Empty Products #13

My second empties post of the year! I currently seem to be getting one of these posts up every other month which is satisfying and makes sticking to a low buy easier. When it comes to a low buy I don’t restrict myself with a dollar amount and I still allow myself the occasional impulse purchase. I find I’m working through products more smartly and I’m able to identify what I enjoy and what (if anything) is missing from my collection.

Makeup/Beauty

1. Urban Decay Primer Potion

Up until 18 months ago I hadn’t tried an eyeshadow primer but now I’m sold on the difference they make to the longevity of my eye makeup. This primer from Urban Decay is one that is well loved and one I’d heard a lot about and it is really good. I picked up the 5.7g size and it lasts a long time, a little goes a long way. If you’re curious about eyeshadow primer or are on the fence over this one, I highly urge you to give it a try!

Repurchase: Yes.

2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

Over the past couple of years Fenty Beauty have been making a real name for themselves and to date this is the only product I have tried from the brand. I picked up the 15ml version to see if I like the primer and at first I was on the fence about it, it felt nice and soft on the skin but it was just an ordinary primer. This primer is more on the matte side and I really started enjoying it when I paired it with foundations that verge on being too dewy to create more of a satin finish and keep excess glow at bay.

Repurchase: Maybe – I would at least consider picking up the 15ml size again.

3. MAC Pinklite Strobe Cream 30ml

One thing MAC’s Strobe Cream has going for it is it’s versatility. You can use this as a moisturising primer, mix a little bit in with foundation for a subtle glow or apply it on top of foundation for more of a blinding effect. I used this like a primer on top of my moisturiser as I didn’t find the cream moisturising enough on it’s own for my dry skin. I would be interested to swatch the peach and silver shades to see what they look like on my skintone. It’s a shame not all shades come in the small 30ml size.

Repurchase: Maybe.

4. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

This mascara is my holy grail! It gives length and volume and the formula is super easy to work with. In my experience this is one of the only mascaras I’ve tried where the formula stays the same from when the tube is first opened. The mascara doesn’t flake or smudge and is a breeze to remove at the end of the day. I was extremely happy when I found out the extreme black shade wasn’t being discontinued, the product was just being re-packaged. I am yet to try a re-packaged tube however.

Repurchase: Already have a backup.

5. Maybelline Dr Rescue Top Coat

The bottle is not technically empty but I can’t get any more product out and it’s time to call done on this one. The top coat itself is excellent but the brush is really thin and doesn’t pick up a lot of product at once. The amount of product that gets left behind in combination with the small brush is a little disappointing.

Repurchase: Not sure. Value for money wise this is good but I think I prefer my Revlon top coat.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. The Body Shop Shea EDT

I love the Shea range from The Body Shop but this EDT was my least favourite out of all the scents I’ve tried. I thought this scent would work as a fragrance but I didn’t like it on me.

Repurchase: No.

7. Palmer’s Moisture Rich Night Cream

This is a good, inexpensive option for nighttime but I definitely need to apply my facial oil when I use it. My current night moisturiser is more hydrating and lately I have been able to get away with applying that on it’s own without the facial oil. This was the second time I’d purchased this cream so I do like it but I think there are better options.

Repurchase: Maybe.

8. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

I purchased this tub in April 2019 and 98% of the time I have worn makeup over the past year I have removed it with this. It is a little pricey but for me the price tag is worth it; my skin doesn’t get irritated, my skin has improved since using the balm regularly and the product isn’t scented or full of harsh ingredients.

Repurchase: Yes.

Body

9. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I haven’t gotten around to trying a different anti-perspirant yet but I will! As you know these feature in every empties and it’s a great everyday staple.

Repurchase: Yes.

10. The Body Shop Moringa Body Yogurt

I first mentioned the Moringa body yogurt in my November 2019 favourites. If you find body lotions and body butters too heavy and want more of a lightweight, gel texture you will enjoy these. Product absorbs quickly, it’s great for all skin types and you get the same amount as you would in a tub of body butter for a cheaper price. A great all over body moisturiser!

Repurchase: Yes. I’d be interested to try other scents too.

