SPRING CLEAN BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES

These are the products I have been loving and using up most recently.

Haircare...Hair products are probably the products I use up the most regularly as I am always changing up my shampoo and styling products. KMS HairPlay Playable Texture, full-size 200ml £11.25 - I had never tried any KMS products before receiving them in a beauty box. This product is a texturising spray, which I like to use when styling my hair. This product gives my hair weightless styling and lasting pliable finish. It can also be used in wet hair as it can be used as a prep spray before blow drying, but I prefer to use it after to help build the style further. I really like the way it makes my layers look and the size was great for travel and my handbag. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need to try some more KMS products. Redken Diamond Oil Shampoo 300ml & Conditioner 250ml, for the set £23.60 - I'm a big fan of Redken haircare and have gone through quite a few of their ranges including; All Soft and Blonde Idol. I have been wanting to try the Diamond Oil range for a while as they are ideal for dull, damaged hair. The formula helps to strengthen, replenish and protects your hair. My hair definitely feels stronger and shiner after using these. Read my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would definitely use these again. Toni & Guy Casual Rough Texturiser, 200ml £7.19 - I brought this in a Toni & Guy Christmas Set that I managed to pick up in the sale. I always like to use some sort of texturising spray in my hair, but I hadn't used this one before. I really liked the casual, dishevelled matt finish this product gave to my hair. It claims to provide instant root lift and even a backcombed effect. Products like this are so easy to use, as you just work it through with your fingers. Would I repurchase? Yes, I was really pleased with the results. KMS FreeShape Quick Blow Dry, full-size 2ooml £11.45 - This product is a duo phase heat protectant that I received in a beauty box. This product is formulated to make your blow dry quicker, speeding up the time of drying by up to 50%. It also reduces friction while conditioning lightly, whilst also providing protection from heat. I really liked this product, I got on really well with it. Would I repurchase? Yes I need to repurchase this, when I have used up some of my other leave in conditioners, I am definitely a KMS convert.

Skincare...I could talk about skincare all day long, I know trying new products aren't always good for your skin so I like to treat my skin to a few of my favourite products every now and again. Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cream, full-size 50ml £50.00 - Origins as you know is my favourite skincare brand, I go on about them in most of my blog posts. But I had never tried anything from the Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom range before, I brought a Mega-Mushroom Christmas set in the sale. As my skin is quite oily, I don't normally like a thick moisturiser, I prefer a gel like formula. But this face cream was so rich and luxurious on my skin. I liked to apply this in the evenings, it instantly calmed any redness and sensitivity and hydrated my skin at the same time. Would I repurchase? It was a lovely moisturiser, but £50.00 for the full-size tub is quite pricey, I think I will stick to my Make A Difference treatment. Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer, 30ml £6.99 - I really like this primer from Rimmel. For the price, it's so affordable to what it is. You get 30ml of product which lasts for ages and it definitely does a great job of smoothing and resurfacing my face before I apply my base products. It also brightens my skin, as well as keeping my oily skin at bay. I feel my foundation stays around for much longer when I apply this and it protects my skin from breakouts. Would I repurchase? Yes, I already have.  Soap & Glory Drama Clean Micellar Cleansing Water, 200ml £6.00 - I was so excited when this was released. I'm a big fan of Soap & Glory and was so happy to see something new in the range. A lot of brands have released micellar waters, but this one was great at getting rid of most of my make-up and daily dirt before cleansing fully. I am not a big fan of the scent, Peach and extracts of natural cucumber juice, it is nice and fresh, but I normally like my cleansers not to smell too strong. Read my full review here. Would I repurchase? Maybe, but it's not my favourite. Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Treatment Lotion, full-size 150ml £20.00 - I really like to apply this product in the evenings after using a toner. It helps to refresh my skin and I always notice a difference after I've used this. I apply a little bit on to a cotton pad and swipe it over my face, it just lets me know I haven't got any leftover make-up on my skin. My skin is left hydrated and ready to be moisturised. I always pick up these mini sizes in Christmas gift sets and haven't had to buy a full-size yet. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm on to my next bottle. Clarins Daily Energiser Cream, 30ml £18.45 - This moisturiser is great to use in the mornings as a little pick me up. It really does help to energise the skin and awaken me ready for the day ahead. I love the glass jar it comes it and it's the perfect consistency for my skin. It's more of a gel type moistuser which my skin adores. It leaves my skin super soft and prepped ready for my make-up. Would I repurchase? Yes I would.

