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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Nighttime Beauty Routine

I know the importance of skincare and having a good routine but if I’m honest all of the products, oils, serums and acids confuse me! My skin tends to be on the drier side, I don’t get a lot of acne which I am thankful for and ultimately I don’t like to use too many products and keep things simple. Over the past 3-4 months my skin has been pretty good and I put that down to my current combination of products.

In this post I talk you through what I’m loving for my skin and also mention what I use to keep my lips and hands in tip top condition.

Cleanser:

Clinique Take the Day Off Balm – I won this cleansing balm in a giveaway 18 months ago and I’ve barely made a dent in it! Granted I don’t use this every time I remove makeup but I have started using it more regularly lately and I find it gets makeup off my face so easily and doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy afterwards. The texture changes from a balm to an oil when it is applied to the skin and you can use as little or as much as you like. The product is not scented and doesn’t irritate my skin. For all you sensitive skinned beauties out there I urge you to try this.

Masks:

The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask – This mask I use 2-3 times a week and it is very gentle on the skin. It’s also great if you want a quick mask, the tub recommends leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. The mask contains bits of oat but they don’t feel scratchy on the skin when the mask is applied. The scent of this is very natural and a little goes a long way.

Natio Face Mask Purifier – I have used this face mask for a while now and I’m currently on my second tube. A 100g tube will last me a couple of years. I tend to use this 1-2 times a week depending on how oily my skin is and how often I’ve worn makeup. This is a clay mask and contains kaolin but the mask doesn’t feel too drying. This mask is also unscented which is good if you’re sensitive to smell.

Moisturiser:

Palmer’s Moisture Rich Night Cream – I picked this moisturiser up on Feel Unique in late 2017 and started using it in March 2018. It comes in a 75g glass jar (which would be a little heavy for travel) but for the price I paid that’s a generous size – I paid $14 (NZD) from memory. I love the scent of this, it’s a cross between cocoa butter and shea. If you’re sensitive to smell the scent doesn’t linger. It is recommended to only use this at night as Retinol is listed as one of the ingredients and it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun which is why using a day moisturiser with SPF is encouraged.

Facial oil:

Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Restoring Oil – A couple of months ago I was trying to decide whether to try a facial oil or a serum. I settled on an oil as the texture is more lightweight and soaks into the skin easier. Ever since I started using this oil I have noticed the biggest difference, my skin feels softer, my skin is less dry and foundation and concealer don’t settle into lines around my nose as much. I use roughly 4 drops of this oil every night and apply it after moisturiser. The oil is unscented and contains maqui berry, apricot, and sea buckthorn. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Lip Treatments:

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Honey –  I am not the biggest fan of honey scents but this lip oil smells good! I tend to use this if my lips feel extra dry or to protect them in the cold weather. The oil feels tacky upon application but soon loses that sticky feeling. The applicator picks up a generous amount and I normally do two lighter coats on each lip rather than one.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter – I try to apply lip balm most nights before bed to keep my lips soft and supple and this lip balm is lovely. The little pot is the cutest and it will last ages! The Cocoa Butter scent smells good enough to eat and this works just as well as normal Vaseline in a jar, plus it’s easier to tote around.

Hand cream:

The Body Shop Frosted Plum – I have finished up numerous tubes of hand cream from The  Body Shop in various scents. Currently I am using Frosted Plum which I picked up last December as it was one of the festive scents. The smell is like a floral plum and whilst it is ok it’s not my favourite. The hand cream is moisturising though and comes in a fetching metallic purple tube! Hand cream is the final step in my evening routine before lights out.

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What products are essential to your nighttime routine?

