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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October Favourites + Highlights 2020

October has zoomed by! I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my tonsillectomy and I’ve been back at work two weeks already! I did get more spendy in October compared to a usual month and I haven’t been reading a lot either. I will still meet my Goodreads target of 40 books for the year but I want to spend more time reading again in November. I haven’t really been up to much this month, mainly sleeping, relaxing and taking it easy. It’s been nice to have time for self care.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop Easy Bake Ultra Glossy Lip – Easy Bake was released by Colourpop last year as part of their Strawberry Shake collection. This shade is a sheer strawberry pink that can be worn on its own but I love wearing it over top of lipstick for added shine. This is the perfect neutral gloss that looks good on top of everything without altering the lip colour underneath. The scent is nice, the formula isn’t sticky and goopy and the packaging is adorable!

2. Revlon – Gel Envy Nail Polish in Silky Negligee – I was placing an order online for magnesium for my mum and needed something else to add to the order to qualify for free shipping (it was a chemist website). I had seen this polish in a store the same day and snapped it up immediately. Silky Negligee is a glossy metallic silver grey and it looks stunning on. Two coats is perfect and the polish lasted for almost two weeks with Revlon’s Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat (which I have loved for years) applied over top. The polish was a little difficult to remove but nothing like removing glitter polishes. I also picked up another shade from the range called Standing Ovation (glossy metallic lilac pink) which I’m yet to try.

3. Trilogy Hydrating Jelly Mask – There is a facial oil from Trilogy I love and I saw this jelly mask on sale for half price so decided to give it a try. The mask contains rosehip, hyaluronic acid and manuka honey and it aims to smooth the appearance of skin as well as deeply nourish and refresh it. There is a little spatula that comes with the mask and makes it easy to scoop product out. The texture is like jelly and feels very cooling on the skin. Product is easy to spread and after a few minutes it sets a little but doesn’t feel uncomfortable. The mask only needs to be left on for 5-10 minutes and washes off with minimal effort. This is a lovely mask that I’ve been reaching for once a week and a little goes a long way.

4. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom body butter – I purchased this body butter over a year ago and I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned it on the blog before! I didn’t start using it until around lockdown but the scent is gorgeous – it’s light, fruity and floral and a nice feminine scent to use after a shower. The texture of this body butter feels slightly more luxurious compared to the standard ranges The Body Shop is known for. The price point of this is slightly higher as well but it doesn’t bother me.

October Highlights

• It was nice to have a break from work after my surgery. I hadn’t had a proper break since February.
• Purchased some comfy tracksuit bottoms and the most gorgeous purple hoodie from Nike. You bet the first cold day that comes I’ll be wearing them!
• Finally got to watch Knives Out this month. Not going to lie though, I was a little disappointed. I didn’t like the fake accent Daniel Craig’s character had.

October’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Empty Products #10

This is my fourth empties post in a year which is a record for me! I definitely have noticed that using what I have before buying more is working and I’m getting through products faster and have less clutter. I have actually enjoyed being on a low buy and lately I have only being buying products to replace what has been used up or when I’m close to finishing something.

Haircare

1. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Shampoo Supreme Length

I tried the matching conditioner first and was a fan so decided to pick up a bottle of the shampoo and I like it equally as much. The shampoo doesn’t feel drying or make my roots look greasy and only a small amount is required for each wash.

Repurchase: I see myself picking this up again.

2. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Conditioner Supreme Length

This is the second bottle I have finished and this is a great, inexpensive conditioner. My hair feels and looks smooth when I use this and the smell is really nice.

Repurchase: I see myself picking this up again.

Makeup

3. Max Factor Smooth Miracle Primer

I picked up this primer after hearing a fellow blogger rave about it and I’m not disappointed. If you prefer moisturising primers this may not be your favourite but it doesn’t feel greasy or like silicone. Foundation applies nicely over top of this, it doesn’t make product pill and gather and it definitely smooths skin. The product gets pumped from the bottom up so every last little bit gets used and you know exactly how much is left. The packaging is lightweight and travel friendly too.

Repurchase: Possibly in future.