Bodycare & Other...Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover, 75ml £4.99 - This was a great little innovation when this first hit the market. The idea of just dipping your finger into a pot and the nail polish was gone was such a genius beauty tool which didn't need you to faff around with cotton pads and spilling it everywhere. I really liked using this at first, it got rid of my nail polish quickly and it does condition your nails with almond oil at the same time. After using this for quite a while, the solution gets really dirty and your nails come out still with polish on. Would I repurchase? I think they are great for travel, but don't last long enough for me. Queen Of... Shaving gel Pina Colada Twist, 150ml £4.29 - I'm not going to lie, I did just buy this for the Pina Colada scent, but I have tried this shaving gel before in another scent and really enjoyed it. The tropical scent was lovely and the formulation comes out like a gel which is really moisturising on my legs. It gives me protection from the razor and it doesn't leave any irritations. My legs feel super smooth after shaving. Would I repurchase? Yes, I normally pick these up on offer in Supermarkets. Soap & Glory Foam Call Body Wash, 500ml £6.50 - I have raved so many times about Soap & Glory shower gels before, I always have one on the go. This scent is a fruity one which has notes of frozen yuzu, orange oil, green fig, and jungle pomelo essence. The scent would be perfect to use on a summers day or on holiday. I find the formula really moisturising and I love the massive pump bottles. Would I repurchase? Always. Make Believe Gradual Self Tan, 200ml £15.60 - I have been using this gradual self tan for years. I'm not a big fake tan user but when I do I like to use something that will give me a gradual golden glow instead of a full on tan. This comes out white and doesn't go streaky at all, I like the scent as it's not too over powering and it seems to last about a week before I need to reapply. This is also great to use after a holiday to top-up your natural tan so it stays around for longer. I like to apply this with a mitt as nobody likes orange hands. Wax Lyrical Gingerbread Reed Diffuser, 50ml £6.00 - I have never used a reed diffuser before in my bedroom, but my Mum picked me up this just before Christmas because she knows I love everything Gingerbread. This was lovely to use throughout Christmas, it smells exactly like gingerbread so it filled up my whole bedroom and I could smell it everytime I walked into the room. I was really impressed with the scent as the diffuser is quite small. It also lasted a long time, so is perfect if you're looking for something to give a room a nice scent. Would I repurchase? Definitely, I will have to have a look at the other scents.

Have you tried any of these products?

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HOT OR NOT - BEAUTY BOX PRODUCTS OCTOBER 2014

As I missed out reviewing most of my October beauty boxes, I thought I would give an overview on which products I enjoyed and would repurchase and which ones I would give a miss. I reviewed my current favourite box - Look Fantastic, so all of these products are from Glossybox, Birchbox or You Beauty Discovery box. Glossybox's theme last month was based around a pop art box, which I love and will be keeping after use. The limited edition box came in four different colour ways and included four full-size products and two samples, which really impressed me. October's Birchbox was a collaboration with Coppafeel as October is also breast cancer awareness month. I loved that all the products featured in that months box fit in a cute pink zip up pouch and the box also came with a handy lipstick pen, which is perfect for any beauty lovers! You Beauty Discovery's product list was based on handbag heroes which are effective in the quick fix approach. I love this beauty box as it gives you the chance to try samples you actually want to try at a really reasonable price tag.
Hot Products -
The products I got on with the most were; Ciate Paint Pot in Ditch The Heels (Glossybox) - I received a gorgeous green shade called Ditch The Heels. I've tried many Ciate nail polishes in the past and really like the glossy finish. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute (Glossybox) - I was really impressed to receive a full-size product from Nuxe. This is priced at £19.50 and is similar to the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask, so great for dry skin types. So Susan Flutter Mascara (Glossybox) - Mascara is probably my least favourite make-up product to receive in a beauty box, just because I know if I try it I have to use it up within the next few months, so I have a stock pile building up. But I decided to try this and really liked the way it lengthened my lashes. Etre Belle Liplift Peel (Glossybox) - I had never heard of this brand, but I was intrigued as I haven't used many products like it. This gives your lips a gentle exfoliation to prepare your lips for lipstick and I was impressed with the results. Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm (Birchbox) - I have tried samples of this before, I really enjoy the balm texture. It's a product I go back to again and again but have yet to purchase it as I keep receiving samples. Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Honey Nectar (Birchbox) - I was very excited for this product as I haven't tried many products from Pixi. This gives a lovely nude tint to the lips and helps moisturise them as well, great for the winter months! KMS California Hair Play Playable Texture (Birchbox) - I have been loving KMS products and this one is a must try! You can use this before or after blow drying and it helps to build style and define layers without making your hair feel weighed down. Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Tease (You Beauty Discovery) - This was my first choice from You Beauty last month as I haven't tried a lipstick from Illamasqua before. I received the shade Tease which is a gorgeous matte nude and goes lovely with my skin tone. Crystal Clear Skincare Intense Anti-Ageing Serum (You Beauty Discovery) - I love a good serum and I knew this was a pricey brand so I thought I would give it a go. It helps to reduce wrinkles and firm the skin, I'm sure this is for an older target market but I love the way it peps up my skin. Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum (You Beauty Discovery) - Another serum similar to the Crystal Clear one, I liked massaging this into my face in the evening. It has made me want to try more from the brand!
Not So Hot Products -
The products I didn't rate were; Yves Rocher Quelques Notes D'Amour Perfume (Glossybox) - I'm not a big fan of perfume samples in beauty boxes, this one is a little too sweet for me! Rimmel BB Cream Matte in Light (Glossybox) - A nice little extra, but even the light shade is too orange toned for my skin. Shaveworks The Cool Fix Gel Lotion (Birchbox) - As I don't have any issues with shaving my legs this isn't a product I would normally pick up. It is really smoothing and cooling though, so maybe nice to leave until the summer months, not too sure of the manly scent though. Lollipops Paris Nail Lacquer (Birchbox) - I had never heard of this brand before, I really like the festive shade and the shade is quite pigmented. But I wasn't very impressed with the staying power as it chipped quite easily. Gold Collagen Forte (You Beauty Discovery) - I have received one of these before in a beauty box and I must admit I haven't tried it. It's aimed at the 40+ market, but I can't imagine it's a nice beauty supplement to drink, I think I will give it a miss.

I think my favourite box out of the three October editions has to be Birchbox.

Which is your favourite Beauty Box?

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?