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May Favourites 2018

Hi everyone! It’s been three weeks since my last post and in all honesty I have enjoyed not posting. It’s been one less worry on my mind and one less thing I have to think about. I am back with my May Favourites and I’ve got a few posts lined up for the next week or two. I’m still very emotional after the breakup and some days are better than others. I also got sick this month which is probably due to my emotional state and feeling rundown.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Chi Chi Opalescent Glow Unicorns & Mermaids Highlighter Palette – It was actually my mum who spotted this palette and convinced me to buy it! The palette contains six, duochrome cream highlighters (white-pink, pink-purple, purple-blue, champagne, blue-green and yellow-green). They glide on and give a beautiful dewy glow. The pigmentation is good and these are definitely buildable, the fact they are cream is less intimidating than if they were powder. I personally like cream products and they work well on my dry skin.

A closer look at the shades in the palette.

2. Kmart Jacquard Fleece Gown – Dressing gowns are not the easiest garments to buy but I’ve been loving this one I picked up on my first trip to Kmart. The material is soft and cuddly and I like the grey colour and pink star pattern. This has been keeping me warm and I will be reaching for it constantly over winter.

3. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive – I have used Simple face moisturiser for a number of years and was curious to see how something else would perform and compare. I’m very cautious about facial moisturisers, parts of my face are dry/sensitive and other parts aren’t. I have heard good things about Olay and the fact this is for sensitive skin and contains SPF drew me in. This contains Vitamins C, E and B3, has a light, non-greasy formula and is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores. I have used this for a couple of weeks now and upon first impressions my face feels more moistursied and the moisture lasts for a longer amount of time. I’m really happy and hope this continues to work wonders.

4. Body Fleur Sugar Petals Body Lotion – I have had this body lotion for two years and have used it off and on in that time. I used to think my skin reacted with it but I now realise it was a heat rash as I’d often apply this in summer. The scent of this is absolutely delightful, a mixture of fruits, flowers and shea butter. This also contains aloe vera and leaves the skin feeling very soft. The scent lingers all day and if there was a perfume with this scent I would wear it everyday! The lotion itself is a light purple colour which is neat.

5. Sorbent Velvet Tissues – I got six packets of these tissues as a joke present from my mum for my birthday back in January. With being sick and all the crying I’ve been doing over the past month they have been really useful. The tissues are so soft and thicker than most other tissues that come in packs like this.

May’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in May?

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November Favourites 2017

November’s favourites are all beauty items! I have been using a few new products recently and I’m pleased to say they have left good impressions. All of these products could be used together and I will definitely try a look with them in the coming weeks. In my October Favourites I mentioned I had been suffering bad headaches and this month it has been the polar opposite, I’ve barely had a headache.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. MAC Studio Moisture Cream – I bought the travel size of this moisturiser in July after reading about it on Stashy’s blog and I am a big fan! I am still on the first 30ml tube but I have already purchased a back up for when this one runs out. This moisturiser makes my skin feel smoother and softer than any other I’ve ever tried and it doesn’t irritate my skin or break me out. The scent is also really nice. MAC boasts a super-rich creamy moisturiser boosted with skin-nourishing extracts including passionfruit, spinach leaf, green tea, algae, wheatgerm and coconut.

2. Mary-Lou Manizer – I’ve owned Mary-Lou for a month now and I have been reaching for her on a regular basis. The colour is subtle but I like a light glow and not too much shimmer. I also like using this as a base shadow on the eyelids, it’s got good pigment as a shadow and I am guessing it would help cream shadows set quicker and stay in place longer. Honestly, I don’t think Mary-Lou is my favourite highlighter but I will be using it a lot.

3. Chi Chi Metal Foil Eyeshadow – Spice – Spice is best described as a warm, shimmery pink, and is a shade that would not be out of place in the Naked 3 palette. Despite pink being my favourite colour, I don’t have many pink eyeshadows as they don’t look as good as neutrals/browns on me. I was drawn to Spice because of the slight berry tinge to the pink and thought it would be easy to use due to it’s formula. I have only tried applying this with my finger so far and boy does a little go a long way! This eyeshadow can be a bit slippy so I want to try applying a base shadow underneath to see if that prolongs wear time.

