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?

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LATEST IN BEAUTY - GET THE GLOSS SUMMER 'IT KIT'

I have recently really enjoyed Latest in Beauty boxes, as they have included many new releases and products that are exciting that I want to try for myself. Some beauty boxes disappoint me by featuring the same products over and over again which I already own and don't really need. I have gone off the Look Fantastic beauty box for now as there were too many duplicates and I received rubbish customer service after the delivery man decided to throw my box over the gate. But anyway, a beauty box should be crammed full of new releases and generous samples and I think this edition ticks every box.

Latest in Beauty have teamed up with Get the Gloss which is the UK’s leading online authority in beauty and health, with reviews and expert advice to create a Summer 'It Kit'. I'm signed up to their newsletter and know these ladies know a good product when they see one. The box is bursting with eight summer ready products that could be added to any girls ‘it kit’ I thought a lot of these products would be ideal to take on holiday with me.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap 50ml – This is such a genius product to take on holiday with you. Swipcap works as a guard to protect hair against discolouration and damage that can be caused by the sun, sea, chlorine and wind. It’s suitable for all hair textures and contains sunscreen for UV protection. This product was originally developed at the request of the first US Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team, PABA prevents oxidisation and colours fade and it is also a super conditioning treatment for your hair. You use this in wet hair and comb through your hair, you can reapply as necessary after swimming and rinse with water. It’s a summer saviour and a must-have for swimmers, I will definitely be taking this on holiday with me!

Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish 8ml – I have quite a good collection of these gel effect polishes now. I received the colour Regents Place, which is a lovely cornflower blue which would look great on toes on the beach! I like the formulation of these polishes, they're not too thick in texture and the colour range is spot on! The formula is long lasting and I actually already own the blue shade, but it's one of my favourites!

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Refine & Polish Miracle Balm 15ml – I have never tried anything from Aurelia before but I'm looking forward to using this multi-use product. You can use this as an instant exfoliator to gently get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate circulation and you can also use it as an enzyme mask to allow the active fruit enzymes to deeply exfoliate. It’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types and works to transform and brighten dull, rough, congested skin. The Miracle Balm is fragranced with uplifting essential oil blend of Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Bergamot. Skin is left silky soft, smooth and glowing!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Golden Shimmer 10ml– I have been wanting to try this product for ages, another item I will be putting in my wash bag for my holiday. This is a multi use product for face, body and hair. This dry oil has a unique super-activated formula combining Precious Plant Oils and Vitamin E to nourish, repair and soften skin. It has iridescent golden particles which illuminate with shiny reflections.  It leaves your skin soft and velvety, hair is glossy and full of volume and it also improves the overall appearance of stretch marks.

Bourjois Aqua Blush 10ml – I was excited about these new blush releases from Bourjois, I received the shade Pink twice, which is a lovely girly pink. They claim to last up to 12hrs and boost your skin’s natural radiance. They are a water-light gel formula which leaves skin with a refreshed, sheer, fresh colour. They're currently available in four sorbet shades, which are great for summer! I like the pump bottle, they add a lovely hint of pink to your cheeks and they smell lovely too. They last on my cheeks much longer than a powder blush, so ideal if you're in the sun.

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF8 15ml – This moisturiser combines antioxidants, marine actives and hydrating botanicals to help protect against the elements, reactivate pro-collagen synthesis to leave you with a youthful glow. It’s perfect for dry or sun-weathered skin to help plump up the skin and it contains an SPF8 which is great for everyday use.

Salon Science AquaCacteen Hydrasoothe Cooling Spray 150ml – This is not a brand I have heard much about, but it sounds an interesting product to try. It contains the ultra-refined elixir of organic cactus to help shield the hair and scalp against environmental stress and help prevent further irritation. It also contains soothing and moisturising actives such as Aloe and Panthenol to help refresh and provide instant relief to a dehydrated scalp and instant hydration to dry hair. You can use this on either dry or damp hair by just spraying from root to tip. This is the perfect product to take on holiday in your beach bag to relieve burn on the scalp or if you can feel your head getting hot in the sun. I don't really suffer from an itchy scalp but I can see this working well as a refresher and something to add moisture to my hair.

