HAIRCARE BEAUTY EMPTIES - SHAMPOO & STYLING PRODUCTS

I go through haircare products faster than any other product, so I thought I would dedicate this empties post to all things hair related. Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo and Nourish Conditioner, 250ml £6.49 each – I always stock up on hair products at Christmas once the gift sets go in the sale. These are great sized bottles and suitable for normal hair, but the formula is quite average so suitable for everyday. It does the job of cleaning my hair but I don't miss it when I don't use it.  The shampoo is suitable for dry hair which needs nourishment and improves manageability so it's easy to style. The conditioner repairs the hair with it's advanced formula that penetrates the hair fibre for stronger, healthier hair and helps prevent against split ends. Loreal Professionnel Pro-Keratin Refill Shampoo and Masque, fullsize with conditioner £28.08 - I received these great sized samples in a Lookfantastic beauty box. I had not tried this range from Loreal before but I really enjoyed using them, especially the masque. This formila is designed to help improve the look and feel of damaged hair. It's enriched with Pro-Keratin and Incell and helps to leave hair feeling replenished and protected against external aggressors. I loved the scent of this range and would repurchase. Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Captive Colour Radiance Protecting Shampoo, 250ml £12.20 - This shampoo is designed especially for highlighted hair, I featured this shampoo in a past 'currently in my bathroom' post. My hairdresser recommended this product to me as I have gone darker at the roots but I still want my ends to look fresh and bright. The formula helps colour to last longer and helps bring back shine every time I use it. It smells great and my hair feels moisturised as well as cleansed, I would definitely repurchase this product. Kerastase Nutritive IrisomeBain Satin 1 and Lait Vital Nourishing Care Condtioner, full size duo £26.55 - Another shampoo and conditioner I received in a beauty box. This is my mum's go to haircare line now, she won't use anything else. This haircare line is suitable for normal or slightly dry hair and conditions and replenishes hair without weighing it down. It really makes your hair soft, the samples were a great size for travel and I would buy this full size duo again. Loreal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo, 250ml £6.55 - This product is perfect for blonde hair to keep it looking as fresh as the day you went to the salon. The formulation is a purple shampoo and works to brighten hair and tone the colour. I like to use this at least once a week, in rotation with other shampoo's. I always have some kind of purple shampoo on the go, I currently have another bottle open in my bathroom. It gets rid of any brassy tones and leaves my hair nice and shiny.Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Backcomb in a Bottle, 200ml £6.00 - I received this bottle in a Christmas set but I have used this styling product before. I used this product as a texturising spray, but it's suppose to be more of a styling up do spray to create instant texture and volume so it looks like you've back combed your hair. It makes your hair look thicker and lasts all night. It's so easy to use and creates so much volume that you don't need to use anything else. I also really like the packaging of this range. Loreal Elnett Satin Hairspray, 200ml £3.99 - I have been using this product for so long, I rarely use hairspray just mainly because I wear my hair down straight most of the time. Loreal Elnett is definitely the holy grail hairspray, another product my mum loves. This is an old limited edition Cheryl pink can, but it's still the same formula. It holds your style depending if your curling your hair or wearing it up. I like the scent, it's easy to brush out and it doesn't make my hair feel greasy. Redken Pillow Proof Blowdry Express Primer, full-size 170ml £12.60 - I got this sample in a Redken set at Christmas and I was very excited to try this. I love the scent of this and it works as heat protection that you spray in before you blow dry your hair. This product is designed to reduce blow drying time and I definitely have seen a difference when I use this. It repairs the hair and is a must have product for healthy, salon perfect hair. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Conditioning Spray, 250ml £22.00 - I really like Philip Kingsley hair products at the moment. I think this sample size came in a Latest in Beauty box, but I would repurchase this myself. You can use this product as a leave in conditioner before you blow dry your hair. It protects hair from daily environmental wear, such as UV rays, as well as heat protecting and instantly boosts the overall condition. It's suitable for all hair types and ensures hair is soft, strong and radiant. Loreal Elnett Satin Heat Styling Volume Spray, 170ml £5.99 - Another product that took me a while to get through, I know there was quite a bit of hype surrounding it's release and we all wanted to know if it lived up to the standards of it's well known hairspray. The formula leaves your hair shiny and soft, as well as creating volume and calming down flyaways. This formula claims to lock in a voluminous style for up to 3 days, but I wash my hair too often to see if this actually works. 

What's your favourite haircare products recently?

you can also find me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin or pinterest

CURRENTLY IN MY BATHROOM - NEW IN

Us girls spend a fair amount of time in the Bathroom and I'm always adding new products around my bath. There have been a few new products recently which have stood out to me, which I have been reaching for again and again.