4. Tanya Burr Selfie Lash Mascara

I was sent this mascara by the lovely Dannii and I was surprised by how much I like it! I’m quite fussy when it comes to mascara, I prefer natural bristle brushes, a super dark black shade and a formula that is on the drier side without being clumpy. From the get go the formula was really nice, it didn’t change much throughout the 7 month course of using it which is impressive. The formula didn’t dry out and become sticky either. The wand is made up of small, silicone bristles which help to build length and get in to every lash. This is such a lovely everyday mascara.

Repurchase: Yes, if the mascara hadn’t been discontinued!

Skincare & Fragrance

5. Juicy Couture – I ❤ Juicy Couture

Out of all the Juicy Couture perfumes I’ve tried this is one of the lightest in terms of fragrance and lasting power. This is really nice for work as it’s inoffensive. The fruit notes are the most prominent and whilst they are pleasant they aren’t what I typically go for in a perfume. In no way is this a bad perfume, if I was gifted another bottle I would happily use it!

Repurchase: Probably not. There are other perfumes I like more.

6. The Body Shop Strawberry Body Mist

Over the past month or so I have enjoyed not spritzing a body mist before applying perfume and I’ve got to say I’m enjoying letting the perfume do it’s thing and getting the full scent. Some days I’ll apply a rollerball perfume to my neck and spritz a different perfume to layer the two scents together but I don’t need to rely on body mists. Usually body mists aren’t strong or long lasting either.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This oil has been such a saviour for my skin! I’m currently using a serum from Antipodes and I don’t like it anywhere near as much. The oil is extremely gentle, delicate and is fragrance free. The oil aims to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and I agree with those claims. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants for soft, smooth, comfortable skin.

Repurchase: I have.

8. The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask

I used this face mask twice a week and it lasted me a couple of years. It’s good if you want a quick 5-10 minute mask and don’t like the tight feeling of clay masks. The honey and oats mean this is nice and gentle on the skin but the texture of the oats cleans and scrubs skin at the same time. The smell of this is lovely, I don’t usually like honey. The mask was easy to apply and wash off and is suitable for normal to dry skin but I also think this would suit sensitive skin. The style of packaging means every last bit of products gets used too.

Repurchase: Not sure. This mask has been discontinued and I didn’t notice any visible differences each time I used it but it’s not a bad mask.

Body

9. The Body Shop Strawberry Softening Gel Lotion

The strawberry range is usually one of my favourites from The Body Shop but I’m glad this lotion was only the travel size. I didn’t enjoy the gel texture, it wasn’t very moisturising and whilst it did soak into the skin quickly the strawberry scent was sweeter than other products I’ve tried from the range. The scent wasn’t light and fresh, it was sickly and synthetic. Squeezing product out of this little bottle was also annoying.

Repurchase: No.

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Still my anti-perspirant of choice. Maybe after my current one of these is finished I’ll branch out and try something else.

Repurchase: Yes.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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Empty Products #8

This is my third empties post since the start of November 2018! I am getting quicker at using things up and I definitely think my low buy is helping. I am more inspired to use what I’ve got before buying more and replacing products. I know which products I’m close to finishing and putting my focus on those rather than having different things open at once and using small amounts of each.

Haircare

1. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

I enjoyed the shampoo from this range a lot more than the conditioner. A small dollop of product was enough and from the time I started this shampoo until the time I finished it was around seven months. $13 seems expensive upfront but over time that works out to less than $2 per month. The product does have a pleasant scent. It didn’t leave my roots feeling oily or dried out, my hair felt soft and clean.

Repurchase: Maybe.

2. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Conditioner Supreme Length

After finishing my previous conditioner I was ready to try something new and this caught my eye. Not only is the bottle my favourite colour but the product is aimed at long hair prone to damage and oily roots. This smells really nice and actually worked well in conjunction with the OGX shampoo above.

Repurchase: I have.

3. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends

A fellow blogger inspired this purchase a few years ago and when I first got it I would make a conscious effort to use it but after a few months it fell by the wayside. It became a product I’d use on my hair to keep the ends looking sleek and straight after I’d blow dried it. I don’t use tools on my hair often which probably explains why it took me three years to finish this! I’ve been trying to get it gone these past few weeks and I finally did it!

Repurchase: No. It’s not a bad product but I didn’t enjoy using it.