Anne Semonin Eye Express Radiance Cube 4ml – These eye cubes are designed to be stored in the freezer and placed over your eyes like you would do with cucumber. They soothe and refresh tired, puffy eyes to drain toxins and maximise skin’s absorption. They contain natural active ingredients such as Ginkgo biloba, gourd extract and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, reduce dark circles and anti-wrinkle. These would be great to use before going out for the evening after too much sun!

Latest in Beauty have also teamed up with the brands in the box to offer you some exclusive discounts on their products as well, which is a nice little bonus! The box is priced at £19.00 which is a real bargain for all these decent sized samples as the contents is worth over £85.00, they will definitely see me through the holiday season this summer. Which beauty boxes would you recommend?

#GTGITKIT

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BEAUTY ICON HAIR & MAKE-UP INSPIRATION - AUDREY HEPBURN

My ultimate beauty icon of all time has to be Audrey Hepburn. I always tend to turn to the starlets of the past much more than today's celebrities for hair and make-up inspiration. Women of that era seemed more confident in their own skin, instead of using plastic surgery or caking on far too much makeup to make themselves feel beautiful or younger. Hepburn's make-up look was always so chic and polished. I could see an image of Audrey Hepburn's eyes and know they're hers straight away, I even have a canvas on my wall of her. She had a classic style, timeless beauty and an iconic look which still looks modern today. She was a minimalist, yet very feminine. I've always been obsessed with her as Breakfast at Tiffany's has to be one of my favourite films. I've created an inspired look which is ideal for everyday below using the following products.

Audrey had a fair few hairstyles in her time, from the pixie crop to the sleek beehives and she always looked so elegant. Philip Kingsley created the Elasticizer personally for Audrey Hepburn back in the 70's. She wanted a product that would keep her hair looking fantastic on set, due to the constant processing and styling. The Elasticizer is a pre-shampoo treatment which intensively conditions whilst adding elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine. This cult product is suitable for all hair types especially damaged hair. It also provides UV protection even after washing, helping prolong the life of colour treated hair. I really like the way this makes my hair feel so glossy, if it's good enough for Hepburn, it's good enough for me! I have yet to buy a full-size of this product as I receive so many samples in beauty boxes/magazines.

Audrey always had fresh, natural looking base make-up that really brought out her bone structure. Audrey wore very little foundation, but always opted for a lightweight base for a youthful, glowy complexion. I decided to use the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer which is a lightweight, creamy gel formula which creates the perfect even canvas for foundation. This helps to keep my make-up in place, as I have oily skin I always apply a primer before my base make-up so it doesn't slip off my face throughout the day. The gel formula leaves my make-up looking fresh and colour-true for the entire day. I then used the Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Ink Foundation in the shade B10 Porcelain. I find this foundation gives a matte finish but still looks velvety and non-greasy on my skin. You can build the coverage up but I like that you can still see my freckles through the make-up. It blends away pores and it last for most of the day. I love the packaging, I just wish the bottle had a pump! I have reviewed this product in full here.

Thicker brows have come back in style and Audrey's brows were accentuated to look thicker and fuller. Her innocent doe eyes and large eyebrows were her trademark look leaving everything else quite simple and understated. I like to use the Benefit Gimme Brow in light/medium to fill in and shape my eyebrows. I haven't made my brows as thick as Audrey's but this product makes my eyebrows look stronger and creates that perfect arch. This brow gel is water resistant, long wearing and buildable. I like that the packaging is so compact and it's so quick and easy to use! I've created Hepburn's iconic little cat eye flick with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in the shade Stag which is a deep satin brown shade. I don't think you can beat Urban Decay eyeliners, they glide on so nicely and the shade range is fantastic! I applied the liner close to my lash line and smudged it out a little with a brush to soften the look. Audrey famously used a pin to separate each of her lashes after applying mascara, which is crazy!
Audrey's favourite colours were shades of pink, so of course I had to choose a nude pink lip. I've applied my lip liner a little outside my natural lip line to make them appear fuller. I have then applied the Dior Rouge Nude Dior Lipstick in Grege 1947 which is a lovely vintage, peachy nude. These lipsticks are creamy, pigmented and moisturising on the lips. Audrey always defined her cupid's bow which made her look more sophisticated and glamorous. She used very little colour on her cheeks, making the eyes and lips the focus. Audrey Hepburn's hollywood look is so iconic and I have made her look more wearable for everyday using some of my favourite beauty products. You can find most of the products I used on the House of Fraser website.