Mio Skincare Liquid Yoga Bath Soak, 200ml £26.00 – I have been lusting after this product for a while now. After upping my game in the exercise department I have justified buying this product for my achy joints. I add a cap full of this to my baths in the evening after the gym and relax. I didn't think the formula would come out a grey mud colour but the scent is lovely and rejuvenating. I'm such a bath person that this bath soak is perfect for me. It really helps to calm my body as well as my mind and my muscles feel so much better and less tense after getting out of the bath. The soak contains Magnesium-rich Epsom salts and Arnica and the scent is spearmint, cypress, lavender, mandarin and chamomile essential oils to ease stress and anxiety. I also find the formula really moisturising.

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo, 250ml £14.90 – My hairdresser recommended this product to me the last time I went to the Hairdressers. I have used Kerastase before and my mum uses the original all the time, but I don't think I've used this formulation which is ideal for highlighted hair. Like all other Kerastase products this smells amazing! It helps my hair feel moisturised, supple and controlled. My hair feels protected, super soft and it helps bring back shine lost with washing. I like to use this shampoo every other time I wash my hair to ensure my colour lasts for longer.

Oral-B Pro 2000 Electric Toothbrush, £69.99 – I have just brought a new electric toothbrush. I did used to use an electric toothbrush but after going to university it was just easier to use a manual toothbrush. But I decided to get an individual electric toothbrush and can really see what a difference it makes. I really like the new CrossAction brush heads as they make my teeth feel super clean. I also like that the brush provides a short stutter every 30 seconds and a longer stutter after 2 minutes of brushing, so you know you have spent enough time cleaning. This toothbrush is currently half price at Boots.

Lush D’Fluff Shaving Soap, 70g £5.75 – I got this product in the Lush Sale as part of a Christmas set. It’s not normally something I would pick up separately. I like to use the L’Occiante Almond Oil when shaving but haven't really found a proper shaving cream I enjoy using. This shaving soap is strawberry scented and contains cocoa butter, coconut oil, golden syrup and egg whites so it creates a gorgeous scent in the bathroom. It makes my skin super smooth and it may be a little pot, but a little goes a long way. You can even use this as a body wash as it's really conditioning to the skin. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out.
Aussie Shower Smoothie Body Wash, 250ml £2.99 - I have always enjoyed Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner, so when I saw a Body Wash was being launched I knew I had to try it. This scent smells exactly like the Miracle Moist Shampoo as it contains Australian Macadamia Nut Oil. There are four different scents to choose from but this was my favourite and the formulation foams up nicely and leaves my skin super soft. The only thing I would change about this product is the bottle, I prefer a body wash with a pump as its easier to use in the shower.

Have you tried any of these products?

you can also find me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin or pinterest

WHAT'S IN MY TRAVEL WASH BAG/IN-FLIGHT BAG - DUBAI EDITION

I'm off to Dubai next weekend and of course the first thing I've packed are my toiletries. I have collected so many mini sized samples by getting numerous beauty boxes a month, so it's a great time to use them up and try new things. I always find these sort of posts helpful when I'm packing myself and by doing my own version I can look back on this when I travel in the future. Let me know if I have forgotten anything or think I might benefit from taking something else or if you have tried any of these products and what you thought about them.
In my main Kate Spade wash bag which I will be putting in my main luggage there is; Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 and Lait Vital which I received in a Look Fantastic beauty box, my hair loves these. I have also popped in a couple of Bumble and Bumble samples of the Surf and Thickening shampoo and conditioner, if I want to use something different. For styling products I have; the KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry Spray, KMS Hair Play Texturising Spray, Bumble and Bumble Shine Finishing Spray and the Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo. I have my favourite Mitchum Shower Fresh Deodrant, Korres Citrus Shower Gel and Body Milk which I also received in beauty boxes, thought this scent would be great to use on holiday! For sun lotion I have packed the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 30 Protective Sun Lotion and the matching After Sun, which I always get along with. I also have a Coola SPF 30 Classic Sunscreen for my face, which I'm looking forward to using properly. My skin is very pale so I have also throw in a St Tropez Instant Tan Wash Off Face & Body Lotion for the start of the holiday. For skincare I have packed the Ren Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water, which I already use full-size and the Ren Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel. For toning I'm using the Premae Skincare Balance Rescue Face Tonique and if my face wants a treat I have the Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. I also have a couple of sachets of Origins GinZing Refeshing Scrub Cleanser and a tub of Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream, which I can't get enough of. I then just have essentials like the Elegant Touch Nail Polish Remover Pads, a standard razor, flannels and muslin cloths, cotton pads, cotton buds, hair elastics and a tanning mitt.
In my In-Flight bag which contains 100ml and under products which will be in my hand luggage I have packed; the Cowshed Cow Slip Antibacterial Hand Gel, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (which is holy grail!), Gatineau Collagene Expert Smoothing Face Cream, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray which will be my life saver at the beach. Origins Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment and Peace of Mind On-The-Spot Relief which I like to use just before boarding my flight. I also have my mini toothpaste and toothbrush, hand and face wipes, Eve Lom Kiss Mix Lip Balm, a mini first aid kit containing plasters and a hair bobble. I also have three mini perfume samples; Thierry Mugler Alien, Ghost Eclipse and Chanel Coco Noir as I'm hoping to pick up the new Chloe - Love Story perfume in Duty Free. I will definitely have to review my favourite products of the holiday when I come back.

