NEW YEAR BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES

It's a new year and I think most people feel the need to declutter and get rid of things they don't need. Whether this is downsizing your wardrobe or finishing half used beauty products that have been hanging around your bathroom. These are some of the products I have finished recently.
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, 90ml £13.00 - This has to be one of the stand out products from The Body Shop for a while. I really enjoyed using this up, it’s super moisturising on the skin and takes every little bit of make-up off. It’s not harsh around the eye area and you only need a little piece to clean your whole face. It's really gentle on my skin and has quite a subtle scent, so it's not overpowering at all. Would I repurchase? Yes, I’m currently using the cleansing oil in my shower from the same range.

Liz Earle Limited Edition Orange Flower & Chamomile Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, 150ml  - Cleanse and Polish is my go to cleanser, if my skin is playing up I know I can rely on this to help it get back to normal. I try and purchase the limited edition scents to mix up my usual skincare routine. I use this most days as it’s moisturising on the skin and dissolves make-up straight away. It's suitable for all skin types and age ranges, so I can see myself using this product for a while. Would I repurchase? Always, I have to have a backup in my stash. See my full review on the scent here.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo & Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner, 250ml £5.89 each  - I was excited to see a hair care duo suited to my hair type in Boots. I liked the minty fresh scent which felt cooling on my scalp. I wouldn’t say these did something special for my hair, but they’re great to use for everyday use. The shampoo is lightweight, adds texture and increases manageability and shine. Would I repurchase? Yes, if the products were on offer like they are now.

Batiste Stylist Texture Me Texturizing Spray, 200ml £4.49 – I’m really into using a texturizing spray when styling my hair, so when I saw the new styling products from Batiste I had to give this one a try. I like using this to add a bit more volume and grit into the lengths of my hair. You can build it up in the hair to create different styles for different occasions. It doesn’t feel sticky at all, but I do have to top it up to make it last in my hair to separate my layers. The product is infused with Keratin & Inca Inchi oil to help strengthen your hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I wish they did a mini size so I could fit it in my handbag.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash, 500ml £6.50 – This is one of my favourite shower gels, saying that I’m a big fan of all Soap & Glory shower gels. I like the fresh green mandarin, sicilian lemon and sweet orange peel oils, as it’s so refreshing and wakes you up in the morning. It’s moisturising on my skin and foams up nicely. You can also layer the scent with the other Orange scented products in the range. I've said it before, I love the large pump bottles, I wish Lush products came in these. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always have a Soap & Glory body wash in my shower. See my full review on the Orangeasm range here.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Butter 50ml, Irrisistibubble Gift Set £5.00 – I received this deluxe sample sized product in a gift set, another one of the delicious scents from Soap & Glory. I like the texture of this moisturiser, it sinks into my skin as it’s nice and light and great to use in the Summer months. The moisturiser contains Shea butter and Cocoa Nut Balm so it's really soothing on the skin. Would I repurchase? Yes, love this scent in Summer.

Dove Compressed Original Anti-Perspirant, 75ml £2.99 – I normally use Mitchum deodorant, but these compressed deodorants are great to take on holiday with me. Dove have re-engineered the spray system thus reducing the amount of gas needed to deliver the same level of antiperspirant ingredient with each spray. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would buy again if I was taking it away with me.

Colab Sheer & Invisible Dry Shampoo in Rio, 50ml £2.00 – I think I received this product in a beauty box. I really like the Batiste dry shampoo in the tropical scent so I knew I was going to like this Rio scent, it has notes of papaya, pineapple and a heart of cassis. It really helps to absorb oil and refreshes roots, it feels lightweight in my hair and I like that it leaves no residue. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need to try some of the other scents.

This Works Clean Skin 5 in 1 Water, 200ml £21.00 - I haven't tried many products from This Works, but the ones I have I've really enjoyed. I like to use a micellar water to take the bulk of my make-up off before cleansing with a hot cloth. This rosewater cleanser removes make-up, decongests and brightens the skin. I would say it's not great around the eye area, but it doesn't dry my skin out as it's refreshing and boosts elasticity. Would I repurchase? Maybe, it is quite pricey compared to Bioderma which does practically the same job.

Aussie Shower Smoothie Shower Gel, 250ml £2.99 – I’m a huge fan of the Aussie hair line, so when I saw they were releasing body washes I knew I wanted to give one a try. This scent is super sweet, similar to their Miracle Moist hair care line which I love. It contains Australian Macadamia nut oil which leaves skin smooth and silky. I would prefer a pump bottle as it's so much easier to use in the shower, but I can't fault the product. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would like to try the other scents.