Makeup

4. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

I understand why so many people enjoy this primer, it’s very moisturising. A little goes a long way and the 20ml tube lasted me four months. The coconut scent isn’t offensive and even if you don’t like coconut scents like me I think you’ll still like this, the scent is barely there. I did find when I used my MAC Studio Finish Concealer it would pill if I used this primer. This primer did accentuate lines sometimes too.

Repurchase: The primer was fine if I used my Collection concealer but I am using a Max Factor primer currently which I prefer. I may pick this primer up again though.

5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

Words cannot explain my love for this mascara! The big brush is surprisingly easy to work with, the wand has proper bristles rather than plastic ones and the formula and pigmentation is incredible. The formula is consistent throughout the lifetime of each tube, it doesn’t change drastically. It’s slightly wetter when first opened but not in smudgy, messy way. The wand gives length and volume. I’m sad the Extreme Black shade has been discontinued, the regular black shade is just not as good.

Repurchase: Yes, my holy grail mascara! I have one tube left as a back up and might try and hunt more down.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. MAC Studio Finish Moisture Cream

Don’t get me wrong this is a nice moisturiser and this is the second tube I have finished up but I think I’d try it as my day moisturiser if I pick it up again to see how it performs under makeup. I don’t find this works as good with the facial oil as the night moisturiser I am currently using – Clinique’s Moisture Surge – I like something slightly lighter in the evening so the oil absorbs better.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This oil has been such a game changer for my skin! The lines I used to get around my nose and mouth have practically disappeared and my skin is much softer and nourished. Makeup applies better and this oil works well in conjunction with my day and night moisturisers. I don’t have excess oil or get many breakouts (I tend to notice hormonal/stress breakouts or get them from sweating and if I haven’t been eating well).

Repurchase: Already have.

8. Britney Spears Private Show Perfume

I got this perfume for Christmas in December 2016 and every time I wore it I got asked what it was or comments from people saying how nice I smelt. I loved it at the start and the lasting power is good but ever since the break up last year something in me switched and I stopped enjoying this as much as I had previously. This was my ex boyfriend’s favourite on me and I’m not petty enough to not like it anymore for that reason but the scent is a reminder and I’d rather not think of sadness every time I spray it.

Repurchase: Not sure, I’ll test this in store in the near future and see if I feel any different.

Body

9. Nivea Anti-Perspirant – Clear

This has featured in every empties post since 2015.

Repurchase: Until I find something as good, yes.

10. The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream

Shea is probably my favourite range at The Body Shop. The scent is appropriate year round and the sweet, nutty smell is lovely. I have tried a number of products from the range and haven’t been disappointed. This hand cream is one I’d recommend to everybody if you’re new to trying The Body Shop’s products and you’re looking for a good staple. It also makes a nice gift. This isn’t the first tube I’ve finished up.

Repurchase: Yes.

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Best Beauty Discoveries of 2018

2018 feels like the year I mastered my makeup routine. I have experimented and I know what types of products and colours I like and what I find manageable. By manageable I’m referring to how easy a product is to use, the pigmentation and application and how often I’m reaching for it. I don’t like the thought of owning makeup for the sake of it to sit there and not get used. I’m not a big palette lover, I like simple eye makeup 99% of the time and I’d rather jazz up my look with a beautiful lip colour. The majority of these products are all versatile which is another thing I love, they go with so many looks and get worn frequently.

1. xoBeauty – Starting with my favourite beauty discovery of the year – YouTuber Shaaanxo’s makeup line xoBeauty. When it comes to Shannon’s videos and YouTube channel I was late to the party. She’s probably the biggest New Zealand YouTuber and I do really enjoy her videos. Her makeup line is beautiful and the quality is top notch! I have made numerous xoBeauty orders this year and standout products include: The Remix Eyeshadow Palette (I use this a lot and reviewed it *HERE*), a liquid lipstick in the shade Carpe Diem and a matte lipstick in the shade Philocaly. The makeup brushes are very good as well and a few of my favourites are the Detail Face Brush, the Powder Tulip Brush and the Firm Blender Brush.

2. L’Oreal Lash Paradise/Paradise Extactic Mascara – It takes a lot to rival my holy grail Rimmel mascara but this gem from L’Oreal does. I purchased a tube of Lash Paradise (pink tube) in March 2018 and from the first use I loved it! The only downside is the coating flaked off the tube so by the time it was finished it wasn’t pretty anymore. I purchased a tube of Paradise Extactic (gold tube) in September which I’m excited to use and compare to Lash Paradise.

3. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil – My skincare routine is simple but when you find something that works you tend to stick with it. I have always had dry skin and this year I wanted to try a facial oil or a facial serum to see if that helped and made a difference. I did a little bit of research and found this oil for sensitive skin from Trilogy (which is a New Zealand brand). Ever since I’ve been using it I’ve noticed a big difference. My skin is softer, I get less breakouts than before (and even then there weren’t many) and my makeup looks nicer. I apply four drops of facial oil every night after my moisturiser. I have been using a day moisturiser for sensitive skin too which I think helps.

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle – This highlighter is a firm favourite in the beauty blogging world and it’s easy to see why! I will say this shade is better suited to lighter skin tones but it’s nice to have something that caters for fair-light skin tones that isn’t blinding and can be built up for desired effect. Soft & Gentle is a gilded peach bronze shade and out of all my highlighters, this is the most versatile. I’ve worn this an all over face powder and it also looks lovely. I’d love to try this on my eyes as an eyeshadow base or on it’s own for a more natural look.

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion – Can you believe I didn’t use eyeshadow primer until a few months ago?! I’d been thinking about trying one for a while and settled on the travel size Primer Potion from Urban Decay – I know this is tried and tested. I do notice a difference when I use this, my eyeshadow stays put longer and doesn’t crease. A little goes a long way and I haven’t had any eye irritation. I like to apply this and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes whilst I apply concealer and bronzer before going in with eyeshadow.

6. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – I knew when I saw this product online it wouldn’t stick around for long and if I left it I would miss out, so I bought it! I have an Orgasm blush dupe and it is beautiful but it’s nice to own the real thing as well. This blush is such a gorgeous colour and goes with almost any makeup look, it gives a soft flush of colour and can easily be built up, the highlighter is the same. I don’t normally wear highlighter and blush together but when I use this duo I really like how my cheeks look with both. Despite this being a mini product, it will still last a long time.

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How many of these did you guess correctly? 😛

What products were you glad you discovered in 2018?

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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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July Favourites 2018

July has been memorable, there have been changes and significant purchases this month and in some ways I feel like I’m moving forward. My mood and emotions are still up and down but parts of me feel more confident and I’m less willing to put up with shit to put it frankly. I’ve reached a point where I’ve got to think of myself and look after my needs.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Shaaanxo The Remix Palette – A couple of weeks ago I dedicated a whole blog post to this palette – CLICK HERE to read it. The palette contains 18 shades (nine on each side) and has a great mixture of mattes, shimmers, neutrals and pops of colour. All of the shades are beautiful, the pigmentation is good and the shades are a dream to blend and apply. In short, I love this palette! Since my review the palette has been restocked on xobeautyshop.com.

2. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil – I purchased this facial oil at the end of June and I’ve been loving it as part of my evening skincare routine. I apply this product last and my skin has been feeling softer than usual. This oil contains maqui berry, apricot, and sea buckthorn and is unscented so won’t affect people who are sensitive to smell. Trilogy describe this oil as ‘a delicate, fragrance free blend of pure plant oils that gently nourishes and protects sensitive skin against free radical damage while helping to visibly smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants for soft, smooth, comfortable skin.’

3. My car – I bought a car this month and I am excited to start driving! My neighbours were selling their silver Nissan March (a little hatchback) and my mum said it would be perfect for me to learn to drive in, the car is small and the visibility will be really good. The car is well equipped for it’s age, some of my favourite features include remote central locking, electric mirrors, driver and passenger airbags, CD player, tape player and radio and the key is shaped like the actual car. I have already had a couple of turns driving the car around a car park, albeit very slowly.

4. The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Lotion – I finished up my previous body lotion a couple of weeks ago and decided to opt for this lotion from The Body Shop next. Vanilla Chai was one of The Body Shop’s festive scents for Christmas 2016 and I purchased the lotion in early 2017 as part of a haul for my birthday. This scent has a spicy, warmth to it and it’s quite light so it will layer well with perfumes and other scents. The lotion also has a light texture and soaks into the skin quickly which I like as I apply body lotion to my arms before getting dressed.

July’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in July?

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