4. NYX Cosmic Metals – Fuchsia Fusion – This lip cream has to be one of the most amazing products I have ever seen! If you didn’t already know, fuchsia is my favourite lip colour to wear and the addition of glitter/sparkle drew me in instantly. The pigmentation is outstanding and the doe foot applicator isn’t too big. One coat of this is enough to last a work day including eating and drinking and there is no transfer onto teeth. The formula doesn’t feel sticky like a gloss and glides onto the lips upon application. The shimmer is noticeable but there isn’t so much that it looks like a disco ball on your lips.

I had to include a close up of the tube so you can see how beautiful the colour looks and the sparkle and shine.

5. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair – I wanted to try this foundation in the shade Fair ever since purchasing the second lightest shade Ivory Beige in 2016. New Zealand doesn’t sell Fair so I ordered it from Feel Unique and the colour match is perfect! It’s everything I love about Ivory Beige but one shade lighter and a better match for my skin tone. This foundation has good coverage and makes my skin look flawless. The formula is lightweight and doesn’t emphasise lines or dry skin.

November’s Spotify playlist:

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What were your favourite things in November?

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My Recent Purchases #2

It was not long ago I shared My Recent Purchases and here I am back with a second lot of goods. In that post I mentioned I go through stages of not buying anything then seem to buy in clusters. Guilty once again. This time I’ve got fashion and makeup, I made online orders with ASOS and Feel Unique. I have shopped on both sites before and I am a huge fan of ASOS’ service! (This post is not sponsored. I genuinely rate them highly).

I had hoped to get this post up before now but I was waiting on the Feel Unique order so I could swatch everything.

NB: Mary-Lou Manizer was purchased from a New Zealand site.

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1. ASOS Curve 90s Style Dungarees

I vowed not to purchase another pair of dungarees online after the Boohoo disaster but I have shopped with ASOS a number of times. They have free returns compared to Boohoo so if this pair doesn’t fit I can return them for no cost and get my money back. I purchased a pair in this 90s style which seems like a looser fit and has more room to layer underneath. They are made from a stretch denim composed of 98% cotton which will sit nicely on the body and not feel too heavy.

So again I have a little dungaree story! I purchased the size which best matched my measurements but this time the dungarees were too big. That same day I jumped back on ASOS to order a size down and six days later they arrived. The fit is pretty much perfect and further confirmed to me how weird my body is when it comes to clothes sizes. Third pair’s a charm, right?!

2. the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

I have heard numerous compliments about this highlighter in the beauty world and I am so pleased I was able to get my hands on it! I picked it up for a bargain price and it arrived less than 48 hours after I made the order. The packaging concept is really fun and it was love at first swatch. It applies beautifully to the skin and can double as an eyeshadow. The hype is real!

3. Tanya Burr Sweet Lip Creams Gift Set

I subscribe to Tanya on YouTube and saw the video of her showcasing her Christmas collection. These matte liquid lipsticks stood out to me, both of the colours look gorgeous and I was particularly excited to try the deep purple shade, Blackberry Fudge. The red is called Santa’s Little Helper. The lip creams arrived in lovely box packaging featuring a ribbon and snowflakes.

4. Palmer’s Moisture Rich Night Cream

Soon I will be running low on my current night time moisturiser (Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream) and I was looking at alternatives I could try. I do enjoy the Kiehl’s and would like to use it again but I’m not sure if I’m willing to pay $54 (NZD) for a moisturiser. I’ve wanted to try something from Palmers for ages and I was able to pick up this night cream for $15 (NZD). I read reviews online and this rates highly.

5. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair

I currently have this foundation in the shade 101 Ivory Beige but I’ve always wanted to try Fair which is a shade lighter. Fair isn’t sold in NZ and I picked this foundation up for half the price I paid for Ivory Beige. The packaging seems to have been updated but I hope the formula is the same because whenever I wear Ivory Beige I like the way my skin looks and the medium to full coverage.

6. Max Factor Wild Shadow Pots in Feral Brown and Auburn Envy

Feel Unique had a 3 For 2 offer on Max Factor and these two eyeshadows suckered me in! I like single colours for days I want simple makeup looks. They also make travelling and staying overnight a breeze, you don’t have to take a whole palette. Feral Brown is brown/copper which will go nicely with my hair and Auburn Envy is a lighter brown with specks of gold.

