JULY BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES 2012

This month has gone by so quickly, but I have managed to collect quite a few empty products. Empties posts are my favourite to read by far, it's nice to know that the person has liked the product that much they have used it all up and have repurchased some of their favourites.
Soap & Glory Off Your Face 25 Cleansing Wipes £4.50 - These are my all time favourite face wipes. I try other ones out but always come back to these ones. I don't use face wipes all the times because they can dry your skin out, but they are great to take off make-up if your in a rush or great for on the go. I love the scent of them and they claim to cleanse, tone and exfoliate your face, as well as making your pores shrink. Would I repurchase? Yes, I already have purchased more.
Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet Creme (Full Size 40ml £19.80) - I received this sample in a beauty box. I really enjoyed using this as part of my night time skincare routine. It's a really moisturising and hydrating product and left my skin feeling so soft. The scent is lovely too. Would I repurchase? Maybe, but I'm currently using up other skincare products.
Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (Full Size 100ml £12.75) - I bought this product as part of a 'Try me' Set from John Lewis. This was my first try of the hyped up product and it did meet my high expectations. I love the natural scent of this formula, and it works so well with a muslin cloth at taking off all your make-up. I do like to mix up my cleansers, but I know I will come back to this one. Would I repurchase? Yes, definitely.
Soap & Glory Heel Genius Foot Cream 125ml £5.50 - Soap and Glory have done it again. This is my favourite foot cream, and I always repurchase this one and have a stock pile of them just incase I run out. It really does make my feet softer and if I've had a busy day I go and apply this to my feet and you can really tell the difference instantly. I think the price is so good for how much product you get, as it really does last a while and the scents not bad either. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm already on to my next bottle.
V05 Beyond Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner 500ml £3.59 each - I am really into V05 products at the moment, this range is suited for blonde or highlighted hair. I think they are really affordable and definitely do the the job. They smell great, infused with extracts of Chamomile and Honey and also enriched with Avocado, Argan, Apricot, Grape Seed and Jojoba Oil. They keep my hair feeling refreshed and brighter for longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, I am a fan. 

TRESemme Split Remedy  Leave In Treatment (Full Size 125ml £5.69) - I got this sample with an Asos order, along with the shampoo and conditioner samples which I am yet to try. I didn't see any great difference with my hair, but this is only a sample sachet. I do like to use heat on my hair, so I think it's great that hair brands have come up with a range especially for split ends, but I won't be rushing to buy fullsize. Would I repurchase? Probably not.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo 400ml £1.74 and Intensive Mask 200ml £3.99 - I chose these hair care products for the scent. My favourite scent is coconut, and these smell divine. This range for dry/damaged hair has got to be the best I have tried from the brand. I love the intensive masks, they are so affordable, thick and creamy and leave your hair in the best condition. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love the scent too much and they are now half price at Boots!
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (Full Size £6.99) - These were also samples I received with an Asos order. (Kudos to Asos) This is definitely the best coverage BB cream I have tried so far. I use the shade 'Light', it does apply quite dark but once buffed into the skin it leaves me with a great base, covering any redness and blemishes whilst feeling really light on my skin. It also contains SPF 30. Would I repurchase? Yes, I have already purchased the full size.
Garnier Mineral Deodorant 250ml £3.00 - I'm not really fussy when it comes to deodorant. To be honest, I normally just pick up what's on a good deal at the time. I don't really have much to say about this deodorant, it did it's job and the scent was ok. Would I repurchase? Maybe, if it was on offer.
Soap & Glory Wash your Hands of it 250ml £5.00 - £5.oo is a little excessive to pay for hand wash I know, they all do the same job. But you really can't beat the Soap & Glory scent. This hand wash really foams up unlike a lot of soaps I have used before. I really enjoyed using this product. I would buy this product whilst it was on 3 for 2, so I didn't feel so bad about the price tag. Would I repurchase? Yes, I already have another bottle on the go.

