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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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

RECENT HAIR PRODUCT EMPTIES

V05 Hot Oil Give Me Moisture 75ml, £4.29 - This is one of my favourite pre-wash hair products but I think it may be discontinued? All I can find now is the x4 shots of hot oil (good job I've got a back up, which I will be using sparingly). It helps to restore moisture, double the strength of my hair and reduces breakage. I love the scent and how soft it leaves my hair feeling. Would I repurchase? Looks like I will have to try the shots next.

Tresemme Texture Style Divine Definition Spray 200ml, £5.75 - I really enjoyed using this product, it divined my layers and gave me some volume. I thought the finish was great for such an affordable hair product. It doesn't feel like there is any product in my hair, which I like. Would I repurchase? Yes I'm not sure why I haven't already!
V05 High Volume Hairspray 400ml, £3.29 - I bought this on offer as I needed some hairspray for a night out. It did give me volume but it didn't do miracles at holding my style, but for the price you can't go wrong for such a large bottle. I do find it handy to have smaller bottles that I can pop in my bag though! Would I repurchase? Not right now.
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product 120ml, £10.49 - I bought this from TXMAXX after hearing Fleur De Force rave about it. It really is a miracle product, it helps to detangle, add shine, repair dry and damaged hair, control frizz, among other things. I like to use this with my tangle teezer on towel dry hair. The only annoying thing is it's quite hard to get hold of in the UK. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm currently using the Keratin version.
V05 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil 50ml - £5.19 - I'm starting to see a V05 theme here ;) Another product of theirs which I love! This leave in treatment smells so good, and deeply conditions my hair back to life. Would I repurchase? Yes it's a staple.

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner 385ml, £6.99 each - This is one of the creamiest shampoo's I've ever used. It contains coconut milk to nourish, whipped egg white proteins help add strength and elasticity, along with coconut oils for hydration and balance. I love the packaging and the scent. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would like to try more from the range.
Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner 300/250ml, £18.30 for both - After hearing a lot of hype for these products, I had to try them out for myself. I was pleased they matched up to the reviews. My hair was left feeling silky soft and added lots of shine. The argan oil replenishes hair and the keratin nourishes hair for intense softness. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would like to try the Diamond Oil range next. 
Loreal Ever Riche Shampoo and Conditioner Nourishing and Taming 250ml, £5.99 each - This shampoo and conditioner is for very dry/rebellious hair types, and is one of the first I've used containing no sulphates. The scent is lovely, camelina and apricot seed - it really did clean and refresh my hair. It foams up really well and makes my hair look bouncy and healthy. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love the formula.

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner 150ml, £6.29* - Another lush scented product, it reminds me of holidays. My hair really knows when I've used this deep conditioner, it's so much more manageable and full. Read my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, especially for the scent!
Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Morning After Dry Shampoo 200ml, £6.00 - This is one of the more pricey dry shampoo's I have used. I like the scent but it does leave a gritty texture in my hair which I'm not too keen on. It doesn't leave any white powder behind and it does give me some volume. Would I repurchase? If it was on offer, yes.
Batiste Light & Blonde Dry Shampoo 200ml, £3.99 - I've always been a fan of Batiste. This product is perfect for in-between washes as it banishes oily roots. The hint of colour means it blends into your roots, which is great as it revives your colour. Would I repurchase? Yes, it's great for fading roots.
Superdrug Floating on a Breeze Dry Shampoo 150ml £2.19 - This was a basic dry shampoo which I picked up at bargain price. I wasn't expecting too much from this, but it did leave my hair feeling refreshed and less greasy. Would I repurchase? Probably not, I like the V05 one too much.
John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist 75ml, £6.99* - This product has the same scent as the conditioner. This product really helps protect the lengths of my hair which sometimes can get neglected. Read my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, it was good at detangling my hair.

What are you currently using on your hair?

*PR Samples

JOHN FRIEDA SHEER BLONDE HIGHLIGHT ACTIVATING ENHANCING RANGE

I am a natural blonde, but I do go to the hairdressers for various blonde highlights to brighten up my barnet. I am always looking out for products which keep my hair colour fresh and prevents my highlights from fading. John Frieda provides four different Sheer Blonde lines, which offer tailor made solutions based on the following hair needs - Lightening, Tone Correcting, Moisturising and Enhancing.

John Frieda have recently produced four hair tutorials hosted by John Frieda's Senior Stylist Giles Robinson showcasing four distinct styles that are designed to compliment blondes with their individual style and hair type. The range I have been trying out is the Highlight Activating Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner* (£5.59) which is most suited to my hair type. This range has an enhancing formula with sunflower and white tea which gently removes darkening, dulling build-up and reveals a full spectrum of blonde tones. I don't use these everyday I alternate with a different brand, but I can really see the difference with using a brightening shampoo and conditioner. It leaves my hair feeling clean, soft and makes my colour last for longer. I also love the scent!

This is my favourite out of the four tutorials. Soft waves are a great style to transition from day to night, I have been trying this technique out for myself and it does make your curls last for longer. I like to see the hair model try it out for herself also, as it makes me feel that anyone can produce the look, not just a hairdresser.

I have also been trying out this Spun Gold Shape and Shine Balm* (£5.29). This is not a product that I would normally pick up as I don't really see it as a necessity item in my haircare routine, but I have been absolutely loving this! The balm separates, shapes and adds texture as it infuses blonde highlights with shimmer and shine. Great to use on both straight or curly hair. 