Discards

1. Soap & Glory Hand Food – Hydrating Hand Cream

I purchased this hand cream at the end of 2018 and it sat sealed in my beauty drawer for around a year before I got to using it. I noticed at the start of the year only a couple of weeks after opening the hand cream the texture changed to an oily, greasy mess. I shook the tube to try and mix the product back up but that didn’t do anything. The product must have gone bad which is a shame because I’d heard good things about this hand cream and it’s scent. The cream itself did feel nice on the skin and for the price it’s very reasonable. I’m not inclined to repurchase but I’d happily try this again if I received it as a gift.

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February Favourites + Highlights 2020

I didn’t find January to be a slow month but February has zoomed by! I was on leave from work for the first week and absolutely loved it, I spent time listening to lots of music, completed a jigsaw puzzle, slept in, ate when I liked (I find this makes me less hungry as opposed to having structured times to eat and being in the ‘work routine’) and did some online shopping. I’ve been back at work for the past three weeks and honestly I am really tired. The heat is so draining and I cannot wait for the cooler, autumn weather.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Zoella Reach For the Stars hand cream – One of my closest blogging friends, Dannii, sent me this hand cream along with a few other goodies at the end of 2018. I started using it recently and I’m really enjoying the scent which is a mix of vanilla and peppermint. The hand cream was released as part of the Cosmos Collection but Zoe announced the end of Zoella Beauty so I wouldn’t imagine it’s readily available unless you try eBay or somewhere like that. The cream itself is lovely, it feels very moisturising and the tube contains 90ml of product which will last me ages! I love the iridescent shiny tube as well.

2. The Body Shop Warm Vanilla body butter – Warm Vanilla was one of the Christmas scents released by The Body Shop last year and I’m a sucker for vanilla so I wanted to try something from this range. When the body butter arrived I was a little overwhelmed at how sweet and sickly this smelled and wasn’t sure if I’d like it. After using this for a while the scent has grown on me a lot, when the body butter is applied to the skin the scent isn’t as intense and it’s more subtle. It does have a warmth to it and I thought this would be more suitable for winter but it’s summer in New Zealand and I’m a fan! The texture is soft and luxurious and spreads very easily over the body.

3. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair – If you’re curious to try this product I highly recommend you do! The coverage of this CC Cream is amazing and the texture is lighter than most regular foundations. I squeeze a little line out onto my hand and dab product over my face and that is enough for me. I find most days I don’t need to go in with additional product in the areas I have more redness. Product blends like a dream and feels good on the skin too. If you read my Testing Four New Foundations post you’ll know this came out on top and got a glowing review!

4. Natio Renew Radiance Night Cream – I have been using this night cream for about a month now and a combination of this product and the heat has meant I haven’t needed to apply my facial oil as my skin hasn’t been dry. A little goes a long way and the cream soaks in quickly and leaves my face feeling soft through the night. My face doesn’t feel greasy and my makeup has been applying nicely the following day. The key ingredients are pomegranate and vitamin C.

5. Louise – Heavy Love – I can’t remember how I first heard about Louise as she hasn’t had chart success in New Zealand but she has such a beautiful, pure tone to her voice with a slight R&B edge. Heavy Love is Louise’s first album in 20 years and is a great pop album! Louise co-wrote the majority of tracks and a lot of the lyrics talk about heartbreak which is to be expected after splitting from her ex-husband. Pop music with a catchy beat and heartfelt lyrics is right up my street. Standout Tracks: Stretch, Not the Same, Hurt, Straight To My Heart, Settle For Nothing and Wrong.

February Highlights:

• I am ahead with my Goodreads goal for 2020 which is exciting!
• I started my one palette, one month challenge where I aim to use one eyeshadow palette each month in an attempt to use all the palettes in my collection more. Each palette is paired with a different highlighter for the month as well.
• At the beginning of February mum and I went out for a belated birthday lunch (our birthdays are three days apart). I had pancakes with bacon, banana, maple syrup and cream.

February’s Spotify Playlist:

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Products I Want To Use Up

I prefer to use up what I have before purchasing replacements and new products. There’s something satisfying about minimalism and being without clutter which also prevents me from feeling overwhelmed and questioning what to use. It’s more effective when I can use a product and move on to the next one rather than having a ton I’m working my way through at the same time. Makeup is a slight exception as I don’t wear the same lipstick and eyeshadow everyday. I’m sure these products will make an appearance in an empties post in the near future.