Have you tried any of these products?

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WINTER BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES - DECEMBER 2014

Philosophy The Gingerbread Girl Shower Gel, Bubble Bath & Shampoo, 480ml £14.00 – This took me so long to use up, just because the bottle is so big. I received this as a Christmas present as everyone knows I love gingerbread. This is a multi-use product, but I just like to use it as a bubble bath. It creates lots of bubbles and smells lovely, I currently have the Christmas Cookie version on the go. Would I repurchase? Yes I love Philosophy formulas.

Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo & Conditioner, 250ml and 200ml £2.79 each – This duo is a basic shampoo and conditioner which do the job but aren’t anything special. I like the coconut scent and they did make my hair feel sleek and smooth. This range is suited for dry, frizzy hair and it definitely did tame my flyaways. I did a whole blog post on this range, here. Would I repurchase? Maybe not this scent, but I would try other products from the range.

Chloe Eau De Parfum Spray, 30ml £36.95 – This is my all-time favourite scent. I will forever repurchase this and will never be without it. I have tried most of the Chloe fragrances and haven’t found one I didn’t like, I’m currently really enjoying the See by Chloe fragrances. I love how cute the bottle is and looks pretty on any dressing table. Would I repurchase? Yes, forever.

Chloe Perfumed Shower Gel, 200ml £19.95 – I wouldn’t normally buy an expensive fragrance shower gel, but this was on offer at the time. Being my favourite fragrance I really enjoyed using it and saved it for special occasions than using it every day. Would I repurchase? I would buy this again if it was on some kind of offer and it’s great as a gift to buy someone their favourite scent in a shower gel version.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (In both old and new packaging), 30ml £9.99 – This is one of the first drugstore foundations I tried and fell in love with. I don’t like that they changed the packaging, as the old packaging pushed up any remaining product and you could see exactly how much was left. The colour is a good match for my pale skin and it gives me a light/medium coverage which doesn’t look cakey at all or oxidises throughout the day. I like the way it looks on my skin and I like that the bottle comes with a pump. Would I repurchase? Yes, Bourjois do some of my favourite high-street foundations.

Redken Blonde Idol Shampoo, 300ml £9.90 – I have really been enjoying Redken shampoo and conditioner this year. This shampoo is especially designed for blonde hair and helps to prevent my highlights fading too quickly. I like the scent and it foams up really nicely, I have reviewed this fully on my blog, here. Would I repurchase? Yes, I’m currently using the Diamond Oil range.

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, 30ml £6.99 – I really like how well this foundation matched my skin tone. For a drugstore foundation it is really pale and perfect to use all year round, unlike the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation which is a little too bronzed for me during Autumn/Winter. It so affordable and has an SPF 18 which is great to see from a high street foundation. Would I repurchase? Yes, it’s a good affordable foundation.

Vo5 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.59 – I have raved about this dry shampoo again and again, I always go back to this brand. It’s really affordable and I know it works for me. I’m currently using another brand and not enjoying it so much, so will have to return to this one after I’ve used it up. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always make sure I have one at hand.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Butter, 300ml £10.00 – This product has to be one of my favourite discoveries of 2014. I have really been enjoying Orange scented products and you can always rely on a Soap & Glory body butter to keep your skin moisturised and hydrated. I have reviewed this fully on my blog, here. Would I repurchase? Yes I would buy any of the Soap & Glory body butters.

Soap & Glory Heels Genius Foot Cream, 125ml £5.50 – This is another product I use all the time, nothing seems to work as well as this. It’s a thick cream which I like to massage into any dry areas and cover with socks in the evening. My feet are left feeling super soft and it makes me feel so much more relaxed. Would I repurchase? Yes this is holy grail for me, I've restocked up by buying the Annual Soap & Glory Star Gift at Boots!

Have you tried any of these products? What would you replace them with?