"I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls."

Who is your Beauty Icon?
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WOMEN'S HEALTH BIRCHBOX - JANUARY 2015

This month Birchbox have teamed up with Women’s Health to create a box specially designed for the New Year. I have tried to up my game in the fitness department recently, so this was a perfect box to receive through my door in January. The box brings both products and content that will help start the year with your best foot forward. I have to admit this is probably one of my favourite collaborations recently, I think they have got the products and the box design/content spot on!

Activbod Cooling Finish Lotion, full-size 100ml £12.00 – This isn't a brand I have heard of before, but I have seen that they are now available in Boots. This product is designed to cool you down after your workout, it’s packed with menthol so it instantly delivers a cooling sensation to the skin. The formula also contains Vitamin E which helps to moisturise as well as repair dry skin. The scent is really nice and uplifting, it contains zesty pepper, eucalyptus and lemon which is reinvigorating as well. I really like products like this to use after going to the gym, I use a similar one from Nip and Fab and mainly like to use it on my legs to relax the muscles.

Healgel Intensive, full-size 30ml £37.50 – I have wanted to try something from this brand for ages, it’s always appealed to me but the price has always held be back. Healgel products are created by a team of leading British plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Healgel Intensive is a multipurpose, skin rescue gel. It contains, organic silicone, collagen-boosting hexapeptides and arnica restore and protects your skin in areas where it’s most needed. I found the cream to be really lightweight, cooling and absorbed quickly into my skin. It can also be used as a make-up primer.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner, full-size 250ml £19.00 – I am a big fan of Philip Kingsley hair care. This conditioner is enhanced with Keratin proteins and natural cellulose which is used to improve the hair’s strength and condition as well as thickening the appearance of every strand. I really like to receive hair mini's in beauty boxes, this formula is perfect for adding volume and shine to flyaway locks.

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, full-size 50ml £30.00 – I have received so many minis of this that I have never had to buy the full-size of it yet. I love Ren skincare and their masks are some of my favourite! This mask is designed to get rid of dead skin cells to renew the complexion and remove impurities. It contains natural fruit extracts and papaya extracts help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skin’s surface. I like to leave this mask on for ten minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth, it’s nice to use as a mid-week pick me up!

Stila Lip Glaze, 2.4ml £15.00 – I don't think I have tried a product from Stila which I haven't liked. I really like that we received a full-size lip product. I’m not a big fan of the twist click pen applicator as I don't find it very easy to apply and end up using too much product, plus it’s not very hygienic. I received the shade Gleam, which is a sparkly pink toned hue which applies sheer for a wash of colour on the lips. The lip glazes also contains Vitamin A, C and E which keeps lips from drying out.

The lifestyle product that came with the box was an exclusive bright pink pilates resistance band, which also came with tips and exercises on how to use it. I have really enjoyed incorporating this into my current exercise routine, it's perfect for toning, improving your strength and muscle endurance. The box also offered us an exclusive subscription offer! It didn't make me want to subscribe to Women’s Health, but it certainly made me go and buy the current magazine. We also received a sachet of Embrace Matcha Green Tea which contains 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea, I'm looking forward to trying it!

Are you subscribed to Birchbox?

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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?