Swatches

Left: Mary-Lou Manizer.

Right, top to bottom: Blackberry Fudge, Santa’s Little Helper, Feral Brown and Auburn Envy.

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Have you tried any of these products?

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Inside My Overnight Bag

Every week I spend a few nights with my boyfriend and I have an overnight bag full of girly essentials. I leave the products in the bag so I’m not unpacking all the time and forget something when I re-pack.

I purchased the bag from Forever New in August 2016 and it is the perfect size to house all the products. The base is flat which allows products to stand up if I need them to and I love the shiny, silver material on the outside.

Onto the contents:

• Medication (not pictured): I take certain medications in the morning and vitamins in the evening. I unpack these each time as they need to be replenished frequently.
• Toiletries: I keep a toothbrush and OGX shampoo and conditioner minis at my boyfriends. I take my trusty Nivea ‘no white marks’ deodorant as this lasts well throughout the day and I don’t tire of the scent. 
• Moisturisers: Even when I’m at home I have a day moisturiser and a night moisturiser. I have travel size moisturisers by Simple (Radiance Brightening Moisturiser) and MAC (Studio Moisture Cream). Small sizes are convenient and last surprisingly long when they are only used a couple of times a week. I keep a 50ml tub of The Body Shop’s Shea body butter with me to pop on after showering as well as a tube of hand cream also from The Body Shop. Currently it’s Almond Milk & Honey.
• Beauty/makeup: A black elastic headband ensures my hair doesn’t kink and keeps my fringe out of my eyes when I wash my face/moisturise. I am trying to use up the last of my Pearly Shine lip balm from Nivea which featured in 2016’s Project Pan! I normally wear this during the day and no other makeup. On the rare occasion I do take makeup I keep it simple: concealer, mascara, a single eyeshadow and a lip product.
• Haircare: I wear my hair down most days but I opt for my black velvet scrunchie (not pictured) if I want to tie it up. I have a Tangle Teezer in Candy Cane for my hair. The Tangle Teezer is compact but takes practice if you’re trying to tie up hair, it’s not as effective as a hairbrush when styling a ponytail.
• Fragrance: I always spritz body spray over myself and my clothes before applying my main perfume. My latest favourite is Impulse Tease (not pictured) which combines red fruits and woods. I tend to switch between two perfumes – my Viva la Juicy atomiser or The Body Shop’s Strawberry EDT which I have been reaching for more lately over Viva la Juicy. The bottle is small and compact and fits perfectly in my overnight bag as well as my handbag.

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What would you include in your overnight bag?

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Empty Products #3

This is only my third Empties post in a year and a half. I published my first ‘Empties’ in November 2015 and it is one of my most popular and most read posts. I find it astounding how slowly I go through and use up products compared to other bloggers but in some ways it shows how economical I am. I like to amass empties until I have a decent number of them to share, I would never have enough to warrant monthly posts. Let’s get started!

Makeup

1. Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara

I purchased this mascara for $10 in March 2016. I didn’t start using it until a few months later but as with most Rimmel mascaras I was impressed. The mascara has two different wands and formulas depending on whether you prefer volume, length or both. I like the bright pink packaging and how secure this closes. I especially love the smaller length brush for my bottom lashes, it doesn’t smudge and get everywhere and adds a nice natural definition.

Repurchase: I can see myself picking this up again although it’s not my holy grail. At the moment I have a couple of other mascaras to use first.

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

I frickin’ love this concealer! As you can see from the image the writing has completely rubbed off the packaging but that’s a small flaw. This concealer is the perfect match for my fair skin and the formula is so creamy and high coverage. A few dots of this on my red areas and blemishes is all I need.

Repurchase: I already have! I think they may have changed the packaging because so far no writing has rubbed off.