MOST REPURCHASED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I am the sort of girl who likes to buy and try new products on a regular basis, but there are some products which I have to repurchase time and time again because I love them and know they work for me. There isn't many, but here is the selection of products I always miss when I run out of them and simply can't live without.
Origins VitaZing - This is my go to morning/day moisturiser, I have repurchased this so many times. I do sometimes try something else but always end up going back to this. The formulation has an SPF15 and I really like that it comes with an added tint to even out my skin tone. This energy boosting moisturiser is really hydrating, gives you glowing, radiant skin and is best for dehydrated skin types. If i'm not going out that day, I will just apply this and it gives me the light coverage I need. It absorbs really quickly into the skin and has a really light texture and doesn't make my skin feel oilier.
V05 Dry Shampoo - This has to be my favourite drugstore dry shampoo that I've tried so far. It doesn't leave white marks at all, it smells great, not musky and it gets rid of oily roots. It's really affordable, I just wish they did a travel sized version. It's really light and refreshing in the hair and it comes in two version, Plump me up which gives you added volume and Refresh me quick, which is my favourite. I like to use it on busy mornings or after the gym if I haven't got time to wash my hair. I always have one of these on stand by.
Soap & Glory Body Wash - Soap and Glory do some of my favourite bath and body products from the drugstore. I always have one of their shower gels on the go, Foam Call is the one i'm currently using. I love that they come in these massive 500ml pump bottles which last ages and the pump makes it so easy to dispense the products. All the scents are lovely, this one is really fruity and fresh and they lather up nicely on the body. I swap and change between the scents, I think Rich & Foamous has to be my all time favourite. The formulation is really moisturising, the scent last for ages and you can layer up the products with your favourite S&G body scrub or moisturiser.
Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Treatment - This is another Origins product I am forever repurchasing as I know it only does good things to my skin. It's a wonder cream for blemishes and clears them up quickly over night. I like the treatment version over the cream as it's more of a gel formula which is perfect for my combination/oily skin type. The formula is oil free and instantly boosts skins hydration. I like to use this in the evenings to finish my skincare routine and the scent is just lovely. I have found by using this the general look of my skin has improved massively. 
Chloe Fragrances - Chloe has to be my all time favourite classic signature scent, and I have bought into most fragrances they have brought out. I am currently really liking the Chloe - Roses de Chloe scent, which has gorgeous notes of rose, bergamot, amber and white musk but still has the classic, floral fresh Chloe smell. I will continue to purchase Chloe fragrance as I know they suit me, they're great quality and last ages on my skin. I have also really been loving their See by Chloe line. I can't wait for Chloe's newest fragrance to be released which is called Love Story.

What are your most repurchased products?

NEW HAIR RANGE - GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS THE SLEEK RESTORER

Garnier have introduced six signature blends to their Ultimate Blends range; The Silky Smoother, The Marvellous Transformer, The Shine Revitaliser, The Sleek Restorer, The Colour Illuminator and The Nourishing Repairer. Garnier have spent seven years creating this new range of haircare products with the help of 25,000 British women. The design of the bottles has a very strong 70’s influence, which I wan’t sure of at first, but now I really like the look of them in my bathroom. I always pick up new shampoos and conditioners from the high-street as there is always new offers to be had and they are so affordable for everyday use. 

The Sleek Restorer is formulated for dry, frizzy hair. The range contains pure coconut oil and cocoa butter to give you nourished and super sleek hair. From this range I decided to try the Shampoo, Conditioner and the One Minute Treatment. There is also a Sleek Perfector Oil in the same scent, which claims to leave your hair looking sleek for 72 hours and protects your hair from heat. The shampoo has a gorgeous subtle coconut scent, it lathers up well, my hair is left shinier and it helps reduce frizz and flyaways  It’s a great average, everyday shampoo that does the job and doesn’t weigh my hair down. I found it lovely for my thick hair, as it gave my hair lots of moisture and shine. The formulas contain no parabens and have natural ingredients, which is nice to see from a high street hair product. The conditioner is a little less thick than normal conditioners, but it does do a good job at making my hair feel sleek. I even notice this when my hair is still wet. The pair were on special offer in Boots, 2 for £3 but I wish I had picked up the bigger 400ml sizes.
I like to use the deep conditioner twice a week, it's a little thicker than the normal conditioner, it helps my dry ends and leaves my hair feeling nourished. I also picked up the Dry Shampoo from the Silky Smoother range. The Dry Shampoo is for mid to long hair and it’s a 7 in 1 product. It claims to instantly cleanse hair, absorbs grease at the roots, it has a light weight feel, leaves hair soft to the touch, hair is easy to detangle, it has a blissful fragrance and there is no visible residue. The dry shampoo can be used in other ways than just refreshing the hair, it can also be used to create volume and lift, see video below for styling tips. I love the sweet vanilla milk scent, not like your normal overpowering dry shampoo scent, it's a great product to use inbetween washes. I have read some mixed reviews online, saying it left hair feeling greasier, but I think it does a fair job at refreshing second day hair and it does give my hair some bounce.