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel 75ml travel size £2.50 - I got this mini bottle as part of a set at Christmas, and I just kept topping it up from a bigger bottle that I had when I went away from home. Everybody loves this scent, I do love Soap & Glory shower gels and have two different ones on the go as we speak. It will always be a scent that I come back to. Would I repurchase? Yes, but I'm loving Rich & Foamous at the minute..
Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical 200ml £2.99 - I love this product, this is my favourite scent that Batiste do. Once again - coconut, tropical goodness. It cleans and freshens up my hair so I don't have to wash it everyday. Also giving my hair some body and texture too. Certainly in my holy grail list. Would I repurchase? Yes, every time.
Kerastase Nectar Thermique (Full size 150ml £16.10) - I already own the Kerastase Ciment Thermique Heat-Activated Reconstructor Milk - which I adore, this was just a sample my hair dresser gave to me. I much prefer the Ciment Thermique, just becuase of the scent but they both do a good job at protecting your hair from heat. It facilitates blow-drying for a smoother and quicker finish. Would I repurchase? Not for now.

Lots of my favourite products which I have repurchased as well. What are your favourites from my empties?

GLOSSYBOX - JULY 2012 FESTIVAL BEAUTY BOX

I know there is a lot of mixed views around beauty boxes in general, some people love them and some people think they are a waste of money. I personally really enjoy receiving mine each month and seeing what other people received in theirs. I think Glossybox is a great concept and there is always some sort of product that I get along with and keep going back to use. I have only really stuck to my subscription with Glossybox, but I know there are now a number of different beauty boxes offering similar things. This month's Glossybox contains beauty essentials that will get you festival glam in an instant, and I'm really pleased with what I got. 

Clynol Salon Exclusive Enrich Colour Shampoo, Fullsize 300ml £9.35 - This product is a gentle shampoo with liquid jewel extract and UV filters to protect rich tones from fading. I have not really heard much about this brand before, but on first impressions the product smells lovely! It is suited to me as I have highlighted hair and great for protection from the sun.
Monu Golden Glow Self Tan, Fullsize 200ml £23.00 - This is a moisturising treatment for the face and body that provides a safe, natural-looking tan in just 3-5 hours. I am currently using a moisturiser I received in a past Glossybox from Monu and have been really enjoying using that. I'm not much of a fake tan user, but I will definitely be trying this out on my legs as the weather has been so nice! The smell is a bit overpowering though.

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Frosting, Fullsize 15ml £10.00 - This product is a multifunctional cream gloss. You can either use this on the lips or cheeks. I am really happy with this product, it is certainly something I would buy myself. The flavour is Irish Cream Pavlova, I love the colour a true vibrant, coral pink and it smells good enough to eat.
Elisabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion, Fullsize 50ml £32.00, Plus Bonus Sachet - This product is a lightweight, oil-free lotion that helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and pollution as it provides hydration all day long. I have used Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream in the past and have really loved that, so looking forward to using these samples up. The sachet includes Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser, Optimizing Skin Serum and Skin Balancing Lotion SPF 15.

HD Brows Eye and Brow Palette In Bombshell, Fullsize £19.95 - And of course my favourite product from this months box. I have been wondering whether to buy this product for a while now. I have only been subscribed to Glossybox since November, so didn't receive the famous HD Brows set last year when it appeared in the box. I know some people haven't been happy to see this product again, but it is Glossybox's most popular product! I think it's great that Glossybox have suited it to my hair colour, by what I stated in my beauty profile. I have loved using this all in one compact palette so far, and can see it fast becoming a favourite.

What are your favourites from this month's box? What other beauty boxes are you subscribed to?

REN SKINCARE - NO.1 PURITY CLEANSING BALM, PLUS WIMH EXCLUSIVE OFFER

I am always one for trying out new skincare, probably not best for my skin as it's not great to keep switching between different skincare products. But I do love finding new things which react well with my skin type. When I was scrolling through the What's In My Handbag exclusive offers page (read my review about WIMH here) I found a code for a complimentary 'Six of the best REN kit' (RRP £20) with your first purchase. I had been wanting to try some more REN products after receiving some samples in Red magazine this month, so it was an offer I couldn't miss out on.

I chose to purchase the No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm 100ml £23.00, I bought this to use with my Clarisonic. I know that REN used to sell this product in a tub but this is the new packaging and comes with a muslin cloth. This product is a rose infused cleansing balm, it does come out quite thickly but when applied with water the balm transforms into a rich milk, so you only need to use a small amount. It claims to calm, soothe and purify skin, whilst protecting the skin's defence barrier against everyday germs. I have used this product a fair few times since purchasing it, and it is quickly becoming my go to cleanser. It is so gentle, it removes my make up so well and it's suited for all skin types.