1. The Body Shop Shea EDT

I do enjoy these 30ml bottles of EDT from The Body Shop for their size and their portability. If I need to carry fragrance in my handbag these fit perfectly. The Shea range from The Body Shop is my favourite but I don’t think Shea works as a perfume. I don’t dislike this product but it’s my least favourite of the eau de toilettes I have tried. The scent has grown on me the more I’ve used it and it shouldn’t take me long to finish up.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/5

2. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Loose Powder

This powder is lovely but I never see anyone talking about it. Rimmel is an underrated brand in my opinion, the quality you get for the price point is very reasonable. I have had this powder for a few years now and I want to use it up while it’s still good. If you have dry skin like I do this is a good option as it’s not matte and can be applied with a very light hand. I don’t find the product messy despite having to tip it into the lid and as it’s translucent it doesn’t alter how foundation looks underneath.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/3

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

I know you’re probably thinking this is only a relatively new addition to my makeup collection and you’d be right. Realistically being a deluxe sample containing 12ml of product compared to a normal foundation containing 30ml I don’t think this will take me long to use if I’m consistent and don’t switch between foundations. I’m also interested to see how this works for me over a period of time so I can decide whether I’d purchase the full size once. I’m also excited about my makeup looking consistently good as when I tested this along with three other foundations I was very impressed!

Estimated amount of product left: Almost full

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10

This concealer is a little over two years old and I have made such a big dent in it. Every day the amount of pan gets bigger but the product seems to keep going. This works well in conjunction with the IT Cosmetics CC Cream so that will be a good match. This concealer is good but I still prefer Collection’s Lasting Perfection. Creamy concealers work better with my skin type.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/4

5. Stila Glitter & Glow minis in Perlina and Kitten Karma

I purchased a set of three Stila Glitter & Glow minis as a Christmas present to myself in 2018 and in all honesty I was disappointed. I wrote this post in March 2019 about how I don’t think these are worth the hype and I’ve barely reached for these since. I threw Golden Girl in the bin as the colour/glitter is practically non-existent. I would like to finish Perlina and Kitten Karma as they are easier to work with and I’m hoping to incorporate them into an eyeshadow challenge I am setting for myself even as an inner corner highlight or topper or something simple like that.

Estimated amount of product left: Perlina = 2/3, Kitten Karma = 3/4

6. Urban Decay Primer Potion

This is cheating a little as it is so close to being finished and I am ready for it! This eye primer has been a game changer for me, I love it and it definitely makes my eye makeup last better but I’ve had a Milani eye primer I’ve been waiting to try for a few months in my drawer that I’m itching to crack into. I’d say there’s another week or two left with the Urban Decay primer at most.

Estimated amount of product left: Nearly empty

7. The Body Shop Mandarin Face Mist

This is my least favourite product of the bunch. The scent is a little sickly and the mist isn’t as good as the Strawberry one I’ve tried previously. I don’t feel this mist does anything for my skin and I find I have to do quite a few sprays to feel the product on my face. Compared to the strawberry mist this doesn’t smooth or set my makeup so I’ll probably use this under/on top of my moisturiser in the morning to give my skin a boost of moisture.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/2

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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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Black Friday/Cyber Monday Haul

I’ve never seen these big sales as an excuse to go crazy and buy items for the sake of it but if there is a sale on something I’ve been looking at purchasing or spot a good deal I’m likely to go for it! I have done a few hauls this year but the majority have only contained a handful of items. (I count less than 10 haul posts throughout 2019). I personally enjoy seeing what people pick up and what has either been on their wishlist or they’ve been intrigued to buy in the spur of the moment. Let’s get started!

1. Kylie Minogue Logo Hoodie (Peach)

Jumpers are one of my favourite clothing items, they are super comfortable and make me feel all snug and cosy. Band/artist merchandise is one of my favourite things to wear and I didn’t have any Kylie stuff. This is a simple peach coloured hoodie with Kylie’s logo on the front and back. It will look great with blue jeans and it will be good to pop on between seasons when the weather can’t make up its mind.

Note: This item hadn’t arrived when the photos for this post were taken.

2. The Body Shop Warm Vanilla Body Butter

Vanilla is one of my favourite scents and The Body Shop tend to release a vanilla line as part of their Christmas range. I prefer musky, spicy vanilla scents when it comes to body lotions but this one is quite sweet. I tested a little bit of this body butter when it arrived and I like the scent once it’s had time to sit on the skin for a while. I can’t comment on how moisturising the formula is compared to others I’ve tried as I won’t be using this straight away but it seems to be up to The Body Shop’s usual standard from the small amount I sampled. This is the only item in this haul that wasn’t on sale.