3. Rimmel Super Curler Mascara

This is my least favourite Rimmel mascara that I’ve ever tried. I was so excited about this when I saw it on Instagram but it didn’t last as long as my other Rimmel mascaras and it didn’t curl my lashes. The only thing I liked about this mascara is the bristle brush as opposed to a plastic one – that’s the reason Rimmel mascaras are my favourite.

Repurchase: Nope.

4. Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer

I don’t know what to say about this product because it’s been so long since I used it. I do think this product prolonged my makeup wear time and it didn’t react badly with my skin. It made my skin soft and a little bit went a long way, this primer lasted me over a year. This had a really nice smell to it as well.

Repurchase: Possibly. I’m not sure if this exact product is available anymore, I know Rimmel still do a Fix & Protect primer but it might not be the same one.

5. Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I dislike this product so much I didn’t even keep it for the picture, it went straight in the bin. In the beginning I liked this mascara, it gave good length and the brush was really good for wiggling mascara onto the lashes. This was such a pain to remove though, I’ve had waterproof mascaras before but nothing as stubborn as this. This became such a pain to remove I didn’t want to wear it so I chucked it out.

Repurchase: No, not even the washable version. Maybelline mascaras are expensive for what they are in New Zealand.

Body & SkinCare

6. Derma V10 Strawberry Body Sorbet

I picked up this for roughly $3 and considering the price it is a decent product. This tub lasted me ages and the strawberry scent is scrumptious! I do prefer body butters from The Body Shop as they are more moisturising and they have a range of scents to choose from. If you have normal skin (I have dry/sensitive) I’d say this would be a great budget alternative for you.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

When I first started using this product I didn’t see any real benefits and as a result I would only use it now and again. This product featured in the Project Pan collaboration I did last year and when I was using it more often I started liking it a lot more. I use face mist after moisturiser and before foundation to give my skin that extra bit of moisture.

Repurchase: I’m undecided at the moment. I’m using a Vitamin C Face Mist and once I’ve finished that I can determine which I preferred or if I want to go back to primer instead of face mist.

8. The Body Shop Hand Creams: Wild Argan Oil and Vanilla Chai

I love hand cream, I like to have a stash of two or three at a time so I don’t run out. The Body Shop’s selection is incredible and their formulas don’t react with my skin. There are certain scents I prefer to others and out of these two it would be the Vanilla Chai. Vanilla Chai has a nice spiciness to it and a hint of milk chocolate. The Wild Argan Oil felt slightly less hydrating than the Vanilla Chai and had an almost medicinal scent.

Repurchase: Vanilla Chai  – yes (but it was a Christmas scent), Wild Argan Oil – no.

9. Simple Moisturisers: Light Hydrating and Replenishing Rich

I’ve mentioned numerous times on the blog that I have used Simple moisturiser for years and I continue to do so. I was trialing which one of the two I prefer and the Replenishing Rich was the winner.

Repurchase: Yes to both but I prefer to buy the Replenishing Rich moisturiser.

10. The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter

I bought this body butter in my 2016 Body Shop Birthday Haul and finished it in mid 2016. I love the scent and how soft this made my skin. It had a nutty, kind of cocoa scent and I imagine this would smell really nice on a guy too, it’s one of those gender neutral scents that’s not overpowering.

Repurchase: The Body Shop have discontinued the Brazil Nut range but if they bring it back, I’m buying another tub for sure!

11. Olive Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream

This product has one of the nicest scents I’ve ever come across, it literally smells like bubblegum. Olive is a New Zealand based beauty/skincare brand but this is the only product of theirs I’ve tried. This hand cream contains more product than those from The Body Shop but overall I feel like The Body Shop hand creams are more moisturising.

Repurchase: I don’t think so.

Other

12. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

This is probably my favourite nail polish remover that I’ve tried. It doesn’t smell like alcohol like most of them and it removes nail polish really well. The formula contains Vitamin E which also helps strengthen nails and keep them looking and feeling good.

Repurchase: Yes! I couldn’t find this when I purchased a replacement, so I had to settle for a Sally Hansen one.