LATEST IN BEAUTY - THE GLAMOUR BEAUTY POWER LIST 2014 BOX

I am currently obsessed with beauty boxes, I say currently, I have been since I subscribed to my first box and even wrote my dissertation around the whole concept. Glamour have collaborated with Latest in Beauty to come up with a beauty box based on their Beauty Power List. They have collaborated with Latest In Beauty before, I didn't pick up that box because I had tried most of the products featured, but I thought this box was definitely worth trying. The box contains seven handpicked beauty products which featured in the 2014 Beauty Power List and have Glamour's Beauty Director's stamp of approval. The total value of the box is £83.47 and you can buy it for £15.99 with postage and packaging included, so it definitely is a one-off steal at that price and it means you get to try new up and coming products. On top of that you also receive an annual subscription to the iPad or iPhone digital edition of Glamour for you or a friend, which I think is a really good deal.
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Conditioning Spray – I’m really into leave in conditioners at the moment. I have tried quite a few Philip Kingsley products recently and have been pleased with the results. This leave in protective conditioning spray defends against daily heat, styling and breakage. You spray this into wet hair to detangle, add shine and it smells divine. It's suitable for coloured hair and it's a great deluxe sample size at 60ml.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser – This is a cult product that everyone raves about. If my skin is acting up I always go back to this cleanser. I have tried the original formula and the limited edition scents and have enjoyed all of them. This is definitely a sample I will keep for holidays or nights away, it even comes with a muslin cloth. It removes dirt and make-up to leave skin clean and conditioned. It works on every skin type and any age.

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara – I have been wanting to try this mascara for ages, I have heard nothing but good things. It claims to give 360 degree volume the second it's applied. The unique wand coats every lash, without clumping. I haven't tried many Bourjois mascara's before, but this one doesn't disappoint, it's a full-size product and the formula is extra black.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – I have the radiance version of this primer which I love, so it’s great to try out the normal formula from the brand. It’s a generous sized sample of 30ml and the formula is lightweight, has a creamy gel consistency and makes your make-up stick around for longer. Meaning you don't have to touch up through out the day, which is perfect for my oily skin.

James Read Sleep Mask Tan – I’m not big on tanning but this is a great sample size to have to travel with. This product combines overnight skin beautifying ingredients with a touch of self-tan. It is a lightweight formula, that moisturises and soothes the skin overnight and leaves you with a subtle golden glow by morning. This is great for a quick pick me up and evens out your skin tone.

Maybelline Nude Colour Sensational Lipstick - I am big on nude lipsticks, they're great for everyday and right on-trend. Maybelline have five flesh tone shades in the collection to create an understated glossy finish. I received the shade Tantalizing Taupe, it's moisturising and pigmented, I will definitely be getting a lot of use from this lipstick.

Eyeko Mascara Off Make-up Remover Wipes - I am getting more into Eyeko products recently, these wipes will come in handy for travelling. They remove even waterproof mascara and smokey eye make-up, so they're great for lazy days or quick touch ups. These 100% pure cotton pads contain olive oil and aloe extract to condition and soothe, I will be popping these straight into my handbag.

PS - Fearne's make-up looks amazing in this months Glamour and it's all Revlon products.

Will you be picking up Latest In Beauty's newest box?

GLOSSYBOX 3RD ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY EDITION - AUGUST 2014