One product which has caught my eye from the range is the One Minute Polisher Scrub, which looks like a great, new innovative product (see video below), I think I will have to give that one a try next. Ultimate Blends is definitely a range to try as there is something for every hair type at such an affordable price point. I'd be interested to try the Marvellous Transformer range next as I've heard only good things.

Have you tried the Ultimate Blends range?

AUGUST HAIRCARE BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES

I have a fair few haircare empties which I have been collecting since my last haircare empties back in March. Most of them are my favourite products which I have repurchased over and over.
Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray, 150ml £6.99 - This is a great styling product for divining layers and giving texture to the hair. Bloggers have said it's a great dupe for the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray (which I haven't used) but this is an affordable alternative, that smells great and really works if you like big hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need it back in my stash.
L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing Intense Mask, 200ml £6.99 - I used up the Shampoo and Conditioner to this range in my last hair empties, see review here. This mask is for dry and very dry hair, it contains no sulphates and the scent is lovely - Camelina and Apricot Seed. I liked to use this on the mid lengths and ends of my hair and leave it on for 10 minutes, the product is super thick - it left my hair smelling great and so soft. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm a big fan of the range.
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin, 120ml £19.99 - Another product that featured in my last empties, but this version is the Keratin one. I equally enjoyed this, great to use with my tangle teezer, it helped straighten hair, replace lost protein, protect against heat, detangles and add shine. It also smells lovely too. Only problem is, it's hard to get hold of in the UK. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would also love to try the hair mask in the range.
L'Oreal Professionnel Silver Shampoo, 250ml £7.58 - This is a product I always pick up from the Hairdressers and don't like being without it. I use it once a week, to help get any brassy tones out of my hair and leaves me with clean blonde shades. I get my hair highlighted, so this violet formula also helps keep my colour for longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always do.
V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.59 - This has got to be my all time favourite dry shampoo. It smells lush, is really affordable and leaves me with no white marks. Great for second day hair, my hair is left feeling fresh without the oily roots. Would I repurchase? Yes, always.
Pro:Voke Touch Of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo, 200ml £3.09 - Another violet shampoo for blonde hair, a cheaper version of the L'Oreal one. For me, it does the same job but the scent isn't as nice. If you're looking for a more affordable purchase, this one is for you. Would I repurchase? I wouldn't run out and buy it no, but if I was in the supermarket I'd pick it up.
Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo, 50ml £4.76* - I have a few of these 50ml versions I received from various places, I won one in a feelunique competition a while back and got one free with an M&S order. I really enjoyed using this, it refreshes, soothes and gives my hair another day of live. It's suitable for coloured hair, adds texture, it's a little pricey for a dry shampoo, but the scent is nice. Would I repurchase? Yes, maybe more likely if it was on offer.

Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, 300ml & 400ml £5.99 each - I have always been a big fan of the Aussie Miracle Moist range, it's probably my most repurchased drugstore shampoo and conditioner. The scent is lovely and sweet and the bottles now come in even bigger sizes, so you get more product for your money. The Miracle Shine version leaves my hair shiny and glossy and you can really tell when I've used this perfect duo. Would I repurchase? Yes.
Aussie Beach Mate Shampoo, 300ml £4.69 - This was a random purchase that I picked up in the reduced section in Boots, I had spotted it before so I thought why not give it a go. It's a limited edition design and it's suppose to be a post beach cleanse and revive shampoo but I just used it most days. It's great for summer as it helps to restore the moisture back into the hair, with the same great scent as the other formulas. Would I repurchase? I would probably go back to my normal Aussie range.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Shine Deep Treatment, 250ml £4.99 - Another product I go back to again and again. The deep conditioner is great to use a couple of times a week and really helps to boost tired and dull hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I can always rely on Aussie.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo & Conditioner, 250ml £5.59 each* - As you can probably tell I like any products that are going to help my colour last longer or leave me with a brighter shade of blonde. This shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair soft, moisturised and brighter than before use, see my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would really recommend it to people with highlighted hair.
Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner, 60ml £16.00 for the set - I purchased these as part of a trial set, having only tried the elasticizer and dry shampoo from the range, I was eager to try the shampoo and conditioner. I really saw a difference when using the shampoo, if you have fine hair this is great at creating volume. The conditioner is great for textured, wavy hair and was really hydrating on my ends. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'd like to try the other ranges from Philip Kingsley.
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, 50ml £5.89 each full-size* - I managed to bag these samples in a Facebook competition. Having enjoyed John Frieda shampoo and conditioner in the past I was excited to try this one. I took these mini's away with me and I loved using them. They are great for fine hair, gives you natural looking volume and doesn't strip your hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would definitely pick up the full-sizes.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Everlasting Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner, 50ml £5.99 each full size - I got these samples in a Glossybox, I really liked the scent of these and another good product at preserving my blonde. The safflower oil and bergamot extract keeps my hair from fading and helps my newly coloured hair stay round for longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm a big fan of John Frieda's Blonde range.
Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo & Conditioner For Normal Hair, 250ml £6.49 each - Having tried more of Toni & Guy's styling products than Shampoo and Conditioner before I was looking forward to trying these for normal hair. I love the sleek packaging, the product smells lovely and lathers up well. It's a great everyday shampoo for cleansing and nourishing, as well as leaving my hair soft and shiny. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would try others from the brand