I also love this up-do tutorial by John Frieda, a simple fishtail plait look. Really great for a festival or a holiday, to keep hair out the way. The other tutorials include a hair bow and a low french roll. I would recommend these products to any Blonde girls who feel they need to brighten up their colour and want to renew a healthy texture back into the hair. Which Sheer Blonde range is for you? Are you going to try out any of the tutorials?

*PR Samples

AUGUST BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner, 150ml £6.29*- I have been loving the whole Full Repair range this month. Read my full review on the range here. This has to be the product I have seen the most effectiveness from though. As I use heat on my hair most days, my hair can become dry especially at the ends. You can really feel this conditioner working deep into your hair to repair and prevent the risk of breakage. I love the scent, you wouldn't think it was the scent of a high street/drug store hair brand. My hair is left feeling so silky soft, I would definitely repurchase this once this tub is finished. 
Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off Foaming Cleanser, Fullsize 180ml £11.50 - I received this Cleanser in a past GlossyBox. I have enjoyed using this cleanser in the mornings as it's really refreshing with it's Citrus scent. I feel it cleans deep into my pores when used with a muslin cloth. It really does foam up to a good amount of lather and leaves my skin feeling fresh.
Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Moisturiser, Fullsize 50ml £27.00 - This product has become my go to morning moisturiser. It's great at evening out my skin tone whilst providing a sheer tint for a flawless base. I really do feel it is an 'energy boosting' product and wakes up my skin to provide me with a sheen to my skin. The scent is also really nice and is protecting me at the same time with an SPF 15. 

Dove Summer Glow Lotion Fair to Normal Skin, 250ml £2.99 - I'm not really one for fake tan, I do try and embrace the skin I was given. But over the Summer there has been times where I have wanted to get my legs out and felt there was a little help needed. This product has become quite handy, after seeing it on quite a few blogs I thought I would give it a go. The scent is not over powering at all, unlike some fake tanners. It does give my pale self some noticeable colour.
Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk, 500ml £10.00 - I love the new scent which Soap & Glory has realeased, and I am hooked to Rich & Foamous Body wash, see my full review here. The scent is Almonds, Oats and Brown Sugar which I guess is a love/hate smell. For me, I just can't get enough! This moisturiser is lovely and you can still smell the scent after hours of applying. It isn't as thick as some of the other Body butters, which I also like.

Essie Sand Tropez, 15ml £9.95 - I have loved wearing this colour on my toes this month. Such an easy to wear neutral. Saying that, I have loved Essie polishes in general. This one I picked up from TKMaxx in a set of three, so it wasn't a new diffusion line bottle. But I do get on with both formulations, you can't beat Essie there are some lovely colours to choose from.
Balmi Coconut, £4.99 - I was excited to see on a few blogs that there was finally a dupe for the EOS lip balm. I knew I had to pick one up and decided to go for the Coconut scent. I have found this product so handy and have attached it to my keys for on the go. I think I like the concept more than that lip balm itself. But, I would certainly try out a few of the other flavours at that price.
HD Brows Set Bombshell, £19.96 - This product I also received in a past GlossyBox. I had been eyeing it up for some time, so was so pleased to receive it in my box, in my suited colour. Such a great little compact and the colours really match my eyebrows. I mainly use the colour, Ash Blonde as I find this really helps to frame my face. Definitely a Holy Grail product.

What are your current favourites?

*PR Sample

JOHN FRIEDA FULL REPAIR DEEP CONDITIONER HAIR MASK & PERFECT ENDS SHEER MIST

I recently posted about the John Frieda Full Repair Range and there latest Step-by-step styling tutorials. I have loved trying out those techniques on my own hair and getting used to creating the full body blow-dry look, see that post here. In the meantime, I got chance to try some of the products out for myself. I have been using these products for a good two weeks now, so I thought it was about time I shared my own thoughts on them.

Full Repair Deep Conditioner Hair Mask, 150ml £5.99* - I am always one for an intensive hair mask, I think I have about three sitting in my bathroom right now. I like to use heat on my hair most days, (I know, not good) so I do like to give my hair some therapy whilst I'm washing it. What I like about this conditioner, is that it's not too thick, so it doesn't weigh hair down, whilst still nourishing hair back to it's former state. This formula contains lightweight Incha Inchi Oil which conditions deep and repairs the look and feel of over-styled hair. I think this product is also great for coloured hair, it really does give hair some well needed TLC. This conditioner smells amazing, and leaves my hair feeling so silky soft, it is definitely worth a try!

Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist, 75ml £6.99* - This product is a heat protectant that smoothes fine-textured hair which has been damaged from heated hair tools. I normally use John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Leave-In Conditioner, but have loved using this product so far. You use this on wet hair, concentrating on the ends. Again, I feel this product is really lightweight, and it doesn't feel like you have any product at all in your hair. The Sheer Mist also contains Inca Inchi Oil which is rich in Omega-3 and absorbs into worn-torn strands instead of coating the surface. The product has left my hair feeling really smooth, especially the ends, whilst giving my hair some body and the overall appearance less frizzy, so less need of straightening it. It also smells lovely, the same scent as the conditioner.

Overall, I am really happy with the John Frieda Full Repair range, I will be continuing to use these products and hopefully my hair will be in a better condition than before. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong. I would really recommend using these products if you have dry/over-worked/coloured hair. Hopefully now, any split ends are under control.

*PR Samples

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?