I got such a good deal on the REN website, as at the time they were offering free delivery and a choice of four free samples at the checkout. The samples I chose were; Vita-Mineral Day Cream, Invisible Pore Detox Mask, F10 Smooth and Renew Mask and the T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid (All 5ml). They also offer new customers 10% off your first order, so I got all of this skincare for around the £20 mark. Current offers include, free UK & Ireland delivery with all orders over £40 and two trial size samples of your choice with every online order. You also can receive 10% off your favourite product for life. (I will definitely be repurchasing the cleansing balm) and also earn points for every pound you spend to redeem against your choice of REN product.

Six of the Best Kit (RRP £20) contains: Mayblossom T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel (25ml) A balancing, antibacterial facial cleansing gel. Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish (25ml) A gently exfoliating facial polish. Omega 3 Overnight Repair Serum (10ml) A night serum that replenishes skin lipids. Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (15ml) A potent exfoliating mask formulated to renew the complexion. Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream (15ml) A night cream formulated to hydrate, recharge and revitalise the skin overnight.Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel (3ml) A light and cooling gel.

Overall, I am really impressed with the service I received from the REN website and have really enjoyed using the products so far. The WIMH exclusive offer is valid till the 1st August 2012.

Have you took advantage of this deal?

JOHN FRIEDA FULL REPAIR RANGE - STYLING TUTORIALS BY HAIR EXPERTS

Full Repair is the first haircare range from the experts at John Frieda to deliver a targeted solution for damaged, overworked hair that requires repair without sacrificing style. The brand new range of care and styling products instantly transforms and repairs the look and feel of overworked hair to create a full-bodied, healthy looking style with natural movement. It's a lightweight micro-oil called Inca Inchi found in Amazonian rain forests that feels like it penetrates worn, torn hair strands, rather than coating them, repairing both the internal and external structure of the hair for a truly weightless result.

John Frieda have produced a series of four videos on there YouTube channel which show you step-by-step guides, hosted by John Frieda celebrity hair stylists Jake Davis and Giles Robinson. The great thing about these tutorials is that they come in two pairs. Starting with a basic look which you can then evolve into more of an evening do, such as a top knot or a beehive look. The videos highlight the John Frieda Full Repair range, which protects your hair against heat damage without weighing it down, so it's the perfect range to use if you are trying to achieve a light, natural look for summer styles.

The Full Repair range contains the full body shampoo and conditioner, a deep conditioner, perfect ends deep infusion, perfect ends sheer mist, perfect style creator spray and protecting root lift foam. I think the videos show great ways of creating simple styles with heated hair tools whilst still protecting your hair with the products used. My favourites are the two blow dry looks, especially the 'full body' blow dry. I will be definitely trying out those techniques when blow drying my hair to create more volume. Really simple steps, but it is great to see exactly what heat and power settings to put your tools on and also what hair brush is best to create the look. In the videos, the John Frieda experts also get the model to try it out for herself, which makes it easier when other people are trying to do it themselves at home. The two updo's, the beehive and the top knot are great for summer days or any occasion, but I know I would find them a little tricky doing them on myself. But saying that, the step-by-step guides are really easy to follow.

     Have you tried any of the Full Repair range yet? Which tutorial are you going to try out?

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG WEBSITE - L'OREAL MYTHIC OIL SAMPLE

What's In My Handbag is a fairly new website, offering women a new way to share and discover different beauty products. The website offers a peek inside beauty, fashion and creative insiders' handbags and you can also discover the beauty products they really use and love. It is free to join, and you can also upload your own 'what's in your handbag', but you have to be a member to get exclusive access to beauty secrets and offers. I think it's a great concept, where you can create your own profile, sharing 'your handbag' and 'your beauty cabinet' with other members.

They also offer members a chance to try a different beauty product each week based on the handbag they have featured that week. This week's try is bareMinerals Original SPF15 Foundation. I think it's a great way of trying new products you might not normally pick up. Like the beauty boxes there are going to be products your not so keen on, but that's the beauty of sample sizes to try before you buy. WIMH select members to receive the try of the week based on what you have put on your beauty profile and beauty cabinet. They also notify members if they have qualified for the sample and send them out for free.

I received one of the try samples at the end of last week, which was L'oreal's Mythic Oil. I have been wanting to try this product for ages, but never caved into buying it, so this was a great chance for trying it out. The sample is a great size, I have really been enjoying using it over the weekend. I have seen a real difference and love how it leaves my hair feeling smooth and shiny, so a purchase of the full-size might be in order.