3. xoBeauty Luxe Liquid Lipstick – Impavid

I’m sure you know the story by now, the xoBeauty liquid lipstick formula is my favourite – it is not drying at all and so comfortable on the lips. The liquid lipsticks were 40% off which took them down to roughly $15 (NZD) which is super affordable. Impavid is a deep, rich, cool toned red. I have a few red lipsticks in my collection and I’m currently in the process of evaluating them all by wearing a different shade each day to figure out which ones I most enjoy. As Impavid is new it will be sticking around.

4. xoBeauty Luxe Liquid Lipstick – Ineffable

I also picked up the shade Ineffable which is a neon, hot fuchsia and is the perfect Chanelle colour! Funnily enough I have less bright pink lipsticks than reds yet this is my favourite colour to wear. This kind of shade is my go to when I’m stuck and don’t know what to pick and I know it goes with whatever makeup I pair it with. This shade is a creme finish whereas other bright pinks in my collection are more of a satin/shiny finish and contain tiny sparkles.

Lipstick swatches:

Left to right: Ineffable and Impavid.

5. xoBeauty Round Eye Brush

I have been loving the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush lately for applying transition shades all over the lid and through the crease. The Real Techniques brush has nice dense bristles which really places the shadow where I want it to go and brushes like this work best for my small eyes as I don’t have a lot of lid space. Fluffy brushes are fine if I want a soft, natural look but I do like definition in the crease. I’m hoping due to the shape and look of this brush it will perform in a similar fashion.

6. xoBeauty Angled Eye Brush

I haven’t tried an angled eye brush before but the reviews on this one were really good. The head isn’t overly big so I think this will work well for carving out my crease and applying eyeshadow to the outer half of my eyes. This brush can also be used to apply and blend out concealer underneath the eyes or to apply primer to the eyelids – a good multitasker.

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Did you pick up anything in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?

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November Favourites + Highlights

My mood feels like it has been a little up and down this month. Compared to October I have slowed down on the reading front which is a little disappointing but there have been a couple of books I have taken longer to get through. New Zealand has had a few mini heatwaves which I’m not a fan of, give me cold, sweater weather any day! Lately I have also been feeling discouraged when it comes to dating and I want to take a back seat for a while. Dating is something I never want to half ass and do because I feel like I have to. I want to go back to having a more relaxed approach and not thinking of it as a chore.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. The North Face Venture 2 Jacket in Collar Blue – I was on the lookout for a lightweight jacket to wear to and from work and something more casual for wearing at weekends. I instantly fell in love with this light blue colour as I didn’t want black or khaki like most people seem to have. Technically this is a rain jacket but it’s also windproof and made from a DryVent fabric making it breathable. The jacket has an adjustable hood, zipped pockets, a front zipper with Stormflap velcro closure and adjustable velcro straps around the wrists. I am surprised how much I have worn this since I bought it – it’s so easy to throw on and goes with everything.

Better picture of the jacket.

2. Colourpop Super Shock Shadows in Nillionaire and I Heart This – I am still loving the Super Shock Shadow formula since I tried it at the beginning of the year! The shadows are so pigmented, easy to apply and last all day. Nillionaire is a light bronze with pink and gold ultra-glitter and is one of my favourites, it’s a very Chanelle colour that goes with any makeup look – especially a bold lip! It takes a couple of layers to build up but it builds up quickly. I Heart This is a taupe with silver ultra-glitter. Whilst it is a lighter shade I love pairing it with theBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter as a shimmery base shadow and bronzer in the crease for a super simple look.

3. The Body Shop Moringa Body Yogurt – When The Body Shop released their body yogurts I was curious to try one and see how they compare to the body butters. They are fast-absorbing moisturisers with a lightweight, gel-cream texture and suitable for all skin types. The texture is runny and jelly like compared to a body butter and the body yogurts come in fewer scents. Where the body yogurts have the advantage are in size and price. The tubs still contain 200ml of product but they’re more compact and are $15 (NZD) cheaper. I put this product on after a shower and it feels nice and cooling on the skin. It doesn’t feel any less moisturising than a body butter and a little goes a long way. I will definitely consider trying more scents in future, perhaps the Strawberry or the British Rose.

