RECENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES 2012

These are the most recent products that I have used up, some I have loved, others I wouldn't want to repurchase...
Soap & Glory Glad Pits Anti-Perspirant, 150ml £4.50 - I always go back to this deodorant as I really love the scent. The protection does last for hours, and Soap & Glory can really do no wrong. I have seen that people have had trouble finding it in stores recently, so I hope it's not being discontinued. Would I repurchase? Yes
Mark Hill Pure Indulgence Shampoo and Conditioner - I received these products in a gift set last christmas (Girls Night In Set) and have finally used them up. I didn't find that they did anything special to my hair, they did there job but I didn't find my hair 'shined' as stated on the bottle. Would I repurchase? Not really.
Mitchum Deodorant, 200ml £2.99 - This is a deodorant I have recently discovered and have found it really effective. It leaves under arms feeling fresh all day and no white marks. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love the Waterlily scent.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, 400ml £3.49 - This is probably my favourite line that Herbal Essences do. The scent is Orchid and Coconut and is suited for dry/damaged hair. My hair is left feeling so silky soft, which is amazing for the price of the product. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always make sure I have a tub of the intensive treatment on the go.
V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.49 - This product was in my favourites back in July and is still my go to Dry Shampoo. I love the scent it reminds me of a Tigi Bed Head product. It definitely leaves my hair refreshed and doesn't leave any white powdery marks. Would I repurchase? Yes, I have repurchased in both scents. 

Clynol Colour & Care Shampoo, Fullsize 300ml £7.45 - I received this sample in a past Glossybox. I loved using this sample up! The shampoo contains liquid jewel extract and UV filters to protect rich tones from fading. I really believe that it worked on my hair, my hair was left feeling super clean and smelt lovely. Would I repurchase? I would definitely consider buying the full size version of this shampoo.

Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity, 150ml £7.00 - This face wash was a product I also received in a christmas gift set. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but I found this product really gentle on the skin and left my skin a lot brighter after use. I could see a big difference to my skin and it also helped with any blemishes as well. You only need a tiny amount, so the product lasts for ages. Would I repurchase? Yes, maybe after I have tried a few others out.

Nip + Fab Coconut Latte Body Butter, 200ml £8.49 - This product has got to be my favourite body butter of the moment. Read my full review of the product here. The scent is lovely and the formulation is not too thick, so it just melts into the skin. Would I repurchase? Yes I have repurchased in the Cherry and Pistachio scents, but need the Coconut one back in my collection.

Monu Revitalising Moisturiser, Fullsize 50ml £11.87 - This moisturiser is another product which I received in a Glossybox. I was using this up as my night time moisturiser. I felt it did the job and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Would I repurchase? I haven't really been interested into looking into repurchasing this product.

Burt's Bees Body Wash, Fullsize 350ml £9.99 - I really liked using this little sample up. I found it really refreshing to use on tired mornings. I would love to try some other products from the range. Would I repurchase? Maybe, after I have used all my other shower gels up.

Simple Soothing Eye Balm, 15ml £3.99 - I love Simple products in general. This eye cream is so gentle and moisturising. I use it at night time to reduce puffiness. The product sinks in so fast and really softens and smoothes the area. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love Simple products.

Queen of... Ta-da! Shaving Gel, 150ml £3.39 - I know any normal shower gel would probably do the same job, but I always repurchase this product for some reason. I love how it foams up and protects your skin from the shaver. I think it's great value for money and the packaging is so cute. Would I repurchase? Yes I have repurchased in the Pina Colada scent.

N07 Face Wipes, £7.00 - I normally go for my trustee Soap & Glory face wipes, but when I have a £5 off No7 voucher I can't resist stocking up on these face wipes. They leave my skin feeling clean and fresh, and even remove waterproof mascara. Would I repurchase? Yes, especially when they are on offer.

Boots Cosmetic Buds, £1.40 - Not a very exciting product, but I always have a tub of these on the go for make-up touch ups. I also use them most evenings with my Origins spot remover. Would I repurchase? Yes they are a must.

Have you tried any of these products?

JOHN FRIEDA SHEER BLONDE HIGHLIGHT ACTIVATING ENHANCING RANGE

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

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

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

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

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

*PR Samples

AUGUST BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

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

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

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

What are your current favourites?

*PR Sample

SELFRIDGES BEAUTY BOX - THE BEAUTY WORKSHOP

This Summer, Selfridges have just launched their newest beauty destination - The Beauty Workshop in-stores. The Beauty Workshop is a concept that opened last week showcasing the latest beauty trends, exclusive services and products in just one exciting space. To celebrate it's arrival Selfridges created their own limited edition beauty box, containing some of their favourite beauty brands for a bargain grand total of £15. Selfridges has to be my favourite department store, and once I had heard about this amazing offer I knew I had to get my hands on one. 

I know a lot of people were trying to get hold of one, as only a limited number were available, and checkout was more than stressful. But I persisted, and I was lucky enough to receive it in the post the next day. The box came beautifully presented in Selfridges signature colours. The box itself contains 7 high-end and well known products. At £15, it really is amazing value considering the products would cost over £200 if they were bought individually. 