WIMH also offers it's members exclusive offers from previous tries to use on the brands online stores, these include so far; REN, Percy & Reed, Jurlique, Miller Harris, Balance Me and Paul & Joe. I have recently used the REN skincare offer (post coming up) and got such a good deal. I would highly recommend using the What's In My Handbag website if you're as beauty obsessed as I am. 

What do you think of the concept?

PRODUCT REVIEW - REVLON JUST BITTEN KISSABLE BALM STAIN - 001 HONEY

I knew I had to get my hands on one of these Revlon Balm Stains when I saw they were coming to the UK. They were also on my June Beauty Wishlist, so on one of my Boots shopping trips, I spotted them and had to pick one up. I saw they had a choice of four colours, but on the website there are a few more shade, so I'm curious to see if they are all coming into stores. They are so alike to the Clinique Chubby Sticks and much more affordable. I picked the lightest shade which was available to me in '001 Honey'- a pinky nude, a great everyday shade. I would say 'Honey' is a little darker in the tube than the packaging may seem, so definitely swatch the colours to find what best suits you.

The formula to these are really moisturising and so easy to apply with the crayon like applicator. These differ from the Revlon Lip Butters as they last so well on the lips. The sheen doesn't last so long, but the stain in left after eating and drinking. The crayon itself is retractable, so there is no need for sharpening. They are really build able, in the swatch below I have layered two coats on to create a more pigmented shade, but you could just apply lightly for a more subtle look. They smell minty which I like, but I know some people would prefer them not to smell of anything. 

Revlon have been my favourite high street/drug store make-up brand of this year so far, and it seems they are just getting better. I will definitely pick up another shade in these Balm Stains whilst they are still on offer. I think I'm lusting over the shade 'Darling' a lovely lilac shade. These are currently £5.99 at Boots and Superdrug, (normal price £7.99.)

Have you tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains yet?

MY FAVOURITE BEAUTY FREEBIES FROM MAGAZINES - AUGUST 2012

I thought I would share my favourite beauty freebies from this months magazines. There are quite a few magazines with freebies this month, but these are the ones I chose to buy myself. It just proves that the fashion and lifestyle magazines have been really generous this month, with products that get you ready for summer, that's if it ever makes an appearance.

Red Magazine August 2012 (£3.90) - In Red magazine this month there is a free REN skincare set worth £16. This includes a 15ml Vetiver v7 Hand and Body cream, a 15ml Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream and a 5ml Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel. I haven't tried any REN products before, so was really excited to pick this up when I saw it on the shelf. I wouldn't usually buy Red magazine, but it was worth the price to gain these free samples.
ELLE Magazine August 2012 (£3.90) - I do normally buy ELLE magazine pretty much every month, so it was great to see a little freebie in this months issue. They're giving away a 75ml St.Tropez gradual tan body moisturiser. I'm not really one for fake tan, but this is a great size to just use on my legs when I feel it's needed if I decide to go bare legged. I have used St.Tropez before and have found it really moisturising and not as strong scented as other fake tans.

Glamour Magazine August 2012 (£2.00) - Glamour are giving away four different Balance Me travel sized samples. I chose the 7ml Wonder Eye Cream, the other samples include, a 50ml Pure Skin Face Wash, Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve and the 20ml Balancing face moisturiser. I haven't tried any Balance Me products before but have only heard good things, but I have wanted to try a few different eye creams so that's why I chose this freebie.

Other magazines this month which include freebies are; Marie Claire - Full-sized Avon mascara, Harper's Bazaar -Neom Luxury Organics Hand Cream and Cosmopolitan - Missguided nail polish.

What freebies have you picked up this month?

BEAUTY HAUL - USING UP MY NO7 VOUCHERS

My No7 £5 off vouchers had been building up for a few weeks, so I thought it was about time I spent them up before they ran out of date. I normally spend my vouchers on skincare items but a few make-up items caught my eye, so I thought I would share them with you. To be honest nearly all of my buys were impulse purchases, but why let a voucher go to waste? It is free money at the end of the day.

I love this blusher, the shade is 'Honey'. I thought it would be a great every day colour to use and it'll go with any coloured lip. The dusky pink shade is very natural on the cheeks and it is also a great little compact for on the go. The blush is priced at £9.50, which I think is a real bargain when bought with a voucher.

Top to Bottom - Happy, Divine, Entice.