4. YSL Black Opium – I have only had this mini bottle of Black Opium for a couple of weeks but perfume is one of those products you know after a handful of uses whether you like it or not. I have worn this perfume almost every day during the past two weeks and I really appreciate the warmth to the scent and the longevity the perfume has. The scent is not overpowering and I can easily pick out and distinguish different notes (vanilla, coffee, pink pepper etc.) This smells very similar to Prerogative by Britney Spears but this has more lasting power. I don’t think this will become my holy grail perfume but after I finish this sample I will consider purchasing a bigger bottle.

November Highlights

• A long overdue catch up with an old work colleague.
• I made a couple of online orders including a four piece set of mini YSL products and the new xoBeauty Heaps of Sweets eyeshadow palette.
• Halo celebrated her 2nd birthday.

November’s Spotify Playlist:

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Updated Perfume Collection

In 2017 I shared my fragrance collection and looking back at that post quite a bit has changed in the two years since then. I have acquired a handful of new perfumes over the past couple of months and thought it was time to do an updated post and share what scents currently sit atop my dresser.

When it comes to perfume I know the type of scents I like and they tend to be warm, sweet and contain vanilla. Strong, woody scents give me a headache and I find they don’t sit on me or match my personality as nicely as sweeter scents.

Kicking off with an EDT and a sample sized perfume

1. The Body Shop Shea EDT

I’m sure you all know how much I adore The Body Shop and the Shea range in particular. I’ll cut straight to the point and say this isn’t my favourite Shea product by any means but it’s pleasant enough. This EDT isn’t the best one from The Body Shop (I prefer Strawberry and Moringa) and it isn’t very long lasting but it’s fine if you want a quick spritz of something. The scent has the usual shea nuttiness and I’d class this as unisex, it’s not overly feminine.

Best for: Spritzing on to run errands.

2. YSL Black Opium (7.5ml)

The most recent addition to my collection is this sample of Black Opium that came with three other mini YSL products in a set. I have tried this already and it smells absolutely gorgeous, I can understand why people rave about this one! It’s a sexy, warm, vanilla scent and I already know I will purchase a full size when I finish this sample. The lasting power is brilliant but the scent isn’t overpowering and in your face. Prerogative by Britney Spears is a dupe for this but not as long lasting.

Best for: Date nights, work or everyday wear.

Moving on to full sized perfumes; starting with Juicy Couture as they make up half of my collection

3. Viva la Juicy

This perfume is the only one that appeared in 2017 but this is my second bottle. Viva la Juicy is my favourite, it’s what I see as my signature scent and it’s the only perfume to date that I have repurchased. The gourmand sweetness is not over the top for my liking and the lasting power of this perfume is really good, I can smell it on clothes and skin the next day and it only requires a few sprays. Despite this being my favourite perfume it’s not one I reach for day to day, I tend to reserve it for special occasions but I will wear it to work now and again when I want to smell extra nice.

Best for: Those who like girly scents.

4. Viva la Juicy La Fleur

Viva la Juicy La Fleur is lighter than the original VLJ and has more fruity, floral notes. This doesn’t last as long as the original but also doesn’t need to be topped up throughout the day. The floral notes aren’t overwhelming which I like. I like the mix of sweet caramel and the florals together for a fun twist on the original. The bottle is taller than most of the other Juicy Couture bottles and the bright pink flowers printed on the glass are a pretty touch.

Best for: Work, daytime wear and summer (I see myself reaching for this a lot over the coming months).

5. Viva la Juicy Glacé

I haven’t actually used this perfume yet, it’s still sitting in the box untouched. I have sampled the fragrance and I know I like it as I had a rollerball of this scent. I wanted to pick it up a bottle as I heard it was being discontinued. Glacé bears a close resemblance to the original Viva la Juicy but has icy notes of frozen mandarin and pear sorbet which make it less sweet and more fresh. I can only comment on the lasting power of the rollerball but it seems on par with the original.

Best for: Work/day wear.

6. Marc Jacobs Daisy

Up until late 2018 I had never sampled Daisy before. I knew it was well loved but I didn’t think I’d enjoy a floral perfume and thought it would irritate my nose. Daisy is a clean, fresh, light floral that doesn’t overwhelm and has decent lasting power, it will stick around most of the day. The packaging is surprisingly lightweight and not tacky, the lid is secure and the bottle is more compact compared to some other perfumes. Daisy is a scent that seems cross generational, I imagine teenagers through to middle aged women wearing and enjoying this.