Inside the box was;
Philip B Katira Hair Masque 60ml, Fullsize 178ml £30.00 - This product is a hair treatment which fills in weak, damaged spots in the hair cuticle for added smoothness and strength. It claims to revitalise hair colour, speed up blow-drying time and lock in shine. I've heard good things about this brand, so I can't wait to see if this makes a difference to my hair. I'm all for a good hair masque!
Antipodes Avocado and Rosehip Divine Face Oil 30ml, £18.99 - This face oil actively boosts Type 1 collagen in skin cells, targets scars and wrinkles and eases the effects of ageing. Serums are something which I am just introducing to my night-time skin routine, so I'm looking forward to giving this one a try. I really like the natural scent so far.
Stila One Step Correct 30ml, £24.00 - This is a product I have been eyeing up for ages now. It is a primer, colour corrector, brightener and anti-aging skincare serum all in one. I think this is a great product to cover blemishes and provide a flawless base to your make-up. It's great to receive some full-size products in the box, this is going straight in my make-up bag to use under my foundation.

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask 5ml, Fullsize 50ml £57.00 - This product is a deep cleansing mask which is packed with mineral-rich moor mud from Lake Heviz. It is rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates, which removed impurities and make-up. It claims to leave skin looking supple and younger-looking. It will be good to see if it helps with any blemishes or scaring. 
Estelle & Thild Lip Balm Raspberry 15ml, £14.00 - This lip balm is saturated with vitamins that nourish, plump and protect your lips. Their products only contain high-quality, organic ingredients that protect your skin's natural balance. I didn't think much to the product when I first opened my box, except for it's pretty packaging. But I love the raspberry scent and it leaves my lips feeling so nourised. This is a product I will definitely be keeping in my handbag.
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum 15ml, Fullsize 100ml £43.00 - Aesop is a brand I have been wanted to try for a while now. This is a serum for dry, combination and sensitive skin. It is a light moisturising serum which can be used every day and is rich in potent anti-oxidants. This is another serum I will be introducing into my night-time skin routine, if I like this product I am going to look into their face masks next, as I have heard only good things.

Bioeffect EGF Serum 5ml, £49.00 - Just two drops of this concentrated, anti-aging serum once a day delivers dramatic improvement to skin tone and visible reduction in lines, blemishes and dark circles under eyes. This little pot of serum is a bit pricey for the amount you get, but it is great to get the opportunity to try something you wouldn't normally purchase.
Overall, I am really pleased with all the product I received in this one-off box. Anybody who loves skincare would of loved this box, it's just a shame that there was only a limited avaliable. This box is now sold out, but you can buy the products separately online or from The Beauty Workshop itself. I am looking forward to visiting soon. If only all beauty boxes were like this. Did you manage to get a box? What do you think of the products?

GLOSSYBOX - AUGUST 2012 INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTARS BOX

This month's Glossybox is all about Hero products from around the globe. I really like Glossybox's themed boxes and this ones a winner - following the Olympics. I actually got this Glossybox for free, as I had collected enough Glossydots from giving feedback of past products and recommending friends to the service. So I was more than pleased to receive the contents of this box.
Alessandro - Pro White, 10ml £7.85 - I don't really suffer from discolouration in my nails, but this is a really handy product to receive. This is an optically brightening effect nail polish. I am yet to try out this but have heard good things about it and apparently leave your nails radiant white and gleaming. So I will be reaching for this next time I do my nails.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Fullsize 200ml  £18.50 - This is a product that I am most intrigued about. This cleansing oil is a water-soluble cleanser that is apparently better than any other make-up remover. I have never really used any oil base cleansers, So I'm looking forward to using this in my skincare routine. I have heard people rave about this product, so lets hope it meets expectations. This is also a good-sized sample.

Broadway Nails - Impress Press-on Manicure, Fullsize 24 Nails £7.99 - I'm so pleased I received these in my box, I have been wanted to try them ever since I saw they were stocked in Boots. I never caved because I thought I would only wear them if I was going to an occasion and not for every day use. I'm also pleased with the colour that I received, definitely something I would choose myself. I can't wait to try these, I have read reviews stating they don't last as long on the nails, but I think it's a really great idea. Hopefully they will be quick and easy to apply.
Vera Valenti - L'ombre a Paupiere Margarita, £3.85 - This is the one product in the box that I'm not sure on. I'm not really one for green eyeshadow. When I received my box, one of the green shades was smashed, which didn't really give me a high expectation of the quality of the shadows. Swatching the colours, the green shades are much more pigmented than the Brown ones,  I think I will be using this palette for maybe eyeliner or to fill in my eyebrows, the concept of the product is nice though.

Lipcote - Lipstick Sealer, 7ml £3.99 - I have always heard good things about this product, but never felt the need to buy it. It's great to just chuck in your handbag though and apply when you want your lipstick to last that little bit longer. It hasn't got the nicest smell to it, but I like the application. It will be a life saver though, for when your out eating and drinking and don't want to keep applying make up.

Glossybox Lipstick - Glossy Pink, 4g £9.50 - This was an added bonus in the box this month. I love the colour of the lipstick, such a nice everyday pink shade. The quality is also really good, and is long-lasting on the lips. I'm not sure I would pay £9.50 for a Glossybox lipstick, but it's nice to have in my collection, and a colour that would suit a lot of people.

I am really happy with my box this month, and think there is a mixture of products to suit everyones taste. Were you pleased with your box this month? What were your favourite products?

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