this seems more comparable to a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. The product didn’t cling to dry patches and the shade was ok. This wasn’t terrible but by no means would I try this again.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT

These little bottles are really travel friendly. I bought one in a different scent to pop in my locker at work for when I need a quick refresh but I didn’t end up doing that. The moringa scent is a delicate floral that’s nice for everyday wear.

Repurchase: Yes. I would also consider the Moringa Fragrance Mist which is cheaper and contains 70ml more product.

7. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy and Viva la Juicy Glacé rollerball

I received this double ended rollerball as a gift and both of these scents are lovely! Viva la Juicy is a vanilla gourmand and is my signature scent. Glacé is a fresh, icy take on the original containing notes of pear and sorbet. Both of these scents have serious lasting power and I found with the rollerball the scent really gets absorbed into the skin and lingers all day.

Repurchase: Not this exact rollerball but I do have full size bottles of both perfumes.

8. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture

This is not a bad perfume but it is my least favourite Juicy Couture scent that I have tried. The notes are stronger than what I usually like and nearly border on headache inducing territory. The lasting power is excellent and this scent does evoke compliments. If you don’t like sweet, overly feminine scents give this one a sniff.

Repurchase: No.

9. YSL – Black Opium

I purchased a YSL set of minis mainly so I could sample this perfume as I’d heard mixed reviews and wanted to try it before committing to a full size bottle. Black Opium is seriously sexy and contains notes of coffee, warm florals and vanilla bound by an undertone of white musk. I used this 7.5ml sample bottle up in a matter of weeks. The scent lingers all day and is one of those that is perfect for all occasions.

Repurchase: I intend to purchase a full sized bottle.

10. Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask

Antipodes is a New Zealand brand which I had heard plenty of good things about prior to trying this mask. For a mud mask this didn’t dry out my skin or irritate it at all. It helped to soothe skin and keep it clear from impurities but for the price tag I don’t think it’s outstandingly better than my favourite face mask from Natio which is half the price and contains more product.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

11. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

The black musk scent from The Body Shop is one I enjoy for it’s spicy warmth. This body lotion was satisfactory but didn’t feel as moisturizing as others I have tried in the past. The black bottle makes it hard to see how much product is left. Another product I’m glad to have finished.

Repurchase: No.

Body

12. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have used this anti-perspirant for about 4/5 years now and it features in almost every empties so if you’re a long time reader you’ll know how much I enjoy this.

Repurchase: Yes but I might buy a different product next time I need deodorant to give my skin a break.

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