Best for: Fans of floral scents that aren’t overpowering and those looking for a good staple perfume.

7. Paco Rabanne Olympéa

Olympéa is the most grown up and sophisticated of the scents featured. This was recommended to me by a lovely blogging friend (Rachael) and it’s easy to see why she’s such a fan. This perfume is probably the strongest out of the ones I own and any more than three or four sprays could be headache inducing territory. This scent is a different take on the usual vanilla I love, it’s salty and contains oriental elements.

Best for: Evenings and special occasions.

8. Delta Goodrem Delta

Hanging around the neck of the bottle is a gold and silver feather charm which dangles down and looks beautiful. However, the gold plastic lid feels a little cheap and could be the kind that could loosen over time. The most prominent notes in Delta are white musk, florals and fruits. I would say if you already have floral perfumes you don’t need this one but as Daisy is my only other real floral it’s nice to have this too. The floral notes are more prominent in Delta than in Viva la Juicy La Fleur. Delta has satisfactory staying power and easily lends itself to being a good option for work.

Best for: Work and daytime wear.

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What perfume notes do you gravitate towards?

Are there any scents you’re lusting after? On my current perfume wishlist is a full size of Black Opium and Viva la Juicy Rosé.

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Empty Products #11

My fifth empties post in a year! I am proud of how dedicated I have been to using products up and the speed with which I’m getting through things. There’s a lot of great products in this post and 80% of them I would be happy to purchase again. Let’s get started!

Haircare

1. TRESemmé Heat Tamer Protective Spray

I have had this heat protector for a few years as I rarely use styling tools on my hair. The scent is pleasant, it’s like a fruity version of The Body Shop’s Vitamin E scent with less rosy notes – there is no hair spray, chemical type smell. The spray makes hair soft and look shiny without looking oily and it is good value for money. It costs $7 (NZD) for 300ml. If you do use styling tools regularly and had to purchase this a few times a year it’s still good value.

Repurchase: Yes.

Makeup

2. L’Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara

Paradise Extatic is the European/New Zealand version of L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise mascara. My initial thoughts are I don’t like Paradise Extatic as much as I liked Lash Paradise. I found Paradise Extatic dried out quicker and the formula got clumpy and thick after not being open for very long at all. Paradise Extatic didn’t build and layer as well as I remember Lash Paradise doing and my lashes didn’t look long and fluttery. The performance of this particular tube of mascara was average. I’ve seen people compare Lash Paradise and Paradise Extatic and this has come out on top but for me it’s the other way round. The only way this is superior to Lash Paradise is that the colour on the outside of the tube doesn’t flake and peel off.

Repurchase: Yes but Lash Paradise in the pink tube.

3. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

I have talked about this concealer numerous times over the years on my blog so I’ll keep this short. It is my favourite creamy concealer and as far as value for money, shade match, coverage and pigmentation goes it wins hands down!

Repurchase: I already have.

4. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW13 (Sample)

I recently reviewed this foundation *HERE* and I’m including this little sample as an empty because it gave me 27 uses which is a lot more than the week’s worth of product the poster stated. The colour match could not be more perfect for my skin and this foundation blended like a dream, it is the nicest looking foundation I have tried to date. Cheek products sit nicely on top, the formula is comfortable – the right amount of dew and matte – and product didn’t break down on my face throughout the day.

Repurchase: I am considering buying a full size of this foundation once I finish up a few others in my collection.

5. MAC Syrup

I am sad I have finished this lipstick but also proud. Syrup was my first ever MAC lipstick and my first ever MAC purchase so it holds a special place in my heart. Syrup is the most beautiful pink-purple mauve berry and such a hard colour to dupe. It has a lustre finish meaning it’s incredibly comfortable to wear and has a nice natural shine.

Repurchase: Definitely – one of the best lipstick colours I have ever owned!

6. MAC Patisserie

I actually thought I would finish Patisserie before Syrup but as it happened I used both of these up within a week of each other. Patisserie is also a lustre finish and is the perfect peachy-pink nude. When it comes to nude lipsticks pink undertones suit me best.

Repurchase: I’m sure I will at some point.