What are your holiday wash bag essentials?

LOOK FANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX - SEPTEMBER 2014

Look Fantastic is the latest brand to release a beauty box. It’s nice to see an online beauty store bringing something different to the ever growing industry. I have always been interested in the concept, some people became uninterested in the whole idea but I’m always excited to see another new box released. Look Fantastic is always an online shop I check for deals and offers that are cheaper than the high-street. The Look Fantastic Beauty Box will contain a minimum of six products every month and you can decide if you want to order it instead of signing up to a subscription. The first box sold out really quickly, you don’t know what you’re going to receive before you get it through your letterbox and by using popular brands I know this box will be popular. The products included in September’s box were;

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 and Lait Vital, full-size 250ml and 200ml £22.20 for both – I am a big fan of Kerastase hair products, you know you are getting quality hair care from this brand. I wish I had ordered my mum a box at the same time, as she loves this shampoo and conditioner. I sadly went back on the website that evening and it had sold out. I will definitely be taking these on holiday with me, it’s so nice to see deluxe samples. I have used this hair care range before so I know I will enjoy using them. This hair duo is perfect for drier hair types, they're super moisturising and has a nourishing formula that protects hair to an award winning standard.

Caudalie Divine Oil, full-size 50ml £17.50 – I have already tried and loved this product, but it’s nice to have an extra sample for travel. This is a multiuse product which can be used on the body, hair and face. I love the glass bottle packaging, I’m most likely to use this on my body. Caudalie are committed to planting one tree for every bottle sold. The oil has a light, floral fragrance with woody notes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, full-size 75ml £16.00 – I have always wanted to try this product, another product my mum swears by. I don’t have any trouble sleeping, but this is nice to spray on my pillow to relax me before sleep. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is clinically proven to help you sleep better than normal, make you fall asleep faster and feel more refreshed in the morning. The soothing scent is wild camomile, vetiver and true lavender, which helps to calm the mind - I will definitely be spraying this on my bed sheets tonight.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum, full-size 30ml £49.50 – Another product I was very excited about receiving. I haven’t tried many Jurlique products in the past, but the ones I have tried I have really enjoyed. This serum helps to recover your radiance, it features a proprietary active complex, Naturadiance PB18+ to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, restore radiance and increase hydration. I will be adding this to my evening skincare routine.

St Tropez Bronzing Mousse, 50ml £9.99 – This is probably my least favourite product in the box, just because I’m not much of a tanner. If I was to tan though, I would use St.Tropez as I’m always happy with the results, so this will come in use at some point. It gives a lovely even colour and this is a great sized product to touch up a holiday tan. I much prefer using a mousse product than a liquid. This bronzing mousse creates a streak-free, natural looking golden glow that lasts for days. I like to apply this with an applicator mitt for stain free hands.
Overall I'm really happy with the contents, so refreshing to find new products from brands I love and deluxe sized samples instead of sachets. The stand out product for me is the Jurlique Advanced Serum. I have already pre-ordered the October box, lets hope it lives up to their first box. Five random boxes will also receive a mystery gift worth £149.99, there's limited available so pre-order yours quick here.

What are your thoughts on Beauty Boxes?