I have been a subscriber of Glossybox for quite some time now, and this August they celebrated their 3rd Birthday. It's a fab concept which has reached beauty lovers from around the world and the brand continue to improve the service they share with us every month. To be honest I was a bit underwhelmed by this months box, I know you shouldn't compare your box against others, but I felt this month just wasn't for me. I'm always happy with my Glossybox and always feel I get value for money, but for a Birthday box nothing really stood out for me. The box design also changed this month, as well as the information card, which I think is nice to change up from now and then. On to what was inside;
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, 40ml £38.00 full-size - Everybody received this product in their box this month. I have received this so many times in beauty boxes and magazine freebies, so I was a little disappointed to see it again. Saying that it is a great hair product, you apply this pre-shampoo and it gives your hair bounce, shine and manageability without weighing your hair down. This product was originally created for Audrey Hepburn and is suitable for all hair types. For me, it's a product I don't get to use very often as I wash my hair in the morning and always run out of time.
Glossybox Highlighter in Cashmere, 4.5g £12.95 - Another product that everyone received was this Highlighter, created with Kryolan especially for Glossybox's birthday. I didn't think too much of this at first, but when I swatched it I saw that it gives quite a nice illuminating effect on the skin. It's quite subtle, but it gives a velvety shine when applied to the cheekbones, a great multi use product.
Essence Longlasting Lipstick, 3.8g £2.29 - I received the Lipstick in Natural Beauty which is a lovely rose pink, great for everyday. I haven't used the formula before, but I found it to be really creamy and moisturising and the colour stayed around for a while after applying which is great considering the price. I'm not a big fan of the packaging, but this will definitely be making it's way into my make-up bag. I did receive a lipstick last month though, so it would have been nice to see something different.
Yves Rocher Pink Nail Polish, 3ml £3.60 - Another pink item, to match the box was this birthday bonus nail polish. The bottle is super tiny, it's not really a colour I would pick due to having many nude/french manicure pinks in my collection. But nice as a little extra and the mini brush is great for a smooth application!
Figs & Rouge Mini Hand Cream, 20ml £3.95 - I wasn't very excited to see a hand cream, as I have many hand cream samples to use up. But this is lovely, the scent is divine - mango and mandarin and it leaves my hands super soft. The hand creams are enriched with shea butter and sinks straight into your skin without feeling greasy.
Lalique L'Amour Eau De Parfum, 2ml £67.00 full-size - Another product I wasn't very excited about. The scent is nice a musky floral which reminds me of something and it stays on the skin for hours. I haven't really heard much about this perfume before so it was nice to try something different that I wouldn't normally pick up.
Products that were also on offer were; an Essence mascara, All that Jazz cuticle balms, Comfort Zone Essentials Cleansing Milk, SuperPep Super C15 Serum and SuperPep Hydra Sun Defence SPF 30 Day Cream. On a brighter note, next month box is a collaboration with Karen Millen and every subscriber will either receive a L'Oreal Professional hair masque or oil which I'm very happy to receive. I still get really excited to discover what's in my box every month, are you subscribed to a Beauty Box?

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

BEAUTY WISHLIST - JUNE 2012 MUST HAVES

My birthday is coming up next week, so I might treat myself to the things I have been lusting over for ages. And thought I would share...
Stila In the Light Palette £25.00 - I have wanted this palette for a while now, probably since christmas time. I haven't bought it because I have been using the Naked 2 palette instead. But after reading Zoella's blog post about it, I think I might have to go out and buy it. Shade - Kitten looks too pretty. A great alternative to the Naked palette at a cheaper price.
Origins Brightening Musts Gift Set £26.00 - This set contains VitaZing 50ml, Modern Friction 30ml and GinZing 5ml. I have wanted to try these products for a while now, and I think this set is a great price to try them all out and see if I like them. I have other Origins products including the drink up intensive mask, and absolutely love that, so if they are anything like that I know they will become firm favourites in my skincare routine.
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream £7.99 - I have tried and nearly used up the Garnier BB cream and love that. But want to mix it up a bit and try another brand. I have heard good things about this, so that might have to be my next purchase. I have also sent away for samples, so hopefully they will arrive soon.
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 250ml £16.00 - I much prefer to have baths than showers. After reading Viviannadoesmakeup's blog post about this I knew it was a product that I had to try. If it smells anything like the Soap & Glory Almond body wash (my post here) then I know I'll love it. For the price, I think it's a bit of a bath time treat but I guess it will last a while, so to me it's worth it.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains £7.99 - I loved watching Essiebutton's video and reading her blog post on these lip stains. They look like great dupes for the Clinique Chubby Sticks. Really good colour pay off, as well as being moisturising to the lips. I don't know if these are the right ones on the Boots website, as I thought they weren't available till July. But can't wait to try one!
Real Techniques Starter Kit £21.99 - I own the core collection, the blush brush and the stippling brush from Real Techniques and think they are the best brushes I have tried. So, this kit is next on my list, I know they are great for concealer too.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 150ml £22.30 - I got a sample of this when it was in the Glossybox a few months ago. I used it all up and loved the stuff. It defiantly did my hair some good. I'm currently using the Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque, but I think once all that is used up, I will change it up a bit and purchase this.
What's on your wishlist? Have you tried any of these products?