Skincare & Fragrance

7. Antipodes Hosanna H20 Skin Plumping Serum

I received a deluxe sample of this serum as a gift with purchase but I didn’t enjoy it. The serum has a strong medicinal scent and I didn’t notice any benefits to my skin when I used this. It didn’t irritate my skin or dry it out further but I didn’t see any plumping effects either. The serum seemed to soak into my skin awfully quickly and it felt like I hadn’t applied any product.

Repurchase: No.

8. The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist

Aside from Fix+ by MAC this is the face mist I have enjoyed using the most to set my makeup. The strawberry scent is lovely and fruity and the spray feels light and refreshing on the skin. This mist gives my skin a smooth, dewy look.

Repurchase: Most likely.

9. Britney Spears – Prerogative 30ml

Prerogative is probably my favourite fragrance from Britney Spears so far. It has notes of amber, pink pepper, apricot, lily, espresso foam and a velvety, gourmand twist. The scent is quite light and not the most long lasting but it’s a good everyday perfume for work. My only slight gripe is the bottle. The packaging is simple and sexy but as the bottle sits on an angle I worry perfume could leak out.

Repurchase: Maybe.

Body

10. Victoria’s Secret Ruby Guava Hand Cream

A work colleague gave this to me and the packaging is super cute! I didn’t know Victoria’s Secret made hand cream. The scent is fruity and a little stronger than what I usually like. This also didn’t feel as moisturising as other hand creams I’ve used in the past.

Repurchase: No.

11. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 200ml

Shea is my favourite scent from The Body Shop and this is actually the first 200ml tub of this scent I have finished up. I’ve used a couple of smaller 50ml tubs in the past but this is softer and creamier despite being the same scent. I never tire of this scent and it’s perfect for any time of year.

Repurchase: Yes!

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What was the last product you finished up?

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7 Products I Want To Use Up

I’ll start by saying I don’t hate any of these products. These are simply products I want to focus on finishing up so I can move onto using other items in my collection and products that don’t seem like they are too far away from being finished. I have divided the products into two categories; makeup and body/fragrance.

Starting of course with my favourite, makeup!

1. MAC Fix+ Setting Spray 30ml

I will be a little sad when I finish this setting spray as it feels lovely on the skin and has a nice, fresh scent. The nozzle sprays the right amount of product and the mist doesn’t feel too wet when it comes into contact with the skin. This also works well to spray on brushes to intensify eyeshadows and for picking up pigments to make eyes look more glittery. The sooner I finish this the sooner I can move on to the two face mists I have from The Body Shop and then look at purchasing a full size of Fix+.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/5.

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

This is my third or fourth tube of this concealer and I love it – it’s my holy grail! This concealer is the perfect shade for me, works well with every foundation, provides even coverage and pigmentation and can be layered to provide the level of coverage you’re after. I already have another brand new tube waiting in the wings for when this is finished. I’m guessing I only have enough product left for another week or two which I estimate to be another 5-10 uses.

3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

I have had this foundation for coming up two years now and for a long time it was reserved for being my foundation to use for nice makeup days or special occasions. Last year it took a back seat when I focused on finishing up Rimmel’s Match Perfection in the shade 010 Light Porcelain. Up until the MAC foundation I sampled this was the one I liked most and compared everything too. The foundation provides light-medium coverage and still looks natural whilst giving a satin/demi-matte finish. The tube feels almost empty, I’d say there’s only a handful of uses left.

4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup – W1-2 Porcelain/Light Ivory

The formula of this foundation is extremely dewy and one light layer is enough. This foundation isn’t the easiest to build up so I prefer to go in with a concealer that does layer and build up well to cover redness and uneven skintone. This foundation is nice for the colder months when my skin is drier due to it’s high water content. This foundation was purchased in March 2018 but wasn’t used properly until this year as along with the Max Factor foundation it took a back seat so I could finish the Rimmel foundation.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/3

Moving onto body and fragrance

5. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

I don’t dislike this scent but it is not my favourite for a body lotion. The Black Musk fragrance mist from The Body Shop is lovely and after using this body lotion it has made me realise I prefer it as a perfume rather than a scent for the body. This lotion also doesn’t feel as moisturising as others I’ve tried from The Body Shop and with the bottle being black I have no idea how much product is left, I’m guessing 1/3 or 1/4 going by how light the bottle feels.