Have you tried any of these products?

*PR Samples Or Competition Wins

JULY BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

I have quite a few favourites this month, July went fast so quickly! but there sure are some products I just can't get enough of...
Clarisonic Mia, Lavender £120.00 - I have been using my Clarisonic Mia for over a month or so now. This tool has become my new best friend, which I have integrated into my night time skincare routine. I have really seen results with using this religiously, my skin has become a lot clearer and seems to glow once I have used it. I am prone to blemishes around the chin area, but they have really calmed down, which I think has been helped by using this and my pores have become visible smaller. I am really glad I caved and bought this item, I don't know what I'd do without it now.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, 100ml £92.00 - I received this as a birthday present at the end of June, and have been loving it ever since. The scent is described as oriental-fresh, with a floral jasmine-rose blend of intense freshness. I find the scent really light and sophisticated and great for every day use. I haven't stopped using it, it was such a nice present to receive and the bottle looks lovely on my dressing table.
V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.49 - I am a true Batiste dry shampoo girl, but I have recently been enjoying using Vo5 products so was really excited they had bought out two new dry shampoos to there range. Refresh me quick smells divine, it really reminds me of TIGI Bed Head - Head Rush. A great product for second day hair. I will definitely be trying out the 'Plump me up' version that Vo5 do.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, Light £6.99 - I featured this product in my monthly empties as I had used up a few sample sachets I had received with an Asos order. I then went out and bought the full size because I loved the coverage so much. It's the best coverage BB cream that I have used and does last a good while on my skin. It has replaced my foundations this month.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Honey and Darling £5.99 each - I was so excited for these products to come to the UK, after the hype of the lip butters. They haven't disappointed, read my full review on the shade 'Honey' here. After using Honey for a few days, I knew I had to purchase another shade, so went for 'Darling' such a lovely, unusual shade of lilac. These products are great to just chuck in your handbag and use on the go, as they are so easy to apply.
REN No1 Purity Cleansing Balm, 100ml £23.00 - I bought this product to use with my Clarisonic, see my full post here. I had heard so many good things about REN and I got such a good deal on there website. I have really been enjoying using this cleanser, it is a lot thicker than I first thought it would be, but it foams up just the right amount with my clarisonic. I will be putting this as my favourite product on my REN account, so I can receive 10% of it for life. It does manage to take off all my make-up, including waterproof mascara.

Naked Spoil Me Coco De Mer Bath Foam, 300ml £3.99 - I would pick a bath over a shower any day, so you can imagine I am obsessed with my bath products for a little pamper. I picked up this product to try because of it's scent 'Coco de mer'. I love anything coconut scented and this creates such a lovely scent which lingers on the skin and takes over the whole bathroom. I also love how Naked products are 97% natural and has nothing but goodness in it's bottles. 
Barry M Nail Paint, 324 Silvery Lilac £2.99 - This is such a lovely shade, and nothing like I have seen before. I really reminds me of summer and holidays. I have been applying this to my toes this month and just love the colour. Barry M is so affordable and the colour range is so big, you really can't beat it.
OPI Sensitive and Peeling Nail Envy £18.55 - This is another product I received for my birthday. I know there is a lot of blogger hype over the original version of this. As I am not able to wear nail vanish every day due to my job, this is great for just wearing for a light sheen of coverage. I have seen a big improvement with the quality of my nails, they have become a lot stronger. This formula is rich in vitamin E and Kukai nut oil, while also offering the soothing qualities of Aloe Vera.

What products have you been loving this month?