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?

GLOSSYBOX - JULY 2012 FESTIVAL BEAUTY BOX

I know there is a lot of mixed views around beauty boxes in general, some people love them and some people think they are a waste of money. I personally really enjoy receiving mine each month and seeing what other people received in theirs. I think Glossybox is a great concept and there is always some sort of product that I get along with and keep going back to use. I have only really stuck to my subscription with Glossybox, but I know there are now a number of different beauty boxes offering similar things. This month's Glossybox contains beauty essentials that will get you festival glam in an instant, and I'm really pleased with what I got. 

Clynol Salon Exclusive Enrich Colour Shampoo, Fullsize 300ml £9.35 - This product is a gentle shampoo with liquid jewel extract and UV filters to protect rich tones from fading. I have not really heard much about this brand before, but on first impressions the product smells lovely! It is suited to me as I have highlighted hair and great for protection from the sun.
Monu Golden Glow Self Tan, Fullsize 200ml £23.00 - This is a moisturising treatment for the face and body that provides a safe, natural-looking tan in just 3-5 hours. I am currently using a moisturiser I received in a past Glossybox from Monu and have been really enjoying using that. I'm not much of a fake tan user, but I will definitely be trying this out on my legs as the weather has been so nice! The smell is a bit overpowering though.

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Frosting, Fullsize 15ml £10.00 - This product is a multifunctional cream gloss. You can either use this on the lips or cheeks. I am really happy with this product, it is certainly something I would buy myself. The flavour is Irish Cream Pavlova, I love the colour a true vibrant, coral pink and it smells good enough to eat.
Elisabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion, Fullsize 50ml £32.00, Plus Bonus Sachet - This product is a lightweight, oil-free lotion that helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and pollution as it provides hydration all day long. I have used Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream in the past and have really loved that, so looking forward to using these samples up. The sachet includes Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser, Optimizing Skin Serum and Skin Balancing Lotion SPF 15.

HD Brows Eye and Brow Palette In Bombshell, Fullsize £19.95 - And of course my favourite product from this months box. I have been wondering whether to buy this product for a while now. I have only been subscribed to Glossybox since November, so didn't receive the famous HD Brows set last year when it appeared in the box. I know some people haven't been happy to see this product again, but it is Glossybox's most popular product! I think it's great that Glossybox have suited it to my hair colour, by what I stated in my beauty profile. I have loved using this all in one compact palette so far, and can see it fast becoming a favourite.

What are your favourites from this month's box? What other beauty boxes are you subscribed to?

REN SKINCARE - NO.1 PURITY CLEANSING BALM, PLUS WIMH EXCLUSIVE OFFER

I am always one for trying out new skincare, probably not best for my skin as it's not great to keep switching between different skincare products. But I do love finding new things which react well with my skin type. When I was scrolling through the What's In My Handbag exclusive offers page (read my review about WIMH here) I found a code for a complimentary 'Six of the best REN kit' (RRP £20) with your first purchase. I had been wanting to try some more REN products after receiving some samples in Red magazine this month, so it was an offer I couldn't miss out on.

I chose to purchase the No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm 100ml £23.00, I bought this to use with my Clarisonic. I know that REN used to sell this product in a tub but this is the new packaging and comes with a muslin cloth. This product is a rose infused cleansing balm, it does come out quite thickly but when applied with water the balm transforms into a rich milk, so you only need to use a small amount. It claims to calm, soothe and purify skin, whilst protecting the skin's defence barrier against everyday germs. I have used this product a fair few times since purchasing it, and it is quickly becoming my go to cleanser. It is so gentle, it removes my make up so well and it's suited for all skin types.

I got such a good deal on the REN website, as at the time they were offering free delivery and a choice of four free samples at the checkout. The samples I chose were; Vita-Mineral Day Cream, Invisible Pore Detox Mask, F10 Smooth and Renew Mask and the T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid (All 5ml). They also offer new customers 10% off your first order, so I got all of this skincare for around the £20 mark. Current offers include, free UK & Ireland delivery with all orders over £40 and two trial size samples of your choice with every online order. You also can receive 10% off your favourite product for life. (I will definitely be repurchasing the cleansing balm) and also earn points for every pound you spend to redeem against your choice of REN product.

Six of the Best Kit (RRP £20) contains: Mayblossom T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel (25ml) A balancing, antibacterial facial cleansing gel. Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish (25ml) A gently exfoliating facial polish. Omega 3 Overnight Repair Serum (10ml) A night serum that replenishes skin lipids. Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (15ml) A potent exfoliating mask formulated to renew the complexion. Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream (15ml) A night cream formulated to hydrate, recharge and revitalise the skin overnight.Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel (3ml) A light and cooling gel.

Overall, I am really impressed with the service I received from the REN website and have really enjoyed using the products so far. The WIMH exclusive offer is valid till the 1st August 2012.

Have you took advantage of this deal?

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?

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG WEBSITE - L'OREAL MYTHIC OIL SAMPLE

What's In My Handbag is a fairly new website, offering women a new way to share and discover different beauty products. The website offers a peek inside beauty, fashion and creative insiders' handbags and you can also discover the beauty products they really use and love. It is free to join, and you can also upload your own 'what's in your handbag', but you have to be a member to get exclusive access to beauty secrets and offers. I think it's a great concept, where you can create your own profile, sharing 'your handbag' and 'your beauty cabinet' with other members.

They also offer members a chance to try a different beauty product each week based on the handbag they have featured that week. This week's try is bareMinerals Original SPF15 Foundation. I think it's a great way of trying new products you might not normally pick up. Like the beauty boxes there are going to be products your not so keen on, but that's the beauty of sample sizes to try before you buy. WIMH select members to receive the try of the week based on what you have put on your beauty profile and beauty cabinet. They also notify members if they have qualified for the sample and send them out for free.

I received one of the try samples at the end of last week, which was L'oreal's Mythic Oil. I have been wanting to try this product for ages, but never caved into buying it, so this was a great chance for trying it out. The sample is a great size, I have really been enjoying using it over the weekend. I have seen a real difference and love how it leaves my hair feeling smooth and shiny, so a purchase of the full-size might be in order.

WIMH also offers it's members exclusive offers from previous tries to use on the brands online stores, these include so far; REN, Percy & Reed, Jurlique, Miller Harris, Balance Me and Paul & Joe. I have recently used the REN skincare offer (post coming up) and got such a good deal. I would highly recommend using the What's In My Handbag website if you're as beauty obsessed as I am. 

What do you think of the concept?