13. Britney Spears Radiance Perfume

For some reason it takes me ages to go through a perfume. I got this bottle for Christmas in 2013 and finished it some time in 2016. This perfume has a similar scent to Juicy Couture’s Viva la Juicy (which is my favourite) which is probably why I liked it. I couldn’t find an affordable bottle of Viva la Juicy so I got this instead. The bottle looks like gem stones and is very pretty.

Repurchase: I want to buy another bottle but I can’t find it in store so I may have to resort to online, it makes a nice everyday perfume.

14. Revlon Fire & Ice Perfume

This perfume was an item in a gift set I got for Christmas a couple of years ago. This scent is difficult to describe. It’s very different to the type I go for, it’s more mature and not so sweet and doesn’t contain vanilla. This perfume does smell pleasant and again it’s a nice, cheap everyday one for work.

Repurchase: Probably not.

15. Nivea Invisible For Black and White Deodorant

I have used this deodorant for years and I still enjoy using it. I know I won’t start smelling throughout the day and it’s not sticky and doesn’t get all over the armpits of my clothes.

Repurchase: Of course!

16. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner

I purchased these 750ml bottles in June 2016 so that shows you how long I’ve had them. These big bottles are really good value for money, I only have to buy shampoo and conditioner about once a year. I find this shampoo and conditioner decent enough and it smells good but I don’t feel the Keratin Smooth makes my hair any smoother or straighter than before I used it.

Repurchase: I don’t think so.

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That’s everything that I’ve been amassing for the past year or so. You probably won’t see one of these posts for another six months or so, so I hope you enjoyed this one!

Do you enjoy reading empties posts as much as I do? Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products!

Empty Products #1

Hi there, happy Friday! Today I’m very excited to bring you my first ever empties post! I will try and make this a regular feature on the blog but I don’t know how frequent the posts will be. I don’t find I go through products that quickly so I’ll probably end up keeping a little bin or a stash. Let’s jump straight in?!

1. Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser

I have used Simple moisturiser for years and I absolutely love it. My skin can be sensitive and never has this irritated it. The moisturiser does everything it says on the bottle and is so affordable.  There is no artificial scent or colour and the light texture is perfect for the face because it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and is good to use as a base before applying foundation. I imagine this would also be good for other areas on the body with sensitive/dry skin.

Repurchase: Yes, in fact I already have.

2. Impulse Into Glamour Body Spray

I first bought this body spray after The Saturdays became brand ambassadors for Impulse and it was one of the new scents launched in conjunction. I have used this product for a number of years as well and always repurchase whenever I run out. The scent is feminine and slightly floral and features a blend of sandalwood and vanilla. They’ve recently changed the size of the cans and although there is less product, it is more handbag friendly.

Repurchase: Always.

3. The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Hand Cream

I purchased this hand cream in August and it lasted me about two months. I really do think it made my nails stronger, they weren’t weak but they seemed to look and feel more nourished. When I first started using this hand cream I found the scent rather sweet but after a few days I got used to it and grew to like it. I like to apply hand cream before I go to bed so it has plenty of time to soak in during the night.

Repurchase: I think I will go back to this scent but I have a few others I’d like to try first.

4. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

I have been saving this empty up after finishing it a few months ago, partly because I thought the tub was cute and it might come in useful for something. I really like the shea scent because it’s feminine but relatively neutral and doesn’t interfere with perfume or anything like that. Some people question The Body Shop’s prices but I think once you work it out, they’re reasonable as the products last a good few months and the quality is so good.

Repurchase: Like the hand cream, I have a list of other scents I’d also like to try.

5. Rimmel ScandalEyes Lycra Flex Mascara

I’ve certainly saved the best till last! Technically this mascara isn’t an empty yet, but it’s pretty damn near. I didn’t realise how much I loved this mascara and what it does for my lashes until I tried others and didn’t like the effect as much. I think this may just be my ‘holy grail’ mascara, the volume and length it gives my lashes is amazing. This mascara really opens up my eyes and holds a decent curl throughout the day while still making my lashes look fluttery. This must be the easiest waterproof mascara to remove which is always a bonus.