END OF SUMMER BEAUTY EMPTIES - HAIR, BODY & SKINCARE

Empties posts are some of my favourite blog posts to read. I probably get through hair products the most, but this post is a mixture of beauty products which I have finished recently.
Lee Stafford My Big Fat Healthy Hair Shampoo, 250ml £5.99 - This is actually a product my mum passed onto me as she wasn't enjoying it. I used to really like Lee Stafford products when I was a teen, especially their hair growth treatment. This shampoo was ok, as it was a volume boosting formula it had grittiness to the formula which didn't make my hair feel too clean after use. It did work at creating more volume though. Would I repurchase? Probably not, but I'm interested to try the new Ubunto Oil range, which smells gorgeous!
Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash, 500ml £6.50 - I always have a Soap & Glory body wash on the go, this citrus scented one is the newest in the collection. I love this scent, it's great to use in the mornings to refresh and revitalise your body. I can't get enough of the pump bottles, it lathers up well and the 500ml sized bottles last ages, read more here. Would I repurchase? Yes, definitely.
Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Normal Hair, 200ml £8.75 - I featured the shampoo in another empties here. This was my first try of anything other than skincare from Liz Earle, and I wasn't disappointed. The shampoo is free from SLS and only contains naturally active ingredients, I really enjoyed the results, it left my hair glossy and soft. Would I repurchase? Yes, I really enjoyed the product.
Naked Blonder Lightening Conditioner, 250ml £3.98 - This is a great conditioner to use through the Summer months. Another natural conditioner, it really brings out my blonde highlights and I really like the Cassia and Sunflower Oil scent. I featured the shampoo here, it really moisturised my dry ends and the product didn't build up in my hair which I liked. Would I repurchase? Yes, maybe next summer.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo, 400ml £3.99 - I have had this empty for ages, I mentioned the conditioner in this post here. I love the coconut scent, this is a product I pick up on offer as I know it works and does the job. It makes my hair feel moisturised and shiny and it's really affordable. Suitable for dry/damaged hair, my favourite product from the range has to be the intensive conditioner. Would I repurchase? Yes, if it's on offer.

Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Shampoo & Conditioner, 250ml £5.99 each - I purchased this shampoo and conditioner after really enjoyed the dry texturising spray from the range. I found the bottles really tricky to get the product out, but the formula did create volume from the roots and my hair did appear thicker. The formula also contains heat protectant which you don't normally see from a shampoo or conditioner. The scent was lovely and I really enjoyed using the pair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would try other products from the Salon at Home range.
Rituals Qi Gong Anti-Perspirant Spray, 50ml £8.00 Full-Size - This was a sample that I received from a beauty box, but I have really been enjoying Rituals products recently. This was nice to use from my usual deodorant, I liked the Organic White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren scent and the product helped me stay sweat free throughout the day. Would I repurchase? Deodorant isn't normally a product I like to spend money on, but this was lovely.
Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique, 125ml £14.60 - This is my go to heat protectant. I love the leave in cream texture, it's suitable for dry, damaged hair and the scent is heavenly. It reminds me of that classic hairdressers scent and I always apply this if I'm going to blow-dry or style my hair with straighteners. A little pricey, but a little goes a long way and the bottle lasts a while. Would I repurchase? Yes definitely, I need it back in my stash.
Beauty Protector Leave In Condtioner, Full-Size £15.00 - Another product from a beauty box, I used this while travelling and instantly got on with it. The scent is lovely when sprayed into the hair, I like that it comes with a pump and it really does help protect hair and detangle any knotty bits. It's suitable for all hair types and it's exclusive to Birchbox. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would also love to try the oil in the range.
Umberto Giannini Pure Beauty Shampoo and Intense Beauty Conditioner, 75ml £5.60 each Full-Size - I tried these hair products in a Christmas set from boots. I really like the packaging and the formulas really helped cleanse and restore my hair. My hair felt moisturised and hydrated and looked shiny. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would try other products in the range.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution, 250ml £9.99 - I always end up coming back to this cleansing water. It's great at cleansing, removing make-up and soothing the skin. I always make sure I have one of these on the go, you can't go wrong with this stuff. All of these skincare products featured in my Skincare routine here. Would I repurchase? Yes, always.
Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner, 150ml £18.50 - I love this toner, it's great for my oily skin. The Mint really helps to control oil and the Saw Palmetto helps to clear skin and minimise pores. I like that it gives my skin a smooth matte finish and that my skin feels refreshed after use. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need to.
Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins 50ml £34.50 - This is the oil-free mineral enriched cream which I like to apply every evening. I switch between this and the Make A Difference Treatment, they both smell lovely and renew my skin overnight. Origins has to be my favourite brand for moisturisers at the moment. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love this product.
Soap & Glory Supereyes Supereyes Moisturising Gel, 15ml - I don't think you can purchase this product any more, it has either been discontinued or the name and packaging has changed. I really like using a gel formula rather than a cream for around my eyes. As I am still in my early 20's I think it's nice to use something not too heavy and something that will hydrate my skin instead. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would purchase a different Soap & Glory eye cream.
Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel, 125ml £20.00 - This is such a nice cleanser, it comes out as a gel formula and once you mix it with water it becomes a milk consistency. It's nice and light on the skin and breaks down make-up really well. Would I repurchase? Yes I would love to, but I have so many cleansers to use.

Have you tried any of these products?

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?