I bought three lip products. The first swatch is of a High Shine Lipgloss in the shade 'Happy'. A very baby pink colour with a slight shimmer. Again really affordable when used with a voucher, £9.00 normal priced. The second swatch is the shade 'Divine' and is part of the Moisture Drench Lipstick line. I find these lipsticks really moisturising on the lips and the pigmentation is really good. This shade is more of a peachy nude, and I love to wear this underneath the lipgloss. Priced at £10.00. The last lip product was 'Entice' from No7's Sheer Temptation line. This is my favourite of my No7 buys, in the tube the colour is a real deep plum, but on the lips it's a really light formula and such a lovely colour, bang on trend! Also priced at £10.00. I would really recommend this formulation, I think No7 lipsticks are really affordable and not drying at all.

This skin Illuminator was the only thing I had had my eye on, and I knew I had to spend a voucher on. I got the colour 'Peach', I think I will use this mixed with my foundation to brighten up my complexion. I think this is the perfect colour for various skin colours and a great summer essential to have in my make-up bag. This product is priced at £11.00 without a voucher, and I think it is certainly worth the price. The brush is quite strange, but I just squeeze the product on to my hand instead of using the brush on my face.

What have you spent your vouchers on?

No7 £5 off vouchers run out on the 15th of July.

Thank you for reading!x

JUNE BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

These are my favourites this month, only a few key products which I have stuck to for the whole month of June. Some I have reviewed in full length, so I will link where necessary. 
Soap & Glory Rich & Famous Body Wash £6.50 - This is fast becoming my favourite shower gel to use, I turn to this one every time, even though I do have a few in my bathroom to choose from. I just love the almond and honey scent and it does leave your skin feeling really moisturised after use. Read my full review here.
No7 Melting Gel Cleanser £9.00 - This cleanser is suited to Normal/Dry skin. I have been really enjoying using this, this month. The gel foams up when applied to a damp face, so it is perfect for removing make-up and gentle on the eye area too. I have recently bought a Clarisonic, (review coming up) and it's really great to use with that too as it foams up just enough for a deep clean.

I love... Cosmetics Coconut & Cream Shower Smoothie £2.05 - This is a great body scrub, the exfoliating beads aren't too harsh and really do make you feel cleaner after use. Coconut is one of my very scents, so this is a clear winner in my eyes. I also have the Bubble bath to this, and this makes your bath smell heavenly, I would highly recommend I love... products, they are really affordable too. 

Nip + Fab Coconut Latte Body Butter £5.66 - Another coconut scented product. I have raved about this item, read my full review here. I love the texture of this body butter, it's a really light formula, great for summer! I think these beat The Body Shop's butters, and are slightly cheaper as well. I want to try the pistachio flavoured one next. 
Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly £2.95 - I have nearly finished this product. This can either be used in the bath or shower, but I would recommend using it in a bath as this product can go everywhere. The texture is just like jelly, it's smells good enough to eat. (Just like the comforter by Lush) It also contains glitter which is really fun, but I just love the way it makes my skin feel and the scent really does linger on your skin.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation £24.50 - I purchased this before it came out in the UK, when I was in New York. I have the shade Ivory - 'I'm pure 4 sure' (the lightest shade.) I like the way this foundation leaves my skin feeling fresh and dewy. I would say it's a medium coverage and does last all day. I don't use this everyday because of the price, but it is up there in my top 3 foundations.
No7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara £12.95 - This is my favourite new mascara, read my full review here. This mascara really does lengthen lashes, and I have had a few compliments on they way my lashes look when wearing this, as it does create a 'fan' shape around your eye. The wand is very strange, but I would repurchase this mascara as it is the best I have found in recent months. I also love the TV advert.

What are your favourites this month?

WEEK IN PHOTOS - BIRTHDAY EDITION JUNE 2012

Blogging/Perfect Kinda Lunch/Naughty M&S treat/On my way to Birmingham with Ipod

Early Birthday Presents & Starbucks Fix/Pimms O'clock/Fave choc/New uni house

Jelly Belly drinks in Selfridges/Cute cupcakes/Birthday presents/Lush Chanel Packaging

21 'over-sized' balloons/Birthday dinner at Prezzo/Parents went to Wimbledon and brought me back a tiny racket/Monster cam & Min cam.

Naughty outlet beauty shopping/Cath Kidston Hedgehog/Birthday Cake/Matching cards

If you would like to follow me on Instagram my username is - alyy30

Thank you to everyone who has followed my blog so far, I can't believe I have reached over 100 GFC followers now. Hope you have all had a good week, Thanks for reading.x