Repurchase: Definitely!

There you have it, my first empties post done and dusted. All five of these products come highly recommended and I’d love to know if you’ve tried them yourself or if you’d like to!

June Favourites

Another month of 2015 down and now less than six months until Christmas! For me, June was all about the iPhone – I used to be one of those people who hated using their phone but now I love it! Beauty wise I didn’t spend a lot of money on new products but I do have a few beauty bits to include.

I apologise for the slightly late post this month but here are my June favourites:

1. iPhone – I posted about getting my phone here and it was one of my favourite posts to write and share this month. I absolutely adore the phone and everything about it. The camera is such good quality and I don’t find the battery life too bad, I have my brightness on zero most of the time as my phone is in my bag at work and only turn it up when I need to. I haven’t found a case yet so I’m still on the hunt.

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – You might have seen my ‘Mini Beauty Haul‘ featuring this cleansing water and the Rimmel nail polish Breakfast In Bed. This cleansing water lives up to all of its promises and value for money wise, it can’t be beaten. I was tempted by Simple’s Micellar Water but when I took into consideration I get double the amount for $1 more, my mind was made up – Garnier it was! In the beauty haul post I mentioned I had to rub a little more vigorously to remove my mascara but upon reflection I only notice that when I wear my Rimmel Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex mascara.

3. Rimmel Nail Polish #873 Breakfast In Bed – I think I fall more in love with this nail polish everyday! The colour is just so beautiful and is a wearable shade all year round – it’s pastel enough for spring/summer and cool enough to pull off in winter as well. I’ve had this colour on for over half of June and I can tell this polish will be getting a lot of wear.

4. Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser – I’ve had this moisturiser for a couple of months now and I feel within the past four weeks I’ve gotten into a little skincare routine that’s working well. Before this I was using Simple’s Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser and while that one was good as well, I feel the Hydrating moisturiser keeps my skin more nourished and does more for my skin. I’ve been applying the moisturiser twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. It has really helped my skin not to dry out in the cooler weather and harsh winds.

5. Candy Crush Soda – It was my mum who actually got me addicted to this game. She got a new phone recently too and loves to spend her free time playing away! I used to play the normal Candy Crush on Facebook but now that one doesn’t seem as exciting as Candy Crush Soda. (I’m currently on Level 45).

6. Years & Years – King – I have been hearing this song a lot on the radio at work and I really like it. I love a good beat!

That’s all for this month, be sure to let me know what you’ve been loving! ❤

All About That Base

Hi beauty babes!

Primer is essentially a base (hence the word play on Meghan Trainor’s hit ‘All About That Bass’ in the title), applied to improve coverage and lengthen the amount of time cosmetics stay on the face. There are different kinds of primer: foundation primer, eyelid primer and lip primer but today’s post will be focusing on foundation primer.

Foundation primers can work like a moisturiser. They aid in applying foundation more evenly and smoothly and increasing the longevity of the foundation. There are both water-based and silicone-based foundation primers. Some have a sun protection factor (SPF) and others are tinted to even out/improve skin tone or colour.

Some people say you should use both a moisturiser and primer as they do different things and others say if your skin is oily just use a primer. I’m pretty much a makeup novice and haven’t worn primer before but during Mollie King’s Q&A on Grazia’s Twitter account I asked for her top beauty tip and she replied, “use a primer before applying foundation.” Ever since I’ve been researching and looking into possible options. The product I’m leaning towards trying is Rimmel London’s Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer. I’m hoping to pick up some on Tuesday when I’m next in town. It’s on sale as well so if it doesn’t end up working for me I won’t have spent too much on it.

British make up artist Lisa Eldridge has a series of tutorials and informational videos on her website about all kinds of make up. I watched the one about primer this morning and thought it was very interesting. Lisa talks about primers and moisturisers and explains the difference as well as mentioning some of her favourite products.*

*The video is a few years old so products may have changed or may no longer be available.

Let me know if you use primer and if so, what product you use!

Chanelle x