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT 30ml

Since purchasing three brand new perfumes a couple months ago I am trying to finish up a few of my other scents. These 30ml bottles from The Body Shop are such a good travel size and I used to like taking them with me when I stayed with my ex as they are easy to transport, smell good and have decent lasting power. I haven’t needed to transport perfume and haven’t found myself reaching for this as much as I did. I’m currently alternating between this and the next perfume for days at work and I’m enjoying the floral element this brings.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/4

7. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture 100ml

Out of all the Juicy Couture perfumes I have tried this is the one I’d be least likely to repurchase. The scent is stronger and more heady than what I usually go for but the fragrance notes are still nice and I have received compliments on this in the past. One thing this perfume is missing for me is the prominence of the vanilla and sweetness other Juicy Couture scents have. The lasting power of this perfume is excellent though.

Juicy Couture begins with sweet fruit notes of watermelon, mandarin, and passion fruit over a floral bouquet of gardenia, hyacinth, marigold, lily, and tuberose. Juicy Couture finishes on warm, sweet base notes of caramel, crème brulee, vanilla, patchouli and woods.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/10

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Have you got any products you’re looking to finish up?

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GRWM: Girls Dinner

On Monday I went out to dinner with some of the girls from work. If you saw my post on Instagram earlier in the week you may be aware I was worried about the dinner. Social situations make me nervous and not being a very adventurous eater magnifies the nerves. Evenings out aren’t something I do as I don’t usually have company and part of me feels like I don’t deserve it. I knew I wanted to go because I felt grateful to be included and it was a big deal for me. I made everything out to be worse in my head than it was but when you worry so much it’s a natural instinct. If a similar situation arises again I will be less nervous which is a positive.

Not only was I nervous about the food/dinner – I stepped out of my comfort zone with my outfit. The restaurant had a dress code so it meant I had to get a little glammed up. I wore a dress AND heels and wanted to do nice makeup. This look features some newer products in my collection and products I’ve been reaching for a lot recently.

(Products have been categorised and listed in order of application under each category).

Base

• MAC Strobe Cream – Pinklite – I applied this kind of like a primer and to give my skin more glow. I wanted this look to be soft and dewy.
• Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair – One of my favourite foundations that I’ve tried to date; good coverage and a satin finish.
• Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer  – 1 Fair – The pigmentation and creamy consistency pairs so well with the Max Factor foundation. I had a bit of redness I wanted to cover up and also I wanted my skin to look glowy and this concealer isn’t as matte as my MAC one.
• The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist – This smells good, feels lovely on the skin and keeps makeup looking fresh. This was the last product applied before my lip colour.

Cheeks/Eyes

• Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Used this to fill in my brows.
• Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder – Light – I hadn’t used this for a few weeks and I missed it. Often in the morning when I’m getting ready for work I skip contouring as I’m short on time but I do really enjoy how this product looks.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion – This little 5ml sample has lasted me over a year and is still going strong.
• The Body Shop Honey Bronzer  – 01 Light Matte – This was dusted over the tops of my cheekbones, down my nose and across my chin. I also applied this in my crease as my transition shade.
  
• BECCA – Royal Glow – I used my ring finger to apply this highlighter all over my eyelids as a base shadow and used it to highlight my cheeks as well.
• Zoella x Colourpop Supernova Shadow in Bellini – Bellini is a high-impact, ultra glittery shadow with a metallic rose gold base. This shadow is so easy to use, I swipe product onto my finger from the applicator and transfer it to my eyelid. Product dries quickly and lasts all day, this shade looks a foiled shadow when set.
• L’Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara – This is starting to dry out and I feel like I haven’t had it open very long. It definitely doesn’t seem as long lasting as the tube of Lash Paradise I had. I’m not ready to let go of this mascara just yet as the dark, thick fluttery lashes it gives are so pretty.
• MAC – Warm Soul – I wanted a hint of colour on the cheeks and I knew the highlighter and strobe cream would give the glow factor so I went for this light pink-beige blush. It gives a lovely natural flush.

LIPS

• L’Oreal – 302 Bois De Rose – I mentioned in my August Favourites I wanted to do a makeup look for the blog with this lipstick and here it is! It’s a great shade for everyday wear and I knew I’d be eating so wanted something that would fade gradually. This shade gives me MAC Syrup vibes, this is a satin finish and more pink but super pretty!

The Final Look:

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Let me know what you think of this makeup look! What type of look do you go for if you’re going out?

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